#Our first Christmas as Mr. & Ms. Hoodie

[customizedstore]

Our first Christmas as Mr. & Ms. Hoodie, My Favorite People Call Me Nana, Grandma Shirt, Nana Shirt

[nothingbutimagines]

The Set Up (Tom Holland)

Pairing: Tom Holland x Reader

Warning: Cursing, mentions of drug use, sibling bickering, a bit of angst

Summary: When Y/n comes back home for the holiday season to visit family after another long semester at Uni, her family takes it upon themselves to invite her old crush, Tom, to Christmas dinner in the hopes of setting the two up together. 

Author: Dizzy

A/N: Oh geez, Christmas is approaching very quickly! Hope you all have been able to get all your Christmas shopping done (I know I haven’t)! Tomorrow is going to be a cute little Harrison Osterfield fic, so keep your eyes peeled, and today is Tom Holland as well as a few other fics I hadn’t gotten the chance to put together until today since I fell ill for a few days. 

Masterlist Request Any Of These Peter Parker/Tom Holland Masterlist

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“Y/n, what are you wearing?” Your mother asked, causing you to turn away from the plate of cookies you were eating off of. 

“Uh, a hoodie and jeans?” You muttered, your statement sounding more like a question as you paused, mid bite.

“Are you really wearing that to dinner tonight? We’re going to the steakhouse.”

“I mean,” You swallowed, “I have a sweater on underneath.”

“What happened to that cute little dress I left for you on your bed?” 

“Mom, no one else is wearing a dress. Why would I?” You asked, brushing your hands off before sighing. “Lucy and Charlie are wearing sweaters and jeans too.”

“Your sisters are younger, they’re hard to get into dresses.”

“They’re 16 and 18. Not that young.” You argued. “I’m not wearing a dress. It’s just dinner with the family. You, me, Dad, Lucy, Charlie, and David. And you have all seen me at my ugliest.”

“Well, what if you run into someone you’re interested in?” Your mother asked, following you closely as you walked out of the kitchen and into the hallway. 

“Like who? Tom?” You scoffed. “Mom, I know you love Tom, but I don’t. And I know you want me to get a boyfriend, but this is getting ridiculous. Last Christmas you set me up on a date with Ms. Chasten’s nephew and now you’re telling me to pick up a guy at a restaurant?” 

“No, I wasn’t saying Tom. I know you said you no longer have a crush on him, but I’m just saying, what if you see a man you might want to date? Wouldn’t you want to look your best?”

You turned around, placing a hand on your mother’s shoulder as you smiled at her warmly. “Mom, I love you, but I’m not going to get a boyfriend just because you want me to. And I’m sure as hell never seeing Tom again, as much as I know you’d like me to.”

“Are you two ready to get going? We have a reservation to get to.” Your father interrupted, pulling his coat tighter around him. 

“Yeah, yeah. Let me get my coat on.” You pushed past the two, making your way to the door and grabbing your coat off the rack. 

You quickly pulled your hoodie over your head, hanging it up in place of your coat before pulling your coat over you. You quickly wrapped a scarf around your neck as the rest of your family began congregating by the door. 

“I thought you were going to wear a dress.” Lucy stated, looking up at you as you followed everyone out the door. 

“No, I wasn’t. Why is everyone trying to bully me into wearing a dress?” 

Lucy shrugged. “Maybe it’s because you’re ugly.”

“You’re ugly.” 

“No, I’m not. If anyone is the ugly, it’s David.”

“I heard that.” David grumbled as you piled into the car. “And for the record, if anyone is the ugly one it’s you, Luce. That’s just because you have a bad attitude and make unfunny tik toks.”

“I thought you said you liked my tik toks!” 

“I lied.” David stated, turning back around in his seat, now facing forward.

You laughed as he turned, only to receive a small pinch on your arm from Lucy, who was pouting beside you like a child. 

“Ow! That hurts, you brat!” You gasped, pushing her away and knocking her into the side of the car. “Luce, you’re like 16, cut it out!”

“And you’re like 21 but I have a boyfriend and you don’t!” 

“That’s not even a valid argument in this conversation.”

“I know, I was trying to be a bitch.” 

“You’re already a bitch. You don’t even have to try.” David interrupted, turning back around to face you both. 

“Dad! David called me a bitch!” Lucy whined as you rolled your eyes, gazing into the eyes of your younger brother who had the same expression on his face.

“David,” Your father gazed back into the rear view mirror, “it’s not polite to talk about other people’s shortcomings.” 

You started to laugh loudly, giving your younger sister a shove as the car slowed to a stop in the restaurant parking lot. 

“I hate you all.” Lucy pouted, shoving you back as you all climbed out of the car. 

“I can’t believe I still have to say this,” Your mother shook her head as you all walked into the lobby of the restaurant, “be on your best behavior, all of you, okay?”

“Hey!” Charlie spoke up, making you realize you had forgotten she was even there. “I didn’t do anything!”

“I didn’t say anyone did anything, I am just reminding you all that this is a very special evening, okay?” 

You nodded, still chuckling as you glanced over at your brother, who still had the same smirk on his face as he had in the car. You followed the group along with the hostess to your table, taking a seat before realizing there was an extra place setting beside you. 

“Oh, uh, I think there’s a mistake here.” You waved the hostess over. “There should just be six place settings.”

The hostess frowned slightly, confused. “Oh. I thought the reservation said seven people.” 

“It did.” Your mother interrupted. “The other guest will be here shortly, thank you.”

You watched the hostess nod and walk away. You turned back to your mother, furrowing your brows as you looked at her, confused. 

“I’m sorry, who else is joining us?” You asked, the confusion evident in your tone. 

“Tom!” Your mother smiled, her line of sight leading above you as you followed it, to come face to face with the boy she was referring to. 

“Hello, Mrs. L/n, and everyone else. Sorry I’m a bit late, there was some traffic.” Tom explained shyly, slipping his coat off and hanging it on his chair as he took a seat beside you. “Hi, Y/n.” 

“Hi, Tom.” You nodded at him as the inner turmoil had begun to stir in the back of your mind. 

“Oh, honey, don’t worry about it, we were just seated.” Your mother waved, almost as if she was apologetic herself. “I’m just glad you could make it.” 

“I think I’m going to go to the bar to get something to drink.” You announced, rising from your seat as you grabbed your small purse. “David, why don’t you come with me?” 

“Oh, I don’t think I’m all that thirsty.” 

“I wasn’t asking.” You muttered, giving him a look as he rose from his seat, now following you away from the table and in the direction of the bar. 

“Before you say anything-”

“How could you not have told me Tom was coming?” You snapped, causing the younger man to flinch.

“Uh.” David averting your gaze, trying to find something to say.

“Since when do you keep secrets?” 

“Since when do you cower at the sight of men?” David retorted, taking a seat on a bar stool as you followed in suit.  

“You didn’t answer my question.” 

“And you didn’t answer mine.” He huffed. “Ladies first.” 

“Ugh, fine.” You groaned, rolling your eyes. “I cower at the sight of Tom since he came with to drop me off at uni last year.” 

“Why? I thought that went really well.” 

“No, it didn’t. You were high the entire trip anyway, I doubt you remember it at all.”

“Wait, so you didn’t share a kiss with Tom?” He asked, scratching his head. “Cause I didn’t think that was a weed hallucination, but now I’m not sure.”

“No, I did kiss Tom. But, that’s not the problem.” You shook your head. “I kissed Tom outside my building when you and Charlie were still packing up the car, which is why you remember seeing that, but then I ran off before he could say anything because it was obvious how he felt about me by the way he reacted to the kiss.”

“The way he reacted? What does even that mean? Like he didn’t kiss back?” 

“Uh, yeah. Not at all. So I ran off and avoided his texts and calls forever and I haven’t talked to him since because it’s embarrassing.”

“Don’t you think maybe he didn’t kiss back because he was in shock?” David suggested, letting you think for a moment as he turned away to order a few drinks. 

You thought for a moment, unsure of your own memories from the trip. You could only remember small portions of events, such as smoking with your siblings and Tom, Tom pulling you aside to talk, and you kissing him. You paused, going back to the earlier memory of Tom asking to talk to you. What was he wanted to talk about? You couldn’t remember and didn’t get the chance to dig around your own thoughts as David snapped his fingers at you. 

“Hey, earth to Y/n. I got our drinks, let’s get back before Mom sends a search and rescue team.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” You got up from your seat, drink in hand as you followed him to the table and took your seat beside Tom. 

“Y/n,” Tom glanced over at you, a bright smile on his face, “your mother was just telling me you got on the Dean’s list?”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, placing your drink down on the table and placing your napkin in your lap, attempting to avoid eye contact. 

“It’s not that great, I mean, as long as you get over a 3.5, you’re on the list.” You explained, shrugging it off. 

“No, no, that’s way cooler than anything I’m doing. I mean, I’m just an acting major. You’re doing what? Pre-med?”

“Pre-law.” You corrected. “Pays about the same and is not as much schooling. But, acting sounds really cool. Sounds more fun.”

Tom shrugged. “I guess. I mean, I’m taking this improv class and it’s absolutely the worst thing I could’ve taken.”

“Oh! I take improv at school!” Charlie chimed in, excitedly bouncing in her seat. 

“Oh yeah?” Tom raised a brow, taking a drink from his glass before setting it down beside yours. “Maybe after we have dinner, you can show me some of your skills.”

Charlie shook her head. “I never said I was any good.”

The table erupted in a bout of laughter as you gave a small chuckle, your mind elsewhere while you picked up your glass, taking a drink of it. 

“Uh, I think that’s mine.” Tom leaned over, his breath hot on your ear as he spoke lowly. 

You choked on the drink a bit, coughing slightly as you set the glass down and looked at him apologetically. 

“Shit. Sorry.” 

“It’s alright. It’s not like we haven’t exchanged spit before.” Tom stated coolly, smirking slightly.

“I don’t backwash into drinks.” You retorted, attempting to not acknowledge his last statement fully. 

“I don’t know, you might.” Tom said, picking up the glass and swirling it around with his hand, pretending to inspect it. 

“Well, if you’re so worried, I’ll buy you another drink.”

“Oh, I’m not worried, but if you’re offering another drink, I will gladly take it.” 

“Hey, lovebirds, I’d look at the menu if I were you, otherwise Mom’s going to order for you.” David interrupted, nodding towards the waitress that was at the table. 

You gave him a glare before looking down at your menu, deciding to order the first thing you set your eyes on since you didn’t have much time before the waitress’s attention was on you.

“I see your brother is still snappy as ever.” Tom muttered after the moment of silence you shared. 

“You know how he is. He’s not so bad with me, definitely on his last straw with Lucy, though.”

Tom opened his mouth to speak before being interrupted by the waitress. You quickly ordered your food, Tom doing the same before you turned your attention back to the conversation. 

You weren’t sure what the young man’s plan was, why he was so insistent on talking your ear off when you had practically ghosted him like an ex-boyfriend for almost a year prior to the current exchange. You wanted to shrug it off, but you couldn’t get past it and it tortured you more for Tom to be so kind to you than it had ignoring him. 

It’s not that you were okay with ghosting him in the past, in fact, you felt like it was a true breakup without you having ever been with Tom. It was a stupid, little interaction that you could’ve talked about and explained away had you actually given him a chance to speak to you, but instead you let your own pride get in the way of that. 

“Y/n, did you hear what I said?” Tom asked, his hand resting on yours. 

You blinked for a moment, clearing your throat and slipping your hand from under his as you shook you head. “No, sorry, what did you say?”

“Oh, don’t take it personally, Tom,” Your father started, “Y/n’s always in her own head. She never really hears anyone.”

“Dad, it’s fine.” You shook your head again. “What did you say, Tom?”

“I asked if you wanted to get a drink and speak privately for a moment.” 

“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.” 

“I think it is,” Your mother stated, now interrupting. “You two go ahead. We’ll come get you when the food comes.”

You mentally cursed yourself and your parents as you followed Tom’s motions, setting down your napkin alongside his and rising from your seat. You allowed him to place a hand on your lower back and guide you away from the group and to the bar, much to your own internal dismay. 

“We need to talk.” Tom stated, taking a seat at the empty bar as he looked at you.

You crossed your arms over your chest. “Is that why you came tonight? Just to confront me? You could’ve just called if you wanted that.” 

“I would’ve if you didn’t block me.” Tom asserted himself before pointing to the empty seat beside him. “And have a seat, please, it’s weird that you’re just standing there.”

You took a seat beside him, leaning away from him and against the bar, as if you wanted to put as much space between you both. 

“I came tonight because I wanted to see you, not just talk about how you drop kicked me out of your life.” 

“I wouldn’t say I drop kicked you...” 

“You kissed me, ran away in a split second, and then proceeded to block me. I think that is the definition of drop kicking someone.” 

“Actually, I think it’s when you jump up and kick someone.” You joked, attempting to redirect the conversation away from your mistakes. 

“I’m about to drop kick you if you don’t take this seriously.” 

“I’m sorry.” 

“For what? Drop kicking me or making a joke out of it when I’m trying to be vulnerable with you?”

“Both.” You shifted in your seat, uncomfortable and feeling as though you were a child about to go to the principal’s office. “I’m not trying to hurt your feelings, I think I’m just trying to protect my own.” 

“David’s right, you are selfish and trying to talk to you was a mistake.” Tom shook his head, rising from his seat. 

“Tom, wait.” You grabbed his arm, only for him to shake you off. 

“I have been waiting, Y/n. I’ve been waiting the past year for you to talk to me or be willing to see me and every time I think you will, you disappoint.”

“Tom, I-”

“You know, I begged your parents to let me come here to see you, to spend time with your family? They didn’t ask me. Once I realized you were never going to speak to me again over something so stupid, I had to swallow my own pride, unlike you, just to see you again.” Tom ran a hand through his hair, attempting to calm down as he looked away from you. “I swallowed my own pride to see you choking on yours and still acting as if I was the one in the wrong somehow. You kissed me, you blocked me. You didn’t even let me assess the situation before you did it for me and now I’m the bad guy?”

“I don’t think you’re a bad guy.” 

“Really? Because both Charlie and David have said multiple times that you claim that I rejected you when I never did. That you could just tell that I didn’t like you so you pushed me away when the truth was that I did like you. God, Y/n, I’d been in love with you since primary school and the one time I realized you reciprocated feelings, you ran away like you hadn’t.” 

“I’m sorry, okay?” You cried, falling back into your seat. “I didn’t think it would be a huge deal until it was and I was scared that the outcome of my actions wasn’t going to be the one I had been hoping for. When I kissed you, you didn’t seem to like it and when I ran, you didn’t chase after me and I took that as you not liking me and wanting to get the fuck out of the situation.” 

“But that’s what I’m saying, Y/n! You’re always so focused on yourself that you don’t even realize how other people are feeling. I tried to run after you, I did, but I lost you halfway up the stairs and I couldn’t remember your room number.” Tom explained, exasperated. “I even tried to call but you didn’t pick up and your brother and sister convinced me it was best to just go home so we did. I thought you needed space, but once it got to be so long, I didn’t know what to do.” 

“You really chased after me?”

“Of course I did. I loved you, Y/n. I wanted to be with you. I’m here because I still do, but I’m starting to think this was a mistake. I should go, I shouldn’t have come in the first place.”

Tom straightened up before turning on his heel and starting to walk back to the table to collect his things and leave. 

You watched as he did so, something in you pulling you up off of your seat and making you grab him by the arm even though you wanted to cower away like you once had before. 

Tom turned towards you, about to say something when you collided your lips with his, the action feeling more natural than it had the first time you kissed him. He melted into you, his free hand resting on your hip as he kissed back, causing you to smile at the gesture before pulling away. 

“Please, Tom, don’t go.” You whispered. “I want you to stay. I want to make it up to you for all the heartache and lost time. I never meant to hurt you and I was being selfish and that wasn’t fair. I want to try to work something out with you.” 

“If I stay will you buy me that drink you promised?”

“I’ll do anything if you stay.” 

Tom looked away for a moment, as if he was pondering something. “Hmm. I’ll think about it.”

“Tom, please.” 

“Fine, I will stay, but only because I already ordered food.” Tom joked, raising his hands defensively as you pouted and gave him a look. “I’m kidding! I want to stay and work something out, I swear.”

[boop-le-snoot]

PARTY FAVOURS I CHAPTER 10

Rating: Explicit.

‼️TW: Reader is EIGHTEEN! Recreational drug use, smoking and alcohol consumption, deeply internalised self-loathing, very questionable moral standards. Daddy kink taken half-seriously. BDSM themes in later chapters - explicit content will come with it's own TWs. FIRST PERSON POV. Mild smut in this chapter.

Summary: You're Peter's classmate, a child of rich and famous but uncaring parents. Getting paired up for a lengthy project with the boy was an interesting turn of events and you don't know whether to feel blessed or cursed when you develop, seemingly, a perfectly normal, harmless crush on Tony Stark. Fueled by feelings of inadequacy and boredom, your life spirals out of control - and you're lucky your newfound friends are there to pick up the pieces even if you cannot find it in yourself to believe these amazing human (and not so human) beings voluntarily give you more than a fleeting glance and an offhanded thought. And they brought cake!

A/N: Tony fluff, Tony snark, Tony sass and Tony smut (finally!). My & reader's brain be like: tony tony tony tony. A request for my readers: do I write a believeable tony? Is he in character, more or less?

My beta @miscmarvelwritings - she's not into Tony but even then, she was finally excited about them finally getting down & dirty. The patience of this woman...

"Tony, could I borrow, like, a hoodie or something?"

He eyed my attire critically for a moment, seemingly coming to the same conclusion I did minutes earlier, and made a beeline for the couch in the back of the lab. Picking up and examining a black mass of fabric, deeming it satisfactory, he tossed it to me. "It's clean enough, I guess."

The thin straps of my mesh top rubbed against a lot of tender skin, leaving pink lines in the wake of it. A sigh of relief escaped me involuntarily when I removed it -

"Woah, woah," Tony squeaked, covering his eyes with an exaggerated gesture. "Warn a man!"

I honestly didn't see what the big deal was. "Tony, chill. I'm pretty sure you've seen it all and then some." I snorted, stretching briefly, shrugging on the slightly oversized hoodie. It smelled like the lab - like Tony, too, but mostly like motor oil and iron. Beggars can't be choosers, however - I had already devised and executed the plan that will let me keep the hoodie.

"When you put it that way..." He smirked, briefly returning to his usual self and giving me a salacious eyebrow wiggle.

I laughed in response, wiggling my hips, feeling the hem of my skirt swish against my thighs. I considered removing the fishnet tights, too, but a brief look in the reflective wall divide between Tony's and Bruce's labs got me pulling out my phone to take two dozen selfies. I looked great with Tony's clothes on.

The engineer chuckled at my antics, coming up behind me as I sat on the floor with my knee raised, chin resting on it. The amber liquid sloshed over the top of his glass, dripping down his fingers. He sat behind me.

"Weller Full Bourbon?" I asked, bringing my nose closer to his fingers to get a good whiff. The distinctive vanilla notes in his whiskey were unmistakable. "Good choice," I made a serious face. "Fancy."

"I can afford it, darling," He snarked back, devoid of malice.

He was so close. And so warm. And I needed a new screensaver. Shuffling back, I reclined against Tony's chest, carefully wedging my head in the crook of his neck.

God help me.

I felt his breath hitch. The dark, magnetic pools of his eyes stared at me from our combined reflection. Tony's eyes were the most expressive, he could fake a smile, he could charm the press and countless investors, but his eyes only spoke the truth. Always. I loved working with Tony because his gaze would light up. It was akin to seeing a little kid on Christmas.

A muscular arm snaked around my waist, pressing my back to his chest. The metal of his arc reactor jabbed uncomfortably between my shoulder blades but there was nowhere else I'd rather be.

"You're filming, Princess," He interrupted my Moment.

"Sure," I answered, not caring. There could be another alien invasion happening and I wasn't able to give a damn.

I felt the vibrant chuckle more than heard; Tony snatched the phone out of my hand without permission. I noticed the furrowed brow when he opened my Instagram and saw the unmistakable evidence of my frequent partying, yet he didn't comment on it.

"Tony, the press is going to go nuts," I raised my eyebrows, seeing what he was planning to do.

"They've seen me doing worse things," He scoffed. And took a photo of us ‘just chilling’ in his lab, hugging. He picked out a filter and everything., and then posted it.

"First of all, I am pretty awesome to be 'doing', I've had only good feedback," I scoffed at his dismissive attitude, using my free hand to make quote marks. Then I turned my head to stare him square in the face. "Steve's going to be pissed and Ms. Potts is going to call to yell at you." I punctuated the statements with a raised eyebrow.

There was really no innocent way the press could represent the photo that he posted. I didn't care for it, my parents wouldn't give a damn (my father probably would encourage it, the free publicity and all). Tony himself didn't seem like the kind of man to care much about some gossip articles, if anything, he enjoyed provoking them into a frenzy. Or at least, he used to.

"I'll put them both on hold. I like to watch the line blink," Tony winked, smirking. "I've been told the press expects me to have a midlife crisis since my last breakup," Eyes darkening, the man swiftly finished off his drink.

Midlife crisis seemed such a bitter way of putting it. Considering my own preferences in romantic partners, I couldn't help but feel offended at the way people offhandedly dished out labels - "midlife crisis", "daddy issues" and so on and so forth. The briefest part of me traveled back to Mr. Davies' living room where - no, I am not going there.

"Huh," I said, coming to a conclusion. A sad one at that.

"Don't take this the wrong way, Princess, but you don't seem like the kind of girl who thinks about pesky things like reputation or consequences," Tony mused idly, coming to a conclusion of his own.

"Nope, I don't give a fuck," I agreed with his opinion wholeheartedly. "If I would have a publicist, they would quit on the second day."

"I pay mine, uh, twice the average amount and they still quit. We're doomed, baby," Tony's gleeful face was mere inches away from my own, whiskey-tipsy and glowing.

I snorted, sliding lower to further burrow into his arms. Tony's sudden touchy-feely mode wasn't lost on me. My own touch starvation overrode any common sense that I had left. The totally-PG (well, not quite) embrace, one armed hug brought me more satisfaction than any of my sexual partners had ever achieved to give me.

"Why are there so many messages from Banner? Are you staging a world domination plan and forgot to include me? I'm hurt!" Tony exclaimed suddenly, a whiny tone to his voice.

"Thor's space yeasts have corrupted our minds with their spores. Soon all will become... Mushroom!" I deepened my voice for the dramatic effect, flailing my arms on the last word for the extra flair.

The man wiped a fake tear from the corner of his eye; his eyes were sparkling, laughing even. "I'm evicting Thor and his supremely selfish yeast. How dare it ignore me."

"I vouched for you, I really did," I kept up the silly game. "But alas, the yeasts deemed you too... Boomer," The pride in my voice could barely hold back the laughter threatening to spill.

"Did you just..?" Tony gaped. "Did you just call me old?!"

I attempted to get away, shrieking when the tips of Tony's fingers squirmed along my midsection. "It was the yeast! IT WAS THE YEAST!" My resistance proved to be futile. The engineer had mass and strength on his side, years of piloting and maneuvering the Iron Man suits showing just how quick and nimble he could be when the situation demanded it.

"Take that from an old man!" He exclaimed triumphantly, using his arm to hold down both of my hands from grasping at him. One of his legs held down my own; we were a squirming, writhing mass of limbs in the heat of a tickle fight.

The cocaine in my blood, the mild buzz from being drunk on Tony - my body reacted to the close proximity of the man who occupied my fantasies. I was blushing, breathing heavily, and it wasn't just from the exertion. It should have affected me less, but I struggled to keep my eyes from Tony's face; his own flush, the moist part of his lips.

I wondered how a deer in the headlights felt. Was it hot, like it's body was suddenly alight, or was it cold, liquid nitrogen freezing in its veins?

"Fuck," I mumbled half-coherently.

"What was that?" He arched an eyebrow, clever eyes carefully watching my own.

"I'm in trouble," I chuckled weakly, looking away, pretending to struggle against his arms.

"You're trouble," He announced, grinning. His fingertips slowed, skimming gently along my sides now.

I retaliated with a tentative brush of my foot along the softness of his jean-covered inner thigh. It was euphoric, seeing Tony shudder, the thick eyelashes fluttering for the briefest part of a second.

"We should stop," He whispered suddenly, making a move to disentangle us both. Mixed signals, we've got em, ladies and gentlemen.

"Why?" I was tired of this dance. It was fun but painful. My firm decision of the past still stood: I won't be the lovesick fangirl, I won't be another notch in his bedpost. The resolve was crumbling but it was still there, to some point.

"You're not sober, this is wrong," He mumbled. "I'm more than twice your age, Princess."

That ship had sailed, Tony. If only you knew... "Do you seriously expect me, out of all people, to find common ground with someone my age? Someone like Peter? Jeez," I tried to be amused. If it came out more pleading, I pretended to not notice it. It was the moment of truth. It needed to be said. "I'm FUBAR, Tony. I'm lucky if anyone at all will want to put up with me, much less someone I can stand. I'm spoiled, I'm selfish, and annoying. I know that. I just thought we were friends and you'd be...kinder about it." My mumbling was met with a somewhat perplexed stare.

"I..." His eyebrows threatened to have a close encounter with his hairline. "What the fuck? Are you dead set on giving me a stroke today? I have a heart condition," He yanked me back towards his chest, unceremonious and indignant. "You can be so smart yet so stupid. Gosh, where is the world rolling, I'm quoting Pepper now." He seemed to be muttering to himself.

"Pot, kettle." I didn't resist the urge to snark.

"Right," Tony rolled his eyes. "You're beautiful and all that jazz. You deserve much more than this." Uncharacteristically sad, he pointed to himself, again. "I'm an old man with more issues than Playboy magazine."

"And I'm an angsty teenager with daddy issues, we're a match made in heaven."

"Hell," Tony was eyeing our combined reflection with a sort of petulance. It was hard keeping track of his microexpressions; his eyes and face held fleeting, half-finished thoughts, just like when he was creating, inventing something new.

"Works for me. Lucifer's hot," I answered with my brain on autopilot. He caught my eyes in the shiny glass, trapping me in his calculative gaze.

"The Netflix one or the Supernatural one?" Tony asked, equally absent from the conversation. Neither of us were able to break eye contact, breathing laboured and hearts thudding in our chests. I felt Tony's pulse fluttering under my palm where I'd rested it on his wrist.

The organ that dutifully pumped blood through my own veins and kept me alive threatened to escape my body, jump out of my chest, make its way out my mouth. Tony's unblinking stare penetrated my skin, seeped into the hollow behind my eyelids, ignited a flame within me and froze my thoughts.

"The one with the detective kink," I answered breathily. "I have an affinity for brown-eyed, narcissistic, sarcastic men with self-destructive tendencies," The last part of my sentence was swallowed by Tony's lips.

My brain shorted out, just like that. Bourbon on his breath and a new dose of snark on his tongue, he licked into my mouth with the grace and finesse of years of experience. It was sudden, it was rough, it was fantastic. His beard left marks on my face and I craved the burn of it.

"Fuck," I moaned when we were forced to surface for oxygen. My hips had moved, pressed against his own, prominent arousal digging into the small of my back. Tony had me moaning and grinding into it in mere seconds.

A hand rested on my face with surprising tenderness, turning my face to look at my own reflection. My hair was a mess, lips puffy - Tony wasn't looking any better, hunger and lust in plain view. It was a good look on him.

"Watch," His breath ghosted over the shell of my ear, lips traveling to the nape of my neck to attach themselves to the very sensitive flesh of that area.

I obeyed, gazing at the scene with lidded eyes. Keeping them open was a struggle. My body was flooded with sensation, riding the waves of pleasure like a rollercoaster. I wanted to please him, needed to obey him, to feel him.

My thighs quivered at Tony's touch. There was no warning, no preamble as he wedged a firm hand, separating them quickly to follow the heat. His biceps flexed deliciously. Under my skirt, through the fishnets and the tiny, lacy panties I wore.

"Fucking shit," The man moaned loudly, finding me, predictably, soaking wet. It was one hot, sticky mess between my legs.

The keen that left my mouth might've been embarrassing, yet it only spurred Tony on. Gently parting my lower lips, he gathered the moisture, suddenly withdrawing from me. My confusion met his amusement in the mirror as he stuck the two fingers in his mouth, moaning obscenely and loudly at the taste.

The corners of my mouth lifted, happy. "To-ony," I whined, my pussy aching for more. Now that I had felt the relief and pleasure of his touch, I didn't want it to end.

"Princess," He replied, seriously and sternly. I shuddered at the scratchiness of his voice. The hand that I was missing returned, stroking over the outside of my pussy with broad, soft motions. I arched, presented myself into the touch. "So eager," Tony mumbled into my shoulder, catching a bit of my skin between his teeth.

His fingers dipped deeper, delving in between the puffy, engorged flesh and stroking once, twice, before finding my clit. The pads of Tony's fingers were rough, hardened by manual work and hours spent in front of his inventions, making, tinkering, creating. The friction was perfect. I followed each stroke with a fluid motion of my hips.

"Tony, fuck," I slurred my approval, needing him to know how amazing he made me feel. Tony's form pressed closer, both of us melting, molding into each other.

"Baby girl, what do you need?" His raspy voice tickled my neck. I was sure there would be an array of marks decorating me come morning and absolutely loved the thought. I belonged to Tony Stark, in body and heart and mind and soul.

"I want to cum," I had no shame left. "I want to feel you."

He groaned, rutting into me. A squeak was all I managed to emit as two thick fingers plunged inside of me with a wet squelch. My pussy immediately took hold of the situation, squeezing and rippling around them. I was so close, my nerves pulled up taut like an overtaxed string. The effect this man had on me was positively unholy.

My clit throbbed under his thumb. Tony somehow managed to reach every single sweet spot on my body, effortlessly, easily, like he'd done it a thousand times.

"Ohmyfuckinggod, Tony," I came hard, shuddering, drenching the fingers inside of me. The moment I began sagging in his arms was the moment they tightened around me; I felt Tony grind helplessly against me, saw his own eyes slam shut and his brow furrow.

The hand that was in me withdrew rapidly as he hastily popped the button on his pants, freeing his cock and giving it several desperate tugs. I couldn't see it; I had to settle for the sensation of his hand, his hips rubbing against my clothed back.

He came quickly, with a loud shout. My curiosity got the best of me and I used the brief moment of his weakness to turn around, take a good look at him.

Tony was a fucking mess with a fucking gorgeous cock. Thick and veiny.

My face was level with it before he could have opened his eyes. I wanted, craved to know how he tasted. With gentle kitten licks, I collected the stray drops of cum running down his hand, careful of the rapidly softening, sensitive flesh.

His eyes popped open in surprise. I smiled at him, unseeing, collecting as much of him as I could.

"Fuck, Princess," He breathed. "I'm just a man, I'm pushing fifty," Gently pulling my head away but holding it mere inches from his cock. Indecisive.

I reached over for his hand with my own, popping finger after finger in my mouth, collecting every drop of cum like it was nectar. I could be good...I If properly motivated. The salty musk was all the motivation I needed at that moment. He pulled me in for a filthy, sloppy kiss once I was done, both of us humming, vocalising the shared pleasure.

THE TAG LIST IS NOW OPEN! @another-stark-sub ​ @mostly-marvel-musings  @vozit @littlegasps ​ @pilloclock ​ @shereadsinquiet @downeyreads ​ @hermione-grangers-wife ​ @individualistfem ​ @as-i-layhereinyourbed @sleep-i-ness @gigglyfox01 @capbrie @lillsxd @agustdowney

As always, feedback is welcome and this blog is keyboard smash & emoji friendly.

[mywonuderful]

Not So Cold-Hearted Pt.25

Summary: Y/N, a member of a popular newly debut girl group and Wonwoo has what some may call a relationship with emotional ambivalent. Will their relationship remain cold-blooded or will they finally come to an agreement and become something more?

Pairing: Jeon Wonwoo x Reader

A/N: Hello everyone! I’m finally back after my first semester! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday and that I deeply apologize for the extremely delayed update. I’m currently on my winter break before the second semester so I’ll try my best to update ASAP during my break. As always, if anyone is interested in being added into the taglist for this series, please feel free to send in a ask or message me!

masterlist

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

You scanned through the stacks of boxes of supplies when your eyes landed on the box with the label ‘cardboard cup holders’ on the edge of the top shelf. You tippy toed to reach the top but had to use. Letting out a grunt, you tried again and again but failed every time. You hopping as your hand got a quick grip of the box and pulled it outward. You did this again as it shifted outward every time with every hop. You were already out of breath from hoping and pulling but with the last hop, the box finally came out of the top shelve, but also your hands as the shelf shook. You caught it as you tumbled backwards before you fell, as some boxes on the the shelf fell. You heard rapid footsteps before Wonwoo appeared at the entrance of the storage room and rushed to your side.

“Are you okay?’ His eyes enlarged as they scanned over you body for any injuries. Your grip was tightly around the box as you let out a soft chuckle. “I got it.” You breathlessly whispered. Wonwoo didn’t say anything as he got back up with a small sigh and picked up the boxes that have fallen. They both of you worked in silence as you would glance over at him time to time, seeing him wipe the counters and coffee machines.

‘What’s with the sudden change of mood?’ You thought to yourself as your cleaned the kitchen and wiped the cutlery. You were finally finished with everything as you headed to the lockers where you saw Wonwoo taking off his apron. You quietly walked to your locker beside him as you do the same.

“You shouldn’t overwork yourself.” You heard him speak behind his opened locker door as you stopped at your moments. “I don’t know what you’re saying, I’m fine.” You replied as your folded your apron. “Stop acting all strong and tough.” He closed the locker door, facing you. “Can’t you see I’m-” “You’re injured and you’re not fully recovered.” His voice was stern as his eyes looked down at yours. “What if I just don’t want to show my weakness?” you scoffed as you wore your jacket. He rolled his eyes. “But you don’t have to push yourself to prove others you’re fine.” he said as you closed your locker before meeting his eyes. “I’ve been in the hospital and in the dorm for the past 8 months without stepping outside. I feel so locked in and suffocated that I can’t do anything. Do you know how useless I feel whenever I see my members leave for practices or performances where they have to cover for my parts and work twice as hard to fill my spot? I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone, Wonwoo. I’m trying to prove to myself that I’m not nothing for the past 8 months and that I’m healing.” You replied before loosening your hair from the updo its in. “It wouldn’t matter to you anyways.” You hung your bag over your shoulder before walking pass him, only to be stopped by his hand around your arm.

“Wait.” there was heavy silence between the two of you as neither of you moved. His hand was lightly gripped around you arm but for some reason, you didn’t fall back your arm. It felt nice.  “I’m sorry.” you turned around to look at him as he hung his head low. He loosened his grip around your arm. He slowly lifted his head before looking into your eyes with sincere apologizes. You’ve never seen his eyes so soft, making you melt into them deeper and deeper by the second. “It’s okay.” You managed to bring yourself together as you looked to the side. The two of you stood faced to faced, in awkwardness, not knowing what to say after the apology. “Well then, I’ll be going then.” “Y/N!” His voice made you stop at your steps as you head him walk in front of you. “There’s somewhere I want to bring you.”

- a few days ago -

“I’m ordering take-out! Is there anything-” Dino’s sentence was cut of by the orders of his members overlapping each other. He started looking back and forth, trying to listen in to every of their orders. “Just type it down.” Jeonghan lazily said while lying on the floor. All the boys had no personal or group activities that day as they took the chance to just stay at home and be homebodies for the day.  “I’ll take a hamburger.” Wonwoo added his order as Dino nodded before heading to his room to call in the orders. The boys were scattered in the living room, either chatting or playing on their phones. “Hey hyung, did you visit Y/N yet?” Minghao asked after he finished his race of KartRider with Wonwoo and a few others. “No, not yet.” He restarted another game, focusing his attention in his race “Well, are you going to pay her a visit? She’s probably at her dorm, knowing that her members and manager won’t allow her to live the house until she’s fully recovered.” Minghao laughed as he drifted his vehicle on an sharp turn. “Maybe you should bring her to your favorite spot.” Minghao randomly suggested, throwing Wonwoo off as he ended up placing second.

“You mean the spot?” Jun lowered his phone and looked at Wonwoo with widen eyes. Wonwoo lets out a sigh as he fell back on the cool wooden flooring. “Even we haven’t been there....” Hoshi pouted. Minghao looked down on his members, trying to figure out what he’s feeling. “What do you say? Maybe you can set up a little picnic and-” Minghao started giving out ideas, only to be cut off by the rest of his members. “And then maybe way the sunset with her!” “And then see the night skies and stars-” “She might get cold during the night and then you can take off your jacket and place it over her shoulders-” “And then the two of you will face each other, inches about as your eyes travel down her lips-” “As you look up, you see her eyes flutter close and you slowly move closer to her lips unt-” All the boys started acting out their imagination as they started fanboying over the possibility from their emotionless and cool member

“HELLO? AH HELLO MR. BOSA. OH NO, IT’S JUST REALLY LOUD WHERE I AM SO I CAN’T REALLY HEAR YOU PROPERLY, LET ME MOVE SOMEWHERE MORE QUIET.” Wonwoo’s phone started ringing as he quickly answered it, never feeling more thankful to have a phone call come in at the right time. He shot all his members death glares as he stood up before walking down the hallway “You sound like you’re quite busy. I apologize for interrupting your schedule.” “No worries. I’m not busy at the moment. I’m just with my members.” Wonwoo still felt his cheeks heated from his members’ extreme imagination. “I’m just calling in to see if you’ll be busy in the next couple of days? Ms. Bosa and I might need to go out to pick up some new supplies but we won’t know until the day of. Is it possible for you to step in while we’re gone? We’ll call in a couple of hours before we leave so it’s not too last minute.”  “For sure. Just call in and I’ll head over.” “Thank you so much Wonwoo. We were planning on calling Y/N too see if she’s available since she’s been discharged from the hospital- say, have you seen or visited Y/N since?” He questioned as Wonwoo falls into guilt from what he did the last time he spoken to you. “U-Uh, no I haven’t.” He stuttered upon his words as he heard a chuckle on the other side of the call. “You haven’t as in you’re too scared to visit her or what?” he remained silent, not knowing what to say in such awkward situation. “Alright, I’ll stop teasing you. Thanks for the last minute help Wonwoo.” Wonwoo hung up and lets out a sigh

“Was it the cafe?” He turned around and saw Seungcheol leaning against the wall. "Huh? Something like that.” “You don’t sound too happy about it.” Seungcheol questioned “No, it’s just that Mr. Bosa called to see if I work come into work in the next couple of days.” “And...?” Wonwoo’s eyes shifted to meet his hyung, confused on whether he’s just questioning or he heard the whole phone conversation “And he asked if I visited Y/N recently.” He ended up explaining. “See? Even the whole world knows you haven’t visited Y/N!” the leader dramatically exclaimed. “Okay, okay. I’ll pay her a visit in a few days.” Wonwoo lowly whined as he ran his hand through his hair and walked into his room before falling onto his bed, arm over his forehead.

‘I should really apologize to Y/N for what I said back then shouldn’t I. But it’s not like I can do much.’ He finds himself tossing and turning, fighting between his thoughts as he finally came to an conclusion on what to do.

- end -

- earlier in the day - 

Wonwoo got up earlier than usual, feeling a little fidgety has he had a special plan today. He quickly got cleaned up before packing up some blankets, extra sweaters/hoodies and some warmers, stuffing them into his duffle bag. It was still quite earlier in the morning but majority of his members where wide awake, and extremely energetic which was no surprise to him. He strolled out of his room, somewhat in a hurry before knocking on one of his member’s door.

“Joshua hyung?” he turned the nob and found his fellow member gaming with his headphones on. He saw him awake at this odd hour as he brought down his headphones, looking at him in a confused manner. “What’s up? And why are you awake so early? Don’t you normally wake up in the late afternoon during our free day?” Wonwoo looked around the room, not knowing how to reply. “Uh... you know that picnic bag you bought online? Could I borrow it?” He asked as Joshua raised his eyebrow. “Yeah sure. Are you going somewhere?” Wonwoo mentally groaned “You could say that.” He kept his answer short. “So, where is it?” “It’s somewhere in the storage or laundry room.” He said with a pause afterwards. “You know what, I’ll get it for you.” He took off his headphones and walked out of his room, Wonwoo following behind, sensing something off. He followed pass the open area of the living room and kitchen where to his surprise all his members where. Joshua came to a stop in the middle.

“*ahem* I have a special announcement to make.” the boys turned to face him standing in the middle. Wonwoo, who caught on the disaster that was about to happen, hastily ran up to him “Josh don’t-” “WONWOO IS FINALLY ASKING Y/N ON A DATE.” the words already left his lips. Wonwoo ran up beside him where all the members shifted their attention to him, exchanging shocked expressions before screaming in unison “Look! Let me explain!” Wonwoo frantically tried to explain but his members were clearly distracted by their celebration “Okay, okay, lets have Wonwoo explain to us his plan. Walk us through every detail. Do you need visual examples? Seungkwan and I are born for this moment, just give us a cue and we’ll reenact for you.” Dokyeom said after their session of cheering. Wonwoo stood there, lost in words before shaking his head, finding the right word to explain without having his members throw another celebration. “I’m going to apologize to Y/N.” He stated as confusion were plastered across their faces. “Apologize? Why? Did something happen between you and Y/N within the past 8 months?” Mingyu asked out of the blue. “You could say that.” He rubbed his hand behind his neck, feeling a little embarrassed at himself. He looked to see the faces of his members and saw Minghao looking at him with a small smile and nod, telling him it’s the right thing to do. “I’ll take her to my spot and apologize to her. That’s it.” His members slowly nodded, understanding his actions. After taking the picnic blanket from Joshua, he went back into his room, changing into clothes to head out to prepare the set up when his phone vibrated as an incoming phone call.

“Wonwoo speaking.” “Hello? Ah, Wonwoo! How are you?” Mr.Bosa voice was heard across the line with Ms.Bosa’s voice in the background “I’m doing good, and you?” “I’m doing great. I was wondering if you could run the store as I head out with my wife?” “Um...” his traveled to his duffle bag on top of his bed. “Yeah I can step in for a bit.” “That’s great! Wait hold on- what? you already called her? Well, I’m calling him now. No, it’s okay, they haven’t seen each other in a while either way.” He somewhat hears the conversation between the couple, not putting much thought into it. “Sorry about that, Woo. Yeah, that’ll be awesome! You guys can close the store earlier if business is slow since we aren’t expecting much today either way. Thank you again!” He ended the call before staring back at his bag, wondering how his plan will go.

‘You guys?’ he thought to himself as changed his clothes for a more comfortable wear to work and headed out, bringing along his duffle bag.

Wonwoo was cleaning the counters of the coffee machines as he hummed to the music being played throughout the cafe as his pondered about to do know with what he had planned. He originally wanted to set up everything before visiting you bringing you to his spot but know that things aren’t going out as he wanted, he tried to think of something else when he heard the door open as the bell chimed.

“Welcome to Espresso Love Caf-” his words were cut off as he saw your figure, standing by the entrance, looking just as surprised as you were. None of you exchanges words as you walked to the back of the store as his eyes followed you, still shocked by your sudden appearance.

-

The two of you stood faced to faced, in awkwardness, not knowing what to say after the apology. “Well then, I’ll be going then.” “Y/N!” His voice made you stop at your steps as you head him walk in front of you. “There’s somewhere I want to bring you.” You looked up to him, trying to see if this was one of his little pranks. But to your surprise, his eyes were softly looking down at yours, almost if he was sincere about it. “What do you mean?” He looked away from you, biting on his lip “You’ll see.” And with that, he took a hold of your wrist, locking the store from behind as the both you walked to wherever he was taking you. Your steps followed from behind as you took in the image of his broad back before landing on the duffle bag that was hung on the other side of his shoulder, questioning what could be. The both of you ended up in a comfortable silent, walking down the sidewalk of a road on a hill. “Isn’t this the place....” familiarity hits as the you recall that time when you were humming while looking out on the view. Wonwoo lets out a soft smile before heading in between two fences and onto a rough path into small forest. “Why do I feel like I’m voluntarily being kidnaped.” You nervously laughed as you walked deeper into the woods, Wonwoo’s hand still around yours. He didn’t say anything and continued walking, making you feel even more uneasy. “Hey, say something.... You’re making me feel uncomfortable.” You accidently tripped on branch, making you fall forward as you felt his grip around you wrist tighten as he pulled you. He quickly turned around, your head hitting on his chest.

“S-Sorry.” You quickly lifted your head and his grip loosened. “We’re almost there.” He turned and started walking until the end of the forest, leading to an opened field with flowers that outlooks the city. “We’re here.” He turned around anticipating your reaction.  “Wow...” Your jaw dropped as you slowly walked, looking around. Wonwoo dropped his bag down on the middle of the field and took out a picnic blanket, setting it out. “What are you doing?”  “Setting up a picnic.” He said and started bringing things out of his bag. “Aren’t you going to sit down?” He looked up at you as you stood there, in confusion. You blinked a couple of times before nodding, taking a seat beside him. You both stare out on the evening sky that displayed beautiful shades of red, orange, yellow and pink, making you feel relaxed and at ease as you pulled your knees to chest, letting out a sigh. “This view just clears the mind and takes away all the worries.” You hummed. Wonwoo, who was sitting beside with his legs crossed and his hands supporting behind stared out at the view. “Y/N.” He sudden called your name. Your lifted you head from your knees, turning to face him as his eyes darting away from yours. “I’m sorry.” Your eyes widen from his apology. “I’m sorry for what I said back at the hospital and what I said today...” He trailed off at his words. He couldn’t look you in the eyes, and started look down at his fingers, playing with them in nervousness. “I didn’t mean the words I said.” He bit his lip before finding the courage the look at you. You stared at him, trying to find the words to say.

“It’s okay.” you said after a period of silence. “I know you only meant well. I know I can be arrogant sometimes and overestimate myself, making a fool out of myself.” He quietly listened as you sighed and looked back out at the view. “Your words, it stayed with me for a while. In a way, it brought sense to me that I’m human too and that I have my limits also. So thanks, thanks for bringing some sense to me when I needed it.” You smiled. It was true that his words were harsh at first but as time past, you realized that what he said was only because he cared and it was his way of caring which is something that is hard for him.  “This is my favorite spot.” you tilted your head and looked over at him. “I always find myself coming here whenever I’m full of thoughts or worries or just need some air.” “So like your secret hide-out?” “You could say that.” The both of you chuckled before silence fell again.

“You know, for the past couple of months, it was extremely hard for me. I went through a roller coaster of emotions, feeling like nothing and useless to my members. It’s difficult seeing them needing to work harder to fill in my empty spot and that I couldn’t do anything but sit and watch. I fell into a darkness, hiding from my members because they already have so much on their plate with my absence. It’s like I don’t even know who and what I am anymore.” You stared out. Wonwoo looked at you, hearing your difficulties brought shock to him. Though you may be quiet, you were known to be uplifting, bright and optimistic to your fans, members and even the boys so hearing this was sure a surprise to him. “Sometimes fighting with myself and having everything bottled up can be tough sometimes, you know?” Wonwoo shifted closer to you, with soften eyes. “Sometimes I just want to scream, give up and just stop everything.” He slowly lifted his hand over your head, thinking over his actions if this is okay. ”Sometimes I just want someone to pat-” His hand lowered, patting your head as you stopped at your words, at surprise but didn’t turn to look at him. Wonwoo lightly patted your head as you tried your best to blink back the tears foaming in your eyes. “-Sometimes I just want someone to pat my head, telling that I did a good job and that I’ll be okay. But then again, I don’t want to be a burden.” You finished off, with your voice wavering.” “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were going through this.” You felt guiltiness in his voice. “I....I don’t know what to say....” you looked at him as he stopped patting your head. “You’re always smiling. Whether it be with your fans or members. You’re just.... always smiling brightly.” He mumbled the last part, making you giggle. “But you shouldn’t feel burden. You and your members are like a family, no? I’m sure they’re just as worried as you are. But at the same time, I’m sure they’re so proud of you that you’re getting through this and that you’ll come back stronger than ever.” You looked up at him, meeting his eyes. “Well... At least for me, I know you’ll going to come back stronger than ever.” You broke out into a smile as you felt your heart glow. “It’s been a while since I saw you smile like this.” His leaned towards you as you closed your eyes. You felt his light touch, brushing the hairs out of your face from the evening breeze. You opened your eyes as he straight right into yours, feeling a tingling sensation between the two of you. It’s always as if the both of you snapped back to reality and he quickly jerked his hand back as you sit back straight, looking away from each other.  “S-So... Do you bring your members here as well?” You asked, trying to find a new topic to talk about. “No. You’re the first.” Your heart started racing. “This is the place I wanted to bring you. I thought it’ll help with relieving some stress and all. It’s a peaceful quietness.” He explained as you nodded. “Thanks for bringing me here, Wonwoo. This has definitely took the weight off my chest. After saying everything that’s been on my mind and watching the sunset,  I feel soo much lighter and refreshed.” You smiled. “That’s a relief.” The sun was almost done setting as the both of you cherish the last bits staring out into silence. For some reason, it felt like you were both able to connect through the silence, making you feel a sense of home.

“Are you feeling hungry?” He asked, as the night sky started to fill. “Very.” He chuckled as he unzipped his duffle bag, bringing out a stack of containers and opening it. It was filled with side dishes and dishes that you automatically knew was made by his aunt. “My aunt came to drop off some dishes yesterday so I decided to bring it here. I hope you don’t mind that it’s not fresh and all.” “Not at all. You know sometimes food eaten the next day is more delicious.” You smiled as he passed you utensils the both of you started eating, as he picked up some side dishes and putting it on your bowl of rice. You giggle before doing the same to him. After dinner, you stretched out your arms over your head, letting out a long sigh. Wonwoo was laying down beside you, looking at up at sky. “Lie down. You can see the stars.” He patted the spot beside him as you scooted over before lying down. “Have you star gazed before?” “I’ve studied it a bit out of curiosity but never really done it in real life. It’s difficult seeing the stars in a city.” You saw Wonwoo smile in the corner of your eyes. “You can see the big dipper here.” Your eyes started wandering, trying to trace the stars for the shape. “It’s over there.” “Where?” “There.” he pointed up but you could seem to find it. “There?” you pointed, trying to following his direction. “No, there. Do you see it?” He took a hold of your wrist, tracing the shape. Your eyes looked at him in shock. “I-I see it.” You stuttered. “Oh! and that’s the little dipper!” You excited pointed at it, smiling widely. 

You sat back up, taking it a sip of the warm coffee as goosebumps started growing on your skin from the night breeze. You shivered a bit, scolding yourself for not bringing a jacket. Wonwoo got up as well, digging something in his bag before handing you his sweater. “I brought it just in case.” You took it. “It seems like you need it.” You hesitated at first, deciding if it was the right thing to wear it or not.  “Thanks.” You put it over your head, struggling to find the holes for the arms. You heard Wonwoo laugh before guiding your arm through the sleeves and pulling it down your head, making your hair all friction and static from the inside. He started laughing from the sight of your hair going in all directions. You look at him, in confusion, laughing along even though you didn’t know the reason. “You hair is all static.” He started patting down your hair with a smile. You cheeks started tinting pink, but thankfully it was dark even to hide your blushing face. “It’s huge on you.” You lifted your arms seeing that the sleeves were covering you hands. “It’s alright.” You mumbled. The two of you remained quiet, taking sips of coffee while exchanging short conversation here and there, enjoying and silent presence of one another.

“What time is it?” You questioned, wondering how long you’ve been here for. Wonwoo pulled out his phone, showing you the time as you eyes widen.  “We’ve been here for that long?!” You took out your phone and saw ‘13 missed calls.’ “Looks like your members are worried about you.” He must’ve saw, making you embarrassed. “Maybe we should head back before they call the police reporting you kidnapped.” He got up, offering you a hand. You grabbed onto it as he pulled you up before you helped up clean up. “I mean if you think about it, you did kidnapped me in a way.” You spoke as the two of you walked back to your dorms. Your shoulder would brush against his arm time to time, making your heart flutter.  “In my defense, you didn’t do anything. So you involuntary agreed” You laughed, nodding your head. “You have a point. I’ll give you that one.” You reach the street of your dorms, feeling a little disappointed for some reason. “Thanks for today Wonwoo. It really means a lot to me.” You stopped and turn to face him. You were a few houses away from your dorm but you didn’t want to leave just yet. “No worries. I felt kind of bad not visiting you while you were in the hospital.” He rubbed his hand behind his neck, looking away, feeling ashamed. “I don’t blame you.” You shrugged your shoulders as he raise his eyes from the ground. “Guess, I’ll have one more reason to hold something against you.” He eyes widen before the two of you laughed. “Today was memorable though. I got to see a new side of you and I’m.... I’m thankful for that.” You could see his face blushing from the dimmed street lights. “I could say the same to you.” He smiled. He opened his mouth, about to say something when his phone rang. He pulled it out, as the caller ID showed one of his member’s name. “Hello?”

“So are the both of you going to just stand there and melt into each other’s eyes or are you going to go home? My storage is running out on my phone and Hoshi won’t stop narrating this scene, it’s killing me.” Mingyu’s voice was heard on the line with Dokyeom’s and Dino’s singing background music in the back. The both of you looked forward, seeing his dorm’s window opened with Mingyu holding a selfie stick and the heads of the boys, popping out. He ended the call behind stuffing his phone back into his pocket. “I’m never going to hear the end of this when I get home. Are you down for a late night runaway?” He questioned as you chuckled. Just then, your phone started ringing. “I’m almost home.”  “We can clearly see that. But the question is IF you’re going to come home because I think you’re too occupied, swimming into your lover boy’s eyes.” You saw your members sticking out their heads of the entrance. You turned to look at Wonwoo with panicked eyes.  “So, about that late night runaway suggestion....” The both of your broke out into a huge laughed, cherishing the last bits of the moments before hiding home.

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[julieandthephantomsblogduh]

Bright - Episode Two, Part One

DISCLAIMER - I only own Lia. Don’t steal it ain’t right. Love y’all and peace out, be safe 

The Molina Household - the morning before school

Julie and Lia sit together on the piano bench as tears fall between the two of them. They had both lost so much and sometimes words couldn’t express that. Music had been a way for both of them to release their pain and knowing that Julie finally got her voice back brought a tear to both of their eyes. All of a sudden, Flynn runs into the studio crying too.

“Oh sweetie not you too,” Malia says, standing up to hug Flynn, “What’s wrong?”

“We need to talk…”

“Are you okay?” Julie asks, putting the sheet music back onto the piano.

“No I am not okay, you just got kicked out of music! I’ve been up all night thinking of what to say. I might’ve drank seven sodas but I need to get this out.” Flynn starts.

“Wait I have something to tell you…” Julie tries to interrupt her but to no avail.

“No it’s my turn to talk,” Flynn continues as Julie and Lia share a smirk knowing that Flynn’s gonna rant about this now, “You can’t give up music. Your music is like a gift so that would be a tragedy. So you’re basically, like cancelling Christmas, and I love Christmas!”

“Flynn…” Malia tries to talk but she just puts her hand over her mouth.

“Uh huh. When we were six we all promised to be in a band together. Triple Threat?”

“I never agreed to that name,” Julie smiles.

Flynn lets out a sigh, “That’s not the point. Jules, if you leave the music program forever we’ll be apart forever. That’s just what happens. Sure we’ll see each other in the hall sometime but… Malia would be my only friend and…”

“Hey!”

“That’s not true Flynn,” Julie says.

“The only time we’ll ever contact each other would be through instagram likes. Every Time I’ll be hitting that little heart, my heart would break a little bit and when my heart breaks… I’ll turn my sadness onto Malia and you don’t want Malia to deal with a sad Flynn right?”

“Okay first of all,” Lia starts, “I’m starting to feel very concerned about our friendship…” Flynn slaps Malia’s shoulder playfully at that, “also if the seven soda’s hadn’t hit you, you would know that…”

“That I just played the piano and sang again.”

“WHAT! Why didn’t you just say so? Malia I expected a phone call.”

“Hey, I just got here, don't come at me.”

“I was trying,” Julie says, “And then your seven sodas kicked in…”

“Ohh I’m so happy for you. And me!���

“And me?” Malia asks.

“Of course you too,” Flynn says pulling Lia under her arm, “Look at you Julie, looking all… I don’t know, alive again?

“I know right it’s as if I drank seven sodas!”

“What made you play again Jules?”

“I found this song my mum wrote me,” Flynn picks up the manuscript while Malia looks at it over her shoulder, smiling gently. “Woah”

“I know. I was so afraid to play it. Anything involving music reminds me of her. Then I woke up this morning and realised that’s why I should keep on playing. To keep her memory alive.”

“Aww c’mon guys,” Lia starts pulling Julie off the bench, “Group hug”

“Yay.”

“Wait!...” Flynn yells pushing us apart, “We need to tell Mrs. Harrison you can play so you can stay in the program and we can continue to be besties and I won’t have to deal with Lia alone.”

“Hey!”

“C’mon guys, Julie’s back and Triple Threat lives on.”

“You guy’s go ahead,” Lia says, “I need to use the washroom. I’ll catch up with you guys in school.”

Lia heads towards the bathroom - Lia’s perspective

I hear the shed door shut as I get to my business. As I flush the toilet and head to start washing my hands, I hear the boys talk.

“I wonder why Julie didn’t tell us she could shred on the piano?”

“And sing that girl can sing”

“It probably has something to do with her mum. You know? Must have been hard.” I think Alex says. “Anyway, I really feel for her.”

I dry my hands quickly and I reach for the door when I hear Luke start talking, “Yeah but… now she’s got music back in her life. Just like us.”

“”Yeah, I’m not sure you can call what we have a life.”

I hold back a snort. It felt kinda weird listening in to their conversation but like it’s not as if I did it on purpose right? Anyway, I leave the washroom before anything gets too personal.

“Hey boys…”

They all turn to face me as Luke moves closer, “Hey Lia right?”

Oh my, my big brother just acknowledged me and he has no idea.

“Yeah umm… so how is it? Being ghosts”

I can see Alex raise his eyebrows from his loft.

“Look I can poof!” Reggie says moving from the door, towards me and then poofing back to the door.

“Cool… umm I’m gonna go leave now… um bye?” I kinda awkwardly say as I make eye contact with Luke. I quickly walk out and close the door. As I walk away I can hear the boys talk.

“That was weird”

“Yeah…”

I just shake my head and let the confusion take over my thoughts as I make my way towards school.

At School - In the music room with Ms. Harrison

“Believe me Julie. I think it’s wonderful that you sang again. I prayed for this moment for almost a year. But it’s too late,” Ms Harrison says.

“But what if you just hear her play?” Flynn tries, “You know she’s amazing.”

“Yeah this is like turning down Beyonce!” Lia tries causing Julie to slap her shoulder.

“Ouch!”

“I wouldn’t matter. A new student starts tomorrow,” Ms Harrison says taking a breath, “There’s only…”

“So may spots, and if I don’t participate I’m out. I know,” Julie finishes.

“I did everything I could to keep you hear this year. But Principle Lessa was very clear. Yesterday was your last chance. You’ll have to reapply next semester.”

The bell rings

Kids start filling out the room as Lia puts her arms around Julie’s and Flynn’s in hopes of comforting them.

“I’m truly sorry,” Ms. Harrison says walking away.

The three girls hug each others shoulders as they walk out.

Start of Lunch - Lia’s perspective

“Hey guys, I’ll catch up with you later? I have something to do first.” I say to Julie and Flynn, before walking back towards the music classroom. This is going to crush my soul and Flynn and Julie will be mad but I have to do this and Mum might actually be happy.

“Hey Ms. Harrison, do you mind if we talk for a second?”

Ms. Harrison turns around from her putting away her manuscript. She steps off the conductors pedestal and takes a seat in one of the many chairs and I sit down next to her. I used to come in here all the time after school and while Ms. Harrison would clean up or work, I’ll just play my guitar or sit at the piano writing some music.

“Hey Ms. Harrison?” I asked, as a nervous freshman, “Would it be okay if I stick around after school sometimes and just practice here? My parents aren’t too fond at the idea of me practicing at home.”

Ms. Harrison looks at me for a second. I was playing with the string on my hoodie biting my lip. We had just had our first class today and being a freshmen, I didn’t really have any friends other than Julie, Carrie and Flynn. Honestly though - they were all I needed. They had been there for me when my life was crashing and I promised to do the same for them no matter what.

“Why don’t we take a seat and talk for a second?” She had asked.

That day I told her everything - from my brother's death to how my parents despised the idea of me pursuing music. Ms. Harrison had promised me that I would always be welcomed to come in early or to stay a bit after school to practice or write music. For that I will forever be thankful.

“What’s going on Malia? Is everything alright at home?”

“Yeah it’s just…” I sigh, before taking a deep breath, “Would it be possible to drop out of the music program?”

“Malia… I don’t know what to say,” She looks at me confused, “I thought your parents were okay with everything now? Is there something going on? Is this about Julie?”

“It’s kind of complicated but I think… my mum isn’t too happy about my choices and with college applications and graduation coming in a couple years… I think they’d rather me go to Harvard than Juillard. I know Julie has a shot at going big but I know I’ll never try so… why shouldn’t the spot go to someone who actually deserves it?”

“Malia, you are talented and a wonderful person. You have a great voice and the music you write means so much and it’s great. I can’t stop you from dropping out but make sure you’re dropping out for you - not your mum, not your dad, not for anyone but yourself.”

“I love music Ms. Harrison, but I love my family more than anything. I can’t hurt them - they’ve already been through so much. Julie has been through so much. Me dropping out could make so many people happy. I need to do this, just promise you won’t tell Flynn or Julie why i’m dropping out?”

“Okay. Just remember that no matter what happens, you’re always welcomed here and you can always play whatever you want in here.”

“Thanks Ms. Harrison. I guess I’ll stop by the office and make it official. I’m sure mum won’t protest too much.”

I slowly turn to walk out the door, I pause for a second, “Thanks for letting me be who I truly am in here. You will never understand what you did for me when you let me stay here and do what I always wanted to do.”

“Malia, just remember that your music shows who you are - and you are a very talented woman.”

I look towards the ground as tears threaten to fall from my eyes. A sad smile forms on my lips as all the memories I’ve made in here come to an end. I clench my eyes shut and open them up. I give Ms. Harrison one last smile as I quickly walk out, heading towards the principal's office.

Back at the Molina household after school has ended

“So what’s the plan now that…” Lia starts as Julie opens the door to her room.

They walk in and the boys are all hanging out. Julie looked at the boys with a certain twinge. Reggie was laying on Julie’s bed while Alex was looking at her dresser and Luke was looking through her stuff.

“What are you guys doing in my room?”

The guys reply to her with a chorus of high pitched uhhs and umms. Lia just laughs as she drops her bag beside the door. She was going to be staying overnight.

“We were looking for the kitchen?” Luke tries.

“This… this can’t happen. It’s creepy. Get off my bed please.”

Reggie jumps off the bed as Lia laughs and takes his spot, laying down and hugging a pillow.

“Hey Julie,” Luke raises his hand, “What’s in the box?” He asks, pointing towards Julie’s dream box.

“That’s off limits.”

“Oh…” he chuckles, “Okay. Girl stuff.”

“Ohh… like butterflies and glitter?” Reggie asks, as Lia throws a pillow at him that ends up going right through him.

“Oh come on,” Alex says looking embarrassed for his friends, “I’m sorry about them.”

“It’s none of your business. And yes there might be some glitter,” Julie says while Reggie smirks only for another pillow to be thrown through him by Lia, “And Lia stop throwing pillows at them. Try a rock.”

“Hey!” Alex exclaims, picking up a picture of Julie and her mum and walking towards the bed, “I actually picked something up!”

He then proceeds to drop it on top of Lia.

“Ouch!”

“I dropped it,” Lia throws a pillow through him too.

“Uh is that you mum?” Luke asks.

“Yes and it’s my favourite picture of us. So if you break it,” she says picking up the picture and giving them the death stare, causing Lia to snort at their facial reactions, “I’ll break you.”

Julie puts the frame on her bedside as Alex says, “Ok well sorry but we’re kind of unbreakable at this point.”

Lia and Julie both throw him a WTF look.

“I don’t get it, “Julie starts, “You guys can mess up my bed, pick up your instruments but you can’t pick up other stuff?”

“I know right? It’s hard,” Luke says shrugging, “But for some reason, our instruments, easy.”

“Yeah like super easy,” Reggie adds from the edge of the bed, “Oh and check out what I learned today.”

He stands up and holds his hands out “Ah” Suddenly his guitar is across his chest and he falls backwards.

“SICK,” Lia says sitting up in bed. Luke smiles down at her as Julie says, “Yeah that looked super easy.”

Reggie continues groaning as Luke starts talking again, “It’s like I always thought, our instruments are attached to our souls.”

Julie looks towards Lia. All of a sudden Julie’s dad walks in says “Hey,” startling the boys causing Reggie to do a backflip and Luke and Alex to hold hands. Lia smirks at them before giving her attention to Mr. Molina.

“Everything ok?” He asks.

“Yeah… I’m fine.” Julie says, looking towards Lia before looking back at her dad. Luke and Alex look down to their hands, back at each other before dropping their hands. Lia watches the interaction and laughs before putting her hand in front of her mouth. Reggie smirks while Mr. Molina gives her a concerned look.

“I thought I heard you talking to someone.”

“Yeah me!” Lia says from the bed.

“Someone other than Lia”

“Must have been my laptop… that I just closed.”

“Ok… if you need anything,” he gestures towards the doors making a closing motion, “Yeah okay.”

He closes the doors. Julie turns to look towards the boys.

“Your dad looks like the kind of guy who likes to barbecue. I bet he has a great ribs recipe,” Reggie says.

“Oh my he does!” Lia laughs.

“Look I don't know but if you guys want to talk to me you have to do it in the studio. He’s worried about me enough as it is.”

“He seems chill. You should just tell him about us,” Luke says, smiling as if he just solved all the issues, as the boys agree with him.

Lia and Julie share a do they not have brains which they don’t but still look.

“Umm what?” “You’re kidding right?”

Luke’s smile falls and he ends up looking like a sad golden retriever.

“This past year, everyone’s been watching over me, being super nice as if they’re waiting for me to snap. If I tell my dad I met a ghost band. I’ll be back to talking to Dr. Turner 3 times a week.”

“Yeah… Turner is not fun,” Lia says falling backwards on Julie’s bed and staring at the ceiling.

Luke looks towards Julie, “You probably shouldn’t tell him…” he walks back towards the box, “Julie”

Lia lets out a small laugh “I thought I told you to leave that alone!”

“I know. You should have just said nothing because now I can’t stop thinking about it. Soo… What’s in the box Julie?”

Julie looks back to Lia, rolling her eyes at annoyance towards Luke, “It’s just my dream box okay!”

Luke slowly looks towards Julie as Lia’s phone buzzes. She pulls it out of her back pocket and opens it up.

“Whenever I get a thought, I write it down and get it out of my mind.”

“Like lyrics?”

“They would be if I still wrote music like I used to with my mom. Now it’s just full of stuff that doesn’t make me sad.”

The boys all look sad at her confession and Lia sits up suddenly.

“But I mean you do play. We heard you this morning,” Alex says standing up all of a sudden.

“In the garage!” Julie looks frustrated. Luke and Reggie scrunch up their faces towards him. Luke flicks his shoulder as Lia throws another pillow aimed at all three boys.

“So you were there too?”

“Uhhh… I don’t…” “Uhh he was like…” “We were… somewhere”

Lia stands up before the situation would escalate.

“I have to head home for a sec… but I’ll be back tonight. Good luck boys,” She says sending them a wink and leaving the room.

Lia’s perspective - Once she gets home

Now I don’t know why mum called me but I think I have an idea. It probably has something to do with me quitting the program. Things are gonna be awkward and suddenly I’m glad that Mr. Molina actually likes me and I was already sleeping over. As if I don’t basically live in their house. I take a breath before walking in.

“Mum! Dad! I’m home!”

I hear pots and pans clash, so I make my way towards the kitchen. As I walk towards the fridge to grab a snack Dad turns off the stove and Mum looks up from her spot at the table.

“Take a seat Malia.”

Oh crap. I make my way towards the table, a clementine in hand. I take a seat and take in the death stares burning into my face. I slowly start peeling my clementine while Mum takes in a sigh.

“Why’d I get a phone call saying that you wanted to quit the music program?”

I set aside the peels as I pull of a piece of clementine, “I thought you’d be happy.”

“So that’s it? You’re done with music? For years you fought us to get up to buy you your guitar and your violin and all the other instruments and now you just give up on it?”

I swallow a couple of pieces down, “I’m not giving up on music. I just think that… I need to focus on other things for now. Maybe I’ll reapply next semester or maybe I won’t. I just want you to be happy and okay with this.”

“In the end we aren’t going to stop you from this but. Yeah maybe it is better that you focus on your studies than music right now.”

“It’s still going to take some time to process everything but starting next week I’ll officially be out of the program then,” I chow down on the rest of the clementine before standing up and going to throw the peels out. I rapidly blink to force the tears back, “I’m staying over at Julie’s house so I’ll see you guys tomorrow?”

I quickly head up the stairs towards my room, finally letting the tears fall. Once I’m behind the closed doors I let the tears fall freely while I pick up my guitar case. I bring it over to my bed and open it up. I take out my guitar and make my way towards Luke’s room. Walking in, I quickly grab his guitar and bring it back into mine and set it into my guitar case. I move to wipe the tears from my eyes. This might be a choice but it still hurts. I’ve spent my entire life trying to please my parents and apparently the only way I can do so is by giving up my number one love - something tied so closely with my family but if there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past year its that family should mean everything. I quickly pick up my case and leave to walk back to Julie’s house.

Masterlist part two

[sif-the-tsunami]

Ropes and Roses part three

Summary: Elizabeth Rosehill is a talented dance instructor and a force of nature that beguiles her famous student. Events in her life, however, have led her to search for more creative ways for her to keep herself afloat. What will she do to keep her dreams secure and what will it mean for her blossoming relationship.

Warning: this passage contains some drunken shenanigans, heavy petting, making out, self deprecating humor, stripping down to ones underwear, sexual frustration, some insecurities, and angst. Oh and the beginning of Elizabeth showing her dominant side. If I missed anything please let me know

Word count: 2500

A/N: If you read it and like it, it would mean a lot to me if you could say something nice!

“And what will the lady be having?” The handsome bartender asked from behind the wooden top.

“Gentleman Jack, two fingers, neat. Please and thank you.” Elizabeth had her face all smooshed up in her hands, cradling her own head, resigning to the feeling of utter defeat. Gregory Chapman had called her and told her that the movie had lost its funding. The promises he made her were now as empty as the glass in front of her. As was her bank account. At least the bartender quickly remedied the empty glass problem. Henry saw her sitting there, her perfect posture was replaced by the pose of someone who wanted to be as small as possible.

“Oh shit, you are taking the news way harder than I thought you would. I also had no idea you liked whiskey.” He saw that her eyes were puffy, she had rubbed the winged eyeliner tip off on one of her eyes. He took the hand closest to him and gave her a gentle squeeze. The best part of having had their lessons was they had grown comfortable with touching each other. He appreciated the intimacy they shared, even if he though it had been platonic on her part. “Cancellations happen pretty often, don’t beat yourself up too much.”

“You were getting so good too.” Her voice came out as a whine, she took a sip of her liquor.

“I was mediocre at best, I just happen to look good while you dance around me.” The gold tinged light above them made her eyes and the drink the same color. Everything about her right then seemed angelic to him, even with her sad expression she glowed. “My only regret is that I won’t get to see you as much. I’ve enjoyed our time together.”

“That is very kind, Henry.” Elizabeth laced her fingers with his. “It was a pleasure to teach you.”

I love how she says my name, he thought. “So, what happens next for you?”

“I have to work harder to try to keep my dance studio open.”

“What do you mean? You have some great teachers, you have full classes.”

“Greg had told me that once he was given the funding he planned on investing in the dance studio with some of his earnings. I’m not sad about the movie being canceled, I’m just sad that this is just one more thing to have gone wrong this year...” she trailed off.

“Want to talk about it?”

“If I start, I will not shut up, I’m sure you don’t want to listen to me bitch and moan for an hour. Don’t you have more important things to be doing?”

“I could listen to you complain all night. Besides, nothing is more important than us getting drunk and possibly finding people to snog with tonight,” he said with the intention of making her laugh, but with a quick look around the pub, it looked like the their options would be limited. “I bet you could charm the pants off that lad at the end there.”

The lad was an older gentleman wearing a newsboy hat and a sweater with patches on the elbow.

“Oh Mr Cavill,” she said in a dreamy, playful voice, “he’s just my type. Do you think he’ll like me?”

“I don’t know Ms Rosehill, you might have to show him a little clevage.”

She pretended to pull the top of her dress down a little, big shit eating grin on her face, “How’s that? Better? Oh please, sir, notice me. Please come tap my ass like a keg!”

The remark caused Henry to choke on his drink. After a deep gasp of air he looked at her incredulously “never mind, you’ll kill the man. Give him a heart attack talking like that.”

The two talked, Elizabeth told him about how earlier that year she had gone through a bitter divorce, her ex had left her with more debt than she would be able to handle by herself and then her mother had passed away. She felt like she was drowning and the first life raft that had been thrown her way was being pulled from her.

“But you know what? I am a pretty damn good swimmer, and my momma didn’t raise no bitch.” She stated. She sat back sagaciously for a moment, “I think that might be the whiskey talking.”

Henry chuckled to himself. They were both a few drinks deep into their conversation and she was feeling it. He paid their tab and took her with him, “Come on, you lightweight, let’s go put some food in you so you don’t black out on me.”

Trying to get the teacher to do anything while she had been drinking was like trying to get a cat to cooperate. Every time they walked for more than a few minutes, she would wonder off some where distracted by anything that caught her attention. He stood there the fourth time when she stopped to look at display of macrons in a window.

“Are you like this every time you drink?”

“No, only when I forget to eat during the day before hand, I’m so hungry, I would perform unspeakable acts if I could get my hands on some fried pickles right now. Are those even a thing here?”

“Fried… pickles?” He responded moderately concerned for her sanity. “Why?”

“Do you want the drunk answer or the athlete answer?”

“Both. Oh my god woman, would you get off of that. You are like the worst version of the worst mission in video games. No, no, no, you wrap your arm around mine right now, I will get you food, I promise. Stay with me, Lizzie, tell me about the pickles.”

“Drunk answer is that they taste good, you know what takes a sandwich from eh to great. Pickles.” She tucked her arm right into his, with his other hand gently resting on top of her arm ready to guide her along. “Athlete answer is that they help re-hydrate you, after work outs, after drinking. Drinking pickle juice always cures my hangovers. Although chips work too, especially with salt and vinegar.”

They found a place still open that was serving delicious smelling fried food. He was together enough to set her down on a curb. “Please stay here. I’ll be right back.”

She leaned against him as soon as he sat down and handed her their snack. It was beginning to get late and a chill in the autumn air was starting to creep in. “You called me Lizzie earlier, I haven’t been called that since I was a little girl.”

“I hate to break it to you, but you still are a little girl. Well, compared to me anyways.” He nudged her with his elbow a little to get a smile out of her. “I hope you don’t mind, I won’t call you that again if you hate it.”

“It is totally fine, I’ve gone by Liz, Lizzie, Lizbeth, Beth. Just please don’t call me Libby. My middle name is Louisa, my ex would call me Libby-Lou, knowing how much I hated that nickname. Made me feel like I should be living in Whoville, waiting for the Grinch to steal my Christmas dinner.”

“They can be the worst, ex’s. They always know where they can jab at you with a mean joke or poke at an insecurity. One of mine would make comments about what I was eating, especially if I was between jobs.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and felt her whole body shiver.

“I’m sorry, you never deserved that.” She said softly. He looked into her eyes, the eyeliner had somehow gotten more smudged, she looked as exhausted as she sounded.

“No, neither did you. I don’t know what all he did to you, but you deserve better too.” His voice came out low and husky. “Do you want to come back to my place, I live pretty close by and you look like you are about to freeze.”

“I don’t know, Mr Cavill, I seem to remember you mentioning something about finding someone to make out with tonight, will I find one there?”

With the straightest face he could possibly muster, “As long as you don’t eat all of my pickles.”

***

A twenty minute walk later, they were in Henry’s home. They were both greeted by a very excited Kal, who snuffled and snorted at his daddy’s new friend. A warm welcoming glow came from the living room where the lights had been left on for his dog. He offered her one of his hoodies to help her warm up and planted her on the couch so he could take his boy to do his business outside. He came back as quick as he, honestly expecting to find her asleep. Instead, she was looking at him with her whiskey colored eyes. He had wanted another drink, and brought them both another glass of the liquor. He sat down at the other end of the couch, trying to respect her space. “Are you comfortable, can I get you anything else?”

“No, I’m warming up well, thank you. You have a beautiful home, it’s nice and cozy.”

“Thank you, I like it here a lot, it is just enough for me. And Kal, for that matter.” His furry buddy was pressing as much of himself against the spot Elizabeth sat on the couch. She was delicately rubbing the area between his eyes and cooing at big beast, his fluffy tail wagging happily. “I think he likes you.”

“Oh good, I’m glad His Lordship approves of me.” She moved her hands to rub his chin. “You are just a big softy aren’t you? Good man, Kal.”

Henry watched them get acquainted, allowing himself to melt into the couch, legs spread apart. She turned her attention to the beautiful man before her. Maybe the booze was making her feel more bold than usual, but damn did she want him. Her mind was still swimming from their earlier adventure. Hopefully, it was an invite to climb between his powerful thighs. She shot back her glass and put the empty cup on his side table. He reached over to her and pulled her close. She positioned herself to face him and straddled his lap. His breath caught in his throat for a moment.

“If I’m being to presumptuous, I can stop. I will go sit on the other side again.” She said quietly.

“No, I want this. I want you.” He reached up, fingers were gently touching the back of her arms.

She leaned forward and pressed her forehead against his, “Before you... we… whatever it is here that we are doing, I need you to know that I don’t know what all I can give to you right now. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I think you are worth the risk,” he whispered to her and they connected.

Henry had wanted this from the first time he placed her hands on him. Every nudge, posture correction, hand offered to help him, whenever he felt her skin on his he felt the current between the two of them and it was electrifying. He felt himself grow hard as she invited him to explore her body. His hoodie was off was off of her body as soon as they started, and then shortly after came her black dress. They continued to make out as she unbuttoned his soft flannel shirt.

He fingers searched the back of her bra for it’s clasp. She broke off their kiss long enough to lean back and unhook it from the front. Henry could feel the pressure building in his jeans as he looked at her body.  All she had left on were knee high black boots and a pair of silky purple panties. Elizabeth gave him a lopsided smile as she leaned back into their embrace. Her fingers danced and tickled down his chest running down to to the bottom hem of his shirt. Henry stopped himself before she removed the cotton undershirt, ever so gently. “Before I take this off, I want you to not be disappointed.”

“Disappointed?” she asked breathlessly.

“I don’t look like Geralt right now. I’m in my off season, and I don’t know what kind of expectations you have...” Elizabeth slowly ran her hands back up his chest.

“I like you, Henry: your beautiful, overthinking, intelligent mind; your sweet nature; your burning passions. You as a person.” peppering his neck and face with tender kisses, her hands tangling in his hair. “Everything else is just sprinkles on a cupcake.”

“Sprinkles on a cupcake?” he smiled. She nibbled on his ear and he moaned, hungry for more.

“Cupcakes don’t need sprinkles to be delicious, I have never refused a cupcake because it didn’t have sprinkles on it.” She ran her fingers back down to the bottom of his shirt. “So, Mr Cavill, do I have permission to take your shirt off?”

“Yes, Ms Rosehill, you do.” The woman on top of him pulled the garment off, never breaking eye contact. After it’s removal, she kept a firm grip on his arms, inching ever closer to his wrists. With her hands on them, Elizabeth pressed her weight against his wrists and pinned him as best she could to the back of the couch. She ground her pelvis against his as she started nibbling and kissing his neck, her torso against  his. Appreciating the nuzzling and nibbles on his neck, he closed his eyes for a moment, waiting for her to continue.

All he felt was her soft breathing against his skin. A moment later her hands dropped from his wrists. Henry tried to move himself to see what what was going on when a soft snore came from his would be lover. He rubbed his face, not believing what had just happened.

“Liz… Lizzie… wake up, sweetheart.” He tried kissing her cheek to wake her. The only response she gave was tucking her arms to her chest and adjusting her head on his shoulder. He groaned, but knew what he had to do. Elizabeth was as limp as a rag doll, so he guided her arms through his flannel shirt, placed her down gently on the couch and prepared his guest room for her. Making sure his warmest duvet was on the bed, he left a bottle of water and some Tylenol on the bed side table for her. He carried her to the room and tucked her into bed, making sure a pillow was wedged behind her back to keep her on her side.  Henry then went to his room, fell face first into bed and yelled directly into a pillow. 

[carrottuan93]

Haven't met you yet | Mark

Masterlist (2/4) | part1 - part3 - part4

Starring: MK x You

Tags: Mark Tuan, Fluff, Destiny, Waiting, Christmas, Bookworm, Nerd, Love, Fate

Total WC: 1420

You felt an agonizing level of pain hitting your head the moment you open your eyes to the sound of some lowkey hip-hop playlist in the background that you know nothing about. You don’t remember setting up your spotify on loop for the rest of the night but still you find the music suit for your taste despite hearing it for the first time. You shuffled on your bed, uneasy with the throbbing sensation of your cranium being drilled in the process. You sat down on your spot and were greeted by a glass of water and aspirin purposely located on a nearby table to tend on your painful hangover. Your eyebrows creased in confusion as you roam your eyes around the unfamiliar black and white interior of the room. Eyes squinting, you placed the partially emptied glass on the table after drinking the medicine and still you’re in no better means of explaining as to why you’re feeling weird today. You give your head a slight massage and a few taps on your cheek as you gather your composure. You noticed that you slept on your black above the knee dress and must have forgotten to switch into your pajamas last night, which explains you still have your coat intact when you went home but it is missing already by the time you woke up. Where could it be? You shuffled at the edge of the bed and slumped on the ground looking for your stilettos when you came across the sight of a shoe cabinet filled with converse sneakers aligned in pairs as well as an open dresser filled with different varieties of hoodies and men clothing that are too foreign to be included in your own cabinet.

 “Shit!" reality hit you like a thunderbolt in a desert void of air, cutting all possible passageways for blood to flow freely on your circulation as if you became anemic at one point in your life. The lucid interval took effect when sobriety woke your being upon hearing the sound of someone using the shower and the smell of fresh shave accumulating on the slightly opened bathroom door. You gulped as you start to look for your sanity being thrown away on the windowsill and you're mentally preparing to jump outside as well because you still have no clue on how you ended up in a different room. What have you done for Good lord's sake?

 ----

 You glanced on your phone whilst taking your 3rd cup of coffee for the day. 10 minutes before 5pm, you read as it flashed on your screen. You haven't eaten any decent meal ever since you left the stranger's room in a hurry this morning. Fearing that you'll be seen by the guy in the shower, you escaped in the flash of a lightning. To make your day even worse, you cannot find your stilettos underneath his bed and you even grabbed the wrong coat on your way out. Worry haunted you like a madman after discovering that you accidentally went to room 1207 across your unit 1212. You're mentally skinning yourself alive by breaking into the lion's den without even knowing whom did you spend the night with. Your best friend sent you tons of messages asking for specific details because you’ve been sending her cryptic texts about your situation. You weren’t thinking straight and the bile in your stomach is rising up like it’s about to explode any minute now. But you can’t escape your work with your current dilemma that’s why you need to stay sane until you meet with Eunhee tonight.

 "Ms. Y/n, thank you for submitting the report on time even on a holiday. I know it must be troublesome for you to go here while you're in the middle of your Christmas spirit but we’d like to fully adhere to our schedule on time before new year. Mr. Raymond is an important client, so we need to make sure that we're being transparent at all costs.” After a meaty discussion with your senior, you gladly took a breather when your meeting adjourned. You’re an accountant and being part of an accounting firm surely entails hours and hours of long work leaving you with no time at all for yourself. It’s a busy season as usual but you won’t miss out the holidays for your busy roll. You’d like to check your schedule on your planner but to no avail, you misplaced it last night. Since you’re carrying it wherever you go, you’re 101% sure that you left it on the unit across your place along with your other stuff. You haven’t had the opportunity to claim your things this morning due to the embarrassment crisis that is weighing down on your shoulder. Your current work engagement with this particular client is a big deal for you, so you chose to save your ass from being reprimanded by your boss and being late to work. Maybe your best friend can think clearly than your wasted self. ‘Just kill me already’ is all you can tell your poor being. You heard your phone rang all of a sudden and Eunhee’s name flashed on the screen.

 “Girl, where the hell are you?” You must be zoning out. You reached the brink of your anxiety when the clock’s hand struck to eight, wondering how come 3 hrs has already passed with you just sitting on your cubicle.

 “Eunhee, I’ve been through a tough day and I don’t know how to explain my current situation but I’ll be there in a second I promise.” And the Amazing Race Christmas edition has begun. Dressed on your black turtleneck blouse tucked in your skinny jeans, you complete your party outfit with a stylish beanie to match with your caramel trench coat so as not to look underprepared for the occasion. You then rushed through the nearest macaron store to grab your order and have decided that you just finish doing your makeup inside the uber to maximize your time. Geez, it’s freezing cold outside and the streets are filled with lovebirds which only made your stomach turn into a sour milk. You’re famished by the time you arrived at the address Eunhee sent you and you were welcomed with her bright smile and her expression demanding for an explanation.

 “I know that look on your eyes Eunhee but feed me first before I prepare for my death bed.” You hugged her so tight like your world depended on her. She dragged you inside the house which you believe to be Jackson’s place. You didn’t think of Jackson as some kind of a party jock but sure this guy knows how to throw a proper party for a group. His house is warm and inviting, you gotta commend his taste for classical music filling the air but he’s nowhere to be found. You’re slowly getting into the holiday mood, with a few acquaintances that you meet along the hallways and a feast filled with nothing but sweet treats, you began to think if you went to a gingerbread house instead of an adult’s party.

 “Before everything else, where are the drinks?” You need a booze so you can open up easily to Eunhee but she ordered you to pick a paper inside the bowl in return.

“Calm down, Jackson’s little cousins from the US are coming as well so you won’t be expecting to see liquor at this early hour. We serve the kiddie treats first and we move on to a full-grown up party in the midnight but you gotta choose your secret Santa first.” You gave her an inquisitive look and wonder what secret Santa is she talking about? You picked a random green paper.

 “Wait, what’s with the secret Santa thing?”

“Everyone is required to bring a gift for someone else”

“I wasn’t informed? You didn’t tell me!” Maybe today’s series of panic attacks aren’t enough for your breakdown but here’s the cherry to the cake.

 “Oh my god, Y/n.” Eunhee gasped in shock just in time when Jackson entered the living room in his bright holiday spirit.

“Hey Y/n. Looking good tonight, huh? You like my place?” He went over to Eunhee and gave her a quick kiss on her cheek.

“My first time going to your place feels like home, Jackson.” You smiled at him and you could tell he came with a company.

“That’s nice to hear. But girls, I want you to meet my cousin from LA, Mark.”

[shefanispeculator]

Dec 22, 2015 1:11 PM

It looks like things really are getting more serious for our favorite new couple, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton!

Just a day after the No Doubt singer shared an adorable kissing GIF with her man, E! News learned the country crooner took her to visit his hometown in Tishomingo, Okla., ahead of the holidays, bringing their always-adorable PDA along with them.

The two grabbed a bite to eat at Gonzalez restaurant on Monday night where an insider tells us they donned matching camo outfits and were joined by some of Blake's friends, asking for a private table in the corner of the restaurant .

"They sat next to each other at the table and were very affectionate. They kept caressing each other," the source explained.

He is well known in the town and everyone recognized him immediately," the insider also noted, adding that the two of them were "very humble" and even took photos with a few of the patrons and some of the employees.

Speaking of, one woman from the town, Tiara Blue, took to Facebook to dish on her experience seeing The Voice coaches at the restaurant.

"A couple of hours ago, the people inside a certain Mexican food eatery in the lovely small town of Tishomingo, Okla., were a little - shall I say - star struck," she began the post, explaining how her husband held the door open for the couple before she realized who they were.

"I'm always telling people that I think the celebrities in Tishomingo (Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins) are like mythical creatures," she write, "I've heard plenty of stories of their existence, but have yet to meet one."

However, that all changed for Tiara on Tuesday night.  She went on to explain how she watched from a distance as her sister, Starlet, marched right up to Gwen and Blake and introduced herself. When Star returned, she couldn't help but gush about the gorgeous couple.

"Starlet said Gwen is stunning with the straightest teeth she has seen," Tiara added. "Starlet also marveled that both Blake and Gwen look in person exactly as they do on TV, and she said Blake Shelton's eyes are a brilliant, gorgeous blue."

She concluded the post, "Ten years from now, I can tell my kids how I saw two celebrities without actually seeing them. Then their daddy and Aunt Starlet can fill in all the parts I missed."

Instagram Tiara Blue

about 5 years ago

I have waited a full two hours to post this because I wanted to make sure Mr. Blake Shelton and Ms. Gwen Stefani were able to finish their meal before I posted their whereabouts. But a couple of hours ago, the people inside a certain Mexican food eatery in the lovely small town of Tishomingo, Okla., were a little - shall I say - star struck.

My husband Chris held open the door for Ms. Stefani, not recognizing her at first, because she was wearing minimal makeup and a camouflage hoodie, and Blake, whom he did recognize. Chris said, “How you doing, Blake?” And Blake gave him a nod as he stepped through the door and said, “I’m good."

Of course, I was completely oblivious with a two-year-old on my hip and a four-year-old jumping around me. I'm always telling people that I think the celebrities in Tishomingo (Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins) are like mythical creatures. I've heard plenty of stories of their existence, but have yet to meet one.

As we stepped outside toward our car, Chris said, “Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are inside there right now.” And I laughed dryly and said, “Yeah, right.”

Then Laura and Wade Wood came outside and confirmed it. Without hesitating a beat, I handed Dawson to Chris and said, “I’ve got to go to the bathroom!”

I strolled inside and not so nonchalantly peeked around the center divide, making eye contact with a waitress who was grinning ear to ear and who gave me the thumbs up.

I looked at the corner table closest to the kitchen and squinted. Wouldn’t you know it? Today is the one day I decided to wear my glasses, the ones with a two-year-old prescription. (My allergies were flaring up earlier.) I could make out the figures of a very tall, slim man with graying dark hair and a woman with blond hair. But their faces were completely blurry, like kaleidoscope blurry. I shrugged and chalked it up to my luck.

Sure, I wanted to see them, but I was reticent about approaching because I didn’t want to disturb their meal.

My sister, Starlet, however, didn't miss a beat. She marched right up to Blake Shelton and said, “Blake, I’m sorry to bother you, but everyone in my family has met you but me.” She held out a hand, and he gave her a hearty handshake and a smile. He asked her name. She told him, “Starlet.” He said, “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Starlet.” Star told him how much she enjoyed his music, then she paused a moment when she glanced at the woman sitting beside him. Starlet said, “Is that Gwen?”

Blake said, “Yes, but how’d you recognize her? She’s wearing camouflage.” (This was funny because Gwen Stefani was ACTUALLY wearing camouflage!!! A camouflage jacket with pink drawstrings, to be specific.)

Gwen lifted her head up and smiled at Starlet. I couldn’t distinguish her features (remember, blurry vision), so I can’t verify how she looks, but Starlet said Gwen is stunning with the straightest teeth she has seen. Starlet also marveled that both Blake and Gwen look in person exactly as they do on TV, and she said Blake Shelton’s eyes are a brilliant, gorgeous blue. I’ll just have to take her word for it.

Ten years from now, I can tell my kids how I saw two celebrities without actually seeing them. Then their daddy and Aunt Starlet can fill in all the parts I missed. ;) I still think it's a great story!

Meanwhile, a third source tells E! News that Gwen will return to California to spend Christmas with her children. Though it's still unclear whether Blake will join her, he totally understands her priorities.

In fact, an insider told us on Monday, "Blake is extremely supportive of Gwen and her kids' transition. Blake is really great with kids and loves being around children. He has a lot of patience."

Aww! Well, we can't wait to hear how they all ring in the holidays!

[something-tofightfor]

Triple D: Delos Does Disney (Part 4)

Pairing: Logan Delos x Reader

Word Count: 6875

Rating: N S F W 

Author’s Note: Thanks for reading and all of the feedback... this part of your life with Logan is coming to a close. I love giving him a happy life, and I have no plans to stop that any time soon. 

Summary: As the day winds down, Logan’s got a few more surprises in store... and so do you. 

Tag list: (Please let me know if you wanna be added, removed, or moved to a different category!)

General:

@the-blind-assassin-12 @its-my-little-dumpster-fire @obscurilicious @sweetybuzz25 @suchatinyinfinity @lexxierave @gollyderek @poindexted @ificouldhelpyouforget @elanor-of-imladris @thesandbeneathmytoes @luminex3 @geeksareunique @weallhaveadestiny @mfackenthal @thesumofmychoices @yannii04 @beautiful-thinking @drinix @blah-blah-fuckit-shit  @dreams-with-thoughts  @wangmangagavroche @agentlingerie

Logan Delos:

@nananananananananananabatman @damalseer @chibiyanai @life-is-a-melody @songtoyou

@madamrogers @ethereal-heavcns @editboutique @marauderskeeper @ilkaeliseb @delicatelilyflower @king4thesirens @ymariejp @mr-robot-x @rageshots @littlemermaidprobz @introvertedlibrary @writing-for-a-chance @yesixoxo @ilikebeachessushiandsmallanimals @likeorions @swiftyhowlz @dylanobrusso @malik-payne @lynne1993 @traeumerinwitzhelden @ladyblablabla @dreamwritesimagines @audreychaz @tc-elliot @kind-wolf @honeyydippaa @binbonsadoration @ificouldhelpyouforget @ms-delos @jeanettexkillian @avengerswhore @elioelioeli0 @projectcampbell @giggleberts @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes

There had been short lines for Indiana Jones and the Jungle Cruise, meaning that by the time you finished with those, you had to make a choice: Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. “We’d have to walk all the way back almost to Galaxy’s Edge to get on Splash Mountain,” Logan said, leaning back against a fence. “And you just checked the app, the wait is almost 40 minutes, so we wouldn’t -” 

“You just don’t want to get wet, Logan.” You sighed, rubbing a hand over your face. “Splash Mountain is…”

“No, you’re right, I don’t.” Logan shrugged, scratching his beard. “It’s dark and I’m already cold, and then we’d have to stand around in wet clothes while we watched fireworks.” He pushed off of the fence, hand reaching for yours. “Plus, we’ll be in the Bahamas for weeks.” He leaned down, kissing you on the corner of your mouth, lips lingering. “There are a ton of waterslides there, we can get as wet as we want and we won’t be cold.” No, but… You closed your eyes. He’s right. You were a little cold too, but would never admit it to Logan, because he’d never let you live it down. Thunder Mountain it is. 

“Let’s just go on Thunder Mountain, Logan. It’s right here, and then we can meet them … where, again?” He slipped his fingers between yours, squeezing. 

“On Main Street, they’re going to save a spot for us by the corn dog stand, that way we can go on that Buzz Lightyear thing before we leave, it’s Em’s favorite.” Another ride? But you nodded, letting Logan lead you up and into the line for the last roller coaster in the park. The line moved quickly, and you’d ridden and were off before 8:15, giving you just enough time to stop in the bathroom before heading back toward Main Street, following the crowd. You saw women eyeing Logan, paying no attention to the men that they were with, but you ignored it, leaning into your husband’s shoulder as you walked. They don’t matter. “There they are.” Logan raised his left hand, ring catching some of the twinkling lights from the lampposts as he pointed. “Plenty of space.” As you met the other three, Emily launched herself at Logan, who crouched down to her level, listening intently as she recapped the past few hours of her day. With him distracted, you looked at Mark, who nodded and used one hand to lift the strap of his backpack, indicating that he’d picked up what you asked him for. Perfect. “Hungry?” Logan’s voice interrupted your thoughts and you nodded at him, eyes moving to the line of people waiting at the cart, which was shorter than you’d thought it would be. “Be right back.” 

He stepped into line and while you kept an eye on him, you spoke to Mark. “We’re doing Christmas when we get back, that way we don’t have to take anything with us or worry about getting it home… so if you want to drop that off at our place sometime, that’d be great.” Juliet laughed, her hand on Emily’s head. 

“If you think my brother’s not going to give you a gift on Christmas…” You rolled your eyes, but smiled too. 

“I know, believe me. I’m taking something for him, because I know he will for me, but…”

“We’ll get it there, I promise.” Mark pressed his lips together. “I had to get one for myself, too.” I figured. The three of you were laughing, Emily sitting on the ground and watching as the people walked by when Logan returned with your food ten minutes later, handing you the basket and your drink. 

“Thanks, Lo.” He picked up his corn dog, holding it out to you and you responded by tapping yours against the fullest part of his, one eyebrow raised. “Cheers.” Without worrying about the condiments, you took a large bite, closing your eyes. I didn’t even realize how hungry I still was. Finishing your food without speaking, you took Logan’s trash and quickly stepped to a garbage can, hurrying back with only minutes to spare. “Can we see everything here?” You questioned him, leaning back against Logan’s chest as he wrapped his arms around you, turning you so that you were facing the castle, which was illuminated in thousands of white and blue lights. 

“We wouldn’t be standin’ here if we couldn’t.” He whispered the words into your ear, kissing your cheek. “Promise.” You didn’t want to check the time, instead focusing on Juliet as she told Emily to stand, Mark as he reached down, taking Emily’s hand in one of his as she stood in front of her parents, his other arm going around Juliet’s shoulders. The three of them took a step or two away from you, Juliet looking over her shoulder and winking, Logan nodding once. Thanks, Jules. While you’d wanted to spend time with the three of them, and Emily wanted you and Logan to be there, there was a clear separation between families for arguably the most meaningful part of the night. “Here we go.” The lights dimmed and the music began playing, Logan’s arms tightening around you as he hummed along with the music. 

You knew Logan could sing, he reminded you every so often in the car when you were listening to the radio, or when he was working out, headphones in. But you weren’t expecting to hear him sing Christmas carols quietly into your ear in time with a fireworks display in a crowd of thousands, and even though you were enraptured by the lights and music from the park, it was your husband’s voice that made your knees weak, puffs of air hitting your cheek as he sang along, swaying back and forth slightly. “Logan…” You whispered his name but he didn’t stop, one of the hands at your waist sneaking beneath your hoodie, fingers flat against your stomach and spread out, pulling you even closer to him. The castle went dark as the music stopped, and you turned your face toward Logan, the words dying on your lips as he kissed you quickly, your own hands covering his. Oh. 

“I love you, Mrs. Delos.” He spoke quietly but you heard in his voice that he meant every word as much that time as he had the first he’d said it. You repeated the same back to him, and then the castle was illuminated again in shades of white and blue as White Christmas began playing, Logan’s voice low in your ear again. But even that was drowned out by the excited reactions of the people around you as it started to snow, the flakes falling quickly from the sky. You grinned, turning your face upward and laughing. “It’s soap.” Logan reminded you, squeezing your body once more before dropping his hands and turning you slowly in the dark, his hand reaching up to tuck your hair behind your ear. I love you so much, Logan. 

You rested a hand on his chest, staring into Logan’s eyes as the ‘snow’ fell around you and the music continued, people ‘ooh’-ing and ‘aah’-ing loudly, but you only saw Logan, the flakes resting in his dark hair and on his shoulders, swirling around his head. “Logan, I -” He shook his head, leaning in and dropping the hand on your face to the side of your neck. 

“Just shut up and kiss me, alright?” You nodded, closing your eyes as your lips met your husband’s, fingers curling into the material of his shirt. The finale of the fireworks boomed behind you, but you ignored it, instead focused on Logan in front of you, his free arm circling your body. 

“Alright, you two, that’s enough.” You hadn’t even realized that the show had ended and the lights were back on, but Juliet’s voice interrupted the kiss, Logan grinning against your mouth for a few more seconds before he pulled away. “You guys didn’t even see the end, and that was the best part.”

“Didn’t need to,” Logan said as he casually draped an arm around your shoulders, clearing his throat and looking down at Emily. “We saw the snow, right? And that’s better than the fireworks.” Emily nodded vigorously, the snowflakes still collected in her hair, and Logan glanced back at his sister. “See, Jules? Even Em agrees.” Mark laughed, shaking his head and within a few minutes, the five of you were walking toward Tomorrowland again, Emily leading the way. “One hour.” Logan whispered in your ear as you stepped through the doorway and into the darkened hallway line. “One hour and we’ll be in bed, and…” Logan groaned quietly and you closed your eyes. Not soon enough. 

Though the ride - glorified laser tag - was fun, and a good way to be competitive, you were tired of the park, tired of being on your feet, and tired of keeping your hands to yourself. I’ve got an idea. “Logan.” You turned to him, eyeing the line. “I bet I get a higher score than you.” Logan rolled his eyes before answering, head shaking back and forth. 

“I’ve been coming here for years, there’s no way that you get a higher score than me.” We’ll see about that. Emily, Mark and Juliet slid into one of the cars and you and Logan followed into the next, settling into the seat and waiting for the lap bar to drop. As you left the loading area, you turned to Logan, reaching for the gun attached to the front of the vehicle. 

“Alright.” You grinned, holding the blaster up. “High score wins.” He nodded at you, a serious look in his eye as he reached for his own gun, leaning forward to rest an elbow on the top of the car. “Lo?” He glanced over, lips pressed together. “Good luck.” You’re gonna need it. As the car entered the darkness of the ride and the sound effects started, you used your left hand to point the gun, firing haphazardly into the darkness while you reached for Logan with the right, fingers tugging on the zipper of his jeans. 

“Shit!” He jumped, hand tightening on the handle of the gun, head whipping toward you. “What are you…?” You shook your head, looking away and firing off a few shots, fingers pushing the denim of his jeans to the side before making contact with the material beneath them. 

“Logan, keep firing.” You glanced back over at him, pleased to see his mouth hanging open slightly. “Wouldn’t want to lose, would you?” He shifted closer to you without speaking, and you continued the game you were playing, one hand shooting for the targets and the other on your husband, who grew hard beneath your touch, his breathing changing quickly and becoming more rapid. After a minute, you took a breath, turning your head and aiming the gun to the opposite side of the car, giving you an excuse to look at Logan, whose jaw was set, eyes wide. 

“You’re terrible,” he growled, nose wrinkling, but you nodded, winking. Your fingertips found the opening in his boxer briefs, glancing off of his skin and Logan hissed loudly, head dropping forward. Anyone looking would have thought it was in defeat, but you knew that he was simply looking down and following the movement of your hand. “But I love every fucking second of it.” Of course you do. You kept shooting with one hand and stroking him with the other, knowing that there was nowhere near enough time to get Logan worked up enough for him to finish, but that you could get him going. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you watched as Logan leaned his head back, the gun aimed with his right hand, his left on his lap, fingers pressed against yours. What are you doing, Delos? He guided your hand in the dark, applying more pressure, and you heard him say your name under his breath, the end of it turning into another groan as he twitched beneath your hand. There’s no way. But even as the ride continued, slowly twisting you past the mechanical figures, you realized that you might have miscalculated, not taking into account Logan’s penchant for PDA and how aroused he got when you touched him. I’ve been teasing him all day, I should stop. 

Luckily for both of you, you watched as the room grew brighter, signaling the end of the ride. Quickly, Logan pushed your hand away from his lap, squeezing your fingers before letting them go to pull his zipper back up, adjusting himself through his pants while he sat up straight, breath escaping through his nose as he bit down on his lower lip. “Logan.” You watched him out of the corner of your eye as he shook his head, swallowing hard. As the ride pulled into the station and the bar went up, you slid out of the car, Logan following closely. 

“Stay in front of me.” His voice was strained and you nodded as you followed Emily and her parents down the hallway to the TV monitors where you could pull up your picture. Oh, shit, I forgot about… As you and Logan stopped walking, Emily quickly jabbed at the screen and you heard him swear under his breath. Oh, I hope it’s as blurry as it usually is. “Em, we don’t need ours, just get yours.” Logan cleared his throat. “It’s -”

“There you are!” The girl’s voice drew your attention to the screen above her head, where your picture was displayed. “You and Uncle Logan aren’t even paying attention.” Your eyes widened, Logan hissed and Juliet forced a laugh into a cough as everyone’s eyes focused on the screen, on which a slightly blurry image showed you and Logan holding your blasters - Logan’s was pointed downward, yours was angled toward his side of the car, but it was the position of your bodies that told the whole story. “What’s your email, Uncle Logan?” You tried not to laugh as Logan recited the address to his niece, eyes still on the picture on the screen. His head was tilted down, and you were looking at Logan’s lap, too, leaning forward, your hands hidden by the front of the car. Whoops. You glanced up at Juliet again, the woman’s eyes bright with a mixture of shock and amusement. So sorry, Juliet. 

“Thank you, Emily.” Logan cleared his throat, shaking his head and stepping next to you. One glance downward told you that things were back under control, and this was confirmed as Logan pulled you close, kissing the side of your head. “You’re the fucking worst.” But he wasn’t mad, and though your face was bright red, you glanced up at Mark, who was grinning. At least they understand. Within a few minutes - both images sent - the group of you were walking back toward Main Street, which was crowded with people, most of them headed toward the exits. “Wait a second. Stop.” Logan tugged on your arm, fingers closing around your elbow. “Look.” He raised his arm and pointed at one of the vendors, who was holding a large bunch of balloons - most of which were brightly lit, the interior Mickey-shaped portion in red, white or green. “Didn’t you say that you wanted a picture holding them?” 

“Logan, I said that like two years ago, when we were -”

“Yeah, I know. It was before we lived together.” He raised an eyebrow. “Well? What are you waiting for?” You shook your head, pressing your lips together. 

“Logan, it’s silly, it’s just -” But he cocked his head to the side, waiting, until you finally gave in and started walking toward the vendor. You waited in line, Emily joining you at Logan’s insistence and when you made it to the front of the line, you smiled. “I was just hoping I could get a picture with the…” The vendor smiled back at you, motioning for you to wrap your hand around the ribbons attached to the balloons before she slid her hand further down, giving herself room to back out of the picture. 

“Wait, she can’t hold them?” Logan questioned the vendor, who shook her head, explaining that she had to keep ahold of them just in case. “Then I’ll buy ‘em.” Logan shrugged, reaching for his back pocket. “All of them.” What? 

“Logan, that’s not… no way, we don’t need fifty....” But he was already handing the woman his credit card while she counted the individual strings, giving him a total, the amount not even phasing him. As soon as the transaction had been completed, the woman let go of the strings and you took possession of the balloons, Logan stepping back and raising his phone as you posed, the smile on your face giant. Even after a full year of marriage - three years of being with Logan, he was still finding ways to surprise you, ways to make the things you didn’t vocalize happen. You weren’t used to having his endlessly disposable income, and knew you never would be… but Logan, even when he spoiled you, didn’t make it a huge deal. It was just another thing to him, something that he wanted to and could do, so he did it. Oh, Lo. Your picture taken, you handed the bunch of balloons to Emily, letting her parents take a few shots of her before she handed the balloons back to you. “Ok, Logan, what do we…” You took a deep breath, making your decision and separating two of the balloons from the bunch and handing the strings to Emily. “One for me, one for you.” She nodded, stepping back toward her parents while you turned back to Logan. 

“Alright, what are you going to…” He paused, seeing the look on your face and lowered his head, grinning. “That’s fine.” With a grin of your own, you turned back to the employee, holding the bunch of balloons out to her. Merry Christmas. 

“Here.” She looked confused, frowning. “Give them away.” The young woman’s jaw dropping, she reached back for the ribbons, holding them tightly in her fist. “Hand them out ‘til they’re gone.” With a nod, you turned away from the woman, reaching for Logan’s hand. “Alright, Lo. Let’s go.” The smell of gingerbread followed you out of the park, the five of you separating on the plaza while you and Logan waited for your hotel shuttle and the other three walked toward theirs, the balloons bobbing above Emily’s head as they got further away. “You ready to get back, Logan?” His arm was around your shoulders, both of yours wrapped around his midsection as you waited for your ride with a small group of people. “It’s been a long day.” 

“It has,” he agreed, inhaling deeply. “And you’ve been teasing me all day.” Though his tone was conversational, you caught the longing in it, the promise. “It’s time to repay the favor.” As the shuttle pulled up, you felt yourself shiver - but it wasn’t from the cold. I’m gonna hold you to that, Logan. 

--- 

The ride back to the hotel seemed even longer than the one to the park, you again sitting on Logan’s lap, his chin tucked back against your shoulder. He took a picture of the two of you in that pose, his eyes as dark as you’d ever seen them in the artificial lighting of the shuttle but both of you looking as happy as possible. He’d posted it to his account within minutes of taking it, his fingers flying over the keyboard on his phone and he watched over your shoulder, a laugh leaving your mouth as you read the caption - The first night of Christmas: Disney with Mrs. Delos - and felt him tighten his arms around you. 

You barely registered the walk through the hotel lobby and the elevator ride up to your room, but you were acutely aware of Logan’s hand flat on your back beneath your hoodie, the way he pushed you forward, urging you back to the room as quickly as possible. He had his key in the slot before you could even reach for yours, the door opening inward as you re-entered the room you’d left so many hours before, you kicking your shoes off. “Clothes off,” he whispered as his lips latched onto your neck from behind, the quiet click of the door loud in the otherwise silent room. “Now.” He dropped his hands from your body as you turned to face him, reaching for the hem of your top. “Wait.” Logan reached up, hand reaching for the headband you still wore, pulling it off of your head and tossing it - along with his - onto the chaise against the wall. “Alright. Go ahead.” He winked at you as you pulled your hoodie over your head, dropping it to the floor and stepping back toward Logan, who watched silently. 

You ran your hands up his stomach and to his chest, leaning in and kissing your husband’s jaw as he placed his hands on your shoulders, long fingers slipping beneath the straps of your bra. “I’m sorry that I teased you all day, Logan.” You grazed your teeth against his beard, fingers working to undo the buttons of his thermal shirt. 

“No, you’re not.” He was speaking quietly, hands moving the straps slowly and deliberately down your arms. “And I’m not, either.” You’re not? “You know me so well, know what buttons to push, what…” He dipped his head down, kissing the top of your shoulder. “What to say to get me goin’.” His lips moved toward your neck, hands dropping from your arms to your waist, your palms flat on his chest. “All I wanted all goddamn day was you, and not bein’ able to act on that?” He groaned, biting down on your skin, which caused you to gasp quietly. “Made me want you more.” His hands tightened on your waist and Logan pulled you closer to him, falling silent. 

You turned your head to look up at him, raising one hand to run your fingers through his hair and felt yourself smiling. The urgency was there - you felt it, coursing through your veins, but it was no different than any other day with Logan - you always wanted him, always needed him, and couldn’t imagine ever feeling any different. “You’ve got me, Lo. What now?” He sniffed, running his tongue over his lower lip and sliding one hand up your bare back, fingers catching on the closures of your bra. 

“First, I’m gonna help you take this off,” he said before swallowing. “Then I’m gonna step back from you so that I can take -” You rose onto your tiptoes, kissing him hard on the mouth and pulling on his hair. Shut up, Logan. He undid the fastenings with one hand and you felt the material loosen against your chest, sliding down to expose your breasts, but he didn’t break the kiss. You sighed into Logan’s mouth, feeling his tongue moving against yours, fingers digging into your back and waist, just above the top of your jeans. “Little impatient, hmm?” Logan finally pulled away, taking a deep breath.  Yes. 

“I am, Lo. I just want…” He let go of you, reaching down to pull his own shirt off, the material dropping from his fingers to the floor. He stood in front of you wearing only his jeans and boots, and you shrugged out of your bra and then reached forward, undoing the button on his jeans, hooking your finger into the material and urging him forward. “You, Logan. Don’t make me…” You shook your head, hand moving up from his waist to his chest again, nails dragging over his skin. “Fuck, Logan.” He’s doing this on purpose. Standing up straight, you reached down, undoing the button on your own jeans and pushing them down your hips. “Need to take those pants off, Delos. Boots too.” Tearing your eyes away from him, you removed the rest of your clothing, standing in front of Logan as he did the same. 

You watched his long fingers untie the bootlaces, hands pulling them from his feet before he tossed them toward the wall, socks following quickly after. “Look at me.” It was a command, but you didn’t feel like he was forcing you, and you brought your eyes back up to Logan’s, waiting. You glanced down and watched as he removed his boxer briefs and jeans in one movement, pushing them down and then stepping out of them, kicking them away. “We’ve already broken in the bed.” He licked his lips, reaching for you and moving your hair over one shoulder, lowering his mouth to your skin. You felt his tongue tracing along your collarbone, hands moving down your arms and then against your ribs, thumbs stroking over the area beneath your bare breasts. “What’s next?” 

He kissed your jaw and you raised both arms, wrapping them around his neck and shoulders to keep him close, lips moving to his ear. “How ‘bout the dresser, Mr. Delos?” Logan groaned, nodding once and his hands dropped back down your body, gripping the backs of your thighs and lifting you. You tightened your hold on him as he stepped across the room, using one arm to support your weight while he swept things off of the top of the dresser beneath the TV. Heartbeat loud in your ears, you glanced down, watching two cups, a remote, a few cords and some papers scatter to the floor before Logan set you down on the smooth, cool surface, hands balling into fists, knuckles on either side of your body as he leaned in, pressing his forehead to yours. 

“This works.” He swallowed, nodding. “This is…” Logan kissed you without warning, sucking your lower lip into his mouth and leaning even closer, pushing you backwards so that your shoulders were against the wall next to the flatscreen, though your knees were still bent over the front edge. “Spread your legs.” You did as he requested, Logan’s hands moving to your thighs, fingers pressing into the flesh. “All you, Mrs. Delos.” His lips brushed against yours and then so did his tongue, tracing the edge of your lower one. “All you.” You nodded twice, reaching forward with one hand and wrapping your fingers around him, squeezing as you sat up straight, scooting forward and hooking your legs around Logan’s thighs. “Fuck. That’s what I’ve been waitin’ for.” 

He was solid and hot in your hand, skin smooth against your palm and as you stroked him, you let out a low whine, appreciating every second of intimacy that you and Logan shared. The first time you’d been with him in the Bahamas, it had been fast and intense, neither of you knowing exactly what to expect. The second time - nearly two and a half months after you’d moved to Los Angeles, you’d taken things slower, Logan’s hands and mouth working over every inch of your body before he’d slid into you. But each time since had been a combination of the two, your bodies seeming to know what the other needed; even the night after finishing your bet in Logan’s dimly lit bedroom in the Delos mansion hadn’t been a frenzied as that first night, but as you ran your thumb over Logan’s tip, hearing him hiss out a breath, you were suddenly desperate for your husband - needing to feel him inside of you without any more delay. 

Protection wasn’t necessary - the tiny implant in your arm ensured that - and so you didn’t hesitate in guiding him to where he needed to be, raising your gaze to meet his, Logan’s pupils enlarged as he waited for your next move. You felt him against you and caught your lip between your teeth as you rolled your hips slightly, the muscles in your legs tightening as you pulled Logan closer and inched toward the edge of the dresser in the same movement. “Shit!” He slid into you smoothly despite the lack of foreplay, and as soon as that happened, you felt the mood in the room shift, control passing back to Logan as easily as he’d given it up to you in the first place. His hands slid up toward your body as he rocked his hips into you, fingers curling over your hipbones and then down, ensuring that your body was steady. “Need you to touch me,” he murmured, lips against your neck. “C’mon.” You nodded, uncrossing your legs from behind his and letting them drop, allowing Logan to widen his stance slightly, giving him more power behind his thrusts. 

As you brought your hands up to his back, you felt the bite of the edge of the dresser against the back of your legs, Logan’s thrusts becoming more controlled. “Logan.” You moaned his name out, your nails digging into his back as you tilted your head to the side, exposing your throat to him. He replied with yours in a tone that you rarely heard from him outside of the bedroom, breath warming the dampened skin beneath his lips as he worked his way back up to your face, sucking on the skin that he covered one moment and then biting down on it the next. By the time his mouth was on yours again, you were panting, chest rising and falling rapidly, lips parted. He took advantage of your condition, kissing you sloppily as you cried out, one hand gripping your hip tighter, the other letting go and moving to the back of your head, cradling the base of your skull in his long fingers. Jesus. 

“Touch me,” he whispered when he pulled away to breathe, his nose wrinkled and his lip curled up, teeth bared. “You couldn’t keep your hands offa me all day, and now -” You groaned, letting go of his back and moving your hands to the front of his body, pushing backwards on his shoulders to create space between you. “Fuck.” He was breathing hard too, the movement of his hips slower as he waited and watched you, eyes hooded. You nodded at him, rolling your neck as you licked your lips, fingers curled as they moved downward, faint red marks trailing behind them on his skin. 

“You want this, Lo?” He nodded, glancing down at your hands, at the place where your bodies connected. “Yeah, I know.” Hands still traveling down his chest, you dug in a little harder, leaning forward to kiss his sternum, the feeling of his chest hair different but not unwelcome against your lips, parting them to suck gently on his skin. He hissed again, and your hands reached his abdomen, Logan’s hand tightening on your head and the one on your hip letting go as he ran it back up your side, your entire body shivering beneath his fingertips. You felt how tense his muscles were beneath your fingers, the coarse hair beneath his navel rough against your hands as you looked up at him, lips still pressed against his skin. His head was tilted back, eyes closed, and while you could catch him off guard, you chose to - moving your mouth to one of his nipples and sucking it into your mouth before you bit down. 

He cried out, immediately looking down at you again, and as you felt his hips falter for the first time, you pulled your hands and mouth away from his body, leaning back on the dresser and bracing yourself, lips pressed together. Your turn now, Logan. You’re close, I can feel it. The changed angle allowed him to deepen his thrusts, and without worrying about your hands on his skin, you once again wrapped your legs around him, staring up at your husband. Logan’s left hand was pressed against your leg where it joined your body, thumb in the crease of skin, but his right, no longer tangled in your hair, was traveling slowly up your stomach, fingers flat and palm warm. He was entirely focused on his hand’s movement, eyes on his fingers as they approached the bottom of your breasts before diverting from the center of your body, pushing one breast up and allowing his thumb to swipe over the fullest part, lingering against the peaked nipple. Fuck, Logan. You closed your eyes at the contact, nodding your head and without thinking, removed one hand from the dresser, bringing it to the apex of your thighs. I need… I’m… “Stop.” Logan spoke one word and your hand froze just above your skin, eyes snapping back to his. “You don’t need to do that.” 

“Lo, I -” He let go of your chest, sliding his hand back down your stomach and shook his head, mouthing the word ‘no’ before he touched you, knuckles pushing against your skin as his thumb moved slowly against you, forcing your eyes closed. He knew what he was doing - Logan always did, applying pressure as you once again dropped your hand, gripping the edge of the dresser hard. “Logan, please, I -” You swallowed, opening your eyes again and looking up at him, unsure of what you wanted to say. “Logan, you -”

He pulled out of you almost completely at the same time as he sped up the movement of his finger - catching you off guard, and with one final, deep thrust, Logan gripped your hip tighter, sending you over the edge. You fought to keep your eyes open, body tensing and then relaxing, your weight shifting back onto your elbows as your muscles contracted around him, toes curling. You moaned loudly, eyes locked on Logan and you nodded twice, urging him on with the tightening of your legs, even though you were sensitive almost to the point of overstimulation. He continued moving his hips, dropping his right hand away from your body and covering your left with it, fingers falling between yours easily. You gripped his hand, his name leaving your lips as his hips met yours - over and over, and you forced yourself to sit partially up, reaching for him and pressing your hand against his chest. Come on, Lo. He opened his eyes to look at you, and you watched as he scanned your face, taking in your flushed skin and damp brow, the parting of your lips and the way you were looking at him, and that’s all it took - Logan’s nose wrinkled, his eyes closed and you felt warmth inside of you as he came, hips still moving - but much less fluidly. “Oh, shit.” 

His head drooping down toward his chest, Logan took a large breath, his grip on your hand relaxing, and your hand dropped from his chest as you sat up all the way, legs falling from Logan’s body to rest against the wooden dresser. “Hey, Lo.” You spoke quietly, bringing the hand that had been on his chest up to the side of his face, stroking his cheek with the back of one finger. “You alright?” He nodded, still looking down, and without speaking, he shifted his hips, pulling out of you with a low hum. “Let me get you a towel.” You leaned in, kissing him gently and he stepped to the side, allowing you to hop off of the dresser and head for the bathroom on still-unsteady legs. You wet a towel for him and then one for yourself, walking back into the bedroom and handing it to Logan, before you busied yourself, cleaning up your own skin and then turning around to wipe down the dresser, too. 

“Here.” You glanced over your shoulder at Logan, who was holding out his towel to you, a smile on his face. “I know you’re goin’ back in there.” Of course you do. Taking the damp cloth from his hand, you winked at him and then went back into the bathroom, taking your time getting ready for bed - using the bathroom, brushing your teeth, washing your face - and by the time you walked back out into the bedroom, Logan had stood up from the edge of the bed, boxer briefs pulled back on. “I’ll be right back, alright?” You nodded and Logan leaned down to kiss you on the mouth - taking his time, the fingers of one hand trailing up your spine - before he, too disappeared into the bathroom. 

You plugged both of your phones in to charge and pulled one of Logan’s t-shirts on to sleep in, not bothering with pants or underwear, and then crawled into bed, a satisfied smile on your face as you laid back against the pillows. Logan took much less time in the bathroom than you did, and after a quick detour to his overnight bag, he sat down next to you on the bed, reaching over with his left hand to take yours. What’s happening? “Logan?” He didn’t say anything, using his thumb to turn your engagement and wedding bands, and you sat up, suddenly worried. “Logan, what’s wrong?” 

“Nothing’s wrong.” He cleared his throat, shaking his head and looking at you, blinking. “I have something for you.” What? You cocked your head, noticing for  the first time that Logan was holding a small box in the hand that wasn’t holding yours. What’s… “Logan, what is that?” That looks like… He laughed, lifting the hand and holding the box up in front of your face. “Logan Delos…” 

“It’s not what you think, I promise. Take it.” You did, pulling your hand away from his so that you could open it. It is what I thought it was, what are you… “I was talking to Juliet last week.” Logan cleared his throat as you used two fingers to pull the silicone ring out of the box, the shiny bronzed color gleaming even in the low light. “She said you told her that you were… worried about spending three weeks at the beach with your other rings.” You groaned quietly. Why would she tell him that. “So… I bought you another ring.” You looked up at him, brow furrowed. “I get it, I really do. Those rings mean a lot to you, and I don’t want you to… spend the whole trip worrying about them, or looking for excuses to take them off so nothing happens to ‘em.” Logan held his hand out and you placed the new ring into it, finally looking up at your husband. “But I’m not going weeks without you wearin’ anything on your finger.” You bit back a laugh at the serious look on his face. “I married you three times, and I want you to have a ring, so… this is my solution.” 

“Logan, I would have worn them, I just…” He shook his head, reaching for your left hand and pulled all three rings off in one movement, leaning over and setting them on the bedside table. Your hand felt light without them - the missing weight a strange feeling - but as Logan slipped the new band onto your finger, you smiled. It’s perfect. “Logan, it…” You held your hand up in front of your face, feeling your smile grow. “That’s perfect.” 

“It’s not the same, but it works.” He nodded, smiling too, and you felt your heart thumping in your chest as you looked at Logan. He just wants people to know I’m his. “We’ll put the other ones in the safe when we get home tomorrow, this one too,” he said, taking your right hand in his and squeezing the ends of your fingers for emphasis. “But as soon as we get -”

“Logan, I don’t care what I have on my finger. I’m your wife, and that’s not going to change.” You grinned at him, reaching over and pulling your rings off of the table, putting them back on your finger along with the silicone one. “Besides, all these diamonds didn’t seem to deter anyone today, maybe something simple will do -” But you were cut off as Logan tackled you backwards, his weight settling on top of you as he buried his face in your neck, shaking his head back and forth, his fingers digging into your sides as he tickled you. You laughed out loud as you felt his beard scratching against your skin, both hands going into his hair and tugging, back arching off of the bed. “Logan, come on!” He laughed too, finally pulling away and looking down at you, a lazy smile on his face. 

“Nothin’ simple about the way I feel about you, and you know that.” Logan swallowed, the look in his eyes serious. “None of them matter.” You nodded, relaxing into the mattress as Logan leaned down, kissing you again. “None of ‘em ever mattered.” You lost yourself in the kiss, and when Logan finally pulled back, rolling off of you and reaching over to turn the light off, you sighed, turning onto your side and facing him. 

“Thank you for today, Logan.” He settled in next to you, his hand moving up to push the hair away from your face. “It was the best way to start this vacation.” Logan nodded, his eyes moving over your face. “I hope that you had fun, even though I’m not a Disney princess…” He groaned, shaking his head and rolling onto his back, one hand covering his eyes. One more time, Delos. “But I’m not done with you yet, Lo.” He peeked at you through his fingers and you winked at him again, moving so that you were straddling his hips, hands flat against his chest. “You did just give me another ring, and that’s enough reason to -” 

He groaned again and cut you off with a kiss, using both hands to pull you down and against him, but you felt him smiling against your lips, his hips lifting off of the bed to meet yours. Feels like you’re not too mad at me, Logan… 

---

[chimmychanga1225]

Homeless: Damijon (1)

———

"You're fucking kidding", Damian practically groaned as he reluctantly walked into the school he blatantly didn't attend. Who the fuck did this cop think he was? He gave an "are you serious stare" to the overly peppy cop who escorted him to the local public school. "How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not supposed to be here! I need to find my mother."

"Don't worry, kid. I get it. Your almost in high school, you want to show your street cred, skipping school and all. Believe me, I was the same. But this isn't how you get somewhere in life. This isn't how you become popular or make friends. Now if you want to become a schmuck, you're going down the right path." The cop's earnest bright blue eyes, reflected back Damian's incredulous stare at the man.

"What dumb 50's movie did you steal that shit monologue from?" The cop's face lit up brighter than a Christmas tree telling Damian he definitely hit a soft spot. "My, err, roommate likes the old stuff, what can I say," he said sheepishly.

Damian scanned the man's face, picking up in the subtle smile lines and freckles. However, the more closely Damian studied him the redder his face became making it even harder to notice the details. "What the hell are you doin, kid?"

Damian sighed, leaning away from the cop. Why did he care so much, anyway? "Nothing," he replied, "just wondering what kind a person would stay with your ugly mug."

"Jerk."

"Sorry, ugly and brainless mug."

"Look, little dude. Just go to school, okay?" The cop began to restlessly look at his watch giving Damian a chance to catch a glimpse at his name tag. He squinted barely managing to differentiate the black lettering from the dark silver backing. "Clayton," Damian muttered curiously looking up to the cop.

It took the other a minute to catch the drift. "No, it's Grayson. Holy shirt, kid, how bad is your eye sight?"

"Do I really need to answer a question starting off with holy shirt?" Damian took a step away from the conversation, giving him a second to breathe. He massages his temples trying to soothe the oncoming headache away. "Why am I even entertaining this? Let's just agree to disagree on the whole school thing, Grayson. You can't make me go to a school I don't attend."

"You haven't even seen the half of it."

———

"I don't go here, I'm not even from this area! I was just waiting around for my mother you idiotic fools. Put me the hell down, motherfucker." Dick laughed as he saw the pill sized version of aggression being forcibly taken to algebra. He turned to the school's elderly principle with his classic smile.

"Thanks again, Mr. Fraiser. I didn't want to trouble you but-", he began but was quickly interrupted by the hunched but muscled elderly man clapping his back. "Anything for a respected alumn like you, Mr. Grayson. Having you visit here in your free time and not to mention all of the demonstrations you give the kids is truly an honor and a privilege . I know middle school has probably the toughest years for dealing with kids but the way you manage them is amazing. They love you!"

"You flatter me, Mr. Fraiser. I'll come by later to see if the hellion has everything settled. Thank you so much!" Mr. Fraiser bid goodbye shortly after, and left for his office. Dick sighed before glancing down the hallway the said hellion was dragged through earlier with a slight frown. "He's been standing there for days. Did he really expect to be picked up at that rate," he muttered to himself.

He patted his pockets looking for the keys to his cruiser, still deep in thought. "Really hope I didn't just abduct someone."

———

"This shitty establishment is giving me a fucking headache. Where is she?" Damian cursed Talia in every language he knew, knowing the devilish woman had something planned. Suddenly his phone rang. After witnessing a child lose their phone to one of the overgrown fools, he knew he should discreetly take the call. After hiding the flip phone in his hoodie, he immediately went off.

"It better be fucking worth it Al Ghul. I've been wanting to stab my eyes out since the first shriek that came out of the bat called Ms. Tyler."

"Patience, son," Talia emphasized, "I'm on a trip, so I can't pick you up. Figure something out while I'm gone. Keep your phone on you."

"Whatever." With a raged filled, yet satisfactory snap, he finished the call. He pulled away from his phone, letting it slide down the back of his hoodie into his hand. "At least it's just for today."

———

As kids practically sprinted away from the building to their parents' car, Damian fell in with the crowd to hide himself, determined to avoid the police car sitting in the middle of the lane with its sirens running. He could clearly see the police man from earlier waiting patiently and calmly despite the loud wail resounding from the car. "Fucking psycho," Damian muttered.

He shuffled away easily blending into the environment. He didn't have time to play with the man child, Damian needed to find somewhere to crash temporarily. He worriedly glanced at his watch. With the amount of time he wasted in school today, he was already behind schedule. "I'm so screwed."

"Wish I could say the same." Damian would like to say he didn't scream like a chick when he heard the voice directly by his ear. He really wishes he could. He turned around, startled to see a slightly taller girl standing behind him. "You insane mother fucker, what do you think your doing?"

"The name is Barbara, twerp."

Damian could feel weirdo vibes coming off of her, but he didn't have the energy or time to waste in her. He kept walking. "Hey, where are you going!?"

"Just saying this now, cougars aren't my type lady."

"As opposed to the sexy policeman that’s waiting for you over there?”

“How perverted are you, dude? Lay off.” Damian tried to speed walk away from the Barbara careful not pick up his speed too to avoid catching Grayson’s attention. Unfortunately, Barbara has longer legs to start with and had no problem with the speed picking up a bit.

“Sorry, it was a weird way to start a conversation, but I’m bored, I’m going this way, and you’re here. Wanna be friends?”

“No. Now leave me alone.” Damian’s cold hearted reply only seemed to encourage Barbara to pry even more. “Come on Twerp, I know you want to be friends. Just say it. ‘Please Barbara, I’m truly alone and lost in this world of middle school and I just want one dear friend. Please, oh please be my bestie for life’. Just like that.”

Damian felt minutes away from punching the girl. He turned on his heel sharply to face the girl. “What will take for you to leave me alone!?”

“Haven’t you’ve been listening? Just be my friend, idiot.”

——— 1 year later———

Damian’s entire body seemed to shiver at a frequency previously unrecorded by scientists. His finger tips almost seemed blue. He reached for his phone once more, dialing the familiar number. “Barbara, you better hurry the fuck up.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry, but debate club held me up for a while. I swear I’ll drive you back. Just give me 5 minutes to get down there.”

“2 minutes and I’m gone.”

“Stupid twerp.” Damian snapped the phone shut and shoved his hands and phone back into his pocket, searching for any trace of the previous warmth he had. Just as the promised 2 minutes came to an end, a panting Barbara emerged from her high school’s steps, glaring at Damian. “I was on the fourth floor, you idiot. I had to sprint from the opposite end of school too. I could’ve died!”

“Save the complaining for later, Gordon. You owe me a dinner.”

———

“... and Kathy is just the cutest. She gets flustered over anything and everything and oh my God, please tell me that’s our food. I’m starving.”

“Wow, I never thought it was possible to talk fifteen minutes straight without breathing, but here you are proving me wrong again, Gordon.” Barbara rolled her eyes, but a playfully smiled remained on her lips. The waiter quickly and haphazardly placed down their food, before running to deliver the next table’s serving.

“The diner is the same as ever. Under staffed and messy.” Damian’s classic frown morphed into an even more disgusted expression as he noticed an old piece of chewed gum stuck to the window next to him.

“But you love it.” Barbara said before turning to her back pack, looking for something. “I put it here somew- ah”, Barbara exclaimed, a smile illuminating her face.

She carefully pulled out a bagged smushed cupcake which was staples to another plastic bag with a candle and lighter. She presented the baggies with a proud look. “Happy birthday!”

“Oh, you actually remembered that? I thought you were joking,” Damian said, actually a little shocked. The weeks following their first meeting, Barbara and Damian grew to actually be good friends, much to Damian’s surprise. At the rate he’s going, maybe he just attracts crazy people. When Barbara’s birthday finally swung around she got curious about Damian’s, who was just as clueless as her.

“Well, how could I forget the birthday I made up for my best friend?” Damian’s cheeks turned bright red, still not used to the endearment and care Barbara constantly sends out.

“I’m your best friend,” he asked shyly.

“Of course. And naturally I’m your’s Damian because, in all honesty, I doubt you talk to anyone else your age outside of me and Kate. You’re just too much of an awkward little twerp.”

“I could be friends with someone younger or older than me.”

“Damian if there’s anything you hate more than people your age, it’s people younger than you. And your first immediate reaction to someone older interacting with you is to insult them. Wow, now it’s my turn to be shook. How did I even deal with you!?”

“Shut up and light my birthday cupcake, Gordon.” Barbara let out another body quaking laugh, unable to take Damian’s outraged expressions. “Okay, you big baby. Give me a second.”

Barbara tried her best to take the cupcake out with care, but her back pack has already done its damage. Half the icing was lost to the baggie and her fingers and the candle snapped in half. Damian snickered as he watched Barbara struggle with the crappy Teen Titan’s lighter she bought from CVS. “Finally,” she exclaimed when the candle was lit.

“To keep this from getting awkward, I’m not gonna sing, but I still want to embarrass you, so SMILE!” Damian flinched away from the flash of her camera before shooting her a disgruntled frown. He never liked pictures that much, but even he couldn’t prevent a smile creeping on his face when he saw Barbara squealing over how cute the pictures are. “I can’t wait to show these to Kathy!” She said pulling off a chunk of cupcake.

“Show it to her and you die, Gordon,” Damian threatened. Barbara took another picture while giggling mischievously. “Sure,” she drawled. She put away the camera.

A short but comfortable silence settled in their usual booth at Red’s Diner. After eating a mix of the sugary cupcake and their evening pancakes, Barbara called for the bill. “I can’t believe it’s over already. I don’t want to leave you yet, Dami. Maybe we can have a sleepover!”

“I’ll pass, Barbie,” he said, in a mocking tone. Damian began to gather his stuff, to prepare to leave when he caught Barbara pouting on the opposite side of the booth. He sighed, knowing he would regret this. “I’m not saying okay to a sleepover, but we can hang out longer if you want.”

“Awesome! Let’s go,” Barbara practically yelled, slamming money on the table, and zooming past Damian. He figured that if he didn’t want to lose the crack filled five year old, he better quicken his pace. “Wait up!”

———

Damian cursed Barbara’s height for the fifth time tonight. He was still regrettably shorter than the girl meaning he was slower as well. “Jesus Christ Barbara, I told you to fuckin wait,” he wheezed, finally having caught up to Usain Bolt Jr.

“You’re just slow, Dami.”

“Whatever.” Barbara and Damian slowed to a walking pace comfortable for both of them, taking in the area’s surrounding. “Where do you want to go,” Damian asked. “We probably have maybe five more hours before I have to go.”

Barbara kept quiet, which was basically taking 180 degree turn, personality wise. “Barbara,” Damian called out, slightly more worried now.

“I think I’m gonna tell my dad, Damian. About me and Kate. I don’t want to keep sneaking around him.” Damian wasn’t necessarily surprised. He felt her reaching her limit for some time, but why now?

“Did something happen at school?”

“Just some jerks. Nothing big.”

“‘Kay. Let me know if you want them dead later, though.” Barbara laughed although Damian wasn’t really joking. “Kind gesture, but I don’t even care to give them the time of day. It’s not like they’re anyone important, but my dad... if anything I just want to get it off my chest.”

Damian gave a slight nod and hesitantly hugged his friend. “Good luck, Barbara.”

“Thanks, Damian.”

———

I promised it like months ago, so I’m not sure if anyone cares anymore but whatever. Here’s the Damijon fic. Hope you like it. I already wrote out part 2, so if it isn’t up by tomorrow, feel free to attack me. Happy new year! Wowza none of this was Damijon, but it’s gonna get there.

[aueyhaibara]

Our First Christmas As Mr _ Ms-Ct3 T Shirts, Hoodies, Long Sleeve

Our First Christmas As Mr _ Ms-Ct3 T Shirts, Hoodies, Long Sleeve

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Phan Cam: The Fright Before Christmas (Part 3)

>Shujin Academy. Social Studies class was in session.

They say that Black Friday starts the beginning of the Christmas Shopping Season. This causes a lot of people to wish that Christmas was back to the heartwarming values that made it special. Not even caring that that value never existed. That’s where the commercialism of Christmas came in. Does anyone here know the most well known commercialization of this holiday?

>Mr. Ushimaru looks around until he spots a hand in the air.

Mr. Ushimaru: You.

Rudolph.

Mr. Ushimaru: That’s correct, Amamiya! Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The story of a reindeer with a nose that glows in the dark and helps Santa Claus through a snow storm and saves Christmas. I’m actually quite surprised you knew that... But not as much as that you’re still here. Didn’t you transferred back to your old school?

Ren: ... This felt more natural.

Mr. Ushimaru: So you just came here to play? Well, play this!

>I feel a murderous intent.

Student 1: He dodged it!

Student 2: Guess he hasn’t lost his touch.

Student 3: I still think he’s some kind of ninja.

Mr. Ushimaru: (frustrated) Enough! Back to the lesson!

Ding! Ding! Ding! DING!

Announcement: Will the following students, please report to the faculty office. Yuuki Mishima, Futaba Sakura, and Ren Amamiya, even though he’s no longer a student here, but is here anyway.

Mr. Ushimaru: Alright, you heard her. Get going!

>Me and Mishima made it to the front of the faculty office where Futaba was waiting for us. I still couldn’t believe she was going here now.

Ren and Nishima have joined the party!

It’s Mishima, actually. Anyway, let’s head in.

>We went inside where we met with a familiar teacher.

(sighs) Am I really in the mood to ask why you’re back, Amamiya?

Ren: It just felt natural.

Becky (at her request): How did it come to this? Anyway, I just received a message for a Soul Taker.

Ren: I had Futaba change my name on the FBC registry. I know that the minimum age for entering is 12, but I feel a lot better if I entered with another name.

Becky: I see. Anyway, the message says it’s time to head for your physical examination. I don’t have to issue you a pass since you’re not a real student, but I’m issuing them to your two friends since I have a feeling that they had something to do with this.

Futaba: Are our other friends excused as well?

Becky: No. Then everyone would try to use this tournament as an excuse to get out of school.

Futaba: Fair enough.

(groans) The holidays cannot come sooner.

>After that, we were on our way back to Yongen. We let everyone now what was going on on our phones.

Hey! We’re on our way to Yongen for Joker’s... That is to say Soul Taker’s physical.

For real!? You got an excuse to leave school early!? Now I wish I signed up.

A little late for that now. The registrations are closed until next year.

Besides, even though you just became smart through Harry, you’re grades seem to be slipping.

How do you know about my grades?

Back on subject, good luck with your physical.

We’ll have our fingers crossed.

We’ll be cheering for Mako chan as well.

Are you coming too, Makoto senpai?

No, Sis insisted I go to an actual hospital. But I’ll see if I can meet you guys later at the hide out to discuss other matters.

Phantom Thieves business? Can I come this time? I hardly ever get to go to your meetings.

Alright, just behave yourself. And we’ll be discussing about “keeping secrets” later.

What!? It just slipped! Besides, that wouldn’t have happened if you actually studied. Just because you and Harry have a linked mind, doesn’t mean it will always bail you out.

Right. See you guys later.

>I was just about to put my phone down when I got another text.

I’m sorry I’m late in the chat. I take it you’re going to your physical?

That’s right. Will you be coming?

I’m in class right now. But I’ll see if I can meet you later at the hide out.

Great. I’ll really be looking forward to it.

Me too... I <3 u.

!?

What?

I’m learning to text short handed. Did I do it right?

(smiling)

You did beautifully... I <3 u 2.

>End chat.

>Takemi Medical Clinic in Yongen-Jaya. Inside, Joe, Setsuko, and Yuta were already waiting.

Ren: Been waiting long?

No. We just got here ourselves.

Futaba: And what about those two?

The medicine from the pharmacy just weren’t working for my grandpa.

We heard about this place from a neighbor of ours and thought we’d try here. Joe was already coming here for his physical, we decided to come with him.

Mishima: That’s good to hear. I heard this place has the best, even though it’s just a clinic.

??????: Oh stop it. You’re making me blush.

>We turn to see that Takemi came in from the exam room... She had someone with her.

I don’t know. I think getting some praise is nice now and again.

You maybe right. But there are limits to this.

Ren: I see you’ve hired a nurse.

Takemi: Not really. Sayoko chan came all the way from the boonies to volunteer.

Sayoko: I came here at the suggestion of a friend of Chie Satonaka. They should be here soon.

>Then, the elevator rings.

Sayoko: Speak of the devil.

>Then, five familiar faces came in.

Finally! I thought we’d never find this place! It like hidden in the middle of an alleyway.

I told you you should have asked directions, but no!

I’m sure it wasn’t Yosuke kun’s fault. He still uses a flip phone and those things haven’t worked in a long time.

Yosuke: I can get a smart phone if I want to! I just rather wait until someone gets me on for Christmas or even my birthday.

I’m sure you can get one. Maybe Big Bro can do it.

Yosuke: (blushing) Really? I guess if anyone can get me a smart phone for Christmas, it would be Yu.

It would make a good stocking stuffer. And I know you would really like it.

>Yosuke and Yu just stare at each other.

Oh kiss each other while we’re still young!

Yosuke: (snapping back to reality) R- Right. Sorry. This is about Chie. By the way, it’s good to see you guys again.

Joe: You know them?

Ren: We met last Christmas while we were visiting Hasetsu.

Yuta: Really? That means you met Victuuri (Victor Nikiforov and YuuriKatsuki).

Yu: We helped them with a show.

Nanako: It’s true. I even have pictures.

>Nanako shows us the pictures on her phone.

Yuta: Wow. Ice skating sure look neat. But not as great as boxing, though.

Takemi: Speaking of boxing and fighting, shall we get this examination underway?

>We nodded.

Good. Now, ladies first. Ms. Satonaka, please head to the exam room.

Yukiko: Good luck, Chie.

>Chie heads inside the exam room for her physical.

Futaba: So if you five are here, does that mean your other friends are here as well?

Yu: Yes. Rise is having her private class at the moment. Kanji and Naoto are insisting that they are not on a date, just two good friends visiting Meiji Shrine to pray for victory for Chie. And I left Teddie to be look after by some acquaintances until we get back.

Ren: Acquaintances?

Yu: Just some people I know. I would have asked my neighbors, but each has their own plans for the day. Especially our more favorite neighbors from down stairs.

Ren: How come?

Yu: ... Let’s just say, one of them might be a colleague of your Takemi’s.

>I think I know who he’s talking about... But we’ll get to that later.

Setsuko: ...

Yu: What is it?

Setsuko: This neighbor of yours. Did he have someone with him at the time? ... A man in a dark grey hoodie?

Yu: No... But he was with someone. Someone we all know.

Ren: Sho?

Yu: Yes.

...

...

>Setsuko was more down than us.

Joe: I’m sure Ryuichi will be fine. Just have faith.

Setsuko: ... I’ll try.

Yuta: Is Ryuichi in trouble?

Joe: No, Yuta, he’s just doing what a man has to do.

Yuta: What’s that?

Joe: ... Ask your grandpa when we get back.

>Yuta was starting to get a little worried. Nanako notices this.

Nanako: I’m sure your friend will be alright.

Yuta: He’s my stepfather actually.

Nanako: Then, I'm sure what he’s doing, he’s doing it because he cares about you a loves you.

Yuta: Are you sure?

Nanako: I know how you feel. My dad does a lot at his work that usually makes him come home real late. But he does it because he cares about others and me. I have faith in my dad and I love him. I’m sure it’s the same for you.

Yuta: ... You’re right. I’ll have more faith in him. I love Ryuichi and I trust him.

Nanako: That’s the spirit!

Setsuko: That girl sure is smart for her age.

Yu: That’s the power of Nanako. She has heart of pure light that can survive anything. And she really cares about others and know how they feel and will always try to make them happy.

Setsuko: That’s so sweet of her. Yuta, what do we say?

Yuta: Thank you, Nanako san.

Nanako: You’re welcome, Yuta kun.

Setsuko: Now I just wish I know why Ryuichi would do this.

>We explain everything that happened at the TV station.

Setsuko: The prize money? I guess that makes sense. Joe said he was going to use the money to pay for Yuta’s CIP treatment. I guess he thought Joe needed help doing it.

Ren: I guess he doesn’t know. If I win the prize money, I’m giving it to you for the treatment.

Setsuko: You would do that? Why, thank you.

Joe: I guess with the three of us fighting for the same thing, victory is for sure.

????: Make it four.

>We turned to see that Chie had finished her physical.

Chie: I want to fight for the money for this treatment too. I want to help as much as you guys do.

Yosuke: Guess that means that beef bowl feast you were talking about is history.

Chie: Shut up! It’s still on... I’ll just put it on your tab.

Yosuke: (defeated) Why am I not surprised?

Setsuko: Thank you all. I really appreciate this.

Takemi: I’m glad to see such spirit. Anyway, Ms. Satonaka is quite healthy. She can be in the tournament. Now, who’s next?

Ren: I guess I’ll go.

Takemi: Alright, this should be easy. Please head to the exam room.

>Inside the exam room, my physical was underway. They tested my muscle dexterity, my breathing, eye sight, weight, and much more.

Takemi: Hmm. It looks like everything okay. No surprise, I have been examining your body for almost a year. And from what you said, your diet seems to be average. Unlike the Satonaka girl who seems to eat nothing but meat.

Sayoko: Well, Inaba is quite famous for its beef skewers. Almost as much for its hot springs.

Takemi: Yes, I’ve heard.

Ren: So what’s the verdict?

Takemi: You’re clear to fight. Welcome to the Fight Before Christmas... Soul Taker.

Ren: Thank you.

Sayoko: Soul Taker?

Ren: My wrestling name. I got it while me and my friends were in New York. I’ll tell you more about it later.

Takemi: I’ll look forward to it.

>We excit back into the waiting room.

Takemi: Well Joe Akamine, you’re the last one up. Are you ready?

Joe: Ready as I’ll ever be.

Takemi: Very well. Please head to the exam room.

>With that, Joe follows Takemi into the exam room.

Chie: You know who I’m the most disappointed is not here?

Futaba: Who’s that?

Chie: The Master.

Mishima: The Master?

Yukiko: Oh, you mean Akihiko san.

Yuta: Akihiko Sanada?

Yu: Yes. Chie was hoping he would have his physical with her, but Mitsuru san, his friend and sponsor, insisted he go have his physical in a hospital.

Mishima: I wonder if he’s taking at the same hospital Makoto senpai is at.

Futaba: Would you like me to ask?

Mishima: Can you?

Futaba: I’ll try.

>Futaba takes out her phone.

Yo, Mikoto! Are you done with your physical?

Yes. I just finished up and they said I’m ready to go. I’m on my way to the hide out now. How was Ren’s?

They said I’m great. Anyway, there’s something we’d like to ask.

What is it?

Did Akihiko Sanada have his physical at the same hospital you were in? Chie and Nishima wanted to know.

Again, that’s not my name.

Yes. Which reminds me, he passed, too.

He did?

Yes. He and Mitsuru Kirijo said they if Ren passes his physical, they would love to meet with us at the opening party.

That’s good. I look forward to meeting them as well.

Good. I’ll see you at the hide out.

>End text.

Chie: (happy) Alright, he’s in!

Yosuke: I wander why he wanted to meet Ren and the others.

Yuta: Is it because you guys are the Pha-

>I quickly look at Yuta and begged him not to repeat what Shinya told him.

Yuta: That you guys are the Fantastic Fighters.

Setsuko: Fantastic Fighters?

Yuta: I just thought since we have a common goal, I should think of a good team name for us.

Yosuke: I don’t know. That name sound a little bland.

Mishima: Hey, Ren. What do you think we should be called?

>I take out my dairy. I got a new one after I gave the one Boss gave me at the start of my journey back.

>I thought about it and I finally come up with something.

Ren: How about...

YUTA?

Yuta: Me?

Ren: It’s short for Yuta’s Ultimate Team of Angels.

Yosuke: That’s sound a little extreme.

Yukiko: I think it sounds great. We’re doing for hopes and dreams of a very special family. So we might as well be angels.

Nanako: I like it.

Joe: (coming out of the exam room and heard us): Me too. I think it’s a great idea.

Setsuko: Why... Thank you everyone.

Yuta: Yes, thanks.

>We all smiled.

Takemi: Well, I’m happy to report that you’re all healthy and able. Welcome to the Fight Before Christmas. I’ve already sent the information to the organizers and they will be sending you notifications about the opening party. And here’s the medicine for your father. Good luck.

Setsuko: Thank you.

Sayoko: See you at the party.❤

>We left the clinic and went our separate ways.

Joe: Hey, you’re going back to Ikebukuro, right? Mind if I come with you. I just want to make sure Ryuichi’s alright.

Yu: Sure.

Joe: Setsuko, I’ll meet you guys back at the restaurant.

Setsuko: Okay. Be careful, Joe. I hear Ikebukuro isn’t as safe as it was... Especially at night.

Yu: You mean the Headless Rider. Don’t worry. She’s not the one you gotta worry about... It’s the guy in the bartender uniform you have to watch out for.

>So Setsuko and Yuta head home while Joe and the Investigation Team head to Ikebukuro.

>Ikebukuro City. Joe and the Investigation Team came here. As we arrived, we were met by the rest of the members.

Senpai! We’re over here!

So how did the physical go? Is Chie senpai in?

Chie: You bet!

Well done, Chie senpai!

Kanji: And you said you wanted to go to Book Town in Jinbocho.

Naoto: I just thought I could research some fighting techniques Chie senpai could use in the tournament.

Yosuke: Are you sure you want to be explaining this in front of another fighter in the tournament?

Joe: I don’t think I can follow kung-fu. And you do know we’re on the same side here.

Yosuke: Just making sure things go off without a hitch.

Naoto: What do you mean on the same side?

>They explain what happened at the clinic.

Naoto: I see. That’s a very admirable cause.

Kanji: Using the prize money for a young boy’s treatment. That’s cool of you, Chie senpai. You too, Joe san.

Joe: Thanks.

>Suddenly, a van pulled up...

Yu: Ah, they’re here.

>The van door then opens.

Yu: Hey, thanks again for looking after him.

Anytime. Now can you please help us get him out of this van?

>It was a tough job, but they managed to get their friend out of the van.

OW! That was not a comfortable squeeze!

Yosuke: (frustrated) It’s your fault for going in your bear suit!

Teddie: I can’t help if these two kids like my plush and gorgeous self.

He’s got a point. He looks like one of those mascot characters in video games.

That’s right. And they’re the kind that can be adapted into...

Everyone presents: Anime and manga!

Walker: How did you know?

Yu: ... Lucky guess.

Uh, can we hurry this up? Ruri chan’s concert is going to start soon.

Kyouhei: We’re coming! Anyway, so around, man?

Yu: Yeah, see ya.

Erika: And good luck with the tournament.

Chie: You bet.

>With that, the Van Gang leave.

Yu: Let’s go check up on your friend. I know Shinra is a great doctor, but... Let’s just say he’s the textbook definition of “like father, like son.”

>With that, they head inside. They arrive at the apartment of the underground doctor, Shinra Kitishitani. Inside, they already see Sho Minazuki sitting on a sofa, most likely waiting for Ryuichi and Shinra. They also see in Shinra’s office, Shinra was examining Ryuichi’s eyes.

Oh, you’re here.

Yu: Same for you.

Sho: If you’re here for a fight, this ain’t the time or place for it.

Joe: We know. We’re just here for Ryuichi.

>They look over to the office. It looks like Shinra was done with Ryuichi’s physical.

So how’s it look, doc?

Well, you were right about your eye sight. It’s not as sharp as you described. Other than that, the rest of your body is in good condition. I guess you still exercise even after your early retirement.

Ryuichi: I had years to back that up.

Shinra: That’s good to hear. And as for your sight... Hold on.

>Shinra heads to a cabinet and takes out a small bottle of pills.

Shinra: I can’t promise that the effects of these pills will be permanent, but they should last for about 4 to 5 hours. And I advise that you don’t let yourself get hit in the head too many times.

Ryuichi: How many do I take?

Shinra: Just one each day and no more than that.

Ryuichi: How come?

>Shinra looks out of his office and sees that the others were listening as well. So he decides to tell the truth.

Shinra: The truth is... I made these pills not too long ago. In a way, they’re still a working progress. So I have no idea what would happen if you take more than one each day.

Ryuichi: That’s a little... Extreme. How many others have had these pills before me?

Shinra: Let’s see. Before you... None.

Everyone: NONE!?

Shinra: I never had the chance to test them. When Sho told me you were coming, I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to test my new eye medicine... By the way, you don’t mind signing some release forms, do you?

Ryuichi: (thinking to himself) What have I gotten myself into?

>After signing the release forms, Shinra told them to wait while he submits the info he gathered from Ryuichi and Sho. During that time, Ryuichi was informed about what happened at the clinic.

Ryuichi: I see. I guess I won’t be alone for this.

Chie: I can’t believe you talked him into this, Sho.

Sho: I merely told him the truth. Isn’t that what your group is about?

Chie: ...

Naoto: He’s got us cornered there.

Ryuichi: I just wanted to do this to help Yuta... And maybe see where I now stand in this world. I just have to know.

Joe: I can’t really blame you for that. But just remember what I said, Ryuichi.

Ryuichi: I know. I’ll never forget that.

Yu: And what of yourself, Sho?

Sho: As I just said, fighting is the only way I can form a bond with someone... That and the prize money.

Kanji: Wait. Didn’t your old man already left you a lot of money?

Sho: I’m choose to use that discreetly, those Kirijo jerks are still looking for me.

Joe: What do you mean?

Yu: ... It’s a long story.

>Just then, Shinra comes in.

Shinra: Well, I submitted my report.

Ryuichi: What did that say?

Shinra: Well, they were a bit hesitant about letting someone with eye problems enter. But I told them about the medicine and they said that as long as he remembers them and doesn’t do anything too hard, he should be fine. So Ryuichi Suzuki, Sho Minazuki... You’re in. Welcome to the Fight Before Christmas.

Ryuichi: Really!? That’s great!

Sho: Was there ever any doubt? Well, now that that’s settled, I better high tail it.

Kanji: What’s you’re hurry?

Sho: Wanna know how I met Shinra?

>They couldn’t help but nod.

Sho: I was here in Ikebukuro when I a ran into his woman. And, well, we kinda got off on the wrong foot... Or head. She spotted me dealing with these assholes called the Blue Squares and I kinda got banged up a little. Then she stepped and chased those guys off. After that, she saw I was hurt in the battle and insisted I go with her. I clearly didn’t want to. And then, well... Ever saw that episode of Steven Universe? The one where they introduced Lapis Lazuli?

Nanako: I did! I guess you’re talking about the part where Steven knocked Garnet’s glasses off.

Sho: Well, I did something similar with her helmet... It was not pretty. She really let me have it there. I should consider myself lucky the bartender wasn’t with her. In the end, she had her way and brought me here where Shinra fixed me up.

Shinra: I have to say, I was really intrigued about Sho’s scared body. It looked like he went through so much. But what really had me interested was... That thing in his body where his heart should be.

Yu: ... Also a long story.

>Suddenly, the sound of an elevator could be heard.

Sho: That’s her! See you at the opening party.

>With that, Sho quickly leaves... As Shinra’s fiance comes in.

...

>She takes out a PDA and types something.

Hey, did I miss something?

Shinra: Nothing much. Just giving some physicals to some people entering in the tournament.

Celty: (I see. Well, I’ll get started on dinner. Would you and your friends like to join us, Yu?)

Yu: No thanks. We were just leaving. Maybe next time.

Celty: (Alright. We’ll look forward to it.)

Shinra: That’s right. Now Celty...

>Celty punches Shinra in the side and she leaves to get dinner ready.

Nanako: Why did she punch you?

Shinra: (in pain) This is... Just how we... Show affection for each other.

Nanako: How come?

Yu: (quickly) We’ll tell you when you’re older. Well, see you.

>With that, they leave. Yu and his party goes up stairs to his apartment and Joe and Ryuichi go out to head for home.

Joe: So you’re really doing this?

Ryuichi: I am. I better find a way to make this up to Setsuko.

Joe: I’ll back you up.

Ryuichi: Thanks, man.

>The two men shook hands. Then, their phone rang.

Ryuichi: That must be the notice.

>They check their phones.

>The two men just stare at the notification.

Joe: Formal? You mean...

Ryuichi: Yup. Just like the wedding. Only more fancier.

Joe: (depressed) Oh man.

>The Fight Before Christmas will soon begin.