#a bit under shock. if the vet had told me when i first got her i wouldn't have been surprised. now though... my baby.... she's 6/7?

[mirmidones]

i knew lucy was older than what her certificate says (3 yo) but i had gotten used to saying it and even celebrated her 3rd birthday in december. well it looks like december 2024 we'll be celebrating her 7th/8th birthday instead . time does fly when you have fun i guess

[slumberingcorpse]

Monster

Simon “Ghost” Riley x John “Soap” McTavish

Summary: Soap gets jealous of a dog.

Warnings: Tooth-rotting fluff with a tiny bit of angst for taste

A/N: My first attempt at writing COD fanfic. I hope I don’t sound too much like a pleb. Enjoy.

Soap couldn’t ask for anything more. Graves and Hassan were buried six feet under probably comparing war crimes in hell. Alejandro and Rudy got their base back and were hard at work rebuilding it. His greatest achievement, however, was convincing 141 one and only Ghost to go out with him.

Sure he was drunk as hell when he asked him out. He was too terrified of the man to try to do it sober. If anything, Ghost saying yes sobered him up in an instant.

It has been eight months since then. Soap wishes he could say that their relationship was perfect from the beginning, but that would be a lie. It took a lot of work for both of them with all the baggage they carried. It was all worth it in the end though. It was shocking how perfect Ghost was as a boyfriend, especially in bed. Soap was more than surprised to find how much Simon liked to cuddle.

He should’ve known it wouldn’t last. Everything was just too perfect and now the universe had to ruin it.

Standing on the landing dock, Soap impatiently waits for the helicopter to land. Ghost has been gone for two weeks on a mission with Gaz trying to find any information on Markarov. Two weeks since the last time Ghost held him at night. He couldn’t help but get antsy.

Once the blades stop spinning, Gaz stepped out. Spotting Soap he stretches and walks over.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the welcoming party? Did you miss me?” Gaz teases walking over with a shit-eating grin.

“Almost as much as a rash,” Soap rolls his eyes before turning back towards the helicopter, “Where’s Ghost?”

It was Gaz’s turn to roll his eyes, “Relax, I didn’t get your boyfriend killed. He’s just making sure the little lady is comfortable.”

“Who?” Soap asks cocking up his eyebrow confused. Gaz only chuckled and patted his shoulder, “You’ll soon find out.”

Soon enough, Ghost jumps out of the helicopter holding tightly a small bundle close to his chest. In a millisecond hundred of things fired off in Soap’s mind.

What the hell is Ghost holding?

Is it a kid?

No, it’s too early to even bring up having a kid!

Does Ghost even want kids? They never got around to talking about it. How would it even work? Soap wasn’t planning on retiring anytime soon, but then again, if Ghost wanted to...maybe retiring early wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

“Johnny? Are you alright?” Ghost asks quickly snapping Soap out of thoughts.

“Yeah! Of course! How was the mission? What’s in the bundle?” He asks quickly.

Ghost shoots him a concerned glance before shrugging, “We didn’t find anything too useful, except for Riley.”

“Riley?”

Ghost nods and uncovers the bundle in his arms revealing nothing other than a shabby German shepherd pup curled up against his chest, “She kept following me around on the mission. I fed her some of my MREs and she stayed by my side ever since. Smart girl too, the bastards tried to seek up on us but she sniffed them out and warned us. She might not look like much now but after a bath, a trip to the base’s vet, and a couple of months in training I’m sure she’ll be a great military dog.”

“Wait, you’re planning on keeping it?” Soap asks looking down at the dirty dog in his boyfriend’s arm.

Ghost’s eyes darken under the mask as he tightens his grip around the pup, “Problem?”

“N-no. It’s just you know how Price gets with surprises. Does he know about our...newest member?” Soap lies forcing himself to smile.

Simon relaxes and nods, “I already told him once we completed the mission. He told me as long as I take care of all of her needs, she can stay.”

“Oh well, that’s good to hear. Well then, should we go inside? I managed to find a copy of that shitty movie I told you about before you left, we could-”

“Not today, Johnny, first I have to get Riley clean, go buy some dog supplies too. MREs are hardly edible for us, can’t imagine them being edible for a pup. We can watch it another time,” Ghost interrupts only to quickly leave with Riley.

Soap couldn’t believe it. A dog. Out of anything he could’ve brought back, he brought a bloody mutt. Suddenly, the half-a-dog joke Ghost made back at Las Almas echoed in his head. Never in his life could he guess that Ghost would end up as a dog person.

Soap always had a dislike for the mutts. Always covered in mud and slobber, barking non-stop in the middle of the night. Not to mention the number of times he had to run for his life to escape the creature’s jaws from ripping into his neck on the battlefield. Now he doesn’t even have a base to protect him from the little terrors.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To say that Ghost was happy, was an understatement, he was fucking ecstatic. Is every waking moment was spent with Riley. From walks, feeding her, taking her to vet appointments, and some basic training, Ghost has never been happier.

“Riley, sit! Stay!” Ghost orders holding up a silent hand signal, grinning under his mask as the pup followed his orders perfectly.

“Atta girl,” he praises tossing her a treat before giving her another order.

“You know, if I have known that getting Ghost a dog would stop him from being a gloomy bastard all the time. I would’ve gotten him a dog years ago.” Price chuckles into his coffee mug as he watches Ghost’s training.

“Yeah, it’s a fucking miracle,” Soap grumbles sarcastically staring down at the dark sludge filling his own mug.

Price cocks his eyebrow in interest, “Trouble in paradise sergeant?”

“If you consider my boyfriend’s obsession with that mangy mutt trouble, then yes,” Soap vents glaring over at Riley as she gives Ghost her paw only to glare over at Price when he hears him start to laugh.

“Oh, Christ, you’re serious!? You’ve got to be taking the piss!” Price snickers unable to stifle his laughter.

“I am. I don’t know what Ghost sees in that...monster.”

“Johnny, you can’t possibly be jealous of a puppy.”

“What!? No! It’s not like that!” Soap argues feeling his cheeks start to warm.

“It sure sounds like you are. Ghost doesn’t give all his attention to you for a few days and now you’re throwing a fit, is that it?”

Soap huffs and stomps his feet like a child, “I’m not throwing a fit!”

“Johnny? Is everything okay?” Ghost asks causing Soap to tense up. He almost forgot how silent Ghost’s footsteps could be. Usually, when Ghost appears out of nowhere would end up in a surprise hug or kiss on the cheek but today it was different. Price had a cocky smirk on his face and that damned mutt was sweetly nestled in Ghost’s arms. It made his blood boil.

“Everything is perfect!” he shouts throwing his arms up in the air before turning his heel. Shooting another glare at Riley, he continues, “And stop popping up behind everyone like that! It’s annoying and creepy as hell!” he complains before storming off to his room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next few days, Soap’s mood only worsened. It seemed like Ghost’s puppy obsession has spread over to Gaz who would not stop taking pictures of Riley in her small tactical jacket.

“I’m going to die! She’s so cute!” Gaz squeals as the pup happily wags her tail, adoring the attention. Ghost leans down and pets her head proudly, “In a few months Riley will be able to take down armies. Makarov and Shepherd won’t know what hit them.”

Soap couldn’t help but scoff, “Oh yeah, I’m sure a dog would do lots, up until it gets shot or blown up.”

Both soldiers turn their attention toward Soap. Gaz was fuming at his comment while Ghost just looked surprised that he said it.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? Why would you even say that?” Gaz finally shouts.

“What? Just saying. After all, what has two legs and bleeds? Eh, L.T.?” Soap brings up looking at Ghost for an answer.

Regret quickly fills his chest seeing Ghost’s silent stare. To anyone else, it would seem angry but Soap knew better. His stare showed nothing but fear and sadness.

Before he could open his mouth to apologize, Ghost was already gone followed quickly by the all-so-loyal, Riley while Gaz walks up to him.

“I don’t know what’s happening between you two but that was a dick move.” Gaz chastised crossing his arms over his chest.

Soap sighs and frowns, “I know...I know...I’m just...I’m jealous of the damn dog...”

“Seriously? That’s the problem?” Gaz scoffs.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” Soap sighs turning away in embarrassment.

“Oh no, I’m not laughing. I’m disappointed. During the whole mission, Ghost kept going on about being excited to show you, Riley. Ghost never talks. Not to me he doesn’t and yet he went on and on about you and Riley. And yet here you are being a selfish twat. Instead of talking to Ghost like a real man, you told him that his dog is going to die. I hope you’re proud,” Gaz huffs before walking away.

“Fuck,” Soap curses as he gets up. He messed up big time. Gaz was right. He didn’t even consider Ghost’s feelings. The thought of talking to him didn’t even cross his mind and now he made a whole mess of things.

Thinking over a way to apologize, Soap makes his way to Ghost’s room. He hesitates for a moment before knocking on the door, “Ghost? Can we talk?”

There was silence for a few seconds followed by shuffling and a click coming from the other side, “Door’s open. Come in.” Ghost calls out.

Taking a deep breath, Soap walks in. It hasn’t been a while since he was in Ghost’s room and yet so much has changed. Dog toys were scattered about, and a large dog bed was placed next to the right side of the bed with Riley peacefully sleeping, and then there were the dog bowls next to the bathroom door. In the center of the room was Ghost, no Simon, sitting silently on his bed avoiding Soap’s eyes.

He still had his gear on but his mask of off showing his grease-covered face. Even after so many months, it was a rarity to see Ghost’s face. Only in the most intimate situations did he decide to take it off and even then, Ghost still had trouble trusting Soap with touching his face. Johnny didn’t mind though, just staring at his gorgeous scared face was enough to make his heart flutter.

Maybe in a better situation, he would jump into his arms and start to kiss those full lips passionately, but for now, he had to focus.

“I umm...we have to talk...” Soap mutters anxiously unsure how to explain himself without sounding like a complete dolt.

“What was it?” Simon suddenly asks. His voice was deep and cold but his hands were trembling.

“W-what?” Soap asks confused glancing down at his boyfriend’s hands. He’s never seen Simon so stressed before. Even on missions, this couldn’t just be because of his stupid comment, could it?

Simon lets out a shaky breath and looks down at his feet, “What did I do for you to finally see me as a monster?” he asks. This time his voice was weak no higher than a whisper but it was loud enough for Soap’s heart to break.

“Simon, you aren’t making sense. What are you talking about?” Soap questions became more confused and worried as the conversation went on.

“I’m talking about you!” Simon snaps looking up at Soap with tearful eyes, “Ever since I came back from the mission you’ve been so distant. Every time I try to talk to you, you’re in a worse mood than before and every time you look at me all I can see is hate and disgust in your eyes...so what did I do, Johnny? P-please tell me,” he begs, dropping his head into his shaky hands.

Suddenly, all the pieces fell into place, and Soap never felt so stupid, “Christ...” he sighs causing Simon to tense.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. I was...I am jealous of the fucking dog.” Soap confesses. He didn't care how stupid he sounded. It was stupid.

Simon stays silent for a few moments before slowly looking back up at Soap with an unreadable look, “Excuse me?”

“Riley,” Soap sighs turning away in shame, “You’ve been spending so much time with her, so I got jealous...I wasn’t glaring at you...I was glaring at her for getting all of your attention.”

Simon’s eyes widen as he processes what he heard before pulling Soap down into a passionate kiss. Johnny yelps in surprise but quickly makes himself comfortable on Simon’s lap as he kisses back.

“Johnny, you’re going to be the death of me. This whole bloody week I thought you were going to leave me only to find out you’re jealous of my dog? I would be angry if it wssn’t so-”

“Stupid?”

“Hilarious,” Simon chuckles before diving in for another heated kiss only pulling away to breathe.

“Well? What now?” John pants glancing over to the sleeping pup.

“I’m not going to give away my dog, McTavish,” Simon chuckles holding onto his waist.

John pouts, “I don’t like sharing.” he whines peppering Simon’s shoulder with light kisses.

“You’ll have to get used to it. She’s staying.” Simon retorts kissing his boyfriend’s temple.

“Couldn’t you have gotten a different kind of pet? Like a fish or a cat? Maybe a snake instead?”

Another chuckle rumbles through Simon’s chest, “Not a dog person, Johnny?”

“Despise the mutts. Back home there was always this bulldog that would bark at me on my way to school. One day it dug under the gate and attacked me. Nearly tore my face off.” Soap confides kissing up his neck.

“Yeah well, the only faces that Riley will rip apart are those who try to hurt you. I’ll make sure of that,” Simon reassures running his hands under Soap’s shirt and enjoying the heat redating off of his body.

“As if I need two guard dogs,” Soap scoffs in response leaning down to give Ghost another tender kiss.

“Oh? Who’s the other dog?” Simon hums into the kiss.

“Isn’t it obvious? It’s you L.T.”

[magicalsliceofpie]

An Update

So many things in my personal life have changed since the last time I posted and when that happens it feels like I'm getting whiplash. I stopped keeping up with my routine and blog a bit ago because of finals. Then a week after finals ended, my childhood dog passed away. I am still devastated but the peak of my mourning has come to pass.

My dog was the only routine I had. When I couldn't leave my bed, my dog was there. When I didn't take care of myself, my dog was there. And when I was having panic attacks that kept me from sleeping, my dog was there. She never slowed down. She maintained her personality and activity till the very end. I was not with her when she passed but I live with family so she wasn't alone. I have no regrets about her passing as she was estimated to be 14 years old (rescue) when she passed away and she lived a full life.

I only regret how I took care of her. I got her right before I was going to go into 5th grade. I had been perfect all summer and so my mom said that I could get a dog that was smaller than our current dog. Looking back, I think my mom set me up because our dog at the time was only five pounds. Of course, I was a kid so I didn't realize how difficult it would be to find a full grown dog under five pounds. But the very first rescue shelter we went to had just gotten a pair of tea cup chihuahuas who were rescued from a kill-shelter. The dogs where about to be put down because of biting and aggression.

I asked if I could see the female of the pair and they held her over the counter for me to see. She was estimated to be 3 years old. She was a thin, shaky mess. I didn't see any aggression in her and I wanted her. They put us in the trial living room to see if we would be a good fit. When they let her go into the room the first thing she did was run under the couch. I remember being completely in love, looking at her shaking under the couch. She didn't bark, growl, or nip at me as I stared. The shelter worked pulled her out and placed her on my lap. She stood straight up but stayed still. From then on, she was my dog. I told my mom that I wanted to sign as her owner and I named her myself.

Years later when I was 17-18 our big new puppy stepped on her and scratched her eye. I had just come home from class with my friend (future boyfriend), and we were the first ones home. I saw her eye all bruised and swollen and I freaked out. I told my friend to call my mom, while I took pictures and sent them too her. I had no clue what to do but I knew I had to get to the vet. The only response my mom had was "I'm not paying for that, she's your dog". Because I had signed my name as her owner my mom was not going to pay for her vet care.

I remember being shocked because that was not an expectation in my house. My mom was quite wealthy at the time and never had my older brother pay for anything (even gave him a $200 allowance). But as soon as a got a job I was expected to pay for my clothes, gas, and college. I had paid for everything since I got a job but my dogs care has always been shared between me and my mom. I remember sitting in the vets office mad about my situation and my mom's ever changing rules about my responsibilities, and scared that my dog would lose an eye. My friend stayed with me the whole time. My dog barely knew what was happening, she was just enjoying the attention. I remember when they gave me the bill for $350 which was more than my paycheck. I paid for it but I asked my mom for just $150. She said no. Thankfully, the rest of my family found this completely ridiculous and paid me some money to help cover the bill.

I mention this story because a couple months later my mom kicked me out. It was so sudden and I was only able to pack a suit case in between her screaming at me. My grandparents had come because I called them during the fight and they were scared my mom was going to hurt me (she didn't because my stepdad held her back). I couldn't take my dog because we were all trying to get out of there as fast as we could. All I could think about was rescuing my dog (and getting the rest of my stuff). A day or two later I returned home while my parents were at work and I grabbed my dog. She had no clue what was happening. I don't think either of us realized that that would be the last time either of us saw that house ever again.

Since that night it felt like it was just me and her. A girl and her dog. She had always been my constant. Fifth grade was the worst year of my life mentally. It was the only time of my life that I was suicidal. Even through that, my dog was there. When I got kicked out of my house I would shake from just the thought of seeing my mom but I went back so that I could have my dog again. I don't have many memories of life before my dog. When I look back at any memory now I just remember that she was there waiting for me back home.

I said earlier that I only regretted how I took care of her. When I got kicked out I didn't know how to take care of myself or my dog. Since then she had only gone on one walk, and her teeth had only been brushed a handful of times (less than 6). And even then, the walk she went on was a couple weeks before her passing because my boyfriend suggested it. Also a couple of weeks before her passing, I finally bought her tooth wipes and had barely started remembering to clip her nails before they got too long. I hadn't gotten into the routine of caring for her yet. I had barely started this journey of caring for myself in April and she passed in May. I was barely starting to change. And it was too late. She passed away of heart failure. She was a 14 year old tea cup chihuahua with a heart murmur so it's not entirely my fault. And she did get daily exercise in the large backyard we have. But, I still can't stop thinking about what a horrible owner I was.

I should've been more active in her care. I should've taken her on at least weekly walks. She deserved better than me. She deserved a better owner than a twenty something who barely knew what she was doing.

So, I'm trying to be better. I have been working out everyday for almost 5 days straight now. I have been keeping up with everything in my routine. They only time I slipped up was when I didn't do one night routine because I was too tired. But I was too tired because I did a full day of exercise. This is the healthiest and the most routine I've ever been. Every time I wanna quit I think of her. I think of how she would've had a better life if I had just taken more steps. If I had just committed to being better. I want another dog in the future, and I want to be a better owner for my next dog. I don't know when I will get my next dog. Likely years in the future. When I do, I'm going to be the owner that Rennie should've had.

I'll miss you forever Rennie.

[greeks-life]

Not The Legacy We Thought (USWNT X Brady Reader)

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓: Tom Brady, the infamous NFL Quarterback has another little sister? Reader is Nineteen and playing for the University of Michigan, when she is called up to play with the USWNT.

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ! : Anxiety, Light Swearing, Fluff

𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗳 𝗜 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲 :) 𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮 𝗶𝘀 #𝟭𝟮, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 #𝟭𝟮 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝗺’𝘀 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 :)

— — —

Four siblings, one a very famous NFL quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You always have looked up to Tom as your hero, your big brother. Playing for University of Michigan for women’s soccer is amazing, but sometimes the comments on how you got accepted just because of who your brother is can be overwhelming.

Tom always has told you that he didn’t have a hand in getting you accepted into UM. Always saying that if he did have a hand into getting you in the University of Michigan you would certainly know it.

You and Tom always got along, from surfing and playing golf, to playing video games and cooking food. It didn’t matter what the two of you did, but somehow you both really clicked together. Not that you didn’t click with Maureen, Julie, or Nancy, but you just had this titanium tight bond with Tom.

When the rumor was going around that you might be getting the call to play with the USWNT for the 2020 Olympics, Tom was the first person that you told. He flew up to Michigan for a few days to see you on his off days, both of you waiting anxiously for the call.

On his third day in Michigan that’s when the call came in. Putting Vlatko on speaker for you both to hear what he had to say. When the USWNT coach told you had made the team, Tom took you out to celebrate. Your older brother got a little out of control, from announcing all over his social media accounts to even throwing a huge party for you.

You had been playing soccer since you were a little kid. Your parents Tom Brady Sr. and Galynn Patricia Brady always made sure you had everything you needed to be the best you could be. Yes, sometimes they could be a little bit much, but they just wanted you to be happy.

When watching the USWNT on the TV you always focused on the midfielders. But, you couldn’t help taking a personal liking to Tobin Heath, Ashlyn Harris, Kelley O’Hara, Ali Krieger, and Christen Press. They intrigued you a lot from their playing styles to their silly demeanor off the pitch.

— — —

Now here you were at the hotel for the first camp before the Send Off Series. You had been assigned to room with Tierna Davidson, but when you got to your room she wasn’t there.

Looking at the clock you saw you had a half an hour before the team meeting. So to pass some of the time you decided to unpack, that is until your phone dinged, signaling you of a new text message.

Putting down your UofM hoodie to pick up your phone, smiling at the text message your brother had sent you.

 “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐝, 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈 𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬.”

You laughed softly, shaking your head as you texted him back. “𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐓𝐨𝐦. 𝐁𝐮𝐜 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐰𝐡𝐨’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆.𝐎.𝐀.𝐓. ! 🐐🏈”

Tears from laughing so hard filled your eyes at his response.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐘/𝐍. 𝐁𝐮𝐭, 𝐢’𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐘/𝐍/𝐍. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐧. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝, 𝐧𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬. 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐆𝐎 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐊𝐈𝐃 , 𝐆𝐎 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 ! ⚽️Ⓜ️“

You were just in the middle of responding before he texted you again. “𝐁𝐔𝐂 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 𝐔𝐏! 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐘 #𝟏𝟐 !”

Deciding that things could be left said like that, and only having twenty ministers remaining before the meeting started you decided to head down to the conference room to see who was there.

— — —

Once in the conference room you saw that Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski and the rest of of the staff were in there, you introduced yourself to them.

“Hi my name is Y/N Brady, i’m the new midfielder.” You smiled softly, as you stuck your hand out to Vlatko.

“Of course ! It’s great to finally meet you in person Y/N ! You can get settled wherever you’d like, the others should be arriving shortly.” Vlatko had told you with a soft smile of his own. The staff had introduced themselves, before you had sat down in a chair in the back row of chairs.

A few minutes later your new team members started to file in. Some gave you confused looks and others simply just smiled at you. You were happy that they hadn’t drilled you with questions yet.

Well, that was until a certain blonde defender chose to take the seat next to you. “Hi i’m Emily Sonnett, but you can call me Sonnett or Sonny.” She smiled brightly at you, with her hand held out to shake yours.

“Y/N Brady.” You returned the smile as you shook her hand with a firm shake. Turns out some of the teammates around you, were in fact ease dropping on your introduction.

“Like as in Tom Brady? Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback? Tom Brady?” Turns out the person who had sort of figured you out was USWNT Vet Alex Morgan.

You nodded slightly with a shy smile on your lips. “Yeah he’s my older brother.” You said softly, your anxiety spiking up inside you slightly by the new found attention. You knew you would have the spotlight on you sooner or later, but you didn’t think it would be that soon before someone figured you out.

“That’s so cool!” Sammy Mewis said as she came to sit by you with her sister Kristie. Noticing how shocked you were by the sudden attention, Kristie discreetly told Sammy to calm down a little.

About ten minutes later the rest of the team which included Tierna, Megan, Crystal, and Rose had walked in. Seeing the whole team come in Vlatko started the team meeting.

In the first fifteen minutes of the meeting Vlatko was talking about how excited he was to be coaching this amazing team. Then came the shoe you were waiting to drop had dropped.

“We have a new member on our team as you all see. This is Y/N Brady, make sure to give her a warm welcome.” He nodded your way, which caused everyone to turn to look at you.

“Hi..” You gave a short wave with a small smile. On the pitch your a total monster who strikes fear even into the ones who had a reputation to be a total beast. But off the pitch? You keep your emotions to yourself and only share what you feel with a select group of people (Tom being the number one person you go to).

Vlatko decided to take the spotlight off of you, saving you for only the next half hour to an hour before personal questions would be sprung on you.

— — —

At dinner you were sitting with Sonnett, Rose, Tierna, Sammy, Lindsey, Kristie, and Lynn. You had connected with Sonnett and Tierna the most. You were all laughing at a tiktok of Kevin Hart and Pete Davidson when Kelley, Tobin, Christen and Alex walked over to your guy’s table.

“What are you kids laughing at ?” Alex asked you all with a raised brow and a amused smile on her lips.

“Y/N showed us this tiktok of Kevin Hart and Pete Davidson at someone’s house.” Sammy told the vets when she finally calmed down from laughing so hard.

“Can we see it ?” Kelley asked you with a curious tone. Your head nodded, before handing her your phone so that they could watch also. A minute later Kelley handed you back your phone with a amused grin.

“We just wanted to let you guys know that team bonding is in our room tonight.” Christen said softly, before glancing at you with curiosity in her eyes.

“I’ve convinced Chris to let you guys decide amongst yourselves who gets to pick the movie. Also Chris agreed to let you guys bring snacks this time.” Tobin chuckled as Christen grumbled under breath with a playful eye roll to the older forward.

“Y/N want to pick the movie ?” Lindsey immediately asked you. Everyone around you looked at you waiting for your answer with either curious looks or small smiles.

“Uh yeah sure i’m down for that.” You nodded as you slipped your phone back into the pocket of your joggers. The vets returned back to their seats, as you and the rest of the young ones resumed your conversations.

— — —

You and Tierna walked to Tobin’s and Christens room which was only at the end of the hall by the elevators. Once you both were let in that’s when Crystal and JJ called you over to where some of the Vets were hanging out.

Making your way over to one of the beds, you sat down slowly as Megan made room for you to sit. “So, Brady how do you like the team so far ?” Megan asked you with a tilt of her head.

“Great actually. Everyone I met really has been very welcoming so far. No one’s really pushed the being Tom Brady’s sister subject yet, so that’s nice.” You played with the ring on your left middle finger, it was from your birthday. It didn’t have any gems on it, but you loved it because Tom had gotten it for you not only for your birthday but because you had just received your 20th cap for UofM.

“Glad to hear that, because if they weren’t I would be putting the fear of God in them.” Becky joked with a bright grin on her lips. The statement had caused Pinoe, JJ, Crystal, Carli, and Abby to start laughing.

“Brady’s actually really dope !” Sonnett defended as she heard Becky’s statement. Crystal and Abby laughed while the other three playfully rolled their eyes at the young defender.

Just then Tobin, Christen, Kelley, and Alex walked through the hotel room door. They all came to join the other Vets on the bed. That’s when Christen had decided to be first one to push the subject you hadn’t want to push yet.

“So what’s it like being Tom Brady’s little sister ?” Christen had asked you as she made herself more comfortable on the bed. You had wondered why Tobin and Christen were late to the team bonding meeting when it was in 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 hotel room, but you opted to answer her question.

“It’s great, besides the press following us around nonstop when we hangout. It gets a bit to much for the both of us, especially during our seasons.” You nodded along with your answer, as you continued to play with your ring.

Christen was going to ask you another question, but Tobin had cut her short of it. “So what movie did you pick for us to watch ?” Tobin asked as she smiled at you. She knew by the way you avoided eye contact when the family subject came up made you more anxious. In the future you would have to thank her for being so attentive to detail.

“I was thinking Venom.” You grinned brightly which did not go unnoticed by your older teammates. Oh how they would find out why that movie made you beam up would shock them all to hell.

“Well then let’s get to watching it then !” Kelley beamed, as she made herself comfortable on the bed.

— — —

You ended up on the floor with the rest of your young teammates, occasionally you would peak at your phone to see the score of Tom’s ongoing game.

The movie had just reached the middle, when you started to get sleepy. Your eyes fluttered shut for a few minutes then opened again. Leaning over to you Kristie told you to go to sleep, you argued with her in hush whispers before you had fallen asleep mid retort.

— — —

Waking up around 6 am, you grabbed your phone to look at the text message your brother had sent you when you were sleeping.

“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 ? 𝐎𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐘/𝐍/𝐍 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐬𝐬 ! 𝐖𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 🏴‍☠️ 𝐆𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐤𝐢𝐝 , 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐣𝐚𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 !”

You laughed quietly as you put the back down. That’s when you noticed that you were back in yours and Tierna’s hotel room, which means either Tierna or a Vet had carried you back.

You figured that you had a few hours before breakfast, so you just stayed in bed and thought about your future with this team. Maybe in the near future you would be more open with them, but you were still testing the waters with them. What made you curious was how Christen was acting around you yesterday, it was like she was trying to make you uncomfortable.

You definitely had a lot to learn about them, but you were all in to do so. You thought about how you were starting to feel a little homesick already, Michigan has been your home for two years now and you certainly enjoyed the life there. About ten minutes later you started to drift off, until a soft knock to your hotel door brought you back to being semi awake.

𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 :)



[ramzawrites]

Hey, so I'm having a really rough time rn (dealing with bs from my friend group, we have to take my really old dog to the vet today bc we found blood in her pee and we're scared that she won't make it this time, I'm struggling with my mental health, I'm just kinda goin thru it rn ig) so I would love a comfort fic with the sbi maybe with the reader as their sibling where the reader is the one that always comforts the fam, but hides their emotions until (1/2, very sorry about splitting it)

(2/2) something happens that makes the reader have a full on breakdown? I'll leave the rest to you, it can be a good or bad ending, headcanons or one shots, anything. You can ignore this request if you want/if it makes you uncomfortable. Please don't feel pressured/guilt tripped to write anything from this, your mental health comes first and I'm sure you're already really busy. Reminder to eat something today if you haven't yet and get a drink of water <3

We are family - Reader and SBI!Brothers

GN

Pairings: none

Characters included: Wilbur, Technoblade, Tommy, (mentioned) Niki, (mentioned) Schlatt

Warnings: n/a

Series: a request <3

Summary: Y/N came back from an errand and surprises their brothers with their weird behavior. Trying to put on their usual smile, trying to hide away their real emotions but their brothers know them better than they inititally suspected. They could immediately tell that something must have happened.

Words count: 2060

Authors Note: I’m so sorry this took so long! I hope you and your dog are doing better! 💙 I wish I could give you more than words of encouragement and that I managed to get faster to this request, I apologize Please make sure to take care of yourself, alright? Take time for yourself to deal with the stress and anxiety! Make sure to stay hydrated and remember to eat! Even if it’s just something small!

Once again I apologize for the long wait, I felt really bad already and then I kinda put it off because I felt bad.

adhd hit hard again and haven’t checked for typos yet, but will get on it as soon as I can o7

On another note if you want to read another comfort fic; I have a small series called “A Painful Reminder” which is more angsty but the 2nd part is more about the comfort, if that is something for you 

Living in the SMP was chaotic, turbulent and at times downright painful.

Most people tended to gravitate to one cause or other people to deal with this. Holding on to something so they don’t get pulled under. Get buried beneath the chaos and the violence.

So having people like Y/N around was like a godsend. They were one of the few people that seemed to be able to withstand the constant waves of misfortune and stand strong. Be the rock to hold onto when everything got too overwhelming.

Wilbur, Technoblade and Tommy loved their sibling for it.

After Wilbur and Tommy got exiled with Y/N out of L’Manberg, they were there and cheered both of their siblings up. Immediately making plans on how to set up a safe home and collecting ideas on how to get back. They were the one who managed to get a message out to Technoblade and asked him to visit them. Maybe help them.

Wilbur often jokingly said that Y/N was the glue that held the family together, to which they would always reply with the warmest of smiles “I’m glad.”

And what he said was true. Whenever the family fell on hard times and they began to drift apart it was Y/N who pulled all of them back. Pulling them back to reality and giving solutions for their problems if needed.

Sitting down with Wilbur when things got to much. Listening to his thoughts and worries, letting his emotion run freely without judgement. While they looked worried for him, their comforting smile never faltered. Offering him solutions to problems if he wanted it, otherwise they gave him the chance to just air his own thoughts out. To be angry with him. Sad with him.

Working with Tommy on his own projects. Listening to his ideas and giving him a different perspective that could improve some things but also respecting it when Tommy wanted to do this his way. And while he liked to brag and pretend that some things didn’t hit him that hard, they were still patiently listening to him as he spoke about his own pain in a more roundabout way. Telling him that he was not alone and making him feel heard.

Talking to Technoblade whenever the voices got too loud or out of hand again. He would just walk over to them and nudge them away, asking them to talk about something, no matter what. He just needed to hear their voice and be able to concentrate on it. Tune out the garbled voices in his head with a familiar sound that calmed him down no matter what. Leaning against them, slowly falling asleep as Y/N told all about how they were happily working on their own farm and what shenanigans they got up to.

Y/N really was like the warm sun on a cold day. Warming them up and protecting them.

Yes, Y/N was strong. So strong that even Technoblade considered them stronger than him. Maybe not physically but mentally and emotionally.

A clanging of metal rung through the cave. Techno was training with Wilbur while Tommy was just watching. Cheering on Techno.

It wasn’t an unusual situation and something Y/N expected to see as they made their way down the staircase. Wilbur in full iron armor and weapon while Techno just fought back with his own iron sword.

“Hey, Y/N! Welcome back!” Wilbur breathed out. Sweat running down the side of his face as he stopped attacking his brother.

The three men looked happily over to their sibling who slowly walked towards them but soon their expressions fell. Something was off about Y/N and it confused the three.

Their smile was as always plastered on their face but it looked strained. Their eyes wide open, trying to look sincere and loving but the glassy look of them gave off a different picture.

“Y/N? You okay?” Tommy asked as he stood up from the ground. Taking a step closer to them which made them in return stop in their tracks.

Y/N was hugging themself, shakily opening up their mouth to answer but nothing came out. It was then when Techno got very aware of how they were shaking in general.

This all seemed so wrong. This shouldn’t be possible. It just didn’t seem to register fully inside their minds.

Wilbur made sure to get rid off his sword and armor as fast as he could, walking over to his sibling, trying to get a better look at them but they just avoided his gaze.

Staring at the ground, slowly shaking their head “It’s- It’s fine. I’m fine.”

“You aren’t. You really aren’t. What happened? Did they find you?” Techno asked, his voice full with worry. A bit of anger hidden as well.

Y/N had their own little farm in order to support Pogtopia. The potatoes from Techno were great but variety is important after all. Though they also had an abundance of wheat they usually tried to smuggle into Manberg for Niki. Trying to help her out as much as possible with her taxes and work.

This time Y/N nodded “They did… It’s fine though. I’m fine. I’m not hurt. It’s all good.”

Wilbur’s frown deepened “Usually when people have to be so adamant about being okay something isn’t alright.”

Tommy nodded, supporting his statement only to whisper to himself “Adamant? What does-“

But Wilbur continued “We are your family, talk to us.”

Y/N licked their chapped lips “I’m-“

The tears finally escaped their eyes and begun streaming down their face. Sobbing they fell down on the ground. Wilbur immediately followed suit, laying his arm around them and pulling them against his chest. His hand flew up to their head and begun going through their hair, trying to calm them down. Humming a soft tune from their childhood.

It was the first time in their lives they saw Y/N break down like that and it was quite frankly shocking.

Unsure what to do with himself Tommy squatted down “Um, uh, what- what happened?”

Techno was still gripping the iron sword in his hand. Pacing up and down. Manberg found them? What the hell did they do to make Y/N break down like that? His own sibling! Whatever it was he would make sure to pay it back a thousand times over.

“Tommy can you grab them some water?” Wilbur laid his chin on top of Y/N’s head, rubbing circles now on their back.

He didn’t even hesitate, jumping up to run towards one of the chests with food items that Y/N had always ready for them. Grabbing a water bottle and running back over. Happy that he could do something else besides staring.

Tommy then pushed the bottle towards Y/N who gratefully took it, putting some space between them and Wilbur as they drank some of the cold liquid which helped them to calm down.

“You ready to tell us what happened?” Techno stopped pacing around. His gaze purely trained on his crying sibling. Anger still rising in him just like the voices.

Screaming things like “Technosib! How dare they hurt them! Protect them! I love Y/N so much! Why would anyone hurt Y/N! They always help us! Let’s help them for a change! Technosib! Let’s go out and fight them! Yeah! Blood for the Blood God and Y/N!”

Y/N’s voice was still wavering and a bit scratchy from their sobbing as they begun speaking “Hey, hey! Techno don’t concentrate on the voices. Listen to me. It’s all good.”

This somehow made Techno angry. He threw the sword away and finally knelt down next to them as well so his face was on the same eye level as theirs “Stop. Please. Stop thinking about us for one second. Stop trying to not make us uncomfortable or worried! Tell us what happened! Please.”

He was basically begging at the last part. All his worry packed into it.

“Yeah, honestly you trying to make sure everything is okay for us makes us even more worried.” It surprised the others a bit that this came from Tommy but he was correct.

Tears fell down their face again “I- I was just delivering more wheat to Niki and someone must have followed me. They followed me back to my farm and- and- they burned my fields down. There were explosions. I- it was just my farm. I did not harm. Just, why does it always have to end like this. Why do all the good things always end like this. Why can’t this place let something be. There is always something.”

The farm was so important to Y/N. It was their little project they put so much sweat, love and work into. It was their home away from home. A place to retreat and enjoy some peace. This obviously was devastating. It was their one thing they had for themself. The one thing that wasn’t there for anyone else but them.

It was also clear that this seemed to be the straw that broke the camel’s back and it broke the three a bit that they only now seemed to notice this. That it took that long and their whole farm being destroyed for the realize this was heartbreaking.

“Who?” Techno urged but Y/N shook their head.

“I don’t know. Everything went so fast and I tried to save as much as I could but- but it’s all gone. It’s all gone.” Their voice jumped up an octave at the end, burying their face against Wilbur’s shoulder again. Silently sobbing.

It should have been impossible but Wilbur’s frown deepened and his expression turned more grim “Don’t worry. We will get back at them. We will get our revenge. They will see firsthand what they did to you, I promise.”

Shocked Y/N looked up, their red and puffy eyes wide open “Wil, that’s not what I- no revenge. There is already too much misery going around I just want this to stop. I just want all of us being able to live in peace.”

Wilbur should have known that Y/N was too good natured for that but he couldn’t help himself. He was just so angry. Angry at Schlatt and Manberg. That they went for him was one thing but to go out of their way to treat Y/N like this? Let’s just say he put it on the list in bold letters with reasonings on why he will get back at the Manberg faction.

“Listen Y/N.” Techno begun, his voice now calm again “Stop it. Just for once think about yourself. Stop thinking about others for once. You are also worthy of the same care you give us. Let us at least help rebuild your farm. You always help us with our projects, let us help you with yours.”

Tommy seemed to lit up at that “That sounds like a good idea! We could build towers around your new farm and make sure no one gets in! We could put down traps and all!”

He really wasn’t sure how to react but that was at least something he could do for them. As the past General’s right hand man, this should be something he can do. If he couldn’t protect his sibling how could he ever hope to get L’Manberg back.

Wilbur seemed to think about it for a bit but agreed “Yeah, how does that sound?” Though the dark glint in his eyes stayed. The cogs in head still running off with his own thoughts.

“You guys would? Since when can you guys build?” a dry laugh escaped them but it was a laugh nonetheless.

Both Tommy and Wilbur looked almost appalled at that claim while Techno just shrugged and nodded. Just looking around Pogtopia was more functioning than good looking after all. Y/N tried to pretty it up a bit but usually something always happened around here.

“Also Y/N, please talk to us more. Don’t bottle everything up. Please. We worry a lot about you and we love you. You always do so much for us, let us do the same.” Wilbur pushed Y/N a bit off of him and looked them deep into their eyes, hoping that this would really hammer in that this was a genuine plea.

As a respone Y/N wiped the tears off their face “I understand. I’ll try to remember that.”

“Don’t try just do it.”

[warcrimesimulator]

Oliver, 8/7/21 - 12/25/21

When my cat Noodle gave birth to three kittens on that early morning of August 7, I had no intention to keep them- raise them until they're old enough to surrender to the humane society, I told myself. I never intended for them to even exist in the first place, after all. I begged my parents to get Noodle fixed, which would, of course, mean aborting the kittens inside her.

But alas, Noodle gave birth to three seemingly healthy kittens that I never wanted. Except for one. The moment I saw that dark orange tabby with the swirled stripes, I knew I had to keep him. Oliver, a reference to a little orange cat of the same name from an animated Disney film I loved as a child.

I never really expected any of these kittens to die, but in early October, I lost the little gray girl. At that point I decided I'd keep the remaining two.

Oliver was a chaotic little creature. Very food aggressive- always growling. Bit me a few times while trying to steal food straight out of my hands. Tore up my brand new computer chair I had gotten from Ikea (although his brother also helped in that.) The vacuum cleaner was his greatest enemy. He was always standing on my laptop keyboard or falling asleep on top of the mousepad.

Despite being a chaotic little creature, though, he bonded strongly to me. The little guy loved people. If I was at my desk, he'd always be on my lap, or on top of the desk behind my laptop. If I was using my laptop on the bed, he was beside me (unless I had that one really soft blanket he hated and avoided like the plague, for whatever reasons.) At night he'd curl up under the covers and sleep nestled in at my side.

For four long, long months Oliver was the light of my life, and I was expecting him to live many years with me. I was preparing to get him neutered and to get his rabies vaccination. I even bought a harness for him so I could take him outside when he was fully grown. It was all in perfect timing, it felt- last year my beloved cat Millie ran away after someone left the front door open, and Oliver's presence was like the final step of healing from that loss. But on December 9, illness struck suddenly. It didn't seem like a big deal at first- sometimes cats get nauseous and lethargic, just like people do. But he never got better. I couldn't afford the diagnostics from an emergency vet, and I could only hope that the de-wormer, antibiotic, and anti-nausea meds I was given would save him. And for a few days, it seemed hopeful. But then he got worse again and it was a downward spiral from there. By the very end he wasn't even able to jump up on my bed anymore, and was anemic from a flea infestation I was trying to control to no success. And he died on this cold Christmas morning.

I'll never know what happened. I don't know if it was an intestinal obstruction or some sort of congenital illness. I don't know if this death was inevitable or if, had my family given me the money, he could have been saved- perhaps, even, if it could have been an easy fix. Thinking about the very real potential that this all could have been prevented fills me with despair and even rage, and I'll have to forever live with knowing that Maybe all of this was unnecessary and if something was done from the start, he could be sleeping beside me right now, as he always did, healthy and happy.

I'll never even know what specifically killed him. Did he starve to death? Did the anemia kill him? Did his body just go into toxic shock from long-term constipation? The last few hours of his life were spent in what was basically a vegetative state- his eyes were open, but he was not responsive and didn't seem to be conscious at all.

The unanswered questions and what-ifs that I'll have for the rest of my life hurt as much as the loss itself.

This is the last picture I took of him before he got sick, chilling with mama Noodle on my bed:

Oliver was a good boy. A great boy. He was my greatest non-human friend, and also my biggest regret. He should have never existed.

I hope he knows he was loved, even in those two weeks of suffering leading to the end.

[winter-fox-queen]

I only have my self to blame...

Frankie Morales x you fic 

Tags:  A lot of cursing.  So much cursing.  Drug use.  Angst.  

Summary:  I kept thinking about the coke rap they mention in the story.  And I thought, what if Frankie was innocent?  So most of this is about that, with a tense change so that when the reader enters the picture, it’s “you” -- no y/n.

I have never written a fic before.  I am no nervous AT ALL.  But I wanted to give something back, even though it’s not really romantic.  I logged into my laptop so I could use cuts.  XD  I am ashamed at how long it took me to remember my password.

2,083 words.

It was, really, a bullshit coke rap, but it was still Frankie’s fault.  He was flying one of the boss’s nicer planes, a pretty little Cessna Caravan, fitted out for luxury in the back, a curtain separating the pilot from the main cabin.  The curtain was partly folded back, so the rich folks in the cabin behind him with their booze, lounging in their leather seats don’t have to stare at the back of Frankie’s tousled, ball cap covered head.  

It also meant that he could hear what they were saying, the headset over one ear was quiet, but he’d already decided they were a bag of dicks and he wasn’t going to pay attention to them, as they laughed like a bunch of frat boys behind him.  There was a mirror, angled so he could see what was going on, and once in awhile he’d look.  There were five men and one woman, the men acting like a bunch of frat boys, the woman trying to pretend she was amused.

Frankie knew, of course, that the trouble was men like that made that secret chip on his shoulder come out. The one he tried to ignore.  Because I’m better than that, right?  They ain’t got nothing that I want.  But they did.  They didn’t have to worry about money…they didn’t have a new baby to worry about, they didn’t have to play the game of if-I-pay-this-bill-I-can-pretend-I-didn’t-get-that-one.  He was tired, worried about his lady, scared that he was going to fucking fail her, fail their little girl, Luna.  

He let out a long, pent up sigh.  He itched to put on some music, was considering it when the shuffle of curtain fabric told him he was no longer alone.

The sole woman from the back gave him a shy smile.  “Do you mind? They’re acting like idiots back there.” She had a stylish, blunt cut, a white button shirt and a short, black skirt.  Everything was fitted perfectly so the clothes molded against her.  It looked polished rather than cheap.  He smiled politely  and shrugged as she arranged herself gracefully into the copilot chair.

“So, you said your name was Frankie?”  She reached out with a foot and nudged his chair.  She’d shed her high heels, and, despite the shortness of her skirt was gathering her legs under her.  

Lady, you might as well have a danger sign around your neck.  He nodded, feeling a little out of his depth.  

“Macey.  Pleasure to meet you.  You been a pilot long?”

He nodded.

“You don’t speak much, do you?”  She was flirty enough that even he, usually captain obvious, caught on.

He gave her a sidelong look. “I’m trying to figure out how to slip the face I have a wife and kid into the conversation.”  Wife was a stretch.  He wanted to marry you, he dreamed about it.  He wanted to give you everything – a nice ring, a pretty dress. A day to be a be special, to feel loved. Proof to all your  friends and family that he could take care of you, that he was worthy.  He was scraping up money, setting it aside.  If he didn’t go for a diamond, maybe he could get her something else nice. Maybe an opal.  Opal rings couldn’t be that expensive, right?

She laughed.  “Sorry.  I’m bored.” She held up a hand.  “Scout’s honor, I will do nothing to hurt your marriage.”

He gave her a grin.  “Well, then, tell me a story.”

“A story?”

“Yeah.  Once we touch down in…”  He looked at the time “About two hours, we won’t see each other again. So tell me a story.  Something you’ve always wanted to tell someone, but you couldn’t.”

She arched an eyebrow provocatively.

“Not like that, not a secret.  Just a story you want to tell.  Can be anything, I don’t care.”

She looked bemused for a second.  Then she starts, haltingly, as if she’s never had t actually make real conversation.  As if she’s never had anyone to listen to her.  And the thing is, she’s funny.  Clever. He finds himself laughing as he does his thing, even throwing back a couple of smart remarks of his own.  She has a gift of making him feel like he has a wicked sense of humor, and for a little bit, the cares he’s been harboring fall silent.  

So does the cabin behind him, once.  He has a mirror, set low, so he can see behind him.  The ringleader of the group is glaring at him, not looking too happy.

Well, fuck him. What can he do?  

A lot, apparently.

They land, and Macey gets up to go out the back.  “Thanks, Frankie.  Good luck with everything.”

“You, too, thanks for passing the time with me,” he says, and sets about the tasks.  He checks gauges, writes things down, and finally, goes back and checks over the cabin.  He gets out a basin from a cabinet and puts the used rocks glasses in it.  He won’t wash them – he’ll just dump the basin on the sideboard inside the hanger.  He doesn’t have to do the cleaning, but Allie, the janitor who usually cleaned up the planes, had hurt her back and everything, like picking up candy bar wrappers and throwing them away, checking the seats to see if anything had been left behind was an extra chore she did not need.

The plastic baggy was almost invisible against the beige leather of the seats.  He picked it up, made a shocked little huff, like he’d put his hand on a snake.  Coke. A pretty good amount of it, too. The old craving raised its head, making his hand shake a little.  He heard voices, and shoved the baggy in his pocket.  I’ll pitch it.  He had to take a leak, anyway, he’d go, flush that garbage down the toilet, and there. Done.  He wasn’t that man any more.  It was the one thing he could do for you.

He grabbed the waste basket and put it next to the door, grabbed the tub of glasses and put it under his arm.

“Frankie?  You in there?”

“Yeah, boss…coming.”  Snagging the clipboard to put on top of the glasses so he’d have a free hand if he needed it, he went down the steps and onto the tarmac.

Hector stood there, hands in his pockets, looking ore hang dog than usual.  “Yeah, boss?”

“The passengers said you were flying high, Frankie.”

That stopped him dead, like to concussion from a bomb, hitting his face and chest and taking out the air in his lungs.  “What? No, I’d never…”  

“They said that they saw you – just before take off.  And you know, I don’t want to believe it, but looking at your eyes…they do look awful red.”

“I’ve been up late with Luna.  She’s not been sleeping that great, and I can’t leave it all on…”

Hector nodded, as if he believed him, but Frankie had a feeling he didn’t.  He’d give real money to know exactly what the fuck had been said. “Turn out your pockets, Frankie.”

You jackass.    He attacked himself.  Did you really think they just accidentally left that much coke behind? You fucking jackass.  “I found some shit they left behind, but you gotta believe me, Hector, I am clean.  I’ve been clean for a couple years now.”

“Just show me your pockets, son, then we can just leave this behind.”

He took the coke out. “I told you, I found it on the plane.”

Hector shook his head, and started to walk away.  

“Look, I’ll take a test.” He jogged a little, caught the other man’s arm.  “Seriously. You can watch to make sure I’m not cheating.  You’ll see. I’m clean.  I’ll take a drug test right now.”

“You just happened to find a baggy of coke?  That the passengers happened to leave behind?  And why would they accuse you, if it’s not true?”

Frankie dropped his hand. I guess you wouldn’t believe me if I said some asshole thought I was flirting with his girl and thought he’d get back at me…hell, I’m not sure I believe it.

“I’ll be reporting you. They’ll suspend you.  Maybe they will go easy on you, you being a Vet and this being your first offense…but you need to clean out your locker.  I’ll write a check for what we owe you.”

“I…I need this job.” He could hear an edge of pleading in his voice, and he hated it, but he’d go down on his fucking knees and beg if he had to.

Hector’s eyes hardened. “And I don’t need to send a druggie up in one of my planes.”

**

Frankie took the back roads home.  There was an old farm gate, a place where he could pull off the road and stare, blindly, at overgrown fields.  

“What am I gonna do?” He whispered, over and over, like a mantra.  “What am I gonna fucking do?”  His hands clutched the steering wheel, knuckles white.  He could barely breathe, and when the words wouldn’t come he just sat there, panting, beating his head against the steering when and wondering how he’d survive this.

When his breathing steadied, he got back on the road, and went home.  It was the only thing he could do.

You knew something was wrong, he could see it, but he wasn’t being exactly subtle, pressing his spine against the doorframe like he was ready to run.

“Hey baby,” you say, and he smiles a little.  Tries, anyway.

“Where’s Luna?”  He’s surprised how hoarse his voice is.  He shouldn’t be.  He’d been in some bad situations, but he’d never felt this a drift, this terrified.

“Laying down.”  You say it sweetly, like everything is OK.  You’re cooking bread in the over, something’s in the crock pot and everything smells like home and like everything left to lose.

You lean against the sink. If you reached out, you could almost touch him, but you don’t.  There’s a look in your eyes, like Frankie is a wild animal, easily spooked and so you’re going to move slow and careful.

“I lost my job.”  He says it so quietly he’s not sure you heard, until your shoulders drop a little.  

“Oh, honey, what happened?” No recrimination.  Not yet.  You take a step closer to him.

So he tells you.  He doesn’t lie, just lays it all out there.  Not looking at you, not daring to, instead staring at the refrigerator door and all the magnets and photos and clutter.  But seeing them, either.

“He didn’t believe you?” You practically shriek it out.  “What the fuck…you’ve been an awesome employee for what?  A year and a half now  and he wouldn’t even let you take a damned test to let you prove yourself? Seriously?  I’m going to kick his ass…”

The baby monitor interrupts her, Luna making fitful little noises.  After all, the house was not that big.  You hold a finger up to Frankie.  “Hold that thought.”  You leave the kitchen, shaking your head, and Frankie stands there, feeling like he’s on the edge of the precipice.  

“Ah, Luna, baby, what’s wrong?”  He can hear you, a much gentler, sweeter voice echoing out of the monitor.  He stands over it, hands clutching the counter on either side of it, listening.  You are both everything to him.  Everything.

He listens to you say nonsense as you change the little baby, to you muttering about how such a tiny, adorable thing can smell so bad.  “You must get it from your daddy,”  you say a little louder, as if you know Frankie is there, listening, and he grins a little.

He doesn’t move, when you come back out into the kitchen, when you wrap your arms around him.  You hug him tight and he starts to feel a little less adrift.  

He turns, looks down into your eyes.  “You believe me?”  Puts his arms around you carefully, like he’s still not sure of his reception, because he still doesn’t feel like he deserves this, the right to touch you.  

You reach up and cradle his cheek.  “Always, mi vida.  Always.” And he starts shaking, and he starts crying and he buries his face in your neck so you can’t see, and you toss aside the ball cap so you can stroke his hair.  “It’s going to be alright, honey.  We’ll figure it out.  Its going to be alright.”

[edourado]

Off script

I did it. I worte something in the middle of the night and finished it just now.  This is me stretching my writing muscles. It’s unrevised and more than a little bit on the “trash” department, but I wrote it, so I thought I’d share it. 

It’s Kastle. Obviously. 

I have to go. I’ll review it when I come back from the vet with my dog. 

Thanks. Bye. Hope you like it. It’s trash.

-------

She had been very matter of factly. Way more than he anticipated, and he had anticipated it. 

He, on the other hand, had been ridiculous. Completely and undeniably ridiculous, unable to act according to his own resolutions. 

Frank had, for lack of a better word, rehearsed it. Their first meeting since their last one, that one where he just vomited words on her face, spoke without thinking, acted on momentary emotions, letting his confusion, his trauma, his stubbornness and pig headedness do the talking, resulting in distance, estrangement and, most definitely, deep, profound hurt. 

It had been their first meeting since that day, but not their first contact. Surprisingly, at the same time their strange relationship agonized, hers with Madani flourished, a friendship that was both startling and predictable. 

Friendship and professional collaboration, more often than not. And it had spilled on him, this time. 

(If ever she had children, Madani would make a very overbearing mother, Frank was willing to bet. She won him over by sheer persistence, and he was known as a stubborn man himself. Not delicately or diplomatically at all, she strongarmed him into consulting on her cases, forced a “job” both on him and her agency, cornered and bullied him into working for her, only to leave him wondering how the hell he had gotten there.)

And there he was, because of two women’s partnership, sitting on a bench in Battery park, watching as the wind made long strands of Karen’s hair twirl around her face, eventually catching on her lip, only to be pulled out by a finger while she talked, looking at a bunch of papers, explaining things to him that he should be listening, he should be paying attention, but he had just missed her so much, so much more than he even knew, it was like a punch to the stomach. 

“He was in Jersey on the 7th, by my accounts, but then he was tagged on a social media post, attending a party in Dubai three days later. That time window could be important, because Alec was-”

He heard none of it. He should, Madani was chasing this guy all around the country, and now he was going international for less than kosher reasons, and it was his job to predict his movements and place him somewhere she could catch him, and Karen had all this information - when did she not? - but right now he couldn’t even remember said guy’s name, much less why he should care where he was. 

Because she looked amazing. She sounded amazing and even smelled amazing, like something fresh and coffee and paper. 

She had looked at him so strangely, a simple “hi Frank” to make him turn around when she got to his bench, a polite “you look well” after sitting down, a “no, thanks” when he asked if she wanted some coffee from the place across the street. Karen hadn’t dwelled on their previous meeting, hadn’t asked questions about what he had been up to, didn’t really give him a chance to look too deep into her eyes, focusing on the file she had for him, notes for him to pass to Madani when she came back from Moscow, because he would see her first. 

And Frank had predicted this. He wasn’t a complete moron, and his last words to her still sounded clear as day in his mind, even if he was all banged and drugged up on the occasion. He knew she would not be warm and inviting, knew she would be hurt still, even wondered if she hadn’t followed his advice on Matt Murdock, or someone else. It stung like a bitch to think about that, but he had considered it, to prepare for this ten minute lunch break meeting, he had spent almost six nights running through different scenarios in his mind, to prepare himself. 

All in vain. All of those scenarios and rehearsed routes of conversation down the drain the moment he had seen her, heels and skirt and flowy blouse, a collapsing bun on the base of her neck, the wind, the collar of her coat and her own movements pulling and pushing strands loose. 

“He does have a daughter, though, but she is not as nearly as careful as he is. Loves flaunting the rich life on Instagram, she films everything, and I got to see that her driver was the same guy that was in Jersey with-”

Curtis had been very vocal about how stupid Frank had been when he narrated the hospital room events to him, and he didn’t even know Karen. 

“I don’t know her”, he had said over beers and an ignored game on TV. “I don’t need to know her, Frank, I just need to not be an idiot. Which you are, by the way, let’s make that clear.”

If he knew her, Frank was pretty sure Curt would smack him upside the head. If he could see her right then, ticking off items from her list, her pen poised on her hand as she went, sitting there with that file on her legs, looking at Frank from time to time to see if he followed - which he definitely didn’t - the crease on her brow when she focused on an item, the sheer blue of her eyes, the curve of her neck before the collar of her coat folded over skin, those stray hair locks lifting and falling with the breeze. 

Frank realized he was sitting turned towards her when his knee touched the back of the bench. Suddenly, he realized he had an elbow where his back was supposed to be, and his hand was supporting his face while he looked - stared - at her.

He was staring, full on staring, and found himself quite unable to stop. 

“The problem is”, she went on. “I can’t find any record of him planning to go to Dubai. I don’t even know how he got there. His name is in no manifesto I can find, and his plane is still parked here.”

Frank had forgotten how good he felt whenever he heard her voice. He had come to expect the soothing sensation that washed over him when they spoke, even the funny feeling that would run through his skin whenever he knew he was gonna see her. But it had been a while, now, and it shocked him a little bit, that feeling. It made him want to close his eyes and get closer to her, maybe touch his nose to that spot under her ear, over that birthmark, to investigate further on the delicate scent of her shampoo. Or, maybe, rest his head on her legs, to enjoy the sound of her voice without worrying about keeping himself sitting straight. 

He had been far from her for many months, and suddenly he wanted to extinguish that distance, nullify it, get as close to her as he could. He found it quite a strong urge, and discovered himself both uncappable and unwilling to resist it.  

“I don’t know how long he’ll be away”, she said as he leaned closer. “But he couldn't be very long, I doubt he’d delegate that much responsibility here, there’s too much going o-”

Contradicting everything he had told himself he would say or do, Frank saw his hand, lifting and reaching for her face, in no hurry, at the same time she lifted her own hand to move another lock of hair away from her eyes.

Karen looked at him when she saw his hand, a question in her eyes, and sucked in a surprised breath just before he caught her cheek and leaned forward, noses bumping before his mouth touched hers.

Not exactly a shock. Not an electric current like he had felt when he kissed Maria for the first time, or that buzz that had happened when he kissed her cheek that one time by the waterfront. Strangely, his mouth over Karen’s felt familiar, soothing, like he had done it a million times, even if he knew very well he hadn’t, was painfully aware of every single time he did not kiss her. 

She tensed against him, and her lips parted in surprise, which had been very, very pleasant - a friction against his own lips, rearranging slightly, opening up even if involuntarily - and he was about to pull back when he noticed she didn’t. 

With absolutely no notion of time, he waited a second or maybe an hour, before he moved his mouth against hers, trying a bit, tasting a bit, enjoying a lot, instantly addicted to the peculiar feeling of kissing her. 

His hand moved on her face, and the tip of his fingers found strands of hair. The edge of his teeth found the delicate skin of her lower lip, and he nibbled on it lightly before leaning further towards her, opening his mouth and creasing his brow in pleasure when she opened up further to him, tumbling her head back a degree or two, her small sigh threatening to dismantle him there where he sat. 

Her hand found his wrist when the tip of his tongue touched hers, and there it was, that jolt, exposed live wires touching, and he tightened his grip on her face at the same time she wrenched her mouth away from his, her forehead touching his while she exhaled sharply. 

“Jesus Christ”, she whispered. “Frank, what the hell?”

“I’m an idiot” were the words that came out of his mouth, both hands on her face now, sitting sideways on that very public bench, fulfilling his fantasy of touching his nose to the patch of skin under her ear, kissing the spot his lips touched, noticing her hand on his wrist was not pulling it away, noticing her posture had slumped a bit, she relaxed against the bench. “Fuck, I’m an idiot”.

“You’re… You’re aggravating, that’s what you are”, she said, her tone suggesting a reprimand, frustration, her movements indicating surrender, head tossing back to stretch her neck under his mouth, the hand not holding his against her face pulling on the fabric of his own coat. Pulling it towards her. 

Frank smiled. 

“Right back at ya.”

It was maybe not the best place to do this. A park in the middle of the day, with parents walking their children around, people on lunch breaks - just like Karen was - coming and going to and from all directions, perhaps it was not a good idea to just close his eyes and lose track of his surroundings like this, lose himself in her mouth and focus on nothing but her kisses, how her lips pressed against his and how her mouth opened willingly, how her tongue made a sort of shiver run laps around his spine. 

She made him mellow, he realized. Not just now, she always made him want to let go of everything he was holding, from deep embedded hate and guns to the sheer notion of reality and time around him, and that’s why he pushed her away at the same time he refused to let go of her, resulting in her hurt and confusion, the definition of those “mixed signals” people loved to talk about. 

Fucking great, Frank. Good job. 

“Oh God, ok, ok, wait wait wait”, she said, extricating herself from him one more time when the file she had on top of her legs tumbled to the floor. “I have- I have to go back, to the… To the office, I’m late already, what the hell, Frank?”

He picked up the file from the floor, gathering a page that had fallen from it and batting park dust from it.     

“I’m sorry”, he breathed, not really sorry at all for today, sorry for all those other times she reached for him so hard, only to have her hand and hopes swatted away. “I’m”, he let out a sigh, looking in her eyes, huge on him, lips parted and then not, her breathing a tad heavy, cheeks flushed. 

Curt was right. He was an idiot. 

.:.

She agreed to talk to him. 

He didn’t know what they would talk about, but that’s what they agreed on. To talk later that same day, because she had to go back to work, so they had gotten up from that bench and she had smoothed a hand down her clothes, gathering herself. 

Karen started saying something about a place she new near her apartment, where they could get a coffee and talk, more private than a park, but a curl of her hair had come to rest on her collarbone, twisting elegantly on a large curl, and Frank had found himself, again, taking a step forward and interrupting her, mouth over hers, pressing not so gently, and she let out a sort of hesitant chuckle when she pushed him away this time, closing her eyes and lifting her hand to her lips, shaking her head and then looking at him again. 

Now that he had started it, it was hard to stop. 

She said she would text him the address of the cafe, and looked at him with a sort of amused expectation before she walked away.

True to her word, she did text him the name and address of a small cafe, and it looked cozy when he walked by it on his way to her place. 

Not that he planned on climbing the fire escape and sitting there for an hour before she got off work. Frank had not planned to go there, he just found himself walking, his legs taking him there by their own accord, the memory of her teeth against his lip and her tongue against his dictating where he was going, making him walk straight by the place she told him to go, around the block and up the metal ladder. 

He sat there for what felt like forever, a cold breeze nipping his face, until he heard the familiar noise of her heels against pavement, her gait like an alarm clock, and he opened the window at the same time she opened the door downstairs. 

He was ready to apologise, again, for the scare he would give her when she opened her front door to find him standing in the dark in the middle of her living room, but she just looked straight at him and shook her head, closing the door behind her again. 

“I knew it”, she said, to which he smiled in spite of himself, legs on autopilot again, taking one two three steps towards the door while she stood there taking her coat off. “Jesus, what has gotten into yo-” she started to ask before he interrupted her for the third time that day, both hands on her face, taking full advantage of the privacy of her dark apartment, opening his mouth immediately to her kisses, delighted by the arms that sneaked their way up his chest and around his neck, hands on his face and down his back, gripping the fabric of his shirt, she kissed him so fully, without any guard, and he loved her for it. 

He loved her for kissing him like this, he loved her for being so stubborn, loved her for standing up to him, standing with him, for pointing that gun at him that one time, for sitting with him in the hospital, for crying for his family, for fighting for him when she didn’t even know who the hell he was. 

Frank loved her so much and he had known it for so long, but the realization hit like a brick to the forehead nonetheless.

“You are an idiot”, she said right after kicking her shoes off and helping him off his coat. 

“Yeah”, he agreed, pulling on the string on her collarbone, undoing the knot that kept her top together. “I know.”  

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Queen of Masks ~ Alfie Solomons

Life as a woman, in any country really, isn’t the best, unless you score a jackpot with the most gentle, sweetest man and you become his housewife and agree to be some kind of baby factory and a maid, should he not have enough to provide for one, and a chef, nonetheless.

However, there are enough ambitious women who have enough spite in their veins to trample over anyone standing in their path of success, and would spit on graves and crush cadavers under their heeled boots that they wear with much pride and conviction.

That is exactly the case of Y/N, a gorgeous woman who won against all odds and became a Veterinary Physician in London, Camden, to be precise, and had to work under an older man who had a clinic - But it was fine, she got to learn loads, and interacting with animals on a daily basis was enough to keep her going and not to answer to any provocation from her male colleague who was far inferior to her, intellectually and intuitively speaking.

And one day, after tending to a gorgeous black race stallion, a tall and broad man walked in with a Bullmastiff boy who, upon seeing her, managed to snatch away his chain leash and jumped on her, trampling her to the ground and licking her all over her face.

The man jumped in shock, trying to pry away his pet from the poor woman, only to notice she was laughing and that he face was bright like the sun, as she tried to wipe away all the slobber from her face.

“I’m so sorry, aye, he’s never done somethin’ like this before. Here, let me help you up, right.” the man extended his hand for her to take, helping raise her up, then reprimanded his dog. “Don’t worry, mister, it’s quite alright. I kinda like when animals act so affectionate, it makes it feel as if I’m doing something right. What’s your name, darling? Let’s get you up on the table...Arghh...What a heavy baby...You’re gonna break every bone in my body...” the woman sweet talked the dog, struggling to hold him in her arms like a baby so she could put in on the table to examine. “He’s name’s Cyril, I got him last year. ‘S just a routine check up, but I think there’s a bump on his neck, yeah, right here.” the man explained, letting the girl palpate his dog and continuing to sweet talk him to calm him down. “Thyroid Carcinoma.” the male doctor spoke, which made the girl whip her head to him with a disturbed look. “Thyroid Cancer? Surely, you must be joking. Have you even been to Vet school?!” Y/N protested, shaking her head in protest at his sudden diagnosis. “What else could a bump in the thyroid area mean? Don’t play smart, just be humble and accept when you’re wrong.” the man rolled his eyes, not lifting his head from his papers. “First of all, even if it IS a tumour, it doesn’t HAVE to be cancer, it can still be completely harmless, thus, benign. Secondly, out of all tumours a dog can have, thyroid cancer is the least common one, the percentage going to maximum 2%. Therefore, NOT cancer! Besides, it could be hyperthyroidism, if you want to go over the top, but again, it could just be something the owner felt because something got stuck in his neck and-....Oh.” the girl then carefully touched the neck area, and smiled widely, looking down, nodding to herself. “What? You shut up ‘cause you finally realised I was right, despite your useless statistics?” the doctor grumbled in annoyance, not caring, obviously. “Wanna bet 100 pounds that it’s not cancer?” she asked, kissing Cyril’s head and playing with his floppy ears, action which made the dog bark playfully. “Ah, sorry, mister, I didn’t ask for your name and whether you find it insensitive or not for us to bet on a diagnosis.” she smiled awkwardly, extending her hand towards the bearded man who was watching the interaction carefully. “Alfie Solomons, lass, but call me just Alfie, right? So, yeah, ‘s fine, bet all you want, just make my boy better, eh?” Alfie shook the girl’s hand, seeing her cunningly going to the other doctor and spitting in her hand to shake and make the bet go through.  “Okay, Alfie, you might want to step to the side a bit...If you value your shoes, that it. They look pretty new.” she chuckled softly, signing him with her head to move to the side, and so he did, as she made the dog vomit, and thus, revealing a small ball. “Oi, I can’t believe it! You stupid dog, Cyril, aye, how could you manage to swallow your own toy, yeah?!” Alfie gasped, his brows furrowing from shock. “Weirdly enough, dogs, especially big ones, are prone to swallowing little things, just like human babies are. It was small enough to just make him cough, but it’s a good thing you got him here in time.” the girl started quickly cleaning up the floor as she explained everything, as the Jew was still staring in shock at the idiocy of some animals. “Well, lass, thank you for solving the mystery, yeah, of whatever the hell this was, right. So, then, tell me how much I have to pay you for this consult, aye.” Alfie asked, which made her snap her head upwards, looking up at him, her eyes wide in shock. “No, God, no, nothing, it’s on me! I mean, if it weren’t for you...” Y/N smirked, reminding Alfie of a vixen, as she twirled around and went to snatch away the hundred pounds banknotes from her employer’s hand, who was looking at her with anger and bitterness. “I wouldn’t have been paid more than I’m paid in 3 months in just one day! It’s the least I can do to thank you...And to also see Cyril again, because I think it’s a connection. Right, Cyril? You’re such a sweet baby boy-....ARGH, GODS, NO-...!” but before the girl could compose herself, Cyril jumped on her torso, knocking her down again, coating her face in yet another sleek coat of drool from the lickings. “Damn it, Cyril, you’re impossible! Let the poor lass live, eh? I know, I know, she’s pretty, but leave her alone, alright?” after he finally managed to pry away the canine, he helped the girl up, who, once again, was laughing. “Let me make it up to you, yeah, for all the trouble this prankster’s been giving you, right. I’ve this bakery, y’know, the one nearby, so, anything you want, yeah, anything, you ask for it, you say my name, right, you say Alfie owes you a favour, and it’s all on the house, eh. How’s that.” he spoke, and he could see that her overly confident and extra demeanour shattered in an instant, making her look down, her beautiful, long hair hiding her features, as she was most likely blushing and smiling. “O-Oh, then, if that’s your bakery, means I’ve heard of you, you’re THE Alfie Solomons. Yeah, I’d love that, if you’d have me, but I told you, you don’t have to. I used you to get money worth of about 3 months, or more, so really, I should be thanking you somehow, but I don’t really have anything else to offer, other than to pay for the consult myself.” her serious, boastful voice turned very soft and shy, as fast as the flick of her fingers, as she walked him out of the clinic, so only he would hear. “Your boss there...He seemed kinda...Angry, eh. Are you gonna be fine dealing with him, lass?” he asked, bending down a bit, speaking to her tone level. “I guess. What’s the worst he can do, anyway. Besides, I care more about this conversation right now, and...About this.” she smirked softly, showing off the rolled pounds from her coat’s chest pocket. “So, Mr. Gangster, is there any specific time you’d be okay with me coming by the bakery? Maybe...Under the pretext of yet another regular check up on Cyril? Or...The smell of freshly baked cookies just captured me enough to find myself senselessly walking into the place?” she asked, diving her hands into her pockets, waiting for an answer, too timid to look him in the eye. “Ahhh, I see you’ve heard of me. Well, lass, I guess I can’t pretend to be some ordinary man, right, but maybe we can still enjoy a nice chat once in a while, eh, it would be nice, right?” the corner of Alfie’s mouth turned upwards, extending his hand for her to shake. “Y/N L/N, it’s great meeting you, Alfie. And yeah, it would be great. I’ll be seeing you around, alright? Hope I’ll see you soon and maybe we can have a nice cup of tea and anything that you’ve baked. I’m looking forward to that.” she shook his hand, smiling brightly at him, gesture which he turned. “And I’ll be seeing you as well, sweetheart.” with that, she kissed Cyril’s head once again, before waving Alfie goodbye and walking back into the clinic. “And I’ll be seeing you too...Y/N.” the gangster muttered, grinning at his dog and praising him with a few pats on his head. “Cyril, my boy, you’re my lucky charm.”

A week passed, and Y/N walked into the bakery - However, it wasn’t the front up, the bakery shop that smelled heavenly - It meant the gangster warehouse where Alfie would usually conduct his business meetings. And, of course, it was shocking to him when heard the click of heels and saw a beautiful, slender woman, dressed in high-waisted pants, with a black turtleneck tucked in her pants, beautiful brown leather boots with heels and a black trench coat that elegantly, yet imposingly hung from her shoulders, as if she was some kind of mafia Queen - Elegant, but deadly.

“Hello, Alfie. I heard you have a job around this place. Not sure what it is...Medic? Secretary? Dog-walker? Maybe you could fill me in.” she asked, her hands in her pants, fidgeting in her spot. “Where’ve you heard about this...Supposed job, eh, lass? And why’d you quit your job from the clinic, eh?” he asked, his fingers intertwining as he leaned forward, elbows rested on his desk. “Ah, well...Y’know...I got my medical license pulled, so I need a way to make money, and you’re the only one that I trusted not to treat me like garbage, so here I am. I know there’s no job, but I had to try my luck and be comedic in a way. It’s probably about the only thing I’m good at, sort of. It’s fine if you don’t want to give me a job, I mean, you can’t trust me with your business info after just speaking to me once, I can imagine, and - “ she kept on ranting, until Alfie raised both his hands in the air to calm her down and stop her speaking, before he raised to his feet, getting in front of the desk and leaning back on it. “Well, I did owe you a favour, right, so, sure, you’re hired, right, I’ll find you something. While we’re at it, can you, yeah, can you fire a gun?” he asked, with a mix of seriousness and playfulness in his voice. “Is it...In the job requirements?” she asked, looking around the place with a fake kind of curiosity. “There’s no job seeking, yeah, so, therefore, no job requirements. I was just being curious, alright, y’know, I have to know what everyone around is capable of, okay.” he explained, which made her smirk and turn on her heel to look at him. “That’s only fair. After all, now that you know that I’m particularly incapable of defending myself against people in general, you’ll just have to be extra careful to keep me safe, right, Alfie? We wouldn’t want Cyril to grieve over me, would we?” she chuckled, extending her arms to her side in a dramatic manner. “Haha, yes, lass, I s’ppose you’re right. Can you handle more than one job, eh? I can hire you as a physician, right, but we don’t always have wounded men, yeah, so, you’re a smart woman, alright, I’m sure you are very capable of reading, writing, doing calculus and other stuff that involves using your head, right, so, I don’t know what name will this job have, but, maybe an assistant of sort, eh? Ollie here helps me out a lot, yeah, but he can’t do everything, he ain’t some God, y’know.” Alfie gesticulated, pointing towards Ollie, then tried to explain to her that things are serious, and not to be taken lightly. “Guess this is gonna be the thrill of my life, huh? I’m in, Alfie. At least I can get along with you without fearing having my license pulled-...Oh, wait, I have nothing to fear about anymore.” she chuckled in a self-deprecating way, making Alfie cross his arms to his chest. “You never told me what happened. Go on, tell me. I’m sure you didn’t kill a dog, or somethin’, you’re too smart a doctor to fuck up.” his curiosity got the better of him, as he saw her turning to look at him, her eyes wide, her mouth slightly agape, and he could almost see her brain gears moving, trying to think of a witty answer. “Didn’t you say something about freshly baked goodies and tea? I bet that’s gonna be a much more...Hospitable way of chatting with your new employee, wouldn’t it? Or better said, friendlier? I mean, this place is so...Ugly and humid...Only good for gangster business. The echo here, if you shout, can intimidate anyone, I’m sure. Come on, show me the actual bakery...And you better have a gramophone. I like music.” she smiled up at him, hooking her arm to his, pulling him in a random direction to urge him to guide her to the bakery, where the beautiful smell of bread and cookies mesmerised her, and she playfully swooned in her chair. “I see you’re enjoying this place very much, eh. Well, can’t say I expected you coming today, so I didn’t bake them myself, yeah, but I’ll make it up to you. Sure you want tea and not rum or somethin’?” Alfie asked, a bit awkward staying at the cute little table, with a cute, little cup of tea in his bear-like hands. “Yes, I’m quite sure, Alfie. But it’s fine, you don’t have to drink what I’m drinking, I won’t think of you any differently. In your home, you do as you please.” she chuckled at him, watching as he nodded solemnly, only to down that tea in one go, small droplets of liquid embedding themselves in his beard. “Right, right, I understand, y’er a people pleaser, you want everyone to like you, unless it goes against whatever scheme you have. You’re smart, alright. Very smart, and you’ve sharp eyes, and are cunning. I need someone like you around, yeah. But tell me, how’d you manage to lose your dream job in a week?” Alfie asked, extending his hand to gently grab her chin, pulling it so he could peer right into her gorgeous, vixen-like eyes. “Remember the bet I did when you came around with Cyril? Well, apparently that jerk got mad at me for, to quote, steal his money, so he filed a malpractice lawsuit to get his money back, 5 times more, and pulled away my license, to get revenge on me for humiliating him in front of a customer...Allegedly. Very petty, I know, but, as they say...C’est la vie. Not much to do about it, really. Now I’m seen as a con-artist thief who kills animals, so I have no way of getting a job anywhere anymore, hence why I’m here. Lovely, innit?” she snorted as she took a bit of the cookie, closing her eyes to savour it’s flavour. “And now, I think I died and went to heaven, ‘cause this is the best thing I’ve eaten in my life.” “You’re so hired, lass. Did ya pay the 500 pounds?” he asked, propping his jaw on his hand. “Yeah, thankfully. And by that, I mean I to sell my apartment so now I’m using my saving to stay at a cheap hotel, but, y’know, life’s life. At least I know I won and I was right. Maybe if I had the right connections, I could have won 10 times what I lost...But what do I know. I don’t really know how non-legal things go by.” she chuckled softly, scratching the back of her head in a playfully guilty manner. “Y’know, Y/N...I think we can solve that fairly quick, yeah. Tell me the name, and I’ll make sure things are sold. In the meantime, I’ve a nice, warm room where you can stay, right, and surely, Cyril’s gonna love your company.” Alfie smiled at her, signaling for her to follow him.

At that time, she had no idea this was actually his home, but when she did find out, she was more than grateful, if not, a bit awkward, for  having to rely so much on his kindness. However, just as he promised, Alfie managed to get that jerk of a doctor to pay her 10 times the money she paid him, and thus, she would have been able to get a very modern and luxurious place, only for herself, and even buy a dog, a cat, or hell, more of them.

But she refused, and asked to continue staying with him, if she wasn’t too much of a burden, since she really enjoyed spending time with him, and she had no idea, other than working 200% of her capabilities for her job, whatever that was, at the moment, and, of course, she would have missed Cyril too much.

It didn’t take long for Alfie’s people to realise the obvious chemistry between the two, and Ollie kept trying to convince him to ask her out, but things are always so difficult, aren’t they? Business and logics are much easier than subjective emotions.

It became sort of a routine for everyone around to see their boss writing and reading documents at his desk, while Y/N would sit on the desk, her legs resting on his chair’s back rest, as she would write on her clipboard whatever relevant things she thought were worth noting down, and would occasionally express her opinions regarding ideas that Alfie had, or some businesses that he was dealing with at the moment - All that, with, of course, the frequent witty comments they would exchange - And it was never anything hurtful, or reproachful jabs, only playful and domestic comments that always made her laugh.

“You never told me why you always look down when you interact with people, y’know, and by that, I don’t mean when you’re being some dramatic Queen, but when you’re being yourself. I mean, I haven’t seen women who let their hair so long these days, right, so I was curious about you. You do things much differently than most people, y’know that, don’t you?” Alfie asked, raising his head to look up at her, only to see, once again, trying to think of how to explain things that don’t rely on rational and objective behaviours. “Ah...Well...Uh...Y’know...I’m...My face is very expressive, y’know. So, like...I get embarrassed easily, or...Uhm...When I lie, or something, I tend to grin or laugh. I’m a messy failure who can’t do a pokerface, like, ever, so, since most people are taller than me, if I let my hair cover my face, they won’t see the truth. Or, well, y’know, at least that’s what I hope. I can’t look at them while hiding, so I’ve no way of telling whether it works or not. Contrary to me being flashy and dramatic, I’m kinda shy and terrible around people.” she chuckled awkwardly, looking away from him, bringing up her clipboard to cover half of her face. “Ahhh, I see, I see, so you go to real great lengths, yeah, to get what you want, and so far, you’ve done really well, eh. Is there anything you can’t do, lass? You’ve been doing this job for over a year, and business has improved with...Uh...Lemme see, how much did you say...Ah, yes, here, it says 23%.” he had his glasses on as his eyes scanned the documents on his desk. “I...Can’t socialise, I guess. And I can’t relax. I don’t know how to have fun. Uhm...I can’t human, I guess? I don’t know what to call it, but I think you get what I’m saying. Anyway, we have business work now, so read this paragraph here, I think we have to talk threaten Sabini a bit, he’s over his head now with power, someone has to humble him, give us a better percentage of his business, and -” Y/N tried to quickly redirect the conversation, hating when she had to talk about herself, but obviously, she couldn’t say no to the man who was always so kind and sweet with her, could she? “Nahhh, it’s fine, Y/N, let’s take a little break, right? We’ve been working since early morning, it’s evening now. Ollie, go make tea and bring those treats made today, eh. Now, lass, why don’t you tell me how did you get around to practicing medicine? I’ve always been curious by that, you know, you don’t see many women unafraid of stuff like that, yeah.” he pointed out, letting himself fall down on his chair’s seat, looking up at her. “Y’know, Y/N, you say you can hide your emotions when you hide your face from people taller than you, yeah? But what happens when they look at you from below? Gotta say, Y/N, sometimes, your worried face is rather pretty...Better now, let me look at you when you speak, yeah, we’re equals, when you go all meek on me, you make me feel like some kind o’ merciless boss or somethin’.” he chuckled, raising a bit to put her hair behind her ears, revealing a soft blush coating her cheeks, and god damn, he could feel his heart beating a bit faster. “Uhm...Okay, fine, sure, I owe you that much. Uhm...My dad was a medic too, so it became a family business for a while. And, uhm...Dad was recruited as a war medic, and went with my brother, while I and mum continued to take care of the people and animals from our city. When it was all over, I decided to get to London to practice properly, get more money and provide for my family better. They’re getting old and they need someone to take care of them, somehow.” she explained, but her eyes were darting around, and he could feel she was still hiding something because of her hesitance, but he wasn’t sure what exactly was it that she was trying to hide.

But before either of them could say anything about it anymore, a loud bang echoed through the warehouse, somewhere from the entrance, which made the girl jump in her place with a mouse-like squeak, slapping her hands over her ears.

It’s true, any person would get frightened by a gunshot that resounded so loudly through that place - And yet, this one looked like a panicked, scared fawn in the headlights - And Alfie, of course, noticed that and came to a few conclusions for himself.

However, before he could say anything, a man entered their field of vision, and he could feel Y/N tensing up, her face showing shock and disgust at the person who she clearly recognise. She turned her head to look at Alfie, and with pleading eyes, mouthing a few simple words that may or may not have shocked him.

“Let me kill him” she tried to say, but this mystery man spoke out faster than expected, and it was clear she was getting more and more angry and embarrassed by the moment. “Y/N, darling, what are you doing here? Whoring around with other men, getting into illicit business, thinking you’re superior to men just because you have some over the top ambitions that are completely unreachable, and now you think you can get rich by staying around wealthy old men, huh?” the man kept speaking, igniting an infernal fire into her eyes. “Alfie, I pride myself with my never ending patience, but I swear to God, if you don’t let me kill him...I don’t know what I’m gonna do.” Y/N muttered between her gritted teeth, shocking Alfie since he never saw her as the violent type. “I’m not doing any business with him, alright, do what you feel like doing, Y/N, he’s all yours.” Alfie sat back in his chair, his fingers intertwined over his stomach, watching with interest whatever she was going to do.

Y/N jumped off the desk and slowly prowled around it, her head hanging low, before she snapped it up, glaring lightnings at the man.

“Fuck off. Now. Or you’re dead. Do you understand this simple language, or do I need to put it in words that even a monkey would understand?” she crossed her arms, spitting poison at him. “What, can’t I be angry at my own girlfriend for being a bitch and leaving me alone? I mean, you really fucked up, y’know? You left me when I needed you the most, how tragic is that?!” he yelled at her, but she only rolled her eyes, scoffing. “Yeah, I left you ‘cause you were abusing me. The way I see it, you’re the one who sucks, not me. Now get the hell out of here. Before I do something you will regret.” her voice went an octave lower, threatening him the same way she learnt from Alfie over the time of business making. “Woaw, Y/N, woaw, that’s pathetic, even for you. You’ve never been able to even raise your voice at anyone. You were nothing more than a crybaby who couldn’t step up to anyone, and then you went to war, and what, you think you changed? You didn’t! Underneath this dumb, tough facade that you’re trying to pull in front of everyone else, you’re nothing more than the frightened little girl who needed to have everything in control and grasp a bit of power to feel superior to others after you got beaten up and had a gun pointed at your head by the Germa-” but he couldn’t continue speaking for, in the blink of an eye, she pulled out a gun for her trench coat and shot him in the head, his blood and brains shooting everywhere, all over her, on the walls and floor. “Well...Ask me anything and I will provide you with an answer that is completely honest this time. But, uhm...Take of your shirt, will you?” she had a solemn, pissed off expression as she threw off her coat before hurriedly taking off her shirt, nonchalantly cleaning up her face, then pulling it into a ball, throwing it on the cadaver, then stepped in front of a very shocked, yet impressed Alfie. “Go on, take off your shirt, will you? It’s clean. You promised I’ll never have to shoot a gun, and yet, I did, therefore I need a clean top, right? So, while I tell you the truth, don’t let me stay like this in front of you, okay?” extending her hand in front of her, while her other arm was over her chest, trying to cover her pretty white laced bra, it took a mirthful laugh out of the Jew for him to finally take off his shirt and put it around her, not caring that he was the topless one now. “Will you ever stop impressing and surprising me, lass?” Alfie asked, petting her head as a way to say she did well. “Once I stop shocking myself, sure. Until then...I believe you want to say something, don’t you?” she asked, slowly stepping in front of him, looking up at him as she properly put on his shirt that looked like a dress on her. “Yeah, lass, I think I did.”

With a gentle smile, he cupped her face, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on her lips, one hand stroking his fingers through her beautiful long hair, while the other caressed her soft visage. The tender look in his blue-green eyes felt like the safest, warmest haven she ever felt, and with an impulse decision that her heart made, she leaned forward, her arms slowly snaking around his torso, her head resting on his shoulder, and closing her eyes, she could finally feel her heart calming, for the first time in her life.

“It was you who went to war, wasn’t it?” Alfie muttered in her hair, holding her tightly. “Yeah. I don’t have a brother. It was me who went with my father to war, but he died, so I had to be the backbone of the troops. When I got home, my mum was devastated and she died of grief. I left that place to get rid of memories...And get rid of that fuckass. War left me with traumas, but it also made me strong enough to face up to who I am and stop taking everyone’s shit just because they think I’m lesser than them. Sometimes...When you talk about your time as a captain...I remember my time there...And...I realise how much I respect you...And also, how different you are from all the people I had contact with there.” she explained, her grip tightening around him, her heart quivering from the deep emotions she was feeling. “You’ve been through quite a lot in your life, haven’t you, lass? And you managed to make a life all for yourself, from the scratch, right, so, I think you’ve been doing great. France?” he asked, guiding her to a more private room, much warmer and cozier, while Ollie was to find him another shirt. “Yeah, France. Thing is...You went through all that, and it was worse for you, since you were a Captain, and you must have felt responsible for every death from your troops...And yet...Ever since we met, you’ve been sweeter than anyone has ever been, and that includes my own family. Don’t get me wrong, I loved them, but maybe...Maybe I’m just a bit softer than I let others think. And you managed to hit the right spot, in the good way, I mean. War changes everyone, and yet, you’re...I have no fitting word to describe how much I appreciate you, Alfie, but here...This thing here feels it, and I think you can feel what I’m feeling too.” she explained, resting her head on his shoulder once they sat down on the sofa, as he pulled her closer to his side, kissing her temple lovingly. “You know, Y/N...You’re not wrong. I tried not to think about my time there and the horrors I’ve seen, yeah, so, maybe it doesn’t come off as anything fantastic, and I still don’t think that being a decent person, right, to people who are close to me, is a big deal. But maybe sometimes we take things for granted, don’t we, so, maybe, you’re right. But that guy has no excuse for being a bastard. You’re safe now, Y/N, and when some day, when we’re done with this gangster mess...We can go to Margate and live a normal life there, eh. You, me and Cyril, and the sandy beach and the waves, right, and maybe, if we get bored, we can shoot those damned seagulls, yeah? They’re so annoying, I’m telling ya!” Alfie chuckled, which, in turn, made her grin at him lovingly. “I’d love to go to Margate with you, Alfie, and have seagull shooting contests together, and run barefoot on the shore, and if it’s enough light from the moon, we can swim a bit. Sounds like the perfect life if you ask me.” Y/N kissed his cheek, lovingly caressing his face before hugging his side. “That’s what I like to hear, lass. I’m sure Cyril would bark like a mad dog from happiness if he was hear, right. S’gonna be fun when we get home, eh.”

[dalamjisung]

play date ❁ choi youngjae

word count: 2197

genre: slice of life, fluff, dog dad!youngjae

member: youngjae x reader

description: there’s nothing to worry about, really– even though not much changed with the immediate transition to Sublime, Youngjae still made a point of making time for you and you guys’ daughter, Coco. And obviously, her uncles. He always makes time for the whole family. 

“Y/N!”

Popping your head out of the shower, you frown, unsure if you actually heard your boyfriend or if you simply had a brain fart moment. Just as your shampoo starts to drip from your hair into your eyes, you hear it again.

“Y/N! Babe!”

“In the shower!” You call back, doing your best to stop the shampoo dripping down your face from getting into your eyes. You are too slow, though, and the sting has you yelping as you move to get yourself under the warm water, but once your feet falters and slips, there is nothing you can do.

Youngjae finds you in the bathroom naked and wet, hand caressing your behind as you wince in pain from the fall. You open the one eye that doesn’t hurt to see him hiding his laughter behind his hand, snorting slightly as he composes himself.

“Are you okay, love?”

“Sure,” You say, irony dripping from your voice. Grabbing your towel, Youngjae holds it open, embracing you with it once you are back on your feet. “Just peachy.”

His hands pat you down, drying your skin with all the care in the world. It’s been a while, since you two been able to be intimate– and you don’t mean sex, no; you mean emotional intimacy, the kind that shines brightest when it’s just you two, laying in bed, talking about your day while your hands draw shapes on each other; the kind that is so strong it can be suffocating for anyone else to witness as you two whisper to each other in the middle of movies, giggling and just feeling. With the GOT7 contract ending and the immediate transition into Sublime, Youngjae has barely had time to come home and shower, much less to sit with you and relax. So this– this moment of vulnerability and connection– even though it cost you an eye and a possibly broken hip… this is all you want.

“Are you okay?” You feel his lips moving on top of your hair and his fluttering kisses, on your forehead, your nose, your cheeks, you mouth. “Y/N?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” You sigh, smiling. “I’m all better now.”

“Really?” He asks, and something about the low voices and murmuring conversation creates a sensation of home, in his arms, in your bathroom.

“Yeah…” You lay your head on his chest. “Just being here with you is–“

“Great!” And just like that, the mood is gone. “Get ready!”

A bit thrown off, you blink, trying to place yourself again. Chuckling, you follow him to your room, catching the clothes he throws at you.

“And where are we going, my love?” You ask softly, slowly getting dressed as you watch your boyfriend excitedly look at the door, almost as if he is expecting something.

And you hear the small pitter patter of her paws on the wooden floor before you see Coco coming in, looking her for loyal companion. Laughter bubbles up as you see her small frame covered by an even smaller red tutu dress.

“Why is Coco so dressed up?” You laugh, pulling a sweatshirt over your head. “She looks better than I do…”

“You both are beautiful in your own way,” Youngjae rolls his eyes, kissing your cheek as you pat your hair dry with the towel. “Are you almost ready?”

“I mean, sure,” You shrug, brushing your hair. “I still don’t know where we’re going, but I hope looking like a wet mess is not a problem.”

“Correction, you look like a hot mess,” He kisses you quickly, bending down to grab Coco and let her give you a few licks on the face. “And no, it is never a problem to look like a hot mess. Now, let’s go or else we’ll be late.”

“Late?” You mutter to yourself. “We have an appointment somewhere?”

“Not us,” Youngjae wiggles his brows, giving you the dog as he runs around grabbing jackets and phones. “Coco.”

“Coco?” You snuggle her closer to you, petting her head slowly. “Are we taking her to the vet? I remember her last visit, it wasn’t that long ago and–“

“She has a date,” He explains, opening the door to you. “On that one park next to the coffee shop you like.”

“And where did you find this date?” You chuckle. Youngjae’s devotion to Coco has always amused you; it is adorable how much he cares for the pet, and you are not embarrassed to admit that it is one of the many reasons you fell in love with him– his devotion to the those and what he loves.

“Secret,” He holds your hand, giving you a squeeze, before pulling you down the street.

“You hear that, Coco?” You tell the overly excited dog, much like your boyfriend. “Daddy is pimping you away.”

“Yah!” Youngjae’s eyes go wide, and incredulous laughter escaping his mouth. “Y/N, don’t say that!”

“But it’s okay, baby,” You continue, putting her down on the ground, leash secured. “Mommy would never let bad doggies get to you. It has to be a special doggie, one that will treat you well.”

“Babe,” Yugyeom whines, stomping his feet and you giggle at his adorable pout. You two are almost there, Coco guiding the way she knows oh too well by now. Whenever he had time away from work, Youngjae would make sure to walk Coco to the park every morning, stoping to get you coffee from your favorite shop. Then, once he’s back home, he’d wake you up with kisses and breakfast, and together, your small little family of three, would enjoy the morning as it passes by.

It still amazes you that you and Youngjae are able to discuss mundane things; the way his eyes sparkle when you tell him a new office gossip, or the way he tells you some previously forgotten secret that Jinyoung told him and promised not to tell anyone.

“Everyone knows,” He says, pulling you through the park’s gate and to the fountain. “That if I know, you know. It’s just how it works.”

“Definitely,” Your eyes glint in adoration as you watching him look around, standing on his tippy-toes as if the extra inch would make a difference. “Who are we–“

“Hyung!”

Yugyeom waves wildly from the other side of the fountain, and when you approach him, you finally notice the small dog with a tuxedo by his feet.

“What the hell are you two doing?” You sigh, snorting as Dalkyum waddles, still unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the outfit.

“What?” Yugyeom laughs as Coco moves to playfully bite his dog, both barking and running around once you let them free from their leashes.

The three of you sit on the grass, and you can’t help but observe Yugyeom as he moves around, shoulders relaxed and a small smile practically glued to his face.

“Take a picture, it lasts longer,” The youngest jokes, giggling as Youngjae wraps an arm around you to pull you to him.

“Don’t get smart with me, kiddo,” You flick his forehead. “You just seem different.”

“Different how?”

“Like you are finally your age.”

There is agreement in his silence, and you see the way his smile widens; he is happy. He is young and he finally can be young. After a while, he starts talking about a new dance routine he’s rehearsing.

“It’s really cool, noona, you’ll love it, seri–“

“Oh my god, Dalkyum no!”

Youngjae practically pushes you to the side when he notices Yugyeom’s dog mounting his precious Coco, running to pull her away. You can briefly hear him lecturing them both before coming back.

“You said this was a date!” You gasp, grabbing Coco away from him. “Let them date!”

“Date? Da– Y/N, they were having sex!” Youngjae cries out. “This is just their first date!”

“So?!” You laugh, letting Coco go back to Dalkyum. “We had sex on our first date and I don’t remember you complaining about it.”

“She’s got you, hyung,” Yugyeom whispers, holding his laughter in.

“That is our daughter!” Your boyfriend ignores the maknae and continues frowning. “I can’t–“

“Be free, Coco! Run to the love of your life and be happy,” Yugyeom screams, making both of you jump. You look back to see both your dogs running away and you can’t help but laugh at the indignant cry Yugyeom lets out.

“My baby!” His hands is stretched out, dramatically reaching out for his dog. “Y/N, how could you betray me like that?”

“I’m on Coco’s team,” You pat his hair as he lays his head on your shoulder. “Us women have to stick together.”

“Is that your way of telling us all to go fuck off?”

You look at Bambam, whom you’ve bee expecting for a while, since him and the other youngster could never last long when they’re apart. He is wearing Jackson’s new collection and, behind him, you can see the one and only sneaking some pictures of his friend. Jinyoung is not that far behind, pulling Mark and Jaebeom pas the ice cream cart; you chuckle as you hear the two grumbling in the background.

“Why is everyone here?” You ask Youngjae, eyeing his suspiciously.

“We heard Coco and Dalkyum were getting married,” Jackson snorts, showing you the pictures sent to the groups chat. “We’ve been intimated to come and congratulate the new couple.”

“Married?” Yugyeom echoes, shock in his voice. “Yah, hyung, this is just their first date… marriage is a bit much, don’t you think?”

“Your dog was humping my baby not even ten minutes ago,” Youngjae seethes. “He better take responsibility now. Who knows if she’s pregnant?”

“Babe, that’s not how it works at–“

“What do you mean?!” Yugyeom shouts back, sitting up from where he was laying. “Coco gave him consent! It takes two to tango!”

“Guys, really, that’s not–“

“Yah, Kim Yugyeom!” Youngjae points at his dongsaeng.

You barely hear the end of that conversation, following Jinyoung as he pulls you aside.

“Ignore them,” He sighed, and even though he might try to look uninterested and bored, you always recognize the amused smile Jinyoung constantly displays. “They can go one forever.”

“Poor Coco,” You say, poking him with your elbow. “She just wants true love.”

“And she chooses Dalkyum?” Jinyoug snorts, rolling his eyes. “That dog is worse then his owner.”

“Excuse me?!”

You two look at Youngjae and Yugyeom, both staring at you with wide eyes.

“Dalkyum is not a bad boy!” Yugyeom insists, coming over to you.

“He’s is a dog!” Jackson tries to interfere.

“No he’s not, he is a gentleman!” Bambam says, hopefully helping his best friend.

“Coco deserves better,” Mark says, coming to stand next to Youngjae.

“She is a princess and she is to be treated like such!” Your boyfriend agreed. “Right babe?!”

“W-what?”

“Our daughter!” Youngjae practically slaps his face. “This is about her future, will you pay attention?”

“Yeah, Y/N,” Jinyoung scolds you, moving to stand with the boys. “This is important.”

“Will it be like this when we have kids?” Youngjae muses and that is enough to shut everyone up, eyes wide and mouths hanging open, pretty much like you are right now. “I mean, I don’t mind going to the PTA meetings, but I don’t think I can handle being the serious one in the family, love. Seriously, I’d be terrib–“

“Oh my god, don’t ruin this.”

Grabbing his face, you pull him down for a kiss, shutting him up with pure passion. You can hear the boys screaming and whistling in the back, but right now all you can think is about the fact that Youngjae has got you covered. For a long, long time you’ve known that he is it; there is no going up from Choi Youngjae– he is your happy ending. And you believe he just told you, you are his, too.

“When we have kids,” You tell him, a bit breathless. “We can worry about this; for now, we can both be overprotective parents and take Coco home. I think Dalkyum might be a bad influence on her.”

“What? Why?” Yugyeom whines, frowning.

“Because I haven’t seen any of them for about fifteen minutes and I’m starting to worry.”

That sets them all in panic. Jackson is the first one to run, screaming for the dogs, while the rest follow suit. You walk hand in hand with Youngjae, and he is not as worried as you thought he’d be– mainly because he knows Coco would never stray to far away from either of you– but also because he can see her next to some children a bit far ahead. None of you say a word, though, watching the guys running around each other, and you wonder when did a search party for your dog turned into a game of tag.

“What are you smiling about?” Youngjae asks, leaning down to pick Coco up. In turn, you pick up Dalkyum, afraid that he’d wonder again. 

“Just happy,” You kiss him on the cheek. “Happy you’re happy.”

“The whole family is here,” He laughs, and you smile; there is just something about Youngjae’s laughter that feels contagious. “What’s not to be happy about?”

“You’re right,” You hug Dalkyum closer, chuckling when Yugyeom calls you over. “They’re all here.”

—————————————

Am I the only one that thinks Youngjae is absolutely a chaotic good vibe?? He is so adorable, and his laugh is so contagious I could just burst every time I hear it 😚 What do you think of this one? Let me know! If you liked this story, please please please share, comment, like, or anything you feel comfortable doing ❤️ thank you for your endless support, lovelies💕

[simp-for-mha-men]

𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕒𝕚𝕟 (𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕒 𝕒𝕚𝕫𝕒𝕨𝕒 𝕩 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣)

Request by @hermionie-is-my-queen​: Hey! Not necessarily a request, and kind of a scenario proposal: but imagine aizawa and reader adopted a cat a while back together, and the cat gets sick, or has to be put down, and it’s just some comforting fluff? Idk if this falls into the category of no angst so if it does instead maybe visiting a shelter to adopt a new kitty? Tysm anyway! Soft aizawa and soft kitties are my fav

A/N: Yes, yes, and yes! I am so in love with this whole idea. I took a little bit of inspiration from the English voice actor’s Tik Tok and from where I live for this one. School just started back up, too, so I’ll now be taking a bit longer to reply to requests. Sorry! Anyways, I really hope you enjoy it!

Genre: fluffy times with a rescue cat and your boyfriend, angst in the first half due to animal death 🌧️💜

Word count: 2.7k

♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥*♥

It had only been a month. One month ago, you lost your precious siamese cat, Willow. Your boyfriend, Shouta Aizawa, had given her to you once you moved into your first apartment together. She was a gift that kept on giving, whether it was hairballs or purrs. She kept you company through the day while your boyfriend was teaching his students, and you both would welcome him home with kisses and cuddles every day.

Aizawa loved Willow just as much as you did. You were both the lights in his life, and without you, he would feel incomplete. After the worst days at U.A., he could come home and feel at peace due to the loves of his life. It tore him up inside that Willow was gone, but he knew the loss broke you apart even worse than it did him.

He adopted Willow when she was 11. The shelter he went to, usually just to browse, was going to put her down just because of her age. Aizawa formed a bond when he looked into her ocean blue eyes. He knew that she would be perfect not only for him but for you as well. In a matter of minutes, the adoption papers were signed and finalized. A beautiful forest green bow was placed around her neck, and she was on her way to meet the better half of her new owner. The three of you were inseparable when home. Midnight cuddles and afternoon snacks were always a favorite among your little family. Despite you and Aizawa never talking about kids in your future, you felt like Willow was your daughter. It was true perfection and bliss. Sadly, it couldn’t last forever.

When Willow turned 13, she started acting strange. She began hiding around the house more, throwing up whenever she ate, and losing an excessive amount of weight. You decided a check-up was in order, and Aizawa whole-heartedly agreed. Praying for a fluke incident was what you did, but deep down, you knew that wasn’t going to be the case no matter how much you wished it to be. Her vet told you both that she had cancer and wouldn’t live much longer. This caused your world to come spiraling down.

How someone handles the five stages of grief depends on the person. For you, Willow was absolutely fine. You were in absolute denial. Over the two years you and Aizawa raised her, she was always healthy. There was absolutely no way that she could have cancer. Healthy cats don’t get cancer, right? You went about your life with Willow as if everything was normal. Aizawa tried to knock some sense into you, but you blocked it out. A week later, a certain piece of information triggered the second stage of grief.

Aizawa told you that he would be staying home to take care of Willow with you, since she was living her final weeks. Saying you were furious would be an understatement. You took your boyfriend onto the balcony and yelled at him for 15 minutes about how Willow was completely normal. You told him that everything was fine and that she would live longer than what the vet said. Seeing you were too stubborn to change, Aizawa refused talking to you about the matter but still took those extra days off. It lasted like this another week before another trip to the vet.

Once you got home that night, you found yourself on your knees next to the bed. You were praying to whatever deity was in the sky or under the ground to save Willow. You didn’t know if bargaining with the immortal was a sane idea, but you had entered the third stage. Aizawa watched you do this every hour of the day, it seemed. He heard you muttering to yourself in your sleep, begging for Willow’s safety. None of this worked, though. Two weeks after the visit, Willow was back at the vet to be put down for good.

The last month had gone by agonizingly slow. Your boyfriend was back at work, leaving you alone to your own devices. The depression had been the longest stage. You wondered to yourself if you would ever get to the acceptance part of the five stages. Nothing you did to try and clear your mind worked. You tried to write, draw, sing, and dance, but nothing seemed successful. Most days, you were confined to your side of your shared bed, sobbing your eyes out until they looked unusually red and puffy.

Losing an animal shouldn’t hurt this much. You had a cat when you were younger, and when she was put down, you were only upset for a week before understanding it was time to move on. Why did losing Willow hurt so much. The question plagued you day and night. You racked your brain trying to figure out why this pain wouldn’t subside. Why did it sting so badly? Why did the tears keep falling?

When you were starting dinner one evening, your boyfriend came home. He seemed to be in a good mood, which was strange for someone like him. He came around, gave you a quick peck on the cheek, and leaned against the counter next to the stove.

“How was your day, babe?” you asked, mustering up as much fake happiness as possible.

You flashed your lover a quick smile, hoping it hid the pain better than you thought it did. However, you had been dating this man for 3 years. He knew you all too well. Willow’s death had affected you so much, which caused him to mull over it for longer than expected. An animal’s death was, of course, sad, but people usually got over it quickly. Why was it taking you longer?

“Are you alright?” your boyfriend questioned, placing a hand on your upper arm.

Sighing, you answered, “Of course I am.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.”

You both began a waltz to avoid each other. You stood on the opposite side of the island, setting the places on the table for the both of you to eat. Right as Aizawa met you, you sauntered off back to the stove to turn off the burner. It went on like this for much longer while your words went at each other.

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.”

“(y/n)...you’re not.”

“Just shut up, ok?”

“Listen to me...”

“SHUT UP!”

Suddenly, a bright flash of lightning struck outside. The deafening boom from the sky sounded next. In a matter of seconds, a downpour began outside and inside the apartment. Your eyes were filled to the brim with tears. Aizawa froze, giving you time to finally realize why Willow’s death meant so much to you. It was right in front of you the whole time, but your ignorance caused blindness. Just as your boyfriend began to approach you, the tears and truth spilled over.

“She was like our baby,” you began. “Once I moved in with you, I was so scared that you would break up with me. Willow brought us together. No matter what had happened on a bad day, she would fix us back up. It’s like I lost a part of our relationship, Shouta.”

Aizawa was shocked to say the least. In actuality, Aizawa was completely caught off by your statement. He never knew you felt this way about Willow. He knew you had developed a close bond with the feline, but he should’ve noticed sooner the parental role you took for her. He felt like a terrible boyfriend. He felt like he should’ve found a way to keep Willow alive longer. He felt like her death was his fault.

“(y/n), I’m sorry I should’ve--”

“Meow.”

Both of you came to your senses. Did you really just hear a meow? Had Willow come out of her grave to come back to you both? Aizawa looked at you, causing your tears to stop for a moment. Another flash of lightning struck, followed by the familiar thunder. Then, you heard it again.

“Meeeeow.”

Your brain was going crazy. You were already running on endorphins due to the sudden outburst you had at your lover. Now, you felt your fight or flight responses kick in. There’s no way there was a cat at your apartment. Sure, you lived in an area where an animal could get lost, but a stray cat would never be near your complex.

“Meow.”

Taking a deep breath in, you tried to calm your nerves. Silently cursing your boyfriend’s senses, you heard him shuffling over to you. He placed his hands on your hips and kissed your forehead. Aizawa felt guilty. He knew that a cat wouldn’t be outside in this weather, especially if it was a stray. It was just his mind playing tricks on him. His guilty conscience was in full force, or maybe it wasn’t?

“Meeeeow.”

“Ok,” you said, slowly tilting your head up to meet your boyfriend’s gaze. “Please tell me you’re hearing the meowing, too.”

“It’s real?” Aizawa asked, gazing at you with confused eyes.

Shaking your head, you slithered out of his arms. Despite your mind telling you this was a bad idea, you decided to stick with your sudden plan. You were going to check outside. You didn’t know what you would find, but it was worth the risk. Wherever this cat was, you had to find it. You weren’t doing this for you, however, but for Willow.

Placing your hand on the front door knob, you unlocked it and slowly opened it just a little bit. That’s when you saw it. A beautiful tabby cat sat on your front mat, meowing to its heart’s content. It was drenched, laying against the door in search of some warmth. The poor little angel was shivering, but it looked up upon sensing your presence.

“Well, hello there,” you greeted, opening the door wider.

“Meeeeow.”

You bent down and sat on your knees, cooing the little creature forward. Taking your invitation, it sauntered over to you. Once your hand made contact with its back, the cat began rubbing its wet body all over your leg. Laughing slightly, you turned to look at Aizawa.

He was staring at you with true adoration in his eyes. He knew from the moment he met you that you were the one, but this tender moment between you and a stray cat solidified that even more. It was perfect. You were perfect. Despite the past month, he realized what this new stray would mean to you immediately. Willow sent him or her as a gift from heaven. That much had to be true. It was her way of saying that everything would be alright.

“I’ll get some food and water for the little one,” Aizawa said, walking over to first close the door.

“Make sure to get a towel first,” you replied. “I don’t want this poor baby getting sick from being to cold. Right, sweetie?”

The cat gazed at you with thankfulness in its eyes. You felt much different than you had just a few minutes ago. You were no longer sad about Willow. Instead, you were happy her pain had ended when it did, even if it wasn’t in the best way. Somehow, this little stray just happened to choose your doorstep. Your heart was starting to feel whole again. That’s how you came to a simple conclusion: this was fate. The stage of acceptance was finally in your sight.

You and Aizawa resumed your waltz around the kitchen, but this time, things were much different. It felt like the day Aizawa first brought Willow home. You immediately took on the role of the parent, watching your new friend’s every move to make sure it didn’t hurt itself. Once Aizawa brought you a towel, you sat on the couch and began drying off the cat. You discovered during this that you had found an adorable little boy, proud and frisky from his recent adventure.

Aizawa set the food and water out, luring the tabby out of your lap and to the kitchen. He lapped everything greedily, only further confirming that this was indeed a stray. Walking over to your boyfriend, you stopped once you reached his side.

“I’m sorry,” you began, lacing your fingers with his.

“Oh, don’t be,” he replied, smoothly changing the position you both were in so he could snuggle your neck. “I should’ve taken off time from work and been there for you. It was wrong of me to think our lives would go back to normal.”

“But, still..”

“(y/n)...just let me hold you.”

You did what he asked. You let him wrap his arms around you as you both watched your new boy. Unspoken between the two of you was what was going to happen with your newfound cat: you were going to keep him. Of course, he would need to pay for his shots, a proper bath, and new amenities, but that was a thing for the future. Aizawa knew you would bring it up tomorrow morning, worrying about it profusely, and you knew Aizawa would tell you to stop worrying so much, peppering your face in kisses as a distraction.

Once the cat was finished eating, he walked over and began rubbing himself against Aizawa’s leg. Realizing he needed to be warmed up, you reached down and picked him up. He clearly enjoyed being showered in attention and didn’t pull away when you both began talking to him.

“What do you think?” Aizawa questioned.

You knew what he was talking about: his name. Despite only finding this cat outside of your doorstep 20 minutes ago, you both knew this was his new forever home. The name was an important part of claiming a pet, which you made sure to educate Aizawa about before naming Willow. This, however, wasn’t a tough decision like Willow’s name.

“I was thinking Thunder,” you replied softly, gazing into your lover’s eyes.

He hummed in response, alerting you that he liked that name. You purposely chose that name due to the circumstances you found him in, but you also had an ulterior motive. You eventually wanted to get another cat and name it Lightning. Why? Easy answer: why not?

Suddenly, your boyfriend let go of your waist. Turning around, you noticed he began walking off to the bedroom. It was only 7:30, but, of course, your lover was already exhausted. That was one of the qualities you loved about him, though. He could always fall asleep easily.

“You didn’t eat dinner,” you called after him.

“I know,” he replied in a low voice, “but wouldn’t you rather fall asleep with the man you love?”

His words made you blush, but he wasn’t wrong. With Thunder in your arms and dinner long forgotten, you made your way over to your bedroom. Upon entering, you saw your boyfriend was already laying down and waiting for you to join him. You placed Thunder on the bed and went to lay down next to your lover. He placed his arms around you, making you fell safe and secure before someone interrupted you both.

Thunder began slowly crawling up to lie in between you. Chuckling, Aizawa left a little bit of room between your bodies for your new baby to curl up between you both. It felt natural. It felt like home again. It was just you, your boyfriend, and your cat. Willow, you could tell, was smiling down from heaven. You knew she could be fully at peace now knowing you were happy.

“I love you so much,” you mumbled to your boyfriend, allowing your eyes to close.

“I love you, too, kitten,” Aizawa replied, drifting off to sleep and allowing your breaths to match one another.

This was home. This was family. This was perfection for the both of you. Now, Aizawa went to bed with a single question on his mind. It was quite simple but also heavy. When was he going to place that wonderful ring on your finger?

[nightingiall]

things i love about you: our rituals

a post-little do you know drabble series // story page

happy december! today marks six (!!!!!!) years since i started the december drabbles, which means it’s moniall’s anniversary! to commemorate the occasion, here’s a special lil something. also, if you want to relive my bad 2014 writing the drabbles that started it all, i will finally be posting them on wattpad. enjoy!

There used to be a time Mona hated the cold.

She couldn’t handle it. It made her feel like all her blood vessels had simply seized, wound up so tightly that she needed to find every single bit of warmth to bury herself under in order to feel like she could function again.

As she watched the tiny flurries of white drift from the sky to delicately blanket the ground in a layer of snow, she smiled to herself, remembering the first time they were here at their little cabin. It was the beginning of so much, of friendship, of love, of rituals they could seek solace in year after year. Four bedrooms, a generously sized dining room, and a roaring fireplace had somehow transformed from a simple husk of wood to a safe place, a home away from home, filled with laughter and jokes no one else would understand.

The snow picked up slightly, very quickly covering the driveway in white, and she realized that she no longer minded the cold. Not when she had this, a winter cabin filled with all the people she loved. There were even several new additions to the family, one of whom now pawed happily at her feet. She scooped the little fluffball into her arms, cradling it like a small child. “Hi, baby,” she cooed, holding the puppy up to see out the window. “Have you ever seen snow before?”

They certainly hadn’t gotten any in the city. And this sweet little pup was only a baby. Mona figured snow must be a new concept to her. She wondered if she’d like to trot around in the white slush tomorrow morning.

Niall had gotten the puppy as a surprise.

They’d arrived back from San Francisco for only a week before it happened. He had it all planned out. It was a Sunday afternoon. They’d devoured their dinner, a bottle of wine popped open, and the radio was turned to a blues station. Mona was washing up their plates in the sink when Niall had slinked up behind her, hands curled easily around her hips as he pressed his warm lips to her shoulder. “I got something for us,” he’d murmured into her hair, his voice that raspy sort of sweetness he took up when he was up to something.

She hummed, his voice a delicious vibrato down her spine. “What?”

When she’d placed the last plate in the dish rack and dried her hands on a towel, he spun her around, hands still a warm weight on her skin. The sun had already started to slink down the horizon, catching on adjacent buildings and throwing warm golden light into their apartment through the kitchen window. Niall’s eyes glimmered with it, bright blue meshing with rich gold sunlight. He was grinning widely at her in that irresistible way of his, and she let herself get whisked along with his excitement. “You’re gonna love it.”

“Okay,” she laughed, because he’d started to tug her towards the front entrance, just as the doorbell chimed. “But what is it.”

He instructed her to open the door and she eyed him suspiciously. “I promise you’re going to adore it!”

With an exasperated sigh, she did as she was told, fingers trembling slightly in anticipation. Waiting outside the door in a chestnut brown wicker basket lined with a soft white fleece blanket was the tiny little pup. Its fur matched the basket, a curly, chocolaty brown, and it was adorably nestled into itself as it slumbered peacefully.

Mona couldn’t help the way she had gasped, hands over her mouth in pure shock. “Is it ours?”

Niall was already smiling when she looked at him. “Yep. All ours.”

The excitement rushed through her like a tsunami, like champagne bubbles gushing when the bottle is opened. She almost wanted to scream but settled for a squeal instead, hopping slightly on her toes before just jumping into Niall’s arms. He laughed as she thanked him profusely, holding her close. She’d been planting the idea of getting a puppy for ages and she honestly didn’t even think he’d been considering it.

As they brought the little ball of cuteness inside, he explained that Duncan’s neighbor’s labradoodle had given birth. They’d taken them all to the vet to get checked and had been looking to give some of them away. This one was female. Like magic, “A Sunday Kind of Love” played softly on the radio, and they decided to name their newest addition to the family Etta.

“What’re you doing?” Niall was asking her now, where she was still standing in front of the window, watching the snow cover the earth.

She shrugged, still cradling the pup. “Etta’s never seen snow.”

He laughed as he leaned against the kitchen doorframe, cheeks flushed with that gorgeous pink that came from gut-busting laughter and too much whiskey. Behind him, the living room was quiet. Everyone else had probably ambled up to bed. She didn’t particularly care. It meant she got this moment all to herself, watching Niall stand there, looking soft and warm in his gray sweats and ugly Christmas sweater. She let Etta run off as she took him in, the light behind him fanning out around his head like a halo, blue eyes watching her with the world of love.

She crossed her arms as she leaned back against the countertop on the far side of the kitchen. “Did you stand there on purpose?”

He was grinning wildly, hands shoved into his pockets. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Really?” She raised a brow. “So you don’t always stand under that very doorframe every year just to get a mistletoe kiss?”

He looked up, feigning shock at the unmistakable plant dangling from the wood. “Mistletoe? I didn’t even notice it there.”

A laugh bubbled out of her, and she couldn’t help herself. She was drawn to him as always, feet pulling her towards him until she was close enough to wrap her arms around his waist, close enough to graze the corner of his mouth with her lips. “You’re lucky you’re cute,” she murmured, blood rushing at the way his breath audibly caught in his throat, his hands pressing hard into her hips. “You’ll be scamming me into these mistletoe kisses until you’re old and wrinkly.”

A grunt sounded from deep in his throat when she pressed closer, still not meeting his lips. “If the implication is that you’ll be the one to kiss me under the mistletoe when I’m old and wrinkly then yes I damn will.”

When she finally let him catch her lips with his, it was like the world fell away. Big bursts of color flashed behind her closed eyelids as he kissed her, slow and searing, arms wrapping around her waist tightly until her feet were swept right off the ground when he straightened. She giggled into his mouth when he started walking towards the living room, her feet dangling helplessly until he finally put her down in front of the couch.

“Home Alone is on,” he said breathlessly, still stealing short kisses on any bits of skin he could find. “Wanna watch?”

She huffed on a laugh. “Are you sure we’ll just watch?”

At this, he laughed too, pulling away completely. “Dunno if I can make that promise, my darlin’,” he teased, sending her a wink before retrieving a basket that was hidden under the dining table. It was only now that Mona noticed he’d moved the coffee table, spreading a sheet in the space between the couch and TV.

“What’s all this?” she asked, taken by surprise.

Niall shrugged, placing the basket down on the sheet and sitting down, tugging on her hand to do the same. “Just…something.”

Inside the basket was a loaf of the homemade bread they’d made today—still a bit warm in its paper bag—cartons of butter and jellies, a thermos, and a platter of chocolate chip cookies. Apparently, he’d put it all together when no one was watching. Her heart surged with affection for all the thought he put into everything.

They lounged about, ripping pieces of bread and pairing it with butter or jelly, sipping on hot chocolate, which was what was in the thermos. They alternated between watching the movie and watching Etta and Fudge, Harlow’s cat, prod at each other. Etta just wanted to be a friend to Fudge, who was not having it, which was quite amusing.

By the time they finished the bread, they didn’t have much room for the cookies, so they split one as they curled into each other, lounging back against the couch, laughing along to the movie. “I love you,” she murmured to him eventually, pressing a kiss to his chin because she felt so full with emotion, so much that she felt like she might just burst. They were here, in the cabin, where it all began. So much was different. And everything was just right.

Which was why, in hindsight, she probably should have expected it. The circumstances were just right, everything falling into place perfectly. She should have expected it, but she didn’t.

Because when she placed a half-asleep Etta into her makeshift bed and turned around, Niall kneeling on one knee, hands outstretched, holding a ring box, was not a sight she saw coming. Her heart stopped for a moment, eyes widened in complete shock. He hadn’t even said anything yet and she already thought she might cry.

“Mona,” he started, clearly fighting back a slew of emotions himself, “Erm, I’ll be honest, I had a whole speech planned, but my brain has just gone completely blank.” They both laughed thickly. Mona stepped closer. “That happens sometimes anyway, when it comes to you. Sometimes you look at me and I forget my own name. In fact, the first time you smiled at me, I tripped on a branch. Remember?”

She nodded, unable to form words at the moment. She remembered. It was college orientation. She had hardly known that in a few months, she’d fall in love with this boy in a log cabin and her life would change forever.

Niall took a deep breath. “The point is, I am head over heels in love with you. Everything just makes sense with you, and I have never met anyone who is perfect for me in every single way.” An inadvertent sob left her lips, just as she noticed his voice wavering. “I want to spend forever with you, doing everything and nothing, though good days and bad days. I love you so fucking much. And it would be the greatest honor of my life to be your husband.” He smiled, eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “So, what d’you say…will you marry me?”

Mona sobbed through her laughter, kneeling on the ground in front of him, caressing his face in her hands and swiping away the tears that managed to slip through his lashline. “Yes. Yes, I would love nothing more. Yes yes yes.” Niall laughed and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight and slipping the ring onto her finger at the same time. “I love you,” she cried into the curve of his shoulder, completely overwhelmed and yet completely at peace. All she wanted was to spend her whole life with her wonderful, beautiful sunshine boy.

It wasn’t until they both calmed down a bit that she got a good look at the ring. And even through her fuzzy eyesight, blurred by her tears, she recognized that opal stone, surrounded by tiny diamonds, as the one her mother wore for years. She had always admired it when she was a kid, always thought it was a timeless piece of jewelry.

She glanced up at him. “Is this…”

“Yeah.” He trailed a finger over the stone, holding her fingers delicately in his.

She was starting to cry again. “Mom gave it to you?”

He brushed away some of her hair from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. “Yeah. She said you like it, having something your dad picked out.”

Her eyes welled with tears as she hiccupped slightly in her surprise. Of course. Because along with being her mom’s, opal was also her dad’s birthstone. There was a piece of him inside of this ring and she now had the privilege of carrying it around forever. Niall thumbed away her tears and she looked at him, her heart fit to bursting as she wrapped her arms around him again, her movements so intense that he fell backwards against the sheet.

Their quiet laughter filled the room, and when she pulled back, his face was filled with such adoration, such reverence, that she found herself leaning forward to kiss him tenderly. His love spilled from his lips and into her soul. He filled her with sunshine and loved her unconditionally. Sweet, wonderful Niall. He was hers.

All hers.

~

Mona was flipping a pancake when Niall strolled into the kitchen, all soft smiles and sleepy eyes and messy bedroom hair. He huffed out a laugh at the sight of her, probably because of what she was wearing. His ugly Christmas sweater from the night before.

“Fuckin’ hell,” he mumbled, as he pressed a kiss to her shoulder, fingers trailing on the hem of the sweater, grazing her skin underneath. “How does this look better on you than it ever did on me?”

She giggled at his words. She felt as though she were on cloud nine, woke up with a smile and couldn’t seem to shake it. Every so often, she’d catch a glimpse of the ring on her left hand and grin wildly to herself, sometimes wondering if she’d simply dreamt the whole night up.

But, no, she hadn’t. Because Niall was sidled up to her, chest pressed against her back as he pressed slow and hot kisses all the way up the side of her neck and down her jawline. “Good mornin’, fiancée,” he murmured, smiling wide against her skin.

She flipped her last pancake onto the platter and turned the skillet off, turning towards him to wrap her arms across his shoulders. “Good morning, future husband,” she replied, melting right into him as he kissed her slow and deep, goosebumps rippling across her skin at the words. It all felt a bit surreal.

He hummed, pressing her against the fridge, skimming his tongue along her lower lip. “I love the sound of that.”

They kept the news from their friends for a whole day. There was something fun and whimsical about it, going about their day doing mundane things with everyone, like eating breakfast or bringing Etta out into the snow for the first time, catching knowing looks from each other because no one else knew what had happened the night before. It was nice to be able to soak it all in, to enjoy it for themselves for a while, without anyone knowing.

Finally, on Christmas morning, as everyone lounged about on the couch, opening presents, they spilled. Niall was the one to announce it, telling everyone that they had news to share and pretending to be somber and melancholy. Harlow, Zayn, Liam, and Harry all froze hilariously when they caught the sudden shift in the mood, all of them sitting down and eyeing Niall and Mona carefully.

Harry was the one to ask what was wrong, and he looked so concerned that Mona couldn’t help the way the laughter just bubbled out of her. She looked at Niall, who’d started to laugh too, before holding up her left hand, the opal gem catching the light and glittering.

“We’re getting married!” they said simultaneously, and everyone was stunned into a few moments of silence before erupting into a deafening round of cheers. Harlow started crying as she hugged Mona tightly, and even the boys started tearing up a bit.

Perhaps it had been a long time coming. But it didn’t matter.

They were here now, endlessly overjoyed, popping open a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

They were here now, and they had the rest of their lives to go.

[twiceinadream]

“I’ll love you too.”

Requested: Yup

Request: Continuation to In Another Life, where the reader and Tzuyu meet in their next life and they really do fall in love with each other again, and they could have bits of memories of each other from their past life.

a/u: Hey, guys! Sorry for being super inactive lately, I’ve just been really struggling with ideas but I think I’ll be back in business soon. This was one the most interesting and weirdest things I’ve ever written but I hope you guys will like it, since it is the final part of the, In Another Life, series. I love you guys! Stay safe and wash your hands!

Parts: 1.) S/O Confesses They Love Them and 2.) “In another life.” (Alternate Ending: “Screw fate.”)

Background: Tzuyu- Sally (Vet), Chaeyoung- Katarina (Artist), and Mina- Sharon (Professional gamer). [Nayeon- Nicole (Y/N’s failed blind date) and Jeongyeon- Jayden (Nicole’s ex)]

Category: Fluff

Word Count: 1.5k

Your heart began to squeeze in your chest as you felt as though a part of it had been torn from you. You watched with bated breaths as the cab began pulling further away from the curb, you felt your throat tighten as unsaid words threatened to spill out.

The vision of the cab became hazy as tears filled your eyes, you couldn’t breath. All your feelings seemed to crash like waves against the shore and you were drowning at sea.

-

You shot awake in bed, your shirt drenched in a cold sweat as you placed a hand on your cheek, pulling it away when it touched something wet. You had been crying? But, you had no idea why, or where these dreams were coming from. It felt as though you were living through the eyes of a stranger.

A stranger who seemed to have just lost the love of their life. You ran a hand over your face, kicking off the covers as you laid back down, ‘Maybe I’ll ask Kat if she can make sense of all this.’ You let out a small huff of air as she smiled to yourself, ‘I mean, how can a person with that many tattoos not be philosophical.’

-

You sighed as you let your body drop on your best friend’s couch, “You gotta believe me, Kat! Every night I keep having dreams of this girl I’ve never met before, but she’s so beautiful and tall with the cutest dimples and long legs and…” You stopped as your best friend stifled a laugh behind her hand, “but, I also have dreams of purple hibiscuses and every time I have those dreams all I hear is someone saying stuff like, ‘In another life, I promise, I’d love you too.’ And weirdly enough, it's said my name a few times.”

Katarina nodded her head in thought as she pushed you to one side of the couch as she sat down, “I’d go out on a limb and say you were describing mine and Sharon’s friend, Sally. But, that would be too perfect.” You raised an eyebrow for her to continue, “Because you’re both single and I think you two would like each other. Don’t get mad, but Sharon and I kinda set up a double date with you two at my art showcase next week.”

Your eyes widened as you fought back the urge to throw a pillow in her face, “You two did what!?”

“Come on Y/N, please.” Katarina made puppy eyes at you, making you roll your eyes, “Come on, she’s: single, pretty, nice…”

You sighed, “Fine. I’ll go out with her, you and Sharon during your gallery opening.” Katarina smiled as she pulled you into a hug.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I owe you, Y/N.” You smiled as you gave her a nod.

“You bet your ass you do, Kat, especially after that disaster of a blind date you put me through with that, Nicole, girl. She literally spent the whole time at the restaurant crying about her ex-girlfriend, Jayden.” You cringed at the memory, “But, seriously. What if we have nothing in common?”

The girl in front of you pursed her lips in thought, “She’s a Vet, so just ask her about animals or her cat, Prada.”

You raised an eyebrow, “Like the brand?”

Kat let out a breathy laugh, “Yeah. Just don’t mention that to her.

-

The lights were bright in the gallery as you nursed the champagne Katarina had handed you almost an hour ago.

You had been surveying the room every few seconds in search of Katarina’s girlfriend, Sharon, and your new blind date, Sally. But, as the minutes ticked by at a snail’s pace, you couldn’t help but feel more and more nervous to meet this mystery girl.

Thoughts began to swirl in your mind as you moved closer to Katarina for comfort, ‘What if she hates me? What if we have nothing in common and she ends up talking shit about me to her friend?’

You began to feel your heartbeat in your ears as you whispered into your friend’s ear, “Where’s your girlfriend and that Sally girl you were talking about?”

Katarina looked away from the people in front of her to whisper back, “Stuck in traffic, they should be here any minute n…” She stopped as she looked between the heads of the possible buyers as she spotted her girlfriend, “Sharon!” The blonde looked up as she spotted the younger, your eyes leaving her to see the girl that was trailing behind. Both your eyes widening as you saw each other, your paces quickening till you stood face to face.

“It’s you!” You and Sally exclaimed, shocking Katarina and Sharon.

Sharon looked between the two of you in confusion, “What do you mean, ‘It’s you’?” Your mouth opened and closed like a goldfish as you motioned with your hand at Sally, looking Katarina in the eyes.

“She’s the girl in my dream!”

-

The four of you looked at each other, dumbfounded, no one really knowing what to say as you and Sally continued to examine each other.

“Should we go?” Katarina whispered into her girlfriend’s ear as you seemed to be blissfully unaware of either of their presence.

Sharon shrugged, “Let me try something.” The blonde cleared her throat making you and Sally snap out of your daze to look at her, “Okay, does anyone want to explain what’s going on here?”

Sally let out a sigh, “Remember those dreams I was telling you about a few weeks ago?” Sharon looked up in thought before nodding, “Well, it seems as though Y/N and I have been dreaming of each other. Like we’re soulmates or something.” You raised an eyebrow in question.

“Soulmates, huh?” You let out a breath as a laugh.

Sally just shrugged, “Do you have any better way to explain what’s happening with us then, genius?” You scoffed, rolling your eyes.

“Jesus, before we start hating each other, why don’t we talk first. Okay?” You made a motion towards the exit, as you and Sally began walking away from the couple.

“Told you they’d get along.” Katarina smiled as she kissed Sharon’s cheek, making the older shake her head.

“I don’t if that counts as getting along, but fine.” Sharon smiled as she placed her arm around her girlfriend’s waist.

Katarina’s smile was nearly blinding as she walked the pair to talk with more possible buyers, before whispering into Sharon’s ear, “Guess that means you’re making dinner.” But before Sharon could respond, Kat quickly slapped her ass before running off, “And I’ll have you for dessert.”

-

~1 Month Later~

You hated to admit it, but you and Sally got along as well as a duck to water. After meeting at Katarina’s art gallery the two of you had been nearly inseparable and you were almost about to thank Kat for setting you up with her. Almost.

But, things between the two of you seemed to move faster than with anyone you had been with before and dare you say it. You felt like you were in love with her.

You couldn’t help but love every little thing about her, and you finally decided that you wanted to know if she really felt the same about you. So you had called Sally asking her to meet you at your guy’s spot in the park. It was an old gazebo that seemed to have been there for forever, but was perfect for the two of you. Timeless.

So now you were waiting under the gazebo as you paced the length of it, a bouquet of purple hibiscuses in hand. ‘Where is she? Where is she? Where is…’

“Y/N?” You shook your head as the all too familiar voice reached your ears, stopping your pacing as a smile grew on your face.

“Sally!” You quickly closed the gap between the two of you so you were standing nearly directly in front of her. “These are for you.”

Sally looked down to your hand as a small giggle left her lips, “Purple hibiscuses?” You shrugged.

“I felt like it fit the moment, since it seems as though I’ve known you forever. Almost if I knew you…”

“In another life.” You and Sally laughed as you both finished the sentence.

You smiled as you took a step closer to her, “See what I mean? Stuff like that, it feels as though the universe is pushing us to be together. Because I feel as though in our past lives we were meant for each other, only to be made to wait for another lifetime to have one another.” You took another step towards Sally.

Your breaths lingered together as your lips were centimeters apart, “I don’t want to have to wait another lifetime, if I’m already given this second chance to be guaranteed with you.”

As the words left your mouth you pushed forward, connecting your lips before melting into the kiss. For a moment, it felt as if a promise to the universe had been fulfilled as you held Sally by her waist, her hands cupping your cheeks as you smiled against her lips.

Sally giggled as she pulled away slightly, resting her forehead against yours as she whispered, “In this life, Y/N, I promise; I’ll love you too.”

[pixieungerstories]

Captive - 9

Hi Readers - I hate to be like this, but if you love this story, please go here to subscribe.  I’m not intentionally neglecting the free content, it’s just getting overlooked right now.  My next book deadline in Nov15 (2020).  Normally, it’s just me writing for me and you get the benefit from that.  This time Podium Audiobooks has me under contract for second book in the Mistaken Universe.

Also - if you have the time - the occasional gentle reminder is appreciated.  Today’s post is brought to you by @dizzy-poncho who sent me some love and made my brain realized I hadn’t posted in a while.

The sound of someone pounding on the door was less than an ideal way to be awoken. As was the kitten, who had up to that point had been curled up behind her knees, screeching and bolting. Elly glanced at her watch, she had managed maybe four hours of sleep. The person on the other side of the door pounded again. Groaning, Ellly got to her feet, stomped over to the shop door and wrenched it open. 

“What?!” 

The church ladies were clearly taken aback by her tone. They stared at her in stunned horror. 

“The sign says we’re closed for the day.” Elly announced.

“I just need-” Posy started to say, but Elly interrupted.

“You need to come back tomorrow.”

Posy narrowed her eyes, “I could just as easily order my yarn off the internet instead, you know!”

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” Elly replied sadly.  “Good day then.” She then closed the door on the women’s shocked faces. She leaned against the door for a minute and groaned before rallying the strength to head upstairs. On her way she nearly tripped over the reappeared kitten. 

“Jesus, cat! Learn some self preservation!” Elly scolded as she scooped up the tiny thing. The kitten clamored up her arm to her shoulder and settled in for the trek upstairs. Elly tried to remember where she had stored Mitten’s cat stuff. In all likelihood she probably gave it away when she figured her cat had been eaten...Well she’d need to take the kitten for vaccinations anyways. She could pick up whatever she needed then. First thing on the list, a bell collar.  

Well, that could be second. The first thing she needed was a name. Elly wondered for a moment if George would want any say in that. The thought could wait. First she needed a nap, or possibly a whole lot of coffee. Likely both. 

Ben was just staggering out of the spare room when Elly got back to her apartment.  “Shit, boss, I am late getting started this morning.”

Elly sighed, “We are closed today.  How are you feeling?”

Ben shrugged, then rubbed his bleary eyes, “Slightly hung over, possible still a little drunk, and baffled that you have a dragon living in your basement.”  He looked at her face and frowned, “Did you sleep last night?”

Elly shook her head again, “Not really.  I napped.”

Ben winced, “Was that my fault?”

Elly shook her head again, “I was up too late and started getting creeped out by the sounds of the house settling.”  Ben really did look awful.  “Right!” she announced, making him wince again.  “Big glass of water, a couple of aspirin and back to bed.”

Bean groaned, “I would roll my eyes at you except that they feel like they might fall out of my head if I tried.”

Elly snickered under her breath and went to the kitchen for a glass.

“So tell me about George.”

She froze.  This was awkward.  “I think you should ask him about him.  Carefully. I don’t want to offend the dragon in my basement and neither do you.”  She filled the glass with water and handed it to him.  As Ben drank the water she pulled the aspirin out of the spice drawer.

“Does he breath fire?” he asked, lightly, trying to make a joke.

Elly pursed her lips as she considered that.  “More like belches fire, but he can adjust his body temperature to heat the building.”

“You are fucking kidding me!”  His eyes went wide as Elly shook her head.  “Holy shit.”  It was said reverentially, whispered almost like a prayer.  Ben took two steps to the left and sat heavily in one of the kitchen chairs.

Elly gave him a sympathetic look.  “I am honestly unsure if this conversation would be better once you are sober.  It could turn out to be worse.”  She hesitated for a moment before adding, “Are you planning on quitting?”

“Why would I quit?” Ben asked with a frown.

Elly frowned right back at him.  “Because there is a dragon in the basement.  And if you tell anyone, they will just think you’re delusional.”

Ben considered this.  “You won’t.  Think I’m insane, I mean.”

“I’m not really the best judge of sane, Ben.” She sounded sad when she said it.  

There was a long moment of tension before the kitten stropped up against Ben’s leg, causing him to curse and stand up fast enough to knock over his chair.  It hit the ground with a clatter and the kitten bolted.

“Was that Muffin?” he mumbled, looking sheepish as he picked up the chair.

Elly frowned, “You mean Mittens?  No.  George brought it home last night.”

“Like a present?  That’s sweet.”  After a moment, Ben added “And a little weird. Where did George get a kitten?”

“He said someone killed its mom and littermates.  He was vague on the details and I didn’t push.  He would have told me if he wanted me to know.”

Ben shivered, “Yeah.  I was picking up my spice delivery at the post office last week and overheard the Debbie from the pound saying it was less killing cats and more a plaque of cat mutilations.”

Elly went very still.  When Ben finally looked up and met her eyes, she whispered, “Are we talking disemboweling here?”

Ben blinked and stared at her in horror before nodding.  “How did you know that?”

Elly spun on her heels and fussed at the sink, giving it a wipe before putting the kettle on the hob.  “George was unusually circumspect about what had happened. I couldn’t figure out why, he isn’t usually shy.”

Ben snorted, “I can see that about him.”  He watched her face, it was easy to see the wheels turning, but he couldn’t figure out what she was thinking.  “If someone is hunting cats, it might be safer to take … um. . . her?  Or him?  Whatever, take the kitten to a vet a couple of towns over.  If you are keeping it, I mean.”

Elly gave him a puzzled look, “Of course I’m keeping it.”

Ben fought a smirk, “You sure?  Have you named it yet?” 

Elly considered this.  “Nyx, goddess of night.”

Ben snicked, “Really?  What if its a boy?”

Elly rolled her eyes, “Ben, I’m not going to enforce gender roles on a kitten.”

Ben just shook his head.  “Fine, but when we go to the vet, you get to drive.”

----

The vet proclaimed Nyx to seem perfectly healthy and old enough for vaccination and FIV testing.    They booked her in for a spay in two weeks.  Next stop was the pet store.

Ben picked out an adjustable purple collar and neoprene cat harness.  Elly gave him a look.  “What?  You can harness train cats it you get them young enough.  I follow Suki Cat on instagram!”

Elly blinked, “Huh.  I never would have picked you for a cat person.”

He smirked, “Stupid cat videos is what the internet is for.”

“Really?  Because I suspect most people would say porn,” Elly teased, then was surprised when he blushed.  She managed to fight the urge to comment on that, and while she was wrestling with her morals, Ben left to go look at cat carriers.  Nyx meowed and tightened her tiny claws into Elly’s shoulder where she was sitting.  

“I’m sorry!” she blurted out.  “That was rude.”

Ben just waved her away.  “More unexpected. I haven’t seen that side of you. You are very, um, professional.”  He didn’t make it sound like a compliment.  When he realized she was frowning slightly, Ben flashed her a smile.  “You are a great boss, Elly.”

Elly coughed, “I’m not actually your boss, you know.”

Ben blushed again.  That was new.  “Any preference on cat food?”

Realizing he was trying to change the subject, Elly turned to face with wall of food.  “Wet food for cats.  I’ve never had one do well on kibble.”

“Did, um, your other cats sit on your shoulder like that?”

“Nope, this is a first, but she seems to like it up there.”

They watched each other awkwardly for a moment.  Elly broke first.  “Ben?  Are you OK?”

Ben quickly turned his head to the right and scoped out the litter boxes.  “Ina wasn’t that fun to work with,” he admitted.  “Most of the time you are.  Weird, but fun.  I’m starting to understand where the weird comes from.  And now I know that too.  How do you go through your day knowing something like that?”

Elly sighed.  “Ben -  Look, tell me about yeast.”

“What?”

Elly rubbed her eyes, making Nyx meow and dig her little claws into Elly’s sweater.  “You told me that yeast for bread used to come from beer, then the beer yeast changed and there was a shortage, right?”

Ben frowned, “Yeah, brewers switched from top fermenting to bottom fermenting and that process didn’t make the byproduct that bakers use.  But what does that have to do with George?”

“How many people do you think know that?”

“Elly!  It doesn’t matter!  People knowing or not knowing about yeast doesn’t actually matter!”

Elly just raised an eyebrow, “How does knowing about George matter?  Yeast is way more practical on a day to day basis.”  Ben stared at her like she was insane.  Elly kept talking, “Most people, including me, would consider baking bread or spinning wool or knitting a weird and slightly esoteric hobby.  George is just one more weird bit of trivia that you now know.”

[western-writer]

Betrayal Beyond Forgiveness

Fandom: Far Cry 5

Warnings: cussing, descriptions of injuries, mentions of blood and death

Summary: The Whitetails conspire against Rook out of fear but things don't go the way they expected them to go.

A/n: Finally! I've been trying to produce content for the longest time but I couldn't finish anything to save my life. But here this is and I'm very happy with it. I also didn't proof read this but will be going back through as time goes on to edit things. Enjoy!

Betrayal is a funny thing. The stinging, burning sensation that pools and spreads like electricity throughout your chest and settles into a pit in your stomach. How it feels when that first jolt of Earth shattering realization leaves you reeling. Questions racing in your mind, yet somehow you’re unable to think or choke out the words caught in your throat. It’s funny because betrayal always comes from those you would least expect. That's what betrayal is. You enemies... you expect that much from them. You expect them to try to hurt you. You expect them you screw you over. But when it comes from those closest to you... it cuts deeper than you could imagine. 

Rook would’ve expected something like this from Jacob - a set up. But the Whitetails? Eli? Rook couldn’t wrap her head around it. 

It was just supposed to be a simple extraction of supplies the cult had taken. Stealth is her specialty, after all. Rook dropped the Peggies quick - almost too quick. To Eli’s dismay, this only drove his point forward and confirmed a suspicion he had for quite some time. Jacob’s trails had changed her and, the cult having been mostly under control, it was time to put her down. 

Eli and Tammy watched her on his cameras as she worked. Tammy wore a “I told you so" look as Eli ignored it. With a heavy sigh, he raised his walkie talkie to his mouth and spoke. “We proceed as planned. I’m sorry, Dep.”

Having no idea of this so-called plan, Dep went through the plan as she was told. The area is secure, now she needs to check to see if the supplies are there. 

This part felt a bit strange to Rook. Why should she check to make sure the supplies are there? If they sent her out on his mission, wouldn’t they already be sure they’re here?

Rook ignored her warnings going off in her head and she opened each container. Her heart dropped as she heard the familiar click and she knew what was coming. She had just triggered a count down to a bomb explosion. 

Thinking quickly, Rook turned and sprinted away as fast as she could, but she wasn’t quite fast enough. The explosion went off behind her, sending Rook flying through the air. 

Eli thought the plan had gone off without a hitch as a Whitetail checked her pulse and found no sighs of it. “I think she’s gone, boss. I think the plan worked.” Eli could only hope that she died a quick death. Tammy breathed a sigh of relief. 

“It’s better this way, Eli. She would’ve been a danger to us all. I’ve seen what happens to people after they go through those trails. Now it’ll look like she went down a hero. No one will know.” 

Eli sighs, getting ready to announce her death, but there’s one problem. 

Rook didn’t die in the explosion. She was knocked unconscious and came to just in time to hear about the conspiracy to kill her. She laid there for who knows how long just letting it sink in. Her head throbbed, probably due to the conclusion and she’s pretty sure she has a few broken ribs. Rook was pelted with shrapnel and is bleeding from multiple wounds all over her body. Multiple bones are horribly damaged.

Jacob, she would’ve expected to do something like this. Not the people she called family. Not after all that she’s done for them. The Whitetails are playing with fire and if she lives through these injuries, they’re gonna get burned. 

“Deputy, Deputy, Deputy...” Jacob’s disapproving voice rings in her ears. “Bet you wish you listened to me now, huh?”

Rook opens her eyes a little bit, fighting off the drowsiness threatening to take over. Her vision is blurry and her ears still ring intensely from the explosion. She'll be surprised if she doesn't have some sort of hearing loss, even despite the ear plugs she wears.

It was sad seeing the fearsome Deputy laying here in a pool of her own blood. Having been betrayed by none other than the Whitetail Militia. Pathetic, really. 

Rook, being the stubborn woman she is, struggles to sit up, only to have Jacob slowly push her back down. He cracks a smile, finding a bit of amusement in this. 

“What do you want, Jacob?” she tries to hiss, but it comes out weak. 

Jacob sighs. “I tried to warn ya. You didn’t wanna listen. Now look where you are. Alone. Dying. How does betrayal feel?”

“Shut the fuck up,” Rook manages to growl. 

Jacob laughs. “I’ll hand it to ya, kid. You’ve got some real nerve. I can respect that."

Rook coughs, blood ozing from between her lips and she rolls over. Jacob watches her, almost like he's studying her as she spits out the blood. There's not a lot, but it's enough for Rook to be concerned.

"You have blood in your lungs," he tells her.

"No shit," she rasps. "Why... are you here?"

Jacob chuckles, wiping some blood from her mouth. "I hear everything, Deputy. These are my mountains, after all. I heard the whisperings. I'm honestly surprised they followed through. Their plan would've worked perfectly had someone bothered to confirm that you were dead. They just screwed themselves, didn't they?"

Rook nods slowly, beginning to wheeze. Jacob sighs.

"I guess I've screwed with you enough. C'mon." He extends his hand down and slide it under her back, lifting carefully.

"W-what're you doing?"

"I can't let them go and kill my best weapon, now can I?" He puts his other hand under her back and lifts her up. Rook doesn't bother with trying to struggle or fight him. She doesn't want to die. Not yet and certainly not because of people she would've given her life for.

Jacob picks her up, carrying her as gently as possible as to not injure her further. She rests her head on his shoulder, feeling oddly comforted.

Jacob felt oddly bad for the Deputy. It was never a feeling he expected to feel toward the young rookie. He felt her breathing against him, slow and raspy, pained. Anger burned inside him. Maybe he had a soft spot for her. He has to admit he holds a fair amount of respect for her. She's doing what most people couldn't, wouldn't, or would die trying to do. If he's being honest, he feels responsible for putting her in this situation, but at the same time, this is exactly what he wanted so why does he feel so guilty?

News of Rook's death shook the county. Everyone felt the sting of the loss all while she laid at the Vet's Center recovering and healing. Deputy Pratt stayed by her side the whole time in utter disbelief that the Resistance would do that to her. It took months for her to be well enough to stand and walk around but once she crossed that threshold when healed quickly, though, her loyalties had shifted just a bit and she would never be the same again.

Jacob tried to persuade her to forget about the Resistance. "After everything they've done to you," he said.

"It wasn't the whole Resistance, Jake," Rook defended them. "Just the Whitetails. And that still doesn't change the fact that what you and your siblings are doing is wrong."

Jacob just rolls his eyes. "If one part of the Resistance did this, the rest could easily too."

"The actions of the Whitetails don't speak for everyone, Jake. There's still parts of the Resistance that have fought beside me and some people have given their lives for me. I can't just forget that."

"Sometimes I think you're too loyal, Rook. I really do."

Now it's Rook's turn to roll her eyes. "Whatever you say, Jacob. I need answers and I intend to get them, whether you like it or not."

As Rook made her way out of the room, Jacob felt compelled to call after her, so he did. "Hey!"

Rook stop, turning to face him, seemingly annoyed. "What?"

"I just don't want them to burn you again. I don't want you to waste your energy on people that would literally murder you after all you've done for them. What if when you show up, they freak out and actually do kill you? I didn't save you just to have you be killed."

Rook would've be irritated with him if it weren't for the shock overriding her senses. This kind of vulnerability was incredibly uncharacteristic for Jacob, yet here he was. He showed her a side not many people had ever seen. His caring side. A side to him many people would argue is nonexistent.

Rook was confused at where the sudden concern came from but decided to brush it off - for now.

"It'll be okay, Jake," Rook responds, using her nickname for him to ease the tension. "They'll be too shocked to do anything."

Jacob watched her leave and sighs. At this point he feels a sort of obligation toward her and keeping her safe. The feelings confuse him greatly and he's unsure what to make of them. All he knows is that he hates it.

Rook stands in the doorway behind Eli, waiting for the perfect moment to make her presence known. She fights the angry trying to explode in her and reminds herself: you're here for answers, not to start a fight.

"Hey, Eli..." Rook says softly, making the man stop dead in his tracks and turn slowly.

"Deputy...?"

"Hey..."

With just a few strides Eli had closed to distance between them and hugged her tight. He was genuinely relieved to see her and know that he hadn't killed her. Guilt thumped in his chest like a drum as he held onto her.

"I thought you died..."

Rook had to admit, his embrace felt good. She wished she could forget the deception.

Eli pulls back and looks Rook in the eye. He notices that one has obvious damage to the cornea. Rook catches onto what he's looking at.

"Some, uh, some metal shaving managed to find their way into my eye during the explosion. Don't worry, it only took about 30% of my sight in that eye. My hearing though... I have about half of what I had."

"Dep - I am - I am so sorry."

"I also lost about 25% of my breathing capacity. Major concussion that will effect my cognitive function for the rest if my life. Broken skull and major brain bleeding. My left knee cap basically had to be rebuilt because of how shattered it was when I landed on it after the explosion threw me. My right ankle was broken, both wrists, my left femur, and both my radius and ulnar were pretty well mangled. Did I tell you that not only were multiple organs bruised, but my kidney had ruptured just a little bit? Oh and I had a ton of tissue damage, but I pulled through."

"If anyone could've done it, Dep, it was you."

"Yeah, it was me," Rook chuckles humorlessly. "After being left for dead on the ground... left to bleed out or die of organ failure... you'd never guess who found me but that doesn't matter right now." Rook takes a few steps into the Wolf's Den and looked around. The place was seemingly empty. "What matters is..." she trails off, turning to face Eli. "why'd you do it, Eli?"

A look of shock is plastered of Eli's face as he takes a step back. "D-do what?"

"Set me up, Eli. Why did you set me up? Why did you try to kill me? After everything I've done for you and this fucking county."

"I-I'm sorry, Dep. I really am. You were dangerous, or at least that's what they told me."

"You're smarter than that, Eli. Or at least I thought you were. Letting someone manipulate your thoughts like that... Who was it, hm? Was it Tammy? You know she never liked me."

"After the trials Jacob put you through-! She was terrified that he would use you against us. And I saw it Dep. How you took all those cultists down... it was unnatural."

"Are you fucking kidding me!? Seriously!? I have been fighting for my life, Eli! I've had to change to adapt my methods to fucking survive and you wanna say I'm dangerous because I had to get better? You really don't understand what I was up against. While you got to sit in here I was out there doing anything and everything you wanted me to do." She points to the door. "I was being kidnapped and shot and beaten. I killed for you and I wpildve DIED for you but THIS is how you repay me!? Fuck you, Eli. I thought you were family. I THOUGHT I could FUCKING TRUST YOU."

Rook steps forward, shoving Eli hard and he stumbles, falling to the ground. Rook stalks over, kneeling down next to him.

"You thought I was dangerous before? Get a load of this. Jacob saved me. That's right. Jacob. You know how much damage I could do if I wanted to? All I'd have to do is tell him where this precious hideout is and he'd come down on all of you so fast and so hard that you would never know what hit. You all would be dead before you could get your radio out. The Whitetails would be extinct and all it'd take is just a few words."

"You wouldn't dare," Eli hisses, glaring at her.

"Wouldn't I, though?" Rook answers dangerously. "All it'd take is a few words and your life would be snuffed out much like you tried to do to me. You involuntarily gave me so much power, Eli. Guess next time you'll check my pulse yourself, huh?"

"Dep... please."

Rook sighs, standing up and turning away from him. "And even though you'd fucking deserve it, I won't do that. But I will tell the rest of the Resistance what all of you did and let them decide what to do with you."

A crushing weight falls onto Eli. "I'm sorry, Dep. I really am. I never wanted any of this to happen."

Rook sighs and places her hands on the table in the main room. "You know I can never forgive you or any of the Whitetails for this, right Eli? I would've given my life for you guys... How am I supposed to forgive this? No. I can't. I just can't."

"I understand, Dep... I don't blame you."

Rook takes a deep breath and turns to him again, seeing that he has gotten to his feet. "I've been doing some talking and I've managed to talk Joseph down. They're not leaving but they'll stop targeting and recruiting unwilling participants as long as the Resistance leaves them alone."

"What does that mean for you, Dep?"

She smiles a bit. "I don't know... I mean I just experienced life altering trauma, both physical and mental. I have permanent brain damage. Another bad hit to the head could kill me. So I guess... early retirement. I'm partially blind, can't bear for shit anymore and get winded by walking for extended amounts of time so it's really my only option."

He wanted to say it again. He wanted to apologize until he lost his voice. He couldn't believe he had been so dumb. She will never forgive the Whitetails and neither will he. He will never forgive himself.

"Goodbye, Eli," Rook muttered as she left the bunker. All Eli could do is watch her leave and prepare for the chaos that is about to erupt. The Resistance will be furious with them. They'll be luckily if the rest of them don't kill them.

Rook found herself back at the Vet's Center and questioned herself for a moment before going inside. She could've gone anywhere but she chose here. She chose to come back.

Jacob is waiting for her as she enters his office.

"They thought I was a danger to them..." she mutters.

"Why?"

"Your trials... they thought you'd use me against them."

Just as Jacob feared, they had caught onto his plan. But she would never know that.

Surprisingly, Jacob walked over to Rook and hugged her.

She was stunned and almsot pushed him away before accepting the affection. God knows she needed it after the last few months she had. She never thought she'd find comfort in Jacob Seed but here she is.

And as for Jacob, feeling the younger woman in his arms did something to him. He didn't want to let go. He didn't want her to go. And he would do anything to make sure she didn't.

Some things are better left unsaid and Jacob is sure that this is one of them.

[uh-drarry]

What happened before Wolfstar got custody of Harry? Requested by an anon way too long ago. I didn’t think it’d work as a soc media post so this is what you get. Also I am not a writer and sorry if this is terrible but here you are anyway 🤷🏻‍♀️

- When Lily and James die, Remus and Sirius get a call and they rush to the hospital and demand to know where Harry is. They’re told he’s being watched and it will be decided where he’s placed soon.

- Sirius goes off. Harry is his godson! It’s stated in the Potters will! But of course, no one can find the Will.

- 1 week later and it’s announced that Harry will go to live with the Dursley’s as his only blood relatives.

- Remus and Sirius ransack the Potter house to find their will but have no idea where it could be. And it gets harder and harder to look through all these memories but they need to save Harry. Lily used to talk about how awful her sister had become when Lily started dating James. Petunia is a racist bitch. They can not leave Harry in that house.

- They are trying to use this frantic searching to distract themselves from the fact that their best friends have died and they don’t have Harry like they had wanted and were supposed to.

- At least one of them visit number 4 just about every day to try and check up on Harry. The Dursley’s don’t want him but they do want the money that comes with looking after him.

- Wolfstar want to buy the house just down the road from the Dursley’s but they really can’t afford it rn (Remus has a lot of medical bills and Sirius has that house he hates but it’s rent free and it’s suitable for now and they’re saving what they can for lawyers)

- wolfstar got lawyers to fight and spent most of their saved money trying to get Harry to his rightful guardians. Minnie McG might’ve donated some as well when she heard what was happening.

- they’re getting nowhere without the will. And they can’t really prove anything. Child protective services are hardly even checking in on the Dursleys.

- It’s been a year and they hardly catch a glimpse of Harry when they knock on the Dursley’s door. Still nearly everyday. They’re still very worried. Eventually the Dursley’s stop opening the door to them.

- Sirius decides to try the Potter house again. Which nothing has been done with seeing as there is no will and James had just paid it off. So eventually it would go to Harry if it came to that.

- Wolfstar have decided once they get Harry and the Will that they will sell it for the money because they can’t stand to be in that home without them. So Sirius goes with the excuse of packing belongings for Harry to go through some day.

- he finds the fucking will, somehow. It was signed by both Lily and James, as well as a letter from them written by Lily to Sirius and Remus, and another written to Harry

- It turns out the Potters were planning on going into hiding until the crazed man who’s threatened them has been apprehended. She wrote that she didn’t know what was going to happen and that she just wanted them to know she loved them all just in case. She was very thorough in her explanations.

- The man hadn’t known they had a son and because Harry was sleeping upstairs he wasn’t there when the man killed Lily and James. The cops tackled him before he did real damage to Harry. Leaving him with his scar.

- This was all in the letter (except how they died) and there was the will finally. After a whole year of fighting for Harry and it going no where.

- Sirius left everything but the letters and will, crying as he got home to Remus as fast as he could. He yelled for him when he came home and collapsed into his arms when he got to him.

- Remus: “Sirius! What’s going on you’re scaring me! Is it Harry? What have they done to him?”

- “Re. Re I found it.”

- “Found what?”

- “The will! And these letters. Oh Remus I can’t believe it. We have a chance now!”

- Remus was shocked into silence. Just holding his hand out for the papers.

- They cried together for a long time. Then called their lawyer. Even though it was 10pm

- It still took another year however to get Harry back. Harry had been forced to lie. He was afraid of his uncle and said he liked living with them when the social worker asked him because Vernon had threatened him and said no one would care anyway. He was only 4 years old when that happened.

- The social worker made a surprise visit one day in the third year of Harry living with the Dursley’s. He had now just turned 5 years old. The Dursley’s were home but they thought it was a delivery man and told Harry to get it while they were at the dinner table eating.

- Harry answered the door. He had too big clothes on, a bruise on his cheek and wrist, and his hair was unwashed.

- She knelt down to his height.

- Hello Harry dear, do you remember me?

- Harry just nods.

- “Can you answer a couple questions for me before I come inside? I won’t tell your aunt or uncle what you tell me okay?”

- He nods again.

- She points to the bruise on his wrist. “Who gave you that?”

- “Uncle.” He whispered staring at the bruise.

- And this one? She points to his cheek.

- “Uncle.” He said even quieter.

- “Where are your aunt and uncle?”

- “Dinner.”

- “And what are you having for dinner tonight?”

- “They’re having chicken.”

- “And what are you having?”

- He looks at her in confusion, “Nothing.”

- Now even more in alert she asks, “Do you get to eat dinner usually?”

- He shakes his head.

- “How many times do you eat every day?” He just shrugs. And she gets an even worse feeling in her gut.

- “Can you... show me where you sleep?” At this point she was trying to find things to prove what she now was seeing was a horrible situation for Harry to be in.

- He nods and grabs her hand to pull her inside and closes the door. He walks a few feet to the cupboard under the stairs.

- “Here.” He says and opens it and she sees a little cot and a threadbare blanket. Horrified, she stares for a moment.

- Then Vernon yells from the dinning room “Boy! Who was at the front door! Get back in here now and no dawdling!”

- Harry is shaking. Eyes wide staring at her. Instead of going to his uncle. He latches onto her legs tightly. He looks up at her tears starting to form and just says “Please.”

- Her heart breaks right there.

- Out comes Vernon with a pan raised and Harry squeaks and buries his face in her thighs.

- Vernon freezes. Tries to hide the pan behind his back and says “Ms. Irvine. How lovely to see you.”

- Ms. Irvine just stares at him with tight lips while she clutches Harry closer and put the phone to her ear with the other.

- Vernon and Petunia Dursley are thrown in prison on charges of severe child neglect and abuse. Because of the Dursley’s, Remus and Sirius are vetted for weeks in order to see if they’re good fit for Harry, despite being his godfathers as stated by the will. When they are finally allowed to see Harry for the first time in three years they are horrified at how skinny he is and how small he is which they can now see as Harry has on proper clothes. They start crying immediately and are so relieved that he’s away from the Dursley’s even if he doesn’t come home with them.

- they were warned by Irvine that he wasn’t being fed properly or taken care of properly. That he’d probably be quite cautious around people in general, that he hasn’t been asking for what he needs because that fear has been instilled in him, and especially that it seemed that he wasn’t often if ever referred to by his name, only ‘boy’ so she’s been trying to say it as often as possible

- When Harry sees Remus and Sirius for the first time in three years he stares at them for a minute then says “Padfoot? Moony?” with a little confused look on his adorable face.

- Remus and Sirius fall to their knees crying and ask If they can hug him and tells him they love him. Harry walks cautiously over to them but stops two feet away. Remus then pulls a stuffed deer from his pocket and holds it out Harry, his eyes light up and he takes it from him and hugs the deer desperately, remembering the deer from when he was a baby.

- Harry then looks at the two of them with a little hope in his eyes.

- Harry looks back to Ms. Irvine and she comes over to whisper in his ear

- “you can hug them if you want but you don’t have to, Harry. And they won’t hurt you I promise.”

- Harry stares at them for a long couple minutes

- He then reaches out to touch the scar on Remus’ face and looks nervous but asks “okay?”

- Wolfstars’ hearts explode because how can he be so kind and worried and obviously nervous that they’ll be mad for him asking yet still want to make sure the Remus is okay.

- Remus smiles gently. More tears forming and says “yes pup I’m okay thank you for asking. Are you okay, Harry?”

- “Am now.” He whispers and looks between them and his social worker. He looks back at Remus and lifts the hair on his forehead to show off his scar, “We the same.” He says.

- Remus chuckles a bit while his heart aches and nods at Harry, “yes we are Harry.”

- Sirius finally clears his throat enough to talk, “we’re so glad that’s you’re okay, Harry, we tried very hard to visit you and take you home with us but your aunt and uncle didn’t let us come inside. We’re sorry it took so long to help you. We love you very much Harry. We only want you to be happy.”

- Ms. Irvine steps in then, “maybe we all ought to have dinner together. So we can talk more and get to know each other better? Harry are you hungry?”

- Harry looks shyly up at her and nods just a little bit.

- “Wonderful, what would you like to eat, Harry?”

- He stares at her for a full minute but she just keeps eye contact and waits for him. Eventually he says quietly, “pizza?”

- “That sounds like a good idea. What kind of pizza do you like?”

- Harry just shrugs.

- “How about a cheese pizza and we’ll see if you like that?” She looks at Remus and Sirius, “would you like pizza? I’ll order some now, and you can continue to get to know each other.”

- “Sounds like a wonderful plan,” Remus says and pulls out his wallet.

- “Oh no Mr Lupin, don’t worry about it, my treat. What kind do you two like?”

- “Hmm. I think Pepperoni tonight?” Remus asks Sirius and Sirius nods.

- “Perfect, I’ll go call it in.”

Part 2

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