#also mini thought: his winter coat used be to all white but it’s lately only been partially all white

[artistdove]

Headcanon that Oz gets fluffier and lighter when winter comes due to his winter coat. Makes for great insulation and stuffing

[fallingappleshurt]

Could you possibly write a SBI FD AU of all of the boys at Christmas. Could be at Christmas or any other time during the winter. Genuinely all I want to read right now. <3

Ty, Anon

Snowy Boys Incorporated (Part 1/2)

Sorry y’all, apparently word limits are a thing but anyways here it is!

Sorry if the flow of this was weird, it jumps from Phil to Tommy to Techno back to Tommy then to Wilbur, I have no excuse

This AU was made my the wonderful @antarctic-bay go check her out! And please keep in mind my writing isn’t canon!

Also the two times French is mentioned I used google translate because I am tired

Anyways hope you enjoy!

Phil parked the car and texted Techno and Wilbur to come help him and Tommy with the tree and ornaments. He turned off the engine and pocketed his phone, hoping Techno and Wilbur had actually moved the furniture to make room for the tree while him and Tommy had actually got the tree and ornaments from a storage unit.

“Phil- Phil! The tree is stuck!” Tommy said, Phil could hear him yanking at the box.

“Hang on, watch the ice,” Phil came around to the trunk of the car, ignoring the snowflakes fluttering down, he saw Tommy trying to shake the box from it’s jammed position.

“How did you manage this?”

“I don’t know!”

“Let me try,” Phil grabbed the sides of the box, trying to slowly wedge it out, but to no avail. “How did you do this?”

“Wh- How is this my fault?” Tommy cried, starting to pull at the box again.

“You’re the one that packed it!”

“What are you guys doing?” Phil looked over to see Techno standing by the car, eyebrow raised.

“Tommy’s shit at packing and got the tree stuck.”

“That sounds like him-”

“Hey!”

“You’re just mad-” Techno was caught off guard by Wilbur coming up behind him, slipping, and knocking them both to the ground.

“Wilbur what the fuck!”

“I slipped!”

“Get off of me!” Phil cackled as Tommy laughed loudly, wheezing at the end.

“That’s what you get for being an asshole! Instant karma!”

Techno responded by grabbing a fist full of snow and throwing it at Tommy, it landed on his chest and he yelped.

“It got in my shirt!”

“Good.”

After Techno and Wilbur had untangled themselves and dusted the snow from their clothes, they started to help them with the tree. They ended up having Techno climb into the car and lower one of the backseats and after much more struggling and wiggling the box they managed to free the tree from its very old, silver chamber.

Wilbur grabbed the boxes of ornaments and started up the stairs while Tommy and Techno followed with the tree and Phil locked up the car, listening to his brother's banter and hoping they actually wouldn’t try to race up the stairs.

He was glad to see his brothers more relaxed, they had all been stressed with finals right before break, he had come home from work many nights seeing them with books and papers spread out across the table, empty cups of coffee and energy drink cans littered around.

It was nice to see them fooling around.

Phil entered the apartment and slipped off his shoes, throwing them in the pile, to see Techno dragging the tree out of it’s box while Tommy and Wilbur pulled cobwebs off of ornaments.

They set up the tree in the corner of the room by a window and started to mess with the cords to plug in the lights, after unplugging and replugging every cord they managed to fit the tree lights in.

They started decorating, adding on colorful glass balls and a few candy canes just to be extra even though they knew Wilbur would eat them later.

Phil grabbed his personal favorite ornament, a wooden one with Snoopy and Woodstalk wearing santa hats in the snow, and hung it on the tree. They each had a favorite ornament, Techno’s was a mini violin, Wilbur’s an ornate snowflake, Tommy’s was a glass pickle. They were all hung on the front of the tree where they were easily seen.

They still had some of the little foam ornaments, the kind that are made in elementary school and kept for nostalgia and nostalgia only. Some still had pictures, Phil with an old striped bucket hat that they only let him keep for the first day of school. He missed that hat, it had been lost in a move.

Pulling more from the box, he found a snowman with a picture of Techno, glasses too big for his face, smiling shyly at the camera with paint on his hands. A baby blue foam mitten had a picture of Wilbur, who wasn’t facing the camera, with wild hair and a huge grin on his face as he slapped at a toy keyboard. A fading gingerbread man had a picture of Tommy grinning, eyes squeezed shut with colorful band aids across his face.

He took pictures with his phone and hung them up on the tree, much to his younger brother's annoyance.

Wilbur scrapped old tinsel out of the bottom of the boxes and put a few strands on the tree. Tommy grabbed the bundles of old lights and proceeded to strong them along the walls of the apartment.

“These are the next best things to LED lights,” He said, almost matter-of- factly, Phil just laughed as Tommy attempted to tape some of the wire to the wall. He was eventually able to pull it off after continually yelling at Techno to bring him duct tape and ‘fucking help him or he’d shake the bunk’.

After they had finished setting it up, they turned off all the lights except for the tree and strung ones on the wall. The colorful candy ones shown in the window by the tree and the golden light showed nicely against their white walls.

“The yellow lights kind of look like fireflies,” Techno mused, rubbing at his eyes.

“Maybe in video games, but this is the real world,” Tommy scoffed.

“Aww, are you tired?” Wilbur teased voice raising multiple octaves, “Little Blade need a na-”

Techno shoved Wilbur’s face away, “Shut up Wilbur,” He grumbled.

“When was the last time you slept?” Phil asked.

“Uh,” Techno paused for much longer then necessary, “Can’t remember.”

“Huh, that’s definitely not concerning-”

“I think this looks great!” Tommy interrupted, “Considering half of this stuff was covered in cobwebs!”

Phil nodded, “Oh wait, we forgot the star!” He started digging through one the boxes, his brothers left him to it and sat down on the couch. The star was always Phil’s thing, it was never a spoken rule, just something they had agreed on. Once he found it, Phil placed it on the tree then sat down next to his brothers.

He asked Wilbur about his day and Wilbur told him about finals hell and how every student looked dead or was trying to sleep in the cafeteria.

He turned to the others only to find that Techno and Tommy had already passed out, leaning on each other. Phil nudged Wilbur with his elbow, nodding towards the sleeping pair. They both pulled out their phones, taking pictures.

“Blackmail?” Phil asked, a grin pulling at his lips. Wilbur nodded.

“Blackmail.”

Phil took Techno’s glasses off of his face and set them on the coffee table and Wilbur covered them with a blanket.

The next morning Tommy sat up groggily, his first thought being that he was really hungry, so after untangling his and Techno’s limbs he padded into the kitchen. He started making a bowl of cereal and scrambled eggs, he made them in the lazy way, whisking the eggs with a fork then putting them in the microwave.

Then he remembered that it had been snowing the day before and rushed over to the window. A thick white blanket covered the terrain, sparkling white with soft gray clouds coating the sky. He opened the window and poked at the snow. He squished a fistful in his palm, it was packed, heavy snow.

Perfect for snowball fights.

He was going to destroy his brothers.

He closed the window then went to grab his food and sat at the table. A few minutes later he saw Techno sit up and rub at his eyes, Tommy watched him look around for a moment.

“Glasses are on the coffee table,” He supplied, taking a bite of cereal, Techno gave him a thumbs up then headed into the kitchen, starting to make a cup of coffee.

“Why don’t you eat breakfast?” Tommy asked, Techno looked over at him, glaring at his food.

“Why do you eat breakfast? It’s too early for food,”

“But not too early for coffee?”

“It’s never too early for coffee Tommy.”

Techno sat down across from him, obviously still trying to wake up fully. Just as Tommy was finishing his food Phil emerged from the hallway.

“You guys ready for today?”

“Heh?”

“What’s happening today?”

Phil raised an eyebrow, “Did you forget? We are helping down at the St Francis soup kitchen- my friend is low on people-I told you about this a week ago.”

“I completely forget,” Techno’s response was muffled by the coffee cup.

“Well we gotta be there in like an hour, get moving!”

Tommy put his dishes in the sink and saw Wilbur standing in the hall, staring him down.

“Hey Tommy, didn’t you wanna shower this morning?” He asked, eyes drifting towards the bathroom.

“Wilbur don’t-”

“Tommy-”

“Wilbur don’t-” Tommy’s begging was cut off as Wilbur shot to the side, dove into the bathroom and slammed the door. Tommy rushed over, pounding on the flimsy wood.

“Damn it Wilbur! Open the door!”

He heard the shower start and pounded harder.

“Wilbur you bitch!”

“Tommy it is too early for you to be this loud-” Techno said from the table.

“I’ll be quieter sooner if you help me open the door!”

Techno considered it for a moment then stood up, “Where is that bent coat hanger-”

“For fucks sake-” Phil put a hand on Tommy’s chest then knocked on the door, “Wilbur! You got ten minutes!”

Wilbur’s ‘okay’ was muffled from the door, Tommy sighed, leaning on the door, deciding he would absolutely beat the shit out of his brothers later.

They were running late because of course they were, between the fight for the bathroom, getting the car cleaned off and getting to the soup kitchen in the day before Christmas traffic was not the easier task, at least for the Pandels.

They finally pulled up to the soup kitchen and parked in the back, heading inside. They had barely managed to take off their coats before an employee pulled them into the kitchen.

Tommy was barely able to process what the man said, something about being understaffed, and shoved Tommy next to another boy who was sorting out juice boxes and fruit cups onto trays.

His brothers were being pulled aside to do actual cooking, they had done it before once when Tommy was sick and had to stay home.

After sorting and setting out all of the food along a conveyor belt type thing, Tommy wasn’t really sure what it was, they pulled up a metal covering so people could come get food.

Each person had to pass out different foods to people, Tommy was put at the end of the conveyor belt, handing out christmas cookies. Wilbur was next to him, offering different drinks.

Multiple different people came down the line, filling their plates with food and sitting down in the cafeteria. There was a TV in the corner and a bookshelf, other people milled about, soft chatter against the pots and pans clattering in the kitchen.

Two kids walked through the line with their parents, the girl looked at Wilbur and wrinkled her nose.

“Your hat looks weird,”

Tommy cackled and gave her an extra cookie.

Eventually they shut the windows and started to clean up the kitchen, putting plates and trays into a huge dishwasher, boxing things up in a walk in freezer and handing out non perishables to people as they left.

Tommy leaned against the counter, Techno and Phil were taking off aprons and putting them in a laundry pile, his shoulders loosened. They had helped people, it felt good;

“Just helped some people- feeling good-”

“Just killed a woman, feeling good!” Wilbur cut in, elbowing Tommy in the ribs, he elbowed him back. “Dickhead,”

“Hey! We’re gonna be heading out soon!” Phil called across the kitchen.

“Is there anything else we have planned?” He asked Wilbur.

“We’re making cookies,”

“Why?”

Wilbur shrugged, “Cause Techno got some new recipes from that gang of Lesbians at school.”

Tommy shuttered, “Oh I remember them, they scare me-”

“I thought you said they were cool,” Wilbur interjected, starting to follow Phil out the door.

“They are! But they also scare the shit out of me!”

Wilbur laughed, “As they should.”

Techno was watching Tommy slide around the kitchen in his socks when Phil asked; “Techno, you said you had some new recipes?”

He nodded, “Yeah, the Lesbian group chat gave me some,”

He remembered getting them was an interesting process, he asked them if they knew of any good cookie recipes and they had all started spamming for one girl to get online. When she did get online he asked the question again. She responded in all caps ‘You fucking fuck! Of course I have some! I am a cottagecore lesbian! What do you take me for!’ Then sent him 7 different recipes.

Wilbur snorted, “I still can’t believe you got taken in by a group of lesbians.”

Techno rolled his eyes and sent two of the recipes to Phil, who was preheating the oven.

“Why are we making so many?” Tommy asked, grabbing the baking sheets from the cabinets.

“They are for the neighbors,” Phil said.

“As a gift?”

“As an apology, you guys are fucking loud.”

Techno smiled, getting out the measuring cups and starting to put ingredients into the bowl. One was a recipe for sugar cookies, which is what he and Wilbur were doing, and the other were snickerdoodles which Phil and Tommy were in charge of.

Techno and Wilbur always worked well together, they flowed around each other, passing ingredients and helping each other out. Meanwhile Phil and Tommy had spilled half of the things they were trying to get into the bowl.

As Wilbur and Techno put their cookies in the oven, Phil nudged Tommy.

“Tommy, where is the rest of the butter, you said you grabbed more,”

“I did, I grabbed-”

“Then give it to me,”

Tommy didn’t move, “Hey Phil, remember when I said I had the butter-well- I lied.”

“What!”

“Don’t worry Phil, We still have some over here,” Wilbur passed a stick of butter behind him.

“Do you guys want some help-” Techno asked, biting his tongue, Tommy pushed him away.

“No! We got this!”

So Wilbur and Techno hung out in the living room while Phil and Tommy tried not to kill each other over cookies. It turned out to be for the best though because when they were ready to put their cookies in, Wilbur and Techno’s were done.

The two decorated their cookies with colored sprinkles, the recipe said it was optional but Wilbur had made the excellent point that sprinkles should never be optional.

Once Phil and Tommy’s cookies were done and left out too cool, Techno’s phone buzzed.

[notdeadyet09]

Cherry slushees are the only reason to wake from the dead

Read on AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/27466426

Ship: Valeyne with hints of Wayleska

word count : 3591

Warning: Jerome.... uses a gun at one point and t’s kind of manipulative 

Weekly visits to the graveyard were almost as constant as weekly threats on Bruce’s life. They were tedious and usually not very exciting. The most action anyone could get was if Jerome’s Maniax were trying to cause trouble again. Bruce should have been thankful for the lack of trouble (he wasn’t). After all, as much as he would never admit it, Jerome wasn’t ever boring

It was unusually cold for September, Bruce noted while wrapping his jacket tighter around himself. The cold seeping out of his breath, little vapors. Bruce could faintly remember a time when his mother had called it “the last remembering blood of the dragons”. There were no dragons anymore, no time for playing games of fantasy and fairy tales. Though he wouldn’t be surprised if they showed up again this was Gotham after all.

It would almost make him laugh, dragons flying over the perpetually gray skies, lighting them up with fire. Maybe if there were dragons it would be the reason today felt different. Something being decidedly off. It had started with Bruce missing his alarm. Though it almost seemed a primary to most people Bruce never missed his alarm, whether it be the clock in his head or the phone on his phone, he was always up at 5:30 in the morning. But today he slept in, waking up only when Alfred had come to look for him (Alfred seldom woke up when Bruce did, sighing about old age and needing rest. Bruce could almost agree with him).

So after his entire schedule had been thrown off, he had to deal with the unfortunate circumstances of one Selina Kyle, turning up, high as a kite. It wasn’t often that she smoked but when she did, she went all out. Bruce could surmise that she did most things that way.

After laying her down to sleep and answering a few questions that no one would ask unless you were high as a kite (Bruce had almost burst out laughing when she asked him if he slept upside down, like a bat) and bidding Alfred a warm farewell he’d slipped into the cold Gotham air.

Weekly visits could have seemed risky, the routine of it all making it easy to find him, but in Bruce’s heart, he didn’t care. If nothing else he had to make sure that Jerome was dead. He didn’t see Jerome die. He could only assume what laughter he went out on (if he was laughing). But he did see the body before they put it in a cheap coffin and a small service that only the other twin attended. Bruce certainly didn’t think about how he stood there, hiding behind a tree, listening to the empty words of a hired priest. No, he really didn’t think about that. He also didn’t think about the stab of a bad feeling when he heard about Jerome’s death. The sickly way that tears almost surfaced. Because why wouldn’t they? Jerome was someone that Bruce had never claimed to know well but from a few choice words at the diner, he understood enough

“No one helped me… ever” it was said with almost disbelief, and barely disclosed humor. Though it did mean something to Bruce. What makes someone like Jerome happen. Cause it really wasn’t care and help.

Bruce shook off the thought, reminding himself of what Jerome had done. It was no matter who made him like this, he still did terrible things. Things that kept Bruce up at night. Like spraying Jeremiah. Oh, Jeremiah. Burce almost grimaced at the thought of the man before the gas. A good man. Someone hurt by their own twin brother and left one last trap after it was all over. What would Jeremiah say if he knew who Bruce was reminiscing about?

He didn’t feel like answering that question today, with all of the feelings that went along with it. Why would he be mad? It's not like…. Like anything. It’s nothing Bruce thought as deftly made his way through cleanly cut grass and pale grey headstones.

It was, unfortunately, familiar; the feeling that dropped to the pit of Bruce’s stomach as he froze taking in his surroundings. Something was wrong, terribly fucking wrong. Displaced earth the color of late-night coffee and a shovel lay next to an open grave.

Jerome’s open grave.

Bruce instantly whipped around, almost expecting Jerome’s Maniax to come falling down from the sky like flying monkeys. His breathing becomes sharp but quiet, ears straining to hear anything that might give him a clue. Bruce knew that he should be calling Jim or Alfred or hell, even Jeremiah but something made him digress. Something made him want to stay here and fight. To fight like the dragons that didn’t exist anymore. The incredible itch to fight and win wasn’t something new theta Bruce had expected but it was something that he largely never dealt with. Never dealt with who caused it. Later he could deny the almost giddy feeling of finally something happening. Later maybe he wouldn’t need to. But now he just stood his ground, digging expensive boots into the soft late-night coffee dirt.

Bruce didn’t seem to notice the curling of his fists, the rosey fingertips still numb from the cold, and looked up and the bright gray sky. It was the kind of gray you’d find on harsh winter days, the stark blue’s and harsh whites of snow simulating the city. You’d never see the sun, but it always loomed. Loomed wasn’t the word most people would call the sun, that being reserved for fear and clowns at children’s birthday parties. Bruce thought the word made sense, as Gotham seldom was like everywhere else.

Bruce resided to urge to call out for Jerome’s cult, knowing that they had to be here somewhere, somehow. Calling them out would only make them hide more. It was an aspect the Bruce never got, seeing how taunting Jerome only made it easier to find him. Though it may be because the Maniax were only cheap imitations, not the real thing. Bruce should stop thinking like that shouldn't he, the almost fond smile he got when talking about the late face stapler sleeping back into practiced apathy.

Sighing, Bruce walked over to the grave, crouching down to talk about the cold soil in his fingers. It was fresh, as only dirt used to cover your worst (best) enemy could be. Likely dig less than a day or so. Why hasn't anybody noticed? Maybe there wasn’t anybody left to notice the sickly part of him answered, referring to the king night guard that had always let them in. Bruce happened he wasn’t dead. Strike that, Bruce knew he wasn’t dead. After all, what good was hope if he didn’t know it (that’s all hope’s good for). The shovel was interesting, placed haphazardly on the ground as someone had just thrown it there. Maybe they had. Maybe they were running and hiding, though Bruce doubted that they could run carrying a casket, seeing how it was missing.

Must have been more than one person then. That at least narrowed the list done to basically everyone.

“This is getting nowhere,” Bruce muttered, still rubbing dirt in between his fingers. Only now had it donned on him that he should call Alfred. Even though calling Alfred was likely the first thing that anyone else would have done (either that or they didn’t know the man well enough). But Bruce did, barely bothering to wipe the dirt off of his hands before reaching into his coat. The black coat almost seems to envelop him, like the night sky lacking stars. There weren’t ever any stars in Gotham, cloud cover, and light pollution getting in the way. After all the first time Bruce had seen stars, real stars were in Switzerland. When he was 12. Someone might call it sad, or as the missing dead man would say, absolutely fucking hilarious.

Bruce could see it as funny too, only seeing the stars after the passing of his parents. Passing was such a kind and soft word for murdered in an alley, used by stuffy old people paying their respects (and apparently 19-year-old billionaire vigilantes).

Shuffling around Bruce finally realized something. He left his phone at home. Shit. Shit. Shitshitshitshitshit. Bruce could almost laugh. Of course, this was the day he left his phone at home. It only served as evidence that something had it out for the poor boy, something with a cruel sense of humor.

He did a final pass over, making sure that at least he had some weapons; that being his chain, a Batarang, and what could only be described as the shock pen (a name given by a very high Selina). I was basically a mini taser that was sure to be illegal everywhere but this was Gotham after all.

The silence in the graveyard almost froze like it was waiting for a cue. And cue it did get, in the form of familiar laughter. Jarring, hysterical laughter that Bruce had only heard from one man. Bruce whipped around coming face to face with a smiling man holding a slushie.

Fuck.

“Heya Bruice,” The familiar nickname and the smiling face of Jerome Valeska couldn’t be mistaken for anyone other than a man coming back from the dead. And of course, he’s back. It’d only fit for what fluid rules mortality in Gotham ran on. Because the old lady that had passed away a month ago didn’t get to come back but of course, the psycho clown gets too.

“How?!... How the fuck are you alive,” The words came out shakily, the resolve Bruce had been building after Jerome’s death less steady than he thought. But I suppose seeing a dead man can do that.

“Such language,” Jerome gasped, the words scratchy. He paused coughing once before taking another slurp of the slushie. Where’d he get that and who he had killed to get it Bruce didn't want to know, instead reaching in his coat to pull out a Batarang. But something stopped him.

That being the sharp click of a gun and metal being pointed in his direction. Because why wouldn't Jerome have a gun?

“Whatever you’re going to pull out of that very expensive coat of yours, I suggest you don’t," he was smiling, a sickly kind of smile that was almost fond (bruce almost wondered if Jeremiah got it from him). He was dressed in what Bruce could only assume he was buried in, a cheap tux that lacked any source of flair and panache. Almost like the one he’d been wearing at the gala when Bruce got the little white scar that seems to burn against his neck now.

Surveying what little option he had left, Bruce decided on just sighing and putting his hands up. He’d hoped that Jerome was still a little stiff form y’ know coming back from the dead and that he would be a little easier to take down. One could only hope as Jerome laughed a bitter laugh, eyes trained on Bruce’s face. He was looking for something, whether it be a sign of what Bruce was going to do or just a plain crazy that sent a chill down Bruce's spine.

“How are you here?” The words came out steadier this time, as the surprise of a dead man walking began to diminish. Another day, another psycho clown twin brother of your sort off boyd=friend rising from the grave.

“Well funny story-,” Jerome said scratching the back of his head with the gun. The safety wasn't on “- I woke up, tired and in real need on a slushie and y' know the place on 4th and Baker street sooooo….” he paused, letting false tension build. Still the showman as always.

“You came back from the dead for a goddamn slushie," Bruce interrupted anger and disbelief coating his voice. It was in character though for the red-haired man to take death like it was only a nap between classes at the rich school’s bruce used to attend. It should have frightened him more. A lot more, but Bruce could only focus on the almost giddy smile of a man happy. “Oh, and by the way, how is my little…. Fuck he’s older than me now!” It didn't take a genius to figure out who he talking about.

Nor did it take a genius to see the slight flush on Bruce’s cheeks. Jerome paused slightly, scattered thoughts flashing through his head. Did something happen? Did they happen? It almost made Jerome cringe before he remembered the gas. The little trap for a little brother.

“Your damn trap worked if that’s what you're wondering,” Bruce answered the question unsaid. It could be easily forgotten how good the dark knight was at reading people, years of charity balls and betrayal would do that. But that still didn’t answer the flush. If the cold (was it cold? it’s hard to tell when you’ve been dead) was to blame or something else entirely. Jerome hoped for the cold. He wasn’t ever a liar, or blind, Bruce was cute and interesting, almost more interesting than anyone in Gotham and to think that his brother, infected by the same insanity as Jerome had snatched him up made him sick to his stomach. Though that could be whatever bugs he hadn't thrown up yet.

“Are you blushing over dear old Jeremiah Brucie boy,” Barely contained anger made Bruce freeze. What was Jerome getting at? Though Bruce knew that an answer might only anger him more if it is a true one at that.

“Why should you care, Jerome?” Bruce was overwhelmingly aware of the flush on his face, reconsidering if it would be best to try and fight him now. After all the last time Jerome saw Jeremiah he was still sane (maybe he never was a little voice whispered). It would have been cute if it didn’t mean that Jeremiah had won.

And Jerome never lost, but when he did he was one hell of a sore loser.

“Because I want to know if that bitch went to the cute billionaire before I did,” It was said casually, obviously feigned but still casual. The words took about five seconds to register in Bruce's head before he choked on his own breath.

"You’re not funny Jerome,” He hissed through his teeth, wrapping the coat further around him before asking another question.

“How the hell aren’t you cold,” He pointedly looked down at Jerome’s bare feet, stained blue and covered in dirt. Jerome didn’t answer, instead picking up another slush from the ground. Why hadn’t Bruce seen that?

Again, though it might have just been the shock of a very cold and odd day, it took a few seconds for Bruce to realize what Jerome was offering.

“How do I know that you didn't do something to it,”

“I’ve only been alive for one day and you really I’d kill you like this, with no one watching,” So It was just them. But it did bring back sick remembrance of dead butlers and staples. Of the Carnival where Bruce had bargained for his life and almost ended up taking Jerome's. Bruce nearly shook his head, trying to dislodge frozen memories and focus on what’s in front of him.

“Just give me the goddamn slushee you fuck,”

“The mouth on this kid,” Jerome handed him the plastic cup, only ⅔ full. Bruce pointedly ignored that Jerome had likely drunk from the straw that he would before talking again.

“First of all I’m older than you and second, how exactly are you planning on making my life a living hell this time,” He was tired, and it almost offended Jerome, that someone was taking more of Bruce’s energy then he was. So he did what every good performer does when something isn’t going their way… try to seduce the audience.

“Y’know I was going to shoot you,” a glare was sent his way, form tightening “but I decided no I’m just going to have some fun with my favorite volunteer~,” He purred the last words, relishing in the momentary shock spreading over Bruce’s face. Sadly it was smothered over by priced apathy and feigned emotionless. Jerome knew better, saw the little cracks in the mask Bruce seldom took off.

“But I could always just… try to kill your butler again,” It was a cheap shot, both of them knew that but it worked, as Bruce lunged forward with new fury in his eyes.

Jerome slid left only to be tripped by Bruce’s longer legs (when had he gotten so fucking tall?). The newly found breath was knocked out of him and a punch landed to his face. Familiar pain bloomed, with the slight tearing of skin. It had been sewed on better this time before he was put in the ground. Bruce could see the giddy surprise when he easily took down Jerome, practicing moves against dead men. Getting the gun was easy, one strike to a fragile wrist and it was flying to the other side of somewhere. Jerome’s skin was cold though, even more like Jeremiah. Or maybe Jeremiah's was like Jerome’s. It was uncanny, the familiar of their positions. NO smeared face paint or mirror shards this time. Bruce loomed over Jerome, tired fury burning in his eyes.

Bruce looked older, Jerome noted, remembering the offhand comment Bruce had made. That meant that Bruce had to be 19 at least. Less boyish charm and more hard angles. Still the same smell of rich person perfume. Seriously, if Jerome could count on one thing from the otherwise surprising boy (Jerome still refused to call him a man) it was that the rich floated off of him. “This… feels familiar. I can’t put my finger on it though,” Bruce glared at him again before noting how he stood. Oh.

“Shut up or I will make you shut up,” It should have come out harsh and grim like the “bat growl” Selena had nicknamed it. But instead, it sounded breathless, like this had been the fight he was searching for.

] “I’d like to see that Brucie~” Again with the flirting. Jerome wasn’t even thinking about the knife in his pocket, only focused on the very angry man on top of him.

Bruce found it hard to think as well, acting on instinct. That seemed to happen a lot around Jerome. Case in point smashing his lips against Jerome’s. Fuck.

His lips unsurprisingly were smiling. But they tasted like dirt and ort and cinnamon. Why did they taste like cinnamon? Bruce could hardly compare it to the few kisses he shared with Jeremiah. They were different, Jeremiah being like mint, a lemon, cold and sharp.

Oh, and Jerome was kissing back, like really kissing back. Through giggles and muffled words, Bruce didn’t want him to say. Jerome was like kissing gasoline. Like poison and fire and crescendos in crappy club music. It made Bruce want to laugh.

On the other hand, Jerome Was laughing, kissing someone who felt like the beating sun on burnt skin and ducking your head in ice water. Jerome would swear that something had zapped him every time Bruce moved his lips. But then it ended, Bruce pulling away with wide eyes.

“What the fuck did I just do?” He whispered, not getting up from the familiar position on Jerome. What the fuck indeed. And Jerome was still laughing, before looking up with eyes filled with danger. Danger that Bruce had seen in his own.

“Well I’m pretty sure you just made out with a mur-” he was cut off by bruce’s hands shoving themselves over his mouth. Half tempted to lick them before he looked up and saw the most emotion he’d ever seen on Bruce Wayne’s face.

Shock and a faraway look were the easiest to spot, but the remaining anger and guilt came pouring out of him like oil. His lips were bruised, and his hands shaking. Jerome could watch him like this for hours.

“I’m sorry,” Bruce said sheepishly, lifting his hands from Jerome’s face.

“What’s there to be sorry for darling, except for pulling away,” Jerome on the other hand felt like he was flying. He hadn’t lost after all. And y’ know he got to kiss a very pretty boy who almost killed him once. That seems to let Bruce finally come to what little sense he must have had left and lifted himself off of Jerome.

Only now, after Bruce had gotten up did Jerome notice the cold. It almost made reach to pull Bruce back down. But he didn’t, instead opting to watch the dark-haired man with happy eyes. Bruce wasn’t running like he should have done. He didn’t seem to be doing a lot of things he should be doing today wasn't he? Instead, he just picked up the slush and sat back down next to Jerome.

“So I’m guessing nobody’s going to know about this,” Jerome spoke, breaking what surprisingly wasn’t an awkward silence.

And Bruce was laughing. Laughing quietly but still laughing. Holy shit Jerome was in love. It was sweet and fragile, like a spider’s web but and the same time sharp and harsh. The wonderful paradox that was Bruce Wayne Jerome supposed as he started laughing too. And there they were, a man who repeatedly refuse to stay dead and a man who stubbornly refused to kill, laughing like children in a graveyard.

[stars-my-darling]

there’s a storm coming tonight

Quick disclaimer: I haven’t written fanficiton in a while (like seven years and so) but there are so many wonderful fanfic writers in this fandom that it really inspired me and I wanted to get back into it. So here I go. 

***

Amy could not put into words how glad she was that it was the weekend.

That was surprising because she hadn’t been at work at all that Friday. She hadn’t spent the day chasing down criminals, filing reports or tapping away relentlessly on a computer. Instead she had spent her day off looking after her kids. They were four and two now and she could scarcely believe it. 

Prior to having children she had never really understood that old saying of “No matter how big they get they’ll always be your baby”. But now that she was a mother herself, she really knew what it meant. She could clearly see that her kids were not as small as they had once been and they had learned more about the world around them, yet when she looked at them she couldn’t help but proudly think “That’s my baby”. Even though her oldest, Elena, became very indignant when someone referred to her as a baby. “I’m not a baby!” she would retort, stomping her foot on the ground, “I’m a big girl!”

Right now, Amy had that big girl and little brother, Atlas, in the bathtub and was currently scrubbing her head. The two had been their usual energetic selves all day and while Amy had greatly enjoyed playing endless games of chase and jigsaw puzzles with them and had even agreed to get the finger paints out (something she was usually reluctant to do due the inevitable mess it made) she was well and truly worn out. From Monday to Thursday she had worked a particularly grueling case and that in combination with looking after her two little (but very lively) angels all day had really taken it out of her. 

Normally, she would have brought them to the park in the late afternoon and allowed them to run around until they eventually tired themselves out, brought them home, made them dinner and then it would have been a case of pajamas and then bed. Unfortunately, the weather had not been on her side that day. After a lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (with the crusts cut off), Amy had been just about to coax the kids into putting on their coats and shoes and hopefully pry them away from the TV and seemingly endless reruns of Dora The Explorer. 

Before she got the chance to do that though the heavens had opened and it had been pouring down ever since. It was that kind of thunderous rain that seem to hammer down incessantly on the ground and was accompanied by the type of wind that could turn umbrella’s inside out. A disastrous coupling to say the least. So with the park firmly out of the question she instead opted for getting her kids to tire themselves out by playing in the bathtub. She had added chamomile oil to the water as well as rubber duckies and an assortment of other bath toys to keep them entertained. She was also washing their hair with a fancy (and not to mention expensive) lavender-scented shampoo which she was hoping would help make them sleepy.

“OK, tilt your head back, sweetie” she said as she filled a jug of warm water. Her daughter angled her head back and Amy emptied the contents of the container over her scalp. She repeated the motion until she was convinced that she had gotten all the suds out of her hair. Her little brother meanwhile, whose head she had already thoroughly washed and rinsed, was entertaining himself by splashing as much water as humanly possible and playing with the soap bubbles. Amy herself was completely drenched as was the case by the end of many a bath time. But she almost didn’t mind that much when she could watch her little boy squeal in delight when he decided to cause a mini tidal wave in the water or his look of deep curiosity when he tried to grip the foamy bubbles in his tiny hands.

“Ok” Amy remarked putting down the jug and looking at two freshly washed kids “Time to get out”. 

“No” Elena whined, shaking her head, knees drawn up to her chest. Amy sighed. This was always the hardest part of bath time. Despite how much convincing it took to get them into the bath, it took almost twice as much convincing to get them out of it. “Yes, Elena” Amy said, leaning over and lifting her son out and setting him down on the towel she had previously laid down. She started drying him off. “Time to get out. Mommy’s tired and needs her sleep” she looked at Elena, pleadingly “and Mommy can’t go to sleep until your asleep.” Elena thought for a moment, sighed and then got out. “Thank you, honey” she smiled, wrapping her in a white fluffy towel and earning a giggle from her before returning her attention to Atlas. 

Once she had both her kids dried off she realized she fallen behind on laundry so she restored to getting new pajamas out of the dryer. That was arguably better as the dryer had just finished it’s cycle so they were still warm and toasty. As she zipped Atlas up in his little white onesie she couldn’t help but feel a quick pang of sadness. This was the same little onesie Elena had worn back when she was two. Now she was way too big for it and in a few months maybe Atlas would be too. They were growing up too fast. Amy quickly pushed that thought away. She was being silly. Babies grew up, it was what happened. 

Suddenly she was drawn out of her thoughts when she felt a tug at the on the leg of her sweatpants. “Mama, can we have lavender toys tonight?” Elena asked, her expression hopeful. Lavender toys were what they referred to their heatable plushies as. They were soft toys that you could warm up in the microwave and smelt like lavender. The first one they had ever received was at Elena’s baby shower, a pink little owl given to them by Charles. Once she was old enough to use it she often requested it on cold winter nights. Atlas liked her little owl so much he soon wanted one of his own which resulted in her and Jake investing in a little brown teddy bear edition for him.

“Sure we can, honey” Amy replied, hauling her now pajama-fied son onto her hip. “But first” she said, holding out her hand to her daughter, “We gotta dry your hair”. Elena took her hand as Amy lead both her kids into her and Jake’s room. Sitting behind her dressing table, she placed her son in lap, grabbed a comb and started to get to work on de-tangling the soft brown curls that both her kids had inherited from their father. This was always Atlas’s least favourite part of the post-bath process and as per usual he fussed and wriggled all the way through, constantly trying to slide off her lap in an attempt to escape.

Eventually, Amy caved in and gave him a pacifier to calm him down and couldn’t help chide herself as she did it. Now that he was officially two they had been weaning him off the pacifier, giving it to him less and less. If they did, it was to only be in the evenings to help soothe him before bedtime and even then it was only to be used as a last resort. But right now Amy was too tired to try and reason with a fussy two year old so she let him have it. Either way it was keeping him quiet while she blow dried his hair which was Amy’s favourite part of the post-bath process, mainly for how adorably pouffy her son’s hair was afterwards. She playfully and gently ran her hand through it, watching it stand on end, before planting a kiss on the top of his head.  She then turned her attention to Elena.

Elena was the opposite of her brother when it came to this. She was good at staying still throughout the process. Both the brushing and drying didn’t bother her. If anything she always seemed to enjoy always the process.

Once Amy had the lavender toys out of the microwave and had handed them over to her eager kids, it was time for bedtime stories. 

Back when Amy had only one child, she use to sit on the edge of Elena’s bed and read to her. When her second arrived it became the custom for Jake to read to one of them and for her to read to the other. Each night, they switched places. However on nights like this, where she was solo parenting while Jake was on a stakeout with Charles, it was the custom for both kids to climb into her bed with her and she’d read a mutual favourite story to the two of them. 

Right now thought, judging by the way Atlas was pulling at the shoulder of her sleep shirt, she knew their was something else that required her attention first. “Elena, honey, can you be a big girl and pick out the bedtime story for tonight? One that both you and Atlas would like?” Amy asked, balancing Atlas on her hip as she pulled back the covers of the bed with her free hand. Elena immediately perked up and gave Amy the thumbs up, “OK, Mama” and then scurried off to the little private library space Amy had in her apartment which now had a kids section. Amy couldn’t help her smile as she watched her go. There was something undeniable adorable about a little kid in footie pajamas, especially when they were pink with kitties on them like Elena’s were.

She climbed onto the bed and pulled the covers up around her and got ready to nurse. As she sat up in bed and brought her baby to her breast she couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness. Atlas was two now, it was getting to the point where he was too old to nurse. He ate normally throughout the day and ate normal food and it was only about once every few days he asked for milk. It seemed like he was getting bigger by the day. He was talking more and becoming more verbal. Pretty soon he would be officially out of babyhood and undeniably a fully-fledged toddler. She knew soon, like within the next month of so, that she would have to wean him off her milk completely. 

Elena came creeping in just as she was finishing up, clutching a copy of Where The Wild Things Are, her little face beaming. Amy made some room and patted the place beside her “Come here, baby” she said as Elena hurried over. Amy laid Atlas down beside her as Elena settled down on her other side. She opened the book to the first page. She knew she wasn’t as good as Jake when it came to doing the voices, but her kids didn’t seem to mind. As she watched them take turns to turn the page, she couldn’t help notice the difference between them. 

While they both had similar appearances having both inherited Jake brown curls and their parents mutual brown eyes, their personalities were different. While Atlas was pretty much his father’s mini-me, with the same goofy grin and his keen ability to always make his mother laugh, Elena seemed to be a blend of both her parents. She, like her mother, liked being in control and in charge but also hadn’t seemed to inherit her mother’s love of tidiness and order. Atlas on the other hand was more shy and reserved, which more reminded Amy of herself. Elena was more confident and sure of herself which in some ways kind of reminded her Jake. 

One of the things she seriously loved about being a mother was the seeing her kids grow into their own little individuals. While there was some things that she could definitely tell they had inherited from her or Jake, she could also see things that were uniquely individual to just her kids. She was reminded, not for the first time that night, how big they were getting. That had been weighting on Amy’s mind recently.

She and Jake had talked about having a third. Nothing was completely decided yet and they were still determining all the finer details, but they were leaning towards maybe trying for one. Part of her felt like she just wasn’t done having kids yet and Jake had admitted part of him felt the same way.

By the time she got to the last page both her kids were dozing off on either side of her. Maybe it was the fact that that warm, toasty sensation seemed to be lingering on their pajamas or that she could definitely still smell that concoction of lavender and chamomile from the bath in the air or her general exhaustion but either way she definitely felt like joining them. She was glad she had gotten them to brush their teeth before their bath so she didn’t have to move them.

“Hey, do you wanna sleep in Mommy and Daddy’s bed tonight?” she whispered to Elena. “Uh-huh” Elena murmured, her eyes already closed, nodding. She turned to Atlas “What about you, honey, you wanna sleep here tonight?” Atlas cuddled in close to her. “Here” he muttered. Amy smiled and decided to take that as a yes.

Seeing as they were all in agreement, she leaned over and switched off the lamp on the bedside table. She pulled the blankets up around them, the quilt was heavier then her usual one due to the colder, wetter weather outside and it added to the current cosy-ness in the room. She gently wrapped one arm around each kid. She immediately felt them snuggle in closer to her, responding to her familiar touch. 

Amy had overall not enjoyed the sensation of being pregnant but she had always acknowledged that one of the few perks of it was that was arguably the closest you could physically feel to another human being. It was hard not to when you were growing one inside you. But Amy would argue that the closest you could feel to that feeling again was cuddling your kids under a blanket. When she looked at them now all soft hair and little hands and chubby cheeks, she felt something grow warm in her chest. Delicately, she leaned over and gave each of them a quick kiss on each of their foreheads. “You two are the most precious things in the world to me” she whispered into the darkness. 

Then, with that she felt the exhaustion of minding two little kids all day and working a long, tough week envelope her and she began to feel herself drift off into sleep. 

***

Amy woke later in the night of her own accord. When she slowly opened her eyes she was greeted by the sight of her husband who had seemingly gotten home and crept into bed without waking any of them. That was impressive. 

Atlas had rolled over in his sleep and was now currently facing Jake whose arm was now draped over him, holding him close. Amy now had one arm free and the other wrapped around her daughter. Gently, Amy stretched over and gently ran a hand through Jake’s messy curls and across his jaw. She always knew it but in that moment, she was struck by how much she truly loved him. 

She then resumed her previous position and readied herself to fall asleep. Somewhere, between and consciousness and unconsciousness, as the rain hammered down outside, she realized how lucky she was. There had been times where she had feared that this would never happen. Times when she couldn’t face seeing another negative pregnancy test. Yet, here she was with two kids, a loving husband and the possibility of someday having a third one.

But right now, she wasn’t thinking about that. Right now, she was happy to just fall asleep surrounded by her little family, perfectly content with the people she loved, listening to the rain pouring down outside.

[revisionaryhistory]

Three Days ~ 56

~*~Emma~*~

Sebastian and I talked and laughed until early morning. By the time I was finished packing it almost wasn't worth going to sleep. There was no way in hell I was going to hang up before he was ready. Cathartic or not, tears are tears. And with his history of being emotionally unavailable, calling me with puffy red eyes is a big fucking deal.

Throwing my phone across the room when the alarm went off seemed like a good idea. I fought off the urge. Half an hour and a cup of coffee later I was on my way to the airport. Flying out of White Plains was a shorter drive with a longer flight. Wound up being about the same as the long drive with a shorter flight from LaGuardia. I loved flying much more than driving. Plus, TSA at White Plains is cake. Past security I got another cup of coffee and settled in until boarding. I had a lovely breakfast on my layover in North Carolina. I do love a good chicken biscuit. In Atlanta I took a picture of the “Welcome” sign and posted it with the caption, "Back where I was born." I hadn't called Atlanta home in many years. I said things like, “It's good to be back", "I missed being here.", and "I'm happy to see you guys." New York was home. Seattle was home. I rarely called Alpharetta home except as a throwaway word to avoid having to explain.

Almost immediately I got a text.

Sebastian ~ Excited for family pix

Emma ~ And live on FaceTime?

Sebastian ~ I’m not afraid of your father. I hear he's a cupcake compared to your dad. Think I can tell you and Amy apart?

Emma ~ We'll see….

 We'd talked about him meeting them. I hadn't thought about how strange it’s been for him to have me all the Vedders, even texting with Ed, but not met my parents and sister. It's way more complicated with the bio family.

I had no idea who was picking me up. I exited security and immediately saw my twin and our mini-me. Amy pointed to me and Katie squealed. Amy let go of her hand and my little niece came running. I scooped her up with the reward of having my face covered in kisses. Best welcome ever. Katie wrapped her arms tight around my neck, not letting go even when we got to her mom. I was shocked by Amy's appearance. I held Katie with one arm and hugged her, "We haven't looked so identical since we were thirteen." I combed my fingers through her shoulder-length hair that was now nearly the same color as mine.

Amy put her head back and shook out her hair, "Took three visits to get the red out and tone down the brassiness."

I smiled, "If I say you look gorgeous is that vain?"

"Definitely, but also true." She hooked her arm in mine and we headed to baggage claim. "The parental units want us to drop by the hospital before heading home. They took off Monday and Tuesday. They have a full schedule for you."

I rolled my eyes, "You can fill me in as we drive. Anything we talk about I'll just have to repeat when we get to them. Right now, I want to hear from my munchkin baby girl." I tickled Katie, getting her laughing and successfully avoiding questions. I'd figure out when to tell them about Sebastian when I heard what was planned. My tentative plan was for tonight at dinner.

Katie told me all about her preschool and her toys while we waited for my suitcase and halfway to the hospital. She only stopped when her favorite song came through the speakers. After a rousing rendition of "There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea" I turned my attention to Amy. "What's the plan?"

"Today we're on our own until dinner. They said we'll decide on food later. A bunch of people from high school are going out on the lake tomorrow. I thought that would be fun. Mom said they'd keep Katie."

A lot of our old friends still lived in town. I hadn't seen anyone for a couple of years. "Sounds fun."

"Sunday family is coming over. Mom wants to tell you the rest. I promised."

I laughed, "Shopping and a spa day."

"I didn't tell you."

Fifteen minutes later we were swinging Katie between us across the parking lot. Mom and dad were heads of their departments. Neuro for dad and OB/GYN for mom. Our directions were always the same upon our arrival. Sign in and proceed to the fourth-floor doctor's cafe. Security would have paged them and they'd meet us there. I got coffee for us and ice cream for Katie.

Mom arrived first. She was the blond hair, blue-eyed version of me. Dad had dark hair and blue eyes. Amy and I were a great combination of them. Mom had us young and was not quite fifty. They always said we were planned, but who the hell plans kids right after graduating from college. Mom deferred her first year of med school. We had a wonderful nanny.

After a long hug, mom held my hands and stood back to look at me. "You look beautiful as always. Maybe a little tired."

Such a mom thing to say. "I was up late and slept on the plane."

She nodded and hugged me again, "A day by the pool will be good for you."

"Always. I hear family is coming Sunday?"

"A cookout." She looked at Amy then back to me. "I suppose your sister told you about Monday?"

"No." I slowly smirked, "I guessed, but she neither confirmed nor denied."

"Your father's going to give Wendy the day off and spend the day with Katie while we do a bit of shopping then a trip to the spa." She fingered my hair. "Maybe cut some of this."

I pushed her hand away playfully, "Nope."

I felt hands on my shoulders before hearing my dad’s voice, "I can not imagine what you'd look like with shorter hair."

I looked up and behind me with an incredulous look on my face. I pointed across the table at my twin. The one with shorter hair, "Possibly exactly like her?"

"No, you two look nothing alike." Worst dad joke ever. He took me away from mom and hugged me. "How is my youngest daughter?"

"Good. Waking up."

Dad sat on the opposite side of me from mom. "I've never understood how you fall asleep so fast on a plane."

"I like to float."

I turned my attention to mom, "Are we still on for Tuesday?" Mom did exams at a local woman’s shelter. The head counselor, Stacy, had worked at the rehab facility I’d been hidden away in. Going to visit her and the women was always the highlight of any trip back.

"Stacy is excited to see you."

"And me her."

She put her hand over mine," Not a problem to move my day."

"Thank you."

A man who looked to be a few years older than me approached our table. From the ID badge on his white coat, I knew his name was. Dr. Burns and he was a Neuro Fellow.

"Dr. Marcum, I didn't know you had two beautiful daughters and granddaughter."

"I’m overrun with beautiful women. I'm very lucky."

"Of course," he looked at my mom, “Dr. Marcum as well."

I looked at Amy to see her cover her mouth with her hand. Eligible doctor as bait was new.

Dad introduced us, "Emma is down from New York for a long weekend. Always hoping we can persuade her to move back home."

I looked at the bait, "I hope he's as clear with what he wants from you."

Bait laughed, "I'm lucky to have the opportunity to train with your father."

I was feeling like a prize to be won. Thankfully, there was someone else who thought I was a prize in a less icky way. I didn't respond to bait, preferring to take a drink of my coffee.

"I need to check post-ops. Nice to meet you, Emma. I'll see you upstairs, Dr. Marcum." He nodded to my mom and was off.

Amy burst out laughing, "Oh dad, that was horrible."

"What?" He shrugged, "Young, single, wants to stay here in Alpharetta. We could invite him to dinner. I know his schedule."

I groaned. I guess now was the time. "I appreciate your attempt to lure me back, but I don’t think my boyfriend would like me going on a date with someone who isn't him."

Amy perked up, "Boyfriend?"

"There's a picture of us on Instagram. I’ve been waiting for you to comment.”

"No!" She whipped out her phone. "This picture of the volleyball tournament is the only... oh wait... there is a man wrapped around you. I didn't pay attention."

"Let us see," my mom took the phone. "This is too small. Plus, he's hidden behind you in a hat. We can barely see him."

"He must be ugly." Amy stole a bite of Katie's ice cream.

"He is not ugly."

"Deformed in some way. A huge hairy mole in the center of his forehead like a third eye."

I laughed at her, "Are we thirteen again?"

"Thirteen was fun."

My parents were enjoying our banter, I was too. Mom looked at me, "Do you have a better picture?"

"I do." I pulled up the one from the festival with the teddy bear. "This was a couple of weeks ago. I won the bear."

I handed my phone to mom. Her eyebrows raised. "Not deformed. Or Ugly. Not even close. He looks familiar."

Amy took my phone and in under two seconds looked at me with her mouth hanging open, "Carter Baizen?"

"I didn't know you watched Gossip Girl?" I was in Seattle before it premiered.

"Everyone at school did. I only pretended I didn’t."

Dad took my phone, instantly smiling, "You look like you're having fun."

I laughed, "It was a fun day."

Mom looked at me then Amy, "Who is Carter?"

"He was a character in Gossip Girl. Hot, but an ass. The actor who played him went on to in the Marvel Movies as the Winter Soldier."

Dad scrunched up his face, "The brain damaged assassin who killed Tony’s mother?"

"Yes." I was not about to argue brain washed versus brain damaged with a neurosurgeon. "His name is Sebastian Stan."

I took my phone back and swiped to a picture of us at the volleyball tournament. Dad raised his eyebrows with a nod. Mom said, "He's very handsome."

Amy smirked, "If I swipe will I find nudes."

"Sorry, no."

"No, I won’t find them or no you don’t have any."

"Don't have."

"Damn."

I don't know what I expected from Amy, but this wasn't it. I hadn't told them about Jimmy. I just brought him home. He was the last real boyfriend. Amy’s current reaction was much more typical of early high school. My parents looked cautious.

Amy cut her eyes up to me, "Kissing in the dark restaurant. Go you, little sister."

Dad turned his attention to me, "Is this serious?"

I could feel the tension leech out of me and my face soften with a smile, "Yes, it is."

"When do we get to meet him?"

I shrugged, "We can FaceTime him after dinner. He's getting ready for a role and is home."

"I'm looking forward to meeting him." Mom put her hand on my arm. "What's he like?"

"He's very sweet. Awkward at times and trips over himself. We laugh all the time and have these great conversations about books, movies, and music. He's very good to me." I didn't want to talk non-stop about him. I wanted them to know of him and over the weekend they'd learn about him. About us. "I'm sure you'll get sick of hearing about him. What are we doing for dinner tonight?"

Katie yelled, "Pizza!"

"I love pizza." There was an amazing pizza place near the house. We’d been going there since we were Katie’s age.

Amy agreed with me, "Easy and we don't have to get out of the pool."

I looked at my arm, "I desperately need a tan."

Dad stood up, "I'm going to get back to work so I can get out of here to enjoy my girls."

"Tell Dr. Friendly the date's off."

Dad glared at Amy. I didn't try to hide my smile. Mom stood while shaking her head. I got up and hugged them. I stayed still while they walked away then looked at Amy, "Let's get out of here. Can I drive?" I was feeling a little out of control and needed to be in charge of driving.

Amy threw me the keys, "As long as you can talk and drive."

Any guesses what the topic of conversation was? The drive home wasn’t long. Walking into the house I felt much more at ease. I think I was more nervous than I was aware of. Sebastian's important.

Amy handed Katie off to the nanny, Wendy. That felt familiar. We'd grown up in this house. This scene had happened innumerable times when we walked into the house. I waved when Katie turned on her way downstairs to her playroom. I followed Amy up the stairs to my room. She stopped at my door, "Are you going to unpack? And call Sebastian?"

"No." I shook my head, "I'll do both later. Can you send me the picture of me with Katie at the airport?"

"Absolutely. We'll be thirty soon. Bio-clock is ticking."

I was aghast, "Amelia! Our mother is an Ob/Gyn. You know that's not true." We laughed.

"Ok, so he can see how good you look with a kid."

I sighed dramatically, "Everything is not about Sebastian. Plain old Instagram. Me and my niece." I’m not playing those games with him. "The picture I'm going to have you take of me in my bikini... that's all about him."

That perked her up, "We'll get Wendy to take a twin picture."

I rolled my eyes, "He'll enjoy that too."

Five minutes later I was jogging down the stairs and heading out the French doors. The water was sparkling with the sunlight. It was hot and sticky outside making floating perfect. I threw a couple of towels on the loungers and threw two floats into the pool. Amy was coming out the door as I grabbed my phone off the table. I unlocked before handing it to her.

Amy followed me around the pool, "Remember when we'd pretend we were models and take pictures of our fashion shows?"

"I do. Our phones would be full of them. I’ll need to learn more editing skills when the wrinkles show up."

Amy rubbed at the corners of her eyes, "Crows feet already."

"I have a great eye cream." She took some of me then we got Wendy to take a couple of us, ending with us floating in the pool holding hands. I hopped onto the pool edge and took my phone back. I waited for Wendy to go inside, "Ok, jump out and take one more of me on the float.” Amy took my phone and I took off my bikini, lying face down on the float.

"I cannot believe I'm partaking in this."

"Oh please, who better. It's my naked ass and yours looks identical."

"My ass doesn't look like that anymore. Pregnancy stretched that out too."

I looked at my twin in her black one-piece with cut out sides. She always had the thinner body I wanted. After Katie, she'd not lost the last bit of baby weight from her stomach and her butt. "You look great, Amy."

She put her hands over her breasts, "These have stayed a little bigger too."

"I think I’m insulted."

Taking the picture Amy asked, "Are you going to turn over?"

"Absolutely not."

"Seriously? He has seen it, right?"

"Yes." I slid into the water and started putting my suit back on. Anything that naked he or I was taking.

Amy was back on her float before I was on mine, "I've sent nudes. Not just my butt."

"To whom, dear sister?"

"It's been years ago now. He lives in Marietta. I met him at a playground with Katie. Single parents’ version of a bar. Only he was pretending to be single."

I cringed, "Ouch, I'm sorry. How did you find out?"

"When his wife called me from his phone. We'd been seeing each other for a couple of months I thought I was falling in love with him, but I was just a side piece. He wanted to keep it going even after." She shuddered, "Not mistress material."

I made a decision to trust her with something. It had been a long time, "I never told you why Jimmy and I broke up. He'd been cheating with another lawyer in his firm for months. As the one who was cheated on, I thank you for refusing to go on with it once you knew."

"Did you know the other woman?"

"Yep, even considered her a friend."

"I'm always paranoid now that there's a hidden wife. After Jimmy do you worry Sebastian will cheat?"

I didn't need to think, but I took a moment anyway. "I'm not worried about him cheating. I don't think he would. If he does... I've survived it before."

We shared a look I hadn't anticipated. We’d both survived things. I reached for her hand. "I love you, Amelia."

"Love you too, Emiliana."

"What about now? Seeing anyone."

"Maybe sorta. Back after Christmas a bunch of us from high school got together. Max was there. He's divorced with a daughter in first grade. He has custody and wanted to wait until summer to move back so his parents can help with her. We texted and talked some. He moved back a couple of weeks ago. We've gone out to dinner. It was good. He'll be there tomorrow."

I remembered Max very well. He was a baseball player who looked very good in those pants. He was a year ahead of us and I had no idea what he'd done after high school. I didn't keep up with anyone except the occasional text or Instagram from a couple of girls on the volleyball team. Anything I knew was tidbits from Amy. She'd tried to get me to go to her five and ten year reunion, but I didn't graduate from here. I went to my reunions back in Seattle. Kept up with more friends from there and saw them when I was home. "Didn't you have a crush on Max?"

I recognized the smile on Amy's face. She looked just like me when I'd been caught. "He won't let me forget."

We laid in the pool laughing and talking. It had been a long time since I'd felt this close to her. I can't be sure if that's her, me, or a little of both. Doesn't matter because it was just good and before we knew it mom and dad were home. They brought Katie with them out to the pool deck. "We sent Wendy home. Just family this weekend."

Amy sat up, "Remember we're going out on the lake tomorrow."

Mom smiled, "I remember. Are you two hungry?"

The second she mentioned food my stomach growled. I put my hand over, "Very."

A discussion about pizza toppings ensued. At the end I got out of the pool, "I'm going shower before the food gets here."

Amy followed, "Me too."

[agentmarymargaretskitz]

Do You Want To Build A Snow-Mick?

Belated Secret Santa for @dragongoddess13. I’m so damn sorry that I’m late for this, but I hope you enjoy it!

AO3

              In the cold night hours, two motorcycles sped down the streets of Washington D.C. Few cars were out, likely returning from somewhere like they had. However, none of the cars or walkers would have thought the two bikers were well-known heroes. Hell, they didn’t even know that they hadn’t just saved the world, but time as well on several occasions. All they saw were two bikers cruising along and passing each other intermittently.

              The duo made its way out of the city into the suburbs, noticing that the roads had been pre-treated. In the week that they had been in town, the forecast had called for snow on two different days. None had appeared on said days. That worked out in their favor with the bikes. Not that either of them would have minded a little bit of snow to make things feel more in season.

When they pulled to a stop on the concrete pad in front of one of the houses, Sara Lance took her helmet off and grinned at her companion. “Told you we’d get home quick.”

“There’s barely any traffic tonight,” Leonard Snart replied once his own helmet was removed. “If there was, my way would have been faster.”

“One of these days, we’ll have to see whose route home is better.”

“I know there’s at least a thirty second advantage.”

“Pfft, thirty seconds? Come on, Len.”

Leonard pulled out the keys from his pocket as they walked up to the door. “Still faster. But I’m not shying away from that challenge. We’ll just have to wait until we’re out of winter.”

Sara tilted her head. “It’s cold, but we haven’t had any snow yet since we landed for the holidays. I’m sure it’ll be fine within the next week.”

“Maybe so, but Raymond told me that there’s supposed to a snowstorm coming in a few hours. Showed me his weather apps and everything.”

“Was that where you were when Mick and Gary were cleaning me out with the dreidel?”

The door finally unlocked and both stepped inside, happy to shed their coats and shut the door. Leonard flicked on a light to reveal his smile. “I thought you were kidding about losing in dreidel?”

Sara dumped her helmet on the shelf. “No. That’s why I don’t have any chocolate to bring home. But Mick said you’d lose if you were there too.”

“Did he now?” Leonard raised an eyebrow. “If Lisa was there, she’d wipe the floor with him. I was the one who taught her to play, but she got better than I ever was. It’s been a long time since I was with other people for Hanukkah though. It was nice.”

“Good,” Sara reached over and squeezed his hand. “I’m gonna head to bed. You coming?”

“Yeah, give me a moment.”

She went up the stairs as Leonard pulled out his phone. He might not have had Ray’s fancy weather apps, but the website he tended to look at for weather was also reporting snow for the early morning hours and most of tomorrow. Not to mention that the temperature would be taking a dive as well. He might have been Captain Cold, but he was also a regular human who had been a little more prone to cold since his resurrection a few years ago.

On his way up the stairs, he made sure to stop by the closet and pull out an extra blanket before coming to bed.

“You sure we’ll need that?” Sara asked.

He shrugged. “We can get rid of it if it’s too hot.”

“Fair enough. Night, Len.”

“Night, Sara.”

~~~

              Sara knew that when she’d fallen asleep, she hadn’t been too close to Leonard. When she awoke, she was pressed up right beside him. This wasn’t something any of them minded. They’d been together for about a year now. At least he didn’t snore.

              What she did notice when she woke up was that it was cold. Sure, they kept the thermostat down at night, but it was never this chilly. As her eyes slowly opened, the captain of the Waverider exhaled and a cloud of white formed in front of her briefly. Awareness of how cold it was in the bedroom seeped into her body more and more. Sara pulled the sheets and blankets closer to herself to warm up more. At least Leonard had gotten an extra blanket on them last night.

Rolling away from Leonard, Sara could see the window and the view of the outside weather. Her eyebrows lifted at the sight of it. Careful not to wake up Leonard, she crawled out of bed to get a better look. She gave a small gasp at the chill of the floor when she tiptoed to the edge of the room. Outside, snow was piling up in the yard and still falling fast.

“Wow,” she murmured.

“Guess Raymond was right about the snow.”

Sara turned around to see Leonard watching her from the bed. “Did you just wake up or have you been pretending to be asleep?”

“I only woke up a few minutes ago, but you’re right,” Leonard agreed while Sara crawled back under the covers. “I don’t know how long it’s been coming down for, but it doesn’t show any signs of letting up. Makes me glad we went shopping yesterday.”

“Well, we had to since Ray had us all bring over something for Hanukkah,” Sara scooted closer to him. “Saves us a trip now at least. We can just have a snow day here instead.”

“Another brilliant idea from the captain. I like it.”

Sara grinned. “I’m not one to mess with when it comes to snow.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You do remember I go by Captain Cold, right?”

The grin turned more devilish. “Then this will get fun.”

~~~

              Within a few hours, the couple finally made their way out into the winter wonderland. Snow was still tumbling down from the sky. According to the forecast, this was supposed to be the whole day for Washington. Just in time for Christmas and Sara’s birthday.

“The last time it snowed this much in Central City, I think Lisa was still in middle school,” Leonard smiled as he thought back to that day.

“How’d that go?” Sara asked.

Leonard laughed as he remembered it. “She wanted to build the biggest snowman ever. Mick came over and helped us out. We got it to about seven feet before a snowball fight broke out with some neighborhood kids.”

“Did you win?”

“Pretty sure we did,” he shrugged. “You ever have snow days up in Star City?”

“They came around from time to time,” Sara told him. “Laurel and I always had fun because we could play all day instead of going to school. Sometimes we spent them at the station, other times it was just us at home. We usually walked over to this hill and went sledding with other kids from the neighborhood before the hill got bulldozed for new houses. But we always tried to make this ramp out of snow and see if we could catch some air.”

Leonard could easily see her doing that as a child. “We never went sledding a lot. It didn’t snow a lot, so there was no need to get a sled. When we did, I just repurposed an old trash can lid.”

“Clever,” Sara leaned down and gathered a handful of snow. Thankfully, it was wet and stuck together. There was nothing worse for a snow day than dry snow. “So... a snowman that was seven feet tall?”

“More or less by my estimate.”

“Want to try and beat that record today?”

~~~

              The snow kept on falling as the time travelers worked together to roll massive blocks of snow. As they rolled the snow up from the grass, it began to accumulate on the ground once again. It took a little longer than either of them thought. Neither of them had made a snowman for a while, so they forgot how heavy all that snow could be. In the end though, they did succeed in making the planned upon snowman.

“Looks pretty good to me,” Leonard grinned as they lifted the head up to sit on the rest of the body. “And definitely bigger than seven feet.”

Sara was frowning though. “It’s still missing something.”

              She bolted towards the house and up the steps. Leonard tilted his head and waited for her return. Within a minute, the door swung open and she came barreling down the steps with an armful of items. Once Leonard saw the carrot, he knew exactly what she was thinking. Even if they weren’t the most traditional of people, they needed a traditional snowman today.

“It needs to be a proper snowman,” Sara grinned as she showed him what she’d brought outside. “I grabbed the stuff that we weren’t using. Good thing we made stew the other day and put carrots in it.”

“Ah, but you’re missing some things too,” Leonard countered. “We ought to give him at least one arm. Maybe a broom for Frosty too.”

“Okay, so I don’t have everything. Want to get those things while I start decorating?”

              They worked a little longer on their snowman to make it look presentable. Leonard managed to find a pair of sturdy twigs sticking from the snow and unearthed them from the snow. Both were stuck into the snowman before he went to the garage. A rake ended up taking the place of a broom leaning up against the snowman. Some small stones pulled from the snow near the front of the house worked as buttons running down the snowman’s front.

In the meantime, Sara had climbed up on the bottom of the snowman to decorate his face. When Leonard looked up at her work, he had to laugh a little bit. The top of the snowman’s head was smoothed over and there were thick raisin eyebrows above two round carrot eyes (of course she’d had a knife up there). It even seemed like the snowman was scowling a little.

“Kinda reminds me of Mick when he’s grumpy,” he told her.

Sara simply raised her eyebrows, but a smile was twitching at her lips.

“Sara, you didn’t.”

“Inspiration struck,” explained Sara. “How could I ignore the call?”

He snorted. The two of them were used to being so used to being serious with the rest of the Legends.  Whenever they had time off, there was no need for that. They could let loose a little more like they had in the old days when they were just trying to stop Vandal Savage.

“We’ll have to send him a picture later,” Leonard smirked. “I didn’t bring my phone out here and the snow’s starting to pick up again.”

“Sounds good to me. A day like this calls for something warm.”

“I can always do cocoa.”

“We don’t have any whipped cream.”

Leonard shook his head. “That’s not funny.”

Now Sara laughed. “Just a little. I know you and your mini marshmallows. Now let’s go leave our snow-Mick out here and get warm.”

“Snow-Mick?”

Sara winked as they walked back inside and shut the door, embracing the warmth of the house. “I thought you’d like the pun.”

“I never said I didn’t,” he shook the snow off his cap. “Mick’s ego definitely will. Isn’t this the second monument that bears a resemblance to him?”

His partner sighed. “I’d forgotten about that. Maybe we should take a trip to see it soon? After all, we do have time to spare.”

“That we do,” Leonard agreed. “But right now, I’m happy spending that time with just you and not have to worry about any of the other barging in.”

“Or time alarms going off,” Sara added, kicking her boots off and standing up. “Aren’t I lucky to have you all to myself?”

Leonard shrugged off his coat. “Actually, I consider myself to be the lucky one.”

“How about this?” Sara kissed him. “We’re both lucky.”

Leonard smiled down at her. “Now that I can agree with.”

They stayed that way for a moment before Leonard cleared his throat. “So, hot cocoa?’

“Hot cocoa,” Sara agreed. “With mini marshmallows.”

[softboywriting]

Snowballs and Soft Kisses | Shawn Mendes AU

Summary: Shawn gets some fake snowballs and terrorizes everyone at any chance he gets. You finally have had enough of it and decide to get revenge with real snowballs. [fluff] Part of the Falling In Love Is Easily The Hardest Thing Series that can be found on my masterlist under Mini Series.

Word Count: 1.6k

|Masterlist In Bio|

Shawn is a menace. Over the last two years as his assistant and more recently, girlfriend, you've learned that if you let him go shopping alone when he is bored he comes back with the most off the wall things. Once it was a nutribullet. He claimed he needed it for his protein shakes. It sat in his cupboard for nine months unopened. Another time it was a Roomba. Perfect for the guy who is never home and can't remember to do his own laundry let alone turn on a robot to vacuum his perfectly clean floors. Last month he came waltzing on to the tour bus somewhere in Texas with a bag full of men's body wash and lotion from some high end store when he has a shower bag full of them already.

This time he shows up with something far less expensive than his last ventures, but by far the most annoying. Fake snowballs. Yeah. Little fluffy partially filled white fabric balls. Why? Well as Shawn put it “I miss snowball fights and half time I'm not home anymore while there is snow on the ground.” Immediately you knew this was going to be hell, and you were absolutely right.

Every chance Shawn got he was pelting people with those little snowballs. Backstage? Perfect for a snowball fight. Green room? Time to lob them at each other over the couches. Empty arena? More like a  battle ground. Tour Bus? Oh you can bet you woke up with him tossing them across the isle trying to wake you up or bother you while you worked on your laptop. The guy was a menace, a giggly overgrown child and half the crew was no better. They almost always joined in or egged him on.

After a solid month of shenanigans you'd had enough. You had taken countless snowballs to the face, the chest, the back of the head. You had cleaned up a number of spilled cans and broken cups. It was time for revenge. The tour but had left late in the evening after a later show and was headed for Minnesota for Shawn to play his last show on Christmas Eve before a week long break. You're curled up with him in his bunk, barely any room to move, and you can see one of the snowballs sitting on the bed across the aisle. That's when you decide that it's time for revenge, as you stare at that obnoxious little fluff ball and it mocks you. No, you wouldn't steal his fake snowballs for revenge, you want real snow.

You pull out your phone and bring up the weather app. You type in the bus's destination and find that when you arrive it should be snowing and there is already plenty fallen as well. Perfect. You wiggle back against Shawn and he groans, pulling you tighter against him. He mumbles a sleepy “I love you” and smooches the back of your head. So soft. He had no idea what was instore for him when you stopped but you'd let him rest for now.

Morning, half past eight and you slip out of Shawn's hold. Your back is stiff and legs sore from being crammed into the single bunk all night with a giant man. You quietly get your boots on, grab a sweater of Shawn's and pull your coat on over it. There are gloves in the pockets and you slide them on as you head for the door.

Outside is a blanket of white. A real winter wonderland fit for a Christmas card. Right away you start making snowballs, stacking them by the end of the bus and waiting for Shawn to wake up. It doesn't take long before you have a dozen or more balls and Shawn is texting you, wanting to know where his cuddle buddy is. He always hated waking up without you these days.

“Come to the arena. I'm helping out backstage.” You send him and he says he's on his way. He is falling into your trap perfectly.

The door to the bus opens a few minutes later and Shawn steps out in his sherpa lined denim jacket, a sweater, his green flannel pants tucked into his socks and his boots he wore every day. A fashion disaster and one hundred percent Shawn when he wasn't making a public appearance. Such a boy. You whistle and he turns to find the source of the noise. His hair is mussed up and his face still has bed wrinkle lines still on it. You can't help the laugh that bubbles out of you.

“I thought you said-” he stops mid sentence as you lob a snowball at him and it explodes across his cheek. The snow was a little powdery so you're impressed that it even made it to him without falling apart.

“That's payback,” you grin, packing a second ball from your pile in your hands. “How you like that snowball?”

“Oh you little shit,” Shawn says with the biggest smile. He scoops up some snow and balls it in his bare hands. You throw yours and he throws his. Both miss, his thumping against the side of the bus.

“Hey! That was too hard!” You throw another and it smacks square in his chest. “I call rough play!”

“Oh I'll show you rough play!” He runs toward you and you run out into the snow behind the bus. He chases you, slipping in his old treadless boots as you barely stay just out of reach for a few seconds. He grabs you, taking you down into a snow pile at the edge of the backlot of the arena where snow plows had cleared the driveways.

“Shawn!” You squeal as he pins you into the cold pile. “No fair.”

“It's not fair that you ambushed me either.” He stares down at you, nose red from the cold, breath coming out in little white puffs. “If you didn't like my snowball fights you could have just said so.”

“I didn't wanna hurt your feelings though. You were having so much fun.”

“Well yeah but I could have stopped bothering you with them. I'm sorry babe.” He presses a little kiss to your cold nose. “I missed being home at this time of year. Plus you're really cute when you're flustered.” He smiles cheekily.

“Oh you don't need to butter me up you goofball. But I am sorry I ambushed you.”

Shawn sits up on his knees, straddling your legs. “It's okay. I would have won that fight, ambush or not.”

“Oh yeah? You don't even have on appropriate clothing. You would have froze to death.”

Shawn huffs. “Well I guess I'll have to challenge you to a real snowball fight when we get home and I have my coat and gloves and everything.”

“You're going to your parents place aren't you?” You start to sit up and he pulls you up right and starts helping brush the snow out of your hair.

“I was actually wondering if you wanted to come with me.”

“To meet your family?”

Shawn nods. He stands and brushes his pants off before he steps out onto the shallower snow outside the pile. He tucks his hands under his arms and looks down as if he were nervous about this conversation. “I was hoping we could spend Christmas together, y'know, since your parents are going to be on vacation anyway. If you have other plans just-”

��I'd love to. I'd love to meet your parents.” You wrap your arms around him and he sighs heavily, arms wrapping around you in return. “I wasn't sure if you wanted to do anything together for Christmas and I didn't want to ask since I know it's a big thing for your family.”

“You’re my family too now,” Shawn says quietly, looking down at you. “I wouldn't want you not to be there. Besides, I already told my mom you were coming so you kinda have to.”

“I can't wait,” you giggle. You know his family goes all out for Christmas and it's always a huge party. You also know his mom is awesome at gift giving so that makes you even more excited.

“Can we go back to the bus now? I'm freezing and my toes hurt they're so cold.”

You nod. “But no more snowballs, got it?”

Shawn holds his hands up in defense. “I promise. No more.”

“Alright, come on then. Let's watch a movie and warm up until the guys come find us for soundcheck.”

Shawn wraps his arms around you from behind and walks with you to the bus, snow crunching loudly with every step. He presses his face into your hair, warming his cold cheeks and nose as he mumbles, “That sounds like a good plan. Have I told you how much I love you?”

“Only everyday since we admitted our feelings for each other?”

“Mmm. Can't miss today then.” He kisses the side if your cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you more,” you giggle, your usual response.

He shakes his head, giving you another kiss on the cheek. “I love you most.”

A/N: Thank you for reading! Please leave feedback via Ask, reply, reblog or message! -A 

[smolfelton]

Happy New Year (pt. 2)

one - two - three (coming soon)

now on ao3

Harry can’t help but notice his gloved hands are shaking slightly as he buttons up his coat. His heart had been in his throat since he had woken up that morning, not that he had gotten much sleep to begin with. His nerves had been getting the best of him in anticipation for this day.

He studies himself one, twice, then thrice in the mirror, wondering if he looked presentable enough. Then he shakes his head and scolds himself.

It’s only Malfoy, he thinks.

It’s only Malfoy. Malfoy the sharp-witted potions professor, newly single father, most handsome man on earth, and Harry’s current crush. As he thinks this he checks his hair in the mirror one last final time and runs his hand through it. It’s all for naught though because his hair simply refuses to be tamed by anyone, no matter how important the day is.

There’s suddenly a small rapping sound at the door to his quarters, and Harry practically bolts to it before throwing it open. He expects Draco to be there, but instead is met with an empty corridor. Or so he thinks until he looks down and sees mini-Malfoy looking up at him with big, happy eyes.

“Hi Potty!” Scorpius says happily.

“Oh,” Harry is stunned for a moment, then smiles back down at the boy. “Good morning, Scorpius. Where’s your dad?”

“Daddy there,” he says and points.

Harry peers around his door and down to corridor to see Malfoy senior walking towards them. His breath hitches when he sees him and he does a double-take to make sure he isn’t seeing things. He nearly wants to pinch himself to assure himself he isn’t still in bed dreaming.

It’s Draco, or at least Harry thinks it’s Draco. For a split second he thinks it’s someone who simply stole the man’s face, because there is no way Draco bloody Malfoy would be caught dead wearing muggle clothes. He was dressed in a thick black winter coat, form-fitting navy jeans, and brown winter boots. If he were to walk among muggles he would fit right in, Harry thinks.

The second thing Harry notices, which makes his heart flutter in his chest, is how beautiful Draco looks. His long white-blond hair is tied into a braid and is slung over his shoulder, and his piercing grey eyes seem to shine in the morning light. There’s a small smile splaying across his face, and it makes the man look so incredible soft. So exposed and vulnerable.

A sudden feeling of want rushes through Harry.

“Potter,” Draco greets him politely as he stops behind his son.

“Malfoy,” Harry nods at him, swallowing the lump forming in his throat.

“Daddy!” Scorpius grabs his father’s hand and tugs at it. “We go now?”

“Yes, yes, Scorpius,” Draco smiles down at the 3-year-old. “We’re going.”

“Is Potty coming?” Scorpius asks.

Harry covers his mouth to stop himself from chuckling and Draco shoots him a halfhearted glare. He wonders how many times Draco had called him Potty behind his back for Scorpius to start repeating it. It isn’t annoying anymore like it was when they were students. If anything, Harry thinks it’s quite cute now.

“You can call me Harry,” Harry says to Scorpius, deciding to save Draco from any further embarrassment. He remembers fondly how Draco himself had called him ‘Potty’ during Christmas Eve and actually blushed when caught.

“Okay Harry,” Scorpius smiles and grabs Harry’s hand as well. “We go now!”

Harry chuckles and nods, closing the door behind him as the three make their way down the corridor. The sun is shining brightly and there’s a thin layer of snow covering the ground, and the light reflects off of it beautifully.

“We gonna get sweets?” Scorpius asks and looks up at his father. “You- you- daddy, you said if I be good then I can get sweets.”

“That’s right,” Draco says warmly at his son’s childish stuttering, then looks at Harry. “He’s been wanting to go to Honeyduke’s ever since I mentioned it last week. I promised him if he behaved he could have some sweets.”

“Harry can get some too, daddy?” Scorpius asks.

“Of course, Scorpius,” Draco replies.

Harry looks from son to father, a warm fuzzy feeling beginning to spread through him. It was such a sweet thing to witness, and he wonders if this is what he missed out on by not having parents of his own. He also wonders if this is what Draco missed out on as well, given who his parents were.

"Malfoy,” Harry says as they walk outside. “Thanks.”

Draco raises a curious eyebrow. “For what?”

“For inviting me.”

“Don’t be silly,” Draco snorts and waves a hand at him. “It’s only Hogsmeade.”

“But still-”

“Daddy’s happy you came!” Scorpius suddenly interrupts excitedly. “Daddy- Daddy said he was happy you can come. He was smilin’ alllll the time.”

Harry almost expects Draco to hush his son and silence his words, but surprisingly he doesn’t. However, when Harry looks up at the man he notices his cheeks have turned pink. Whether it’s from the cold outside or the embarrassing words his son has just spilled out, he doesn’t know.

“What happened to him being shy?” Harry asks with a laugh and ruffles the little one’s hair with his free hand. “Last time I saw him he barely spoke at all.”

“That’s what I would like to know,” Draco snorts with a roll of his eyes.

The three walk down the snowy path to Hogsmeade, little Scorpius in between them holding both of their hands. Harry can’t help but think the three of them look like a tiny family, and a small knot forms in his stomach. It makes him sad just thinking about family, and he inwardly wonders if he’ll ever have one.

The Weasleys are his family, of course. But in a way, they aren’t at the same time. He didn’t grow up with them, and despite them always being so kind and including him in everything they did, Harry couldn’t help but feel like a bit of an outsider. Even if he was the only one who was thinking it.

Harry knew he wanted a family of his own. A loving husband or wife, a few children which he and his spouse would adore together, a beautiful house they would call home. All of it sounded so cliche when he thought about it, but he still wanted it anyways. He wanted a family and home where he belonged, and he wondered if Draco wanted that for himself too.

“Earth to Potter!”

Harry suddenly snaps out of his haze at Draco’s shout, and before he knows it they’re in Hogsmeade and both Malfoy and mini-Malfoy are staring at him.

“Er, sorry,” Harry rubs the back of his neck. “Just got lost in thought.”

“So I can see,” Draco smirks.

“Harry was thinkin’“ Scorpius tells his father.

“Indeed,” Draco nods. “I’m sure it must have been a new experience for him.”

It takes Harry a moment to realise he’s just been insulted, and he opens his mouth to say something smart back. Right as he does though Scorpius pulls both of them by the hands, giggling excitedly.

“Let’s go daddy! Harry!”

The two adults huff with amusement and allow themselves to be led to the shops. The next few hours are filled with excited squealing from Scorpius, kind encouragements from Draco, and a chuckling Harry following not too far behind them. They’re met with warm smiles from the townsfolk and Harry notices the holiday spirit definitely hasn’t passed yet.

Harry can’t help but freeze when they’re standing in the middle of Madam Puddifoot's and he notices Draco whispering a spell under his breath, his wand aimed at his son as he does so. It takes Harry a moment to realise it’s an anti-apparition charm to prevent Scorpius from disappearing on them. He can imagine how disastrous losing the boy would be. Hogwarts was one thing, but being out in the public was another.

After a few hours of shopping around Harry is amused to see little Scorpius carrying a ton of bags of sweet treats from Honeydukes and innocent little trick items from Zonko’s. Every time Draco offers to carry them for him the boy refuses with a shake of his head, as if he himself weren’t holding them they might just disappear. It isn’t until Scorpius starts stumbling in the snow and drops some of his things that Harry finally intervenes.

“Here Scorpius,” Harry says and picks the little boy up. Scorpius squeals with delight, his treats forgotten as Harry lifts him up and sets him on top of his shoulders. The 3-year-old’s hands hold onto the man’s forehead and Harry is careful to keep a good grip on his little legs.

“I can see the whole world daddy!” Scorpius giggles loudly.

“I bet,” Draco chuckles and picks up the bags, giving him a grateful look. Harry nods and smiles in return as they head back to the castle.

“Daddy! Can Harry come to the fireworks?” Scorpius suddenly asks.

“Fireworks?” Harry raises an eyebrow, then remembers that tonight is New Year’s Eve. He had completely forgotten, he realises.

“Scorpius and I are going to the astronomy tower tonight,” Draco fills Harry in. “The townspeople in Hogsmeade will be shooting off fireworks at midnight, and he wanted to see them.”

“Oh,” Harry says.

“You can join us if you’d like,” Draco says, looking at him from the corner of his eye. “I’m sure Scorpius would enjoy your company.”

“Yeah,” the little boy chimes in eagerly, and Harry can’t help but chuckle.

“Alright then,” Harry nods. “I’ll be there.”

“Yay!” Scorpius says. “‘s gonna be soooo fun!”

Harry can’t stop himself from smiling the entire way back to Hogwarts. Even as he sets Scorpius down and watches at the father and son venture back to the dungeons, his grin never wavers. It isn’t until he reaches his own quarters that he begins to feel his cheek hurt, and excitement begins to bubble up in his chest at the thought of joining Draco to watch fireworks.

This was definitely not helping his crush.

-

It’s 11:45 at night when Harry climbs the steps to the astronomy tower, a lump in throat as he does so. He inwardly wonders if he’s too early or perhaps even too late, worrying what Draco might think if he were either of those things. If he came early Harry could be seen as too eager, and if he was late it would mean he didn’t care enough to come on time.

He didn’t give you a set time, Harry scolds himself. Just stop worrying.

When he gets to the top he sees Draco sitting near the edge, but not too close, with his arms wrapped around the boy in his lap. They’re both dressed warmly and Harry can’t help but notice that Draco's hair is tied up beneath a black muggle beanie, and he feels slightly disappointed that it isn’t down again.

He coughs into his hand and two sets of grey eyes look to him. Scorpius immediately brightens and waves, while Draco gives him a polite nod. Harry nods back and sits next to them, crossing his legs.

“You’re right on time,” Draco says. “We only just arrived a minute ago.”

“Hiya Harry,” Scorpius says happily, then yawns.

“Hello,” Harry chuckles. “Someone’s sleepy.”

“I wanted to put him to bed,” Draco sighs, “but he insisted on coming. And I’m not one to back out of my promises.”

“I’m sure he’ll sleep well afterwards,” Harry comments.

Harry reaches out a hand to ruffle Scorpius’ hair, and he notices Draco smiling softly as he watches the exchange. It’s a soft, tender moment between the three, and for a split second Harry feels like he’s apart of something. He pulls his hand back and sets it into his lap when he remembers he isn’t. He’s only an outsider watching in on the little family that is Draco and Scorpius.

“What'd you teach?” Scorpius asks Harry.

“Defense Against the Dark Arts. But we call it D.A.D.A. for short.”

Scorpius giggles. “That’s what I used to call my daddy.”

“Mhm,” Draco hums, chin now resting on top of his son’s head. He himself looks a bit tired as well, most likely staying awake for his son, Harry figures.

“Is that class like- like the one where you learn to fight the bad guys?”

“That’s right,” Harry nods, then smirks. “You know, your dad and I dueled in that class once when we were kids.”

“Really?” Scorpius gasps, looking from Draco to Harry. “Who won?”

“I did, of course,” Draco smirks.

“Don’t listen to him, Scorp. I sent him flying and he landed on his bum.”

Scorpius instantly doubles over laughing and Draco gives him an incredulous look before smacking Harry on the arm. Harry can’t help but laugh as well, rubbing where Draco had hit him. After a moment Draco finally smirks as well, rolling his eyes at the two of them.

“Hey Scorp,” Harry suddenly feels quite devious. “Wanna hear about the time your dad got maimed by a hippogriff?”

“Yes!” Scorpius says.

Draco promptly claps a hand to Harry’s mouth, stopping him from telling the story. The man’s hand is warm against his lips, and Harry can feel his heart beginning to race at the soft touch.

“Not happening,” Draco says, pulling his hand away before flicking Harry on the forehead with a finger. “You’re a terrible influence on my son, scarhead.”

“Aw, come on ferret-”

“SHH!” Draco hushes him and covers Scorpius’ ears with his hands. He looks incredibly flustered and Harry can’t help but adore how his cheeks have turned slightly pink at the old nickname.

Harry laughs and settles down, spreading his legs out in front of him and resting his palms on the floor behind him comfortably. He and Draco watch the stars for a few minutes, answering Scorpius’ random questions from time to time. Most of which are questions about Harry fighting ‘bad guys’ which he can only assume are Death Eaters.

Harry wonders if Scorpius knows about his father’s past. Wonders if the little boy knows that Draco was a former Death Eater who didn’t want to be one in the first place. He imagines it must have been hard for Draco to tell his son, if he had told him at all. And if he hadn’t, Harry couldn’t really blame him.

“How much longer?” Scorpius whines after a while, looking both tired and annoyed.

Draco checks the time. Harry’s surprised when he looks at a watch on his wrist rather than casting a quick tempus spell.

“Two more minutes.”

“Finally!” Scorpius squeaks, looking excited once again.

Both adults laugh at the boy and Harry takes a moment to really appreciate how Draco looks right then. Draco’s dressed in warm muggle-styled clothes and his hair has been pulled up, and to the common eye he looks pretty ordinary. But to Harry, he looks incredible. His grey eyes shine like silver and his pale skin glows in the moonlight, and Harry just loves how utterly soft and domestic he is.

Harry feels his heartbeat quicken, and he’s overcome with the sudden urge to touch the man. He wants to pull him close and wrap him in his arms. Ever since he had met Draco again at the beginning of the year he had wanted to do so. And now that want was like a burning fire in the pit of his stomach, threatening to blaze over if he didn’t act soon.

“One minute,” Draco says.

Harry wonders what Draco would do if he kissed him. Would he reject him? Push him away and think he was disgusting? It had made him happy to know the man was gay, but that still didn’t mean Harry had a chance. Their history was too long, too dark. Was the polite acquaintance they had made over the last few months not enough to cover up their old scars?

“Ten... nine... eight...”

Harry reaches out a hand and it hovers near Draco’s shoulder for a moment. He wants to touch, to feel, but doesn’t want to get burned at the same time. There’s both bravery and fear coursing through his veins, yet his courage seems to be getting the best of him. His brain tells him to stop, but his heart says to keep going. Just a little further...

“three... two... one!”

Suddenly there’s a grand display of fireworks before them. The night sky is filled with giant explosions of every colour and he faintly hears a happy, squealing Scorpius in the background. All Harry can do is watch Draco. The blond presses a big kiss to his son’s cheek and there’s a wonderful, beautiful smile plastered on his face as they both watch the display.

Draco looks at Harry after a moment, and that’s all it takes for him to finally touch the man. He snakes a hand to cup the back of Draco’s neck and pulls him close to meet in the middle. Before he knows it their lips are pressed together in a deep kiss, and the fire in Harry’s veins are finally coursing through him while his mind goes completely blank.

He presses harder after a moment, making it more passionate by the second. When his tongue gently brushes Draco’s bottom lip, the blond lets out a soft gasp. The sound make’s Harry finally snap out of his trance and he pulls back, one hand still cupping the back of Draco’s neck.

Draco’s eyes are blown wide and his lips have gone a delicious shade of dark pink. Suddenly all of Harry’s courage leaves his body and a wave of fear crashes over him. He pulls his hand back quickly and stands up, opening his mouth to speak but when he does no words come out.

Draco stares up at him and little Scorpius is still watching the fireworks, oblivious to the silent turmoil within Harry and the thick tension in the air. Harry doesn’t know what to do, what to say, so he does the only thing he can think to do.

He runs away.

-

one - two - three (coming soon)

now on ao3

[shesgayfor]

What Happened in Wakanda

Summary: Post CA:CW, pre Infinity War. Steve visits Bucky after he comes out of cryo in Wakanda. Steve encourages Bucky to have his teeth looked at when he notices a chipped tooth. How does Bucky deal with it?

Characters: Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes, Shuri

TW: Dental, Anxiety

Steve had just gotten word that Bucky was coming out of the ice for the first time in months. The last he saw Bucky was right after Sokovia, as Bucky made the decision to go back under. Shuri, Wakanda’s youngest genius, found a way to deprogram Bucky’s brain and he was finally going to wake up. Steve was on the run but he had to make time to go see Bucky’s coming out of the ice. It had been a few days that Bucky came back, cooped up with Shuri, keeping an eye on him to make sure nothing happened. He’d been hooked up to wires and monitors for a bit, but Shuri was trying to make him as comfortable as possible.

Steve was being walked into the area where Bucky was by some Wakandan guards. Steve’s eyes lit up at the sight of him, happy to see him finally awake.

“Hey Buck.” Steve spoke out into the air getting his attention.

“Steve, whoa, hey.” A huge smile breaking across his face. He got up out of the chair he was sitting in, to further walk towards Steve. Bucky was the first to throw hands around him, as Steve returned the gesture. They held onto each other tightly, making up lost time.

“How are you doing?” Steve carefully examined Bucky’s face.

“Better.” He replied with a smile. Steve noticed as Bucky smiled that one of his teeth were chipped. He didn’t say anything, just kept it in mind.

“Shuri and T’Challa treating you well here?” Steve said as Shuri walked into earshot. Bucky smiled again before turning back to where Shuri was walking from.

“You know we are, Captain Rogers!” Shuri exclaimed in her enthusiastic, sarcastic tone.

“I can’t thank you guys enough, it just means so much to me that you’re taking care of him.” Steve says.

“It is our pleasure. How are you doing, Captain?” She asked.

“It’s rough not going to lie. Nat, Sam and I are keeping each other company though.” Shuri smiled and looked between Steve and Bucky, before walking off again. Bucky brought Steve to the room he’d been spending his time in for the past few days. Bucky motioned for Steve to sit on the bed he’d been sleeping in as Bucky sat right next to him.

“So, how are you feeling?” Steve asked.

“I don’t know, it’s hard to explain. My head feels clearer, I’m starting to remember things.”

“That’s good! What are you remembering?”

“I don’t know if it’s a good thing.” He nervously laughed. Steve took notice of the tooth again. Why is it chipped? How? Drop it, Steve.

“Why?”

“I’m remembering things I did, as the winter soldier.” Bucky went silent after he spoke.

“Buck, I, I’m so sorry.” Steve placed on hand on his shoulder.

“Shuri is trying to work on something to block all that out, but I don’t really know if it’s possible.”

“Are you having any good memories?”

Bucky laughed. “Yes actually, I remember all the times we used to walk around the town back in Brooklyn. In the 40’s.”

“Ah wow, yeah good times.” Steve replied.

“I mostly remember you being smaller than me. Now you’re not and, it’s such a crazy memory.” Bucky was smiling again.

“Buck can I ask a question?”

“Yeah, what is it?” Bucky’s face turned to one of concern.

“What happened to your, your, your tooth?” He didn’t want to be rude but he was mildly concerned.

“I don’t know, I woke up like it. Shuri said it’s probably because of the ice.” Bucky shrugged.

“Are you going to get it checked?”

“Maybe at some point? I’m letting them do what they need I don’t want to impede.”

“I can ask Shuri if she can set it up?”

“Uh, no it’s okay Steve.”

“No?”

Bucky looked nervous, his hand fidgeting with his pants. “It’s okay.”

“Buck? What’s going on?” Steve’s concern grew larger.

“Steve I, I haven’t been to a dentist since 1940. Hydra experimented on my teeth and chipped and pulled some out I don’t really want to relive that right now.” Bucky was on the verge of tears.

“I’m sorry I didn’t know. I can be there to accompany you?” Steve offered. Bucky eyes were leaking at this point. Steve started rubbing Bucky’s back to comfort him. “I can’t imagine the pain you’re feeling right now. But if that pain could be taken away wouldn’t you want that?” Steve’s voice was soft and comforting.

“Yes. Yes I would.” Bucky managed through tears.

Steve talked to Shuri, who talked to the medical staff, who arranged a private appointment for Bucky to get his teeth checked out. It happened a couple hours later while Steve was still visiting. Shuri brought Bucky and Steve into one of the private exam rooms upstairs. Bucky took a seat on the table that looked like a bed. It didn’t resemble a threatening chair at all.

“So Bucky, I will be here the entire time as will Captain Rogers. You are in good hands with this medical staff, and with our technology you should not feel any pain, okay?” Shuri walked closer to Bucky, explaining everything. He nodded in response. Steve took a seat in a chair floating on the side. Moments later, two women walked into the room with white coats on and materials in hand. Shuri was going to lead the appointment while the trained medical staff did the real work.

Bucky’s chest started pumping harder, as Steve noticed it very quickly. “It’s gonna be okay Buck.” He whispered, but loud enough that Bucky could hear.

“Bucky, go ahead and place your head here.” Shuri gestured to the padded headrest at the end of the bed table. Bucky did as he was told, lying down with his hand resting on his stomach. The fingers on his only hand were intertwining each other, trying to relieve some major anxiety he was feeling. The two dentist’s began to set up their area, as one of the clipped a light to the side of the bed and aimed it directly at Bucky’s mouth. They both pulled masks over their faces, and pulled out tools to work with. Shuri remained standing directly next to Bucky, placing her hand on Bucky’s to calm him down. Shuri didn’t know him for very long, but she felt a strong need to protect and take care of him. She took him under her wing when he first came here, and it’s been that way ever since.

“They are going to have a look into your mouth, okay?” Shuri said again, Bucky nodding to her response. One of the dentist’s had asked Bucky to open his mouth, and he complied. She carefully looked around his mouth with her mini mirror. They spoke in their native language, as they communicated to each other what was going on in his mouth. Bucky’s eyes nervously traveled to Shuri, as she continued to do her best to comfort him.

Steve felt bad for him, so bad. He knew Bucky didn’t want to go through this, but Steve also knew Bucky was in pain, in his mouth, but he wanted to avoid it. He couldn’t let him suffer like that, so he had to be a bit pushy and make this happen. Steve winced from behind, watching how Bucky laid there helplessly as someone probed around his mouth. It wasn’t a comfortable sight to watch at all.

More communication occurred between the two dentist’s, as the one finally removed her tools from Bucky’s mouth and shut off the light, moving it away from him. Shuri stepped aside to speak to them to find out what was going on. Bucky continued to lay still on the bed, too strung with anxiety and fear to move. He knew his mouth, it was a mess and he was going to need work done. He was just very afraid of it.

“You can sit up for this.” Shuri told Bucky. He nodded and sat himself up, looking between the dentist’s and Shuri.

“How bad is it.” He quietly asked.

Shuri grabbed Bucky’s hand and held it. “You need quite a bit done, Bucky. They can help you.”

He sighed deeply as he began to shake. “What’s going to happen.”

“We can sedate you, so you will not be awake for any of it. They said it could take hours. Or, if you’d rather not go under again, I can put something together to numb your entire mouth and you can be awake.” She offered. Bucky thought about it for a moment, trying to figure out which one he’d prefer.

“It’s okay I can go under again.”

“Of course. We can start right now if you’d like.” She felt Bucky’s hand tense under hers. He looked to Steve, who was trying to communicate a supportive look.

“Okay. Let’s get it over with.” Shuri nodded at him, as she said something to the doctors as they hurried out of the room. “Can I stay here though?”

“We can sedate you here, but we will have to move you to one of the other operating rooms that are more meant for this.” Shuri regrettably said.

Bucky’s eyes widened. “Can we do that please I’d rather not see the room.” He was panicking.

“Yes. Let me go and communicate that to them.” Shuri rushed out of the room.

Bucky looked down at his feet, looking like a lost puppy. “I’m so sorry it all came to this, I never wanted to make things difficult.” Steve spoke into the silence.

“I know Steve. It’s just, I’m remembering a lot of the things that they did to my teeth. I can feel the pain linger in my mouth. My front tooth is chipped for goodness sake. I needed this, to get help.”

“It will be okay soon enough, Shuri is going to fix you.”

“Yeah she’s been doing a lot of that lately. I don’t know what I’d be without her.” Bucky’s face fell to contempt. Steve smiled in response to him.

Shuri and one of the dentist’s walked back into the room, this time with a needle in hand. Bucky made a face at it, before he realized this isn’t the most painful thing he’s ever had to endure. He stuck his arm out, anticipating the stick. The dentist carefully prepared his arm for injection.

“This is an enhanced version of anesthesia put into a small needle.” Shuri explained. Bucky looked interested while Steve looked amazed.

“This is going to feel like a pinch.” The dentist spoke with a heavy accent, heavier than Shuri’s. Bucky nodded and he closed his eyes and the dentist carefully inserted the needle into his arm. Seconds later Bucky was falling over onto the bed as the effects of the drug kicked in immediately. Shuri and the dentist caught him and gently placed him on the bed.

“Captain Rogers, would you mind carrying him into the room?” Shuri politely asked.

“No of course.” Steve immediately got up and picked up his best friend. Bucky’s head fell backwards as Steve looked at his unconscious friend. He began to think about how this is when he is most peaceful, when he’s not awake. This made him sad, as he rested his head on Bucky’s chest.

“Captain? In here.” Shuri had walked to the other room, and Steve closely followed behind. He placed Bucky into the operating chair, one that looked like it belonged in a dentist's office.

“I see why you didn’t have him in here initially.” Steve confessed.

“Ah yes. Bucky did tell me about his triggers, and a chair of this sort was one of them.” Shuri spoke as she helped the two dentist’s prepare Bucky in the chair. An array of tools and technology was spread across a counter, all of which were going to be used on Bucky.

“Captain, I will stay in this room the entire time with Bucky, I will not leave his side. You are welcome to stay, but it will not be a pleasant sight. He needs a lot of work, which will probably take two hours. If you’d like, you can entertain yourself in any of our rooms around the building.”

Steve nodded, as he didn’t really want to watch all the work that was about to be done. Steve looked at a lifeless Bucky one last time before making the decision to walk away. “Come find me when he’s done, immediately. Please.” The please coming out broken. Shuri smiled and nodded, as Steve walked off and the exam room door closed. Steve took a deep breath, trying to rid the anxiety he was having about his best friend who was about to undergo a big dental procedure.

The two hours passed, and Shuri was shaking a sleeping Steve to wake up.

“Captain? Please wake up.” Her voice finally coming into his ears. Steve sprung up as he realized what was happening.

“Is he okay? Is he up?” Steve sleepily asked.

“He’s okay. He’s not awake. I need your help to transfer him again.” Steve immediately nodded as they headed towards the room. Shuri began to panic when she saw Bucky starting to move. “Captain I need you to move him, now please.” Her words laced with nervousness. Steve picked up his pace and picked up Bucky bridal style once again. Steve was walking down the hall to bring Bucky into the room he’d been in since he woke from cryo.

“Steve?” Bucky slurred.

“Hey Buck, it’s me.”

“What is-.” his words cut off as he closed his eyes and dozed off again. Steve’s heart sank, he felt so bad for him. They reached the room as Steve carefully placed Bucky on the bed. He rested his head on the pillow and pulled up a blanket for him. Steve stood for a second to look at his still lifeless body, overthinking his thoughts. Shuri was close behind watching all of this.

“Must be tough watching this.” Steve didn’t turn around, he continued to look at him.

“You have no idea.” His voice weepy.

“I’ll leave you guys alone. If he wakes up please call me, we need to make sure he doesn’t have a bad reaction to anything.”

Steve sat on the floor next to Bucky’s head, as he sadly looked at him. “Buck I’m so sorry. For everything. Everything you’ve been through. It’s just not fair.” Bucky continued being unconscious as Steve still spoke at him. “I think about you all the time. I think about the train. About hydra. About what just happened a few months ago. This shouldn’t have been your life but it is. It was. Now I’m on the run you know because of everything, but coming here to see you is just so painful.” Tears began to stream down his face. He was saying everything he’s always wanted to say to Bucky but was too scared. “I want you to be able to live again. Have a normal life. You can have it here in Wakanda and it’s all I want for you, Buck.” Bucky shifted in his sleep, as his eyes slowly began to open.

“Steve?”

“Buck, I’m here.” Bucky’s face turned into a smile as he realized who was in front of him. He was still out of it and deeply medicated, but he was able to recognize his best friend in front of him.

“Where, where am I.” Bucky slurred to Steve.

“You’re in your bed. In Wakanda. You just had a lot of dental work done.” Steve explained. Bucky’s eyebrows furrowed as he brought his hand to his mouth, using his pointer finger to feel all his teeth. This caused him to burst into tears, alarming Steve.

“Shuri!” Steve yelled outside the room. “Buck it’s okay I’m here, you’re safe you’re okay.” Steve was trying to calm him down.

“I, I have new teeth.” Bucky said through tears. He started crying harder. This was definitely a side effect of the anesthesia. “Where’s my arm.” Bucky’s hand was placed on his opposite shoulder as he felt the bandaged stump.

“Buck it’s okay.” Steve kept repeating. Bucky closed his eyes, trying to catch his breath. Shuri ran into the room with one of the doctors.

“Is he awake?” She said.

“He is yes, he’s having an emotional reaction I think.”

The doctor took out an advanced piece of technology and placed it on Bucky’s arm. It appeared that it read vitals signs as a bunch of numbers popped on it. Steve didn’t understand it so he didn’t ask. She told Shuri that he was fine, just needs to sleep off the medication. She left the room, leaving Steve and Shuri still at Bucky’s side.

“What happened?” She asked Steve.

“He realized that he got his teeth fixed then started crying I, I’m so emotional I can’t.” Steve’s voice cracking at every word.

“It’s okay,” Shuri motioned a hand towards him. She placed the same hand on Bucky’s head, stroking his hair. “Bucky? Can you hear me?” She whispered. His eyes opened to the sound of her voice. “Hi. You’re going to feel weird for the next hour. It would be more than that but you have the serum so you’re in luck.” She continued to tell him. “Do you understand what I am saying Bucky?” He nodded at her, as his eyes closed again.

“Give him an hour he’ll be awake and it will be out of his system.”

“Thank you Shuri.” She returned a smile as she headed off again. “Did you hear anything I said to you, about 5 minutes ago Buck?” There was no response, he appeared to have fallen back asleep. Steve sighed to himself as he fell asleep himself, wanting to wake up when Bucky did.

“Steve. Steve?” A familiar voice pulled Steve out of his second slumber of the day. His eyes opened to reveal Bucky sitting up on the bed, staring right at him.

“Buck.”

“How long has it been?” Bucky asked. Steve situated himself, shaking the sleep off him.

“You were under for 2 hours. And I think you slept for 1 I’m not sure I passed out with you.” Bucky nodded, looking hesitant and on edge. His tongue was traveling around his mouth, feeling the new set of teeth that were sitting in his mouth.

“They really did it.”

“They really did it Buck.” Steve smiled at him. Bucky couldn’t help but smile back, revealing a healthy set of teeth.

“Ah you are awake. How are you feeling?” Shuri came out of nowhere to check on him.

“I can’t feel my mouth but I can only assume that’s normal.” He replied. Shuri nodded.

“Yes it is normal, we had to numb your entire mouth. I can give you pain relievers if anything starts to hurt. But first I just need to check your teeth.” Shuri walked over with a pen light in hand. She tilted Bucky’s head back cautiously. “Open please.” She asked. Bucky complied as she carefully looked around his mouth, making sure everything was in order. “You are perfect Bucky, thank you.” She stepped away turning off the pen light.

“Thank you Shuri. I don’t even know how to thank you.” Bucky reached up and hugged her, as she hugged him back. They both smiled at each other, Bucky radiating a thankful expression.

“We still have much for you to learn, Bucky.”

[marshmallow-phd]

White Out

Part of The Untamed - EXO Wolf Universe

Genre: Supernatural, Wolf Au

Pairing: Kyungsoo x Reader

Summary: Bouncing place to place was just how lived your life. Settling down just wasn’t in your plans, especially with your past. But when you meet Kyungsoo, there’s suddenly a future in front of you that you never imagined possible. With both enemies and friends of the pack arriving in town, you’ll be pulled into a danger that you never asked for. Will you stick around for Kyungsoo or will you do what you do best and run?

Warning: none

Part: 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6 I 7 I 8 I 9 I 10 I 11 I 12 I 13 I 14 I Final

**

Just as he promised, Kyungsoo was right outside on the sidewalk waiting for you when you said goodnight to your boss and exited the bakery at the end of your shift. Like a reflex, your hand slipped into his with ease as soon as he was within reach. He wedged his fingers between yours, securing you to him as he smiled down at you.

It still amazed you how comfortable and at ease you were with Kyungsoo. Just his presence made your entire body relax. This feeling was something you’d never experienced before and you hoped that it would never fade away. It was a state of grace that you could be satisfied living in for the rest of your life.

Keeping close to him, you leaned into his warmth, resting your other hand on his forearm as the two of you walked to your apartment. The air was especially cold as the sun crept closer to the tops of the trees. A particularly harsh wind bit at your skin, making you walk faster to get home and to the warmth.

“Are you still up for tonight?” Kyungsoo asked you as you unlocked your front door.

You shrugged. “I’m sure it’ll be fun.”

“Fun,” he mused. You stepped inside and he unwrapped your scarf from around your neck. On the very last wound, he leaned in and kissed your frozen nose. “How was your day?”

“Fine,” you answered, trying not to blush and failing miserably. Why did he have to be so cute with you? If he kept it up, you were sure you were going to combust. “Just another day.”

“Ah,” Kyungsoo acknowledged as he took off his wet shoes. It’d snowed a bit earlier in the day, but none of it had stuck, melting as soon as it hit the ground. “At least it wasn’t bad.”

“No, definitely not bad.” Pursuing your lips, you asked, “Is that what you’re wearing for tonight?”

Kyungsoo looked down at his outfit. He was wearing a simple cream knitted sweater and nice jeans. You loved his sweaters. They were just like him: a warm hug in the middle of winter. It made you wish that spring would never come just so he could keep wearing them. One of these days you were going to end up sneaking into his closet and slipping a few into your bag to take home.

Wow. You were definitely lovesick at this point. You were already close to the “stealing his clothes” stage.

“Do you… not like it?” Kyungsoo asked, confused.

“No, no, no!” you panicked. “I love it! I was just checking so I could figure out what I should wear. I didn’t want to be over or underdressed.”

His face brightened up. “You can wear whatever you want. You’ll be beautiful either way.”

Okay, now your cheeks were blushing furiously. How could he make that cheesy sentence so heartwarming?

Nodding erratically, you told him, “I’ll just change real quick. Be right back!”

You ran into your bedroom, closing the door and turning to your closet. Considering how you lived your last few years, you didn’t exactly have “date” clothes. Over and over, you pulled shirts out and held them up to you as you scanned yourself in the mirror. Nothing seemed to be good enough. Kyungsoo’s jeans indicated that you weren’t going to a five-star restaurant, so you were safe there, but the shirt was important. The spectrum of too casual and over the top was too great.  

Forgetting the top for a moment, you went over to your dresser and grabbed a fresh pair of jeans. As they were of the skinny variety, you had to do a little mini workout and jump up and down to get them on. You were actually huffing a bit by the time you got them buttoned.

Okay, that part was done.

Knowing how easily you could get cold, you focused in on your sweaters. This was already taking too long. Closing your eyes, you swore that whatever you picked blindly would be what you went with. Your fingers clung to soft fabric and you tugged it off the hanger, opening your eyes. And nearly groaned.

It was your off white sweater. While of a slightly different material than Kyungsoo’s, from far away they just might look the same.

Oh, well. You figured that maybe if you wore your red infinity scarf with it, maybe no one would notice.

As quickly as you could, you put on makeup, deciding just to leave your hair as it was. Stepping out of your room, you cleared your throat. Kyungsoo was sitting on your couch with his back to you, scrolling through something on his phone. When he heard you, he stood up and turned around, grinning at you.

“Just as I thought,” he said softly. “Beautiful.”

You scoffed halfheartedly. At this point, you were sure you could come out in a garbage bag and he’d still say the same.

Kyungsoo held out his hand for you to take. “Come on. Apparently, they’re already at the meeting spot waiting for us.”

“Oh, no, I’m so sorry!” Of course you would keep everyone waiting.

Pulling you to his chest, he kissed your hair. “Don’t fret about it. Usually, Baekhyun is the one making us wait so it’s about time he knew what it was like.”

That didn’t completely put you at ease, but you’d drop it for now. You had something else to worry about. Like surviving a night surrounded by other people. You still didn’t know the other mates very well and you had no idea how well you would be able to make conversation with them.

Grabbing your coat, Kyungsoo helped you slip it on before leading you out of the safety of your apartment.

Sure enough, everyone was already gathered in the little square at the center of down town’s entertainment hub, gather around in a huddle. Ji Yeon waved to you as soon as she spotted you, peeling away from Minseok and running up to you.

“(y/n)!” she exclaimed with a giant smile. “You came! Baekhyun kept saying that you were going to back out.”

“I did not!” Baekhyun argued, earning an elbow to the stomach from Hae In. Jongdae snickered until he received a dirty look from Jiyoung.

“I’m glad you could make it,” Jongin grinned. His arms were around Kimberly’s waist with his chin resting on her shoulder. You liked how sweet the position looked and wondered if it felt just as nice. Before you could figure out how to get Kyungsoo to do the same, Yixing spoke up.

“We should probably head to the hall before all the spots are taken,” he suggested.

“Where are we going?” you asked in general.

“The pool hall,” Minseok answered, pointing in the direction behind you.

“Oh.” You’d only played pool once or twice before. To say you weren’t good at it would be an understatement.

“Let’s go!” Jongdae tugged Jiyoung along , the rest of the group following behind.

Inside the pool hall was dimly lit, the main lighting hanging just above the billiard tables. The boys paid for the two tables in the back and grabbed the sticks as the girls headed for the bar. You, on the other hand, stayed suction cupped to Kyungsoo’s side. From the way he kept his grip on you steady, he didn’t seem to mind.

“(y/n), do you want to play the first game?” Yixing offered.

You shook your head, letting go of your mate just long enough to remove your coat and drape it on the back of a chair. “I’m okay. I’ll just watch the first round.”

The girls came back with an entire tray of alcoholic drinks. Spotting the two pitchers of beer, the boys attacked it, filling their glasses almost to the brim. Hae In also poured herself a cup, finishing off the second pitcher. Kimberly handed you a peachy-pink colored drink.

“(y/n) doesn’t really drink,” Kyungsoo frowned.

Too late, you’d already taken a sip and even let out a satisfied, “mmm.”

Kimberly giggled. “I guess she does now.”

Even Kyungsoo laughed, pulling you in front of him so you could lean back into his chest. Apparently you didn’t have to think of a way to get a back hug after all.

“Don’t you think it’s a bit early for couple’s outfits?” Baekhyun teased, his eyes scanning you up and down with a snicker.

So much for no one noticing. Embarrassed, you turned to bury your face into Kyungsoo’s chest.

“(y/n) can wear whatever she wants,” he defended.

You heard a loud “Ow!” come from Baekhyun. Since Kyungsoo still had you in his embrace, you figured Hae In had come to your aid.

Kyungsoo and you simple watched in silence at both of the pool games played out in front of you. Jongdae was especially good, both making up for Jiyoung’s missed shots and practically destroying Minseok and Ji Yeon. Baekhyun and Jongin were pretty evenly matched, giving you no clue as to who would end up taking that round. In the end, Hae In ended up pocketing the eight ball, winning the game.

“Come on,” Kyungsoo pushed you towards the pool table. “It’s our turn.”

“O-oh, okay.” You chewed on your bottom lip. Ming gave you a very encouraging smile as she approached the table as well.

Baekhyun and Hae In moved over to the other table to face off against Jongdae and Jiyoung. Kyungsoo broke the triangle, sending a striped ball into one of the pockets. You just stood off to the side awkwardly as Yixing took his turn, scoring a solid. Great. Your turn.

Taking the stick from Kyungsoo, you bent over, clumsily trying to line up the stick to the cue ball. Behind you, Kyungsoo gave off his telltale chuckle.

“Try it like this, baby.” Coming up behind you, he slid his hands over yours on the stick, rearranging your grip. His chest was pressed into your back and his cheek was just a breath away from yours. And, god, he’d called you “baby.” Your heart was going wild. By the look on Kyungsoo’s face, he definitely could hear it.

With his help, you were able to hit one of the stripes into a corner pocket. You gave out a little cheer and then immediately regretted it when you remembered where you were.

“I think that counts as cheating,” Jongin teased from the table behind you.

Yixing just shrugged, watching Ming miss her shot. When her turn was done, she stepped back, coming to stand by you.

“That’s the only reason the boys like coming here,” she laughed. “It’s a great way for them to show off and get close to us.”

You giggled along with her until your eyes caught sight of a small mark near the spot where her shoulder and neck met, exposed by her wide collared shirt. She caught you staring and you quickly looked away. You knew how uncomfortable it was to have someone to stare at a scar.

“It’s okay,” Ming reassured you. “It’s just my mark.”

You frowned. “Your mark?”

Ming tilted her head. “Yeah. You know, when-”

“Ming!” Yixing called out, interrupting her. She clamped her mouth shut. Your eyes trailed over to Kyungsoo, who, for some odd reason, seemed worried.

You stepped up to him. “Is everything okay?”

He plastered on a fake smile. “Of course. It’s your turn, by the way.”

It was obvious that he was just trying to distract you, but your curiosity as to what just happened was too great.

“What was she talking about?” You asked as you took the pool stick. “What is a ‘mark’?”

Again, he tried to divert your attention with a kiss on the cheek. “We’ll talk about it later, okay? Now, try to aim for the nine ball.”

You pouted, hating the way he was blowing off your question. He’d always answered you before, no matter what. So why was he being like this now?

Before you could line up to take the shot, Jongdae’s phone rang in his pocket. Pulling it out, he answered it, his eyes widening at whatever was being said on the other side of the call. In fact, all the boys  suddenly looked worried while you mates were left in the dark.

Kyungsoo snatched the stick out of your hand, tossing it down on the table that housed the incomplete game.

Jongdae simply told the caller, “we’re on our way” and then hung up.

“What's going on?” Jiyoung asked, reaching for his hand.

Gripping it tight, Jongdae responded, “We have to get out of here and back to the house. All of us.”

“Is everything okay?” Ji Yeon asked. Unlike Jiyoung, her voice wasn’t scared. It was authoritative, demanding an answer.

“We’ll explain on the way,” Minseok promised.

“Too late,” Yixing growled. The boys all turned to face the entrance, taking protective stances with their respective mates.

A group of five menacing looking men walked through the front entrance in a “V” formation, their eyes scanning the room. Soft growls erupted from the wolves around you.

While you didn’t understand who the strangers were or why the boys were suddenly on the defensive, you felt sure that the new arrivals were dangerous. Very dangerous. From the way they moved so seamlessly insync with each other to the predatory way they stood, your stomach clenched in instinctive fear. Kyungsoo reached back, grabbing your hand reassuringly.

“We’re close to the exit,” Minseok whispered. “On the count of three, we should run for it. I think we can get to the cars in time.”

“I agree,” Yixing whispered back. The others nodded in unison.

“One.” Kyungsoo shifted silently to wrap an arm around your waist. “Two.” He started turning towards the emergency exit in the back. “Three.”

Before anyone could take that first step, all five pairs of eyes from the threatening group snapped in your direction.

You gasped.

Their eyes were an unnatural red. A sinister grin spread across the face of the one in front and your heart sank.

[mind-reader1]

Searching for You (Part 2/4)

A/N: This is part of an ES mini-series! This is part 2 for Endless Summer Appreciation Week Day 2! Thanks for hosting @brightpinkpeppercorn and @mysteli ❤❤❤ Catch up with Part 1. This is also for @choices-december-challenge Day 8: Family (sorry it's a day late) hosted by @kinda-iconic 😍

Warnings: Innuendo, angst

Pairing: Jake x MC (Taylor) 

Word Count: 3,401

You can find the series masterlist here.

Last Time: Uqzhall killed Jake in cold blood and Taylor reminisces about the first time Jake told her that he wanted kids, but she wasn’t ready. 

Thinking back to that moment now, I wish that I had taken Jake up on his offer, that we had tried to start our family. Things could have been so different, maybe this would be our second kid, maybe Jake would still be here with me.

“It is okay Cat-a-liss.” I rubbed my eyes one last time and let Taari go.

“Thank you Taari.” He gave me a smaller smile than his normal one, looking up as footsteps approached.

“Taylor?” It was Diego, he knew instantly that something was wrong and opened his arms for me.

“Taari, go find Seraxa or something else to do.” The little boy ran off, understanding that whatever was happening was an adult matter. I recounted to Diego through broken sobs and snot rockets what had happened, that time hadn’t reset itself as it did in the past. He dragged me straight to Varyyn who was in the throne room, meeting with his people. Varyyn rose immediately when he saw Diego helping me in, he sent the rest of his people away to come back tomorrow, this was a more pressing matter. Diego recounted for me what had happened, Varyyn paced at the mention of the old shaman’s name.

“Please Varyyn, is there another gem like the one in your necklace I broke, something I can do to bring him back. I need him.” I hadn’t even told them I was pregnant yet, my emotions were all over the place, furious with Uqzhall, destroyed that Jake might forever be gone, and of course terrified about the tiny human growing inside of me.

“Taylor...I, that was the last of that crystal. They are special and not meant to be used for such matters even if I did have one.” I was furious, I shoved Varyyn and Diego held me back.

“Taylor!” He had never seen me like this, not even with Rourke.

“You don’t understand! I need him back Diego! I can’t do this without him!” Again, my body was wracked with sobs, I collapsed at Varyyn’s feet, begging him for help. I quickly shuffled away though, I could feel the bile rising up in my throat again. Morning sickness? Guilt sickness? Anger sickness? All three? God only knows.

“What do you mean? Can’t do this without him? Taylor, I know you loved him but...you are your own person, life goes on without those we love.” Varyyn’s words were meant to be comforting, after all, he had lost his mother battling Cetus with us.

“No! I’m pregnant! I’m having a baby. I didn’t get to tell him, he doesn’t know. He doesn’t know he’s going to be a dad. I’m not ready, I can’t do this without him.” I screamed, my thoughts coming out in a jumbled mess. Both men stood still, they finally understood. Diego was the first to comfort me, rubbing my back as he pulled my hair into a ponytail. I don’t think either of them really knew what to say, I didn’t know what to say.

“I need answers Varyyn. I need a way to fix this.” He nodded, dragging a hand down his face, I think he knew that I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“We won’t stop until Uqzhall is found and answers for his crimes.” My head shot up.

“I’m going to kill him, Varyyn. No one touches him but me, you understand? I don’t give a damn about what Vaanti tradition might have to say about it, he killed Jake in cold blood in front of me, I get to kill him. If you find him before me, keep him here.” Varyyn didn’t say anything until Diego shot him a warning look, he nodded.

“For answers, I would seek out the Anachronists as they are the most familiar with time anomalies here. However, Diego and I cannot go with, we hold titles and they will not allow us in.” I understood but I couldn’t do it alone, I had barely found the Anachronists the first time and there were 13 of us; I had also barely survived as Uqzhall had tried to kill me, Jake was the one who saved me. Jake, everything seemed to circle back to him. Every thought, every memory, and now every conversation I had. I couldn’t stand to think about his body lying there in front of our house, now cold and stiff, his bright blue eyes stuck open forever staring at nothing. I shook my head violently as if I could shake the thought away, Varyyn and Diego watched me curiously, they didn’t want to say the wrong thing and set me off again.

“I can’t do this alone. I need help! I barely survived the Anachronists last time and Jake was the one who saved me, with the Clockmaker's help. How will I even know how to find them again, I don’t have the crystals.” I felt like I might be sick again, my head swirling as I tried to figure out what my options were, how I was going to do this alone. Being a part of Vaanu, I never actually had a life before La Huerta, I’ve never known anything but my friends and Jake by my side. Suddenly I was supposed to do it alone and I had a baby to think about, that still freaked me out too, it didn’t feel real, at least not until I finally told someone.

“Have you told anyone else?” I shook my head.

“I came here first for help, I thought you might have answers for me. I can’t ask our friends to risk their lives for Jake though. We’ve all finally settled, it’s not fair.”

“Tay, we’re a family. We look out for each other as best as we can. You know they’ll help you, especially if you tell them why.” I sighed and ran a hand through my hair nervously, of course, he was right, I still felt like it wasn’t their responsibility though; I had gotten myself into this mess. I nodded and began walking out, even if I wasn’t going to ask for anyone’s help I needed to stop at the Celestial to get supplies. I began the journey alone, I honestly couldn’t stand to look at Diego or Varyyn anymore, they hadn’t been of any help or comfort. I descended the bridges in Elyystel keeping my head down from prying eyes, everyone recognized me as a catalyst by now, but they always saw me with Jake. Despite the warm humid air around me, I felt a cold shiver run through my body, I pulled Jake’s jacket out and slipped it on. It was too big on me, but I didn’t care, I loved that jacket and everything about it, Jake’s smell lingered on the fabric, reminding me of the very first time he let me borrow it.

***********

Everything had happened so quickly, I opened a portal with the strange gun we found, and the Watchers had roped Diego, trying to pull him away. I desperately held onto him, but he let go, he let himself be taken. The blinding white light surrounded us and then we were on the rooftop again as if nothing had happened, only something had, the Watchers and Diego were gone. Everyone marveled at how we made it, stunned, unsure of how much time had passed. IRIS appeared, she told us we had been gone for 204 days...six months.

“Wait, Taylor, where’s Diego?” Craig asked. That’s when I lost it. My best friend who I couldn’t save had been with the Watchers for six months, he probably thought we would never come for him. I began sobbing and everyone looked at me, I couldn’t form the words to tell them, though they could probably figure out on their own what had happened. I felt a soft fabric surround my shoulders as I stumbled back to a bench, burying my hands in my face as a shiver ran down my spine. I was embarrassed that I had been unable to save him. The cushion sank next to me and a pair of strong arms surrounded me, pulling me against them. I looked up to see Jake, he had covered me with his jacket, he never took that jacket off. He gave me a sad, small smile, and looked at me, rubbing his hands up and down my back gently.

“What happened, Princess?” I recounted how he slipped out of my grasp, the Watcher who had attacked us in my room was the same one who had grabbed Diego. He was patient and listened to my story all the while trying to calm me, I had never seen Jake so gentle, not even in my room that night after we had destroyed it.

“We’ll find him.” He tried to reassure me with his words, but I could see in his eyes that he didn’t believe it, still, he was just trying to help me and I appreciated his effort. I gave him a small appreciative smile and squeezed his knee before standing up.

“Let's go find Diego.” Everyone followed me down into the Celestial. That was the very first time Jake gave me his jacket, though I noticed it became a bit of a thing after that, not that I minded. I loved being able to breathe in his scent, feel the familiar fabric touching my skin. Any time Jake thought I was cold or needed comforting, he was there with his jacket. When we began to make our trek into the mountains to the MASADA facility, before Grace pulled out her extra winter coat, Jake was there wrapping his jacket around my shoulders. It was how I knew he really cared about me.

*******************

I inhaled deeply, the scent of whiskey and aftershave warmed my heart just a little. What would Jake want me to do? He’d probably tell me to stop crying and move on, he did that just about every time he died, he should have known by now that there was no moving on from him. We promised each other forever and goddammit I was going to get it! He would do anything in his power to bring me back and so that’s what I was going to do. I entered through the lobby doors and the cool air felt refreshing compared to the heat outside, no one was in sight and so I wandered through the lobby hoping to run into someone. It didn’t take long, I rounded a corner and bumped right into Sean, he reached out to steady me, a smile on his face.

“Hey Taylor, where’s Jake?” Jake and Sean had actually become quite close since we defeated Rourke, who would’ve thought? They had become so close that Jake would probably have wanted Sean to be the godfather...I felt nauseous again. I had forgotten all about the baby for a moment. Sean took in my appearance when I didn’t say anything, lost in my own thoughts, he looked me over concerned.

“Taylor you look green. Why are you wearing Jake’s dog tags and jacket?” I was going to have to explain again what had happened to Jake. Should I even tell them about the pregnancy, my plan? I was still trying to wrap my own head around all of this. I dove towards a plant in the hall and threw up what little food I had been able to keep down. I could feel Sean hovering behind me, as I pulled myself together.

“I need to talk to everyone.” Sean helped me over to a chair in the lobby and gathered everyone, I was only going to say everything once. I could feel everyone’s eyes boring into me, they knew something was wrong the moment they saw me wearing Jake’s jacket, curled up on a chair. I thought about telling them about the baby but decided not to, I didn’t need that influencing their decision about helping me or not. Besides, it didn’t seem fair to tell everyone before Jake even knew, I shouldn’t have told Diego and Varyyn, but I was desperate for their help, hoping they would have some kind of solution.

“What’s going on?” Quinn was the first to speak in a soft voice, her hand gently resting on mine. I looked up at my friends through watery eyes, trying my best to push the tears back. It felt like I hadn’t stopped crying since he died, maybe it was pregnancy hormones, or maybe I was just blaming everything on them to make it easier.

“Jake is dead. Uqzhall killed him and the time loop hasn’t reset itself, I need to go to the Anachronists to see if they can help me and I can’t do it alone, but I don’t want to ask you guys to put your lives at risk with Uqzhall still out there.” Once the words started they just came pouring it, I didn’t stop to take a breath until I was done, and the tears started to spill out my eyes. Everyone looked at me in silence, trying to wrap their heads around my rushed confession. Sean stepped up first.

“I’ll go. We’ll get Jake back.” Sean gently rubbed my back and looked at the others. It was quiet until Quinn spoke.

“Me too, you guys helped me when I was sick.” I nodded gratefully at both of them. A wave of nausea hit again, and Michelle eyed me curiously as I ran for a trashcan.

“That’s the second time you’ve thrown up, maybe we should wait a couple days for you to get better,” Sean suggested but I shook my head. This wasn’t going to get better, and I was on a time crunch. Sure, I still had about seven or eight months left if I did my math right, but it was La Huerta, time worked in funny ways here.

“I’m just upset, it’s nothing. Sitting around here isn’t going to bring Jake back.”

“I’m coming too.” Michelle marched up. Estela and Grace started to step up too, but I stopped them.

“I don’t think we should all go, as grateful as I am for all of you. Diego and Varyyn are staying here and searching for Uqzhall, they could probably use some help with that. We started packing up what we would need for the journey, Raj cooked us some food, making it mild for my stomach which I was incredibly grateful for. Zahra and Craig approached us just before we left, she held something out to me that looked like a phone.

“It’s a solar-powered satellite phone.” She held onto one and I smiled, it was her way of saying that she cared about us.

“Let us know when you find them,” Craig added. I nodded and gave Craig a hug, wincing at just the slightest pressure on my boobs, they were sore and that had been my first hint, but they only got increasingly sore. I tried to hug Zahra too, but she refused, I would take what I could get. Michelle watched me, seeming to notice me wince, but she didn’t say anything and continued to pack her stuff saying her own goodbyes. Even Aleister took the time to say goodbye, the three of us had never really gotten along but we could still be polite, though he seemed genuinely worried about us as we left. I felt stray tears slide down my cheeks and I wiped them away before anyone could see, I didn’t even know why I was crying, I was finally on my way to getting Jake back.

I expected the journey to only take a week, but it had been two now and we still weren’t there. Every morning I woke up before my friends, the morning sickness worst then and occasionally right before we would stop for the night. I did my best to hide it and the smallest of bumps that had begun to grow, no one would notice yet...except for maybe Jake. I tried not to think about him, it made every second feel like an hour on our long days of hiking. I was beginning to wonder if we were never going to find it. One day we came across a river and decided to stop and cool off for a bit, fill up our water bottles, and give ourselves a break. We had to have been close, we had been gone for about a month at this point. Sean peeled his shirt off and jumped into the water, quickly followed by Michelle, they usually weren’t ones for PDA, but he snaked his arms around her waist and kissed her even though she playfully tried to fight it. Watching them sent my mind spiraling into thoughts of Jake again, taking me back to a day we had been working on our cabin.

****************

Jake and I heaved one last piece of wood up to finish the roof of our cabin, we had been working on it all day under the sun and I was exhausted. I wasn’t sure I’d even be able to carry myself back to the jet ski so we could go back to our room at the Celestial. I collapsed in the grass, laying on my back staring up at the shell of a house we had built, Jake came and laid down beside me.

“Whatcha thinkin’ bout, Princess?” I rolled onto my side and looked over at Jake, running my fingers up and down his sweaty bare chest.

“I’m thinking about how I don’t know that I’m going to be able to move from this spot. I’m so tired, but looking up at our house, how close we are, it’ll be worth it.” Jake chuckled and kissed the top of my head, his hand resting against the small of my back.

“The hardest part is done now, we’ve just got to set up the inside, and get some furniture.” I laughed, I hadn’t even thought about that. I had no idea how we were going to make that happen, but I had a feeling that Jake had a plan.

“I feel like the hardest part is going to be getting anything else done after we have a bed in there.” Jake’s chest rumbled beneath my head.

“I guess we’ll have to get that last then.”

“Jake when has that ever stopped us? The first night we met, we destroyed that hotel room, even the closet. The second we have a piece of furniture we can sit or lay on we’re done for.” I looked up and saw the familiar crooked grin on his face.

“You don’t think married life has made us soft, Princess?” I snorted, he knew it had been anything but.

“Top Gun, our friends basically kicked us out of the Celestial because they got tired of us.”

“Maybe you’ve got a point. We should get back before it gets too late though.” I groaned unable to move another muscle.

“I was serious Jake, I don’t know that I can move another muscle.” He rolled me over, his weight a comfortable and familiar feeling on top of me.

“I don’t think I could carry you down to the jet ski. How about we go relax in the creek for a bit and then head back. Think you can at least make it that far? I’ll make it worth your while.” He winked. I pretended to really ponder his offer, we both already knew the answer though.

“I think I can make it that far.” He climbed off me and helped me up, we took our time, strolling hand in hand down to the creek. Jake was already in his swim trunks so I shoved him in, he came up spitting out water, his shaggy hair hanging over his eyes.

“That’s how it is? I see?” I laughed before peeling off my own clothes and jumping in. Jake chased after me in the water and I tried to escape to no avail, he had me wrapped in his tight embrace.

“Jake!” I giggled as he nibbled on my earlobe.

“I got you now Princess.” I wiggled and turned in his embrace, wrapping my arms around his neck and legs around his waist.

“You’ve always had me, Top Gun.” He kissed me and slowly peeled off our bathing suits as I deepened the kiss.

Perma-tag: @brightpinkpeppercorn @sleepwalkingelite @ooo-barff-ooo @endlessly-searching-for-you @agent-bossypants @roonarific @likethetailofacomet @zaffrenotes @mysteli @vickypoochoices @kayann9 @jlouise88 @zigortega4life @findingdrake

Jake Tag:  @endlesstaylormckenzie @sophie-summer @feartheendlesssummer @darley1101 @emomoustache​ @xo-endlessmayhem-xo

As always, let me know if you’d like to be moved, added, or removed from my tag lists! 

[bloomingednae]

So this prompt ended up having 3 requests, and I had fun writing this one! It also ended up being a lot longer than I originally planned..oops This actually ended up being a full-blown fic in itself, instead of a mini prompt. Dx And just for mood-setting, I actually wrote this while listening to “Spectrum” (Acoustic Version) by Zedd and Matthew Koma. There was something hauntingly beautiful about the piano background that inspired me to write this.

This is for @feelstina and the 2 anons that requested this. Hope you enjoy!

OTP Prompt Request: OkaKuri - “If I kiss you right now, I won’t be able to stop.”

Like the chaos and cosmos, there was a delicate line that they shouldn’t have crossed, but nevertheless intertwined.

“What time is your flight tomorrow?”

Without looking up, Kurisu turned the page of her book still seamlessly reading the words on the page as she did so.

“At 5 pm. I wanted to take my time getting to the airport tomorrow with no rush.”

At her response, she heard him hum in response with his low voice.

“Is that why you’ve made no move to leave this lab yet, Assistant?”

At this, Kurisu glanced at her phone quickly and silently grimaced. True to his implications, the clock shown a blaring “01:47” on her display screen; had the time passed that quickly?

She shook her head. “Hashida left late too. Didn’t he just leave an hour ago?”

She heard him mockingly laugh in a low tone and it was all she could do to hold back an eyeroll as she braced herself for his next comments.

“Hm, you really are a prodigy, experiment-loving girl if you can’t even tell the time when my super hacka left. So suitable as my assistant.”

Kurisu sighed. “Again, Okabe, I am not your assis-”

“Daru left four hours ago,” Okabe interjected, much to Kurisu’s distaste. She glanced up at him, noticing the slight change in his voice and found him staring out the window through the blinds, eyes unreadable. It was slight, but she knew there was some sense of worry in Okabe’s tone of voice; she’d gotten used to his roundabout way of showing his care for others, after all.

Okabe glanced at her as she shut her book (seemingly a thick Western book, as usual) and watched as she rubbed her temples, clear weariness engulfing her slowly. Crossing his arms, he leaned back into the computer chair he was sitting on and grinned.

“I think this is your cue to retire for the night, Christina. But it’s so late, unless you were planning to sabotage me in my sleep as an agent of the Organiza-”

“Who’d want to spend the night with you?” Kurisu spat back quickly, glaring. “I just got lost in my reading, that’s it. I should get back to my hotel, though…”

Kurisu fell silent afterwards, but made no move to gather her items. It was an obvious action; hesitancy and thoughts were overcoming her as she debated on how to get back to her hotel without having someone go with her and it was something Okabe knew all too well. After a moment, she stood up and grabbed her phone, sighing to herself and pushing the hair out of her face in an attempt to rub the weariness out of her eyes.

“Stay the night.”

Kurisu abruptly stopped in her tracks and opened her mouth to remark back, but was cut off immediately.

“It’s not like you haven’t before,” Okabe quickly said. She didn’t miss the flush of red that quickly showed on his cheeks and she shook her head.

“T-That’s true, but things are different now…!” Kurisu stuttered, averting her eyes from his gaze. “A-and besides...I should probably pack…”

“Ah…”

An odd silence filled between them once more. Kurisu shifted her weight on her feet, but made no effort to move towards the door; physically, she knew she had to leave, but emotionally...her heart wanted to stay where it was.

It’d be another six months until she saw him again. They began a cycle of alternating visits where she’d visit for the summer and he’d visit for the winter and while it had worked so far for the past two years, each departure was never any easier.

She couldn’t remember who first brought up the idea, but it was something she looked forward to each time; Japan had all the lab mems and a culture she was so used to. She was lucky to have a conference or exchange classes to attend to each summer within Japan that the University helped pay for her ticket each time; of course, that didn’t go unseen by Maho, who teased her every once in awhile for “fooling” the school into thinking she was there for work (and she was, really...at least half of the time).

In the very least, it helped closed the distance between them. Between phone calls and video chatting, the virtual image never added up to the physical presence of an individual, and that was confirmed every time she saw him in person, donned in his same ridiculous white lab coat and khaki pants.

It was silly, really; for her, to fall in love with someone completely opposite of her. But as time passed and after listening to Maho’s jabs and Mayuri’s unusually, high perceptive comments about their relationship every once in awhile, it became evident to her that Okabe was everything wrong and right for her.

He was sarcastic, rude, unkept at times, had an unhealthy diet, still had a chuunibyou complex, and was never straight forward with his emotions. It was hard to understand his true intentions and difficult to pin him down when he mentioned what he wanted vaguely, and there was only so much she could decipher with the evidence before her.

But despite everything, despite how frustrating he made her feel most especially with the constant name-calling, she knew he was a lot more honest than she first took him for. There were genuinity in his texts when he’d message her, honesty in his eyes that would usually contradict his name-calling when he’d try to cover up how he really felt, and a determination in his expressions as she noticed he tried to keep up with the long-distance, despite it being a first-time experience for the both of them.

He was actually smart (much to Kurisu’s surprise and his offense when she admitted that to him) and knew a lot more than she took him credit for. And in the past few years that they’ve kept up the relationship, it became increasingly difficult to leave him after each visit; his piercing, gold eyes always had the same look of affection each time she stared at him, his sharp jawline with the minimal facial hair he just never seemed to shave always grazed her each time she was brought into his embrace, and his arms encompassed her at the end of the visits, each one always being a little longer than the first.

She did indeed love Okabe Rintarou, even though she denied it each time.

For Okabe, saving up to visit America once a year had been difficult the first time, but after the first year, he found himself looking forward to it and during the second time, saving didn’t become too much of a hassle (though that did require some setbacks in any new future gadgets to be invented since he didn’t have the extra pocket money to fund that). It started to become a habit to save up and refuse to participate in any other extra activity that didn’t involve a necessity such as school or family needs.

At first, he chided with himself; who was he, self-proclaimed mad scientist, actually doing normal things and saving up money for a girl? Most of all, on his assistant and someone he should merely look down upon?

He was, indeed, going mad.

But as the years went by, it became a natural acceptance to him. Of course, she was everything that he never thought would end up being with; a prodigy from America who was working on her graduate degree who had a stable job within a highly prestigious research laboratory in the science community. She was witty, straight-forward, and completely level-headed, unlike him; but despite everything, she was the only one to stand up to his irrationationality.

Just like that, it hit him like a storm that she was everything he admired and adored.

At first, his parents didn’t believe him; of course, he didn’t blame them, he was a little...odd, anyway. It wasn’t until Mayuri, through the goodness of her own heart, confirmed all that he had to say about her that they slowly began to believe him. They called Kurisu an “angel” for putting up with Okabe’s antics (whatever that meant).

Even his own classmates didn’t believe him, not that he wanted them to know, anyway. A few caught on when they noticed he and Kurisu conversing comfortably after a conference during one instance, with some still in disbelief, until one fateful day during lecture when his phone accidentally rang during class. It was his fault, really, for not putting it on silent mode (but he still blamed his assistant for his embarrassment) and even the professor was in disbelief as he stared at the caller ID. When asked what his relationship was to the Makise Kurisu, he had no choice but to honestly answer the professor, causing a wave of hushed commotion because how can someone as lowly as Okabe Rintarou be dating the prodigy Makise Kurisu?

In all honesty, even he didn’t know still. All he knew was that he was very much in love with every fiber that made up her being, all the good, bad, and tsundere moments. There was a quiet calm in the way she explained theories he marveled, yet an opposing loudness in the way she would debate with him, eyes full of mixed fury and affection.

It was all so very confusing, he concluded. She was beautiful, affectionate, intelligent, selfless. And for some reason, she returned everything he felt in a mutual binding.

He had jumped world lines and defied the laws of physics itself to be with her. In the end, they were two people that were never meant to be, but everything that created a beautiful balance. Like the chaos and cosmos, there was a delicate line that they shouldn’t have crossed, but nevertheless intertwined.

And that’s why, within the small apartment laboratory space, the difficulties of leaving laid a heavy burden. The air was thick with unspoken, clear emotions and as her amethyst eyes clashed with his gold ones, it became evident that they both were thinking the same thing:

Don’t leave.

I don’t want to leave.

“I…”

She was the first to break the silence. She had never been one to oppose rationale with emotions, but it suffocated all thoughts she previously once had. Even as she walked across the room and slowly embraced him, the emotions took over all other thoughts she had of leaving and even more so as she felt him wrap his arms around her waist, a secure hold on her and her heart.

She could hear his heart beating in perfect rhythm, something she never grew tired of hearing. It was a simple, biological beat, working in synonymous sound to pump the blood necessary to the rest of his body; honestly, it was all just science that caused that heart beat.

But the small change as it increased in pacing when she leaned into him and the way he kept a steady hold on her...these were things she could call love and things she caused in a way.  

As she pulled away from him, her hands now relaxed on the collar of his lab coat with his arms still wrapped around her waist, she glanced up at him and realized he still was staring at her as if she’d disappear any second. She’d noticed it before in the way she’d randomly find him staring at him during other parts of the day, but in that moment in particular, it was stronger than most. Smiling softly, she patted the collar of his lab coat to ease out the tension.

“Hey, it’s...not going to be that long, so…”

She trailed off as she noticed he began to lean towards her and almost instinctively, she licked her lips and swallowed, feeling the grip on her waist slightly tighten. Within a second, however, she noticed him pull back and slightly loosen his grip and he looked away, embarrassment tinging his cheeks once more. It was unusual, she realized; not only did he initiate, but almost all at once he pulled away. It shouldn’t be a surprise to her, but it also left her puzzled, until he finally lifted his head. Still averting her eyes, he sighed.

“I’m sorry, I just...if I kiss you right now, I won’t be able to stop.”

She shivered; he spoke in such a low voice tone that was barely loud enough for her and him to hear. Despite no one being in the apartment, it was said so delicate and straight-forward all at once, that it nearly caught her off guard.

Her cheeks were red, she knew. She had to get back to her hotel and pack, she knew. For crying out loud, it was probably past 2 am and she was leaving tomorrow-

So when she wrapped her arms behind his neck and brought his face closer to hers, she threw all rationale out of her mind just for a moment to share with him.

“...then do it,” she whispered. “And don’t stop.”

“Just,” she said, as she connected her wavering eyes with his, “just kisses. And please...be gentle, okay?”

She didn’t know if he responded or not after that; the next moments blinded her inhibition as she felt him close to her, moving in tandem with her pacing, and as gentle but fierce as she had expected from him. The space between them closed and as her mouth was locked with his in perfect harmony, and she realized she couldn’t have asked for a better moment with him. His arms locked around her waist without suffocating her and gripped her emotions much further than previously, feeling the intimacy between them only rise within the small lab apartment.

As he held her, it was an interesting feeling, he concluded in his head, to be doing something considered so normal in their day and age, but as he reciprocated to Kurisu’s desires, he realized this was something that was so different and unique. The bond which he felt with her only increased and as she pulled away briefly for air only for him to close the space once more, it became evident that they only needed that moment to defy what was considered normal to everyone else.

Their bond itself was not normal; they were never meant to be in the first place, but they crossed all bounds and stood to defiance.

Inwardly, she laughed to herself, as she felt like a teenage high schooler being so giddy around him as he continuously came close to her. It was almost childish, she assumed, and even letting a man get this intimate with her was beyond all adult reason (in her mind’s opinion); but even as he pulled away and began to trail kisses down her neck, through half-lidded eyes, she concluded she’d let it go this time.

After all, a perfect, chaotic balance in her mind never made her feel so alive.

Bonus:

“Ah, Kurisu-chan, did you need some ointment? We can’t let you go on the airplane right now with that bruise.”

“Ah, Mayuri-chan...I don’t think that’s a bruise…”

“Amane-san…!!”

As Yuki repeatedly apologized to Kurisu for her slip-up leaving a confused Mayuri, Kurisu instinctively pulled up her button-up blouse’s collar and glared at Okabe, who avoided her eyes and was being chided by a disgruntled Daru.

[xjmparrish]

Christmas Gifts 2017

Everyone receiving something from J this year is listed below in alphabetical order by first name. Each gift bundle has a handwritten card attached detailing just what is being given and well-wishes for the upcoming New Year. 

@skarsgardb @xolively @candicepat @cmmurrray @quirkymisscb @krispinot @clrholt @deltslea @bviewgron @levittjoe @sharnamayxo @shay-bright @drizztroi @tylerjbburn @chmerkval @zendayam @zoeydevtch 

Happy Holidays❤️

Bill,

Best friend. Here is my returning the gift of our hot chocolate bar, for when our schedules suck at matching, and a scarf to help you keep warm. I also may or may not have taken the chance to do something we’ve planned for months, and if the passport case isn’t a hint.. yes that is a plane ticket. I’m dragging you home to your motherland!  Thank you for being the bestest friend I made this year, love you lots!!

Merry Christmas - J

Blake,

My Monica to my Rachel, my Cristina to my Mer.. I hope you like the diaper bag! I figured #momneeds. Before you kill me for making you think I got the girls better gifts between Ines’s shoes and Jame’s food truck, I have to say, even if the diaper bag was empty you’d still love me, right? This Christmas I thought I’d take it upon myself to spoil you some. So aside from the baby bag, every momma bear needs black sunnies for those rough mornings, comfy slippers for lazy afternoons, a fancy robe and pj shorts for those nights you wanna feel a little special. It also wouldn’t be spoiling you without some jewelry, so some cute earrings and a watch will come in handy next time we go on a girl’s date. I also threw in some essential oils for fun. Last but not least, I know you love chocolate. So chocolate covered almonds it was! (You should probably share some with your hubby cause that one’s half his.. if you want.) So happy holidays my wife, nieces, and I guess you too Ryan.. LOL! 😜 I love you all! 

Merry Christmas - Janellybean

Candice,

My soul sister of sorts (the offer to marry is still on the table) , I had to spoil you just a bit after you suffered rooming with me on the trip. So a bracelet and some earrings to add to your wardrobe and just a little something extra to keep your life stylish. I hope you love it as much as I love you! 

Merry Christmas - Janel

Chad,

My favorite human (and your mini me). Needless to say, I didn’t know what to get you. Hopefully, in time I’ll learn how to shop. Naturally, the first thing I picked up was a bottle of Jack for those late nights. Then I decided I couldn’t go wrong with clothes and accessories. Two sweaters and a jacket to keep warm, hopefully you like them. (If not, I’ll totally get you new ones.) I’ve also learned that you try to rep the Bills just about anywhere, so a new snapback seemed perfect. It’s a good look on you  😜 Then I got you some sunnies last (you’ll be twinning with Jlo), figuring everyone could always use another pair. And for Jackson, I’m still learning on the kid front, so a stuffed animal is always a safe bet. So he gets a dinosaur, because what kid doesn’t like dinosaurs?  I might also secretly be hoping he learns a thing or two from me because I got him a little keyboard (you can hate me, just be happy it’s not drums) and lastly a collection of play-doh. It’s a right of passage for a kid. I promise, I’ll get better at this gift giving thing in the future. Thanks for making this holiday season just a little more special. 

Merry Christmas - Janelly 

Chloe,

For the bestest duet partner in the world, some boots, a red coat (I think I’m secretly turning you into A) and cute little ear muffs to keep you warm this winter! Thank you for making 2017 awesome, you deserve so much more. Love you pretty lady! 

Merry Christmas - Janel

Chris,

My favorite Chris (that’s still our secret), some items to keep you warm this season and a pair of sun glasses so that you stay looking cool everywhere you go. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and even better start off to the new year! 

Merry Christmas - Janel

Claire,

My favorite blondie from the land down under, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you but I thought now being in town together, I’d get you just a little something. So a scarf, beanie, and some sunnies seemed perfect. I couldn’t get over how cute the glasses were and had to get them, so I hope you get good use out of them. Love you!

Merry Christmas - Janel

Delta,

Pretty lady that I love so dearly, I hope you get good use of your gifts this coming year! A cute chunky sweater to keep warm, a little black cold shoulder lacy top for adding a little cute to layering, and some booties with a tie back. I hope you love them, and they’re just a little thank you for being one of the best people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet this year. Have a wonderful Christmas babes!

Merry Christmas - Janel 

Dianna,

Di, I saw this bag and thought of you so I had to get it. It might just be my love of the color red on you. So what better thing to include than a new red lipstick? And along with the lip trend, gloss is all the rage right now so a fresh tube could never hurt. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas - that one random cheerleader from a decade ago (Janel)

JGL,

To the man who does it all and puts my workaholic nature to shame by a longshot, seeing as you’ll be heading off on travels for work I thought a backpack might come in handy to pack some stuff in. Maybe even instead of lugging around everything on your visits back to town, it could come in handy. And you’ve also got new shoes for the new year, which I really hope you like! Have a wonderful holiday! 

Merry Christmas - Janel 

Shar, 

Disney, disney, disney. The little mermaid and her baby get themed gifts this year. So for you Shar, sweats and a cute little backpack because you could never have too many. And for baby El, a little Minnie Mouse dress. I couldn’t help myself when I saw the backpack and that’s how this came about. Hope you love! 

Merry Christmas - J

Shay,

Shannon, my sister from another mister (and part time lover?) Nothing says Merry Christmas to you like furry jackets, and because you’re 200 times more stylish than me.. feel free to donate to Sammy if you don’t like. A faux fur hoodie, yes a hoodie, the best of both worlds, I think very Shan appropriate. The second coat is Mimi inspired, so you can live out your dreams nightly lip syncing to the RENT soundtrack in your living room. Lastly, not one but two sriracha key chains because nothing says Shay like bringing your own hot sauce anywhere. Kleo wanted to give Foxy and Angel some stuffed animals to play with too, so enjoy! Kisses from us to you! 

Merry Christmas - Janel & Klee

Troi,

My caffeine addicted hippie rocker big sis, nothing screamed your name at me more than this Coffee & Friends sign when I saw it, I just had to get it. I’ll personally build you a coffee bar to hang it over if I need to. A new mug to add to the collection, too. A girl could use a hat from time to time, so here’s a new one that I hope you don’t have yet. And lastly, a poncho to stay just a little warmer this winter. With all of the love. 

Merry Christmas - J

Tyler,

My TyTy. Auntie J and Kleebear got Dylan a couple of toys, I hope they last her longer than a few hours. Lol. And for you Ty, I raided AllSaints for you to show my love. A hat to add to the collection, and two shirts you probably already own but could use new ones of. And it couldn’t be Christmas without just a slight reminder that we probably belong on the naughty list, so a new lighter and flask for the new year baby! 😜 Much better than coal. Love you, loser. 

Merry Christmas - Janey & Klee

Val,

V, I couldn’t help myself but get your something after reconnecting (also kind of makes up for that one Christmas but, you know..) so I hope you like everything. Between traveling and rehearsals, I figured you could use a new bag to carry your stuff in. Also, some new wireless headphones for those long nights on the tour bus or early mornings at the airport. A snapback repping the OG Brooklyn team, because nothing says you more than a backwards snapback (no kitty ear damage to this one necessary). And lastly, what is quite probably your true love in life.. nutella. Enjoy, babe!

Happy Holidays - that one Chinese-Irish Hawaiian chick 😜

Daya,

Z, let’s be honest I didn’t know what to get the most stylish person I know. But I figure, you can make just about anything work, so maybe I shouldn’t stress. So I got you some black knee high boots, cute high high socks (they don’t have to go together, I just thought they’d be cute) and a white bag to offset all of the black. All hopefully a great start for 2018. I hope you love everything! xoxo 

Merry Christmas - J

Zo,

To the little sister I never knew I needed until your mama making out with my boo on tv someone brought us close (it’s a weird family dynamic). It’s been a blast reconnecting, and I can’t wait for new adventures in 2018. In the meantime, I got you a pretty dress nobody else could rock, a shirt to remind you that what Mama Lea and do, you can too, and a beanie that just says what I think about you like 99.9% of the time. (The only time my mind changes is when you’re clumsier than me.) Also, the homemade food from Mama P just as promised, still warm so you better eat up! Love you!!

Merry Christmas - Janel

[jemej3m]

Professor

In which Andrew didn’t choose Exy but still chose Neil, which meant Neil had to learn how to talk about something other than stick-ball. 

warning, mention of implied sexual assault/non-con

Lucy had not anticipated what she was dealt. 

Her first day of second year brought a tone of finality to it all: it wasn’t just a year-long dream of terrible decisions and alcohol and chaos. It continued on, and so would she. 

Her first day also happened to bring Professor Andrew Minyard, five feet and blond and utterly terrifying. 

Introducing the course had started off mundane enough, until Eddie Court – an asshole she’d regretted sleeping with dearly – decided to lean over her shoulder. He never got the chance to say anything because a pencil dotted him squarely in his forehead, so hard that a tiny droplet of blood threatened to bead. 

Everyone stared. Shocked, confused, but remaining in complete silence as they  – Lucy included – tried to remember if anyone had mentioned anything about the man, whether or not this was normal or out-of-the-ordinary behaviour. 

“Name.” He sounded bored. 

Eddie rose his fingers to brush his forehead, smearing the tiniest of droplets. He stared at his fingertips, then at Minyard, then at the pencil that had clattered on his desk. Then at Minyard again. “Eddie Court.”

“Court. Christ.” The professor said, with a palpable distaste to his tone. “I will say this once, despite having to repeat it every year, because students seem to get thicker with every new class.” His face was blank. Stone. Lucy had never heard someone utter insults with such apathy. She didn’t know whether or not to be scared or curious: Such a mask was difficult to maintain. “Shut the fuck up, or get the fuck out. Understood?”

Swearing in class. At the students. Completely against protocol. 

Lucy couldn’t help but smile. Just a little. 

Within weeks, the class had learned how to abide by Professor Minyard’s rules. His previous students were sought out, but they merely grinned at the mention of his name. One student dared to ask another law professor, questioning the teaching methods of the criminology expert. They shook their head, leaning to the professor next to them and sharing a laugh, an inside joke that none of the second years were a part of. 

Yet. 

Curiosity won out over fear eventually, and what that said about Lucy, she wasn’t sure. Eventually, he won her respect: The piece of white chalk he’d flung had imbedded itself in her tightly curled hair when she’d fallen asleep at the eight AM lecture on a Tuesday morning. 

“You think I want to be here, Rone?” 

That piece of chalk rested on her bedside table. Lucy didn’t want to be weird, especially considering her professor hadn’t played Exy since college, but he’d played with Neil Josten and Kevin Day. The Neil Josten, and the Kevin Day. And if she had spent nights watching old Palmetto State Fox games, sitting in awe as she watched him flick balls away from the goal like it was absolutely nothing, no one was going to know. 

He was just as apathetic as he had been back then. Lucy had decided he was just emotionless: That didn’t make him any worse at teaching, so it wasn’t really her problem. 

And then she became his problem. 

Her grades had dropped dramatically low. Andrew stared at the results that he’d just drawn up, picked the paper up off the desk, and leaned back in his chair. 

It was a midterm. He’d eyed Lucy Rone’s bad results in the past two mini-quizzes, her surprisingly worsening attendance, and this was enough to force his hand. 

Half an hour later, he was convinced this was abnormal behaviour, if her patterns rang true. 

Caring, caring. Perhaps the internal monologue would never leave him alone, but he knew better than to listen to it’s mocking tone. Watch yourself turn into Wymack, why don’t you. Call Dan and say you’re taking over as coach of the Foxes. 

He almost told himself to shut up, but the chime of his phone snapped him out of his head. It kept chiming and he sighed, picking it up and wedging it between his shoulder and ear, returning to stare at the mark scrawled in the corner of the exam paper. 

“Are you going to be here for dinner?”

“Not if you’re attempting to make something.” Neil had improved past the broke-college-student level of cooking skills, but he wasn’t apt enough to cook dinner without some form of disaster. 

It hadn’t taken long for Andrew to learn the sound of Neil grinning through the phone. A particular tone of voice, a particular exhale. “It’s already done. Just has to be heated up again.”

“Edible?”

“Can’t really be the judge of my own creation, can I?”

“I’ll be home soon.” Andrew liked the way his mouth curled around the word home.”Lucy Rone. Sound like someone problematic to you?”

“Not particularly. Lucy’s always been the name of that old woman sitting on the front porch, knitting. Five cats, crocheting and all.”

“So, you?”

“If old ladies swung heavy sticks at other people, sure.”

Andrew let himself smile. He allowed himself this. The small curl up on his lips. He’d earned that, after all this time. “Sure.”

“What’s wrong with her?”

“Unusually bad performance. Moved from sitting front and centre to back corner. Shit attendance.”

“You’re probably a much better judge of character than I would be, now.”

Because I’ve studied criminal, suspicious and victimised behaviour for a long time, Andrew wanted to remind him. But this was no longer a sore spot for Neil: He no longer needed to read people’s intentions in need to survive, because he was safe. He could let that overly-analytical part of himself behind. It had been almost 12 years since their first win against Edgar Allen. He was still alive, well. 

Happy, even. 

Hard to believe that was partly Andrew’s fault. 

Focus. 

Andrew emailed Lucy to visit him before their next class at nine o’clock the next morning. 

She was five minutes early, he was five minutes late. He couldn’t say anything about her appearance, considering he was wearing Neil’s jersey under his coat and that he had walked out of the door with a coffee, slippers and nothing to comb his hair with but his fingers. 

His students knew not to say anything. 

Lucy sported a pair of sweats that had her high school’s initials printed on the front, with a pair of exy sticks embroidered just underneath. Her name was printed on the back pocket, and they only just came down to her ankles. 

Exy fan, then. Andrew wouldn’t have guessed. 

She didn’t say anything, sparing him a hollow looking before following him into his office. He’d used to share it, until he’d bribed the finicky financial law to move somewhere else. It was entirely his own space, clean and devoid of decoration. 

He motioned towards the desk and she leaned against it, clutching the binder to her chest. 

Brown skin didn’t usually lose this much of it’s valour, even during winter. 

And winters in South Carolina were hardly anything worth mentioning. 

“Your grades.”

She was staring at the floor. Her eyes didn’t move when she nodded. 

“All I need is a reason.” 

She said nothing. 

“It’d probably be easier on you if you told me. I’m your criminology professor: I’ll find out eventually.”

“I’m not on drugs.” She said, quickly, but not so quickly that it was an immediate red flag. An orange flag. Andrew settled back into his seat and propped his ankle on his knee. 

“Never said you were.”

“I’m fine.” 

Andrew gave her a flat look. “You know who also says that?”

She shook her head. 

“Surely someone who still wears her high school’s exy uniform would have an inkling. Yay-high, hair like a fire-engine siren, mouth like one too.”

Her eyes lit up. “I’ve always wanted to ask if he knows that you wear his old Palmetto jersey. I thought he hated you?”

“I hated him.” Andrew corrected her. “I hate him.” He corrected himself. “And he knows.”

She looked wistful. “Cool.” 

“Lucy.”

She looked back at him. 

“If there’s a problem, you come to me. Alright?”

Her eyebrows furrowed. “Why?”

“Because you can trust me. I can be a lawyer, a therapist, an advice column, what have you.”

“Can I trust you?”

“When you’re ready to.” 

She seemed satisfied enough to nod, murmur a timid thank you, and slipped out the door. 

Lucy banged on the door, feeling sick. She couldn’t go back to her dorm, because it made her want to crawl into a corner and be enveloped in a shadow. To be the smallest, most insignificant thing. 

She wasn’t sure how on earth her criminology professor was supposed to empathise with her, when he was the human embodiment of a brick wall, but here she was, trembling, feverish, panicked, and knocking on his office door at ten o’clock at night. 

He opened the door with a mildly annoyed expression, which flattened out immediately at the sight of her. 

She’d only seen him this morning, but that felt like a whole world away now. 

“Hello.”

She wanted to ask why he was still here, on campus, this late at night. What on earth he could possibly be working on, at ten o’clock on a Tuesday evening. Instead, she blurted: “What does it mean if I didn’t say no?”

He stilled. 

Too much, too much, too much: She had asked too much of him, a middle aged professor who apparently had two cats and a boyfriend, if the senior’s rumours were true. Criminology professor aside, this was the last thing someone like him would want to be dragged into –

He stood aside and motioned for her to come in. She shuffled by him, arms around her stomach. He shut the door. 

Lucy wanted to be sick. 

He pulled a pen out of his pocket – professors always had pens on them, didn’t they? – and tore a corner off a piece of paper, scribbling down a phone number. 

“This woman helped me.” Betsy. “She can help you, too.”

“You said you could be a therapist.” Lucy hedged. 

He sighed, and she’d never seen him so reflective. “I have my limits.”

She nodded. She took the piece of paper. She left. 

“Where the fuck is Court?” Andrew leaned on the edge of his desk at the front of the lecture hall, eyeing the empty seat. Second lesson in a row. 

Lucy Rone sat in front of it, back straight, gaze steady. 

“Suspended.” 

Andrew looked at her. “For how long?”

There was a hesitant smile. “Undetermined. Charges have been pressed against him.” 

Andrew drew a long line through Eddie Court’s name on the attendance.

Lucy waited by the door and saw her professor approaching, with the stack of papers in his hands. She was anxious about this mark, more-so than the others. Her dip in performance would be hard to get back up from, but if she could do it in criminology, she could do it in the rest. There was a cluster of students waiting to get their essay’s grade back, but Lucy was first in line. 

“Yay or nay?” She asked. 

Professor Minyard gave Lucy a flat look, and opened the door. 

Lucy promptly had a heart attack at the man beyond the door. 

“Feet. Off.” Her professor said, looking flatly at Neil Josten, with his feet propped up on the desk, arms folded. He, too, was wearing a faded jersey of the Palmetto Foxes’ colours, but it was too bunched up for Lucy to read the name. 

“Surprise.” Neil Josten said, and Lucy wanted to scream. 

“Get your fucking feet off my fucking desk.” Her professor dropped the large stack of papers next to where Neil Josten had propped up his heavy boots. Neil did not get his fucking feet off the fucking desk. 

Lucy almost had the nerve to scream: do you know who that is? Do you have any clue how famous he was? But she remembered that the two of them were friends. Sort of. She held her tongue, and let her heart thrum in her chest, happy to be completely ignored. 

“Leave.” Professor Minyard flicked Neil in the temple. 

Neil smiled. Neil Josten smiled. 

Lucy was having heart palpitations. 

He slowly drew his feet away from the desk to stand, still smiling. “Have a nice day.”

“You weren’t meant to be here till tomorrow evening, Josten. Explain.”

“You’re busy. Later.”

Lucy watched her professor’s arm reach out to brush along Neil Josten’s forearm as he slid past, and there was a startlingly foreign crinkle of warmth in his eyes. 

The back of Neil’s Palmetto jersey read Minyard. A thin platinum ring, identical to the one her professor wore around his neck, clacked against the doorknob as he pushed it open. She remember her professor occasionally wearing Josten. 

There was a startling curve of her professor’s lips, an almost smile that made him look almost human. 

Neil grinned before slipping out the door. 

Oh, Lucy thought, and then she said it aloud. 

Her professor turned on her, pointing. “If you dare to ask me for a single autograph, I will fail you.” 

Lucy was still smiling. 

“If any word about this gets out, I will fail you.” He warned. 

“Are you married?” Lucy laughed. 

His face was stone. 

“Holy shit. Professor Josten-Minyard. Two cats and a husband.”

“It’s Minyard-Josten.” He said coldly. “Get out.” 

Lucy got out.

By the next class, everyone knew, despite Lucy not breathing a word. Which meant the entirety of Neil Josten’s personal but still public Instagram account displayed his home life. But that was none of his student’s – or anyone’s– business. 

And if Neil started coming in with breakfast on those Tuesday morning lectures during his off season, that was none of their business either. 

[delos-mio]

FHS - Part 2 - A Frank Castle Mini Series

The next couple months were an adjustment to say the least. Living in New York again had a learning curve. At times, it was hard to believe you made it 18 years in Queens. But you were making do and learning how to live in this big of a city again. It helped that you had one true friend out here in Frank Castle. Ever since he thwarted off that fiend nearly 3 months ago by nearly popping his head off his body, the two of you had become inseparable. He’d always meet you for lunch during work or stop over late at night after work. For all the times he seemed to be at work, you still were not entirely sure what it was that he did. But that was no matter to you; he was someone you could trust in this crazy place and someone who seemed to enjoy your company.

Fall was beginning to dive into winter, snow flurries were already scattering high in the sky, but Frank was still adamant about going for long walks around the neighborhood on the weekend. The tradition had started the week after you were reacquainted when he asked if you wanted a quick tour of your new neighborhood. Of course, being low on friends and invited by a handsome man who saved your life, you eagerly agreed. In recent weeks, you tried to convince him it was getting too cold, but he simply wouldn’t hear it. He always made the excuse that Max, his faithful dog, would be so upset if you guys didn’t all take your weekly outing. When it came to Max, you were as powerless as Frank, so they won out in the end.

“At what point do we decide it’s too goddamn cold to keep doing this?” you huffed, walking a pace behind Frank, pulling your hat down tighter over your ears.

“We don’t,” he chuckled, “Max loves the snow.”

“Of course he does…” you grumbled to yourself. He slowed down a bit so he was by your side and wrapped his free arm around your shoulder.

“You know, you can say no to us if it gets too cold for ya,” he said. You looked up at him, giving him and incredulous look.

“I wanna come! I’m just a big baby,” you admitted. He dropped his hand off your shoulder and called of Max to stop pulling. It was only once his touch was gone that you realized just how much you missed it. The more time you spent with him, the more you felt yourself getting attached to him and thinking about him absentmindedly during the day. You’d wonder what he was doing or if he was happy at that moment or what he’d look like naked on top of you. Those last thoughts you had to push out of your mind as quickly as they came. Frank saw you as his friend, and he didn’t seem to have a ton of those, so you had to keep your little reveries to yourself. “Can we at least get some whiskey to warm up with after or something?” you asked, rubbing your hands together for friction.

Frank gave you a sly smile and nodded just once in agreement. He changed up the usual route slightly to make sure your path took you by Suzie’s Corner, your most beloved liquor store. The two boys waited outside as you ducked in to grab a fifth of Bushmills and an impulse purchase of tropical Skittles. You pushed back out into the cold, popping a handful of candy into your mouth. Frank stood up from crouching with Max and scoffed slightly.

“Your sweet tooth is gonna kill ya,” he said, nodding his head toward the little blue pack in your hand.

“I’m here for a good time, not a long time,” you replied with a mouth full of candy and tucked the bottle of whiskey in the inside of your coat. The three of you resumed your journey once again before finding yourself back at your door. By now, your studio had begun to feel like a home, especially when the boys came over. Frank let Max off the leash as you unbundled yourself and unscrewed the top of the bottle, taking a long pull.

“Hey, save some of that for the rest of us.”

---

The rest of the evening was spent curled up on the couch, Max snoring between you and Frank as you passed the bottle back and forth. You found yourself wishing that your and Max’s spots were switched so you could casually lean into Frank and steal some of his never-ending body heat. He was watching the snow begin to fall harder outside, tiny white flakes dancing down and catching on your small balcony that led out to the fire escape. It felt like you could just sit and watch him for hours. The way his broad chest would rise and fall, how his jawline cut like a knife through his ever-present stubble; everything about him commanded your attention completely.

“Truth or dare?” you asked abruptly. Frank turned to face you and raised an eyebrow.

“Are we 13 again?” he joked, crossing his arms over his chest.

“C’mon, indulge me. Truth or dare?” You took another drink before handing the bottle back. He considered his options for a moment before answering.

“Truth.”

“Have you ever killed anyone?” you asked.

“Yes.”

“How ma—“ but Frank had already cut you off.

“I thought you can only ask one question at a time, hmm?” he teased, watching as you closed your mouth. “Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Do you only hang out with me because you’re scared of being alone after what happened?”

“Jesus Christ, Frank! No!” you scoffed. “I mean, am I confident you’d kick anyone’s ass who looked at me funny? Yes. But I really like spending time with you.” He nodded his head with a small smile. “How many people have you killed?”

“A lot.”

“A lot like ten? Or a lot like a hundred?”

“A lot,” he repeated a little more forcefully. “You ever been in love?”

“You didn’t ask truth or dare,” you chided, taking another pull off the bottle. “Once. Have you?”

“Once.”

“What happened?”

“We got married, had a family,” he responded. You felt your chest tighten and the air leave your lungs. Of all the responses you thought he may give, that was not one of them. The idea of Frank as a husband and father made your heart swell and burst. You couldn’t think of a single person more fit to take care of a family than him. But then a dark cloud creeped into your head- if this was the first time you were hearing about a family; something must have gone horribly wrong. Frank looked off again before continuing. “Went overseas, came back, and they were all murdered.”

“Frank, I…” you began, but your words failed you. Tears were immediately silently rolling down your cheek. He must have heard the crack in your voice because as soon as the sound left your mouth, he snapped to look at you once again.

“Please, don’t cry, baby girl.” He gave you a sad smile as he reached over to wipe a stray tear from under your eye. “Everyone responsible for that is good and dead now.” You could tell he was saying this more for his benefit than your own- how many times a day did he try to find comfort in that fact and still come up empty?

“Still. They didn’t deserve that to happen…you didn’t deserve that,” you said softly. Everything in you was screaming to be closer to him. All you wanted was to reach out and stroke his hair and hold him. Max stirred between you two, as if reading your mind, and slunk off the couch to find a spot on the floor. You decided to test the waters and scoot up next to Frank. He watched as you closed the distance between you, his posture stiffening slightly, but he made no attempt to move away. You pushed yourself up close to his side, letting your head fall on his chest. The arm he had draped over the back of the couch fell around your shoulder and traced small circles there. This was easily the closest you’d been to Frank in the months you’d been his friend and he felt just as safe as you had imagined.

“Why weren’t we friends at Flushing?” he asked after a moment of laying together in comfortable silence.

“Well, probably because I was too busy trying to pad my college applications with extracurriculars so I could get into a good school in another state,” you laughed. You could feel his chest rumble with laughter under your cheek. “I’ve got our senior yearbook somewhere in here if you’d like to take a look,” you offered. Frank shifted so he could look you in the eyes. He cracked a small smile before answering you.

“Sure, go get the fucker.”

Excitedly, you jumped off the couch and padded over to the closet in the short hallway. You were sure you had thrown it up there during the move along with all the other odd and ends that didn’t find a home. Finally, you spotted it over in the corner and reached on your tiptoes for the hardcover book on the top shelf. You slid next to him once again, cracking open the cover of the large, red book and began to thumb through the pages. Frank took another pull from the bottle on the table while you located the senior pictures you were searching for.

“Frank Castle!” you exclaimed, pointing at his posed picture. His hair was longer back then, nothing like the military cut he sported now. But he had the same dark eyes and wide nose; he was absolutely as handsome as you had remembered. You heard him groan next to you.

“Not my best picture,” he stated simply.

“What are you talking about? You’re so cute!” you beamed, giving him your widest smile.

“It’s hard to disagree with you when you look at me like that,” he grumbled before turning a few pages and smiling down at your own portrait. “Well look what we have here…”

“Oh god.” You stared at your picture. Back then, you explicitly remember thinking that the tattoo choker and tube top were a great look. And the body glitter? You were killing it. Now, you couldn’t help but look at a three-quarter view; the idea of looking at it head on was simply nauseating. “Why didn’t someone stop me?”

Frank laughed and shook his head. “I think you’re overreacting. I mean look-“ he pointed to several other girls with the a similar aesthetic on the same page, “it wasn’t just you.”

“Well, we all look like damn fools,” you chuckled and kept thumbing through the following pages. Frank showed up a few more times for basketball and National Honor Society. He also seemed to be in a lot of the candid pictures used for your class. Seeing him smile with other boys, so carefree and full of light, was making you want to cry all over again. The same boy who was grinning at you from the black and white page was the same man next to you, weathered by the cruelty of the world. Frank deserved to be that happy again, you thought to yourself. His eyes scanned over the pages as you turned; occasionally he’d tell a funny story about some of the boys in the pictures. You finally got to the end and shut the book with extra emphasis.

“Would you go back?” he asked thoughtfully.

“Never. Would you?”

“Nah. No use in wishing the past was different. Shit happens,” he shrugged. He looked down at the clock on your cable box and ran his large hand over his face. “Max and I should probably get going, don’t wanna get caught in a blizzard,” he stated before crouching down by Max and petting him awake. You thought about asking him to stay, but it hadn’t worked since the first night you’d been reacquainted. He turned to look at you, reading the almost sad expression on your face. “You’re worrying about me.”

“Maybe,” you said in a small voice.

“I don’t want you to worry about me,” he said as he got up and went to pull on his boots and jacket. He had that stern look he got then he wished you’d just listen to him instead of going on about the what-ifs and getting caught up in your own head.

“Don’t know what to tell you, Frank. I can’t help it,” you smiled and shrugged. He pulled the hood of his sweatshirt out of his coat and put it over his head.

“I’ll call you,” he said simply before clicking Max’s leash on and sliding out your front door. The minute you heard it stick shut, you let out the longest groan you could, cursing yourself for letting him just walk away.

[arplis]

Arplis - News: My 22 Goals for 2019

Goal #1 — Spend More Time Doing What I Love I think we only have about 60% of the boxes unpacked, but the best part is all nervous energy is gone and I don’t even care that we’re sleeping on a mattress on the floor or that our stuff is strewn all over the house.  In another week or so things will be in their place, we’ll have a proper bed to sleep in and I’ll have found the hairdryer. Moving is super stressful, but all the hard stuff is over now {well, the HH does still have to put the treadmill together but that’s his problem, not mine}. 😉 Goal #2 — Garden, Garden, Garden The color pallet for the front garden at the new place is going to be blue, pink, white and green. I’ve already ordered 200 white, and 200 pink tulip bulbs as well as 500 tiny grape hyacinth {muscari} to plant in the front flower bed. {Don’t you think that’s a dreamy color combination?} Now all I need to do is hunt down 9 blue hydrangea plants and about 36 baby gem boxwoods and I’ll be good to go. Oh, and maybe one or two pink common hibiscus for the tall corner in the front. And then HEY… I can settle in for winter and worry about the rest later. 😉 Also, I thought I’d mention that Botanical Interests is offering 30% off seeds right now in case you wanted to do a little late fall/winter sowing. {I’ll be planting a bunch of poppy seeds just before the first hard freeze}. Goal #3 — Plant an Orchard {Calling it Quits on this one.} I never did get around to planting an orchard, but Lemon and all but 2 of her babies survived the journey and the new place has a plum tree so that part is good. And, I think there might be room for an espalier tree or two at the back of the new house so I may get an orchard after all. But, it wouldn’t be planted until next spring. Goal #4 — Gussy Up the Potting Shed Done! I left the potting bench but took the party lights with me. Goal #5 — Grow Enough Extra Vegetables, Eggs and Flowers to Earn $1500 at my little roadside vegetable stand. It was totally my intention to grow a ton of fruits and vegetables to sell at the farm-stand when I made my list of goals for 2019 last winter, but then we moved. So, that whole goal was sort of a bust. The new peeps wanted the vegetable stand, and we were happy to leave it for them since it was made specifically to match the front of the house, so hopefully the tradition will continue. Goal #6 — Finish Every Single Unfinished Rug Hooking Project in My Pattern Bin + 10 Things from back Issues of Magazines/Books I’ve Been Meaning to Make.  I finally finished the turkey rug I’ve been working on the past few weeks along with a few other things and I was able to upload them to my Etsy shop this weekend. I also hooked another pumpkin and a cat head and will try to get those listed along with some new wool bundles later this week. I still have a ton of things to hook if I’m going to meet my goal of clearing out my pattern bin, but I think once November and December roll around, the HH won’t be able to pry me off the couch because I’ll be in full on hooking mode and I’ll be able to finish all my rugs by the end of the year. 73 rugs in my pattern bin {now down to 34} 183 hooked flowers {finished 133, now down to 51} 10 “things” from back issues of magazines {finished 0} Goal #7 — Create 12 New Rug Hooking Patterns {with at least half of them being large ones} DONE! So far this year I’ve added 12 new rug hooking patterns and 13 beginner rug hooking kits to my Etsy shop. New rug hooking patterns I’ve created and added to My Etsy Shop this year: Tullia and Thomas Turkey Double Nantucket Whale Runner Miss Henny and Penny Miss Penny Simple Kitty Primitive Flowers 2 Fat Cats Annabell’s Big Day Old Fashioned Double Tulip Fat Brown Hen Busy Little Bee Queen Bee Rug Hooking Kits Busy Little Bee {in 2 different colors} Folk Art Heart Small Nantucket Whale Primitive Crow Miss Robin {in 2 different colors} Simple Kitty Primitive Flowers Sunflowers A Basket of Spring Posies Fat Brown Hen Chicky’s Garden Goal #8 — Split and Stack 2 Cords of Wood for Next Winter  All that firewood! We sold it. 😉 Goal #9 — Do Something with the 5,002 Photos on My Phone Current number of photos on phone is 10 million. Goal #10 –Lose the Muffin Top I went out for a walk yesterday and guess what I spotted… A little hello from Mrs. HB. Hahaha! I still think it’s weird there are people walking the streets and picking their teeth. Why can’t they do this in the privacy of their own homes? WHY!? WHY!? I just don’t understand. *The shoes are made by DuckFeet style: Jylland {you can get a $30 off coupon HERE}. Someone always asks.  Goal #11 — Run, Walk or Crawl a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon Hey! I have picked out not only a 5k Turkey Trot but a half marathon as well. Looks like this goal will be wrapped on Thanksgiving. Saaaweet! Goal #12 — Read or Listen to 26 New Books {17 down, 8 to go} I finished Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and highly recommend it. And also requested a few more audiobooks. Currently on Request: I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Books I’ve Read or Listened to So Far This Year: Marilla of Green Gables #1 Still my favorite The Great Alone #2 The Aviator’s Wife #3 Before We Were Yours #4 Secrets of a Charmed Life #5 Where’d You Go, Bernadette #6 Carnegie’s Maid #7 The Gown #8 Unbroken #9 The Alice Network #10 The Shape of Mercy #11 Will’s Red Coat #12 Big Little Lies #13 Bunny Mellon  {Doesn’t count because it was my second time} On Writing {Doesn’t count because it was my third time} Walden Finder’s Keepers Delicious! Following Atticus Goal #13 — Try 52 New Recipes. 24 down, 30 recipes to go. OCTOBER. October is going to be my month for cooking! Goal #14 — Clean Up 52 Old Recipes on the Blog 9 down, 44 to go. I’ll get crackin’ once fall {and cooler temps} come around. Goal #15 — Fill 100 Canning Jars 48 down, 52 to go. I won’t be able to get any canning done in the next few weeks but I am planning on getting some jam on the shelves for us to use on toast as well as to give away this Christmas. I’ll probably need at least another month to get settled in though. Oh! And get this. The new house has a root cellar… AND the perfect spot for storing canned goods. 😉 I’ll have to show you the space when I get some time. So far this year I’ve I canned: 7 jars Peach Jam 7 jars of Strawberry Jam 15 jars of Carrot Cake Jam 15 jars of Spiced Pear Jam  4 jars of Almond Pears. Goal #16 — Finish Furnishing Our House So here’s the funny thing…. Even though we sold the old house and a boatload of furniture, I am still keeping this goal. I already have my eye on some pieces for the family room and then all I need is a new bed and we’re good to go. The new place is much smaller than the old one and so getting the entire house furnished by the end of the year, is going to be a snap. High five for downsizing. Goal #17 – 52 Dates with the HH {28 down, 24 to go} We went to a fancy-schmancy restaurant to celebrate.  😉 Goal #18 — Take One Adult Education Class Done {I’ve taken 3!} I’m keeping the first class I took with my neighbor top secret for now {Mel know’s what it is though} 😉 Spoon Carving Class with Heather. Mini pottery lesson {I loved it! and now I want to sign up for a full class} Goal #19 — Secret {for now} Holiday Project The big reveal will be on Friday, November 1st. So now you know why I had to push back the date on the big reveal. I have all the supplies on hand to get started and my practice piece done, but I still have boxes to unpack and the need to get the majority of the house in order before I start on the main holiday project as its going to need it’s own little assembly line set up. Goal #20 — Create 12 Wowie Zowie Party Platters 5 down, 7 to go. Finally! I made some pickety bits. 😉 Goal #21 — Visit 12 General Stores 8 down 4 to go. So far this year we’ve visited: Chase’s Daily {I think it should count} Squam Lake Marketplace Harrisville General Store Dodge’s Store in New Boston, New Hampshire Zeb’s General Store in North Conway, New Hampshire Dan and Whit’s in Norwich, Vermont Hussey’s General Store in Windsor, Maine Goal #22 — Compete with Carole….. Get on My Front Door Game On I can still compete with Carole from afar, right? Once we get closer to Halloween I’ll hang Mrs. HB’s spectacular Halloween wreath she sent me. But for now, I’ll settle for a few pumpkins and a swag of Indian corn on the door. Front Door Bling I’ve Made So Far This Year to Compete with Carole: Late January : Valentine Heart Late February : Shamrock Late March : Giant Carrot May: White wave petunia hanging basket June/July: Tin Star and Flag Bunting August : Sunflower September: Indian corn and pumpkins ************** How about YOU? What are your goals for 2019? If you told us about them HERE, check in! We want to know how you are doing. Because seriously, it’s so much easier to get those goals checked off your list when you have people rooting for you! 🙂 Have a great day everyone, Mavis You can read more about my 22 goals for 2019 HERE. Have a Great Day! The post – Week 38 of 52 appeared first on One Hundred Dollars a Month. This content was original published at One Hundred Dollars a Month and is copyrighted material. If you are reading this on another website it is being published without consent.          Comments So many questions…. *did Girl go with you? *oh no! Like ... by tia in boise A series on HOW you got rid of stuff would be helpful -garage ... by Anne The grape hyacinth image is lovely and reminds me of the ... by Mel Me too. I have been busy but somehow I must have missed that ... by Ginger Ha-ha! Yes, will HH be firing up the grill. by Ginger Plus 5 more... Related Stories – Week 39 of 52 – Week 37 of 52 – Week 36 of 52 #12GoalsForTheNewYear

Arplis - News source https://arplis.com/blogs/news/my-22-goals-for-2020