#Wedding event napkins

[alannairis]

Perfect for Every Occasion, Luxurious Havana Napkins for Your Table!

Use Havana Color Table Linen Napkins to elevate your dining experience. These napkins are ideal for any event and are made of high-quality cloth, which provides a smooth, elegant finish that complements any table arrangement. Restaurant-grade napkins, suitable for usage at home, restaurants, or special events, offer a touch of luxury to any dining environment. They come in various rich, 26 attractive colors and may effortlessly compliment any theme or décor. These napkins have a stain-resistant surface and look fresh and glossy after numerous washes. They are machine washable, as well. Cotton and Linen Napkins are durable and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for informal and formal meals. They provide a professional appearance while also providing lasting quality.

[alfy196]

Elevate any events with the sleek elegance of pintuck patterns!

For those looking to add a touch of luxury to their table settings, Bombay Pintuck Taffeta table linen napkins are a great option. The classic pintuck design on these napkins is made from premium taffeta fabric and adds a textured, opulent finish that goes well with formal and celebratory settings. The pintuck taffeta napkins are a striking addition to any table because of the taffeta's well-known crisp texture and beautiful gloss. Adding a layer of complexity, the pintuck design is ideal for elevating the aesthetic appeal of banquets, weddings, or elegant dinner parties. These durable event napkins come in a variety of hues ranging from delicate pastels to deep jewel tones, providing a multitude of styling options to complement or contrast with other tableware. The table napkins create a professional and unified table appearance when paired with overlays, runners, or pintuck tablecloths. Bombay Pintuck Taffeta table linen napkins are a great way to create memorable dining experiences, whether used for a lavish wedding reception or a sophisticated holiday dinner. 

[brent-linen-hire]

Restaurant Linen Hire and Laundry Services

We, Brent Linen Hire have been serving the London restaurant and catering industry for over 12 years. We have learnt the restaurant linen hire business ins and out with high quality chef uniform hire to hotel linen hire. We ensure that you receive high quality products at the best price with on time delivery. #brentlinenhire #hotellinenhire #linenhirelondon #linenhirenearme…

[moo-blogging]

Nothing in my head but with Levi after a wedding.

It was your friend's wedding, and you were the maid of honour. You were up since 5 in the morning. Making sure the wedding went on smoothly was challenging, but getting the wedding dinner ready was a nightmare.

The decoration company missed the red carpet, and they had to go back and get it. The catering people came in too early, the food might get cold too soon. The dessert bar person-in-charge was running late. You were pushing and pulling tables around to make sure there was enough space for the bride and groom's first dance. You went through the guest list again and again, crossing out names and qriting names again and again. 2 more people coming for table 3, another person from table 14 can't make it, a baby chair for table 8, vegan meal for table 9, and Mary from table 7 is lactose intolerant.

You paced around putting door gifts on each seat, making sure there was enough glasses for each table, replacing dirty napkins with clean ones. You even worked on the sound system with the DJ.

All this while, Levi was trailing behind you like a little duck. Helping you whenever he could. Table 5 and table 6 were too close together? He pulled them apart. Baby chair for table 8? He got it from the store room, and even wiped it down. Decoration company struggling with the red carpet? He got on his knee and helped with it.

Levi was there at the reception when you had to do your makeup before the dinner started. He ticked the names on the guest list, directed them to their respective tables, and gave out extra door gifts to children. When you stepped out of the powder room, Levi had seated almost everyone.

During the wedding dinner, photoes and videos of the bride and groom were shown on a big screen. Tears and laughter shared in the hall. And one of the bridesmaids caught the bouquet. You were tipsy at the end of the event. Drinking nothing but beer and wine as old friends kept toasting for whatever small reasons. You insisted on staying to help, but the bride and the groom ushered you home as they said "you're drunk, y/n, go home! You've done enough, and we can't thank you enough!"

As you walked, arms linked with Levi, stumbling barefeeted toward the lift. He was holding you steady and carrying your bag of trinkets (you said "just in case someone needs a nail clipper, or a bandage, or an extra pair of socks!") with your shoes dangling on his fingers. He helped you into the lift and pressed "G" at the bottom of the buttons. The doors closed, with only you both alone in the lift.

With your eyes closed, you leaned onto him. "What a busy day. Thanks for putting up with me, Levi." You turned your head, inhaled his scent of a mixture of sweet wine, salty sweat and clean shampoo before placing a kiss on his ear. You meant it for his cheek.

"Sad I didn't catch the bouquet," you pouted.

Levi snaked his arm around your waist and pulled you in. You fell onto him, your arms wrapped around his shoulders. You giggled at the sudden movement. "Levi!" Playfully, you slapped his arm softly. Your eyes locked, and you could see a clear determination in his silvery blue eyes.

"I will marry you, Y/n. I will marry you even without the bouquet."

The lift was quiet. You were breathing in the air he breathed out. You knew he meant it. And when he kissed you, you kissed him back. Fiercely. Passionately. Your palm on his cheek. His hand on the back of your head. You tasted him. You tasted his love. You tasted his promise.

And when the lift reached and the doors opened, you walked out, feeling like you just got married.

[haikyu-mp4]

The Guess Monster legacy

Your son wants to play volleyball, like his stepdad Tendo, for my Parenting event<3

requested by @sharkissm. word count; 504 – gn!reader

There was only one week left until your son was going back to school when he announced:

“I want to play volleyball.”

He looked surprised when you and Satori gasped simultaneously and turned to him. Satori was already tearing up, thinking of the summer he had spent getting to know his stepson even more after moving in with you two.

Satori could be a lot, so he did his best to tone it down while your son got used to having an extra person in the household. Even if they got along well before the wedding, he didn’t want the kid to think he was trying too hard to be a father figure to him just because they lived together now.

However, he found one thing to bond over: Passing a volleyball in the yard. Obviously, a volleyball lay amongst the things Satori brought when he moved in, and it awakened a curiosity in the active young boy. Spending time together like this gave Satori the opportunity to teach him some technique, while also giving them time alone to talk.

You would typically be off doing something else when this happened, lending your two favourite people some guy time.

Halfway through the summer vacation, they got to the point where a cheap net was put up in the yard, and Satori started giving some pointers on blocking.

So now, as your son expressed that this shared time had indeed left its trace on him, Satori couldn’t contain himself when he abandoned the laundry he was folding with you to squeeze your son in a hug.

They immediately started researching places that offered training after school, which then led to seeing which middle school he should pick for next year. You’d watch them sit huddled together, Satori’s excitement equal to his stepson’s, and nothing could have made you happier.

Few parents would attend volleyball games, but you and Satori came to as many as possible. Sometimes, you had no choice but to stay late at work instead, but Tendo would be just as insistent on coming to watch his stepson.

Let’s just say there’s a new Guess Monster around and he’s wearing that same purple uniform, because you learnt a few years later that your dear husband started saving up the very same day your son told him he wanted to play volleyball, so that he would have the option of going to any school he wanted when the time came.

In his first high school game, someone on the team asked your son who that red-haired guy singing in the bleachers was. “That’s my stepdad. He was a starting player, and middle blocker for Ushijima when they went here. They’re best friends,” he answered with pride, and you had to hand Satori the napkins much earlier than expected to dry his tears.

His stepson isn’t embarrassed of him at all. That little weirdo on the court who sang teasing songs for his opponents was happy to be a Tendo, carrying on his stepdad’s legacy.

masterlist

for the requester: this was one of my favourite requests for this event, I hope I did it justice<3 thank you for participating!

[zoropookie]

SWEET MELODY

☆ chapter two — kfc napkin

previous ☆ masterlist ☆ next

THERE ARE not many things that can sway your interest ever since the "incident", but in spite of that, you pushed forward. you are now the owner of the biggest bakery chain in your city, consistently seeing couples and catering to them as such. you've been a big host at weddings, events for celebrities, and even a big support for your friends and family. you've even earned yourself a niche following as well by how sweet you are to everybody around you. but, even with your kindness, you don't have a particular spark that keeps you going anymore these days. that is until one of your employees starts suggesting you write love letters to customers who request your services. at first you thought it was a horrible idea that could easily turn into trouble, but that was until you were tasked with writing one to your own (very very famous) ex-boyfriend.

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[binniebakery]

🇫​​🇱​​🇴​​🇺​​🇷​ ​🇫​​🇴​​🇷​ ​🇲​​🇾​ ​🇫​​🇱​​🇴​​🇼​​🇪​​🇷​? ❀🥐

Non Idol AU Soobin x Fem!Reader, Fluff!

♡ Summary: For years, Soobin has had the biggest crush on the daughter of the town's local bakery and flower shop. Just when Soobin decides he's comfortable settling with being acquaintances, a misunderstanding drives him to reveal the feelings he's kept hidden for so long! ♡ Recipe Ingredients: tooth rotting fluff, featuring yeonjun as soobin's unofficial rival, soobin pining, slight cursing!, not proofread ♡ Recipe Notes: guess whos baccck!? woo its FINALLY out! I'm so sorry for the wait everyone! this is probably the only wip that i was continuously motivated to write for.. so i hope this wasn't too cheesy >< enjoy!

It all started the first day he ever laid eyes on you.

That charming smile that captivated his attention the second he walked through the door, your face lighting up at the sound of the bell chiming at his arrival.

“Welcome to Flowers and Flour! How may I help you?”

It was over for him the moment your warm voice hit his ears, the tenderness and soft notes that brought immense joy to his day whenever he walked in.

Soobin was the son of the town’s local catering service. If he wasn’t busy with school, he was helping his mother organize her clients and help deliver and pick up orders for her on that moped his father got him for Christmas years ago.

You were the daughter of the town’s local bakery and flower shop. It was an odd combination really, a bakery downstairs with a flower shop running in the back? It worked well though, Soobin had more than one reason to visit you. His mom needed extra cupcakes for a wedding? He was always the first one to run to your shop. His mom wanted some flower decorations for an event? Once again, Soobin ran through the double doors of your establishment.

For as long as Soobin could remember, he had the biggest crush on you. It was obvious to everyone else in town, except for you.

Though he never really was good at flirting was he? Soobin’s first delivery was almost a disaster, he was 13 when he started helping his mom with her catering. Luck wasn’t on his side that day as he proceeded to fall off his bike and drop the entire box of dozen glazed donuts he was supposed to bring to a child’s birthday party.

Of course, he was a quick thinker. So the first thing Soobin did was bike his way over to the small bakery and flower shop his mother always worked with, rushing in through the doors as he was covered in cuts and bruises. It didn’t matter, no pain could be worse than the scolding he would get from his mother if she found out.

There you were, freshly, first day on the job and your father had just taught you how to use the cash register. You twiddled your thumbs nervously as he worked relentlessly in the back to finish baking that afternoon's set of cupcakes. 

So when you hear the familiar twinkle of bells ringing you feel the color melt off your face as you look up. This was your first day after all, what was the slogan your parents taught you to say to guests? Were you even supposed to take orders? You were only twelve!

“H- hi!.. Um.. welcome to flour and flower— no! Flowers with flour?...” You furrowed your eyebrows and look at the small napkin filled with your scribbled notes. “A- ah sorry! Um welcome to Flowers.. And Flour! H- how can I help you!?” Your voice shook as you sat straight up, giving your best (and awkwardest) smile.

You weren’t expecting there to be a boy with messy hair and cuts on his knees and a half-empty box of donuts standing in the doorway. The way his hoodie fit him slightly too big, something that he would grow into as he got older and taller. 

Slight sweat formed around his forehead and neck from the summer heat. His denim shorts wore a slight tear on the hem from the fall he had from his small bike. His cute button nose scrunched up as the stinging sensation on his knees reminded him of why he was there in the first place.

And Soobin wasn’t expecting such a pretty girl his age to be working the cash register.

“Uh– yes! Um..” Soobin sheepishly scratches the back of his neck as he looks around the bakery to avoid your large innocent eyes staring at him curiously. He’d never been inside actually, the colors were bright, sweet, and pastel– and most of all welcoming, just like your smile.

You’re tilting your head at the way the boy’s worn-out sneakers shifted in his spot. What were you supposed to do when a customer didn’t answer you?

“C- C-an.. um I..” Soobin’s face is flushed red and your eyebrows furrow together even deeper. Just as you are about to turn and call for your father to come help, Soobin immediately reaches over the counter, dropping the crushed donut box, and covers your mouth.

“Shhh!! D- don’t tell anyone! If an adult finds out they’ll tell my mom! And m- my mom cannot know about this” the young boy rambles. Your large eyes flicker between the door behind you leading to the kitchen and back to Soobin. You nod your head in agreement to say silent.

“S- sorry..” Soobin mumbles as he pulls away, wiping his hands on his baggy shorts. He explains everything to you, from the birthday party to his failure to properly ride a bike. You couldn’t help but feel pity for the boy. It was your first day too after all so you would definitely feel the same way if you were in his shoes.

“I think I can.. Maybe give you some donuts?” 

Now, looking back on this now as an adult, you would have charged the young man, or at least given him a discount. But.. as a young innocent pre-teen.. the thought didn’t cross your mind once.

After all, on your first day working you weren't expecting an odd, clumsy, and cute boy would pop up in the shop. So were you really going to be thinking rationally?

So you gave Soobin a fresh box of donuts right from the shelf. Even offered a muffin for his safe journey.  All for free.

Of course, your father notices the missing pastries, one thing leads to another and both you and Soobin end up getting into a lot of trouble.

What you didn’t know is that later that evening Soobin found himself thinking about the cute girl with pigtails that was almost too short to reach over the counter. Even blushing at the thought of seeing you again and vowing to himself he would marry that sweet girl who looked past his awkward exterior and gave him that gentle sunrise of a smile.

Years later, Soobin’s promise to himself is looking less and less possible by the day.

You looked forward to Soobin’s visits. Although you two weren’t close, you’ve always considered him to be a friend. Throughout the years, you managed to form a small bond with him whenever you had the chance to see him. You both went to different schools and were simply too shy to ever ask to hang out outside of the shop, so your relationship stayed the same.

“Hey y/n.” Soobin gives you a shy smile as you finish setting up the display for the morning. Perfect, just like you were. And with the way you turn to him, hair pulled in a messy ponytail, face flushed from the physical work, and apron wrapped perfectly tight around your waist, you couldn’t have gotten any better in Soobin’s eyes.

“Hi Soobie! Here for those muffins?” You chirp as you lean over the counter to greet him. His heart flutters at the nickname. No matter how many times you’ve said it, you always manage to make his heart stop. Nothing was better than your voice calling out his name, especially the nickname you gave specifically to him.

“Mhm, large company party I think? I’m not too sure. Apparently, the guy’s been really pushing my mom’s buttons with his demands.” His laugh is airy and soft and you can’t help but feel your cheeks warm from the way his dimples dig deep into his cheeks. Of course, the boy fails to notice.

“Ah, I see. Give Mrs. Choi my hellos then.” You giggle, handing Soobin several large boxes. Said boxes were indeed quite heavy, your delicate fingers almost dropping them as you handed them over.

“Sure will. Oh, careful–! Gotcha!” Soobin is quick to place his hands under yours, helping you lift the boxes. You look up at him with eyes wide and mouth agape, heart pumping rapidly from the sudden contact. Soobin mirrors your expression and the two of you stay that way in silence for a few seconds.

The young man blinks and immediately flushes once more, face heating up more when he realizes he was touching your hand for too long. “S- sorry! U- um.. I’ll see you later yeah? Have a good rest of your day y/n!” Soobin fumbles as he quickly shuffles out the door to his moped.

You mentally kick yourself for letting the seconds pass without saying anything and Soobin gently plops his forehead on the handle of his vehicle, debating on just slamming his head on a brick wall for settling with the silence.

It was always like this, constant instances where he would get the perfect chance to confess but he always failed to let his feelings reach you. So after years of failed attempts, he settles with what you have. He’s just happy he gets to see you.

⋆｡°♡

It was Friday, the first day of your town's weekend summer festival. Soobin’s mother was as busy as ever, therefore so was he in trying to help her get things done. 

“Soobin! Can you come here please? I need you to run an errand for me!” Mrs. Choi calls and Soobin comes shuffling in from his room, slightly groggy from the nap he just had.

“Yeah? What’s up?” He mumbles as he rubs his eyes, fluffy hair sticking out in all directions.

“Could you run down to the grocery store or the bakery? It doesn’t matter I just need you to buy me flour.” Mrs. Choi mumbles as she digs into multiple containers. “Mr. Phillips is running some baking event but he’s already at the fairgrounds so I’m doing this as a favor. Could you just bring it to him for me?”

Now, Soobin was content with his position in your life. He was just glad he was able to get to see you any chance he got, and that you were still single. He’s (not-so) casually questioned if you’ve had a boyfriend before, and with a strawberry-red face you mumbled about your failed love life.

Don’t get him wrong– Soobin would always support you as long as you were happy, but something inside him feels a sense of relief knowing that there’s somewhat of a chance for him.

So of course instead of going to the closest grocery store, he’s going to stop by your place all the way across town to pick up some flour.

Soobin speeds down the street as quickly as the law would allow him. His anxious fingers tapped the handle of his moped as he waited for the light to turn green.

The festival was on your side of town, so the streets were busy, therefore causing horrible traffic as a result. Soobin groans as he taps his foot impatiently, here’s to another day where he was the cause of his own downfall!

It takes 15 minutes to reach that familiar street he grew to love. The festival around the area begins to grow more lively and both the bakery and flower shop seem to be flooded with visitors.

Soobin feels himself tensing up as he approaches the glass double doors that lead inside the bakery.

The bell rings as he makes his way inside, but the loud buzz of people’s demands and your poor mother running around the floor delivering orders as you ring up the other customers distracts you from noticing the tall boy. Your father bursts through the door right after Soobin, boxes with vases waiting to be decorated and used for arrangements in his arms. Soobin nods a hello. “Hey there Soobin! Nice seeing you!” He shouts above the noise with a grin. “I’m a little busy right now so I’m afraid I can’t help you with anything! Y/n is right over there if you need something!” He nods towards your direction and rushes past the doors leading to the flower shop. Soobin’s face holds a puzzled smile and he glances towards the checkout counter you were currently standing at.

That’s when he sees the bane of his existence. Soobin’s worst nightmare. Choi Yeonjun.

Soobin didn’t speak to Yeonjun often, but he knew two very important things that were all he needed. That Yeonjun was interested in you, and him and Soobin went to the same school. (Soobin cringes at the possibility of Yeonjun ever going to the same school as you. He’s thankful.) Yeonjun would visit your dad’s flower shop often. Even going as far as hinting multiple times if you’d like to go on a date. Luckily for Soobin, you never got the hint– and unfortunately for Soobin, that just made Yeonjun want to try harder.

What made Soobin tick even more was that Yeonjun flirted with everyone he saw. It was just a part of his charm, and as much as Soobin hates to admit it he wishes he had that same ability Yeonjun had. To speak to you freely and smoothly hint towards a date instead of the casual and mundane conversations he settled for every time he saw you. He wanted to be cool and charming, wanted to be outgoing and good at everything he did, just like that Choi Yeonjun.

But Soobin knew he would never get to that point, he considered himself clumsy, unathletic, nerdy, and awkward. All of the things that Yeonjun wasn’t.

So when Soobin spots Yeonjun cracking yet another flirty joke just to see your cheeks flush and you shyly tucking your hair behind your ear he makes it his personal mission to intervene.

“Look at you slacking off. Should get back to work instead of talkin’ to me so much y/n.” Yeonjun teases you and you roll your eyes with a smile. You weren’t exactly close but he was friendly and often offered to help your dad anytime he needed it.

“Well Yeonjun, I’m trying! You keep distracting me..!” You nudge him as you loudly respond over the customers' chatter. “You’re lucky nobody needs me right now. What did you want anyways?” you inquire with a tilt of your head. Soobin sees this from afar and finds it endearing, and much to his dismay so does Yeonjun.

“Nothing today actually–” “What?!” “I said nothing today! I wanted to ask if you wanted to go to check out the festival with me?!” You furrow your eyebrows as your brain attempts to decipher Yeonjun’s words. “Check out what?!” 

Yeonjun lets out a laugh. Soobin bites his lip as his body unconsciously moves closer to the checkout counter. “The festival! You’re about to close soon right? Let's go, you and me!” Yeonjun repeats. This time he’s leaning over the counter, lips dangerously close to your face, and Soobin is about to explode from the sight.

“Well, actually I-” “Y/n! Hi! You’re not busy right?” Soobin blurts out as he shoves himself between Yeonjun and the counter. Yeonjun shoots him a puzzled look.

“Oh! Hi Soobin!” You smile, sheepishly rubbing the back of your neck at witnessing the sudden interjection. “Um.. How can I help you?” Soobin’s adrenaline is bursting through his veins, sure he saved you from Yeonjun’s invitation, but now what?

Suddenly, two other customers walk into the store and the place seems to inconveniently become more lively by the second. Soobin feels his anxiety bubbling in his stomach as he stares at your face, how was he supposed to look at you with your hair softly tousled into a ponytail and your pretty lashes blinking against your cheeks? He wonders what you look like outside of uniform.

“Uh, Soobin? I kinda– Yes sir one moment!” You call out to an older gentleman requesting your attention. Soobin blinks and realizes he’s been standing awkwardly for too long, Yeonjun is currently watching the whole situation unfold with a lifted brow and arms crossed.

“Uh– My mom–!.. I want to tell you that I kind of– The festival–! Um..” Soobin grows more flustered by the second, unable to get anything out. He wants to tell you he needs flour, he wants to tell you he traveled all the way across town just to see you, he wants to tell you to ditch Yeonjun and go to the festival with him instead. But words seem to fail him in the moment.

“Soobin?.. Are you alrigh–”

It finally hits Soobin that if he wants to confess, he needs to do it now. He should have realistically done it sooner but the poor boy genuinely felt like your relationship would never get anywhere past “somewhat friends”. Now that Yeonjun is here though, he feels like if he doesn’t say anything now, he’ll be forever doomed to be second to Choi once again.

“Y/n… I um–  L- like you! I need flour.. Too!”

Soobin’s words sound jumbled but it’s enough to get the point across. At least that’s what he thinks.

“What?! Sorry, I can’t hear you!” You shout over the bakery ambiance.

“Flour! Uh.. Flour! I just um.. I need that! Yes! That thing you sell! Ha…” Soobin wants to curl up and rot in a hole. Both of you miss the way Yeonjun’s lips curl up into a small smirk.

“A Flower?!” Your eyebrows furrow deeper. Why would Soobin need a singular flower? You wonder.

“Ah! What? Uh fl- flour! Y- yes!” Soobin stutters once more and you nod confusingly, turning to the shelf behind you. Soobin’s eyes flicker to Yeonjun, mentally high-fiving himself for stepping in at the perfect time. He feels slightly bad but in his defense, he had eyes on you first!

Before Soobin’s guilt settles in for thinking such selfish thoughts, you hand him a sunflower.

His eyes widen and he looks back at you. Did you end up hearing his confession after all?

“Sorry guys I can’t talk! Soobin I’m sorry but this is all I can offer on such short notice! Yeonjun, I’ll speak with you after my shift is done! Just give me 10 minutes!” You flash an apologetic smile and head over to the small line of customers waiting to pay.

Soobin’s mouth hangs open, did you just reject him? Were you so guilty you couldn’t reject him that you just gave him a gift in hopes he wouldn’t take it too harshly? Is that why you said it was all you could offer?

Soobin stands dumbfounded. Yeonjun sighs and grabs him by the arm, pulling him out of the store to allow the other customers to squeeze in their place.

“Hey–! I- I need to talk to y/n wait!” Soobin yanks his arm away from Yeonjun with a huff.

“Can you chill for a second?! God, seeing you stand there looking like a fish out of water is stressing me out, dude.” Yeonjun sighs and rubs his temples in frustration. Soobin swallows and looks down at the floor, twiddling with the sunflower you gave him between his fingers. “Look. I know what’s going on here man, you’ve got a crush on y/n don’t you?”

Soobin’s jaw drops once again and he feels his face grow impossibly red. “H- how do you know?!”

“You literally said it inside the store just a few seconds ago..not to mention your game is the worst I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“Right..” Soobin sighs and drops his shoulders in defeat. “Was it that bad?” Yeonjun grimaces, “Want me to tell you the truth?” Soobin groans, he already knows what’s coming. “Just say it already.”

“That was absolutely horrid to watch. Never seen a guy fumble that badly..” Yeonjun pinches the bridge of his nose and Soobin plops down on the bench next to them. He rests his head in his hands, maybe now would be a good time to just move cities. Forget today ever happened. Forget about the festival. Forget about you. Not to mention he’s even more embarrassed at the fact that Yeonjun was there to witness it all. The last person he wanted to see.

“Hey, hey. Look, there’s a bright side to this and I don’t think you realize– I don’t even think y/n realizes what just happened in there.”

Soobin’s head perks up, his face scrunched up in confusion. “What? Besides the fact that I just got horribly rejected– Oh God AND she doesn’t even give me the flour I needed! Y/n probably thought it would be awkward to keep talking to me and just sent me off with this.. pity gift!” Soobin exclaims as he waves the sunflower in his hand around.

Yeonjun slams his palm into his forehead and sighs, “No! Dude she misheard you completely, I’m almost certain y/n thought you wanted a flower from her, not flour.” It takes a few seconds for Soobin to properly register Yeonjun’s words. He replays the situation in his head, the way that none of you could possibly hear each other that well given how busy the bakery was in that moment. 

It would make sense. Yeonjun was standing right next to Soobin so he was the only one that would be able to properly hear him.

“Oh.. shit..” Soobin slumps further into the bench. “Really?”

“Yeah, and frankly can I be honest?” Soobin nods. “I didn’t know you even liked y/n like that. You seem to sort of keep things plain with her when you guys talk.” Soobin pouts at the comment. “Well, I try!.. was kind of playing the long game… I don’t really have the type of charisma you have Mr. Festival Guy!” Soobin retorts and Yeonjun gasps dramatically.

“Hey! Don’t blame me for your incompetence man... Plus, even if I do sort of like her, I know when to back out if it’s just going to end up as a competition. I’m not a douchebag.”

Yeonjun chuckles at Soobin’s shocked face. He notes that Soobin seems to be very expressive despite not speaking about his emotions. It seems to explain a lot about Soobin. “Wait, seriously? You’re willing to give her up that easily?” 

Yeonjun shrugs, “I mean don’t get me wrong she’s a cute girl, but I just wanted to get to know her more as a friend, what’s the harm in that?” Soobin bites his lower lip and looks away from Yeonjun. He feels awful now, assuming Yeonjun was the player type and you were just his next target. They never spoke at school but that was simply because while Soobin was shy and hung out with the nerdy and introverted students– Yeonjun was popular, and had many friends. Not to mention plenty of girls fought for his attention at school.

“Yeah.. guess you’re right.” Soobin mumbles. “Well… now what do I do?” Yeonjun taps his index finger on his chin. “I mean, she said she gets off work in a few minutes right? Why don’t you tell her what you really meant to say.”

Soobin scoffs as if Yeonjun’s idea is completely unrealistic and ridiculous. “Yeah right. You saw the way I get when I speak to her. I can’t even think properly..” Yeonjun sighs. “Well, you have to do it sometime dude.. Unless you want someone like me to scoop her up.” He teases.

Soobin’s eye twitches, he was definitely not going to give Yeonjun another chance to ask you out.

“Hey– okay, okay, fine I’ll talk to her.. I guess..” Soobin runs a hand through his hair. He honestly felt like the entire situation was a lost cause. “So just how am I going to confess to y/n?”

“Dude, I can’t help you with everything! Just speak from your heart.. Or whatever those cheesy romance movies say.” Yeonjun pats Soobin’s shoulder and stands up. “Look, you’ll figure something out. Tell her what comes to mind, that’s the way I roll at least.” Soobin stares at his feet in thought. He had so much to say, and quite frankly his feelings were so strong and complicated he was scared it would ruin the relationship you both currently had. 

“All I’m gonna say is if you don’t do it tonight, I will. Get in there and grab what you originally came there for.” Yeonjun nods towards the sunflower resting in Soobin’s hand. ”And I’m not just talking about the flour either. Be yourself.” Soobin looks at Yeonjun for the last time and stands up.

“Right. I’ll uh.. See you then. Thanks.” Yeonjun pats his shoulder and Soobin almost winces at the pain. “No problem Choi. I’ll leave you to it. See you around.” Yeonjun winks and strolls off. Soobin cringes at how nonchalant the other male is, more so at the fact that he genuinely couldn’t tell if that wink was flirtatious or not.

Regardless, Yeonjun’s words were enough to boost his confidence slightly, and thus Soobin made his way back to the outside of the bakery.

20 minutes had passed and you finally were able to usher the last customer out of the store. Your father had already left to promote business at the festival grounds and your mother had offered to finish cleaning up so you could enjoy some time to yourself after a long day of work.

The summer heat hits your face as you open the heavy double glass doors, pouting as the fresh indoor air slips away. You let your hair down so you can arrange it into a neater ponytail, feeling at least feeling somewhat refreshed after quickly changing out of your work uniform into something more comfortable.

Soobin hears the familiar jingle of the bakery doors and he looks up, if he wasn’t nervous already he definitely was now. His face flushes as his eyes scan your figure, pretty face concentrated as you tie your hair up, thin summer shirt slightly lifting to show the slightest bit of skin as if you wearing those small denim shorts wasn’t enough to have him practically fainting at the sight.

You look up and the expression on your face changes to a warm smile upon seeing Soobin. 

“Soobie, hi!” Oh! The nickname too! Soobin was doomed.

“H- hey, um y/n.. Before you lock up can we go inside? I need to speak with you..” You tilt your head and look around the area. “Sure? Oh but I think Yeonjun was waiting to talk to me too? Did you see him?” Soobin almost lets out a groan in discontent but hides it with a bite to his bottom lip. Why were you asking about Yeonjun? Was it because you were hoping he’d be waiting instead of Soobin?

“He uh.. Decided he had something to do–  It wasn’t important anyways..” Soobin scratches the back of his neck with an awkward smile. “Ah, okay! Let’s go in then.” You smile and open the doors for him. Soobin fumbles to one of the glass doors and holds it for you with ears tinged pink, nodding as you thank him when you walk inside.

Soobin doesn’t even remember ever being this nervous before in his entire life, his first catering delivery, the handful of speeches he’s stuttered through when speaking in front of his classmates, or when he spilled juice on his mother’s most prestigious customer.

You prop yourself on the counter, your eyes now able to meet his without either of you adjusting your height. You swing your legs as you sit, oblivious to Soobin’s inner turmoil. “Sorry, I wasn’t about to talk with you outside in that heat. You must have been sweating so much out there!” You apologize with a light laugh, and the tall boy's heart soars, touched by your consistently kind and caring nature.

Soobin’s brain is currently in overdrive thinking about the way your delicate fingers twiddle in your lap waiting for his response. You notice that his breathing has grown quiet and slow, as he avoids your gaze while in deep thought.

“Is something wrong? Did something happen to Yeonjun or–?” You innocently question. Soobin can’t help but feel his jealousy peak. Why were asking about that guy when it was just you and him? Why couldn’t you ever focus on him instead?

“Soobie.. Tell me what happened, please?” You bring your hand up to rest on his arm, shooting jolts of electricity throughout his entire body from the small touch. It was light, but it was also the first time you’ve ever made an effort to touch Soobin in such a delicate manner. It may have meant nothing to you but to him, it was more than enough to send his mind reeling even further.

Soobin was a patient man. In case you couldn’t tell from the way he’s waited all these years for the perfect moment to confess. Yet, at this moment he feels his emotions bubbling up, his jealousy of Yeonjun, his overwhelming affection towards you that never ceased to stop growing over the years, and the overwhelming anxiety threatening to burst through his stomach.

Your eyes widen as Soobin places both of his arms on the counter, caging you in with his own body.

‘Be yourself Soobin. If she doesn’t like you for you then she’s not the one. If she likes Yeonjun then so be it.’ Soobin is chanting so many affirmations in his head and nothing seems to work. Seconds pass and he notices the heat spread across your face as you stare into his gentle brown orbs.

The bakery is silent, its ambiance a complete contrast to almost 30 minutes ago. Everything had been turned off, with the only source of lightning coming from the sunset peering over the horizon outside. The rays barely peeked through the partially closed blinds and the glass doors leading into the bakery. 

“I- .. look I honestly h- have no idea how to go about this..” Soobin begins, his breathing now ragged and his body so close to yours that his scent begins to fill your senses. You’ve never been this close to Soobin and can’t help but take in the gentle light floral scent. It’s warm even, like a cotton shirt left out in the sun on a summer afternoon.

He presses his forehead against yours, his breath now gently tickling your features. “Y/n.. I’ve liked you f- for a really long time.. And I mean this more than a friend.” His eyes are screwed shut, almost as if he was afraid that if he opened them he’d be met with a look of disappointment from you. “I tried telling you earlier, I saw Yeonjun try to hit on you and I freaked out. Of course, shit hits the fan too because with my luck you didn’t hear me.”

“Soobin..” Your mouth opens before you can fully process what you want to say. “Y- you don’t have to respond y/n. If anything I know you probably have feelings for Yeonjun already– Just p- please.. I-” His voice is shaky, his intense fear of rejection pouring out of his body in a sweat.

Soobin’s eyes flash open when he feels both your hands gently holding both sides of his face. “Can I tell you something?” You smile warmly. Soobin’s heart feels like it's going to jump out of his chest. “I only keep working here so I can see you.”

Soobin’s face turns a bright red, his mouth agape. “Wh- what?”

“My parents tease me about it all the time. About the boy that I fell head over heels for since the day he first walked through those stupid glass doors. I don’t let them hire anyone else because I didn’t want anyone talking to you that wasn’t me!” You chuckle, recalling the slow days when you paced across the white bakery tiles, waiting for him to walk through those doors with a list of items he needed.

“I’ve liked you. I always have.” Your voice comes out in a whisper. Soobin’s ears barely pick up the sound as a group of children run by the shop, loud screeches and giggles as they pass.

“Wh- what?” Soobin stares into your eyes in complete disbelief. “I said I like you too, Choi Soobin.”

He’s silent, a car passes by and you almost jump from the sudden noise. Soobin doesn’t flinch, and for a moment your expression turns into one of fear– afraid that you said the wrong thing until Soobin lets out a series of soft chuckles.

“What is so funny!?” You pout, immediately removing your hands from his face in embarrassment. The audacity of this guy! To just laugh in front of your face after he himself nearly pissed himself from confessing to you.

“Y- you have no idea– no idea!” He begins, his forehead bumping into yours again from laughing. “Y/n, I’ve been going out of my way, doing the stupidest things just to get myself to tell you how I feel.”

You scoff and look down at your lap. “Well.. at least now everything is cleared up.. Right?”

Soobin’s head pulls away, his arms still trapping you in his presence. ‘O-oh um about that..” 

“Earlier.. I was asking you for flour.. Y’know the stuff you bake with? .. You sort of misheard that too.” You cover your mouth with a gap. Soobin senses your guilt and immediately shakes his head.

Soobin finally pulls his arms away and you feel your tense body loosen up. It seems he had no clue of how close he was due to the adrenaline of his confession. “No no! Please don’t worry about it– it was seriously my fault, I couldn’t even get a word out and it was super loud and busy earlier!”

“L- let me get that for you! Gosh, I’m so so sorry!” You exclaim as you jump off the counter to run to the back room to retrieve the said bag. You find Soobin with his hands covering his face in embarrassment as you walk up to him. It seemed you two were more similar than you expected.

“Let's go deliver the flour then, together.” You smile shyly, attempting to lighten the mood. “Before we do though.. Let's make a trade.” You take the forgotten sunflower Soobin had been holding the entire time and hold it to your chest. “You can give me this, and I’ll give you your flour.”

Your voice is warm and oh-so-sweet to Soobin’s ears. He was so used to hearing you speak in your ‘customer service’ voice that being able to have you finally speak to him, and only him, in that gentle tone that made his legs turn to jelly and his heart thump ever so harder.

“Deal.” Soobin smiles and he takes the sunflower from your hand. He gently places the sunflower behind your ear, pushing back a strand of your hair at the same time and your eyes meet once again. His eyes were mesmerizing, almost as if they were pulling you closer. You didn’t even realize how close in proximity you two were now.

Soobin closes the gap between you both, your lips finally connecting for the first time. Your plush lips are soft against his and it’s everything Soobin could have imagined and more. The kiss isn’t perfect– with teeth slightly clashing every few seconds and you giggling in excitement. Both your lips were slightly chapped from the summer heat and the conversation you just had. It didn’t matter to either of you though.

It was summer when Soobin met you for the time, with cheeks flushed and shy lingering gazes. He smiles, dimples on full display at the thought as he stares up into the sinking sun in the distance as you both head towards the festival. 

It’s also summer when the two of you confess and share your first kiss. Soobin comes to realize that summer might just be his favorite season. After all, over the years nothing has ever changed, besides the feelings he’s had all this time now growing ever stronger. And of course, breaking the curse of forever being just the clumsy boy who visited you.

[yyawnjun]

Hi, congrats on 300 followers. I have a prompt request for the celebration. I would like to request a one-shot of jongseob with the prompt from sweet "smiling during kisses".

I would also like to add that the reader be gender neutral. congratulations again on 300 followers! 🎉

hihi! thank you so much for participating, and sorry for the late, hope you like it <3 ; 1k wc ; fluff ; first time writing for soeb aaaa ; and credits to my fav proofreader @sobun1est

300 followers event 🎀

You notice the light of the candles as soon as you open the door of your house, taking the first step inside your apartment.

“I’m home!” you said.

Shortly after, called by your voice, you noticed Jongseob coming out of his room to come and welcome you.

That day was your anniversary; one year had passed since you had confessed your tender love and the "roommate" label had turned into lovers. You had just returned from the small pastry shop where you worked in the afternoons to save up for your studies, and with you, you had a large plastic bag containing your boyfriend’s favorite cake.

Although neither of you was swimming in gold, you were happy with your flat. So you gradually decorated it and created a small home with all the amenities you could want.

“Welcome back, honey” he said to you, coming closer to steal a kiss from you and helping with the bags.

While he went to put the cake in the refrigerator you moved towards the small room, from where a soft light came.

As soon as you entered, you noticed that many candles were placed throughout the room, and in the center, there was a carefully set table. The window was wide open, and the view was of the city illuminated by the few lights of the night.

On the table there were two glasses, and next to them a bottle of your favorite wine. The plates had light red and gold decorations, and the tablecloth and napkins followed that theme.

There was also your record player, who carefully selected the records that had accompanied your evenings throughout that year.

“Do you remember our first date?” the boy asked you as he entered the room.

“When we shared pizza, sitting on this sofa while we tried to guess about the lives of the passers-by under this balcony? How could I forget?” you asked him.

He nodded and moved in your direction, seemingly unable to resist his desire to be by you.

He took your face in his hands and soon joined your lips in a long kiss.

“How about we create a remix, maybe with a slight upgrade?” he asked you, looking you directly in the eyes.

“I would love it,” he replied, smiling.

Everything at that moment brought back memories of the first date, when after a year of living together, since you attended the same university, that boy had come forward to ask you to be together.

“Happy anniversary Seob”

“You too, love” he replied.

During your first date, while you were waiting for the food to come, the two of you sat on the couch. You could only gaze lovingly at Jongseob's slim physique as he was focused on the task at hand—he had stood up to begin the vinyl recordings.

During the first date, you were waiting for the pizza to be delivered, while now you were waiting for the lasagna - entirely cooked by Jongseob - to cook in the oven!

You had once expressed how much you would have liked to taste Italian food, so that's why he chose it for dinner.

He had carefully chosen the order of the music records to listen to, as he had presented them to you during your year together.

To ensure that everything looked its best in your eyes, he had even asked his mother to lend him some of the dish set that she had used for her wedding.

He had discovered your favorite flavor in candles, and in his pocket, he had a crumpled piece of paper with a short poem that he wanted to recite to you.

Now he was sitting next to you on the couch and was following the moves of the first date step by step. He had counted how many times your eyes had crossed, but like the first time, he had gotten lost in your eyes and had opted for a more direct approach.

He had turned to you while you were watching him the whole time - noticing how his face was bright and how he had changed in a year. You vividly remembered all the features of his face and how his expression had gone from full concentration to complete disorientation as soon as he had looked at you.

And now everything was happening again: your eyes had met, and the butterflies in your stomach had started to dance.

He had soon come dangerously close and had canceled the distances. Neither of you could hold back a smile, remembering your first kiss while you were living the umpteenth. Many quick kisses alternated with passionate ones while your bodies also got closer.

You took a brief break to let out some lovely laughs that blended in with the background music like they were the melody itself.

Smiles between the kisses, comforting scents, and the warmth of the bodies that united.

He had moved his hand from behind your neck to your hips- oh how he had become bolder.

You were facing him and found it difficult to keep your eyes closed, so now and again when he drew you away, you gave him a tiny peek.

You loved so much seeing that boy's face up close.

With an awkward and hesitant smile, he looked so attractive with the candles lighting him.

The first time you had been interrupted by the arrival of the delivery boy, while this time by a strange burning smell that began to spread from the kitchen.

As soon as it hit your boyfriend's nostrils, his eyes widened and he suddenly stood up.

"THE LASAGNA!" he said as he ran towards the kitchen.

You giggled as you moved to go and check it out too.

As soon as you arrived in the kitchen you saw him wearing two pink skates and an apron of the same color, as he took the lasagna out of the oven. He hadn't even taken the time to turn on the light, the light of the candles was enough; but he had chosen to wear the apron to avoid dirtying the outfit he had worked on to impress you.

Luckily the lasagna wasn’t burnt, but on the contrary, it had acquired a light crunchy crust that had made that dish even better.

You found yourselves shortly after at the table, savoring that delicious food while you remembered the times gone by, shared moments of the present, and fantasized about future experiences.

[vanillablankcanvas]

Oneshot -Broppy Wedding Planning

Pop Village was buzzing with celebration!

The former town grump, Branch had finally…

FINALLYYYYY!!!!!!-

Proposed to Queen Poppy!

And she said ‘Yes’!!!

The town had never been this excited!

This would be the first Royal Wedding since they escaped Bergen Town!

AND

The first Troll wedding attended by Bergens!

AND

It would be the first Royal Wedding to be attended by the other Trolls Tribes in centuries!

This was going to be the event of a lifetime!

Satin and Chenille had produced a scrapbook they had made for Poppy as an engagement gift. 

It was full of wedding ideas they had collected over the years that they thought Poppy could one day use.

Flower arrangements, colours, cakes, songs, dance numbers…

The scrapbook was huge!

Branch found Poppy in her pod later on.

Poppy was at a table lazily flipping through the pages of the scrapbook.

Branch sat across from her, surprised that she looked so deflated.

Without saying anything, Poppy pushed the scrapbook over for Branch to see.

Branch looked over a few pages.

“Wait? You've already planned everything?”

“No. Satin and Chenille made it.”

“And you're upset? Are their ideas that bad?

“No it's not that…” she looked away.

Branch put the book aside and took her hands into his.

“What is it you usually say to me? If you're having feelings, you can talk about them with me.”

Poppy sighed.

“It’s just…a lot”

Branch nodded encouragingly.

“Go on.”

“Look at it, Branch. Everyone is so excited for our wedding! Everyone is expecting a huge thing and we haven't even begun to plan anything yet!”

“You've never had trouble planning things like this before.”

“This is different. It's not just about me this time.”

Branch thought her words over.

“You're worried about me.”

Poppy looked over to him with almost apologetic eyes.

Branch smiled and leaned in close to whisper.

“Poppy, I don't know if you know this about me but…”

Poppy leaned her ear in.

“-Sometimes I over prepare for things.”

Poppy blinked at him then burst into silly giggles.

Branch smiled proudly that he was able to get her to laugh like this.

“Poppy when I proposed, I knew exactly who I was proposing to. I know what I'm getting myself into. So, individually handcrafted invitations? Coordinated dance numbers? Napkins matching the flowers? Each guest's face painted onto the cake?-”

“You're just giving me ideas now.”

“I’m saying that I want all of that with you.”

“...Really?” 

“I get to marry my best friend. We've been through a lot together and I think we should have the celebration we deserve.”

“It’s your wedding too. I don't want you to get overwhelmed just to make me happy. You don't think it's going to be too over the top?”

“I know it's going to be over the top! I'm fully prepared for that and happy to help in any way I can to go over the top with this. Let's really go ‘Poppy’ on this thing.” he smirked.

Poppy snort laughed at his word choice.

“You'll let me know it's too much?”

“Don't I always?”

Poppy narrowed her eyes skeptically. A cheeky grin spread across her face 

“How ‘Poppy’ are we talking?”

“I want you to go ‘Full Poppy’.”

“You do know what you're letting into the world, right?”

Branch kissed her hand then looked deep into her eyes.

“Let’s throw the biggest, loudest, craziest party ever.”

Poppy poked his chest.

“Keep saying things like that and we aren't gonna last until the honeymoon mister.” she growled.

Poppy smooched his cheek gratefully before she grabbed the scrapbook and took off to find Satin and Chenille.

It wasn't until she was out of sight that his eyes widened with the realization of what she was implying.

And Branch's lovestruck face flushed red.

[animusicnerd]

Underneath This Moon

☾ Genre: Fluff ☾ Warnings: N/A ☾ Pairing(s): Lilia x GN! Reader ☾ Notes: Entry for @briarvalleyarchives "Wedding Day" Event!

“Do we really have to do a full wedding? Can’t we just elope?” 

You rolled your eyes at your lover’s complaints, pulling him along as the two of you continued down the dirt trail. Lilia pouted but nonetheless, followed your lead, relieved to be outside of the castle.

For the last couple of days, the two of you had been cooped up in your office. Going over piles of work on the wedding with servants and family dashing in and out of your office asking for your opinion on what food there was to be served or what flowers would be in the centerpieces. Truthfully, Lilia would rather go back to his own job, helping the new recruits train but he was not going to leave all the planning to you. 

He wasn’t sure how you did it all day. Staying inside your office, bent over the desk with your nose in either a book or a scroll. Hell, his back started hurting an hour into going over the guest list but you continued on without a single complaint while scribbling away into the checklist you had compiled for the wedding. He dreaded having to do it again tomorrow.

Lilia leaned in closer, his arm wrapping around and settling around your waist as yours went around his. Your first instinct whenever he did so. 

“We could do it right now~” he sang softly, giving you a mischievous grin on his face. 

Neither of you were planning the ceremony itself for no one needed to witness your vows. Your words to each other were enough to bind the two of you forever in matrimony. Most of the planning was for the party after. So really what was stopping the two of you from exchanging your vows now?

You stopped dead in your tracks, giving your lover a blank stare as he blinked innocently at you. For a few moments, you said nothing. Only keeping the blank stare on your face, simply looking at your lover up and down before saying, “No.”

Lilia’s shoulders dropped with faux disappointment but he quickly recovered himself as soon as he saw you walk away. His cheeks heated up as he caught your small smile, gently squeezing his hand before the two of you continued on your walk. 

The dirt trail softly crunched underneath your feet as you walked through the forest. Moonlight streamed through the forest canopy, illuminating your path to a destination unknown to both of you. Not many animals were out and about, it was past midnight after all, and they had other things to worry about other than two faeries taking a stroll. 

It felt… nice being outside after being stuck in your office for so long. Neither of you had taken much of a break, pausing only to eat but even then it was only for a short while before you were back to work. The fresh air was greatly needed and appreciated, though you would love it if the comfortable silence between you and your lover would have time to settle.

“My dearest love, the light of my life,” Lilia pleaded, gripping your hand tighter for dramatic effect, nearly on his knees as you continued to walk, “please let us just elope for I fear if I have to be asked once again what color the napkins will be, I shall die an early death.”

You chuckled, stopping in your tracks to see him on his knees, a playful pout on his lips as his eyes sparkled with mischief. He gripped the hem of your cloak and upon noticing you had stopped, he inched closer. The dirt crunched under his knees and you gave him a concerned look as pain briefly flashed across his face but he waved it off with a pleading smile.

After a few silent moments, Lilia’s grip slackened and his grip weakened. His pout turned into a frown as he sat on his legs. You were obviously taking joy in his misery. There was an amused look in your eyes as you smirked down at him. Both of you were aware he was joking, but he couldn’t help the heavy weight in his chest forming as you didn’t answer. Like you were actually considering whether to marry him or not. A tinge of fear flooded him but it quickly went away as you kneeled down in front of him, moving his grip from your cloak to your hands and spoke,

“You are the most annoying being that I have met. You have pushed my boundaries to new heights but never enough to make me uncomfortable. For that, I am thankful, so I shall declare this here and now.” Lilia stared at you with wide eyes. His mouth became dry, tears slightly welling up in his eyes as you smiled, softly squeezing his hands before you continued. “Underneath this moon, I declare you, Lilia Vanrouge, as my spouse. With these words, I am wed to you and am yours until the end of time.”

It took a minute for him to process your words. Love and warmth flooded through him. The fear from earlier had completely subsided and was replaced with joy as he finally realized your words. Your vows to him. He wanted nothing more than to wrap you up in his embrace and pepper as many kisses as he can to your face but he didn’t. 

Instead, he smiled and lifted your hand, brushing his thumb over your knuckles before pressing a soft kiss over them. His lips were warm and soft against your skin, sending a shiver down your spine before he pulled back gazing back into your eyes.

“Believe me when I say that annoying you is a talent I take joy in, my dear.” He let out a small oomph as you lightly smacked his chest, lightly chuckling before continuing. “Despite that, you still love me as much as I love you. You have been there for me when no one else has. Put up with my antics, pushed my boundaries as much as I have pushed yours, and cared for me when no one else was there. For that, I am thankful…” Lilia’s voice grew soft with every word, both of your hearts pounding in your chests as he spoke, still not quite believing this was happening. “Underneath this moon, I, Lilia Vanrouge, declare you as my spouse and with these words, I am wed to you and am yours until the end of time.”

[ilyuu-archive]

right where you left me.

synopsis : it takes years to build up feelings and memories that means the world to you and him, and it all takes one evening for it to break down and leave nothing but time standing still and a relationship that could've been. (or you recall the night you broke up with kazuha, thinking it all over again.)

tags : angst/no comfort, modern!au, childhood friends to lovers to strangers, mentions of getting high, light swearing, ambiguous ending.

wc : 2500+! (2635.)

a/n : and yes this is all based off of taylor swift’s right where you left me from perse!! along with that, please do excuse any grammar and formatting mistakes

for the saudade event by the all amazing and angsty creative @soleillunne! the first half is written by the wielder of cat pics, @https-furina, and the second half from yours truly. ready your tissues because in spite of the beautiful and vivid wording from verse, it hurts (in a good way, of course)! nonetheless, i hope you'd enjoy this as much as i did! &lt;3

also, perse, thank you; i had so much fun writing this! the possibilities were endless for me, and reading your part when trying to get a feel for this story made me roll up in a corner and cry (not actually though, so don't worry about me, hehe),,

There's idle chatter and the faint clinking of cutlery and wine glasses, almost drowned out by the harsh winds and rain that batters the restaurant's dimmed windows.

The lights are soft and subdued yet hold a warmth that hugs every living being inside the building - some sheltering from the rainstorm, others rekindling with their lovers or families. That should be you, rekindling with a lover that was never yours in the first place.

To your left, you hear the gossip of two friends; a couple in their friend group recently broke up, "good riddance," one girl chirps, "she deserves better than him." The conversation promptly shifts to that of one regarding marriage and weddings. What would you have looked like on that fateful day with white veil and a glittering ring on your finger, the thought makes you grimace.

"What a sad sight," an elderly woman whispers to her husband from where they're settling at a table not too far away, she's gazing at you with a sorrowful look, "poor girl."

The words shift a small crack of a smile onto your face - is that truly how you looked to the unknowing bystanders around you? Did they think you'd been stood up on a first date?

If only.

The more you stare at the empty, red crushed velvet chair in front of you, the more the realisation starts to hit even harder than before that he isn't going to magically turn up, dressed ever so handsomely in smart casual attire with his silver hair in its usual messy ponytail.

You hadn't seen his face since that night, how pained he seemed as he watched you smash the empty wine glass adorning your table, his eyes trained on the way it shatters into a million pieces on the white cloth. It was almost a perfect metaphor for your heart at that exact moment.

"You know we're here because we need to talk, right?" His voice is familiar, nostalgic almost as he places his blazer over the back of his chair. He hasn't changed since you were children, sneaking after school to the nearest McDonalds until your curfew, "y/n.."

"Do we have to talk?" You respond quickly with a sharp tongue, your hands shaking as you find anything to do with them, this even includes unfolding and folding the napkin in front of you repeatedly. Conversations are whispered all around you, some followed by short laughter.

Kazuha almost winces at the tone of your voice but he knows it's deserved. You had been friends since you could remember, joined at the hip no matter what happened. Your mothers always commented that you were inseparable, never found without the other close behind - so how did it come to this?

It came to this because you had became attached, craving his presence at all times even as you went to university. You wanted him and nobody else could even remotely compete with the man that Kaedehara Kazuha had grown into somehow from that clumsy toddler you'd wrapped around your chubby fingers all those years ago.

For a while, the rebellious teen thought the exact same about you. He would ponder over the hours the two of you spent together in his dorm room, sharing a joint as you forget the stress of the exam season you'd just barely managed to survive.

He would reflect on the nights he'd carry you on his back, taking you back to your dorm after an exceptionally rough night clubbing with your friend group, who always roped you into unbelievable scenarios.

He had expressed his concerns over your friend group more than once but you had shrugged him off, flashing him that playful smile he couldn't get enough of. "It's fine, Kaz," you reassure him as you apply a layer of mascara to your eyelashes, "we only live once, right?" When you'd responded with that, Kazuha initially thought 'yeah, we do.'

Nights under star scattered skies sharing joints would only last so long, after all Kazuha was at university to study business management, the heir to his father's publishing company. With this future responsibility came the family reputation and the eventual arranged marriage to another rich family - that was a criteria that you had never fit in and pre-emptively, you never would.

"You know it's not my decision, y/n," His voice is almost breaking when he takes the seat in front of you, clammy hands clasped together in front of him on the clothed table. You scowl a little, it had never been his choice, had it? "we should seen this coming."

"We?" You repeat, narrowing your eyes at him, "you - you should have seen this coming."

Kazuha lets out an exasperated sigh, closing his eyes for a moment as he listens to the bustle of the restaurant around the pair of you. He starts to consider that a restaurant was not the best location to be having a lover's quarrel.

When he reopens his eyes, they fall to you across the table. Your eyes are glittering like the chandelier that hangs from the ceiling in the centre of the room and he can almost make out the tears starting to pool in the corners of your eyes.

"I never wanted to hurt you, you know that, right?" For some reason, those words hurt your heart more than he most likely intended.

They feel like knives, sharpened daggers that plunge deep into your most fatal organ and tear it apart in ways that Kazuha would never be able to grasp. In that moment, you nearly wish that you could inflict this kind of pain on him so he could feel how your heart ached at that exact time or how the tears stung at your eyes, blurring your vision to the point where you could barely make his figure out.

Even with a singular tear running its uneven path down your cheek, you find the chance to smile, turning your gaze away from him as you let out a soft, pained laugh.

"If that's true, you should have known it would have hurt less for you to have turned me down instead of giving me a chance like you did." Your words bite at Kazuha more than you would ever know.

He hides the way his nails press into his skin, digging into it so hard they leave red, crescent moon marks and almost draw blood. Kazuha chews down on his tongue, the metallic taste of his blood flooding his mouth when he conveniently suddenly finds it hard to swallow, leaving him to succumb to the consequences of his own actions.

His mouth is dry when he opens his mouth to speak but words don't come out, just a simple exhale as he processes the back and forth argument that will continue for the rest of the night, "I've met her already."

"And? Is she nice?" You reply shortly, holding your tongue. There are thoughts running through your mind, hundreds in tens of seconds that you can't even grasp yourself. His family was wasting no time in selling this marriage to the media, gaining that social coverage they crave as socialites.

Kazuha lets out a small hum as if the energy had suddenly shifted back to normal between you.

"She's alright," Kazuha starts and you part your lips to speak, quick witted and sharp but Kazuha holds a hand up, silencing you before he continues, "but she isn't you."

"No, you don't get to get to pull that shit now, Kazuha," you laugh, it's bittersweet and causes Kazuha to visibly wince, "you damn well don't get to say shit like that anymore."

Kazuha's ruby eyes fall to how you are gripping an empty wine glass on the table, one that was supposed to be filled with a dark red liquid by now, its fruity taste becoming bitter on your tongues.

You have every right to be angry with him and Kazuha is drowned in remorse when he catches your knuckles turning white before the stem of the wine glass cracks in your palm, dropping the bowl of the glass onto the white cloth decorating the table as it shatters into sharp, broken shards.

The visual of glass breaking causes you to blink quickly, suddenly back to reality as you realise you're gripping at your phone in your hand with almost the same strength you'd put into the wine glass that night. Your muscles relax, leaning forward on the table as you rest your head in your hands.

It’s time to go.

So? There’s nothing much you can do now, and as much as it leaves such a bittersweet taste on your tongue that you can’t bother to swallow at all, it’s as much as the truth. Not as if some miracle can fly across the sky and everything will end in a happily ever after like in a fairytale. To rely on that, really, is desperation (is it really?) as its finest. Or maybe that’s your feelings talking. Maybe that’s just the lifetime worth of memories you held with him, sweeter and lighter than this entire evening has been, that’s making you want to hold onto that thin, fragile string of hope that means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

You feel your chest ache, a familiar feeling lately that you’d rather disappear, fade, or just… vanish. Really. Just anything to make this go away; it’s more of a reminder than anything that makes it twinge whenever you run through that night in your head too many times to count, each small detail almost nothing, a blur, when all you see is the way Kazuha looked at you. Pained? Helpless? A combination of something you couldn’t pin on in the midst of your own heated thoughts?

You wipe the corner of your eyes with each hand, your warm palms something of a comfort. Not the time.

A moonless night bears witness to the two of you lying atop of the roof of your apartment complex, years felt like days, from your school days, with how clear the memory of Kazuha looking over to you with such adoration swirling in his eyes along with the faint stars.

Your shoulders start to tremble.

The embrace of a familiar warmth wrapping around your waist, the blanket slipping onto the floor from the edge of the couch nothing compared to the comfort seeping into your skin.

Muted colors play across the two of you from the movie - it’s nothing but a backdrop anymore as you find yourself a bit more focused on his hand, your fingers wrapped in his, the pad of your thumb lightly caressing the back of his. You feel his breath, a huff, waft over your neck from that.

You try to let go of a sigh. It only comes out as a broken whimper.

His lips shifting against yours, soft, so sweet, as quiet sounds are shared between two of you. His shallow sighs of your name dripping with every nights’ worth of what ifs, every waking days’ worth of thoughts that crossed and blurred a line between friends and something more.

A chance, a hope, a dream - all of it was woven into the few words Kazuha murmured against your lips, over and over, bounding it with you in his hope that it’d make it real.

You know it all meant something to Kazuha.

Every mote of sand of time that fell within the two of you meant something to him, cherished it close and closer to his heart than anything else. You know that much. It was obvious - so obvious, too obvious - in every word he said that carried gravity and care to you, in every act he’s ever done for you for the sake of making you smile. It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.

He loved you. Kazuha loves you in every sense of the word. It was only that very love that led to this, as much as the two of you shared in it. This is the best for the two of you.

You know that, and he, of all people, especially knows that. It meant something to him, and so he just had to go ahead and say yes, let you into a world that was only for the two of you, and led you on until the edge of the world and into the reality you’re in now.

Do you blame him for that? For all of this? You’re not sure anymore.

Sure, of course, on that night, he knew where… this, the relationship, was going, how it was going to end. Kazuha could’ve prevented this if he hadn’t held your hand on that one day, stared into your eyes long enough for you to see that he felt the same - he instead gave you, this, a chance.

Things might’ve been better if he didn’t.

You click your tongue. Nope. Don’t think about him, or just don’t think in general - your thoughts are bound to come back to him regardless, no matter what you do. There’s no use thinking about this, no use in even giving it a second of your evening like this.

You stood up. The chatter stirs around you, aware or not, fades to the backdrop. It’s not exactly ideal to stay here, especially since you feel as though you’ll start crying at any given moment. You pick up your umbrella leaning against the leg of the chair, still dripping a bit.

In your thoughts, in your dreams, in your what ifs, yes, but this is neither of those things - this is the truth. This is your reality (how many times will you say that to yourself until you finally realize it?), and the reality is, amid soft, crackling candlelight, a gentle coat of companionship, cottony velvet rolling across the cushions, decor ivy slithering on the walls, just that - a rather pretty veil over your eyes to try and cloud the emptiness that sits with you across the table.

He’ll be alright. Of course he’ll be alright. He’s Kazuha.

You hadn’t realized you were already outside. The light jingle of the bell atop of you fades, leaving a lonely echo. The thrum of the rain felt underneath your feet, clearer than it had been inside.

There’s a heaviness in the air you can’t quite place either, or maybe that’s just all you and the feelings you can’t seem to leave behind (not that it’s easy to do so in the first place.)

For some reason, whenever it rains, you’d feel as though you can finally breathe (he’d know that). You try to smile. It’s weak, shy of breaking down, and to the point that even you don’t believe in it, but it’s a smile nonetheless; it makes you feel a bit better.

You bid goodbye to Kazuha, the thought of him.

You bid goodbye to the man you love.

You bid goodbye to the memories you know you’ll visit later whenever anything and everything reminds you of him.

Will he be happy? Will he be alright? You know you’ll find yourself thinking about this some time later, but you try to find comfort, even as thin as it is, in the idea that he’ll think of the same things you’ll be - that’ll he find that pseudo happiness in a past that’ll already be too far to reach into.

You open your umbrella, the panels springing open. The canopy you’re under trickles with rainfall, pelting said umbrella in an almost melodic symphony if you try hard enough to hear it. You take quiet pleasure in that as you walk out and into the tears.

You’ll be alright. He’ll be alright. You both will be alright.

(He doesn’t like the rain that much.)

The rain itself drowns that one out.

[brent-linen-hire]

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[6rookie-writer0110]

Afternoon Sketch

Cora Herrera x Male Reader

Request - where y/n is Adan's brother who meets her before the events of the movie. Y/n met her after she dropped out of college, and they became friends for a while before they started dating. Cora wanted to have their relationship a secret from her dad since Billy is already on her ass about dropping out from college and is stuck in his old ways. Y/n meet Billy before he meets Cora, he notice that Billy is a more traditional type of person as well as saw similarities of his brother in Billy, even though his a hard ass.

You and your brother Adan want to open a cafe shop. Adan hired an architect named Billy Herrera and you are going to meet with him. But Billy saw you argue over the phone with your dad and you hung up on him.

“Yelling at your father is a sign of disrespect,” Billy said.

“Well, he is acting like a kid,” You said.

You look at Billy up and down, you can tell that he is old-school when it comes to respect. Then you started to text your brother Adan and he isn't replying. You called him and left him an angry voicemail. It feels like you are doing everything on your own instead of working together like you two talked about.

“Older brother?” Billy asked.

“Yes. What, you are going talk about how I need to respect my older brother?” You said.

“Is a must, that you have to respect your older brother, everyone knows that” Billy said.

“Let’s talk about the blueprint, please,” You said.

“Of course,” Billy said.

He showed you the blueprint of the building and he started to talk about it.

———

You went to a restaurant for lunch. When you sat down you noticed a sketchbook on the table. You open the sketchbook and it's sketches of clothes like wedding dresses and party dresses. You are impressed and you keep looking at every page. Cora is down the block and she notices that she forgot her sketchbook, she rushes back to the restaurant. She noticed you looking at her sketchbook, then she walked towards you. And she snatched her book away from you

“That is rude to do,” You said.

“That is my sketchbook and you shouldn't have been looking through it,” Cora said.

“It’s still rude but I don't see your name on it,” You said.

“It's right here inside the book, it's Cora,” Cora said.

“That’s a beautiful name, Cora. I like your sketches, you are very talented” You said.

“Oh… thank you. What’s your name?” Cora said.

“My name is, Y/n. So are you a fashion designer?” You smiled.

She sits down and she starts to smile back at you.

“I’m getting there but it's hard. We just met I’m not going to tell you my whole life story,” Cora said.

“I understand. But we could be friends first” You said.

“Yeah, I think we can,” Cora said.

You and Cora start to talk about university, fashion, and food.

——-

You went to a party for your brother’s Adan and it's his birthday. But he hasn't arrived at the party just yet. You see Cora and she seems mad and she cleans her dress with a napkin.

“Cora, what happened?” You asked.

“Some jerk bumped into me and ruined my dress. I didn't know you were going to be here” Cora said.

“Me either. That is a huge stain” You said.

“I came here for my sister but she hasn't arrived yet. Ugh!”’Cora said.

You take off your blazer and gave it to her.

“The stain won't come out with the napkin. Wear my jacket and no one will notice, think of it as a fashion statement” You said.

“Thank you, Y/N,” Cora said.

She puts on the blazer. You walk Cora home, she has her arm around your arm. You and Cora are making each other laugh and talk about everything.

“You didn't have to walk me home,” Cora said.

“I couldn't let you go home by yourself at this time. You still look beautiful even with the stain on the dress” You said.

You and Cora stare into each other's eyes, she can't stop smiling. She slowly leaned in and kissed you on the lips.

“I really like you, Y/n,” Cora said.

“I feel the same way. Do you want to go on a date?” You said.

“Yes,” Cora smiled.

You smiled and kissed her on the lips.

✬ ✬ ✬ ✬

For the past few days, you and Cora have been texting each other every day. You can see how passionate she is when she talks about fashion and owning her own studio.

You are in your apartment when you hear someone knocking. You opened the door and it was Cora you let her inside your apartment.

“I didn't know you were coming, Cora. I would have picked you up” You said.

“I did it, Y/N!” Cora smiled.

“Did what?” You asked.

“I dropped out of college. I took your advice and I’m going to follow my dreams of being a fashion designer” Cora smiled.

You can see how happy she is feeling right now, it is a huge step for her.

“I’m proud of you, Cora,” You said.

She puts her hands behind your neck And she starts to kiss you. Then you pull her closer to you and you start to kiss her back.

“Wait… did you tell your parents?” You asked.

“Don’t ruin the moment, babe” Cora smiled.

You have a feeling she didn't tell them, but you won't pressure her to do it. You take your girlfriend to her favorite restaurant for dinner. She starts to talk about the clothes she wants to design and then you talk about your brother, who doesn't help with the cafe shop.

After dinner, she goes back to your place. She puts on your shirt then she cuddles with you in bed.

“My dad will be angry that I dropped out. He wants me to be perfect like my sister” Cora sighed.

You put her hair behind her ear.

“You don't have to be perfect, Cora. It will take him a while to understand but you have to make what makes you happy” You said.

“You always know what to say, Y/N” Cora said.

“I had to grow up fast. Yeah, my parents are rich, but my dad was always at a party” You said.

You haven't met her family and she hasn't met yours. Sometimes, you and Cora would talk about family and how they are.

——-

Sofia went to see her fiance, Adan, then she met his younger brother. This is the first time you have met her.

“Wait, you proposed to my brother? Wow, I find that hard to believe” You said.

“Times are different, little bro. We are happy and this feels right” Adan smiled.

“Welcome, to the family Sofia,” You said.

“Thank you!” Sofia smiled.

Your girlfriend called you on Facetime and you smiled at her. Sofia recognized the voice and said something

“Cora?” Sofia said.

She is standing next to you.

“You know her?” You asked.

“She is my little sister Cora. How do you know her?” Sofia said.

“She is my girlfriend,” You said.

“Wait, you are dating his brother!? Wow, this is a small world” Cora said.

“I agree with her,” Adan said.

“I can't believe I just met your secret boyfriend. She told me that she was in a relationship but she never showed me how you looked” Sofia said

“He was the same way with me. He would be smiling at his phone but he never told me who she was” Adan said.

Everyone started to talk at the same time.

———

You and Adan went to visit Sofia’s family. You are mainly happy to see your girlfriend but she is feeling nervous. She hasn't told them that she dropped out of college. You and Billy are in shock, he told his daughters that he is working with you. And he isn't happy that you are dating Cora or that Adan is with Sofia.

“You knew about them dating and didn't tell me!?” Billy said to his wife.

“I told mom two days ago. And he is a really nice guy” Cora smiled.

You brought flowers for her mom and wine for her dad.

“Dad, just to get to know them, please,” Sofia said.

“Fine. This is your weekend and we have a wedding to plan. Cora, how’s college going? I'm still waiting to see your grades” Billy Said.

Cora starts to panic.

“Well, dad… -” Cora said.

“Cora told me that you used to live in Cuba” You quickly said.

“Yes, I came to America for a better life for my family and me” Billy rambled.

Cora is glad you changed the subject. During dinner, you noticed how Billy wasn't happy that Sofia proposed to Adan.

“A man should propose to the woman, not the other way around,” Billy said unhappily

“Dad, times are different now” Sofia Said.

“In my time, that would be embarrassing,” Billy said.

“Let’s talk about the wedding” Ingrid said.

Sofia and Adan started to talk about the wedding, but Billy wasn't happy about the idea. Sofia wants Cora to design the wedding dress and Cora Said yes.

✬ ✬ ✬ ✬

The last few days, have been stressful for everyone. Your parents arrived and Billy didn't get along with them. Cora is feeling stressed out, trying to design The dress.

“Babe?” You said

She fell asleep and you gently wake her up.

“Oh, no! I fell asleep. What time is it?” Cora said.

“Baby, come down. You need to eat and I got coffee and a muffin for you” You said.

“I didn't even start to put the other materials together. Y/N, I need to finish the dress and everything is moving so fast” Cora said.

She stands up to grab the fabric, but you gently pull it towards you. You caress her cheek and put her hair behind her ear.

“Cora, breathe. You got this. Don't put a lot of pressure on yourself, you are not a robot. You are a great designer” You said.

She kissed you on the lips. She lays her head on your chest and you gently rub her back.

“I’m glad you are here right now, Y/N. Let's run away, Y/N” Cora said.

“No. Because I know you wouldn't want to miss your sister’s wedding” You said.

“Yeah, that’s true,” Cora said.

You help Cora move the heavy fabric around.

———

Your father Hernan is laid back and just enjoys life without stress.

“We must follow traditions. For luck, they must get married on that date” Billy said.

“What tradition is that? As for the music, i know this great DJ. I went to his party and he knows how to move the crowd” Hernan said.

“There will be no dance techno or whatever it's called at the wedding. There must be traditional Cuban music at the wedding” Billy said.

“I don't think they would want both,” You said.

“Sofia And I talked about it. We don't want a big wedding or a huge party-” Adan tried to talk

“Nonese, you and Sofia don't know how to throw a party,” Hernan said.

“Dad, we know what we want,” Adan said.

Billy, Hernan, and Adan started to argue. No one is actually listening to each other, everyone is yelling. Adan just walked away and you sighed. Billy And Hernan continued to argue they were so loud, that Ingrid had to walk in and tell them to stop fighting. Your dad left the room and you left but you heard what he said about you…

“I don’t approve of my girl marrying that boy, and I don't approve of Cora dating Y/N!” Billy yelled.

Sofia walked in and she yelled at her father.

“Stop it! I love, Adan and I'm going to marry him. You are going to be like this then I don't want you at the wedding” Sofia said.

She walked away angry. Much later, Billy heard you and Cora talking about her dropping out of college. Then he started to blame you and he grabbed You by the shirt.

“Dad!” Cora yelled.

You don't hit him and he doesn't let go of your shirt. But Ingrid, Adan, and everyone pulled Billy away from you.

“Because of you, she dropped out of college! Cora why you didn't tell me!?” Billy yelled.

“I was going to you, but I didn't want to ruin Sofia’s wedding,” Cora said.

“She was going to tell you after the wedding. I only told her to follow her dreams” You said.

“Dreams don't pay the bills. I don't approve of you dating my daughter” Billy said.

“Dad, I’m not a kid anymore. I will do what makes me happy” Cora said.

“Everyone, calm down especially you, Billy. Y/N go take Cora for a walk, I need to speak with her father alone” Ingrid said.

You leave with Cora and you take her away from the house. You start to comfort her and You listen to her talk.

———

You are at the bachelor party for your brother. You are alone with Billy at the bar. Everyone else is dancing and having a good time.

“Since I got here, you have been tough on Cora and Sofia. It's like you are hiding something” You said.

He doesn't say anything and you wait for a reply. He drinks his liquor and you continue to wait.

“How do you feel Adan And Sofia moving to Mexico?” Billy asked.

“It sucks, but it makes him happy. I want him and Sofia to be happy” You said.

“Ingrid and I, are getting a divorce. I wanted to wait until after the wedding” Billy said.

“Cora told me. When my parents got divorced everything changed rapidly. I don't like my dad’s wife and I try to avoid them” You said.

“I don't want Sofia and Cora to pick sides,” Billy said

“Don’t push them away. Cora doesn't like it when you compare her to Sofia. Cora is her own person and she is very talented” You said.

“You are right, Y/N. I'm sorry for the way I acted towards you and Adan,” Billy said.

“I accept your apology,” You said

✬ ✬ ✬ ✬

Sofia loved the dress that Cora designed. After the wedding, Adan and Sofia moved to Mexico. But you worked with Billy to design the cafe shop into a fashion studio. Ingrid and Billy got divorced, and you had to comfort Cora through the process.

“Y/N, can I take off the blindfold now?” Cora asked

You took her to the studio and put a blindfold on her.

“Okay, relax babe” You smiled.

You take off the blindfold and she looks around.

“Why are we here?” Cora asked

“This is your fashion studio. Do you like it? Your father helped me design the place” You said

“Wait, my dad!? No, this can't belong to me. I can't afford the rent or the furniture” Cora said.

You grabbed her hands and you are smiling at her.

“This place belongs to you and you don't have to pay rent, because I own the place. You are talented, Cora, and I know people will want you to design their clothes. Do you really like the place?” You said

She hugged you tight then she started to kiss you.

“I love it, Y/N. Oh, this is the best gift ever, I'm speechless. I don't know what else to say besides Thank you” Cora smiled.

You start to kiss her again.

“You can repay me back by making a suit for me. I have a business meeting next week” You smiled.

“Of course!” Cora smiled.

She hugged you again and she couldn't stop smiling.

[mcdonaldsnumberone]

WALTZ OF THE FLOWERS!

you're relearning how to find the magic in the trivial, and sam decides to show you the charm in simplicity: with a few flowers, a date, and a promise.

gender neutral reader

twisted fart june bride event 1: rings | "do you want to attend a wedding? it'll be our wedding but don't sweat the small stuff."

if you enjoyed reading this fic, please consider donating to providing aid in palestine!

“Are you sure you don’t want to go inside? We don’t have to stay out if it’s messing with your nose this badly… I don’t want this to hurt you or anything.”

Sam shook his head defiantly, and you bit back a defeated smile as he rummaged through his pockets to bring out a was of crumpled napkins before heartily blowing his irritated, red nose into them. Splayed out in his lap was an assortment of wildflowers that the two of you had collected, running around the fields surrounding Pelican Town and gathering up different blooms of varying sizes and colors.

It felt nice to soak up some sun and spend some quality time with your boyfriend. Between helping around the house, managing his newly returned father, and cleaning up after whatever mischief Vincent got into, you didn’t want to burden Sam with too much else. He would always accept you with open arms and a bright smile, but you knew he had a lot on his plate that he wasn’t showing. Still, you hoped a quick outing like this might help take his mind off of things and let him act more like the young man he was.

“My allergies are fine,” he vehemently insisted. He flashed a sunny smile at you as if to insist that he was truly okay, even if you weren’t fully convinced. But you weren’t going to press on it too much, not when he looked so proud of all the flowers he had gathered and was now messing around with. “Besides, I don’t want to head back just yet. I like spending time with you. I like it when we’re alone and not with anyone else.”

The blond paused for a second before stealing a shy glimpse at you. “…Do you think that makes me selfish?”

You blinked at him, your fingers brushing over the flower petals that you had harvested. “Selfish? What do you mean by that?”

You watched with slight intrigue as he stumbled over his words, his normally confident voice wavering a hint. A light flush kissed his cheeks, and his face slowly turned to the same cherry pink hue as the flowers his hands had been fiddling with. 

“Well…,” he trailed off slightly, and he found himself suddently unable to look you directly in the eye like he normally would, “It’s like I said. I like spending time alone with you, y’know? Just the two of us and no one else. I guess I like knowing that I’m the only who has your attention when we’re like this.”

He pressed his lips together, overcome with a wave of uncharacteristic shyness. You let out a soft laugh at the sight of your boyfriend practically squirming in his seat after confessing that he wanted to hog you all for himself. It was hard not to be charmed by him, especially when you knew how much he wanted and was honest with you, with how unsparing he was with his affections, constantly vying for your attention and doing whatever he could to brighten your day.

You smiled, and you leaned over to rest your head on his shoulder. “If I said yes, would it make you get all worked up like this? You’re cute when you’re flustered.”

Sam stared at you with his eyes blown open wide, and the innocent flush that had spread all over his face was creeping down to even his neck. He smacked at you playfully, and you let out a loud laugh as he tried to hide his face in his hands, only to stuff his nose into the handful of flowers he had been holding and then melting into a pile of rushed sneezes.

“You’re- You’re the worst!” He sniffled, hastily blinking past the tears in his swollen eyes to see you basically collapsed on the floor in a fit of your own laughter. “Here I was thinking I could be smooth with you! You never let me win!”

“You should know better than to think that you could actually win in the flirting department.” You watched him go back to shyly fiddling with the flowers, fingers moving to deftly weave the long stems into pretty knots and thick strands. “I’m the one that practically chased you around town trying to win you over! All you did was stand there and look pretty.”

He pretended to pout. “Saying it like that makes you sound like a creep stalker.”

“Who’s to say I’m not?” You prodded him with your elbow, and he deepened his pout. You could tell that he was more engrossed in whatever he was doing to the flowers than he was at grilling you as part of some halfway revenge for winning over him. Your eyes softened when you saw how gently he was touching the delicate flowers, transforming the soft petals and stringy stems into something special.

A comfortable silence settled between the two of you, and you took the opportunity to soak up the moment. Every part of this quaint date felt like something straight out of a coming of age movie, despite its undeniable simplicity. There really was nothing extraordinary about life in Stardew Valley, and yet every second you shared with Sam pulled at something so deep and fundamental in your heart that you couldn’t find the right words to describe it in a way that would do it justice.

But that was what love was, you supposed. It was listening in a field of flowers, admiring the way the casual breeze tiptoed through the reeds, the constantly babbling brook murmuring to you like a newborn infant. Somewhere in the distance, you could make out the faint sound of birdsong to accompany the pleasant weather and the rightful fluttering of wings. 

These were all things you’d never even stop to appreciate or even notice in the first place, had you not made the life you have now. You would have lost sight of the important things a long time ago without your present day in Stardew Valley, and you didn’t even want to think about what you might have become had you never met and fallen in love with Sam.

“Ta-da!” Sam proudly announced, shaking you out of your momentarily solemn reflection. He stuck his creation in your face, more or less waggling it in front of your eyes excitedly so that you couldn’t miss whatever he had been working on. You blinked, instinctively craning your head back slightly, but quickly had your surprise melt into fondness when you noticed the finely crafted shape of flowers and tweed bent into the shape of a ring.

“It’s for you!” Sam insisted. His eyes were practically sparkling with a spring-like vigor, and you swore that if Sam had been born as a puppy dog instead of a man, his tail would have fallen off by now from how hard it would have been wagging. “Pretty nice, isn’t it? I know I’m not the most graceful guy in town, but I’ve been practicing doing more delicate craft these days. I think between doing stuff like this and practicing my instruments, I’ve become pretty good with my hands!”

You stared at it a bit longer. The various petals seemed to blend into one another to form a beautiful swath of color, interweaving through the smooth stems and carefully patterned leaves. It was such a simple, homely gesture but at the same time, you could see how much work and care Sam must have put into picking out the best flowers and weaving them together this coherently. And judging from his words, he must have put his all into making sure his handicraft was worth your while.

Your heart softened. “Sam…”

“Here, give me your hand!” The blond reached towards you, and you let a tender smile grace your lips as he took your fingers in his. It was as if sparks were flying up your skin and all over your body when his body brushed up against yours, and you held your breath as he gingerly slipped the flower ring over your knuckles and down securely onto the base of your ring finger.

Just like earlier, you let your gaze fall to the ring again. It caught the sunlight better than any pricey gemstone could, your skin crowned with the fine results of Sam’s dedication. All sorts of emotions welled up inside of your chest and throat, threatening to spill over your mouth and your waterline with what could only be overwhelming affection and gratitude towards Sam for loving you unconditionally and wholly.

“It’s beautiful,” you breathed. “Thank you, Sam.”

He beamed at you, eyes crinkling up. You were probably the only person in the world who would notice all of his small and obvious details, and you loved him for everything he was and had and would be. Who else in the world would do something this sweet for you? He loved you without any inhibitions or fear.

He wrapped your hands in his, and he pulled himself even closer to you until you two were sitting side-by-side with one another, his form flush against yours. “I’m glad you like it. I wanted to do something nice for you. I know I’m not a big romantic guy, and I’m not all that smooth either. I’m a far cry from the perfect man you deserve, but… I still want to try! I want to be with you for a very long time, so I have to make it worth your while.”

You leaned your head on his shoulder, and you hummed. There was something comforting about being with Sam. He was dependable, hard-working, and honest, and you knew that you would always be happy with him so long as you shared your love with him.

“You don’t have to do anything special, you know. I like you for who you are,” you remarked plainly. Your gaze fell off into the distance, into the greenery and the vast openness of nature. You two were such small, irrelevant little blips in the grand scheme of the universe, but you wouldn’t trade anything in this plane of existence for what you had with Sam. 

He grinned, looking proudly at the flower ring nestled snugly on your finger. He liked the way it looked, even more than he might have once dreamt of, and he wished he could keep this image in his head forever. 

“But you’re special,” he reiterated. “And that makes me want to treat you that way. We’re only young once, so I think that means we should do all sorts of dumb and stupid and special things together. Though, I suppose we can also do that when we’re old and gray as well.”

You glanced up at him. “When we’re old and gray too, huh? Looks like we’ll be with each other for the long run then.”

“Well, did you expect anything else?” He nudged you as if to scold you, and you simply replied by giving him a happy giggle. You clung to him, knowing that he was your whole world. There simply wasn’t anybody else that could make your heart sing so effortlessly or light up every single one of your days. Had you been any younger, any more foolish, any more snuffed out by the treachery of what you believed was the entirety of life, you might never have had a chance like this.

But as you sat in the big, wide flower field, enjoying Sam’s presence and the warmth of the afternoon sun, you held your hand out to admire the ring atop your finger. The ring itself might wilt after a few hours and be nothing more than a sweet gesture for the time being, but you took all of Sam’s hopeful promises of happiness and a fulfilling lifetime with one another and engraved it deeply into each and every crevice of your heart.

And you instinctively knew, such a thing could only be the prologue to a bright and merry future together.

x

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[genshinluvr]

Caught in the Crossfire 3

Pairings: Kamisato Ayato x fem!Reader

Summary: You and Ayato were having a tea and snack break when you started to feel strange. You end up falling "ill" (although you felt fine despite having to visit the bathroom to empty your stomach every time you eat), and Ayato calls a doctor to get you checked up to see what was the cause of your sudden sickness.

Note: I was going to make a smut for this part, but I didn't have the time to type it out because of schoolwork, and because I was busy 🥹 Also, holy crap, I realized that it's been a year since the last "chapter" of Caught in the Crossfire 😭 well, this is the finale of Caught in the Crossfire! I might make an extra fic that has a smut, but I'm not 100% sure if that'll happen 🤔 Idk why I've been making fics that involve babies and pregnancies lately. But the mini-fic that I'm posting after this won't involve babies or pregnancies! I don't post anywhere else but on Tumblr (Genshinluvr) and on AO3 (Aaliah_exo).

Warnings: Mentions of vomiting, menstrual cycles, talks of infertility and pregnancy

Word Count: 7.3k

Caught in the Crossfire chapters: [1], [2], [3]

It’s been a few months since the incident with Yuki and her attempt to assassinate you. Ayato tightened security at the Kamisato estate and double-checked the servant’s backgrounds, making sure they weren’t spies working for the Takahashi clan. You weren’t allowed to leave the Kamisato estate without having security following you everywhere you went. 

No matter where you go, without your knowledge, Ayato has the Shuumatsuban keep an eye on you in case anything happens while you’re not in his presence outside of the Kamisato estate. So far, Ayato’s plans have been going well. You’re unharmed, you’re safe, and nothing poses a threat to your safety. 

You’re sitting in Ayato’s office, having tea with the head of the Kamisato Clan, who is also your fiancé and soon-to-be husband. The date of the wedding is getting close, and the both of you have the wedding venue, the decorations, and the flowers picked out. You’re supposed to go out into Inazuma City and have wedding gowns picked out next week. Needless to say, you’re excited but also anxious.

“Is there something on your mind, my love?”

You snap out of your thoughts and look at Ayato with wide eyes. Ayato looks at you curiously while taking a bite from the Dangos Thoma brought for your and Ayato’s tea time. You give Ayato a sheepish smile and grab the teacup, taking a sip. Ayato crosses his arms over his chest and watches you closely.

You put the teacup back on the saucer and dab the napkin over your lips. “Oh, forgive me, Ayato. I have some things occupying my thoughts at the moment,” you say softly.

Ayato looks at you curiously. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is it that’s occupying that pretty head of yours, dear?” Ayato asks, propping his elbow on the table.

You purse your lips. It’s not like Ayato is going to shame you or brush off your worries. The wedding is close; the closer the date gets, the more anxious you become. Sometimes you wonder how Ayato manages to keep his calm exterior when it comes to significant events such as your and Ayato’s impending wedding.

“I’m worried about not being able to find the perfect kimono on time before the wedding and dress rehearsal,” you reply. “Ayaka and I are supposed to go out into Inazuma City next week for the kimonos, but I worry I’m going to be too picky and end up not finding what I like.”

Ayato gives you a sympathetic look and reaches for your hand across the table, placing his hand over yours. 

“It’s normal to feel this way, [Y/N]. If it helps, I can always have someone come over to the Kamisato estate with kimonos picked and ready for you to choose,” Ayato offers, smiling at you.

You purse your lips and chew on the inside of your cheek. “As tempting as that sounds, I don’t want you to get a peek at what kimono I choose!” You say. “It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

Ayato pulls away and crosses his arms over his chest with a defeated sigh. You snort and rest your chin on the palm of your hand, giving Ayato a triumphant smile. You know Ayato. He has been dropping not-so-subtle hints about wanting to know what kimono you’ll be choosing and wearing on your and his wedding day.

Ayato huffs softly, his bottom lip jutting out. “It seems like you know me too well, my love.”

You grin at Ayato and reach for the mochi. “Lord Ayato, as your soon-to-be wife, it’s my job to know my husband well, right?” You tease, taking a bite of the mochi.

“You’re correct, my love. I can’t believe I thought I could get past my intelligent wife,” Ayato bemoans.

You stare at Ayato, sitting back in your seat with your lips puckered. Ayato leans on the table, gazing at you through his long lashes. Archons, Ayato is so breathtaking. It’s almost unfair how your soon-to-be husband is an ethereal beauty. You can see why Yuki, ugh, Yuki, has a thing for your fiancé. Your expression sours almost immediately when Yuki comes across your mind.

“What’s with that expression on your face, dear? Are you thinking about Yuki again?” Ayato teases.

You huff and look away from Ayato. “That and it’s not fair that my husband is beautiful. His beauty outshines the seven wonders of Teyvat,” you murmur.

“It’s a pain to be a beauty sometimes. The burden I carry on my shoulders can get intense, and it’s not for the weak,” Ayato jokes, brushing his hair over his shoulder with a dramatic sigh.

You and Ayato snicker before continuing to eat the snacks Thoma brought for you and the Kamisato heir. While Ayato is talking about what he was doing before your arrival to have afternoon tea with him, you begin to feel strange. There’s this weird feeling in your gut, making you adjust yourself in your seat a couple of times, trying to see if the feeling would pass. You reach for the teacup and take a sip, hoping the tea will wash down the feeling of discomfort bubbling in your stomach.

“Dearest?” Ayato asks, grabbing your attention.

You look at Ayato, continuing to drink your tea. The two of you stare into each other’s eyes for who knows how long. You put your teacup on the saucer and wipe your lips, clearing your throat. 

“Yes, Ayato?”

“Are you alright? You seem uncomfortable. Does it feel stuffy in the office?” Ayato asks.

You give Ayato a tight-lipped smile and shake your head. “No, no! The temperature in the office feels fine! Although, there’s this strange sensation in my stomach. I can’t explain it,” you say, rubbing your abdomen.

“You’re not getting sick, are you? How are you feeling right now?” Ayato asks, preparing to get up from his seat to be at your side.

You squint your eyes. “That, I’m unsure of. The Dangos and mochis taste divine as always, and I’m sure they’re not the reason why I’m feeling this way,” you reply. 

Ayato looks at you closely. You do seem noticeably paler than usual, and your look almost sunken in. Ayato hums and gets up from his seat while you look at him quizzically. Ayato walks around the table and to your side, removing his gloves before pressing the back of his hand against your forehead.

“You feel a little bit clammy. Are you sure you’re not sick?” Ayato asks, pulling his hand away and putting his gloves back on.

You nod. “I’m sure I’m not sick. This strange bubbling in my stomach is making me want to….” you trail off and take a deep breath. 

He hums and strokes his chin. “How about we end it here for today. You should get some rest. Maybe you’ll feel better once you get some rest,” Ayato suggests, holding his hand out. 

You reach for Ayato’s hand and let him assist you. You weren’t sure why you were feeling ill all of a sudden— it’s strange and so sudden. You felt fine the day before, and the bubbling in your stomach came out of the blue.

You’re certain the Dangos and mochis didn't make you feel strange. You had Dangos and mochis for a snack the day before, and you felt okay! Whatever it is, you hope it’s nothing serious and that it’ll go away by tomorrow. You and Ayato walk to the door with your arms linked together and you almost leaning against Ayato. The door slides open, revealing Thoma holding a plate that contains more snacks.

Thoma’s eyes widen, and he takes a step back. “Lord Ayato and Lady [Y/N]! May I ask where the two of you are going?” Thoma asks, looking at you and Ayato curiously.

You snort and shake your head. “Thoma, you’ve always called me [Y/N]. Why the formalities now?” You ask, giving Thoma a small smile.

“That is false! I called you ‘my Lady’ once!” Thoma says, propping one hand on his hip while grasping the snack tray with the other. “Now, uh, where are you two going? You two didn’t finish the snacks I brought in previously,” Thoma says, peering over your and Ayato’s shoulders and peeking inside Ayato’s office.

Thoma moves out of the way when you and Ayato step into the hallway of the Kamisato estate. Ayato gestures for Thoma to follow along while escorting you to your and Ayato’s shared bedroom. Thoma follows you and Ayato in silence. Thoma couldn’t help but watch how Ayato is holding you. It’s cute how you and Ayato have gotten close since the first two incidents with the Takahashi Clan— well, the Yuki situation, to be more specific.

Thoma’s glad that you and Ayato are closer than ever and that there isn’t any awkward tension between you two like the first time. Approaching your and Ayato’s shared bedroom, Ayato slides the door open. Sunlight peeks into the room through the thin curtains, illuminating the once-dark bedroom. 

You sit on the edge of the bed and take your slippers off. Ayato sits beside you and watches you get under the covers and snuggle into the pillow. Ayato brushes the stray hairs away from your face and gives you a warm yet concerned smile. You smile at Ayato in return and place your hand over his, giving his hand a light squeeze.

“There’s nothing to worry about, Ayato. I’m sure I’ll be okay once I get some rest,” You murmur.

Ayato lets out a long sigh and gives you a strained smile. “I know, sweetheart. Can you blame me for worrying about you?” Ayato chuckles.

You stare at Ayato, keeping your hand over his. Your gaze falls to Ayato’s lips, watching them tremble. You toss the blanket off your body before sitting up and pulling him into your arms, pressing your lips against his jawlines. You rest your head on Ayato’s shoulders and close your eyes, breathing in his cologne. Ayato wraps his arms around your waist, kissing the top of your head and forehead.

You whisper, “I don’t blame you for worrying about me, Ayato. But I can assure you that I’m okay! If that doesn’t quell your worries, then you can have Thoma bring medication for me if you want,” you suggest.

“What medication should we give you when we don’t know the issue?” Ayato frowns.

You shrug your shoulders, laying back on the bed and pulling the blanket over your body. “I don’t know. Medication for my stomach? It’s still bubbling, but I’m hoping it’s those diarrhea bubbling,” you comment.

Thoma snorts before laughing while Ayato tries his best to keep a straight face. Ayato sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose, looking away from you while holding himself back from laughing with Thoma. Ayato takes a deep breath and turns to look at you while you look at him with a sheepish smile.

You clear your throat. “Now that I think about it, the feeling can be from me eating too much spicy food last time,” you said, scratching your cheek.

Thoma nods in agreement. “That’s a huge possibility. We did have a hot pot challenge last time, too, and you know how that ended up for me,” Thoma says with wide eyes.

Your face pinches up, and you nod. “Yeah, you had stomach pain for the next two days,” you reply.

Ayato looks at you and Thoma worriedly, rubbing his temples afterward. You did eat a lot of spicy food not too long ago, and the strange bubbling sensation in your stomach is most likely from the amount of spice you’ve ingested. There’s nothing more than that, right? Ayato’s praying to the electro archon, hoping it was the spice that’s affecting your stomach and not something worse.

“Well, even if you did eat something spicy, I’ll have Thoma bring medication and some water for you after you wake up from your nap,” Ayato says, tucking your hair behind your ears.

Ayato gets up, ready to leave the room, but you grab his arm to stop him. Ayato looks at you curiously, and you pout, pointing at your lips. Ayato chuckles, leans over you, and presses a soft kiss on your pouty lips. Thoma looks away and clears his throat as if he isn’t in the same room as you and Ayato.

Ayato pulls away from your lips, pecking your lips one last time before walking to the entrance of your and his shared bedroom. You snuggle into your pillow and close your eyes after hearing Ayato slide the bedroom door close.

Ayato and Thoma walk through the estate’s hallway in silence. Ayato sighs and crosses his arms behind his back, stopping in his tracks and turning to look at his blond retainer. Thoma stops beside Ayato and looks at him curiously.

“Please get some medicine for [Y/N]’s, I’m assuming, tummyache. Have her take her medicine once she wakes up from her slumber,” Ayato instructs.

Thoma nods. “As you wish, my Lord!” Thoma bows to the Kamisato heir before walking off while Ayato returns to his office.

Since that day, the rumbling in your stomach seems to have worsened. You can barely hold down your lunch and would take frequent stops to the bathroom to empty your stomach. Of course, Ayato wasn’t there when you were throwing up. You didn’t want to tell Ayato about it because he already has too much on his plate, and if you were to tell him about barely holding down your lunch, it’d stress him out even more. 

You would rather tell Ayato about it once he’s not stressing out about paperwork and meetings with other clans. Ayaka, however, wasn’t too pleased when you told Ayaka to keep it a secret from her brother. It’s not like you wanted to keep it from Ayato. The man already has so many things to worry about, and your health shouldn’t be one of them. 

Ayaka sits across from you in your and Ayato’s shared bedroom. You didn’t have the energy to leave the bed this morning because you felt nauseous. Thoma noticed that you didn’t leave your room and tried to get you, but you refused to leave and asked Thoma to tell Ayaka to stop by your room.

“[Y/N], you must tell my brother. You’re his fianceé! If you continue to hide it from Ayato, it’ll make him question whether you trust him or not,” Ayaka says.

“I do trust him! I don’t want to be a burden like last time.” You say, frowning at the girl in front of you. “I don’t want to be a distraction from his duties, nor do I want him to neglect his job to be at my side.”

Ayaka sighs, slumping in her seat. “[Y/N]... this week is when you’ll be picking out kimonos for your and Ayato’s wedding. We can’t have a sickly bride be out and about away from home. Just what will the citizens of Inazuma think when they see the wife of Kamisato Ayato faint in the city?” Ayaka asks, crossing her arms over her chest.

She has a point there. If your condition worsens, many people will spread rumors about you and Ayato. People might assume he’s a neglectful husband who only cares about his job more than his wife’s health. You can’t have his reputation ruined because of you. You sigh in defeat and nod, gesturing for Ayaka to get her brother.

Ayaka gives your hand a reassuring squeeze before getting up from the bed and walking out the door. You press your back against the headboard, pulling the blanket up to your mid-torso. Not long later, Ayaka and Ayato walk into the room. Ayaka gives you and Ayato a smile before walking out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Ayato sits at the edge of the bed beside you, grabbing your hand. “Ayaka told me you wanted to see me and that it’s an urgent matter,” Ayato says.

Well, shit. If Ayaka said that it was an urgent matter, then this is going to put you in a difficult position. Kind of. How are you going to tell Ayato that your health has been declining since the last time you and he had afternoon tea in his office without freaking him out?

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” Ayato’s voice pulls you out of your thoughts.

You give Ayato a weary smile and squeeze Ayato’s hand. “I don’t know how to say this without hurting you. I don’t want you to get upset with me, but if you do get upset with me, it’s understandable,” you murmur.

Ayato looks at you with confusion. “Well, whatever it is, I’m not going to get upset with you.” 

“I haven’t been feeling well recently. I feel fine? But I haven’t been able to hold down my lunch. Whenever I eat, I have to,” you make a gesture, “throw it up. I can barely eat without having to empty my stomach not long after.” 

“Dearest, why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Ayato asks.

“I didn’t want to distract you from your duties, Ayato. You have important responsibilities to tend to, and I didn’t want to be a burden.”

Ayato cups your face and tilts your head up. Ayato stares into your eyes with a frown before leaning in and kissing your forehead. Ayato pulls you onto his lap and strokes your hair, resting his chin on your head.

“You will never be a burden to me, my love. I would rather have you tell me what’s going on than you hiding it from me as it worsens. Please don’t keep anything from me, [Y/N]. I’m your fiancé, your soon-to-be husband. As your husband, it’s my duty to protect you from any harm,” Ayato says.

You snuggle against Ayato and close your eyes. “Like how you have the Shuumatsuban follow my every move when I’m out of the Kamisato Estate?” You ask, peeking up at Ayato.

Ayato freezes and slowly looks at you. You give him an expectant look, waiting for him to answer your question. Ayato gives you a fake smile and tightens his grip around you, pressing a kiss on your head once more.

“Oh, will you look at that? I shall go fetch the doctor to get you checked up. I don’t think it’s too late for the doctor to come over. After all, it’s still early in the morning, and the sooner you get the check-up, the sooner we know what’s going on.” Ayato clears his throat.

He gets up abruptly and walks out of your and his shared bedroom without sparing you a second glance. You snort and plop on the bed, tossing the blanket over your body. At least Ayato didn’t get upset over the fact that you hid your “sickness” from him. While laying in bed and waiting for Ayato to return— well, you’re not sure if he’s going to return to the room or not— the bedroom door slides open, and Thoma peeks into your room.

“Hey, [Y/N]! How are you feeling? Ayato looks stressed out,” Thoma says, entering the room.

You sit up. “Stressed out? What do you mean by stressed out? He seemed fine when he left the room to call the doctor,” you say.

“Oh! So that’s what he’s stressing out over! But to answer your question, Ayato ignored me when I tried to speak to him not long ago. He was muttering something about you, and then he didn’t respond after I called him before he entered his office,” Thoma replies, shrugging his shoulders with a sigh.

You hug your legs to your chest and rest your chin on your knees. “I’m not sure if Ayaka has informed you about it, but I haven’t been feeling well lately. I can barely keep the food down when I’m eating.” 

Thoma nods and leans on the wall. “Yes, Ayaka has made a passing comment about it, but she never really told me the situation. She only mentioned you not feeling well,” replies Thoma, “Anyway! You never answered my question.”

You shrug your shoulders. “I feel meh? If that’s an accurate way of describing how I feel right now. Other than having to empty my stomach whenever I eat, I feel okay. To be honest, I’m not even sure if ‘okay’ would be a good way to describe how I feel.” You mutter, closing your eyes.

“I’ll let you rest.” Thoma pats your head and gives you a sympathetic smile before leaving the room.

Once Thoma left the room, you collapsed back onto the bed and closed your eyes. A wave of nausea hits you hard, causing you to yank the blanket off your body before you sprint to the bathroom to empty your stomach. Even if you emptied your stomach a while ago, you somehow still managed to vomit something. You flush the toilet and close the lid, resting your head on it with a defeated sigh.

You didn’t keep track of how many times you’ve vomited, but you know it’s not normal to be throwing up this much. Especially when you’re a healthy person with no illness. You get up from the ground and walk slowly back to your and Ayato’s bed, plopping face down on the mattress. Your abdomen feels sore, and you just want it all to stop. You close your eyes and drift off to sleep, still face down on the bed.

When you come to your consciousness, you see Ayato hovering above you, gazing down at you worriedly. You blink at him and rub the sleep from your eyes. For some reason, your arms feel heavy, and you can barely lift them to your face.

“Archons, my love. You’re making me very worried,” Ayato sighs, pressing his forehead against yours and exhaling through his nostrils. “Are you alright?” Ayato murmurs, stroking your cheek with his thumb.

You shake your head and stretch your arms above you. “Before I fell asleep, I threw up again. My abdomen is also sore from how many times I’ve thrown up.” You reply, rubbing the sleep from your eyes and sitting up with help from Ayato.

“The doctor will arrive shortly. Do you think you can remain conscious until he leaves?” Ayato asks, brushing your hair away from your face.

You nod. “I’m sure I can.”

You lay in bed with Ayato at your side, holding your hand while talking about his day and the paperwork he filled out before Ayaka called him to your and his bedroom to speak. You can’t help but stare at Ayato’s pretty face. The mole under his lips, his long eyelashes, and the soft gaze he has whenever he looks at you. You feel your heart melt each time he asks you if you’re okay, stroking your cheek with a gentle yet worried smile.

After what felt like forever, a knock came at the bedroom door. Ayato gets up from his spot and walks to the door, sliding it open. Thoma gives you a smile from over Ayato’s shoulders before looking at Ayato, nodding to the blue-haired man.

“The doctor’s here. Do you want me to let him into the estate and walk him to the room?” Thoma asks, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Ayato shakes his head. “No, no, it’s fine, Thoma! Thank you for offering, but I will be the one to do it.”

Thoma nods and moves to the side, letting Ayato leave the room and walk to the entrance of the Kamisato estate, where the doctor and Ayaka are conversing. You roll over to your side and hug the extra pillow to your chest, looking at the calendar on the wall. You only have two days left to mentally prepare yourself for the search for a kimono. A week has nearly gone by, and you’re still feeling unwell. 

You’re going to have to stop by the shrine to pray and make an offering to the electro archon and hope for the best. The wedding is so close, and you refuse to be sick on an important day. That, and you’re also hoping you won’t have to stop by a nearby store to throw up— that would be embarrassing. 

Your thoughts are interrupted when Ayato enters the room with the doctor following behind. The doctor gives you a polite smile and bows in your direction. You smile at the doctor and awkwardly bow back to him. The doctor sets down his bag on a nearby chair before walking over to where you’re sitting.

“Hello, Lady [Y/N]. I am Doctor Sato. It’s nice to meet your acquaintance! Your husband has informed me about your sudden illness,” says Doctor Sato, putting his glass on.

You nod. “Yes, but I’m not sure if I should consider it an illness. While I feel physically fine, I haven’t been able to eat anything without vomiting it back up.” You said, taking the blanket off and turning to face Doctor Sato, now sitting at the edge of the bed.

Doctor Sato nods and strokes his chin, looking at you and Ayato. “How long has this been going on for?” Doctor Sato asks.

You gnaw the inside of your cheek. “It has been going on for nearly a week,” you reply.

“Are there any other symptoms aside from vomiting?” asks Doctor Sato.

You cross your legs and hum to yourself, tapping on your legs while trying to remember if there were anything else aside from vomiting. You can’t really mention a sore abdomen since it’s caused by you vomiting more than you would like to.

“I have been feeling quite fatigued lately. No matter how long I slept, I would wake up feeling lethargic. Sometimes I would feel a little bit sore, but it would go away after a few days. Some of these things happened prior to me vomiting and not being able to hold down the contents in my stomach.” 

Doctor Sato nods and taps on his chin as he listens to you explain your situation and the symptoms you’ve been experiencing for the last, maybe, two weeks. Your symptoms didn’t sound severe, but it’s not normal for you to be throwing up often.

“When was the last time you had your menstrual cycle, Lady [Y/N]?” Doctor Sato asks suddenly.

You jolt at the sudden question, and your face heats up. Did he really need to ask you that out of nowhere? Then again…. When was the last time you had your period? I mean, with you going through the traumatic events with the Takahashi Clan and Yuki, you’ve been stressing out a lot because you’re constantly looking over your shoulders.

You shrug your shoulders. “I can’t remember when was the last time I had my cycle. I didn’t keep track of it, really.”

Doctor Sato sighs and tucks his hands into his pockets. “Alright, well, since we don’t know when was the last time you had your menstrual cycle…. When was the last time you and your husband had sex?” 

Now it’s your and Ayato’s turn to become flustered. Ayato looks away, coughing into his fist, his cheeks bright red. You press your lips into a thin line and tap on your lap. You try to think back to when you and Ayato got physically intimate. It wasn’t that long ago. Although it certainly didn’t happen the day you had that stomach rumbling for sure.

You and Ayato try to think back to the last time you and he had sex. It was before your stomach had this strange bubbling in your stomach. It was when you were feeling fatigued and sore all of a sudden. Or, at least, that’s what you can recall so far. 

“We…” Ayato clears his throat, looking away from Doctor Sato while trying to keep his composure, “We had sex almost two weeks ago.”

Doctor Sato hums and nods. “Interesting…. And you didn’t have your cycle then?” Doctor Sato asks, turning to look at you.

“No, I didn’t have my menstrual cycle then.”

“I might have an answer to what could be the cause of your sudden ‘illness,’ but I don’t want to assume.” Doctor Sato mutters.

The older man walks to his bag and begins digging through it. Ayato walks over to where you’re and sits beside you, placing a hand on your knees and giving your knees a light squeeze of reassurance. You give Ayato a weak smile and rest your head on his shoulders after scooting closer to him.

Doctor Sato pulls something out from his bag and walks to where you and Ayato are sitting. Doctor Sato stops before you and holds out an object in front of you. You grab the object and inspect it. A pregnancy test. Your and Ayato’s eyes widen at the sight of the pregnancy test in your grasp. You look at Doctor Sato, speechless. Ayato stares at the stick in your hand, refusing to take his eyes off the item.

“Your symptom sounds eerily like pregnancy. While I am a doctor, I can’t take all of your symptoms and narrow it down to pregnancy yet because menstrual cycles do have similar symptoms as well. While many women don’t vomit when they’re menstruating or close to their menstruation cycles, some do. I would know because my wife is one of them,” says Doctor Sato.

You turn to Ayato. “Could it be?” You whisper.

Ayato shrugs, still focusing on the stick in your hand. “I don’t know, my love. You tell me,” Ayato murmurs. “Whatever the results are, I just want you to be okay.” His eyes flickered up to your face, leaning in and pressing a kiss on your cheeks.

It didn’t matter if you ended up being pregnant or if it was a pregnancy symptom. As long as you weren’t being poisoned or targeted in any way, Ayato didn’t care. He needs some kind of confirmation that you’re not being attacked. You give Ayato a small smile and kiss his cheeks before getting up from the bed and walking to the bathroom to use the pregnancy test.

You close the door and lock it. The pregnancy test looks intimidating, and you can’t help but wonder if being pregnant is a possibility. It would make perfect sense! Plus, you and Ayato did have sex a few times after the Yuki situation, and your period is late.

You quickly take the pregnancy test and set it on the counter before flushing the toilet. You unlock the bathroom door and step out of the bathroom. You nearly shriek when you see Ayato leaning against the wall rather than sitting on the bed waiting for you. Ayato cracks a smile and walks to you.

“Did I scare you?” Ayato asks sweetly, blinking at you owlishly.

You huff and lightly whack his arm as he wraps his arms around your shoulders, swaying you side to side. “Yes, you scared me! I thought you were sitting on the bed waiting for me.” You grumble, wrapping your arms around his waist.

“Apologies for that, my love. I didn’t want to wait on the bed.” Ayato murmurs, pressing his lips on the top of your head. 

You look around the room, only to realize the doctor isn’t in the room. You look at Ayato with a questioning gaze while Ayato looks at you. “Where is Doctor Sato? Did he leave already?” You ask.

Ayato shakes his head. “Doctor Sato has excused himself to use the bathroom in the hallway. I had Thoma show him where the bathroom is,” replies Ayato. “It would be odd if the doctor leaves before we know the result of the pregnancy test.” 

“What are you hoping the results be?” You ask, pressing your cheek against Ayato’s chest. “I’m just hoping the vomiting stop because the lack of nutrients in my body is making me feel very weak.” 

Ayato kisses your head. “The results don’t matter to me, but….” Ayato trails off.

You look at Ayato curiously. “But….” You raise your eyebrows at him.

“I hope you’re okay, and it’s not something I’m fearing,” Ayato says, letting out a shaky sigh.

You didn’t question him. As much as you wanted to know what he’s implying, Ayato looks stressed out and worried. If you were to press him about it, it would stress him out even more. He has paperwork to complete, and you have shopping to do for your and Ayato’s impending wedding ceremony. The bedroom door slides open, and Doctor Sato walks into the room with Ayaka and Thoma trailing behind him.

“Oh, Ayaka and Thoma! What a pleasant surprise to see you two accompanying Doctor Sato.” Ayato says casually, tightening his grip around your waist while giving Ayaka, Thoma, and Doctor Sato a smile. Doctor Sato walks over to where his bag lays and begins going through it while Ayaka and Thoma stand before you and Ayato.

Ayaka smiles and rubs her arm shyly. “Thoma and I heard that [Y/N] took a pregnancy test. We got curious and wanted to know the results,” says Ayaka.

Thoma scoffs playfully and nudges Ayaka. “We? Last time I checked, it was you that came up to me and asked if I could go with you to ask Lady [Y/N] what the results are,” Thoma chuckles. 

Ayaka grumbles and looks away from Thoma, huffing and muttering under her breath. You and Ayato trade look with each other. 

You give Ayaka a sympathetic smile. “I haven’t gotten the results yet, but when I do, I’ll let you all know what it is.” You say, nodding. 

Everyone sits around your and Ayato’s bedroom, waiting for the pregnancy test to give you the result. While waiting for the results, Thoma is about to get snacks and drinks for everyone as you’re all waiting around, but Ayaka stops him and tells Thoma that eating in a bedroom would attract ants into the bedroom.

You walk to the bathroom and grab the pregnancy test without looking at the results. You walk back to the bedroom with the pregnancy test behind your back, giving Thoma, Ayaka, Ayato, and Doctor Sato an anxious smile.

“Are you guys ready for the results?” You ask, rocking back and forth on the balls of your feet.

“Ready as we’ll ever be!” Thoma replies, giving you a thumbs up and a big smile.

You hold the pregnancy test up to your face and read the results. Negative. You’re not pregnant. For the first time in a while, you feel your heart sink into your stomach. Ayaka frowns and is immediately at your side, placing a comforting hand on your back. Ayaka looks at the results and at Thoma and Ayato, shaking her head.

“The results are negative. I guess the symptoms I’ve been feeling for almost two weeks are menstrual cycle symptoms.” You murmur, letting your hands fall to your sides, the pregnancy test still in your grasp. “And not pregnancy symptoms.” 

“At least we know what the cause of your sudden ‘illness,’ right? I’ll make you some ginger tea for you if you’d like me to.” Thoma offers, getting up from his seat. 

You give Thoma a fake smile and nod. “That would be nice. Thank you, Thoma.”

Thoma bows to you before exiting the room. Doctor Sato ends up leaving after instructing you on what you should and should not do when you’re close to your menstrual cycle. You drown out the explanations, nodding your head and acting like you’re listening even though you aren’t mentally there. 

Ayaka excuses herself to give you and Ayato privacy after Doctor Sato leaves, leaving you and Ayato alone in your shared bedrooms. You collapsed on the bed, slumping over and covering your face with your hands. Ayato wraps his arms around your shoulders, pulling you against his chest. You rest your head against Ayato’s chest, listening to his heart beating against his chest. One day, it’ll be the baby’s heartbeat you and Ayato are hearing. 

“I’m not pregnant. So there’s that.” You mutter, looking at the pregnancy test in your hand. “At least we know what’s going on with me.”

Ayato rests his cheek on your head, closing his eyes while rubbing your back. “Tell me what’s on your mind, my love. I hate seeing you heartbroken.” Ayato whispers.

You run your tongue over your teeth and shake your head, refusing to answer. You’re afraid if you tell Ayato that you’re disappointed that the results weren’t positive, you will burst into tears. Your biggest fear, other than losing Ayato and someone putting a target on your back, is not being able to have children. While it’s not your duty to have kids, you want to have kids.

“Sweetheart, please don’t keep it to yourself. You’ll only hurt yourself even more,” Ayato whispers, tightening his grip around you.

You bury your face against Ayato’s chest and take a deep breath to calm your nerves. You love Ayato, and you’re going to be his wife very soon! But being a wife of a prominent figure in Inazuma and not being able to produce heirs and heiresses? People in Inazuma will talk, and some will say that Ayato will need to find another woman that can give Ayato children or suggest Ayato have a concubine. You’re not infertile, or at least you’re hoping you’re not infertile. 

This is the first negative pregnancy test. It’s not like there will be more negative pregnancy tests after this one, right? 

You pull away from Ayato and wrap your arms around yourself. “If I’m not able to… bear children, are you going to divorce me and find someone else that can?” You whisper, looking at the ground.

“Sweetheart, I’m not going to do such a thing. I don’t care whether you can bear children or not.” Ayato says, cupping your face in his hands and wiping a stray tear that made its way down your cheek. “You have nothing to worry about, my love. I won’t do such a thing, ever.”

You laugh weakly and place your hand over his, giving him a weak smile. “I… was hoping the results came out positive. But to my disappointment, the results came out negative.” 

“It’s okay to feel disappointed, my love. Please don’t assume the worst because of one negative test result. There’s always time for us to try,” Ayato gives you a reassuring smile.

You stare at Ayato, trying to read his facial expression. While he has a smile on his face and is comforting you, you know this hurts him as much as it hurts you. You can see the sadness in his eyes, his lips slightly quivering while trying to keep a strong front. You wrap your arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.

“Ayato?” You whisper.

Ayato clears his throat and strokes your hair. “Yes, [Y/N]?” 

You bury your face against Ayato’s chest and breathe in his cologne. “I love you.” You peek up at Ayato and reach up, stroking his cheek.

“I love you too,” Ayato hugs you tightly and kisses your head. “I love you so much.”

Your “illness” ended up going away a few days later, much to your and Ayato’s relief. You went to the famous kimono shop in Inazuma City with Ayaka and a few securities at your and Ayaka’s side. While you and Ayaka were out in Inazuma City buying kimonos for your and Ayato’s upcoming wedding ceremony, you couldn’t help but feel self-conscious due to the number of stares you and Ayaka received. 

“I never understand why people like to stare at others. It’s rude,” you mutter to Ayaka, your eyes scanning the kimono shop, searching for the perfect one. “I don’t know if I can stay out any longer if the staring progresses.” 

“I know how you feel. I always feel nervous when I’m in Inazuma City by myself. People would approach me, stare at me, and whisper about me to the person they’re with. It does get uncomfortable,” Ayaka says, giving you a sympathetic smile. “Anyway, if you’re not able to find a kimono for the wedding, we can always hire someone to stop by the Kamisato estate to get your measurements and make you a kimono.”

You hum and tap on your chin. “I think I like that option better. As much as I loved looking at the beautiful kimonos on display, I don’t think I’ll find the perfect kimono for the wedding here.” You sigh, turning to look at Ayaka with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry for wasting your time, Ayaka. We came here to search for a kimono for my wedding, only to come out empty-handed.” 

Ayaka shakes her head and links her arms with yours. “Please don’t apologize for anything, [Y/N]. You were feeling uncomfortable because of the number of stares we were getting, and you’ve been going through a last the past two weeks. Let’s go back to the estate! I’ll have someone come by tomorrow to get your measurements,” says Ayaka.

Later that night, you’re sitting at your vanity, brushing your hair before going to bed. You hear the bedroom door slide open. You look in the mirror to see Ayato closing the door behind him. You put your hairbrush on the vanity, resting your cheek on your fist with a sigh. The wedding ceremony is so close, and yet you still haven’t gotten your kimono. You pray to the electro archon that the tailor will make your kimono on time before the wedding. 

Ayato wraps his arms around your shoulders and leans down, pressing a kiss on your neck. “Ready for bed?” Ayato whispers, gazing at you through the mirror.

You rest your head on Ayato’s chest and close your eyes. “I am. Are you ready for bed?” You ask, opening your eyes and tilting your head up to look at him.

Ayato hums. “I am,” Ayato replies, pressing another kiss on your cheek. “Ayaka told me what happened today.”

You sigh and got up from your seat, pushing the bench under the vanity. “I feel bad for wasting Ayaka’s time. We only looked around. We didn’t get to pick anything out to see or buy for the wedding,” you mutter, turning to Ayato.

Ayato pulls you into his arms and peppers kisses down your neck. “I’m sure Ayaka doesn’t mind, my love. After all, she did inform me that tailors will be coming over for your measurements tomorrow. There’s always a solution to every problem, sweetheart.” Ayato whispers into your ears.

You wrap your arms around Ayato’s waist and snuggle up against his chest. You close your eyes and run your hands up and down Ayato’s back. “Ayato?”

“Yes, my love?” Ayato brushes your hair from your shoulders.

You pull from Ayato’s arms and look at him, playing with the hem of his shirt. “What would you say if I want to try for a baby?” You ask. 

Ayato chuckles and pinches your cheek. “Well, I wouldn’t be opposed to it.” Ayato replies.

“Let’s try for a baby.” You blurt out.

Ayato looks at you with wide eyes. “Right now?” Ayato asks.

“We can try any time, really. We don’t have to do it tonight.” You shrug your shoulders, looking away from Ayato.

Ayato tilts your head up and presses his lips against yours. You press your hand on Ayato’s chest before slipping your hands under his shirt. Ayato presses your body against him, slowly backing you up to your and his shared bed. The back of your knees press against the edge of the bed, and Ayato lays you down on the bed, his lips ghosting over your neck while caging you against the bed.

“Remember to keep your voice down. We wouldn’t want to wake Ayaka and Thoma from their sleep.” Ayato whispers into your ears, kissing your jaws.

Note: Sorry, I had to end it there ;v; I'll make a smut spin-off for this fic if you're all interested in that. If not, I'll just keep it as it is and finish Caught in the Crossfire here. This week has been nothing but tests, essays, and memorizing my lines for my and my partner's presentation. A lot has been going on, pretty much. I'm about to be in the middle of the spring quarter, and more things are going to pop up soon for school 🥲 Anyway, I ONLY post on my Tumblr (Genshinluvr) and my AO3 (Aaliah_exo)! Nowhere else except Tumblr and AO3!

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[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 16 (Catching Up With the Pancakes)

Spencer paid Heather a surprise visit – alone – after the birth of her son, Greyson. "It's great to see you, but unexpected," she said gently. "Is everything okay?"

"I just needed a chance to get some sea air, I think. How are things with you and Malcolm?"

Heather could tell she was holding back, but she didn't want to push. "Malcolm's okay, I think. I'll see him at Holly's wedding but we haven't really spoken that much, lately. I thought maybe he was pulling away from me after I switched pet food suppliers at the clinic, but I'm starting to think maybe I'm the one pulling away from him? Like I could call him right now, but even if you weren't here, I care about him, but...I don't know..."

"Relationships are really hard and so confusing," Spencer agreed gently, but Heather could hear in her voice that she was referring to Everett and herself, not Heather and Malcolm.

"You can talk to me," she assured her.

Spencer sighed, exhaustion pulling at her cheeks. "It's been hard since Greyson was born. Greyson doesn't sleep much. Everett and I have to scream at each other to hear over his wailing."

"I hear that's pretty normal," she said. "I know it's hard, but Greyson will sleep better soon."

"It's not just Greyson. Did Everett tell you what the doctors said?" Heather shook her head. "There were complications during his birth and they said I probably won't have more children."

"Spencer, I'm so sorry."

"I'm not! And that's just it - Everett's devastated. He really wants a big family, but I never felt ready for Greyson before his arrival. I love him more than anything, but I want to explore the jungle and progress in my career. I'm happy with one and I don't want to be pregnant again, but I don't know how to talk about it with Everett."

Heather understood why Spencer was anxious to discuss it. "I know what you're feeling," Heather assured her with a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I want to be a mom someday, but I want my career, too! There's nothing wrong with what you want, Spence."

"I'm grateful you understand where I'm coming from," said Spencer. "But that doesn't make it any easier to think about trying to convince Everett that Greyson is enough."

Heather could see the trepidation and pain in her striking blue eyes. "I know Everett has this idealized view of family he's held onto ever since he lost his mom, but he loves you and he wants you to be happy. He promised he'd do everything he could to make you happy when you married him."

Spencer sighed. "Our wedding feels so long ago already. We're already planning Greyson's christening!"

"It'll be good to have your family in town," suggested Heather. "Maybe it'll be so chaotic, Everett will understand why one kid isn't the end of the world."

For the first time since she walked in, Spencer raised a smile. "So far, planning it has just been more stress on top of stress! But Malia and Jamar will be there! She's looking forward to spending some time in the sun while Jamar gets a mini-break from medical school."

Heather smiled at the mention of their old friends. "I heard they eloped after we all came back from your wedding in Tartosa."

"Yeah. Our big destination wedding was such an event, they just wanted to get married and avoid the hassle. In retrospect, I don't blame them at all, but I think Malia's partly excited to get away because they're living with his parents in Henford until Jamar's residency is done, at least."

"We know your parents like to put on a party or else they won't even bother." Heather chuckled to herself.

"I had to ban my mother from having anything to do with planning the christening just to save my nerves!"

"Well I'll be there. I'll tackle her if she tries to run out to replace the napkins at the last minute."

The mental image made Spencer laugh so hard she had to wipe tears from her eyes. "This is exactly why Everett and I want you to be Greyson's godmother."

"Me? Really? What about your sister Olivia and her husband?"

"She's busy enough with three kids and Everett thinks she doesn't like him."

"Growing up, I always thought Olivia hated everybody."

"She still does, but once Everett makes his mind up it can't be changed." Heather offered a knowing chuckle. "We both trust you. I know you and I could have gone either way in high school with your feelings for Everett and the kiss and everything, but I'm glad it never came between us. We're both glad we have you in our lives, and it would be an honour to us both if you'd say yes."

"Of course! I'll be the best godmother Greyson could ever have!" she vowed.

Heather made plans to visit Oasis Springs during her upcoming break for Holly’s wedding, and her heart brimmed with anticipation. ->

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