#Things just got serious for the 3 to 5 year olds.

[paintedgrilledcheese]

The DOA/RITHOTD PRESCHOOL AU

Friends?

(Part two of "Please let this be a normal rainy day.")

It's been a day since the whole bird fiasco incident. New backpack rules had to be put into place because of it. Poor Nikolai has been upset since then. Not only has he gotten in trouble for bringing a bird to school, but now his once best friend Fyodor is no longer friends with him.

Coming into the preschool was rough for Nikolai. He didn't want to go today. He didn't want to see Fyodor still mad at him. But Nikolai had to go to school. There was no use in arguing with his mom.

Dragging himself into the classroom and throwing his backpack into his cubby, Nikolai spotted Fyodor across the room. Fyodor was reading to himself again since it's another rainy day. Nikolai started to feel awkward. Part of him wants to come up to Fyodor and apologize but the other part of him fears that Fyodor will snap at him.

Upon looking around the classroom, trying to figure out how to spend his free time, Nikolai couldn't spot Ivan, causing him to worry a little. Nikolai finds Sigma playing over by the kitchen play set, so he goes to him.

"Sigma? Where's Mr. G?" Nikolai asked, sounding a little bummed out.

"I dunno. He said he had to go pick up something." Sigma answered, unaware that Nikolai was feeling down. Just then, Mushitaro came walking over with a mischievous smile.

"Hehe, if we have no teacher you know what that means?" Mushitaro then snapped his fingers. "It means we have UNLIMITED free time." He shouted with excitement and mischief.

Nikolai's eyes brightened, and his mood went up a little. Sigma had the same sparkly eyes upon this news. The other children overheard and came over to where the three were standing. They all seemed excited. Who wouldn't? No teacher? No adults? That's basically freedom to children.

No adults equal no rules. No rules equals they can do whatever they want. And with this newfound knowledge that their teacher isn't in the classroom, they go wild with it. Sigma and Fyodor start taking the chairs from the activity table to build a blanket fort. It's time for Fyodor's favorite pretend game, "Kingdom." Basically a game that the kids pretend that they are kings ruling a kingdom or more.

There are two kingdoms, "The Rats" (Fyodor's kingdom) and "The Mosquitos" (Bram's kingdom). Fyodor's fort is made of chairs, multiple blankets, a tipped over table as a defense wall, and bean bags as his throne. Fyodor's kingdom population consist of Nathaniel (his bishop), Sigma (Fyodor timid soldier), and Mushitaro (his right hand man, even though that was Nikolai's role before).

On Bram's side, their castle is built of couch cushions, the naptime mats as their wall of defense, and lots and lots of pillows for their "grand dining table." Nikolai's was Bram's right-hand man, and Pushkin was a messenger for Bram. With both kingdoms set up, the kids began to play in this imaginative world.

Inside Bram's castle sat Bram on his couch cushion throne, Nikolai next to him while Pushkin came in with a few small bags of Goldfish as a snack.

"Your majesty, I got the finest type of Goldfish for you from the snack cave." Pushkin presented the three bags of Goldfish to Bram. Bram was pleased, nodding his head with his plastic crown on his head.

"Good job. Now we shall feast upon our glorious meal." Bram said. He got up and brought out three cherry flavored Kool-aid jammers. The three have a toast to the fact they have unlimited free time and no adult to stop them. But as they enjoyed their snacks, Sigma was laying right outside the entrance to their castle.

He was spying on them with a pair of binoculars. Documenting everything onto a Christmas themed notepad, all in purple crayon. He took lots of notes. Though his "notes" were more of scribbles and gibberish. After spying for two minutes, Sigma ran across the classroom, where The Rat's kingdom was located.

"King Fyodor! My king. The enemy king took all the snacks." Sigma informed loudly, crawling into the fort. Fyodor, sitting on his beanbag throne, narrowed his eyes and threw his empty grape flavored Kool-aid to the ground in a fit.

"What do you mean they took all the snacks?! Isn't there more in the snack cave?" Fyodor shouted, snapping already. Sigma flinched, Nathaniel hid his face behind his "Holy Bible for kids", and Mushitaro ducked his head under a bean bag. They all knew about the unfortunate news before Fyodor. Sigma had to deliver the unfortunate news.

"W-well....y-y-you see my king.... we're out of snacks. The goldfish bags was all we had left. There's no more in the snack cave." Sigma informed. Mushitaro came out under his bean bag and nodded.

"The Mosquitos took the last bags of Goldfish. Even though they rightfully belong to us." Mushitaro added, sounding just upset as Fyodor.

Fyodor huffed and stomped his little foot. "That's not fair! They don't deserve the snacks. Nikolai is a stupid face for hogging all the snacks." Most of Fyodor's anger was directed towards Nikolai since yesterday's incident still left the two upset. A broken friendship all because of a ruined drawing. Fyodor then snapped his fingers. "Mushitaro, I want you to help create a battle plan. We're going to war." Fyodor commanded.

Mushitaro nodded and grabbed some paper and crayons, scribble out the classroom, and their kingdoms. They start to build strategies on where and when to attack. Meanwhile, over at Bram's castle, the three were playing Jenga. It was peaceful over there.

"Bram, do you think Fyodor hates me?" Nikolai asked out of the blue, sighing a little to himself. Despite their little kingdom game and no adults, Nikolai can't help but still feel a little down.

Bram stacked a Jenga block on top of the tower. "I don't know. He's probably mad, but I don't think he hates you. You're his best friend. Why do you think he hates you?"

Nikolai sighs. "Well for one, Fyodor is loud, and I can hear him call me a stupid face across the classroom. And two, he's not wearing his friendship bracelet today. He told me he was going to wear it every day. I think he hates me now because of the bird yesterday." Nikolai sniffled. His feelings were hurt, and not wearing the friendship bracelet did mean a lot to Nikolai. To Nikolai, this was a serious situation.

Nikolai was about to start crying while Bram and Pushkin comforted him. "Well, we can be your new friends. I want a friendship bracelet as well." Bram said with a smile, trying his best to cheer up Nikolai.

Nikolai sniffled and wiped his eye. "Really? You guys want to be my friends?" He asked. Both of them nod. Nikolai smiled a little. New friends? That seemed to cheer him up a little.

"To prove it, I'll go fetch the Rainbow Loom kit, and we can make the bracelets now." Pushkin volunteered , crawling out of the cushion castle. Nikolai felt excited to make friendship bracelets with his new friends. Everything seemed to be looking up for Nikolai, until a loud screeching sound of a cheap recorder on a high f was heard across the room. It was torturing to hear.

Nikolai and Bram covered their ears from inside of the castle as they heard the sound of Pushkin screaming from being attacked by a sea Nerf darts aimed at him. A second after the loud recorder, Fyodor yells out from across the room. "Attack!"

Nikolai poked his head out from the castle entrance to see what all the fuss was about. He was met with a horrid sight of Fyodor's kingdom charging at them with foam swords and shields. They're being ambushed! Fyodor just declared war, and they're not prepared! Whatever shall they do?!

Part 3 coming soon

[kedreeva]

Today in measuring your peahen, Bug is casually 2 foot, 3 inches tall (she can stretch a little taller when she REALLY wants a treat). This is just tall enough to see over a tray table and pull things off of nightstands and end cabinets.

Bug is also a little over 3 feet long from tail tip to beak tip. Most of Bug is made up of tail and neck. There is a 6lb dead weight in the middle somewhere that she knows how to directly place onto the ball of one foot while standing on you.

Bug's wingspan is around 3.5 feet, thought I didn't get a measurement. It will be over 4 feet as an adult.

Bug is growing in her spurs. As a Spalding (hybrid) hen, Bug will likely have one inch bone knives conveniently attached to her tarsometatarsus. This is technically fused foot bones, not a leg bone. Curiously, pure Pavo cristatus hens have spurs, and pure Pavo muticus hens have spurs, but many domestic Pavo cristatus and low-percent Spalding hens lack them. This is one of the indications of domestication in the cristatus species. As I prefer the wild type, I prefer my hens spurred, so this is a good sign!

Bug's toes measure a smidge over 5 inches from the tip of her rear-facing to to the tip of her longest front facing toe. Try measuring that on your hand.

Bug's nails measure 1/2-3/4 an inch long, depending on the toe. That's almost as long as one finger section for most people.

When I had snakes, I got asked all the time if I was afraid of them biting me. The answer is no. I have been bitten by a 6 foot long, 20lb boa constrictor, and have no scars to prove it. Meanwhile I have so many scars from peafowl sitting on me, particularly on my forearms, that I have had to reassure people I am not a danger to myself.

I post these photos as a reference, but also as a precaution. This is a BABY peafowl, and a female at that. She is only 6 months old and weighs a little over 6lbs, which means she's about 2/3 of the way grown, and adult hens are typically 3/4 the size of an adult male. These are BIG birds that can do a LOT of damage, even accidentally. When they become aggressive, as in the case of hand-raised males or poorly bred birds, they become a potentially fatal threat to any other fowl you have. Unlike chickens, they are more than capable of (and prone to!) jumping to human face level before they flog (kick with their feet in a way that allows their spurs to hit home), which means they could easily take out an eye or cause other serious facial injury if they get a lucky strike. I have seen more than a few people end up with stitches, and more than a few birds end up euthanized because people think they are gonna be cute cuddly friends.

I know that Bug is a cute bird, but I also want to stress that a) she has an outstanding personality as a result of breeding choices and socialization b) she hasn't hit maturity, and won't do so for another 2+ years, so her personality could change considerably still and c) I have been raising peafowl one way or another for my entire adult life, which has been structured around keeping them. I love my birds, and I would love for more people to keep peafowl as they are great animals, but they are not casual animals. They are large and potentially dangerous farm fowl that take a lot of space, care, and knowledge to keep.

[anki-of-beleriand]

A Heart Made of Glass ch.16

Summary: Ten years ago you left Wanda and the Avengers to heal your broken heart. You never stopped being a hero, just as you never stopped being in love with her. But life had to go on.

Now, after all that time, she is back and with her is a young woman needing help and an enemy that may not be as afraid as Wanda to lay a claim on you.

Pairings: Wanda Maximoff x Powered!F!Reader - Scarlet Witch x PoweredF!Reader - Past Wanda Maximoff x Vision - CarolxF!Reader

Warnings: Angst, drama, mentions of cheating, fluff, violence, smut, Switch!Reader, internalize homophobia, hurt, comfort, Wanda being a complete mess, anger management issues, jealousy, Requited/Unrequited love, idiots in love, swearing, mentions of alcohol. More tags as the story progess.

Author's Note: This story is a continuation of Dirty Little Secret I was really surprised at the response I got for the story, I did all the tags you guys ask for but if I forgot someone please do not hesitate to tell me. Thank you for the support.

The end is near, Reader and Wanda finally had some common ground to work with and now the only thing left is a happily ever after.

Please, do remember English is no my mother tongue so forgive my grammar, spelling and funny mistakes.

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14 - Chapter 15 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 17 - Epilogue

Chapter 16

A leap of Faith, a simple request

The first meeting in Nepal would be the first meeting of a series of visits Y/N did for over four months.

Wanda had been confused at first, though she found herself pleasantly surprised to find you in her lodge every morning sharing a good story or a training session. Sometimes, the both of you would reach the closest camp in which you would see many alpinists and hikers, all of them getting ready for a summit on Mount Everest or K2. Wanda didn’t dare to press over the sudden relationship she had been building with you, she was happy to receive your words and your caress, to see your smile or feel your lips on hers whenever the mood struck.

Every weekend had become a highly expected moment in her life, Wanda prepared everything to welcome you while also trying to get the courage to have a serious conversation with you. Would you finally stay more than a couple of days? Would you want to stay with her? What exactly was happening between the both of you?

There were many questions that still haunted Wanda, but she had not dare to voice them in fear of breaking the relationship she had with you. So, she opted to keep quiet while enjoying the moments the both of you shared until she was ready to face the reality of her emotions and give the last step towards you.

For more than four months you two had been sharing a relationship through the distance, and Wanda knew she had sworn to fight for you and not let go, and whatever fears or insecurities that had built in her should be put aside in favour of that leap of faith. Wanda had been nervous, but she arranged everything to be ready for your visit and, this time around Wanda was ready to ask you to stay or take her with you.

But, just as she got ready to clear things up within the both of you, just as she got ready to leave herself expose and at your mercy…you didn’t show up.

At first she thought it was normal, your life was still happening right in the outside world and you had been quite busy at your work back in Norway while also with your mission as hero. Wanda checked her phone and her email, but you didn’t send a message and after two days of waiting for you she knew you wouldn’t come that weekend.

Disappointment came rushing inside her mind, she waited for an explanation but nothing came and soon her disappointment transformed in sadness and the old doubts and fears drown her thoughts until she just tried to focus on her routine waiting for you to come the next weekend with an explanation.

The explanation never came and you didn’t show on that weekend.

And then, you didn’t show the next one, or the one after that.

Wanda tried to rationalize the situation, she tried to convince herself that you were busy or perhaps in a highly secretive mission but so far she had not received any news or any big going on in the outside world. It was as if you had vanished, and with you, any form of contacting you. Your phone didn’t work, and there was no way for her to get into contact with Natasha; for a moment Wanda thought about America but then she thought herself desperate and while she was dying to know what happened to you, a little voice inside her head told her perhaps, you grew bored of her and decided to simply not continue her visits any more.

As easily as you had begun this routine, you had decided to cut it over.

This was just a single thought of the many that came rushing inside her mind day after day, Wanda found herself busying herself with different activities inside the compound, she gave herself to the training and to the distractions while finding odd jobs in the temple and the small towns surrounding Kamar-Taj.

It worked, for a little while.

But there was nothing much one would do to quiet down the doubts and growing anxiety inside the heart. Wanda wanted to be angry at you, she wanted to be furious at your sudden dismissal of her, at your silence and sudden disappearance; but she couldn’t. Instead of that, she was just sad, and found herself trying to ignore her emotions while trying to get control of her life.

For over a month, Wanda tried to forget about you.

And while Winter was approaching, and she stood at the edge of a cliff overseen the beautiful landscape surrounding the Himalayas she tried to get a hold of her thoughts and her emotions. Tears rolled down her cheeks, but not a single thought came through her mind, the only thing she could do was feel and that was enough for the time being.

Wanda sensed the approaching presence of someone powerful, she didn’t need to pounder too much to know who was coming her way. With a quick gesture, she tried to wipe away the tears on her cheeks.

“You are quite difficult to locate when you decided to hide away, aren’t you, Wanda?”

Wanda tensed turning to the left, her green eyes gleaming with unshed tears furrowing her brows. Stephen was dressed in his fighting attire, he looked tired and a little dishevelled but otherwise untouched; the older man waved away the unasked question.

“Rough night, nothing important but I mess up and ended up with a house falling on top of me.” He offered a sheepish smile; Wanda raised a brow pressing her lips to hold back her smile.

“Right, what brings you here, Stephen?” Wanda finally asked tilting her head to focus her stare to the mountains. “I was trying to get some alone time, and I just…I don’t think I am a good company at the moment.”

Stephen nodded understanding the hint but ignoring it altogether, Wanda rolled her eyes not wanting to have any type of conversation with anyone. She scoffed when the man stood beside her, his hand reaching inside his pocket producing a single envelope. Wanda frowned tilting her head to the man who was trying really hard to keep his expression neutral.

“I understand, but I think I come here with news and perhaps to alleviate the turmoil you had been experimenting as of late.” The knowing glance he shot Wanda told the young with Stephen knew about her recent heartbreak.

She crossed her arms rolling her eyes while also getting a spark of curiosity, she squinted her eyes when Stephen waved away a single envelope, this time around he lost his smile and was showing a more serious façade.

“My mission took me to Florence, it was a last minute request by Stark and I decided to do so if only to shut the man up.” Stephen said talking a step closer to Wanda. “I met with some people there, and I was told to give you this.”

Now, Stephen had Wanda’s full attention, she grabbed the letter scrunching up her nose turning it around until her eyes fell on the familiar handwriting.

“This is…” Wanda trailed off, her frown deepening while the anger she had ignored up until then came back and she closed it almost throwing it away.

“She was hurt during a mission.” Stephen said before Wanda could speak or do something else, “It was supposed to be a routine safe and rescue mission but they found some troubles, she tried to play the hero role and got badly hurt.”

“She got hurt…” Wanda opened the letter missing the sympathetic glance Stephen sent her way.

“Nobody knew about her visits to you, Wanda.” Strange explained, “They found out as soon as she woke up and started asking for you, I think that may explain her absence as of late.”

“Hn, I didn’t even notice.” Wanda mumbled reading the letter you had tried to write to her, Stephen hid his snort behind a cough.

“Right, so you haven’t been mopping around and…”

“I wasn’t mopping!” Wanda exclaimed, her magic igniting in her hands while her cheeks coloured red. “I just…I was…I…”

“I know.” Stephen said nodding to the letter, “Tony sent a jet for you, it will be there until tomorrow morning, a car is waiting for you as well. Don’t be late.”

Wanda watched as Stephen turned around walking away, she played with her lips before calling out to the older man.

“Are you…I mean, late I’ve been…” Wanda sighed frustrated turning to Stephen. “I’m still trying to find myself, to do right and to get a hold of my emotions, are you sure I should go?”

“Wanda, you have been mopping around because you missed her,” Stephen cocked his head to the side, his eyes finding those of Wanda, “take the word of a man that lost everything for not being brave enough, Wanda, go after her and keep fighting for what you want, talk to her and don’t let any misunderstanding or lack of communication get in the way.”

With those last words, Stephen turned around and left.

Wanda stood there feeling the cold wind hitting her face, she grabbed the letter and went back to the words you had written for her. The explanations and the invitation to go to you, to stand beside you, to be a part of your life.

Wanda wrapped her arms around herself, she lowered her gaze and in a single moment of decision she went back to her cabin to get her things.

It was about time she stopped running from the things she wanted and start running after them.

The Amerigo Vespucci Airport was the second busiest airport in the Tuscany, located in the city of Florence it stood as a welcoming bacon to international travellers into a city that breath Renaissance, culture and history. The private section of the airport was a safe heaven for those who wanted to go incognito to the city, and Wanda soon found herself being attended as the jet landed in the city.

She glanced around while the customs and border protection agent came forth to speak with the pilot. She grabbed her backpack tightly, her eyes glancing around the place before they fell on a dark car waiting silently at the other end of the hangar. The officer spoke in broken English pointing at her then at the passport before nodding and giving back the document.

“It seems we are cleared, ma’am, the driver will take you to the agreed location.” The pilot said giving her the papers back before pointing to the car.

“Thank you.” Wanda offered a nervous smile before making her way to the car, once inside the driver merely gave a warm welcome before driving down the empty streets of the airport to the closest entrance.

Once they left the airport Wanda could enjoy the magnificent look that the city was offering her. She could see the Tuscan Cypress decorating the highway while the people drove without a care in the world. This kind of scenes always brought memories to Wanda, she couldn’t help but remembered being on the run without a chance of enjoying the places they visited or having a chance to actually have friends, go out, have a nice dinner.

Her world had been changing so much, she sometimes forgot there was another world right outside waiting to be discovered. Wanda smiled observing the busy streets with people coming in and out of work, the students enjoying the afternoon sun while running or walking around not a single tourist was on sight which told Wanda this was a part of the city reserved for the Italians living in the city.

She wondered if you were aware of her visit, if perhaps you had planned all of this just to get her out of the coldness that was Nepal into the warm that was the region of Tuscany at the moment. But so far she had not received a single call, and no body had come for her to the airport. She played with the idea of calling Tony but decided against it, if the man wanted to contact her he would have done so as soon as she entered the plane; a part of Wanda knew why they had kept silence, they were waiting to see how the story would end.

Wanda couldn’t blame them, she was also waiting patiently to see how her story with you would end.

Soon they left the busy streets to enter a more residential section of the city, Wanda watched as they went up the terrain with less people walking around and many houses protected by high fences and beautiful trees. She felt her heartbeat that tad bit faster, her hand sweating lightly while the tingles in her lower abdomen intensified.

The car turned around a corner and soon she found herself watching full properties, all guarded by wooden gates and walls protecting their inhabitants. She wondered just what kind of place where you located at, when the man turned one last time going up a hill until he reached a gate standing tall protected by a stoned arch and cypress sneaking out of a stoned wall. The man lowered the window while showing an ID to the gate’s security system, soon there was a small bell and the doors opened right in front of them.

Wanda could hardly wait to see you, she was glancing out of the window while playing with the words inside her head. The car stopped at the main gate, and Wanda couldn’t help but gasp.

“Wanda!” America came running wrapping her arms around the young woman who couldn’t help the shock from showing on her face.

“America?” Wanda returned the hug, stepping aside America gave her a weak smile.

“I missed you, you know?”

“I missed you too.” Wanda shrugged lightly, “I’m sorry I just…”

“I know, Y/N told me some things so…I get it.” America bounced on her feet running to where the bags were left. “But now, you’re here so I can forgive you for that.”

Wanda chuckled grabbing one of her bags and going with America inside the house.

The place was enormous, with two living rooms and a single dining room leading to the backyard and the pool Wanda could understand why they chose such location. America was talking non-stop, she told Wanda about school and the life in Norway; for Natasha and Yelena had been important that America learnt the basics while also learnt about her powers so whenever they had any easy mission America went with them.

“But this one, well it went out of control and…”

“Where is she?” Wanda finally asked when they reached the second floor.

America winced tilting her head, “she is asleep, pain medicine really takes a toll out of her.”

Wanda furrowed her brows; she glanced around trying to guess which one was your room but her eyes found those of America who was shooting her a sympathetic smile.

“Don’t worry, she will be up in no time.”

“I just…” Wanda brushed some hairs out of her face, “I just found out, after a month of not having any new from her I just…”

America pressed her lips together, after a moment of hesitation she pointed to the left to a long corridor leading to a single wooden door. Wanda hesitated for a moment but before she could move America placed a hand on her arm, her eyes twinkled strangely while she put on her best serious face.

“I’m glad to see you here, Wands, and I know you and Y/N had been seeing one another for some time,” Wanda could tell that in the last couple of months America had changed, no longer was she looking tired or scared, if anything she was looking more mature and relaxed, responsible as she grabbed the bags and stepped back.

“I really want for you guys to be happy, perhaps this could be your chance, you know?”

Wanda smiled nodding, “I know.”

“Good then, go before Natasha and Yelena get here, they get really overprotective of Y/N when she is in that state.” America turned around leaving Wanda alone.

With a sigh and wiggling hands, Wanda made her way to your room.

The place was covered in different shades of blue, the balcony faced the pool and the backyard, and the fresh wind of the afternoon was sneaking inside the room mixing the smell of flowers and nature inside your room. Wanda softened her features when her eyes fell on your sleeping form.

You were on your side, deeply asleep with your hand right above your face and one leg placed carefully on a pillow. It was protected by a cast, and your face and head were covered with bandages. You really were hurt, and soon Wanda realized all around the room there were medical implements to help out during the healing process.

With a knot on her throat, Wanda approached your bed her trembling fingers caressing your cheek while the tears blurred her vision for a moment. All this time, she should have looked for you, perhaps insist to try and see what happened instead of letting her own insecurities and her own fears to cloud her judgement.

“What took you so long?” Wanda almost fell down from the bed when you spoke, you offered a lazy smile your eyes fluttering opened.

“Y/N!”

“Wanda!” Your voice was hoarse, wincing as you turn on your back.

“You were awake?” Wanda asked with reproach in her voice.

You tried to sit down, it was taking some effort until Wanda came right in to help you out. Her arms wrapped around you, and she was close enough to feel your warmness against hers. You offered a smile shrugging.

“I was just resting not sleeping, thank you.” You rested your back on the wall, taking a good look at Wanda who decided to sit on the bed.

“You…” Wanda started finding the words strangled in her throat and her eyes filling up with tears.

“Hey, I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you about this.” You started grabbing her hand in yours, your thumb drawing circles on the back of her hand.

“It’s okay, I…” Wanda trailed off, she didn’t want to sound foolish by telling you the million questions that came to her mind.

She was not ready to share with you her inadequacy and her self-doubt. You nodded lightly, softening your features while squeezing her hand tenderly.

“I should have said something, but I just…I wanted you for myself.” You said softly, trying to clear your throat.

Wanda leaned to the closest bedside table where a single glass of water was resting, you took the glass grateful before continuing.

“I didn’t want anyone saying anything at all, I just…”

“I get it, I know what you mean…” Wanda hesitated before lifting her hand to brush away some strands of hair, she leaned in her lips parting slightly. “Y/N…”

You lifted your hand cupping her cheek in your palm, leaning in closing the distance by brushing your lips against hers. The kiss was soft, a simple gesture of reassurance for you and her, it last but a few seconds but it was enough to leave Wanda trembling and you with a racing heart.

“I missed you, Little Witch.” You mumbled pecking her lips, Wanda smiled nuzzling her face on your neck.

“I missed you too.”

Wanda leaned back, glancing out of the window before returning her eyes to you.

“I thought you didn’t want to continue with your visits.” She finally revealed looking away from you. “I thought I messed it up all over again, and I just…Y/N, what are we doing? What does it mean this? I just…”

You could see the conflicting emotions in her green eyes, how confused she was about what had happened in the last couple of months in which, once more, your relationship with her had shifted. You made yourself that questions moments before the mission, you had been standing by Yelena’s side when you realized how deeply in love you were with Wanda, how your feelings for her were the same they had shifted and they had matured and at the moment they were more intense.

You weren’t the only one thinking that, or even experimenting it. Seeing the anguish in Wanda’s face told you she was just as deeply sensitive with the whole situation as you were.

“Walk with me?” You asked tenderly, Wanda furrowed her brows before nodding.

“Yes, sure I…” She stood up watching as you signalled the far wall where a single crutch was resting.

“You need help? I mean there is only one.”

“Yeah, I didn’t break the leg per se, but I did some serious damage to the muscle and the joint, so walking is difficult.” You explained standing up with her help and that of the crutch.

“So, you are at my mercy?” Wanda asked wiggling her brows, you raised a single eyebrow shooting a daring glance.

“You want to try that theory out?” The blush that form on Wanda’s face was beyond adorable and you couldn’t help but laugh. “Good, perhaps later we could see if I am or not at your mercy.”

“I know that I am at yours.” Wanda finally said walking past you and opening the door for you to come out of the room.

Your heart jumped happily, your smile growing at the sight of Wanda there with you once more. With a chuckled you limped engaging Wanda in a conversation about the mission that had left you out of commission for a while.

__________________

“When did she get here?” Yelena glanced out of the window of the kitchen, she squinted her eyes following you and Wanda as the both of you strolled through the yard.

“Uhm, around three?” America put the spoon on the gelato Yelena brought for her, “I think so, she came here in one of Tony’s cars.”

“Of course it was Stark.” Yelena huffed turning around, she lifted a hand pointing an accusing finger at America, “and you let her in!”

America rolled her eyes, she knew Yelena tended to be highly protective of Y/N but as of late her arguments against Wanda had worn thin and she was just trying to get a hold of what was really happening and how everything would end, Much like everyone in the life of Y/N and Wanda.

“Please, you and I both know they have been seeing one another for more than two months, nobody thought of telling Wanda about the mission and she was really affected by this.” America rested her cheek on her hand, her eyes on Yelena.

“What?” Yelena grabbed her own gelato shaking her head.

“Do you think they will go back to being together?”

Yelena leaned back against the counter, she thought about the things that had happened in the past. She had been there, and she had heard the story and the wounds, but after they learnt the full story and went through so much, forgiveness was not a crazy thought. You had been so happy as of late, singing and laughing, being a different kind of person and Yelena knew she owed it to Wanda coming back and wanting to be a part of your life.

“I think it is a possibility, but this time around if something were to go wrong…” Yelena left in the air the possibility of negative consequences, America tilted her head thoughtful.

“I think this time around could be different, and I think that’s the reason why they had been dancing around one another, you know?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, it’s just that if this time around everything goes well, they have seen how their lives could turn out to be. The twins, and the house and the married life, everything would be possible and happiness would be there.” America shrugged, “I just thing sometimes we are more open to the negative outcome instead of the positive one because we are afraid of getting hurt or getting lost in the feeling.”

“You don’t have a right to sound so wise,” Yelena scoffed shaking her head, America smirked.

“I learnt from the best.”

“Oh, thank you…”

“I mean, Natasha…”

“Brat.” Yelena threw a paper towel that America grabbed in the air, she was about to throw it again when a heavy hand rested on her shoulder.

“Children, please.” Natasha gave her sister a glance before turning to America, “what are you two discussing about?”

“Y/N and Wanda.”

Natasha lifted a brow, her eyes following the stare of Yelena until she found Wanda and Y/N standing in the far corner of the yard.

“When did Wanda get here?”

“This afternoon.” America explained, Natasha softened her features as she watched your smile and the easy conversation growing between the both of you.

“I guess that’s good, right?” Natasha ruffled America’s hair winking at Yelena who chuckled at the gesture.

“I guess, what do you think?” Yelena gauged Natasha’s face, she was waiting for a signal that revealed the real thoughts of Natasha but the woman was a tomb.

“I think we need to make more food, and you two have a mission tomorrow so no staying up late watching silly movies.”

“You know I am a highly functional adult and that I can go to bed whenever I want?”

“I think you are an adult, but the functional part is up for debate.” Natasha replied chuckling at the offended expression in Yelena’s face.

America laughed ignoring the mocking glare from Yelena.

“I am a trained assassin, you know, I can…”

“I’m just going to say two words,” America smirked in triumph lifting her hand and lifting a finger when she said those two words, “Kate Bishop.”

Yelena opened her mouth and then closed it again, her cheeks coloured red with her hands wiggling to try and make a point that was lost when Natasha came closer to her to close her mouth by putting two fingers under her chin.

“She got you there, sis.”

America laughed standing up before running away from the kitchen, Yelena screaming in Russian while going after her. Natasha shook her head taking a sip from the glass of juice she just poured for her. The day was getting old, the sun was already gone and the sky was changing into a darker version of blue, yet even with the drop of temperature and the sudden changed you and Wanda were still outside.

Natasha sighed.

Peace was so odd at times, but it was for moments like this that she lived for. With a final glance she turned around and went the living room her voice reaching out the two kids that were laughing and screaming on the second floor.

“America! Yelena! You have to prepare dinner!!”

You welcome the change in atmosphere from the confines of your room.

In the last couple of days, Natasha had done nothing more than babying you under the medical recommendations. It had been a necessary evil considering you were out of commission for over two weeks. Wanda listened carefully to your story, with each word her heart shrank making the very fibre of her emotions trembled under the possibility of you not surviving such an incident.

“It was really confusing at first, I woke up with everything hurting and in a hospital with Natasha and Yelena all over me,” you stopped walking turning to Wanda, your hand seeking out hers feeling the softness of her palm against yours, “I remembered right away that you probably were asking where I was and why I haven’t called at all.”

Wanda stiffened her eyes drifting away though her hand tightened lightly around yours.

“I just thought you would be busy, I knew you have your job and the occasional missions.” Wanda tried to downplay the turmoil she went through when you didn’t show on that first weekend, then the second one, and then the third one.

She was not ready to admit to you that she had been lost, and that the old insecurities came back to push her to the edge of feeling alone and not enough. You tilted your head taking a closer look to the young woman standing in front of you, observing how her lips tensed and her eyes refused to look at you directly; the way she kept a hold of your hand and the sudden softening of her voice told you all you needed to know at the moment.

“You know I would never walk away from you without telling you first, Wands.” You winced moving from one foot to the crutch on your right hand. “I never told anyone I was going over to Nepal to visit you because I didn’t want them snooping around in my things, I wanted this to be ours.”

There afternoon sun was fading away slowly, and the wind of the Tuscany region enveloped both of you in a warm embrace. Wanda lifted her free hand only to let it fall again, her eyes flickering to your face then to your lips and finally to your joined hands.

“I know.” She finally stated though her voice trembled, lacking the conviction your were looking for.

“Are you still doubting what is happening here, Wands?” You asked stepping a little closer, Wanda offered a weak smile shrugging.

“What is happening, Y/N? I’m still…You have come and go for over five months, and we have talked and we have shared amazing moments and still I am not sure as to where I stand eith you.” Wanda didn’t want to be so honest all of a sudden, she wasn’t looking to actually be honest and broke with such a tirade but the trip and the lack of sleep coupled with her worries about her own situation brought this over.

Your eyes dropped alongside your smile, your hand never let go of that of Wanda but you did tried to take a step closer. Wanda didn’t fight, instead she also came closer trying to get a hold of you to see if the questions she had would be answered.

“I thought everything had been clear, but I guess we never did talk about it clearly, did we?”

“Not really.” Wanda mumbled lifting her hand towards her hair, “I’m sorry I shouldn’t bring this over and…”

Wanda trailed off completely, her body stiffening when you leaned forward placing a peck at the corner of her lips. She could feel the heavy stare of someone watching them from the house, while you came at her without any shame or hesitation.

“I think I told you before, the same way you have told me, Wands. I don’t want this to be over without at least giving it a try.” You squeezed her hand offering a half smile, “I guess I wasn’t clear enough so, let me set the record straight and ensure there are no more doubts in you.”

Wanda opened her mouth to ask what exactly you mean by that, but at that moment the both of you heard Natasha calling out to you.

“Y/N!! Your medication! Now!”

You winced turning to see Natasha standing by the threshold, her hands on her hips and a knowing glare shot your way. Under that stare you understood Natasha had a second intention for the call out, you snorted turning to Wanda who had a glint of disappointment in her green eyes, you chuckled winking at her.

“Don’t worry, Little Witch, tomorrow we will have the house for ourselves and we can continue with this conversation.” You then nodded towards the house, “now let’s go, I really am feeling the pain kicking in and perhaps taking the medication won’t be as bad with you at my side.”

Wanda offered a half smile, her helped you out before taking a deep breath and speaking closer to your ear.

“You want me to play nurse?”

You almost fell down on your face, turning to the mischievous smirk she was now wearing. You chuckled nodding.

“I would like that very much, Little Witch, but Nats would probably kill you if we get sidetracked.”

Wanda snorted though whatever tension she had worn moments ago soon dissipated; she opened her mouth then closed again until she just shrugged turning to you.

“Well, we always have tomorrow, right? You did say we will have the house all for ourselves.”

Now, that comment hit you straight in your mind and core, and you couldn’t help but laugh while trying to cover up your flustered cheeks. Wanda sighed in relief, her doubts quieted down by your reassurance and the welcoming committee she had from your part, seeing you again had made her happy and Wanda soon realized there was no place on earth she would rather be as long as she was by your side.

Wanda just needed to let her last doubts aside to take a leap of faith and confessed this to you. There was nothing more she wanted that be yours for as long as you wanted her, and for you to be hers for as long as you allowed her to have you.

______________

You limped around the kitchen grabbing cups and bowls from the cabinets placing them carefully on the counter.

The music coming from your phone filled the silence in the kitchen, coffee was the very first thing you always prepared before anything else and the strong smell of the coffee was soon filling out the room. You limped to the fridge glancing around until you found the milk and the orange juice, putting them out you went to grab some of the strawberries almost falling on your face.

“You really love putting yourself in harm’s way, don’t you?” You chuckled feeling the arm around your waist making sure you were not hitting the floor, Wanda was smiling down at you helping you up on your feet.

“What can I say? I was just waiting for a cute hero to come and rescue me?” Wanda rolled her eyes but never lost her smile you grabbed the strawberries and then close the door.

“What were you doing?” Wanda finally asked looking around the kitchen then at you.

“Breakfast?” You tried limping towards the coffee maker, “I just thought I will make breakfast and then we can go into the city.”

Wanda tapped on the counter playfully, her smile just growing with her eyes following your every move.

“The city? You have plans for today?” Wanda leaned forward excitedly; you lifted your face blinking confusedly at Wanda.

“We have plans, Wands. You and Me.” You replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, Wanda tilted her head with her heart missing a beat at the sight of your grin.

“I…let me help you, I think it would be faster.” Wanda winked at you going to help with the fruit and the cereal.

You watched her out of the corner of your eyes, a shiver of pure pleasure and contentment went through your body and settled on your lower abdomen your heart twisting painfully your chest. You knew the moment you made the decision to go after Wanda that everything could turn out with the both of you, love had always been there but sometimes people needed more than love to build up a relationship.

The last couple of months you and Wanda had done just that, build a relationship that went beyond the initial passion and juvenile love you felt for one another. You chuckled when she put the bowl filled with cereal, milk and strawberries right in front of you before putting a chair closer so you could accommodate.

“I was supposed to be working on this and served you breakfast, you know?” You were about to stand up and go for your coffee but Wanda winked at you placing a mug filled with coffee.

“Black, two spoonful of sugars and, of course, enough coffee to kill you instead of waking you up.”

“Damn, you’re the best.” You were about to say something else but Wanda was faster than you and soon her lips when on yours giving you a soft kiss before stepping away. “Wha-what was that?”

“I like my breakfast with a kiss from you, I was getting use to it I just thought…” Wanda was losing her confidence as she started talking but whatever else she was going to say you took the chance to cut it out by another kiss.

“Shall we eat and then hit the road?” You asked putting a strand of hair behind Wanda’s ear.

“Yeah, yeah that sounds… nice.”

Ten years ago their relationship had been different.

It was filled with passion, sex was something you knew pretty well and took advantage of as a way to escape reality, a tool used for missions or in your leisure time. For Wanda it had been the first-time experimenting emotions and pleasure she had been forbidden to practice or to even think about during the war consuming her country. Your conversations had been everything, music and movies, books and hobbies, it had been an immature relationship that had meant the world to you.

Wanda taught you about being in love.

Your broken heart had bled for a very long time, not really understanding why after everything the both of you had shared it ended up with Wanda looking for comfort and love in another’s arms. With time, you understood why, and while you didn’t have to like the answer it was something you were trying to make peace with.

Now, ten years and some months later you stood right before the very same woman you had fallen in love within your teen years. Whatever love you held for her changed, and instead of diminished with time it slept until your paths crossed again and it grew into something different.

This time around your conversations were different and while passion was still present, it was not about the physical connection.

You found Wanda’s eyes across the room, her facial features completely relaxed wearing a soft smile while listening to the explanation done by the guide. You were sitting down on a bench brough specially for you, the discomfort on your leg had started almost ten minutes ago but you didn’t want to leave the city just yet, not when it was pretty obvious Wanda was happy.

“Where next?” Wanda asked slightly giddy, her eyes sweeping around the Piazza della Signoria admiring the architecture and the sculptures and the fountain of Neptuno.

It was a warm day, with sweet breeze and streets filled with people running around the busy streets of Florence’s downtown. The weather had been kind of warm accompanied by a sweet breeze that made it easier to walk around, the conversation was directed to meaningless subjects that brought laughter to Wanda with your heart missing a bet whenever you glance into her green eyes.

“Well, there is another place I want to show you but it is not the right time yet,” you watched at the time before turning to Wanda.

“Which place?”

“Oh, it is a surprised, Little Witch.” You winked at her taking her hand in yours, Wanda fixed her position so as to not bother the crutch and your leg.

“Okay, so far I have liked the surprises you have given me, so wherever you want to take me I’m all in.”

“Good then, next stop would be the Gardens Boboli.” You declared limping slowly towards the closest street leading to Ponte Vecchio and the Palazzo.

It was the moment the both of you stepped into the garden that you realized how well you knew Wanda.

She was completely stunned by the sight, her mouth hanged open and her eyes gleamed amazed by the architecture of the place. You smiled behind her, your heart skipping a beat under the charm of her smile and her stare. Wanda was standing right beside you forgetting about her doubts and her fears, and letting herself go enjoying the moments she had always dreamt to share with you.

You enjoyed taking her to new places, you heard her stories about being on the run while being completely lost and sometimes confined to a room or a place without the opportunity to enjoy the world out there. You always thought it was kind of sad, to be so afraid of what would happen to you if you showed yourself the way you were to not really enjoy what the world had to offer. One of the things you enjoyed the most was the expression on her face whenever you told her a new story or showed her a new place, it was a world of pure discovery and it told you exactly what you wanted and with whom you wanted to be with.

After eight hours of just walking and talking, spending most of the morning getting to visit the most important places in the historical Florence, you started feeling the pain in your leg and body. You concealed your pain taking deep breaths while limping heavily down the streets, Wanda stood by your side completely aware of your discomfort.

“Y/N, please I know you wanted to show me this place but…I mean, it can wait, you don’t look well.” She stood right before you, her free hand cupping your cheek with concern.

You winced trying to offer a smile but coming out with a grimace.

“I know, I know it’s just this is the best part.” You pouted letting out a huff while nodding to the hill that was just a few meters away.

“What can be so important that you’re risking this pain in your leg?” Wanda finally asked cleaning up some of the sweat in your forehead.

“You.” The answer came before you could stop it, but there was only honesty in your words.

Wanda stopped her movements locking her eyes with your, she felt her cheek colouring red while her lips curved into a tiny smile.

“You’re such a sweet talker.” She softened her tone, though the small frown of concern never left her features.

“Is it working?” You asked, Wanda snorted looking away.

“You know it is.” She finally said wrapping her arm around your waist and making sure to give you the much needed it support to hold your body.

“Good then, help me out and then I will do whatever you want.” You winked at Wanda who could merely rolled her eyes at your words.

“I will hold you to that.”

You chuckled holding back any exclamation of pain while walking the last few meters to the top.

“This, my dear Wanda is Piazza Michelangelo.” You presented the place with a flourish of your hand, your grin grew when you realized Wanda had been surprised by the sight.

She didn’t let go of your hand while stepping closer to the balcony, her head turned to you then back again before she caught sight of your grimace.

“This is beautiful.” She mumbled taking you to one of the steps overseeing the city.

“So, was it worth it?” You let go a breathy whimper, intertwining your hand with hers.

“It is worthy mostly because I’m with you.” Wanda confessed resting her head on your shoulder. “But I don’t think it will be enough to justify the pain you are going through at the moment.”

You snorted but said nothing else, for what seemed like hours the both of you sat in silence observing the buildings and the landscape that was Florence. The magnificence of the Duomo governing a city that had been the birthplace of the rebirth of mankind. You closed your eyes allowing the warm on Wanda’s hand to bring comfort to your heart.

“Yesterday you were questioning our relationship as of late.” You broke the silence, never taking your eyes from the city.

“I was just confused, and a little angry for not having heard from you in a while, Y/N.” Wanda started trying to explain her emotions. “These last months had been like a dream come true for me, I never thought I would be close to you again, or that we could be like this.”

“You never thought I would forgive you.” You stated, Wanda shook her head unable to answer to your words.

“I never thought I could forgive you, Wanda.” This time around Wanda lifted her head turning to face you, her hands on yours. “last year I finally understood many things about you and about me. I even got to understand our relationship and what exactly had happened to the both of us.”

The sound of muffled conversations filled the silence in between, you could see people laughing while enjoying their time together in such a place. The sun was starting to face, but the day was still far from over: to your left Wanda sat facing both the city and yourself, and you had to wonder if perhaps you were doing the right thing.

“When I started our visits I did so without any specific expectations,” you continued furrowing your brow, trying to have the conversation of your life with such a pain was not an easy task. “I thought it would be good for you and me to see where this really was going and if it was worth it.”

“And, is it?” Wanda inquired rather frightened by your answer.

You turned to her, your lips curving into a smile and your eyes gleaming with deep emotion.

“It is worth it, Wanda. I don’t want you to be alone anymore, and I don’t want to be away from you either.” You stated putting your hand in your pocket, Wanda held her breath when you pulled out a small box from it.

“What…” She remembered the box she opened all those months ago in which she discovered the plans you had made for your future with her. She was trembling by then, her heart almost leaving her chest and a horde of wild butterflies fluttering their winds inside her abdomen.

“It is not what you think it is, not yet anyway.” You lifted your free hand before opening lightly, inside was resting a single necklace made of white gold and a single Tourmaline stone matching Wanda’s eye.

“Why…I mean, what…” Wanda trailed off not really knowing what to say, you shrugged making sure you were putting it on her, your lips right beside her ear.

“With this necklace, Wanda, I want to promise myself to you.” Your whispered sent a shiver down her back, you sighed staying still gathering your strength to continue. “I don’t want to repeat the mistakes of the past, and I want to believe that second chances mean a new chapter in our lives. So, please accept this as an offering for you to be with me and, this time around, let’s just see where it gets us.”

You found yourself being hugged by her, your eyes were wide open and your arms stood rigid at your sides. You could feel the wetness on your neck, the sign of her tears and the soft whimpers leaving her lips while she poured her answer in the embrace. After a while, your own arms moved to return it, closing your eyes while enjoying the closeness of the woman you had fallen in love with all those years ago and had not stopped loving ever since.

When Wanda leaned back, you could see those green eyes twinkling with the same love she had always showed you, the same one that had changed over the years but instead of diminished had transformed itself and had mature enough to love and let herself be loved.

“I love you.” Wanda whispered those words without any fear of rejection, she finally let go of what she had been holding all this time, all the pain, and the suffering had broken and now all that stood before her was a future you were proposing. “I just love you, I can’t imagine anybody else by my side, I just can hope this time around I don’t disappoint you, or hut you, I don’t want to I…”

“Hey, that’s fine, one step at a time, okay?” Wanda nodded holding your hand, at that moment a sharp electrifying pain went through your leg and abdomen making you gasp clenching your eyes closed.

You had been trying to hide the fat your leg had been killing you for quite some time, the position you were in had not been ideal and after a while the pain became far too much. You hated this only broke the moment you were living with Wanda, the young witch was on top of you right away checking over your leg and your body with a concern look.

“What is it? Does it hurt too bad?”

“It’s nothing.” You grumbled clenching your fists, Wanda dropped her stare frowning at you.

“You look in pain,” Wanda grabbed your hand stepping closer to you while crunching up her nose, she was examining you. “You have been walking all day, of course you’re not okay.”

You tried to wave away her concern, trying to stand up only for your legs to feel weak all of a sudden. She was right on you to hold you up.

“I think I can… ugh…” You sat down closing your eyes for a moment, Wanda knelt beside you brushing your hair and cupping your cheeks.

“I think it is enough, I can carry you and we can go to the car,” Wanda checked you over trying to remember how far away from the parking lot the both of you were.

“N-no, that won’t be necessary, we still have a lot to visit and…” You tried to stand up but Wanda put a hand on your shoulder shaking her head.

“Don’t be stubborn, I can see it hurt you.” Wanda cupped your face in her hands, placing a kiss on your forehead. “Let me help you, please?”

She grabbed your hand in hers, her eyes pleading to you to stop your stubbornness. You closed one eye, the other one falling on the gemstone she was now wearing. With a grumbled, you nodded accepting her help.

“Okay, we can go home…I don’t have energy to take us there, but I can take us to the car.”

“Are you sure? I think I can help you out and we can make our way over there.” Wanda continued brushing your hair away and wiping your forehead.

“Yeah, it is close enough for me, and I don’t think I can actually walk.” You replied sheepishly, Wanda rolled her eyes already knowing you would act the tough act until you really felt helpless.

With a flicker of your hand and her help, the both of you crossed the shadows until you ended up right in front of the car. After that, the ride home was done in relatively silence, your pain increasing as the time passed by. Wanda couldn’t help but sent worried glances your way, her hand on yours trying to calm you down by distracting you with stories or questions you were ready to answer.

The Villa was still empty, Natasha had gone into the city on some sort of mission, and Yelena and America had left earlier without giving any sort of explanation. You grabbed Wanda tightly, almost falling on your face when another jolt of electricity went through your body.

“Sorry.” You mumbled; Wanda shook her head making sure you rest comfortably on your bed. “We were having a good moment, and I really wanted it to be more romantic, the sort of moment in which I will clear up your doubts but…”

Wanda sat facing you, her hands making quick work on your shirt and pants, her fingertips moving delicately with the frown still in place. You grabbed her hand in yours kissing her before helping her out in the process of getting you into more comfortable clothes.

“You don’t have to be sorry for that, I enjoyed our time together and we still have time for a conversation.” Wanda replied making sure you were quite comfortable on the bed.

“I don’t want you to think I left because I preferred the mission, or because I didn’t want to be anymore, you know?” You were breathing hard by then, the injury on your leg had been bad enough to let you feel useless while having one of those attacks.

“I know.”

“I was enjoying our little meetings; I think we never got a chance to do what we did on them.” This time around you smiled feeling the softness of a cotton towel on your face, fresh water touched your lips and you welcome the beverage while also trying to swallow the pills Wanda placed on your hand.

“I enjoyed them as well, I was afraid you have grown tired of me, that perhaps you had finally gotten what you wanted it before leaving.” Wanda confessed finally sitting down at your side, her hand on yours.

You shook your head putting her hand to your lips, the heavy doses of the pills alongside with the tiredness of the day was catching up with you.

“Thank you for coming here, and for not turning me away, Little Witch.”

Wanda softened lightly she leaning in placing a kiss on your forehead.

“Don’t mention it, Love, I’m here.” The endearing term slipped her lips without noticing, you gave her a quick stare before smiling. “Let me give you the last pill and then I leave you to rest.”

You frowned shaking your head grabbing her hand, “no, please just…”

“Y/N you need to take the medication,” Wanda started but you cut it off shaking your head.

“No, I mean, don’t go.” You took a deep breath, your voice coming on short gasps, “Stay with me, please? I want to be with you.”

Wanda felt the warm on her cheeks, she broke into a timid smile that didn’t go away walking around your room grabbing the last of the pills before placing it on your tongue. You drank more water shifting slightly to leave an open space for the other woman.

With some hesitation, Wanda took her shoes off and her jeans, she grabbed a pair of shorts and then went right in with you on the bed. Wanda stayed still her back resting on the pillows chewing on her lips until you snuggled closer to her.

“You don’t have to be so tense; you know?” You closed your eyes, a playful smile on your lips. “I am not in the right physical state to offer you some interesting games to help you relax but I am not against them if it helps.”

“Y/N! I thought you were sleepy?” Wanda shifted her body to welcoming you in her arms, you chuckled observing her red cheeks and dilated pupils.

“I am but you were just so tense, let me just rest for a while and I promise you later on I will bite if that’s what you need.”

Wanda rolled her eyes finding adorable your chuckled and your expression just as you started falling asleep. She let her fingertips caress your head, while she too close her eyes.

This was all that she needed it.

This was all the comfort she was seeking out.

A day ago, she had been mad, but most of all, she had been heartbroken believing herself a fool for ever thinking you could forgive her past sins. Or for even entertained the idea you would want her back in your life, now she was just lying there with you in her arms, fast asleep and a necklace that sealed a promise between the both of you.

With a whispered, ‘I love you’, from her part Wanda too fall asleep with the same content smile you were wearing in your sleep.

_____________________________________________________________

Next Chapter: Reader and Wanda have some fun together, Natasha comes with news and Yelena and America had started a new secret group everyone knows about but they like the ilussion of secrecy. Reader and Wanda have stop running and as time passes they finally take one last step towards happiness.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Some Surprises

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

NOV 2024 Week 1

Ongoing Series - Thai

Fourever You (Thai Thurs YT) ep 5 of 16 - I love this show, but I absolutely hate the main couple's communication style. Or complete lack of communication style. I really hope the other couples are not gonna be this bad and it’s just because this one is leaning into the worst of BL archetypes. But I’m not confident. Poor Ter dating Hill put a big old target on his back. Earth being a dramatic stressed gay queen was peak comedy tho. Apparently the good kisses are only on WeTV (I am annoyed) so props to the giffers who keep me supplied. You're doing the BL gods work.

I suddenly realized, after the bullying sequence, that one of the reasons I’m liking this so much is it reminds me of early Japanese yaoi. There’s something about the dynamics of the characters and the way they're reacting to situations that’s not very Thai BL feeling. And if I think of this is more JBL, I forgive it. Or maybe that’s just why I’m liking it so much despite its flaws? Difficult to understand my own feels about this show.

Jack & Joker (Thai Mon IQIYI) ep 8 of 12 - I don’t like this new evil-bonkers rich kid character and whatever is going on with Jack and Rose and that whole story. It’s boring. And then my brain short circuited. No further thoughts... just War in a wife beater. 

Love Sick 2024 (Thai Sun iQIYI) ep 7 of 15 - Phun's bitch face really is epically wonderful. I kinda enjoy everybody ribbing the two of them because they have no idea what’s actually going on. I'm chronicling my experience with 2024 as compared to 2014 here.

Kidnap (Fri YT) ep 9 of 12 - Omg cutest boyfriends EVER. I don’t even mind how cheesy their bf era is. Does this lull jive with the rest of the story? Nope. But ya know that’s GMMTV’s thing these days, flailing during the final act.

Perfect 10 Liners (Thai Sun YouTube?) ep 1 of 24 - Pretty standard Thai BL university fair. I am hoping it’s better than ForceBook’s previous offering. Yet another sniff test. Is this the trope of the year? Meanwhile, they also deployed the crash into me trope in episode one. Who do they think they are? Taiwan?

New is directing this uni BL with a massive cast + massive run time. It's an endurance test ya'll - we will be watching this until APRIL of 2025! Su su na.

Every You Every Me (Thai Mon Gaga) ep 4 of 10 - I really like that they had the bandwidth to give us a little side couple with this installment. Fun crumbs. Meanwhile, the thing with the shirt in front of the mirror was extremely sexy. This installment was very sad though. And, of course, I’m not happy about it. To top it all off, next week is musical themed, so you know I’m disgruntled about it. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

See Your Love (Taiwan Weds Gaga) ep 3 of 13 - Aw spoiled neglected rich boy wants to be cared for and spoiled honestly. I do love them. Also tiny idiot syndrome is spreading. 

Teenager Judge (Vietnam Sat YT) ep 6 of ? - The side couple (teacher student, hyung romance but he’s using em) interesting. Not sure how I feel about them. The subs are so bad it’s largely incomprehensible but I’m still enjoying it for no defensible reason. 

My Damn Business (Korea Sat YT) eps 5 of 7 - I love that our uke can be such a little shit. I love it when a tsundere has some serious snark and attitude to back his petulance up. Also liquid courage. At least we got to the root of the tsundere. Also neck kisses and cuddles! 

Eccentric Romance (Korea Weds Viki) eps 7-8 of 12 - Oooo, cute kiss. Drunken but adorable. I do like it when they use older Korean actors in KBL, they actually know how to kiss. Has the kiss saved this show? Possibly. I’m shallow. 

Love is Like a Poison AKA Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru (Japan Tues Netflix?) 7 of 10 eps - Our con man is such a good little homemaker. And it’s sexy yukata time! Love this trope. 

Love in the Air: Koi no Yokan (Japan Sat Gaga) ep 1 of 10 - Same plot as the Thai original, only from Japan. Very similar so far. I hope Rei is a bit more smart and Arashi is a bit less of a sleaze. I still get too much secondhand embarrassment and my mame alert is blaring.  I'm wary.

Blue Canvas of Youthful Days (China Sun iQIYI) eps 1-2 - Triggers for child abuse, alcoholism. Two artists, one an abused rich kid and the other a tough scrappy poor kid, in the same art prep school. I of course adore the side couple of the much younger kid and the older teacher. Oh, I do like it. But it's CBL, I'm very scared as to where it might go.

Bad to Bed (Taiwan Sat YouTube) ep 1 of 10 - Influencer Wan Xiong suffers from insomnia, it’s a physical and mental battle. As he tried to find a solution, he encounters five boys along the way. I'm putting this on the list because it's airing and I just found out about it but I didn't have time to watch it yet. I hear it's v weird.

It's airing but...

The Hidden Moon (Sat WeTV) 10 eps - Supernatural romance (my ghost boyfriend trope) by Violet Rain (I Feel You Linger). A man is hired to write an article about an old mansion. He sees the ghosts of people who died at the mansion, falls in love with one of them. Was substantially recast. I loved IFYLITA except the ending so I think I'll let this one run it's course you can tell me if it's work tracking down... if they managed to land it. I have my doubts.

Bad Guy My Boss (Thai Sun Gaga) 10 eps - I DNF'd at ep 7, I couldn't make it. I am weak. Life is hard enough right now, this show is making it harder. It’s not what I want from my entertainment.

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo (Korea Thurs Gaga) eps 4 of 8 - I put this one on pause. It's too heavy for me right now. I'll wait to know if the ending is hard fought happy (and then watch) or not (and won't finish). Sorry all, rough times this side of the screen.

Random I watched it

Vending Machine Sabi Koi AKA Can I Buy Your Love From A Vending Machine AKA Sono Koi, Jihanki de Kaemasu ka? (Japan 2023) - This show is utterly adorable, impossibly awkward, and kinda old fashioned. About a cute nerdy little office worker (he's out!) who has a big'ol crush on the tall hulking vending machine guy. They fall in love. And that’s it. And it’s charming. There’s some first name eroticism, because Japan, and there's emphasis on communication, which is so not Japan, but turns this into an organically loving and talkative relationship. There’s a bit of an age gap, and our office cutie may or may not have a muscles fetish (the hot bod not the shellfish) because (if I’ve told you once I’ve told you 1 million times) Japan always goes kinky. And you know what, I loved it. 9/10

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

November BL:

11/4 Our Youth AKA Miseinen: Mijukuna Oretachi wa Bukiyo ni Shinkochu (Japan Mon Gaga?) 11 eps - Minase was an exemplary high school student who hates Hirukawa, head bully and top delinquent. But then Minase uncovers Hirukawa’s secret and the two get intimate.

11/15 Caged Again (Thai Fri WeTV) 10 eps - Penguin escapes zoo by turning into a human. Gets trapped again and a panther falls in love with him.

11/17 Your Sky (Thai iQIYI) 12 eps - Due to an unforeseen situation, a naive freshman and the campus’s popular senior agree to pretend to be a couple - but their fake deal begins to generate real feelings.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

Honor the crumbs indeed. This pair is so much crumbs it's practically dust. (Love Sick 2014)

God he is so stupidly in love.

(lask week)

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in its infinite wisdom doesn't like too many at-ings.

[xkaidaxxxx]

Fortunate Ones

BAKUGOU X READER

Mentions: Corrupt Government, Quirkless, Injections, Pregnancy, Dad Bakugou, Fluff!

reblogs are appreciated! <3

There was a point in time where life was happy for everyone. Then one day things changed.

Those with Quirks lived a better life. Good homes, good environment, upperhand on job opportunities. Quirkless born have it rough. A child should have their quirk by the age of 5 and if not the government will give the child another year just in case they’re late bloomers. If no quirk is developed by the age of 6 they’re separated from their parents and put into the quirkless side of town, Although they are allowed to travel anywhere.They get paired with a good family. They’re not allowed to have any contact with their old family.

You grew up with Bakugou and Izuku. Yeah Bakugou was an asshole but you still followed behind him just as everyone else did. You and Deku had each other. Yes you were parted from your birth parents but the ones you were given too were great. They love you like their own. Deku went through the same thing which is why you guys are understanding each other. You thought you’d be with Izuku forever as besties and have a possibility to end up with Bakugou.

Izuku never told either of you about training with All Might. He couldn’t. He didn’t even tell you about getting into U.A. You thought you'd be going to school. You knew Bakugou got in and it hurt you like hell. Parting ways with someone you fell in love with. “ Since when do you have a quirk!?” You yelled at Izuku. “You’re a piece of shit for not telling her sooner.” Bakugou said. “ It’s not what you think,”Izuku said. He wanted to stay with his best friend. He wished the three of you could attend the best hero school there is. He cared more about being a hero. “ I can’t believe it. How..just have fun with your quirk Izuku. Bakugou have fun as well. I guess this is it…” you say tears running down your face. “Who knows…maybe we can meet up one day or whatever.” He said handing you a piece of paper with his number on it. You smiled. “Y-Yeah..thanks. I’ll miss you guys more than anything.” you said. Bakugou hated it when he was forced into a group hug. He hates physical contact but tolerated it for you. He’s always had a soft side, though he's a total asshole. 

Everyone went their separate ways. You didn’t stay in contact with Izuku. He’s “too busy.” when in reality he didn't make time. He cared more about being a hero. Bakugou is very serious about it too but he tried and did make time even if it was talking on the phone or meeting up in the city going to places where Quirkless people were allowed in. Sometimes he’d even facetime with you at night even after a long and tiring day. Yes he’d knock out mid way with you but he made the time and it made you happy. 

As time went on Bakugou developed feelings towards you and finally confessed after becoming a hero and you two Immediately started dating. During the ending of highschool there was a bill being set. Quirkless people were not allowed to house with a quirk user unless married. Then 2 years later the bill passed. 

“We could always lie. We don’t have to worry about it. Let me handle it.” Bakugou said, holding you close. You were both 20 and ready to move out. Bakugou was making a great amount of money from being a hero even though he's young. You were in your 3rd year in college studying for business management and English language. You had a small business. It’s going very well. You always have orders coming in. “We can’t lie about it,Kats. If they find out then what?” you asked. “We’ll make it happen eventually.” he replied, pecking your cheek. You nodded slightly. It was your plan with him. Him becoming a hero, you finishing school and starting your small business then soon enough live together. You continued your homework. Thank god you’re the smartest in all your class and gained trust from your teachers. They’d give great recommendations for when you need a job. 

“Hey mom. I brought her to meet you. You’ll love her.” Katsuki said. He brought you into the living room. “Really!? All this time?” Mitsuki said, giving you a big hug. You returned it. She’s known you since a kid; she just never thought you’d end up dating her son. “You should’ve told me since you started dating her. Why did you keep it a secret for so long?” She asked, letting me go. “I told him I wasn’t ready not until I was almost done with university.” You answered. “We were planning to move in together but…the new bill was placed..” he said gripping your hand lightly. Mitsuki knows how much he loves you because when you and Bakugou started she noticed how much he started changing and in a great way. “You two are young. Still in the beginning of the new chapter. Us parents will be here to support you both.” Mitsuki said. 

When you and Katsuki turned 21 he proposed to you. While you were at work he decorated the dining room with candles and roses.(he lived on his own.) He made your favorite meal. The lights were dimmed. “Hey Kats. I'm here. What did you need help with?” you asked as you took off your heels. “Yeah I'm in the dining room,” he replied. You went over and blushed as you saw the lovely decorated table. You both enjoyed the food. You talked and laughed. “You’re such a romantic, it's cute. Thank you for this.” You said smiling. “I have one more surprise.” He walked over to you.” he replied and made you stand up. “ Where are you taking me?” you asked. “No No, just stand there okay. Close your eyes, loser.” he replied. You obeyed him. Bakugou took out the ring and got down on one knee. “Open.” he ordered. When you saw him your heart was racing. “Y/n I'm in love with you and you know that. You give me everything you have to offer. You always express your love to me. Make me the happiest man in the world and marry me.” He asked. You nodded as you started crying with him. He slipped the ring on your finger. When the wedding happened a year later you both were so happy, loved and fortunate, very very fortunate. 

You must be wondering why? Well thank god you and Bakugou decided to try for a baby during the honeymoon and it happened. You were blessed twins, baby boys. During the time you were 7 months the government released the news about planning on injecting half of the quirkless females. An injection to stop them from reproducing. You had your babies and after you got approval from the doctor to have another child. You and Bakugou got to work. It was hard to take care of the twins while pregnant but you and Bakugou want a little tribe. 

“ Morning my wonderful boys.” Bakugou said to the twins who were awake and ready for their bottles. He carried both of them and got comfortable on the couch he fed both of them. Struggled but fed them. You were still asleep. He makes sure you get proper rest which is why he took time off work. To help you around the house another set of twins are on the way. You woke up around 9:30 am“Kats?Kousuke?Kensuke?” You called. “In the bathroom babe!” Bakugou said. He was giving the twins their baths. Kensuke was the calm one and Kousuke…sweet lord he’s the wild one. You walked in and saw Bakugou’s shirt all wet. The boys cooed and kicked as Bakugou made silly faces. Kousuke splashed water as Bakugou lifted him to scrub his back. “Let me help kats.” you said with a smile. It took about a good 30 minutes to bath them and have them all set . 

You had a small and cute gender reveal only you,bakugou, his parents, yours and your 2 siblings. It was inside the second nursery. Your sister knows the genders so she planned it. “You guys ready?” Mitsuki recorded. You and Bakugou took a deep breath and then let go as you both opened the closet. Half of it was filled with boy clothes and the other with girl clothes. You shared a kiss with Bakugou. Everyone clapped. “ I love you and our babies.” Bakugou said as he rubbed your bump. “ We love you too, loser.” you replied. Months later you pushed your beautiful babies out. 

You guys want a K family and you also wanted to have one more pregnancy. Hopefully you’re not one of the chosen quirkless females for the injection and lucky for guys you werent. By the time you and Bakugou were 26 you had 6 kids. 

Kids' names. K family. Eldest to youngest.

Kousuke Bakugou(m)

Kensuke Bakugou (m) 

Kyousuke Bakugou (m)

Kimiko Bakugou (f)

Kaoru Bakugou (f) 

Kaisei Bakugou (m)

You changed the kids out of their pjs and into cute clothes. Your mother made a family gathering. Bakugou hugged you from behind then nibbled on your ear whispering, “We should have one more, don't you think my sexy girl.” Your eyes widened when you felt his bulge. “ Go fix your problem in our room.” you said. “ Come on one more?” he begged, leaving a hickey on your neck. You saw the kids fall asleep as you packed up their diaper bags. “ Katsuki Bakugou no.” you replied. His hands roamed your body. When he got to your breasts you moaned as he pinched your nipples,you felt your milk leak a bit. “ one more.” he whispered in your ear and then licked your neck. “Fuck it.” you gave in. He was about to carry you away until baby Kaisei started crying. Bakugou rolled his eyes. “Mommys boy for sure,” he said. You smacked him then carried Kaisei, rocking him in your arms. Bakugou looked at him playing with his little hand. Kaisei wrapped his hand around Bakugou’s finger and gripped it. When the kids do that to him he always ends up crying. You never knew why but he always smiles and pecks their hands in the process. 

The best part of it all is that your children grew up with quirks. When they got their quirks you and Bakugou were blessed. Blessed to be able to stay with your family. 

You both were blessed by God to keep your loving family.

[daenerys-apolog1st]

It's literally insane how TG and Alicent Stans will see someone criticizing Alicent for things she's done and choices that she's actively made, and then they're only response is just- "she was groomed by Viserys! She was manipulated by her father! How dare you criticize her when she's a victim!" -and like...be so fucking serious.

Yes, in the show, Alicent is groomed by her father and Viserys, and her initial mistrust of Rhaenyra and support of Aegon's eventual usurpation was planted by her father's manipulations. However, that does not excuse the choices that she actively made as an adult and that also doesn't mean that she did not grow up to be an abuser herself and that she is above criticism.

She was an adult when she abused Rhaenyra for 10+ years, terrorized her family to the point where they left their home, spread rumors that she knew full well could get her and her children killed, and took every chance she could to humiliate and hurt her or the ones she loved.

She was an adult when she demanded that Rhaenyra's 5 second old newborn child be separated from their mother and brought to her, knowing full well that 1. Rhaenyra would likely bring the child herself because she would never allow her baby to be taken from her, 2. that Rhaenyra was terrified of childbirth and losing children because she watched her mother literally be killed by it and lost multiple siblings right after childbirth, and 3. that right after birth is a very delicate time for a baby and that demanding them be separated from the mother and paraded around the castle could put them in danger.

She was an adult when she filled her children's heads with the idea that their sister hated them and was going to kill them, separating them from the rest of their family and sowing hatred between them, and placing the idea of usurpation in their heads. Aegon outright says that he doesn't want the throne, that he doesn't want to challenge her, but Alicent forces him onto the throne anyway.

She was an adult when she did everything she could to protect her rapist son, including threatening a girl who he'd just raped and basically throwing her out of the castle, all the while it's heavily implied that he's raped girls before and she's done nothing about it but give him slaps on the wrist.

She was an adult when she betrothed her 13 year old daughter to said rapist son, therefore continuing the cycle of abuse that she once faced herself in her daughter---despite the fact that there were plenty of other perfectly good options for her daughter and she didn't have to do that.

She was an adult when she went after a 5 year old with a knife and tried to maim him over an accident instead of blaming the adults in the situation that were actually at fault for not watching the kids, an accident that---mind you---Aemond told her to stop freaking out over himself because he got a dragon out of it. But she ignored him and then proceeded to make him losing an eye all about herself with her little speech.

She was an adult when she heard that Larys Strong murdered his family, including the Hand of the King, and did absolutely nothing to bring him to justice and never told anyone else that could've done something---before then reaping the benefits of him murdering his family by having her father made Hand once again.

She was an adult when she was fucking the kingsguard that was supposed to be protecting her daughter and grandchildren, leading to no guards being around to protect them (Criston sent them all away), the night that her grandson was murdered. AND THEN worrying more about covering her own ass than her literal grieving daughter afterwards.

She was an adult when she offered up her son's head to Rhaenyra despite the fact that she was the one who forced her son on the throne in the first place, basically willing to sacrifice him to---again---cover her own ass.

And so much more throughout the course of the show.

Yes, Alicent was a victim, but that does not excuse her actions nor put her above criticism---being abused does not mean you cannot be an abuser yourself. At a certain point, the fact that she was a victim becomes obsolete in these conversations because---as an adult---she chose to do the things she did herself, and it's ridiculous to use the abuse she faced as a child as a scapegoat for every bad thing she's ever done.

Like, again, be so fucking serious.

[gffa]

Usually, I like to finish reading a fic before recommending it properly, but I've been sucked into about five different STAR WARS fics recently that I've gotten far enough into that I'm willing to trust my heart to them because they're scratching a very specific itch for me--namely, that I want deeper explorations of both the Jedi Order and of Anakin's character. I want fic to punch me in the feelings over both of these aspects of the story. I want fic to sometimes set Obi-Wan and Anakin aside and focus on Ahsoka for awhile, really tell her story. I want Jedi themes woven into a story. I want an exploration of Anakin's mindset that reminds me of just how much I love him and have sympathy for him. And fandom has delivered for me.

DO YOU WANT FIC TO BLACK OUT TO AND LOSE AN ENTIRE WEEKEND OVER? HAVE I GOT SOME RECS FOR YOU:

✦ Out with Lanterns by SkyeBean, ahsoka & mace & jedi & clones & cast, 312.5k     In another universe, Jedi Masters Plo Koon and Depa Billaba decide a Padawan could do Mace some good. It takes a while, but he eventually agrees. When he takes Ahsoka Tano as his Padawan, Mace knows that he's broken through a Shatterpoint and changed the course of a life. How, he doesn't know.     This fic accomplishes several things that have sent me over the moon: 1) At its heart, it's an Ahsoka fic that shows her growing up as a Padawan, going on missions, learning lessons, and having character growth. 2) It weaves in so many other characters around her, that Mace is there in almost every chapter, serious but warm in the Force, just as beautifully characterized as she is. 3) The other Jedi get their moments of excellents, Shaak taking Ahsoka on her Akul hunt was wonder to read, seeing Obi-Wan show up for a chapter had me over the moon, Adi taking care with Ahsoka was lovely, Depa was a shining star when she took Ahsoka under her wing, Fox growing used to these strange Jedi and growing into himself through Ahsoka's eyes was wonderful. 4) The writing is that kind of solid that I don't mean as mid-tier, but the kind that I feel like can bear weight on it, I can pick it up and read for 30k and barely realize any time has passed, despite that I've gotten through an entire arc of the fic. 5) It does an incredible job of balancing that feel of The Clone Wars show, without directly copying anything, that it's like these are arcs that I could have seen on the show itself, the lessons woven in, but still with enough plot moving forward and action to make it exciting. If you want more Jedi-centric fic in your life (where they don't have to be perfect! sometimes they can be less than perfect and it's okay because they're still good! ohhhh, my heart warmed at that) or you want to read a lovely Ahsoka-centric fic in a different life, but still so recognizably herself, then this is one I want to shove right in your face immediately.

✦ Take it from the top and try again by mauvera, obi-wan & anakin & qui-gon & padme & mace & dooku & cast, time travel, 116.k wip     Five years into his self imposed exile on Tattooine, Obi-Wan Kenobi is gifted the chance to go back and bring hope back to the galaxy. With hindsight on his side, he fully intends to save his master, save his padawan, make some new and old friends again, prepare the Jedi for a war they’ll hopefully never see and begin to pull apart all the many tangled threads of the Sith Lord’s plans. Should be relatively easy. Right?     I got sucked into the first fic in this series (which is complete, if you want to read it--it's not the end of the story, but it's a good stopping point and feels like it should have some solid resolution if you don't want to get into a wip) and read the first fic over the course of about three days because I was sucked in so thoroughly. I can never get enough of Obi-Wan time traveling back to the past, where he loves the Jedi and they love him, and I love this one because he has to make genuine plans for changing things--things change and I have no idea how that's going to affect Palpatine's machinations! Exciting! But it's also a lovely look at Obi-Wan's dynamics with multiple characters--I found the Obi-Wan & Padme scenes a hightlight personally, their friendship really blossomed as they both flung themselves into trying to better the galaxy, even if she doesn't know he's from the future, that he's working so hard matched a lot of her energy and I really enjoyed that--from Qui-Gon to Mace to Padme to Anakin and, as the sequel progresses, Dooku as well. It's another Jedi-positive fic, it has me invested in the plot, it's a joy to see competent!Obi-Wan, and I would love to shove it at more people.

✦ Post Order 66 Exile AU by Livsy, obi-wan & anakin, 46k (wip-esque)     After a failed order 66, in which many Jedi still died but the Sith were defeated, an exiled warrior and a boy wander a distant planet and attempt to get along.     This is probably the shortest fic on this list but I'm including it because it genuinely felt longer than that, for how dense the emotional intensity of it is. It's an AU where the Jedi barely eked out a victory, still on the edge of extinction in many ways, and Anakin deep in the pits of the dark side, so Obi-Wan takes him to a backwater planet in exile for the both of them, traveling through the countryside and just trying to make it from day to day. What punched me right in the feelings place is that this fic doesn't shy away from the hurt and the anger on both sides, that both of them are allowed to be unreliable narrators that have their own points of view on what's transpired and what lays between them. It doesn't back away from the hurt they both feel, the despair they both feel, yet there's hope here. It's ultimately a story about clawing yourself back from the dark side, and it's beautifully characterized for both of them, that unkind things are said on both of their parts, but you understand why the characters are in the place they are. It's wrapped up in a lushly written backdrop, with some lovely Japanese feudal era details woven in, but also with a Star Wars patina spread across all of it. It's not necessarily a kind fic, but if you like fic that bites down on a wound, I enjoyed this series a lot and would love to see it continued--but, honestly, what's here is already enough resolution that, looking back on it after the initial "Noooooo, I need more!" feeling has faded, I'm actually very satisfied with. ✦ Men of Power by AlabasterInk, obi-wan & anakin & mace & yoda & jedi & palpatine & cast, 86.1k wip     When an old powerful man suddenly comes in and sweeps your underage Padawan away without so much as a by your leave, that’s the time to start asking questions.     I'm only about 20k into this fic, so I can't say what shape it will take later on or how much pairings might come into it, but I still had to come running over to shove this fic at people, because it's scratching the itch I have for Jedi-positive fic that explores the idea of Anakin's trauma from his childhood as a slave, that this is a child who is wound so tight and comes from such a horrible thing having been done to him, having been owned as a person, that I understand why he stays silent on some of the things I desperately wish he could talk about or he doesn't really believe some of the things the Jedi tell him. It's a fic that takes a lot more care with Anakin's character than I think canon ever intended, weaving in a lot of the heartbreaking stuff from Legends' supplementing the canon, and is creating something that punches me right in the feelings place for him, that he's such a bright, brilliant boy, but I see why he struggled and it's not about assigning blame in any direction. It's about deeply caring people who fate has take a few steps to the left and something shifts just a little--and I appreciate that there's something very delicate feeling here, that the Jedi just don't have any real reason to be suspicious of Palpatine, his actions make sense, they genuinely can't feel any ill intention from him in the Force, they discuss why it would make sense that he'd want to support Anakin, all while we the readers can see, in hindsight, where the shadows have been creeping in. If you want Jedi-positive fic that also leaves some teeth marks over Anakin's trauma being explored in a way that is entirely sympathetic to him, then I want to shove this fic at you, too.

[ladykailitha]

The Hellfire Exotic Club Part 7

Hey, guys, I think the not labeling this has got it to see more people and that is fucking depressing as shit. So I will warn in the notes and tags but won't be putting community labels on going forward.

In this we have Wayne come into town and hit off with Steve, things get serious, and Steve explains why Robin and he left their last job.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

~

Getting Wayne settled into the spare bedroom was like taking a shower after working hard all day. When that first splash hit, it was painful but as you got used to the temperature your body would relax and all the dirt and stress would just melt away.

Eddie hated that he had to have his uncle come down at all, but he needed the help and Wayne had run that club for twenty years before giving it to Eddie. He would know what to do.

“You want to come and meet Robin and Steve?” Eddie asked, shyly hiding his face behind his hair.

Wayne paused from where he was putting away his clothes in the drawer.

“Could do I suppose. You talk more about the girl then you do the boy, and I have a pretty good guess as to why.”

Eddie blushed dark red. “I am but a horny man and yet, despite my job being about selling sex I have not gotten laid in awhile. So I am very weak and he is very pretty.”

Wayne snorted and rolled his eyes. He went back to unpacking his things. “I can stay for as long as you need me, Ed. Doris is fine to look after my plants, I’m retired, I don’t need to go rushing off nowhere.”

Eddie sat down hard on the bed and put his hands in his lap. “I don’t know if I’m built for owning a club. I’m burning the candle at both ends and there are times the only reason I know the day of the is by the fucking color theme when I walk in.”

Wayne sat down on the bed next to him and pulled him in for a hug. Eddie let out a shuddering breath and then suddenly he was crying. He didn’t know where all this was coming from. He thought he had a handle on the club. On his dancers. But he felt like he was falling apart at the seams.

“You’re just tired, son,” Wayne murmured. “But that’s why I’m here. This is partly my fault. I should have eased you into it, given you a couple of years of running it with me as your second then you wouldn’t be in this position. But I’m here now.”

Eddie wanted to refute that claim, but the more he sat there and stewed in that thought, the more it made sense. He nodded.

They sat like that for a moment. Eddie just soaking up the attention and support that he only ever got from Wayne.

He raised his head and wiped his eyes. “Thanks. I think you’ll really like the new show.”

Wayne huffed out a laugh and shook his head. “You really need a social life.”

“Yeah?” Eddie said with a grin. “Is that what Doris is? A social life?”

Wayne pushed him off the bed and Eddie landed on the floor with a thump and a startled laugh. “Don’t put out if you can’t take it, old man.”

“Shut your pie hole,” Wayne groused. He stood up and held out his hand to him. “Let’s go meet this pretty boy of yours.”

~

When Wayne walked into the club, he was impressed on how clean it was. He knew Eddie hired people to clean up, break down, and setup for the next day. But it was clearly worth the effort.

The club was made up in a dark sea of blues. But it wasn’t silky, everything was soft and well... lazy. Perfect for Sloth. Up on the stage the dancers were practicing their numbers. They were all dressed up in various stages of warm up gear. Shorts, tank tops, leotards, tights, some barefoot, others with the balls of their feet tapped, others still in soft soled shoes. No point in wearing heels and twisting something they shouldn’t.

They were currently practicing one the burlesque numbers that they did for the dinner crowd, but it didn’t take a genius or even someone who knew the rest of the dancers to know which one was Steve.

He was the one that lit up like a fucking Christmas tree the moment Eddie walked in and called out his nephew’s name like it was a god damned prayer.

“Hey, Stevie!” Eddie cried back and Wayne refrained from shaking his head fondly. He didn’t know who Ed thought he was fooling, but he was close to head over hills with this boy.

Steve jumped off the stage and came bounding up to the two of them. “Who’s this handsome devil? I’m Steve.”

“I like this one.” Wayne grinned shaking Steve’s hand.

Eddie scoffed and rolled his eyes. “This is the OG devil. My Uncle Wayne.”

“With all due respect, sir,” Steve said with his megawatt smile, “but the Kitty Cat Titty Club was a horrible name! “

Wayne threw his head back and laughed. “I thought it sound great right up until I had to put it on business cards. It didn’t sound so great after that.”

Eddie went starry-eyed at Wayne and Steve getting along so well so fast. Pretty soon the only thing standing in the way of him just bending the dancer over his desk and fucking him will be his own god damned stupid rule.

God, kill him now.

But, alas there was no lightning strike and they were being surrounded by the other dancers greeting Wayne and welcoming him back.

“You coming back for good?” Stella asked Wayne, giving Steve the side eye.

Eddie and Steve immediately bristled at the implication that Eddie couldn’t hack it. Eddie was just a little burned out and needed help, not to be replaced.

“Stella Mubarak,” Wayne greeted with a warm smile. “It’s been awhile. We’ll talk later over coffee, but everyone needs to know this right off the bat. I’m here as Eddie’s guest. I’m not here to look at the books, or change dancers, or any of that other nonsense. I’m just here for a couple of weeks because I haven’t seen much of Eddie and since he’s the one running this place, I came to him. The only changes I intend to make is my underwear.”

Steve and Eddie glanced at each other and hid a smirk.That was certainly one way to put any rumors to bed.

“All right, guys!” Eddie called out, “Enough with mugging my uncle. Give him time to breath for fuck sake. He just got into town and will be staying awhile. You can visit with him on your days off. In fact I know he’d like that. But shoo, back to doing what you do best and that’s looking pretty.”

Wayne chuckled as he watched Steve blush at the compliment even though it was directed at everyone.

They all wandered back to the stage, Steve lingering for a moment longer before following suit. Eddie led the way to the office and flopped down at his desk. He tilted head back and sighed dramatically.

Wayne sat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. “When you said there was drama, I was thinking the usual backstabbing and jealously that comes from being a dancer. But Stella asking me outright if I was gonna replace you right in front of the whole fucking troupe was ridiculous. The absolute balls on that one.”

Eddie raised his head and looked him in the eye. “She thinks that Steve changing the show a little is the end of times and won’t accept change. She was also one of the more vocal members telling me I shouldn’t have fired Billy. Which I really fucking should have a hell of a lot sooner.”

Wayne hummed and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Billy’s always been something a dark horse even when I ran the show, but I always thought it was bravado and not actual malice. I hate to say that I was that wrong about a person.”

Eddie buried his head in his hands. “I don’t want to fire Stella too, but I think things are going to get worse before they get better.”

“Always a possibility, unfortunately.”

Eddie got up and went to the filing cabinets. He pulled out two files and handed them to Wayne. “I know you’re not here for this, but look at the numbers from when Billy was in his heyday and the last two weeks with Steve.”

Wayne took them from him pulling out the spreadsheet from a couple of years ago first. The numbers were good, and pretty even across the board. Then he pulled out the spreadsheet for the current month. Steve’s numbers were at least thirty percent higher.

“That’s impressive,” Wayne said with raised eyebrows. “I know he’s only in his first couple of weeks and could dip a little, but I doubt it would be much considering the sheer charisma coming off of him in waves.”

Eddie nodded sitting on the corner of the desk. “He’s an even better dancer. Holy fuck, Uncle Wayne, when I first saw him dance I could feel the emotion radiating off him.”

“Sounds like Stella is jealous at the sudden attention he’s getting,” Wayne said thoughtfully. “I would normally say to just wait it out and see what happens when the dust settles, but–”

There was a large crash and suddenly Eddie and Wayne were on their feet, dashing out the door back to the front of the club.

When they arrived they saw that Steve was at the base of the stage, looking like he’d fallen off of it.

Eddie rushed to his side. “What the hell happened?”

Steve looked at him and then back at the stage. He just shook his head. Snitches got stitches apparently. And hooboy was Eddie pissed. Steve may have not had any desire to rat the person out, but Eddie was going to show his wrath.

He stood up slowly. “Wayne, go check the security recordings.” He raised his head slowly. “And if he finds that anyone pushed him off, will not only be fired, but I will make sure to press charges of assault.

Steve closed his eyes and laid back on the floor with a groan. Eddie looked down at him with a raised eyebrow.

Steve indicated to the office with a jerk of his head. Eddie nodded.

“Hey, Jeff,” he said, “can you get some ice for Stevie here? I’m going to take him to my office to make sure he’s okay.”

“On it!” Jeff replied heading for the kitchen.

Eddie helped Steve to his feet and whispered, “Limp, make a show of it.”

Steve’s eyes went wide, but without so much as a nod to acknowledge what had been said, suddenly Eddie was carrying most of Steve’s weight. His head lulled to the side and he had the most pained expression on his face.

If he hadn’t seen the change in demeanor himself, he would have been really concerned.

They made it to the office and the change in Steve was instantaneous. He straightened up and closed the door quickly behind them.

“All right,” Eddie huffed. “What’s going on? Because the usual reaction to being told that being assaulted was going to be reported to the cops certainly isn’t frustration.”

Steve sat in the same chair that Wayne had just vacated with a flump. “This can’t go any further than this because it’s an active court case and letting you know only stretches the law, not break it.”

Eddie’s eyebrows shot up. “You want to repeat that?”

Steve buried his head in hands for a moment and then slowly raised his head. This Steve looked worn down and defeated. Something Eddie didn’t know how to deal with. The man was usually bright and sunny.

“When I talked to Robin about coming out to the dancers she didn’t want to,” Steve began. “And if Chrissy wasn’t gay and you weren’t bisexual, she wouldn’t have done. Probably would have convinced me not to as well, Chrissy’s comfort be damned.”

“That’s pretty harsh.”

It also didn’t sound like the Robin he had known these past couple of weeks either. The girl was empathetic to the nth degree.

Steve picked at his nails for a moment before spoke again. “You know I worked as a pole dancing instructor for the rec center, did you know Robin was a cleaner there?”

Eddie nodded. He did all the hiring for the club, not just the dancers.

“Her manager was a real piece of work,” Steve said softly. “Racist, misogynistic, and worse; homophobic. He was really bad.”

“So why hadn’t he had been fired?” Eddie asked tilting his head to the side.

“We didn’t know then,” Steve explained, “but we found out after that his uncle was the man who provided the funds for the center to be built. His uncle’s name was on the god damned building.”

Good ole fashion nepotism was the absolute worst. He said as if he didn’t get where he was because his uncle was the previous owner.

“So what happened?”

“He over heard her talking about a hot actress she liked.”

Eddie licked his lips slowly. “Oh shit.”

Steve nodded. “There was no doubt it wasn’t just admiration. He cornered her a storage closet about a week later and started beating her,” he muttered. “If I hadn’t been running late to my class I wouldn’t have her heard her. I managed to pull him off of her and called cops.”

“Did he...” Eddie trailed off. The normal reaction from these types wasn’t just abuse.

Steve shook his head. “I don’t know if I got there before he started or if he just meant to beat her, but no... Thank god!”

Eddie huffed out a sigh of relief.

“Then what happened?” he asked.

“He got arrested,” Steve said darkly, “and we got fired. Her for being gay, though they never said that out loud, and me because I called the cops.”

And then it hit him.

“That’s why the two of needed your days off to align!” Eddie cried. “Shit man, if you had said something I could have made arrangements, especially since it wouldn’t have been a permanent change. “

Steve smile softly. “She didn’t want anyone to know.”

“That’s fair.”

Wayne slipped into the room with Jeff behind him with an ice pack. Jeff handed it to Steve who immediately put it on his elbow.

“I looked at the recordings,” Wayne said. “But there were too many people around Steve to see who pushed him.”

“Shit.”

~

Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14

Tag List: CLOSED

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3- @maya-custodios-dionach @goodolefashionedloverboi @val-from-lawrence @carlyv @wonderland-girl143-blog

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10- @themoonagainstmers @gloomysoup @novelnovella @micheledawn1975 @garden-of-gay

[hyperfixatedoncrimminalminds]

ahhhh! i was the anon who requested the most recent hotch!daughter fic! tysm for writing that. the most adorable thing ever <3!!!

is it ok to have a sort of follow up on that fic? maybe reader comes back and forces hotch and all the bau members to play princess tea party with her during their lunch break haha?

Aaron Hotchner X Young Daughter Reader Pt 2

Request : ahhhh! i was the anon who requested the most recent hotch!daughter fic! tysm for writing that. the most adorable thing ever <3!!!

is it ok to have a sort of follow up on that fic? maybe reader comes back and forces hotch and all the bau members to play princess tea party with her during their lunch break haha?

Start of recap...

Following his arm Hotch breathed a sigh off relief as he saw where Y/N had got to, smiling he watched his daughter laugh and play with the young doctors hair.

He was glad she was okay and made a new friend. Quickly taking a few pictures he sends them to Haily who messaged back just a quick. "Some one made a new friend" chuckling he responded. "I think they both made a new friend"

Putting his phone away he went back to his office, happy to leave his daughter in his agents capable hands.

End of recap...

Third person pov...

A couple months after Hotch and Haily get a divorce. Haley has the kids most of the time and Hotch gets visitation rights, little Y/N loves spending time with her Daddy.

It was a typical day at the FBI academy for Aaron Hotchner, the team's stoic leader.

As they were reviewing their case files and strategizing for their next case, Hotchner's phone rang. He picked it up and on the other end was his ex-wife, Haley.

Hotchner's heart skipped a beat as he heard the sound of his two-year-old daughter, laughing in the background.

The spending if her voice grew louder, she had come closer to the phone.

"Hi daddy!" She squeals as she sees his contact. Hotch let's a smile fall on his lips. "Hi baby, you want to spend the day with me and the team?" He asks the young girl.

Hotch immediately pulls the phone far away from his ears as his Daughter screams in joy shouting into the phone. "Yes yes yes!" Hotch laughs at how excited the little girl sounds.

After getting the phone back, Haley explained that their original babysitter had called in sick and she had an important meeting she couldn't miss, Jack had school so She asked if Aaron could take care of Y/N for the day.

Despite his busy schedule, Hotchner couldn't say no to spending time with his daughter. He quickly made arrangements for Y/N to come to the BAU office and inform the team that they would have a special guest for the day.

As the clock struck 12, Agent Hotchner was in his office, going through files when suddenly he heard a knock on his door.

"Come in" he called out, not looking up from his work.

To his surprise, it wasn't one of his team members, but his 2 year old Daughter

Y/N standing in front of him with a huge smile on her face.

"Daddy!" she exclaimed, running towards him.

"Hey, Princess have a safe trip" Hotch asked, lifting her up in his arms. The energetic girl smiled and hugged his neck. "Yep I did, can we play daddy?" she asks the man, giggling.

Hotch chuckled, "i'm sorry sweetie, but Daddy has to work right now. Maybe later, okay?" The H/C girl pouted, but before Hotch could say anything else.

she suddenly let out a loud giggle and ran out of his office. Hotch shrugged, thinking it was just a phase and went back to his work.

But 5 minutes later, he heard more giggling and the sound of his door opening again.

This time, it was the whole BAU team following Y/N who was dressed in a pink princess dress with a tiara on her head.

She was holding the young Dr's hand who was smiling, Y/N still loved Spencer the most apart from her Daddy of course

"Hotch, we have a problem" Rossi said, a serious look on his face but trying to hold back his laughter.

Hotch raised an eyebrow, "What's going on?" Everyone one of them after trying to keep a straight face.

"Morgan found this little princess wandering around the bullpen, claiming that she was here to play with you" JJ explained, trying not to laugh

Before he could say anything, Y/N ran towards him and tugged on his shirt. "Daddy, I wanna play tea party with you and your friends!"

Hotch looked at his team, trying to hide his amusement. But seeing their pleading faces, he knew there was no way he could deny his daughter's request.

"Okay, just for a little while" Hotch said, putting the little girl down and joining the others in the break room.

Y/N clapped her hands in excitement as she dragged Spencer out of her Daddies office and to the found table room.

She then passed out plastic tea cups and saucers to everyone. "You're the queen, Daddy!" She said, placing a tiara on Hotch's head.

The team couldn't help but laugh as they pretended to sip imaginary tea and have conversations with the little princess.

They even played make-believe with her, pretending to be princes and princesses in a magical kingdom.

Hotch was the Queen, Rossi was the King, Y/N of course was a Princess, Spencer the court magician, Penelope the fairy God Mother, Derek a Knight, JJ and Emily were princesses with Y/N.

For the next hour, the BAU team forgot about their stressful job and just enjoyed the innocent fun with their bosses daughter.

Hotch couldn't remember the last time he laughed this much, and seeing his team bonding with his daughter made his heart warm.

As the lunch break came to an end and they had to get back to work, Y/N hugged each team member tightly, thanking them for playing with her.

"Thanks for saving my princess, Hotch" Derek said, high-fiving him as they all left the break room.

Hotch smiled, feeling grateful for his team and their willingness to be a part of his daughter's little tea party adventure.

From that day on, whenever little Y/N would visit him at work, the team would always set aside some time to play with her.

Hotch couldn't be happier, knowing that his daughter was being raised in a loving and supportive environment.

The end!

I hope you liked this oneshot, so sorry for the wait. Finally got around to writing this. Sorry for any grammar and Spelling mistakes.

Request are open!

Word count: 1100

[decadeofjoy-au]

NEW CLARANCE THE CLAYMAN LORE

Jaelyn Dennis was a 26 year old man who lived with his wife of 4 years in an old apartment. He and his wife wanted a baby but unfortunately, due to Jaelyn’s infertility, it was nearly impossible for them. After trying for 2 years the couple eventually gave up until Jaelyn got the idea to adopt an orphan and surprise his wife with them. He searched over the web until eventually he found Playtime Co and decided to go pay the place a visit. Unfortunately, the day he went to pick up his new child was the day The Decade Of Joy occurred. Jaelyn was often described as Nurturing and Selfless yet Insecure.

Martin Lloyd was a 30 year old man who frequently visited the gym after a break up. Not in an attempt to win her back but to get his confidence back up. However, he was currently dealing with some serious debt. Due to this, he decided to look online for a job and eventually found Playtime Co. After doing the basics to get the job, he was accepted to be a scientist! Martin came into work for 2 days before falling sick and having to stop working for a bit. Once he came back to work, He stepped into the lab rooms for only a second before The Decade Of Joy occurred. Due to being a newer scientist, Martin didn’t know about the bigger bodies initiative. Martin was often described as Generous and Brave yet snappy at times.

Kamren Burch was a 33 year old man who worked at Playtime Co. He had gotten his PhD in Biology and worked on numerous experiments before what was deemed his most successful experiment, Project Doey. After creating him, Kamren had wanted to see just HOW resilient Doey was to certain things, putting his morals aside to do various experiments and tests on him. 20 minutes before The Decade Of Joy occurred, he noticed Experiment 1322 acting awfully restless and agitated despite not being provoked or triggered. He was checking on The Prototype with 4 other scientists just before The Decade of Joy actually happened. Kamren was often described as Clever and Egotistical yet Manipulative.

CLARANCE THE CLAYMAN FACTS

* Despite being called “Clayman”, Clarance resembles a weasel more than an actual person.

* Clarance can shapeshift. However it takes a few more seconds than Doey’s shape shifting. While it would take Doey around 3-5 seconds to finally take on a certain shape, it would take Clarance 5-10 seconds to do so. An advantage of this however is that Clarance’s forms happen to be more detailed and neat than Doey’s.

* Clarance does NOT have a weakness to intense amounts of cold like Doey does.

* Clarance knows the name of almost every experiment and toy in the facility simply due to Kamren. Because of this, they’ll often pretend to be a fellow orphan if caught attempting to escape their containment. This only works 10% of the time.

* If in an especially bad mood or in a distressed state, Kamren and Jaelyn will desperately attempt to remove themselves from their shared body, whether it would be by crawling out through Clarance’s mouth or attempting to split the body apart. Unfortunately, this IS painful and Martin WILL grab onto them and attempt to get them to stop.

This is also why his monster form looks like that. All three of them are on the wrong sides. While it’s supposed to go Jaelyn, Kamren, Martin. Due to them trying to escape, it instead goes Kamren, Martin, Jaelyn.

[linos-luna]

My Baby (Pt. 10) 🥀🔪

Yandere!Bang Chan x Fem!Reader x Minho

(Pt. 1) (Pt. 2) (Pt. 3) (Pt. 4) (Pt. 5) (Pt. 6) (Pt. 7) (Pt. 8) (Pt. 9) (Pt 10)

Warnings: 18+, Yandere! Crying, some self harm, violence?

—————————— 🎀 ——————————

Minho was a wreck, losing sleep over your kidnapping for a whole week. Frustrated with the police, he hired a private investigator; however, they were only able to find some old friends of the man. So Minho decided to take matters into his own hands, confronting Chan's old friend Felix

“I haven’t seen him in over 3 years!”

“You're lying!” Minho accused, causing a scene.

Jeongyeon tried to calm him down, but Minho pressed Felix for more information.

“Listen. We know you were in communication with him a little over a year ago…” Jeongyeon said with her arms crossed. “Whether you understood the situation or not…”

“I-I can’t just rat out my friend—”

“Your friend has my girlfriend!” Minho interrupted.

“I… I only know of three places he’s lived at…” Felix said while looking down. “One apartment. Two houses…”

“Spit it out!” Minho said while pulling out his phone. He wrote the addresses on his notes app and sighed.

“That’s it?!”

“Yeah. I swear!”

“Thank you.” Jeongyeon said while pulling Minho away.

“I wasn’t done!”

“We got what we needed!” She snapped. “We don’t even know if he’s even at one of those old places.”

“Yeah but it’s a good place to start…”

——— 🎀

It was late into the afternoon. You were taking a nap and for the moment, it was quite peaceful.

You didn’t even realize that Chan was right next to you. He was also napping, on his side facing you.

You didn’t even notice until you started waking up.

He looked more at ease, as if he hadn’t had a good rest in a long time. His curly dark hair was grown out but suited him well. His features, well, you were reminded of one of the many reasons you originally fell in love with him.

His hand rested gently on your waist, showcasing his caring side. With a bit of light shining through the window, he just looked… soft… and well… handsome.

I mean, things weren't all that bad. He changed a little, loving as always but not as scary. At least he’s making an effort to be gentler and control his emotions.

He looked exhausted. You wondered if now was the time to sneak away. However, you couldn’t get yourself to move. He just seemed so much happier and relaxed when you’re here, almost like you give him purpose for his caregiving nature.

Sitting up, you watch as he moves a bit. There was a slight moment of panic when he didn’t feel your body, but you quickly grabbed onto his hand with the both of yours. Insanity.

You say there for a good ten minutes just watching him. And he was happy to see you there when waking up.

He woke up, finding his baby looking at him with concern. "Hi, baby," he smiled. "Didn't expect you up first."

"You looked tired," you said timidly.

"Don't worry about me, y/n," he replied, sitting up and kissing you. Surprisingly, you didn't resist.

"We need to talk."

His tone shifted, and a sense of unease filled the room.

"I just don't get it," he sighed.

"What?"

"Why would gop with another man?" he said, agitated. "Let him corrupt you…"

"Corrupt me?"

"I saw him with you!" he yelled, making you flinch.

"No, I'm sorry!" he softened, grabbing your arms. "Don't be scared!"

"Stop it!" you yelled, pushing him away. "He's my boyfriend! I'm not a baby!"

"My sweet babygirl," he said, unclear if serious or mocking. "You don't know anything. That's why you need daddy here."

"No! No! No!" you cried, shaking your head as tension rose.

“You need me!”

“Stop!”

“You stayed.” Chan continued. “Why would you do that? What would you stay as long as you did if you supposedly hate me?”

"Because I love you!" The words burst out before you could stop them, and you instantly covered your mouth, shaking your head. "N-no, no! Wait!"

"You still love me..." Chan said quietly.

"LOVED! I meant I LOVED you!!" You tried correcting yourself to no avail.

"I knew you still love me."

"No!"

"You missed me…" he continued as he watched you starting to sob.

"No! No, I don't!" You sobbed while smacking yourself on the head. "Stop it! Shut up! Shut up!"

"You just wanna be held… and loved… just need someone to take care of you—"

It's almost as if your mind was starting to slip. All these contradicting thoughts were overwhelming. What do you want? Do you still love him? Do you like him caring for you...??

"— because you're still my baby."

That was it. Almost as if something else had overtaken you. You practically threw yourself at him, clinging onto him and sobbing into his chest. Chan rubbed your back and held you tight while rocking you lightly. Have you finally lost it?

————— 🎀

“The houses. Those are our last options.”

“And what if she’s not in one of them?” Jeongyeon sighed.

“Dont say that!” Minho snapped.

Jeongyeon frowned at his reaction and took a deep breath.

The two of them were at a local restaurant trying to brainstorm. That is, until Minho looked up and recognized a freckled boy not to far away.

Minho realized something. He’s seen this man here before. Here at the same time when you were here.

“You’re right…” Minho muttered. “She’s probably not there…”

The man gets up, making the other man nervous when making eye contact. Before Felix could react, Minho grabbed him by the shirt, pulling him close.

“You lied to us, huh?”

Instead, the man was quiet.

“Say something!!”he yelled, making the patrons of the restaurant turn to watch.

“Minho!”

“No! He knows something!” Minho yelled back.

Surprisingly, the diners went back to eating and going about their business, acting as if this was normal. It was a little unnerving.

Getting frustrated, Minho drags Felix to the men’s bathroom and lets him go, making Felix slip to the floor.

“I’ve had enough.” Minho grunted. “You know where she is. You know where he has her. You’re still in contact with him.”

“Minho!” Jeongyeon was banging on the door, not sure if she should just barge in.

“Listen, I don’t know what kind of sick friendship you have with Chan, but I’m begging you to give me the correct address of where he is.”

————— 🎀

Not too long after, Minho and Jeongyeon found themselves standing outside Chan's house. Jeongyeon was actually surprised that Felix had coughed up the information.

"Shouldn't we get the police? Maybe some professional—?" she suggested

"No!" Minho interrupted. "I'm getting her! She's MY BABY!"

The intensity in his voice took Jeongyeon aback. He hadn't slept for over 24 hours, and it was evident he wasn't in the right headspace.

"You can go now," Minho said solemnly.

"She's my friend... I want to help," Jeongyeon insisted.

Meanwhile, Chan was feeding you. It seemed like you had given up on resisting. He paused when his phone buzzed, revealing a text from his friend.

< Lix >

[ I’m sorry! They made me tell!]

The man sighed and got up, confusing you a bit as he suddenly lifted you up.

“What are you doing?” You asked as he carried you to your basement room.

“Just stay here.” He replied while setting you down on the bed.

“W-what?!”

“It’s okay, baby.” He said while kissing your forehead. “I’ll be back…”

So what happened? It all flashed by so fast. You were in the basement, listening to the commotion upstairs, but you couldn’t make out exactly what was happening.

You were startled as the door burst open, revealing your best friend, Jeongyeon.

"Y/n!"

"Jeongyeon?" Your voice carried a mix of surprise and relief as your friend enveloped you in a tight hug, clearly thrilled to see you.

"Thank god you're okay!"

"Why wouldn't I be?" you replied.

Jeongyeon didn't know how to respond and quickly pulled you toward the stairs. Hoping to guide you towards a window for a possible escape. However, your attempt was short-lived, and you were spotted rather quickly.

"What are you doing??" Chan's voice rang out.

It appeared that the two men were engaged in a heated argument… or more like a fight? Chan looked frustrated but oddly calm, while Minho, on the other hand, seemed disheveled. It was a contrast between a rested man and an unrested one, both brimming with desperation.

Maybe that was the plan. For Minho to distract him while jeongyeon snuck you out. It wasn’t supposed to get violent…

"Y/n!" Minho's expression changed as he was so happy to see you.

You wanted your run to him. To be in his arms again, but someone stood in your path.

"Baby, go back downstairs!" Chan's voice echoed loudly, leaving you frozen in fear as your friend attempted to pull you away.

Minho looked around, coming up with something on the spot. He grabbed a glass cup from the table and smashed it against the wood. The contents spilled everywhere; he disregarded the large shard cutting into his hand as he ran forward, stabbing Chan in the shoulder. Stunned by the pain, Chan tripped over, and Minho loomed over him, ready to make the final blow.

"Don't!" you called out.

"Why shouldn't I?!" Minho demanded.

"Because—because—!"

"—because she still loves me…" Chan finished with a sly look.

Enraged, Minho threw the glass aside, landing a punch that instantly knocked Chan out. He got up, dragging the unconscious man by the leg into the basement. You and Jeongyeon followed.

You quickly went through the nightstand drawer, grabbing the cuffs that he’s put you in before.

As Minho practically threw Chan onto the bed, Jeongyeon cuffed him to the rail. She turned to you. "Is there another one?"

You nodded, finding another pair in the closet. The three of you returned upstairs, and tears streamed down your face.

"Minnie, I... I don't love him..."

Without hesitation, Minho hugged you, holding on tight. He fought back tears, wanting to appear strong for you. “I know…”

"Are we gonna call the—?"

"Let him suffer," Minho said in a low tone, interrupting the woman while holding you tight. "It's what he deserves! It's what he gets for stealing her away! For stealing away MY BABY!"

Both you and Jeongyeon paused. You pulled away briefly to look at Minho, while Jeongyeon eyed him with concern. Was he becoming what he hated? His actions were almost lethal. He could've killed him. The irrational possessiveness scared all three of you.

"Jeongyeon... call them," Minho said, looking down.

—————— 🎀

A moment of calm enveloped you, feeling at peace in his loving embrace that provided a sense of safety and relaxation. Spooning, was that the right word?

"We should finish packing," Minho suggested.

"Mm... 10 more minutes?" you replied with a sigh. "I'm sleepy."

"We've been in bed all day," Minho teased, with a playful smile.

"Oh well," you giggled, turning yourself around to be face to face with him. Minho gently rubbed your cheek, admiring your adorable features.

"Okay, that's fine. But Jeongyeon will be back soon."

"I can't wait until we move to the new home. And I'm so happy that Jeongyeon is coming with us." You giggled.

"We'll be our own little family," Minho said with a smile. "The three of us and maybe a few cats…"

You planted a quick kiss on his lips and cuddled up into his chest, breathing a sigh of relief.

[ALTERNATE ENDING]

——————————————— 🎀

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to those you read and love the series, I hoped to bring a good conclusion 😅

Don’t forget to like and reblog so others can read it too! I really appreciate you all for liking my writing and I hope to bring you more good fics and series!

I have a few in the works:

Pt. 4 of My Queen ❣️🔪 (yandere!Hyunjin x Reader)

Pt. 4 of Eternally ❣️🔪 (Yandere!Vampire!Jin x Reader)

[burkhxrts]

'SWEET CAROLINA' | A. Judge

"if you're ever stressed out, just dance in the night if you get those baby blues." -lana del rey

summary: comforting your husband after a rough game was one thing. comforting him after his first career ejection? that's a whole other whirlwind.

warning(s): none, but now I want a baby.

To say that Aaron was pissed, was the biggest understatement of the year. To get his first career ejection when they were up 5-3, in the seventh inning, was just plain stupid. Ryan Blakney was an asshole, and a very horrible eye behind the plate. 

Aaron was paced back and forth in the locker room, unable to stop grumbling to himself.  The whole experience was still replaying in his head, and he couldn't help but feel a little shaken. But then, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

He picked up the phone with a sigh, tiredly rubbing a hand over his face. “Hello?” 

“You got ejected?” You blurt, pacing the living room, cradling your baby girl in your arms safely.

Aaron’s shoulders slump at the sound of your voice, leaning against one of the lockers. 

"Yeah." He says, his voice weary. He can practically sense your reaction to his admission—the disbelief, the worry.

“God, what did you even say?” You mutter, voice coated in disbelief. This was Aaron Judge for god’s sake. The man was practically Snuffleupagus in human form.

"I didn't even say anything!" Aaron scoffs. "I got in his face for a second and got tossed from the game." He shakes his head, still in disbelief that he was booted from the field so abruptly.

You sigh, shaking your head as you continue to pace around the living room. “That’s bullshit.” You murmur, fixing your gaze to your daughter.

Aaron lets out a low, frustrated exhale. "Tell me about it." He grumbles through the phone. "It's the most ridiculous call I've ever seen."

You let out a weary sigh, the weight of the moment pressing heavily on your chest. Shaking your head, you glance down at Lyra, her small frame curled tightly into itself. In her sleep, she stirs uneasily, her body trembling as though caught in the grip of some distant dream. Soft, plaintive whines escape her parted lips, the sound fragile and haunting. 

Aaron hears the faint sounds of your sleepy daughter and the soft shuffle of your footsteps. A small sigh escapes his lips. "What's she fussin' about?" he mutters, his voice tinged with worry.

“Guess she thinks it’s bullshit too.” You joke softly, rocking the three month old gently.

Aaron grunts a laugh. "Sounds like her." He mutters. He hesitates, then says, his voice more serious, "You okay, babe? You're not...upset about me getting ejected, are you?"

You shake your head quickly, wanting to get the point across even though he can’t see you. “Absolutely not.” You mumble, rocking the now sleeping Lyra. “I was watching the whole thing, the guy had a bad zone the whole game. Still does apparently.”

Aaron lets out a low snort of laughter. "So you were watching the game." he mutters into the receiver. "Did you watch the part where I gave him a piece of my mind?"

“Yeah.” You sigh, moving towards the couch. You start to move Lyra’s everyday necessities, diapers, wipes, etc. “Is it bad I thought you looked really hot?” You grimace, cradling Lyra to your chest.

Aaron's eyebrows shoot up, a hint of surprise in his gravelly voice. "You... thought I was hot?" he asks, his tone tinged with genuine surprise. He leans against the wall, a smirk playing at his lips. "Just watching me getting ejected?"

“You never get angry!” You defend, shuffling into the cushions. “You’re like…big bird. You just hit home runs.”

Aaron can’t help but reel his head back slightly, a confused look on his face. "Big bird?" he scoffs, a hint of amused disbelief in his voice. He can't help but let out a snort of laughter. "Is that really the best description you have for me?"

“We’ve been watching a lot of Sesame Street, okay? It’s the first thing that popped up.”

"Of course it is." he teases, a warm smile on his face. "You're lucky, you know. Most guys don't have their wives watch them strike out and get ejected...and think they look kind of hot for it."

“You're not most guys.” You hum, tilting your head. Lyra wiggles slightly, a sleepy grin stretched across her face. 

"And you're not like most wives," he chuckles, his voice a low rumble. He can picture your expression perfectly, the slight tilt of your head, the way your hair frames your face. It's a comforting image in his mind.

Aaron lets out a soft sigh, his thoughts drifting to you and the little family you've built. He doesn't want to think about the game anymore—the ejection, the umpire, the way he'd been humiliated in front of the crowd. Right now, the only thing that matters is hearing your voice, seeing your smile.

"I wish you were here," he mutters quietly.

“Me too.” You whisper, pressing a soft kiss to Lyra’s cheek. “Come home soon, okay? Don’t worry about all the stupid interviews and stuff.”

"You know I'll do them all." Aaron sighs, a slight edge of annoyance in his voice. He'll do the media appearances if they ask—he knows it's part of the job, but he can't help but wish he could just come home and relax instead. "You sure you're gonna be okay on your own?"

“I’ll be fine. I have my sleepy girl with me.”

Aaron chuckles, the sound low and warm. "You just keep telling yourself that." he teases, his voice laced with a mixture of fondness and worry. "Promise me you won't watch highlights of that damn ejection."

You smile to yourself, eyes focused on the game that continues in the background, it seems less interesting now that Aaron’s not playing. “I can’t promise anything.” You tease, smiling lightly.

"I hate you," Aaron mutters, his tone dry but fond. Even through the phone, he can picture the smirk on your face. He knows you're teasing him, and he loves it.

“You looked good, what can I say? I’m sure half of Twitter agrees with me.”

Aaron can't help but laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. "Half of Twitter, huh?" he mutters, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You better hope you aren't getting death threats from my fangirls."

“Your fangirls are nice. They think just like me.” You sigh wistfully, flicking your eyes towards the ceiling. It’s true, every fangirl, no matter what age, seems to share one thought with you; your husband’s hot. 

Aaron grunts a laugh, leaning against the wall. "Oh, really now?" he muses, a hint of dry humor in his voice. "And what exactly do you and my fangirls think, then?"

“That you look hot when you’re pissed off.”

"Damn." Aaron mutters, a low, gravelly chuckle escaping his lips. "Is that all?" He pauses for a moment, then teases, "What else are you and the fangirls talking about?"

“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” You reassure, running a hand soothingly across Lyra’s back. She doesn’t move, only sighing softly into your chest. 

Aaron huffs out a laugh. "Hey now, you know I love my pretty little head." he mutters playfully. He can practically picture your expression, the slight smile that lights up your face, the way you brush back his hair, run your fingers through the dark curls. It makes his heart ache.

“I love your pretty little head too.” You murmur.

"Damn right." Aaron grins, a hint of cockiness in his tone. He leans his head back against the wall, sighing softly. There's a pause, and then he mutters quietly, "I miss you."

“I miss you too.” Your voice is soft, and you clutch Lyra tighter against your chest.

Aaron's heart clenches, the simple words making his chest feel tight with longing. "How's Lyra doing?" he murmurs, a hint of worry in his voice. He knows you're a natural at the parenting thing, but he still can't help worrying about you both, all alone at home.

“Sleeping the day away as always. Could’ve sworn she was paying attention to some of the game.”

"That's my girl." Aaron muses, a small hint of pride in his voice. He can picture her little head nestled against your chest, fast asleep, the soft rise and fall of her breathing. Despite it all, he manages a faint smile. "What about you, how are you holding up?"

“I’m doing okay.” You mumble, closing your eyes sleepily.

"Good," He responds, a hint of relief in his voice. He can hear the tiredness in your voice, the way it slurs together just a little. He knows you're exhausted. Even though he feels his own exhaustion weighing on him after the game, he still wants to stay on the phone and talk to you for a little longer. Anything that keeps you both in each other's orbit. "You should rest, too."

“I’ll rest once you come home. I just…I need to see you.”

"I know," Aaron mutters, his voice quiet and earnest. He loves being able to come home to both of you, to walk in the door and know that you're both waiting for him. "Just...try and get some sleep." He pauses, then hesitates before adding, "And I love you. You know that, right?"

“I love you too, Bean.” You whisper. You can’t help the nickname that slips from your lips, and it makes you smile softly. 

"You're a dork." He mutters in response, but there's no malice behind the words. Only affection, and a hint of amusement. He remembers the first time he saw that damn nickname, the way he'd rolled his eyes, how you never once relented with using it. "I hate that nickname." he huffs.

“Really?” You press a soft kiss to Lyra’s cheek. “I love it.”

"You're impossible." Aaron mutters fondly. He can practically hear the sound of you kissing Lyra's cheek, the soft sigh you let out afterwards. It makes his heart ache with longing. "I can't win with you, can I?"

“Nope.”

"Unbelievable." He scoffs, a hint of amused frustration in his voice. "Remind me why I married you again?"

“I was the only one who put up with your crazy ass schedule.” You teased, shuffling slightly when you heard Lyra whine in her sleep.

"Oh yeah, that's right." Aaron mutters, a slight huff of breath escaping his lips. Being a professional athlete took up a lot of his time, and it definitely tested his patience and stamina. But even he has to admit you were the one person who always stayed by his side, and for that, he was incredibly grateful. "You're still a dork" he teases back.

“Oh, I know.” Lyra wriggles even more now, her whines forming into soft cries.

Aaron can hear Lyra's whiny cries over the phone, the sound tugging at his heartstrings. "Is she awake?" he asks, his voice tinged with worry. He's not sure he's quite ready to end the conversation just yet, but the thought of his daughter being upset makes him want to be by your side immediately.

“Think she’s just hungry.” You mutter, patting her back softly. “What’s wrong? Hmm?” Lyra whimpers, gazing up at you and pouting her lips softly.

His heart clenches, the image of Lyra pouting her lips at you while holding up her little arms, demanding to be fed tugging at something deep in his soul. He can't help but think how perfect you are as a mother. "Is she gonna want me when I get home?" he asks quietly, a little hint of insecurity in his voice.

“More than likely.” You murmur, pulling the phone away and pressing the speaker button. You set it down beside you, shifting Lyra in your arms and starting to pull down your shirt. “Is that right, bug? You miss daddy?”

Aaron can't see everything that's going on from his point of view, but even so, the thought of you starting to feed Lyra makes his heart ache. There's something about that moment, the way you cradle her in your arms, the way she latches onto your breast and sucks instinctively...it's one of those moments that make him love you even more. 

He swallows hard, his voice thick with a mixture of emotions. "Is she drinking?" he asks, a hint of longing in his voice.

“Yup.” You murmur, admiring your daughter lovingly as she lets out small grunts, hand grabbing your chest gently.

He can't help but picture the scene, you holding Lyra, feeding her, cradling her against your chest. He loves that image, it makes his chest feel warm with affection. "When I get home," he murmurs, his voice a soft whisper. "Can you promise me something?"

“Yeah?”

"Promise you won't fall asleep before I get home?" He mutters quietly, a hint of earnestness in his voice. The last thing he wants is to get home only to find you asleep, tired and exhausted. He wants to be the one taking care of you, not the other way around. "I want to kiss you, hold you. I want to feel your body against mine. So, promise me, okay?"

“I promise.” You whisper, flickering your gaze over Lyra’s small face.

"You better keep that promise." He mutters in reply, a hint of gruffness in his voice. He lets out a soft sigh, his mind wandering to the thought of coming home to you, the feel of your body against his own. "I swear, if I get home and you're asleep, I'll be pissed."

“Hurry home, dork.”

"I'm getting there, dork." Aaron mutters in response, a soft snort of laughter escaping his lips. He knows he should be annoyed at the pet name, but at this point, it's just become a part of who you are. And besides, the way you say it never fails to make his heart flutter. "Just you wait. I'll be home within the hour."

“Okay.” You murmur, brushing your thumb against the soft skin of Lyra’s cheek.

Aaron can practically feel the gentle caress of your hand, the way you brush your thumb against Lyra's soft skin. And damn, how he wishes it was his skin you were caressing. He swallows hard, fighting the urge to lean against the wall and think of nothing but the image of your fingers tracing invisible designs over his back, your body pressed against his. "I miss you." He mutters.

“I miss you, too.”

You can hear him sucking in a sharp breath, the sound heavy, almost ragged in his throat. He's fighting, and failing miserably, to keep his emotions in check. He wants -needs- to feel your body against his own, the heat of your skin. "I need to kiss you," he mutters, his voice low and laced with need. "I need to hold you, touch you. I need you."

“Come home.” Your voice is nothing but a whisper, and you clutch Lyra tighter against you

"Yes, Ma'am." Aaron's tone is low and gruff, as he straightens up from the wall. He has two more things to do before calling it a night - he's gotta shower and make sure he's got everything ready to head home to you - but he's not going to let any work come between him and you and Lyra tonight.

 "I'm on my way."

————

Aaron finally trudged his way to the front door, unlocking it and slipping inside. He quickly strips off his jacket and hat, tossing them onto a nearby couch. His body feels heavy as all hell, the exhaustion he usually tried to fight finally catching up with him. For a moment, he lets himself just linger, letting everything sink in. He can hear sounds of you and Lyra in the next room and it's then, he steps further inside. “I'm home," he calls out, his voice gruff and rough.

“In the living room.”

He sighs, feeling the tension in his body ease a little at your words. His boots thump against the hardwood floor, each step feeling heavier than the last. He pads his way through the living room into the spacious common area, and that's when his eyes lock onto you. 

You're both sitting there on the couch, you with an arm around Lyra, the baby's tiny head resting against your chest. The sight alone makes his heart ache. "You still awake?" Aaron rasps quietly, stepping further into the room.

“I kept my promise.” You murmur, smiling at him sleepily.

Aaron's eyes flick from you to the small form of Lyra nestled against your chest, and then back to you. His heart clenches as he sees how tired you are, the weight of holding their daughter all night must've drained you. 

He steps over to the couch, taking a seat right next to you. It's a tight fit with the little baby still in your arms, but he doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he wants to be as close as possible to you right now.

You gaze at him lovingly, still cradling Lyra in your arms. As cute as she is, it’s unfortunate that she's awake this late.

Aaron's gaze remains fixated on you and Lyra, the sight of the two of you causing an odd sort of warmth to bloom in his chest. Even after all this time, he still can't help but be amazed at the idea that you were once the woman he fell in love with and the mother of their daughter.

He reaches out, his hand brushing against your shoulder gently, before resting it on Lyra's back softly. "Did she keep you up all this time?"

“She woke up fully an hour ago.” You mumble, lifting her up and sitting her on your stomach.

"An hour?" Aaron mutters, his voice thick with disbelief. He leans back against the couch, the familiar sense of fatigue washing over him now that he's no longer standing.  "You sure did keep your promise, didn't you?" He teases quietly, the corner of his mouth quirking up into a smirk.

“I don’t like breaking them.” You tug Lyra close to you, brushing your lips against her cheek softly.

Aaron huffs a small sigh of amusement as he sees you lean down, pressing soft kisses against Lyra's cheek. There's a warmth in his eyes as he watches you with a daughter, something deep and primal inside of him aching to be a part of that as well. 

He remains quiet for a moment, his hand idly resting on the couch next to you, before he finally speaks up again. "Is she still hungry?" he asks lowly, his voice softer.

“I dunno.” You hum, pulling her back so she can look at the two of you. “Are you hungry again, bug? Or are you just up to spite Mommy?”

Aaron raises an eyebrow, watching the interaction closely. He's always found it endearing how you talk to Lyra, the way you treat her like a little person, the way you gently tease. 

He leans closer now, his face just inches from you and Lyra. "I think she's just hungry to spite you." he murmurs, the corner of his mouth turning up into a small smirk.

You hum, raising your brow at the baby. “Yeah? Is Daddy right? My hungry girl.”

Aaron stifles a small chuckle, watching the interaction now intently. He likes this, seeing you and Lyra together, seeing the bond that forms. It's cute, heartwarming, and a little bit sexy. 

He leans his head against your shoulder lazily, pressing a soft kiss to your shoulder now. "Looks like I'm right, huh?" he murmurs, his voice gruff.

“Y’know, I may be biased.” You start, pulling Lyra closer to the two of you. “But I think we made the cutest baby ever.”

Aaron laughs softly, his breath warm against your neck. "We did, yeah." He agrees, his hand moving slowly to rest on Lyra's back. 

He shifts his attention from Lyra and turns his gaze toward you instead, his eyes lingering a little longer on your face. "We definitely did." he repeats with a soft smirk, his thumb idly tracing circles against your shoulder.

You pull your gaze away from your daughter, making eye contact with Aaron. “I missed you today.”

Aaron's eyes soften slightly, a warm and tender expression forming on his face as he looks at you. It's such a simple phrase, but somehow it makes him feel all warm inside. He swallows thickly, his hand still tracing lazy circles against your shoulder. 

"I missed you too," he murmurs in reply, his voice gruff yet soft. "So much."

You hum, leaning forward to press your lips against his gently.

Aaron tilts his head a small fraction, leaning into the kiss and letting his eyes flutter shut. He lets out a soft sigh, his hand shifting to rest against the side of your face. God, he needed this so bad. 

He holds the kiss for a few long moments, enjoying the simple intimacy. When he finally pulls back - though reluctantly - he stares at you with a slight edge of desire in his gaze.

You pull away, giving him one more soft kiss. As you move to say something, Lyra’s babbles interrupt you.

Aaron lets out a soft grunt of annoyance as the sound of Lyra's babbling cut through your moment, though it's all a bit tongue in cheek. He can't even pretend to be mad, especially at the tiny baby in your arms. 

He leans back onto the couch now, shaking his head in amusement. "Damn kid has terrible timing..." he mutters.

You laugh softly, shifting so you’re pressed against one of Aaron’s shoulders. You lift her up, swaying her gently. “What do you want, huh? What’re you saying, my beautiful bug?”

Aaron lets his head rest against your shoulder, his gaze fixed on Lyra now. There's an endearment in the way you call her "my beautiful bug", watching her little babbles with an affectionate smile tugged at the corners of his lips. 

He moves his gaze to you again, his expression soft now. "She's being a little demanding, isn't she?" he mutters, a hint of warmth in his voice.

“Kinda like you, in a way.”

He huffs softly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You're not wrong, there." 

He's about to say something else when he's interrupted by Lyra's baby babbles, the soft sound drawing his attention back to the baby in your arms.

You watch as she stretches out her arms, gaze fixated on Aaron. “What’s up, bug? You want Daddy?”

Aaron's expression softens as he sees Lyra reaching her arms out toward him. He lets out a soft sigh, his heart already weak at your words. He can't say no to either of you.

He moves closer now, reaching out for Lyra gently. "Hey, bug." he murmurs, shifting her into his arms carefully.

Aaron holds her, settling her on his lap. He supports her with one arm, running the other over her hair, stroking her cheek. 

He glances up now, raising an eyebrow at you. "You're not jealous already, are you?" he teases lightly, a hint of a smirk on his face. 

“Quite the opposite, actually.” You murmur, watching the two of them and smiling softly.

Aaron lets out a soft hum, an amused smile tugging at his lips as he stares down at Lyra. He adjusts her position slightly on his lap, his hand now resting against her back. 

"Oh really?" he muses quietly, his voice low and soft. "You sure you're not even the least bit jealous? I mean, she's getting all my attention over here."

You shake your head softly. “You look good with her. It looks…right.”

Aaron lets out a soft breath, a warm feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. It's not often that you say things like this, and he adores the rare times you do. 

He glances at you one more time, his gaze softening even further. "Yeah? I'm good, huh?" he mutters almost to himself. He keeps one arm holding Lyra, but reaches out with the other and rests it on your thigh.

You hum, shuffling further into the cushions, running a finger over Lyra’s soft belly.

Aaron watches intently as you reach out and stroke Lyra's soft belly, his gaze tracing the gentle movement of your fingers as they caress her skin. He's watching you both with a soft expression, a hint of tenderness in his eyes. 

He shifts a small bit on the couch, his hand resting still on your thigh, his fingers occasionally rubbing against your skin in small, mindless motions.

“Y’know, I thought I was gonna be a horrible mom?” You murmur, keeping your gaze on your daughter as your trace soft circles on her tummy, smiling softly when she babbles.

Aaron's expression softens considerably as you speak, shifting a small bit on the couch again. He gazes down at Lyra, watching her small babbles and soft smiles with a hint of fondness. 

He glances up at you as you continue, raising an eyebrow. "Really? What made you think you would be terrible?" he mutters, genuine curiosity in his voice.

“Thought I would be like my own mom.” You whisper quietly, eyes locked in on Lyra. “Some…spineless person who let her husband walk all over her daughter. Let him ridicule her for every little thing she did. 

But then, when I looked at her for the first time, it all went away. I had no doubt in my mind that I would be a great mother.”

Aaron listens intently, his expression changing as he absorbs your words. He's silent for a moment, a wave of emotions swirling through him as he imagines what it must've been like watching your own mother act in such a way. 

He moves his hand up from your thigh, shifting it now to rest on your cheek. His thumb softly brushes over your skin as he speaks. "You are a great mother," he mutters, his voice soft and sincere. "A fantastic mother."

“You’re a great father.” You counter back, turning your head to face him.

Aaron's heart nearly skips a beat at your words, a warm feeling of affection flooding through him like an avalanche. He swallows thickly, trying to fight back the emotions that threaten to overcome him. 

He stares into your eyes, letting his gaze hold yours intently. He can't recall the last time someone had said something like that to him, and it leaves him feeling all soft and mushy inside. 

"You think so?" he murmurs, voice quiet.

“Yeah.”

Aaron can't help but smile softly at your simple response. His gaze remains locked with yours, a mixture of warmth and affection evident in his eyes. 

He lets his hand rest on your face for a moment longer, his thumb still tracing against your skin. Then, almost imperceptibly, he leans in, his face just inches away from yours. 

"I love you," he whispers, his voice soft and sincere. "So damn much."

You smile, leaning in and brushing your lips against his. “I love you too.”

Aaron closes his eyes as you lean in, savoring the feeling of your lips against his. It's just a soft, brief press of your mouths together, but it sends a wave of warmth through his body. 

He lets out a small sigh as he pulls back, his gaze lingering on your face. "We should do this more often," he murmurs quietly, his voice still thick with emotion.

“What? Be sappy?” Your voice is light, your thumb still brushing Lyra’s tummy soothingly.

"Mmhmm" Aaron confirms, his own smile mirroring your light tone. He leans back against the couch cushions, his hand now resting on your knee instead. 

"Yeah, that," he teases, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "Cuddles, kisses. All of it, really." He lets his hand run lazily across your thigh, not moving any higher just yet.

You’re silent for a moment, flicking your gaze over Lyra’s face. “I um…I know we’ve been…busy.”

Aaron frowns slightly at your words, letting his gaze also linger on Lyra for a moment before shifting it back to you. He feels a pang of guilt, knowing he's been distant recently after everything. 

He lets his hand still for a few moments, his fingers now tracing small circles against your skin. "Yeah?" he mutters, his voice quiet. "I've been a bit…absent recently, haven't I?"

“It’s not just you.” You reassure, focusing on Lyra’s small babbles and grunts. “I’ve been busy with this little bug, you’ve been busy games and stuff. We’ve never really…gotten a moment to ourselves.”

Aaron hums softly, letting your words sink in. He's aware he's been somewhat neglectful lately, and the fact that you've been preoccupied as well makes him feel a bit better. 

"Guess we haven't," he murmurs, a hint of regret in his voice. He lets his hand slide further up your thigh, his fingers now gently rubbing against your skin. "We should change that."

He lets out a small sigh, shifting again on the couch so he's facing you a little more. His hand remains on your thigh, his fingers rubbing small circles against your skin. "Can we make it happen now?" he mutters, his voice a bit huskier now.

You sigh, giving him an apologetic smile. “As much as I would love to. We can’t do anything with this little heathen awake.”

Aaron groans in disappointment at your words, but he knows you're right. That baby's always got terrible timing. 

He lets his hand fall away from your leg, instead resting it on the couch next to him. "Yeah, yeah, you're right," he murmurs with a huff. "She really knows how to kill the mood, I swear."

You huff, leaning forward and scooping Lyra up into your arms. Lyra doesn’t object, only babbling louder. “She’s lucky she’s cute.”

Aaron watches as you scoop Lyra up, a slight smile forming on his face at your words. He doesn't bother to deny it, agreeing wholeheartedly. 

"She's got us both wrapped around her little finger," he mutters, shaking his head in a mixture of amusement and affectionate resignation.

Lyra’s babbles grow louder, and you press your face into the crook of her neck, pressing quick kisses to the soft skin. “My spoiled bug.”

Aaron's heart warms as he watches you shower Lyra with affection, his gaze softening even further. It's rare to see you this soft, and he loves it. 

He lets out a small hum, a smile tugging at his lips. "You spoil her way too much," he teases, his voice affectionate.

“It’s only gonna get worse when we have another.” You mumble, holding Lyra close to your chest, pressing kisses to every inch of her face.

Aaron lets out a soft huff at your words, a small smirk playing across his face. He's known that for a while, and he's just as whipped as you. There's no fighting the overwhelming instincts to spoil the crap out of our kids. 

"Oh, yeah?" he murmurs, raising an eyebrow. "You're planning the second kid already?"

“…Maybe.”

Aaron blinks at your words, a mixture of surprise and amusement flashing across his face. "Maybe? Is that so?" he teases, his voice thick with skepticism. 

He raises an eyebrow, looking at you with a playful smirk, as if daring you to admit it and make it more than a maybe.

“Not so soon, though.” You murmur, cradling Lyra close to your chest. “Maybe when bug is three or something.”

Aaron can't help but chuckle at your words, his smile widening. Of course you'd wait, you *do have some sense after all. 

He lets out a small huff, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "Three? You're making me wait that long?"

“We can always practice.” You tease, raising a brow.

The implication of your words causes Aaron's cheeks to turn slightly pink, a small shiver running through him. 

His gaze is now locked intently on your face, a smirk forming on his lips as he looks at you. "Practice, huh?" he muses, his voice low and filled with an underlying hint of desire.

“Yeah.” You hum, Lyra’s babbling filling the comforting silence. “We had a lot of fun the first time.”

Aaron lets out another soft shiver as your words register in his mind, memories of that night replaying in his mind. The way you had looked, the sounds you had made…everything about it was just perfect. 

His eyes dart over your facial expression, his own gaze darkening ever so slightly. "You're killing me, y'know that?"

“Sorry.” You mumble, though your voice has no apologetic tone. You lift Lyra up, looking into her wide eyes. “Got a good time and a cute baby out of it.”

Aaron gives a small huff of mock frustration, pretending to glare at you, though it's laced with affection and amusement. "Cheeky," he mutters, his tone light and playful. 

He's about to say something else but is interrupted by Lyra's sudden babble, the soft sounds drawing his attention. He watches her for a moment, his eyes softening considerably.

“What?” You coo, lifting her up further. “Why are you still awake, huh? You’re supposed to be my sleepy bug.”

Aaron huffs softly as he watches the interaction, quietly observing. Despite his earlier frustration, he can't help but admire how effortlessly you transition from teasing him to being just adorable with Lyra. That's one of the many reasons why he's enamored with you. 

He can't help but chuckle at your baby talk with Lyra, amused by the way you're trying to get your little bug to sleep.

“C’mon bug, you’re interrupting some quality grown up time.” You grumble, blowing a soft raspberry into her cheek.

Aaron can't help but snicker softly at the sight of you blowing raspberries into Lyra's cheek, her little babbles and giggles filling the room.

You gasp, pulling her away and looking at her intensely. “Oh my god. Did you just- Did you just laugh?”

Aaron grins, his heart skipping a beat at the expression on your face. He can see the excitement in your eyes, and it's like you suddenly discovered gold. 

He raises an eyebrow, his voice a mix of amusement and disbelief. "You caught that, huh?"

“She’s never laughed with me before.” You murmur, eyes flickering over her face.

Aaron listens intently, his own eyes now fixed on Lyra's face. He watches as you examine her expression, looking for any hint of a laugh or even just a smile. 

His own expression softens, a sense of awe and joy filling him at the idea of your little bug's first laugh. "It's a milestone, isn't it?" He muses quietly, his voice just above a whisper.

You nod, shifting the three month old in your arms and bringing her closer to your face. “Can you laugh for me again, my beautiful bug?”

Lyra gazes at you with wide, dark brown eyes, her little face scrunching up in concentration. 

For several moments, there's nothing but absolute silence, her babbles the only sound breaking the quiet. 

Then, with a hint of a start, she lets out another laugh, a soft, high-pitched sound that fills the room.

You practically melt. Cradling her in your arms like she was the last thing on earth. “Oh, my beautiful bug.” You lean her closer, pressing soft kisses all over her face.

Aaron's heart practically melts at how you're practically enamored with her, showering her little face with kisses. He can't help but smile softly at the sight. 

He shifts a bit to get a better look, watching how your expression turns so tender and absolutely smitten as you hold her close.

“She laughed.” You whisper, turning to face him, and you can’t help the tears that well in your eyes.

Aaron blinks at your teary eyes, his own expression softening considerably. He can see the joyous tears shining in your eyes, and his heart melts just a little more at the sight.

He moves closer, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. "She did," he murmurs, his voice quiet but full of warmth. "She did laugh. You caught it."

You close your eyes, pressing your face into her head and sighing softly.

Aaron keeps his arms around you, rubbing your shoulder softly. He's utterly endeared by how much you care for her, watching as you press your face against your darling baby's head. 

After a few moments, he tilts his head, a small smirk playing across his lips. "You gonna hog her all night, or-"

“Shhhhhhh just let me.” You whisper, leaning your shoulder and shifting her in your arms so you both can look at her.

Aaron huffs softly, the amused smirk still present on his face. He can't argue with your words - how could he argue with how utterly in love you seemed? 

He shifts, resting his chin on your shoulder as you both look down at her.

“Can you laugh for me again, buggy?” You murmur, pulling your knees up to your chest and resting her against them, almost as if she’s on display for the two of you.

As you pull Lyra against your raised legs, cradling her in your arms, she gazes up at you with those wide eyes, her face scrunching in concentration once more. 

For several long moments, there's nothing but the soft babbling from Lyra, her babbles the only thing breaking the now-comfortable silence. 

Then, almost as if on cue, she lets out another laugh, a soft high-pitched sound that fills your ears.

“Oh my god.” You slump against Aaron’s shoulder dramatically, looking at your daughter as if she hung the moon. “She’s the cutest baby in the world. Like- there has to be a record for cutest laugh.”

Aaron holds you closer, supporting you against his shoulder as you practically slump next to him. He keeps his chin lifted to look down at your beautiful daughter, watching you practically dote over her. 

He can't help but chuckle at your words, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I can't argue with that." He murmurs quietly, the warm tone in his voice evident.

You sigh, pressing Lyra against your chest. “Thank you.”

Aaron gives a small hum, his arms wrapping around you as you press both of you against your chest. 

"For what?" He asks softly, peering down at you.

“For giving me everything I’ve ever wanted.” Your voice is low, barely audible above Lyra’s soft babbles.

Aaron's heart practically soars at your words, an intense wave of emotions crashing over him. He can't help but pull you closer into his arms, wanting you as close as possibly. 

His voice is low and quiet when he speaks, his voice carrying a hint of a vulnerability you don't hear too often from him. 

"I'd give you the world if I could."

“You already did.” You sigh, holding Lyra closely in front of you two, gazing at her lovingly.

Aaron lets out a soft huff, his heart *swelling* at your words. He can feel your love for her, your tenderness and dedication. 

He follows your gaze, his eyes landing on her small form cuddled against your chest. She gazes at the two of you with those big, curious eyes that seem to hold the world within them.

Aaron leans closer, pressing his lips against your forehead. "She's perfect." He mutters quietly.

“So perfect.” You whisper, brushing a finger over the soft surface of her cheek.

Aaron watches your interaction with Lyra intently, his heart practically melting at the sight. He's never been the most openly sentimental person, but even he can't help but notice the devotion you had for your little bug.

He remains close, his chin resting on your shoulder as he continues to watch. "We made her, you know." He murmurs softly.

“Guess we were destined to have cute babies.”

Aaron lets out a soft hum, an amused smile forming on his lips at your words. 

He's not one to believe in 'destiny' or 'fate,' but hearing you say that sparks a warm feeling within him. 

"Guess so." He responds quietly, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek.

You pull your gaze away from Lyra, looking up and flickering your eyes across Aaron’s face. Gently, you lean in and press your lips against his.

Aaron's expression softens as you pull your gaze away, his full attention now on you. He watches your eyes flit over his features, the intensity of your attention not lost on him. 

When your soft lips press against his, Aaron lets out the softest of huffs, his heart throbbing in his chest. He responds to your kiss, his own lips moving against yours in a slow, gentle rhythm.

The kiss between you two continues, a gentle, slow and sweet exchange of affection between you.

Aaron's mind is blissfully quiet, his focus now completely on you and you alone. He shifts, shifting a bit closer to you and drawing you closer against his chest, as if he could somehow merge you both together into some sort of hybrid. 

When you finally pull away, he keeps you against him, not quite ready to let go yet.

You don’t say anything, still pressing slow kisses to his lips, almost as if you’re trying to convince your lips to pull away.

Aaron can't help but chuckle softly, the sound muffled by your continued kisses. His own arms tighten slightly around you, keeping you as close as he can. 

As much as he wants to prolong the moment, he can feel his own need for air getting a bit desperate. He hums lowly, reluctantly pulling away.

"Hey, breathe." He mutters between soft huffs, a small smirk on his lips.

“Sorry.” You breathe sheepishly, pursing your now swollen lips.

"You should be." Aaron quips, still holding you close against him. He reaches a hand up, gently tracing over your now swollen and rosy lips. 

"Can't have you suffocating." He teases.

“I’d die a happy death.” You joke, pausing when Lyra wriggles in your arms.

Aaron huffs at your words, his expression shifting to one of faux irritation. He rolls his eyes, his tone still playful. "Don't be stupid."

Then, he looks down as you adjust Lyra, a hint of amusement appearing on his face. 

"She looks uncomfortable." He notes quietly, his eyes observing as Lyra wriggles in your arms.

“She’s getting sleepy, I think.”

He studies her for a moment, a small hum on his lips. "You should put her to bed." He suggests quietly, his eyes flicking back to your form.

You hum, nodding softly to yourself and slowly making your way off the couch. “C’mon, my sleepy bug.”

Aaron watches you carefully as you stand up, cradling Lyra in your arms. He stays close, quietly observing as you walk away.

He can't help but smile at the way you address her - "my sleepy bug" - how utterly adorable. He follows after you, silently walking beside you.

Lyra babbles sleepily in your arms, wriggling with every step you take to her room. You hum a soft tune as you open her bedroom door, opting to turn on the lamp rather than the big bright light.

Aaron follows behind you into the bedroom, taking in the soft, almost peaceful atmosphere. He leans against the wall a few feet away, quietly watching as you gently walk to her crib, humming a soft tune.

He stays there, leaning against the wall, simply observing as you gently lay her down.

“Are you sleepy, buggy? Huh? You tired after doing nothing all day?” You whisper softly, rubbing at her tummy softly.

Aaron grins quietly, watching you coo at her so affectionately. His heart gives a throb of emotion as you continue to gently play with her. 

Lyra lets out a series of high-pitched sounds, her babbling filling the quiet room alongside your soft whispers.

“C’mon honey, go to sleep. Go to sleep for Mommy, please.” You brush one of her curls away from her face

Aaron watches silently as you continue to coax her into sleep. 

He can't help but think how utterly beautiful you look in this moment, how absolutely perfect you are as you tend to your little bug with such love and tenderness. 

He lets out a soft huff, quietly moving away from the wall and moving closer to the crib.

Aaron stops just beside you, peering down at Lyra with an almost amused expression. Lyra's eyes are still wide open, fixated on your face. 

Aaron huffs softly, a hint of a smirk forming on his lips as he glances up at you. "She's not going to sleep anytime soon."

“Nope.” You sigh, smiling when she shoots you a gummy smile.

Aaron chuckles quietly, shaking his head as he turns his focus to Lyra. He can't help but smile at the tiny smile she shoots you, and he finds himself wondering just what exactly she's trying to convey. 

"You never want to sleep, do you?" He remarks to the little bug, his tone affectionate.

Aaron watches silently as you continue to try and coax Lyra into sleep, his smile still present on his face. He can see the determination in your eyes, how you're willing to try almost anything to get her to go to sleep. 

He can't help but find your dedication endearing.

"Any ideas?" He asks finally, referring to your little efforts to get her to sleep.

“Lemme try the bassinet by the bed.” You sigh, scooping the baby back into your arms and making your way to your bedroom.

Aaron follows quietly after you, his hands buried in his pockets. He listens as you start to talk to Lyra again, wondering to himself if this different location will do the trick. 

Once you reach your bedroom, Aaron stands in the doorway, watching as you set her down in the bassinet beside the bed.

“Alright, miss thing.” You whisper, setting her down gently. “How about now?”

There's a moment's pause before Lyra gives another tired little giggle in response to your words. 

Aaron huffs, a small smile on his face as he watches the exchange. "Still awake, huh?" He muses quietly.

You sigh, giving him a tired smile. “I think I’m just gonna let her ride it out.”

Aaron gives a soft nod, smiling back at you. He takes a few steps further into the room, coming to a stop right beside the bassinet.

Lyra's eyes, still wide, are fixated on the two of you. Another soft giggle erupts from her tiny mouth.

You smile at the sound, sitting down on the bed.

Aaron moves to sit beside you on the bed, sitting down on the edge of the mattress. He keeps his eyes on Lyra, watching the little bug's every move. 

He turns to look at you, studying your tired expression and trying to gauge your thoughts. "You look tired."

“Just a little bit.” You murmur, tilting your head as you look at him.

Aaron hums, watching as your gaze drifts away from Lyra and lands on him. He reaches a hand out, gently brushing it across your cheek.

He studies your tired expression, his touch gentle and reassuring. "You look worn out."

You hummed, leaning into his touch sleepily. The sounds of Lyra’s soft babbling is starting to make you even sleepier.

As you lean into his touch, Aaron's other hand comes to rest on your back, his fingers rubbing slow and gentle circles on your back. 

He looks down at you, a hint of amusement visible on his face as he notices how the soft sound of Lyra's babbles are making you sleepy.

You sigh, giving Lyra one more look before shuffling towards your end of the bed.

Aaron watches as you begin to shuffle towards your end of the bed, his hand still holding onto your back and keeping you close. 

He notices how tired you seem, how your movements are starting to slow, and he can see you starting to doze off right in front of him. 

He moves to lay down behind you, pulling you close against him.

Aaron wraps his arms around you, holding you close against his chest. He can feel you beginning to relax against him, your body slowly giving in to how tired you are. 

He buries his face into your hair, breathing in your scent, and he smiles at the sound of your soft yawn.

“I’m crazy about you, y’know that?” Your voice is soft, coated in sleep.

"I know." 

Aaron's voice is quiet in response, so as not to wake the baby. 

He holds you a little bit tighter, pulling you a bit closer against his chest. His own eyelids are heavy with exhaustion, but he stays awake long enough to speak.

"I'm crazy about you, too."

[gallavichsreddie1128]

After The Fall (Hannibal/Will)

Description: What would happen if Y/N was there doing the fall?

Word Count: 1,515k

Y/N gasped as Will pushed her out of the hug, all three were sharing and pushed himself and Hannibal off the cliff. She fell to the ground with a groan. She got up and yelled their names as she ran to the cliff. Except, she didn’t see them. She didn’t see any bodies, didn’t hear any noise besides waves of the water. Tears welled up in her eyes, thinking the worst.

Will had gotten hurt pretty bad during the fight. She looked down at the wounds she had and thought she was in no better place. She turned to look at the body of the red dragon. The memory that happened 5 minutes ago played in her head. They killed him. She, unlike Will and Hannibal, had never killed anyone. Not even as self defensive. Though she didn’t feel bad for what she did, how could she? This man, this thing had tried to kill her husband and their boyfriend. The Red Dragon, what a joke, she thought. She couldn’t believe what Will just did, that wasn’t part of the plan. Though to her, none of this was.

“Are you sure?” She asked Will as they drove to the prison that Hannibal was in. He shook his head and chuckled. “No, I’m not sure.” He said and looked over at her. “I’m not either.” She looked down at her hands. “I love him. We both do.” She said, looking over at him. “But this is our way out. Out of Jack and all that’s come with it.” He gave her a small smile. “Yeah, that would be nice.” He said, she looked at him. “I’m serious Will. Maybe we shouldn’t go.” She said. “We’ve thought long and hard about this, Y/N. We love him and if all goes well. Years from now we can be a happy family.” He said and placed his hand over her stomach that held their 2 month old baby.

Though they’ve been married for years, she just recently got pregnant. The baby was Will’s given the fact that Hannibal has been in prison the last 3 years. “I don’t know. I just have an odd feeling about this.” “Y/N, I can’t promise you that everything will go right in the end. But you will be safe, no matter what.” He promised. Luckily, the wounds were on her arms and not near the baby. Hanni and Will made sure of that. She felt sick and it wasn’t because of her pregnancy. Why would Will do that? What was his goal? He lied to her, except he really didn’t. She was okay, physically but mentally she was not. Did they drown?

A million questions ran through her head, none that she had a reasonable answer to. She walked into the house and sighed. Anywhere she looked, she thought of them and what the hell happened. She didn’t have her phone on her or anything. She walked out of the house and to the cop car. She remembers them stealing it and thought it wouldn’t be best to drive it. Hannibal was still a wanted man. She began walking away from the house, praying that nobody would see her. She began the walk down the road away from the house. Tears streamed down her face as she came to the worst conclusion. Will and Hannibal were dead. She didn’t think that Will survived that given the wounds he had. Hannibal, maybe but even then.

It would be months later that she was back at her and Will’s house with the many dogs they collected over the years. She was now 7 months pregnant and she lived alone. Occasionally, Alana would come visit. Y/N tried her best to forget the events that happened 5 months ago but it was hard. She didn’t sleep in the bed anymore. She just couldn’t, not without Will. She barely went in there. The dogs missed Will as well, she could tell. When she opened the bedroom door the cold air hit her. She hadn’t been here in months. The bed was still made as they left it that very morning before the fall. Pictures of them littered the bedroom which made her tear up. She walked up to one of the pictures and sighed. Will was such a happier man before all this happened. Hannibal, Jack, The FBI. She missed that life.

But it was no longer and hadn’t been in a long time. She walked over to Will’s closet. She opened it and saw his clothes. She looked through them before grabbing a shirt. She brought it up to her face and sniffed it. It smelled like him, and god did she miss that smell. She sat on the bed and held it up to her face. The scent of him entering her nose. She started sobbing into the shirt, not being able to control herself. She did this for the next 2 minutes before she heard a knock at the door. She looked up from the shirt and got off the bed. She sat the shirt on the bed and wiped the tears from her face. She tried to make it look like she hadn’t been crying.

She walked to the door as the dogs went crazy. She sighed and opened the door. Her eyes widened and her heart stopped. Will and Hannibal. They gave her small smiles but she couldn’t move. She didn’t believe what she was seeing. They looked the same, I mean it had only been 5 months but they looked good. When it finally clicked in her head that they were there and real she started sobbing. Will went in and hugged her. She sobbed on his chest as Hannibal watched the two with a smile. “You were dead.” She sobbed. Will shook his head, “No, I wasn’t. We survived.” She pulled away and looked up at him. He looked down at her with awe in his eyes. She reached up to grab his face but ended up slapping him.

“Why did you do that?” She asked, hurt lacing her voice. “Why didn’t you contact me?” She sobbed. Hannibal and Will felt guilt lace through them. “We didn’t want the police finding us.” Will said. “Why’d you throw yourselves off a fucking cliff?” He sighed and shrugged. “I told you that I couldn’t promise that everything would work out but I did say that you would be okay and you are.” He said. “No I’m not. What were you gonna leave me to raise our baby alone?” She yelled. He shook his head, “No, of course not we planned this out. I’ll be here for our baby and you.” “So will I.” Hannibal said. She looked over at the man.

She missed him as well but wanted to punch him and scream at him. A part of her blames him for what has happened. “You guys planned this without me?” She asked. “We didn’t want the police to know anything. It was for the best.” Hannibal told her. She scoffed and walked in the house. The two men look at each other and follow her. Will greeted the dogs and let them tackle him to the ground. Y/N walked back into the living room and watched them play with the dogs. She felt relief knowing that they were safe but she was still so mad at them.

Will stood up from the dogs and noticed that she wasn’t wearing her ring. “Where’s your ring?” He asked her. “It’s in the bedroom. I thought you were dead so I put it in there with everything else.” “Everything else?” “The memories Will. The day that you decided to fall off a fucking cliff and leave me.” She yelled. He understood her anger as did Hannibal. “I’m sorry baby.” She shook her head. “Yeah I bet.” “I’m here. We are here and will be spending the rest of our lives making it up to you.” He said. Hannibal agreed with him.

She sighed and looked at them. No matter how mad she was, she still loved them with all her heart. “Well what are you waiting for? Get over here so we can hug and this time don’t push me.” She warns Will, making him laugh. They walked over to her and hugged her. She sighed and drowned in their scent. After what felt like seconds but was minutes, they pulled away. They looked down at her stomach that was bigger than it was before.

“It’s a girl.” She told them. Will smiled with tears in his eyes. Hannibal kissed the man’s head as they looked at the woman. “Wow.” Will whispered. Y/N couldn’t help herself and she kissed him. He immediately kissed back and they fell into the kiss. It felt good to be kissing him again. She never thought she’d get the chance. They pulled away when they needed air. She looked at Hannibal and did the same. He smiled into the kiss and pulled her closer. They pulled away and she sighed, happily. Her two boys were back and better than ever.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - All's Quiet on the BL Front

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

May 2024 Wk 3

Ongoing Series - Thai

Wandee Godday (Sat YT) ep 3 of 12 - I love how were getting a solid depiction of two queers just genuinely enjoying sex with each other. That’s actually rare in BL. In this case, it manages to also be weirdly adorable and cute.

Dee is such a tease. I guess Y likes a brat? 

LOOK at those bedroom eyes!

Linguistics corner: when these two are being serious, sweet, or flirty with each other they use rao/nai which is kind of old fashioned and charming and not common in BL. They move pretty seamlessly into gu/mueng and back depending on the style of convo, tho. It's FUN to hear them talk.

Let the fake relationship commence!

My Stand-In (Thai Fri iQIYI) ep 4 of 12 eps - I HAVE THOUGHTS. I'm really enjoying the sinister backbone of this show. I hope they have the courage of their convictions in that regard and lean into a kind of sexy evil revenge narrative. It was a pleasure to watch the break up and I do not want a redemption arc for Ming or a romance for us. Fuck 'em, let’s just ride a revenge train, okay Joe baby?

That’s said, I totally sniffled at the ending scene where Ming (for two years!) has been paying penance cooking for two and waiting alone. Excellent pathos. Now, I understand how they're gonna make this a full 12 eps. And I’m excited about it. Carry on!

We Are (Weds iQIYI) ep 7 of 16 - I wasn't a fan of Winny & Satang in My School President but I'm loving them in this. The thing with Q, Toey, and Chain had me hooting with laughter. I think I’m finally just easing into the relaxed absurdity of this show. The key is not to expect anything from it. Just them being tiny gay idiots.

Two Worlds (iQIYI) ep 10 fin - Someday I’d like to really enjoy a MaxNat show, but today was not that day. (I feel like ever since Between Us I’ve been generally disenchanted with established OG pairs and what they’re bringing to the table. Perhaps that’s a discussion for another day. Cherry Magic excepted, of course.) 

OK, so this final episode, they sure tried to fit a lot in. But that made the pacing better for me. So I kinda liked this weird cliff notes resolution to the story.

In conclusion:

MaxNat do a credible job with a messy script about parallel worlds, gangsters, and strange diseases cured by forest fruits. It sounds confusing because it is. The chemistry is excellent the side pair is entirely forgotten about, and one could drive a Tardis through the plot holes. Still, I found it modestly enjoyable if not at all rewatchable. 7/10 

Only Boo! (Sun YouTube) ep 6 of 12 - I do love how bold and brash Moo is. He’s truly a great character, such an utter outgoing sunshine puppy focused on his pursuit of his older boy. I'm charmed by his utter harmlessness. They gave us a sweet coming out scene, and an awesome supportive mom. Frankly GMMTV has a good track record with moms. (With a few noted exceptions, of course.)

That said, I do keep forgetting this is a GMMTV offering. It just doesn't FEEL GMMTV. Just me?

OMG Vampire (Thai Sun ????) ep 1 of 10 - Starts tomorrow, will report on sitch next week. LeeFrank are back - not unlike the undead. But how do we feel about it? Unsure given their track record.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

At 25:00 in Akasaka AKA 25 Ji Akasaka de (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 5 of 10 - I like it. I like our sulky 2nd lead. He’s pouty, adorable, brash, and adding some much-needed tension to this narrative. The blurring lines between show within a show is a lot of fun. Probably the best I've seen done in BL so far.

Living With Him AKA Kare no Iru Seikatsu (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 6 of 10 - I like that we got backstory, but we also sort of already knew it. So this ep felt a bit like filler. They are wonderful when they’re on screen together but when they aren't it's a bit dull. I hope we just get them together for the next 4 eps. But this is Japan, so I doubt it.

Blossom Campus (Korea Thurs Gaga & iQIYI) ep 1 of 6 - The image resolution on this show (via Iqiyi ) is terrible. Meanwhile, awkward crush. Jock nerd pairing. Dorky. Maybe a bit too much awkward/dorky for me? I'm not sold on this one.

Meanwhile the ordering then not eating or drinking of food continues. Very upsetting.

Boys Be Brave (Korea Viki) eps 5-8fin - This show was just never sure what it wanted to be. Slacker sunshine KiSub moves in with nerd JinWoo, mostly because he knows JinWoo likes him but won't confess and that's never happened to him before. It reminded me of some earlier KBLs like Behind Cut, yes is had bones but not much flesh, so it only just hung together and progressed through not very much plot in a jerking rattling fashion like an animated skeleton. All the story and chemistry was with the side couple and none of the screen time. That just annoyed me. What did this BL want to BE? Who tf knows. I, for one, don’t care, and resolve to think no more on it. 6/10 

Blue Boys (Korea Sat YouTube) - This ended at 4 eps on a cliffhanger. Since this is a very small studio I don’t have a lot of faith in there being a part two. But they have bundled both this BL, and the GL, bingable chunks on YT. So if you want to binge it, it’s there. Just be aware that it ends on a cliffhanger.

My thoughts?

Promising reunion romances full of class and coming out struggles but I grade with what we got, not on expectations, and you know I HATE a cliffhanger. So yeah, it HAD promise but as of now it gets a 4/10 - fatally flawed. I reserve the right to change my mind if they amend for damages.

It's airing but...

You Made My Day (Thai YT) ep 1 of 5 - mini series staring the I Will Knock You couple Tar & Bom, started but I couldn't find it. I also didn't try very hard.

Lady Boy Friends (Thai WeTV grey) 16 eps - reminds me a bit too much of Diary of Tootsies only high school. Not my thing. DNF unless it turns a corner and is truly amazing.

A Balloon's Landing (Taiwan movie) trailer - A frustrated Hong Kong writer, Tian Yu, meets a Taipei street gangster, Xiang (Fandy Fan from HIStory2: Crossing the Line), and the two of them embark on a journey to find the Bay of Vanishing Whales. Along the way, they discover unexpected twists and turns and close bonds, which brings out the message that "there is always someone like you in this world who is waiting for you. This released to cinemas in Taiwan, no word on international release.

In case you missed it

A really really thorough and fascinating article on 2 Moons 2 and what happened.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

May Releases

VBL (Taiwan) is releasing 4 'Special Episode' epilogues to their 4 2023 shows every Friday this month on Gagaoolala, Viki & Viu. Not sure on search terms or how to find these. (Or, frankly, if we need them.)

5/10 – You Are Mine

5/17 – VIP Only

5/24 – Stay By My Side

5/31 – Anti Reset

5/25 The Time of Fever AKA Unintentional Love Story 2 (Korea movie) trailer - HoTae & DongHee are back but unfortunately not in a cinema near me. Side couple from Unintentional Love Story, same actors, same character names. I love them. I NEED TO SEE THIS.

5/28 My Biker 2 (Thai movie YT?) - trailer

5/30 Knock Knock Boys (Thai Thurs WeTV) - I'm hoping I can get it elsewhere since my WeTV account is inactive, but I do love Best and I'm interested in seeing him in a new pairing. That said, I'm not wild about Seng... so I won't be too cut up if I can't get hold of this. More here.

5/31 The Time of Huannan (Taiwan movie) - May not be BL

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

I'm a sucker for this king of casual claiming. (Only Boo)

It me! (Wandee Goodday)

(Last week)

Streaming services are listed by how I (usually) watch, which is with a USA based IP, and often offset by a day because time zones are a pain.

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[panpanghost]

_"Happy birthday Wukong!" Macaque said smiling, waking his old buddy from his sleep.

_"Wha-" Wukong couldn't believe his eyes, how could he? He hasn't heard these words in decades. And that smell, oh that sweet gorgeous smell; the peach cake Macaque used to make him every year for his birthday. When was the last time he took a bite? He can't remember.

_"What? Did you think just because I lost my memory I'll forget your birthday?" Said Macaque jokingly.

Macaque can't remember anything that happened to him, the last thing he remembers is helping Wukong go to sleep after he came back from the celestial realm. He told Wukong red is his favorite color then Wukong started crying and he managed to get him to bed somehow... even that memory is a bit hazy.

But now, Macaque opened his eyes in a new bed with his body all sore and a blind eye. The weird black crown on his head was also stuck there, as if he doesn't have enough of things to worry about. But just because he's having a hard time doesn't mean he can't make new good times, like celebrating with Wukong.

_"How stupid of me to think that." Wukong answered with a smile trying to hold his tears back.

_"Are you ok?" Macaque asked softly with eyes filled with worry. He knows Wukong would jump at him and try to shove the entire cake in his mouth, but right now, Wukong is trying not to cry, that's nothing like him. Did something happen?

_"Of course I am! I'm better than ok! I'm great! Let's eat this baby already!"

_"Wukong." Macaque became serious, "Talk to me."

_"I-" Wukong took a second to look into Macaque's eyes. These beautiful eyes, the only ones that stare at him with so much love and adoration, he can feel them hugging him and sheltering him from the outside word.

He needed to talk but something in him was knitting his mouth shut every time he tried to speak. The same thing was begging him to lie and keep these wonderful feelings close.

_"It's ok," Macaque said and placed the cake on the counter then sat next to Wukong, "I'm right here." He held his hand and smiled, like he used to when Wukong would hurt himself and Macaque would stay by his side confronting him and tending to his wounds.

_"I-" Wukong needed to come up with a lie fast, what if he tells the truth and Macaque remembers everything, how would he look at him then? What if he disappears out of his life and never returns?

_"Yes?" Macaque asked,

_"There was a bad demon that hurt you last year, we weren't able to celebrate my birthday because you couldn't wake up. I'm sorry. I didn't want to bring it up."

_"It's alright." Macaque got closer and hugged Wukong, for some reason Wukong's hug was tighter than he remembers and it also lasted longer. Poor Wukong, he must've been really worried, Macaque will make it up to him this year. But... did Wukong just apologize? Also, was it the same demon that took his eye?

(I am bored, don't ask where this is going, idk either.)

edit: part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5 part 6 part 7 part 8 part 9 part 10 part 11 part 12 part 13

edit 2: Here's some fluff bc I think you'll like it

edit 3: how I imagine Erlang in this story

[theweirdwideweb]

we want the work blowout deets

I'll give you the tea but it will be lengthy and I'm going to cry.

Thank you for asking anon. To be honest with you I've been crying in bed about it for the past couple hours. I stood up just now and went to the bathroom and saw two big wet patches on my smiley face tshirt and it sucks so much. I'm so sad.

I could really use some feedback on this situation to be honest. OK. So the long story short is that I got a new supervisor a year ago and my work life has been hell ever since. First off, she doesn't understand what I do. She's never done my job. And she is THE micromanager from hell. For the first 7 months of the year she had me turning in a time card every week showing everything I did down to 5 minute increments. I turn the spreadsheet in on Friday, then every Monday we'd have a meeting where she'd tell me she just doesn't understand how I use my time. Why did it take so long to do X amount of invoices? She estimates it should take 2 minutes per invoice, but it took me 4 minutes per invoice. Like I said she knows nothing about my job and as many times as I've explained it she still "doesn't get it." It was demoralizing, nerve wracking, and frankly so insulting to my competence that I went to her boss (my old supervisor who I love). When she did nothing I went to HR with serious concerns about discrimination----it's no coincidence that I was granted some medical leave at the beginning of the year to address mental health concerns.

Yada yada yada, we made some changes and I don't have to turn in the spreadsheet anymore, but she is still making me email her every week with a list of tasks I didn't complete from the week before. It's still insulting but at least she agreed I'd only have to do it for another 3 months. Actually she said 1 month, but she's such a bitch that by the next HR meeting she claimed she never said 1 month and switched it to 3 months. She's a fucking moron, reader. She's dead fucking stupid. I really can't stress that enough. Dumb. It took her 15 years to get the position I got within 3 years of starting. The only reason she's where she is is seniority, personal relationships with management, and being a fucking bully. A dumb bully! Telling you how to prioritize your work! She's accused me recently of being unprepared for a meeting---a meeting that I hosted, provided all the material for, wrote all the notes on, fleshing out a new process she told me to start implementing but had zero idea how. She just tosses ideas at me and I'm left to figure out any kind of practical way to do it because---AGAIN---she doesn't know how to do my job. There've been other things too. She's a sneak humiliator. She's a button pusher. She's a moron. A big fat ugly moron who looks like Roz from Monster's Inc.

So on Thursday at 4:30pm, end of the day, suddenly a meeting with HR and this cunt appears on my calendar for 10am Friday (yesterday). I'm like---well here we go. She's either going to fire me or put me on a formal PIP. I'll be honest with you, I'd already decided to quit but I was holding out for my bonus in December. I entered the meeting feeling tranquil. I thought, "Do it. Pull the trigger. I'm ready for the end. Just fire me. Let me go. Release me."

But when the meeting starts it's just a touch base with our HR rep to see how everything is going. Are YOU fucking KIDDING me. Anyone would have thought the same thing I did. Of all the things my supervisor sucks dicks at, communication is the worst of all. She can't even spell. She can't string a sentence together. I mean it's shocking she writes at like a 6th grade level. I've seen emails she sent that are so garbled they are literally incomprehensible.

So I'm PISSED. I express how nerve-wracking the previous evening and all morning had been. We're off to a great start. She lets me know she's going to try to end the email process early. OK good. She tells me she's concerned because I haven't been providing personal feedback to her when prompted. Easy enough to explain: I hate your fucking guts, I'm trying to be a grey rock until I can quit. But I can't say that so I'm just like Alright.

Now here comes the bullshit! 1) She now wants me to ask permission in advance to work on weekends. I'm so overworked and stressed out I work like every weekend and now she wants me to ask her permission for the privilege of working on my day off. Guess who's never working a weekend for this company again. 2) The emails that just contain a list of tasks, right? Was 1 month, now 3 months, etc. She also changed the rules so that I have to provide a count of all the claims I processed across multiple platforms. And well---she just doesn't understand how I processed X number of claims and it took this long. In fact, she said, she counts 8 hours reported on my timecard she can't account for last week.

I lost it. I was openly hostile and belligerent. Fuck this fucking bitch. I cannot work for this vile idiot anymore. I actually used my IRL voice to poke holes in what she was saying and pointing out how fucking stupid it all is. Then she comes at me for not respecting her authority. As a reminder, just minutes before she'd complained about me having no feedback for her.

I left the meeting by refusing offers for additional time with the HR rep. I was in no place. I barely worked the rest of the day I was so upset and I didn't send my email, didn't complete my tasks, and didn't ask her permission to finish it up on the weekend (lol). I don't have another job lined up but this is the last time she's going to question whether I'm just straight up lying on my timecard or some kind of moron. That's it. This is her 100th strike for me.

Now here's why I'm so conflicted. 1) My previous supervisor (now my boss's boss) is going on a leave of absence like THIS WEEK for about a month and a half to treat her cancer. I care about her very much. I don't want to stress her out at the last second like this. 2) My bitch boss is also having a sudden serious health problem requiring her to be at the hospital multiple times a week. 3) On top of that, this stupid fucking cow has to take over my boss's boss's work while she's out for cancer. 4) They are absolutely fucked without me. For me to leave right now is a disaster. Add to that---the one person I manage and have a 100% rock solid relationship straight up told me that she's going to quit at some point and that if I quit she's walking out right behind me. She said this to me unprompted and I discouraged her from quitting. 5) I have a heart. The boss and the boss's boss are both having life problems that are more important than work. I think it's immoral to leave them in the lurch right now. They have serious health problems. As much as I hate my boss, at one point we were friends. My heart is breaking.

So I'm crying in bed. I can't live this way anymore. Toxic work stress has taken over my life. I get so miserable, but then some days it's just a job. It's a job I know how to do. I've been here 6 years. The health insurance is spectacular. I've got nothing lined up. I have adequate savings to get through a couple months of unemployment, but it's no guarantee I'll find a position that suits me in that timeframe. I have all these personal relationships at work (a mistake I will not repeat). I've let this job become part of my identity. I'm getting older. I'm 37 and I'm tired and I'm crazy and I just want peace. This position is fully remote---what if the next guy makes me work in person? My whole life will change. I just want this job to work like it has been for the 5 years before she took over. I'm so sad. I've felt this way so many times.

I want to quit first thing Monday. But I want to offer them the option of staying on until good boss gets back from cancer leave, so long as I don't have to work with illiterate cunt boss any more than is absolutely critical in the meantime. What do you think guys? My heart is breaking.