#The cuddle buddy schedule is causing wars

[dcxdpdabbles]

#holiday request Sorry, it's me again! I't just that I really, really love your writing and I forgot to mention "Alley boyfriends" and "Alfred's Boy". If you could update either of those I would be very grateful <3 <3 <3

The first sign that something is wrong is finding Damian with a bow and arrow in the tallest room at Wayne Manor. Or, more specifically, seeing the boy aiming the arrow out the window in the direction of Dick and Danny cuddling in a backyard hammock.

Thankfully, he had been fast enough to snatch the arrow from the air before it went anywhere near the cuddling duo. Damian insisted he wasn't aiming for either of them- just the strings holding the hammock up.

The reason? Dick had gone over the agreed-upon cuddle time, and Damian wanted to make him stop. Bruce knew it was just because he was jealous.

Bruce had seen his youngest making doe eyes at Danny earlier that morning while the boy was doing his daily chores. He's been more energetic since Wes left and was willing to share his half-human status with the Wayne household after a talk with Alfred.

All of his children took the news well. They had many teammates who weren't human, but Bruce could tell Danny was still afraid to tell them the truth. Despite the many times Danny provided support in the Batcave and knew of said teammates, he still feared that he would be the exception to their acceptance.

It seemed his parents had left more prominent scars than Danny had been willing to show.

After a brief but vague- Alfred made it a point that his contact did not want Danny stating what he was until it was safe to do so- the Waynes got the gist that Danny needed cuddles.

Almost all his youngest had quickly offered their services, but Alfred and Bruce stopped it. The two men created a cuddling schedule, like a meal plan, to help Danny regain a healthier state, along with the few older ones, excluding Jason.

His second eldest had been highly offended to not be on the schedule, but Alfred calmed him with a whisper. "Think about how hilarious this will be to watch?" Jason had returned to his romance novel, cackling like a loon.

He was easy to manipulate.

Alfred forbade Bruce from telling Jason about Danny's slight crush. The reason was that Clockwork had already spoken to Alfred about it being a passing fancy, and it was safer for Danny's kind to not be rejected until later. Bruce burned with many questions, but he would never dare investigate Alfred or his affairs.

He respected him too much.

Now, if only his kids would behave.

"Damian Wayne, we do not shoot arrows at our siblings." Bruce scolds, wagging a finger at the boy's pouting face.

"But you let Drake throw a spoon at Girl Row!" Damian whines, crossing his arms. In moments like this, Bruce is violently reminded that for all his advanced vocabulary and intelligence, his son is still a fourteen-year-old teenager who could act childish.

"I did not let Tim do anything. He's ground for throwing things at Harper." Bruce sighs, rubbing his right temple. A pounding headache was starting to build up there. "Just because she came to watch Danny's cooking lesson with Tim and Cullen and chose to give Danny a quick snack with her hug does not mean Tim had a right to throw utensils."

"It wasn't even aimed at her head," Tim mutters from the hallway. His punishment for his behavior was that he was to stay within the six feet radius of Bruce. It was the only surefire way to ensure Tim wasn't up to something, like working on case work or plotting to overthrow a small government.

Bruce would break out the kid's leash if he tried to run again.

It was hilarious when Tim was thirteen, and the kid leash still had the same threat level at seventeen as it did then.

"That's another week," Bruce tells him.

"What!? I didn't even do anything!"

"Two weeks."

"Come on!"

"Three weeks." Bruce drawls, which causes Damian to smile until his father looks him in the eye. "I don't know why you seem too amused. You're grown for two weeks as well, young man."

Damian throws his arms up, wisely keeping his mouth shut as he steps with Tim. Now Bruce had two kids he couldn't let out of his sight, and they did something crazy. He marches them out of the room towards his office, where he plans on getting some work done and putting them both to do some extra class studying.

They pass by Jason, who looks like the cat that got the cream at their obvious grounding. He waves a couple of tickets in the air. "It seems like you brats are grounded. Too bad, I was about to invite you to show at the planetarium."

"Why would I waste my time there?" Damian scoffs as Tim glares. Bruce feels his headache growing stronger as Jason smugly proclaims.

"Danny is a huge star nerd. He was excited to finally see the show now that he was feeling better. He wanted us all to go together, but you'll have to miss it since you're still getting grounded at your age." Jason mocks, walking away while shaking his head. Bruce has only a few seconds to wonder why his second is like this, and then Tim and Damian explode with pleas to let them join the rest of the children.

He stays firm in their punishment, but he honestly doesn't feel safe by the way the two, right in front of him, start putting their difference aside and communicate with mere glances a plan of escape. Bruce wishes their corporation wouldn't come at the expense of his sanity.

He glances out the window, watching Dick and Danny talk, and it hits him suddenly that Dick is making that face he usually reserves for staring at baby ducks and baby elephants. His eldest was forming a deeper bond with the boy, which could mean several things, but the center of it all was what made him such a good leader.

Dick was breaching the walls Danny had built so strongly around him.

By tonight, Bruce would not be surprised if Dick started calling Danny his little brother. Coupled with the effort Jason put in to get Danny out of the house and around more people, the boy was healing in a way he so desperately needed.

He was so proud of them. Bruce is so glad the kids allowed him into their lives in moments like these. They saved him more times than he counted, and he does not, meanwhile, being Batman.

The kids saved Bruce Wayne, and he hopes they will save Danny Fenton similarly if the younger boy allows it. Not just because he's Alfred's boy but because he is a Wayne in a different shade.

Danny's face lights up with a smile, looking far more alive than ever before, and Bruce's eyes soften. Then they harden when he spots Steph creeping closer to the hammock from behind some bushes, a garden hose in her hand.

"No! No, no!" He shouts, running down the hallway with Tim and Damian behind. "Don't even think about it, young lady!"

[yuly]

I desperately need a part 2 to the “that’s Hotchner to you, agent” plz plz plz 🙃

→ hi lovely anon! ask and you shall receive! cw: only fluff I promise!

Aaron Hotchner x genderal neutral reader 

Always Aaron to You

Aaron is not a person who gives his trust easily. Once his trust has been broken, he clams up like a shell and prying that open might cost you a couple fingers. It's been a month now and you are willing to do whatever it takes for him to even look in your direction again. You miss your Aaron, your cuddle buddy, your confidant, your man. Because your words caused him this much pain and undid all the work the two of you have done to get him to express his feelings and be open, you have to think of a way to get him to see and hear just how sorry you are. With Valentine's Day coming up, you decide to use that to your advantage. If he throws it back in your face, you would take it in stride and leave him alone for good, this was your last shot. 

Aaron is not a shopping fanatic and he's not the easiest to buy gifts for, you know that he does everything in life for the people he loves, so you decide to take a page out of his book and pray it goes well.

He comes home absolutely exhausted, the case was long, the jet lag severe, and the whole precinct annoyed him to no end. Worst of all, he had to spend yet another day pretending to be angry with you when all he wanted was for things to go back to normal. But his pride was hurt so he kept the act up. As he made his way to the doorstep, Aaron thought of all the non-work related things he needed to get done this weekend and he let out an exasperated sigh. Being a single father with his work schedule was exhausting, to say the least. Aaron hated asking for help, but he so desperately needed to get some rest this weekend. As he entered his apartment, he toyed with the idea of swallowing his pride and maybe asking Jessica for a favour. 

Aaron was surprised to find Jack running about the apartment, stuffing a suitcase with clothes, toys and other odd bits.

“Dad! Guess what! I’m going to the Star Wars all-weekend exhibit with Jessica and cousins!!!!” Jack rambled excitedly, nearly foaming at the mouth. Apparently, Jessica was lucky enough to get her hands on some of the last tickets at the very last minute.

“I hope you don’t mind me whisking him away so last minute, I’m sorry if you had plans together or-”

“No, no, not at all actually. Thank you, Jess. It's been a long week I actually could use a weekend in, I owe you.” She smiled and swatted him away. Aaron wondered how his silent prayers of a quiet weekend were answered so quickly.

The next day, Aaron got an email reminding him of a golfing event he apparently booked in advance in the city. Aaron was confused, having no relocation of signing up, bet there was the receipt, from a month ago, under his name and credit card. He had actually been looking forward to going for a while now and must’ve forgotten about signing up. He spent the day catching up and flexing his skills in front of old friends. As he looked over the green hills and admired the view, Aaron got a text from Jessica, a photo of Jack and his cousins having an absolute ball at “stars wars land” as he called it, much to Jack’s dismay. He quickly saved the photo and sent her a thank you text back. At that moment, as the sun smiled down on him from its midday spot in the sky, Aaron felt content and happy, he felt lucky and again, he silently questioned how and why this weekend seemed to only get better. It was almost perfect, save for the small part of him that yearned for you.

When Aaron returned home that evening to find a bouquet of pink and white flowers, he was immediately on high alert. He cleared the area, and scanned the object carefully, only entering his home once he was certain everything was ok. He disarmed the alarm system and quietly closed the door behind him. He went through every square inch of the home, only relaxing when he successfully cleared the premises. He turned his attention to the bouquet of flowers, shades of pink and white staring back at him. He set them down on the kitchen counter, shifting his focus to the small card in the center.

“Agent Hotchner, please accept these as a token of my apology. 

The pink hydrangeas symbolize my regret over my words and actions toward you. I hope the optimism of the lily of the valley can bring a rebirth in our friendship, and that the pink peonies bring you good luck, maybe they can be the angel that silently answers your prayers.

- Agent L/N.”

Aaron is taken aback, he honestly cannot remember a time in his life when he received flowers in such a loving gesture. It flusters him as he’s unsure how to place this emotion that was nagging at his chest. The last line makes the cogs in his brain spin and his heart race. Could it be possible that this weekend was your doing? Or was the sweet gesture getting to his head.

“Aaron, is everything ok?” He could hear the kids laughing in the background.

“I need to know where did you get the tickets from”

After a bit of resistance, Jessica confesses that you had gifted them the tickets. She insisted that it was simply a kind gesture and pleaded with Aaron not to say anything.

Within 15 minutes, Aaron is at your doorstep with the flowers in hand.

“Aar-Agent Hotchner?”

“You bought those tickets for Jack didn’t you?”

Your gaze shifts to your feet, unsure how to read his flat tone and fearing the worst.

“Yes.”

“And the golfing, you signed me up for it didn’t you?”

You look up to meet his eyes now, honey-coloured orbs that make your knees weak. His expression is difficult to read but his tone is soft. 

“Thought I’d make it up to you, show you how sorry I am.”

His heart aches at how docile and unsure you sound. He lifts your chin up to meet your eyes once again and spares you a smile, “you are my light at the end of the tunnel, I hope you know that.”

A shy breaks across your face, the warmth of his words wrapping around you snugly. 

“Hotch-”

“Aaron, always Aaron to you, Y/N. I love you”

You nuzzle into his chest, relieved that this long and drawn-out fight between you is finally over. Something clicks and the final piece of the puzzle has found its place as harmony is restored between you and Aaron.

“I love you, Aaron.”

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Tagging:

@michasia24 @hizzielover @shamelessfangirl-3 @lilozg-123 @daily-evanstan  @justarandommom @hausofwhores

[crushzone]

relationship hcs for akiteru 🥺🥺🥺

Hi yes yes YESSS! More love for Akiteru, here we go! 💕

Being in a Relationship with Akiteru Tsukishima 🥰

Let me start off by saying this: if you ever find yourself in a relationship with him, then congratulations, you have very great taste and a wonderful boyfriend. 😘

How it all began:

You met Akiteru at your university. As someone who greatly values academic and genuinely enjoys going to classes, you always wake up a little earlier than you had to, just so you can get a head start. Little did you know that you’d run into the cutest fellow early bird on the first day of your second year.

As expected, the building is peaceful, so quiet, as the only sound are echos from your shoes. But to your surprise, you come across a silhouette of a tall male, sitting with his back to you, in front of the massive window that overlooks the empty university.

When your footsteps come to a stop, he turns to you, lowering the book that he’s holding on to his lap. “Are you here for World War 2 in Cinema?” He asks with a smile.

His smile widens when you respond with a nod, turning around to fully face you with an arm outstretched. “My name is Tsukishima Akiteru! But you can call me Akiteru.”

You walk up to him and shakes his warm hand, as you can’t help but be infected by his genuine smile and warm demeanor.

Also noting how calloused his palms are. Hmm, what could’ve caused that 🤔

From that day on, you two would come to class even earlier; from 10 minutes, to 15, even up to 20, just so you can chit chat.

He’d bring whatever he thought was cool to show you before class too. For instance, he’s gone thrift shopping with his other friends once, and came across a children dinosaur book. It made him very nostalgic as it reminded him of Kei, but he’s also way too excited to share it with you, so he bought it on the whim.

His friends totally gave him a weird look, but they’re like: ok, yea, Akiteru’s just being hella nerdy. The usual.

You would also bring cool things to share with him before class as well, and it makes him really happy when you do.

He’d come home everyday, since the day he’d met you, with a fuzzy feeling in his chest. So he likes to snuggle his side pillow with his warm cheeks squished to it with eyes closed, day dreaming about you.

In a way, you remind him a lot of younger Kei; when he’d have someone to share his interests and passion with. However, he’s well aware that you are not his brother and that his excitement to see you every morning is way too intense for it to be something that’s just platonic.

Is also a very observant person; if you’ve gotten a haircut, re-painted your nails, or is wearing something new, he will instantly compliment you on that. And the bizarre thing is that he’s not even trying to suck up to you, it’s actually how he felt and his eyes automatically notice new things about you, even if they may be subtle.

He’s usually the one asking a lot of questions; he wants to know more about you, where you’re from, your family, your passion, hobbies.

So you were pretty surprised when you found out he’s on Kaji Wild Dogs Volleyball team. You didn’t even know what a Wing Spiker or anything is because you were never really a big sports fan.

When you frankly told him that you do not know much about sports, but is still fruitlessly trying to come up with questions, just so he can talk about his passion some more, he just laugh, a wholesome grin on his cute freaking face. 😩

“It’s okay, Y/n-san, It means a lot to me that you’re trying to understand the sport that’s meant so much to me, but that doesn’t mean you have to force yourself to speak about it for my sake. I have other passions too, and I’d rather speak about what makes the both of us happy.”

Ughh, like how are you so observant!! It’s the big brother intuition, I tell ya. Since Kei barely communicates with him verbally, he’s gotten really good at observing micro-signs.

Which MEANSSS that this man KNOWSSSS you are into him and that he’s got a chance. Oh yea, he knows bby, and he may or may not have denied it for a day, before he’s like, nah dude, I like them too, so I’m going to go for it.

Your name keeps popping up in conversation with his friends, even without his awareness. BUT if there is ever a chance for him to promote you in a conversation, he will not hesitate, and totally go all out.

He is addicted to your smile, and he wants you to keep doing whatever makes you happy.

Will go out of his ways to support your hobbies; e.g. staying up late at night to brainstorm paper ideas with you, and he’s not even in the class your paper’s for.

Speaking of assignments, you guys are the POWER STUDY BUDDY. Like wow, you know those times when you meet up with your friends for a study sesh, but it turns into a distracting mess. No no, not with you two smarties.

There’s this mutual unspoken agreement, the moment he’s asked you to study with him at the library during mid-terms. You’ll be chit chatting about anything in the world on your way to the lib, but the moment you’ve found your work desk, you’re both completely silent as your eyes skim through the pages of your textbook, while his hands scribble like flaming wheels on his notebook.

The only time one of you would speak is when you’re hungry, and you want to stop by the library’s cafe. He will always ask you if you want anything, even if you already have your sandwich in front of you.

And even if you’ve said no, he’ll still buy something extra for you anyway, cuz he knows it’s going to be a late night at the library.

Knows your class schedule by memory, will always walk or offer to drive you home. And he’ll always make sure you actually enter your apartment before leaving.

On days when he cannot be there to drive you home because of practice, he can’t relax until you send him a photo of your cat at home or something haha.

He’s basically your main ride for almost anything, including groceries. He just enjoys spending time with you in general, it doesn’t have to be anything grand, just as long as you are with him, something as dreadful as waiting at the DMV no longer sounds as bad. 

There was never really a distinct moment of when your first date was, because your relationship started off with a very stable friendship of shared interests.

It’s likely that he’ll confess his feelings for you even before he’s officially asked you on a date, because you are so comfortable with each other’s presence. And you’re cool with that, you’ve always wanted a relationship with an S/O who’e like a best friend anyway.

When he confessed, he did it at least expected moments. It was when you were on your way back from grocery shopping together, you noticed a cheesy-looking Halloween shop, so you asked him if he’d be down. You didn’t even have to beg, he’s already turning his car around.

Can I also add that he’s a very smooth and calm driver?

You’ll be trying on the goofiest looking costume, and he cannot help but smile at how perfect you are to him. Then it slips.

You: Look at me, I’m a cat meow meow. Akiteru: *laughs* Wow, what an accurate imitation. You: I know right? I’m not as cute as my cat though. Akiteru: You are very cute to me. 😳

Wow okay, but was that like platonic cute, or romantic cute. You know? Sometimes, people are vague, what can I say. But not Akiteru.

Akiteru: and I meant it. I like you a lot, Y/n-san. He confesses, looking at you with a smile. Like how are you going to say no to that.

Earlier stages:

Congratulations, Akiteru is now your boyfriend. ✨

A lot of the things that had been mentioned above still remains: he’s still just as attentive and observant as he had been from the start.

He has a list on his phone, of all the things you would eye when you go window shopping, the food you crave when you are extra broke that month, and the different things that make you smile so widely, he could’ve sworn your cheeks were about to explode.

He may not be the richest person in the world, but he will go out of his way to bring your cravings/wishes to fruition. For instance, you were craving some vegetarian Ethiopian food, but it was way too pricy for you to splurge, and you can’t decide on just one. Akiteru will go out of his ways to gather all ingredients, and cook everything from scratch, just so you can experience it as identically to the original thing you had craved for.

You also like to cook together a lot, and he’s pretty great in the kitchen. Loves chopping things for you, especially onions, because he hates the way it makes you tear up. 🥺

Calls you pet names that are inspired by all the children books and anime he’d read and watch with Kei, such as “Olive Baby (Olive Oyl from Popeye the Sailor), Dokin-chan~ (From Go! Anpanman), and Lil Tweety (Warner Bros.) ”

He will just text you with “Cuddle Bug? 🐞” and that’s just code for “I want you to spoil me with cuddles right now.”

It’ll usually happen randomly, but you’ve been noticing him doing that a lot after you’ve had a long day at work or after studying. You often wonder if Cuddle Bug was actually meant to be for him, or if it’s because you looked like you needed one. Regardless, you are grateful.

You can never say no to his cuddle requests because he gives some of the best ones you’ve ever experienced.

His favorite cuddle position is when you are laying on his chest, as he bring both arms to wrap around your shoulders, tucking his nose to your hair as he ingrains the memory of your scent to his mind. The feeling of your warm hand on the dip of his broad chest, makes his heart beat a little faster, as he relishes in your presence.

But on days when you know he needs Cuddle Bug most, are when he’d return to university housing after his visit home.

On those days, he will be the one to lay on your nape, face down, as his long arms wrap around your waist, and underneath the curve of your back. Automatically, your fingers find its way to his honey hued hair, running it through his soft strands, massaging his scalp, as you occasionally brush his temple with your thumb.

You could’ve sworn he purrs like a cat whenever you do.

When you ask him how his visit home went, he always assures that it went well, but you wonder if that was the entire truth.

He always seems a little silent after his visits, not being as playful about his teasings, and his smiles being a little less energetic than what you’re used to. 

You were so concerned, you even asked some of his volleyball friends, and all they know was that Akiteru’s brother gives him a hard time, sometimes.

Strange, because Akiteru had only ever said great things about his brother to you: how Kei is a regular player in the team, and that he is killing the game at his blocks. Whenever he talks about his younger brother, his eyes sparkle and his voice booms proudly.

Knowing him, you decide to leave it at that, and not pry further into it. If he wants to tell you, he’ll tell you himself.

He’ll include you in all of his social events, as long as he’s allowed to, and likes to bring you with him whenever his friends want to hangout.

You felt a little bad, because you didn’t want to take away his guy time, but his friends genuinely enjoy your company. They even ask him how you’re doing sometimes, and for him to say hi for them.

Long term:

Okay, so when I say long term, I mean that it’s past the honeymoon phase.

At this point, you guys know each other so well, like it’s the back of your hands.

You also live together now, in a two bedroom apartment, where you turned one of the bedrooms into both your study rooms.

A very adventurous couple: would go hiking and camping all the time. But he’s also kind of a big introvert, so he’s totally down for chill movie nights at home.

And when you watch movies at home, you both SPRAWL out ALLLL over the couch, doesn’t even matter if you are short or tall, you both will take up every inch of the couch.

He’ll occasionally surprise you with some spontaneous dinner dates at home too, because he knows how badly you wish your cat could join you for all the dates you’ve gone to.

On those spontaneous dinner dates, you’ll come home and he’ll greet you in some nice button ups, 3 buttons undone, black trousers, and black dress shoes. When he draws you in a hug, you can smell the faintest cologne on his neck: a mix of caramel, and something subtly spicy but refreshing.

You also understand volleyball a little better now, and is always there to cheer for him to the fullest extent of your lungs, jumping up and down in excitement every time he score.

Whenever he’s feeling a little too exhausted than he intends to, all he needs is to look over at you, and just like that, he’s instantly recharged as he jumps up and down to your wave with a peace sign.

Is also not a clingy boyfriend at all, he trusts and respects you, and you are both very independent with your own set of interests. He’s totally fine not seeing you ALL the time during the day, but you ALWAYS make dinner together a thing (or if not, at least you’ll spend one of your meals together.)

He may not be the best at communication, such as when something’s bothering him, but that is just his way of protecting you of his burden.

And being around Mr.Perceptive, had taught you to be one as well. You pick up on subtle micro-signs, such as when he would count the grains of his rice with chopsticks, before pulling one grain to his lips at a time. You KNOW something bothersome is plaguing his mind when he plays with food.

He opens up to you about his past mistakes and the reason why Kei no longer talks to him very much. He’s very bothered by the way his little brother holes up in his own room when he visits, it makes him feel like a phantom, a walking failure that just occupies his parent’s home.

And every time his facade shatters, you instantly pull him into a hug, just the same way he’s always liked, his long limbs on top of yours, with your digits entangled in his hair.

You got him to work on his communication, clearly expressing the importance of it to you. And though he struggles sometimes, he’s still doing his best to improve.

Is a very clean person, kind of obsessed with keeping the kitchen clean; he cannot enjoy dinner until everything is in place.

Not that uptight about it though, there will be days when he lets it slip. But then he’ll be right back at it, after you’ve gone upstairs to prepare for bed: quickly washing the dishes and wiping everything down.

If that is not some husband energy then I do not know what is. 😩🥰

You jokingly told him how sexy he is, whenever he does home chores, and it’s now become an inside joke. Every time one of you wipes down the counter or puts the dishes away, you’ll turn to each other and wiggle your brows suggestively, before bursting into laughters.

At this point, if you were never good at teasing, you bet you’ve improved significantly just from dating him.

You’ll really worry when Akiteru gets home late from practice, so sometimes, you’ll stop by with his dinner to find that he is alone in the gym, just practicing his spikes.

When that happens, he’ll sit outside to eat with you, stargazing. Then he’ll return to the gym to lock it up,

But on days, when you’d stop by to say hi at the gym, in the morning, his team would great you very warmly. They’re pretty much your family now, and you like to host them at your apartment for potlucks.

Now, every time Akiteru visits home, he’ll bring you with him.

His mother LOVES you, she finds you to be one of the loveliest person she’s ever met, and keeps thanking you for taking such great care of her son.

With you there with him, he no longer feels lost when he’s home, he’s got you! And anytime he gets to see Kei for dinner, he’s just grateful.

Speaking of Kei, he suppose he does not mind you. You share a lot of similar interests with him — well, that would make a lot of sense because you and Akiteru does too, and that man had such a big influence through Kei’s adolescence.

Sometimes, Kei will chill with you and Akiteru at the balcony, your favorite music playing softly in the background as Kei watches his brother practice. You can’t help but smile, when you see that the brothers are slowly reconstructing their relationship.

Kei totally hates how you and Akiteru cheers so loudly at his matches though. Now he has to deal with another person embarrassing him at the stadium lol. (Though he is low key happy you both do 🤭)  

You spoil Akiteru with head massages every night, without fail. And in return, he gives you foot rubs every morning. 

Here’s how it usually goes: You’ll give him a head massage for a good minute, before patting his head, leaning down to gently pucker your lips against his forehead. Then he’d lift his chin with eyes closed, and that is when you’d give him three gentle pecks on the lips before crawling under the covers beside him. “Thank you”, he’d breath gratefully with a content smile, eyes still closed.

You no longer cuddle every night, especially during the hot summer, but you will link your middle and ring fingers as you both drift to sleep, bodies facing each other in a fetal position. 🥺

And on days when he’d wake up before you, he’ll spend a minute studying your adorable sleeping face with a smile. He wants to protect you from the world, to keep you safe in his arms as you both grow stronger together as individuals.

He has no idea how he’s ended up with you, but he thanks the sky every day for granting him your existence. He loves you so much, way more than he could ever put to words. With a gentle kiss to your forehead, you stir awake to see his warm smile, you’ve grown so accustomed to.

“Good morning, y/n-san. I love you, my lil Tweety.” 😘

---------

Taglist (open): @shhhlikeme @ceo-of-daichi @karasu-hoes @super-noya @nonexistent-social-life

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Fluffy Angst (2) Masterlist

Links Last Checked: March 20th, 2022

part one, part three

A Dance With Death - botanistlester

Summary: (tw) Dan is the God of Death, who helps people to the Underworld when they pass. One day, he randomly pops up at a masquerade ball for Prince Philip’s coming of age ceremony. He doesn’t know why he is there, but it’s hard to focus on his job when the prince asks him to dance.

A Love For Two (ao3) - realityfallsapart

Summary: Dan and Phil have been living together for years, and have known each other for even longer. Dan doesn’t want Phil to know how much he would like to kiss him and hold his hand, and Phil doesn’t want Dan to know that he wants to spend lazy mornings together in bed, cuddling and passing soft kisses. In short, they’re both in love. The question is: will they act on their feelings after nearly nine years?

Beauty Of Them (ao3) - pretive

Summary: Phan from Pj's point of view.

Camping (wattpad) - rickyblitzz

Summary: what happens at camp, stays at camp.

Cuddle Buddy (wattpad) - -sailingships

Summary: in which two boys make love under a cherry blossom tree

fem!dan and jock!phil

Dan and Phil versus the World (ao3) - Susannah (realismandromance)

Summary: In an alternate universe (where Poe the cactus survived), Dan and Phil revisited Japan after TATINOF. Now they’re back in London, but something's changed, leaving Dan tense and restless. Maybe they’ve been so busy selling Dan and Phil™ all these years that they’ve forgotten how to be themselves. Storytelling has a way of seeping into real life, but it only confounds things when you start to believe it.

Dan Lester - 2012phantrash2022

Summary: The date is February 14th 2012 and the previously perfect couple Dan and Phil are broken up. Neither wants to admit it but it’s the worst mistake of their lives. It was going to stay that way until a box comes into the equation.

Hug You Tighter (and Never Let Go) (ao3) - FandomsOverLife

Summary: Dan’s been having a hard time trying to hold everything in his life together, and now, a week after having had a fight with Phil, everything seems to be falling apart.

In a Moment of Desperation - passionfruitwriter

Summary: Dan struggles to find a way to tell Phil that he’s in love with him. The night he finally builds up the courage to tell him, there is a car crash on their street, and his plans are prevented.  

I Want You Here With Me (Like How I Pictured It) - manchestereyes

Summary: 2009!Dan is so anxious for his first Skype call with Phil, he doesn’t know what to do with himself. But as it gets closer and closer to their scheduled time, Phil is still nowhere to be found. How does Dan handle Phil’s lateness? And will Phil ever show up for the call?

Lay It On Me (ao3) - Lizzyboo

Summary: Phil has a nightmare and Dan is there for comfort.

Life is a Test (And I Get Bad Marks) - botanistlester

Summary: Soulmate au where the first thing you think when you see your soulmate for the first time appears on their skin. Dan has always been known as the most badass guy in school; Until Phil Lester shows up, that is. Feeling like his image is at risk, he lashes out, causing an all-out war between the two.

Once I was 30 Years Old - manchestereyes

Summary: Phil’s 30th birthday brings a flood of growing up-related anxieties, much to his dismay. Dan, however, knows just how to fix it: by recreating the day they met, swapping out Manchester for London–and with a surprise Phil never sees coming.

Opposites Attract - obliviouspsychic

Summary: Phil is a pureblood at the age of 11 who gets his letter to Hogwarts and meets an unlikely friend in Diagon Alley.

Our Little Person - phangirlingforphan

Summary: Dan has 3am cuddles with their favourite curly-locked little person in the aftermath of a spat with Phil. Fluff and adorable conversations ensue.

Suburbia - maetaurus

Summary: Phil is having second thoughts about moving to London.

was i made from a broken mold? (ao3) - georgiabread

Summary: Somewhere, Phil feels his gratitude and pride. He tries hard to latch onto those positive emotions, sick of all the grey. But tonight, he’s so lost in the shade he can’t find any colours.

When Dreams Become Reality (ao3) - mollieblack

Summary: When Dan first found that he could go into peoples' dreams, he immediately worked his way down his list of celebrity idols.

What happens when he decides to travel into his own best friend's subconscious and finds out there's a big secret Phil's been keeping from him?

[thugthe8]

Wait, He’s Flirting? | Soonhoon

College!Soonhoon | Word Count: 2.2k | Fluffy af

Anon asked: “Hi!! Could you do soonhoon as college students? Thanks a bunch xx”

Writing this was way too fun, I hope it’s okay! Fluffy college soonhoon is a good concept 10/10

Masterlist

Jihoon was okay with being more on the introverted side. He had a friend circle, he had schoolwork and music to keep him occupied, and his roommate Mingyu was extroverted enough for the both of them. Jihoon wasn’t lonely, he insisted.

“Hi!”

Jihoon jolts, snapping the lead of his mechanical pencil as he dates a new page in his notebook. He hates this required Fundamentals of Biology class, he hates the professor for always assigning projects that take way too long, and he hates that it’s his earliest class. It should be an unwritten rule that no university courses can start before 8 AM.

“I’m Soonyoung, you’re Jihoon right? I think we’re supposed to be partners for the next project.” The boy who had startled him was speaking far too quickly for Jihoon to process anything at this hour of the morning.

“Um, cool. I’m Jihoon. But you knew that.”

Soonyoung unleashes a blinding smile, and Jihoon feels like he’s been annihilated by a ray of sunlight.

“Yeah. Is your dorm okay for collaborating? I’m in a suite with 5 other guys and it’s kind of a disaster all the time…” he begins rambling about toothpaste and nunchucks. Jihoon can’t take this much energy so early in the morning.

“Yeah it’s cool. We can figure it out later, yeah?” Jihoon knows he’s being a little rude interrupting, but he didn’t have time to get coffee this morning. Besides, this Soonyoung guy doesn’t seem like he’s ever been unhappy in his life, so Jihoon probably didn’t hurt his feelings.

“Cool! I’ll get in touch with you later then. Bye, Ji!” Soonyoung beams at him again and leaves a dumbstruck Jihoon at his desk. No one has called him Ji since elementary school. It’s been a weird morning.

The only part of Jihoon’s schedule worse than Biology was lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Every person he knew on campus had some sort of class at 11:30, leaving Jihoon to fend for himself in the dining hall. He wouldn’t admit eating alone bothered him, but in a dining hall full of socializing people it felt awkward to sit in the corner on his own. Making friends is hard, though, and Jihoon decides he’d rather be lonely in the corner with his oranges than talk to a stranger.

But when he spots Soonyoung eating by himself too, he wonders if he should make a move and sit with him. Mingyu would be so proud of him if he actually talked to someone new, and Soonyoung was certainly too nice to reject him or anything. Jihoon resolves to be courageous. He’s got this.

Turns out he doesn’t got this, because he’s standing behind Soonyoung with his mouth open and nothing is coming out. It’s awkward.

It gets more awkward when Soonyoung actually notices him standing there.

“Hey, did you wanna sit with me?”

Wow, it sounded so easy for him to say that. Jihoon is salty that he wasn’t gifted with Soonyoung’s social skills.

“Um, if you don’t mind. We should probably get to, uh, know each other for our project. I guess,” Jihoon’s eyebrows furrow at his own lame reasoning.

“Good idea! I never have anyone to eat lunch with on these days anyways. Now we’re lunch buddies!!” Soonyoung says, all the while stacking his Oreos into a tower. Jihoon isn’t sure why he has so many Oreos or why Soonyoung is making such an intricate tower, but he doesn’t question it.

“What’s your major?”

“Engineering,” Soonyoung rolls his eyes. “But I spend all my time dancing. I’d switch majors if I could, but I’m a little tied up.”

“Well you seem to be good at… tower-building?” Jihoon gestures to the Eiffel Oreo tower.

“I’m actually just terrible at sitting still. You should see me on caffeine, that’s a good one.”

“Are you telling me you’re actually that energetic during bio every morning? Like without coffee?”

“Yup!! But this one time time I drank three cups of black coffee by accident…”

Jihoon is amazed. He’s never held such a good conversation with a new friend before. There was no talk of the weather, no awkward silence, no desperation to think of a new topic for conversation. He tells Mingyu about his newest acquaintance.

“Oh my god, you actually made a friend… I’m so proud!!” Mingyu pretends to wipe away a tear.

“I’m not that anti-social, Mingyu.”

“Says the guy who skips parties to work on Garageband until 4 AM.”

“You only go to those parties because that Wonwoo guy goes to some of them. Oh, and Soonyoung is coming over tomorrow night for the project.”

“Wow, you’re moving fast there buddy, I’ll clear out so you two can have some fun,” Mingyu wiggles his eyebrows excessively. Jihoon rolls his eyes in exasperation.

Soonyoung comes over, and things are incredibly normal. He makes jokes, Jihoon laughs, and they get some work done. Things feel right with Soonyoung, Jihoon thinks. Weeks pass, and Soonyoung continues to crash Jihoon’s dorm despite their completion of the project. Jihoon learns about Soonyoung’s part-time job as a dance instructor, his fights with his parents about changing his major, and his weird obsession with Star Wars. Soonyoung, in turn, learns about Jihoon’s late night lyric writing sessions, his collection of Skitty plushies, and is pleased to discover how cute and soft Jihoon gets when he’s sleepy.

Mingyu walks in one day to find Jihoon in his rolling chair playing one of his songs off the computer, with Soonyoung resting his chin on top of Jihoon’s hair. It’s adorable, actually, and Mingyu is ready for the ship to sail.

“How are things going with Soonyoung?”

“Fine?”Jihoon raises an eyebrow. “I don’t know what ‘things’ you’re referring to, though.”

“Come on, you guys flirt more than anyone I know, and I know a lot of people,” Mingyu gives him a knowing look.

“We don’t flirt, Mingyu. We’re friends.”

“Okay, fine. But he’s hot right?”

“I mean, I won’t argue with that. Objectively speaking.”

“Also you guys cuddle every week on movie night. And you wear his shirts because they’re big and you like it. And you talk like you’ve been married for years-”

“Okay! I get it, thank you,” Jihoon’s ears are red. “…wait do you actually think he’s flirting though-”

“Did you listen to anYTHINg I just said hyung? And he calls you Ji! No one does that, man. I think you guys are into each other. You gotta start noticing the signs man.”

Jihoon nods, resolving to start picking up on these things.

“Are you gonna eat your cherry?”

Soonyoung was treating Jihoon to ice cream sundaes at the campus dairy bar. He insisted on paying, and Jihoon felt guilty, but he refused to let a perfectly good cherry go to waste. Soonyoung picked up the cherry and held it above Jihoon.

“Open up!”

Jihoon flushed red as he let Soonyoung feed him. Ever since his talk with Mingyu, he started noticing. He noticed now how often Soonyoung would grab his hand to drag him somewhere but forget to let go, or when he’d smile widely and ruffle Jihoon’s hair. But it never seemed romantic, and Jihoon had no idea what to think anymore.

“I have a dance showcase in like, two weeks. It’s crunch time! But also my legs hurt,” Soonyoung stretched and yawned.

“Make sure you rest, Soonyoung. Your endless energy supply scares me, cause someday you’re gonna run out of steam and end up like me.”

“Like a zombie, you mean,” Soonyoung grins, and feeds Jihoon more of his ice cream. “Don’t you worry about me, Mr. Late-Night DJ. I’ll manage.”

“If you overwork yourself I’ll fight you,” Jihoon threatens, but he looks so soft with his hair in his face and sweatshirt three sizes too big.

“Okay Ji,” Soonyoung ruffles his hair affectionately.

The next movie night, Jihoon finds that he’s now very aware of Soonyoung’s every move. They’re tucked side by side on his bed like always with laptop playing Dr. Strange, but Jihoon can't stop thinking about how his arm is right up against Soonyoung’s. Tentatively, he leans his head on Soonyoung’s shoulder, just to test out the waters. Soonyoung glances down at him, and with a faint smile slides his arm around Jihoon’s shoulders. Jihoon has trouble remembering to breathe.

Jihoon knows Soonyoung’s showcase is coming up this week, but they haven’t talked about it much at all. Jihoon hadn’t really seen Soonyoung dance before other than a lot of Sistar choreography competitions in their dorm, but he knew Soonyoung had some serious talent beyond that of Touch My Body.

He drags Mingyu to the auditorium with him, in case he requires emotional support after what he’s about to see. Nothing, however, could have saved him from those leather pants.

Soonyoung dominates the stage like nothing Jihoon has ever seen. He can’t look away for a second, even if his blood boils with jealousy as he dances with Yuju, one of the prettiest girls on campus. Even Mingyu is amazed by Soonyoung’s dance skills, not to mention how good he looks in that red and black leather jacket.

After the showcase, Mingyu goes off and leaves Jihoon to wait outside the performance hall in the cold. Nearly everyone else has left the building when Soonyoung finally comes out, dance bag slung across his chest.

“That was amazing,” Jihoon walks up to him, happy to congratulate his friend.

Soonyoung stops dead in his tracks, staring at Jihoon with wide eyes.

Jihoon pauses, confused. “Um, what’s up?”

“You… you came. To watch me?”

“Of course I came,” Jihoon says incredulously.

They stare at each other, before Soonyoung swiftly steps forward and pulls Jihoon into a hug, tight and warm and emotional. Jihoon reaches his arms around his back gently as Soonyoung buries his face into Jihoon’s neck. They stay there for a bit, Soonyoung is warm, and Jihoon can hardly breathe.

“Thank you… for coming,” Soonyoung finally murmurs into Jihoon’s ear. He pulls back, and looks down at Jihoon intensely. “My parents… never really came to watch me dance growing up. So I- it means a lot that you came, Ji.” Soonyoung swallows and looks away.

Jihoon grabs Soonyoung’s hand, lacing their fingers together shyly.

“Let’s go home.” Jihoon gives his hand a little tug.

Jihoon falls asleep in Soonyoung’s arms that night.

“Oh my god, I’m so over my mom.”

“What’d she say?” Jihoon doesn’t look up from the track on his computer. Soonyoung is flopped on the bed, texting his parents.

“Still a big no no on switching majors. And they want to know why I don’t have a girlfriend yet, yikes.”

Jihoon’s heart sinks, but this is his chance to do some digging on Soonyoung’s flirting habits. Yes, Jihoon still has no idea what constitutes as flirting and what’s platonic, but he’s trying.

“Why don’t you ask out Yuju, you guys danced well together.”

“Nah, she’s too tall. I like the short ones,” Soonyoung says, flipping over onto his stomach.

“Okay, well… dark hair or light hair?”

“I like blondes.”

Jihoon barely stops himself from touching his own dyed blonde hair impulsively.

“You’d probably want to date a dancer though, right?”

Soonyoung sighs. “Honestly, I’ve kinda always been more into the singers. The musical ones.”

“Oh… well someone outgoing would probably be a good match for you too…”

“Actually, I like the ones that hole themselves up in their rooms until the early morning hours and don’t know how to function in social situations.”

Jihoon feels like he’s being toyed with, and he doesn’t like it. He turns his chair around and gets up, glaring at Soonyoung who’s already staring back at him.

“What are you doing Soonyoung?” Jihoon sighs in frustration.

Soonyoung stands up and walks towards Jihoon, in fact he doesn’t stop until Jihoon is trapped between the desk and his arms. He stares down at Jihoon, the same intense look on his face from the night after the dance showcase. Jihoon slowly meets his gaze.

And then they’re kissing, and it’s soft but intense and everything Jihoon didn’t know he needed. Soonyoung’s hands slide around his waist as Jihoon pulls him closer by his belt loops. There are fingers in hair, hands grabbing shirts, and heavy breaths when they pull apart.

“You’re so cute, Ji,” Soonyoung beams at Jihoon’s pink cheeks.

“Keep calling me cute and we won’t do that anymore.”

“You’re the boss,” Soonyoung throws his hands up in surrender before pulling Jihoon back in for more.

Jihoon is surprised that not much changes when he and Soonyoung begin dating. They hold hands more, and kiss, but their dynamic doesn’t change and Jihoon is happy about that.

“Wait, you really couldn’t tell when I was flirting with you?”

“Yes, we’ve established that I am terrible at romance, please drop it,” Jihoon says as they leave Biology. “We just got along so well that I thought we were weirdly destined to be great friends, or whatever. But then Mingyu said you were flirting and then I decided we should be boyfriends.”

“And yet, somehow I recall that I did all the flirting and made all the moves. I don’t think you’d recognize flirting if it hit you in the face.”

“Were you flirting when you took your shirt off that one time and threw it because that actually did hit me in the face.”

“Come one that- wait is this supposed to be you flirting right now? Are you flirting with me, Lee Jihoon?”

“Yes definitely.”

Soonyoung throws his arm around Jihoon’s shoulders and yanks him closer.

“You are terrible at this. But I love you anyways, Ji.”

“Love you too, Soon.”

Send me a request!!

[rayshippouuchiha]

do you think toni and rhodey celebrate their anniversary? do you think they even remember when it is, or do they take turns choosing a random date sometime every autumn (which is probably around when they met) to surprise each other with flowers and cuddlefests and fancy candlelit dinners and paintball or however these nerds celebrate

+CAn you imagine toni and rhodey celebrating their 5, 10, 15+ year anniversaries with candle-lit dinners, expensive alcohol, flowers, gifts, CUDDLES, etc etc like i bet they both love to make a huge fuss over it and even their regular anniversaries are super sappy bECAUSE THEY LOVE AND CARE FOR EACH OTHER SO MUCH SDKJFH (also bucky and steve hear about it and get hella jelly)

~~~~~~~~~

I got two asks about this and I, unfortunately, didn’t realize it until now.  That being said I’m gonna hopefully do justice to them both even if my little fill mutated a bit.

So. Anniversaries.

This is officially a Thing(TM) with Toni and Rhodey.

They know the exact date they met for the first time because it’s immortalized in print (Stark Heiress Involved in Drunken Brawl) and because it’s one of the days that changed their lives forever.

So that also makes it one of the few anniversaries that Toni can remember on her own.

Rhodey normally requests leave during that week way ahead of time and Pepper’s mostly stopped scheduling things for Toni then too.  And even then JARVIS always makes sure to remind Toni about a week or so ahead of time each year anyways so she can make preparations or clear her schedule for the day or whatever.

There’s been a few near misses and a few last minute arrivals and day early/late celebrations but each year Toni and Rhodey make an effort to spend that day together if at all possible.  They also trade off responsibilities about entertainment and plans as they go.  One of Toni’s years resulted in a heart shaped scar on Rhodey’s lower back after a trip to Milan.  One of Rhodey’s years ended up with them spending a rather intimate weekend in jail and Rhodey with a mental block and a severe case of denial as to the existence of the entire state of Delaware.

The year they all manage to come together as a team with Bucky safely in the Tower just so happens to be Rhodey’s year and since he’s got a lot more free time now than he used to, and because he’s not so secretly a giant fucking troll, he decides to go full on date night style.

So he has JARVIS tell Toni to “dress to impress and baby girl I’m talking red carpet level here” and to meet him on the common floor at 7 sharp, which is, by complete coincidence Rhodey swears, also the time the others will be congregating for dinner.

He shows up to the common floor at a minute or two after since he knows Toni’ll be at least five minutes late no matter what.  He’s dressed to the nines in a crisp three piece suit with a crimson tie and holding a chocolate bouquet in one hand because he knows how Toni feels about regular cut flowers and a small gift box in the other.

He makes his way towards the dinning room where the team’s gathered and Clint and Sam both shoot out an impressed whistle when they see him as the others call out their greetings.

“Looking good my man,” Sam grins at him.  “Hot date?  And if she’s got you looking that sharp does she have a sister?”

“Sorry buddy,” Rhodey tells him smugly, “she’s an only child and I ain’t up for sharing tonight.”

“That’s cold Rhodes.” Sam quips with a mock frown.  “Ice cold.”

Before he can say anything else he hears the ding of the elevator and he turns enough so that he’ll be able to see the door and the looks on Steve and Barnes’ faces.

Cause he knows it’s gonna be good.

There’s the familiar sound of Toni’s heels on tile and then suddenly she’s there.  The room goes quiet and Rhodey sees Steve’s face flush even as Barnes’ goes tense all over.

Honestly though, he can’t really blame them.

Hair swept up with pieces left to fall tantalizingly around her face and neck, eyes done in a smokey catlike look and lips as crimson as the dress she’s wearing, Rhodey’s easily able to admit that Toni looks ... divine.

He’s aware that he’s more than a bit biased too but still.

The dress itself is one he hasn’t seen yet.  It’s slit indecently high on both sides so that it shows teasing glimpses of stocking clad thighs.  It’s also molded lovingly to every curve she has.

Hell Rhodey isn’t even sure if it really qualifies as a dress because that thing? 

That thing is a fucking promise.

Granted it’s a promise that neither of them want to even consider keeping but he had said red carpet and Toni, as always, has gone above and beyond.

If Sam’s soft ‘shit’ and Clint’s hissed out breath alongside Thor’s appreciative grin and Steve and Barnes’ ... everything is anything to go by then he’s not the only one who thinks so.  Hell even Natasha looks approving and Rhodey’s pretty sure Bruce is blushing.

“Looking otherworldly as always baby girl,” Rhodey tells her 

“This old rag?” Toni purrs as she sweeps a hand down her side, eyes heavy lidded but sparkling with a warmth that makes Rhodey grin back helplessly because goddamnit he really does love her, “It’s just something I threw on gumdrop.”

“You could throw me on anytime Tin Girl,” Clint leers only to flinch away from Natasha like he’s expecting to be smacked like he normally is.  Only it doesn’t happen.

“Agreed.”  Natasha says instead and Steve abruptly chokes on the glass of water he’s been almost desperately drinking.

Toni laughs as she saunters across the room until she’s standing by Rhodey’s side, a small gift box clutched in her left hand.

“Got you something sugar britches.” Toni tells him as she holds out her box.

“You know you don’t have to baby girl.” Rhodey reminds her even as he hands her the bouquet and they trade gifts.  “I tell you that every year.”

“And yet,” Toni sighs, “every year we both do it anyways so you might as well just accept it.”

Toni got him a War Machine tie pin, an exquisitely crafted thing that probably cost more than he wants to think about.  He clips it into place with a smile though cause it’s just the kind of thing she knows he gets a kick out of.

From the soft look on her face and the way she immediately shuffles her bouquet around and reaches up to take out the earrings she’s already wearing the gold chain and feather earrings he brought her must be a hit too so he figures they’re even.

“You ready to head out?”  He asks her once she’s settled again, bouquet in one hand and jewelry box with the old earrings tucked safely into a nook on the wall.  “I’ve got two tickets to something special and then reservations at Masa and then I’m thinking dancing before we bring it back here.”

 “What’s ah, what’s the special occasion?”  Bruce asks.

“It’s our anniversary.”  Rhodey says promptly, proudly.  There’s a soft crunching noise to his left but he doesn’t bother to look.  He’s pretty sure it’s just Barnes wrecking another chair or something.  Or Steve.

Honestly.  Him and Steve both are fucking hopeless.

“Yeah,” Toni smiles, that soft, warm thing she only rarely lets herself show.  The smile he fell in love with when she was fifteen and so goddamn skittish that just looking at her broke his heart.  The smile that represents everything he wants to protect.  “Today, more years ago than I’m going to admit to right now so shut it Feather-face, Rhodey broke an asshole’s nose and defended my ... dubious honor.”

“He deserved it and honestly I should have broke more than his nose.”  Even after all these years he still routinely has to check the urge to hunt Stone down and kick his ass all over again.

“You were dashing and manly and I was suitably impressed.”  Toni reassures him with a pat on the shoulder.

“You laughed.”  Rhodey reminds her with a small scowl.  “I thought I was gonna have to take you to the hospital.”

“I was fine and it all worked out in the end.” Toni smiles.  “I got you out of it so I think I actually came out ahead on that one to be honest.”

Rhodey just tugs her closer to his side, presses a kiss to her forehead, and grins because he pretty much feels the same way.

“Alright guys,” he finally calls to the others as he steers Toni back out of the room with a hand on her lower back, “we’re gone.  Don’t wait up.”

There’s a chorus of well wishing and goodbyes as Toni tosses up a hand too and lets herself be guided away.

Their night out’s great.  Rhodey’s procured two tickets to an exclusive movie premier Toni actually enjoys.  They go to Masa and eat ridiculously expensive and delicious sushi.  Afterwards they go to a vintage electronics show and get ice cream at a gourmet parlor before going dancing.  They’re flushed and happy by the time they get back into the car to head back to the Tower in the early mourning hours.

Toni falls asleep on his shoulder on the ride home and Rhodey just sits there with her pressed up against his side.  It’s hard for him to believe he has her in his life sometimes, his best friend, his platonic soulmate, and all the other categories Toni fills in his life that he never knew were empty until she took them as her own.

He loves her so much.

When they finally arrive Rhodey gets out of the car with Toni’s heels dangling from his fingers.

He’s not surprised when the elevator opens and Steve and Barnes are there, looking vaguely guilty and blank faced by turns.

Instead he just shakes his head at them and reaches in to scoop her up into a bridal hold.  He tucks her close to his chest and carries her into the elevator where the other two are waiting.

Toni hums, presses her face closer to his neck, but otherwise doesn’t wake up.

Steve and Barnes haven’t taken their eyes off of her since Rhodey pulled her out of the car.  They’re tense, hands clenched at their sides, and so obviously jealous that Rhodey’s surprised they can stand still.

“How’d you two meet?”  It’s, surprisingly enough, Barnes who asks the question.

“At MIT,” Rhodey says softly as he stares down at Toni, careful not to wake her, “She was fifteen and she was so goddamn small, all big eyes and wild hair and more brains than anyone could handle.  And I’d heard of her of course but our paths had never crossed.  Then one day there I was, going to class, and I hear screaming.  And there she was, this tiny little thing just wailing on this guy.  I pulled her off of him, tried to figure out what was going on.  But then he started running his mouth and her shirt was ripped and I just ... I knew.  So I beat his ass like the piece of shit he was for what he tried to do to her.  We’ve been in each other’s lives ever since.”

There’s a harsh inhale from both sides of him and when he glances up and around he can see the way Steve and Barnes’ jaws are both clenched, how Steve’s eyes are dark with fury and Barnes’ face is hard and cold with deadly intent.

‘Right,’ Rhodey thinks, ‘I thought that’s how it was but now, now I know.’

“I’m always gonna be there for her you know?”  Rhodey stares straight ahead as he speaks.  “I’m always gonna have her back no matter what.  No matter who I’ve got to fight.  No matter who I’ve got to go through.  I won’t ... I won’t let her be hurt if I can help it.  She’s been hurt enough.”

The elevator dings at the penthouse, JARVIS having bypassed all other floors to take him and Toni straight home.

Rhodey steps out and turns, keeps the other two from following him out, Toni still cradled in his arms.

“I’ll cut my way right through the next one to fucking try if I have to.”  Rhodey tells them as he looks between Steve and Barnes.  “No matter who they are.”

He holds eye contact with each of them long enough that he’s sure they both understand his meaning and then he takes a step back and lets the elevator doors close on them.  

He knows JARVIS will keep them out of the penthouse for the next day or so until Toni goes down or invites anyone else up.

“Jealous fuckers,” he mumbles as he moves towards the bedroom.

“Indeed.” JARVIS agrees softly.  “But, perhaps, one day they’ll overcome that shortcoming long enough to take notice of what’s right in front of them.”

“Maybe.”  Rhodey agrees.  “Doesn’t mean I’m gonna make it easy on them.  Anyone who isn’t willing to fight for her doesn’t deserve her.”

“Agreed.”  JARVIS says.  “Agreed.”