#although we fell out of touch it's still something that we made together so i wont just talk abt it without their permission

[supercimi]

Hio

I actually have more than one wip..maybe four or five? I'll try my best to list them all cuz some of them are from so long ago I barely remember some stuff now plus some are probably gonna be different than what I wrote here cuz they're still works in progress

Wip1:

A knight with lots of guilt teams up with his overworked friend and a shunned fay to try and change their kings twisted ways

Oh, and find the fay's missing friend

Wip2:

About an amnesiac ghost who for some reason can't move on so he travels through the land accompanied by a wandering spirit that he can't interact with nor sense its presence (btw the same universe as wip1 :3)

Wip3:

....actually i cant really talk abt this one

wip4:

about a love starved rich child who has absentee parents and the boy finds what seems like family by befriending an older chef in training that works in his families mansion

wip5:

about a sci fi universe where a certain planet implodes and forms an astro belt (is that what their called?) around another planet and the people who fortunately or unfortunately managed to survive the end times

wip6:

about a group of friends who invented flight? not everything is very figured out yet but basically dream big and gather the gang again or don't dream at all?

wip7:

about a team of scientists dispatched to space on a secret mission to save their planet but unknown to them it's actually their homeland's last attempt at protecting their species from going extinct from the nearing end (btw same universe as wip5 and 6)

wip..8?

this isn't actually an actual thing im working on it's just stuff i wrote as practice? ig?

woa...didn't think i actually had this many wips 0-0 i need to make a master post soon even if no one reads them i need it for me

thank you for the tag and hello there sorry this took so long to make ^^; it was real fun! but i dont actually know who to tag so im leaving it be for now ^^

Writers, tell me about your story in the dumbest way possible

I’ll go first:

Superhero princesses save the world with the help of that one straight white guy who’s just happy to be here, couldn’t have done it without the fortune of a white woman defying all the odds by deciding against a gender reveal party

[aeliuss]

kiss me or hate me (kiss me)

when god made you, he built you all wrong. sown your heart on three times too large and your lungs three times too small, and you knew it was so because although you knew he was bad news, you couldn’t quite catch your breath around him. he is something holy, you swear he is. when he carves his hips into yours, when his lips linger on the soft flesh of your throat—he could tear you open.

you would let him. let him love you the way a vulture loves a carcass, neck dipped low in worship as it feasts.

your parents hate the way you’ve stopped going to church to be with him. hate that your even with him, but what do they know of love? you try to explain it to them, but the words get tangled in your throat, coming out wrong. they see only rebellion where you see revelation, only sin where you see sanctity.

you spend your nights wrapped in his arms, your days lost in thoughts of him. the world narrows to the beat of his heart against your ear, the whisper of his breath against your skin. his presence is a prayer you never learned, a hymn that rises unbidden in your throat. you abandon the familiar pews and hymns for the unknown verses of his touch, and every kiss is a communion, every whispered word a confession.

you start to think that maybe love is its own kind of faith. you wonder if god made him just for you, a test of your devotion, a challenge to your beliefs. you wonder if redemption could be found in the curve of his smile, if salvation could be written in the lines of his hands.

“I don’t love you,” he is sitting up on the bed, back to you, hips still tangled in the white sheets as he smokes a vape. “you know that, right?”

you know. you tell him so from where you lay on the bed, a foot away from him. naked, if not for the duvet. you swear you can make out a halo from the curls of smoke around his head.

he exhales sharply, shoulders shaking with laughter, twisting to face you. “god, you’re fun.” he murmurs against your lips. “did you know that? how fun you are?”

you don’t answer. don’t get the chance to, because he is pressing against you, and your blur into him once more. you don’t know where he ends and you begin.

“do you believe in redemption?” you ask him one day, your voice barely a whisper.

he snorts, a short, sharp sound that cuts through the silence. “redemption is for people who think they need to be saved,” he says, his fingers tracing patterns on your skin. “do you think you need to be saved?”

“do you?”

“do I look like I need to be saved?” his touch is not unlike a feather against your hip. it makes it difficult to focus. “I don’t know,” you murmur, cupping his jaw. “sometimes, you look very sad.”

you’ve never caught him off guard before. but that night you swore you saw the glitter of tears in his eyes, though you don’t feel them when he buries his head into the crook of your neck.

“maybe we can save each other,” he mumbles after a while.

you hum softly, considering his words, the weight of them sinking into the silence between you. maybe it's true, maybe you can save each other. the idea flickers like a candle in the dark. fragile.

but as the days pass, you realize that love alone cannot mend all wounds, cannot erase all sins. he is still the same flawed, broken boy you fell for, and you are still the same church girl with a heart too big and a faith too fragile. you cannot save him, no matter how desperately you try.

yet you try. because god has sown your heart on three times too big and his three times too small and when you are together, you are clashes of teeth and elbows, of long limbs and wandering fingers, of sanctity and sin.

because he is your religion and you, a dutiful worshipper. because it was always meant to end this way. his teeth on your throat. a vulture feeding on a corpse.

[mustainegf]

School sweethearts with James(getting married) smth like this I believe in you

But like 2 parts,one from high school years and the second from after school (if you want)

🩴

I’m so sorry that this is a bit rushed, I’ve been crazy busy and in working on as many fics as I possibly can 🙏

𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 ¹⁹⁸¹⁻¹⁹⁹⁶

I will never forget the first time I ever laid eyes on James. It was junior year, in biology class, and I was staring at the clock. He came in, wearing that beat up leather jacket with all the pins, and had his guitar case with him. His long sandy hair fell into his eyes, those beautiful blues.

James wasn't talking that much then. Well, hardly ever. He was the silent type, kept everything to himself. Of course, people knew who he was, though. People would always whisper to each other about his band and how he played guitar, although I hadn't heard him. To me, he was this guy who sat some rows away in class, a bit intimidating.

One day, after class, he came up to me. Odd...

We started with small talk about biology. That was how it all began. Pretty soon, we were walking to class together, eating lunch under the big oak tree just outside. James wasn't like the other guys. He didn't talk just to fill the space, he said things that mattered.

So when prom came around, it was almost like everyone assumed we would go together. James didn't make a big deal out of it or anything. We were walking home that afternoon when he simply turned to me and said, "So, prom?" his words accompanied with a kiss on the cheek.

I laughed and nudged him. "Yeah, I guess so," I said teasingly, leaning into him.

Prom night wasn't fancy, He borrowed his brothers old suit, I wore some plain blue dress. We danced awkwardly, we didn't quite know what we were doing. Then James pulled me close, and it felt like everything was just right. He danced with me, and I wondered if he may dance the same if we ever got married.

Afterwards, we drove to the beach and sat in the sand and talked. He pulled out his guitar and strummed softly, while we babbled about whatever teens in love do.

He spoke of music, how much he wanted to make it big. I shared my dream of becoming a teacher, though I wasn't so sure it would happen. "We'll figure it out," he whispered. That's how James was. He didn't promise the world, he just promised to stay with me.

The summer following junior year was uncomplicated. We stayed up late, snuck out to go to shows, and drove aimlessly through town. We were proud, like the world would never change, like having all the time in the world. Barely anything was discussed about the future, yet, we both knew it was to arrive. So why worry?

By the end of senior year, I knew things were going to be different. I was heading off to college a few hours away, and James hadn't gotten any clearer on his future. We promised to stay in touch, but I could feel something slipping. The night before I left, we sat on my front porch. He pulled me into him and kissed me softly.

"I'm gonna miss you," he said.

"I'll miss you too," I whispered back.

We didn't say so, but we both knew we were going our separate ways. The next morning, I drove away with this feeling that a part of me was staying behind. A big part.

𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟔

15 years have passed, but on occasions he still is that highschool boy. His hair is shorter now, as of just recently that is, and he's also got facial hair, that he changes quite often. There are small lines around his eyes now, the product of years filled with raising a family.

We made it through those early years apart, even though that was not easy. College pulled me away, and James dove deep into his music. We wrote letters at first, then came phone calls and weekend visits. Eventually, we just couldn't stay apart.

Now we have almost been married for 7 years, we had two children and another is on the way. James turned out to be a wonderful dad, even though I'm not sure he ever imagined it back in high school.

Our son, 9, looks just like James, tall, quiet, that same sandy hair. He plays music too, but he's not sure if that's his future.

Our daughter, 6, She's quite the firecracker, stuffed of energy, always testing limits. She's been asking for a guitar, but I think she just wants to prove she can do anything her brother can.

As for the newborn, it still takes some time to get used to the idea. It was not planned, but when we found out about it, James just smiled, "Guess we're not done yet".

That's just how it's always been, taking whatever came our way. It wasn't perfect, but we made it work. Life is busy in a different way now. James still obviously plays music.

Sometimes James takes our son to the studio along with him. He still loves music, but being with us means more to him now.

Our days are full with noise and laughter, our nights eventful but sitting down together to dinner mostly. The kids bicker and talk over each other, and there's always something to fix or someone needing a ride. Yes, it is messy, but it is our kind of messy.

Once the kids are in bed, James and I often sit on the porch, like we used to. We don't need to talk as much anymore. Some nights, we just sit quietly, listening to the wind. Other nights, James will pull out his guitar and strum a few notes. That sound always takes me back to the beach, all those years ago.

It wasn't easy raising the kids and trying to balance out life when James had his music, either. There were moments when it just felt too heavy, but somehow we always managed to make it.

Now, years later, I look at James as he plays with our son, teaching him on the guitar, while our daughter giggles nearby. It's the life we spoke about when teenagers. It doesn't look exactly like we imagined, but that doesn't matter. It's ours, and it's good.

More than good.

[cobrabobra]

"Cold"

Carl Grimes x fem!reader, praising, vaginal fingering

I'm still new to this, so I apologize if it's monotone. Also English is not my first language so there might be mistakes.

"You're dead!" Carl looked at (Y/N) wide eyed, snow covering his face as he stood surprised. He bend down to take the biggest scoop of snow and throw it at his girlfriend. Oh, it was war now.

It was winter in Alexandria, a solid few inches of snow covered the ground, cold air tickled their lungs as they ran around the hole camp, playing in snow. But now playtime was over, it was time for some serious fighting.

(Y/N) only laughed cutely, shrugging, looking straight into Grimes' blue eyes, challenging him and acting innocent at the same time.

Her body moved, clearly readying itself to escape, but the boy was faster, tackling her to the ground, covering them in layers of fluffy, fresh snow.

"Gotcha" he smirked proudly as if he just tamed a wild beast, not grounded a teenage girl. "Can't escape now, sunshine" their breaths mixed, that's how close they were, their noses practically rubbing against each other, their hips pressed together separated with just a thin layer of their soaked clothes.

That's when he noticed she was shivering, her teeth clacking from the cold. It wasn't unexpected, they didn't have clothes that were designed for this kind of weather and they were rolling around in snow for hours, yet Carl couldn't help but feel concerned.

"Gosh, you're freezing" he picked her up, wrapping her with his hands, trying to warm her up a bit, but obviously that didn't help much. "We're going back" Grimes decided, taking her hand into his, their fingers were stiff, they barely had any feeling in them.

The walk to Carl's home was longer than they both expected, exhaustion suddenly hit them, cold piercing through their clothes, snow under their feet slowing them down significantly. When they finally got there the boy was already dreaming of a warm bath or drinking a hot cocoa sitting in front of a fireplace.

They left their shoes on a towel that Rick put up earlier and tried calling for him, but no one responded.

"Must be at Carol's" Carl hummed and stepped further inside. He took his coat off and threw it on the couch. "You want something hot to drink? Or we can take a shower?" He turned to face her, awaiting her decision.

"Shower" she managed to say, her jaw clenched, still bit warmed up yet.

"Let's get you out of these clothes" he stepped towards her, his hands on her sides, pulling her sweater up, revealing her smoth belly and her silky breasts covered with a bra.

Normally, she'd feel embarrassed, they've done stuff like this many times and she always blushed like crazy, something about Carl made it feel like it was still a new feeling. This time though, this wasn't sexual, he was just taking care of her, helping her and it made her heart flutter and filled her chest with warmth but it was the different kind.

Her pants fell down, belt buckle cliking as it hit the floor, leaving her in just her underwear. He shivered again, goosebumps covering her body, she tried to shield herself from the cold. Carl noticed that and quickly dragged her to the bathroom.

The titles were as cold as ice, making her toes curl at the unpleasant sensation. She stood there, observing her boyfriend's movement, he undressed quickly, too quickly for her. Yes, she was freezing but who wouldn't appreciate a little show?

(Y/N) hissed when her cold fingers touched her back in an attempt to undo her bra. Although it took longer than usual, it landed in the basket, just like Carl's garments moments ago. Same thing with her underwear, some almost painful touches, shutting her eyes at the feeling of clothes sticking to her skin.

"Get in" he said, his boxers long gone, curled up with the rest of their clothes. He took a minute to take in the view of her naked body, tracing her curves with his eyes, swallowing hard at the sight of her vulnerable state.

Piping hot, almost boiling water, covered their bodies as they stood in each other's embrace, letting their muscles relax, which wasn't easy because of the sensation of (Y/N)'s hard nipples pressed into Grimes' chest, their hips rubbing against each other with every little movement.

Little satisfied moans coming from the girls mouth, weren't helping either, they went straight to his dick, that was already teasing her sensitive folds.

"Feeling good, baby?" He chuckled, moving his hand to grab her neck, gently massaging the soft flesh underneath. This made his head fuzzy, this brief interaction, one like many others, made him realise once again how much he loved her.

"Yeah" her voice was breathy, her head tilted slightly back, clearly enjoying herself. She felt a familiar feeling slowly building up in her abdomen.

Carl seemed to notice that, because his fingers slided down her stomach, looking straight into her eyes as he started to tease her clit.

"Can't tell if it's the water or are you that wet already" he muttered into her neck, placing delicate kisses all over.

"Mm" she sighed, bitting her lip lightly. "Both"

"Good" he whispered straight into her ear, his voice unusually deep and raspy, like always when he got aroused. "You're so good for me"

She moaned uncontrollably at the praise, nodding her head a little, trying to show she indeed trying to be the best for him.

"My good girl, so wet for me" he kissed her jaw, slowly going down, towards her breasts. He took her nipple into his mouth and sucked it deliciously, trying to distract her form the feeling of his first finger sliding in her tight hole.

His movements started off slow, teasing, trying to get her as desperate as humanly possible. All it took was bending his finger a little for her to start rutting her hips against his hand.

He bit her nipple, delicate yet still inflicting a little bit of this delicious pain that got her weak in her knees.

"You're so pretty. My pretty girl, you're doing so good" he added another finger which got another whimper out of her, her thighs trembled, she leaned back again the shower wall to prop herself.

Wet strands of hair her stuck to her face, water dripping from her chin, down at her collar bones, continuing to slide across her body, to finally disappear between her legs, where Carl's fingers were stretching her pussy.

Carl's dick stood up gracefully, hurting like hell without attention it needed, but it didn't matter, now making (Y/N) come was all that counted.

"I'm close" her voice was weak and quiet. She tried to restrain herself from making too much noise, the bathroom walls carried sounds like the newest Bluetooth speaker.

"Yeah? You're gonna cum for me? Cum in my first fingers?" He teased, his thumb circling her clit as his fingers practically pounded her poor, sensitive cunt. "Be good and cum for me"

Her toes curled again, this time bit from the cold but the feeling of an approaching orgasm. Grimes' lips muffled her moan, wet tounge sliding in, exploring her mouth as she felt her body tensing up, reading itself for the finish.

His fingers abused that spot inside her that made her stomach flutter, that lit fireworks in her abdomen.

Metalic taste of blood filled their mouths, coming from Carl's lip that she took liberty to bite as she came. Pure pleasure flooded her mind as she rode her orgasm, fucked herself on his fingers.

"You're not cold anymore, are you?"

[spennsrs]

𖦹⋆｡˚⋆ฺ the only exception.

↳ TYPE OF WRITING: drabble ↳ CONTENT CREATOR: damien haas from smosh, mentioned shayne topp, spencer agnew, trevor evarts, and courtney miller ↳ SONG REC: the only exception by paramore

"we did some great work today! get some rest, dames. tell [y/n] i said howdy!" shayne's voice was muffled slightly through the phone, but nonetheless damien cheeses the possibly biggest smile known to man.

"will do, man. don't party too hard without me. although, i'm expecting some sort of text from courtney at some ungodly hour saying how you and spence drank too much."

"hey!" the faint voice of spencer almost makes damien jump, but at least he knew now he was on speaker phone, shaking his head with a chuckle.

"love you lot, but i am home now. drink water!" damien parents his friends before hanging up on shayne, sparring him from having to hear any protests. with a sigh, he puts his car in park and turns the car off before deciding to take a moment to just... breath.

he was super excited to be home with his partner, [y/n]. well... unofficial partner... cuddle buddy? situationship even, as he had heard trevor mentioned the other day. damien didn't care for a label. labels were pressed onto society way too much. two people could live together, cuddle, sometimes kiss, and not be a couple. simple as that. [y/n] seemed to enjoy it just as much as damien, and his cats finally had another parent to love on and beg for food. no matter what really happened between him and [y/n], as long as he could still come home to them, he didn't quite care.

ㅤ ೀ ㅤ۫ ㅤ۪ㅤ۫ ㅤ ♡ ㅤ

as damien opened the door to the apartment, it wasn't a surprise only freyja padded to the door to greet her father. zelda always did prefer [y/n]. "hey, sweet girl." he mutters, setting his bag by the door and crouching down to gently scritch behind the cat's ears. he picks up the grey and white feline and quietly follow the noise of what he presumed to be his partner's favorite show. his suspicions were confirmed when he peeked his head into his room to see his sweet black and white cat curled up on [y/n]'s lap, sound asleep.

he couldn't help how his heart swelled at the sight. the form curled up on his bed was covered by the sheets of the bed, tired eyes slowly trailing to where damien stood. the tired eyes shone, and damien swore he could see every star in them. "hey, love." he says lowly, slowly approaching the bed to set freyja down to let the cat join her sister.

"hi, damien."

the sleepy voice made a soft pink blush creep up on his cheeks, sitting on the edge of the bed. his hand reaches out, gently carding his fingers through their hair. [y/n], much akin to a cat, leaned into the touch with a soft smile. they reach for the remote, pausing the show. there was a comfortable silence that fell between them, damien could tell the other was emotionally exhausted. as much as he wanted to whisk them into his arms and shower them in kisses and compliments, to downright worship them and let his emotions spill like a leaky faucet.

but he had to be okay with keeping himself at a distance, to admire form afar.

[y/n] angled their head to look up at damien, simply admiring his features. he was deep in thought, and it made them pout a bit. "what's on your mind, dames?" they say softly, scooting over as their hands slip around his bicep, pulling him to lay down. "you've had a long day. wanna watch something?" the soothing voice of [y/n] made damien blink, before letting a yawn escape his lips, stretching out.

"i was gonna shower... but now that i'm laying here, exhaustion is finally catching up with me." he mumbles, slinging an arm around [y/n]'s middle, pulling them close. the sound of their giggle makes damien angle his head to comfortably look at the other. "you're so breathtaking..." he mutters, and he knows [y/n] hears due to the deep red blush that paints itself over their cheeks.

with a squeal, they hide their face in damien's chest, and damien could stay like this forever. "no, 'm not..." they mutter softly, snuggling closer.

moments like these were damien's favorites. it was selfish, but in damien's perfect dream world, he might have been [y/n]'s only exception to their avoidance of love.

little did he know, he was their only exception.

[skrrts]

♡ pool dive (one-shot)

✧ reader x non!idol san ✧ genre: slice of life, summer, more than friends ✧ word count: 2,4k ✧ mentions: staring at his body, kissing underwater, being close, nothing explicit

You love summer, but the current heatwave poses a challenge—there's just no way to do anything when it's this hot. San doesn't seem bothered by it at all, but as you insist it's just too hot for activities, he has quite the idea: breaking into his neighbor's house to take a dive into their pool.

note: I promise this is the last pool-related story 😅 Summer is just really intense this time around, and I sadly do not live close to the ocean as well.

Didn’t everyone have them, sweet memories of summer? As a child, they were the highlight of the year, not only because of no school but also because parents were more patient, allowing their kids to stay out longer than usual. As a teenager, you and your friends would stay up until after midnight, eating popsicles and watching the nightscape of the city from your favorite place close to your high school. Your friends didn’t change at all, each still a part of your life, but as an adult, summer suddenly wasn’t what you wanted it to be.

You were in your 20s and, based on social media, you were supposed to wear great outfits, sip cocktails near a pool, and be up all night, at least on the weekends. But now all you could do was sigh loudly about the heat. It didn’t even help that you only wore shorts and an oversized shirt while staying in the cooled-down basement apartment in the Choi family’s house. Over the past few years, it had become somewhat of your escape place at any time of the year: whether escaping the heat, seeking comfort, or finding a safe place where you could act silly without the questionable glares of society.

During high school, there were nine of you altogether, best friends always roaming the streets in search of adventure during school holidays. Now it was mostly just San and you. The others lived scattered across the country, studying or busy with their working lives, even during summer. Maybe this was another reason why you found yourself here rather than trying to cool down your little apartment.

Over the past year, something started to develop between the two of you. Neither of you seemed to want to put any labels on it just yet, but there was no rejection of the positive tension building up: the fiery kisses and touches, the way San held you tightly offering a feeling of security while also giving your butt teasing squeezes. It happened here and there but it was far from something you spoke about to anyone else around and there were many times when you simply shared time together as friends. Then, both of you were content with it, something that made it easier.

You were lying head over on the couch, watching San, who was sitting on a large bean bag, reading a Haikyuu manga, seeming quite comfortable without a hint that the current heatwave was a problem for him. Your gaze admired his body. He had changed quite a bit since high school, from a kind kid to a very well-built man in his early 20s. The tank top he wore was tight enough to allow your gaze to trace the abs of his body, paying attention to his strong arms that managed to lift you up so easily these days, and the way his dark hair fell into his face, framing it perfectly.

You sighed and squeezed your eyes shut. It wouldn’t help if you got lost in that kind of daydream while feeling like you already were a mess thanks to the summer heat. San seemed to finally give up, letting out a gentle huff as he closed the manga and put it aside, looking at you with an amused smile: “If you sigh any more, I might do so too. What do we do with you, huh? I guess we won’t go out after all then. Pity, I was looking forward to going to the store and eating ice cream. Wooyoung would have complained if we sent him a photo about going there without him.”

He certainly would have, although he was currently in another city for a baseball match. You looked innocently back at San: “It’s just too hot. Once we leave your room, I am going to turn into a puddle, and you won’t ever see me again. Your friend will be nothing but a memory. You’ll go and tell everyone how I used to be so good-looking but then summer carried me away.”

San was amused by your silly story, the smile on his lips told you so easily. “Mh, that really would be awful. Not only because what would I tell our friends but I’d miss you a lot. Who else comes here to hang out and doesn’t complain about me reading my favorite series for the 100th time?” His compliment added a hint of red to your cheeks and he laughed: “But seeing you blush likely means there is hope of saving you. What options do we have? You don’t want to leave because it’s too hot but I’m afraid any activity might be too much tonight.”

You grabbed a pillow and threw it at him without hesitation, which he dodged far too elegantly. “I am just teasing! I do feel like I am not entirely wrong though, so let’s see. We could just eat ice cream here and watch a movie, but we have done this already this week and I admit, it’s a little hotter today than on Tuesday.”

He frowned, looking out of the small window that was part of the room. San and his parents were rather close. While he was away at college, his father spent a year remodeling the large basement to be an apartment of its own with a living room area, a tiny kitchen, and a small bedroom with a bathroom. For San, it was perfect and he happily remained with his family. It was one of those things you admired about him. You were being one of those kids who couldn’t wait to have a place of their own after graduation just because it seemed to be part of becoming a real adult. It didn't mean you weren't close with your family but you valued your privacy.

You were torn out of your thoughts when San snapped his fingers, grinning: “I have just the idea!” Somehow, you knew you should be alarmed by this expression but whenever this man had an idea, there was no going back, so you quietly blinked, preparing yourself.

The first sign to be alarmed had been when San started shoving towels and clean shirts into a backpack, along with two bottles of water. All you could do was watch with confusion, noting how the two of you had agreed it was just too hot outside, yet he kept insisting on leaving, saying it wouldn’t be too far. Ah yes, he knew you too well; you’d have chickened out if he had told you what exactly he had in mind when he took your hand, leading you through the garden. The sun was about to set, but it didn’t feel any cooler than a few hours earlier when you arrived.

San led you to the fence, quickly checking that nobody was looking before pushing on the old wooden pieces that gave way without a problem, allowing the two of you to slip through. The neighbors of the Choi family were a somewhat wealthy couple who had spent quite a bit of money renovating the house after inheriting it five years prior. The man was an architect, and his wife a manager of some big business, but both were quite down to earth. While you only exchanged a few polite words now and then, San seemed to get along well with them. Which did not explain why exactly the two of you were sneaking through their garden right now. San led you to the stairs that went down to the basement.

“San, what are we doing here?” you whispered like a criminal, not really able to shake off the fear of being caught. Was this illegal? Would anyone call the police on you? Ah, now watching another movie with ice cream sounded rather tempting after all. He did not seem too bothered about it, looking around, fingers slipping under one of the rocks before he pulled out a small key. “You said a proper summer includes going swimming, and since we don’t live near the sea and pools are too busy with people, we’ll just use our own.”

You blinked, staring at him as he unlocked the door and pulled you inside. “How did you know there is a key?” you kept your voice low but couldn’t shake off the tension. San gently ruffled your hair, laughing: “Stop making that face. I house-watched for them a few times. Well, not right now, but they are on a weekend trip and won’t be back until Tuesday. Dad told me they asked if he could pick up a delivery they’re expecting tomorrow, which means there’s no worry at all.”

He let go and walked over to turn on some lights. Thanks to the basement not having any windows, there was no risk of anyone outside noticing it. You blinked, your eyes needing a moment to adjust before you couldn’t help but look around in awe. The entire basement had been remodeled to be an indoor swimming pool. While the pool took up most of the space, there was also a sauna tucked into a corner, a small bar area, and a big couch. The walls and flooring were made of sandstone, giving it a cave-like feel with lights creating a perfect mood.

“This is… something else,” you admitted but then hurried to shake your head. “Still, San! We can’t just break into your neighbors’ pool to cool off a little. What if they find out?”

He dropped the backpack, laying out the towels before finally turning around to look at you. For a moment, you could see his gaze linger on your appearance, paying attention to every small detail, and when he stepped closer, you found yourself swallowing.

His strong hands cupped your face so gently, making you look right at him, and you could feel his breath as he leaned in. “It will be okay, we won’t leave a mess so they won’t know. Besides,” he grinned, “we already broke in, though I’m not sure we can call it that since we used a key I was told to use in the past. Anyway, now that we’re here, let’s make the most of it.” Before you could say anything else, his lips sealed the decision with a kiss, one you were too weak to reject.

San smiled once he was certain you’d relaxed and pulled the tank top over his head, making you swallow. His body was perfect; there was just nothing lacking. His muscles suited him perfectly, complementing rather than distracting from his face. You bit down on your lower lip as he obviously enjoyed your gaze, moving slowly to the edge of the pool. “The temperature is perfect,” he said, pushing himself in and disappearing under the surface for a moment.

You hesitated for a moment before deciding to go in just like that. San brought some spare clothes, so it seemed fine, and the heat would dry everything quickly anyway. As you dived into the water, you caught a glimpse of San. You held your breath and closed your eyes, enjoying the refreshing sensation. When you could no longer hold your breath, you surfaced, brushing wet hair out of your face.

Slowly, your sight returned and you saw San smiling, seemingly enjoying that your worries about being caught had faded. “I’d say this is a good way to spend a hot summer night,” he chuckled, slowly swimming closer to you. Your expression mirrored his and you laughed: “Fine, let’s say this isn’t too bad. Just let’s agree not to break into others’ houses again next time or else, the others will want to do it too, and I’m not sure if they can manage to be as quiet as we are to avoid getting caught.”

San thought about your words and laughed, brushing his own wet hair out of his face: “You’re right, some of them certainly couldn’t. People would hear Mingi before we even made it into the water, and Wooyoung and Jongho would challenge each other to jump in, leaving a mess.” Your friends were just like that, a little wild and reckless, but you adored them for it.

“They aren’t here now, and I have your attention all to myself,” San’s voice was suddenly a whisper as he came closer, wrapping his arms around you. Your eyes looked at him, and you wondered where the two of you would go from here eventually, but there was no need to decide or worry about it tonight. You trusted that things would fall into place naturally, just as they always did. “Quite lucky, I agree,” you joked gently.

He was now right in front of you as if he were about to kiss you. “Do you trust me?” he whispered, and you looked up, nodding without hesitation. “Always.” San seemed happy with your answer, a playful shimmer deepening in his eyes, and the way he held you closely sent shivers down your spine. “Take a deep breath,” he requested, and so you did.

As he leaned in, you felt the anticipation build, your breaths mingling, then San pulled you underwater, your lips meeting in a proper kiss, one that was deep and longing yet playful as the cool water of the pool enveloped you both. It was like a scene from a summer movie coming true. The sensation was both electrifying and calming, familiar yet excitingly new. You closed your eyes, trusting him completely and savoring the connection you both shared. Time seemed to stop, and while you knew it couldn’t have been more than a minute when you both surfaced, it felt endless.

You exhaled and inhaled, San smiling, doing the same but without letting you go, gently moving the two of you to the edge of the pool and placing you on it so you could relax a little. “I hope this fulfills your wish for a summer just like in the movies,” he teased, his hands playing gently with yours.

“I think I like this version better,” you smiled as you looked at him. Both of you were content just like that, and maybe that was why this felt right. A part of you suddenly wished that this summer wouldn’t pass too quickly; even the heatwave seemed bearable now.

“Hey, want to go for another round?” you suddenly asked with a grin. San blinked, surprised before laughing: “A little practice wouldn’t be bad to improve it.”

Without hesitation, you slipped back into the water and right into his arms.

[baelarys]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨

Helaena targaryen x lady reader Lannister x Aemond targaryen

Word Count: 2987

warning: fluffy, bad word, Aemond being an idiot

The large wooden doors opened with a faint creak, allowing you to enter the queen's chamber. As you crossed the threshold, the guards closed the doors behind you, letting the echo of their closure resonate for a moment in the room.

Your eyes immediately fell on the figure of the queen, whose platinum hair gleamed under the dim light filtering through the heavy curtains. She was kneeling on the floor, bent over an ornate wooden table, attentively observing the small cages containing various insects. Her concentration was so intense that she didn’t seem to notice your presence right away.

"My queen," you said softly as you approached her, taking a seat by her side.

"I told you not to call me that," Helaena replied with a faint sigh, glancing away for a moment. However, instead of moving away entirely, she shifted just enough to give you space, so that your arms continued to brush against each other, creating a subtle yet present connection between you.

Although Helaena had corrected your manner of addressing her, there was no reproach in her voice, only a resigned sweetness that had become characteristic of your interactions. The warmth of her arm against yours conveyed a closeness that words couldn’t express, a bond that had transcended the formalities of her position.

You had known each other since you were children, always together, sharing laughter and secrets in any corner of the palace. It was hard to imagine one without the other; your mutual presence had become something natural, as if your lives were intrinsically intertwined. But in the last three years, that connection had evolved into something deeper, something that had surprised even you.

The relationship you had cultivated, marked by the passage of years and the undeniable affection you felt, was something that still bewildered you. You were so different in your essence: you, a boisterous and adventurous person, always seeking the next challenge or the next opportunity to try something new. Helaena, on the other hand, was the calm in the storm, with her quiet and reserved nature, preferring the peace of the gardens or the silent contemplation of her insects to the intense emotions that filled you with life.

"What’s wrong?" you asked gently, noticing how Helaena watched with concern the small wooden cage that held one of her crickets.

"It stopped singing," she whispered, her voice laden with a silent sadness. Her fingers, always delicate, reached out to the cage, gently brushing the wooden bars, as if a stronger touch could break more than just the silence that had settled between you.

"I’m sorry," you said, unsure of how to console her at that moment, understanding that her sadness wasn’t just about the loss of the cricket but probably reflected something deeper: the silent burdens she always carried, hidden beneath her serene facade. "We can get another one."

Helaena nodded slowly, but instead of turning her attention back to the cage, her eyes turned to you. That unexpected gesture made your heart stop for a moment. Her violet eyes, which you had always found so fascinating, fixed on yours with an intensity that took your breath away.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. In that silent exchange, her eyes spoke to you with a clarity that needed no words. You could see in them not just the sadness over the loss of a cricket but also a mixture of deeper emotions that you had felt within yourself for so long. There was a mutual understanding, a connection that went beyond the differences between you.

Slowly, almost without realizing it, you leaned toward her, drawn by the gravity of that shared moment. Helaena didn’t pull away; on the contrary, her lips parted slightly, as if she too were responding to the same invisible force that was drawing you toward her.

When your lips finally met hers, the kiss was soft, almost shy at first, but charged with an emotion that had seemed to have been waiting years to manifest.

Almost unconsciously, you placed a hand on her cheek, your thumb gently caressing her skin. The proximity between you intensified, and you felt Helaena giving in, allowing you to pull her even closer. Her lips, which had been timid at first, now moved with growing confidence, responding to the rhythm of the kiss you shared.

The delicate initial touch turned into a synchronized dance, where both hearts seemed to beat in unison. Every movement, every touch, was a silent affirmation of the bond you shared. Your fingers slowly slid from her cheek to the nape of her neck, gently caressing her silver hair as the closeness between your bodies dispelled any trace of doubt.

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the bubble of intimacy in which you had immersed yourselves. The creak of the door opening forced you to pull away from Helaena with instinctive speed, putting a more appropriate distance between you, trying to regain your composure.

The dowager queen, Alicent Hightower, entered the room. Your heart pounded as you quickly stood up, offering a deep bow, lowering your head to hide the blush that had overtaken your cheeks. You knew that any sign of vulnerability could be perceived, and you preferred to avoid having your emotions scrutinized under Alicent's keen gaze.

The Dowager Queen first directed her gaze towards Helaena, who had once again focused on the small cage as if nothing had happened. Her platinum profile was turned away from the door, and her posture was calm, though you knew that behind that apparent serenity was a whirlwind of emotions.

“I would like to speak with the Queen alone,” Alicent said, her voice soft but firm, laden with the implicit authority of her position. A shiver ran down your spine, as if the weight of her words had descended upon you with the force of a sentence.

You didn’t dare look at Helaena as you made one final bow, your hands trembling slightly as you tried to maintain your composure. With an effort that nearly felt painful, you forced your legs to move, leaving the room with quick steps but not quite running. The air in the outer hallway hit you with unexpected force, as if crossing the threshold had left behind an invisible danger.

As you walked, you felt the nervousness overtaking you, each thought more unsettling than the last. What punishment awaited you if someone discovered what had just transpired in the privacy of that room? For Helaena, the protection of her status as princess would be a shield, but you... you would have no such luck. You couldn’t stop thinking about the possible consequences: shame, dishonor, and the inevitable punishment that would fall upon you like an inescapable yoke.

Not even your brother's wealth, as abundant as it was, could save you from the ruin that would befall you if the nature of your relationship with the princess was revealed. The Seven, with their severe judgments and unbreakable codes, would have no mercy on you.

The magnitude of the risk you had taken made you feel an oppressive weight in your chest, as if the walls themselves were closing in around you.

You tried to push those thoughts from your mind, forcing yourself to stay calm. “No one will notice,” you repeated to yourself over and over again, seeking some kind of solace in those words. What happened between the two of you wasn’t something new, far from it. You had shared kisses on countless occasions, each more secret and furtive than the last, and so far no one had suspected a thing. The court, always preoccupied with its intrigues and rumors, had not paid attention to the closeness you shared.

Furthermore, the two maids who had witnessed one of those indiscreet moments had been handled with the discretion the situation required. You had offered them sufficient incentives to ensure their silence, and although you had initially worried about the possibility of them betraying your trust, time had proven that fear and gold could be powerful allies.

Two days had passed since the encounter in the Queen’s chamber, and in that brief span, the atmosphere at court had become even more tense. The war looming over the kingdom had heightened the vigilance and distrust among the members of the court. The whispers of conflict, political intrigues, and constantly shifting alliances only served to increase the pressure on everyone involved.

The situation seemed to be on the verge of an imminent explosion. Rhaenyra had managed to acquire three new dragons, leaving your side at a clear disadvantage. With the death of Sunfire, the only available dragons were Vhagar and Dreamfire. However, you had serious doubts about Dreamfire’s willingness to join the battle, especially considering Helaena’s innocent nature, as she was reluctant to use dragonfire against any human being. In contrast, Aemond had shown a radically different attitude.

You had noticed a significant transformation in Aemond since the last meeting. The prince, who had once been shy and hesitant in his interactions with you, had become a strong and calculating young man. His change was evident in the way he moved through the court and how he handled state affairs. His behavior, though shrewd, stirred a growing distrust within you.

When Aemond sent your older brother, Tyland, on a mission to negotiate with pirates, you took his place on the council. The council room, which you had grown accustomed to seeing filled with participants, was now noticeably empty.

As the days passed, you received numerous letters from your sister-in-law, urging you to return to Casterly Rock. In her missives, she expressed her concern for your safety amid the growing dangers of war, warning you of the risk of an attack by Rhaenyra. Despite her legitimate concerns, you refused to abandon your post. The idea of leaving Helaena alone, surrounded by intrigues and possible threats, seemed unacceptable to you. Your loyalty to her and your commitment to the situation at court kept you firmly in place.

You decided to visit Helaena in her chamber, seeking a moment of closeness and comfort amidst the growing tension. Upon reaching her door, you paused for a moment to catch your breath, trying to calm the rapid beating of your heart. You knocked softly and waited to be received. The door opened, revealing Helaena with a tired but kind expression. Her eyes lit up upon seeing you, and a smile graced her face, momentarily alleviating the weight she seemed to bear.

"I'm glad you came," Helaena said, opening the door wider for you to enter. "I needed to see you."

You stepped into the chamber, and the warm glow of the candles illuminating the place contrasted with the cold reality of the outside world. The atmosphere was filled with the softness of silk curtains and the light scent of dried flowers that Helaena often used to add a touch of calm to her space.

You approached her, and without a word, you embraced her with tender care. The embrace, though brief, conveyed a deep and sincere connection. The warmth of her body against yours and the soft perfume of her skin offered necessary comfort amid the growing tension.

Helaena looked into your eyes, and in that moment, the outside world seemed to fade away. "I missed this," she confessed in a soft voice.

A soft laugh escaped your lips as you heard her, and without thinking, you pulled her closer, hiding your face in her neck. You closed your eyes, allowing the sweet scent of her skin to envelop you and provide a moment of calm.

Helaena responded to your gesture with a delicacy that moved you. She wrapped her arms around your waist, her embrace warm and protective.

For a few moments, there was no need for words. The embrace, charged with a deep and sincere connection, seemed to say everything you needed to share. The touch of her arms, the beat of her heart against yours, offered a tranquility that countered the tensions of the war and the worries surrounding you both.

Finally, you made yourself break the embrace, knowing it was necessary. With slight reluctance, you gently pulled away, looking into Helaena’s eyes. “It’s late; you need to rest,” you said with firmness and tenderness, trying to balance your concern with the need to allow her well-deserved rest.

With a soft smile, you leaned in once more and gave her one last kiss on the forehead, a gesture that encapsulated all the affection and protection you felt for her. Then, you stepped back, giving her space to settle into bed.

As Helaena lay down, her eyes remained fixed on you, as if expecting you to stay a moment longer. You lingered in the room a little while more, ensuring she was comfortably settled before finally making your way to the door.

You walked through the castle’s empty corridors, the echo of your heels resonating in the silence. As you passed the throne room, you noticed Aemond, standing still in front of the throne, his figure silhouetted against the cold stone of the room. His upright posture and the way he contemplated the empty chair denoted an unusual intensity.

“What a strange man,” you thought, with a mix of curiosity and perplexity, as you continued on your way, trying not to interrupt whatever he was doing.

However, as if sensing your presence with sharp precision, Aemond turned abruptly, his eye fixed on you with an intensity that almost seemed to cut through the air.

“Milady,” he greeted, his voice rough and cold, resonating in the vast silence of the throne room.

“Prince Aemond,” you replied, inclining your head slightly in respect. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your moment of reflection. I’d better leave.”

“No, it’s alright,” Aemond said, his tone taking on a more urgent note. “In fact, I wanted to speak with you.”

He approached you with determined steps, his gaze steady and persuasive. “There’s a matter I need to discuss, and your perspective would be of great help.”

You halted your steps, and although you felt somewhat uneasy by his closeness, you decided to listen. “What is it about?”

You remained composed as he approached, his presence heightening the already tense atmosphere. Aemond continued, “Helaena should consider using Dreamfire in the next battle. Her dragon could be a decisive factor.”

The comment surprised you. “Are you suggesting we pressure Helaena to participate in the battle? You know she doesn’t have the same strength to face these situations. Forcing her to do something like that could be harmful.”

Aemond frowned, his expression hardening. “War isn’t a game of choices. If Helaena refuses to use her dragon, we’ll lose a crucial advantage. We can’t afford that weakness.”

“I understand the urgency,” you responded firmly, “but I won’t force Helaena to act against her will. She’s already under great emotional pressure. My loyalty lies with her, and I can’t allow her to be subjected to more stress.”

Aemond looked at you, his face showing a trace of frustration. “This isn’t just about personal comfort. She must contribute to the common effort, and her feelings shouldn’t put our lives at risk. If she’s not willing

[sophistired18]

Random kryk hcs bc why not!

-Kuroo definitely fell first but kenma was the one who pointed it out: "Kuro, for hating this guy as much as you do, you sure don't shut up about him"

-Kuroo feels betrayed by his keen observation skills bc now he cant help but notice how yaku's eyebrows scrunch when he's frustrated or how his tongue sticks out when he's focused. The worse thing is he can't help but think its cute. This puts him in a dilemma bc this is the guy he's supposed to hate.

-yaku on the otherhand can't help but think kuroo is an absolute jerk who won't leave him alone. (He eventually thinks of kuroo as a close friend, but he's still both of these things)

-I've already said this before, but they definitely always sat together on the bus (kai never wanted to get in between them)

-When they got in a relationship, they never told kai but they knew he definitely knew. (They both had cleanup duty after class and Kai was wondering what was taking them so long. He found them kissing in the class and he just sighed turned around and acted like he saw nothing)

-Yaku's toes get cold at night, so he shoves them between kuroos legs

-Kuroo loves kissing yaku's freckles. (It was the biggest revelation to him when he saw yaku's freckles all over his body when they were changing in the lockeroom first year. He has never been the same since and now he makes sure to let yaku know how much he loves them)

-Kryk didn't like their seniors much, so when they were becoming 3rd years, they talked abt what they were going to do better. Kai suggested they do a team morale kind of thing, so kuroo and yaku nerded out and made up the "we are blood" anthem in chem class

-Yaku likes pulling down Kuroos tie to kiss him. Kuroo is a masochist so he doesn't complain abt the neck pain

-Although one time when they were secretly making out in a cramped storage closet for like 20 minutes, kuroo came out of it with his neck sore since it was super uncomfortable bending down for so long in a tight space (he beared with it bc of the heat of the moment but now it was really catching up to him). Yaku refused to kiss him for 4 days until he caved to Kuroos pleads that 'it didn't hurt that bad'

-Kuroo gets jealous easily, but he never thought it would ever be towards the team. Usually he's chill and only ever treats his juniors well (for the most part) but one time when they were all changing in the lockeroom, Lev saw a big freckle on yaku's back and poked at it out of curiosity (bc he's an idiot) and yaku shrieked and proceeded to scold at him. Something in kuroo snapped (bc he's the only one who can touch yaku's freckles) and he was extra strict and relentless on correcting Lev's blocking. This made everyone alittle confused on his behavior, not bc Lev didn't deserve it (he needs to get better anyways) but bc he was acting differently: "Hey, don't you think Kuroo-san is acting a bit harsher to Lev than usual? Its like he and Yaku-san switched places..."

-When Yaku gets jealous, he's more silent about it and refuses to admit it, usually he acts like nothing is wrong. But kuroo knows that a silent yaku definitely means something is wrong so he pokes and pries until yaku finally decides to tell him. Eventually they get better at communicating this.

-Yaku is usually more reluctant on physical affection, but when he makes the first move, kuroo swears his heart will explode

-Sometimes Yaku nonchalantly says blunt compliments to Kuroo without realizing what he said: "We should come to this beach again. I like how the sunset looks on the water. It reminds me of your eyes" and kuroo will just sit in confused shock and fluster. Yaku will ask him what's wrong and Kuroo will be like "DID YOU JUST COMPARE MY EYES TO THE SUNSET??" and then its yaku's turn to fluster and try to take back what he said. (Yaku's bluntness is his greatest weapon that just so happens to stab him in the back too)

- Yaku gets fixated on Kuroos slender hands and when their fingers are interlocked, he'll complain that it shouldn't be possible his hands are that big compared to his and kuroo will just say "maybe its just that your hands are too small" and then yaku bites his finger

- Yaku also always steals a bite of food from his friends or juniors, which makes kuroo realize Yaku doesn't really steal his food and when he offers yaku his food, yaku usually declines. This makes kuroo get a little sad and he offhandedly brought it up to kenma who just looked at him weird: "Kuro, usually people get sad when other people steal their food, not the other way around." Kuroo had enough and decided to confront yaku about why he never steals his food, and yaku just says "Because you have the worst taste in food" and kuroo just sulks. Yaku just laughs at him until he finally admits the truth: "You big idiot, why would I wanna steal from the person I love?" (Kuroo doesn't get upset anymore but he always gets super happy now whenever yaku accepts food he offers to him)

- Yaku's favorite spot to sleep is on Kuroo's chest, and its the only time he'll acknowledge the fact that he appreciates their height difference so that he can feel kuroo's limbs totally surround him when theyre cuddling. He'll definitely never admit that to kuroo though.

For timeskip i have a ton of diff hcs on how they navigate that, but lemme know if anyone's interested in hearing me ramble abt that!

[mimisempai]

The greatest gift of all

Summary

Crowley has had to resign himself to spending his birthday in the airport coffee shop because of bad weather, but he meets a companion of misfortune. 

Are a few hours spent together in a waiting room enough to change an entire life?

Notes

I am fan of aiport meet-cute, so here you go. Hope you'll enjoy it!

On Ao3

Rating G - 2945 words

Crowley could have raged at the airline for not wanting to take any risks, at the bad weather and even at this damned conference,

but he knew he wouldn't change a thing; he was stuck in the airport coffee shop and he'd better make this night of waiting productive, his arrival in time for his own birthday party now definitely in jeopardy. He'd already phoned his sibling and his ears were still ringing from their protests and complaints. He took another sip of his coffee and told himself that at least he'd been lucky enough to get a good seat, meaning a comfortable seat and, most importantly, a seat with phone and computer connections that would allow him to work on his next conference.

Besides, there was something comforting about the fact that he wasn't the only one in this situation. Not long after he'd settled in, he'd seen a man rush in who seemed at least as relieved as Crowley to find a place similar to his own.

Crowley hadn't noticed him at all, not his sparkling eyes, his devastating smile, or the slightly tousled light hair that gave him a charming air.  Nor had he noticed the way he moved, as if he were dancing all the time, drawing the eye to a body that was not without its charms.

Of course, Crowley hadn't noticed any of this, because Crowley wasn't that shallow.

That didn't stop him from occasionally looking up from his laptop to sneak a peek at the other man. After an hour, he even found it amusing that although they didn't speak, they shared a kind of bond, displaying the same facial expressions when a child was too noisy or when a customer expressed his displeasure too loudly. Crowley began to think, absurdly, that he had a connection with this man. And even more absurdly, he found himself wanting to make that connection, but he thought about the circumstances, the "ifs" and "hows," and decided to forget about it. After all, since when did Crowley approach strangers out of nowhere?

So he focused on his laptop screen and continued working. 

A few minutes later, however, he was pulled out of his concentration not by the other man, but by an old lady who entered the cafe, desperate for a place to charge her cell phone - since when do old people have cell phones - and who said she was trying to contact her family. She trudged from table to table, exhaustion written all over her face. Sighing, Crowley was about to get up and offer her his seat when he saw that the light-haired man had beaten him to it and was offering the old lady his seat with a kind smile. He even went so far as to help her settle in, not leaving with his belongings until he was sure the old lady was comfortable.

Crowley wasn't particularly sociable and generally minded his own business, but the way the other man had behaved with the old lady had touched him, and he surprised himself by raising his hand to wave as the other man made his way to the counter.

When the light-haired man's eyes fell on Crowley, he motioned for him to come closer. The other man looked surprised - pleasantly surprised, Crowley hoped - and a broad smile appeared on his face, revealing dimples that renewed Crowley's interest.

When the man reached him, he said in a low voice that sounded slightly amused, "Hello, there."

He was exactly what Crowley had imagined.

Pointing to the seat in front of him, Crowley said, "I thought maybe you could sit here and we could share this prized possession. Then, holding out his hand, he added, "Anthony Crowley."

The man took Crowley's hand and squeezed it firmly as he replied, "Aziraphale Fell." Somehow his fingers seemed to brush Crowley's wrist for a moment, their hands lingering as their gaze remained fixed, then he added with a gentle smile, "Thank you for your generosity."

"Well, you were the one who was generous to the old lady in the first place."

"Oh, that hardly counts."

"It counted for her."

Crowley leaned over to push his luggage away, making room for Aziraphale to sit across from him. The man pulled out a spiral notebook, pencil, and eraser, which he placed on the table, then settled more comfortably into his seat and asked with a smile far too charming for Crowley's peace of mind, "So, Anthony, may I offer you a cup of coffee by way of thanks? "

"With pleasure, Aziraphale."

Aziraphale's eyes lit up and Crowley denied any feeling of butterflies in his stomach. A feeling he found hard to deny as it grew in the hours that followed.

Crowley had never realized how much truth there was in the saying that time flies when you're in good company. For time had flown with Aziraphale.

His companion was funny and witty, and Crowley wasn't sure if what amazed him most was the way Aziraphale showed his emotions so openly, the way they talked as if they'd known each other all their lives, or the way Aziraphale touched him so easily when he wanted to back up his words with a gentle squeeze of his hand or arm. Or now, the way Aziraphale slipped in next to him so they didn't have to speak loudly, the way he touched his thigh or leaned his head against him when he laughed out loud.

They spent the whole time discussing movies, literature, music, the conference Crowley had attended, the art exhibition Aziraphale had to go to, all the while commenting on the customers passing through the coffee shop. It was honestly one of the best evenings Crowley had spent since... well, that said a lot about him that he couldn't even remember ever having such a good time.

Aziraphale had at one point joked that their meeting was worthy of one of those rom-coms Crowley had said he loved so much, and Crowley found himself thinking the same thing as time went on.

After the coffee shop closed, they stayed together and tacitly made their way to an empty waiting room with deckchairs and blankets. In the half-light, they moved the chairs closer together and, lying down and covering themselves, continued to talk, broaching more personal subjects, feeling, without really understanding why, more and more at ease with each other.

Aziraphale spoke of always feeling different, apart, not always in tune with the people of his generation, of his not always happy childhood between an unloving father and a mother who died too soon, but he had also spoken with such joy of his bookshop, the street it was on, all his shopkeeper friends who had replaced his absent family and accepted him as he was. In response, Crowley had spoken of his adoptive sibling, Muriel, of their close relationship because they were both orphans, of his passion for the stars and the joy of making it his profession, of his odd passion for ducks, and had been surprised once again that Aziraphale had listened to him seriously and not once made fun of what he had said.

They both spoke of their loneliness and lack of a stable relationship, finding another common ground, another connection.

Then, without realizing it, lulled by the soft whisper of Aziraphale's voice, the warmth of his body that he could feel radiating from him, and his soothing presence, Crowley had fallen asleep.

He was awakened by the sensation of a brush on his forehead and a small pressure on his shoulder as his companion said softly, "Anthony...wake up."

The smell of coffee reaching his nostrils completed his awakening. He looked at his watch, shocked that he had slept for almost an hour. He'd never let his guard down like that, let alone with someone he'd just met. It spoke volumes about how quickly his feelings for his new friend were growing.

He straightened in his chair and took the steaming mug Aziraphale handed him with a gentle smile.

"I couldn't sleep, so I got us this."

Crowley asked in surprise, "You were awake the whole time?"

Aziraphale nodded. 

Crowley smiled and said approvingly, "You really are an angel, first the old lady you gave up your seat to, then offering me coffee and watching over my sleep.

"The sight was pleasant," Aziraphale replied in deflection, clearly embarrassed by the compliment, before adding teasingly, "but the snoring was quite unbearable."

Crowley exclaimed, "What?! But I don't sno-" he paused as Aziraphale burst out laughing.

"I changed my mind, you're a little devil."

He joined in his new friend's laughter when suddenly they were both interrupted by the voice from the loudspeakers. 

The air traffic will resume shortly.

Flight XXX to Glasgow Airport will be boarding in 30 minutes, please proceed to the gate.

Flight XXX to Cardiff Airport will be boarding in 45 minutes, please proceed to the gate.

They didn't listen as all traces of joy disappeared from their faces along with their laughter, for it was their respective flights that had just been announced. With a single movement, they began to pack their belongings, put their coats back on, and found themselves face to face, unable to say a word, unable to make a gesture. Unable to take their eyes off each other. 

Aziraphale was the first to break contact, glancing at their belongings. "I can watch your stuff if you still want to go to the restroom."

Crowley nodded and agreed. Anything to prolong the connection.

In the restroom, he took the opportunity to freshen up while he debated what to do. Aziraphale was charming, attractive, witty and intelligent. Not perfect, no, but perfect for Crowley, if he was honest with himself. They both lived in London, so distance wouldn't be a problem. 

Aziraphale had awakened a hope in him that he hadn't felt in a long time, and he felt that this budding relationship, if you can call it that, had great potential. He looked in the mirror and laughed to himself, there was nothing between them and it was almost as if he was already planning their life together. He didn't even know if Aziraphale was interested in him. 

Wasn't it crazy to consider a relationship with someone you'd only known for a few hours? 

But he found it hard to ignore the feeling of what if... what if he too had a right to happiness and he was letting it pass him by, what if this was his chance and he was letting it pass him by?

Was it worth the risk? 

Was Aziraphale worth taking a risk, this time completely recklessly?

Crowley didn't have to think long to know the answer. 

The answer was yes. 

Determined, he pulled out one of the business cards he always carried and a pen. He scribbled his personal number and hesitated a bit before adding, "Call me." 

When Crowley arrived at the entrance to the waiting room, he saw Aziraphale sitting there, staring at his phone, looking slightly dejected, which made Crowley's heart race with the hope that maybe Aziraphale was in the same frame of mind as he was.

When he saw him, Aziraphale smiled, not as brightly as before, but genuinely. He stood and waited for Crowley to join him when the loudspeaker called for the passengers to reboard the plane.

They approached each other, both visibly hesitant, neither willing to say the words that would end their encounter.

Aziraphale muttered, "Oh, damn... " then stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Crowley, pulling him close.

Startled, Crowley froze, then exhaled in relief as he wrapped his arms around Aziraphale.

Aziraphale murmured against his chest, "Happy birthday, Anthony."

"Thank you, Aziraphale." 

Crowley discreetly slipped the card into Aziraphale's coat pocket, then they stepped back and it was all over.

Crowley turned to pick up his luggage, grabbing his laptop bag and slinging it over his shoulder. Aziraphale had done the same and now he was dancing from one foot to the other, hesitating. 

He looked so adorable that it filled Crowley with a foolish surge of confidence and before he could think, he was leaning over the other man and brushing his mouth over his lips in a chaste kiss.

"Goodbye, Aziraphale." 

As he walked away, Crowley couldn't help but look back one last time to see that Aziraphale was still watching him and had brought his fingers to the lips Crowley had just kissed.

Crowley refrained from running toward him and continued walking. But as the distance between them grew, he felt his confidence evaporate like snow in the sun. He tried not to think about the other man as he crossed the airport. He tried not to wonder if Aziraphale would call him, and if so, when. Finally, he found his seat and, after putting his things away, made himself comfortable. That's when his phone buzzed in his pocket. 

Heart beating a little faster, he looked at the screen. 

The number was unknown.

Look in the front pocket of

your laptop bag. 

A.

The "A" immediately told him who it was. He did as the message instructed and was surprised to find a small package where it said. Inside was a small porcelain angel attached to a ring. Crowley had compared Aziraphale to an angel earlier, so Aziraphale had probably bought it in the souvenir shop next to the waiting room while Crowley was in the restroom. 

There was a small tag around the angel's neck with some words scribbled on it, Crowley looked closer. " So that you'll remember me." 

Crowley felt the butterflies come back. 

He grabbed his phone and quickly dialed the number, knowing his time was running out and not wanting to wait until he reached his destination to talk to Aziraphale.

He didn't even have time to get a word in before Aziraphale spoke up, "So can we talk before our planes take off? And maybe plan an evening for me to take you out to dinner when we're both back in London? In four or five days? As soon as you get back. Unless you'd rather wait-"

"Aziraphale!

"Huh? What?"

"Breathe..."

Crowley smiled at the sound of embarrassed laughter on the other end of the line, then assured Aziraphale that yes, they could meet. Absolutely. Without a doubt. The conversation was easy and full of eagerness to see each other again, to have another date - a real first date, something they both wanted. They talked for nearly half an hour before Crowley's flight took off. Aziraphale promised to text Crowley when he landed, and Crowley promised to do the same. 

As they hung up, they both thought that their meeting was truly worthy of a romantic comedy.

**********

A year later, to the day, Crowley and Aziraphale sat comfortably together on a sofa, watching television without actually seeing it.

On the coffee table in front of them were the remains of a birthday cake and two glasses of champagne.

Crowley lay with his head in Aziraphale's lap while one of Aziraphale's hands rested on his hip and the other was buried in his red hair.

Crowley sighed contentedly and murmured, "We couldn't have settled down like this a year ago." 

Aziraphale chuckled softly, "Well, we hardly knew each other," he brushed back a strand of Crowley's hair and continued, "Strange birthday, wasn't it?"

Crowley straightened up a little until he was almost sitting on his lover's lap. Then he wrapped his arms around Aziraphale's neck as Aziraphale's hands slid to his hips. He leaned forward and murmured against his lover's lips, "Best birthday ever, until this one, obviously."

He closed the distance and pressed his lips to Aziraphale's in a tender kiss.

Nothing could be truer. For a long time, Crowley had resigned himself to ending up alone. But a year ago, fate had put this man in his path, and what he'd thought was impossible had become his daily routine.

He no longer stayed at work because all that awaited him was a cold apartment; now he couldn't wait to get home, to Aziraphale's bookshop.

Living with his lover had been so easy. It was as if they both clicked. Each brought the missing piece to the other.

Only one thing remained.

Three words Crowley hadn't said.

Three words he had felt for a long time.

Three words he wanted to say now.

Aziraphale pulled him out of his thoughts by saying with a small smile on his lips, "You did get a little birthday present that day though, didn't you?"

"You mean this little trinket?"

Aziraphale replied with a knowing look, "That little trinket with the keys to your precious Bentley hanging on it? I think you must like it a little to have hung it there."

Crowley replied casually: "It's the one who put it in my pocket that I love."

Aziraphale tensed a little before pulling back to meet Crowley's gaze, "...you... ?"

"Yes." 

Crowley swallowed once and repeated clearly, "I love you, Aziraphale, my airport angel."

Aziraphale's smile widened, and then he cupped Crowley's face in his hands, brought it close to his own, and whispered, "I love you, too," before capturing his lips in a long kiss that went on and on, breaking only to reaffirm their love before kissing again. 

They both smiled blissfully when they finally parted long enough to catch their breath and then Crowley cuddled up to Aziraphale, who wrapped his arms around him as he gently kissed his lover's hair before whispering, "Happy birthday, my love."

Crowley could only nod against his lover's warm embrace.

Yes, it was the happiest of birthdays.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[railingsofsorrow]

still friends

summary: garcia and morgan know things.

pairing: s.reid x gn!reader

w.c: 1.1K

warnings: break-up talk; angst; insecurities; problems with attachment; longing; regrets; happy ending? read and find out; poorly edited.

A/N: funfact, this was supposed to be a small drabble.

[inspired by meant to be; ber, charlie oriain]

navi

masterpost

━━━━━━━━━━━━

“you really do love him, don't you?”

you're not used to being called out. all your life you masked your emotions with the skills of a performer. body behaviour and vulnerability wasn't something that walked side by side with you. you had total control of your surroundings, but mostly of the way your hands were placed, how fast you blinked and/or the tone of your voice.

vulnerability can be expressed in many ways. one of them is the way you react to certain things. do you yell? do you cry? do you stay quiet and shut down for a few days? do you seek help right away?

you were taught, from a very young age, that building up walls was a necessary means to ensure safety. they can't break you down if they don't know how to.

although, some days, you wish that it was different. what if you wore your heart on your sleeve? what if you said what you wanted to say instead of just abdicating of the things that made you fear but also made you feel alive?

it was a burden hanging onto your shoulders like a heavy luggage in a long trip — where would you dump it? could you get rid of it? would you want to get rid of it?

hard question. one you've always ignored.

and then, there is penelope garcia. who preaches she's nowhere as good in profiling as her team is, but she can read the silence and see beneath a forced smile from a mile away.

the mask that you walk around with? the inscrutable brick wall. penelope just crumbled it down with an axe. it turned into sand; it had always been sand. so thin that it dripped from your fingers like water.

you felt ashamed.

“i don't know what you're talking about.” you clear your throat, completely unprepared by that claim from your friend. the poor excuse escaping from your lips as easy as whatever emotion your eyes mirrored. for a split of second.

to penelope, that had been lingering for a while. she did truly believe that saying about the eyes being the window of the soul. and she couldn't help but notice that your soul along with spencer's... displayed the same shadow.

it was sad, really. penelope garcia was a fixer. she wanted everything to go according to plan, even if if didn't, she made sure it would.

not this time.

“you two have the same look towards each other.” she shared, playing with her colourful pen nervously. god, how could she stop their suffering? maybe if she knew the reason of your break-up... “you never told me why you two broke up.” you almost flinched, hands clenching instinctively. here's your body again, defending itself, building up mechanics to escape and survive. “i'm sorry,” the blonde grimaced, touching the back of your hand softly. “i didn't mean to sound so invasive—”

“you didn't.” you said, ignoring that little voice yelling shut up, don't be weak! “we, uh— we decided. it was a mutual decision.” there were scientific explanations about why you felt as if your heart were pinching your ribcase when you remembered an old lover. you couldn't remember any of that now.

“oh.” she said, acting surprised. not acting, she really was surprised. that made you let out a chuckle. penelope told you once that you and spencer were the two people she trusted would be forever. it's like... meant to be. you're perfect for each other.

well, perfect can become unbearable sometimes. or it can never exist at all.

your eyebrows slowly drew together. “what do you mean we share the same look?” the smile she gave you didn't please you that much. it was sad, almost pitiful.

“it's that longing... like he's missing something. his eyes say everything. you know that.”

your gaze fell to your unfinished paperwork, reading twice to figure out where you needed to get back to. you didn't met your friends’ eyes for a while. you didn't know what to say to that.

you missed spencer. of course you did. you love him with your whole heart. but it wasn't enough. the both of you weren't enough to one another. and that's fine, you've been over this for a hundred times in your head. a thousand other possibilities could have happened. so many what ifs...

but the past was in the past, there was not point in dwelling on it.

the burning sensation on your cheek didn't force you to look in the culprit's direction. no. you focused on your paperwork just like penelope had resumed to her fast typing.

we are still friends.

spencer's tongue twitched in his mouth, itching in anticipation. it was overwhelming feeling as if he couldn't utter a word to you. you're coworkers. you were friends before... before your relationship ended. so why can't it be easy like before? why can't it be that carefree and non-problematic?

he missed your laughs. he missed the scrunch in the middle of your forehead when you were focused. he even missed your incessant habit of chewing a pen cap. spencer missed everything. he missed the fighting and the occasional silence treatment. he missed saying sorry even if he wasn't in the wrong. he missed you.

why did he agreed to that stupid break-up?

“you good, pretty boy?” he blinked awake once he felt a nudge on his shoulder, bringing him back to reality. the painful reality of loneliness.

spencer only did realized he was staring into your direction when his eyes focused again. he quickly looked away. anywhere else. it ended up being derek, who stared at him with a half knowing half concerned look.

“yeah.” spencer said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly as he stood up from his desk. “i'm gonna make some coffee. you- you want some?” his felt his face warming up like it would fucking explode.

derek, to spencer's luck, decided to let it slide and nodded. he scrambled away with two mugs in hand, disappearing into the kitchenette.

it didn't matter thinking about the range of possibilities of what he could have done or said. because the past is in the past. it's over — spencer thought bitterly as a drip of hot coffee landed on his hand. he hissed, turning on the tap to quickly wash away the burning.

burning.

he missed the burning.

he missed you.

but it wouldn't come back. it was over. he was only left with the past.

at least we're still friends, right?

━━━━━━━━━━━━

taglist: @lilyviolets

[silviakundera]

My fascination with Li Rong & Pei Wenxuan's original timeline continues... novel snippets

(good times)

Li Rong did remember Pei Wenxuan's youthfulness.

Although it had been many years, she still remembered the first time the two of them kissed, Pei Wenxuan's cautious and panic-stricken appearance.

At the beginning, it was just a light touch of lips to lips, only feeling a little soft, but nothing else, not as mysterious as the rumors.

Later on, it was reckless and clumsy, with a little more desire, but Li Rong didn't feel much pleasure either, just a couple, just married, coping.

But her coping fell into the eyes of Pei Wenxuan, who had always been a good student and had learned to do her make-up and eyebrows for her, and would not fail to do so.

It was a funny thing to think about, but he was not ashamed to ask, and it really gave him a way out.

He could do a dozen types of make-up for Li Rong.

He could also, with a single kiss, give Li Rong the ultimate pleasure on earth.

*

(a covenant)

Li Rong slowly calmed down at his words, such encounters were not new, she had experienced them countless times in her previous life, yet it had been many years since she had been tied together with Pei Wenxuan in such a way, living and dying together.

She could not help but look at Pei Wenxuan, sizing up the young man in his early twenties in front of her. Pei Wenxuan was leaning against the table, looking out of the window at the people coming and going, seemingly thinking about something, he noticed Li Rong's eyes and turned his head to look at Li Rong, seeing Li Rong gazing at him, he could not help but smile: "What is Your Highness looking at me for?"

"I just remembered," Li Rong smiled up, "it seems like the first time we did things like now."

"The first year we were married, we were quite close," Li Rong tapped her fan on her hand and turned her head to look out of the window with a bit of nostalgia, "but we were still young and ignorant of the affairs of the court, and we had never encountered such a big event."

"Later on, when things came up, you and I were already quarrelling a lot, and the only time I was touched by you was in prison. I thought at the time that you would abandon Chuan'er and I and defect to Concubine [Ruo]," Li Rong said and couldn't help but look over again, laughing, "Why didn't you run away then?"

Pei Wenxuan was silent, Li Rong didn't care much, and then added, "Later we couldn't say we were on good terms, defensive on one side and helpful on the other. It was never as cordial as it is now."

"What if I told you that I never wanted to give up on you?"

Li Rong looked up in surprise and saw Pei Wenxuan looking at her calmly, "The covenant you and I made in the last life, I never broke it."

So that year, when Li Chuan abolished the crown prince and Li Rong was imprisoned, he was in a high position and never thought of defecting to others.

Subconsciously, even though he had been arguing with Li Rong for years, he chose without hesitation to go to the prison in the first instant and watch that person make a promise to wait for him to return.

Li Rong couldn't speak, her eyelashes trembling slightly as Pei Wenxuan smiled, "We've been through so many trials, isn't it only right that you trust me in this life?"

*

(regrets)

"I remember once in the tenth year of Kangping, you and I went to the Ministry of Punishment together." Li Rong leaned against Pei Wenxuan and listened to him talk about the past, "you watched the execution of the prisoner, I saw your hands shaking, you hid your hands in your sleeves and curled them on the handrail so that no one would notice, you kept that position for all afternoon.

"I don't remember."

"Then you came out and threw up, Su Rongqing stood by your side and kept calming you down, bringing you tea and water."

Li Rong did not speak, she listened quietly, then she heard Pei Wenxuan say, "When I came back that day, I kept thinking that I should have pulled you, should have lit incense, should have talked to you, maybe you would have been much better."

"In my last life there were many things I didn't do well and didn't do."

Pei Wenxuan said, looking down at Li Rong: "In this life, if there is anything I didn't do well, Your Highness remember to talk to me."

Li Rong leaned in quietly and listened to his heartbeat. Pei Wenxuan was puzzled, "Your Highness?"

"Very well."

*

(a second chance)

Li Rong did not say anything, and Pei Wenxuan laughed lightly, "If that is the case, Your Highness must be blaming herself."

"You go out!"

"Guess so." Pei Wenxuan got happy, Li Rong squeezed her pen tighter and stared at him warningly, Pei Wenxuan laughed out loud and shook his head somewhat helplessly. "You," he said, he reached out his hand and took the person in his arms.

This was something she had never experienced before.

In her last life, when she was young with Pei Wenxuan, she was rarely involved in political affairs. Later on, the two of them also went their separate ways, and when it came to sad matters, it was good if this person did not mock. When was there such a gentle time.

Li Rong leaned against his chest and he did not say anything. After holding the person quietly for a moment, he said in a slow voice, "Your Highness is not happy, so talk to me about it."

"I don't want to talk about it."

"In my last life, when you were sick, I went to ask the doctor," Pei Wenxuan wrapped his arms around the person in his arms. Remembering the last days of his last life, he couldn't help but soften his tone, "The doctor said you were depressed and worried too much, in your last life you were a bored gourd, no one listened to you. Now I am here, can't you talk about it? Can't you still talk about it?"

Li Rong leaned against Pei Wenxuan, she closed her eyes for a long time before saying, "I thought you would have wanted me to die back then."

"I did think so when we were arguing," Pei Wenxuan laughed, "but when I thought about it, I felt a bit sad, thinking that you, an old demon, should live a long life."

When Li Rong heard this, she couldn't help but laugh out loud, and when Pei Wenxuan heard her laugh, he knew she was happy. He thought for a moment and bowed his head, "Your Highness, in this life, you really must live a long life."

In her last life she had been in poor health since then, and when winter came she was on her death bed, and he sometimes went to see her and heard the news that she was ill. And he was standing at the door talking to her about the dynasty, listening to her coughing intermittently.

He did not want to go through this again; he wanted to live this life with Li Rong, to live to old age, and to be at peace, unstained by illness.

Thinking like this, he couldn't help but hug Li Rong a few points tighter, Li Rong sensed his emotions, she leaned against him and after a long time, said in a slow voice, "Pei Wenxuan, what use do you think the princess has?"

Pei Wenxuan took her in his arms and listened quietly, Li Rong was still a bit raw when it came to these things, but she leaned against this man and heard him say that he wanted her to have a good life, so she didn't hold back and opened her mouth.

"Xun Chuan asked me how it could be so difficult to ask for a fair share of justice, something that should be in the world. In fact, I think she asked a childish question, there is no real justice in this world, but when she asked me that, I was sad. Do you think I am the one who is childish?"

Li Rong said, and couldn't help but laugh, "What business is it of mine about these things? She is a teenager, she should be naive, how can I be upset by all this when I am so old?"

Pei Wenxuan did not say anything, he took a moment and then slowly said, "Your Highness, do you remember, when I sent Yang Lie out, you asked me: you said that when I was young I also wanted the common people to have a better life, but in the end I still fought with you for my personal rights. I did not argue with Your Highness at that time; in fact, I was afraid that Your Highness would laugh at me."

Li Rong listened to these words and raised her eyes to look at him, a little strange. Pei Wenxuan looked at the eighteen-year-old girl, he gently laughed, "In fact, I am also several dozen years old, and my heart is also the same as your highness."

"When I see injustice, my heart will be sad."

"When I see people displaced, my heart breaks."

"When I see soldiers fighting in the sands and not returning, I wonder when there will be peace and prosperity and when we can live in peace."

"Of course I am not a saint or a good person, I also want to live, and live well, and have peace and stability for my family before I think about this. Even I am much more cowardly than Your Highness, and I am much more concerned about gains and losses."

Pei Wenxuan said, and sighed, "Just like that case of the Su family back then, I also felt it was inappropriate, but I didn't dare to dissuade it like Your Highness did, for fear of losing His Majesty's heart. In the end, it was only because I saw that His Majesty had developed guilt and was afraid that something would really happen to Her Highness that I went to persuade His Majesty."

"I didn't dare to tell anyone about this, especially not Your Highness, for fear that Your Highness would laugh at me."

"What is there to laugh at?" Li Rong said, "It's good that you have a good heart."

"So," Pei Wenxuan turned to her and returned her words to her, "it's good that Your Highness has a good heart."

Li Rong froze, and only then did she realise that Pei Wenxuan had gone round and round in circles, but was actually advising her.

[34saveme34]

Snowtrapped 2 but it's emotional instead

I barely edited this thing but I must post it <3 I like it too much tbh

anyways light touches of suggestive, and references at snowtrapped obviously, although they don't outright talk about it, no cover this time we die like men

anyways word count: 4602

It started like any other day. With the usual arguments following them, as they perpetrated the intense part of their dynamic. 3 agitated 4, 4 agitated 3, hijinks ensued. It was how it always went these days. The 2 were fine with this… for the most part. The worst part of this was that both of them were sensitive but still liked to mess with each other. They had to walk a thin line for nothing bad to happen. And boy, was that hard. 

It was a snowy day, and 3, 4 and friends went to an especially snowy place as a vacation. They all deserved it. Although, the snow could bring out memories for the 2, it was a bit easier now to push it to the back of their heads. It was the past. It was a different time. They were different. They felt different. They’re friends at this point! Although 3 seemed to deny it a lot, 4 could see through that. Which is also why it was so tragic when he accidentally pushed 3 too hard and had to again see the man upset by his own actions. It always reminded him of the past. Something he had a complex relationship with, as it was something that affected him to this day, with all its differences, similarities and furthermore things that would just confuse him. Confuse him in so many ways. He wished he had answers. Maybe he wished a bit too hard. 

As their snowy hijinks, which they were doing with their friends brought them to an all too familiar situation: being snowed in. No escape. Only each other’s company. It was almost like faith that it was only those 2. Or maybe it was planned, who knows.

“Ugh…” 4 got up as he fell in pretty hard, he was on top of 3, more or less.

“Get off me, you bitch!” 3 quickly pushed him off, annoyed at 4. 

As they got up, looking at the door, both realized what happened. And that they were stuck together.

“You’ve got to be kidding me” both said at the same time which made the 2 glare at each other.

“This is all your fault!” 3 yelled at 4.

“Mine??! How would it be mine?? I wasn’t the one launching a whole damn avalanche!”

“Shut the fuck up” 3 sat down, grabbing at his face. It seemed he was trying to keep at least some sanity.

“No, you shut the fuck up!” 4 said, also sitting down, facing away from 3. 

Truly maturely they stayed like this for a while not uttering a word. But soon, the cold set in.

“Hey… 3…. m… my man” 4 sat beside 3, who looked at him cautiously.

“Yeeees?” he squinted at 4, not trusting him for a second.

“I’m cold”

“Well, shit, 4, I don’t control the weather!”

“No, I mean-”

“I’m definitely not desperate enough for that yet…”

“Yet?” 4 teased him, for which 3 hit him hard in the head.

“Stupid”

“In the meantime while you get over that, we could try and get out somehow. At least try.”

3 sighed as he got up.

“You’re unfortunately right…”

“Maybe we could even find a meme and use it to get out!”

“Yea, good thinking” 3 mumbled it a bit, although 4 could still understand.

“Don’t know why you need to be so defensive about me being right”

“YOU do the same thing as well”

4 was about to protest but realised that 3 was kind of right.

“Oookay…” 

They started really examining the place. Not much food, no meme in sight, a single blanket folded neatly in a closet.

4 took it for himself fast.

“Hey, you hogger!” 3 glared at 4.

“As I said before-”

“I’m not cuddling your stupid ass!”

4 looked down to his feet. He knew that it was just their thing but.

“I really thought we got further…”

“What did you say?” 3 looked at him with an expression that was hard to read.

This scared 4. He wasn’t sure what to do, repeating it felt like a hard task, so he just stared.

“You can’t just talk in half sentences, 4”

“I just… thought you’d be more comfortable with me at this point”

3 was about to protest but thinking about it, he really should’ve been less stupid about it.

“I can’t just- I’m tense, okay, I’m tense! Are you happy now that I told you??”

4 chuckled.

“You never really tell me. I just have to guess myself how you feel”

“Well, you aren’t the easiest case yourself- it- ugh, I don’t want to go into it, definitely not right now-”

“Into what?”

“It doesn’t matter, forget about it”

“3…”

“Don’t 3 me”

4 sat down with the blanket under him so it wouldn’t be as uncomfortable to sit. 3 paced around for a bit. Tried to use his hands as shovels to maybe get out then quickly gave up. This kept repeating. It was kind of tiring to watch. 4 was on the verge of commenting on it. But he could see that he shouldn’t: 3 looked close to snapping. He knew that look. It was upsetting.

Especially as 3 seemed to tire, having to keep up with the cold, now he was starting to feel it too. He leaned against the cold wall, trying not to let the cold get to him. 

4 was watching him. It was awful to watch. He could see 3 slowly slipping down against the wall. 

“Alright, that’s enough” 4 had enough of this as he wrapped his arms and blanket around 3, who didn’t have nearly as much fight in himself as before.

“Dude…”

“What?”

“...Thanks.” 3 lightly leaned closer into 4 arms. That was shocking to 4. He wasn’t sure how to feel.

Sure, he insisted on 3 joining him, but he… never really considered what he would do once he did. He never considered what would happen if 3 didn’t fight him. The comfort made him weird. He wanted to stay somewhere deep in his heart but decided to just slip right out of the blanket and just put it on 3.

“Oh..?” 3 looked at him, the weakness in his eyes showing. He looked painfully genuine.

“I’ll try myself this time”

3 glared then looked away from 4. It was hard to tell what he might be thinking.

4 tried to separate the snow. It was easy, the snow was soft yet cold, and the more he would shovel with his hands to the side, the more would fall in. He panicked, which made him feel agitated as he started to get faster with it. He got so fast the snow of the ceiling fell on him, leaving him colder than ever.

3 rolled his eyes.

“I always think you can’t be more stupid but you always manage to prove that wrong”

“Sh-Shut U-Up” 4 was practically shaking from the cold. Who knew he was so sensitive.

3 sighed and got up. He brushed the snow off of 4. Usually such casual touch wouldn’t be this bad for him but the isolation was getting to him. He cared so much. But, right now, especially right now, he didn’t want that to come out. He didn’t want his caring side out in the open, for 4 to witness and tease. 

to his surprise 4 only gave him a soft smile before adding a few words to his reaction.

“You didn’t need to do that, I can take care of myself”

3 was disappointed.

“I don’t want to be in the same space with a dead body”

“Hey now, you’re already thinking of me dying??”

“Well… It would be funny now that you say it” 3 grinned.

“I don’t find it funny”

“When did I say I care?”

“I see through you, my friend, I do”

“You’re as blind as a bat actually”

“I’m not, I got the 20/20 vision going for me!”

“Crazy if true, considering how much you’re on your pc”

“SAYS WHO”

“ME”

The 2 glared at each other. For quite a few painful seconds. The tenseness in them took over as they started to fight physically.

Although it was one of those little slap fights. It felt less like a fight and more like a comedy bit.

The 2 separated, although 4 found himself cold again. He stared at 3 without realising.

“What?” 3 asked, in a defensive manner as if 4 was about to strip him with his eyes. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. It just further reminded him of past events… But they were different now, it wouldn’t happen.

4 took a bit but he did manage to snap out of it.

“Huh? Nothing! Nothing at all”

“You’re cold, aren’t you?”

“Noooo, what gave you the impression?”

“You shivering”

4 facepalmed. 3 was right, he couldn’t believe how obvious he was.

“Come here, I did say I don’t want to be stuck with a dead body”

4 resisted first but the cold got to him, he had to. He didn’t like it but he had to.

“Jeez, I didn’t think you would be this cold”

“Why did you think I was shivering”

“... Fair point”

4 leaned into 3’s chest, trying to get closer in a less uncomfortable way. It was really hard though, considering how they were just a few moments ago. He was too tired and cold to care though. He even wrapped his arms around 3, having a secure hold on him. 4 didn’t like how comforting this felt. Something about cuddling 3 felt different. Suddenly  the memories hit him again, of the past. It made him feel a bit gross for his thoughts. He wouldn’t ever wanna think of 3 that way. Not again at least.

The 2 stayed silent for a while, it felt illegal to speak. Even though both of them still felt tense. 3 felt too weird in all this, he had to comment on it.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you enjoyed this”

“What?? You think I do?” 4 looked offended.

“You were cuddling me with the same glee Eggdog would and oooh he loves me a lot” he talked with with his baby voice at the end when mentioning his child. Just simply the thought of him made him feel happy.

4 rolled his eyes.

“I’m just trying to stay warm, really. If I liked cuddling you, I’d do it  outside of dire situations like this”

“Like I’d care if you would… stupid”

“Would you?”

“No!”

“Oooh, but it looks like you would” he found 3’s reaction just a little bit entertaining. Indulging a little shouldn’t hurt much!

“Shut up! I wouldn’t! Even the hand holding feel unnecessary”

“Well, we had to do that, to save the world and all that stuff”

“Okay? Doesn’t change a thing. I don’t like to do it”

4 stared at 3, unimpressed. 3 felt a bit nervous.

“You’re as annoying as ever” 4 said as he got up “You know what, I rather freeze”

3 felt that struck at his heart. That HURT to hear, christ. 

“The fuck you mean you’d rather freeze??”

“If you don’t want to be near me so badly, then I won’t bother you. I can try and bury myself in the snow so you don’t have to face me dead cold”

“Jeez, how kind of you to- HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND??? You THINK I WANT THAT??!”

“FELT LIKE IT”

“YOU DUMB IDIOT”

“DUMB AND IDIOT MEANS THE SAME THING”

“YES, I’M POINTING OUT YOUR SPECIALLY LACK OF SMARTS”

“FUCK YOU”

Aaaand they fought again. This time a bit more violent as 3 pinned 4 down.

“Any last words?” 3 was tired so he didn’t sound as threatening as he would’ve wanted to.

“You’re gay” 4 teased as he pulled 3 down on him with the little strength he had left. Unfortunately, this way they were left to stare at each other, it was kind of hard to pay attention to anything else when they were this close. 3 didn’t look amused. 4 chuckled.

“Gotcha”

“And you said you don’t want me near”

“I would push you off if I had the energy to”

“Nice excuse”

“It’s a reason, not an excuse”

3 sighed as he fully laid his head down on 4’s chest. He was now truly too tired to care.

“Why can’t we just get along”

“Cuz you’re a piece of shit”

3 looked at 4 again, clearly unamused.

“Like yourself, of course”

4 found it interesting how 3 deflected by calling him an ass too.

“Maybe, yeah… I don’t know why really”

“We’re just like this? I guess, I don’t know. We should be, right?”

“It’s… what’s the best, right?”

3 thought for a bit, some hard words on his mind.

“We’re… friends”

“I… I know”

Air felt heavy, as the 2 were trying to comprehend each other, what were they going for.

“You know…” 3 started, already feeling his face heat up “Ever since we became friends, it’s been… a bit less fun to be a villain. Juuust a smidge”

4 found himself smiling, hearing that his heart just warmed up whole.

“Glad to hear that…”

“It’s something I struggle with it a lot though”

“Why so?”

“Who… am I if not your local villain… who would I be?”

The question caught 4 so off guard, staring shocked at 3. He never thought 3 could feel that way. He kind of felt bad for a lot of the things he’s said and done now. He gently grabbed 3’s face by his cheek, by which he noticed 3 being a bit more hot. He was sure it’s just them slowly feeling weird from the cold.

“Hey now, don’t say that… you’re so much more… a cool streamer, a great meme guardian partner… a great friend, maybe… my greatest”

3 was practically turning into a heater from the compliments. But it definitely didn’t mean anything. 3 collected all his courage, to ask one thing he wanted to know.

“Your greatest?”

“Yea… pretty much”

“Isn’t it Mario for you?”

“You’re… different”

“Different?”

“Well, you know- yeah, you’re a friend in a different way than he is to me. You’re just… different… I guess, we just work differently”

“You mean the meme guardian stuff?”

4 glanced to the side, it was hard to guess what he could mean by that.

“That too”

“You know… I do kind of find it weird… that we have to hold hands to use our powers.. or at least touch”

“Yeah… but I don’t think you would be this close to me without it”

“Let’s not even think about that”

3 looked kind of bummed about the idea.

“Awww, you’d miss being friends with me that much?”

3 growled, though too tired to act.

“You say that like you wouldn’t”

“Of course, I would miss it so much” 4 said, hugging 3. The air being not so tense felt nice. It was easier to express himself.

3 was in deep, Jesus. He could barely think, besides lightly hugging back. 

“You could’ve warned me at least”

“Nope, it’s more fun this way”

“But you said you care about me”

“There’s some privileges you’ll never get”

“Tch… stupid”

“Ahem… Tsundere”

3 stared at 4, a single word making him feel energy come back to him. Out of anger of course. God, that made him so so angry.

“Not that word again, no, shut the fuck up. No one wants to hear that, idiot”

“I wanted to hear it personally” 4 chuckled.

“For what? You’re implying you’re my crush or something? You’re wrong then, bitch” 3 got up, angrily pointing and gesticulating. Oh, that touched a nerve, didn’t it.

4 raised an eyebrow.

“I didn’t say that… Only you did, just now” 

3’s face was painted with realisation, as then colour drained from his face. Oh no, he did not fucking do that!!

“The word is literally used that way. How am I supposed to take it then? Why did you call me that anyways, asshole” 3 turned away from 4.

“I just found it fits… even in a platonic way. It’s so obvious you want affection but you still push people away”

3 looked back at 4 then away.

“Just like that” 4 sighed.

“You… YOU” 3 turned back “ You ALWAYS think you’re the bigger and better person”

“Well, I am right now? I’m not the one misinterpreting shit”

“You just have this air around you, you know? Like you always think you’re the god of this show! That nobody is better than you, especially me, I’m really tired of that. Really fucking tired”

“Are you really getting mad about me calling you a tsundere??”

“IT’S MORE THAN THAT”

“HOW CAN IT BE MORE???”

“IT’S A PATTERN… a long going one” 3 stared daggers into 4. It was like a whiplash compared to what they had previously.

“What pattern???”

“Stuff’s always about you. You’re always trying to one up me as well. It feels like whenever you butt into something, it becomes about you.”

4 stared. He didn’t know what to do with that information.

“You’re so weird. First you say you wished we were friends earlier, now you berate me”

“Because you can’t shut the fuck up when you need to. Maybe if you did, we would get along better”

“Well, MAYBE, if you stopped being an ASSHOLE, that would help a lot more”

“MAYBE. IF YOU STOPPED BEING SUCH A WHINY BITCH IT’D HELP EVEN MORE”

The 2 stared at each other, unsure whether to feel angry or sad. 

“You know where it hurts, huh? You know me so well you know EXACTLY what to say to make me angry” 4 spoke, anger seething through him.

“Not hard when you get upset about everything!!”

“You make me more than upset”

“Oh yeah? What do I make you, huh? Tell me”

4 looked down.

“Confused. And sad. You make me sad”

3 stared at him.

“That’s it? Really?”

“Do you really want to know?”

“Well, now I god damn do, not like I care about your thoughts”

4 had enough, as he got up and pushed 3 against the wall. It was cold, just as cold as 4’s stare.

“Do you REALLY want to know, 3?”

3 tried to look anywhere but 4. 4 grabbed 3’s chin.

“I… I guess… I can’t really back down now, can I?” 3 was visibly nervous. 

“You make me so… bad. I feel bad, each time. I don’t know why”

3 still tried looking away from 4. This was starting to feel uncomfortable.

“So… you don’t even know how I make you feel, huh?”

“Well, how do I make YOU feel then? Huh?”

“Tense, very tense. Especially right now, with backing me into a wall and everything”

“Ah-” 4 stepped back, giving 3 his space back. He felt a bit embarrassed about what he did. He realised what that looked like now- he was glad it was only 3 to see him do something like this. Since considering how they were, this was definitely not getting out from between the 2 of them.

As they stood there, they felt cold again. 3 thought for a bit then grabbed the blanket and threw it over 4’s shoulder as he then leaned into him, shoulder to shoulder. It wasn’t too much to handle at least. 4 stayed silent but he didn’t move either. His head seemed to be full of thoughts. 

“Hey… I’m sorry, 3… I gotta learn how to control myself around you”

3 looked at him, with a questioning look.

“I mean yeah but… what the hell do you mean? Around me”

“You just bring the worst out of me”

“Well… I can’t argue with that”

“I think… I do the same to you…”

“Hmm…”

Both stayed silent for a while, then 4 spoke words that had no right to hurt so much.

“It feels like we’d be better apart…”

3 didn’t even know how to react. He just… stood there. 4 couldn’t look at him for a bit, feeling his own words even claw at his own heart. But when he did… oh, he wished he didn’t.

He didn’t want to see 3 so sad, tears running down his cheek. His lips trembled looking back at 4 before punching him in the face.

“WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT??” 

4 stumbled but didn’t fall. He was never able to say the right words.

“I… well” he felt himself getting drawn to tears as well “We… fight so much…”

“I care too much about you”

“I know but… look, it feels like we never get along… I care too and the idea hurts me too…” his tears came too, matching 3.

I just- I can’t do this-” 3 started pacing and suddenly decided to get back to the snow again, desperately wanting to get out.

4 felt guilty. He felt awful. He thought this would give him some peace of mind but it didn’t. He thought, he thought very hard- how could he solve this? How could he make this right for 3?

“How could I… make this right for you?” 4 asked, his voice weak.

“By shutting the fuck up” 3 continued shovelling the snow with desperation. 3’s hands felt cold. Way too cold. But at least it was almost distracting him from 4’s stinging words. 

4 hated looking at what 3 was doing. He turned away, trying to close him out but the quiet sobs and the soft noises of the snow being shovelled by hand was too prominent in his mind. He wasn’t able to close it out, not even a little bit. He clenched his fists. He must do something. Anything. Just stop this.

3’s hands were starting to hurt so much he could barely take it. But it didn’t make him want to stop. What stopped him was 4 grabbing both of his hands and pulling him away from the snow. And 4 wasn’t easy on him, having strong grips on both his hands. As 4 felt just how cold 3’s hands were, he held on even more, pulling 3 close.

“I can’t… I can’t just watch you hurt yourself.. you mean too much to me”

“I thought you wanted us apart”

“Want and need are different”

3 looked ahead of himself, embracing he was now trapped in 4’s hold, as much as he didn’t want to be.

“Are you saying you need me?”

“Yes”

4 replied so fast, it made 3 feel a bit hot again. 

“So… you need me, even if I… cause you to be worse?”

“I need you because I…” 4 stopped. 3 paid attention for a bit, waiting for an answer. The more seconds passed the more tense he felt.

“Don’t leave me hanging, dude!” 3 spoke nervously, he hated feeling this uncomfortable.

4 just didn’t move, not until he whipped 3 into a deep embrace, pulling as close as he could. It was the kind of hug you couldn’t escape from, no matter how much you wanted to. It was tight, scary, full of emotion yet somehow fulfilling. 3 slowly hugged him back. It still wasn’t quite as comfortable as he wished it should be, but the tightness definitely helped. He wished it would be just that easy to press the bad things out of him.

This lasted a while, neither wanted to speak. Neither knew what to say. But they both had a lot on their minds. But they chose to remain this way. At least for a while, some peace.

4 slowly pulled out a bit, looking at 3. 3 only noticed a bit after, his face still red from crying and the cold. The 2 just stared at each other. Felt like no one else existed to them but each other. It felt so obvious. It felt so obvious what they wanted, it was written all over them. Just a single thing on their mind, a simple yet disastrous wish. Something so easy yet so hard.

3’s grip tightened on 4 as he pulled him in, it happened so fast, yet 4 followed along immediately. The desperation finally kicked in. They needed each other so so badly and it showed. And when they’d pull away, they’d just pull right back in. Their lips touching were too addictive. It was a rush of excitement neither have felt in a while. 3 was the one to end up against the wall, then quickly switching to 4. 3 had a strong hold on 4 that made him feel weak. He didn’t know that feeling weak by someone could feel so good. It felt like it should be a crime.

They slowly let go, although they didn’t want to. Especially since they then had to face each other. It felt… weird. Where did this come from? Why were they both so into it?

“So… that happened” 4 awkwardly scratched his neck.

3 facepalmed.

“Is that all you’re gonna say?”

“Umm well… I guess I always liked you, heh,... uh… yeah”

3 couldn’t keep a straight face, he laughed. He found 4 ridiculous, yet somehow cute.

“I love you too, idiot” 3 replied finally, after leaving 4 hanging with just laughing.

4 looked down then back at 3. He was visibly getting so giddy it was a joy to watch. 3 pressed a kiss on 4’s cheek. 4 could explode the world with the happiness he was feeling. This whole thing really made him realise what he was feeling, as it was previously an unknown thing to him. He didn’t realise, even though he felt it badly. He’s a fucking idiot.

3 knew very well but it wasn’t exactly something he liked to think about. It was already hard to make friends, let alone admit his feelings for his ex rival. 

“I’m… glad you do, 3”

“Do you know how hard it was to keep this away from you??”

“Uh.. no? I think you hid it well”

“That was the intention”

“Yeah… you know, I only realised just now”

3 blinked at 4.

“You.. You can’t be serious”

“Why can I not be?”

“Whatever… I’m just glad you feel the same”

“Yeah… we’re still trapped though”

“No shit” 3 sighed.

The 2 rested against each other. At least now they had less reason to be tense about that. 

“I mean… the others know we got stuck, right? They should be able to help then…”

“I sure do hope so”

The 2 thought though, anything they can come up with. 3 had an idea float in his mind, now feeling like it’s less embarrassing to suggest.

“Hey so, 4… you know how we channel meme energy with touch?”

“Yeah?”

“What if… it’s possible to channel it with kissing as well?”

4 rubbed his chin then with seemingly zero hesitation, he pulled 3 in for a kiss, and concentrated. Maybe a bit too hard at that, or maybe it was just such a powerful move that the energy practically blew up around them. Their prison was gone. Literally, they blew the whole thing up with their meme energy kiss.

“Woah” 3 chimed up quietly, trying not to look too impressed but… meme explosion?? 2 of the greatest things together??

“Yippee we’re free we’re free!!” 4 hugged 3 and jumped up and down.

That’s when the crew noticed the 2, with 4 jumping around crazy. That’s just how it is with them sometimes. At least they chilled out now! It’s been needed for a long while now.

[mpregandproud]

Isaac II (Part 9)

After giving birth I was exhausted and fell asleep. A few hours later Isaac appeared in the room accompanied by our children and Lucas and Adam's children. Everyone gasped at the sight of little Andrew, Adam, Jon and Michael. Especially sensitive were Patrick and his boyfriend Isaac, a month away from being due with their pregnancies this welcome has really touched them deeply. They both looked at each other a lot, with the children in their arms, and were teary-eyed with emotion.

After a video call with the rest of the siblings who were at the university, not so with Sandra who showed no signs of life, Isaac and I stayed with dads-to-be Patrick and Isaac Jr.

“How are you guys feeling?”, I asked them.

“We are very tense and nervous. In 5 weeks we are going to go from two to seven. I don't know if we're ready”, Isaac said.

“I'm a nervous wreck. I think seeing my newborn brothers made me aware of what's to come”, Patrick added.

“One is never prepared for childbirth, I tell you from experience, and I've been through six already”, I told them.

“You guys are brave. You could have decided not to go through with this and you're facing it with positivity and a lot of strength, that's what's important”, said my husband Isaac.

“Does it hurt a lot, Dad?” asked Patrick worriedly.

“Very much. I can't tell you in words how much it hurts to give birth. But the experience of being a father is like nothing else”, I myself was crying with emotion as I said these words. “It is something you will remember for a lifetime, and it will be with you forever. I don't know if you will be together forever, but those children inside you will unite you forever. It will change your lives forever. You are about to live a unique experience”, I told them.

The next few days were absolute chaos. Between taking care of the newborn babies, the postpartum pains and the craziness that was going on at home with all the crazy kids with Patrick and Isaac in the final stretch of their pregnancy made those days crazy. We still hadn't heard from Sandra, who we hadn't been able to contact for a few weeks.

“I'm worried about Sandra, will they be okay”, I asked Isaac one night while breastfeeding Jon.

“We have had no news of accidents or disasters from South Africa, nothing to indicate that anything serious has happened to them, hopefully in a few days we will be able to talk to them”, Isaac said. He was basically right, as we had no indication that anything had happened to them.

It took three more days before we heard from Sandra. Cal sent us a message with a picture. “We are fine, don't worry. We have been very busy with little Samba. Meet our son, yes, I said it right, it's a boy. Although we were told it was going to be a girl it is seen that in the family we have a propensity to have boys”.

With the peace of mind of knowing that Sandra, Cal and little Samba were well, I was able to rest completely. A rest that I urgently needed. Almost two weeks after giving birth I had hardly slept, so with the peace of mind of the news I could finally sleep soundly.

But it's not quite quiet in this house. After seven hours of sleep, not enough for what I needed, I was awakened by screams I heard across the hall. I ran out of the room and saw Patrick scared out of his mind and wetting his pants. “Son, tell me you didn't pee your pants”, I said, ‘Dad, I think I'm in labor!’ he stammered.

I put him in the car and we sped off to the hospital. I alerted Isaac to leave the kids with my sister Esther and to come to the hospital. I tried to call Lucas, Adam and his son Isaac, but found no response. A pained Patrick was trying to engage him in conversation as well, but the attempts were fruitless. “Dad, I don't want to give birth if Isaac is not with me, how can he miss the birth of his children?” he would say to me in desperation. “Don't worry, honey, we'll get him. He'll be with you in the delivery room”, I tried to calm him down.

We arrived at the hospital and rushed into the emergency room. There stood Adam and Lucas with the phone in their hands. “Patrick! Thank goodness, Isaac has gone into labor, you have to go in with him, he didn't let us in so you could join him, hurry up”, Adam told him, clearly not noticing that the young man was in full labor as well. “Nurse, his boyfriend is already here, but I think you'll have to take him in on a stretcher, he's in labor too!” said Lucas, who has always been more observant.

Patrick was taken to the delivery room and I stayed with Lucas and Adam. The three of us, and Isaac who arrived 20 minutes later, were taken to a room with two large beds in the wing of the hospital dedicated to new mothers. “Have you ever gotten to give birth in a hospital, Dan?” asked Lucas. “Yes, when I gave birth to Tom and Hugo's triplets, the only time I've ever had a slow enough labor to get to the hospital in time”.

The wait was taking forever. We had been in the room for six hours already and the boys hadn't arrived. “It's normal for first timers”, Dr. Caroline told us at one point as she reached over to reassure us. “They usually go into labor very quickly, but then they have a hard time finishing it. Besides, your children are pregnant with three and two boys, boys of considerable size, are still going to be a long time coming”, I don't know if her visit reassured us or made us even more impatient, but I didn't know what to do.

“I remember when you went into labor with Daniel and Isaac we were out of town and had to race like we were in a race car to get to your house”, Lucas began to tell us. “I don't think we ever told you that day we got caught by 5 traffic radars and got 3 speeding tickets, but it was worth it. I think it's the most beautiful experience of our lives, and we owe it to both of you”, added Adam.

“Have you two thought about having more children after the quadruplets?” asked Adam two hours after sharing anecdotes of his children's pregnancy and delivery. “I'd love to say no, we're not having any more children, but that's what I said after we had the sextuplets and you see us”, I said resignedly. “I do want to have more children,” Isaac stated. “Really, you don't have enough with 16 kids and six grandkids?” hesitated Lucas. “Yes, that's an awful lot of kids, I'm not going to lie, but I think there's nothing I love more than seeing Dan pregnant with my kids. I know it's selfish and this will have to be up to him to decide as the one who would be gestating these children, but yes I would love to be a father again. I grew up in a very small family and saw my classmates who had many siblings and cousins, I wanted that too, but I could never have it. When I found out I was gay I thought my dream would never come true. But as an adult I've gotten a huge family that I love madly thanks to this amazing man who has made my dream come true, so why not keep going while we can”, Isaac acknowledged.

I won't lie if I say I haven't had a good time during my pregnancies, but with our age and all the babies we have around the house, I don't know if I'd want to try to get pregnant. “I don't know if I'd want to try to get pregnant again, although I'd be open to having more children if that's what luck wanted”, I admitted out loud. “And thanks to you for making me live this experience all these times, Isaac, you have discovered a side of my life that I never imagined and that I love deeply”, I gave my husband a little kiss.

Two and a half hours later Isaac and Patrick arrived in the room, both with exhausted faces and without their huge pregnant bellies, although both had flabby bellies that undoubtedly showed the process they had gone through. Patrick was accompanied by two boys, Anton and Ian. Isaac came with Benji, Liam and Zach. The babies were the perfect mix of the two of them.

“Guys, congratulations to both of you on becoming parents. We know life won't be easy for the two of you from now on, so the four of us have been talking and we've bought you a little house near our homes so you'll have your own space to grow your children together”, Adam began. “But there are strings attached”, Isaac added. “You are both hired in our store so that you can earn money and provide for your children, you are responsible for them from now on”, Lucas said. “And, one more condition, we introduce you to your friend the condom -I said taking a condom out of my pocket- use them, you are too young to have more children at this point. Do us a favor and don't give us any more grandchildren until a few years have passed, promise?” I finished.

“Oh please, of course we swear”, Isaac said. “The last thing I would want right now is to go through childbirth again. I love you so much Isaac, honey, but I don't want to go through this pain again, at least for now”, Patrick said holding his boyfriend's hand and laughing.

Go to Part 10

[batrogers]

Inspired by @crazylittlejester's Wars headcanons, which intersect a lot with my own issues with food so of course it stuck with me.

Content warning for discussion of a very broken relationship with food/implied restriction, but I like making things a little hopeful and sweet.

Twilight & Warriors LU fic, rated G, approx 1000 words.

Also on AO3

IIII

Twilight set up to make dinner, as he had a hundred nights before for the group, with about twenty minutes of that being debating what to make with Wild, which one of them was going to be in charge tonight, and then getting the ingredients out of Wild’s slate before he settled to clean up and start. It was his favourite chore, if he was honest; he loved cooking when Wild let him, and after how long they’d been together Wild often was content to help rather than lead. He got distracted a lot, and liked the chance to get up and wander, and after one too many “What if” ideas, the others preferred it, too.

It was around when Wild wandered off to see what Hyrule and Wind were doing that Twilight saw Warriors crack his neck at the far side of the fire and stand up. He turned and started walking away himself and Twilight froze.

Had he ever seen Warriors leave the fire when he was cooking? He didn’t think so. His mouth twitched. “Leaving already?” he joked. “I’m gonna miss the company.”

Warriors startled, then turned and laughed. “What, you liked me just hanging around staring at you?”

“I don’t care,” Twilight admitted. “Although in Ordon I’m used to the company. I've just gotten so used to you watching the whole time it’s strange to see you go.”

To his surprise, the other man walked around the fire and touched his shoulder. “I think if you haven’t poisoned me after four months, you’re not going to. I don’t think Wild would either, at least on purpose, but...”

Twilight automatically responded to the second with, “He’s only done that once,” before the first part finished processing. “You thought I might poison you?!”

The hand almost left his shoulder, then squeezed it before its owner dropped to sit beside him. Twilight turned to stare, but Warriors couldn’t quite meet his eyes or answer him. Twilight stared at his hands again and tried to think back – he knew at some point in the first two weeks they’d been together, Time had talked to Warriors although not what about. That was when he’d started watching him cook.

Had he ever eaten with them before that? Twilight didn’t think so. When Wild cooked, Warriors usually asked him for something to make himself and...

“Something happened during the war?” Twilight guessed, when Warriors hadn’t spoken.

“Very early in the war,” he agreed. He looked around the nearly-empty fire, but most of the others were napping, training, or getting up to something else. “Impa had taken me on as her protege and – literally within two weeks of losing the castle, I fell.... very ill. I almost died; if we hadn’t been staying with the Sheikah, I likely would have. And within days of pulling out of danger, I was sick again before they could find out who was doing it.”

Twilight swore and narrowly missed cutting his finger as he cut up the onions in front of him. He shook himself and sighed. “Shit. That fucking....” He couldn’t think of a strong enough word.

Warriors snorted quietly. “I’d be sick after eating anything after that, for another two weeks until Impa figured out a strategy to make me not... Not panic at the thought. Fairies can detect most poisons, so I started coaxing them to stay close, and the rest of the time... If I didn’t make it, or Impa didn’t vouch for it, I just.... didn’t eat. Add that to rationing, and I made more than a few people scared for my health the rest of the war.”

Twilight didn’t comment that he’d honestly talked to Time about how he looked now. Warriors still was one of the skinniest among them, although Twilight had just assumed it was his natural body type. But to hear the rest was.

“I don’t mind you watching me,” he said, because what else could he say?

“I’ve appreciated it,” Warriors said, softly. “Time caught me not eating and reminded me we had to trust each other. It was... hard.”

He’d never watched anyone close enough to see if the risk of Warriors being too nervous to keep food down had come up now, Twilight supposed, and he wasn’t going to ask now. But it was tempting. He dumped the chopped onion into the pot and started on the wild garlic, feeling his eyes with more pressure than before.

Was it clean enough? Did he think his food was safe?

Cooking for the village children meant a lot to him; he was always careful about that, because making one of them sick was his worst nightmare. But it didn’t feel the same as the importance of realizing Warriors trusted him in the face of something that’d almost killed him before too.

Just as vital, but nowhere near the same.

“Thank you,” Twilight said. He swallowed until his eyes didn’t burn. “For trusting me. Is there anything else...?”

Warriors snorted, hard. “Just warn me if Wild tries to talk you into anything weird if I walk away. Alright?”

Twilight turned and caught his eyes before he nodded, not letting the lightness in his voice belie the fear he could see there. “I promise. No surprises here.”

“Great. I’m gonna go find the river and bath, then.” Warriors stretched his jaw and stood, squeezing Twilight’s shoulder as he walked away, his light tone at odds with the tension in his back.

Twilight would chase Wild off with the spoon if he had to to keep that trust.

[ahgasegotarmy116]

Rainy Days | Jeon Jungkook

Based off of Rainy Days by V (obvi lol) Summary: Rainy days I'm thinkin' 'bout you Pairing: f!reader x Jeon Jungkook Word Count: 1.5k~ a/n: This is my second time posting this because it didn't do too well the first time and I was really proud of it so I wanted to give it another shot. Hopefully some of you might give it a chance? Thank you for all of the new readers and thanks especially to the people who joined my Taglist!

Waking up to an empty bed again I'm hit with my new reality. You're gone, and nothing I could've said or done would've changed your mind. Checking my phone I've noticed that I'm always waiting for your call. One that might tell me that you changed your mind, that you're coming home.

One where you ask me to open the door, telling me you want to start over, but it never comes. It's been like this for weeks and yet I'm still reminded of your presence every damn day. Seeing memories of you in every inch of what used to be our home, now feeling incomplete with only myself to reside. 

Walking into the kitchen, I'm flooded with the countless time I would find you there, bathed in sunlight dressed in one of my shirts and making us breakfast early in the morning. I would hold your waist from behind, receiving a scolding every time for scaring you. Going to rest and unwind I'm reminded of our nights together, feeling content because after a long and hard day just the thought of holding you close and hearing you laugh was one of the many things about you that would keep me going.

In my art studio, where you would sit as my model and let me keep you as my muse, tracing your every curve and keeping my eyes trained on you to memorize your soft features. On occasion you would find me in there painting something more abstract and that was something that made you laugh the most, saying how silly they looked. I would make them time and time again just to hear you laugh like that everyday.  

No matter where I look you're always there, haunting my every thought. What I would give to go back to one of those moments again. To just be in your presence and feel your touch, with your lips on mine and hear you call out my name. Just one more time, one more time to prove myself to you.

But it would never work, no matter how many times I would ask you to come back so we could talk things out you would simply tell me that you don't love me anymore, that you've fallen out of love with me. That's the only excuse you've given me, nothing more, and nothing less. Telling me I did nothing wrong, that I'm still the same man you fell in love with, but that our life together just wasn't enough for you anymore. 

I hear a notification come in and see that it's a text from a friend asking if I'll go out for drinks with him but I decline, knowing that it won't do me any good. No matter how many times he's offered, telling me it'll be good to get out and meet new people I always end up saying no. I've come to the conclusion that love just isn't for me, if it's not with you then it doesn't matter. Starting over with someone just seems pointless, spending years with someone, thinking they're the one to just be told that you're not enough. No, that's not something I want to happen to me again. 

My attention is brought to the world outside my window, hearing the sounds of rain pitter pattering on the roof above me. Rainy days used to be our favorite, when we had no where to go and we could just stay inside all day. We would always crack a window just so we could hear the rain fall and the thunder rumble. Although you would tell me you weren't afraid, I would still catch you cuddling in closer when the thunder would sound and the lightning would light up the sky.

I thought we had gotten closer lately, that we began to understand each other better. But the day you told me it was over was the day that I realized that it was only me opening up to you, and you just pretended to listen. Thinking back I started to notice your blank stares more, how you would shut down telling me that you were too tired to talk today. Some days it felt like I was living with a stranger the way that you would move around the place avoiding me at every chance you got.

You started spending more time with your new friends and would text me saying that you were coming home late and not to wait up. By the time you would come back I would feel the bed dip alerting me of your arrival but you wouldn't bother to touch me, or even let me know that you got home safe. The next morning I would hear you close the door and receive a text letting me know that you got called into work early and would make excuses that you were putting in some extra work so you could show that you deserved a promotion and that things would go back to normal once you got it. 

Yet even when you had gotten it you became more and more distant, saying that there were a lot more responsibilities involved than you had anticipated. But when I would check your social media after you had cancelled another one of our dates I would see how you had spent your night partying and drinking. When I would confront you about it you would tell me that it was work related and that you were required to attend.

Many of those confrontations had ended in fights that would tear us further and further apart. I had decided to give you your space after that and when you would finally talk to me again it felt like you were only doing it because you felt guilty. I would get hopeful, thinking that things had gone back to normal and we could make up for all the time we lost but you would fall back into those habits again once you realized that spending time with me had become pointless. 

Towards the end of our relationship you had told me that you were going on a business trip and would be gone for several days. I had sent you off hoping that you would come back and that some time apart might be good for us. On the day that you were supposed to come back I didn't hear a peep from you. I decided that I should check in with you the morning after to just see if you might've gotten in late or if your flight home had gotten delayed and I wouldn't want to add to your stress if that had been the case.

When I had woken up I decided to give you until at least midday until I reached out and when I did, you answered and told me that you weren't coming home. When I had asked why you just said there was nothing left for you there. I had later found out that you had fallen for someone else and you had gone to meet them on your supposed business trip. You told me I didn't need to worry about sending you anything because you already had everything that you needed and to just throw away the rest.

Doing that was one of the harder parts of this breakup. Seeing all the things I had bought you and the clothes you had worn over the years that still held your familiar sent broke me. I had to have that same friend that invited me out come help me clear your stuff out because I couldn't bring myself to do it alone. I kept a few things that I couldn't bare to get rid of, "You sure you want to keep that? I know how much that meant to her, it'll just serve as another reminder of what happened" I nodded my head and set it to the side as well as a few other things before he took a couple of boxes out that held the life we shared together. 

Weeks after the breakup I still lived in denial, thinking this was all just a dream, that I would open my eyes and we would still be together. But as the days went by I would wake up time and time again to an empty bed. Reaching my arm out beside me and expecting to feel your warmth were the days that hurt the most. Thinking you would be here in my arms again and that things haven't changed. Then it would all come back and I would feel wide awake when that same reality hit me once more.

The way I'm living isn't healthy and I know that, but I can't seem to drag myself out of this endless loop I've trapped myself in. I'm not sure which one would hurt more, living with the ghost of you or living trying to forget you. That's something I don't think I could bare to find out yet, so I'll just spend those rainy days thinking about you.

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[e-dubbc11]

In Bloom Pt. 3

Photos are not mine. They are courtesy of Pinterest/Google.

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: Some swear words, little bit of smexy time but pretty tame, mentions of Billy’s abandonment, his nightmares, little bit of angst, and fluff

Word Count: 5.3k-ish

Summary: Part 3 of 3. Reader is curious where Billy brings the bouquet of flowers he buys every week, their relationship progresses and he opens up a little more to her. Previous chapters linked below.

Part 1

Part 2

A/N: This was a fun little series to write. I hope everyone has enjoyed it so far and enjoy the conclusion too, although I do think an epilogue might be in order 😉💐

As always, thank you for reading!  I appreciate it so much and comments, reblogs are welcome and encouraged. Don’t be shy to tell me your favorite part. 💕💕 💕

“We slept together.” You joked, trying to keep a straight face.

The following Friday, Mr. Campbell asked about your date with Billy just like you knew he would.

“I beg your pardon?!” He yelled.

You started laughing and found it difficult to stop.

“Just sleep, Mr. Campbell…just sleep! There wasn’t any, as you say, ‘funny business’. We had a nice evening out, had one more drink at his place, he ended up reading aloud to me and we both fell asleep.”

Remembering that night brought a smile to your face and you had been out with Billy a couple of times since that night…a coffee date and then he showed up at your office with lunch for the two of you which was just incredibly sweet. You were starting to really fall for him but you still didn’t know much about his past.

“Mr. Campbell, can I ask you something?” You asked.

He looked up from the counter, pushed his glasses up and said “Of course, my dear. What is it?”

“Do…” You paused wondering if you should actually ask the question or keep it to yourself but you went for it anyway. “Do you know anything about Billy’s past? The way he grew up? Anything?”

Mr. Campbell set the flowers that he was holding down on to the counter, he touched your hand as he started to talk.

“My dear, y/n. Billy is a very private person and he doesn’t share that kind of information with me but even if I did know something, I wouldn’t tell you because it’s not my story to tell, right?” He said, rubbing the top of your hand.

Letting out a long exhale, you nodded and said “Yes, I understand. You’re right. I shouldn’t be so nosy but I thought maybe if I knew, I could, I dunno, help?”

“Oh but you are helping, my dear.” He said.

Confused, you narrowed your eyes at him.

“How so?” You asked.

He smiled at you and said. “I’ve never seen him smile like he did earlier when he was here. The smile never left his face when he was talking about you.”

“Really?” You asked with a wide smile.

“Really.” Mr. Campbell said. “Oh and those flowers are already paid for, by the way.”

“Dammit, Billy.” You cursed.

Mr. Campbell went right back to his work on another bouquet.

“He likes you a lot, y/n. He’s never ever talked about a woman before with me and he couldn’t stop talking about you. So be patient, I’m sure he’ll tell you when he’s ready.” He said softly.

“Ok…but I do have ONE more question.” You said.

“What’s that, my dear?” He asked.

“The flowers he buys every week…where does he bring them?” You asked.

Mr. Campbell just smiled a sweet smile at you and said. “I am sworn to secrecy, my dear.”

You were slightly disappointed with his answer but you remembered Mr. Campbell’s words “I’m sure he’ll tell you when he’s ready.”

**********

Mr. Campbell was right. After being together for a few months, Billy did open up a little more to you about never really having a real relationship before because he was told relationships made you weak, they left you vulnerable to attack, and he was convinced if anyone got close to him, they would just leave him anyway.

That one broke your heart most of all but he still didn’t really talk about his childhood, his parents, or the group home.

“Stop paying for my flowers, Billy!” You said with a wide smile.

He smiled back at you and chuckled. “No way, y/n. You’re not the boss of me! Actually…”

Billy paused and crawled over to the other end of the couch where you were sitting with your back against the arm and positioned himself between your legs.

“You are the only person I’d let be the boss of me.” He said with a mischievous grin, hungrily pressing his lips to yours, his cock straining against his pants inaudibly telling you how badly he wanted you.

You were pinned tightly against the arm of the couch, as he eagerly pressed his body against you, tracing his lips from your jawline down your neck and gently biting your pulse point which made your vision blurry.

Only together a few months and he already knew which buttons to push to make you fall apart underneath him.

“Oh really?” You said, breathlessly.

Billy’s strong hands roamed over your body, finding their way under your sweater and his long slender fingers brushed the soft skin above the waist of your jeans.

Lightly touching his forehead to yours, he asked. “What do you want me to do to you, sweet girl?”

Hearing those words escape his lips made you shudder, and caused your knees to tremble. His hips grinding hard against yours while you softly moan against his mouth.

“Ah, ah…use your words, princess.” He shook his finger at you.

Biting back soft whimpers, you answered him.

“I want you to kiss me, Billy.” You said.

As he leaned in to kiss you, you stopped him with your finger resting against his lips. “Not there, handsome.”

He bit down on his lower lip and eyed you up and down.

“I want you to go down further, Billy.” You whispered in his ear.

Billy leaned down to kiss the sculpted hollow of your throat, ghosting your collar bone with his skilled fingers. “Right here?” He asked, softly.

“Hmmmm…Not far enough, baby.” You purred.

Discarding your sweater on the floor, he left you in just a red lace bra on top. His eyes flashed with excitement and you could feel the sly grin he had on his face as his traced his lips in between your breasts and nipped at the soft skin of your stomach.

“What about here?” He asked, pausing just above the button of your jeans.

Strands of his raven colored hair were loosely wrapped around your fingers, as his gaze flicked up to meet yours, still smiling that slightly wicked smile of his.

“You’re getting warmer.” You said with a wicked smile of your own. “You think the panties match the bra?”

“If history has taught us anything baby, I’m sure they don’t.” He chuckled, inching up your body to look into your eyes again.

Raising your eyebrows, you gently pushed him away. “Well you’re going to have to catch me if you wanna find out.”

And you took off toward the bedroom, laughing teasingly. Billy followed close behind and practically tackled you onto the bed, catching you before you fell off.

“I got you, beautiful. I won’t let you fall.” He said, still laughing as he pulled you back over the edge of the bed. “You know I’d never let you fall.” His tone turned serious as he bent down to kiss you again.

“I’ll never let you fall either, Billy.” You said, gently raking your nails against his scalp. “I promise.”

His eyes shined like chips of dark glass after you said that, his mouth slanted over yours as he kissed you harder than he ever had before. You wanted him to believe you, to trust you with his heart that had never known what it meant to be loved. Because you did.

You loved him.

**********

The nightmares were difficult to keep from you. The first time it happened, you didn’t know what was going on or what to do. All you could do was attempt to calm him and reassure him it wasn’t real which seemed to help.

One night in particular was especially frightening. He kept calling out the name “Arthur.” You talked him through it and he was able to go back to sleep. When he brought you your coffee in bed the next morning, you asked him “Billy? Who’s Arthur?”

His body immediately tensed, you noticed the tightening of his jaw and he gnashed his teeth as he asked “Where, uh…where did you hear that name, baby?”

“You called out his name in your sleep last night. You sounded scared.” You brushed his knuckles with your thumb.

“I guess I can’t keep it from you anymore.” Said Billy, shying slightly away from you.

And as the two of you drank your coffee, Billy told you all about Arthur, the Ray of Hope group home and where the large scar on his shoulder came from. You just assumed it came from his time in the service.

After he was finished, he had a hard time looking you in the eyes like he was ashamed. He was afraid you would look at him differently if you knew or you wouldn’t want to be with him anymore.

“I promised you I’d never let you fall, Billy. They weren’t just words…I—I love you.” You had said.

He was speechless. For his entire life, Billy Russo never got close to anyone and never allowed people to get close to him, if he showed his feelings it would make him weak and feel out of control.

After Arthur, he never wanted to not be in control ever again but his heart now belonged to you and he was finally ok with someone else being in possession of it.

Your insides twisted with nausea after saying those three words and you felt the blood drain from your face. Billy closed the distance between you, inching himself closer to you on the bed before pinching your chin between his thumb and forefinger.

Resting his forehead against yours, he touched his lips to yours which were trembling because he hadn’t said anything yet.

“I love you too, sweet girl.” He had said, in barely more than a whisper, as you finally stopped holding your breath. “More than anything.”

**********

Five months together with Billy and you had never been happier. He chose you. A man who never tried being in a real relationship, but he tried with you. And you called upon your extreme patience sometimes to be able to deal with him, reminding yourself “he really doesn’t know any better.”

It wasn’t easy at times but he was incredibly grateful to you for “putting up with him,” as he called it. Billy was easy to love, you just had to get over a few bumps in the road first.

But there was still something bothering you. Ok, well maybe not bothering you exactly but he still hadn’t told you where he brought his weekly flower bouquets.

Billy always thanked you for being patient with him, however the natural curiosity you had about the weekly bouquet he picked up had evolved into a slight obsession. It was killing you not knowing where he went every Friday, you just really wanted to know.

**********

The look of cold rain threatened in the sky overhead. The clouds were the color of lead, shiny gray with a touch of blue, and you thought you heard a slight rumble of thunder in the distance as you waited in an uber for Billy to leave Mr. Campbell’s shop.

Your stomach was in knots and you knew it was wrong but you planned to follow him.

Not wanting to ask, but it seemed like your driver had done something very clandestine like this before. He stayed back just far enough so Billy wouldn’t be suspicious but close enough to see where he was going.

Heavy raindrops pelted the windshield as the wipers cleared the glass and the sky grew darker. The lull in the rain coincided with Billy pulling into a parking lot to a psychiatric hospital. Your driver followed close behind and you told him to park close to the Rolls Royce but not too close.

Billy’s only focus seemed to be on whoever was in that hospital, he didn’t take notice of anything else. He just plucked the flowers from the front seat and darted for the front door, hoping the rain didn’t pick up again.

You decided not to go inside. It wasn’t right and you felt terrible for what you had done. Whatever Billy’s secret was, it wasn’t a secret anymore. The flowers he bought every Friday belonged to someone in that hospital but you couldn’t bring yourself to find out who.

The guilt you had, felt like it was eating you alive, goosebumps pricked across your skin and suddenly it was hard to breathe. Spying on him was just wrong and you needed to leave.

“Are you going inside, Miss?” The driver asked.

A tear streaked down your cheek as you answered. “Uh, no—no. Could you please just bring me back to where you picked me up? Obviously, I’ll pay you for both rides.”

He nodded and said. “No problem.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to waste your time.” You said.

He smiled and said “It’s really no trouble, Miss.”

“Thank you.” You replied, with a slight hitch in your voice.

Your driver dropped you off in front of the flower shop, you wanted to talk to Mr. Campbell before Billy got back. He was supposed to come over for dinner tonight, and said he would bring pizza so at least you didn’t have to get back to cook anything.

“What are you doing back here, my dear? I thought Billy was coming over for dinner tonight?” Mr. Campbell asked.

Pacing back and forth, you could feel your heart beating out of your chest and the tears in your eyes were about to spill over.

“He is Mr. Campbell, but I did something I shouldn’t have! I—I followed him after he left your shop. I just really wanted to know where he brought those flowers!” You said, trying to catch your breath and stop crying.

“Did you go inside the hospital, y/n?” He asked.

You violently shook your head back and forth and pressed your lips together in a straight line before answering him.

“No…no, I didn’t. As soon as I saw where we were, I felt sick to my stomach and I knew I did the worst thing I could do. I betrayed him.” You sobbed.

Mr. Campbell just smiled his sweet smile at you. “I’m sure he’ll forgive you if you tell him the truth and how you feel.”

You pressed the palm of your hand to your forehead and then moved it to cover your eyes.

“I kept hearing your voice, saying ‘he’ll tell you when he’s ready’ and I didn’t listen, my curiosity couldn’t take it anymore! Five months, he hasn’t told me where he takes them in FIVE months!” You shouted. You finally stopped pacing and rested your hand on the counter.

Still smiling, Mr. Campbell placed his hand on top of yours. “Everything will be alright, my dear. He loves you.”

“He’s going to be so mad at me, Mr. Campbell.”

He removed his glasses. “Maybe at first. I know he won’t be able to stay mad at you forever. You’re too important to him.” He said.

Deep down, you hoped Mr. Campbell was right but you’ve never been so scared to lose someone as you were at that moment.

Billy was everything you had ever wanted, everything you were looking for, and you felt like as soon as you told him what you had done, he would leave and you would never hear from him again.

He made you smile…all the time. He was sweet, thoughtful, funny but also stubborn, moody, and still kept secrets from you.

There had to be a reason why. There just had to be but you weren’t patient enough to let him tell you on his own time. And now you might lose him because of a poor decision in a moment of weakness.

**********

After coming home, Billy texted to tell you he had pizza and was on his way over. Nervously sitting at the dining room table, you stared at the newest bouquet of flowers in the middle of the table. They just might be the last bouquet of flowers Billy would buy for you and your eyes immediately welled up with tears again.

That was the last thing you wanted.

When your door buzzer rang, you rushed over to answer. “Billy? Is that you?”

“Hey beautiful, yeah it’s me.” He answered.

After buzzing him in, you unlocked the door and waited at the table for him to come in.

Billy walked through the door, little raindrops were visible on his suit jacket, smiling his perfect smile for you. He quickly dropped the pizza on the table and rushed to kiss you. He never could wait to get his hands on you. Pulling you to standing and cupping your cheeks, his lips collided with yours and he hungrily kissed you until your lips were red.

You felt his warm breath against your eyelids, inhaling the scent of your perfume with each breath he drew in as he continued to kiss you, making you weak in the knees.

“I missed you today.” He said.

Trying to smile, you replied. “I can see that, handsome.”

After putting a slice of pizza on both of your plates, he sat down and started eating while you could barely even look at it without wanting to cry. This might be the last meal you and Billy share together.

It’s probably just best to tell him now.

“Billy…I need to tell you something.” You said, softly.

He stopped eating and furrowed his brow, the napkin fell to the table after wiping off his mouth and hands. A troubled look appeared on his face out of nowhere.

“What is it, baby? Are—are you ok?” He asked.

“Billy, I did something I shouldn’t have.” You blurted out.

He reached for your hand. “I’m sure whatever it is, sweet girl we can—“

You cut him off.

“I followed you from Mr. Campbell’s—to that hospital.” The tears were streaming down your face now.

The bitterness in his voice was harsh. “You—you followed me?”

“Billy, I am so, so sorry! I just wanted to know where your took those flowers and I—“

He interrupted you. “Did you follow me inside the hospital too?!” He snapped. “Did you?!”

“N-no Billy, I didn’t. I just thought if I knew, then I could help with whatever it was. As soon as I saw you pull into that lot, I knew I made a horrible mistake and I shouldn’t have betrayed your trust like that.” You said. “I turned around and went home.”

You wanted nothing more than to go to him, snake your arms around his neck and pull him to you, but he recoiled when you took a step toward him. He protectively folded his arms across his chest, his expression was distant, and he looked as pale as a marble pillar.

There was a touch of acid in his tone when he spoke again.

“You said I could tell you when I was ready but you went behind my back! I can’t believe you would do this to me!” His voice full of anger and dripping with spite as he picked up his jacket. “I gotta go.”

You tried to stop him as he started walking toward the door.

“I’m sorry, Billy. Please don’t leave!” You called after him.

But it was too late, he slammed the door behind him, leaving you alone to remember the hurt he had in his eyes right before he left.

Billy was gone and you weren’t sure if you were going to see him again, hear his voice again, or tell him that you love him again.

Your heart was shattered, it felt like there were shards of glass floating around inside your chest or like a giant snake had enveloped your whole body and it was crushing you, making sure you heard every bone snapping in half because you deserved it.

You knew you deserved worse than that. He had every right to be furious. You were the one person he let in, to see who he really was, not judging but helping him open up, to talk about whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted and you broke his trust and you hurt him.

“I promised I’d never let you fall, Billy.” You had said but you personally pulled the rug out from underneath him.

No matter how long it takes, you were determined to win back his trust.

**********

Even though you knew he probably wouldn’t answer, you tried to call Billy the next day. He didn’t pick up but you left a message anyway…

“H-hey Billy, I know you’re furious with me and you have every right to be. You do. And I am so, so sorry. It was a stupid thing to do and if I could take it back I would but I can’t. I completely understand if you don’t want to see me anymore, I broke your trust and I’ll accept whatever you decide to do. I love you.”

You sent a text a few days later that went unanswered but he did read it. Billy had the biggest sweet tooth of anyone you had ever met so you had his favorite cookies delivered to Anvil, no response to that either except from Frank.

He left you a voice message: “Those cookies were delicious, kid. I can see why Bill always hoards them, he did eat one, by the way. I just hate seein’ him like this, it’s like a piece of him is missing.”

You heard Billy’s voice in the background.

“Frankie, who are you talkin’ to?”

Frank’s voice came back on.

“Shit, busted. Gotta go, sweetheart.”

Frank’s message made you chuckle and it was probably the first time you smiled in almost a week.

Friday was coming up soon but you really weren’t in the mood for flowers but seeing Mr. Campbell was a big part of going to the shop every Friday. You really did just enjoy talking to him, the flowers were a secondary reason to go there at this point.

“Hi, Mr. Campbell.” You said as you walked through the door.

Mr. Campbell was finishing up with a customer, she was the only other person in the shop.

“Hello, my dear y/n. How is my favorite customer?” He asked after saying goodbye to her.

“I think you know the answer to that question.” You said softly.

He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and put his pen down. “Yes, I guess I do know the answer to that. But you came clean and told him the truth. You easily could have lied to him but you didn’t.”

You interrupted him.

“And it cost me the best thing to ever happen to me.” You said, your eyes welling up with tears again. You were actually surprised you had any left.

“You don’t know that.” Mr. Campbell said.

“Oh don’t I?!” You said, slight anger in your voice. “I called, texted, left messages, sent cookies to his office and apologized profusely. He doesn’t wanna talk to or see me, Mr. Campbell.”

“Give him time, my dear. Ya never know, it might be sooner than you think. Now what kind of flowers would you like today?” He asked, handing you a tissue.

Dabbing under your eyes, you caught the fresh tears before they could trickle down your cheeks.

“I don’t know if I really want any flowers today.” You sobbed.

Mr. Campbell never failed to have a smile on his face. “I promise they’ll make you feel better.” He said.

You gave him a slight smile. Talking to him always did make you feel better. From the very first time you walked into his shop, he and his flowers always lifted your spirits.

“Something with purple hydrangeas.” You said.

And he went to work putting together a perfect bouquet for you, just like he had every other time. When he was finished, you reached into your tote and pulled out his weekly treat and retrieved your wallet from your purse.

Before you could hand him your card, he held up his hand and waved it off.

“No, no…they’re already paid for.” He said with a smile.

You thought maybe Mr. Campbell paid for your flowers.

“Mr. Campbell, you didn’t have to pay for these, I can—“ You started to say.

But he cut you off.

“Oh no, my dear. I didn’t pay for them. Mr. Russo was in here early this morning.” He said with a warm smile. “He left this for you too.”

He handed you a card and you recognized Billy’s handwriting.

I told you, someone as sweet as you shouldn’t have to buy their own flowers.

All my love,

Billy

A smile stretched across your face as tears streaked down your cheeks.

“I didn’t even have to convince him. That was the first thing he did when he came in this morning. I told you, you were important to him, so I hate to say I told you so.” Mr. Campbell said.

With a little chuckle you said “Go ahead, you can say it.”

“No, I don’t think I will.” He said. “You go home now, don’t want those wilting on ya.”

“Thank you, Mr. Campbell…for everything.” You said, walking toward the door.

He smiled and waved as you exited the shop and headed for home.

**********

You were half expecting to see Billy outside the door to your apartment when you got there but he wasn’t so you’d just call him when you got settled inside.

After switching out your flowers, you cleaned straightened up the kitchen, put your books away, and did a couple more chores before deciding, instead of calling him, you’d just surprise him at his place.

One last mirror check before you grabbed your keys out of the bowl and opened the door to leave. Not expecting anyone to be on the other side of the door, you collided with Billy, almost knocking him over.

“I know you weren’t expecting me, sweet girl but you didn’t have to tackle me. I’ll call next time, I promise!” He said, flashing that perfect smile at you. That smile that you never thought you’d see again. “Where are you rushing off to, my love?”

“I—I was coming to see you.” You said with a slight hitch in your voice. “Billy, I’m SO sor—“

Before you could finish, Billy’s lips were on you, his hands cupping your cheeks, and walking you backwards into your apartment. Shutting the door with his foot, his lips never left yours as he kissed you…hard.

As much as you were loving it, you pulled away. “Billy, can I please just say I’m sorry!?”

“You’ve already apologized, my love. I wanna tell you that...that I’m sorry too. I should have told you where I was taking the flowers but—“ He started to say.

“No, Billy! I should have respected that you weren’t ready to tell me. But, what would you have said if I said I wanted to know where you were taking them that first day we met?” You asked.

He kissed your forehead and led you over to the couch. “I would have just said I’m not ready to talk about it yet. Then every time I thought I was ready to talk about it, all of the anger and hate I have for her would come back and I just didn’t want to upset you or bother you with it…or have you look at me differently.”

Now you were wondering who he’s referring to when he said “her.”

“I’ve never judged you, Billy. Do you think you could tell me now? It’s ok, if you’re not rea—“

Billy blurted out. “It’s my mother….it’s my mother.”

You were speechless. Billy told you he grew up in the system but he had never really said how he got there.

“I, uh…don’t really remember too much but she dropped me off at a fire station upstate, in Albany. She loved those drugs more than she loved me.” He said softly.

You tried to imagine Billy as a little boy, waiting and waiting for her to come back but no one shows up. It’s no wonder why he was so closed off, and why he seemed so angry that first time you asked about his childhood.

The person that was supposed to love him no matter what and protect him, left him without any regard for anyone else except herself and her habit.

You weren’t sure which broke your heart more, the story about Arthur or his mother.

“I visit her once a week, bring her flowers even though she doesn’t deserve them. I just sit there and talk to her, she doesn’t say anything because she can’t talk anymore and I just talk about my life. I told her about you too.” He said.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and shut his eyes. You could see it was excruciating for him to talk about her, he’s carried around his hate for her for so long and yet he went to visit her every single week.

Reaching out to take his hand in yours, you continued to listen.

“I told her ‘see ma, there is someone that loves me. She said she’d never let me fall and I believe her, I trust her, and I love her too.’ I just—I would have given her the world, if she just wanted me.” Billy said.

It was difficult to find the right words to say to him. This man just poured out his feelings to you like blood from an open wound. Those words have probably never been uttered to another human being before and he was telling all of it, to you.

He knows what it’s like to be alone, to not have a single soul that cares about you which was why it took him so long to open up to you. No one could leave him if they never got close to him, like she did.

She didn’t deserve his attention, didn’t deserve love, or the flowers he brought her every week after what she did to him, but she was still his mother.

“Billy…I’m not even going to pretend to know what all of that was like for you because I just don’t know. I can only imagine and it breaks my heart. What I can do is tell you that I love you, I’ll always be here to help you however I can if you want me to, and you’ll never ever have to feel alone or unwanted as long as I’m around.” You said through warm tears streaking down your face.

Brushing his beard with your thumbs, you closed the distance between the two of you on the couch and leaned forward to kiss him. Your mouth slanting over his as you melted completely into him, his body a warm hard cradle for yours, and you fit perfectly against him, like you were meant to be his.

“I love you, beautiful…so much.” Billy said, kissing the tip of your nose.

Scrunching your nose and biting down on your lower lip, you looked into his onyx colored eyes and couldn’t remember a time where you’ve been more in love with someone.

Billy finally took a chance and opened up to someone but you took a chance on him too. He was so different from your ex and those Wall Street pricks, he never took you for granted because he knew how quickly it could all be gone.

Billy Russo wasn’t perfect. He would never be perfect, but he was perfect for you because he made you happier than you ever thought you could be. And you did the same for him.

“I love you too, handsome. And thank you for my flowers.”

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