#So thanks everyone for being here. Cooking up a special post for later this summer

[adventuresofsnake]

how many strawberries tall is snake? my guess is 4

Unfortunately I already ate all the nice little ones from the farm share box, but as far as Costco strawberries, I can show you!

A little taller than 3 big ones...

Or just under four medium ones!

[mountttmase]

A Mountain To Climb

The Christmas Special

Part One

Note - Merry early Christmas. This is a little different to what I’ve done before but it all leads up to part two that I’ll post in a week. Hope you all enjoy 🤍

Pairing - Mason Mount × Reader

Word count - n/a

Warnings - fluff

masonmount

liked by: y/n. benchilwell, declanrice and others.

masonmount Happy 3rd anniversary baby. So lucky to still get to do dinner and a movie with you 🩷

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y/n happy anniversary 🥺 the loml I swear

masonmount many more to come 😘

declanrice they grow up so fast. Proud of you son

masonmount thanks dad

Freyaaaaxo I still remember being on the phone to missy just before you picked her up for your first date. Time flies 🥺

masonmount wouldn’t be here without you Frey 🩷

y/n my wing woman ❤️‍🔥

benchilwell you used to carry me around like that

masonmount I still got you bro 😘

y/n

liked by masonmount, freyaaaaxo, lukeshaw23 and others

y/n Life lately

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masonmount ☹️❤️‍🩹

y/n need a cuddle

masonmount on my way 🦸🏻‍♂️

woody_ smile might be good

y/n nothing to smile about in my life

declanrice stop drinking leaf water you’ll feel better

y/n it’s peppermint tea you uncultured swine

Freyaaaaxo Parker watching the game with you at home is so precious to me 😩

y/n he’s a good boy 🥺 I’m glad you enjoyed the game and my ticket didn’t go to waste 🩷

masonmount

liked by y/n, lukeshaw23, declanrice and others

masonmount Good things are happening people. Thank you for sticking by us and stay tuned 👹

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y/n 🤭😉

masonmount 🤫😘

lukeshaw23 🤷🏼

rasmus.hoejlund good game today bro 🤜🏻🤛🏻

masonmount ⭐️👦🏼

lisandromartinezzz brother ♥️

masonmount miss you out there man ♥️

kobbie Money Mase 💰

masonmount parter in crime 🤝🏼

lukeshaw23 god you look good in red

masonmount 🤭

y/n

liked by masonmount, freyaaaaxo, lew.mount and others

y/n Parker is so excited to let you know he’s about to become a big brother 💛

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masonmount mumma 🩷

y/n daddy 😏

Freyaaaaxo Parker will be the bestiest big brother I just know it 🥺 congrats guys, how did we end up here 🥹

Y/n anntie Frey 🩷 and no idea, but I’m so thankful to have had you right next to me for the journey 🥰

sophiaaemelia STOP IT RIGHT NOW?!?!? Girl you’re GLOWING 😍 Congratulations you two, you’re gonna be the most perfect parents ever 🤍 miss you xx

y/n Soph 🥹 we miss you too. When bubba is here you must come for a cuddle ☺️

sophiaaemelia it’s a date. I can’t think of anything I’d want to do more 😘

kaihavetz29 I’m coming too 😌

masonmount of course you are 🙄

laurenfryer_ a bestie for Jude 🥺 congratulations guys this is so exciting 🩷 if you need any tips let me know

y/n calling you right nowwwwww

jazbenham we’re all honestly so excited to meet the new addition 🥺 but I think summer is the most excited out of all of us 😂

y/n bless her 🥹 it’s a big deal being a big cousin but we can’t wait for you all to meet them 🩷

masonmount

liked by y/n, woody_, sophiaaemelia and others

masonmount don’t be fooled, she just had a really big lunch

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y/n thanks Mase 🙄

masonmount ily 😘

declanrice let that bun cook 😤

masonmount oh it’s cooking 🧑🏻‍🍳 did you know they’re currently the size of a pineapple

y/n feels more like a bowling ball

benchilwell I’m gonna be an uncle 🥹

woody_ I’m gonna be the favourite uncle 🥹

lew.mount get in line you two

kaihavetz29 well how has this happened then. Congrats you guys ♥️

masonmount thanks bro! I’ll tell you later 😉

reecejames my boys turning into a man 🥹 forever proud of you

masonmount proud of you bro!

y/n

liked by masonmount, sophiaaemelia, woody_ and others

y/n A whole week of you, George 🤍 Merry Christmas everyone and thank you Santa for the most precious gift of all. We’re both so full of love for you 🥰

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masonmount that’s my boy 🩷🥺

y/n we love you sm 😘

Freyaaaaxo LOOK AT THAT CHUNKY BOY 😍 the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen 🙊 can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am and how PROUD I am of you and Mase. Georgie is so lucky to have you guys 🩷

y/n I’m too hormonal for this Freya but we all love you so much you have no idea 😭🩷

benchilwell congratulations guys 🤍 mason looks like a natural already

y/n another thing he can do perfectly 🙄

sophiaameila what a beautiful baby 🤍 so happy for you all and I can’t wait for cuddles 😭

y/n George and Parker can’t wait!

anouskasantos a new bestie for Reign 😌 he’s beautiful babe congratulations

y/n I sense some play dates incoming 😉

masonmount

liked by y/n, declanrice, lew.mount and others

masonmount To the love of my life, and the little boy that made me a dad. I’m so in awe of both of you and all the new things we’re learning together 🤍

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Y/n the kindness and patience you’ve shown us over this week is more than I could ever ask for. You’re the best dad in the word and we’re so lucky to have you 🩷

masonmount my absolute world 🌏💘

declanrice congrats brother!

masonmount uncle dec 🤍

woody_ Parker 😩 (also George ���)

masonmount he’s taking his protector role very seriously

manchesterunited a new red ♥️ got the shirt being printed as we speak. Congratulations Mase and y/n!

masonmount thanks all!

lew.mount the baby’s had a baby 🥺♥️ he’s perfect congratulations the pair of you I can’t wait to see him

masonmount soon bro 🤍

benchilwell mini Mase 😭 congratulations I’m so proud and happy for the pair of you

masonmount brother ♥️

[andwereallmadhere]

You’re Not Alone | Jean x Reader

Paring: Jean x f!reader (slight Eren x reader mentioned)

Genre: FLUFF!, song fic

Word Count: 4.5k 

Warnings/ Triggers: Alcohol, underage drinking 

A/N: I was inspired by the Big Time Rush song You’re Not Alone (Link below). This is not the first thing I have written, but it is the first I am posting. Characters might be OOC but I feel like the overall feeling is there. I hope you enjoy!

Link to song: https://youtu.be/tbS5JF32szE

I bet you didn't notice First time your heart was broken You called me up and we talked til the morning

Jean is woken from his sleep by the harsh ringing of his phone. He fumbles for a minute trying to slide the little green button to answer the call. He puts the device up to his ear before stuffing his face back into the pillow, “Why are you call me it’s the middle of the night?” Sleep heavy in his gruff voice. He is quickly answered by your voice sobbing on the other end of the receiver. This immediately broke him out of his sleep-filled mind. He should have known when he saw your picture flash on the screen that you would only be calling if it was important. 

“Hey, hey, it’s okay.” He says wiping a guilty hand over his face. You didn’t respond. Still unable to form proper words through all the tears. He continues to quietly talk to you in an attempt to calm you down. Once the sobbing ebbs he finally asks, “Y/N, can you tell me what’s wrong?”

He only hears you choke out a single word, “Eren.”

Jean and Eren never did get along, in however long you and Jaeger had been dating. But, as your best friend, Jean tried his best to accept him since that would make you happy. So hearing that HE is the reason you are crying at 2 A.M. enrages Jean. 

“What did that bastard do? Did he try something you didn’t want? Do I need to beat him up? Y/N, I swear to god if he hurt you I will-“

“No Jean. It’s not like that.” “Then what is it like?”

“He dumped me.”

“Y/N…”

“He just came by my house and told me that “I’m just over it I guess”. What am I supposed to do with that?”

“He’s a dick, I’ve told you that from the beginning.”

You only respond by sobbing more.

Eren had been your first real boyfriend. And as much as Jean didn’t want it to be true, you were head over heels. Everyone knew this would happen eventually, he just hoped there would be a little more warning. Maybe a fight or something but just cutting it off without a real reason? Jean had theories that he was probably hooking up with someone else and didn’t want the guilt of being a cheater, but you didn’t need to hear that right now. You didn’t need overprotective Jean hating on Eren. You needed best friend Jean to comfort you and assure you that you are worthy of love and everything is going to be okay.

“Hey, you can do better than him. He’s the real loser here. Any guy would be lucky to have you and the next one has to go through me first.” Jean says half meaning it, half attempting to make you laugh.

“Stop it, Jean, You know you’d lose every fight.” He can almost hear the smile in your voice, despite the tears that are certainly still running down your face. 

“Why don’t I come get you? We can go for a drive or something.”

“Okay.” Your soft voice is followed by a sniffle.

“I’m on my way.”

Jean gets out of the warmth of his bed and finds his sweatpants. He throws on a hoodie and grabs an extra in case you forget to bring your own. It's pretty chilly out tonight. He grabs his keys and begins the drive to your house. Once he arrives he sees your form sitting on your porch. Always the gentleman, he walks over to you and offers to help you up. You grab his hand and he can still see the tear stains on your cheeks. Once you are on your feet he pulls you into a hug. “Hey,” Jean says returning your tight squeeze. “Let’s go get you some food.” 

You don’t respond, but your grip around his waist losses and you begin making your way to the car. He opens the door for you and watches as you immediately grab the spare hoodie and slide it over your head. It’s obviously too big for you, but you are grateful for the extra fabric to bury your sad face in. 

The ride is mostly silent, Jean wanted to give you room to talk if you wanted. After a bit of having his hoodie pulled up to your nose, it was clear that you were too caught up in your own drowning thoughts to say anything so he turned on a very soft playlist from his phone in hopes of providing you some distraction.

Jean stops the car and you see he has brought you to a Waffle House. He knows it your favorite. Sure the food isn’t great but there is something about the mediocracy of the establishment that gets you. “Come on slowpoke, I’m buyin’,” Jean says after opening your door. You give him a thank you before following him into the restaurant. 

The two of you find a small booth, given that it was well into the night, there weren’t any people there other than the handful of employees. “You’ll have to talk to me eventually you know,” Jean says. You take a moment to look up from the menu he knows you have memorized by now. Just then a waitress comes by to take your order. 

Jean already knows exactly what you want because you always get the same thing. Just as he tells the waitress your order you finally speak, “Hey Jean.” Your voice is slightly above a whisper, “can I have chocolate milk?” You look back down at the table while Jean turns back to the waitress, “And can the lady have a chocolate milk, please and thank you.” Jean smiles at you as the waitress walks away, your silly request signaling that his best friend is slowly but surely coming out of this shell of sadness. 

Sure enough, you begin to open up. You tell him more of the details about Eren dumping you. Your food arrives and you laugh when Jean spills his glass of water on his lap. The two of you eventually move to the barstool countertops to talk to the fry cook, trying to convince him to make you a pancake instead of a waffle. Eventually Jean pays, leaving a generous tip as an apology for your late-night shenanigans. 

Walking to the car you can see the pastel colors of the impending day reaching the sky. Not ready to go home yet you lean into Jean’s body, tugging on his arm, “Let’s go watch the sunrise!” 

“You’re ridiculous.” He says shaking his head, “get in the car.” He smiles and opens your car door. Of course he was going to let you watch the sunrise. He is going to drive you to the park and find a place high up and the two of you will talk about nothing at all until you fall asleep in the passenger seat of his car. He is really just happy that the outing has worked. No, 4 A.M. waffles cannot cure your broken heart but it at least made you smile. 

And the time that you were stranded I was there before you landed He was a no show, I made sure you got home

High school seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. Graduation came and went and your family decided that you should spend the summer at your aunt’s house on the other side of the country. Of course, you loved your aunt and her kids, but spending your last real summer break away from your friends wasn’t a huge selling point. Ultimately, your mom said you had to go because the trip was already paid for and your aunt was expecting you. The only reason you eventually agreed was that the majority of your little group were all attending the same college, so at least it wasn’t goodbye.

The day before Freshman move-in everyone decided to throw a party at Eren and Mikasa’s house. Eren’s parents were out of town a lot so that is usually where the gang got together. Jean and Eren still don’t along great, but Jean was close to Sasha and Connie who happened to be okay friends with Armin and Mikasa, and thus your little group was formed for better or for worse. After the night Eren dumped you out of the blue, Jean was furious with him, only for you to accept Jaeger’s lame-ass apology and take him back a week later. Luckily there hadn’t been any more repeats of that night. Maybe Eren was telling the truth and did actually like you, so Jean played nice even if he didn’t fully forgive the brunette. 

And now he was here, with you on FaceTime while you wait for your flight at the airport and Jean is getting ready for Eren’s dumb party that you won’t even make it to. 

“So when does your flight get in?” Jean asks folding the remains of the load of laundry his mom did this morning. 

“I think about 11 if it’s not delayed again. I’m super bummed that I won’t make it in time for the party.”

“It’s at Jaeger’s house, can’t he just bring you by after he picks you up?” 

“I guess so, but he also said something about taking me home because it’ll be late and we have move in tomorrow.”

Jean hums in response. It is a valid argument logically, but none of them have seen you all summer except for the occasional FaceTime. The only real reason Jean was going to this stupid party was that you were supposed to be back in time. Jean can hear a voice come over the intercom in the airport. “Hey, Jean, that’s my flight. I gotta go.”

“Alright, Y/N, let me know when you land. See you soon.”

With that, the call ended. Your face replaced by a photo of you and Jean at prom making silly faces. Yeah, Eren was your date and Jean took Mikasa, but you all took photos together and his mom insisted on getting one of the two of you. It was obvious that the picture pissed Eren off, and that made it even more special to Jean. 

Eventually, Jean finished the laundry and headed over to Eren’s. At least everyone else will be there and he can kick Connie’s ass at beer pong. Jean purposefully arrived a little late, so he knew everyone else would already be there, and sure enough, Eren had the white folding table already set up in the garage and Armin had started a little bonfire in the backyard. “Horseface You made it!” Connie says throwing an arm around Jean. 

“I told you not to call me that.”

“What are you going to do send Y/N after me? Oh wait…She’s not here!”

“We both know Y/N could easily kick your ass so shut up.”

Jean went around greeting everyone else and made good on his promise to dominate at beer pong. A while later he takes a seat next to Armin, who was currently roasting a marshmallow. “Ever put peanut butter on a s’more? Whole new experience.”

Armin looks over at Jean, “Y/N show you that?”

“Oh no, secret’s out,” Jean says taking a drink of water. After the game of beer pong, which was a little closer in score than Jean would have enjoyed, he decided to take it easy on the booze so he could actually drive home.

“When does her flight get in anyway?” Armin asks removing his marshmallow from the flame. 

“She told me about 11 when we talked earlier. Said Eren was going to pick her up.” 

At the mention of his name the two look over to see Eren taking a shot with Sasha and Connie. “Did anyone tell him that?” Armin says with a small chuckle. 

Jean looked at his watch, it was only 9, if the bastard stop drinking now he might be sober enough to come get you. So Jean let it slide. 

But Eren didn’t stop drinking. It was now 10:30 and Eren was plastered. Jean watches as Eren and Connie arm wrestle and sighs. What would Y/N think if she saw her boyfriend like this? “Shit,” Jean says standing from his chair around the fire. This gets the attention of Armin and Mikasa who were also over Eren’s drunk bullshit, “What is it?” Armin questions. “Y/N. Eren is supposed to pick her up from the airport in 30 minutes.”

“Well, that’s not happening!” Sasha laughs, also drunk. 

Jean stood up and finished his soda before pulling his car keys from his pocket. 

“And where are you going Horseface? Afraid you’ll lose in arm wrestling?” Eren suddenly joins the conversation. Jean cannot believe this asshole, he doesn’t even realize! Jean contemplates throwing a punch, but that will inevitably start a fight and the airport is almost 40 minutes away so he’ll already be late. So instead, Jean crushes the soda can in his hand and walks away. “Ha! Horseface is a scary cat!” Eren yells at his back before Mikasa smacks Eren on the head. 

Jean’s anger melts through the drive. As upset as he is that Jaeger forgot, Jean is excited to see you. He’s not sure how he’s going to explain this one to you though. He parks his car and glances at the time, 11:15. At least you haven’t been waiting too long. 

Luckily the airport is pretty small and there are only a few incoming flights so it’s not hard to figure out which gate your flight should have landed at. He thinks it's a little odd you haven’t texted him that you landed safely but he dismissed it as he made his way to the gate. Jean is surprised to find the gate empty. No hugging families or people searching for their luggage. There are a few scattered people here and there, also apparently picking up various passengers. After talking with another guy, Jean finds out that the flight had been delayed before take off so it is running late. You were not stranded at the airport, you hadn’t even landed. 

Jean found a seat and began scrolling on his phone. He didn’t expect to have so much time so he didn’t really bring anything with him, not even headphones to listen to music. He sat waiting for what must have been a solid 30 minutes before he started to fall asleep in the chair. 

“Jean!” He hears your voice call, this rouses him from the light sleep. Once he sees your face he can’t help but smile. He stands to walk over to you but is practically knocked over when you throw yourself into his arms. “Hey, stranger.” He says wrapping his arms around you. 

“It feels like it has been forever!” You pull away from him and reach for your suitcase, but Jean beats you to it, grabbing the handle before you can. “I can carry it you know.” But you know it’s useless arguing. Mama Kirstein raised a gentleman, that’s for sure. 

“Aren’t you supposed to be at a party?” You ask, giving him a side-eye as you follow him to his car. “Yeah…about that…” Jean still hasn’t figured out exactly what to say about why Eren ditched you. 

“Eren drunk himself stupid, didn’t he?” You say, almost casually. Like you expected it all along. 

“Yeah, but lucky for you I know a guy with a soft spot for you.” Jean places your things in the trunk before opening your car door.

“My shining stallion, always coming to my rescue.”

“Yeah, yeah, get in the car Princess.” He says. Eren’s stupid horse jokes have started rubbing off on you.

You spent the whole drive telling Jean about your trip, even though you talked with him almost every day you were gone. Jean in turn told you all the ridiculous things Sasha and Connie did while you were away. They still had group game night, which surprisingly Eren and Jean only tried to kill each other a handful of times. You laugh when Jean tells you the full story about Connie smashing Sasha’s face into a cake she brought one night, claiming “There is never a bad time for cake.” Sure they all sent you the pictures but you still loved hearing the story. And before you know it Jean pulled up in front of your house. 

He carried your suitcase to the door and turned to you, “I’ll pick you up at 6 alright?” Right, Jean offered to drive you to orientation tomorrow and it was a four-hour drive to the University. With all the excitement of seeing your best friend, you forgot about college tomorrow. “Ugh so early? That’s like 4 hours from now” 

“Unfortunately. Even then we’ll be cutting it close.”

“Fine. I’ll see you at 6.” You say giving him a final hug.

“Jean," you say into his chest, “I’m kind of glad it was you and not Eren that picked me up. I missed you. Thanks for always being there for me.”

“For you. Always.” Jean returns your hug before walking back to his car.

All the days that you were stressed out Feeling like pulling your hair out They were all missing but I was here listening

Freshman year came and went and now you were currently crying over your trigonometry textbook before your final tomorrow. Your other finals had gone pretty well and other than this stupid test you were finished with your first full year of university. Surprisingly Jean and Eren didn’t kill each other despite being suite mates. Originally the two were supposed to be roommates, but Armin quickly volunteered to switch with Jean, the blond being a little more equipped to handle Eren. You on the other hand shared a dorm with Sasha and Mikasa. Since it was the three of you you managed to snag a bigger room and didn’t have to share a bathroom with anyone else. When the gang got together for movie night it was usually in your room since the boys lived just down the hall. Overall it had been a pretty good year. 

Everyone else had already finished their finals, the majority of your group moving back home on Wednesday, except Jean who had his last final today. Jean also offered to stay an extra day so you could drive home together, but he would never say that out loud. “I’m gonna use the extra time to relax since Jaeger is gone. Living with him for a year almost killed me!” He would claim, ever the dramatic. But you knew he was also staying for you since you didn’t have a car and he did a similar thing for winter break. 

Trig had been your worst class all semester. No matter how many times you worked through the problems you were always getting a different answer, usually the wrong one. Armin helped you study for your midterm, but since he was already gone you were left alone. While your overall grade wasn’t bad considering you did all of the extra credit options your professor offered, this test could make or break your final GPA. If you could get at least an 85% it would bump your grade from a high C to a low B. So you have been doing nothing but math since your other finals finished this morning. And you were about to cry. Again. After completing the study guide and taking half a dozen practice tests you aren’t anywhere close to what you needed. After grading your last practice test, you barely managed an 80% and that was being nice to yourself. 

“I’m never going to get this.” You sob, ink running from the tears now spilling onto your paper. Then there is a knock on the door.

“Who’s there?”

“The pizza guy?” Jean says from the other side of your door. At the mention of food, you realize you hadn’t eaten since breakfast that morning, which wasn’t saying much since you had a muffin and cup of coffee after Mikasa yelled at you for forgetting to eat earlier in the week. But you didn’t want Jean to see you struggling this much. Yeah, you could talk to him about anything but he was always so gifted when it came to school, even graduated top of the class in high school. So the idea of him seeing you brought to tears by something he saw as easy made your heartache. You were afraid he would accidentally make fun of you in that cocky way he does, or he would offer to help but realize you were a lost cause before ditching you altogether.

“Go away, Jean. I’m studying,” You yell back, attempting to hide the overwhelming stress from your voice.

“Well take a break, I wasn’t joking about the pizza. Mikasa told me you haven’t been eating so you better open this door, Y/N, before I resort to drastic measures.”

You give up getting him to go away, plus that pizza sounds so good. You get up and open the door, “And what would these ‘drastic measures’ be?” 

“Sasha left her keys in our dorm, so I probably would have just walked in.” Jean finally takes a look at your face, and despite your efforts to wipe away your tears, Jean knows you’ve been crying.

“Y/N what’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure? You-‘ You cut him off before he can finish. “What kind of pizza did you bring?” 

“Your favorite, of course.” Jean sets the pizza on your bed while you grab some drinks out of the little micro-fridge. Jean glances at your desk and quickly takes in the scattered notes and tear-stained papers. Suddenly it makes sense. Your lack of eating, how you haven’t been responding to texts, and the tears when you opened the door. “I can help you you know? I took Trig last semester.” 

“I told you not to worry about it.” You say attempting to be mad at him for snooping but it’s pointless. You take a seat on the bed and open the pizza box, “Horseface.” You add almost in a whisper. 

Jean visibly shrivels at the name, “No. Not you. Not allowed.”

This small comment was enough to change the subject, and his mild anger at such a stupid name pulls an amused smile out of you. The two of you eat and converse as usual. He tells you about his last final and how Eren left their shared bathroom a mess that he needs to take care of before you leave tomorrow. You talk about how one of your professors just showed a movie during the final period since they are required to hold class despite not actually giving a test. And you feel the stress leave your body, even if just for a moment. 

After a while, Jean looks back over at your desk before grabbing your textbook and the last practice test you took. “This isn’t bad, Y/N, looks like some simple mistakes that you keep making, fix those and you’ll be fine.”

“How can I fix something I don’t know I’m doing wrong?” You ask.

“Because I’m going to help you, idiot.”

Jean proceeds to walk you through your last practice test and showing you the mistakes he was talking about. After helping you do a few more problems, Mr. Kirstein makes you do another practice test that he’s going to grade. While you take the test Jean lays on your bed, scrolling through his phone. He’s trying not to look at you, not wanting to add more pressure to you by feeling watched. 

After you are finished you pass him the paper and watch as he marks up the pages with a red pen. Eventually, he turns to you and gives you back the test, a solid 83%. Not as good as you hoped but you don’t want to discredit Jean’s tutoring. After walking through the test you look at the clock, it's currently 1 A.M. 

“Well Y/N, your test is first thing in the morning and I don’t think stressing yourself out more is going to help you at all.”

“But what am I supposed to do? I need an 85!”

“You need sleep,” Jean says, packing up your study materials.

“One more practice test, then I sleep, I swear.’

“Sleep now. Maybe you can do another in the morning.”

There is no use in arguing with Jean, he always gets his way. Once the study materials were all put away Jean takes your laptop and opens up Netflix, knowing you won’t be able to sleep if you were still worked up. The two of you sit side by side on your bed watching some stupid movie until Jean notices your eyes have closed and your breathing has evened out. As quietly as possible Jean closes the laptop and climbs out of the bed. He puts a blanket over your sleeping form and turns off the light before closing the door to your room. 

The next morning you wake up with a text from Jean. Opening your door you find a fresh coffee and a doughnut waiting on your doorstep. “That idiot.” You mumble to no one, but gratefully pick up the small meal he left for you. After eating you get ready to go and resign to looking over some notes before the exam. Once in the classroom, all the stress from last night comes crashing back. You just have to keep reminding yourself that a C in trig isn’t bad. Your GPA will still be above a 3.0, barely but still. And before you know it your teacher has told you to begin your exam so you log on to your computer and start your test. 

The good thing about the test being on the computer is that you’ll know your results immediately. After going over the answers a second time you finally hit the submit button. You stare at the little blinking cursor as it checks through all your answers, holding your breath. Suddenly your final grade pops up on the screen and you can’t stop the tears that slip from your eyes. You gather your things and head back to your dorm. But you find Jean waiting outside the building, leaning against the car without a care in the world. “JEAN!” You practically scream upon seeing him. He can see the tears on your face, “It’s okay, Y/N. Trig is pointless anyway. You still did great even if you got a C.”

“I did it! Jean, I got a 90%!”

“That’s my girl!” Jean says giving you a high five.

“Couldn’t have done it without you, teach.” You say giving him a big grin.

“Come on, Y/N. I say we get you a celebratory milkshake before we drive home. Jean says opening the door for you. Your eyes follow him as he walks around the car to the driver’s side. You are lucky to have him in your life. Yeah, he can be kind of an ass from time to time, but his heart is always in the right place. 

'Cause I'll be right there (right there) For every minute This time, it's no different Whatever happens you should know 'Cause you're not alone, girl Look over your shoulder You don't have to wonder 'Cause you know, you know, you know You're not alone, girl

[princecharmingmendes]

His Hoodie | Raul Mendes

"Raul is still insecure when it comes to asking his girlfriend about some stuff, like cuddles and wearing his clothes, and he's pretty sure he's sneaky about it, until he isn't”

Hello my loves, this was supposed to be a blurb or something like it, but I can't seem to be able to write something short and I accidentally turned this into a one shot. This is just me being 100% sure Raul's baby and shy about relationships, with the push from one and only @sinceweremutual, who's just as obsessed with Raul as me. Hope you like it!

*Word Count: 4.5k+.

*Warnings: maybe a few curse words, and I guess that's it. Just overwhelmingly fluff. 

*Posted: July 13th, 2020.

                                                     -*-

Raul Mendes is a very busy guy. Even though Shawn’s the rockstar that’s constantly traveling around the world and stuff, he still manages to get involved in a serious relationship. Raul’s never been the type to be open about his feelings, so in his entire life he’s had one girlfriend that he took home to meet his parents. And with work things only got worse. Being a pediatric surgeon meant waking up in unholy hours to go to shifts or because he’s being called in on an emergency. So to say relationships were not his forte or priority was the most accurate thing ever. Sure, he had his flings here and there, always a very attentive person, but still was a bit afraid of having someone and not being present enough or having to put his job first. So when he told his parents he was going out with someone was a big thing.

First of all, Raul’s really private about his love life, even with his parents, just opens up with his brothers, specially Peter who’s a very great listener and great with advice. And the second reason everyone was a bit surprised is that since he always claimed he didn’t have time to be with someone, suddenly he was going out on dates a few times a week and even took her dog to the doctor when she was busy with work. And obviously, everyone was over the moon when he decided to bring her home for dinner, and it was pretty clear why he was so fond of her. And to say everyone adored Y/N was and understatement. They both had met in a art supply store a few months ago. And even though it was a bit cliche, every time someone asked both of them how you two met, a grin threatened to show on his face and his arm skipped a beat.

He was in a rush, just trying to find the color he needed to finish a painting, which was his favorite hobby to slow down from his intense work, and she was completely lost looking around like she had no idea where she was. Normally he wouldn’t even notice, but something about her in a pretty sunflower printed summer dress, jean jacket and white converse caught his attention. He felt almost itchy to offer you some help, but he didn’t work here and he didn’t want to come out as a creep, so he ignored his need to talk to her and went on through the walls of paint to find the perfect blue shade, until he felt a light tap on his shoulder. He turned around only to face her heavenly features and a blush raising in her cheeks.

“Hi, I’m sorry to bother you, but I can’t seem to find someone to help and I just wanted to know where can I find watercolor brushes, do you happen to know where they are?” The girl in the pretty dress offered him a sweet smile.

“Oh, it’s okay, you’re not a bother, what kind of watercolor brushes you’re looking for?”

“Oh God, there are types of those?!” she sounded pretty much defeated, letting out a sigh and he couldn’t hold back a chuckle.

“What do you have in mind to paint with those?”

“It’s not even for me! I can’t draw a basic heart shape for dear life, I’m here to buy the supplies for someone, but he forgot to mention the details about it and I don’t know anything about art rather than history and which work I find pretty or not”

“It’s all about practice, honey” the pet name slipped of his tongue before he could hold back but she didn’t seem alarmed or weirded out by it, just blushed a bit harder and shook her head.

“I can guarantee you I’m a lost cause”

“I doubt that, but about the supplies, did he give you a list or something?”

“Oh, yeah!” she replied reaching into the inner pocket of her jacket for a little piece of paper with a delicate handwriting on it “I wrote it down in here”

“I think I might be able to help if you want” Raul offered doing a once over the little list.

“Oh please, this would be perfect”

“Okay, so what did your pick up already?”

“Hm, a few types of paper and some pencils” she gave him her little basket “Here!”

“Oh, okay, so we have to find the brushes and the paint” he said and she nodded, following him around the store like a lost puppy “here are the paints he requested, we just have to find the shades”

And with that they started going through the little numbers on the little containers and talk about random stuff. Raul never had so much fun looking through shades of paint with anyone before. She was just funny and pleasant to talk with, not to mention effortlessly beautiful.

“Now the brushes?”

“Yeah, they’re over here, I’d recommend this ones here for the sort of thing you told he’s trying to do, maybe from this sizes” Raul said picking them up.

“Oh, fine”

“Anything else?”

“I guess this is it! Thank you so much, I’d probably have spent the whole day trying to figure this whole thing out alone”

“It’s my pleasure to help, no need to thank me, next time you know where the stuff are”

“Trust me, there won’t be next time, Nick can come here by himself, if it weren’t for you I’d be screwed”

“Well, at least your boyfriend won’t be needing to come back so soon with everything you’re taking”

“Nick’s not my boyfriend” she said chuckling “he’s just a lazy ass friend and I needed to come here to pick up some stuff for work”

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable”

“No, you didn’t do it at all, I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name”

“Raul”

“Oh, well, thank you, Raul, I’m Y/N”

“It’s a beautiful name” Raul said and she smiled at him, blushing lightly.

“Thank you, I’m sorry for bothering you, do you need any help?”

“It’s okay, and you don’t need to help me, only if you want to”

“I do! What do you need?” she offered as he picked up her basket from the floor and guided her to where he was previously.

“I was looking for a particular shade of blue but I can’t seem to find, and I tried mixing some shades to get to them but I can’t”

“Oh, do you have a picture of it?” she asked looking at the huge wall of oil paint.

He unlocked his phone and offered to her “This one”

“I think I saw it earlier, it caught my eye as soon as I walked in here” she said walking in the opposite direction and crouching down “here”

As Raul got a bit closer he noticed it was the perfect shade and he couldn’t hold back a smile “It’s exactly it! Thank you!”

“You’re welcome” she grabbed her stuff with a smile “it was nice meeting you, Raul”

“It was nice meeting you too, Y/N” he said and she waved at him, turning around to pay for her stuff as he stood there contemplating on asking her out, but before he could think about it better.

“Hey, Raul?” she called from where she stood at the cashier counter and he turned to face her “are you busy right now? There’s a new coffee shop down the block and I was wondering if you’d like to go with me”

Right now it didn’t matter the painting he was eager to go home to finish, all he wanted to do was sit down with her at a table and drink coffee until he couldn’t take it anymore.

So he just smiled at her and said “Sure”

And since then they’ve been inseparable.

So it’s no surprise when called her on a Friday to invite her to come over, they had plans to go out and catch a movie but he was too tired and she was thankful, her day at work was insane and all she needed was to relax a bit. And even though she hadn’t spent the night at his place many times before and she’d probably get all jittery about it, she was too tired to care. So when she arrived with a bottle of whine to the smell of homemade pasta mixed with Raul’s signature cologne, she was almost certain she was in heaven. He told her to just walk in and lock the door behind her, so she did, placing her stuff neatly near the door alongside with his and her boots.

She knew the place well enough to find him in the kitchen, listening to a random song as he hummed along facing the stove where he was preparing something. Staring was bad, but she couldn’t help it when he was looking all soft. It was the first time she’s ever seen him wearing a hoodie and she was so grateful it was starting to get a bit colder, specially during the night, so she would have such a blessed vision. Y/N placed the bottle on the counter, clearing her throat softly to let him know she was already there, which made him look over his shoulder with a soft smile playing on his gorgeous lips.

“Hey, pretty girl” he greeted turning off the stove and turning to face her, opening his arms for her, to which she gladly walked into.

She buried her face on the soft material of his hoodie as she mumbled a soft “hi” in response.

“Tired?” he asked and Y/N just nodded, so he placed a kiss to her hair and hummed “food’s almost ready, want to wait for it on the living room? You can pick the movie” and with that she nodded, reluctantly unwrapping herself from him and basically dragging herself to his fluffy rug.

Raul only chuckled in response.

“There’s a bottle of whine somewhere in the kitchen I just brought” she told him from where she was sitting on the floor by his coffee table.

“Thanks, babe” was his only response as he couldn’t hold back his smile.

Raul could get used to this whole kinda domestic atmosphere. Y/N coming home from work a bit later than him, tired and stressed, so he would cook her dinner and cuddle on his living room while watching a movie and drinking some whine or whatever. And maybe, they could switch places and when he’s feeling a bit overwhelmed and stressed, she could run him a bath and rub his back. But he couldn’t think about it now. It was too soon and he didn’t know if she would want that. This was the first time they would actually spend some time at home together that wasn’t between his  sheets (or hers), and breakfast in the morning. He’s not allowing himself to get all fucked up for someone and having his heart broken, he’s seen this movie before and he didn’t like it.

But all his insecurities died when he found her sitting on the floor by his coffee table, her legs close to her chest and she was staring at the screen, waiting patiently for him to start the movie, knowing he’s seen it a billion times and wouldn’t mind sitting down in the middle of it. He just felt like wrapping her in his arms and tucking her into his chest, but he didn’t, instead he set the plates and glasses down as he plopped down beside her. She then leaned forward and pressed play, and as the screen started to gain some life, she turned to him and pressed and soft kiss at the corner of his mouth.

“Thank you, this is just what I needed”

“Yeah, I needed this too” he said trying to fight his smile.

“Tough day?”

“A bit, but now it’s okay” he said and she just nodded, quickly changing the subject, and he was happy she just got him and that sometimes he didn’t need or want to talk about it, and respected it.

“This is amazing! Is it your mom’s recipe?”

“Nonna’s actually” he replied and she smiled at him.

“Well, it’s fantastic”

And from that, they just fell into easy conversation. They both could feel the stress literally lifting off their bones and melting away in each other’s presence. And it was always like this, simple and easy, they could read each other like a book and always fulfill their needs easily. So when they’re done with dinner, she picked up their stuff, under his protest and took to the kitchen, putting it on his dishwasher, claiming he did all the work cooking it was the least she could do. And when she was back, the sat back down on the floor since they were too comfortable before to move to the couch.

Raul’s always been a fan of cuddling, one of his “biggest” secret. He’d never initiate it, afraid the other person would reject it or him and Y/N never showed any signs she was a cuddle bug either, which is way they never really cuddled. So when she was slowly inching closer to him and leaning on his side, he was surprised, but in a good way. Raul let his arm casually drop on her shoulder and she leaned in further into his chest, until she was basically almost on top of him, with their limbs tangled under the coffee table and he wasn’t upset with it at all. He started drawing little patterns on her back and in return she placed a kiss on his chest, nuzzling her face there a bit.

So when he felt she was falling asleep towards the end of the movie, he decided to coax her to bed, and it wasn’t as easy as he thought. She whined a bit whenever he attempted to move, only calming down when he told her he was taking them to bed so they could lay down together. After that she seemed to be more aware and a bit embarrassed by her previous clingy state, so she just nodded and got up, getting her stuff by the door and following him to his bed. They both followed their nightly routine normally and laid down. He tempted reaching a hand to hold hers, and she turned on her side to face him as he did the same, lacing their pinkies together over the duvet.

“I’m sorry” she whispered, afraid to disturb their peaceful bubble.

“About what?”

“Leaning so much into you, never asked you if you minded, I guess I was just tired and didn’t really think about invading your personal space”

“Hey, hey, hey” he said gently squeezing their laced fingers “I didn’t mind at all, I actually liked it, I like being close, I just thought you didn’t so I never tried it”

“Oh really? I’m sorry, I actually really like cuddling, it’s just I was afraid it would upset you so I never did, it’s just that today you were looking extra soft and cute, I guess my exhausted brain didn’t care and just went for it”

“Well- I’m glad it did” Raul said placing a kiss on the back of her hand and she automatically shuffled closer to him, which made him place a hand on her waist, pulling her a bit closer to him.

“I think it was the hoodie”

“The hoodie did it for you?” Raul asked with a smirk and she giggled, her eyes looking a lot smaller from exhaustion.

“Oh, shut up” she said with a roll of the eyes as she reached to play of the curls at the back of his head, something she found out he liked very much “but yeah, it’s just- you’re always looking like a runaway model or an actor from a movie, so seeing you so cozy and soft just-“

“Did it for you?” he offered with a boyish glint on his honey orbes.

“Yes, Raul, it did it for me” she said holding back a giggle as she rolled her eyes “Happy?”

“Very much” he said rolling over her making her squeal “you’re cute”

“You’re cuter” she said with a lazy grin on her lips and he leaned down to press a soft kiss to it.

“You need to rest” he said after pulling away, but before he could lay back, she wrapped her arms around his neck keeping him in place.

“Can we-?”

“Cuddle?” he finished her sentence and she nodded sheepishly “of course we can, baby”

“Thank you” she mumbled as he laid back and pulled her to his chest.

“No need to thank me, you’re doing me a favor”

“Trust me, I’m not” she said with a yawn.

“Time to go to sleep, Y/N, doctor’s order”

“You’re way too bossy, Doc” she said nuzzling her face on his chest “but I’m to tired to argue back, so goodnight, Raul”

“Goodnight, pretty girl”

                                                    -*-

Since the first time she saw him in a hoodie and actually made her cuddle him for the first time as well, she noticed he were it a lot more often. Sure, it was getting colder, but he wasn’t being discreet about it. And since that day he couldn’t stop himself from picturing Y/N in his hoodie on a lazy Friday night, a face mask, some movie playing on the background as she painted both of their nails. But he just didn’t know how to bring it up and not make a fool of himself. She never made a move about asking to use his clothes or whatever. Sure, she always complimented him on his style and he knew a few particular pieces that got certain reactions from her, but she never told him she’d like to wear them.

So he was having a bit of a dilemma. Should he ask her to use his hoodie or just get over it?

He decided for the later, just pretend he didn’t want to come home to find her laying on his couch drowning on his clothes and blankets. But after a few days he gave up, he had what he thought to be a brilliant idea. Raul was going to put one of his hoodies on her wardrobe without her knowing, and if she found it and decided to wear, it was a sign she would be okay with it, and since she wasn’t going to know he was the one who placed it there, he wouldn’t be feeling like he was being pushy. And that’s what he did.

He went to her house on a Tuesday to watch their show and was discreet enough to just throw it on her top drawer and come back to the living room as if nothing happened while she was cooking them something. And since she didn’t say anything about it or tried to return it he felt a bit better, so that could mean two things -she didn’t find it or she didn’t mind. And they’re both kinda great and he was a bit relieved. That until he was heading home Saturday evening for their lazy night date or whatever Y/N called it. So when his phone rang and her name appeared on the screen he didn’t think much of it.

“Hi, pretty girl, are you there already? I’m sorry if I’m a bit late, there was this kid that really needed help”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you”

“No, I’m already done, I’m leaving now”

“Oh, okay, I still at home, just got here, I’m picking up some stuff, what do you want me to bring?”

“You don’t need to bring anything, baby, we can order something or I can go grab whatever you want”

“Okay, so I’m just going to pack my stuff and I’ll meet you there, is that alright?”

“That’s perfect” Raul said already smiling like the love sick puppy he’s becoming, climbing on his car.

“Oh, by the way, you’re a sneaky little thing, aren’t you?”

“What do you mean?” he let out a nervous chuckle to mask the high pitched voice he almost let out.

“I’ll talk to you at your place, drive safely, Sherlock, bye now!”

“Wait, Y/N!” he tried but she already hung up and he could literally feel his face burning.

                                                     -*-

Raul’s never felt so nervous about Y/N before. The drive to his place was relatively short and he spent the whole ride chewing on his lower lip, tapping the steering wheel and regretting every life decision he’s ever made. He knew there was no need to feel like this, she clearly wasn’t upset and sounded playful on the phone, but he was really embarrassed. He should have just asked her, he knew she wouldn’t find it weird, but he was too insecure to do so and now he has to deal with this. He got up to his apartment and did his routine to take a quick shower and change into something comfy completely robotically, mind still a hundred miles per second. And when he heard his doorbell he basically ran to the door, tripping at everything on his way there.

He opened the door ready to apologize and completely breathless, but when his eyes met her frame adorned on his hoodie he swear his heart just stopped. She giggled at his reaction and stood on her tippy toes to press a single kiss to his lips. He stepped back to let her in still in shock as she walked into his apartment. He could clearly hear her voice cheerfully telling about something, but he didn’t register a single word, mind still racing but this time he didn’t even know what to say or do. She must have noticed him standing awkwardly beside the still opened door, so she walked back to him and placed a gentle hand on his cheek.

“Are you okay, Raul?” her voice sounder a bit more worried and her brows were turned into a frown “what’s wrong?”

“I’m- I’m sorry” was all he could mumble out and the frown on her face o my deepened.

“About what, baby?”

“The hoodie, I- I shouldn’t have tried to give it to you without asking if you minded, and I’m sorry I suck at communicating, and I-“ he started and he felt the blush raising on his cheeks.

“Hey, stop it” she said letting her stuff fall on the floor trying to cup his cheeks in both of her hands “Baby, stop apologizing, I’m not mad at you at all, I found it really sweet actually”

“You did?”

“Of course, Raul! You told me you were not the best with relationships when we first started dating and Peter told me sometimes you get really insecure and I know what I was getting myself into from the beginning and turned out you’re not bad at it at all!”

“No?”

“No, honey, the fact that you care enough about how I’d feel if you asked me to wear this is the sweetest thing, it means you don’t want to push anything on me and that you care, and that’s great”

“It is?”

“Mhmm” Y/N hummed starting to caress his cheek “just so you know, this feels very comfortable and I wouldn’t mind wearing at all, I actually like it”

“Good to know” he said wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.

“That is my boy” she said and he laughed, pressing a kiss to her forehead “I’m sorry if I scared you or anything, didn’t mean to frighten you”

“It’s okay, I should’ve known you’d be okay with this”

“Next time just tell me, okay? I don’t bite”

“I can prove the opposite”

“Oh shut up for a sec, will you?” she tried to sound mad, but the smile on her voice told otherwise “but I’m serious when I tell you to just talk to me”

“I know, I’ll try, I guess I’m just scared to lose you or be an idiot”

“You won’t, I really really care about you”

“And I’m in love with you”

“What?!”

“Yeah” he said smiling sheepishly with a blush creeping up his cheeks.

“I kinda am in love with you too” she replied as he pressed their lips together in a gentle kiss.

And with that, he was sure everything fell into place and his heart calmed down a bit. He had his girlfriend on his arms and that was an angel for understanding him like she does. But before he could deepen the kiss she pulled back.

“Okay, now that we’re fine, can you please shut the door? Don’t want your neighbors knowing everything about us just yet” she said giggling and Raul laughed, closing the door with a click, still holding her close like she could just disappear.

“Sorry, thought Mr. Jones had the right to know the ins and outs of our relationship”

“Hmm... maybe other day, we should ask him for dinner first” Y/N said winking at him playfully and leaning down to grab her bad “now, how about we order a pizza and try the new face mask I bought, I could even paint our nails, I’ll let you apply the glittery nail polish on mine if you want”

“Oh, that’d be nice, I-“ he started out completely in shock she knew what he’d like to do.

“Peter told me” she informed him with a sheepish smile and he shook his head with a chuckle.

“I’m so going to murder him, you two have to stop talking about me” Raul didn’t mean it at all, he couldn’t be happier that she got along so well with his family “I don’t want him telling you all my secrets”

“Oh, so I wasn’t supposed to see all your baby pics and first photoshoot as a teen looking all cute with braces? I mean, Peter gave me the album, I thought we could look through it tonight together”

“You have to be kidding me, give me it”

“No! You’re not going to let me see it!”

“Of course! Why would I let you see any of those horrid pictures?!”

“Well” Y/N said holding her bad closer to her chest “you’d have to catch me first” and with that she bolted towards his room as he followed her quickly, only to pick her up and toss her on the bed, climbing on top of her in a matter of seconds, her stuff long forgotten on the floor somewhere in the apartment.

“How old are you? Five?” he chuckled a little out of breath

“You chased after me, you’re not much better, sir”

“I was trying to protect my dignity”

“What dignity?”

“Shut up” he said laughing.

“Make me”

“Don’t tease me”

“I’d never do th-“ she was cut off by his lips meeting hers a bit more urgently than before, their tongues soon meeting, only to caress each other as her hands took purchase of his curls. And Raul’s never been more thankful for sneaking his hoodie in her closet.

                                                     -*-

*Please reblog or like this post if you liked it so I’ll know.

*I’m sorry if there are any spelling mistakes.

*Please do not repost this without giving me the credit, this is a completely original piece and I do not give permission to copy this!

*Hope you guys enjoyed it!

*xoxo

-🌙

[chenziee]

Six: The Celebration

Day 6: BBQ/Movie night for @opnamizine​‘s Tangerine Summer :D Barely grazed the prompts this time but in my defence, making up a video dial and coming up with some way for them to find one that made sense would be too complicated so you get an alternative xD

Heads up for minor LawLu again because I have no self-control.

[Read on AO3 | Read from day 1]

----------

“Here you go, Nami-san.”

The navigator smiled as she accepted the plate that was handed to her. “Thank you, Sanji,” she said, admiring the smell of perfectly cooked meat.

Honestly, Sanji had them all so spoiled, like dining at a 5 star restaurant three times a day plus snacks. And yet, he always outdid himself. Apparently, even something as simple as a barbecue could be made into a work of art, even when making it for all the people who had survived their raid of Onigashima—and not just their crew, Torao’s crew, the samurai, and the minks. No, it was for everyone they had picked up along the way as well. Including the Kid pirates, the rebels, the prisoners and the yakuza, and even some of the Beast pirates that were now somehow Tama’s pets, it was hundreds, thousands of people.

Even with help of many other cooks, Sanji still had more than enough work on his hands but… he looked like he was enjoying himself immensely and Nami was glad. When she remembered how sad, cold and unhappy he was when they had finally found him on Whole Cake Island, it was like he was a different person. Like he was alive.  

“You don’t forget to eat, too,” Nami teased, chuckling when Sanji froze and blinked at her owlishly, eyes wide with shock.

“I— Thank you, Nami-san,” he said after a moment, looking away, and Nami was pretty sure that was a blush on his face.

It was cute how he always got caught off guard when someone looked out for him for a change. If this was a few weeks ago, Nami could just hear the ‘Aww, Nami-swan, you’re so beautiful when you’re kind!’ and see his dramatic, love-struck flailing. He always did that when trying to deflect and brush off things that might affect him but at last, it looked like he was putting in an effort to get used to it; slowly learning to accept the care and love his friends were giving him.

Nami smiled, a genuine, happy smile, as she nodded and turned away. They would teach Sanji to be kind to himself yet. After all, the Straw Hats were nothing if not stubborn.

That was a problem for later, however.

Tonight, they were celebrating.

The trip back towards the stage was short but given how the Komurasaki was one of the performing geishas and dancers, it was no surprise that the area beneath was packed. And with a plate overflowing with food, it was almost a miracle that she managed to make her way through the crowd and back to her friends without any incident.

When she finally sat down on the ground in between Robin and Luffy, she let out a relieved sigh. “Here, Sanji’s special barbecue,” she announced.

Immediately, everyone cheered quietly as to not interrupt the music and dancing too much before grabbing for the plate, in a hurry to steal some for themselves before Luffy could get to it.

But then… Luffy didn’t.

Exchanging a worried glance with the rest of the crew, Nami went to ask what was wrong but before she could so much as open her mouth, Tama spoke up instead. “Mm this is so tasty!” she said, the happiness in her voice almost tangible.

“I know, right?” Luffy grinned proudly. “Sanji’s cooking is amazing.”

“Aren’t you going to eat, big bro?” she asked then, her cheeks puffed up with all the food in her mouth.

Luffy shook his head, petting Tama’s head where she sat in between his legs and looked back at him questioningly. With a soft smile, Luffy finally replied, “Nope, I’m stuffed. You can have my portion if you want.”

Tama’s face split up in a blinding smile, nodding enthusiastically before she turned her focus back on the pile of meat in front of her. Luffy simply watched her, that soft expression still on her face and Nami… felt like the whole world turned upside down. Luffy letting someone else have all his food. Luffy. Unbelievable.

Blinking a few times, Nami noticed everyone else was staring at the scene with an open mouth, obviously just as shocked as she felt. It was only a long while later that slowly, she turned to her other side to exchange a look with Robin. The other woman was covering her mouth to hide a smile—or likely muffle her laughter, judging by the way her eyes danced with joy—and, guessing easily that they were thinking the same thing, Nami, too, had to laugh.

Shaking her head, she followed Robin’s example to look at Torao, who was sitting on Luffy’s other side. “I think your boyfriend just adopted your first child. Congratulations,” she told him sincerely, biting at her bottom lip to try and keep her expression at least remotely straight at the face Law made.

"I did not consent to this," Torao replied, frowning deeply as he glared at Luffy, then Tama, then Luffy again.

"I honestly don't think anyone ever consented to anything with Luffy," Usopp noted helpfully.

A large pout appeared on Luffy's face as he crossed his arms over his chest. "But you're fine with it!"

"Again, Straw Hat-ya. That's not the point." Law let go of a long-suffering sigh, looking so incredibly tired. Nami wondered how many years of his life this poor man had lost over the last two, maybe three months since they had run into him.

But well, that was just a part of the course with Luffy—or their crew as a whole, really. And even if everyone complained about it, no one could deny the post-victory celebrations were well worth all the stress and… adjusted plans.

Nami, for one, certainly couldn't.

Ignoring the bickering couple and laughing friends, Nami turned her attention to the entertainment. She had to admit, it was pretty obvious why Hiyori became the oiran; she was beautiful up there, even without full make up or her hair styled the elaborate way she used to wear before. It was as if she was born for the stage. And the happiness radiating off of her, the relief from Wano's hard-fought, finally achieved freedom, was only making her more mesmerizing. Just looking at her move gracefully as she played on her shamisen, full of energy and not fighting her wide smile, it made Nami so incredibly happy as well.

Ever since she had set sail with Luffy, Nami had witnessed several times the pure joy of a country being rid of their tyrants, thanks to Luffy. She had been one of the people he had saved this way. But seeing it, hearing it, being at the centre of it… it never got old.

And if the celebration came with amazing food and plenty of booze, friends and laughter, and gifts of golden dragon statues from the shogun's castle, who was she to turn away?

[niall-is-my-dream]

Something Beautiful - Epilogue

So, this was something that I started writing ages ago and has been on hiatus. I've had this epilogue sitting in my drafts for a year! I was going to write a chapter to go before this but it hasn't happened so I've decided to post this and end the fic.

I hope you like it! Catch up on the link below.

https://niall-is-my-dream.tumblr.com/post/615170836129808384/something-beautiful-masterlist

Thanks

Em x

8 years later

Standing at the kitchen island you chopped away at the ingredients you needed for dinner later. You were having a bbq so you prepped all the salad and got the meat marinating in the fridge. It was early afternoon and the sun was blazing in through the patio doors that were open and welcoming in the warmth of the summer.

From here you could see Monty hiding from the sun under the patio table and chairs where it was shady and cool. He was getting on a bit now, just turned ten years old, still lively like he was as a pup but lazy like an old man to.

From this position you could also see your greatest achievement, your six year old twins Jack and Izzy. You may have carried them for 34 weeks before they were born early, but they were the spitting image of their father. Izzy in particular had eyes that were identical to Niall's, her book obsession however she got from you.

Both were obviously musical like their father, but Jack had excelled in football and you'd spent the morning watching him run around the local football pitch.

Wiping your hands on a cloth you made your way out to the garden, Jack was at the end of the garden practicing some kick ups and Izzy was busy bouncing around on the trampoline.

"Hey you two, shall we take Monty out in a bit when the weather has cooled down?"

"Yeah, when is Dad back with Grandad and Aoife?" Jack called back to you.

 "Not sure, game won't finish for maybe another hour and it depends on if they can get through the crowds quickly, and if your Dad chooses to stop and talk to everyone he knows!" You replied smiling.

Niall had gone to watch Derby play at Chelsea today with his Dad Bobby and his partner Aoife. Checking your watch you saw that the game would probably just be starting the second half so you had plenty of time to walk Monty and be back to start cooking.

Just over an hour later and you were all walking towards Wandsworth Common. When you and Niall had first starting discussing buying your first house together there had been no doubt that you wanted to stay close to where both your flats were. With easy access to the tube and shops you had also decided you didn't want to be far from the Common.

It was there on a cold February day that you had tripped over Monty's lead and Niall had spoken to you for the first time. Sadly the pub you first laid eyes on each other in was closed now and was going to be turned into a hairdressers of all things.

But the Common held a special place in both your hearts.

It was where you would go in the early stages of your relationship, where you would spend ages walking around together with Monty getting to know everything you could about one another.

It was where you'd come with Monty that beautiful spring day when you'd found out you were pregnant while Niall was away touring his third album. You'd gone there to gather your thoughts about how to break the news to him that after almost a year of trying you had finally got a positive pregnancy test. It was also the place you'd both gone together to digest the information that it was twins.

And just last year it was the place that you had both taught Jack and Izzy to ride their bikes without stabilizers, while Monty chased the stupid ducks by the pond.

It was your special place and somewhere you came everyday when you were in the UK. When the twins were younger and before they started school you would spend a good amount of time in the U.S. at the L.A. home, but now Niall only went over there when he needed to and would only spend leisure time there if you were all with him.

He hates being apart from you all and it had devastated him at first when he toured last year and the twins had been at school for a lot of it. But Niall had gained what he had always hoped for, a long successful career with dedicated fans who had embraced you, Monty and the children.

You stood watching the twins scooter around the path with Monty bounding beside them, but then you had an overwhelming feeling that you were being watched. You had come to learn this feeling well in the first few years of your relationship. Knowing that Niall was a public figure and you were in a relationship meant you were also of interest. People took your photo without permission quite often, particularly here on the Common.

Looking behind you cautiously you saw Niall walking across the bridge with his Dad Bobby and his partner Aoife walking behind him. He still gave you butterflies in your tummy even after nine years together. He smiled and gave you a wave as they made their way over to you. Monty was next to spot him and he gave up on aggravating the ducks to race over to him. Jack was next, followed by Izzy and they sped over calling out to their Dad and Grandad.

"Hey stalker." You said to Niall as he came over to kiss you.

"Not stalking, you text me to tell me you were going to be here!" He smirked.

You looked over to see Izzy in deep conversation with Aoife. "And I did my writing homework but I left my school book as I wanted to read it with you."

"I'm sure we can look at that together, just make sure we help out with dinner and stuff for your Mum first though, ok?" Aoife replied.

As Bobby and Aoife finally reached you after being practically mauled by the twins they greeted you with a hug and a kiss each.

"I've prepped most of dinner while you were out, just need Pops to start up the bbq when we get back." You said looking at Bobby.

"I think I can manage that." He said rubbing his hands together. "I'm in a good mood after our win, think I'll have a couple of beers to celebrate. Speaking of football how did you do this morning Jack?"

"Really good and I scored a goal!" Jack said with a massive smile on his face.

He hadn't been happy about missing the game with Niall, but you'd only just managed to get him a slot on the football team after being on the waiting list for months. Niall had insisted that there would be other games he could take him to in the future that didn't clash with his practice. 

"The Common always looks amazing on a summer afternoon doesn't it?" Aoife said as she leant down to give Monty some attention.

"It does, this place has always been something beautiful." Niall replied smiling as he looked at you, taking your hand in his.

[remmyswritings]

not a cliche// charlie weasley x reader series

Ok! I’m genuinely really excited for this series and have like no self control when it comes to my writing so I figured I’d share part 2!!

I figured I’d share the prompt post where @venomoustentacvla​ and I basically wrote out the whole outline for this: so HERE IT IS

part 1: the waiter in shining armor

part 2: damsel in distress

Ever since the night that Charlie had saved you from that horrible date, you made a habit of going to the restaurant and spending even just a little bit of time with him. You couldn’t really tell if it was his caring demeanor, or just how open he was, but being around Charlie always made you feel safe. Every time you showed up, he would make sure to seat you in one of the comfiest booths in the space and your favorite drink to go with it and at some point, he would stop by and give you a big hug and talk about your days. By this point, everyone (including Charlie’s boss) knew who you were and they all found themselves looking for when you would show up with your big smile and sweet hugs. 

Only today when you walked in, hours before Charlie’s shift was meant to start, and looking as if you had been run over by a truck, everyone that worked there knew that something was up. The hostess saw you first so even though she had a group of 6 waiting to be seated, she touched you lightly on the arm and led you to the booth that had unofficially become yours. One of the waitresses rushed over to her boss and told him what she had seen, him calling Charlie the second she finished, while another went and got you some water to drink. 

It took a while, but when Charlie walked inside all of his co-workers finally released their breaths knowing that he would be able to help you feel better.

“Hey sweetheart,” a voice called out in front you. You recognized it as Charlie’s although it was softer than usual. 

“Hi Charlie,” you croaked out. Your voice breaking from all the crying you had done earlier.

You moved over slightly so that he could join you, letting him wrap you up in his arms as you yearned for his comfort.

“Sweetheart,” Charlie shifted slightly so that he could look down at you, “what’s going on?”

You shook your head as you wrapped your hands around his chest, “I just-”

“Take your time,” his hand ran through your hair, him doing just what he would see his mother do with his siblings when they were younger.

He felt your breathing slow done and the hold you had on his shirt lightened slightly, which he took as a sign that you had started to calm down. You pulled away slightly, giving him a chance to finally see your face. Your eyes were redshot, your cheeks tear-stained, and your nose bright red from all your crying, yet the look you gave him filled him with a sense of calm. 

“Thank you Charlie,” while your smile wasn’t as bright as always it was still better than when you had first arrived. “I just- today has just been a horrible day. But being here with you has made it better.”

He just nodded his head and looked up to see that the restaurant was being closed for a couple hours, “Hey have you had anything to eat since you got here?”

“No,” you shook your head, “why?”

Charlie stood up and held his hand out to you just as he did the night you met, “Come on, I want you to try something.”

Charlie took you to the kitchen again only this time it was rather full. He led you over to a man who looked like he was one of the top cooks. 

“Charlie,” the man called out, “what are you doing here? Doesn’t your shift start later?”

Charlie nodded and then motioned over to you, “This is my friend Y/N. Dora called me when she showed up looking for me. She hasn’t had any food yet so I figured she should try that new special you're experimenting with.”

“Ya, I don’t see why not. I could use a new set of taste buds,” the man turned towards you. “I’m Felix, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too,” you shook his hand. 

Next thing you knew, you were sitting on the kitchen stool, leaning over a new dish that looked rather delicious. Seeing everyone interacting with one another distracted you so you missed everything that Felix said about the dish but you figured you’d try it either way. The second the food hit your mouth, you were mind-blown. If Charlie’s mac and cheese made you want to moan from how delicious it was, this made you feel something even stronger. 

“I like her,” Felix pointed towards you while he spoke to Charlie, “You should keep her.”

Charlie started to laugh when he saw your face and it only grew stronger after Felix’s comment. Something about your reactions always made him smile and there was something about Charlie’s smile that just made you want to smile back. It wasn’t long until your frustrations and sadness slipped away, only to be replaced by joy and laughter. 

The one thought running through your head, Charlie really gets me.

--

taglist: @tempestrising23​ @am-i-space​ @dracodear​ @willowbleedsonpaper​ @summer-writes​ @obsessedwithrandomthings​ @firewhisky-kisses​ @potterverseimagine​ @curious-curios​ @strawberriesonsummer​ @jenniweaslee​ @cherrycolakxsses​ @peeves-a-legend​ @booksmusicteaandanimals​ @heart-of-tempered-steel​ @nebulablakemurphy​ @62442-am​ @kalimagik​ @marvelettesassemble

[midnightsnyx]

Matthew Tkachuk - In Your Dreams: part 2

a/n: a couple people requested a part 2 and i couldn’t help myself!! thank you for all the love on part 1!! <3  also im bad at writing cheesy romance so i apologize in advance at how bad it will be lol

part 1 here

warnings: angst, fluff, insinuated smut (i may get there some day folks but today ain’t that day)

word count: 2967

tag list: @buckybarneshairpullingkink​

my masterlist

Matthew Tkachuk

“Are you sexting my brother?”

You yelp when Brady drops on the couch beside you and snatches your phone from your hand. Luckily, you were only scrolling through Instagram so he didn’t see the suggestive texts you and Matt had been exchanging all morning.

After the summer, you and Matt had been texting back and forth, trying to get used to the idea of talking without insulting each other. It was much easier than you were expecting and you discovered rather quickly that you enjoyed talking to him. He was sweeter than you’ve ever seen, thoughtful, good-humored and you were completely infatuated with him.

After a couple months of texting and Facetime, you flew to Calgary to spend the weekend with him. He wined and dined and took you to his bed and you hated having to leave.

You snatch your phone back. “No. Although I’m not sure why you would want to see them.”

“I don’t!”

“Keep your nose out of my business then.”

. . .

“Heck no.” Brady says when you meet him at the Canadian Tire Centre. “Oh, heck, no. You’re not wearing that!”

You look down at you Calgary Flames jersey and shrug. Matt sent it to you and asked if you would wear it for tonight’s game because the Sens were facing off against the Flames.

“I mean, technically, it still has your name on it.”

“You’ve betrayed me!”

You roll your eyes at him. “You’re being dramatic. Look,” you lift your jersey up to show a Sens t-shirt with number 7 on it. “See? Now c’mon, you have a game to play.”

He follows you like a sad puppy and sighs. “My own brother is stealing my best friend. You know, I think I liked it better when guys hated each other.”

You groan and shove his shoulder. “Grow up.”

 Along with buying your jersey, Matt also bought your ticket so that you’d be on the visitors side. Which means he spent most of warm up showing off to you as if you’ve never seen him play before which you have but you’ll never admit it to him.

It’s an intense game and you’re not sure who you’re cheering for half the time but they go into overtime so at least they’ll both get a point.

Matt ends up scoring the winning goal and when he points to you and mouths, that one was for you, you think your heart might burst out of your chest.

. . .

The two of you haven’t put a label on whatever you are and part of you is okay with it because it is fairly new but you’re also worried about what he does when the two of you aren’t together which is quite a lot. Sure, he sends you flowers and calls you after every game no matter how tired he is. He texts you every morning and calls you before you go to bed and it makes you feel special but sometimes you can’t help but wonder if he does this for other girls and if it makes them feel special too.

It’s something that’s on your mind on a weekend that Matt brings you to Calgary. He had practice in the morning so you’re hanging out at his apartment waiting for him to come home. You’re cooking lunch when you hear the front door open, and Matt calling out to you.

“Babe, I’m back!” He shouts and your heart swells at the term of endearment but it drops when you think about him calling other girls that when you’re not around.

His arms wrap around your waist and he presses a kiss on your neck.

“Something smells good.”

“Yeah, it’s fettuccine… I think I might’ve messed it up a-”

“I’m not talking about the pasta.” he mumbles, pressing more kisses down your neck.

“Oh?” you squeak and you really shouldn’t, because you’re still worrying about not being the only one, but you let him drag you to bed anyway.

Later that night, long after he’s asleep, you’re trying to ignore the taunting voice in your head reminding you that he might be holding other girls like this. Reminding you that someone else might also wake up to his sleepy smile and messy hair.

. . .

“So you’re her.”

You raise your eyebrows at Johnny Gaudreau, who Matt had introduced you to when the two of you first arrived at the bar. He introduced you as Brady’s friend and when you looked at him, he just shrugged.

You’re not sure what you were expecting - certainly not saying you were his girlfriend - but Brady’s friend? It was bothering you and you were doing you best to hide it but you knew you were failing because Matt had been sending you weird looks all night all while basically ignoring you. He’s barely touched you since you sat with his friends.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You reply, glancing at Matt who is deep in conversation with one of his teammates.

“He talks about you a lot.” Johnny shrugs. “I thought you two were dating.”

“Apparently not.” You mumble, standing up and giving Matt a quick look. “I’m going to get a refill.”

You leave before he can reply and push through all the sweaty bodies trying to get to the bar. While you’re flagging down a bartender, someone sits on the stool next to you. You look, expecting it to be Matthew but instead it’s a stranger. A handsome stranger so when he offers you to pay for your drink you almost say yes but a familiar arm wraps around your shoulder.

“Thanks, but no thanks.” Matt says, glaring at the man until he mutters an apology and leaves. When he’s out of sight, Matt turns so he’s facing you and now you’re the one on the opposite end of his dirty look.

“What the hell was that?” He snaps and you scoff, shrugging his arm off you.

“Excuse me?”

“You were going to let him buy you a drink!” He says loudly and you glance around but nobody seems to be paying attention to you thankfully.

“It was a drink, Matthew. I wasn’t inviting him home.”

“Well I wouldn’t be surprised if you did.” He says harshly and you flinch. His eyes widen immediately and he reaches out but you hop off the stool and run out of the bar, ignoring him calling your name.  

You run out of the bar and down the street until you come across a quiet diner. A bell dings when you open the door and a kind looking, older woman greets you and tells you to seat yourself.

You’ve been sitting in the diner nursing a glass of water for no more than fifteen minutes when the bell rings, signally a new customer.

You don’t have to look up to know who it is but you do anyway and you’re greeted with a very guilty looking Matt. He slowly walks over and seats himself across from you.

“How’d you find me?”

He shifts in his seat and stares at the table instead of you. “I tracked you on snapchat.”

You swear under your breath for not turning that option off. When you look at Matt again, his eyes are on you already. He opens his mouth to speak but you cut him off right away, wanting to speak your mind before he says anything.

“You introduced me as Brady’s friend.” you say quietly and he nods. “you barely spoke to me the entire night and then you got possessive when that guy spoke to me.” he nods again and you sigh. “look, Matt. I’m not asking you to say something you’re not comfortable saying or you’re not ready to say - I don’t think I’m ready for it - but you’re not allowed to act like I’m nothing to you when there are people around but get jealous if someone talks to me. And you’re not allowed to say what you said to me. That was unfair.”

“I know.” he replies. “and I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you, I was out of line.” He looks back down at the table and you know he’s trying to think of what to say so you give him a moment. “I know it’s selfish… but I guess I just want you to myself a little while longer. I like the two of us in our bubble and that bubble is going to be popped when people find out about us. I’m in the spotlight, people are going to want to know our business and I don’t want it to freak you out.”

You nod in understanding. You were aware of how the media can be and it’s not something you look forward to.

“I’m scared.” He admits and you reach across the table, squeezing his hand.

“I’m scared too.” you tell him, lips turning up in a tiny smile. “but it’s better to be scared together than alone, right?”

He mirrors your smile and leans across the table and you meet him halfway.

. . .

You spend Christmas with the Tkachuk’s and Matthew proudly introduces you as his girlfriend and Chantal and Taryn squeal, Keith smiles and hugs you and Brady rolls his eyes and says “I knew this would happen all along. The two of you should really thank me.”

Matt blushes when his mom gushes about how glad she is that he found someone like you and that she had a feeling the two of you were meant for each other but later that night he tells you how happy he is that you gave him a chance.

The two of you debate over how it would be best to tell everyone you’re dating and you decide on a cliche but simple post to his Instagram.

It’s a picture of the two of you standing in front of the tree, his arms wrapped around you and lips pressed against your forehead. The caption reads, it wasn’t love at first sight, but we turned out okay.

It accurately sums up your relationship perfectly and you tease him about how long he’s had that one in his back pocket.

But it still makes your heart race and you want to shout I love you from the rooftops.

. . .

It’s not easy being 2877 kilometers apart and it becomes more obvious the longer the two of you are together. You fly to Calgary as often as you can but you still have school and Matt can’t visit Ottawa much because of his hockey schedule.

It’s a test for the two of you - and your relationship - and sometimes you feel frustrated and you wonder if you can do it but you think about when Matt Facetime’s you nearly every night that you’re apart from each other and you know that it would break your heart to live without seeing his curly brown hair and blue eyes and hearing his voice so you tell yourself it’s worth it.

And it is, until it isn’t.

. . .

“I don’t understand what the big deal is.” Matt says, obviously frustrated.

The two of you had been arguing for hours. You were graduating in less than two weeks so you’re job searching and when Matt brought up the idea of you moving to Calgary with him to get a job, you panicked.

You have been together for just about eight months now and you know that it’s normal at this stage to move in with someone but you were scared. There’s always been the fear in the back of your mind that one day Matt is going to wake up and decide that you’re not who he wants and if you uproot your entire life in Ottawa for him, you don’t know what you would do if something happened between the two of you.

But you couldn’t explain this to him so you kept making up lame excuses as to why you couldn't move in with him.

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea.” You say quietly and he huffs.

“Can you please just think about it?” He pleads and you’re tired of arguing that you just agree even though your answer will still be no when he asks.

“I love you.” He says and you smile softly. One thing about Matt is that no matter how big an argument and even if it’s not solved right away, he tell you he loves you.

“I know. I love you too.” You say before he ends the call.

You flop back on your bed and even though it’s only seven o’clock, you feel ready for bed. Ten minutes later, you’re just dozing off when you hear your door open and slam shut. You would freak out but you hear Brady call out to you and you tell him you are in your room.

You expected him to come over because when you and Matt argue, he makes sure to check on you.

What you’re not expecting is to see him fuming with anger.

“You’re an idiot.” He says.

“Excuse me?” You snap and he huffs, putting his hands on his hips and glaring at you.

“You love my brother, right?” he asks and you nod. “and he loves you.” you nod again and he raises an eyebrow.

“So why won’t you move in with him?”

You roll your eyes and sit up. “It’s not that simple, Brady.”

“Why not?”

“It’s just not.” you say because you don’t actually have a valid explanation. You know most of your reasons are foolish but you can’t help it.

He sighs and sits on the bed next to you. “What’s going on in your head? We’re best friends, you can talk to me about anything.”

You look at him and can’t help but smile. Brady always had a way of making you feel better when you were kids.

“I guess I’m scared.” You admit quietly and he knocks his shoulder against yours more gentle than normal.

“’bout what?” he asks and you shrug.

“He wants me to move across the county.”

“Yeah.”

“What if it doesn’t work out?”

A small smile crosses his face. “But what if it does?”

. . .

Three weeks later you’re holding a one way ticket to Calgary in your hand and saying goodbye to Brady in the airport.

“You got everything?” He asks, passing you your carry-on. You’re pretty sure if you looked close enough, his eyes would be a bit watery but yours are too so you can’t poke fun.

“Everything I need.” You tell him, and hug him tightly. You hold on to him a little longer than usual but it’s hard leaving your best friend after being attached at the hip for so long.

When he pulls away, he grins. “I’m proud of you.”

“I know.” you say. “I’ll text you when I land. And don’t forget-”

“I won’t tell him.” he promises and you hug him once more before leaving.

You’ll miss Ottawa, but it’s time for the new chapter of your life to start and you can’t wait.

. . .

Matt’s not surprised when he opens his front door to find you standing in front of him. He just grins and leans against the door.

“Missed me, did you?”

“Yeah.” You tell him, wrapping your arms around his neck and kissing him soundly. “I really did.”

[ryqoshay]

How to Handle a Nico - Reunion B&B

Primary Pairing: NicoMaki Words: ~1.4k Rating: G Time Frame: Summer break of Maki’s 2nd year of high school and Nico’s 1st year of college. Story Arc: “Beach Reunion” Sunscreen The No. 1 Masseuse in the Universe Reunion B&B

Author’s Note: Sat on this a bit too long as I had no idea how to end it or what to title it, but at long last, here is the third entry to the Beach Reunion arc. Woo!

Also, I’m assuming my readers have seen the movie by now as there is one reference to it here. … Did I point that out in my other recent posts? I’ll have to check.

Nico opened her eyes slowly to stare up at an unfamiliar ceiling. She knew the ceiling belonged to the master bedroom of one of the Nishikino family’s vacation homes, but it was still the first time she had seen it upon awakening in the morning. And she decided it wasn’t an unpleasant sight by any means.

The gentle sound of breathing beside her reminded Nico of the night’s sleeping arrangement and she couldn’t help smiling. She had slept well, sharing a small blanket with Maki, and now she was about to behold a much more pleasant…

Wait, what was that? As Nico attempted to sit up, she became aware of a weight on her stomach. The movement caused the girl beside her to shift in her sleep and murmur something unintelligible. Was that…? No, it couldn’t be… Nico lifted the blanket to check. Sure enough, Maki’s arm was draped across her. That meant…

Oh gods…

Nico turned her head slowly, just enough to see…

Oh gods…

Maki’s face was mere centimeters from hers. Literally any closer and the younger girl would be nuzzling Nico’s cheek.

Maki-chan… Nico pleaded silently. When had the other girl moved to such a position? Why had she done so? Had she been awake or asleep? Was Nico herself still asleep and this was a dream? What the heck was going on? A deluge of questions flooded Nico’s mind as she felt her pulse quicken and her body stiffen.

And that was enough to cause Maki to stir again, managing to move her head even closer, enough that Nico could feel her breath. Geez… What to do? If Maki woke up now, would she get embarrassed and avoid Nico for the rest of the vacation? Nico absolutely didn’t want that. Well, even if Maki didn’t avoid her, she’d still undoubtedly be embarrassed and make all manner of expressions that Nico found irresistibly adorable. So maybe it wouldn’t be all that bad...

Nico sighed. At least this was ten times better than waking up to Honoka sprawled directly on top of her, even if a hundred times more stressful. And as much as Nico wanted to just lay back down and bask in a few moments of sleepy affection from the far-to-often standoffish Maki, she knew the other girls would be getting up soon. Thus, if Nico wanted to have breakfast ready for everyone, she had to get up.

Slowly, gently, and with no shortage of reluctance, Nico slid Maki’s arm off her before crawling off the bed with an equal amount of caution. She slipped into the bathroom to quickly remove her mask and wash her face before making her way down to the kitchen.

Maki opened her eyes slowly. For the briefest of moments, she questioned her location before remembering that she had claimed the master bedroom at one of her family’s vacation homes. And Nico had stayed with her.

Nico-chan…

Maki’s gaze found an empty bed beside her and a sense of disappointment washed over her. Apparently, she had fallen asleep before Nico and awakened after, thus missing the opportunity to see Nico’s ador… sleeping face… Even with that mask treatment Nico insisted on wearing every night, Maki couldn’t help thinking it was cu… well, it wasn’t completely uncute, at least… in a way, maybe. Anyway, for some reason, not being able to see Nico sleeping somehow bothered Maki far more than she would have otherwise expected.

On the duvet immediately next to her, Maki noticed a pillow. A second pillow, in fact, though having fallen asleep during a wonderfully relaxing massage, Maki didn’t remember claiming one for herself. But the second one most certainly had to have been Nico’s. Also, Maki hadn’t gotten under the duvet, so Nico must have found one of the blankets in the closet to use for her. Or both of them, it seemed, as Maki didn’t see another blanket. And since the one currently covering her was a bit small, it was really only meant to cover one’s legs while sitting, that meant Nico must have slept beside her. As in right beside her, close enough to have likely been touching…

Without her bidding, Maki’s hand reached out to touch the indentation in the duvet next to her. Was it her imagination, or did she detect remnants of the warmth left by the girl who had slept there not too long ago?

Wait, what the heck was she doing? Maki pulled back her hand as she felt heat rise in her cheeks as if transferred from the bed through her arm. What if Nico came back in and saw her? Well, it wasn’t like she was doing anything particularly embarrassing… right? Still, knowing Nico, she’d find a way to tease Maki over it.

A yawn escaped and Maki sat up to stretch. Once her blood began proper circulation again, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and made for the bathroom to wash her face. A few minutes later, she opened the door to the hallway and was immediately greeted by a wonderful aroma.

Nico-chan’s cooking…

Maki swallowed the saliva that suddenly pooled in her mouth at the thought of a breakfast prepared by Nico. With as much haste as her caffeine deprived body could muster, she headed toward the kitchen.

“Maki-cha~n~!” a voice greeted from behind her just as she rounded the corner to catch a glimpse of the girl at the stove. “Ohainya!” a weight crashed onto her back.

“Rin…” Maki grumbled. “Get off.” She gave a halfhearted shrug in a tired attempt to shuffle off the cat like girl.

“Awww…” Rin complained, as she obeyed the command. “Maki-chan doesn’t push Nico-chan away anymore. It’s not fair, nya!”

“Haah?” Maki raised an eyebrow.

“Actually, she still does.” Nico spoke up, turning away from the stove to face the second-years. “Sometimes Nico wonders if Maki hates her.” Her tone went up an octave as she pretended to pout.

“W-what the heck?” Maki protested the sudden tag team teasing. “I don’t… why would I hate you, Nico-chan?”

“Because Maki-chan loves tomatoes more than Nico.”

“Buweeeh?” Maki had all but forgotten that bit from the magazine interview almost a year ago.

“And that’s why Nico made sure to include extra tomatoes in Maki-chan’s omurice.”

Maki’s stomach growled, interrupting any retort she might have had.

Nico laughed.

Maki growled.

“Don’t worry, Maki-chan.” Nico continued to giggle. “Nico won’t tease you about preferring tomatoes over her.”

“But… you just did…?” Maki’s early morning muddled mind struggled to keep up as the older girl stuck out her tongue at her.

“Good morning, you three.” A cheerful voice greeted as a new aroma made its presence known. “Here you go, Maki-chan.”

A steaming mug of life-giving coffee entered the redhead’s vision. Like a zombie seeking brains, Maki’s hands reached for her beloved beverage.

“Thank you, Kotori.” Maki managed to murmur before the mug reached her mouth and she immediately downed more than half of it.

“Do you two prefer tea or coffee?” Kotori turned her attention elsewhere.

“Kayo-chin and Rin like tea in the morning.” Rin explained.

Wait, Hanayo was here too? Maki turned her head. Sure enough, just behind her orange-haired friend stood a brunette who looked even more disheveled than Maki felt. The younger second-year yawned and rubbed at her eyes before squinting as though she hadn’t even put in her contacts yet.

“I’ll have that ready for you in a moment.” Kotori smiled before turning away. “Sorry to not have it ready earlier, I only got Maki-chan’s because Nico-chan told me her favorite.”

Nico-chan told her… A small smile turned Maki’s lips as she lifted her mug up to take another sip, barely noticing whatever Hanayo had said to Kotori.

“Maki-chan’s getting a lot of special treatment here.” Rin pointed out. “Especially from Nico-chan.”

“Well, she is our host, after all.” Nico replied, sliding a portion of egg over a mound of rice. “And with that,” she directed a squirt of sauce into a quick design “breakfast is ready. You three can get started while I go check on Nozomi and Eli.” She motioned to a set of plates, each with a girl’s name written in sauce over the omurice.

“I’ll check on Umi-chan to see if she’s done with her morning meditation.” Kotori said. “If she is, she can help me wake up Honoka-chan.”

“Good luck.”

Whatever else may have been said by anyone was lost on Maki as she claimed her plate and made her way to the table. Though her mug was all but drained, the caffeine wouldn’t fully kick in for a few more minutes, and in the meantime, Nico’s tomato laden omurice demanded her undivided attention.

Author's Note Continued in Followup Post

[bolbianddolanhouse]

Book 3 FAQ!

Need to catch up? Heres all the previous FAQs 1 * 2 Heres the master post of all three books 1 * 2 * 3

Wow...you would think that with the whole pandemic that I’d get these chapters out faster. But alas this year got the best of me too. I’ve been a lil vulnerable in the tags with y’all and the check-in messages really touched me. So thank you very much to everyone that has checked up on me and enjoyed the chapters! I appreciate all of you :3 So lets roll out the questions!

Q: Who is Iwata based off? A: Iwata is based off my self-insert, which is also me. I know that sounds a lil narcissistic but it’s that real life reference that you’re a spitting image of your parent. Iwata was designed to look and act very similar to his mother based off that. What made him a little more original and not a copy of my self-insert is the tropes I added. I mirrored the trope of that of the relationship between Steven and his mom in Steven Universe; where he adored, then hated but then came to terms that he is not his mom but someone better. A whole journey of self-discovery and self-worth.

Q: The representation is amazing! How did you come up with these queer characters? A: Glad you liked them! Like I’ve said in previous FAQs and in the tags, all these characters were dreamt and I just build upon them in writing. So yes, most of my characters were created queer in my dreams but I make them more in depth by setting up how they discovered they’re queer. I did a bit of research on coming out stories and self-discovery epiphanies to have these characters more relatable so a fellow queer reader feels seen in a way. There’s already too much hetero works out there, I just want to gay it up in a respectful way. 

Q: The culture mixing is really good and consistent, how do you do it? A: For starters, I am latina. But the culture mixing stems from my knowledge about other cultures through language. I’ve been studying Japanese for almost a decade now and Chinese for about 4 years, so it’s no surprise that I’m referencing them in my work. Maybe what I depict isn’t what other half-Japanese half-Latinx families do, but it’s what I’d do if I started such a family. Plus there’s some overlap within those cultures and it makes it easy to put into writing.

Q: So. much. drama! Why is this book more dramatic than the previous two? A: Book 3 is were main on-going plot gets picked up more and shows signs of resolution. In book 2, it was to focus on not only Lili and the family dynamic but to remind the reader that life moved on with little resolve for the self-insert character. Iwata has a HUGE role in the resolution but in his own special way. And I’m not saying the answer is love...but it’s leaning there. 

Q: You reference specific food and snacks in this AU/ what are your favorite Cheetos? A: Like I said, I’m latina! Of course I write in the food of my home culture. Mainly the home cooked meals my mom would make for me and my siblings. It might not seem like much to the reader, but those simple meals add to the narrative of being home and traditions that help them embrace their mixed heritage. The reference of Cheetos are all over this AU because they’re my favorite hot chip. Naturally, my favorite Cheetos are the Hot con Límon with chamoy. 

Q: Love that there’s no canon character deaths in this book so far, but are there any major deaths planned? A: Just one but it’s not a tragic, hero fallen type death. It’s a natural death but it’s gonna be a tear jerker. That death won’t come until the WAY end of this AU, so I’m not gonna spoil anything yet.

Q: Can’t believe you predicted Dabi’s true identity. A: It was obvious tho. I didn’t really predict anything canon if you’re an anime only for BNHA. In this AU (without spoiling too much) there’s no Endeavor redemption and Dabi doesn’t cause that big drama on live TV. So if you’re an Endeavor hater like me, you’re gonna love what I have in store for them in the next book!

Q: I love Tenya being a dad and loving husband in this AU! Will we see more dad moments? A: Glad you like those snippets of dad Tenya! I love writing them for my own indulgence since there isn’t enough love for this character in the fandom. Plus I see a whole lot of consistent readers are Iida-stans and that makes me want to write more married fluff whenever I can.

Q: Beizu is best boi/Who is Beizu based off of? A: Beizu is the genius trope in this book. I made his character a more chill version of his mom but with that ‘who is my dad’ trope. Beizu is part of a trio that’s to mirror the agent trio of Ita, Jin and Mimi. The third member is yet to be revealed but they’re a BIG plot device in the coming book. But Beizu is one of my favorite OCs, maybe I’ll do a ranking of my OCs when everyone is introduced. 

Q: The villains and Hawks plot has me SHOOK! What’s going to happen to hero society when this case gets solved? A: Without spoiling it, the truth is going to expose the corrupt higher ups in hero society. The kids in the household has a part in taking down hero society as well but in their own, special way. Iwata has the biggest part in closing the case (but it’s spoiler if I say how), Lili and twins help tearing down minor things like education systems and laws. I will say though, the case gets resolved after the trio retires because Ita gets to return to America and found an heir to the company before they could draw to a conclusion. Which is a happy ending at the end of the storyline, no major deaths!

Q: Confirmed weddings? A: Yes :) because Lili and Iwata deserve good things and love. The twins have it easy in the coming book. Lili’s comes first and Iwata’s comes later than expected (can’t say why yet, gotta keep reading :3). I guess I can say that all of them get married but Lili’s and Iwata’s are the only queer ones. All the spouses that marry into the family take the Iida name, so Lili and Hanaka don’t change family names when they get married! Y’all already know those wedding chapters are gonna be lavish and take up most of the chapter, you’ll love them.

Q: But are the kids Joji stans? A: Oh jeez...they are the same way we like 80′s music. It’s pleasant to listen to but kinda cringe when you see your parents dance to it. I don’t really portray it, but the family digital library has all of Joji’s music in a playlist called ‘Sad hours Soundtrack’. If you ask Mr Muffins 2.0 who last listened to the playlist, they’ll snitch who and how many times it has been looped. That’s how Tenya knows who needs cheering up.

Q: I love the little references to their childhood, what else can you tell us about their pre-book childhood? A: As I said a few times in the tags, I cut a ton of stuff that isn’t relevant to the plot. Most of it was their childhood and how they manifested their quirks. Lili really liked to scream before she learned to talk, a very fast learner and at 3 years old got her engine quirk and later that year showed signs of a second quirk. Iwata was very quiet child, hardly cried or gets upset but latched on to mom a lot. His first words were in Spanish but struggled a bit with Japanese before entering kinder. Tensei was born first, then Hanaka followed 10 minutes later. Hanaka’s fire quirk manifested after the first breast feeding when she was getting burped by mom in the hospital. Mom likes to believe Tensei came out first to warn everybody that Hanaka can breathe fire. Tensei didn’t manifest his metal quirk until the age of 7, making him a very late bloomer. Though very different in personalities, Hanaka and Tensei get along and get very creative when it’s playtime. Up until the age of 5, mom would place Hanaka in kindling to get the BBQ grill or bonfire started. Hanaka has been known to randomly burst into flames as a baby, so Tensei had to sleep in a different crib for his safety. Tensei spent more time reading as a child because everyone was focused on managing Hanaka’s flames, thus making him a very studious boy.

Q: Not an AU question, but how are you doing?/ We don’t mind waiting for the chapters! Please take your time. A: I’ve been getting check ins and validation in my asks for the inconsistent schedule. Too many things came at me this year, both good and bad. I was doing well in speech and debate that I went to nationals and prepared myself for some serious competition, leaving no time to do chapters. Then I fell in and out of depressive episodes during lockdown where I’m from. In the summer my grandmother passed away from the virus in Mexico, then my beloved dog Mr Muffins passed away of old age. Those deaths hurt me and my family the most that I was having a hard time trying to cope plus trying to be responsible by adhering to CDC guidelines (I’m in the immune-comprised group). In my want to get over my grief, I trained and received my certificate in ordained ministry (yea I know that’s not the best first step, but I just needed to feel like I’ve achieved something being cooped up at home). I’ve very grateful that theres some readers that see the tags and check up on me. All your kind words gives me a little strength to write and finish every chapter at my pace.

Q: More art please? A: Yes :3 I have one coming up real soon! After the end of this book is where I’ll be releasing some art as a sort of place holder.

Q: Is the the estate drama eluding to the ending? A: Yup! And it will show up every now and then in the next book.

Q: This is a really good self insert AU! There’s complexity to your character and others...how do you write these interactions/relationships really close to actual ones? A: Thanks for the complement :3 When I first started this AU, I was in the middle of my semester of a creative writing course. Near the end of book 2 was when I finished the course work for it and by then you could see the progression in writing. ALSO, I’m a communications major as well! Writing these relationships and other social things were things that I remembered learning in my interpersonal communications class. I was a bit on fence on whether or not to start this AU because I didn’t think my writing skill was at all that good. With some encouragement from my classmates and friends, I pushed myself to write this whole AU out. I don’t plan on stopping until I finish the storyline, plus I hate leaving things unfinished.

And that wraps up this FAQ! Hopefully I got everyone’s questions since most were check-ins for me. But expect the last chapter for book 3 in the next few days. After Book 3, I’m going on a lil hiatus until the end of February. I have so many life events happening in the upcoming weeks that I’m gonna need time to recharge before resuming this AU. Y’all know I bounce back as promised, in the meantime, I have some art things queued to remind y’all that Book 4 is in the works. Only 2 more books to go! Thanks again for reading and I’ll talk you y’all again later in the tags~

-Love, Palma-sama

P.S. Heres the end of Book 3 for your connivence :3 other links are at the top of this post! 

[madlyinlovephff]

Chapter Seven

“X Marks the Spot”

“When someone finds something they have been looking for”

-------------------

“Escapes me why you wouldn’t just get ‘Air Edwards’ printed on it, its your’s for god’s sake” Amelia joked at me as the car stopped on the runaway.

I threw her an annoyed look, having heard the joke before “Shut up or I won’t let you on it”.

She pushed me as we got out of the car, her huffing behind me. My security detail including Kyle and Gary had already started getting both our stuff out of the cars and into the jet.

“Answer me sister, why buy it when you don’t even want to claim it?” Amelia winked at me as she stepped towards the jet and I rummaged through my purse for my phone.

Karol and Lima had gone their merry way already, knowing having a complete week off while working for me is both a blessing and a rarity, they decided to leave before me to start their fun; whatever it was. As much as I know and remember, Lima had gone back home to her mother’s for the week.

“Because we share the surname and there’d be no telling exactly whose it is” I sent a cheeky smile her way as we both laughed getting up the small stairs and into the private jet.

We’d decided to travel apart from the rest of the bridal party and a few hours before both the parties to get the house in order. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned before, but my vacation homes are much more used by my friends and family than me. It was almost an occupational hazard of sorts.

It wasn’t long before the plane had taken off and my sister and I settled low on our seats as we were served dinner. The flight was long; 12 hours and a few minutes to be exact but Amelia and I were no strangers to long flights and sleepy nights; particularly in that order.

She turned to look at me when she heard me sighing, “Hey Addy, thanks for coming out for me today. I don’t know how you do it, but you really don’t let me down”.

“I should be the one saying that, idiot. You’re the one who is always there for me before I even ask you. And what kind of a sister would it make me if I couldn’t even make it to your show while I’m on a break?”

“Yeah, a break that began not even 4 days ago. You’re not really taking a break, to be honest Adds”, she gave me a concerned look.

I frowned at her, “I am taking time off and going to Greece for 5 days. How is that not taking a break?” I asked her, confused.

“Mary Olivia’s wedding is very last minute, I know you didn’t know about it 2 days ago because I didn’t either. Don’t use this as an excuse because we both know you would be here even if you weren’t on a break” she said.

I sighed and turned away from her, knowing I couldn’t win with her.

I heard her open her laptop, starting to type. “Well if you’re not going to talk to me, I won’t make you” 

I rolled my eyes, “Keith told me to take a break, you know” I confessed.

If Amelia was shocked she hid it well, “You mean to say Keith told you to take a break too” she said.

I chucked, “Yeah. Said my songs are starting to sound the same; repetitive”

She was quiet for sometime. “He’s not wrong, you know. Addy, I love you but your personal life has been a flat road for years now. I honestly am shocked sometimes by the media attention on you because to be honest, you aren’t the most interesting person out there for them”.

I cackled at that, having missed her blunt tongue.

“I know right? I wonder about that too sometimes. How are they not bored of me yet?”

She smiled softly, “You’re going to have to let someone in, you know. Sooner or later” she whispered.

I nodded, feeling drained of having the same talk with everyone. Could I get a break from this?

________________________________________________________________________________

“Kyle, what did Victoria tell you about the house situation again?” Amelia asked as we both scrolled through her Instagram, me laying my head on her shoulder as we were on our way to the villa in the outskirts of Santorini.

The weather was better, trees were greener, vibes were warmer in Greece. It was one of my most favourite places in the world; and that’s saying something because I’ve been to a lot of places. 

The sea is the best in Greece, hands down. It is the absolute best here.

Kyle didn’t turn behind, instead met her eyes through the rear view mirror as he replied, “Vic just said the caretaker had gotten it cleaned. The security has been posted around the perimeter and at the gate and the pool’s been cleaned too”

I hummed. “What about the cook?”, I asked.

Kyle cleated his throat, “Victoria said she was told not to get a cook”.

My eyes widened as I started panicking. No cook? Who the hell was going to attend to the 14 guests that were on their way to the villa?

“Wha-

Amelia shushed me, “Hey, don’t worry. I was the one that told Vic to do so. I said I’d cook”

I turned to look at her, incredulously, “What? Why would you cook?”

“Why can’t I cook, Adelaide?”

“It’s not that. Why would you cook for 18 people? Have you gone mad? We don’t have Nana’s help here, if you’ve forgotten” I ranted, now anxious.

My sister sent me an exasperated look as if I was worrying for no reason. “You react so violently sometimes, I almost want to slap you”.

“You always want to slap me”.

“Not always”, she winked.

It wasn’t long before we were reaching the familiar neighbourhood and I started getting my purse in order, sighing in relief as we entered the gated area, stopping for security reasons. I made sure Victoria called ahead for extra security, specially at the entrance for everyone that is entering the villa because all in all, I took security as a responsibility if the entire bridal and groom party of my old friends were to be held at one place. 

Being too careful never hurt no one.

“You carry so much security. Sometimes I think you’re a country’s president”, of course my kind sister had to have a comment about everything. But she wouldn’t be Amelia if she didn’t make fun of me for everything.

“Shut the fuck up, Em” 

She threw me a peace sign just as the car stopped at the entrance of my beautiful white villa, very aged in reality but it had been with me for just a little under 3 years. 

Some of the workers were cleaning the gardens and the pools, I noticed at once. There was a man using the land mower, making a lot of noise but I was fine with it until and unless they were done with the cleaning before the guests started arriving.

“I thought the house was polished already?” Amelia asked Kyle, stepping inside the main foyer area, the white walls standing tall beside her petite figure. Kyle shrugged, indicating he was going to place a call regarding the same.

It wasn’t soon before we were both bounded inside, our luggage being dragged in after us that we were sat at the familiar couch in the living area, a coffee already on the stove courtesy of my sister. 

“We have so many memories here, no?” I sighed, as I looked around.

Amelia chuckled, “Every summer for the last 4 years now? I love this place Addy, don't know what I’ll do if you decide to ever sell it” she said.

I frowned at her, “We both know you’d never let me sell this house; and even if I do, you’ll probably buy it from me just so you can stake a claim in your name. You’re forgetting I know you too well” I rolled my eyes, laughing.

“Probably”

————————-————————————————————

There was a knock on my door. “You’re done changing or what? Security is sending them in as we speak” Amelia said, hanging halfway inside my room, then almost slipping on her feet.

I rolled my eyes at her, “You aren’t even wearing heels, Em” I say and I follow her out of the room, turning the lights off as I exit. 

She looked down at my feet, seeing my 6 inch stilettos and face palmed, “I feel under-dressed now so let me just go and change. You know, I really hate being your sister”.

“Yeah right”

It wasn’t long before people were bounding inside, Charlotte Wellesley being the first one to step inside, her Hermeś bag on her right arm. Sophia, Willa and Mary Olivia were the next ones followed by a lot of men, most of whom were from Robbie’s side. However, I could hear a commotion outside.

“Look at this place! I always underestimate you, Addy” Charlotte exclaimed, in a tone I knew I didn’t like. So it wasn’t a surprise that my fake smile didn’t bother her in the least. Sometimes you have to deal with aristocrats like her too.

“What’s going on outside?” I asked Robbie, as I pulled out of our hug. Amelia had just arrived on the scene too, now in her beige 5.5inch heels. 

Robert, Robbie’s brother, laughed at that, “Harry’s security isn’t being allowed to come inside. Your security is giving them hell because of some issue” he said.

After kissing everyone’s cheeks, I was outside like a breeze, worried about the issue. I took hosting at my place way too seriously even if the event had nothing to do with me. I hated tarnishing a good hosting.

Apart from the 7 more cars in my driveway, and more people stepping out of the cars or others getting help from my service for getting their luggage out, there were about 6 people right outside the main gate, clearly in a heated argument.

“Kyle? What seems to be the issue here?” I said, not even noticing that my voice had taken an authoritative tone. 

Kyle and Gary both turned towards my voice, along with the rest of the men. All of them were dressed in black suits, and badges indicating how 2 of them were someone’s security detail.

“Look, miss, His Royal Highness will not be stepping inside if his security detail isn’t allowed to. However, he is here off-schedule so we request you do not waste his time on such a trivial matter” a buff man said, very formally.

I squinted at him in anger, how dare he speak to me in such a manner! I ignored as Gary said something to him as a rebuttal.

“No, you look here, mister. No one steps foot on my property until and unless their background checks were sent to my security prior to their arrival. This includes other personnel of security as well. This is my property and an event I’ve taken under my supervision. So I apologise if I’m wasting someone’s time, but this isn’t a trivial matter for me. This matter is solved, Kyle. Gary, show them the way out where they can wait while I speak to Robbie and Mary in private” I said, anger in my tone and fire in my eyes because if there’s one thing I don’t react well to; it’s authority from someone who clearly has no authority over me.

“Yes ma’am” both Kyle and Gary said in unison, before the rest of my security started showing them the way out and I turned.

“Well, that was quite a speech. I must say I’m impressed” came a voice, I detected the posh British accent in it in a second. 

I turned around to face the man, already done with this shit. I hate dealing with stuff like this.

It wasn’t long before I stopped in my tracks, and I noticed the man did too. For a few seconds, we just stared at each other and I wondered why I had to be in this situation with this man, and this man alone. Couldn’t it be anyone else in the whole wide world?

It was Prince Harry. 

Ofcourse. Robert mentioned the name Harry and his security dropped the HRH. It was right in front of my face.

He recovered first, smiling beautifully. “Adelaide, I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you yet” he said, putting his hand forward.

I caught his hand, still not breaking the eye contact. I don’t know why I wasn’t able to look away from those baby blues in this instant, but I hoped I didn’t look like a creep.

“Your Royal Highness, likewise”.

He chuckled, something dimming in his eyes as I called out his title and I noted that he probably didn’t like being called that.

“Uh I’m sorry for the mishap, Ms. Edwards. I fully recognise that it was a mistake at our end-“

“So then you also understand how my security can’t do their work if they let inside someone they had received no prior information about” I cut him off, crossing my arms, almost forgetting who I was talking to but I was in my element in that moment.

He paused for a while there, probably not expecting me to act the way I did. He looked at his 2 bodyguards and shook his head at them.

“What is the solution to this then?” He asked, turning to look at Kyle and Gary.

I frowned at him as my security detail looks at me as he questions them. I cleared my throat, now fully realising that everyone was outside at the garden patio and involved in our drama.

“The solution to this is them stepping out of my property for the next 24 hours which gives my security proper time to do background checks” I said, exaggerating a little but I was triggered. 

Harry visibly sighed, “Is there no other way? They are royal security, if they’re with me that means they already have gone through an extensive background check.”

I took a beat, “Look sir, I have a policy about this that I plan to uphold; it’s the same as if you were here without any security and someone else brought in two highly trained personnel with guns on my property”, I gave him a look because I knew I had hit a correct point with this one.

“Ma’am, you have more than a dozen security officers here right now, it is not possible for His Royal Highness to step in without any prior knowledge to this either”, one of his protection officers said.

I frowned, not acknowledging that he was right to a certain degree too.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair and turning to look at Kyle and Gary, “Alright, here’s how this is going to work; these two security officers will be allowed to enter the grounds, however they will not be entering the building or be allowed in the backyard and the private beach”,

I then turned towards the Prince and his officers, “As is the rule for all of my security detail except for Kyle and Gary, here. This is the best I can offer you” I gave them a look, ready to step out of the conversation because I was suddenly reminded of the fact that we still have no cook and almost 2 dozen people to feed.

As I walked away from the scene, I heard Harry berating his officers but by then, I was over this issue. I walked inside the place, noticing numerous luggage bags all over the place and 2 people in the pool already before I entered the kitchen, squinting at Amelia who stood there, hands on her hip and barefoot.

“Is this the time when I get to say I told you so?” I chuckled, laughing harder when Amelia turned around with an extremely offended look on her face.

“I really didn’t realise just how hectic it’d be considering we just travelled overnight too”, she pouted and I decided to just be the bigger person at the moment because we quite literally have a lot of people to feed.

“Dial Kyle’s number and ask him to come inside, lets just get him to get the cleaning people to distribute cookies and juices in everyone’s rooms” I instructed her, and within a minute Kyle was stood in the doorway to the huge white kitchen, trying not to laugh as well.

“Shut up, get me a cook or two from the city as fast as you can, and get me two of the cleaning staff that can give around juices and biscuits, atleast till we figure this stuff out”

“On it, Addy”, and he was gone.

“I have an idea” Amelia said, and I rolled my eyes. “Spare me another one of your ideas, please”.

“Can you just listen? So let’s just start with salad and cocktails because we are going to be able to get done with them in the next half hour while the cook situation gets fixed” she said and I thought that might have just been the only good thing she’s said all day but I didn’t voice that particular opinion.

“Alright, you can get started on the salad, I’ll take the cocktails-”

“What’s this about cocktails, I hear?”, came a voice from the doorway and I turned so fast at that familiar voice, Amelia almost gave me a weird look.

There stood Prince Harry of Wales in all his glory, visibly relaxed than I’d seen him earlier in my front porch, and I pretended the blinding smile of his didn’t bother me. Because, it didn’t. 

“Uh Your Royal Highness, I had no idea you’d be joining us”, my poor sister sounded so confused as she threw me a similar expression, but obviously held her own because we at the end of the day, we were British.

Harry laughed politely at that, “Yeah, a lot people wished they received the guest list earlier”, he said smiling at me, to which I squinted my eyes at.

Amelia gave me another look and by this time, I was so done with her obvious looks; I wanted to get out of the kitchen. Cutting my train my of thought, 2 of the cleaning staff we’d hired entered the kitchen, throwing uneasy looks at the occupants in the kitchen and not having a clue as to why they were sent here.

“Hello, I’ve called for you here; just do me a favour and hand out some cookies and juices to the guests in all the bedrooms and by the pool, yes?” I said as my sister started getting the said stuff out of the cabinets and onto separate trays. All this while, I noticed how calmly Prince Harry stood leaning against the plush doorway seeing the scene in front of him and didn’t utter a word until the staff was out.

“You were serious when you said this was your property” he stated.

My sister laughed at that, already getting started with her famous Mediterranean Salad as I noticed her fetch the soya sauce out of the fridge, “How come you two have never met before?” She mused, pretending as if she was asking the question to herself.

I sighed, not wanting this to turn awkward, “I don’t to know to your question and yes I was serious to yours; now Amelia, can we please figure out the starters at least until Kyle gets the word out?”

“You take this hostess thing pretty seriously, don’t know?” Harry asked and I could almost sense a teasing tone underneath his words as my sister and I ran about the kitchen, setting stuff up for the preparation of the salad and cocktails.

Amelia glanced at me as she noticed I was in no mood to reply to that comment, mostly because it was true, “You have no idea, it gets taken for granted most of the times too” she said, smiling at him.

“Hi, I’m Harry; it’s a pleasure to meet you” he said after a heartfelt laugh as Amelia introduced herself and they shook hands on it. He looked at me for a moment, probably deciding whether or not he should do the same with me but my teasing smile must’ve made the decision for him.

“Hello there, they call me Harry; what do they call you?” 

“They have too many names for me, kind sir”

“Well, what name do you like to be called by, fair maiden?”, he asked, eyes twinkling.

I pretended to think it over, getting ice from the ice-cooler, “Ms. Edwards, if you will”.

He squinted his eyes at me, the teasing smile still on his face and I could just feel Amelia’s eyes on us throughout the conversation; it wasn’t until we heard a crash that we broke eye contact, just to see that my sister had dropped the knife.

The vibe in the kitchen was too chill for me to even think twice about a Royal’s presence in the kitchen of my home with my sister in attendance. He laughed at my sister’s antics and picked up the knife before she could, turning to look around the kitchen as if he was seeing it for the very first time.

“It’s a nice place you got here, Santorini has the most beautiful water”, he said casually and I smirked as I remembered how I said exactly that to my sister earlier in the day.

“Thank you, I got it on sale actually”

“Oh, did you now?” 

It was quiet after that comment as I shook my head, “you can go right ahead to the pool if you’ve freshened up already; we’re sorting the food situation out”.

Harry leaned against the customised white marble counter, “I heard something about making cocktails and decided it would be highly impolite if you weren’t made to taste some of mine specialities”.

“We aren’t having you work while we host, Harry”, Amelia said, shaking her head at him.

“I’m offering it to you”

“Well, we didn’t ask for it. Our nana would turn in her grave if she were here” I said, setting up all the beverages in front of me to get started on the drinks.

He sighed, looking at the two of us as if he couldn’t believe we weren’t accepting his help. “Is it because I’m too handsome?”

A burst of laughter sprung out of me before I could even think about it, “That definitely isn’t the reason why”.

It wasn’t long before he had convinced us that no one in the world could make a better Black and Tan than him, after he saw the bottles of pale and dark beer on the counter. 

“You will love it, just trust me”, he said and I rolled my eyes as I got started on my cosmopolitan. 

A few minutes later, Kyle walked in with three people; two men and a woman. He stopped short when he noticed Harry standing beside me, trying to snatch the single vodka bottle we had left. He didn’t comment on it because he knew better and just introduced us to the three cooks he managed to get to us in the short amount of time. Amelia thanked him before asking him to get more beverages, to which he quietly responded and promptly left the kitchen.

We decided to set up the late lunch in the beautiful wooden Gazebo outside, that I had had visions about for the longest of time before it got installed in this villa. It could seat well over 25 people. Amelia and I argued about that too but we reached a decision pretty quick when we saw the weather outside. 

The smell of the Greek Sea reached my senses, as the temperature already started to get a little chilly since it was early February. Harry was helping us throughout, bringing his special cocktails out in the sun, walking alongside me, as he placed the tray on the large bamboo table (that I got custom made specially in Brazil).

“This might just be one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen”, he said, eyes trained on the vast sea in front of us, which was just a few steps down from the rock the villa was built upon.

I hummed in response and noticed how quickly he got involved in conversation with the rest Robbie’s groomsmen, hearing the word Hazza over and over again. I went inside the kitchen again, checking up on the food when Amelia entered after me and just stood there, staring at me.

“Yes?”

“Don’t yes me; what the hell is going on between you two?”

“Between who two?”, I knew who she was talking about because how could I not with all of her obvious stares.

“Don’t think you can play me, Adelaide. I thought you’d never met Prince Harry before?”, she asked, confused.

I looked around, satisfied that none of the three cooks looked even mildly interested in our conversation. “That’s because I haven’t; well, not before today”, I replied.

“It certainly did not look that way. Why is he being so chill with you?” 

“Hell if I knew. Maybe he’s a fan” I threw her a cheeky smile at that, walking out of the kitchen as she followed me.

“Yeah sure, that’s definitely it”, she said and I didn’t reply to her because for one, I didn’t have an answer to her and second, we were amongst 20 other people as we stepped out once again.

Everyone had started mingling, as I found myself in conversation with Louis Spencer, someone I’d met numerous times before because of his on-again, off-again relationship with my cousin, MacKinley Edwards. He even had been to our family estate over Christmas Holidays two years back.

MacKinley is my first cousin on my paternal side; being the only daughter of my Uncle, Matthew Edwards who is the younger brother to my father. To be honest, I had zero idea about Mac’s and Louis’ current relationship status and I was too afraid to ask. 

I caught Harry’s eyes as I was laughing at something Louis had said and his eyes flitted over to him, frowning as he stepped out of his circle, clearly intending to join Louis and I.

I raised my eyebrows at him, as he handed me another Martini, side hugging Louis as he did some weird fist bump thing.

“You two know each other?” Harry asked, pointing at Louis and I, and we turned towards each other, smiling.

“A little too well, no, Addy?” Louis smiled a Cheshire grin, nudging me with his shoulder.

Harry was clearly very confused at our relaxed attitude. He asked Louis to explain; and I was suddenly hit by the realisation that the two of them looked a little too similar. The resemblance was definitely there.

“You remember MacKinley, don’t you? Adelaide Edwards here is cousins with her”, he replied, sipping his drink.

“MacKinley Edwards? You’ve been going out with her forever” 

“The very same one. Afraid the surname is the same one” I sarcastically said, biting my tongue afterwards as Louis shook his head at my response.

“I’ve known Addy and Amelia just as long as I’ve known Mac; we even spent a Christmas at her estate two- three years back?” 

“Two”

“Two years back”

Harry nodded, clearly a little thrown off by that information as I took that opportunity to ask about their relation, slapping my forehead as Louis relayed the information about them being first cousins as well, on Harry’s mother’s side and Louis’ father’s. I obviously was privy to this piece of knowledge beforehand, however it hadn’t hit me until just that very moment.

“That was wee bit weird, no?” Harry laughed as Louis walked away from us.

“It just keeps hitting me how we’ve never met before today” I replied, taking a sip of my Martini.

He took a deep breath, “That ought to be the truest thing I’ve heard today”.

It wasn’t long until food was being served and everyone was seated around the bamboo table, people pulling their white chairs back to sit. Pizza was being cooked in the natural oven we got installed outside, the smell of chicken overtaking my senses and I realised I didn’t have my phone on me to click the picture of the delicious scene on the table.

I started asking everyone to help themselves as Amelia sat on my right and Louis on my left. Robbie poured everyone Champagne as he remained the only one standing. Once he was done, he told us that he’d like to make a toast and then turned to look directly at me.

“To Adelaide and Amelia ofcourse, for so graciously accepting to host us here and always being the friends that Mary’s frustrated at awful hours of the morning. We love the both of you” He raised his glass as did his fiancé; my sister and I raising it back to them as everyone yelled.

“This is such a beautiful property, Adelaide. I’m in love” Sophie commented and I smiled at her.

Robbie continued his toast only to be cut off by Mary-Olivia as she started hers. We all laughed at their antics. Late lunch which had already turned into an early supper, finally started as everyone helped themselves to it.

I caught Harry’s eyes somewhere in the midst of it, throwing him a smile as he replied with a similar one. I asked Amelia to turn on some music as I didn’t have my phone on me at the very moment as she teased me with ‘Should I play one of yours, hm?’, and I slapped her shoulder at that.

It got worse when someone asked Amelia what had happened as she let out a loud laugh at my reaction; and then she continues to tell them exactly what happened. I rolled my eyes as everyone chuckled at the taunt, Louis being the loudest of them and I mimicked shooting him in the head before he came to an abrupt stop.

An hour later, the guests were sprawled all around the area, some in the pool; others in the hot tub and a few just lounging on the beach chairs. Mary-Olivia and Robbie were dancing quietly and I was conversing with Charlotte because we both happened to be at the outside bar at the same time. I was getting myself a whiskey and I didn’t bother to know what she was getting herself; ducking out of the conversation as soon as I had my drink in one hand and my phone in the other.

I headed down the rocky steps to the beach, initially standing and then just sitting down as I took a deep breath, the wind running through my hair and I felt alive for the first time in a long while. I continued sipping my drink, glad to be away from all the noise when I heard a voice behind me.

Turning to look back at whoever had followed me, I saw Harry; clearly on a with someone. I didn’t think he me until he cut the call, swiping at his phone and turned to look ahead, finding my eyes. I could sense he thought twice about coming over, as he reached me and plopped down beside me on the chilly sand.

“This shouldn’t be considered safe, you know. High tide’s on” he said, eyes locked on the ocean ahead.

“Pretty sure it isn’t”

We sat in silence for the next few minutes, laughter from the house above reaching our ears; clearly someone was thrown into the pool as a shrieking followed. Probably Mary-Olivia.

“I feel like I should apologise, for this morning” he said, turning to look at me.

I shook my head, sipping my drink as his eyes followed my movement; “I wouldn’t worry about it a lot, I do apologise if I let myself get too heated. I just take this stuff seriously because that’s exactly what I’d expect from someone else, you know?”, to which he hummed.

“Also for not letting them inside the property”, he chuckled as he continued.

I joined in the chuckling fest, “You’re very welcome”.

Another silence crawled its way in but it was nice. It was a different kind of silence that wasn’t awkward but serene. Sitting out here with him didn’t feel like an intrusion from either of our sides, and I found myself breathing a little easier. 

Not much had to be said, we were two strangers after all; but at the same time, it felt comfortable. It wasn’t like me to feel so relaxed with someone so soon. There were so many things two complete strangers could talk about, but we chose to be silent.

I caught him looking at me a few times, the blue in his eyes so mellow because of the dark. I thought about what he saw when he looked me.

It felt nice. Normal, even.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Addy’s Vacation Home in Greece

Addy at the Airport

Addy in Greece

[ourimpavidheroine]

An Anniversary

Five years ago today, the 13th of February, 2015, I published, all in one shot, a piece of fanfiction called Please Excuse My Penmanship.

I hadn’t, at that point, written - never mind published - any fanfiction for over fifteen years. I had written some X-Files fanfic back in the day but I’d lost it; my backup floppies disappeared when I moved to Finland and, like just about everyone else back then, the places I had posted it to online disappeared without warning. (Toss a coin to your Archive, oh valley of plenty.) I’d been pretty torn up about losing my fic that way, which put me off writing. Time went on; I had twins in 2002 and they both turned out to have non-verbal autism and different flavors of ADD/ADHD and my life got very complicated and very difficult for a lot of years there. Writing for pleasure wasn’t even on the table.

By 2015 my life had settled a bit. My wife was disabled and suffering from severe and untreated depression and the kids were in special ed and a lot of therapies but we were managing. I had watched Avatar: The Last Airbender with my kids (on DVD - they were too young for it when it first aired) and had gone on to watch The Legend of Korra with them as well. 

I really liked Mako as a character; he was too internal and complex for most of the kids watching, however, and wasn’t well liked. Most fans saw an inflexible jerk who caused and fucked up a love triangle; what I saw was an autistic man who was suffering from pretty severe PTSD. He grabbed my interest. I related.

I really liked his dynamic with Prince Wu, despite the fact that he was a really annoying character. Queer-coded as fuck, although the showrunners were plainly ignoring it. And I started to headcanon who they would be as a couple. How to make Wu less annoying while still making him canon Wu? How to humanize Mako while still acknowledging his autism and PTSD? Headcanon was all it was, though, a way for me keep myself occupied. I’ve been writing stories inside my head as long as I can remember. It’s what I’ve always done.

I read a post on here on Tumblr where the OP stated that there was no such thing as a good Letter Fic; I thought to myself, Bet I could do it. And so in the end of January 2015 I sat down at my PC and started to type up all of my headcanon.

I went back and forth with Wu. What I first started to write was too clumsy, by half; I tried to stick to his endless slang and it was as annoying as it had ever been on the show. I knew if I stuck to that shallow, silly, stupid, canon Wu he wouldn’t be interesting to read. I struggled with it for a time until I remembered something.

My maternal grandmother told me a story once about a girl from Mexico. Claudia was her name; she was a year older than my mother. Her own mother had died when she was born; her father, who was one of my grandfather’s business partners in Mexico, had left her in the care of her grandparents, who were extraordinarily wealthy denizens of Mexico City. At some point the adults involved thought that it would be a great idea to send this girl to stay with my mother’s family to learn English; in return, my mother would then go and stay a summer in Mexico City to learn Spanish. (Which she did; she’s fluent to this day.) Claudia had no English at all but my grandmother had working Spanish and I guess they all figured it would be enough for this poor girl? 

The first day Claudia arrived in San Francisco my grandmother kindly showed her into the bathroom and told her to take a shower. My Grams realized about ten minutes or so later that the water hadn’t turned on; she went to check on her and there she was, sitting obediently on the toilet seat, fully dressed, waiting for the maid to come and undress her and turn the water on for her shower. 

She had no idea how to do either of those things for herself. She had never, at the age of thirteen, undressed herself or operated a shower. And there it was, the opening of my story. Wu remembers arriving in Republic City on the run from the Red Lotus, checking into the hotel, and having no idea whatsoever what to do next. And I thought to myself...What if he isn’t actually stupid? 

And there he was. My Wu. Just like that.

I wrote feverishly for a week, drawn into the story that was sitting in my head, waiting to be told. I didn’t have a Betareader; my wife liked my writing but rather tersely told me that TLOK wasn’t her fandom and she wasn’t interested in reading it, something that hurt me pretty deeply, especially since my X-Files fanfic was how we’d actually connected in the first place. 

(She was, at that time, in the process of slowly dying of heart failure, but I didn’t know that then.)

I wasn’t going to publish it. I just wanted to write it, to see if I still had it together after a seventeen year hiatus. Wuko wasn’t at all a popular ship; after the show finale a couple of months prior all the fanfiction being feverishly written and published was Korrasami. (In fact, I checked AO3 at the time and found exactly two Wuko fanfics, both of which were one-shots and not to my particular taste.) I went back and forth with it and then thought, Fuck it. I’ll just do it. And maybe no one will read it but at least I’ll have done it. I read it through one more time and then, on the thirteenth of February, took a deep breath, told myself to stop being a coward, and posted the entire fic at once. 

I got my first comment, and I was elated. And then I thought to myself, Well, fuck, you may as well write some of the other stuff in your head. You might learn something about yourself as a writer on the way.

Then, a few months later, on the seventeenth of June, my world fell apart. My wife, staying at our summer cottage with our twelve year old twins, died of a heart attack while the kids were off playing and I was here at home, getting ready to travel down the next day on the train to meet them all for the summer. My daughter was the one to find her; she was long past saving at that point. Family friends brought the children, our pets, and our car the two hours back home as I collapsed on the floor of our flat and rocked myself back and forth, wordlessly keening, my hands trembling uncontrollably.

The next year was unspeakable. I was a widow at forty-six; I was living in a foreign country with two disabled children, with no family or friends nearby and an imprecise grasp of the language. My wife had told me she had life insurance; she lied. I was flat broke. My grief was deep and whole and devastating; my children were traumatized and barely functioning. I had no one to help me, and I’d cook meals at midnight so my sleeping children wouldn’t hear me sobbing in the kitchen.

And I wrote.

And I wrote.

And I wrote.

I wrote out of desperation; I had to do something to keep me tethered to this world. I wrote of love and families, of a traumatized child from the street that was my daughter’s age, full of bravado and choked fury. I wrote of an autistic boy growing into a man, bullied and shunned, aching to be free, much like my own. 

I took my children to more therapists. I took myself to a therapist that turned out to be homophobic; I found another one. I made dinners; I cleaned the house, I walked in circles around my living room, whispering over and over to myself, You’re okay you’re okay you’re okay you’re okay, before making another phone call.

And I wrote.

In August of 2018 my daughter attempted suicide and was hospitalized. I was trying to write I Do Not Ask The Night For Explanations and I had to stop. I had severe panic attacks whenever I tried to work on it. I brought her home and I cut my work hours down to four hours a week so that I could be with her at all times; she wasn’t safe to be left alone. I cared for her. I cared for her twin, who was terrified, unable to sleep, afraid that if he wasn’t watching her she’d try it again. I fought until I got them different therapists. I stopped sleeping. My health suffered.

And I wrote. When I could. It was, without any doubt at all, the only thing that was keeping me going during that time. I would tell myself that I had to keep going, that I still had so much of this story in my head, I needed to get it out. Sometimes I would write while sobbing. Sometimes I would sit here at my desk and nothing would come. I just kept going, though.

It’s better now. She missed most of last year of school and is making it up this year and doing so well. Her brother is at a new school and has, for the first time in his life, made friends. I was able, in December, to actually leave them for three days; the first time I had been away from them since we lost their mother. 

They’ll be eighteen this summer and we’re finally able to breathe. We’re moving forward, the three of us. We’re still broken, but we’re making something new out of the pieces instead of trying to put them back together.

My writing is what saved me. It wasn’t about how many hits/comments/kudos I got; I appreciate every single one I get, believe me. But the writing was making me hold myself accountable, making myself get out of bed, get dressed, brush my hair and teeth, sit down and try. Sometimes that was all I could manage; the writing just wasn’t happening. But it gave me a goal when I needed one. And boy, did I need one.

Thank you all for reading. For those of you that have been there since the beginning and those who just started reading now. For those who faded away from the fandom over time or who left because they didn’t like how the story was going; I wish you well and thanks for reading when you did. Thank you for the hits and the kudos and the comments. You may not have known you were helping to save me, but you were. So thank you.

I am not done writing yet. I am not oblivious; I know I am so far in AU territory now that you’re for all intents and purposes reading original fic. That’s okay. It’s the story that was in my head, that is still in my head. Maybe someday I’ll try to publish it and maybe I won’t, and I’m fine with that. I’m not ready at this point to do what’s necessary to take it past fanfic and that’s okay. It has served and is continuing to serve its purpose for me; if you all enjoy it then that’s just biscuits and gravy, as my Great-Aunt Margie used to say.

I wrote us all a little anniversary ficlet; this takes it full circle for me. (And then back I go to Wu and Qi’s wedding!) 

Mind the warnings at the bottom if you think you need them.

Chapter 132: 252: Wu

[urflowersdied]

cold as ice(d coffee), part two

In which Norah’s super serious, but incredibly soft-looking, café-owning boss Harry might be warming up to her and she is trying desperately to hold onto her sanity.

Read Part One here!

A/N: I am aware that it’s been so long since I posted the first part and that I’ve absolutely failed at my attempt to pull through with my first series, but finally the second part is here. I’ve struggled so much writing this but I’m really looking forward to move onto the third and last part now! Special thanks to my loves @isitjamiemoriarty and @harryfeatgaga. 

Hope you enjoy!

Norah was absolutely baffled. Not because she had gotten an amazing night of sleep in Harry Styles’ guest room - after she stepped into it and saw that it looked just as cozy as the rest of his house she had kind of expected a comfortable night’s sleep. Once Harry had quietly left her to her own devices, Norah had set her alarm clock for a different time than she usually would have, keeping in mind that it would take her some extra time to get to her classes due to public transport. Not long after she forced her eyes shut and after getting over the initial iffy feeling of resting under her boss’ roof she ascended into the weird realm of dreams.

But when her alarm blared and Norah awoke to the particular smell of french toast, she felt a little (or rather, quite a lot) confused. On one hand, she hadn’t expected Harry Styles to even be awake at this time of day - it was around 6:30 am -, given that he was basically his own boss and had earned himself the right to wake up at whatever time he fancied. Then again, Norah figured it might be a little unsettling housing a guest that you don’t really know at all. So the fact that he was actually awake quickly started to make sense to her.

What Norah couldn’t wrap her head around, though, was that he seemed to be cooking. Actually cooking breakfast. And she didn’t want to assume anything, but she was also fairly certain that Harry Styles was preparing breakfast…. for her. That realisation alone made her a little panicky. She really hadn’t expected any interaction with him at all, much less a shared meal that was no doubt going to turn out more awkward as opposed to enjoyable.

Once Norah actually gained enough courage to leave the confines of the guest bedroom she entered the kitchen, just to catch a glimpse of her actual boss - she still couldn’t believe whose house she found herself in -, already adorned in his usual soft sweater and trousers combo. The still-wet strands of his hair did not help the weird, unidentifiable feeling rising in Norah’s stomach at the sight of Harry whizzing around his kitchen. Not knowing how else to signal her presence, she cleared her throat, although she quickly figured that he must have heard her footsteps descending his wooden stairs only a handful of moments previously.

“G’morning. Sleep well?”

As hard as Harry tried to sound nonchalant, Norah saw right through his shaky-at-best facade. He was experiencing the same thing as her in that moment: a horrifying degree of awkwardness and uneasiness. Nothing between the two of them was easy or comfortable - especially not after his little fit in the café kitchen a while ago. He had apologised and she had accepted his exclamation, but forgetting about the incident was a task Norah had not yet completed. But in order for  this encounter to go over a little more smoothly, she wouldn’t necessarily mind pretending.

“I actually did, thank you once again for… letting me crash.” Nora took a few tentative steps forward and rested against one of the unoccupied counters in the kitchen. Not knowing what else to do with them, she decided to cross her arms in front of her torso. Nonchalance didn’t seem to be her strong suit either, at the moment.

“It’s alright… You hungry?”

About a minute later the two of them sat across from each other at Harry’s small dining table, quietly munching away at the plates of french toast he had prepared for them. Norah wasn’t really sure how to instigate any kind of small talk. The silence just stretched over their figures, dangerously close to actually nestling and finding a home for itself.

And then Harry spoke up, dispersing the cold, heavy feeling of silence with his utterance of a few words. In between some mouthfuls of breakfast foods, he addresses her. “Actually been thinking of adding this recipe to the menu at the café… What d’ya think?”

Norah was grateful for his conversation starter. She took her next few bites with more consideration, trying to actually discern the flavours and textures. His meal tasted good, no doubt about it, but she couldn’t help feeling a little unenthusiastic about the recipe. “It’s really good! Just… maybe… I guess you could try adding some different flavours? Standard french toast is nice, for sure, but… everyone’s got it, don’t they? I really like making them with eggnog for example. Those actually delicious.”

The only reaction Harry provided her with was a small shrug of his broad shoulders, before he let silence simmer once again and went back to finishing his plate. Norah wasn’t really sure what to do with that lack of response. The only thing she was fairly sure of at the moment was that she somehow couldn’t really wait to step onto the train and complete this little side-adventure her life had programmed for her.

The days passed by and everything in Norah’s life seemingly returned back to normal. Her interactions with Harry returned to a seemingly non-existent amount after he dropped her off at the station once they had completed munching on breakfast. She even managed to catch all her trains on time - although this had probably something to do with the new scheduling system, in which she never had to work a closing shift in complete solitude.

Midway through the month of April Harry had informed his employees that he was planning a little renovation for The Brewing Pot. In the team meeting he had described it as “nothing big, just a fresh layer of paint and maybe some new furniture. We’ll also do a little rearranging of the book section and see which ones are left over that we’d like to donate.” Norah was thrilled by the prospect of giving the space a fresh look. There was something about interior design and decorating that soothed her soul immensely. The idea of giving the little shop a makeover just in time for summer brightened her mood immensely.

All of the possibilities of how to transform the space currently swirled through her thoughts, much to the dismay of Adam. “Earth to Norah. Earth to Norah!” A little disoriented, her gaze finally focused on his exasperated facial expression. This was her break for goodness sake, why did he feel the need to pull her out of daydreams involving paints and carpets and plants and…

“Can you taste this please? Harry wants to switch the menu up as part of the renovation and I’m trying to get this recipe down. The last few times I tried it Margot said it sucked and I’m scared he’ll fire me if I can’t figure this shit out.” With those words, Adam slid a plate right under Norah’s nose and if he thought this would be a successful attempt at rousing her from any mind excursions than he was sorely mistaken.

Because now Norah stared down upon Adam’s version of a perfectly decorated french toast and if her thoughts weren’t running overtime before then they surely were now. She had not mentioned her little sleepover at her boss’ house to anymore, least of all Adam. Quite frankly, Norah was a little nervous this information would have set the rumour mill in motion and that Harry’s annoyance with her would’ve returned. She was in no place to lose her employment, especially because she finally started to feel familiar with the store and her colleagues.

So even though she had not been able to completely suppress the little fantasies that crept into her mind on certain extremely lonely nights - because, let’s face it: witnessing Harry Styles stood in his kitchen, wet strands of hair dangling in front of his face and looking incredibly soft and sleepy, yet still sternly serious, was not an easy memory to keep at bay -, Norah had kept all the details to herself. This led her to sometimes feel a little delirious, debating the possibility of the whole encounter being a fever dream, a figment of her imagination, something that had never actually occurred.

Yet, the deliciously sweet-smelling breakfast food that now graced the counter of The Brewing Pot’s deserted kitchen (Adam and Norah had decided to arrive a little bit earlier so they would be able to squeeze in a little gossip session before opening) was a gut-wrenching reminder that Norah hadn’t imagined anything at all. Harry had, indeed, been debating over adding french toast to the menu of his café, and he had asked her for advice. She wasn’t exactly sure what that meant, but it sparked a little emergence of warmth in the belly.

To not agitate her friend any further, Norah took hold of the fork that rested next to the plate and shoved a mouthful between her lips. She knew Harry’s recipe already, seeing as he had made it for her himself, but she tried to put on a good show for Adam. Initially slowly chewing and trying to figure out if Adam had done a good enough job on his attempt, Norah quickly grasped at straws to remain nonchalant.

“I’ve actually never made french toast like this, but I think it’s quite interesting isn’t it?” Adam continued going on a rampage about his thoughts on the recipe, explaining to her which ingredients he usually added and how many times a week he actually makes it. But Norah could not bring herself to intently listen to him, rather taking a few more bites of the dish and trying to find her voice.

Luckily, she didn’t need to keep the facade up for much longer as her phone alarm notified her that it was time to open the doors of The Brewing Pot. Adam grabbed the nearly empty plate, searching Norah’s face for any kind of indication of what she thought of his cooking skills. She stood upright and managed to look him straight in the eyes. “I think you did a wonderful job. It tastes great!”

Then, with a small smile gracing her lips and a certain flavour profile resting on her tastebuds, Norah got to work.

Preparations for the renovations were in full swing, with The Brewing Pot being open for its last week before the doors would be closed for two weeks. Norah was looking forward to the breath of fresh air, not only through giving the new look the café would experience but maybe even more through the process of actually renovating the space.

Norah and Adam had offered their services for the paint job that needed to be done and were both excited to ruin some old clothes in the process. Harry had chosen a lovely cream colour in order to get rid of the darker tones currently tracing the walls of the café, which she believed would do the trick in creating a more friendly atmosphere quite nicely.

In the lead up to the renovation, Harry had been a more present boss than before. He’d tried to figure out what the customers and employees cherished about the place as well as which parts could be improved upon. He had even placed a jar on the counter, urging anyone present to recommend some tunes which would create a more comfortable ambience. And Norah would not be Norah had she not made use of this opportunity, filling out multiple little slips of paper with some of her favourite songs which she believed would please workers and clientele alike.

Her recommendations included a range of songs by Paul Simon, Talking Heads, Joni Mitchell and Carole King. Norah figured that oldies would suit the place quite nicely - she could far too easily imagine her boss perusing the four walls of his own store, lightly bopping his head to the rhythms, watering the abundance of flowers present and checking up on the stock of the bookshelves. Needless to say, her little daydreams had not subsided.

It seemed as though Norah’s fantasies weren’t far from reality, though. After completing her temporary last shift, she lingered around the employee break room for a little while longer, trying to pass the time before her train journey. She hadn’t expected anyone to enter the room, seeing as all other present colleagues were in the middle of their shifts. When the door flung open a little bit too suddenly, she couldn’t help but jump out of her skin a little bit.

Norah had not experienced another one-on-one interaction with Harry in the past weeks, nor had she really aimed for it. Sure, he hadn’t really left her mind, but the awkwardness that being around him brought to daylight was enough for her to distance herself if it proved to be necessary. And based on the expression portrayed on his face, Harry had not expected a run-in with this exact employee either.

“Sorry for… bursting in. I was actually looking for Karen but I guess she’s… not in here. Sorry.”

And Norah believe that was that. The encounter was over, she would have magically been spared another memorable encounter - even if those seemed to be exactly that for all of the wrong reasons. She didn’t even try to come up with a way to reply to his flow of words. To her, this interaction seemed completed.

Yet, Harry must not have reciprocated that feeling, because before his figure distanced itself through the doorway it had emerged from, he left her with some parting words. “‘I Feel The Earth Move’... Nice choice. One of my personal favourites. Maybe I’ll put you in charge of the music from now on, seems like you know your way around a playlist.”

It took Norah a few moments to gather her wits before exiting The Brewing Pot and beginning her commute home. Truthfully, her thoughts were all over the place once more. Recently she felt as though she had entered some form of alternate reality. A warped version of the day-to-day routine she had become accustomed to.  

On the surface nothing had really changed. She put a lot of work into all domains of her life; academic, professional and social. But she could not, by any means, successfully analyse Harry’s behaviour towards her, which proved to create a little tornado of chaos in her mind and soul. She had been attracted to him on a purely physical level ever since her job interview - there was no way to deny this blatantly obvious fact - but his distant attitude and ghost-like presence had been incredibly helpful to not get caught up in the fantasy world which crushes could create.

But she couldn’t help noticing Harry’s behavioural shift which had recently occured. It was subtle, sure, yet Norah was unable to deny that a wind of change had swept through their relationship - however it could be defined. Harry tried his hardest to make an effort to reverse the damage his outburst had caused, in his own special way. And while trying to avoid a headache leaning her head against the vibrating train window, Norah figured that her hardest task to date would not consist out of juggling university, job and the few friends she had managed to accumulate in her circle.

Rather, she would need to place all her energy into keeping feelings, which were simmering on low heat in her belly, from overflowing and spilling out into all crevices of her being.

The task she had set for herself seemed ridiculously harder to fulfill as time went on, much to Norah’s dismay. During the renovation period of The Brewing Pot Harry had not exactly helped matters. He offered her a handful of tentative smiles, gave her control over the music as promised, and even complimented her and Adam’s painting skills.

A week along, here she found herself; at the re-opening celebration, tending to the drinks station and marvelling at the amount of people that had actually showed up. She didn’t really know anyone apart from a few regulars that had visited the café during her shifts, but it seemed as though all her colleagues were much too preoccupied chatting away with a variety of different folk rather than completing their tasks.

The only figure her eyes could not distinguish in the weavings of the crowd was Harry’s. Him not being present and socialising during this special occasion seemed incredibly odd. But there was not enough time to dwell on his whereabouts, seeing as all the glasses available to her had run out and Adam - who was supposed to take care of all possible dishwashing needs for the evening - was stood in the corner seemingly trying to entertain his girlfriend. This situation forced Norah to abandon her station, grasp as many of the abandoned glasses she could locate and quickly duck into the kitchen.

Her goal to enter and exit as quickly as possible vanished the second Norah laid eyes on Harry’s back. And for only the second time since she’s known him, he seemed all but calm and collected. Yet, she had never seen him like this. She deeply wished Harry would be rude to her again. That he would get a little angry for no apparent reason at all and put her in her place. Because, quite frankly, seeing Harry visibly upset - his shaking frame was enough indication - made her lose the little grasp on reality that she would previously have claimed to possess.

She wanted so badly to do… anything. To speak up and ask what had bothered him to this extent, but her voice had been left in the main room of The Brewing Pot. Norah felt incredibly vulnerable, and she wasn’t sure how that was even possible when she had her gaze fixed on someone who was clearly in worse shape than her. So, of course, because it was just her luck, the building sweat on the palm of her hands caused two glasses to slip out of her grasp and shatter on the floor. “Shit. Fuck. Shit. Sorry. I’m.. so sorry. Fuck!”

With his wide eyes, dishevelled hair, trembling statue and blanched skin, Harry looked like he’d seen a ghost. Norah’s surprise entrance definitely had not helped matters to calm his frenzied mind down in the slightest. She wasn’t really sure how to proceed. There was absolutely no need to ask the standard question of ‘are you alright?’ because a denial from him was clear as day, even without any utterance of words. Deciding to take things step by step, Norah gingerly placed the remaining classes on the nearest counter and rushed back towards the entrance door to the kitchen. And then she locked it.

Even though he probably did not yearn for any company at this point in time, she figured that making sure nobody else barging in was a necessary step of damage control. She had already seen him, there was no need to deny that she hadn’t. Grabbing the little dustpan and brush set out of a cupboard, she cleaned up the mess she had created mere seconds ago and finally dared to look towards her worse-for-wear-looking boss again.

Without saying a word - she had a feeling Harry wasn’t really in a conversational mood anyway - Norah started her dishwashing task. Apparently someone had done at least part of their job for the evening, because she had an array of dirty glasses to clean. After she nearly burnt a layer of skin off her hands, she adjusted the temperature and attempted to skin her hands into the soapy water for a second time, just to hiss once more and .

As Harry gently pushed her to the side and wordlessly demoted her to the drying portion of dishwashing, she couldn’t help but feel elated. If he was still able to assume his role of neurotic boss, then all hope wasn’t lost. And if his following quietly muttered exclamation was anything to go by, then maybe staying around to offer Harry some company was not as bad of an idea as Norah had suspected.

“It’s… someone I used to go out with. I didn’t invite him but I guess that wasn’t enough of a hint. Do you... remember that wedding a while ago? Y’know, when… When I behaved like a total prick to you?”

Of course she did. Norah wasn’t sure she would ever be able to completely forget how she just aimed at making light conversation with her boss during the preparation of a wedding-sized order of cupcakes. But whereas she previously struggled to at least fully forgive, there was now no doubt in her mind that she understood his outburst that day more than she ever thought possible. Not really wanting to disturb his well-needed moment of release, Norah simply hummed and tried way too hard to keep her focus on the dish towel in her hand.

“I’m not really gonna… go into it or anything. It’s personal, you know? But… The things is, I don’t even know why I reacted like this. The relationship ended so long ago. I went to their freaking wedding. But then he shows up here with his wife and I get all freaked out and have to hide in the kitchen like a loser.” Harry swallowed harshly.

She believed him. There was no need not to. She could feel how frustrated he was that there was no rational explanation for his reaction. The man who cherished sanity found it impossible to wrap his head around the confusing and disorienting feelings of a love lost. Even when that love had fizzled out a long while back. But, as a self-proclaimed romantic, Norah wasn’t surprised.

“Listen, I’m not going to pretend like I can… fully understand what you’re going through, right? I really don’t know what it must feel like. And you might not even be interested to hear my take on this. Nonetheless, I think your reaction isn’t crazy. I might even call it absolutely normal.” Harry did not make any attempt to disrupt her flow of words, so Norah continued, growing a little more fervent in her proclamation. “It must just be weird, seeing someone who was a close part of your life now sharing someone else’s, even if you’re not into that person anymore. But it seems as though you were just… genuinely surprised. You’re not a loser, you simply weren’t... prepared for the situation.”

For a while, the kitchen of The Brewing Pot filled with silence. Yet, unlike the encounter the two of them had shared in the kitchen of his house, the situation was anything but awkward. Harry seemed pensive, appreciative even, of the few words of support she had offered him. Both of them seemed to be aware that this interaction marked a shift in their relationship, and neither of them would object.

“Thank you Norah.”

Stood side by side, the two of them continued cleaning up the filthy glasses. All the while, Norah couldn’t help but face the damning realisation that if the warm feeling coursing through her whole body was anything to go by, she was absolutely, utterly fucked.

[watchmegetobsessed]

Crush // Shawn Mendes mini-series part 1

okay so wow ummmm i started writing this sometime before christmas so it’s set at that time, idk i just had this idea about this story and went for it. it’s not gonna be long, not like a million parts, probably maximum five, im writing the very end of it now so i thought i would start posting it and im also trying to makeup for not bringing a new boundaries chapter lol but that’s also coming i swear!!! anyway, enjoy this short story of mine, i hope you’ll like it!!

masterlist

Christmas is always the same for me. I come home a few days before, spend most of my time on the couch watching reruns on my favorite series, I watch my younger brother, Eric come in and out of the house as he keeps meeting up with his friends, being a popular kid. I eat basically everything I can find in the kitchen and just… forget about the world. Then we have family dinner at our place with all my uncles, aunts and cousins, the house turns into a chaos for one evening and then being so selfless I help Mom clean the mess up in the morning while Dad is sleeping his hangover off, because as a host, he must have a drink with every guest. Then we watch Home Alone together and boom, Christmas is already over.

This year, I expect everything to be the same when I throw my suitcases in my old Honda Civic and head home for the holidays.

“Charlie, your family literally lives forty minutes from here, but you pack like you can’t come back if you forget something.”

I roll my eyes at Maddi’s comment. Looking up at her I just stick my tongue out as I close the trunk of my car. She is shivering, because she didn’t bother to put on her coat to help me bring my stuff down. Her long brown hair is all over her shoulders, and she has some mascara on her cheeks, probably from last night. She never cares what she looks like at home and that’s the kind of people I like to surround myself with. I’m always a hot mess at home and I just don’t get those who try to look fine when at home.

“Have fun at your sister’s,” I tell her hugging goodbye. She is leaving to New York tomorrow morning to spend the holidays at her sister who just got married this year and insisted on having their family gathering in their place this year.

“They’ll have booze, so I’m fine,” she scoffs. She is not always this grumpy, she is just not in the mood to fly to NYC on one of the busiest days of the year.

“Alright, see ya next year!” I wink at her getting into the car. She steps aside and waves for me as I leave the small parking lot of our apartment complex.

I sing along with Adam Levine while listening to some Maroon 5 on my way to the house where I grew up. I moved out after high school. Not because I hated living with my family, but I felt like this is a step I should be taking at that age. The start was rocky, I had my ups and downs, but all in all I didn’t regret it. I met Maddi, she moved to Toronto from Ottawa and was looking for someone to share a flat with. I was hesitant to live with a stranger, but we soon became best friends and I was eager to have new people in my life after my graduation. This is how we ended up together.

My heart warms as I turn into our old street. I loved living here, I have a lot of good memories from my childhood and I’m thankful I don’t have anything to complain about regarding my younger years.

I park next to my mom’s car and when I get out I see the curtains move in the window of the living room. A moment later the door opens and my dad walks out holding his arms out for me.

“Chipmunk! Hi!” he greets me with a wide smile and I basically get lost in his arms. He is so much taller than me, I look like an elf next to him. I inherited my mom’s height so I stopped at 5’6, have been that tall since I was sixteen. My brother, on the other hand, the little devil is 6’2 at fifteen, turning sixteen soon. Life is unfair, I could be a model with legs to live for if only my DNA took more from my dad.

“Hi Dad. You smell like cookies,” I chuckle. Letting go we both go to the trunk to get my stuff from the car.

“Because your mother is trying to turn the house into a gingerbread house,” he sighs grabbing both of my suitcases and we head inside.

“Why? She hates gingerbread.”

“Because your brother has his girlfriend over and she is trying to make everything so festive,” he says rolling his eyes as we finally get inside. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion.

“Girlfriend? Since when does Eric has a girlfriend?” I gasp feeling pretty much left out. No one told me Eric is dating a girl, but they keep updating me about the tiniest stuff in the group chat, like how a cat crossed the backyard last week. Who cares! I want to hear the tea about Eric’s love life!

“About three months. She is nice though, but your mother goes crazy every time she is over.”

“Three months? I’m offended, dad.”

“I thought he already told you!” he defends himself setting my stuff down.

“Charlie!” My mom comes barging out of the kitchen in the apron she got for Christmas a few years ago. Embracing me in a tight hug she kisses my forehead. “Are you hungry? We have some leftover carbonara, but I haven’t started making dinner yet. I’ve been cooking all day.”

“I heard you are into gingerbread lately.”

“Yeah, you want some? It turned out pretty good,” she smiles at me tugging her short blonde bob behind her ears. Her blue eyes are shining like a diamond, she is always so happy to have me home. It was a bit hard on her, watching her first kid leave the house, Eric said she kept checking in on him in the night the first month after I left. She got used to it by now, but she is always treating my arrival as a celebration, though I come home pretty often, namely to every birthdays, their anniversary, Easter, Christmas and a whole month in the summer, but I guess it’s not enough for her.

“Eric! Charlie is here!” she shouts upstairs for my brother. “So, hungry?” she asks again.

“Yeah, I could eat.”

We all move into the kitchen as my mom warms up a plate of pasta, Dad tests the gingerbread and I assume he doesn’t taste anything for the first three times, because he keeps eating it.

“How is Maddi? Is she going home for the holidays?” Mom asks handing me the food and getting back to decorating the rest of the gingerbreads.

“She is going to New York to her sister, Lara.”

“The one that got married this summer?” she asks.

“Mhm,” I hum with my mouth full.

I hear footsteps on the stairs and I quickly swallow the pasta, not wanting to look like a chipmunk when I meet Eric’s girlfriend for the first time. Take a guess why my dad calls me Chipmunk, I’m a full-face eater.

“Chipmunk!” Eric laughs walking into the kitchen. I roll my eyes at him.

“Shut up,” I spat. Standing up we exchange a quick side hug, this is the most we ever do. The moment I let go of him I see a girl walk in behind him.

She has long brown hair parted on the side, she is almost taller than me, the nice knitted turtleneck dress she is wearing was a great choice, it allows Eric to gape at her figure, but the turtleneck makes it more conservative for my parents. Smart girl.

“Charlie, this is my girlfriend, Aaliyah. Aaliyah, this is my sister, Charlotte.”

I hop off the stool and hold out a hand for her that she takes with a smile.

“Hi, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Oh really? I hope you didn’t believe everything this dummie told you,” I scoff looking at Eric.

“Don’t worry, from what he told me about you he is obsessed with you,” she winks at me making Eric’s eyes go wide.

“What? No I’m not!”

Aaliyah steps closer to him hugging his waist with a bright smile on her face.

“Oh, don’t be shy, on our first date you mentioned her a million times. It’s okay, baby,” she giggles to herself making me instantly love her. Roasting Eric together can be our thing!

“Eric, it’s okay to love your sister to death,” I chime in enjoying the situation more than I should be, probably.

“Aaliyah, are you staying for dinner?” Mom asks smiling at her and offering her some gingerbread. She shakes her head no but takes a cookie.

“No, my brother is also coming home tonight, so I have to go home. But thank you.”

“Oh, okay.” I can tell she is disappointed that she has to go. I guess Mom loves Aaliyah, and from what I saw I can’t blame her. In fact, she might be too good for Eric!

We all stay in the kitchen while I finish my late lunch. I chat with Aaliyah finding out that she and Eric go to the same school, the school I also attended, and that she and Eric have math together. Aaliyah tutored Eric for one of the tests that ended up with him asking her out and the rest is history. She is very nice, well-mannered and pretty mature, that’s why I don’t know how well it all sits with my immature, ass little brother’s persona. Okay, I might exaggerate, he can be fine. Sometimes.

“I’m really sorry, but I have to head home now. But that you for everything, Mrs. Parker and see you on Tuesday, right?” Aaliyah nicely says standing up from the table.

“What is on Tuesday?” I ask.

“Oh, I forgot to mention, we are having dinner at Aaliyah’s with her family, is that alright, Chipmunk?” Mom caresses my cheek and I just shrug. Not that I have any special plans for the holidays.

“I thought we are having the usual family dinner.”

“Oh no.” Mom shakes her head. “We are skipping that this year. Aunt Mary and Lance are in Switzerland, your cousins Harry and Donald are too occupied with their studies, or that’s what they say. And then…”

“Okay, I get it. Everyone I busy,” I cut her off chuckling. “Then, dinner sounds good. Hey, Aaliyah, do you need a ride home?” I offer, but she shakes her head no putting her coat on with Eric right behind her.

“No, it’s good, I live two streets down, Eric will walk me home.”

My brother nods approvingly putting his own coat on. Wow, he is whipped! Good job, Aaliyah!

“It was nice meeting you!” I smile at her.

“You too, Charlotte!” She waves goodbye, and they leave.

   This year’s Christmas is starting off just the same. I watch Brooklyn 99 during the day, work on a paper that is due to after the holidays and just casually hang out with my parents and Eric. The only thing that is different that Eric always has his phone in his hands, texting Aaliyah non-stop.

On the 25th I help Mom make come cookies that we can bring over for our dinner invitation, and she asks me about my love life, as per usual.

“So, have you been on any dates lately?”

I can’t help but roll my eyes as I hand her over the milk.

“Not really,” I admit sighing. Not because I’m sad I haven’t, but because I’m tired of these questions. I’m twenty, I still have time, it’s not like I’m supposed to get married anytime soon.

“I really wish Dylan didn’t turn into an ass.” She shakes her head and I scoff.

“He didn’t just turn into one, he was always one, he was just good at fooling people.”

Dylan Sanders, aka my only ex-boyfriend. I dated him from the age of fifteen until I almost turned eighteen. It’s a long time, and I’m kinda ashamed it took me so long to realize how big of an ass he really is. The pink clouds made me blind, but fortunately, it cleared up at one point and I successfully ended our toxic relationship. Too bad this point was after I ruined all my friendships because of him and ended up on my own when we ended things. This is one of the reasons I was excited to start a new life at the university, make new friends and just stop being Dylan Sanders’ girlfriend.

“Hey, maybe Aaliyah’s brother is nice. How amazing it would be if you dated him!”

Seeing her dreamy eyes I start laughing.

“Mom! I haven’t even met him, but I know you are already planning our marriage. Stop it, please.”

“Aaliyah is pretty great, I’m sure her brother is alike her.”

“Whatever, just please don’t make it awkward,” I plea. She just waves in dismiss.

 I talk to Maddi right before it’s time to leave. I’m finishing up my makeup as the phone is laying in front of me with her on speaker.

“I’m serious. Nothing is more embarrassing than being the drunkest at a family gathering,” she moans painfully.

“Maybe you learnt your lesson now,” I chuckle fixing my mascara.

“Not really. Chapter 2 comes tonight, my cousins are arriving and they are hardcore drinkers.” She sighs tiredly. “Whatever. So, dinner tonight at Eric’s girlfriend’s? How is she?”

“She is cute. Almost too good for my stinky brother, but they look cute, it’s like a puppy love.”

“Aw, that’s the best! Well, I’m interested in the details so text me when you get home.”

“Will do.”

“Charlie! We are leaving!” I hear mom shouting from downstairs.

“Gotta go, talk to you later,” I quickly say before ending the call.

I stand up and check myself one last time in the mirror. I chose to wear a mustard colored knitted jumper with a pair of black jeans and silver hoops in my ears. I grab my phone from the table and join my family downstairs.

Aaliyah really lives close to us, we don’t take the car, just walk and we arrive in about ten minutes. It’s a nice two story house, kinda typical around here.

“Please don’t embarrass me, okay?” Eric asks us right before ringing the doorbell. The kid is too in love.

Aaliyah opens the door for us in a nice nude dress and she kisses Eric on the lips shortly before we all walk in.

“Mom!” She shouts while we are taking our coats and shoes off and a blonde woman appears soon in the hallway.

“Hi! So good to have you here!” She greets us with a wide smile. “I’m Karen, and this is Manny, my husband,” she introduces herself and the man who joins us in a moment.

“I’m Evelyn, this is George and Charlotte, Eric’s sister,” Mom introduces us and we all shake hands.

As we walk into the living room where there are wineglasses waiting for us I remember that Aaliyah has a brother. Just when I realize this I hear another male voice behind me.

“Oh, and this is our son, Aaliyah’s brother,” Karen gestures towards the door and I turn around just to have my jaw drop to the floor. “Shawn.”

Shawn Mendes is standing there, shaking hands with my parents and Eric and when his eyes find me he is just as shocked as me.

“Um, hi. I-I assume we already know each other,” he mumbles stepping closer and I shake his hand very shortly. I can’t believe he is Aaliyah’s brother, how did I not see the resemblance?

“Yeah. Hi,” I say nervously and Karen gives us a confused look.

“How do you guys know each other?”

“We-“ I start, but Shawn cuts me off.

“Mom, you remember my friend, Dylan from high school? Um, Charlotte dated him for a few years,” he says uncomfortably and I feel the same.

Shawn and Dylan were best buds when we started dating. They hung out all the time and I was trying my best to be on good terms with him as well. I wanted to be friends with Dylan’s friends so badly, but Shawn… He always seemed to hate me. No matter how friendly I tried to be he was always pretty rigid and weird with me, often avoiding to be in the same room as me and he also had a few quite hurtful comments that I tried to shake off for the sake of my relationship. Oh, and the worst was when he made an attempt to break us up telling Dylan lies about me.  Thinking back at it now I wish he succeed, but it was still an asshole move from him, working so against me all that time, I wish I stood up for myself, but I was so into Dylan I was willing to put up with everything, even a mean best friend.

I haven’t seen him since about, tenth grade, when he became a private student to purchase his dreams and become a singer. Dylan kept in touch with him for a while, but I think they eventually stopped talking at one point.

“For two and a half years, to be exact,” I add bitterly.

“Oh! Wait, you are…” Karen starts, but Shawn gives her an unreadable look and she quickly gets quiet. “Never mind.” I raise my eyebrows seeing the scene, it’s quite odd. What did she want to tell me about? Did Dylan tell her stuff about me when he was still friends with Shawn?

I keep thinking about it as we have a nice glass of wine and move over into the dining room where the table is already set. The two families take place around the oval shaped dining table, I have my mom on my right and Eric on my left and I’m so lucky to have Shawn right across me, staring at me, making me quite anxious.

This is too uncomfortable, I think to myself. I try my best to ignore his gaze on me, and I mostly focus on Karen and Manny. They are extremely nice though. The dinner is amazing, the parents seem to hit it off immediately finding all the common things. Aaliyah and Eric seem to be satisfied, while I just sit there, ignoring Shawn’s eyes on me.

“And Shawn, which university are you studying at?” Mom asks making Eric laugh and she gives him a confused look. “What?”

“Mom, Shawn is…” Eric starts, but I cut him off before I could even stop myself from talking.

“He is a singer, Mom.”

“A singer? Like, a famous one?”

“He was voted as one of the most influential people this year,” Eric informs her and her eyes go wide. In the meanwhile, Shawn is just sitting there with a shy smile on his face.

“I’m sorry, I’m not really good with these stuff.”

“It’s fine. But, yeah. I don’t go to school. What about you, Charlotte?”

I can’t help but cringe how he calls me Charlotte, again. He did this in the past even though I hated being called Charlotte. I had this obsession to be a tomboy and though Charlie sounds better with my image. Now I don’t mind it, but still, most people call me Charlie, and he knows it, I think.

“I- Um… I’m a student at the University of Toronto. I study literature.”

“Oh, that sounds lovely! How much do you have left?” Manny asks clearly interested in my education.

“One year.”

“And what are you planning after?” Shawn suddenly asks and I’m surprised he is interested in anything in connection with me.

“Um… I don’t know just yet,” I mumble feeling nervous in the center of attention.

“Don’t be silly, Charlie!” Mom starts rolling her eyes. “Charlie is already working on a project for a book publisher. They are working on a book especially for sick children that has stories with characters with illnesses or disabilities.”

“That sounds amazing!” Karen cheers looking at me proudly and I can feel myself blushing.

“So you are still very generous,” Shawn comments and I look up at him with furrowed eyebrows.

“Still?” He shakes his head clearing his throat as if he just realized what he said.

“Um, yeah. Dylan used to tell me how much you volunteered and stuff…” he mumbles with his eyes fixed on his plate.

Oh, so he and Dylan talked about me and he still remembers it? That’s quite surprising, I thought he forgot about me as soon as he set his foot outside of Toronto. He never seemed to be interested in anything about me.

After dessert the table breaks up. Karen and my mom starts bringing the tables back to the kitchen, Manny and Dad move to the living room and Shawn disappears somewhere. Aaliyah is helping in the kitchen while Eric is just about to join the dad section, but I pull him to the side in the hallway.

“Why didn’t you tell me Aaliyah’s brother is Shawn Mendes?” I hiss at him, but he just gives me a puzzled look.

“Why do you care? I thought you are not a fan of these celebrities.”

I roll my eyes at him.

“Yeah, but a heads up would have been good, and if you told me who he is, I would have gotten ready to meet him. We weren’t really the best of buds in school.”

“Okay, and how would have I known? I was eleven when you and Dylan got together, even if you told me about Shawn, I wouldn’t remember it for my life. And besides, what is your problem with him? He is cool and nice.”

“Now he is, but he was an ass when I was dating Dylan.”

“Okay, well… that’s the past. Get yourself over it.”

He pats my shoulder before walking away. I growl in annoyance, because he is right, he couldn’t have known my past with Shawn. I don’t think I shared anything with him back then, it was way before our relationship matured and could actually talk without getting into a fight on the floor. All siblings need time to get over this phase. Ours ended sometime right before I moved out.

I rub my face to pull myself together and turning around I’m about to go after Eric and join the conversation in the living room, but then Shawn appears on the stairs and I stop.

“Hey,” he quietly says and I nod at him awkwardly. I have no idea how to deal with this situation. “So… I know, it’s awkward after all these years.”

“Yeah, it is,” I chuckle with a grimace.

“Are you… How are you and Dylan these days?”

“I have no idea how he is. After we broke up in senior year I saw him once. Two years ago at McDonald’s with some blonde chick.”

“Why did you two break up?” he asks it nosily. I find it pretty weird to stand here, at the Mendes house’s hallway with Shawn Mendes and talk about my breakup with my high school sweetheart.

“Um… He cheated on me with Kristi Burgess.”

“Ouch,” he frowns. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” I shrug. “I cried for about a month, but I guess I’m over it now,” I say jokingly and he also cracks a smile.

There is a short silence that is rather awkward, I don’t know if I should say something, or just walk away, but he is the first one to speak up.

“Listen. I know I was quite the asshole back in high school and I’m sorry for that. I’ve matured, I changed and I thought that maybe… we could start over. I haven’t talked to Dylan in years either and I was acting like a douche because I thought it was impressing him. I was so stupid.”

I can relate to that. Dylan had this power over people, he could make them want to satisfy him and make him impressed, but it’s all bullshit.

“This sounds great. Let’s forget about everything in connection with Dylan,” I offer and he smiles at me nodding.

“Deal. Well, it’s nice to see you again, Charlotte.”

“Okay, as a starter, you could finally call me Charlie,” I tell him chuckling.

“Yeah. Sorry, I guess I’m used to calling you Charlotte,” he apologizes. “Charlie, why don’t we join our families for another drink maybe?”

“Sounds like a plan,” I nod and I follow him into the living room.

[sofreakinmanyfandoms]

November 16 - Best Birthday Ever

So, in case you couldn’t tell, I'm rather behind at the moment. I got hit with both a working weekend and a major depressive episode at the same time. Whee.

That said, I am catching up, and I should get two or three stories posted daily until I'm all caught up. (Because I'm honest with myself and know I can't get all four I'm currently down by done in one day.) I'm hoping to have the next one up in an hour or so.

Enjoy some fluff! I set it in summer just because I wanted to do his birthday.

Word count: 1802

Warnings: Fluff, strongly implied sexual activity

Pairing: Steve Rogers X Reader

You woke up slowly, enjoying the warmth of the sun coming through the window but facing away from it so it wasn’t in your eyes. Your husband’s face was pressed against the back of your head and his arms held you tightly, pulling your back flush with his chest. Each time he exhaled his breath lightly tickled your neck, and the depth of them let you know he was still asleep.

You attempted to get up without waking him, but when you were almost out of his grasp, he shifted and pulled you back against him. Every wiggle resulted in him holding you tighter, until you were sure he was awake and messing with you.

“Good morning, babe,” you chuckled.

“Mmm,” he hummed into the back of your neck, “don’t go. Stay. It’s cold. Tony always turns the air conditioning up too high.”

“Steve,” you futilely pawed at his arms, trying to free yourself, “I need to pee. You’re supposed to meet Sam and Bucky for a run in 20 minutes anyway.”

“Already cancelled it,” Steve said smugly. “I’ve got all day to stay in bed with you.”

“As delightful as that would be, it’s not true because we have the party later, and I still need to pee.”

He released you with a huff. “Come back when you’re done?”

“If you’re awake.” You kissed him on the forehead and slipped off to the restroom.

By the time you made it back out, showered and ready for the day, Steve was fast asleep again, curled around your pillow. You weren’t surprised; he’d gotten back late from a long mission and practically collapsed. His body could use all the sleep it could get.

To avoid waking him, you slipped out into the kitchen and started making breakfast. You’d learned early on in the relationship just how much food it took to feed a super soldier, so you always factored that into your meal planning. Since it was a special day, you took the time to make waffles, adding blueberries and chopped-up strawberries to the batter, just how Steve liked them. Once you had the first waffle going, you started a pan for the sausages and one for the eggs. Anyone who didn’t know you would think you were cooking for twenty people, but you were actually only cooking for four.

(Well, technically five, but no one else knew that yet.)

“Where’s the lazy birthday boy?” Bucky practically shouted as he and Sam busted in through your front door. “He missed our run.”

“He’s still in bed,” you called back, “but feel free to wake him. Breakfast is almost ready.”

Sam joined you in the kitchen while Bucky bolted down the hallway, sounding far too delighted as he headed for the door calling, “Wakey, wakey, Stevie boy! It’s your special day, punk!”

“How do you survive the two of them?” Sam asked you, shaking his head at the brunet soldier’s antics and the loud protests Steve was howling out – something about Bucky being “too old to jump on people while they’re trying to sleep.”

“I have you to pass them off on occasionally,” you teased. “How was your run?”

He shrugged and leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. “Hot and sweaty. About what you’d expect from a run in early July.”

“Steeevvveeee, hurry up! I want breakfast!” Bucky whined, bouncing up and down in the hallway.

“Good grief, Bucky,” Steve mumbled as he exited the bedroom pulling on a shirt. “Have a little patience. I can only move so fast with broken ribs.”

“I didn’t break your ribs, punk. You’re supposed to be tougher than that.”

“Breakfast is ready,” you cut in, turning off the heat for the eggs and sausages. “There will be more waffles coming but I’ve got enough for round one.”

Steve hugged you from behind and planted a kiss to the back of your neck. “It smells wonderful, baby girl. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” You squirmed around so you were facing him and gave him a chaste kiss. “Happy birthday.”

“Yeah, yeah, cute couple stuff, we get it, can we eat now?” Bucky asked.

You laughed as Steve shot his friend a withering glare. “Of course we can, Buck. Everyone dig in.”

From your stake by the waffle iron you watched your husband and his friends. It was light-hearted interaction, lots of teasing and laughing, and their smiles only made yours grow. You could count the number of times you’d seen your husband enjoying himself this much in your year and a half of marriage on your fingers, and you were looking forward to making today the record for how happy you’d seen him.

(Except for maybe your wedding day. It was okay if that day kept first place.)

----------

“I could have gotten this myself, you know,” you teased, leaning around to plant a kiss on your husband’s cheek.

Steve grinned at you, elbows-deep in suds and hot water. “You make breakfast. I do the dishes. It’s our usual deal.”

“But today is not a usual day,” you smirked, hand running down his back to where it could cup his ass and squeeze. “It’s your birthday, and dishes can wait until tomorrow.”

Steve didn’t even rinse his hands before his arms were around you and his face buried in your neck.

----------

Your husbands smile was relaxed and happy as the two of you lay curled up in bed, wrapped each other’s arms. You were using his chest as a pillow as he ran both hands up and down your back in lingering strokes, and the thumb on your hand that was resting on his chest was moving in lazy circles.

“We only have an hour until everyone else shows up,” you observed, making no attempts to get up.

Steve hummed noncommittally, eyes still closed.

“So we should probably get up.”

“Or we could stay here and snuggle for another hour and a half.”

“Yeah, okay, that sounds good,” you agreed, already drifting off to sleep.

----------

Bucky had woken the two of you up fifteen minutes before the party was supposed to start, barging in with his usual lack of respect for the privacy of others. “Come on, sleepyheads, everyone’ll be here soon and they wanna see the birthday boy in more than his birthday suit.”

Now you were on opposite ends of the living room as Steve was surrounded by well-wishers and you kept the snack table stocked. It always amazed you how much your friend group could eat. Between the two super soldiers and the god of thunder, you were surprised even Tony could afford to keep the kitchen stocked.

Speaking of the billionaire, he sauntered into the kitchen as you were pulling another batch of cookies off their baking sheet and threw an arm around your shoulders.

“Mrs. Rogers,” he said, sneaking a cookie from the cooling rack, “you have once again outdone yourself. How on earth are you keeping up with the number of cookies this group eats?”

“I bought the dough,” you admitted with a laugh. “No way am I ever again mixing up as much cookie dough as it takes to feed you lot.”

Tony winced at the memory of the first party you’d thrown after moving in. “Yeah, that was rough. Clint enjoyed helping, though.”

“Clint ate half the dough before it could turn into cookies.”

“So that’s why he was so sick after,” Tony laughed. “Well, if you need a break at any point, there are plenty of bags of chips and tubs of dip to keep everyone happy without having warm cookies as well. Don’t work yourself too hard.”

“I appreciate your concern,” you said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “This is the last batch. There’s more dough if anyone else wants to bake more, but I’m ready to join the party.”

“Good, because the party is ready for you to join it,” Tony replied with a wink as he exited the kitchen.

You carefully washed your hands and picked up the cooling rack to carry the fresh cookies out to the snack table. Half of them were already gone before you set it down.

----------

“Ungh,” Steve groaned, lying on his back in the middle of the living room, surrounded by popped balloons and pieces of confetti. “Can we skip celebrating my birthday next year? Independence Day is enough work on its own. We could have a cookout or something instead of bringing the entire team into our tiny apartment.”

“Tony would give us a bigger apartment if we asked,” you teased, smiling down at your husband.

He held up his hand and flopped it around, grabbing at you to encourage you to join him on the floor. “But it’s just the right size for us. It’s the team that’s too big for it.”

You dodged his hand and turned towards the bedroom. “How about we revisit this conversation after I give you your birthday present?”

“You mean our pre-party activities weren’t my gift?” he called out, and you heard him scrambling to his feet.

When he entered your bedroom, he found you sitting on the bed holding a small rectangular box. You passed it to him carefully, eyes glued to his face, and he found himself being extremely cautious while opening it so as not to break anything that could be inside.

Lifting the lid, he saw a pregnancy test in a plastic bag, two pink lines staring up at him. Steve’s breath caught in his throat, and he looked up at you with tears in his eyes.

“We’re pregnant?” he whispered, afraid if he talked too loudly the spell would break. You nodded and he dropped the box, pulling you into his eyes and sobbing. “I’m gonna be a dad. I’m gonna be a dad!”

“You’re gonna be a daddy,” you whispered in his ear, tears now tracking down your own cheeks. “Congratulations, Mr. Rogers, and happy birthday.”

“Best birthday ever,” he mumbled into your shoulder, and you had to laugh. “I promise I’ll take good care of both of you.”

“I’m sure you will,” you said, pulling back and taking his face in your hands. “You, Steven Grant Rogers, are going to be an amazing father. Also, Fury isn’t allowed to send you on any missions until after our first ultrasound in two days.”

“Hear that, little one?” Steve asked, placing a hand over your stomach. “Two days, and I get to see you for the first time.”

You snuggled into your husband’s chest as he held you close, talking to both you and the baby about how you’d need an apartment with a room for the nursery and how much the Avengers were going to love him or her. No matter what happened, you knew he’d make sure you and your child were okay.

[samingtonwilson]

Relationship Tutor: (Epilogue) Post-Modern Fortress Architecture

relationship tutor masterlist

Summary: College AU. Bucky, a relationship novice, asks for your help in dating your friend. Unable to say no to him, you agree despite everyone and everything telling you not to.

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Warnings: language, quite fluffy, very slight mentions of marijuana

A/N: RT IS OFFICIALLY DONE! YAY! thank you to everyone that decided to indulge the ridiculousness! this isn’t really a traditional epilogue but it’s keeping with the tone of the series so it’s funny and weird hfkgdfgh LOVE Y’ALL SO MUCH! 

The closet was dark, lonely, and quiet, a welcomed change from every other corner of your apartment.

Students you’d never met, students you highly regretted ever having met, and people that somehow conned you into becoming friends with them filled your home with celebratory dancing, drinking, and, more often than you would have liked, screaming. Black polyester graduation gowns littered the ground, as did caps, orange tassels, and the occasional satin sash— it was almost as if the entire graduating class shared Sam’s mindset and taste for corny party themes.

He’d announced it on Facebook. Made an event page a month in advance, contacted each person that he knew had “the hook-up” with local liquor stores for a discount, and bought his graduation regalia early along with a burgundy satin pajama set, complete with collared button-up shirt, matching shorts, and warm suede slippers.

You were obviously less excited than he was, reluctantly clicking the “Will attend!” button and unpacking your graduation gown two nights before you’d originally planned to do so just to get the deep-set wrinkles out. Though you knew the pajamas you’d wear underneath were nothing special— just a black henley Bucky had left in your bedroom and a pair of light blue satin shorts— and you knew Sam’s promised bribe— a pre-rolled joint filled with your favorite strain— would eventually prove itself to be not at all worth it, you feigned excited energy and didn’t actively discourage his plans like you normally would have.

After all, you could only really graduate alongside your favorite people once and doing what any of them wanted— especially what Sam wanted— was well worth the pain it would cause you. And seeing all of your classmates don pajamas that ranged from highly sexualized to extremely geared towards comfort under their graduation garb was guaranteed to cause you degrees of amusement almost on par with the promised degrees of discomfort parties brought about inherently.

You rolled the lit joint between your index fingertip and thumb, exhaling so the smoke washed against the door and spread over your hung clothes. Your phone was set on silent and placed atop your closed wicker hamper, the bulb Sam had bought you from a smoke shop as a joke hanging overhead to provide a dim red light reminding you of some terrible Justin Bieber music video.

There was a brief set of knocks before the door clicked open, your arm immediately going behind your back to hide the tiny bit of the joint that remained until Bucky’s facial features were bathed in red light.

He wore a smile of relief when he spotted you in the far right corner of the surprisingly roomy walk-in closet, shutting the door as he moved to sit beside you. He leant his back against the wall as you did, stretching his legs out before himself and kicking his own suede and satin slippers off. “Wilson said you were hiding.”

“I’m not hiding, I just needed a few minutes to myself.”

“And your closet’s the best place for that?”

You nodded, tipping your nose to the ceiling and sighing out. “The blonde from 4-D insists on using my bed as a place to cry to her friend about her ex-boyfriend.”

“Why didn’t you call me?”

“You love Sam’s parties.”

“Yeah, well, I love you more,” he replied, narrowing his eyes at you and taking the joint you offered him. He inhaled the smoke deeply and held his breath for a few seconds, exhaling upwards and sighing as he tossed the burning paper into the cup of water you held out to him.

He still wore his graduation gown over the simple t-shirt and plaid flannel trousers he’d decided would suffice as his theme-required pajamas, his now-longer hair smoothed out of his face. “Nat was looking for you.”

“Yeah, she wanted to borrow some shoes for tomorrow. I’ll find her later.” Your head lolled against the wall, your eyes half-lidded. “How’s Steve?”

“Still trying his level-hardest with Wanda,” Bucky laughed, shaking his head. “She’s loving it, too. S’almost like he’s found someone just as fuckin’ dorky as he is.”

“She’s not dorky, she’s just a little weird.”

“Well, whatever she is, she’s indulging Steve’s inability to flirt. I’ve never seen someone wearing that much black eyeliner laugh so much.”

Rolling your eyes, you turned your face to look at Bucky. You followed the slope of his nose with your eyes and smiled a bit when he met your gaze. “So we graduate tomorrow.”

“Do we? Thought we were all joining a Buddhist monastery or something,” he joked, waving his arms around to emphasize the flowiness of his unzipped gown. He took one of your hands in both of his as you laughed quietly, toying with your fingers. “You’re not nervous, are you?”

“Considering it’s just walking across a stage to get a rolled up piece of paper from the dean,” you began, bumping your shoulder against his. “No, I’m good.”

“Really? You? Master of stress? Walking across a stage in front of the entire graduating class and everyone’s families?”

You narrowed your eyes. “First of all, mistress of stress. Secondly, are you trying to stress me out?”

“Misery loves company.”

“Wow, look at you, using idioms. It’s like you want me to have sex with you right here in this closet.” You leant into him, laying your head against his shoulder that shook in silent laughter. “You think you’re gonna trip on stage, or something?”

He shook his head. “It’s not the ceremony.”

“Is it the dinner with your parents afterwards? I’m planning on lying to get out of being with my family, you could do the same. Tell them you’re sick, have dinner with me in this closet.”

“Why in the closet?”

“So my parents can’t find me when they realize it’s a lie. This,” you motioned to the dimly lit closet, “is my fortress, Barnes.”

He snorted, expression and voice losing all traces of humor as he squeezed your hand. “You remember last summer? When you barely returned my texts, said you were too busy to see anyone, and pretended you didn’t know who I was right before fall semester?”

“God, I’m so funny.” You lifted your head and noticed his solemn expression, shaking your head. “I mean, fuck me, that was terrible of me to do.”

He smirked momentarily. “It wasn’t terrible of you to do. I just— I know we probably won’t be around each other as much as we are now and I don’t want things to change.”

“They’re still going to change, though.”

He scoffed, dropping your hand and tilting his head back. “Thanks, doll, that makes me feel a lot better.”

You smiled and shook your head, maneuvering so you could straddle his lap, adjusting your legs around him and raising an eyebrow when he opened his eyes to meet yours. You set your hands on either side of his face, your fingers wrapping around the back of his neck and your thumbs below his cheekbones.

He hesitated for a moment before his hands slipped under the hem of the shirt you wore, rough palms against your smooth skin and fingers protectively tight— almost as if you were already leaving him, as if the empty boxes that were littered over your bedroom floor were filled and sealed.

“Breathe.”

Exhaling through parted lips, he complied.

“Last summer was… I spent the three months having sex, drinking, working, having more sex—”

He clicked his tongue and looked away, shaking his head.

You laughed. “Sorry, sorry, sorry. Not the time for jokes.”

“I was a mess last summer,” you continued. “I was stuck here, taking summer classes, while all of you idiots abandoned me to have lives. Sam was gone, Steve was gone, you were gone. Figured I’d use the time to get over my little crush on you.”

A brief smile crossed his features.

You leant forward to press a kiss to his forehead, doing away with the creases denting his otherwise smooth skin. You then pressed your lips to his right temple, his left temple, and his left cheek slowly. “It didn’t really take. Then again, how could it when you texted me to check on me every week and offered to visit every time I told you I had an exam?”

His hands slid upwards, your body arching into his in response. “Told you I’ve been in love with you for a while.”

You hummed as you kissed his right cheek and stopped inches before his lips, nose brushing his. “The pretending not to know you when you came back was a joke— Steve’s idea.”

“That fuckin’ punk ass—”

“I don’t plan on moving on from you after graduation,” you told him, leaning away an inch or two to focus a little better. “But things will change. I mean, I’m going to be unemployed for the foreseeable future, you’ll be stuck at that startup doing dead-end marketing, and we won’t live within three minutes of each other but—” your head tilted. “Wait.”

He hummed, nodding upwards questioningly.

“Was all of this a preamble into you asking me to move in with you?”

He shook his head, frowning contemplatively. “It wasn’t, but now that you mention it—”

“Don’t,” you interrupted, eyes wide. 

“Don’t what?” 

“Don’t ask me.”

“It was your idea.” 

“It was my suspicion.” 

“Eh, semantics,” he said dismissively, chuckling when you pushed at his chest. “S’a good idea, though. No Sam or Steve to interrupt us at the worst times, no need to keep it down.”

“Living together entails more than just sex, Bucky.” 

“I’m aware. I like the other things it entails, too.” 

You gave him a skeptical look. “So you like the idea of me using your razor when I can’t find mine, me making you do all the cooking because I can barely boil water, me being around all the damn time?” 

He hummed in what sounded like contentment and his hands slid up your back, your spine involuntarily curving towards him once more. “I’m bankin’ on you being around all the damn time.” 

“We’re already an old married couple. You’ll get sick of me.” 

“And you’ll get sick of me,” his voice was dreamy, a laugh escaping him when you scowled. “Come on, we’ve basically been married fifty years-- s’about time we live together. So will you please--”

“No,” you nearly shouted as you shook your head vigorously. “Not when I’m sitting in your lap and can feel your half-chub under me.”

He snorted. “Half-chub. Did you join a frat without telling me?”

“Don’t ask me to move-in with you like this! You were just spiraling, and we’re in my closet with this fucking rasta light on, and I’m wearing a graduation gown with silk shorts and no underwear, and—”

“You’re not wearing underwear?”

“Of course not,” you practically laughed with a roll of your eyes, ignoring the way his teeth fell into his bottom lip and his eyes flitted in the direction of your hips. You slapped your hand against his shoulder. “Bucky, you can’t ask me to move-in with you after telling me you’re nervous that we’ll drift apart after graduation!”

“Why not?”

“Because— Because—” You shrugged with a sigh. “I don’t know! Shouldn’t this be something you think about for a while and not something you jump at just because I had a suspicion?”

“Why should I have to think about it for a while?”

You opened your mouth to reply and he shook his head before you could speak. “You aren’t my tutor on this relationship shit anymore, but you told me that there’s no perfect time for anything. There isn’t a perfect time for me to ask you this, it’s right when it’s right.”

“I’m going to be broke as shit, Bucky. I have no job lined up and I’m pretty sure I’m gonna need a master’s degree before I can even start applying again.” You took your hands from his skin and sat back. “My parents are okay with me freeloading off of them and I’m totally okay with taking advantage of that— but I’m not going to take advantage of you.”

“So you can’t pay your half of the rent for a few months,” he shrugged dismissively. “Wilson’s been doing that here and it’s not like you resent him for it.”

“Well, no— but this is different. What if we break-up?”

“Then life will fuckin’ suck and I’ll likely need therapy for the inevitable alcoholism.”

You narrowed your eyes. “Not cute.”

“Neither is all this ‘what if’ nonsense.” He took your hands in his, lacing his fingers through yours and sighing. “The apartment I was planning on leasing is fuckin’ ugly. The carpet is at least ten years old, there’s only one sink in the bathroom, and I’m pretty sure someone living on the floor below sells crack.”

“Jesus.”

“Look for somewhere new with me.”

“Bucky, —”

“Would it help if I asked you to marry me?”

Your eyes widened. “No! What the fuck—”

He released your hands and held his up in innocence, laughing as you stared at him. “Kidding.”

“You’re not only asking because of that nervous spiraling?”

He shook his head. “No.” 

“And not just because I was suspicious?”

“No.”

“You haven’t been drinking?”

“No.”

“You’re sure you’re okay with taking care of rent for a while?”

“Yes.”

“We can adopt a dog?”

He grinned. “Nothing that sheds like Rebecca’s fuckin’ cat.”

“Sam can have a key?”

“As long as Steve can.”

You nodded and narrowed your eyes. “And you remember that I’m not wearing underwear right now?”

His hands on your hips once more, he hauled your body flush against his, emphasizing his current state with an upward press of his pelvis into yours. “Trust me, I remember that.”

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