#Raising a Child at 3AM Challenge

[purelyhornyred]

Raising a Child Au

Raising a Child Au

A G.U.N and Φ au where they are given two children to take care of. How will all 7 of them care for children? They don’t know, but they’ll try. 

[esther-dot]

MODERN AUs

tis the damn season 5k by @wildflower-daydreamer

Every year, Sansa comes back to her small hometown of Winterfell for Christmas. And each year, she and Jon fall into their old routine for her short stay. This year would be no different. Okay, maybe a little different. Inspired by the song 'tis the damn season by Taylor Swift. corresponding gif

Mistletoe Merriment 4k by @geekprincess26

Theon Greyjoy loves kissing pretty girls, so naturally he loves breaking out the mistletoe and spiked punch every year at the Starks' annual Christmas party. And every year, the girl he kissed the prior year shows up with an awesome new boyfriend - every girl except for Sansa Stark, who ends up with slimy, pathetic gits. Theon will have to go to ridiculous lengths, not to mention risk the legendary wrath of Jon Snow, in order to get Sansa the boyfriend she deserves. But he'll do it, because Theon Greyjoy is a loyal friend - and he'll never let a stupid sprig of mistletoe get the better of him.

When the Grinch Met the Redhead 1k by @yenstarkofrivia

the one where Sansa likes to sing Christmas songs at 3am and Jon is a miserable Grinch

merry and bright 27k by @cellsshapedlikestars

ex-child star Sansa Stark is in desperate need of money and takes a role in a Hallmark Christmas movie, filming in the mountain resort town of Wintertown, Vermont. There, Fire Chief Jon Snow is on set to oversee safety regulations. Sansa hates Christmas and she hates small towns, but a casual fling with a rugged local fireman might be just what she needs.

four 5k by @cellsshapedlikestars (I've reread this fic many times)

She had never put Jon and Christmas together, but now she thinks she'll never be able to separate them. or, four Christmases, three midnight excursions, two angry siblings, and one boy at the center of it all

Be My +1 47k by @vivilove-jonsa

Seven months after she attended a wedding with her brother's work colleague (and gave him a tipsy, unrequited kiss when he walked her to the door), Sansa Stark finds herself in the unenviable situation of desperately needing a date for her prep school reunion at a ski resort which will also be attended by her ex-boyfriend/boss's son, Harry Hardyng and her Former-BFF/Frenemy, Margaery Tyrell.

The Best Christmas Present (Is You) 3k @foreverreadingbeautifulbooks

Every year the Starks and honorary Starks spent the week of Christmas in the most northern of the lodges they owned. No guests were allowed to visit the lodge during that week and it was the one time a year where no one in their family was allowed to work. Everyone hung out, played in the snow, skied, baked, ate lots of food, and simply enjoyed being together. It was refreshing to spend so much time with her family since she felt like she’d barely seen them this last year. But, if Sansa was honest, after five days of hanging out with them nonstop, she’d been looking forward to spending a little bit of time by herself. Every year on Christmas Eve, while her mom and dad picked out the tree, Bran would play chess with their neighbor’s son, Lyanna - who was notorious for buying gifts at the last minute - went shopping, Arya and the rest of the boys would challenge each other to skiing contests, and Sansa would take that opportunity to have her own private holiday celebration indoors. She would warm up some hot chocolate, turn up her Christmas playlist, and snuggle down in some blankets to wrap all of her Christmas presents. But not this year. This year she was stuck with Jon Snow and his broken ankle.

the perfect gift for christmas for me would be 5k

“Be my boyfriend,” Sansa says. Jon's eyebrows raise, and she amends, “My fake boyfriend." or, Sansa, Jon, and fake dating for the winter holidays.

Christmas Carriage Ride 1.5k

Jon Snow has grown tired of his holiday job driving a horse-drawn carriage around the streets of Chicago. Then Sansa shows up, and Jon sees the city through new eyes

#LockedinLovers 8k by @amymel86

the one where Sansa and Jon are locked in a big ol' department store over Christmas because of a convenient snow storm

The Nightmare Before Christmas 3k by @ladysalvatore3

Sansa Stark was far from being perfect; she occasionally forgot to put the lid back on the toothpaste, she was constantly arriving late to places, she didn’t know how to change a tire or had any idea of what path her life was going to take, but there were three things that Sansa was absolutely sure about. She loved to write. Christmas was the best holiday ever. She hated Jon Snow.

'Tis the Damn Season 4k by @justhereforfandomandfriends

Four times Jon doesn’t ask Sansa to stay, and the one time he does. Sansa Stark was sneaking out of her childhood bedroom to sleep in Jon Snow's bed. If you'd told teenage Sansa, she'd have laughed in scorn (but she’d have flushed too). Twenty-nine year old Sansa was almost used to it. By now, it was practically a tradition, and there was nothing Sansa loved more than holiday traditions. corresponding moodboard

when the snow falls and the white wind blows 10k

Sansa Stark and Jon Snow had never been particularly close, but since her brother died and the two moved to the same city they have been spending more time together. Sansa tells herself Jon sees her as the little girl who lived in the house beside his. Jon tells himself Sansa sees him as nothing more than her brother's best friend. But when the two are snowed in on the way back home for Christmas, their thoughts change.

Shamelessly Un-christmas 3k by @jade-masquerade

After Jon denied her a kiss under the mistletoe last Christmas, Sansa tries to make amends.

A Tale of Two Christmases 2k by @jade-masquerade

A Christmas gift mix-up involving a special sweater brings Sansa and Jon together. corresponding fanart by @grrmartin

all i want for christmas is you...to tell everyone we're together 2k by @ben-barnes-is-my-husband

It's Christmas and all Jon wants is for he and Sansa to be public with their relationship.

Who's coming to you tonight? 1k by @kissed-by-circe

“So you want me, me and no one else, to dress up as Nikolaus and bring wee-“ his mind scrambles as he tries to remember the boy’s name, because Arya only uses pet names for him, and he doubts that her sister named her child Woolfling, Dr Snuggles, or Baby-Bear, “wee… Ar- Artos some candy, and tell him that he’s been naughty?” Arya forces Jon to play Nikolaus for her lil nephew, and somehow forgets to mention that singlemom!Sansa is really really hot

Lights 7k by @charmtion

Two years ago, Arya turned up on Jon and Sansa’s doorstep and left after a single, soul-aching conversation. Now they are gathered back together for a Stark family Christmas, where old wounds and new secrets threaten to collide.

Door to Door Delivery 2k by @hilarychuff

A drabble inspired by my While You Were Sleeping (1995). Jon walks Sansa home during a Chicago winter.

The Spirit of Christmas Gifset by @aureliacamargo

All I Want for Christmas Jonsa vid by @aerishe

FOLGERSCEST INSPIRED

(yes, that commercial prompted Jonsa content which makes me laugh so it gets a special shout-out!)

Perks of the Queen 5k by @intothecest

After years in his exile in the Night's Watch, Jon Snow finally answers a summons to Winterfell from his sister, Queen in the North, just in time for a festival. Gifts are exchanged, long-simmering feelings percolate up, and, oh yes, coffee has come to Westeros.

The Best Part of Waking Up 5k @jillypups

After a long stint up in Alaska doing manly things, Jon Snow comes back to the Stark family home where he spent nearly all of his childhood, where he called the Stark kids brother and sister. But things change after a few years go by.

Gifset by @cindy-clawford

OTHER

Light in the Darkest Days of the Year Little Women AU/historical AU 9k by @sibyldisobedience

Winterfell was a handsome old house of modest proportions, that had once seen better days. Its green shutters and gables had faded to a dull grey. Its stone walls could use a new coat of whitewash. And its family, the Starks, had once been counted amongst the most distinguished in Wintertown — a small, sleepy hamlet, just north of the bustling port city of White Harbour, where it was as likely to snow in the summer as not. But despite this dreary description, Winterfell was the happiest little home in the neighbourhood.  Even on the darkest, coldest days of winter, the little grey house radiated warmth and light from its frosted-over windows, like a beacon. 

Fairy Lights and Mistletoe 3k Hogwarts AU, by @maybetwice

Sansa has every intention of going to the Yule Ball with Jon, even though he isn't sure why.

Shine Your Light on Me 2k canon verse @thatgirlnevershutsup

Let's celebrate a Northern holiday with Sansa and Jon! Think about a Hallmark Christmas movie set in Westeros, and you're on the right track.

A Stark Solstice 1.5k canon verse @ritzintherabbithole

It’s only fitting, she thought, that fresh snow should blanket the land around Winterfell today of all days. It is pristine, virgin white snow, seemingly pure, but Sansa know knows the kind of monsters that hide in the cold and her time spent in King’s Landing cured her of any instinct to trust appearances.

A midwinter night's dream 2k canon verse

After the Long Night, Sansa fears winter more than ever. How will her new born daughter survive a winter that might last for years? But magic is gone from Westeros, and soon it becomes clear that every season only lasts for a few moons. Though winters are still brutal, there is always an end in sight. And every year on the darkest day of them all, the Starks in Winterfell have a feast.

Festive Jonsa Edit

Christmas Is Here Gifset and Merry Christmas Gifset by @tiny-little-bird

PRE CANON - WESTERN - FAIRYTALE - REGENCY - LITTLE WOMEN - SEASON SIX - ANNE OF GREEN GABLES - THE GIRL IN GREY - FREE CITIES - FAIRYTALE PART II - POLITICAL MARRIAGE - SALTY TEENS

[nebulouscoffee]

Okay time for another 3am essay haha. So I've always loved Michael Burnham, but recently- while watching Disco S4 for the first time- she has truly ascended to blorbo status. Her arc is incredible, and so underrated! I think maybe the earlier seasons were a bit too focused on her connection to Spock and his family, so now that there's some distance from all that, I'm able to appreciate her diasporic experience as a child of two worlds even more? And seeing her consistently fall back on logic to reassure herself but also connecting with her crew specifically through her emotional intelligence and transparency, humanising herself but still striking the right notes of authority, all without ever raising her voice, is just- ahh it's so good. She's shaping up to being one of the coolest Star Trek captains!

After watching her big (Very Trekkian) speech in S4E7, I was tempted to go back and rewatch some of the pilot, just to see how far she'd come- and I was struck by this parallel (I haven't seen S1 since it aired in 2017, so please forgive me if I'm just pointing out the obvious hehe)

S1E1 (while trying to convince Captain Georgiou to fire at the Klingons):

BURNHAM: Captain, we have to fire on them. Hit that ship with everything we've got.  GEORGIOU: Absolutely not. They haven't powered weapons. They don't appear to pose an imminent threat.  BURNHAM: The Klingon threat is always imminent and inevitable. [...] 240 years ago, near H'Atoria, a Vulcan ship crossed into Klingon space. The Klingons attacked immediately. They destroyed the vessel. Vulcans don't make the same mistake twice. From then on, until formal relations were established, whenever the Vulcans crossed paths with Klingons, the Vulcans fired first. They said hello in a language the Klingons understood. Violence brought respect. Respect brought peace. Captain, we have to give the Klingons a Vulcan hello. GEORGIOU: If their intention is to attack, balling up our fists won't dissuade them.  BURNHAM: It would be logical for you to take into account my success rate during our seven years together, and execute my plan without further challenge before we're dragged into war.  GEORGIOU: Starfleet doesn't fire first. That's all, Number One.  BURNHAM: We have to.  GEORGIOU: In my ready room.

GEORGIOU: Computer, privacy.  BURNHAM: Captain-  GEORGIOU: How dare you challenge me?  BURNHAM: I apologise for my insubordination.  GEORGIOU: Don't you realise that kind of talk can destabilise a crew?  BURNHAM: Don't underestimate them. I've overseen their exercises. They're ready for battle.  GEORGIOU: Battle is not a simulation. It's blood and screams and funerals. I taught you better than this. We don't start shooting on a hunch, and we don't take innocent lives. Period. I understand your history with the Klingons.  BURNHAM: My commitment to this course of action is not emotional. We target its neck, cut off its head-  GEORGIOU: You're still injured. You're not thinking clearly.  BURNHAM: Thousands of lives will be lost because of failure to act.  GEORGIOU: Whose lives? Victims of your imaginary war?  BURNHAM: And your life, Captain. Yours.  GEORGIOU: Stand down, Commander Burnham. That's an order.  BURNHAM: You're right. I may not be myself.  GEORGIOU: Easy, Michael.  (She knocks Georgiou out with a Vulcan neck-pinch.)  BURNHAM: ... I'm sorry.

So this is the big event that makes Michael an infamous mutineer and kicks off the whole show. But cut to four seasons (and a thousand years) later- and she's the captain of the ship, addressing what's left of the Federation on how she thinks they should respond to a mysterious new threat (that has completely destroyed her lover's whole planet.) Much like S1 Michael, he is angry and traumatised here, and very much pushing for a preemptive strike by using the same "countless lives will be saved" argument. And against his wishes and approval, here's what she chooses to say in her speech:

BURNHAM: Our experiences shape us. That's what makes this so difficult. [...] Before we head down a path that could lead to destruction on both sides, we need to reach first for understanding. For generations, the Federation has sought out new life, new civilisations, not to destroy but to connect, even in the face of uncertainty. And we are not all Federation members, but those ideals can still guide us. Especially now. We cannot let fear define us in this moment. We need to decide. Who do we want to be? Do we lash out blindly, no matter the risk? Or do we proceed thoughtfully? Work toward the future we want to live in? I believe that's who we are. We wouldn't be here otherwise.  BOOK (in front of everyone listening): We don't have the luxury of asking philosophical questions right now. What matters is the actions we take. Stopping this thing today.  BURNHAM: There are different points of view in this room, I know. But I hope that when a decision is reached, whatever it is, that we can hold together. That we can move forward as a united front.  BOOK: Some differences are too great. Sometimes you just have to accept the consequences of that.

So obviously Michael is now in Georgiou's place- and Book is playing her old part (and pretty well, lol- the episode literally ends with him stealing a shuttle behind her back and doing what he wants, just like Micheal did in S1!) But what I find most interesting is her echoing Georgiou's philosophy in other ways, too.

S4E10 (talking to the Federation President):

BURNHAM: Thank you for sharing the news.  RILLAK: We could have told them together. Why did you want me to do it?  BURNHAM: In times of crisis, people need to know that their leaders are not rattled by uncertainty or overwhelming odds. They need to know that there is a plan, that they'll be okay. You're their president. You can give them confidence, a sense of security. You're my president, too.  RILLAK: Oh... I'm grateful we had the chance to... connect before we approach Species Ten-C.  BURNHAM: If we can't communicate with each other, what chance do we have with them? 

It really goes to show how far she's come, and how much she's benefitted from learning to accept all parts of herself- her Vulcan upbringing, her Federation ideals, her Human family, her Starfleet training, and her bonds with the crew- which are, of course, completely inextricable from her relationship with Georgiou. Instead of warring within her, these different aspects of her are now working together to make her the best possible version of herself- she's learnt both from her own mistakes, and others'. Basically- what a character!

[theorist-influencer-untitled]

11.15.23 Wednesday

12:03 am

I have windblow... Still, watching this Maya Kowalski Case... It is weird for me... Her mother committed suicide which confuses me so much...

I was and still a very well-principled person as much as I wanted to say religious but I wanna appear fair in this world...

I never intentionally stepped on anyone's right or persona unless coz me, myself is just a human who has emotion to flare up sometimes...

It was weird that raising a child it doesn't mean making someone perfect....Hmm... I never see myself perfect.

If Mitch is doing something and she became a doctor on papers but never use it, still she is something but can never go up but to do a simple battery on someone, perhaps...

Still, I wanna trap on Mitch, until we meet again...

1:50 am

I have windblow.... It suddenly came up to my head the calendar method... But I don't dwell on it coz I feel bitterish these days.... I can't get a bf for 16 years... Not really happy being flatten this way...

I remember I asked my childhood bestfriend about that "calendar method" she told me she also had a confusion about it then later on she got pregnant. ME? I just had condoms with my xbf's... I can't relate with the calendar method.

The calendar method is not consistent... Coz the fertile and infertile days will change it depends on the cycle per month...

I feel bitterish coz I'm no longer teenager and I lost my years and I missed my years of supposed to be with someone.

It is just a challenge for women if they can actually master the "art of calendar method".

2:09 pm

I feel bitterish... I'm not happy being like this... I feel irritated!

My upbringing, I have to decide if I want to get pregnant with someone. I think I posted on my other account,my first account that ideally my adoptive mother or Aunt who raised me here told me to get married if I want someone during my teenager years most specially when I turned 16 here. My aunt told me that if I wanna marry someone just tell them or if I wanna have sex with someone but I had my own mind to follow the INC doctrine which is not healthy coz it didn't actually open my mind. It was my own mentality but it was insane in my part...

I think as far as I can remember someone from the church wanted to marry me the time that I turned 16... I was just really quiet....My greatest fear wasn't on my adoptive parent's but on the doctrine of INC or Church Of Christ. Then, a church mate ( a guy ) told me that hey! Pie why don't you just read the bible but a minister told us not to read the bible coz it might be that I will have a wrong interpretation. In short I followed the minister words that I shouldn't open the bible on my own. It was insane in my part!

It was really insane my part, partly comedy, right?

The Catholic people are so lucky to know the world at their early age... They are allowed to read the bible... I really read the entire bible hmm... 2009 or 2010 for 4 months straight as in page per page... Genesis until apocalypse... Then,it changed me into a new human being... I was awakened after I read the entire bible.

Then,I decided to be a Catholic coz of the awakening knowledge that gave me a new mind... A new mind that it is something beautiful... I envy people who were born as Catholic coz they actually master the movement of LIFE on EARTH.

I accepted the Catholic coz I already ate blood and ate lots of blood and will eat more but I know I'm a good person...

It is just sad these days... I have windblow... It is just sad these days....I just feel frustrated for 16 years, was it my mistake? Or someone fated me to be flattened this way???

3am

Tears on my eyes...

1:10 pm

Uncle Jun didn't bring us food this lunch. Insane!

But we still have some left over food, eggs, and canned goods. In a lil while will be out of rice and df and some toiletries here...

I feel the stress, still thinking of money and job... It is depressing in my part....Still, wanna leave the hometown,in a lil while.

1:15 pm

My S-bones are still aching and still having slight headache... whew!

I'm so stress but no available SEX... hahaha bitterish...

I still feel fat and wrinkled coz of my deep smile lines....

4:19 pm

Not my ideal LIFE to be with Uncle Jun and Uncle DD, most specially that Uncle DD coz the fundings are gone here....We need a rice and df and some toiletries and no money assistance on me??? How can I apply? But Uncle DD planned to be a father figure of Crysette and her brother... Hmm... How??? HOW??? de Carabao?

5:05 pm

This is insane! ( expression of Caleb? ) I just saw this on the refrigerator...

Windmill....Insanity... Will finish Matt Rife, an another stand-up comedian...

People in cuddle-lite told me windmill it is just ordinary....I said so? But they said it is just ordinary.... I said so it is something special... They said it is just ordinary. Hmm... Insane!

5:19 pm

I need to blow it hard... Blow...Blow...

9:18 pm

Done,watching "Matt Rife- Natural Selection" it was really funny... I enjoy watching stand-up comedian... Matt said about the pebbles to go down... I just remember that I wanted to transfer in ilocos in a lil while to see sand dunes and some plastics rocks and pebbles....

Still, have windblow... I still feel frustrated.... Thinking of money and job.

[yetanothergreyjedi]

Nature vs nurture: a question regarding behavior; is it genetics or environment that shapes a person's personality? Identical twins, two people with identical genetics, are often thought to be the answer to solving such a question. However, in this case, identical twins with near identical upbringings... How could they be so different?

One 6 year old met every challenge with ferocity, he could defend against opponents 4 times his age, he hit his targets with deadly precision... but his brother... At best he could be considered average. With every challenge, the gaps between them increased, identical twins becoming easy to differentiate by their manor... with the elder (as far as they could tell, but surely the heir was the elder) taking pity on the younger, mischief began to blossom.

A solution was needed. Killing the younger

would be a waste, and might seed disent in the older. Returning one to their father without the other... it would only give him the knowledge to steal both children. The threat of pain and the promise of reward did nothing for the child's capabilities.

Then one lesson led to a question.

"How does it work?" The younger had asked about waters that raised the dead to life.

And their teacher remembered.

Madeline Walker had been a researcher, a soon-to-be scientist. Several years ago she had reached out to the Shadows to propose a solution to a different problem. They had tested her and her capabilities and eventually traded a vile of liquid for the results of the proposed experiment.

Unknown to them, the vile had been swapped out in a moment of carelessness. The experiment failed, and the results failed to be of use.

Madeline had not given up, and had managed to recreate a small amount of the tainted waters, she'd dubbed it ectoplasm.

Her research was too important to harm her, and her own and her husband's ramblings about the afterlife kept anyone credible from sponsoring them.

It had been assumed their association with such hazardous material would destroy them. But years later, they still walked the same path.

So when the child asked "How does it work?"

They responded, "How would you like to find out?"

---

Danny didn't bother with the hazmat suit. The sixteen year old rarely did anymore, and his parents had stopped pushing the issue after he'd called it "ranch 2" and dipped his tater-tots on one fateful 3am morning.

He swirled the glowing green flask, watching as the impurities collected at the bottom. He'd filter them out, then dilute the energized ectoplasm until it was at human safe levels. Then, he would pass it on to Tucker for his battery project.

He would record the steps for Tucker, and he would not pass them along to the League.

What he would pass on to the League remained a question. 2 years ago he'd sat in front of this portal with a pen in a quivering hand and wrote the biggest lie of his life on a page that was sent on and probably read then burned. They probably read his updates, right?

At this rate it was probably better if they didn't. That lie had compounded. The league could be building supersoldiers and superweapons and superfoods and probably could be vacationing in the afterlife if he'd written a third of what had happened in the past 2 years. It was stupid of him. He didn't regret it.

Maybe if they'd bothered to say 'hi' in the 10 years he'd been away he'd feel more guilty about the betrayal. He snorted. Betrayal. It was what they'd call it, he was sure. But there would've had to be some loyalty owed now wouldn't there?

"You're up early," his mom moved to her workstation. It was 8:23 am on a Saturday. It was way too early.

"Report day," That was supposed to be a secret, but he'd missed one of the monthly reports when he was 8, and no one had come for him. He'd been a little distraught at the time.

"Oh, have you decided what you're going to tell them?"

"Ideally, nothing... but that will be a mess when someone checks in." When, eventually, someone checks in. Because they had too eventually right? But they wouldn't. They hadn't when monthly reports became bi-monthly, then quarterly, then biannually... he was at yearly reports now, he wasn't willing to push that boundary. Pain if they checked and different pain if they didn't. Mom lowered her goggles to give him a knowing look.

Danny sighed.

"Maybe tell them some progress was made and don't specify?"

"Because they'd expect me to specify if it was important... it'd look like I was fishing for a follow up." It wasn’t like he hadn’t done that before. "That could work,"

She gave him a sad smile. "Pizza for dinner? Sam and Tucker could come over?"

"Sure... thanks Mom,"

---

"Damian."

"Drake. What do you want?" He might've said that with more venom than necessary, but he was clearly busy. Finepoint ink drawings were tedious, but well worth the effort.

"I intercepted a League missive. Looks like an older code, figured it be faster to let you look at it."

Ah, a lovely backhanded compliment; an older code, implying that the newer codes would be too difficult for him to crack while genuinely respecting that Damian's knowledge of older League codes is better. He sighs and reaches for it, if only to give his eyes a break from the thin lines.

He recognizes the code immediately. "Tt."

"Well?"

"It has occurred to me that I should have thought to bring this up much sooner."

Drake's eyebrows went up, and Damian frantically searched for a more tactful way to start this conversation. If there was, his mind did not find it in time.

"My twin brother."

---

They had booked the flight to Illinois before Damian had finished explaining. He hadn’t known enough to fill the drive to the airfield, guilt and hollow sorrow on his face.

"I don't know how I forgot him..." his son had whispered, and Bruce had to fight down emotions of his own. Damian had been six years old, it had likely been traumatic and if there'd been orders not to speak of him Ras would've been ruthless about enforcing such a rule. It wasn't Damian's fault, and Bruce would not let himself blame him.

"You remembered now. That's what's important."

Damian nodded, but clearly didn't feel any less guilty. Bruce didn't think there was anything he could say that would help right now. And fortunately Tim had found a suitable distraction.

"I've got our cover story. So FentonWork's apparently has..."

---

Danny ducked upstairs after giving his best friend supportive thumbs up. The Wayne's were about Tucker's battery, and he was going to do great!

Danny... technically didn't need to be hiding, but attention from famous people was probably bad for his cover, and he had no idea if the murdered family members still cared about that. Besides, Tucker had done most of the work, Danny had mostly just dealt with the extra-dimensional hazards to prevent potential lab accidents.

This was a perfect opportunity to work on some out of lab projects. He picked a wall in the upstairs hallway and grabbed a knife that was definitely not designed for cutting boxes. He would never intentionally harm a box that is just the name of the type of blade, he has no idea why they call it that so go away Boxey! And sets to work.

It's maybe about 10 minutes before someone starts up the stairs. Danny tries not to sigh. People get nosey about FentonWorks, they have a saucer on their roof, he gets it. But they really could just wait until after his friend's presentation and ask.

They stopped at the top of the stairs, gasping quietly, then just staring at him.

"Hi." Danny deadpanned, not bothering to look at the person.

"Hello... what are you doing?"

"Carving weird pictures into the drywall." He wasn't concerned about them seeing the protective symbols. They wouldn't be of any use without ectoplasmic material and he was going to wait until these guys left to use the Fenton Plaster.

"...why?"

"Ghosts." Danny answered, 84% truthful. It would also help keep unwanted eyes off of the building, assuming his Grandfather didn't have some magical counter.

"...Danny?"

Danny rolled his eyes at the wall before turning to look at the guy, why his parents had to introduce— He froze. His own face stared back at him. He shifted his grip on the cutter very carefully. "Damian."

1st and 2nd mistakes. It was one of many rules that had been drilled into him before he had been allowed to go on assignment. Damian was the heir, he was not. He was not to address his brother by name, only by title and with proper respect. He'd been careful in every letter, but he'd already been flippant and—

Damian smiled; not the cruel smile of someone justified to cause harm, but the soft sad smile of someone who'd missed him. "Danny... I... we're here to retrieve you..."

"Oh." Oh no. "For any particular purpose?"

"The Fenton's have had ten years without progress... there's no reason you need to stay if..."

Don't panic. Don't panic. This is good. They have no reason to suspect the battery is ectoplasmic, they'd locked down the sensitive projects as soon as they'd realized they'd have visitors. Damian and... his team? Were the Wayne's in Grandfather's pocket? There was no way they would know about the portal. It was locked and hidden behind the false wall. Damian was here to get him because they'd realized the mission was pointless. That was... that was fine. His cover, to their knowledge, was intact. There was no reason to hurt his friends or family(His "family." Remember the quotes around the biological relatives and their allies) If he played along it would protect them.

"Are... am I to inform the Fenton's?" He'd tuck his phone between his lung and ribcage. He'd tell them when it was safe too.

---

Damian should've gone about this a different way. Danny was waiting for orders and he didn’t know how to backtrack. He'd meant it to be a rescue, but Danny was holding the box-knife like a lifeline. "Informing them or not... that is your decision... We'll be heading to Gotham."

Danny nodded and slowly got to his feet. He should've offered a hand to help him up! Damian did not think of it until his brother was already too close to standing for it to be of use.

They stared at each other.

"Do you have anything you'd like to pack?"

Dpxdc AU: Damian decides that it’s time to go collect his brother from his assignment. Danny is starting to sniff out some non-ghostly bullshit for once.

Damian knew his twin had been exiled from the age of seven, banished to travel and observe how scientists around the world engaged with Lazarus water. The only word that Damian received that his spare was still alive were the letters of lab reports and findings that were sent back to base. As the Heir, he’s pushed to be better lest he himself be exiled or simply executed. Danny becomes a fleeting thought and then once Damian arrived in Gotham, a none existent thought.

They weren’t raised to be friends or even friendly. The were not taught codependency or allotted time to bond. The could have been perfect strangers if not for their appearance and the stories of Danny’s shortcomings becoming Damian’s praise.

It’s only once Tim informs him of an intercepted letter, one sent and saved from years prior, that Damian recalls Danny enough to care. Tim prompts him to share more, especially given the coup recently committed by Deathstroke (Slade) and Talia gone into hiding with her zealots.

At family dinner that night Damian supplies: “I suppose I should be the one to bereave my twin of his assignment. His reports will certainly go unread.”

Chaos in the Batfam ensues- meanwhile across the country- Danny sneezes and finishes writing his yearly report: “No major discoveries aside from public record patents (attached), No assistance required. -Spare”. He doesn’t know why he bothers, he hasn’t received any contact from his mother or grandfather since he was 10ish and certainly hasnt thought about his twin. But, if there’s a chance (even an itty bitty one) that his reports are being read and are holding off his reassignment, he’d rather keep assassins out of Amity Park.

Little does he know that this letter is about to be intercepted by Pru, former assassin and friend of Tim Drake. He hadn’t expected his twin to suddenly arrive and tell him that his job was done. And certainly, seeing a plane filled with an uncomfortable looking ‘family’ that requested he join them and get to know Gotham and his birth father, was not on his bingo list.

Danny does his best to let them down gently- and they seem to be accepting that he’s acclimated to this weird little town and will leave him be- when Danny suddenly has to transform into Phantom in front of them to handle a rocket sent by Skulker.

They are less willing to accept his appeal to be left alone after that… Damian is trying to “bond” with him and all the others are trying to “help” in their own way.

Sam and Tucker howl with laughter at Danny’s suddenly very large family- all while secretly working with the Wayne’s to get Danny the fuck away from the Fentons before the scientists do something they can’t undo.

[mycrofts-gunbrella]

Favourite Experiment- Sherlock Holmes x Reader (Part Three)

A/N- One day I won’t stay up until almost 3am writing fanfiction.. That day is not today. Not a huge deal of Sherlock interaction until the end but I feel like what happens in this one is pretty important to give character insight. Enjoy!

Word Count- 3378

"Right, boys, I'm sticking the kettle on since you're both terrible hosts and haven't offered me another drink." You teased, flicking the switch. "Any requests?"

"Tea please!" John called from his armchair, from where he had already begun to update his blog with last night's case. Following John's voice came the low rumble of Sherlock's muttering a 'coffee: black, two sugars' and you fought against aggressively shouting 'please?' back at him. Opening the fridge to grab the milk for your cuppas, you let out a bizarre sound that combined the likes of shock, excitement and intrigue all in one. You span to see Sherlock in the entry of the kitchen, a smirk mirroring your grin as you gestured wildly to the fridge.

"Ah, yes. I see you've met Stephen. He's not very much for conversation but I find he's a great listener." He walked beside you and prodded the severed head's forehead with one finger. "You had a much better response than John did. I think he cried."

"No I bloody didn't, you git. One of Ste- One of that THING'S hairs blew off into my eye as I opened the door." John argued. "It's disgusting." Sherlock handed you the milk carton that you had forgotten about entirely and slammed the fridge door to a close.

"In my defense, if you always listened to my conversations I direct to you as well as you listen to private ones, I wouldn't need Stephen at all. Honestly, John, you can be such a child sometimes." Sherlock rolled his eyes. You nudged him with your elbow.

"Comes with the height, that does."

"Right, sod the pair of you." John sulked into the kitchen and grabbed a small thermos. "I'm going to the clinic."

"But you don't start until tomo-"

"I'll bloody well start when I like." He started tipping his tea into the metal cylinder, a frown on his face.

"Fine, but you know I'm only teasing." You messed his hair playfully and he groaned. "Love you, big bro." John rolled his eyes and headed for the front door. "Oi, what if I died while you were gone? Your last thought would be 'oh God, and I didn't even answer her when she said she loves me. My own sister.' You'd be guilt ridden." The front door opened. "Ahhh some of Sherlock's poisonous chemicals must have fallen into my cup! Organs shutting down.. Oh, Christ. I can see a light." The door shut again. You'd almost given up your theatrics when John came into vision once more, his finger wagging in your direction like your mother used to do when you misbehaved.

"That.. isn't funny. Not in our line of work and you kno-" Your hand grasped your throat and squeezed.

"I'd hurry, John. Given the symptoms, she's got about 26 seconds."

"Jesus, Y/N, fine. You win. Love you too, though every day becomes more of a challenge. Evil. Both of you. Match made in sodding Hell, but I'm the one burning." He headed out again.

"You need milk!"

"Shove the milk up your-" The door shut.

"I wonder if he regrets telling me that moving back home would be a good idea?" You questioned, bringing your and Sherlock's mugs into the living room and flopping back on the sofa. Sherlock followed shortly after, jumping to lay down with his pale feet in your lap. You slapped the top of his toes. "I don't know which part of your deductions told you that I enjoy using my spare time as a footrest but I can very much tell you that you were incorrect."

"To be fair this is my sofa."

"You have two sofas and John's is uncomfortable. Can I sit in your armchair?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because you can't feed me my coffee from over there." You raised your eyebrows at the curly haired man and slapped his foot once more.

"Feed you your coffee? Like you're my patient in a nursing home?"

"The simile wasn't necessary but if roleplay helps-"

"Don't you start talking to me about roleplay, Sherlock Holmes." You took a sip of your tea and bit back a grin as Sherlock opened his mouth in waiting for his coffee.

"I'll make it worth your while."

"And how do you propose you can do that? Promise you won't put any body parts in my fridge?" He shook his head.

"I could never promise that.. You're also too intrigued to not want me to." You hummed in agreement, offering a 'bottom shelf only, no contamination' to which he concurred.

"You're furniture shopping today. Lots of flat-packed furniture to build.. a bed frame.. tips on organisation." You glared. "Fine, helpful second opinions on organisation.. When it all arrives. Me. All yours for your DIY needs. Now, coffee." You weren't going to argue with that. The mere thought of needing to build all of that on your own made you tired. You fought every urge to roll your eyes and lifted the hot caffeinated beverage to the pale man's lips, continuing to feed it to him over a short period of time until the mug had emptied.

"Did you fancy helping me shop too? I'm about to head out."

"I'd sooner follow Stephen's fate."

"Right. Bit dramatic, but fair. Don't set the building on fire and don't let any strange cab drivers whisk you away to kill you. Catch you later." You offered a two finger salute as your exit, stopped by your flat to grab your bag and headed out into the streets of London.

-------

It had gone well into the evening before you decided to call it a day. Hellish nightmares on the tube, busy shopping centres and incompetant staff members were never your favourite things in this world to interact with, but you deemed the day successful nonetheless. You'd managed to snag a chest of drawers that matched your wardrobe, a king sized bed (who cares if you sleep in it alone? You're an adult now, you have the luxury to make these choices), a few more bookshelves- now just to wait until the rest of your stuff from Oz comes over-, a bigger TV and stand so you could shift the others to your bedroom, dining room table/chairs and a variety of random other furniture/ decor that you came across that should all be turning up in the next week or so. It certainly was a huge dent in your bank account, but it was worth it. Only thing left on the list, really, was a new load of clothes that better matched England's climate than Australia's, but that could be done online when you could be bothered.

You had begun to wander to the next tube station when your phone had started to ring in your pocket. Caller ID hidden. Could be interesting.

"Ahoy hoy!" Society may have decided in the last 130 odd years that that was no longer an acceptable way to answer the phone (particularly to suspicious strangers), but you'd never been one to follow trends; even if it was only you and Mr Burns from The Simpsons left. 'Yello?' was another favourite, mind.

"Get into the car, Miss Watson." A sleek black jag rolled up beside you and it took every ounce of your being not to laugh. "Very cliche, don't you think? Now, where is it I'm being taken to? No, no. Don't tell me. It's a warehouse, isn't it. It's always a warehouse."

"You do not appear very frightened, Y/N."

"You do not sound very frightening, sir. Now, forgive me for ending this lovely chat so early but I can get terribly carsick if I stay on my phone while we move. The lovely leather doesn't deserve that. Ciao." You hung up and climbed into the car. It was so blatantly obvious that it wasn't dangerous. Nobody even had any reason to hold any kind of grudge against you.. They may have seen you work with Sherlock, who no doubt has many grudge holders, but their best bet to get the Holmes to follow would be to take your brother, not you. Unless they were stupid which, honestly, wasn't everyone? Maybe. But not this guy. The woman who sat beside you tapped away on her Blackberry and you grinned. "Oooh, spies! Her Majesty's secret service.. Not met with you guys for a while. Fancy a rendition of God Save the Queen while we travel? Though, I must admit I'm more in favour of the Sex Pistols song rather than the anthem." Her eyes flicked to you for a split second before turning back. "Not much for talking?"

"No."

"Are we going to a warehouse?"

"..No."

"Liar; I'm telling Lizzie."

---

You walked through the abandoned warehouse (called it) and soon found a large room, empty excluding a tall, lanky man leaning against an umbrella.

"G'day, sir!" You called, standing a respectable distance away from the gentleman but offering a sarcastic curtsey.

"Lived across the South Pacific for mere more than half a decade and yet assimilated the colloquialism?"

"Uhhh the eagle has flown, shot down at Windsor?"

"I'm afraid I don't follow."

"Sorry. Thought we were speaking in spy code. Too many big words after a day of tediousness, Mr Holmes." He frowned, though so quickly that you'd have missed it if you blinked, and tipped his chin into the air.

"Lucky guess?"

"I never guess."

"I am aware. I know everything about you, Miss Watson. I have-"

"All of my files at your disposal. Nothing spicy in there, I'm afraid. Best you found was probably me getting arrested for socking a guy in the supermarket. But, in my defence, I'd had a very long day and he picked up the last packet of Tim Tams. So, why am I really here? I can only assume it isn't to be shipped off somewhere in the Middle East over a smack and some chocolate biscuits. Though you Holmses are one for dramatics, apparently." You opened your arms and waved them round the room.

"It is about the aforementioned other Holmes. What are your intentions with him? To use him for his knowledge? Insight on secretive government cases?"

"I plan to court him for a few months, treat him like a gentleman, whisk him up for a holiday away and to propose on the beach. Not a church wedding, never been a religious type. Honeymoon somewhere warm but interesting- Italy, perhaps? Tell me, do I have your blessing?"

"Sherlock Holmes is not one for courting, I can assure you."

"But you are, aren't you.." You waited for him to offer his first name. He didn't. "So, how is Detective Inspector Lestrade?" The flashed frown again. "Don't play dumb, it doesn't suit you. His hair is on your shoulder pad, two of them. From this morning, I'd say. Kiss on the cheek. Successful night, was it?" The tips of the elder Holmes' ears tinted red, his mouth opening and closing in an attempt at a rebuttal that wouldn't form.

"I do not appreciate your deviation from the subject matter."

"And I don't appreciate your condescending way of speaking to me. Respect is a two way field, you know that. You also know of my capabilities. You know I'm clean. Never failed a case, never caused trouble. And yet you drag me out to an abandoned warehouse like a scene out of a Bond movie to question what you already know. To what? Patronise me? Feed your ego? Boring. I'm not buying the tough guy act; this is just what happens when an older sibling has an ounce of power. So, Mr Holmes, tell me. What is it that I am really here for?"

"Yes, well.." You could see it. The question burning inside of him. "If you truly can see like my brother and I-"

"I'm not a dumb woman, Mr Holmes. I've studied human behaviour since I was in Primary School, do you honestly believe that I can't spot an addict when I live downstairs from one? You clearly have my number, you could have just asked on the phone call. If I had to put an estimation? He's been clean for 7 months, likely thanks to my brother. Now, I am not going to promise you that I will spy on your brother- that kind of thing isn't my bag."

"I can pay handsomely. All I ask is-"

"I don't want your money. If things go haywire, I'll let you know- but as Sherlock's friend informing his worried brother; not as his brother's woman on the inside. Once you stop being all mysterious with your hidden caller ID, anyway. No day to day updates, no more warehouses. Now, I'm getting rather tired of finishing your sentences for you, and I've had a terribly long day. I would very much appreciate it if Maria Hill and Nick Fury could drop me off home?" He nodded once and you stepped forward, offering out your hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr Holmes. I feel under better circumstances that the two of us could get along very nicely. I'm less quick with the snaps and jokes if I've had a restful day and coffee." He took your hand and held it firm, didn't shake.

"No you're not." You smiled.

"No, I'm not. But I'm certainly better when being treated like an equal, the coffee is just a bonus. Now, I get that the two of you have some kind of superiority complex, but there's no shame in being concerned for your bloody sibling. It doesn't take somebody like us to know Sherlock can be a pain. God, I've only known him for little under two days and I already know that. But, at least with me, go for the concerned sibling role rather than big scary agent. I cooperate better with those than I do Jason Bourne."

"Is everything you say a fictional reference? It's tiring."

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." A new flashed response. A smirk. Very Holmsian. And apparently a 1930's movie lover.. Well, we all have our quirks. "Til next time! I hope I passed the test." A showman's bow before you left, the car still in the same spot outside as you were ferried back to Baker Street.

Inside the warehouse, a slightly exasperated, greatly impressed Mycroft Holmes allowed himself another smirk. Longer lasting now in nobody's company but his own. Passed with flying colours, Miss Watson. This could be very good for his dear brother, maybe even better than the Army Doctor. He shot out a few messages and exited the building.

-----

The journey back to Baker Street was relatively silent excluding:

"Are you like Maria Hill?"

"No."

"Natasha Romanoff?"

"No."

"Is your name at least either Maria or Natasha?"

"No."

"I promise to stay quiet if you tell me."

"It's Anthea."

"No it isn't."

"It is this year."

"Cool. Very cool."

And then you all but heaved yourself into your flat, frowning when you saw the box that rested on the side of your sofa.

"One of my brother's minions put it in here about 5 minutes ago. Warehouse, was it? He's always loved to make a scene." You jumped backwards at the sound of Sherlock's voice in the doorway. "I saw the car turn up. John's not been home. Not mad anymore, but gone out for dinner with some Julie? Judie? Janie? I honestly don't care."

"You can't just sneak up on me like that, Sherlock! I know 12 ways to kill a man with two fingers."

"And I know 4 to stop all of them." You flipped your finger up at him and opened the flap to the cardboard box on the sofa, grinning as the sight of about 10 packets of Tim Tams came into view. The second you opened your mouth to speak, your phone sounded the text alert noise.

'Very much appreciated your cooperation and refusal to be dominated in conversation. Impressive, Miss Watson. Your attack may not have been as physical as your last, but the impact was more than severe; the delicacies were more than deserved. Well done, and thank you.- Mycroft Holmes.'

Mycroft.. Of course he's a Mycroft. What better to match with a Sherlock? Moments later, a notification from your bank flicked up- all of the day's payments had been restored. Then came the emails ensuring all of your furniture would be delivered first thing in the morning rather than within the week. You chucked your phone at Sherlock and beamed as he read through.

"I think your brother just became my Sugar Daddy."

"Don't make me heave, Y/N. Besides, you're most certainly not his type."

"More than aware, Holmes. Now, you're dying to get me in on your little experiment you got up to in my absence. I'll bring up a packet of these bad boys and get the kettle on. Now mush." You took your phone back and shuffled him out of the flat. You may have been exhausted, but science stopped for no one.

---

You hadn't realised how long the pair of you had been all but doubled over round the kitchen table until the front door had opened and John wandered in. You'd spent the better part of the last few hours figuring out how quickly fingers dissolve in different types of acid.

"You're both in the same room where I left you this morning.. Please don't tell me you've been at it the whole time I've been gone." Whether his sigh was more irritated or disappointed, you didn't know. What you did know is that your brother left an open goal.

"'At it'? Come on, John, give me some credit. I've barely known the man for two days. Our relationship is merely professional, perhaps pushing closer to the friendly scale, but certainly not that friendly. And, dear brother, I should hope you know that I have more class than a table that has housed cadaver pieces."

"Don't be smart, Y/N."

"Ooh, that's a flashback. 'Don't be smart, Y/N! Mummmmmm Y/N's being smart.'" Your grin dropped at the glare. "Okay, yes, fine. We've spent the last... 4 hours dissolving fingers in acid. BUT, I did equally spend the day ordering the rest of my furniture. I've been a boring adult, and now I'm having fun."

"You've been home for a couple of days and haven't had sufficient rest." You opened your mouth but was cut off. "Yesterday doesn't count. 8 hours after missing 5 days of proper rest is utter bollocks." His big brother tone was out. Bugger.

"But, John, the fingers!"

"No."

"Okay but, hear me out, fingers."

"Nope."

"Fingersss."

"Repetition does nothing for coercion. You need sleep." Sherlock shook a beaker with a floating digit in.

"In Y/N's defence, she brings up a valid point. After all, the fingers, John."

"Fine, don't sleep. After all, what would I know? I'm only a doctor." He shuffled and sat in his armchair with a huff.

"A doctor who still doesn't sleep as he battles insomnia as part of his PTSD." You hit Sherlock on the arm. "Not good?"

"No, bit far. Now drink that coffee of yours, I made it 10 minutes ago, it's probably freezing." He opened his mouth. "No. Not doing that again. Not til I've cashed out on the last one." He pouted.

"But I've got dirty finger fingers." You barked a laugh and petted his shoulder in feigned sympathy.

"Finger fingers, huh? Well, finger fingers or not, I'm not feeding you your coffee." You span round the table and lent over his left shoulder, eyeing up the finger as the flesh melted away. "And, as much as it pains me to admit it, John is right. We've got a long day of building tomorrow and I'm gonna need some energy that doesn't derive from caffeine."

"But.. the fingers?"

"I know. Maybe while we wait for everything to turn up you can talk me through the results?"

"Will you make coffee?"

"Yes."

"And toast?"

"Yes."

"With Lurpak, not that vile Clover stuff John buys."

"Consider it done."

"Deal." You gave his head a fond pat and kissed John on the cheek before bidding your goodnights and heading downstairs for some rest.

[cloudycrystalkpop]

SMOKY | Haunted Halls

SMOKY MASTERLIST

blind! prince! Mingi x fem! reader x demon! Hongjoong

words: 1k+

warnings: death, suicide, witchcraft and demons

au: crown royal au 

notes: this is the stories “true ending” but it has two alternate endings.

~

“your husband, Prince Mingi, was found dead in a poll of his own blood last night.”

the words rung like church bells in your ears. even now, as you walked the dark halls under the castle. you had 48 hours until the burial and public announcement. 

the physician told you the full details. 

“Prince Mingi was found in the west wing observatory, at approximately 3am, by Mr. Jongho. the butler stated he had heard a loud and forlornful meowing from the observatory, and had suspected the prince’s cat had perhaps gotten itself stuck. Prince Mingi was found in a pool of his own blood, a single stab wound through his abdomen. I can infer for almost certain that he was killed by a sword ran completely through from the front, with the tip of it exiting his back. this severed many critical arteries and organs, leading the prince to bleed to death.” 

bleed to death.

Mingi had died, slowly, alone, helpless, and in agony. 

the west wing observatory was a secluded part of the castle. it overlooked the capital town below, and offered a beautiful view of the night sky. 

for many, dying in such a peaceful place may be preferable, however... Mingi was blind. never had he ever mentioned any interest in the observatory, and to your knowledge, he had never actually stepped foot there. 

an odd place for him to die.

“Hongjoong!” you called the guard’s name harshly, marching up and taking him forcefully by the arm. 

“oh~ my, where are you dragging me off to?” he wondered, not bothering to resist as you pulled him down a dimly lit hallway. 

“the catacombs.” you replied. 

~

a lantern was tied at your hip as you walked in step with the creature. 

“tell me, do you know who killed my husband?” you asked, eyeing him from the corner of your vision. Hongjoong grinned, that horrible horrible smile.

“yes.”

“have you shared this information with anyone?” 

“no.”

you signed, pulling loosely at the sleeves of your blouse. the chilly air doing little to ease your anxiety. 

“if I may be so bold, little witch, why am I here?” he asked, his normal playful voice returning. 

“having a demon in my home is a liability, however.” you came to a halt at a dead end. 

a pattern of chock lay on the stone floor. unlit candles placed strategically around the symbol, one very familiar to Hongjoong. 

“oh my~ you did all this for me? I'm flattered Your Highness~” Hongjoong’s voice cooed in a teasing tone, smile creeping back onto his face. 

“you are a demon of war. summoned by the late King, who made a contract with you. that you would let our kingdom win our war in exchange for the life of his child. long before the late prince’s death.” 

you stated, leaning down the begin lighting the candles.

“but, you waited, not taking the boy’s life as a child. you waited until he wed, waited until the king died, waited until there was peace within the kingdom. then you killed the prince and his princess, letting the two royal freaks take their place.” 

you blew out the match, standing once more.

“have I missed anything?” you challenged him, raising one eyebrow. 

Hongjoong let our a jolly laugh, clutching his stomach. “oh, you really think you have everything figured out? I thought you were smarter than that! smart enough to unravel your husband’s death, but still a silly witch after all~” his eyes glowed in the candle light. 

“let me enlighten you.” every one of your candles went out, including the lantern at your belt. 

~

the court was loud and frightening. outrage and confusion at the death of the crown prince. who killed him? was the murderer still in the castle? who would take his place? 

Seonghwa was found 21 hours after you first received the news of your husbands death. his sword, still stained with blood was pierced into the ground below the large willow tree on the outskirts of the garden, just outside the canopy. 

a gardener, a young man named San, shook like a leaf where he sat on a bench. you were gentle as you placed a blanket over his shoulders, asking him to relay his story one more time. 

San’s voice shook as you crouched before him, hands gentle in his lap as you rubbed his knees comfortingly. 

Seonghwa hung himself from the willows branches. he left no note, no goodbye, only his sword, Mingi’s dried blood still on the blade. San hiccuped slightly as he relayed the sight. 

your loyal knight’s handsome face, tears still staining his cheeks, body limp as one of the willow’s branches. 

~

you gave the court three months. it was announced to the kingdom, that the crown prince had been murdered, and his killer a rouge knight who committed suicide. 

it didn't take long for your advisors to begin pestering you to chose a new husband, or forfeit the crown in grief. 

“My Lady? please, you must eat.” Yeosang’s voice was sweet as ever, handing you a tart, begging you with his large gentle eyes. 

“Yeosang, I have a confession to make... I have done something horrible...” your voice wavered in your throat, staring down at the tart in your hand.

“please My Lady, speak kindly of yourself. these tragedies are not your doing.” he cooed. 

“Yeosang,” you turned to the young Duke. “what lengths would you be willing to go to... to be king?” you asked. 

Yeosang jerked away with a start. 

“would you sell your soul for it? make a deal with the devil? would you kill a man? kill two men?”

“M-My Lady I'm not sure what you are implying-” 

“oh? you're not? I'm disappointed in you Yeosang.” shaking your head, you took a bite out of the tart. it was red and slimy in the middle.

you licked the scarlet jelly from the corners of your mouth, not breaking eye contact with the frightened Duke before you. 

“Yeosang, will you marry me?”

~

the baby in your arms had hair the color of sunshine, it lay in loose curls around his head. eyes closed as he happily slept in his mothers arms. 

“what an adorable creature.” Hongjoong’s voice held amusement as he looked over your shoulder at the sleeping child. 

“he looks like his father.” you stated. Hongjoong chuckled darkly, resting his chin on your shoulder. 

“and your orders, little witch?” he purrs, lips brushed against the shell of your ear. voice low and quite as not to wake the baby in your arms. 

“kill King Yeosang. he is no longer of use to me.” as soon as the words left your mouth, a burning pain rose to the top of your spine. 

“very well.” the demon behind you disappeared into the air.

~

every contract with a demon has consequences. your mother’s was you. your disease was incurable, a constant visual reminder of what she had done. so desperate to have a child when she shouldn't be capable. she twisted fate, and the scares of such lived in your skin. 

the kings consequence was his first born son. no, not the prince who died at sea, the first born baby was... emptied by the demon. he had not a physical form, so he removed the child inside and crawled into his flesh. when he returned to the castle, the king was horrified by the face of his own son, now warped and twisted by the demon who lived within him. 

Yeosang’s consequences was his own misjudgment. a shipwreck, the Duke of the Vally or the Duke of the Sea? Yeosang miscalculated. very well, he's a capable man, he’ll simply seduce the princess instead. and seduce you he did. however, lust for power is far greater than lust for flesh. 

contracts and pacts work differently however. 

you would not befall the same consequence as the others before you, for a queen is always the most powerful piece on the board. 

[joyfulhopelox]

Strawberries & Cigarettes

Pairing: Jungkook x reader (Soulmate!AU)

Genre: angst, fluff

Warnings: mentions of sex (once), swear words, talks about death of minor character, mentions of smoking (don't do it kids)

Summary: As a child you detested strawberries, convincing yourself that you have an allergy to them. But imagine your shock when you grow up and realise that your soulmate connection has to do with the wretched berry.

Word count: 7.7k

rating : pg

A/N: This is square 4/25 for the @bangtanwritingbingo (Square: Strawberries) I have not written something remotely angsty in a while so this has been a challenge but i did it! And i am somewhat proud of it! Thank you @mochi-molala @sunshinejunghoseokie for listening to me complain about this it has been a journey. And most importantly, thank you @min-yoon-kween for being a beta queen and trying to read through this mess and managing to make 3am rambles onto words. I really appreciated all the support and tough love! @yoonjinkooked, @sunshinekims and @yoonia thank you for being there and listening to my 3am complaints whilst i was getting this done, your encouragement has been a massive help!

Copyrights @joyfulhopelox for both the work and the banner

As always please leave feedback and/or talk to me as i love to hear from you! Enjoy <3

The sweet, fragrant, slightly tart taste invades your senses once again causing you to sigh in frustration. How are you meant to find your soulmate if this unknown taste is all you have to go by? You couldn’t even pinpoint what it could be, the flavour being unlike anything that has ever touched your tastebuds.

“For real now Y/N, what do you have against fruit?” Your friend, Taehyung, inquires. You’ve adamantly refused his offer to share a fruit snack. It’s not like you had anything against fruit, far from it. You loved fruit. It was just the wretched strawberries lying there innocently on the bed of other berries, tainting them.

“It’s not fruit! I love fruit, you know that! Remember that time we snuck out into your grandfather's garden to steal apricots?” Your friend snorts. He remembers that time extremely well. You ate way more than you should have and ended up with indigestion for days after that.

“It’s just…” you grimace, looking once more at the red offenders. “Those”

“Strawberries?!” It was Taehyung’s turn to grimace. “How can you still hate strawberries after all this time? They are the best berry out there!” As if to prove his point he reaches for one and pops it in his mouth. You look away in disgust. “Oh come on Y/N, give them a try. You never know, you may like them now.” He pushed one towards you. Glaring at him, you rejected his offer.

“Tae, you know I can't! It’s not that I don't like them, I am allergic to them!” He responded with an incredulous look but didn’t say anything. Reading too much into his look you go to defend yourself. “I am! Since I was a child!”

“How do you know?” He raised an eyebrow at you. Shrugging, you tried to find a good answer.

Truth is, you didn’t know whether or not you were allergic to them. All you had was a bad memory from when you were a child. You had a very bad encounter with said berries. It was not a near death experience by any means, and it was not an allergic reaction. You were just a child, excited at the thought of trying a new fruit and so in your exhilaration you shoved it a bit too readily in your mouth. The innocent berry happened to go down the wrong pipe and causing you to choke and your family to panic. Ever since then you had sworn to never touch them again, telling everyone around you that you were allergic. That way you didn’t have to face the shame of retelling this childhood story and they couldn’t try forcing you to eat them.

It happened so long ago that you couldn’t even remember the taste. You couldn’t understand why everyone around you seemed to find them so delicious.

“I- just do ok? I had a bad reaction to them a long time ago, and I don’t want a repeat experience” you shrugged hoping that he would not catch onto the white lie you had just blatantly presented to his face. Side eyeing you suspiciously, Taehyung made sure to eat the strawberry he had picked up, sighing in the most dramatic way possible.

“Well then, more for me” his mouth was so full you could barely understand him. Disgusted you pushed his shoulder playfully. “Ew, that is bad manners. Did your mother not teach you to chew with your mouth closed?”

Taehyung pretended to look thoughtful whilst still chewing. “Nope, now take a blueberry and shut up” he pushed the assortment of fruit your way once again, this time making sure that the strawberries were out of your sight.

“Thanks Tae” you smiled gratefully at him, picking a blueberry out. Before it could reach your mouth, a loud thump resounded from next to you making you jump. Surprised your fingers let go of the blueberry you were holding so preciously.

“Oh man, don’t waste food!” a voice you recognised all too well spoke, whilst a hand made its way past your face and into the bowl of fruit Taehyung had so carefully prepared for the two of you. Long slender fingers wrapped themselves around the green stem of a strawberry. You followed the movement of the hand holding the strawberry to come face to face with the culprit.

“Hello to you too, Jungkook” Taehyung sighs, his smile instantly dropping. “What brings you here?” His deadpan expression was a good indication of how happy he was to see him.

“Uh, it’s lunchtime?” Jungkook looked at Taehyung as if he had grown a second head. “Is this not where we are supposed to eat lunch?” disposing of the green stem of the strawberry, he pops it in his mouth. You wanted to grimace, you had enough of Taehyung making a scene whilst eating that damned fruit. Now you are forced to witness the office heartthrob lick his fingers clean of the fruit juice that coated them. Simultaneously expelling a moan so sinful it was definitely not appropriate for office hours. You doubted it was healthy for your heart.

“Yes, but you guys in the graphics team have a separate kitchen. You know, the one you took from us last year? The big fancy one?” Taehyung was still bitter about that incident. It had been his favourite break room to spend time in. The room was spacious and had more than just a few tables scattered here and there, divided by a couple of couches where employees could lounge during their break. There was also a terrace with a lot more space and a pool table. Most importantly,Taehyung’s pride and joy, a gaming room. He would get lost in there during his break, and sometimes even after work until you would come and retrieve him worried for his health.

That is where he met Jungkook, and that is where he ruined your life by introducing you to said office heartthrob. At the time your department and his rarely interacted outside of company meetings. You were working as a business analyst and he was working as a graphics developer. Your jobs could not have been more different from each other.

Truth be told, you had seen Jungkook around the building on more than one occasion. You had the chance to speak once at a company gala in a drunken haze, where you realised you had a lot of interests in common. But you only got to know him the second time you bumped into him, when Taehyung decided to introduce you two. His handshake and shy presentation told you he was too drunk to remember talking to you that night so you did not mention it either.

Once you’ve been introduced, his presence turned into one of the ones you sought out during lunch breaks, you became more aware of the rumours flying around the company. Out of all of them the ones you heard the most were about him and his love for “dining and dashing” all the women he had taken out on a date.

Normally, you wouldn’t be the person to listen to such rumours and allow them to sway your opinion of someone. But you had witnessed on one occasion how he had indeed left a woman in the middle of a restaurant and fled the scene. After that you wondered if maybe you should be more weary of him and his bad habits.

Talking to him in person was a completely different story. He seemed incredibly shy at the beginning, it took him a couple of weeks to be able to look you in the eyes. Taehyung would laugh and say it is because he had a crush on you but you doubted that. How could you believe that? Not when you lived in a world where lovers were predestined. You were born with a bond that tied you to someone else, a bond that's unbreakable. Your soulmate was made for you and only you. You could have other lovers until you found your true one, you have seen it happen on multiple occasions but once you found your soulmate and that bond was complete you couldn’t be apart from them.

Soulmates, a subject that ruined your life as soon as you became aware of it. At the age of ten you found out that all humans on this planet have a person they are meant to be with forever. A person that is yours, and only yours. At such a young age you fell in love with the concept. Fairies and princesses in the stories your parents would read you before bed, they all had their one true love. When you found out that you were meant to have one true love, a soulmate, you were beyond ecstatic. For years after, it was all you talked about and all you dreamt about. It all came crashing down when one rainy night your father had a car accident on his way home from work. The crash took a parental figure away from you. Aside from having had to deal with the pain of losing your hero, you also went through the misery of witnessing the painful heartbreak that comes with having a soulmate.

Your mother mourned for days, she could not eat or sleep, she withered right in front of your eyes. It was heartbreaking to experience your only remaining parent destroying themselves right before your eyes. You were only sixteen at the time and could not do anything to help alleviate the pain she was going through. So you helplessly stood at her side for another three years until one day, her soul finally gave up.

Her funeral was a relief for you, it meant she didn’t have to struggle anymore. The pain was gone. So, at the age of nineteen, you became an orphan.

Turning twenty and a struggling pen pusher, you met Taehyung in a cafe. You crashed into him soaking his expensive suit in coffee as you rushed out the door, late for work. Apologising profusely and promising to pay for his dry cleaning you gave him your number. That was the first time you had hit a stroke of good luck in years. Later that day, when a text came through from an unknown number you expected it to be an extortionate dry cleaning bill. Instead all that was written was: ‘Coffee’s on me next time (not literally though) haha.’ You couldn’t help but laugh, he gave you a place and time and signed it with Taehyung. That had been the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

For the first few years of your friendship you’d wondered if he was your soulmate; and so, despite your aversion to the concept, you two started dating. It was difficult not to like him, he was good looking and you two seemed to have a lot in common. It didn’t help that the sex was also great, you had to admit he knew what he was doing. But after one too many nights of netflix and takeaways at his apartment, which ended in his bed, you both decided that you were not the one for each other. So, two years into your relationship you separated. Fortunately, the friendship you two forged remained, your bond stronger than before. At the age of twenty three, you moved in together as housemates. It was the most logical thing to do, you were attached at the hip anyway and rent was too expensive for a single person to bear. Twenty four came and went, stressed and always low on money, when luck struck you for a second time the day Taehyung told you a position had opened in his team. You decided to apply and rejoiced when you got the job offer. That night you and Taehyung celebrated with pizza and champagne.

Here you are three years later having worked in the same company, being promoted from a trainee to a junior business analyst, and life couldn’t have been better.

There was one thing that bothered you, and that was the strange taste in your mouth that you had begun to notice. At first it was so faint that you didn’t notice it. As time passed, it got stronger and stronger, until you could not ignore the slight tangy, sweet taste that lingered on the tip of your tongue. It wasn’t a bad taste, in fact you quite liked it. You were just annoyed at the fact that you could not place it. You tried multiple foods which you thought may have a similar taste but none of them satisfied that craving. You hid this information from Taehyung for a while, not wanting to make a big fuss out of it until the day he found you rummaging through the fridge mumbling to yourself.

“What are you doing Y/N?” he stood in the doorway confused as to why your head was buried deep into the fridge. You jumped not having heard him move into the kitchen and looked at him in surprise. The sight that greeted him was something he was not expecting. The hilarity of your wide eyed expression paired with the cheeks stuffed full of cherries made him double over in laughter.

Mumbling something akin to “stop laughing at me, i had a craving” you stood up and walked to the table dejectedly plopping yourself down on a chair. Taehyung sobered immediately noticing the forlorn expression on your face and whilst still wiping the tears from his eyes he approached you and sat down. “What’s up chipmunk?” he could not resist making a jab at you. Sighing you started picking at a stray thread off your sleeve. You decided it was time to tell him what has been bothering you for months, despite fearing his judgement.

“Have you ever had cravings?” you turn to look at him, your expression so innocent that he could not make fun of you for such a trivial question. “Of course I have! All the damn time” he scoffed at you.

“No, no what I mean is; have you ever had a taste at the tip of your tongue, on your lips something that isn’t what you have eaten that day, but it is there continuously lingering in your mouth?” the more you were explaining this out loud the stupider you felt. Your own words were confusing even to you. But it seemed like Taehyung knew what you meant because in an instant he jumped up from his seat and looked at you wide eyed.

“Y/N!” the grin on his face intensified. “Do you know what this means?” he grabbed your shoulders in excitement. “It means that you have found your soulmate!” your eyes widened in fear, your body stiffened under his hold. Realising what he’d said, and how you felt about soulmates he backtracked quickly. “Nonono, it means you are close to finding your soulmate. It means you have met them at last!” When your frozen body refused to move he realised that maybe that was not the best way to phrase it either. But the damage has already been done. Wide eyed, you flew off the chair and rushed out of the kitchen towards your own room, slamming the door in the process.

You called in sick the next day, and the day after, not leaving your room until you were certain Taehyung had left for work. He tried on multiple occasions to coax you out of your room, but to no avail. You stubbornly refused to acknowledge him. Mulling over your thoughts in the comfort of your room, conflicted at the realisation that he was right. You had met your soulmate, just not completed the bond yet.

“Y/N, are you ok?” the worry in his voice broke your heart, but you were too absorbed in your own thoughts to respond to him.

Memories of your parents, together and apart, thoughts of your mother and her suffering, memories of you together as a happy family all swirling around in your head. It was all too much to bear, and in the end your brain gave up exhausted, only to wake up the next day and start all over again. For a week you stayed in your room, but when Taehyung decided that enough was enough he formulated a plan in his head hoping it would get you out of your room. If you refused to come out for him, he would have to resort to other methods. He would invite people over, he knew you would not be able to resist the temptation of being a good host. So that day he called your colleague and his friend, Jungkook.

Later on that night, you laid in bed, thoughts ruminating through your head at a fast pace when you heard voices from the entrance. You could easily recognise Taehyung’s voice, the low timbre echoing through the house. It was the second voice that you could not pinpoint, and so, intrigued you got off the bed.

Your joints ached, having sat in the same position for so long and your head hurt from exhaustion. You knew you probably looked like a mess but curiosity was eating at your insides. So you took the chance and opened the door slightly trying to peek into the corridor. Unfortunately, your room was the first along the corridor, right around the corner from the kitchen. The kitchen where Taehyung and his mysterious companion were now exiting from. Your delayed reaction ended up with them coming around the corner almost bumping into you. Gasping, your eyes took in the unknown person whose voice drew you out of your miserable state.

“Jungkook '' you yelped. Startled at the intrusion, you slammed the door in their faces, your back now leaning against the door. You didn’t ponder too much on Jungkook’s shocked expression or Taehyung’s pleased one. Your heart was pounding, and for a second the blood rush from the adrenaline made your ears ring and your lips tingle. You were so focused on your embarrassment that you didn’t even notice the lingering sweet taste residing on your tongue.

Sliding against the door to keep yourself from falling you tried to regulate your heartbeat by taking a few deep breaths in. After a few moments, your eyes opened and took in the darkness of your room. Deciding that you were calm enough you got up, your legs slightly wobbly from crouching for so long. Turning on the light you looked at yourself in the mirror. Your hair was in disarray, your skin looked dull and the red that rimmed your eyes accentuated the eyebags under them. Grimacing at your appearance, you patted your hair trying to make it look more presentable only to give up after a few minutes. Throwing another worried glance at your door, as if you were expecting the boys to barge in at any moment, you contemplated going out there. You sighed deciding that you didn’t care if Jungkook would think you were impolite, you were not ready to face the world.

For the next couple of hours you tried to distract yourself from your thoughts accompanied by the loud hollers coming from the living room where the boys were playing video games. Too absorbed in your own thoughts you didn’t realise how late it had gotten, the rumbling of your stomach waking you up from your trance.

Opening the door you listened intently but there were no sounds coming from the living room. You assumed the boys had finally fallen asleep do as quietly as you could you tiptoed to the kitchen. The corridor was dark, the only light coming from the TV in the living room where you assumed the boys had passed out. Turning on the light in the kitchen you contemplated stealing Taehyung’s last pack of ramen when a voice from behind startled you.

“What are you doing?” you yelped, not having expected to have company.

Jungkook stood in the middle of the doorway, his eyes bleary with sleep, his hair poofed up and judging by the groggy voice, still half asleep. You tried to ignore the way your heart somersaulted at the sight of his messy hair, the way his hooded eyes were blinking sleepily at you and the way his small yawn made him resemble a rabbit. He was adorable and for a second you entertained the thought of telling him that.

“Food” was all you finally replied, secretly trying to fix your messy appearance. Jungkook hummed in acknowledgment. You looked away trying to ignore his eyes on you. The silence that followed was awkward, neither of you knew what to say. “Uh, I don’t know if that rascal fed you but uh….would you like some ramen?” you stuttered trying to break the awkwardness. His stomach growled as if prepared for your question. You stared at him in shock for a couple of seconds before you burst into laughter.

Jungkook smiled at you bashfully, too embarrassed to respond so you took it upon yourself and pulled another chair out for him to sit in.

The silence that ensued was comforting, neither you nor Jungkook feeling the need to interrupt it with small talk. You observed amusedly the way his eyes seemed to lighten up at the sight of food, the way the corner of them would crinkle in excitement and the small satisfied sounds at the food gracing his taste buds was something you found adorable.

The feeling of contentment that enveloped you was entirely new. As the calmness washed over you, you realised it felt like coming home. Not knowing what to make of it you continued to stare at Jungkook, hoping that the answers were hidden somewhere in his smile. Catching you stare at him mid bite Jungkook stopped and tilted his head in confusion.

“Is there something on my face?” realising you were staring at him for a bit too long you squeaked in embarrassment.

“Ah, no no no I was just lost in thought.” Hoping he would buy that excuse, you offered him a bright smile.

Jungkook had known you were staring at him, and for a brief second, along with the spiciness of the noodles burning his tongue, he felt something smoky intertwine. He wondered if it was the food, but the taste was too distinct. In an instant he could place it, the taste of cigarettes. It was faint but he recognised instantly that ashy fragrance. He wondered if his soulmate was a smoker and if so why would the taste bother him now?

He found out about the soulmate connection years ago and how he was meant to figure out which person was meant for him. Meeting your soulmate was supposed to trigger a taste that was only attributed to them. His trigger happened a few years ago when he started working for the company. To say he was excited was an understatement. He has dreamt of meeting his soulmate for so long and to know that they were in proximity was exhilarating.

In his naive search for them he decided to accept all the requests he has gotten from his colleagues to go on dates. Unfortunately for him, he realised too late that it was not the way to find the one that was meant to be for you. Just like the concept of a soulmate, if it was meant to happen, it would happen. He realised too late and after too many failed dates that he could not rush the process. So he stopped trying. Until that one day when he saw you on the roof of the building, during lunch time. You had no idea that you were not alone, had you been aware of that fact you may have not gotten out your pack of cigarettes. Jungkook could tell by the way your foot tapped the ground impatiently and the way your hands kept grabbing at your hair that you were stressed. He sat in silence not wanting to disturb you as you seemed to be hyping yourself up about something. You didn’t interact that day, but in his head he knew he had found you. The taste of cigarettes on his lips was as strong as the smell wafting through the air.

Normally he would not have been happy about someone who smoked in his vicinity, the harsh smell causing his nose to tingle in an unpleasant fashion. Watching you stress smoke that cigarette with the knowledge that you were his soulmate he found himself unbothered by that knowledge. He knew who you were, your mutual friend being Taehyung. He had introduced you two as soon as you started working for the company.

He will always remember that specific moment, the time when you smiled shyly at him extending your hand. He felt an unusual warmth all throughout his body, but he didn’t realise at the time it was your soulmate bond tying itself together like the ends of two loose strings.

He tried with all his might to figure out whether or not you had the faintest idea about your soulmate connection and for a few months he would insist on taking his break on the floor below just so he could spend time with you. Your lack of interest towards him and his advances told him that you were oblivious. You weren’t treating him differently than you would treat Taehyung and for a while he questioned himself. What if he had been wrong? Instead of keeping up appearances, he let himself slip into the friend's mould. If he had been wrong then it would spare him the embarrassment, if he hadn’t been wrong then it would do him no harm to be friends first.

The memories still fresh in his mind he knew now that you were his soulmate. Still a bit tipsy from the wine he had shared with Taehyung earlier he plucked up the courage and jokingly asked, “Is it because I am handsome?” The shocked look on your face and the silence that ensued were far from comfortable. Slowly Jungkook could feel the heat of the blood rushing to his face and he tried his best to hide his embarrassment with a cough. “I mean-“

At the sight of his wide eyes and red cheeks you started chuckling, not being able to hold your composure for any longer. “It was bad, but you’re adorable.” This time your face turned beet red. You both looked at each other like deer caught into headlights for a few moments, only to dissolve into laughter once again.

That night you talked to Jungkook as if he was an old friend. It felt comfortable to share stories with him, to laugh and to make jokes. It felt good to be out of your head for once. The worries that had plagued your mind completely dissolved in between the laughter and the wine that you were sharing.

At some point during the night you both moved into the corridor in front of your room, both sat on the floor, your back leaning against the wall. Passing the wine bottle in between the two of you the conversation carried on into the darkness of the corridor. The only available source of light coming from the kitchen dimly lighting both of your faces, casting shadows across the floor. You didn’t know when you got so close to him, your skin prickling at the heat emanating from his body. Or when your head dropped onto his broad shoulder, your eyes fluttering, heavy with sleep.

“Y/N” Jungkook whispered and you hummed in response. The familiarity of the scene made him smile. You looked adorable, cuddled into his side, your eyes laden with sleep.

“What if I were to tell you I found my soulmate?” His voice was fearful but his heart was hopeful.

Wide awake now, your head snapped up. “What?”

Even though it was meant to be a whisper your voice reverberated through the corridor. Gasping you stopped to listen for any signs of Taehyung waking up. When the corridor stayed silent you breathed a sigh of relief and cleared your throat. “What?” you looked alarmed at Jungkook.

“Is it that bad? That I found my soulmate?” he looked wounded and you quickly tried to clarify. “Nonono, definitely not bad, just...i am surprised” you looked hesitant. You didn’t know what to make of that information, on one hand you wanted to be happy for him. Not everyone thought like you about the soulmate bond. On the other hand you couldn’t fathom the idea that he may have found his intended love in life. The pain blossomed in your chest and you readily assumed the reason behind that being your aversion towards the concept.

“But what if….” Jungkook stopped. He looked unsure of himself and something pulled at your heartstrings. In an attempt to comfort him you placed your hand on his grasping it gently.

“What if, the soulmate doesn’t want me” he tried again, his voice meek. You gave him a sympathetic look, in a way you could relate to his worries. “There is no way your soulmate wouldn’t want you” you tried to ease his worries, your hand subconsciously tightening its grip on his. Jungkook didn’t respond looking lost in thought and for a moment you thought you had said the wrong thing when you felt his fingers intertwined with yours. The feel of his warmth combined with the softness of his hands cause butterflies to erupt in your stomach. The feeling so foreign to you, but not unwelcome.

“But what if I said my soulmate was you?” he tried again, his grip tightening, as if he was afraid you might slip through his fingers. Your heart stopped, your mind trying to catch up with his words. Taking the risk, Jungkook slowly cupped your face. Leaning towards you until your lips were only one whisper away he stopped. His warm breath fanning over your face, it smelt sweet, tangy. Before you could process your thoughts bumped his lips onto yours in a timid touch. Once, twice, three times, his lips ghosted over yours.

You could not react, the surprise from his confession still wrecking havoc through your body. Your eyes fluttered closed as you felt his soft lips touch yours with a bit more conviction. You almost allowed yourself to melt into the kiss a small moan leaving the back of your throat. He tasted sweet, just like...you could not place the taste, and yet it seemed so familiar.

You jolted out of the trance pulling away from him entirely, almost sliding yourself on the opposite side of the corridor. Like a deer in headlights you observed his every move, ready to flee the scene if he got too close to you. “Y/N”, Jungkook tried to reach a hand towards you. You flinched away from him and he halted. You looked scared of him. He could feel his heart break in two at the sight of your distress.

“Y/N” he tried again but you would not have it. You were unable to listen to any reasoning, your fight or flight reaction at an all time high. “Please go” you managed to utter.

When he tried to approach you again you let out a sob, the emotions of your revelations catching up with you. “Please” you pleaded, looking at him in despair. Jungkook’s heart dropped. The look on your face told him you wanted him gone, and as much as it hurt him he would listen to you.

Giving you one last pained look he turned around on his heels and walked down the corridor, swallowed by the darkness of the apartment. When with a click of the front door you knew he was gone, and you broke down in tears.

“Y/N? What’s wrong?” Taehyung, fully awake, having heard the front door close and your sobs echoing through the apartment, rushed to your side.

“I fucked up” was the only thing you could mutter over and over again. Taehyung was confused. Looking around him trying to find something that may indicate the reason for your cries, he spotted the wine bottle by your leg. Alarmed, he picked it up. “Fresh notes of strawberries”....

“Y/N are you daft? This has strawberries in it!” he tried to pry your hands away from your face to check for any signs of swelling. Your incessant cries lessened at that. Taehyung could barely discern what you were saying and so instead, he hugged you tightly to his chest letting you cry it out.

“I think I know the taste that has been bugging me” a couple of days after that night, you were in the break room with Taehyung prepared to have your lunch break. You had been successful at avoiding Jungkook, and you had a strong suspicion that he had stayed out of your way on purpose. That lessened your worries, you didn’t know if you would be able to confront him about what had transpired between the two of you.

“Really? What, when and how?” you could tell Taehyung was trying to hide his excitement underneath his grin. You refused to give him more information on the subject, not yet ready to talk about it. But if you underestimated something, it was his ability to put two and two together. “Is it Jungkook?” you stopped dead in your tracks, your heartbeat picking up the pace. At your reaction Taehyung almost grinned, he was happy his two friends had discovered each other. His grin faltered at something behind you.

You tried denying it, telling him he was mistaken. but with the sweet taste of strawberries lingering on your lips, even you knew that there was no mistake.

“Uhh, Y/N, I have to rush, I forgot that I needed to send some documents over” he quickly got up and rushed out of the room. Your bewildered eyes followed his retreat only to come across the man that had just entered the break room. You gasped at the sight of his athletic frame dressed in the dark coloured suit he normally wore for work. He looked handsome.

“Jungkook” you acknowledged him with a nod. He stood there looking at you for a moment, a strange look on his face as if he was prepared to say something but then changed his mind at the last minute. Instead he mirrored your nod and headed towards the coffee machine.

He passed by you in an attempt to reach for the pods that were on the table behind you. To get to them he had to step around your still body. You could not move, still in a daze, your lips tingling from the kiss you two have shared earlier. Your hands were trembling and you tried your hardest to stay calm and not give away the mixed feelings raging through your body. You cleared your throat and looked away in an attempt to hide your blushing face from him. Jungkook took you in silently, he didn’t know what to make of your reaction. Earlier when he had kissed you, your lips moulding together, you pressed tightly against his form, hands raking through his hair. You seemed to be reciprocating the feeling but now, when you were acting like a deer caught in headlights, he was not so sure of himself anymore.

Cautiously he approached you, his gaze unfaltering, he was afraid that if he stepped over the line you would run away from him again. He didn’t know if his heart could take it.

He couldn’t imagine that if you’d figured it out you’d react to him like this. He was waiting for you to realise it was him. However, the blank look on your face and your stiff posture told him otherwise. The soulmate connection urged him to take you in his arms and take the pain away, to make it better. But you didn’t know yet it was him, and he debated whether or not he should tell you. His heart lurched in pain, he didn’t know how to approach the issue. Knowing himself he’d make a stupid comment which would drive you further away. So he settled for actions rather than words.

It felt like an eternity until he reached you, toe to toe, his hand hesitantly cupped your face. You couldn’t move, your breath coming into short pants, your heart flipping inside your chest. For a second you feared you would faint, but the warm touch of his hand kept you grounded and so you focused on that. Closing your eyes you leaned your head onto his hand soaking up the comfort. Even though you were apprehensive about Jungkook and your connection, he has been nothing but kind and understanding to you. His awkward demeanour paired with his confident looks, an endearing combination in your eyes. After that night you two spent together in the corridor of your apartment you understood very well why most women in your company fell in love with him. What you didn’t understand though, was why he would break their hearts like that. Thinking about the rumours once again your eyes snapped open and you pushed his hand away.

“Jungkook,” you cleared your throat. You needed to get your feelings off your chest otherwise you would implode. You wanted to make sure you were both on the same page. You didn’t want to end up heartbroken like any of the other women in the office. Your stomach lurched at that, the thought of him rejecting you like he did those women sending shooting pains through your whole body.

Jungkook’s hands stayed a few centimeters away from your face, his face morphing into anguish. But as soon as it appeared, it was instantly gone, replaced by a smile, the same heartfelt smile he gave you the day you met. The day you had signed your fate. The day the taste of what you could place now as strawberries had invaded your tastebuds. He waited for you to say something, he was not going to push you, but his gentle eyes told you he was going to listen to whatever you decided to tell him. Taking a deep breath in you decided to continue.

“I- am not sure how to put this into words, so I am going to just come out with it.” tears pooled into your eyes at the thought of what you were going to say. He nodded but you could tell he was anxious by the way his hand helplessly dropped to his side and started fiddling with his pants. You blinked the tears away but they just kept coming leaving a hot trail down your face. The pain of losing your parents resurfacing at the memories flooding your head.

“My parents, they uh, died” you stumbled over your words, finding it very difficult to get a grasp over your emotions. You took Jungkook’s silence as a sign to carry on, “my dad passed away in a car accident, after that, my mother she uh” a sob wrecked through your body and you couldn’t carry on. Watching as your whole body broke down in front of him Jungkook decided to throw caution out the window and steadily wrapped his arms around you. In an instant you relaxed, the warmth and the comfort provided by your soulmate embracing you calmed you down enough for you to carry on with your story.

“My mother, she died heartbroken three years after my father” you sniffled embarrassed at the snot you could see on his shirt. Trying to pull yourself away from him you found yourself nose to chest with him as he tightened his grip on you. You didn’t have the strength to fight against his hold.

“Jungkook,” you pleaded, slumping against him, your forehead resting on his warm chest. In that position you could hear his heartbeat, the strong thump reverberating through you. The knowledge that you were about to break that rhythm pained you. “I don’t want to have a soulmate.” A fresh wave of tears soaked through his shirt. Jungkook felt as if your sobs had not only penetrated the material but also his heart, the coldness that gripped him rendering him speechless.

Despite the unbearable ache that your words have caused him, he remembered that you were also suffering. He decided that his pain was irrelevant to yours, the soulmate bond that forged between the two of you pushing him to alleviate your sorrow and forget about his own.

“Y/N” his voice sounded foreign to him, the anguish seeping through. He cleared his throat and tightened his grip on you, trapping your arms in between the two of you. You knew you were being selfish, your hard words chipping away at his heart. Despite that he was being patient and understanding, lending you the last of his strength. “Don’t, please” was his last attempt at asking you not to crush him. A plea followed by a soft kiss on the top of your head, his own tears threatening to spill down his cheeks.

His words pierced through you, a heavy feeling settling in your chest. It felt as if someone had placed a weighted lead over your heart. Your mind was fighting against the soul’s desire to mould together as one, to form that bond fully. But by doing so, you were fighting against the laws of the soulmate connection, the broken promise of being together forever caused you to feel agony like never before. Desperate, you managed to free your hands and wrap them around him, your fingers digging into the muscles of his back in an attempt to steady yourself. You let the pain course through you, letting Jungkook’s soft cries in your hair be a reminder of your self-serving fears. His breath was hot on the crown of your hair, his breath coming out in broken gasps and you finally understood.

This is what your mother had experienced. This is the pain she must have gone through when your father was gone. Only, you were voluntarily putting yourself and him through it.

You felt despicable, but most importantly, you were terrified. Thoughts running through your head, scenarios in which you and him were bonded and living a happy life, only for it to be swept from under you. You didn’t think you could bear that, but you knew that what you were doing now was not right either. There was no such thing as a bandaid when it came to a soulmate bond. You would suffer forever and it never got easier.

“Y/N, please talk to me.” Jungkook’s voice wavered but his tears had stopped. He was doing his best to stay strong for you. Burying your head into his inviting shoulder you inhaled his scent, it was something sweet. Sweet like that night when you kissed, that significant night when you realised he was yours and you were his. Trying to recall the happiness that you felt when you two kissed you whispered, “I’m afraid.”

Jungkook had never felt more helpless. Hearing you admit this felt even more painful than you rejecting the soulmate bond. He could do very little to alleviate your worries, he couldn’t promise you forever because he himself had no power over the future, but he could promise you that he would try his best to be there until it wasn’t possible anymore.

“I can’t promise you that we will last forever, but I can promise you that as long as we are alive and have a forever to fight for I will do my best to reach it” his soft words brushed through your hair, the hand on your back tightening its hold. Fresh tears spilled from your eyes, the hot trail competing with the warmth that was growing in your chest. His words were not enough to alleviate your worries, but they were enough to pacify the inner battle between your soul and your heart.

“Hey,” he gently grabbed your shoulders, breaking your hold on him. With some distance now in between the two of you, it was easier to look at him. Your heart broke at the sight of the tears silently running down his face, a contrast to the small reassuring smile he was offering you. If not for the pain in his eyes you would have thought he was crying for you only. However, his eyes spoke of agony for two. The relationship that was meant to be, the relationship that your souls craved and you had power over. The understanding encouragement he was offering told you that he would take whatever you decided. If your decision was to not pursue this, he would accept it and never question it. With this in mind you took a deep breath in, your hands hesitantly reaching out and wiping away at the trail of tears.

“I am afraid” you stopped glancing away from him for a split second. Jungkook’s breath caught in his throat anticipating your next words. You had the power to make him or break him, his heart in your hands. With your next exhale, you let all your worries out, your stance visibly relaxing.

“But I am not afraid to fight for a future forever, with you.”

Main Masterlist

[angstsfordays]

No, Mama!

Summary: Steve Rogers faces the toughest challenge in his century’s worth of life presenting in the form of his 3-year-old son. Inspired loosely from the tiktok video on this post. 🥺💖

Pairing: Dad!Steve Rogers x Mom!Reader Warnings: None. Just FLUFF all around. Word count: 5k-ish Notes: Hi! I’m back with another story now that exams are over and I am on holiday! No angst this time just lots of sweetness. Really hope you like it as it’s just cute domestic fluff with 1 out of 2 favourite century old super soldiers!

Have a look at my masterlist of other stories if you’re interested! 🥰

Leave a like, reblog or comment to let me know what you think! Thank you! :) 

———————————————————————

The drive back home from the compound was always welcomed by Steve. Even after his many years of fighting, the world still counted on his help every now and then. As the saying goes, evil never rests.

He was starting to grow wearisome of the fighting but he knew that the world still depended on the Avengers. His innate sense of justice could not allow him the selfishness to abandon his duty. Furthermore, he needed to ensure the world was safe to keep his whole world safe.

Steve Rogers counted himself lucky still. He was able to meet someone who understood his line of work and still wanted to be with him till the end. You were a former SHILED agent and Avenger, now retired to take care of your family. As committed as you were to your career, you knew the moment your son was born, you were willing to give everything up to dedicate your life to him.

You exchanged your stealth suit for mom jeans and baggy shirts. Your combat boots with sneakers. You did not regret your decision.

You figured that you didn’t want your son to grow up with two parents who are often absent and risking their lives in the field. You made the choice to take a step back to raise your son with full time commitment.

Perhaps, you might return back to the field when he grows older. But that’s a thought for many years later. For now, it was a daily routine of diapering, feeding, napping, playing and lots of entertaining a spirited toddler.

You left your son, Hugh James Rogers to entertain himself with his wooden blocks and animal toys while you cleaned up after lunch. You just finished with the last set of dishes before washing your hands clean. 

The beeping sound of the Stark Technology home lock alerted your senses of someone entering the front door of your home. Recognising the sound of familiar footsteps, you quickly made your way out of your kitchen to welcome the arrival.

The clank of metal on the floor only served to quicken your steps as you threw yourself onto the big mass in your living room.

“Welcome back, Stevie.” Steve chuckled as he took a step back when your welcome caught him by surprise, his hands went to scoop your legs up and around his waist. You pulled away from the crook of his neck when you previously laid your head and gazed lovingly into your husband’s eyes.

Your fingers went to cradle the sides of his face before your thumbs moved along the bags underneath his eyes. Your brows furrowed at how tired he must have been from the mission. He had been away for almost three months and it was the longest he had been away from you and your son.

“I’m fine, doll.” Steve could sense your worry as you observed him silently for a moment. You knew better than to believe him. “I’m calling Tony.”

“Come on, love. There’s no need for that.”

“Don’t you try and stop me. Why does he get to stay home with Morgan and have you go out on such long missions? He’s not the only one with a family.” A pout formed on your face as your husband tried to coax you into leaving things be.

“Tony promised to give me a break after this. I won’t be on call for missions.” Steve reassured you. You raised an eyebrow with slight doubt but you knew Tony was a man of his word.

Steve’s heart soared at how much you looked after his well-being. He felt like the luckiest guy in the world for having someone to take care of him. With you, he could let his guard down and be vulnerable. People were used to viewing Steve with such awe, expecting him to be all strong and unfaltering.

However, he was only a human. He craved to be comforted when he was feeling his lowest. Steve was glad that he found and met you.

“I missed you so much, Stevie.” Steve was almost not ready for the onslaught of kisses that you started to pepper him on his face and lips to show how much you missed him. He relished in your love and care but it was short lived before you had yourself released from his hold.

Disappointment washing over him, he made to pout and whine until he heard your voice perked up.

“Hugh, Daddy’s home!”

The mention of his son’s name had Steve quickly follow you into the living room. As your son tilted his head in response to the sound of your voice, you crouched down beside him to get his attention.

“Look, Hugh! Where’s Daddy?” Your voice squealed in the baby talk as you gestured for Hugh to look towards Steve. Hugh did not move from his spot as his eyes moved to watch Steve who crouched down on his knees to meet his son’s eye level.

“Hey buddy, it’s me.” Stretching his hands out, Steve gestured for Hugh to come straight into his arms. Steve’s face was filled with anticipation for his son’s welcome. However, as seconds passed, dread started to fill Steve when Hugh still remained seating down.

You caught Steve’s crestfallen expression and decided to intervene.

“It must be the beard, babe. The last time he saw you, you were totally clean shaven.” You tried to explain at your son’s unusual behaviour.

“Should I shave it?” The gears in Steve’s mind started shifting at your words. You chuckled at the panic look that Steve showed.

“No, it’s fine. Besides, I love it.” You responded fondly as you moved to caress his full grown beard.  Steve’s eyes twinkled at your remark but he still looked sullen at your son’s lack of interests towards him.

“He will come around, Steve.” Indicating for Hugh to let you carry him, he toddled his way into your arms. Making your way towards Steve who now stood up, you hoped that you can help Steve to reacquaint Hugh soon.

If you were a little heartbroken at your son’s apathetic attitude, you were sure it was a thousand times worse for Steve.

“Should I bring the shield in so that he recognises me?” Oh, Steve.

———————————————————————

It had only been three days since Steve returned home from his last mission. He was still relishing in the comfort of his own home and the company of his family. With your help, Hugh starting to warm up to Steve again.

It involved the shield and a lot of re-enactment of himself as what Hugh watched on TV. Steve even called for Bucky to deliver the suit to your home from the compound so that he could get in costume for Hugh to be familiar with him.

However, his happiness was short lived when a call arrived for you. It was 3am when you got the call from the compound. You were called in for a special mission and honestly, both of you were taken aback since you have not been back in the field since you got pregnant with Hugh.

It was a hostage mission involving the child of a very powerful Italian mafia boss. You were specifically requested as you developed a friendship with said boss after saving his life once from your earlier SHIELD days. He did not want other Avengers involved despite their stronger talents. He only trusted you as a friend to get his only child back.

You agreed on account of your friendship and empathy with his plight as a parent. You were honestly worried about returning to the field after such a long hiatus but Steve had confidence in you. He understood the situation and encouraged you to take on the mission.

Your mission will take 48 hours and you had to leave Hugh for the first time in awhile. Aside from worrying about the mission, you also worried if Steve could handle Hugh on his own. He hardly parented on his own as you were always around.

You looked at your watch and saw that it was 8.30am. You were tasked to leave in half an hour. You had woken earlier at 7am when Hugh climbed into your bed. You decided to quickly freshen up and spend some time during breakfast together before you got ready to leave.

With your bag in hand, you left your room and turned to see your son and husband in the living room. The sound of your boots clicking on the wooden floor attracted the attention of the two men in the room.

“Mama!” Hugh called you as he put down his favourite dinosaur toy to walk over to you.  Placing your bag down on the floor, your arms stretched out to scoop your baby boy into your arms. His own chubby finger reached out to play with the lapels of your suited jacket.

 Steve looked at you from head to toe, admiring how you looked in a full formal black suit with a white silk blouse and combat boots. You reminded him of the first day he had met you when you were introduced to the team.

“It’s been awhile since I saw you in this getup.” You shifted Hugh’s weight in your arms before you responded.

“I thank god it still fits.”

“You look amazing, darling.” You could feel Steve’s eyes raking up and down when you sat down with him on the couch. He leaned over to give you a quick peck on the lips affectionately.

“Are you sure you will be alright?” Call it a woman’s instinct or more so mother’s instincts, you had a nagging feeling about leaving Steve alone with Hugh. No doubt Steve is a loving father, but in all the time of raising Hugh, his presence was staggered with missions, meetings and conferences.

Furthermore, Hugh was still getting to warm up to Steve after his previous long absence.

“I will be alright, Y/N. You raised Hugh so well, I’m sure he will be a good boy while you are away.” Steve reassured you of your worries as he smoothened Hugh’s messy locks. Hugh was in a long-hair phase now.

“Alright, I should go soon. I still need to head down earlier for the pre-mission briefing.” You said before looking over to Hugh.

“Hugh, Mama is going out for awhile. Be good for Daddy, ok?” Hugh’s interest in your attire was suddenly lost as soon as he heard your words.

“Why, Mama?” Hugh was smart and receptive for his age. He had slowly become attuned to the concept of Steve’s frequent and long absences from a young age. You had made sure to remind Hugh of Steve’s presence through video and phone calls nevertheless.

It was one of the ways to make sure Hugh bonded with his father. Sometimes, you were afraid Hugh’s bond with Steve would falter and you knew Steve shared the same worry so you did your best to be the bridge between father and son.

Luckily, you knew Hugh was incredibly fond of his father still as he always needed to have his Captain America plush to sleep.

“Hmm, Mama’s friend needs my help and as soon I am done, I will be back.” You thoughtfully came up with an answer that was easy enough for Hugh to understand.

“Like Dada?” Hugh made a thoughtful expression when he heard your answer.

“Yeah.” You nodded enthusiastically, thinking that Hugh will be understanding as how he would when Steve leaves for missions.

“NOOO! Dada go away long. Mama go away long.” Taken aback by Hugh’s sudden outburst, you looked up to meet Steve’s panicked expression.

“Oh Hugh, it won’t be long. Only two moons and I will be back, baby.” Calming your son down by bouncing him in your arms and patting down back, you hoped Hugh will ease on his crying.

“No, Mama!” Hugh immediately stood on the couch to wrap his whole body around your torso. His crying grew louder by the second. You and Steve were at a loss. Hugh rarely had such emotional outbursts. He had always been an easy-going child with a calm temperament.

“Hugh, Mama will be back really quick. Daddy will be here with you to wait for Mama.” Steve tried chiming in to calm your son down. Hugh seemed to start easing up on his cries and you handed him over to Steve.

“Baby, I promise I will be back real soon! You are a brave boy. Aren’t you, Hugh?” You tried to engage Hugh with encouraging words.

“Yes.” At the mention of the word ‘brave’, Hugh lifted his head off your shoulders to look at you.

“Hugh James Rogers is the best boy I know because he is really brave.” Taking advantage of the moment, you continued to give motivating words to Hugh so that he would feel better.

“Hugh is brave.” Your son responded adorably and you heart clenched at how cute he was. It was also because you almost regretted the decision to take on this mission.

“Yes. Hugh is brave.” You emphasized his words once more before starting to pick up your bag and making your way to the door. Steve followed closely behind you with Hugh in his arms, his nose still sniffling from his previous crying. 

“Take care, babe.” Turning to Steve, your hands reached out to bring his face closer and you give him a quick peck.

“I could say the same for you.” You eyed him before continuing. “I can’t be contacted at all for the next 48 hours. I already wrote down what to do for Hugh. His routine and such. I left it on the fridge-”

“I know, I know.” Steve returned with an expression that said he got this.

“You can do it, Daddy.” You stroke your thumb affectionately across Steve’s face. “Bye Hugh.” You made a kissy face, hinting for Hugh to lean down and give you a kiss.

“Bye, Stevie.” Steve leaned down similarly to kiss you once more and a bit longer than the previous ones. As he pulled back, he leaned in to kiss Hugh for another round of affection.

“Bye, boys.” You gave one more goodbye before walking over to the car. As you sat in the seat, you looked out the window to see your boys waving you goodbye.

Let’s do this, Y/N Y/L/N.

———————————————————————

Once you drove out of sight, Steve finally turned back to enter his home. Looking at his son with snot dripping from his nose, Steve went to clean it up. His eyes drifted to the clock hanging on the wall. 9.03 am.

Steve went back to his son whose sitting on the kitchen counter staring back with his wide eyes.

“Hey buddy, what do you think about reading some books?”

“No, Mama.” Steve was surprised at the immediate rejection. He did not expect Hugh to be putting up resistance once you had left.

Steve pondered for a minute on how to respond.

“Hugh buddy, should we play?”

“No, Mama.” The feeling of dejection washed over Steve once more at Hugh’s response to his proposal. How did you do it?

Steve went ahead to carry Hugh off the counter and bring him to his play area into the living room. Setting Hugh down on the baby-proofed flooring, Steve waited to watch what Hugh wanted to do.

Hugh looked back at Steve for a moment before standing up to walk over to the TV. Hugh’s head moved left and right as if he was looking for something. His small hands then skillfully reached to open the drawer and take out the remote.

“Boss-boss.” Hugh repeated. Steve had no clue what he was trying to say.

“What is it, bud?”

“Boss. Baby.” Like the over century old man he was, Steve had no clue what his Son was saying.

Hugh started stomping his feet and repeated the two words. Steve scrunched up his face in confusion at his actions.

“Boss. Baby. TV.” Hugh reiterated like a mini adult. Steve went to switch on the TV and the channel came on. Hugh’s finger went on to press the only white button on the remote, switching the channel to Netflix.

Steve’s eyes widened in amazement at what his son was doing. Hugh went on to click to the profile picture he recognised to be his. You had let him choose it himself.

Steve’s attention went back to the screen and the first thing he saw made him dawn in realization at what his son was trying to tell him along.

“You are indeed the boss baby, Hugh.” Steve spoke as he looked between the character on screen and his son. Steve inwardly chuckled at the slight resemblance. Hugh looked back at his father for a moment before passing the remote back to him.

Letting out the deep sigh, Steve thought that he was in for a long day.

Following an hour and a half of Boss Baby, Steve figured that it was too much television. He wanted his son to play like a normal child back in his days with toys. Steve’s decision was met with opposition as Hugh started throwing a tantrum.

Steve didn’t mean to make him upset but he was firm in his decision. He ended up cajoling Hugh for a good thirty minutes before convincing him to play with his toys.

Steve let out a deep exhale as he made his way to make lunch. He lifted the magnet that held the note you left for him. It explained Hugh’s routine and preferences.

Looking over at Hugh playing in the living room, Steve hoped that he could get lunch right for his son. He already felt defeated barely two hours into your departure. How did you do this for three years of Hugh’s life everyday?

Steve shook his head at his inadequacy as a father and hoped he could make it up to Hugh.

Lunch passed by with no issues, Steve thanked the heavens that he recalled Hugh loves cheese and made a grilled cheese sandwich. Nothing could beat the satisfaction that was brought from Hugh’s enjoyment of his lunch.

“How is it, buddy?” Steve’s question was met with silence but Hugh continued to take bites out of his sandwich. Steve grinned at this sight and considered this a small win.

Little did he know, this was his only win for the day. Nap time took awhile as Steve tried to pat a restless Hugh to sleep. After nap time, Steve had to wake up a grumpy Hugh from his nap and changed his diaper. If looks could kill, Hugh’s sent Steve into a deep hole for waking him up.

Steve tried to please him with milk and cookies. Afterwards, it was playtime before dinner. Dinner became a struggle when Hugh refused to have the porridge that Steve made. Hugh ended up having the leftover soup you had made and then kept in the fridge a day before.

Bath time was a nightmare as Hugh immediately started running off once he heard the word ‘shower’ came out of Steve’s mouth. While Steve was definitely quick to catch his son, Hugh ended up resisting his hold.

Hugh started splashing water from the tub that Steve had prepared which caused Steve to get wet and eventually joining his son.

Surprisingly, Hugh warmed up back to Steve and they had a great time pretend playing during bath time. However, this happiness was short lived once again when Steve announced that bath time was over.

It was another round of struggle for Steve to dry Hugh and dress him. The super soldier’s son ran out of the bath room and around the house stark naked. Steve had to chase him without his clothes as well. It was another twenty-minute chase and round of persuasion before Hugh allowed himself to be dressed.

It was already 10.30 pm and Steve decided it was bed time. Steve carried Hugh to his own bed and prepared to pat him to sleep. With his Captain America plushie in tow, he laid down for a peaceful moment.

Fighting aliens and bad guys could not tire him out as much as today. Steve patted Hugh’s side rhythmically and slowly, hoping for Hugh to fall into a trance. When Hugh started to blink, Steve assumed he was going to sleep soon.

Steve made the move to shift himself off Hugh’s bed but was met with a whine.

“No, Mama.”

“Come on, bud. You have to sleep.”

“No, Mama.” Hugh quickly sat up from his once sleeping position and made grabby hands at Steve. “Mama’s not here-”

Steve caved when he saw the puppy eyes and carried Hugh to his shared room with you. Placing the long bolster on one end of the bed, Steve placed Hugh between himself and the bolster to prevent him from falling off the bed in the middle of the night.

“I want Mama.”

“Me too, buddy. Hey, I know. I have drawings of Mama somewhere-” Steve got off the bed to search for something in his drawers and made a ‘o’ face towards Hugh as he held up several sketchbooks.

“Look what I have here, Hugh.” Steve exclaimed animatedly as he walked over back to his Steve who now sat against several pillows. Steve settled beside his son and began flipping the pages.

“Mama is here!” Hugh quipped excitedly when he spotted a sketch of you. You were leaning your chin on one of your palms, elbow on a table as you watched a video on your phone. You were in between a grin and chuckle as Steve recalled you watching a funny animal video.

It was a significant sketch because while you were doing nothing special and it was just an ordinary day where both of you had the day off, it was in that moment Steve knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you like this.

A simple and happy life with someone he loved and cherished.

Hugh went on to flip more pages and amazed Steve with how quick he was to recognise details in what he drew. You really did a great job raising Hugh. Steve only wished he had done more.

In fact, through today, he realised how he fell short on being a parent as he struggled with managing Hugh. This dawning realization had fell on him like a bomb and he didn’t even have a shield to protect himself.

“Mama again!” Hugh’s call snapped Steve out of his thoughts and his attention went to the random photo of the two of you. You had a love for taking and collecting photos. While photos can be forever kept in phones, there was always something special about one that was printed.

The photo in Hugh’s tiny hands was from your honeymoon. The two of you went to Japan and you were keen to see the cherry blossoms. You had one of the locals take a photo of you and Steve under a blooming cherry blossom tree.

“That’s right, bud. And there’s Daddy!” Steve pointed to himself who wrapped his arms around you close from behind.

The two of you were at peace for once. Away from saving the world, away from the perils of Avenging. It was just the two of you in the comforts of each other.

“Mama!” Steve scoffed jokingly at Hugh’s insistence. That’s why they say boys are always close with their mothers.

“Is Mama pretty?” Hugh turned to look at Steve and nodded fervently. Steve smiled at his son’s adorable act and decided to try his luck.

“Is Daddy pretty?”

“No, Mama!” Hugh huffed in response and even gave Steve a side eye. Oh well, he tried, Steve thought.

———————————————————————

The next 24 hours felt long but Steve got used to the routine. A text came after dinner time and Steve started to cheer inwardly when it came from you.

Your mission was successful but you needed to clear up some back-end work. Your mafia friend also insisted to thank you properly for your help and invited you to stay for a meal.

You initially refused as you wanted to quickly return home. However, you caved in at his persistence to persuade you. You will be back tomorrow before lunch. Steve wanted to share with Hugh the news but held back, once he figured that it might excite Hugh so much that it will disrupt his routine.

He figured he could tell Hugh the next morning closer to your time of return.

Steve ordered for flowers and your favourite takeaway to be sent as he thought of preparing an event for your return. He wanted to celebrate the success of your mission and showed his appreciation of you too.

As it got closer to noon, Steve had set up the living room with streamers and balloons. It was a little over the top but who cared? This was for you, his wife.

As soon as he heard the beeping of the door lock, he knew you had come back home. Steve heard you calling out for him and Hugh. Steve told Hugh to keep quiet and was pleased that his son was actually co-operative.

“Oh, what’s this?” Your voice drew closer as your steps drew closer to the living room, Steve pull the string of the party popper. Confetti in the air, Hugh blew into the party horn.

“Welcome back, Mama!” Steve exclaimed and your reaction was enough to call this event a success. Your jaw dropped at what your husband did and no words could describe how you felt. Multiple emotions came rushing in: surprise, joy, amazement, heartful gratitude.

“What’s this?” You asked once more. You took another gasp when Steve passed Hugh a bouquet of your favourite flowers. Your son took confident steps and presented them to you. You were floored.

“Oh my goodness. You guys-”

“Congrats on a successful first mission back after a break. We’re so proud of you, sweetheart.” Steve came up to embrace you and you were still reeling in from the surprise event he had done.

“Thank you. I’m so touched-” Steve’s lips came to meet yours before you could even finished. What a welcome home indeed. Your bliss was momentarily interrupted when you felt something or someone trying to claw your legs for attention.

You immediately crouched down and put your bouquet aside, leaving your arms open to scoop Hugh into your arms.

“Thank you, Hugh. I miss you so much, baby!” You started peppering kisses over your son to which he responded in squeals and giggles.

“Did you and daddy do all of this?” You asked animatedly.

“Yes, Hugh helped!” Hugh nodded while indicating to himself and you responded with a few more big kisses on his cheek. “Hugh is such a good boy!”

The three of you retreated to the couch where you continued to admire the setup of the living room. Hugh sat between you and Steve as he played with the party horn still. Steve was just quietly appreciating your presence back at home.

You started sharing about the mission while he listened to you intently. You asked Steve about his two days with Hugh and he let out a grunt. Chuckling at his exasperated expression, you knew it must not have been easy.

“The next time someone calls me a hero, I will say they’re wrong. You’re the real hero, Y/N. All mothers are.” An appreciative smile formed on your face at your husband’s words.

“Hugh said he had fun with me.” Steve excitedly told you of his accomplishment. Yesterday during playtime, Steve casually asked Hugh the question. Steve didn’t expect much, knowing that Hugh was still warming up to him.

“Hugh, are you having fun with Dada?” Hugh didn’t give a verbal answer but he nodded in response to Steve’s question. His response got Steve excited and Steve asked once more.

“You like spending time with me, buddy?” Hugh nodded once more and Steve knew that all his struggles were not in vain.

“Oh wow, that’s amazing Steve! You did such a good job.” Steve cooed under your praise as you caress the side of his face and leaned in for another soft kiss.

“Hugh, you had a good time with Daddy?” Hugh nodded wordlessly to your query as he fiddled with the confetti remains stuck on the couch. Steve and you looked at each other with wide satisfied smiles.

“Do you love Daddy?” You asked once more to which Hugh nodded once more. Steve let out a silent ‘YES’ as he held his hands up in victory.

“How much do you love Daddy?” You asked your son once more and Hugh paused his actions for a moment to think. He turned to you and Steve, the two of you waiting curiously for his answer.

“This much!” Hugh extended his arms out wide and horizontally.

You burst out in laughter as Steve clasped his hands together in gratitude towards Hugh’s answer. You could tell he was basking in joy.

“I love you this much too, buddy!” Steve returned with his own exaggerated gesture and Hugh laughed at his father’s silly antics.

“Mama.” Hugh made his way over to your lap and started to tell you how he missed you and if you missed him. Of course, you missed him so much. You made sure you did a good job so you can return to him safe and quick.

You and Hugh started to be in your own loving world as you exchanged sweet words, tender hugs and kisses.Steve, on the other hand, felt that his moment of bliss was short lived as he looked on at the both of you.

“Hey buddy, I want hugs and kisses too.”

“No, I want Mama!” You cooed at your son’s insistent preference for you, even if you feel bad for Steve.

“Hugh, you must thank Daddy for taking care of you. He loves you very much too, you know.” You tried to bring Hugh’s attention back to Steve.

“Thank you, Dada!”

“Nothing can beat a mother’s love.” Steve chimed as he looked at how Hugh was trying to hold your attention fervently. That’s it. He was going to make the call.

“Where are you going?” You asked Steve as he stood up from the couch.

“I’m going to call Tony. I’m taking a sabbatical. I want to spend more time with Hugh from now on.” You beamed at Steve’s words. He was making such a big decision.

“Once I get it approved, I won’t rest until I have what you have with Hugh too.” Steve proclaimed with determination before turning to Hugh.

“Hey Hugh, you and I are going to spend lots of time from now on. Are you excited, bud?” Hugh took a moment to ponder thoughtfully before smiling wide at Steve.

“No, Mama!”

“Oh come on!” Steve let out a grunt before marching out to get his phone asap.

You turned back to Hugh who had a cheeky grin and you jokingly chided him. “Stop teasing your dad, Hugh James Rogers.”

Hugh looked at you with a sparkle of mischief in his eyes and giggled. 

“Silly dada!”

———————————————————————

[goldenwilliamson]

Ugh this is a lot....3, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 for George please?

I Don’t Love you Anymore

pairing: george harrison x reader

summary: you and george breakup

warnings: so much angstttt

word count: 1091

a/n: Hiii finally got around to doing this short angsty breakup eek. 

I’m the anon who requested multiple numbers on the list for Geo. I don’t expect you to put them all in one bc I figure that’d be difficult. Just little blurbs for each would be nice 💚

3. “I don’t even know who you are anymore!”

8. “Am I not enough for you?”

9. “What is so wrong with me?”

12.“I can’t trust you anymore.”

13. “I can’t even look at you.”

14. “Your problem isn’t me, your problem is _______” (Fill in the blank)

19. “I wish I’d never laid eyes on you.”

20. “I don’t love you anymore.”

OVER THE LAST few months you’d been putting yourself through hell trying to do everything right in your relationship with George, though nothing seemed the please him. The Beatles were on a slow decline and to put things plainly, George just was not the man you fell in love with all those years ago. He’s just a shell of the person he used to be, always angry and wanting to be alone. 

You understood that it wasn’t necessarily his fault, but every time you tried to be there for him it was as if he distanced himself further. He’s never at home, he’s going out every night with god knows who and returning in the early hours of the morning while you’re asleep. You recently discovered that he’s been sleeping with other girls as well, but you’re too afraid to confront him about that. You don’t really want this to be confirmed. 

Tonight, you decided, you’d sit up and wait for George to return from his night out and confront him. You sit in the lounge with a cup of tea, buried in a book for hours on end, checking the clock every ten minute. Your eyelids were dropping and your body was becoming limp as you tired, although you shifted your body around to try and keep yourself aware and awake. 

Finally after 3am the front door creaks open. George tip toes through the house and you’re surprised at the fact that he’s trying to be quiet. Maybe little pieces of the old George are still in there, at least he’s a little bit conscious of the fact that making too much noise might wake you up.

“George,” you state, scaring him as he notices you sat awake, not in your usual passive position in bed asleep.

“Y/N, what are you doing up?” George says, sounding slightly annoyed with the knowledge he’s probably about to get a mouthful from you.

“Oh I don’t know, waiting for you to come home so I don’t have to spend yet another night alone,” you say calmly, but you feel your blood getting hotter and your eyebrows furrowing. 

“Can this wait until tomorrow, I’m bloody tired,” George sighs, taking off his coat and walking through to the kitchen. 

You throw your book down, having enough.

“No! No this cannot wait until tomorrow. I’ve had enough George, I don’t even know who you are anymore!”

“Where’s all this coming from?” He sounds confused.

“It’s coming from the countless nights I’ve spent alone George. You’re meant to be my boyfriend and I feel like I barely know you. Can you just tell me now what is so wrong with me? Am I not enough for you?”

“Stop this. You know I love you,” George attempts to make things right, but it’s too late for you. You’re at your breaking point.

“I can’t trust you anymore George. You’re out every night with god knows who doing god knows what with no regards for how I might feel all alone at home. How am I to know you love me?” You’re voice cracks and you can feel tears pricking your eyes. 

You’re scared for how this is going to end, knowing you might be saying goodbye to George forever after tonight. With this thought you start crying and can’t stop. 

“Y/N, darling, don’t cry. I’m sorry I’ll change,” George starts and comes closer, trying to pull you into a hug to comfort you, but it feels like you’re being pulled into the arms of a stranger.

Your hands meet George’s chest and you push him off of you.

“Don’t touch me, I can’t even look at you,” the words hurt to say, but it’s the truth at this point.

You can sense George becoming tense at this point, his body language as changed from one of openness and concern to one of pure anger. You dare to look into his eyes and you can see the storm brewing in his the depths of brown, annoyance flashing like lightning bolts straight back at you. 

“You know Y/N, your problem isn’t me, your problem is the fact that you always have to be the centre of attention and I won’t give you that for five minutes. Now you’re going and throwing a tantrum like child because you’re not being treated like bloody Queen Elizabeth!” He begins to raise his voice now and you step forward, challenging him.

“I wish I never laid eyes on you. My life would be so much simpler if I never met you,” you can see the pain you’re inflicting on George with your words and for a second you feel a pang of guilt in your chest, which is quickly overruled by fiery anger. 

“Stop it. You’re going to regret this in the morning, you’re tired and so you’re angry. Go to sleep,” George says sharply, though bringing his voice down from it’s raised level it was previously at to one quieter. It’s not necessarily softer, but it’s worn out, not ready to continue fighting.

You take in his words and nod, although you’ve come so far and feel you might as well lay everything out on the table. Nothing he says is going to change what you already know.

“I know you’re sleeping with Mo. I heard you on the telephone when you were speaking to Ringo,” you reveal, you’re heart breaking when you see the fear overcome George, like he never expected you to find out. 

“Y/N, it wasn’t like that. I love you-,” you cut him off.

“No George, if you loved me you wouldn’t be spending your nights with another woman.”

He sighs, looking deep into your eyes, the storm which you saw previously fading to grey skies. There is nothing left to say, no storm left to weather. 

“Is there anyway we can work this out?” He pleads and you swallow sharply before shaking your head. 

“No. I never thought I’d say these words, but I don’t love you anymore George. I can’t be with you after this. I’m sorry,” your eyes tear away from George’s to find the floor and you follow the wooden floorboards with your eyes back to your bedroom. 

This house no longer feels like a home, it hasn’t in a while. Tonight just solidified the fact that you and George just aren’t who you used to be. They do say nothing good lasts forever, and sadly you’ve learnt the hard way by losing the one thing you thought you could always hold on to.

[potatoes-tomatoes]

More Eene thots lmao

my friends n I were talkin @ 3am this morning abt eene characterization, and we focused on Ed.

We pointed out how in the movie/ in the show, Ed never gets a character arc, and how at first glance it feels Ed is left out while Edd and Eddy go through a whole movie’s worth of change. But we came to the conclusion that Ed went through his development before the show even started.

It’s implied throughout the show that Sarah’s the favorite child, and Ed receives punishment if she ever so much as squeals. Yet at the same time, Ed’s been raised as a respectful and sweet young boy (think back to Ed’s refusal to hit girls in Tag Yer Ed because his mom told him to), so he isn’t really “abused” or “neglected” like popular theories have claimed. Instead, I think he’s misunderstood and is a challenge to handle: He’s got an active imagination, his mannerisms are over the top, and dislikes hygiene (good god, have you seen his room??).

And as loving, protective and responsible he is with Sarah and as obedient he is to his family, he doesn’t really get much in return. He usually keeps to himself and stays in his mind, collecting things that stimulate his imagination. Aside from his love of monsters, his desire to have fun, his love of chickens and gravy and buttered toast, all he truly wants is someone to be with. He wants people who enjoy his company and let him share his ideas. He’s got a whole lot of love to give and would like that same amount of love in return. And he gets that with Edd and Eddy.

In fact, Edd and Eddy quite literally (somewhat alarmingly...) fulfil the roles of his parents when his actual ones can’t. Edd is patient, affectionate, motherly, and grounds Ed when his imagination gets the best of him. Eddy stimulates Ed’s imagination, he indirectly shows him how to be more assertive, he lets their schemes be his outlet for mind and plays around with Ed in their boyish, over the top ways. And unlike his sister, the two Eds listen to him and don’t reject his affections.

Ed doesn’t need a character arc, he doesn’t need to overcome a huge flaw. He found what he needed when he met Edd and Eddy.

[bare1ythere]

Do you by chance have any good tma fic recs? I have yet to read any because I'm afraid I'll have to go through a lot of not so good ones before I can find a good one.

Ohh I have a few!! I’m very biased so they’re mostly jonmartin fics but they’re all really good!! (all of these are from AO3). This got a bit long so I’m putting them under a cut

The 14 Labours of Jonathan Sims by LotusFlair is one of the first TMA fics I ever read. It follows Jon and Martin as they try to reverse the apocalypse! This was during the 6 month hiatus, so it was a prediction of what the fearpocalypse might have been like that doesn’t match up with canon 100% anymore. Regardless, It has some really cool events for each of the fears and did make me cry at the end. I really suggest it!! Description:

Atonement comes in many forms. In order for Jon to free himself, he needs to perform 14 tasks. One for each Entity. Only then will he be able to rest. Only then will he be at peace.

Guess Who’s Coming for Dinner? by pantsoflobster is a really goofy jonmartin safehouse fic where Martin accidentally invites a couple from the Scottish village over to the safehouse for dinner and have to pretend to be married. It’s really cute and, what can I say, I’m a sucker for fanfic tropes! Description: 

“Jon,” Martin said. “I have made a grave mistake.”

Jon whipped his head up, nearly tossing the elastic from his messy bun. “What? What’s wrong? What--what did you do?”

“I... might have invited guests for dinner.”

Jon stared blankly. “What, here?”

“Seeing as this is where we live at the moment, yes.”

---

In which a week in the safehouse turns into a fake-married sitcom, because they deserve to worry about social ineptitude instead of the apocalypse for a minute

and some call us fools by Brightblack is another safehouse jonmartin fic where they do pub trivia!! Really cute and wholesome stuff!! Description:

There isn't much to do at the safe house, so what better than to go down to the village pub and play some trivia?

Or, Martin and Jon get to have a nice evening.

stranger, stranger by blueskiddoo is one of my absolute FAVOURITE fics!! This is a season 1 didn’t-know-they-were-dating jonmartin fic that genuinely has some really hilarious writing. Full of fun tropes and ongoing! If you only read one fic on this list let it be this one!! Description:

“Sure,” Georgie says, still laughing at him. At least someone is having fun. “Don’t you have assistants for that kind of thing?”

“Yes, but…” He huffs, scratching the back of his neck. “I wasn’t going to ask one of them to download an app called...Lover? Lov-rrr? I don’t know how you say it.” He flaps his hands dismissively. “There are--unions and such. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”

*

jon makes a fake account on a dating app to investigate a statement. tim sets martin up with fake account on a dating app to boost his self-confidence. it goes exactly how you might expect.

And Did You Know That You Were Always Like A Fantasy? by my friend @waitineedaname​ is a really cute and wholesome safehouse jonmartin fic!! Feat. the mechs as jon’s college band and DANCING!!! It’s wonderful! Description:

Even if the worst was yet to come, it was hard to care during mornings like this, when everything felt still and quiet. Not the still quietness of a world holding its breath, but the peace of Martin’s warm body brushing against his side as they went through the domestic motions of washing the dishes together.

No More Idle Hands, You’ll Destroy the Lamps by my friend @shootlngstxr​ is a really cool ongoing fic where instead of being just marked by the web as a child, Jon becomes a web avatar and now Annabelle, Agnes, and Oliver (plus other avatars) are working together to raise him. So much found family and Agnes and Annabelle’s relationship is really interesting!! Description:

Annabelle was there right from the beginning when he woke up. She was the one who brushed the webbed curls of hair from his face, pulled him from his tangle of slumber. When he merely stared at her, confused; she sighed, wrapped him up in her six arms, and carried him to the webbed den she tentatively called home. That definition would solidify in time.

There was, after all, a reason why children were not made into avatars. They did not yet know enough of the world to solidify their own fears, nightmares ever-shifting, changing, unstable. And he would need to be taught many things.

lastly: "Have You Tried Turning It Off And On Again?" - How the Magnus Institute learned to embrace the IT ticketing system, upgraded their antivirus, and still found the time to teach one old man how to copy and paste by shinyopals!! I read this fic last night at around 3am because I couldn’t sleep and it was genuinely so good!! The format is really fun and creative and really made me have to deal with the fact that throughout all of season 4 the magnus institute was an Actual Functioning workplace gdhskjfdhs Surprisingly a little heart wrenching at parts, but over all really funny!! Description: 

I hope you find your new role as Head of the Institute as rewarding as captaining the Tundra, wrote Elias Bouchard, to Peter Lukas. There are so many people working there: all with their own interesting lives, and all desiring your attention and support. I'm sure you will relish the challenge it will bring and enjoy every moment spent with the fine men and women of the Institute. In time I'm confident they'll become like a family to you.

The Magnus Institute has a new boss. The Magnus Institute also has a new tech support technician. These two facts are unrelated, except they both happen at the same time.

Meanwhile Jon's woken up from being dead for six months and for once he's trying his best. He just wishes Martin would stop avoiding him and answer his messages...

[thevoidcannotbefilled]

It’s 3am, I thought “Hey, you know, Jonmartin and Katniss/Peeta have a similar dynamic”, and my brain said “say no more” and outlined an entire Hunger Games AU. 

So let’s go

Firstly, not actually Hunger Games in terms of history. It’s moreso “Hey, the avatars decided it would be much more fun to rule the world” and then they did. The Hunger Games system is more like.... getting new avatars and spreading even more terror for their own amusement. There are still tributes and still the games, but- 

There are 14 districts, 1 per fear. The rumored Extinction district is the opposite of district 13 in the books where instead the Capital pretending it doesn’t exist in order to avoid an all out bombing session, the other avatars are like “keep the extinction from existing or so help me we’re not spreading our power Even More” 

You know what, it’s my AU, and there are just two tributes in general and not one male, one female because we might be in a hell world, but damn it, we’re using your proper pronouns. (Plus more DRAMA). Also? I like the idea that there is a required age for kids to join the Games, but if they want to put in their names earlier for extra food.... well they won’t say no, per say. 

Anyway, actual stuff we care about

Jon is from the Beholding District, as are Sasha and Tim. Martin is from the Lonely district because of course he is. 

Jon wins his games at the young age of eight years old. He added his name on a deal he doesn’t remember to his day. He was given something, or maybe someone told him something to do it. Doesn’t matter really, the results are the same. He sacrifices his other district member to Mr. Spider for the victory. 

Gertrude and Jonah are the other avatars for Beholding. You know, Gertrude didn’t THINK this eight year old would win and she didn’t really want him to, but now she’s stuck with a child, far too young to face the world he put himself in. 

Jonah smiles.

Because even if the world is different, it doesn’t mean the apocalypse can’t still be the end game, and this now, Web-marked, Beholding child is ready to be raised in a world of monsters.

Jon doesn’t see his grandmother very much after this.

Okay, I don’t have many other details, but here we go:

 Sasha gets picked for her Games and goes down to the Stranger. No one realizes she went down until after Nikola points it out with a far too wide smile. But, as far as the media is aware, Beholding gained another avatar, one with a too sharp smile and a face far too familiar to be correct.

Tim gets picked as well. Just his luck, you know? The Beholding avatars failed to save his brother in an earlier game (the stranger once more, taking their bite from Beholding, the bastards), and now he’s going to go down too.

That year it was a tale of bloody revenge for Tim. A pretty little box filled with C-4 flies down from the sky, a gift from Gertrude. He takes it with a smile. and blows the arena to hell. That year, there is a victor, and a winner for those games. They will say Tim paved the way for Basira’s victory that year, but most knew better.

Martin is a special case. His wins his games, despite all the odds. Usually, only the Lukas’ ever win the games for the Lonely, but Mr. Martin K. Blackwood outdone himself with his quick thinking and far too spidery smile for comfort.

Or maybe he had enough Desolation in him to raise a fiery hell on the field. Jonah was no amused at all the Beholding traps gone to waste.

Jon and Martin meet when they’re both victors in their win-less victories.

By now, Jon is far too used to the fears, the avatars. There’s been several occasions where he’s “happened” to face the wrong side of an avatar. Jonah smiles. Gertrude frowns. Jon wants to fill the void he has in himself with knowledge where affection of any kind should be.

Martin shouldn’t be here. Really, he shouldn’t. He won, sure, but come on, him??? He always thought if he joined a Games, he would be done for. He hoped to live long enough to give some good credibility to his home, but this? Winning? Well, considering what monsters people become, he almost rather not.

But he and Jon meet. They’re around the same age. Still, younger than the average, so it was only natural, and well, after many suspicions from both sides, they manage to hit it off, and you know, you know, the Jonmartin of it all.

Daisy is probably there too and hates Jon because he probably called her claws too aesthetically on point or something. Don’t worry they get friendship later.

Then Jonah is the worst as he is, and he sees this as a perfect opportunity to hurt Jon more: Because He’s the Worst.

Hey remember Book 2 of Hunger Games? Victors going back into the Games?

Yeah

Jon and Martin getting sent back into the Games, and the two needing to fight for themselves and each other. The two challenging the system by caring despite being told that their new natures are to be inherently selfish. Choosing to love and care when it would be easier to simply take.

(Jon probably saves Daisy from a Buried trap in this one, much to Martin’s chagrin. But they gain a new friend, so it’s all good).

I’ve got nothing else, but yeah, Hunger Games AU

[shintorikhazumi]

I Have Two Sisters?! Chapter 1: Three Sisters and The Bastard Father (An LWAxRWBYxStarira Crossover)

A/N: What’s crazier than me writing a crossover I can’t get out of my head at 2am while still having multiple wips?

Writing a three-way crossover until 3am!!! (Ended at nearly 5am tho)

GAHHHHH.

Btw, this is a non-magic au. So Diana has no magic, and Weiss has no… semblance. Yes. Because the world of RWBY always goes “???!! OHMG, magic?!” Quite ironically. They become impressed at people turning into birds, but never flinch at Ruby who can separate herself on a molecular level. Sure.

I’ll be updating this sporadically, tbh. The updates will be as random as the coming of this idea. I do like it a lot, so I look forward to working on it. Just have to prioritize the wips.

[DO CHECK OUT THE END NOTES FOR SOME OF THE AU DETAILS AND BACKGROUND]

Still, I couldn’t let the concept pass me by so…

Enjoy?

~Shintori Khazumi

  I Have Two Sisters?! Chapter 1: Three Sisters and The Bastard Father

  The wind blew strong outside, rain water cold against her bleeding cheek. The numbness was her only relief from pain nowadays. She’d lost count of how many bruises she’d gotten this week. If only her mother hadn’t passed… If only she hadn’t had a bastard of a father.

Then maybe Diana’s life would have been much better than the shell that it now was.

He left her and her mother just as she turned three, the only support she got in the form of random gifts and her financial needs. Her father was nothing of a father. The man that… helped make her was never there. He never showed he cared. Everything he gave her felt obligatory. She hated it. Heck, she didn’t even know his last name, much less remember what he looked like. She did try looking it up at some point, but it seemed as if he was some kind of bigshot she couldn’t name.

Neither her mom nor her aunt had divulged his identity, so she had long since drew a blank to the man’s identity. All she knew was that his name was ‘Jack’ or something of the sort. She had long since adopted her mother’s as it didn’t feel right to take the name of a man she never knew.

All she knew was that he was the cause of all her sorrows. That wretched man had left her and her mother to fend for themselves. Even though her mom was of a strong, well-known medical lineage here in Britain, the fact that she had gotten pregnant out of wedlock labelled her as a shame to the Cavendish name, and she had been cast out to a vacation home in the outskirts of the foreign country, Japan.

After her death, however, the women who Diana now saw as practically witches with how cruel and evil they were decided that because their blood ran through her, took over their small land that she and her mother had cried blood and tears to call their own, and exploited the underage girl, believing she might be of some use as a pawn at the very least, for the sake of the Cavendish name.

And she was. For some time, until she had injured her arm, and was no longer capable of becoming the kind of doctor they wanted her to be, her hand slowly losing its immaculate dexterity, becoming constantly shaky, rendering her as only half the worth she originally was, and thus completely useless besides being their punching bag. Quite literally.

Diana Cavendish found herself spending the better part of her life being abused, and hiding in tool sheds, and escaping her dreaded household at every waking moment, just as she was doing right now.

She hardly believed in any religion, but she found herself always praying to get away from this hellish nightmare. She’d hope that even if she only had a jerk of a father, he’d soon realize that she was his flesh and blood that needed saving.

A hard knock came on the wood of her shed’s door. She flinched, no sound escaping. Had they found her?!

“Miss Cavendish? Miss Diana Cavendish? Are you in here?” An unfamiliar voice called for her, bold and confident sounding, but with kindness and worry interlaced. She felt like it was someone she should respond to. The situation felt like it was some kind of divine calling she should answer.

With legs shaking, she stood up, unlatching the bar that held the door closed and stepping out into the now late night that reeked of hot pavement, rain having stopped while she was lost in thought.

A police officer, clad in uniform and raincoat smiled at her in pity. She was both grateful for- and hated- that gaze. She wished it had come sooner, but at the same time, she disliked being thought of as sad and pathetic.

“Your aunt and her family have been arrested, Miss.” Her ears perked up at the voice and the message they conveyed. Looking up from the ground, she stared into the truthful eyes of the cop. “You’re safe now.”

And she truly hoped she was.

  //-//-//-//-//

  “Weiss.”

At the mention of her name from that familiar voice, she rolled her eyes internally, holding in the urge to snap at the man she called ‘father’.

“What.”

Maybe her control wasn’t as good as she thought.

“Don’t give me that tone. I know you hate me, but I am still the one that raised you!”

“You mean, you’re the one that paid for me.” The ex-heiress pointed out. Her father gritted his teeth, frown deepening as he stepped forward in an attempt to exert his dominance.

Weiss only raised a brow in challenge.

“Anyway.” Jacques continued. Weiss would have smirked as he neither acknowledged nor denied her statement, but she felt it wasn’t the best time. “You are yet to turn twenty, and as you aren’t considered an adult yet-“

“But I’m nineteen, father.” Weiss stated, confused, her raised brow now raised in question. “I’m of legal age, to drink even.”

“Not in Japan you aren’t.” He replied with a smirk so evil, Weiss would have loved to slap it right off if her mind wasn’t thrown in a state of emergency, dreading whatever plans her father had. Even if she wanted to do as she pleased, she couldn’t completely go against him as she was at the moment. Their family name was too widespread and known in the business world, and she feared the consequences of running away from her father who currently had her safety- and practically her life- in the palm of his hand.

“What are you planning.” She narrowed her eyes at him, fearing for the worst, but expertly masking that fear.

“I’ll be sending you away, just as you’ve always wanted. I’ve prepared you an apartment close to a school of my choice to pursue the arts as you so strongly desired,” He spoke in a mocking tone. “And I’ll let you have your way there.” He ended with a smile that sent chills down Weiss’ spine. It sounded too good to be true, her dream being accepted like this. It was like a carrot on a stick being waved in front of her, only to always be out of reach.

“What’s the catch?”

“Catch? My, Weiss, my child, are you questioning your father’s benevolent heart?”

“What’s there to question?” Weiss shot back. “You don’t have one, now do you?”

She grinned at her little victory as she watched him gnashing his teeth, clearly seething in anger. Her smile dropped however as he gave her his own.

“I mentioned Japan’s legal age before.”

And Weiss already knew what he meant.

  //-//-//-//-//

  Life in Seishou had been the dream. Her first two years of high school were the peak of her life, she’d proudly say. She had wonderful friends and comrades who battled side-by-side, pushing one another to greater heights, and… she had someone she adored just a little more than friendship allowed. She had never admitted it, though. Then, a school back in Paris, the place where her mother had blossomed as an actress in the past, offered her a scholarship as an exchange student there.

And like she always did, Claudine excelled. So much so that multiple colleges offered her full rides to attend their institutions. Even highly prestigious universities. Her opportunities were broad, her future looking bright-

-And then news came. Her mother had fallen terminally ill.

She had to go back. She had to see her. She had to be by her side as long as possible.

She had to repay her for the love, for the dream she had given Claudine. She had to be the family her mother had been for her in the absence of a biological father she never knew, and the loss of her adoptive Japanese father at an early age. The lack of a male figure in their family was no cripple to Claudine, but she also missed the presence of the man she knew as her papa. She knew her maman missed him too.

So she had to do this for her mother.

She had to… in the event that… she’d lose her soon as well.

God forbid, Claudine prayed.

She had to return to Japan, study and… get a job, find some way to help her mother pay the increasingly expensive hospital bills, their little family’s saved money steadily disappearing.

She wondered if she should just drop school all together and apply for a troupe. Earn both money and experience.

She had enough rapport both in Japan and France. She could probably get enough opportunities, and she would succeed like she always had…

But…

There was something she wanted to see through, going into university.

When she left for Paris, she had gradually lost contact with all her friends, the culture slowly choking her time, eventually disconnecting them from her.

She’d receive and return the occasional message, but… things were different. She knew she’d drifted apart from everyone.

So, when she found out that they would all be attending the same Arts Institute, and when she had decided to return to Japan for her mother’s sake, she believed it wouldn’t all be that bad if she could apply for a scholarship to the same place, and possibly rebuild everything that was slowly crumbling away.

She wanted to be with everyone again.

And though she believed herself capable of attaining what she wanted on her own, she might require a little assistance from a miracle.

…

And a miracle- could she call this monstrosity of a situation that?- came in the form of a letter that had documents that signified she was the daughter of some ‘Jacques Schnee’ currently undergoing some sort of trial, and because of this, some of the accusations led to the revelation that he was neglecting a daughter, not sending support, and now as some form of bribery and compensation or whatever, he had paid the court to shut up about it if he took responsibility for her now.

Claudine scoffed in disbelief and utter disgust.

So this was her damned biological father? Some apparently bigtime tycoon who slept around and left a woman to fight for herself while carrying his- Claudine would suppose she was now an- illegitimate child.

This… was certainly news she’d never have expected in a million years.

She laughed mirthlessly at it all.

Well, at least her financial crisis had been averted. For better or for worse… she hoped it wasn’t the latter.

One upside was that she now had a clear ticket to that university she wanted to get into, it seemed. Her ‘father’ had taken the liberty of enrolling her there coincidentally. At least he could do something right, Claudine guessed.

“Well… I suppose it’s time to pack.” She sighed falling back onto her current apartment bed, staring at the ceiling.

It wasn’t so bad, maybe. Her newfound reality.

“Japan, I’m coming home to you.”

  //-//-//-//-//

  Diana glared at the letter in her hand angrily. There, in neat script, she saw the name of the man who had caused all her misfortune.

‘Jacques Schnee.’

“I want to hate you for as long as I live…” She gripped the paper so hard, creases were forming and the agent currently assigned to her worried she’d rip it into shreds. “What is this garbage? And why am I… Why can’t I… refuse… this ugly form salvation…” She choked on her sobs, a hand sympathetically rubbing her back.

“Let’s get you ready, Miss.”

Diana nodded in agreement.

-----

All her bags now in her hand after being dropped off by the cab driver, she stared in awe at the slightly modest, but clearly high-end house.

What the hell, did her dad just get her a house?!

Regardless of its size, couldn’t he have… like… gotten her an apartment or condo, at least?

How rich was this asshole father of hers? Was money the only good thing about him? Not that even that was necessarily a good thing.

With a groaning sigh, she unlatched the gate, walking up the little pathway. There were small flowerbeds already present around the yard, and decorations were tastefully placed.

It at least looked the part of cozy.

Once she got to the door, however, angry sounds coming from inside made her question that.

-Wait. This was her house, right?

Why would sounds be…

In a panic, she unlocked the front door with the key that came with the letter, bursting through it like a mad man, blue eyes flickering about the room, shocked to see two pairs of eyes, wide and intense, staring back at her with equal surprise.

“Who…”

“Oh, this is just great!!!” One with hair as white as snow exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air in clear exasperation. “Now we have another one!” She began marching around the room, palms rubbing her face aggressively and scratching through her hair. “That little fuck-“

“-Language.”

“Shut up! I don’t even know who you are, and why you were in my house when I arrived. And you say you aren’t a burglar or whatever, but what is up with your sword play? Even if you were using the curtain pole. Are you some kind of spy or assassin the corporation has sent to finally get rid of me?”

“First of all, this is my house, not yours. And you came at me with a rapier!” A silver-gold blonde replied in equal stress. “You could have killed me!”

“I would never!” The first girl gasped with faux emotion. “At most, you’d lose an ear.”

“Umm…” Diana remained awkwardly fidgeting at the door, her usual bravery and confidence lost in the moment of shock.

“What.”

“I- I am simply here because… apparently my father purchased this place for me.”

Two pairs of eyes blinked once. Twice.

Then realization overtook them.

“Did you just say… father?” The golden-haired one stepped closer to her, a lot less hostile, but still aggressive looking.

“I- Um… yes?”

“Father… you say.” The lady with a rapier in her hand now approached Diana too.

These women were frightening, dear Lord. Diana slowly backed up, but stopped as her foot hit the bags she’d dropped in her frantic moments earlier.

“Can you tell me the name of this… ‘father’ of yours?” Rapier lady asked Diana who was beginning to wonder if she should look for a weapon to defend herself with.

“S-sure. His n-name is…”

“…”

“…”

“Is?”

“Fuck.”

Diana was not one to curse, but it surprised her that she did.

But she couldn’t help it, now could she? After all, her mind had been wiped clean as a white slate. A mental block was not what she needed right now, but just about anything involving that man seemed to bring about her misfortune.

At least the hands by which she’d die her early death were from very beautiful women it seemed.

She liked women, at least?

“Excuse me, um… are you alright?” Miss Golden hair was now very safe-looking and welcoming, Diana subconsciously stepped closer towards her.

“What is up with you? I just asked a question.”

“Perhaps, if you placed the sword down, and looked less like you were trying to murder her and look like you were willing to hear her out…”

Diana expected another heated retaliation, so it was a pleasant surprise to see the other woman sheath her weapon, and place it gently on a plastic-covered couch, clearly brand new.

“There. Happy?” She asked, glaring at the woman now gently holding Diana’s hand- and when had that happened?!

With a nod, the girl turned to Diana and asked again. “What is your father’s name. If you could tell us.”

Huh. She was a lot kinder than Diana had initially taken her for.

“I apologize. I can’t… remember at the moment. I- He hasn’t been around… for me until this point. I just… learned his name a few days ago but…” She hung her head in defeat, apologizing all the while. “Sorry I’m of no assistance to you…”

“No, it’s alright. Isn’t it?” The question was clearly not directed at her as she could only hear a grunt from the other side of the room.

“Yeah, fine.”

“Would your father’s name happen to be Jacques?”

At this, Diana lifted her head, another shocker delivered to her, hearing the familiar name, the cogs in her head clicking into place.

“Yes! Yes, that’s it! Jack, or Jacques or whatever. Snee? Shuni? Schee? I don’t quite remember, but something along those lines.” Diana found herself enthusiastic towards the prospect that some of her questions might be answered.

It seemed the other two shared the same sentiment.

“It’s Schnee.” The white-haired lady corrected, eyes furrowing, anger building up once more. “And… THAT BASTARD OLD MAN!” Grabbing her rapier she swung it around, probably to vent her anger. “He set me up! And what’s more…” She whipped her head about to carefully look the other two people over.

“What is it?” Diana said in a voice quite small.

“Seems he had big secrets to hide.” She sighed. Turning to the initial enemy she had, now turned… stranger? She wasn’t sure they were allies at this point, she stated rather than asked. “I guess it’s the same for you?”

The woman beside Diana nodded, expression looking a lot stiffer than her gentle demeanor as she dealt with Diana earlier.

“I see. I can’t believe this situation.”

“What do you me-“

A voice beside Diana delivered her fourth? Fifth? Sixth?- she’d lost count- Shocker of the day.

“Sisters. It seems we’re… sisters.” Turning to Diana, she held out a hand for a shake. “I’m Claudine.”

“I’m Weiss.” Was the grumble from the couch the woman had flopped on top of.

“…O-oh!” Breaking her stare from the hand, she looked into rose-red eyes. “And I’m-“

And the world suddenly turned black.

‘Hello, My Name is…

[Diana Cavendish]

[Weiss Schnee]

[Saijou Claudine]

-And it seems as though…

I have two sisters?!

  A/N: If you’re asking, yes. Yes, Diana fainted.

Here are some details for this AU btw:

I’ve decided to make Jacques a half-Jap, half german.

So all of them have a quarter of that blood.

Diana is half brit, quarter jap, quarter german

Weiss is ¾ german because of her mom, and ¼ jap.

Claudine is half French, ¼ german, ¼ jap.

Also, if you want to know their ages, and their order, I decided it this way, and let me just quote how I typed it out in the raw idea draft.

“Diana April 30 16yro in anime 2017+3yrs (2020) she's 19 too omg jahahahaha (wrote this coz I’m currently 19 and was amused)

Clau august 1, 2001 19 at present

Weiss Currently 19 (in volumes 5-6) may 15th lmao hahsha. Perfect!!

Wtf Diana was the oldest? Hooo boi. I did expect and want Kuro to be youngest tho, tbh.”

Why their ages are pretty much the same will be mentioned next chap.

And that’s how it went. Decided with Weiss being the legitimate child coz Jacques was the only canonically mentioned dad between the three girls as far as I know. Or I just didn’t search enough.

But come on. I wouldn’t pass at the chance to beat up the dude in a fic so… hihi.

Feedback is super appreciated!

Thank you for reading!

~Shintori Khazumi

[evak-fic-rec-turtleanon]

Evak Fics - Drunk

For the anon from this ask. I've had this in my drafts for a while. It's not complete.

PLEASE READ THE TAGS OR ANY WARNINGS ON THE FICS FIRST.

***** Both are drunk ***** Drunk Even ***** Drunk Isak ***** Bonus - not actually drunk ***** WIP

***** BOTH ARE DRUNK *****

You're Mine by bluexside (1.6k words) - Isak and Even are drunk at a party. Isak gets jealous when he sees Even flirting with a girl, which leads to a drunk angry, mostly stupid, fight.

"let's not think about what brought us here, yeah?." by bazsucks (3.4k words) - What if Eskild had never found Isak at a gay bar at 2 A.M? What if a handsome stranger with squinty blue eyes did? Not very drunk

not a big deal by Anonymous (4.3k words) - Even stared for a few more seconds, unable to fathom why Julian thought this was a good idea, to hurt Isak’s feelings. And yes, Even was mad at the situation at hand, but he knew he couldn’t do what Isak was asking. Neither of them were in the right mindset to do anything, whether it got anywhere sexual or not. They were both drunk and it would be unfair to both of them. It wasn’t right. He knew that. But Even leaned in and kissed Isak anyway.

Into the Night, With You by cuteandtwisted (11k words) - a drunk Isak runs into a strange boy with perfect hair who insists on fixing his boring summer in one night.

***** DRUNK EVEN *****

i can't kiss you if you drink vodka by hippopotamus (587 words) - even is drunk and clingy and isak kinda sorta loves it

Study Break by sweeterthankarma (1k words) - Jonas-” Isak starts, warning, because Even can send some pretty, well...personal things when he’s drunk and/or high— and of course, he must have done exactly that, because Jonas’s eyebrows immediately shoot up, his expression going from intrigued to amused.

Without you I've got no air to breathe in by bluesterek (4.4k words) - Isak is in love with Even. Even is drunk. Even is flirty when drunk.

***** DRUNK ISAK *****

And He Calls Me Moonlight, too by tiptopevak (263 words) - He’s drunk and stumbly and his lips taste sharp like a lick of blue-raspberry vodka, but he’s soft and safe in Even’s arms.

I'll always be there by evaklark (orphan_account) (532 words) - Isak couldn't help but feel a little lost in this definitely not sober state he was in. From an outsiders point of view, he most likely looked like one of those pervy jerks who jacks off to lesbian porn and then makes fun of gay guys. However, Isak just had a very hot boyfriend who was spending way too much time without him.

S'more Than Enough by i_once_wrote_a_dream (691 words) - “S’mores, s’mores, s’mores!” Isak becomes a petulant child when properly drunk.

Don’t Worry Isak, We’ll Get You A Cute Girl by cami_soul (804 words) - Isak is drunk at a party and the boy squad decides to find him a cute girl to hook up with - only it doesn’t quite turn out as they planned. There is a blindfold, there is kissing, there is sweet gooey fluff.

that boy is mine by orphan_account (1k words) - someone tries to touch Isak while he's drunk at a party and Isak is a bit nervous about Even finding out (mind the trigger warning)

with the fume of sighs by slvtherxn (1.1k words) - Of course he had had invited Even along, but Isak didn’t need to be held back by his tired, sober boyfriend. (Isak comes home drunk and sappy to Even.)

i'll be coming for your love by ihatefindingusernames (1.1k words) - Even didn’t know how Mikael managed to drag him to a karaoke bar on a Friday night when he could have spent it rewatching his favorite movies, but there he was.

Don't You Let Me Go Tonight by isakbeanie (1.1k words) - Basically, Isak gets tipsy at a party and Even gets jealous about some things that go down.

can i borrow a kiss? by spoopydumpling (1.2k words) - The boys pregame at Isak and Even's place, then head off to a party with a large amount of drinking and a whole lot of flirting.

drunk in love by blondwaves (1.2k words) - Isak shows up drunk at Evens at 3am, confessions and kissing

(Drunk) In Love by verlore_poplap (orphan_account) (1.5k words) - Isak falls in love at first sight. Too bad he's drunk off his ass when it happens. (some dubious consent)

Vodka kisses by Bellakitse (1.5k words) - Isak likes to kiss Even when he drinks, which would be fine if they were actually together. Magnus and Mahdi finally clue him in.

Curiosity by podicus (1.5k words) - At a pregame at Isak’s, Vilde is curious how Isak knew he had feelings for Even. Isak, meanwhile, just can’t stop thinking about his boyfriend.

can you blow my whistle, baby. by milominderbinder (1.5k words) - It's a normal Friday night in Isak's life. Just five guys, hanging out drunk at McDonalds in the middle of the night, talking about blowjobs, trying to deep-throat coke bottles. That sort of thing.

I may be hurt but doesn’t mean I don’t love you by Evakfiction (1.5k words) - Isak is drunk and jealous. When they get home, it gets out of hand.

the softest proposal by Bellakitse (1.6k words) - A drunk and high Isak shares something with Even he wasn't ready to share.

Sweet by Lisforlove (1.9k words) - Isak is drunk and needy.

Hot Mess by sweeterthankarma (2k words) - It’s Isak’s first time drinking expensive whiskey. Even thinks it should be his last.

don’t try to fight it by orphan_account (2k words) - This takes place sometime between the Christmas party at the end of season 3 and the beginning of season 4, hence Isak still living in the kollektiv. A warning: Even fucks Isak while he's drunk and they don't use condoms.

cards and drunken propositions by Bellakitse (2.1k words) - Isak doesn't remember the night before but he knows he made a fool of himself in front of this crush.

Through The Night by Lisa94 (2.3k words) - "AU where drunk isak pees on some stranger's car on his way home after partying all night. the thing is, there is someone in the car"

retired from logic, new career in happy by sophly (2.3k words) - Jonas POV. The one where Isak is drunk and sappy and Jonas can’t stop thinking about the inevitability of teenage relationships.

You're Not Tall Enough by wordsarelifealways (2.3k words) - Isak manages to get so wasted that he doesn't recognise Even and proceeds to tell Even all about his hot boyfriend waiting for him at home.

smoke in the air, binge drinking by boxesofflowers, Eeyoreneedsahug (2.3k words) - Isak accidentally gets wasted at a house party and Even is there for his boyfriend.

maybe i'll get drunk by hippopotamus (2.4k words) - theres a really hot third year around, and the only way isak knows to deal with it is alcohol

if you have lost a right track then i'll lead you right back by kittenmichael (2.4k words) - “Even,” he whispers, as if it’s a secret Norway’s nights shouldn’t hear, “my tongue feels really weird.”Even chuckles at his boyfriend’s antics, before realising that he’s genuinely confused. “Kind of like cotton?”

Baby... I AM EVEN THE BOYFRIEND! by Evakkk (2.4k words) - The boy squad get Even to come pick Isak up when he gets to drunk to handle...

pool full of liquor by thekardemomme (3k words) - Isak gets drunk and runs away from his friends, and Even seizes the opportunity to be his knight in shining armor. May as well be Shakespeare.

boy, you make me make bad decisions by hippopotamus (3.2k words) - In which Isak is way too drunk, way too dramatic, and his ex is making out with someone else.

Boys' night + Even by skampanda (3.2k words) - Drunk Isak was the best Isak, according to Magnus. He became super comfortable with himself and talked like non-stop about his beautiful boyfriend. There was just one slight problem- when drunk, Isak is super needy.

Ready to Jingle Your Bells by MacksDramaticShenanigans (3.6k words) - It was truly a testament to how drunk Isak was when rather than vehemently denying the request or furiously shaking his head and pushing everyone away, he set his glass down and determinately rose to his feet. And there was also the fact that Isak— sober or drunk— was never one to turn away from any sort of challenge, and Mikael’s wording certainly posed this as one. (Of course, there was also the fact that Even did sing him a song, and what kind of a boyfriend would he be if he didn’t serenade Even right back?)

Drunk Dialing by isakvaltertrash (johntracythatsall) (3.6k words) - “I miss you, and I– I hate you, how could you just, you just left! I thought everything was okay and you just fucking left, Even, you left– do you have any fucking idea what it’s been like to –“ But Even is raising his voice to get through his ramble, interrupting him with a string of “I know, I know, I know”. But Isak is drunk and he’s angry and he’s not going to be that easy.

So, Maybe I'm A Little Gay by LavenderWater (4.3k words) - Come drink with us they said. It'll be fun they said. And it was, at least until Isak drunkenly blurted out his love for Even in front of everyone. Fuck his life.

Homesick by everything_else (4.4k words) - 5 times they take care of each other after the break up. +1

Sweet Boys Shouldn't Drink Hard Liquor by wordsarelifealways (4.6k words) - Isak's mother is spiralling again and the texts are getting to Isak. Unfortunately, Even only finds out when Jonas calls him to tell him that Isak got really drunk and had a meltdown. Even looks after Isak at arguably his lowest point since he moved out of the Valtersen household.

Bumps, Grazes and Kisses by Flatfootmonster (4.8k words) - “What am I usually like?” he asked tentatively. The last strip had been placed over the cut, but the guys hands lingered on his face, smoothing gently over his work with a thumb. “Usually you just seem to be waiting for something to happen.” And the small smile that Isak caught playing on his lips was different somehow; he knew exactly what that something was. “But today you were even dancing—it was shocking.”

Confessions at dawn by chroniclesofwriting, joaneoffart (6k words) - Jonas helps a very drunk Isak to get to his apartment, there, he confesses his thoughts about what he wants in life, without realizing that it is Even himself to who he tells all these things.

Strong enough to carry him by diamondjacket (7k words) - Mahdi thinks Eskild is hot. Isak just wants to get through this with his sanity intact.

bloom by Skamtrash (8k words) - Friends to Lovers AU where Isak talks too much and likes Even, Even smokes too much and likes silence.

***** BONUS *****

your love is my turning page. by carryonevaks (1.1k words) - Isak is drunk in love. Even loves to tease him about it.

***** WIP *****

Face First by LinksLipsSinkShips - Isak's blackout drunk and has an unorthodox way of meeting Even.

Him & I by Emma_jay - Random Evak scenes written in script style.

[simplicityts]

100 Baby Challenge Guide | Part I: Overview & Matriarch

Objective

The objective of the 100 Baby Challenge is to give birth to 100 children in as few generations as possible, and successfully raise them to Young Adulthood.

Rules

No cheats or mods, except for ‘bb.moveobjects on’ and ‘reset sim’.

No help from nannies, baby daddies, or free services. Daycare is allowed only when leaving your lot to woo another donor.

You can’t use the same donor twice.

You can’t change pre-existing lot traits or lot traits that you choose, so choose wisely.

A child must reach Young Adulthood to count toward the 100 -- therefore they can’t die or be taken away by social services.

Your matriarch can’t get married until she becomes an elder, and must move out of the household after she is married.

You can’t have a career that takes you out of the household. Example: rabbit-hole jobs.

Only Young Adults can be moved out of the household.

You can’t influence your child’s gender or traits. You must use the randomizer for traits. You can't eat carrots or strawberries. You must avoid Pop and alternative music.

You can only age up:

-> Babies on their actual birthday;

-> Toddlers once they reach level 3 in all skills, or on their birthday, and;

-> When Children and Teens get an A in school.

TIP: Toddlers who reach level 3 or higher in their skills will have a head start in their skills when they age up to children, so don’t just let them languish until their birthdays. (I will go into more detail about this in Part 3: Babies and Toddlers.)

Step 1: Create your Matriarch

According to the official challenge rules by Snarky Witch, your Matriarch can be male (as long as he can become pregnant) or female, but I’m going to use female pronouns for simplicity sake. You can make her look and sound however you want, but she must be a Young Adult.

Choose her traits and aspirations wisely!

1. Aspirations

I highly recommend either the ‘Freelance Botanist’ or ‘Painter Exraordinaire’ aspiration to begin with. I’ve done both, but I personally prefer the former rather than the latter, because you only have to tend to your plants once a day and are therefore not tied to an easel. The problems I encountered with painting are that it takes awhile to finish one painting, and my matriarch would have to start and stop every time she went into labor or had to do anything else (like eat or take care of kids). You can still paint until your plants start generating simoleons (§), but the lot I chose comes with blooming herbs, so I don’t have to wait.

TIP: However, I also recommend switching back and forth between aspirations, because meeting aspiration milestones will give you satisfaction points which you can spend on helpful reward traits (see the Reward Traits section below). In addition to the ‘Freelance Botanist’ (if you choose to garden at all) and the ‘Painter Extraordinaire’ aspirations, you’ll want to complete the following ones as well:

-> Fabulously Wealthy:

You’ll earn 5% interest on your household funds every week. More § for doing nothing? Yes, please!

-> Nerd Brain:

Instantly fix or upgrade any object. Super useful when stuff breaks, and trust me, they will. Completing knowledge based aspirations such as this one will also give you the Quick Learner bonus trait, which will help you learn skills faster.

-> Big Happy Family:

You’ll boost your children’s skill gains whenever you’re nearby, which means they’ll age up faster, and the faster you can age them out, the faster you can make more kids and finish the challenge.

-> Mansion Baron:

Get 10% back on any build mode purchases added to your household funds once a week. You’re going to be buying stuff to furnish your house, so you might as well get some of your § back, no?

-> Serial Romantic:

You might find this handy for the Alluring bonus trait, because it makes you more successful at romantic interactions.

You can still do career based aspirations like Master Chef without actually joining the career. You just won’t be able to complete them once you get to the career based goals. For Master Chef, you can go up to Milestone III. That’s 1,425 satisfaction points right there! Just be sure to switch to this aspiration before you cook anything, and you’ll easily blow through these goals and milestones (same with the other ones).

TIP: I’ll leave you with this last note: don’t bother with children’s aspirations, EXCEPT for your successor! Completing children’s aspirations just wastes time getting them out of the house, but completing these for your successor is beneficial because it means they can buy bonus traits sooner.

2a. Traits

Check out Carl’s Guide to The Sims 4 Traits if you need help narrowing down your traits, but I highly recommend the following:

-> Creative: your sim will become inspired more often, in turn increasing the quality and value of their paintings (higher quality = more §). Choose this one only if you plan on painting being your primary source of income. Otherwise choose something like Cheerful, which will make your sim happier in general, or any of the other traits instead. For instance, I’ve chosen ‘Loves Outdoors’ for my gardeners.

-> Romantic: your sims will be flirty more often, and will gain romantic relationships faster than other sims. This will help you woo and bed donors faster.

-> Family-Oriented: your sim will gain happiness from being around family, which will honestly be most of the time.

2b. Reward Traits

Reward traits can be bought with satisfaction points from the Rewards store. To get to the Rewards Store, press G and then click on the present. 

IMPORTANT! Save your matriarch’s satisfaction points for traits; don’t waste them on potions. However, exchange your Young Adults’ satisfaction points for the ‘Moodlet Solver’ or the ‘Re-Traiting’ reward potion, and then transfer them to your matriarch’s inventory before you move the kid out of your household.

The Moodlet Solver potions will come in handy whenever your sims are mourning the death of someone they know, because it removes all negative moodlets. Don’t mistake this for the Happy potion, which is only a temporary fix.

The Re-Traiting potion, however, is best used on your next matriarch only. The rules of the challenge dictate that you have to randomize all of your children’s traits, so you will inevitably end up with a successor that has unfavorable traits. This potion will allow you to change their traits to more suitable ones. However, focus on stocking up on the Moodlet Solver potions first, and only purchase this one if and when you need it.

I’ve separated the Reward Traits I recommend into 3 categories: general, painters, and gardeners. They’re then ordered from most to least important in each of their categories. If you’re matriarch is a gardener or painter, I recommend buying Never Weary first, then skip to your specific categories, and finally work your way down the rest of the general list. However, anything after Great Kisser really isn’t necessary.

In general...

-> Never Weary (10,000): never have to sleep again! Trust me you’ll want to buy this first, because you’ll get more done if you’re not wasting 6+ hours sleeping.

-> Night Owl (1,000): gain skills 25% faster between 8PM and 3AM. You’re not sleeping any way, so this is great!

-> Frugal (2,000): reduces bills by 25%. Who doesn’t like saving money?

-> Beguiling (2,500): this is my favorite way to woo donors, because it makes it so easy.

-> Great Kisser (3,000): this one increases your Charisma skill every time you kiss, and charismatic sims are more successful at wooing donors.

-> Fertile (3,000): increases your chances of twins and triplets. I don’t recommend this early on. You definitely want to get comfortable with this challenge, and in a groove, before you start popping out multiples.

-> Forever Fresh (8,000): never need to shower or bathe again! Honestly, after the Toddler stage, showering is faster than bathing and isn’t really that much of an inconvenience.

-> Forever Full (10,000): never need to eat again. I like to make my Matriarch and Teens watch the cooking channel while they eat, because it raises their cooking skill, and satisfies their hunger and fun needs at the same time. Therefore this reward, like the previous one, is a very low priority.

For Painters...

-> Marketable (1,500): increases the value of paintings by 10% to triple the usual value. Choose this one, and the next one, if painting is your primary source of income. Otherwise, skip to Night Owl.

-> Creative Visionary (2,000): 20% higher chance of painting Masterpieces, which are worth A LOT of §.

For Gardeners...

-> Morning Sim (1,000): gain skills 25% faster between 5AM and 12PM. This one is great if gardening is your primary source of income, because your plants will need to be tended to and harvested at around 7AM.

For more information on reward traits, check out Carl’s guide here.

Step 2: Choose How to Make Money

I’m not going to spend much time on this, except to clarify which sources of income/careers are allowed. Only Careers that allow you to choose to ‘Work from Home’ are allowed as long as you always choose that option. I’ll try to list all of them, but I’ve only actually tried the Freelancer and Gardener careers with this challenge.

 Work from home careers are as follows:

-> Freelancer (Basegame): including Digital Artist, Programmer, Writer, Fashion Photographer (Moschino Stuff), and Crafter Branch (Eco Lifestyle). I don’t recommend this career, because I found it difficult to manage a work-life balance.

-> Critic (City Living): Art or Food Critic.

-> Style Influencer (Basegame): Trendsetter or Stylist.

-> Gardener (Seasons): I prefer Botanist over Floral Designer, because I have no interest in creating flower arrangements. This is also the career I choose, because my Matriarch’s are usually gardeners.

-> Civil Designer (Eco-Lifestyle): Civil Planner or Green Technician.

-> Military (Strangerville): Covert Operator or Officer.

-> Social Media (City Living): Public Relations or Internet Personality.

Keep in mind that you DON’T have to do any of these careers, but make sure they compliment your Matriarch’s traits if you do. I’d even recommend avoiding these altogether if you’re starting this challenge for the first time.

I choose to pursue the Gardener career, because I get bored with just gardening on its own. This also gives me an additional source of income on top of my side hustles (i.e. gardening, selling collectables, etc..)

Other sources of income include:

-> Painting

-> Gardening

-> Fishing

-> Digging for collectables

-> Selling honey (beekeeping in Seasons)

There’s probably more, but I only have experience with Basegame and Seasons, because, up until recently, those were the only ones I owned.

If you have Seasons installed...

I recommend you get at least one Money Tree, but you don’t have to spend 5,000 points in the rewards store to get a seed. You can easily get a fully grown tree from the Gallery if you have the § , and don’t consider this cheating. Perfect trees are available, but I prefer to download the '3 x Money Fruit Tree’ from SimBuilder20 instead. As I’ve said before, I prefer to make § gardening, so starting with a lower level tree helps me build up my matriarch’s gardening skill and complete the ‘Freelance Botanist’ aspiration quicker.

TIP: You don’t have to keep spending points or simoleons to get more money trees.

Here’s how to get 5 more Money Trees for FREE: go into build mode and put your money tree into your household inventory when it bears fruit. When you do this, the fruit (i.e. seeds) will be separated from the tree. You can then take them out of the inventory and plant them (and your first tree) somewhere on your lot.

Conclusion

Please do a Google search for more information on anything mentioned in this guide. Carl’s Sims 4 guides are a great resource, but so is Youtube, etc..

If you have any additional tips regarding the topics covered in this post, please include them as a note on this thread. Otherwise, stay tuned for Part II: Your Lot wherein we will discuss things like: choosing which lot to purchase, applying lot traits, and saving money in build/buy mode.