#Snow Patrol The Music Enthusiast | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

themusicenthusiast · 6 years ago

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Thursday, April 18th, 2019 - Snow Patrol Doesn’t Give In to Technical Difficulties, Overcoming to Satisfy Dallas Fans at the Kickoff Show of the North American Leg of the Wildness Tour

Photos by Jordan Buford Photography The lengthy drought was finally coming to end for the residents of North Texas who were Snow Patrol fans. The headline tour the UK-based indie-rock/alt-rock outfit is currently in the midst of was precipitated by the release of Wildness (out via Polydor Records) nearly a year ago – Snow Patrol’s first new album in nearly seven full years. There was also the tour they did supporting Ed Sheeran’s North American tour last fall, though that provided their fans with but a meager taste of what they craved after Snow Patrol’s years long absence from the Lone Star State. That was all set to change on this Thursday night, the band finally bringing the Wildness Tour to North America – about half of the twenty-one dates already sold-out – with Dallas serving as the launching point for the trek. South Side Ballroom was hosting what was poised to be a spectacular night, the band having already toured extensively around various parts of the world -- most recently South America -- ensuring they were in prime touring shape, while the break they got afforded them what was surely some much needed rest, allowing them to be in peak form for this next round of shows. While not sold-out, fans packed into the venue in droves, those lucky enough to arrive early getting treated to a delightful set from Ryan McMullan, while the trio that was We are Scientists put on an intense show, being thorough in warming up the sizable audience for whatever the band of the hour had prepared. What was interesting about the audience was how relatively diverse the makeup of it was. There were those who had likely been fans since Snow Patrol’s work became so acclaimed, circa the early to mid-2000s, while others in attendance had probably just been born around that time or shortly before. The single constant among the throng was how elated they all were to finally see Snow Patrol (again), their adoration for the group spilling over.

Several false starts excited the spectators that much more, the lights dimming a handful of times as the stage hands got everything in place, resulting in ample cheers and applause before disappointment set in as the lights illuminated everything once more. Then, at 9:38, it was officially on; a snowflake filling the screen at the back of the stage as drummer Jonny Quinn, bassist Paul Wilson, multi-instrumentalist Johnny McDaid and guitarist Nathan Connolly made their way on stage. Gary Lightbody completed things, the most boisterous fanfare having been saved for the frontman and guitarist who portrayed himself as being rather effervescent, kindly smiling and waving at everyone as he greeted them. It would have made sense that Wildness would be put on full display, allowing fans to experience much of that record in the live environment. However, after so many years away, most fans probably could have cared less about that, instead preferring to hear many of the classics they had missed so. Well aware of that, Snow Patrol opted for the more familiar for their first string of songs, beginning with “Take Back the City”. It was a striking opener on many fronts. For starters, taking the lyrics out of context, it felt like an appropriate welcome for them and to everyone. “I love this city tonight. I love this city always…” One got the sense that they had every intention of leaving their mark on the city; and it also highlighted the superb harmonies the band is capable of. On acoustic guitar duty for the moment, McDaid chimed in along with Connolly and Wilson, the three of them not only providing the backing vocals but also bolstering what Lightbody was doing as he paced around the stage, belting out a few of the lines in an incredibly impassioned manner.

Immediately electrifying, it was evident that Snow Patrol meant business. With that opening number one could feel the magic and compelling nature this music has, the past ten plus years since the release of A Hundred Million Suns having done nothing to diminish it; the intimate rapport with the audience being felt right away. Snow Patrol was there to entertain and deliver a memorable experience for all that had turned out, and they certainly got off on the right foot. That said, the first half of their set was plagued by some technical difficulties. It became more noticeable as they moved along; Lightbody spending a few moments fiddling with some of his equipment in hopes that it just required a simple fix, but to no avail. They handled it like the seasoned veterans they are, though, not even calling attention to it for a while, while the frontman never missed a beat, basically just shrugging it off and going about things as normal.

Prominent as the keys were during “Crack the Shutters”, that spellbinding love song boasted a robust rhythm section, Wilson really grooving to it as he strode around stage right, his movements seemingly calculative, as if he were waiting for the most opportune moment to strike. Indeed, he did as the track approached each crescendo. Upon finishing it Lightbody extended an official greeting to everyone, and also offered some insight to his appearance. Those closest to the stage had probably noticed he was lacking some shoes, instead just going barefoot. “…I’ve been wearing the same shoes for a year…” he remarked, adding that he wound up trashing them after they wrapped their South American tour. The lack of footwear seemed extra enjoyable to him. “Empress” was the first of a decent handful of cuts to be performed from Wildness; and given that it came after some older material, it was nice to see how it stacked up against those past works. This newest release is comprised of some of the most solid songs that Snow Patrol has produced, and even if there was a year’s long gap between albums, their signature sound wasn’t affected. “Empress” alone possesses that stellar indie-rock vibe that has proven to be a hallmark of the bands’ work, while also offering up a healthy serving of rock ‘n’ roll through the steady, pummeling percussion and the roaring guitars, both of which feel bolder than ever. That was particularly true when hearing that one live, the majestic scope of it being enthralling, while it simultaneously provided everyone with some serious rock.

If there was one positive to the trouble they were experiencing on stage, it was that it allowed Lightbody to conduct himself in a more natural manner, his affable demeanor leading one to appreciate the musician even more. He was handed a new guitar after that aforementioned song, laughing after having a quick chat with the tech that brought it to him. “So, I asked our guitar tech if this guitar was working, and he said, ‘You’ll find out in a minute’.” Even if he was dissatisfied with what was happening, he never seemed irritated by it, the quintet just going with the flow and taking things as they were. “This is a very appropriate song for this moment,” Lightbody quipped. “Don't give in. Don't you dare quit so easy…” he crooned as “Don't Give In” got underway, that more restrained number definitely taking on new meaning with the then current circumstances.

It didn’t go off without a hitch either, and again Lightbody just laughed it off. “This is the first night of the tour. Can you sense it?!” he asked afterwards, grinning and chuckling. He said it perfectly though when he stated that everybody was in it together, and that was, indeed, the shared mentality. “Open Your Eyes” capitalized on that. That cinematic masterpiece earned the strongest reaction from the spectators up to that point, especially as it hit its striking final minutes. Motioning with his hands, soon raising his arms into the air, Lightbody silently implored everyone to just let the music course through them and give themselves wholly to the song. They did, most of the crowd echoing along to that final refrain. A few minutes later Lightbody provided some backstory to this leg of the tour, noting they had been scheduled to fly into Dallas from Los Angeles the previous day, though bad weather had delayed that. “Bullshit!” one fan bellowed to that remark, referring to the severe weather that had been forecasted though never came to fruition. “There were, like, four hundred and fifty flights cancelled from LA…” the singer responded. “I was trying desperately to get here…” he added, joking that he was even considering one of Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machines as a mode of transportation to Dallas. That daylong delay had resulted in them missing soundcheck for this show, Lightbody admitting that was the cause of so many of the problems they were having, owning that reason rather than passing things off on it.

Again, it shed light on who he really is and made him all the more likable. Pointing out a guy closer to the front, he declared it his job for the night to make the stone-faced gentleman smile. “You were dragged here?” Lightbody said as he briefly conversed with the man, realizing his job had just become that much more challenging. So, he did the only thing he could do: he dedicated the next song to the man. “I’m a time traveler from the future, and I met you and this song is about you,” he joked, using that as a segue into “Life on Earth”. Another song orchestrated on a grand scale, it allowed the spectators to fully appreciate the intricacies of Snow Patrol’s music. That was noticeable at every turn this night and it allowed the music to be so much more breathtaking, the way that Connolly, Wilson, McDaid and Quinn so artfully alternated between the more serene moments and the absolute precision they required to cutting loose and demonstrating the full extent of their musical prowess and how dynamic they can be.

That marked the end of the first half of their set, and before carrying on Lightbody swapped out some of his equipment, seeming assured that would remedy the issues and promising the next bit was “going to be great.” The difference was noticeable and immediate. The next number sounded so much clearer; every note, beat and word more pronounced, leading to an all-around lusher sound. It was Snow Patrol in all their glory; and while nothing had sounded bad up to then, it was evident that they firing on all cylinders at that point, eager and ready to make up for everything that they thought they had been lacking thus far. Seizing upon that newfound momentum, they even bridged a couple of the songs into the following one, further empowering themselves. Quinn and Wilson unleashed their full might on “Shut Your Eyes”, the rhythm section sounding surprisingly dominant on that one. Subtle as it was, one could even feel those sonorous notes shaking them; while “Heal Me” stood out as the most pleasantly surprising song of the night. It was self-described as being Lightbody’s favorite new song to perform live, he and his bandmates putting an exceptional amount of gusto into it. The recording itself is great, serving as another perfect example of how well Snow Patrol produces cinematic sounding pieces of work, but live it transcended that. That was present, though all the instruments sounded fiercer, a little rawer than what was captured in the studio, transforming “Heal Me” into a roaring beast that left everyone awed.

The best had been saved for last, those mesmerizing chords that begin “Chasing Cars” eliciting some deafening fanfare that was only outdone when the final line came around and was abruptly ceded to the crowd who didn’t miss a beat in collectively singing, “…Would you lie with me and just forget the world?” That song alone reinforced the staying power that music has, “Chasing Cars” being a song that everyone has surely heard before, even if they weren’t entirely sure who was responsible for it. It has aged exceptionally well over the last dozen plus years, still being a definitive piece of indie-rock (and a timeless one at that), the lyrics epitomizing just what an intimate and honest song should be; Lightbody’s emotional investment in his delivery of those words being unquestionable. “Take care of yourselves; we’ll see you again,” the singer stated as they moved along to the closing track of their 79-minute long set, which concluded in an exuberant fashion; the spectators getting to participate one more time as they sang and clapped along.

A few patrons took their leave at that point, no doubt wanting to beat the masses in getting out of the parking lot, which can be hectic to say the least. However, most were steadfast, certain that an encore was coming and eager to get the most out of this experience. While Snow Patrol did adhere to the routine that the encore has become, Lightbody didn’t hesitate to poke fun at it. Upon returning he joked about how typical an encore was of the arts and entertainment industry, laughing that the performers just go backstage and are like, “…Please, please like us!” he said in an exaggerated and desperate tone. Elaborating further, he even seemed keen on the idea on just playing every song in one setting, though acknowledged people would still wonder why there was no encore, so it’s better to just keep up the charade. McDaid was the only other member accompanying him for the first song of the 9-minute encore; the words “What if this is all the love you ever get?” filling the screen behind them.

The most bare-bones song of the night, it enraptured the audience in a way they hadn’t been at any other point. “What If This Is All the Love You Ever Get?” was another brilliant example of one of their songs transcending itself in the live environment, those lyrics that challenge one to reevaluate any relationship they’re in, to not take it for granted and embrace every aspect of it being exceptionally potent. A truly special moment, it was a pleasure to hear what is one of the best offerings from Wildness live; Connolly, Wilson and Quinn rounding things out for one last enchanting love song that felt like the perfect ending to their relatively brief but incredibly memorable time in Dallas. It may not have been the cleanest show of Snow Patrol’s career, but it was an awesome one nonetheless. You can’t fault a band for any technical difficulties that may occur, so all that is just beside the point. What isn’t beside the point is how resilient the five of them remained in the face of the obstacles that were suddenly thrown their way. I know I touched on that earlier, but it was still insightful to see how they handled it and wonderful that they didn’t let it affect them by getting flustered or upset. You just had to love them even more after witnessing that; and nothing ever sounded terrible out in the crowd.

The well curated set -- one comprised of some of the most stellar material they’ve churned out over their career -- they had planned helped in guaranteeing that everyone was transfixed with what they were playing, the overall structure of it having an excellent ebb and flow that took the listener on an emotional journey. It hit most if not all of the highlights and spanned a respectable amount of time, and while Snow Patrol made the wait fans had to endure well worth it, concertgoers leaving happy and content, it still seemed to pass too quickly, everyone already hungry for more. Hopefully they won’t have to wait as long between the next tour of North America. A significant voice in the indie-rock world for the better part of a couple decades now, Snow Patrol has managed to retain the high-profile spot they managed to position themselves in, and this performance just reinforced why they are still all too worthy of it. Some of the new stuff they played came across as being instant classics of theirs, while the smash hits and old favorites they had lined up were as marvelous now as they were upon first hearing them. Maybe even more so. It’s rare to find music that is capable of continuously impressing like that and that just speaks to how skilled this collective of musicians is when it comes to penning genuine, emotive music that connects with everyone. Something that resonates with the listener at their very core, and because of that, Snow Patrol evoked the quintessential concert experience this night, one where every soul in the building was unified by that music, feeling like they were part of something much bigger, even if it was for but a moment. This leg of Snow Patrol’s tour will run through May 21st, when it concludes at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA. Other notable stops include a performance at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. on April 26th; New York, NY’s Terminal 5 on April 30th; The Riviera Theatre in Chicago, IL on May 7th; and The Joint at Hard Rock in Las Vegas, NV on May 18th. A complete list of their tour schedule and additional info for each show can be found HERE; and be sure to check out Wildness in iTUNES or GOOGLE PLAY. Set List: 1) “Take Back the City” 2) “Chocolate” 3) “Crack the Shutters” 4) “Empress” 5) “Don't Give In” 6) “Open Your Eyes” 7) “Run” 8) “Life on Earth” 9) “Make This Go On Forever” 10) “Shut Your Eyes” 11) “Called Out in the Dark” 12) “Heal Me” 13) “Chasing Cars” 14) “You're All I Have” Encore 15) “What If This Is All the Love You Ever Get?” 16) “Just Say Yes” Note: ”The Lightning Strike (What If This Storm Ends?)” appeared on the set list though was not performed.

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combat-wombatus · 4 years ago

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Crimson Snow

Pairing: Hawks (Takami Keigo) x Fem!Reader

Genre: angst :’) (a lil bit of fluff thrown in here and there)

Warnings: mentions of blood, character death.

WC: 7.8k. am i sorry? no.

Summary: Childhood friends doesn’t always equal lovers in the future. You wished that was the case, but ever since Keigo disappeared, you found it hard to believe in love again.

(A/N): this was. i had to write this. it wasn’t up for debate. finishing this at 4am in the morning aldksjfhajshd. spent a grant total of 2 days brainstorming & writing this fic. not proofread at all. heavily inspired by the song 小幸运 by Hebe Tien. i strongly suggest you give it a try and listen to it as you read this :p (for all my chinese speakers out there...let’s see how you deal with this heartbreak :’) so yeah. i’m actually...really really proud of this fic. i tried a new format with this, and i think i kinda like it. also i left the ending up to interpretation if you don’t read the epilogue. enjoy!

credit for this au goes to @wafflesandkruge

here’s the link to the music :)

youtube

The one constant in your life.

The boy who’d always been there for you, through the dark days and the cold nights, holding your hand through it all.

The one who’d held you when you broke down.

The one who’d tucked you under his wings as the skies crackled with energy, rain pouring from the heavens, and told you that no matter where you went, he’d stay with you. He’d keep you nice and dry, snuggled close to his body as he shielded you from the storm.

The one constant in your life.

He’d left quietly in the night, not stopping by to say farewell.

In his place, he’d left a lonesome letter, tucked away beneath a boulder on your special hill.

“I’ll come back for you. Wait for me, okay?”

And from within that plain white envelope, a single red feather floated out, carried on the autumn winds, drifting aimlessly.

Almost as if it were lost.

And in that moment, you felt as if you’d lost a part of yourself, a little piece of your soul.

You weren’t sure you were ever going to get it back.

Years passed. You waited. There was no sign of him

Not in the skies, not on the land, and even though you’d sometimes see him in the reflection of the water, sitting next to you as you told him about your day, he wasn’t really there either.

I won’t give up on him.

I’ll stay strong.

He told me he’d come back for me.

Against the test of time, your resolve never withered. It only grew, strong as steel, taking over the crevices in your heart where he’d left his mark.

I’ll wait for you, Kei.

But please…come back to me.

“Hey, (Y/N)!” Your friend called out enthusiastically from her position on the couch. “Come look!”

“What?” You stepped out of the kitchen, only to be greeted by a familiar face, smirking on the TV screen.

“Look at him! He’s this new hero, and he’s only 18! (Y/N)! He’s our age! Isn’t he hot?” She pointed at his flickering image. “His hero name is Hawks!” Squealing, she turned to you. “Isn’t that so cool?”

You stood in shock, the glass of water that you had been holding slipped from your fingers and shattered onto the floor. Liquid pooled around your feet, soaking your slippers, but you made no move to step aside.

“Woah! (Y/N), are you okay?” She jumped off the couch, rushing towards you. “Hey, (Y/N)? He’s cute and all but…this is a little bit much, isn’t it?” She looked at you with concern, eyebrows drawing tighter when you didn’t respond.

“(Y/N) …what’s wrong? You look like you just saw a ghost.”

Shaking yourself from your daze, you averted your eyes. “Ahh, I’m sorry. Uh…I just, I never thought I’d see him again.”

“Wait, you know him?” Your friend looked at you, surprised. “(Y/N) …did he do something to you?” She asked softly. “If he did, I don’t care how cute he is, I’m gonna kick his ass to high heaven if need be. Someone like that shouldn’t be a hero.”

You shook your head, chuckling a little. “No…no, there’s no need to do that. It’s just…it’s been a long time, and I just didn’t expect to see him.”

“Ahh. Well, step out of that puddle! Come on, let’s grab you some paper towels.”

Hey!

It’s me, (Y/N). I…I saw you on TV today. You look…different. In a good way, I suppose. You’ve bulked up a bit.

You never used to smile like that though. Not like…like you were smiling for others. Seeing you smile for the camera, well…it made me sad.

But I’m happy that you’re ok. I think it would probably be hard for you to find me, since obviously I’m not on the news. So I’ll come find you instead, yeah? What do you say we catch up sometime?

I miss you. I’m in college now. I’m doing pretty good. You’re an overachiever, aren’t you? 18 years old and you already have your own agency.

Not that I’m complaining. Thanks for making it so easy for me to find you :)

So…let’s meet up sometime, when you have time? Maybe for some coffee? I know a quaint little place. It’s not too far away from your agency, three blocks to the right, turn left, and walk to the next intersection. It’s the corner shop. You can’t miss it.

I’ll wait for you there this Saturday, okay? I’ll do my work there. You can walk in whenever you have the time.

Your chicken, (Y/N)

Saturday came faster than you could prepare yourself. You checked your reflection repeatedly in the mirror, double-guessing your outfit decisions.

What if he doesn’t like it?

Is this too formal for a coffee date?

“Hey, (Y/N)!” Your friend barged into the bathroom. “I saw all the clothes on your bed! Are you going on a date?”

“Uh…just a meeting with an old friend. To catch up,” you explained.

She looked at you suspiciously. “Old friend…is it that guy on TV? Hawks?”

You grew flustered. “Err…yeah. If he got my letter.”

She looked you up and down, then dragged you into her closet. “Good thing I just went on a shopping spree last weekend then!” She pumped a fist excitedly in the air. “I’m giving you a makeover!”

Two hours later, you stood in front of the bathroom mirror once more. Your friend had put you through every single possible combination of outfits using both your closet and hers, and you had to agree that she had impeccable taste.

“Come on, you’re going to be late!” She shoved you out of the bathroom.

“I didn’t set a time!” You protested, laughing.

“Well, get your ass out of here! My boyfriend’s coming over!”

“So that’s the real reason you want me gone, hmm?” You teased her.

“Shush! Get out!”

Hawks was on patrol. You had been on his mind the entire week. Ever since your letter had reached his desk, he couldn’t stop thinking about you.

Thinking about you brought back happier times, and he wasn’t masochistic enough to give himself false hope.

No, it would be better for you to forget about him, and vice versa.

Still, he couldn’t stop himself. His body flew of its own accord, ignoring the sensibilities of his mind that screamed at it to stop.

Go back! The reasonable voice inside his head yelled.

Fly back!

His body refused to listen.

He found himself gently landing on a rooftop, right across the little café you told him to meet you at.

He even debated going inside. Just for a second. Just for a cup of coffee, to warm myself up in the chilly late-afternoon breeze, he told himself.

Then, he scoffed. Who was he kidding? If he went inside, he wouldn’t have the resolve to step back out before he saw you.

Shaking his head, he flew away as quickly as he could.

If he’d stayed a moment longer, he would’ve seen you walk down the street, humming a little tune to yourself.

Maybe then his resolve would’ve cracked.

Too bad he’ll never know.

Sitting alone at a table for two was an unpleasant feeling. Especially when you’re on your third drink, the waitress keeps eyeing you with pity, and you couldn’t concentrate on your work.

“Miss?” The waitress stopped by your table again. “Sorry to bother you, but we’re closing in 15 minutes.”

You checked the time on your laptop. Crap. It was already 5:15.

“Oh yeah, uhh, sorry to bother you!” You chuckle awkwardly. You quickly packed your books and laptop, dropped a $20 bill on the table, and hurried out the door. Walking home in silence, you tried your best not to feel too disappointed.

Maybe he just didn’t have time?

It’s ok. You’ll just ask him again, another time.

Another time.

You sent him countless letters. For the first year, at least. When he ignores all of them, you visit his agency in person.

As you walk through the glass doors, there’s a man sitting behind the reception desk.

“Hello, miss. How can I help you today?” He asks in the customary polite tone.

“I’m looking for Keigo. Hawks,” you answer, trying to hide your nervousness.

He looks at you suspiciously. “How do you know his first name?”

“We…we were childhood friends,” you tried to explain. “I…well, I haven’t seen him in a while.”

He took a closer look at you. “Can I ask for your name, miss?”

“(Y/N). (Y/N) (Y/L/N).”

He sighed. “I’m afraid that you’ll have to leave the premises, Miss (Y/L/N). You’re not allowed to be here.”

What?

He hadn’t kicked you out before you told him your name.

“Why-” you started, but he cut you off.

“Miss (Y/L/N). I’m afraid that I have to ask you to leave, and don’t come back. Should I call security to escort you out?”

Holding back tears, you clutched your purse close to your chest and hurried out the glass doors, wishing nothing more than to shatter them into pieces.

You didn’t send any more letters after that.

Years pass. Every year on your birthday, Keigo gave you a feather.

“So I’ll always be with you,” he joked.

His feathers are extra durable, but time can wear down even the strongest things.

The last feather you got from him was ten years ago.

It can barely be considered a feather at this point, and you keep it in a special glass case so it can’t get any more worn down.

Ten years.

You’re turning 25 tomorrow.

Ten years of waiting around for him turned into ten years of watching him date other women. Ten years of hiding your pain every time another picture of him kissing a new girl graced the covers of the tabloids.

The first time, you cried yourself to sleep.

It wasn’t the last time.

Again and again, he breaks your heart.

By the third year, you convinced yourself to stop looking at the tabloids and the gossip sites.

By the fifth year, you scold yourself. You vow to stop crying over a stupid childhood crush.

By the seventh, you told yourself that you needed to forget about him. Step back into the dating ring, make out with someone else, and remove his presence entirely from your mind.

That didn’t work out.

Ten years.

It killed you to finally harden your resolve, but you told yourself that you couldn’t spend your whole life waiting for someone who was never going to love you back.

You’re turning 25 tomorrow, and you’re going to go on a date.

He’s watching you. He always is.

It makes him feel like a creepy stalker, but he can’t help it.

He watches you as you step into the restaurant, decked out in formal wear that looked amazing on you.

Going on a date. With someone who wasn’t him.

He stays on the rooftop, watching you through a window as you ate and laughed.

He wishes that he was the one making you laugh, that he was the one helping you order food from the menu, that he was the one sharing a dessert with you.

He’s selfish like that. It never does him any good.

He’s scared, really. Scared of commitment, tarnished by his time spent in the work program.

He sees you as the one thing in life that they can’t take away from him. You have this innocence, this purity that you always carry around with you, because you’re a part of a time when his life wasn’t so complicated.

He doesn’t want to shatter that illusion.

He never reached out to you because he’s scared.

He’s scared that he’ll break you.

He stopped sending you feathers, heart splintering every time your birthday comes around, hoping you’ll eventually forget him.

You don’t.

It’s not that you didn’t try.

No one else really interested you.

That is, until Masaki came along. He was bright, happy, always upbeat. He could find the words to cheer you up, to make a bad day that much better. He was attentive, caring, sweet.

He was everything that most people would look for in a partner.

And slowly, you began to open up to him too.

You fell into his embrace easier. You got a little happier when he came over for dinner.

You felt just a little safer when you were wrapped in his arms, a luxury you never thought you’d have.

Two years later, during a picnic date, he proposed.

You always had a love for picnic dates. Maybe because your first date, with Keigo, was a messy picnic affair during the spring, on top of a little hill where wildflowers bloomed and birds pecked at your leftovers.

“Stop!” You giggled, whipped cream smeared all over your cheeks. “You’re going to get it on my clothes!”

Keigo laughed, then popped another strawberry in your mouth. “You can wash that off later, silly! Just have fun!”

“It’s not fun when my clothes are all sticky,” you whined. “You try it! It feels gross!”

He smirked. “Oh really?”

Taking a strawberry, he dipped it in the container of cream you had brought, then stuck it down his shirt.

“Ha! Take that!” He gloated.

You stared at him in shock. “Did you just–”

“Yes I did! And it’s not gross at all, see?” He plucked the strawberry back out and shoved it in his mouth.

“Eww! Kei, that’s disgusting!”

“No it’s not, it still tastes like a strawberry! Mphm!” He chewed, licking his fingers.

He regretted that decision later, when bees swarmed the front of his shirt.

“Eek!” He shrieked, hopping backwards.

“Kei, take off your shirt!”

“It’s so sticky!” He yelped, trying to peel the front of his shirt away from his chest.

“I told you!”

“Hey, now is NOT the time for the ‘I told you so’ speech, okay?” He finally ripped his shirt off.

You couldn’t help it. You cackled.

“What now?” He looked at the bees feasting on his ruined tee.

“I told you so,” you teased him.

Taking one look at the devious glint in his eyes, you scooped up the picnic supplies and raced down the hill.

He followed, wings beating, taking off into the air. He reached you within seconds, tacking you to the ground.

“Hey, that’s not fair!” You struggled against him. “You know you’re fast when you fly!”

He looked at you mischievously. “And what about it?”

“You can’t race me like that when I’m on foot!”

“Who said we were racing?” His eyes locked on your lips. “I was just trying to catch up to you.”

You blushed, suddenly realizing how close his face was to yours.

“Kei–” you started.

“Can I kiss you?” He interrupted you, then quickly blushed. “I mean, only if you want to-”

You wrapped your hands in his hair, interrupting him with a kiss.

He tasted like the remnants of strawberries and cream, sweet honey on a beautiful spring day.

And it was a beautiful spring day.

Perhaps the last beautiful spring day you’d ever have, for the next spring, he was gone.

Beautiful spring days were few and far between. You’d learned that the hard way.

But today…you were inclined to think that it might be another one of those days.

Your boyfriend of two years had proposed on a beautiful spring day reminiscent of one long ago.

You supposed that this marked a series of firsts.

First date. First kiss. And now…a proposal.

You accept his proposal, tears in your eyes. He thinks that they’re tears of happiness, and in part, they are.

You don’t tell him that this was the one thing that you never thought you’d do. You feel like you’re betraying Keigo.

You have to remind yourself that he betrayed you first.

Half a year later, you have a wedding. It’s a small wedding, with only your families and close friends. You considered reaching out to Hawks’s hero agency, but decided to spare yourself the pain.

He’d moved on. So would you.

Unbeknownst to you, when the ceremony rolled around, Keigo was standing on a nearby rooftop, the wind blowing away his tears.

He couldn’t believe how beautiful you were.

He knew that he couldn’t have you, but didn’t you know that he was a sucker for pain? Watching you repeat the vows was like getting punched full-force in the gut, but the wind never returned to his lungs.

He felt empty inside. Something essential was missing, and he knew what it was, but he also knew that he couldn’t ever have it. Not if he wanted you to stay alive.

As the ceremony finished, he flew away into the sunset, and you caught a glimpse of his crimson wings, purely on accident. You shook your head in disbelief.

“Now I’m hallucinating too,” you muttered to yourself.

But no matter how hard you tried to convince yourself you imagined the whole thing, that final view made it so much harder for you to forget him.

Another year passed, and the seasons changed as they did. Spring flowing into summer, summer fading into autumn, autumn slowly drifting into winter.

Gradually, your new life engulfed you, the comfort of it all slowly draining away your doubts. Your husband was a good man. A faithful man. A caring man.

He held doors open for you and snuggled you on the couch. He played with your hair and made you breakfast in bed. He made it difficult for you not to love him.

You weren’t entirely sure you wanted to resist, anyways.

One night, you woke up in your shared bed, screaming in pain. Your lower back burned, almost as if you were getting branded.

Your husband woke up to the commotion. The bedsheets were stained with blood. Fresh, crimson, blood, all of it coming from you.

Whimpering, you laid limp as Masaki set you on your belly, trying to figure out the source of the injury. Taking a clean paper towel, he gingerly wiped the blood off of your raw skin, showing a tattoo emblazoned in gold ink.

Written in elegant cursive were three simple words.

Three words, but they hurt to look at.

(Y/N) …I’m sorry.

Your husband stared in shock. This didn’t happen. This couldn’t happen, could it? The only way someone got a tattoo like this was if their soulmate died, and, well…he was still very much alive.

He wasn’t your soulmate.

In this world, quirks weren’t the only strange thing.

Soulmates existed. But most never found out until it was too late.

When your soulmate died, their last words would be tattooed permanently on their other half’s skin in a bloody and painful process.

Their last moments would flash before the other’s eyes.

Nothing you could do. Nothing you could be sure of, until it was too late.

Fires blazed everywhere.

Building after building, it ate away at the crumbling city, tearing down everything in its path.

“Help!” A voice choked out, raspy from smoke intake. “There’s a beam—ugh—on my leg. I can’t get it off!”

A winged figure crouched on a burning rooftop, out of breath and utterly exhausted.

Backup wasn’t coming.

The whole city was burning.

Standing shakily, he sent the last of his feathers off to help the trapped woman.

“That’s it for me then, I suppose,” his smile wobbled slightly. “My work here is done.”

He couldn’t risk jumping off of the roof. His wings were stubs on his back, and only a single feather remained.

“That’s not enough for me to fly off, now is it?” He chuckled mirthlessly. “Oh, if only you could see me right now, (Y/N). You’d be proud. Saved more than 500 people today, you know that?” He sighed, sitting down on the roof. “Lost count somewhere around there. You were always proud of me, weren’t you? The only one that believed in me when I told myself I couldn’t fly.

You’re the one that taught me to fly, remember, chicken? Those were the good times.

Look at me now. Talking to myself. Don’t even have the strength to fly down anymore.” He coughed into his hand, blood staining his palm. He grasped tightly onto a keychain around his neck, smearing the metal with crimson.

“I never did thank you. Guess it’s too late now.” He stared up at the sky, hues of orange and gold dancing across the horizon.

“Never did treat you right.” He plucked his last feather off of his back, twirling it around in his fingers.

“You were always too good for me. Too good for anyone, really.” He laid down on the roof, back no longer sensitive to the burning heat.

“I lost the right to love you a long time ago. I’ve got no business crying over you.” He chuckled bitterly. “But is that going to stop me?”

Letting go of the keychain and his feather, his hands went limp.

“(Y/N),” he sighed, closing his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

The roof collapsed, the hungry flames licking at the bottom finally swallowing him whole. His comms fell out of his ear, the plastic melting in the heat.

A single red feather floated down to the ground, charred and blackened.

The only remains of his body they’ll ever find.

You were sobbing uncontrollably. Keigo.

He was your soulmate.

The boy you loved.

The one who’d abandoned you.

The one who you tried to forget.

He was your soulmate.

Your soulmate, who was dead.

“Turn…turn on the TV,” you whispered weakly. “Turn it on. I need to see.”

Masaki reached for the remote, flipping it on to the news channel.

“Earlier tonight, a bomb was detonated in Nagoya prefecture. Top heroes were on the scene, including Endeavor and Hawks, but their quirks are ill-suited to fight the conflagration. Endeavor has resorted to using brute strength to rescue people from the rubble, while Hawks hasn’t been seen since the beginning of the night. We are now reporting his status as MIA, and will continue to look for the Winged Hero, along with updating our reports on the status of missing civilians–”

You shut the TV off. You’d heard all you needed to.

Throwing on a mishmash of clothing, you sprinted out the door. Hailing a taxi, you hopped in before it had even screeched to a full stop.

“Hawks Hero Agency.” You told the driver, not bothering to mince your words. You hadn’t bothered to wipe all the blood off of your back either, so it was gradually staining your coat a deep crimson, a mocking parody of the way that Keigo’s feathers used to lay against his back.

His feathers that were burnt, charred, turned to ashes, no longer able to bring you the comfort they once had when they wrapped you in a warm embrace.

The driver looked concerned. “Miss, do you know what happened today? Hawks isn’t–”

“Yes, I know. Drive.”

You pressed your forehead against the window, breath steaming up the glass. It reminded you of one winter, when the two of you had been building snowmen, and your mother called you in for dinner.

“Kei, I have to go,” you tugged at his hand.

“Aww, (Y/N),” he kicked at an unfortunate stone with the scuffed toe of his boot. “Why can’t you stay a little longer? We haven’t finished his head yet.” He pouted.

“I can’t, Kei,” you tried to make him release his iron grip on your hand. “Mama’s gonna get mad.”

“Then I’ll make you stay!” He boldly declared, wrapping his little arms around your frame, tackling you to the snow-covered ground.

The two of you giggled, engaged in a tickle war, your mom’s voice fading into the distance.

“(Y/N) (Y/L/N)!” Your mom yelled, marching over to where the two of you lay, tangled in a heap. “Do you want to get a cold?”

“No, Mama,” you said, slowly getting up and dusting the snow off of your parka. “I’m coming.” You turned around and poked your tongue out at your friend, letting your mom drag you back into your house.

Keigo sat in the snow for a while longer, not exactly excited to go back to his house.

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head.

He beat his little wings as fast as he could, half flying, half stumbling to your kitchen window.

Sneaking a peek inside, he saw you staring questioningly back at him. Not bothering to hide his mischievous grin, he puffed out a breath, steaming the window, took his little glove off, and started writing.

“D O Y O U W A N T T O F L Y W I T H M E ?” He painstakingly wrote out.

You shook your head, and his grin quickly dropped from his face. Looking down, he almost missed the words you mouthed out.

“I can’t read it!” You tried your best to sign. “It’s backwards!”

“Oh!” He tried his best to write the mirror image of what he had just written, making sure that you could read it from your point of view this time. You read his little message, a grin taking over your face.

“Y E S!” You mouthed. “YES, YES, YES!”

Quickly scarfing down your dinner, you waved a hasty goodbye to your mom, racing out the back door, only to get tackled into the snow.

“Come on, let’s go!” He took ahold of your hand. “Race you!”

“You can’t race me if you’re holding my hand!” You shrieked in delight. “Stop it!”

He paused, turning around. “Hmm. Well, maybe I don’t want to race you then,” he looked at you with a small smile on his face. “I wanna try something new!”

“Oh?” You asked, seeing the way his eyes lit up with delight. “What is it?”

“I wanna fly! With you!”

Giggling, he turned you around so that your back was facing him. He circled his arms below your armpits.

“Hang on!” He flapped his wings as fast as he could, kicking up a storm of snow around you. To his surprise, he actually managed to lift the two of you off the ground for around 3 feet or so. He wasn’t expecting it to work on his first try, but the two of you really were flying!

Sighing, you turned away from the window.

Happier times, you chuckled mirthlessly.

Isn’t it sad that I’m only remembering them now?

The car screeched to a stop at the front door to the Hawks Hero Agency.

You stepped into the lobby, the fluorescent lights blinding.

It’s the middle of the night, but they don’t seem to mind, you thought. Everyone was bustling around the place like it was normal.

The receptionist had changed since you’d last been here.

She spotted you and hurried over, most likely because of the blood staining your clothes.

“Miss, are you hurt?” She gave you a once-over. “Can I help you?”

You stared at her in shock for a moment. What were you here for again?

“Oh…uh,” you wrung your hands nervously. “I’m here for Hawks.”

Her expression of concern melted away into one of annoyance. “Another fangirl. This one appears to be married too,” she scoffed at the band adorning your left ring finger. “People these days…” she muttered underneath her breath, already hurrying back to her desk, where the phone rang incessantly.

“No. I’m not a fangirl.” You lifted your head. You might be in pain, but damned if you were going to let a stranger strip you of the remaining shreds of your dignity.

“I’m his soulmate.”

The way you said that phrase with such conviction made the lady pause.

“Soulmate?” She questioned. Girls had tried this trick on her before, but…when asked to prove themselves, they merely responded with “oh, it’s just a feeling,” or “I just know it.”

Never once had anyone said this phrase with such confidence.

“Yes.” You shut your eyes, defiantly holding back tears. “You have comms, right? What did he say before the comms died?”

The lady stared back at you, a pang of sorrow shooting its way into her heart. You weren’t joking around, were you?

“I…yes, yes we do. What’s your name, miss?”

You sucked in a deep breath. “(Y/N). (Y/N) (Y/L/N).”

She stared at you for another moment, then quietly pulled out her comms.

“He said…” she choked a little. “He said, ‘(Y/N) …I’m sorry.’ We weren’t sure who he was talking about. We assumed it was a civilian he wasn’t able to save,” she pressed the back of her hand to her mouth. “Oh God…”

Quietly, she choked out another question. “Was it…was he talking about…you?”

You didn’t want to reply. You’d heard enough.

The lady didn’t try to stop you as you ran to the elevator, your fingertip pressing the “up” button so hard it bruised.

Quickly looking at the directory, you found his office.

“420.” You choked out a pained laugh. “He always did like messing around with people.”

Collapsing against the corner of the elevator, you wrapped your arms around your knees and lowered your head. You felt so goddamn tired.

Why did it have to be you?

Why couldn’t he break someone else’s heart?

Someone who was stronger?

Someone who could take this in stride and move on?

Why did the universe choose you?

The elevator bell dinged, rousing you from your thoughts. You stood up slowly, a trail of blood staining the place where you once sat.

Crimson, like the trail of feathers he’d (perhaps intentionally) shed during that game of hide and seek.

You buried your face into your hands.

Goddamnit, Keigo! Why does everything have to remind me of you?

You made your way into his office, most likely the messiest of all the top pro-hero offices. Paperwork was scattered everywhere, jackets strewn across the floor. You even saw a shoelace string laying on the carpet next to his desk.

It’s almost as if he’d always expected to come back.

Stepping cautiously over the objects that littered the ground, you came face-to-face with a cabinet next to his desk.

Snowglobes. So many snowglobes.

Snowglobes occupied every shelf of the cabinet, and the glass doors made it easy to examine the contents.

You squinted closely at them. They were all…different angles of the same scene, you realized.

The snow park above your houses.

He’d had snowglobes made.

They immortalized the place where the two of you played all day in the snow.

The place where he first learned how to fly, gliding off the hills like a paraglider.

The place where he’d picked you up and learned how to fly with another person’s life in his hands, hugging you close to his chest, reveling in your warmth.

In the spring, it was the place where he took you on your first picnic date.

The place where the two of you shared your first kiss.

The place where he left you his goodbye note, tucked away under the grounding weight of a boulder you used to lay on, basking in the sun’s warmth.

He’d had 12 snowglobes made. Your lucky number.

12 different angles that showcased the same scenery.

Suddenly, your legs wouldn’t carry your weight anymore. You leaned back into his chair, still smelling faintly of his scent.

How can someone’s scent not change over 13 years?

You closed your eyes, and quickly opened them again when you saw a pile of letters on the corner of the desk.

You weren’t sure why they caught your eye. They weren’t anything special, really. Plain white envelopes addressed in plain black print.

You took a closer look.

That was your name on the envelopes.

You leaned closer, quickly shuffling through them all.

Each and every single one of them was addressed to you.

Each and every single one of them was dated a year apart.

Each and every single one of them was marked for your various addresses over the years, his handwriting steadily improving.

You couldn’t resist your curiosity. Taking a paper cutter, you tore through the seal of the earliest envelope.

A single red feather, beautifully preserved, floated out.

You stared in shock. He…he didn’t forget.

He never forgot.

He just chose not to send it.

Hurriedly opening the remaining envelopes, you acquired more feathers, each fresher than the last.

By the end, you had a pile of 13 crimson feathers, right next to 13 shredded envelopes.

You looked around, confused. Why hadn’t he left a note? Any note?

Did he…did he never write letters?

You knew that you had sent him letters.

Maybe they did throw them out as spam.

Your curiosity piqued, you pulled open drawer after drawer, but none of them held anything of personal importance.

Finally, you came upon the bottom right drawer.

It was locked, you realized.

You carefully place the feathers back in their respective envelopes. Sealing them up once again, you carry them in a stack, making your way downstairs.

The agency workers saw you with the letters in your arms, not sure if they should stop you or not. When you looked to the receptionist and murmured a quiet “thank you”, they stood their ground. If she was okay with you walking away like this, then there shouldn’t be a reason that they wouldn’t be.

The taxi driver who took you here was still waiting outside. Seeing you arrive, he stomped out his cigarette butt and opened the backseat door for you.

“Rough night, miss?” He looked at your back, pity obvious in his expression. “Do you want me to take you to a hospital with that?”

You shook your head. “They can’t fix that. Do you remember the way we came?”

“Aye, yes I do,” he stepped into his own seat. “I’ll take you there right quick, miss. Don’t you worry.”

As you rode back home in silence, you couldn’t stop thinking about the cabinet in Keigo’s office.

The feathers, folded away safely in the envelopes you were holding.

If he never forgot, why did he never reach out?

The car door slamming shook you from your daze. “Miss, you’re back home.”

You stared at the man, realizing that you didn’t have your wallet on you.

“Do you mind waiting a second? I’ll go get my wallet now–”

He shook his head. “I know where that blood came from. See here?” He rolled up his sleeve.

“Got mine when I was 22,” a melancholy smile framed his face. “Rare, right? I never did find out who she was.

But the hospital staff helped me that day. Looked for deaths around my age, and then when I tried to pay ‘em, they refused. Said ‘twas only the right thing to do. Now I finally get to repay the favor. Don’t you go tryna pay me now. Won’t ‘ccept it.”

He leaned back against the hood of his car. When you opened your mouth to object, he merely saluted you, hopped back into the driver’s seat, and drove off into the night.

You turned to your house. The lights were still on inside, meaning your husband was still up. He probably couldn’t sleep, not after what had just happened. You couldn’t blame him.

Stepping inside, you heard muffled sobs coming from the kitchen.

“Masaki?” You leaned on the doorframe. He looked up at your voice.

“(Y/N)?” He rose from the table. “You’re…you’re okay,” he wrapped you in a hug.

You cleared your throat. “…yeah. Yeah, I’m okay,” you hugged him back.

I’m okay, you tried to convince yourself.

“Where did you go?” He looked at you curiously. Finally seeing the envelopes in your arms, he paused.

“Babe?” He asked softly. “Did you…did you know him?”

You buried your face into his chest. “Yeah…yeah, I did.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked softly.

“Not really…not now…” you replied.

He patted your back lightly. “That’s ok. I understand.”

The rest of the night went by in a blur. The letters were scattered on your nightstand, your husband helping you into the shower. He’s changed the bloody sheets already, but the stains on the mattress were stubborn and refused to come out.

Crimson stains, in the shape of wings.

Days later, some people from the agency stopped by your house.

“Is there a (Y/N) (Y/L/N) at this address?” The receptionist from your earlier encounter knocked on the door.

“Uh, hi. Yeah, that’s me,” you answered, not bothering to change out of your bathrobe. Your complexion had grown waxen, face shallow. Your hair formed an unkempt nest, spiraling around your face.

She gave you a smile, pity etched in her face. It disgusted you, really.

All anyone ever gave you nowadays was pity. Pity cards from your coworkers, although you weren’t sure how the information leaked out. Pitiful glances from your husband, who insisted on doing all the chores around the house.

Pity, pity, pity.

“What is it?” You asked her.

“We have some…documents for you.” She waved over two guys, each lugging a large crate of…paper?

“Wait…all that? For me?” You were confused. There was no way that that bottom drawer, even if all it contained were letters, had that much paper in it.

“Yes, (Y/L/N)-san. It’s all for you.” The men dropped off their crates at your door.

“What’s going on?”

“These were stored in the records house. Hawks filed them. They were all addressed to you, so we felt that this was the proper treatment.”

“We’ll leave you to go through these in your own time.” She started down the steps. Then, as if remembering something suddenly, she paused.

“You know…he was a good man,” she smiled gently. “We all knew he had a secret someone. We just didn’t know who they were. I’m glad he found you. Hero work is dangerous, especially for top heroes like him.

I hope that you find joy in those letters.” She turned back and finished her journey down the steps.

You turned around and looked at the crates.

Found me?

You smiled bitterly, a brittle coldness taking over your heart.

He never really did find me, did he?

Sighing, you sorted through the crates, looking for the ones that were dated the earliest. You carried the oldest set of letters into the bedroom and tore open the first envelope.

Hey, (Y/N). It’s me, Kei.

I hope you haven’t forgotten about me. I mean, I’m not an easy person to forget, I suppose, but it has been a while. Three years, to be exact.

Three years can do a lot to a person.

I should know.

How are you doing? I hope you managed to keep Timothy alive. You were always prone to overwatering him.

I’m not sure how long cacti live, but…if you nurture something, anything can happen, right?

I’m a hero now. I’m sure you know. My debut was broadcasted all over national television. They just can’t resist making themselves look good, can they?

At least now I’m allowed to write. I hope you understand why I haven’t written to you in so long.

I didn’t forget about you. How could I? Even though we were only 15, how could I forget someone like you?

I missed you. I don’t think you understand how much. It felt so empty, living without you by my side. Like…like I wasn’t ever warm enough, even bundled in the tightest blankets. I was always missing you.

Sounds like a curse, eh?

But don’t worry. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I just wanted you to know that.

Yours, Kei.

Ripping open letter after letter, you realized that you held his entire life story in your hands.

Hey chicken. It’s Kei again.

Realized I’ve been treating these letters as a kind of diary. I guess it’s…therapeutic? Even though I know I’ll never send these. I don’t want to put you in danger, you know?

Do you remember when we were kids?

We had all the time in the world to do whatever we wanted.

I miss that time.

Not as much as I miss you though.

I check in on you every so often, but I make sure you never see.

False hope is a dangerous thing. It shatters your soul into pieces, and when you try and piece them back together, it cuts your heart so badly you wish you’d never started.

But, you see, you’re like a drug for me.

I can’t seem to stop myself. No matter how bad it hurts, I…I still come back.

You wouldn’t know, of course.

I suppose there’s a reason it hurts when you stare into the sun.

I’m already broken, yeah? I don’t want you to break with me.

The thing is, I know you’d want to. I know we promised we’d always come back for each other. We promised we’d always be here for each other.

But some promises were meant to be broken.

You can’t be here for me, birdie. You’ll get hurt.

That would hurt me more than anything else, (Y/N).

So for my own safety, and yours…

This is the last time I’ll write to you.

I have to move on, or else those pieces of my soul?

They’re already in splinters, but if I keep going like this, they’ll be nothing more than powder, and I don’t think I could go on like that, yeah?

I love you, forever and always.

Kei.

Ha. Guess what.

What I said in the last letter?

A fucking lie.

I physically. Can’t stop.

The thought of not writing to you breaks me more than the thought of never being with you, and that’s a milestone I never thought I’d be able to pass.

So here I am again.

You’ve already heard my entire life story.

I wish I could be there to hear yours.

I saw you tonight, standing on your balcony. You know, the stars were so bright tonight. Reminded me of your eyes the first time I flew with you around the whole field, yeah?

Sparkling. You never stop sparkling, do you?

You know…do you ever wonder who your soulmate is?

I know that the world is cruel. I know that we don’t know exactly who our soulmates are until one of us dies.

But…do you ever think about it?

Who’s out there, just waiting for you?

Because I do.

And sometimes, when I’m at rock bottom, I’ll imagine that we’re soulmates.

I’ll create scenarios in my head. We’d be happily married. I’d spoon-feed you ice cream.

We’d play tickle wars with my feathers, have pillow fights, binge TV shows.

We’d watch horror movies, and you’d hide your face in my chest the whole time.

But…those scenarios always make me feel worse after I wake up. Because they’re not real.

And I…I so desperately want them to be real.

But you can’t always get what you wish for, yeah?

Going on a big mission soon. Undercover. Cool, right?

You’d be proud of me, I think, if you saw me.

I have to go now. But I’ll come back safe for you, yeah?

I know you won’t wait for me. I want you to wait for me, but…I know it’s not in your best interests. Probably not in mine either.

Sometimes I try and convince myself that it’s okay to be selfish. I want what I want, and you only live once, right?

But then I realize that you’re the one I’d be putting in danger.

And that’s when I realize you can’t ever stay with me.

It’s okay. I’ll watch from afar.

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop loving you.

Yours,

Kei.

You put the letter down and rummaged through the second crate, desperately trying to find the last letter that he wrote.

Hey birdie. Long time no see. Ha.

13 years and I still can’t forget about you. Doesn’t seem normal, does it?

I’m convinced that we’re soulmates, but then again, I may have convinced myself. You know…I used to hate the idea of soulmates. Sharing your life with another person, seen as incomplete without them?

Sharing my soul?

Bunch of crap, right? I like making my own decisions. Wasn’t ever much of a rule-stickler. But…you know…I’m starting to warm up to that idea.

But only with you.

And that’s why I’m convinced that we are, in fact, soulmates.

You don’t know how my heart breaks every time I see you. Manual is a good guy. I know he’s treating you well.

That’s the only reason I’m letting you stay married to him, really. If it was anyone else, I would’ve busted their ass.

But…you deserve someone like him. Someone who can give you their all.

Someone who, if you date them…they won’t lead you into danger.

Soulmates are a finicky concept, yeah?

So…I guess we’ll never know ‘till one of us dies.

Yours,

Kei.

Epilogue

Rainy winter days were the saddest days of the year.

Especially today.

Strolling through the park, you held a black umbrella in one hand and clutched a glass case tightly in the other.

You stopped in front of a marble headstone.

“Hey there,” your voice cracked.

“Miss me?”

A whistling wind, scattering powdered snow and frozen rain across the landscape, was your only answer.

“Kei, I–” You collapsed onto your knees, uncaring of whether or not the cold would seep in. It couldn’t get colder than your soul now, anyways.

“I…I didn’t go to your funeral.” Tears rolled down your cheeks, leaving a silvery sheen in their wake. “There were too many people and I…I couldn’t handle it.”

“But…Kei…” You choked out an ugly sob. “Why didn’t you send me the fucking letters?”

“I don’t care how dangerous your work was. You can’t get anywhere without taking risks in life, Kei!” You screamed at the marble façade, willing it to crumble.

“You can’t–”

“You can’t make my decisions for me!”

“I should be the one who gets to choose who I love!”

Your screams attracted the attention of several bystanders, who quickly averted their eyes and walked away when they saw your distraught state.

“You shouldn’t have tried to choose for me!”

“And now–”

“You’re dead, Kei! What am I supposed to do now?” Your tears pooled on the frozen ground, marking little dents in the snow.

You slammed your fists into the ground, the glass case in your hand cracking.

Another ugly sob made its way out.

“Kei–” you whimpered.

The glass shattered, splintering into thousands of tiny pieces, each fragment glittering like diamonds.

Slivers found their way into your palm.

Crimson blood, the color of the worn-out feather freed from its enclosure, splattered the snow-white ground.

“Kei,” you whispered, carefully placing the feather on top of the chiseled marble.

“Wherever you are, I hope you’re happy.”

Masterlist

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prose-for-hire · 4 years ago

Text

How btvs characters would celebrate Christmas with a s/o:

A/N: This is based on the premise that the reader loves Christmas. I am going to start the 12 days on the 14th of December leading up to Christmas day (just cos of my circumstances lol but we can pretend I planned it that way) !! ❄🖤

Buffy:

- Likes Christmas and the time of year, but like every holiday has had a bad experience

- You spend as much time as you can convincing her to stay in and watching Christmas tv with you

- But insists she had to patrol

- Even though she definitely would rather be with you

- So you suggest a walk to get her in the spirit

- To have a look at all the cool decorations and lights on people’s houses

- That way she can patrol and spend time with you at the same time

- She’ll say she always likes your company patrolling

- So you excitedly get wrapped up and get ready for quality time

- She will hold your hand the entire time

- Only letting go if she has to fight something

- You insist that you both stop and look at every house.

- You rate the houses and laugh at each others criteria

- one of Buffy’s main reasons for marking a house down was that the light meant it was easier to be seen by any adversaries

- she did like your trip to look at the lights though

- just spending this time with you

- allows her to relax

- just enjoy some simple joy

- any time with you is her favourite

- the weight of everything would crush her without you

- these walks start to become a tradition as you discuss the kind of lights you would have on your house when you share together eventually

- Will call it the most wonderful time of the year

- Both sarcastically and quietly to herself when she sees your face lit up under the christmas lights

Spike:

- Of course he likes Christmas

- Loves it

- Lots of plump humans to eat this time of year

- People have more money in their pockets for him to ‘borrow’

- Not to mention the Christmas specials

- Never misses one

- And he makes it very clear that you shouldn’t be missing any either

- Near threatens you

- Insists it’s a dealbreaker

- But if you did happen to miss one he would still give you an overview of what happened in minute detail

- To entice you to spend more time in with him, he would allow you to decorate the crypt

- Complains the entire time but secretly loves it

- Comments that he thinks the tinsel would look better like this

- It makes you giggle but you put it where he says

- Best decoration supervisor ever

- You think of making him a pin that says it

- But you know you’d get one of those withering looks

- Doesn’t really fit the theme of the room anymore

- He loves the new and improved Christmas crypt

- because now wherever he looks, there’s something that reminds him of you

- Even more than usual

- Another thing he enjoys doing is setting up the living space

- He makes it so it cannot be described in any other word than cosy

- Blankets, mountains of cushions

- If he could get a roaring fire installed he would

- His favourite time is when he has you alone

- In the glow of the Christmas lights and the low buzzing of the tv

- Whispers in your ear that you’re his favourite thing to unwrap

- Thinks his wordplay was very clever

- Even more so when you forget about the film and get wrapped up in each other

Angel:

- Doesn’t really like Christmas

- But he loves you so he’ll pretty much agree to anything

- So long as he doesn’t feel stupid

- (aka he will not dress up as santa. Don’t ask again nobody wants an argument on Christmas day)

- You do different activities

- Coffee shops with festive drinks, you find and decorate a tree you even convince him to bake a Christmas cake with you

- And he loves seeing you happy but you can tell he’s a little deflated

- You snuggle up to him in the mansion

- Just happy in each others company

- (and tired after all your activities)

- You hear a feint humming that was getting louder and louder

- Carol singers come to the door and you wince expecting his face to be set or his eyes to be rolling

- But when you look up you become a little bemused

- His face has spread in such a wide smile

- He was moving his head in time with the music

- You can’t believe it

- It’s the first time he actually seemed to be enjoying something and not just humouring you

- You ask and he explains it reminds him of being much younger

- Hearing singers in the streets

- Traditional songs

- You take his hand, kissing the back softly before pulling him to the door

- You open the door and smile at the group who start to sing louder

- You lean into Angel and he wraps an arm around you, transfixed by the song

- You gesture to him but he shakes his head.

- You ask if they know one of the traditional songs he mentioned

- And they (by some Christmas miracle) do

- He grinned from ear to ear and you listened happily

Willow:

- She’s jewish (and makes it clear every year without fail that she doesn’t want to worship santa)

- So doesn’t exactly celebrate

- But if you really love the holiday, she won’t deny you of festivities

- Just steer clear of the grotto in the mall

- She will mutter about santa under her breath for the rest of the shopping trip

- You do offer a compromise, that you sort of mix festivities together

- And you definitely swap presents, it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to give your girl gifts

- But it’s a nice excuse

- She’s very affectionate and enjoys the cosy aspect of the holiday

- You face each other in bed under the blankets

- Whispering and gazing into each other’s eyes

- You could stay there forever

- You fall asleep like that

- Entwined together

- She wakes up early and sneaks to the kitchen

- Making you a special breakfast

- Its your favourite with a little Christmas cracker on the tray she brought

- She smiles so wide as if she’s waiting for something

- You squint and offer the cracker

- You pull it and a little gift pops out

- She insists its yours

- You open it

- And gasp, it’s a ring

- She babbles, unable to stop talking hoping that you understand

- That you feel the same

- And of course you do

- It really is the most magical time of year

- Because this is the anniversary of when she proposed

- Using a Christmas cracker

- You basically tackled her and showered her with kisses

- Pulling her into bed with you

- Where you spend the rest of the day together in bed, with Christmas songs playing low in the background

Xander:

- Will love how much you like Christmas

- He was kind of on the fence about the whole thing

- (it had never been a great time of year with his family)

- But when you gushed about how much you enjoy it he absolutely stepped into christmas

- He had liked you for a really long time

- You had been casually dating but he wanted something more

- He just didn’t know how to ask

- You went everywhere together

- You took a daytrip to the Christmas market

- He wasn’t himself, he had been pitting pressure on himself to ask

- You spen the day worrying if he was trying to dump you

- But you still managed to enjoy some of the market together

- A week later, it had become too much

- He had to say it

- Or he would explode

- “Will you be, uh, mine? Not just for Christmas… for y’know at least the rest of the year” he joked

- This was the sweetest, most Xander way of saying what you had both felt for so long

- You nodded enthusiastically

- Not able to hide the smile

- It was all you had wanted for christmas

- You look up, seeing the mistletoe for the first time

- You look back at him and he grinned

- You both lean in, your lips meeting

- Not for the first time, but this time was special

- A revelation like you were kissing for the first time

- It was the best Christmas gift you could have wished for

Anya:

- Loves Christmas

- It’s a capitalists dream

- And she’s determined to soak up every corporate moment of it

- She enjoys receiving gifts but she writes a very extensive list that she expects people to stick to

- Luckily you know her inside out and get her a gift she cherishes as much as she does you

- You invite her to have Christmas day with you, seeing as she has no surviving relatives

- But realises she has never experienced a family Christmas

- And wants to know what the big deal is

- She smiles and nods

- You bring her to the place you’re staying and introduce her to the people you choose to spend the holidays with

- She struggles to get along with everyone at first

- Nobody is used to her right away

- Kit can take time to understand her bluntness isn’t malicious

- She steps outside into the cold

- Thinking, frustrated thinking she was being left out again

- Secretly sensitive over not fitting in

- But you come and join her

- Reassuring her and hugging her from behind

- She moves into you rubbing her hands along your arms

- Explaining and sighing

- You take her hand, bringing her further into the garden

- You whisper, explain that if she isn’t happy you can travel back to Sunnydale no matter how far away it was

- You want her to be comfortable

- You even would start a new tradition of celebrating just you and her if she would prefer it

- Turns to look at you and at the house

- Shakes her head

- Explains that she just wanted things to be perfect for you and they hadn’t been

- And you insist that as long as she’s happy it is perfect

- And she nodded

- All your favourite people are together

- You smile at each other, both satisfied

- Flakes of snow start to fall slowly around you

- She squealed, looking around

- You kiss, surrounded by the thick flakes

- Hearing everyone you loved calling you both to come in

Giles:

- Doesn’t have the best track record with Christmas

- It didn’t hold the best memories for him

- Prefers a more understated affair

- (rather than masses of people and being stuffed to the brim with food)

- Just wants to spend the season with you and him

- With a cosy fire going and warm drinks in the evenings

- You decorate the tree together

- You stop every so often, not able to help yourself kissing him

- He’s in such a good mood you just want this time to last forever

- There were no demons getting in your way

- No research he had to do

- You even managed to convince him to watch one of those cheesy Christmas romcoms

- (he insisted he didn’t enjoy it, but he cuddled up to you while you watched)

- You spend a lot of time together, never getting tired

- Your happiest moments are when you are together

- You decide to do some Christmas baking

- He digs out some great recipes for you and he strums his guitar lazily as you prep the kitchen

- You make mince pies together

- Laughing and chatting as you throw flour around the kitchen and he tries his best o clear up as he goes along

- He plays some Christmas songs as you wait for the goodies to cook

- You hum along to the songs as he sings

- He smiles, he loves it when you join in

- The smell of the baking invokes strong memories of being at home for Christmas

- He insists one day he wants to take you to England for the season

- Thinks you would enjoy seeing where he’s from

- And wants to share that part of himself with you

- Wants you to know him

Cordy:

- Really enjoys Christmas

- You watch Christmas movies together

- All snuggled up under the softest blankets

- She gets them shipped in

- She gives the best cuddles

- And has a million scented candles for every mood and occasion

- The Christmas ones are the best

- She starts talking non-stop about the biggest event of the season

-You were new to town and didn’t know anything about it

- There was some winter ball that Sunnydale High held every year

- The theme was winter wonderland

- And everyone dressed up

- You were apprehensive but she insisted that she couldn’t have fun without you

- She helped you get dressed and kissed you excitedly

- There wasn’t a spot on your face that hadn’t been brushed lovingly by her lips

- You arrived and had the best time

- The decorations were beautiful

- There were ice sculptures and beautifully crafted décor

- Cordelia explained her father made a donation to make the event more tasteful

- You voted for the winter wonderland royalty

- As the night went on you couldn’t help watching her

- Smiling and laughing

- Never able to keep her eyes off you though no matter what was going on

- Santa announced the winners at the end of the night

- You won wonderland royalty

- She was expecting it but you were surprised

- She insisted it was because you were both so attractive together

- But really, everyone could see how in love you were

- They cheered as you got crowned and you turned and kissed Cordelia on the stage

- When you go to her house at the end of the night, you collapse into bed together

- Your fancy clothes still on as you huddled together thanking your lucky Christmas star that you met her

Oz:

- Indifferent on Christmas as a whole

- But very big on doing good deeds at this time of year

- But doesn’t tell anyone

- You were Christmas shopping trying to find something for him

- It was your first Christmas as an official couple so you wanted the gift to be perfect

- You spot him outside collecting for charity

- You smile and wave and think you detect a look of embarrassment

- Quickly hides his sheepishness

- But he nods at you as you stand next to him with your shopping bags

- You ask how long he’s been doing this and he just shrugs

- But when you ask if you could join him sometime his eyes lit up

- (but of course he just says how much he would like it with his face still completely neutral)

- He leans in and pulls you into him, hugging you and kissing your temple

- You turn up the next week he was worried you would bail

- He had been ecstatic you wanted to come

- After a few hours he can’t help grinning at you like an idiot

- Oz holds your hand, looking down at the way they were interlocked

- He loved seeing you like this

- Expressing his affection this way meant a lot to him

- You meant a lot to him

- He had so much he wanted to say, mostly that you fit so well together

- But he knew nothing he could say would cover it

- All he knew was he wanted you to stay with him. By his side

- Instead, he opted to buy you your favourite hot drink after you had finished up

- You went to the Espresso Pump

- He knew your order by heart and insisted on paying

- As a thank you for joining him

- He is so effortlessly cool but you can tell it meant a lot to him

- And you were glad, because spending time with him is the best

- It became a Christmas tradition

- Even after you moved to LA together, you continued to commit your time to do charity work and spend as much time together as you could

- You were made for each other

Faith:

- Not used to celebrating

- Used to hate this time of year

- But she’s slowly warming up to it

- She tries to avoid anything too cheesy

- Won’t be a big fan of gushing

- But she will definitely humour you if it makes you happy

- Can be the softest ever if you’re her person

- Will take a very long time figuring out the perfect gift

- Wants it to be decent for you

- Won’t decorate the motel room but will allow you to put on one (1) Christmas movie on

- So pick a good one

- You can tell she enjoys it, even more when she finds out its one of your favourites

- Will slowly move closer as the film plays

- Eventually cuddling into you

- You smile, but don’t say anything

- You don’t want her to move away

- After the movie, the afternoon still stretches before you

- You have an idea

- So you step out and insist you’ll be back

- You hit the craft store and the local supermarket

- And come back with armfuls of bags

- You have crafts and music and tons of snacks

- You insist you’re having a party

- Just you and her

- She smiles and shakes her head but she enjoys herself

- You make baubles and Christmas decorations for your house (she still insists she doesn’t want any in the motel)

- You listen to music and share the snacks

- She throws some crisps (or chips if u insist) at you for making her do something so cheesy

- When you leave to go home and decorate, she feels a little lonely

- But looks on her pillow to see the one decoration you had spent a lot of time making

- It was for her

- She smiled, hanging it on her bed post

- She really was soft for you

Riley:

- Misses being a kid at Christmas

- But your enthusiasm is almost as magical to him

- He’s very used to the harsher sides of reality so having something like this with you really makes him happy

- He’ll probably plan something every year, make it a tradition

- He’ll try and top the year before each time

- You insist he doesn’t have to

- But he wants to, in fact he looks forward to it more than the actual day

- This year is no exception

- He planned a trip to an ice skating rink

- You had explained that you hadn’t been since you were a child

- You clung to him tight

- Eventually it was just an excuse to be close to him as you got the hang of it again

- You skated together

- Laughing and holding hands

- He looked at you so lovingly you swore you would melt into the ice below

- You both stopped in the middle of the rink

- Just staring into each other’s eyes

- He grins, suddenly skating away and pulling you with him

- His plans hadn’t finished

- You end up on the roof of the rink

- (he knows someone that let you go up there)

- There are blankets and cushions

- You lie there, staring up at the starry sky

- Cuddling up together

- You tell him it’s the best surprise yet and cling to him so tightly

- Not needing an excuse anymore

- You vow to yourself that next year, you’re going to surprise him

- And so you get plotting for next year

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monsoonblooms12 · 3 years ago

Note

It's time for Pooja and Ethan to play round two of our favorite game ;)

Here we go!

For Both

What’s the most embarrassing childhood story you know about your spouse?

What did they want to be when they were younger?

What was your spouse's favorite band in high school?

Describe your spouse in high school using memes or/and gifs only.

How old was your spouse when they had their first kiss? Who was it with?

If you two were the same age and had met in college, how would you have met? Would you have liked each other? Dated? Eventually married?

Which of your spouse's friends is the most attractive?

Who was your spouse's hero when they were growing up?

Can you name all your spouse’s exes before you?

Bree, thank you so much for these! I loved answering them (and got a little carried away, hehe😅)! But seriously, thank you and love you❤️!

1. What’s the most embarrassing childhood story you know about your spouse?

Pooja: (Evil Laughter)

Ethan: Anything except that Teddy Bear tale.

Pooja: Anything?

Ethan: Why does that scare me?

Pooja: Because I do have some good stories to share about you (winks)

Ethan: My God.

Pooja: This story is around the time when he was 10 or 11. This man was quite an aspiring chef when he was young, I must say. So, it was the first time he was going to make pancakes and he was super enthusiastic about it. He was like, "you just put the batter, flip them and tada!"

Ethan: That's not true.

Pooja: Keep convincing yourself, sweetheart (giggles)

The preparation was going really nice, he had the batter made perfectly, all ready to pour. And then he switched on the stove, placed the pan and poured the batter in it. In the goddamn cold pan.

Ethan: Ugh.

Pooja: And then when he realized that the pancake was taking much longer than it should to get prepared, he put it on high flame and went to drink water. Safe to say, by the time he returned, the poor pancake was all black. 27 years after, he still cannot make them (chuckles)

Ethan: At least I try.

Pooja: (still chuckling) Definitely, I give you a point for that.

Ethan: Pooja's story is more about her trying to be a mini detective when she was 7.

Pooja: Oh no!

Ethan: Oh yes. It was her mother's art exhibition, and she, like the perfect kid she was, she walked all around the place with her mom. One lady, was very curiously gazing at one of her mom's paintings and then started taking pictures of them. Little Poo thought that she was going to carry out a heist and steal all the art pieces, so she took out her faux phone, went close to the lady, and said as loudly as she could, "Hello 911? One lady is trying to steal my mommy's art."

Pooja: She was being suspicious, I couldn't help it.

Ethan: Mini detective (chuckles)

2. What did they want to be when they were younger?

Pooja: Ethan actually wanted to be a chef until he pancake burnt up to ashes. After that, he wanted to be a detective.

Ethan: She wanted to be a private investigator too, later it was forensic investigator.

3. What was your spouse's favorite band in high school?

Pooja: Ethan's favorite was Snow Patrol, and I am glad to be married to a man with superior music taste.

Ethan: Pooja was not much of a band person. She was and still is, an old classic Bollywood music lover. But if I had to choose, Silk Road & Sanam, both Indian bands.

4. Describe your spouse in high school using memes or/and gifs only.

Pooja: Ah, yes, love this question.

Ethan: I will never understand this craze over gifs or memes or whatever they are called.

Pooja: Well, it's quite easy to guess, because I don't think there is much difference between this Ethan & that Ethan.

Ethan: Pooja has two very clearly distinguishable moods, one when she is hyper productive,

And the other when she is super lazy.

Pooja: I- You just described my entire life with those two.

Ethan: I just know you well, Rookie.

5. How old was your spouse when they had their first kiss? Who was it with?

Pooja: He was almost 15 when he kissed his Highschool sweetheart, Eva. He wanted to make his first kiss a special occasion, with a date and all, but it just happened and I don't think he regrets it.

Ethan: She wasn't my high school sweetheart, we just liked each other. And I do wish that my first kiss was you.

Pooja: Aww, stop (blushing)

Ethan: (After giving Poo a cheek kiss) Pooja's first kiss was actually an accident.

Pooja: And here I was relaxed thinking you won't bring it up after the embarrassing story question.

Ethan: (Whole-hearted chuckle) But technically it was your first kiss, accidental or not.

Pooja: (Totally embarrassed) Whatever.

Ethan: This was when she was 14. There was guy in her class who liked her, and wanted to date her. One day, Pooja slipped on a puddle of water, and he, trying to help, held her hand. The next moment, he was on the top of her, lips touching.

Pooja: (in a pleading tone) Please, Pleease, Stop. It's too embarrassing!

6. If you two were the same age and had met in college, how would you have met? Would you have liked each other? Dated? Eventually married?

Pooja: Oh, most definitely! Honestly, I feel like us falling in love is inevitable.

Ethan: I do not believe in soulmate stuff, but it's unimaginable for me to not fall in love with you.

Pooja: (lays her head on his shoulder as he gives her a kiss on the forehead) I think we would have met as opponents at a debate competition. We would be the only two yelling till the end of the competition, trying to prove the other wrong, until the judges got fed up and asked us to stop. Even after the competition, we would still meet in the corridors and tell the other how wrong they were.

Ethan: After sometime, we would become friends over shared interests, and after getting to know her, I would naturally start to fall for her.

Pooja: Me too! I would be totally like, "No matter how much he yells and how wrong he was, he is still cute. And not a totally bad guy." We would gradually become best friends.

Ethan: I would be the one to comfort her when she discovers her crush is in relationship with someone else.

Pooja: And you would realize that you are in love with me (gives him an elbow nudge)

Ethan: (softly smiling) Maybe I would. And I would imagine you falling in love with me not much later.

Pooja: And then we would be sitting alone, talking about random stuff. Suddenly we look at each other's eyes, and before we realize it, we are kissing.

Ethan: We would start dating afterwards, all through med school and residency. I would definitely want to marry her, have a future with her. I like to imagine that I would be lucky enough and she would agree to be mine.

Pooja: No matter which universe, I would always agree to marry you. Every time.

(They share a soft kiss, heart full of love for each other)

7. Which of your spouse's friends is the most attractive?

Ethan: All her friends are quite attractive, even if she the only one who catches my eye.

Pooja: I am assuming that you mean all my current friends and not ex-friends. Or Landry.

(Ethan's face scrunches up in disgust and Pooja's question is answered)

Pooja: For me, it's Tobias.

Ethan: (Rolls his eyes) Him out of everyone else? You could have said Mark.

Pooja: Mark is attractive, for sure, but he has become more of my brother over time. Also, if he got to know it, he would never let me live it down (chuckles)

Ethan: But still, Tobias...

Pooja: You are jealous, aren't you? (Winks)

Ethan: (Quickly straightens his face) No, Of course not. I don't get jealous Rookie, don't forget.

Pooja: Sure thing, E, sure thing.

8. Who was your spouse's hero when they were growing up?

Ethan: Pooja and I have similar opinions on this. We don't have a hero or an idol. Yes, there are quite a few people who have inspired us, but we both don't have any hero. For Pooja, it was her parents, especially her mother. Later on, it was Kadambini Bose, the first woman from India to practice medicine and (gives a striking smile, bubbling with happiness) of course, me.

Pooja: (Mimicking him) Of course, me.

Ethan: (in a teasing tone) Is it not true?

(Pooja just rolls her eyes)

Pooja: For Ethan, it was his father and Naveen.

Ethan: You too, Rookie.

Pooja: (With genuine curiosity) Me?

Ethan: You have inspired me to appreciate the little things in life and to love myself. You have played a big role in making me the man I am today.

Pooja: (Sniffles) Did you come here with an aim to make me cry, Dr Ramsey?

Ethan: (Smiling at her) It's the truth and you should know it.

9. Can you name all your spouse’s exes before you?

Ethan: This is probably the easiest question for me to answer. She has had three relationships in total. A lot of crushes, but very few actual relationships. One was during her middle school, I guess his name was Shresht. The second one was with her best friend, Ayaan and lasted all through med school. The last one, is Me.

Pooja: The ones I know are Eva and Rosalie in high school, Renia in med school and Harper during his residency and after. Ethan has a number of casual and serious relationships and honestly, I am not surprised. Everyone wants to be with a man like him (Winks)

Ethan: You are the only one who can have me.

Pooja: (Places a hand over her heart) I am honoured, Dr Ramsey. And lucky, so damn lucky.

Ethan: I am lucky one here, love. (Gives her a forehead kiss)

#ethan x pooja #asks answered🤍#newlywed questions with our favourite host Bree💕

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pookapics · 5 years ago

Text

Sugar, Butter and Flour - A CEO!Steve Rogers x Baker!Reader (Christmas Series) Chapter 2 ~ Little Miss Sweet Tooth

Summary: Steve Rogers is a Grinch, he pushes through the Christmas holidays with a smile for his young daughter, Sarah. The widower doesn’t enjoy the holidays and would rather focus on his work at the ‘Avengers Law Firm’ but with an upcoming ‘Christmas Wrap Party’ at the firm, his path becomes entwined with (YN) (LN), the owner of a small bakery who’s catering for the event and has managed to steal the heart of Steve’s young daughter. Will he fall for the young baker? Or will his bitterness toward the Christmas holidays and his grief keep him from finding happiness again during the ‘happiest time of the year’?

Warnings - Mention of Loss of Loved one & LOTS OF FLUFF! Steve and Reader meet in this chapter!

Word Count - 4338

A/N - This series will be completed by the end of January! Sorry for the delay! December was extremely busy due to university deadlines I had due!

Masterlist - https://protectthelesbians.tumblr.com/post/189337379588/are-you-wanting-a-heart-warming-fan-fiction-just

________________________________________

Steve’s POV

Today was a momentous occasion, Steve Rogers had a day-off. Something which Bucky always teased him about was his lack of free time. Being a working parent was something difficult to balance, especially as a single-parent, working both roles of mom and dad for Sarah. Both the disciplinarian and the fun parent, another set of dynamics to balance inside of himself. Adjusting his dressing-gown, he sat in the comfort of his couch, Sarah having not woken up yet, still tuckered out from spending yesterday out in the snow with Bucky at the park. The television softly playing reruns of Christmas films he hadn’t seen since he was growing up, a cup of coffee on the coffee-table and his phone nowhere in sight, when Steve was out of office, he tried to disengage himself as much as possible, wanting to take these days off to be with Sarah entirely.

Said phone currently on the kitchen counter alongside the remains of the doughnut which Steve had received from the baker Sarah couldn’t stop babbling about, constantly begging to go back and bake with the sweet lady who owned the bakery. Walking over to the kitchen counter, staring at the empty paper-bag which was imprinted with the logo and the address for said bakery on the somewhat crumpled paper-bag.

‘Fairy-Cakes Bakery’

353 Columbus Ave

New York, NY 10024

With the bag in hand, Steve ran his finger across the logo on the bag and hummed, an idea coming forth as he heard the padding of little feet on the floorboards up above, the soft giggling gave away that the sound wasn’t a rat but instead…

A cheeky little monkey.

Sarah was giggling and made her way down the stairs, making her way down carefully before running up to Steve “DADDYYYY!” She raced forward and came face-first into Steve’s calves and knees “Hi Sunshine.” Picking her up and placing her upon his hip “Why are you still in your sleeping clothes, Daddy? Don’t you have work?” Tilting her head up at him, Steve chuckled “Sunshine, Daddy has a day-off today to spend with you.” He lay a peck to the crown of her head gently “REALLY?!” Sarah perked up immediately and wriggled in Steve’s arms excitedly “I get to spend a WHOLE day with you?!” The deeper meaning behind those words made Steve flinch slightly, it was true that he rarely got good time alone with his daughter, today was the start of a small change he’d hoped to start making. Steve nodded “Yes Sunshine and I think I have an idea of what we could do today.” Booping his daughter on the nose gently, with his finger, his daughter doing the head-tilt thing again “How about we head to the bakery that you keep talking about?”

Sarah was bubbling with excitement “WE’RE GOING TO SEE MISS (YN)?!” She wriggled “I have to get ready! So do you Daddy!?” She squealed and rushed towards the stairs, Steve chuckling and following after his enthusiastic daughter who scrambled to her room to get changed, so he decided to follow suit and clean himself up in preparation for heading out. Changing into a simple blue shirt and trousers, not as dressed up as he usually was due to his work attire being so formal. Swiping his hair back and taming his growing facial hair, the ‘dad beard’ as Bucky called it on many occasions, staring at his reflection in the mirror, it was a stark comparison to the man who started his career all those years ago, he’d aged in those years. The tiredness which lingered under his eyes, fatigue and droning nature of meetings and writing reports.

But Sarah brought out the energy and happier side to Steve which many people at work never saw. Never saw in the same capacity that Sarah and those closest to him saw. The lighter side of Steve which had been in hiding since Peggy. A side of him he missed dearly. Today, the weight of his work was off his shoulders and all that mattered today was his little girl who he heard running up to his door. Turning on his heel, he saw his beautiful little girl waiting at his door, her soft brown eyes full of wonder and excitement about what today might hold “I’m ready Daddy!” giggling as she dressed herself with ease, becoming better at doing the buttons on her cardigans day by day. Walking over and picking her up with ease, Steve happily carried his daughter back downstairs “Let's get a few things packed with us and we can get going.” He definitely still babied Sarah, but she was his only child, his little girl.

So of course she was coddled and spoilt rotten by her father.

Steve grabbed her paw-patrol backpack for her and packed a few snacks and a juice-box inside she got hungry on the way into the city, he’d learned over the years of being a lone dad, he needed to pack for any eventuality, like the apocalypse itself would start any moment. Handing over the backpack to his daughter as well as her coat and boots, helping her tie the laces as she hadn’t gotten the knack of it.

“I wanna do my own laces but I can’t!” Sarah crossed her arms in a huff, her chubby cheeks looking even more round when she pouted her petted lips. Steve laughed and rubbed his daughter’s cheek gently “You’ll get the hang of it, Sunshine. How about I teach you a rhyme your nana taught me to help me tie my laces?” Sarah nodded excitedly and sat on her dad’s lap on the floor as he reached to guide her hands with the tricky shoelaces.

“Over, under, around and through,

Meet Mr. Bunny Rabbit, pull and through.”

Steve recited the rhyme for his daughter as he guided her little hands to tie the laces, taking his time to show her each step, finally tying the laces up and clapping his hands happily “There. And if you remember that rhyme and keep practicing, you’ll be a shoelace tying champ!” Blowing a raspberry into his daughter’s cheek as she squealed “DADDY! Your chin is scratchy!?” Pouting as Steve let out a bellowed chuckle “Oh is it now?” He did it again and rubbed his bearded chin into his daughter’s face, making her squeal even louder “DADDY!!” She wriggled in Steve’s lap as she was being tickled, a happy moment between the two. Steve laughed and looked down at his daughter “Okay I relent! Since we want to go visit your friend the baker don’t you?” He stopped tickling her as he saw her now burst into the widest of smiles “Miss (YN)?! We have to go now Daddy!” grabbing her father’s hand and trying to get him up onto his feet and drag him out the door, giving him on a few moments to grab his shoes, jacket and the 3 essentials.

Phone, keys and wallet.

Being rushed into the lift by little Sarah who was jumping up and down excitedly, the two descending in the lift from their 2 floor penthouse home, heading down to the private parking lot which contained his car and motorcycle, the latter something he hadn’t ridden on in many years, not since little Sarah’s birth. Walking up to his car, he helped Sarah into her car-seat, strapping her in before heading over to his side of the car, starting the ignition and strapping himself in. Driving out of the car park and using the GPS to direct him to the bakery.

Sarah giggled “Music, Daddy! Music-time!” She insisted, to which Steve gave in and flicked through the music stations before Sarah called out again “No Daddy! Special CD!” Steve smiled faintly, the CD she was mentioning was a CD of music from his childhood to music he and Peggy used to drive to, all the music was suitable for Sarah but some of the songs made him smile sadly as he drove, his eyes on the road as he listened solely to the sound of the GPS and Sarah’s singing, blocking out any of the songs which were too difficult to listen to. Songs which were too significant for him and the past, songs which hurt.

Soon enough after avoiding the traffic as much as he could, they turned into the street where the bakery was hidden from the main-street, immediately the atmosphere was different. The busyness of the city didn’t touch this nook, the shops were their own little community with the butchers, flower shop and of course, the bakery in questioned they’d travelled through the city to get to. Parking up beside the shop, he got out and stood on the pavement as he helped Sarah out of her car-seat and onto the ground beside him. Locking up the car and getting a ticket for parking before turning to look at the bakery which was decked out in Christmas decorations, something which made Steve grimaced slightly. Sarah was excitable and rushed up to the window “I see her! Come on Daddy!” Grabbing his hand and dragging him inside, the bell above the door ringing, notifying the owner of their arrival, whose back was turned.

“Miss (YN)!” Sarah squeaked which made the owner turn around finally, her hair dusted with flour leaving a white caste in her hair which was styled in an easy way but in a way which suited her features. Steve’s eyes locked onto her own, her cheeks tinted a faint pink “Hi there!” The woman smiled and pulled her eyes from Steve’s and looked down at Sarah “Hi again, I’m guessing this guy here is your dad huh?” Steve smiled “Steve,” he introduced himself as Sarah nodded and giggled, holding onto his hand happily “We came to see you! Daddy enjoyed his doughnut, his beard was covered in crumbs in the morning when I woke up!” Steve coughed and used his spare hand to cover his mouth and to hide his flushed cheeks “I see.” (YN) turned her eyes to look at Steve, a smile on her face “Your friend Bucky said you didn’t like sweet things so I’m glad to know you enjoyed it.” Pure joy in her eyes at the thought of people just enjoying her baking “Yes. I very much enjoyed it.” Steve ran his fingers through his beard, as if making sure there was no crumbs in it this time. (YN) smiled “So Sarah, how would you like to help me do some baking today? Only if your dad doesn’t mind of course!” Kneeling down to Sarah’s height and looking between Sarah and Steve. Sarah looked at her dad happily “Can I Daddy?! Can I Can I?!” Looking at Steve with puppy-dog eyes, and of course he gave in “Of Course that’d be alright Sunshine.”

(YN) rose to her feet and smiled, running a hand through her hair “Wanna go wash your hands and get an apron on?” Sarah nodded and followed (YN) to go wash her hand and gave her a small apron which had snowflakes on it, helping her tie the apron for her, muttering something under her breath “Over, under, around and through, Meet Mr. Bunny Rabbit, pull and through.” Sarah gasped “You know the Mr Bunny rabbit song!” turning to (YN) and rushing up to her dad “Daddy! Miss (YN) knows your Mr Bunny Rabbit song!” Steve looked up to (YN) and then to Sarah “She does eh?” (YN) smiled “I sometimes say the song when I’m tying up my apron, habits never die.” (YN)’s cheeks were flushed in embarrassment slightly as she rose back to her feet from when she was knelt down tying Sarah’s apron for her. Sarah tugged at the edge of your apron softly, pulling you from your rising embarrassment “Miss (YN), what are we going to bake?” excitement clearly spread across the little girl’s face “How about cupcakes or even fairy cakes?” Sarah squealed and nodded excitedly, bouncing up and down, ready to start baking.

Steve took a seat at a table which made (YN) raise a brow “Sitting this out eh?” cheeks still tinged faintly pink as she looked at him, Sarah distracted for a moment by the Christmas ornaments. Steve looked at the baker with an amused expression “I’m not much of a baker to be honest.” He rested back in the seat “I can cook but baking isn’t my strong-suit.” Sarah joined in “Daddy can’t bake, last time we tried to make pancakes, they were like rocks!” sending a cheeky smile to her father, standing beside (YN) who let out an uncontrollable laugh/snort.

Steve watched her snort and laugh and how she quickly contained herself and covered her mouth and nose “I’m so sorry for laughing!” The remnants of the laughter in her throat, threatening to come out again if triggered. Steve smiled faintly “She gets the humor from her uncles, they’ve teased me since college about my baking skills.” It felt like a window was being formed, a peek through into Steve’s inner self that he was letting this woman see, he didn’t know why he felt so comforted in her presence and the setting of her little bakery.

YOUR POV

As you smiled at Steve for another moment “Well maybe I can teach you a fool-proof recipe that won’t end up in disaster,” you offered, not knowing where the confidence was coming from to say this to the highly attractive man that sat down in your bakery. You think its maybe your friend Dot’s energy and behaviours rubbing off on you, god you hoped this didn’t make you look like an idiot.

Steve cracked a smile again, chuckling which made your stomach twist in a nice way, as strange as that sounded in your head. Steve smiled “I don’t think any recipe is fool-proof with me around.” his brow raised, it was almost as if a younger version of the man before you was now sat there, a shroud of shadow left him and was letting him smile. With an equal playful tone, you retorted “I like a challenge,” crossing your arms across your apron with a smile across your face “But for now, how about we start on those cupcakes?” looking over to Sarah, who was looking at the desserts cabinet, she perked up and followed you as you led her around back to the kitchen “There’s a window in the kitchen, you can sit by the window to keep an eye on her?” you offered to which Steve nodded and followed after the two of you, this was when you were reminded how tall and broad he was, not that you hadn’t noticed it when you first saw him and Sarah enter the bakery.

Entering the kitchen, you tried to quell the growing redness in your cheeks, focusing on baking with Sarah, though you felt Steve’s eyes from the window, watching as the two of you worked together to make the batter for the cupcakes. Your holiday playlist softly playing as you baked, the festive songs playing through the portable speaker you always brought into work, letting the music fills you with spirit and cheer. Sarah was perched on a stool beside you so she was level with the table, able to stir the batter and help. Her little hands dusted with flour as she helped pour in the cups of flour, her little apron dusted with flour a little which reminded you of the snow which had started to fall across the city a few days ago. With the bowl of batter, you whisk the batter till fluffy, you showed Sarah each step and smiled, even gently booping her nose with your flour covered finger, smiling as she let out a happy squeal. Taking a glance at the window for a moment, you locked eyes with Steve. His blue eyes on yours, your palms getting sweaty for a second before you pulled away from his eyes and focusing on distributing the batter into some cases.

Two trays of cupcake cases were laid out in front of you and Sarah, giving her a spoon and showing her how much batter to use in each “Should reach up to there, so they can rise and not overflow!” Like a machine, you filled your tray quickly as you were so used to the action, deciding to help Sarah “Need a little help?” seeing as the little girl’s hand was shaking as she tried to concentrate so hard on filling each case perfectly, you reached around and guided her hand “There we go! You’re doing so well with filling these, giving my best friend a run for her money!” giggling with Sarah as you helped her complete the second tray of cupcakes. Carrying the trays over to the ovens, placing them in gently to bake “We have 15 minutes to wait! Time to clean up! Everyone’s least favourite part!” Sarah just seemed excited to be in the kitchen and up for doing anything and spending time with you which made time fly so fast.

TIME SKIP ~~

Sarah had fallen asleep on the table, her little hand still grasping the bag of green icing she was using to ice her cupcake masterpiece that she’d been working on before she passed out. You smiled, looking at Steve who was watching his daughter fondly, turning back to the cupcakes you grabbed a cake-box from up front and started to fill the box with the cupcakes you and Sarah made. Sprinkles covering the table from Sarah’s excitement with decorating, you’d clean it up after you got all this sorted. Gently, you picked up Sarah, removing the icing bag from her hands and putting that on the table before you carried her out of the kitchen and out to Steve who was at his table still, two empty coffee cups which you’d made for him when Sarah was helping you clean and decorate. Her little hands reached for something to hold instead of the icing bag and wrapped her arms around your neck and entangling her fingers in your hair which made you giggle quietly. Steve smiled as you approached, rising from his seat to walk with you to the front register.

“Definitely tuckered her little self out.” Steve gently brushed his daughter’s cheek, which was dusted with flour and icing sugar, making you smile as Steve now turned to you “Thank you for this, she’s been wanting to come back here since Sam and Bucky brought her.” You nodded “I love baking with little kids, they love getting creative in the kitchen.” Steve seemed focused on your face, you blinked “what?” tilting your head to the side for a moment as you looked at him, his hand reached up to brush your cheek gently “A bit of icing sugar I think.” your face a little pink “I-I see! Happens all the time,” feeling like a nervous teenager again. Steve nodded “I could only bet,” he reached over to gently pry Sarah off of you, she clung on like a little koala as you supported her from the back and bottom “Let me fetch the cupcakes and bag them up for you!” with your now free arms, you walked back to the kitchen to get the box as Steve soothed the stirring Sarah, who was nestling her nose in her father’s neck.

You watched the little scene from the kitchen-door, smiling as Dot’s mischievous voice entered your mind, nagging you to do something. To give him your number. You knew your friend would kill you if you didn’t so as you bagged up the baked treats for the two, you suppress the voice and kept bagging everything, ignoring the nagging voice. Walking back to the register, you handed the bag over “There’s her little cupcake masterpieces,” fingertips brushing as you handed the bag to his free hand as the other arm cradled the sleeping Sarah. Steve smiled, “You really made her day. She was so excited to come here and I now understand why.” Shyly, you rubbed your clammy hands on your apron out of nerves from the compliment, you could playfully banter with him but as soon as he gave you a compliment, the shyness bubbled over completely “Well she made my day I-I mean you both made my day!” slipping up on your words slightly which made Steve chuckle “Don’t worry, I understood what you meant.” Holding Sarah close as he chatted with you “Well I suppose we’ll definitely be seeing each other at the Christmas party?” You nodded “I guessed so, your colleagues well should I say friends called her their ‘taste-tester’ so I guessed that you worked with them.” Steve nodded “Well Sam’s my employee and friend, Buck’s just a very close friend of mine.”

‘Employee?’ That meant Steve wasn’t simply a worker for the Avengers Firm, he was a big player, a boss. You simply nodded at his words “Well they were both lovely when they were here, they’ve emailed and asked about my lunch delivery service already.” Steve chuckled “Lunch delivery? You do lunch deliveries?” He questioned and walked to the door, bag of cupcakes in hand “My friend Dot and I work on deliveries, brings in more business and very popular amongst offices.” You noted as Steve hummed “I’ll have to enquire about that myself, has peaked my interest.” You bit your lip to stop it from smiling to much at this “Oh really?” You thought this may be a proposition for him wanting to see you again but you wouldn’t keep your hopes up, though you didn’t see the wedding band on his left hand, you didn’t want to overstep or assume anything especially with little Sarah. Steve with your help, opened the front door and carried Sarah and the bag over to his car, you waved from the shop window, watching as Steve put Sarah in her car-seat.

You don’t know what overtook you in the next moments but by the time Steve had put Sarah in the car with the cupcakes and was getting into the driver’s seat, you’d run out with a small bag in hand and a napkin “WAIT!! STEVE!” You rushed over to his car as he switched on the ignition, walking over to the driver side window, seeing him roll the window down, you panted softly as you held the bag out to him for him to take through the window “I-I thought you might like this… since you don’t like sweet things that much.” Cheeks tinged pink from the rush but also shyness, Steve grinned “Thank you.” You nodded and backed up as Steve drove off, you gently waved from the sidewalk. His car disappearing with sight and hoping that your inner-Dot was right when you snuck him the napkin and sweet treat, the napkin having you number scrawled on it with a few words.

‘I promised to prove you wrong that you can make something which is fool-proof but you’ll need this’ (YN) - 202-555-0104 <3

As you stood pondering what you’d just done on the sidewalk, winter started to show its face once more, slowly snowflakes began to cover you as snow took over this side of the city, your hair now littered with snowflakes. Hearing you name, you saw it was Dot, who was stopping by to check in on you as she usually did during her lunch-break. You pulled away from the edge of the sidewalk and made your way over to the shop where your friend was stood, waiting for you.

The two of you heading back into the bakery, her asking immediately what you were doing standing out on the sidewalk in the softly falling snow. And you knew you couldn’t hide anything from your best-friend, so of course you spilt the beans

“So you just ran out with a cake and your number and stopped him from driving off!” Dot squealed as you nodded “Oh my god (YN)! This sounds like something out of a rom-com!” You flushed “But what if I totally misjudged it! What if he finds my number and is weirded out!” You were thinking irrationally but you were just nervous, sipping your hot chocolate which you’d made as you chatted with your best friend. Dot rolled her eyes “It’ll be okay (YN)! Stop being irrational!” She laughed “You’re a catch and if he doesn’t recognise that then jokes on him! But I have a good feeling he has.” Smiling into her mocha as you chatted about Steve. And as if almost teasing you, your phone went off, it was placed by the register.

Quickly, you scuttled to the register before Dot could, she was nagging you and wanted to see if it was Steve who’d texted you “Come on! You’re killing me! Is it Steve or not!” She was squealing and desperate to find out if Steve had messaged you. Taking a deep gulp, you checked your phone to see a message from an unknown number and checked your text messages, deep down hoping it was Steve.

Your face went bright red as you looked at the message, it was Steve. You let out a squeal which you’d been holding in, feeling like a teenage girl all over again. The flurry of emotions taking over. Dot took that as a yes to it being Steve and scrambled over to see what he messaged, reading it “Holy Shit! He’s definitely into you!” Dot squealed with you, you just stared and bite your lip. Dot shook you “Message him back Woman!!!” laughing as you nodded “Okay Okay I will!” Pulling away from Dot as you began to message him back, putting him in your contacts.

Something was blossoming in this cold December afternoon in New York and you hoped deep down it was something that would grow, like snowdrops growing in the coldest of winter, during this most wonderful time of the year. And you hoped that Steve could feel it too.

END OF CHAPTER 2

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TAGLIST - @chuckennuggets1213 @nervousstrangersandwich @justthatfangirloverthere @sheadre @125bluemachine125 @giggleberts @kind-sober-fullydressed @fluffyirwinie @kaithezaftig @coldmuffinbanditshoe @ilovesupersoldiers @royale-skeleton-key @mcuwillbethedeathofme @amberkay284

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pretendcnco · 5 years ago

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forget the world - erick brian colon

song - chasing cars by snow patrol

We'll do it all, everything, on our own, We don't need anything or anyone

Erick was leaving for tour soon. You were happy for him, of course. He was living his dream, and you were so proud. But you couldn’t deny the tug at your heart when you think of being away from him so long. This was your first ever real relationship, and it was perfect. He was perfect. It felt like there wasn’t anyone else for you.

I don't quite know, how to say how I feel, Those three words, are said too much, they're not enough

You weren’t sure how to express to him the fact that you’ll miss him so much. Words failed you there. You would wish him luck, and tell him that you love him. But deep down in your heart you knew that those words couldn’t encapsulate the love you had for him. You were young, this was new, but you knew you loved him beyond words.

He was leaving tomorrow. It felt like the months you had with him had gone by so fast, and now he was due to leave in less than 24 hours. He had planned a whole night to spend with you before he left, but if you were being honest you didn’t think you were up for it. You didn’t want dinner and bowling, knowing that this was a farewell. You just wanted him. A night together that felt like any other, not one that reminded you he would be leaving for months.

If I lay here, if I just lay here, would you lie with me, and just forget the world?

“Y/N?” He calls as he walks into the bedroom. You sit up when you see him. “Estas lista para que nos vamos?” He then notices your mood and scrunches his eyebrows in confusion. “Que pasa?”

“I don’t really feel like going.” You tell him. He comes to sit on the bed next to you.

“Why? Are you sick?” He places his hand on your forehead. He pulls a concentrated face, as if he was figuring out your temperature. “En verdad no se que estoy haciendo.” He tells you with a smile, hoping to make you laugh. He succeeds. He then lowers his hand and places it on yours.

“I just want to be with you tonight.” You confess, looking into his green eyes.

“But you will be. Vamos a cenar, y después a bowling. It will be fun!” You smile at his enthusiasm, but it didn’t help his case.

“Erick, what if we just stay in tonight? Just lie together and forget everything around us.”

He pauses before responding. “Es lo que queries?” You nod. “Bueno,” he says as he wraps his arm around you and pulls you close. “Aquí nos quedamos.” Your head rests on his chest, his arm around you, soothingly rubbing you arm. Erick grabbed his laptop from the bedside table and put on a movie. “Ordenó comida?” You nod enthusiastically. Erick pulls out his phone to order food and you continue watching the movie. You would pick this over any night out. Just the two of you holed away in your apartment. The world could be ending, but you wouldn’t care. You were with Erick and that was all that mattered.

After an hour, the food arrived and you two sat in bed and ate, talked, laughed. After, you continued to watch movies but at some point you fell asleep with Ericks arms around you, listening to his heart beat.

In the morning, he wasn’t in bed. Because of the faint music you heard outside, you assumed he was in the kitchen. You roll out of bed, and head to the kitchen. There you found Erick making coffee. Two plates of pancakes on the table. His back was to you, so you walk towards him and wrap your arms around his waist. He jumps a little but then relaxes into you touch.

“Good morning.” He says and kisses your cheek. He pulls away from you and hands you a cup of coffee before sitting at the table. You sat in front of him and begin to eat the pancakes. He watches as you take a bite. “Están buenas?” He asks.

“Los hiciste?” You question in shock. In the time you’ve dated Erick, he had never cooked anything, relying on delivery or, if he was lucky, his moms food.

“Nah, los compre de Denny’s.” He says and you laugh. He smiles upon seeing you laugh.

All that I am, all that I ever was, is here in your perfect eyes, they’re all that I can see

You look longingly into his beautiful green eyes. You were going to miss him so much. You tried to forget the fact he was leaving, but every time you reminded yourself it just soured your mood. He notices the sudden sadness in your eyes.

“Que pasa?” He asks. You shrug your shoulders.

“Te voy a extrañar tanto.” You tell him lamely. He places his hand on yours. You look up to him, he looked conflicted. He then gets up and walks to where your bag was hanging near the front door.

“What are you doing?” You question, watching as he opens your bag and rummages through it. He pulls out a folder, one you had never seen before and had no idea why it was in your bag. He walks back to the table.

“Here.” He says, and extends his arm to hand you the folder. You grab it and eye him warily before slowly opening the folder and reading the contents inside. They were airplane tickets. You flip through them to see various dates and various destinations.

“Erick, what is this?”

“Mami, yo también te voy a extrañar tanto. But for some shows, you can come out to see me!”

I don’t know where, confused about how as well, just know that these things will never change for us at all

Without even realizing, your eyes fill with tears.

“Ay, mami, no llores. I thought this would be good news.” He says, pretending to be embarrassed.

You laugh in between tears. “It is.” At that moment you kind of felt stupid for wasting so much time being sad about his departure. You were moping around for weeks about the fact he was leaving, but he had already planned for you to come visit him all over the world. Your heart fluttered at this thought. You set down the folder and throw your arms around his neck. He holds you tight. “Te amo.” You whisper. He pulls away and meets his lips with yours. The kiss didn’t feel like a goodbye, more like a see you soon. You smile into the kiss, knowing deep in your heart that you were loved by the man of your dreams. You pull away from the kiss after a moment and rest your forehead against his.

“Te amo.” He whispers back.

—

(a/n: this went a different way than i intended so it doesn’t fit the song the best ??? but i TRIED OKAY)

#erick brian colon #cnco #cnco erick #cnco fanfic #erick imagine #cnco imagine

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riftmeanewverse · 5 years ago

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If y’all are interested... Sorren likes pop music, even bad pop music, and is a complete sap when it comes to lyrics. In modern verses if he were a dad or something, he would absolutely sing along enthusiastically to “Teenage Dream” in the car to embarrass his kids (and me). He also likes Snow Patrol and Conjure One. He doesn’t tend to stick to genres too much.

#stuff: Sorren #one of his first faves was How Soon Is Now... the cover version by tatu #headcanons: Sorren

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1pepsiboy · 6 years ago

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Song Name Tag Game

I was tagged by @jadetenslyharr ! You are absolutely adorable and I can dig some of those songs! Just The Way You Are by Bruni Mars?? Fucking classic and takes me back to my first year of middle school! Lmao

The point of this tag is to spell out your username and give each letter a song, but a song that starts with that letter. I will give it a go and see how it unravels!

C --> Coffee Talk by Broadside

U --> Unhinged by Nick Jonas

D --> Daydreaming by Paramore

D --> Disconnected by 5 Seconds of Summer

L --> Last Words by The Real Tuesday Weld

Y --> Yours To Hold by Skillet

C --> Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

O --> Omaha by Counting Crows

L --> Lego House by Ed Sheeran

B --> Backroads by Lonely The Brave

Y --> You and I by One Direction

This was actually so hard...I’m a music enthusiast and this definitely doesn’t even begin to cover what is in my library! I did try to put a different artist for every single one though! I’m going to just tag a few people that I enjoy their blogs :)

@cloud-of-roses @thinkaboutdolan @dorkyfangirlandco @witch-bitch-life @mermaidaydream (for some reason it’s not letting me tag her...but she’s tagged! lol)

#tag game #challenge #thanks for tagging me babes

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underroleau · 6 years ago

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underrole chapter 3

- I WILL MAKE YOU PAY!! - Flowey shouted, out of his mind. He shut his eyes closed, the time to reset… but the reset didn’t happen. Flowey opened his eyes, in shock, just to see Wave still petting him.

- Are you STUPID? I tried to kill you and you touch my head like an idiot! Are you brainless???? Or you just wanna die? Because I can kill you all the times you want !!!! -

Wave was extremely relaxed and answered serenely. - Are you sure this is what you want? -

Flowey flinched, bothered. - YOU’RE ALIVE JUST BECAUSE MY ATTACKS DIDN’T WORK!!!!!… I can kill you anytime !!!!!!!! -

Slowly, a metal noise started to resound, getting closer hastily.

- You’re adorable. - stated Wave, without a care in the world.

- I’m adorable? I AM ADORABLE?!?!?!?!? I WILL KILL YOU, AND YOU WILL SUFFER!!! LIKE YOU NEVER SUFFERED IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE!!! I don’t know what you are, but I’ll find you and...! -

A spear sizzled in the air, ripping one of Flowey petals and getting stuck in the ground right in front of Wave.

- THE FISH! -

Flowey gasped, before fleeing.

- A flower…? - Undyne halted next to Wave, getting back her spear. - Are you ok? -

- I’m fine! - Wave replied – I made a friend! -

- ...A friend? - Undyne stared down at him – He did just attack you. -

- He is just shy. - Wave stared right back.

- He was trying to kill you, do you understand /that/? -

- Understand what? -

Undyne took a deep breath. Then stomped on Wave’s head, making it impact on the floor.

- How many times… do I have to tell you… not to leave the lab? - she hissed, short tempered – The day just started, and why are you here? -

- I was bored. - Wave replied, under Undyne’s sole, with nonchalance.

The royal guard summoned a spear, pointing it against the kid aggressively. - ENOUGH GAMES! We’re going back to the lab. -

- TO THE LAB!! - Wave yelled, flipping Undyne by pushing her leg away, and running.

Undyne fell to the ground, growling at the figure that was getting away, and breaking her spear in half, shaking with anger.

- Remember, don’t kill him. You can’t kill him. You want to kill him, but you can’t. -

(…)

Back at the lab, Wave ran right into Sans, making both of them stumble to the ground. The kid got right up, helping the skeleton, who stared back at him disappointedly.

- No waffles for you! I told you not to go out... brother… -

Wave immediately hugged Sans, touched by that little nick he used.

- You called me brother!! -

Alphys rushed to the duo, alarmed – Don’t hug him too tightly, or you’ll break him! -

Both stared back at her, and Wave put Sans back to the ground – Woops. -

The skeleton brought a hand to the back of his head, winking – Well, that made me jump outSKIN. -

Wave looked ad him with sparkling, admiring eyes.

- Wow!… -

And right then, Undyne came roaring inside the lab.

- ALP...H….is… -

An embarrassing silent gloomed over them, everyone staring at Undyne, and Wave smiling in a silly way.

- Hello, you!!! -

- Wow… you’re already here.. ok.. - Undyne recomposed herself, with a light cough to lighten the mood. - Well… we have to talk… uhm… -

- Wave. - Alphys suggested.

- Wave, go and play with something. - Undyne pushed him away, with a light gesture of the hand. - I’m going to play with the doggie!! - he perked up.- N-NO… Not now!!!! - Stammered Alphys, a shiver rushing up her spine. - Sit. - And Wave sat on the floor. - Dog? - Undyne furrowed a brow, looking questioningly at Alphys.- Nope! No dog here!! - Another long silence followed…- So.. everything is solved here.. - started the fish woman .- Yup.. ahah.. -

Sans stared at them, hands in his hoodie pockets. - ...so… -- I.. I… I’LL BE PATROLLING!! -

and away ran again Undyne, as fast as she came.-

UNDYNE!!!! - Alphys tried to call her back, in vain. - Wow. - Sans commented, talking a step aside – She really knows how to run against the CURRENT - - Sans!! This is not the time! - - Aw, c’mon, she is just TRACING the FLOW -As he was finishing the pun, he was already at the door. Alphys sighed heavily, turning tiredly toward Wave, that was still sitting in the same place on the floor. She was used to get Sans out by now, and to be left with the kid. But it’s not like it was going to live with her … right? … Right?- … .let’s go… to the dog!! - She said, trying to at least sound enthusiastic.- YAAAAAAAAAAAAAYY!! - Wave yelled, dashing to the elevator.- Wait for me.. - the scientist whined, joining him right after getting some papers from the printer. As the elevator music tuned in, Alphys shuffled through the sheets, and Wave peeked over her shoulder .- What are those? - - Your test results. Let’s see… - She furrowed her brows - ...Your soul is weird… I was not able to find anything existing to associate with it. You have something just similar to Determination, but maybe it’s a residue, I don’t know… your soul should be composed of two components, but it’s not like this, it’s like gelatine in some moments, and fire in other, with a great energy, but it’s not magic. - She scratched her head – A weird energy, maybe this explains your regeneration, and this weird thing that you do, remember without remembering, sigh. - - I AM SPECIAL! - Wave esulted, assuming a proud pose.- ...Yes you are. -The elevator stopped itself, as Wave rushed outside to see Endogeny, as Alphys kept reading in a muffled voice. - Nothing.. nothing at all.. -She was traced off her thoughts as she heard… barks? Angry growls? - Wha…. Endogeny? Wave??? -The lizard ran into the lab, to see Wave being absorbed by a black substance. Wave was just standing there, not a trace of fear nor panick.- WHAT is THAT??? -Without second thought, she ran to help the kid, bus as soon as she approached it, the blackness attacked her.- NOO!! -(...)When Alphys opened her eyes again, she was in a random and common room.- What happened?? And where am I??? -She took quick breaths, as she tried not to panic, and took a glance around: walls of a brownish tinge, a desk with a pc, a bed with a blanket and three pillows, a wardrobe with a backpack next to it and Flowey in a vase on the bedstand.- Flowey… w-what?? -Flowey jolted it’s head up, as if answering Alphys, but instead…-

Frisk!! STILL! -The kid dashed in the room.-

Don’t start again Flowey!! I have to go to school! -

- I knooooww, - the flower whined, - but it’s been a YEAR, when are you going to reset??

-Alphys stood there, awkwardly, wondering what a reset was, and if they could see her. Frisk reached for Flowey, taking his pot –

I told you Flowey. I never used the reset, and I won’t use it. -

OK, OK, OK!! JUST DON’T LET ME FALL!!! -

- Yeah, yeah.. - said Frisk, grabbing his bag and leaving the room with it, and Flowey – I’m leaving you to Toriel. -Alphys peeked the shut door, concerned.- ...why is Flowey so friendly… where is this… what is… going on.. I need to follow them. -She went to the door of the room, opening it.. but what she found, was a school full of monsters, and as she got her surroundings, something told her she was on the surface. And the more she looked, the more she saw humans interacting with monsters, cohesisting with them, with only some exception. Everything around her changed once more, fading.-

What now… - Alphys turned around, a sharp pain in her head, focusing with what was happening in front of her. Monsters were around her, facing a stage. Humans, and monsters alike. Toriel walked forward holding Frisk’s hand, who was still holding Flowey. There was something under a blanket, that was briskly uncovered and turned on. It was a machine, in which electricity started to flow. From the design, Alphys recognized the machine to the void they were building. - What is that doing here… and where’s the human?? I’ve been following him in these… loopholes.. but I still don’t know why.

-As soon as she spotted the human, the machine started malfunctioning, and the portal generated by it started to be unstable, cackling and roaring.-

O-oh no!! If the same thing happens like with my machine, in those proportions…!!!

-A deafening explosion, and the portal started to suck violently inside it’s womb everything. - NOO!!! -Alphys, still thinking she was physically there, stumbled trying to grab something, but her hand went right through it. - R-Right, I’m not... here… -Noticing that the other Alphys was about to be sucked inside /how on earth were there two of her?? That wasn’t reality, she got that/, her instinct was to save herself. The perspective changed, and she was suddenly holding a pole, reaching out for herself. But her arm, wasn’t her arm, it was the human’s!!

How..?? Well, if she couldn’t even save herself, she was truly useless!!

No time to think, she grabbed Alphys, pulling with all her might against the opposite strength till she was able to throw her off the stage.

- And now.. -In all the commotion, she didn’t see a piece of rubble crashing down in her direction, knocking her out.

When she regained consciousness, she was in her own body, and through a foggy sight, where did her glasses even go?, she saw Frisk attempting to rescue Papyrus, but the pain in her head came back so strong and sudden, that Alphys yelled. (…) When Alphys opened her eyes once more, she was in the lab. - W-Well… that was… that w-was quite the dream… -She muttered, before stumbling and fainting on the floor immediately after. (…) Meanwhile, Sans woke up in his house, and got ready to go to work. - Another day without Papyrus… -He muttered, noticing the scarf of his brother, the only thing left of him, and decided to put it on. Grabbed a bottle of ketchup, he left. His station was overflowing with empty ketchup bottles.- I should clean this mess… maybe the old lady could help me, at least with my mood. - (…) The skeleton leaned against the door with his back, the crunching sound of snow under his slippers, and he knocked.

- Al. -- Al who? - replied the voice on the other side.- Alone with you. -Sans tried to sound happy, but even he realized the sadness of the joke itself.

Silence resounded, and the voice spoke again, soft but filled with doubt.-

Sans…? Are you ok? This isn’t one of your best puns..

-- Oh.. well.. I’m fine… I’m just tired… after something that happened.. - he said shortly, digging deep his hands in his pockets.-

Have you tried talking about it with your brother?

-Sans’ head lowered, a dry sigh coming out of him. He just felt… empty. Lost. Broken. He just wished… it was all a dream.. maybe it was, and he couldn’t

wake up. - Sans..? Sans??? - The lady called, not hearing any answer. - Sans! --

Huh? - He lifted his chin, staring sideways – Oh, sorry lady.. My head drifted away. -

- Did something happen with your brother? Did you two fight? - asked softly the voice, concerned.Sans took a sip of ketchup, and answered tiredly. -

I… don’t know.. he isn’t… - - He isn’t…?

C’mon, Sans, you can tell me… -Sans felt the anguish fill his soul once more, just wanting to burst..

- He isn’t here anymore… he is gone! Just dead. Or almost. -- G-GONE!! -

the lady pressed her face against the door, in disbelief. - What happeend?? -

Sans drank more ketchup, gasping afterwards.- I made a mess… it was all just a big mistake.. He followed me to the lab… everything went wrong. The machine, the human… everything. -

- W-what… the machine… the human…? I’m not following what you’re saying… but your brother… what happened to your brother? -

- He fell in the malfunctioning machine, and… he isn’t there anymore… and what’s there… it’s not him.. -

- What’s… left…? Please Sans, explain… you’re not making any sense.. -

The skeleton slipped down, sitting. -I know I’m not.. but it does make sense that it is my fault. If I had warned him of what I was doing… if the door was locked… I failed to protect him. - he said grimly.-

Sans… don’t talk like this… I know the feeling of losing someone dear to you, oh, so well… but you said there’s still something left of him? What’s that all about? Can we do something? Is his soul still there?

-Sans sighted, looking upwards.– We can say that the human… took his soul. And now he is acting funny, like he is him, without being him… I don’t know what to do or what to think. -

- A human… it’s been so long since one passed by here.. are you sure about this? -

- Yes. It was a human. I tried to prevent this, I did my dardnest best.. but I was powerless. I saw it happened. Then, this human with white hair appeared, acting like him with me and everyone else, calling me brother… it’s too much for me. -A brief silence followed. T

he lady stood silent for quite a while, before resuming, cautious. - Sans… you told me about this white haired person… have you tried to… talk to him? Understand what are you for him? -

The skeleton just stared in front of him.- He saved me from a spear, is energetic like my brother, follows me around like my brother, acts like him, and is nice too. But I can’t consider him as my brother, cause he isn’t. -

The lady sighed, quietly suggesting. - Sans… I understand what you’re telling me. But give him a chance, before closing your heart. If he is convinced of being your brother, see how that goes for a while. -

- Heh… - chuckled Sans, with a weak smile – Maybe you’re right, with all this snow, by heart froze. -

MASTERPOST! @nephdetermined is the best collaborator ever uwu praise her !

#undertale #underrole #chapter 2 #chapter #wave

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