#and if you wouldn't say it to someone's face

[plutotheplum]

chapter one | the proposal

multi x fem!reader

chapter summary: the spring season seems to have brought on an unrelenting case of baby fever. being single is a problem though... so who better to ask than your five, handsome friends?

cw: modern au, fluff, kissing, mentions of pregnancy, mentions of sex

wc: 1.7k

a/n: first chapter is here! something short and sweet before we get into the smut teehee ₍ᐢ. ̫.ᐢ₎

also on ao3!

series masterlist | next up: the magician

“I want a baby.”

Usually you’d be sitting across from your head-over-heels, doting, caring husband that would be willing to do anything for you whilst having this conversation. It’s an important decision after all, having a baby and taking care of it, having the finances to dote on your child. It’d be nice… except for the fact you don’t have a husband, or a boyfriend for that matter.

Instead, you’re sitting across from five men, currently lumped together uncomfortably on your couch, staring at you with slight bewilderment in their eyes. It was your best shot, inviting them over. 

Besides, you’d decided that it was the spring season that had caught you in its snare. Going out to a cafe, taking a stroll in the park, perusing a bookstore; babies were everywhere. It hadn’t bothered you so much until you’d set your eyes on one of the cutest, chubbiest babies you’d ever seen, its little hand curling around your finger when you’d been waiting in line to buy your book. 

Yeah… you’d gotten baby fever.

“A baby?” Rafayel asks, his brows raising, “are- are you even ready for a baby?”

“I’ve thought about it,” you reply, fingers fidgeting nervously in your lap, your eyes drifting across each of them, “a lot. I even made a short presentation if any of you would like to-”

Zayne shakes his head subtly and you sink back down into the chair, having gotten up half-way.

“I am ready,” you breathe out finally, “I’m not getting any younger and I just think it’d be nice, y’know? I wouldn’t feel so lonely anymore.”

“Why’d you invite all of us over at once?” Caleb asks, his hands folding behind his head, drawing a sound of annoyance from Xavier who he elbows in the process.

“I didn’t want to have the conversation five times,” you sigh, “besides, I figured none of you would actually agree to this. I mean, it’s sort of crazy. Do I sound crazy?”

“Maybe a little frantic,” Sylus muses, propping his elbow up on the armrest of your couch, his head tilting lazily to watch you.

“There are other options,” Zayne offers, “other than what you’re proposing. I could help you look, if you wanted. I know someone I went to medical school with, maybe they could help?”

You flush lightly, shaking your head. “I um- I want to do it naturally,” you squeak out, cheeks growing hotter when you spy the grin on Caleb’s face. “Less- less complications that way, which is why I decided to ask all of you.”

“Well,” Caleb yawns, stretching his arms above his head, managing to knock one against Xavier’s head again, “I’m in.”

“What?” you sputter, staring at him with wide eyes. “You- you can’t just agree! I had a whole thing planned and we still need to go over agreements about how this is going to work.”

“I’m not just going to disappear once you have the baby,” Caleb sighs, staring at you, his gaze never wavering. “If we do this, we’re doing it together.”

“Oh,” you say, sitting back in your chair, “well if that’s what you’d like, but I don’t want you to feel obligated or anything.”

“Obligated?” Sylus interrupts, raising his brows, “Sweetie, if you decide to have one of our kids, we aren’t going to abandon you to handle everything on your own. It’s as much of our decision as it is yours.” He pauses for a moment, crossing his arms over his chest. “With that being said, I also accept your proposal.”

“You do?” you ask, your head tilting. “Wouldn't the two of you be overkill? I really think one of you agreeing is enough-”

“It wouldn’t be fair,” Xavier pitches in finally, having had enough of being squished on the couch as he stands up, sending a brief glare towards Caleb. “It wouldn’t be fair,” he repeats, shifting on his feet, “if only the two of them got to have you. Besides, you said it was up to us to decide.”

Was he jealous? Maybe you’d dug yourself in a little too deep. You’d had fleeting moments with each of them, shared lazy kisses every now and then, had a few of their heads buried between your thighs on some nights, but nothing serious… especially not this serious.

“So all three of you,” you look pointedly at Caleb, Sylus and Xavier, “want to help?”

“Yes,” is the unanimous reply.

“I can’t have sex with all three of you!” you protest, looking at each of them, “I mean, I could but that’s besides the point!”

“You’ll have to alternate between us,” Zayne supplies, adjusting his glasses, his lithe fingers pushing them up to sit more securely on the bridge of his nose. The action distracts you for a moment, your mind conjuring up the memory of those very fingers sinking inside of your pussy only a few weeks ago when he’d been pent up and you’d been eager to help.

“Right,” you reply as though the situation made complete sense and nothing about this entire thing was crazy. “Alternate- wait,” you pause, your eyes flicking over to meet Zayne’s. “Us?” you echo, “what do you mean ‘us’?”

“Us,” Zayne says simply.

“Us- us as in you included?” you ask, voice pitching upwards with how incredulity takes hold of you, part of you hoping that your faith in the english language was now failing you.

“Yes,” he replies, his head tilting to take in your expression. “I am the most… qualified for this position.”

“This isn’t a job interview!” you snap, glaring at him, before pointing at the others accusingly, “and you are all way too eager to agree!”

“We’re helping you out,” Caleb counters, turning his attention to Zayne, “and what do you mean by qualified? You just have to cum inside of her.”

You wince at his crude words.

“I often see children during my rounds in the wards,” Zayne says coolly, “I don’t see you handling any children while you fly your plane around.”

“Oh, fuck off,” Caleb mutters, sending Zayne a glare.

“Okay,” you pitch in, hoping to ease some of the tension. “Rafayel?” you say, eyes focusing on the purple-haired man who’s been watching the situation unfold with amusement, “I’m glad you haven’t said anything, because four is more than eno-”

“Who said I didn’t agree?” he asks, raising his brows, “I’d be the odd one out, wouldn’t I? As Xavier said, that’d hardly be fair.”

“So what you’re all telling me, is that you’re all ready for a baby?” you ask bluntly, tilting your head skeptically. “Because I feel like none of you have thought this through.”

“We’re just giving you the best chance of having a baby,” Xavier says, meeting your skepticism with his own bluntness.

“Fine,” you breathe out, your eyes flitting across each of the handsome men. You’d be lying if you weren’t somewhat excited about the idea. “You’re all accepted.”

“Great,” Sylus says, standing up.

Your eyes widen when he approaches you, his arm tugging you to your feet, before wrapping around your waist.

“What are you-”

Your voice is muffled when he slots his lips over yours. You make a noise of protest until he presses closer, your eyes fluttering shut at the soothing stroke of his thumb against your cheek. A soft whine escapes you, arms sliding up to wrap around his neck, your lips working against his eagerly.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Caleb snaps.

You squeak when you’re pulled away from Sylus, arms reaching out to grab for him, only for Caleb to swat your hands away, sending you an equally harsh glare.

“I thought we were getting started,” Sylus drawls, his eyes flashing with a hint of disdain. “I’m not one to sit around and watch.”

Caleb snaps out a retort and your shoulders sag as you watch the two men begin to argue.

“Are you sure you wanna have a baby with one of them?” Rafayel asks, his voice hushed as he sidles up to you. “They seem awfully… ill-tempered.”

You blink up at him, face falling. “Do you think that’ll affect the baby?”

Rafayel nods, putting on a grave disposition until you see Zayne roll his eyes.

“We’ll alternate,” Zayne says, rubbing his temples, “like I said. It’s the fairest way and none of your egos will get hurt in the process. We can draw numbers to figure out the order.”

You end up scrawling the numbers one to five on a piece of paper, ripping them up before scrunching them, so they can’t see what’s written on the paper.

“Take your pick,” you offer, opening your hands up for each one of them to choose a crumpled piece of paper.

You stare at each of them expectantly as they open up the pieces of paper, rocking up on your toes to peek over Xavier’s shoulder. 

Two.

Well, you could handle that. You smile up at him and he smiles back, dipping his head quickly to kiss your cheek.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me,” Caleb groans staring down at his paper.

“Did you place last?” Rafayel asks smugly, waving his paper around as though he had won the lottery. “I’m first!”

“Asshole,” Caleb grouses, ripping up his paper agitatedly, “third.”

You turn your attention to Zayne and Sylus, raising your brows.

“Fourth,” Zayne says, tucking his paper away neatly into the pocket of his trousers.

You swallow nervously, glancing towards Sylus. He gives you a devilish grin in return, flipping his paper to show you the messily scribbled five. 

“You’re not… mad about it?” you ask tentatively.

“Why should I be?” Sylus asks, running a hand through his snowy hair, the strands falling across his forehead prettily, “It just means that I get to spend the longest with you.”

Well, that sounds more like a threat than anything. You weren’t a stranger to Sylus’ ways, you’d spent a few nights in his bed, face shoved into the pillows while you’d sobbed and cried pathetically with every snap of his hips against your ass. 

“Right,” you clear your throat, hoping your voice doesn’t betray your nervousness.

Your gaze drifts over each man. Smug Rafayel, mellow Xavier, disgruntled Caleb, stoic Zayne and devilish Sylus.

Yeah, you think, you were definitely in for it.

taglist >///<

@serenitymaria @kreishin @qyuin @wegottastayfocus @novthirty @syluslittlecrows @blorbohunter @luvleixo @crimsonmarabou @skylaryoung2002 @multisstuff @chirikoheina @supermissnkta @serenity-loves-red @shi-thats-kiera @froleineeeee @jaynawayna @schooki @minyoongi-pouts @mizienjoyer @isagistar @zaynesnowflake @athena-portgas @colonelcalebs-pipsqueak @cutelittlesugarfairy @pookiei-bookie @dooopiee @rafshottestgf @thetimetravelernightmare @slytherin-min99 @envy-of-greed @paninisstuff @h0ngh0ngh0ng @nezuswritingdesk @teeheeheartless

[littelovelunette]

Fuck it

what are some of YOUR favorite HCs for our ladies? Any subjects, just things you haven't been able to bring up or talk about through requests

I wanna hear your thoughts :3c

~💜

Oh my gosh, finally someone wants to hear me outttt, you're the sweetest, anon 💜, thank youuu

Headcanons (Ft. Sevika, Ambessa Medarda, Violet, Jinx)

Author's Choice

Sevika

Multilingual through and through but sometimes a little bit of this language slips in through a little bit of that language because there's just so much in her vocabulary that she can't get across by using one singular language (Am I projecting? Yes.)

Sensitive to South Asian stereotypes and butch lesbian stereotypes

Likely to beat someone up over it

Grew up in a mysoginistic society which made her feel that she was somehow below men in the past but she doesn't let that affect her now

Considers dyeing her hair because she's insecure of the gray

In her past relationships, her ex girlfriends always made her feel like she needed to wear the pants in the relationship, so she never really was the one being spoiled, spooned or even simply headpatted

Loves being able to show even the slightest bit of feminity when she can with you, but it's rare because she's so insecure of it

If you bring it up, she'll say "Ridiculous," with a scoff and a head shake

Immensely insecure ever since she lost her arm and struggles with body image issues. Please reassure her

Has anger issues and breaks things when she's angry

She's just a kitten when she's angry so hold her close and hug her. Tell her it's okay and coo praises to her

No matter what I've seen other authors say, I think Sevika does get sort of abusive when she's angry, but she doesn't hit you of course. Instead, she slams and breaks things in the house

Ambessa Medarda

Brings you expensive gifts just because she can

When you sleep next to her, Ambessa hums a song and you can't help wonder of her melodious voice, and that she should sing more

Makes honey tea for you with her own hands and goodness does it taste like heaven, she tastes better though

Kneels down and does your straps for you even if her ego is so high, she loves kneeling before you in front of people to flash the dynamic of your relationship with her

Likely to propose only if you share the same loyalty for family as her

Eye contact means everything to this woman whether it's a normal setting, intimate setting or simply sex— look into her golden eyes and whisper "I love you"s

Would figuratively die out of concern if you ever got hurt in any way possible, wouldn't let you out of the Medarda Estate in fear you'll get hurt again. It may take a while for her trust in the world to build again, but she's not all that controlling

Shockingly lets you wear whatever you want to wear when outside but don't expect her to coddle you and take her time stripping you form those clothes. She is feral, she'll tear them off

Her love language is providing all sorts of protection that you need from whoever even if it may be the most dangerous person on the planet, you're safe with Ambessa

Vows to keep you safe whenever you fall asleep, mumbling them to herself as a constant reminder that whatever happens, her loyalty was to you and her family

Her kisses are surprisingly warm, gentle and calculated. She doesn't want to rush, and takes her sweet time. Sometimes it's barely tongue, and she just enjoys the feeling of your sweet lips against hers

Violet

Although she claims she doesn't care for your commands, if you told her to sit she'll sit

Favorite part of your body is your boobs no matter if they're big/small. She'll bury her face in them and even use them as stress balls. Nothing lewd really, she just likes sniffing them. What a pervert but come on, it's Vi

Loves interlacing her fingers with yours, rubbing the top of your hand with the pad of her thumb

Always carries sanitary pads/tampons for you to be your saviour at times of crisis

Can't stand your pout or your tears. Crocodile tears or not, Vi is buying you whatever you want or beating someone up over something that you want. She can't stand seeing her princess all pouty

"You're not scared of me, are you?" Vi's sometimes afraid what impression she gives off to you

Worried because you may be exposed to Shimmer. She doesn't care what the living conditions are, but she doesn't want you to get addicted to any sort of substance that can cause your life to go downhill

Stares at you so much you're sometimes worried whether she's even listening to what you have to say, or when you're just casually conversing she's staring at you as if you've grown two heads.

In reality, Vi takes one long look at you, one that could battle a stare contest, and decides you're too good for her. But she'll never say that out loud in fear you're gonna leave her

Scared she's gonna lose her shit and hit you when she's angry because poor baby has anger issues

Very much capable of confidently arguing with a child and losing

Jinx

Has anxious attachment issues with you, she knows it and you know it. But you both silently acknowledge that

Perfect dates mean bombing and terrorising Pilties with her... Or, you both could decide on a sugar marathon. Whichever you prefer

Her love language is putting effort into remembering the things that you like, often stealing the best of it from Piltover. Jinx makes you your favourite weapons in your favourite colour, with little scribbles that say you belong to her

Blushes when you hug her and she awkwardly returns it back but when she gets comfortable she can't stop hugging you

If you ever left her, she'd actually lose her shit, she's way too attached with you

Overthinks the whole love confession thing before you both dated and she lit your yard on fire with the words "I LOVE YOU"

Cried in your arms after Caitlyn shot her middle finger off. She was so upset, you almost gutted the woman for doing that to your baby

Sometimes she loses her shit, hallucinates and you wake up tied to her chair, her knife poking at your heart. "Love me. Love me. Love me." She repeats, her voice hoarse from screaming and crying. Jinx calms down eventually, unties you and asks you if she scared you. You always tell her no and give her headpats

Jinx is way too scared of relying on anyone emotionally and you can tell. You don't force her to trust you immediately but it is a slow process, she slowly starts to open up more

Swings her legs back and forth from the edge of the bed while you do her hair. Your arm workout is doing her hair

You motivate her to actually take care of herself, eat properly and shower. But you have to do it all with her

Surprisingly can pick you up

[melanchoire]

stepdaughter chaewon who acts innocent with her stepmom but in reality she is a perv and somehow a dom with her mommy? like she comes back home bc of uni vacations and it’s fascinated by the woman, of course she gets her way with the older woman with the excuse “nobody has to know” or “i just want to make you feel good” while she push down her on the couch to eat her out until she squirts on her pretty face :((, her dad has always been a careless man so he tends to leave both unattended for days so when you both are a whole weekend alone bc he left for some business trip, chaewon would sneak into her mommy’s bedroom and wake her up with sweet kisses on her face and lips and saying “i don’t like mommy being alone” just for the kiss to go down her neck, tits and pussy and of course both end up having a heated night fucking (plsss add scissoring and 69 pose if you can, of course with chaewon on top)

cw: dubcon, scissoring, titsucking.

chaewon returns home from a short college vacation with her friends and finds that her father has started dating a new woman?? after his parents’ divorce a couple of years ago, his father never dared to try to have something with a woman again after being devastated when his ex-lover cheated on him with another man and leave him after a short time, but apparently, he was giving love a new chance and deciding to start a new life from scratch. but of course, chaewon didn’t expect her father to be dating a woman who looked young and like a complete milf...

at first, she was surprised to learn your age because you didn't look like someone in their early thirties. there was obviously some maturity in your features, which looked somewhat marked and serious. but she would never have guessed you were that age! also, chaewon gets a little annoyed at her dad for dating someone and having a certain age difference, i mean, he was in his early forties and you were in your early thirties, but chaewon was a bit of a hypocrite because she was in her early twenties and wouldn't mind dating you despite the age difference of around ten years! after all, who wouldn't want to go out with a hot older woman?

chaewon is playing the role of a sweet and good girl, pretending to be interested in her stepmother just so you will tell her things about your private life so she can get to know you better… she even has the nerve to ask you about your youth, getting you to show her pictures of when you used to be in your twenties, and you hadn’t changed at all! although you didn’t have the same soft, adolescent features and now you looked more mature and like a real woman, her head was spinning just seeing that as time went by you were getting hotter and hotter

she also blackmails you when her father leaves the house for business trips, always being super touchy with you and trying to convince you to let her calm your needs because her father was “too old” to be able to take care of pleasing you as you deserve :( chaewon knows how to fake it very well because at some point you’re considering her proposal no matter how crazy it seems! but you always try to reason with her when chaewon starts wanting to keep her words, trying to convince her that it’s a bad idea and she is just confusing her feelings and thoughts, but she refuses to listen to you! insisting more and more to the point of practically pressuring you to accept her proposal

chaewon sneaking into your room at night, almost drooling at the beautiful silk nightgown you were sleeping in… she would climb into bed, lying down next to you and shamelessly sliding her hands over your body while kissing your lips and starting to leave a trail of kisses all over your neck 😵‍💫 being sleepy at first, you give in to his touch because you think it’s your husband waking you up to let you know he is coming home, but no! you open your eyes to find chaewon on top of you, looking straight into your eyes as she slides her hands under her nightgown and cups your tits 😳

TITSUCKING i’m sorry but chaewon has longed ever since she first saw you to be able to get a real glimpse of your tits because no matter if she was wearing a t-shirt or something more covering like a sweater the curve of your breasts was present in the clothing 🫣 chaewon would always blatantly stare at your chest at every opportunity she could, for example when you were making dinner and putting the dishes on the table; her saying a soft “thank you” as you serve the food on her plate and leave it in front of her, but the moment you lean over to give her the plate, she immediately lowers her gaze to your cleavage because she can see your tits through the neck of your shirt?? it’s a shame that it’s a moment that passes in less than five seconds :(

chaewon degrading you and making you humiliate yourself while she is on top of you fucking you 😩 saying shit like “can daddy fuck you as good as i do?” while she grinds her pussy against yours in a way that has your clit constantly rubbing against hers in a way that makes you writhe on the mattress 😵‍💫 she grins like a maniac when she sees you nodding desperately, your hair scattered on the pillow and your face completely flushed and tears of pleasure running down your cheeks :( she was enjoying having you around like a silly little toy when you were always super sweet to her, treating her like a princess and behaving much better than her mother could in the short time she was present in her life, but she had another vision of you! feeling her panties get soaked every time you called her “sweetheart” or “dear” when they were just sweet terms to address your stepdaughter or someone young you care about! and she was enjoying how the loving and affectionate nicknames came out of your lips every time you begged her to please go faster and stop teasing you

and the moment her father comes home she is helping you prepare dinner! your lover smiling warmly at the loving moment between step mother and step daughter, enjoying how you two have a nice relationship and don’t seem to have a rivalry like other mothers and daughters would have 🥰 giving you a kiss on the lips and announcing that he would go take a shower to relax, only for the moment he left the room, chaewon pushed you against the kitchen counter, getting on her knees and announcing with her eyes that she was “hungry” and she wanted a delicious pre-dinner dish 🤗

[magicalrocketships]

Little bit of fic for a Wednesday night.

(contains mpreg, reference to giving birth, Max Verstappen's bad dad and some extremely vague offscreen bad stuff).

rivers of light part 1

The baby cries at check-in. He cries going through security. He cries at the gate. He cries when Max, exhausted, still hurting from giving birth, tries to remember how to collapse the pram at the plane door while holding a baby. He cries when Max curls up into the window seat in the front row, the baby tucked up against him, the flight attendant helping Max by storing his backpack and changing bag in the overhead locker before showing Max how to fasten his belt and his baby's.

Max wants to cry too, but he doesn't, because Max doesn't cry. He cradles the baby's head instead. Kisses his little downy-soft hair. His tiny hands and his little red cheeks. Max's baby doesn't like it when Max isn't holding him. He doesn't like the pushchair. He doesn't like the noise of the airport and the bright lights and being away from the sea. Or maybe that's just Max. Maybe this is a bad idea. He's not ready to race again yet, but when he'd begged this meeting with Cyril, he'd thought it would be easier. He'd thought he'd just give birth and have a baby and be okay again. He thought he'd get his life back, his space on the track, his racing future.

He hadn't known about the… bleeding. He hadn't known how much everything would hurt. About how to feed or how it hurt to go to the toilet or how his fucking tits hurt or anything. He hadn't known anything. If he'd known a single fucking thing he wouldn't have used up all his capital trying to get a meeting with fucking Renault this soon after giving birth.

He'd thought he could cope with being tired. He always had before.

His baby snuffles against him. He's happier being held. He's happier in Max's arms than anywhere else. Max is happier too. His baby. His little baby. He kisses the top of his head.

The plane has filled up, but nobody's come to sit next to Max. Maybe they won't. Maybe he'll get a row to himself, just him and his baby. He can feed him and not feel embarrassed. He can rock him and hope he sleeps, even though his baby's never slept anywhere but Max's little place by the sea.

Max wishes he'd known more before the baby had arrived. He wishes he'd known more before accidentally getting pregnant, before his dad had found out, before his dad had tried to make his baby go away. He wishes he'd had someone to ask. Someone to talk to. Someone to tell him all the things he still doesn't fucking know.

They're about to close the doors of the plane when the final passenger jogs down the air bridge. You only just made it, the flight attendant tells them. Max doesn't look up. He cradles his little baby, who's cried so much he's red-faced and angry, finally looking like he might fall asleep given half a chance.

A bag lands on the seat next to him. Max kisses his baby's head. It's okay, baby. It's okay. Daddy's here. Everything's going to be okay.

"Max?"

Max looks up. It's Daniel. Max hasn't seen him in two long, lonely years. He swallows.

"Max," Daniel says. His curls have grown out. He's in a hoodie even though it's the south of fucking France, even if it's not the cool and exciting and tax-free part where Max had once tried to start living a different life.

The flight attendant's urging Daniel to sit down and buckle up.

Daniel keeps staring down at Max and at Max's tiny red-faced son. "Max."

"Hi," Max says.

"Yeah," Daniel says. "Where the fuck have you been? What the fuck are you doing here?"

Well, Max thinks. Isn't that the ultimate question? As if on cue, his baby starts to cry. Again. Max is so, so, so fucking tired. He doesn't know what to do. He doesn't know what he's doing here either. He wants to cry too, have someone comfort him and look after him like he's trying to do for his son.

"Max," Daniel says, softer this time. He's sat down now, his belt buckled closed. "It's okay. Who's this little beauty, huh?"

Max looks at him. "My baby," he says. He's never introduced him to a friend before. He doesn't have any. Not anymore. Maybe his baby's as lonely as he is.

"What's his name?" Daniel asks.

"Bastiaan," Max says. "His name's Bastiaan."

Max has barely said it out loud before. For a moment, it feels like he's coming to life.

"It's a good name," Daniel says, reaching out to touch Bastiaan's little hand. "Hi, baby. Hi, Bastiaan."

"I missed you," Max says impulsively.

There's a pause. "Yeah," Daniel says. He's looking at Bastiaan. "I missed you too."

[continued here: part two]

[aurumacadicus]

I had a thought. Hmmmm. Bear with me.

--

"Rogers," someone barked, and Steve almost choked on his champagne. He turned, bewildered, to find Carol Danvers charging toward him like she was on a mission. A group of partygoers even scattered out of her way. He cast around for anything he could have said that would insult the air force. He couldn't think of anything that would have insulted her anymore than her playful ribs about the army, though.

"Barnes says you're a sad-sack," Carol said, coming to a stop right in front of him.

"...Ouch?" Steve spluttered after a moment. "He said that about me?"

Carol winced, seeming to realize she'd basically just insulted him. "No, I mean, uh--" She coughed, cleared her throat, then took a step backward to give him some space. "Barnes says you don't dance. At all."

Steve blinked, wondering what that had to do with anything. "No, I don't."

"And you came stag," she added, gaze intense.

Steve glanced around for an escape. That seemed ominous. He didn't even want to come to this stupid party, but the brass had basically told him it was mandatory after a few successful (and very high profile) missions. They hadn't served dinner yet. While he would miss the steak, he could probably make it out through the kitchen. Or a bathroom window.

"Will you stop looking like I'm asking you to volunteer for a firing squad?" Carol hissed between her teeth. "I just need you to sit with a friend while Jim and I dance."

"...Oh," Steve said after some thought. "Maybe if you hadn't charged up to me like you were asking me to volunteer for a firing squad, I wouldn't look like this. I thought Maria couldn't come?"

"Different friend," Carol answered, voice clipped. When he only raised an eyebrow at her in response, she huffed, blowing a piece of hair out of her face. "Jim doesn't want to leave him alone right now, but I didn't want to pull anyone away from their date."

Well, Steve supposed he could understand that. He threw back the last gulp of his champagne, then set the empty glass on the bar. "Okay. Don't approach me like we're about to get into a fistfight anymore."

"Sorry," she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, then turned to lead him over to her table. "Also, does Barnes's date have a gun on her? She reached for something when I went to ask him if he knew anyone who wouldn't mind sitting for a song."

"No, it's a knife," Steve answered helpfully.

Carol almost stumbled, but she caught herself on the next step. "She would have stabbed me?!"

Steve paused, considering, then answered, "I dunno, maybe. She's never stabbed me."

"I can see why Barnes likes her," Carol grumbled reluctantly. She grabbed his sleeve before he could say anything else and yanked him up beside her. "Tony! I've found someone to sit with you. This is Steve."

Tony, Steve assumed, blinked up at both of them in confusion. His mouth was still open with a forkful of cheesecake halfway toward it. His eyes darted back and forth between them before he finally set is fork back down. "Um?"

Steve couldn't help but gawk. How had he gotten dessert already? The hors d'oeuvres were still out on the main table. Steve had just nervously demolished the last of the crostini. He was still thinking about the steak he'd ordered.

"Jim and I are going to go have a dance," Carol continued, reaching out to grab Jim by the collar and drag him up out of his seat. "I promise we'll be back after three songs."

"Um," Tony said again, and Jim spluttered something about his own dessert, but Carol dragged him away before he could get his feet under him. He and Steve watched them disappear into the crowd milling about the dance floor. Steve almost felt sorry for him.

But then he saw that Jim's dessert was a beautiful piece of chocolate cake with soft pink layers of frosting. "Well, best not to let Jim's plate go to waste," Steve said cheerfully, sitting down in Jim's seat, and pulled the tiny dessert plate closer. He could probably get himself another slice later, after dinner. He had this one, after all.

"Um," Tony said again, frowning in confusion. "You don't. Have to sit with me? I can take care of myself for fifteen minutes."

Steve shrugged. "No offense, but I'm more scared of Carol than I am of you."

Tony swiveled to stare in the direction Carol had disappeared to, then looked back up at him, huffing. "I guess that makes sense." He shifted in his seat awkwardly. "Maybe you can actually get me out of here without drawing attention when you're done with Rhodey's cake."

Steve wondered what that meant, but he'd shoved a huge bite of cake into his mouth at the same time, and by the time he'd chewed and swallowed, Tony was focused on making sure he got the perfect cheese-to-crust ratio in each bite, and waved him away when he tried to ask. He gave off kind of the same vibe Natasha did, and he had several knives nearby for the oncoming dinner service, so Steve focused on his cake.

Tony finished just as Steve was scraping the last of the icing from his plate, and he dabbed at his mouth with his cloth napkin, set it on the table, then clasped his hands in his lap and turned to bat his eyelashes at Steve. "If you can get me onto the balcony without letting anyone talk to me, I will give you a million dollars."

Steve blinked back at him. "That's it?"

"If you can get me to my limo without Rhodey noticing, I'll even make sure he doesn't kill you," Tony offered.

Steve stood, then narrowed his eyes, slowly sinking back into his seat. "I dunno, this is a lieutenant colonel we're talking about."

Tony blinked at him slowly, then simply stated, "Coward."

"Okay," Steve said, lurching back to his feet. He scowled when Tony smirked at him, irritated that he was apparently so readable. He offered Tony his hand.

At that, Tony looked surprised. He glanced back and forth between Steve's hand and face, shoulders drawing in nervously when he slanted a look around them, as if to see who might be watching them. He looked back up at Steve with a frown. "Carol didn't tell you why Rhodey didn't want me alone, did she?"

Steve hesitated, then let his hand drop back to his side, feeling like an idiot. "She barely told me who you were."

Tony looked away, shoulders rising and falling with a heavy sigh. "Oh. Well." He shook his head, then lifted both of his hands from his lap, letting them drop to his sides--

Steve couldn't help the sick feeling forming in his gut as Tony rolled himself back, wheelchair appearing from under the tablecloth. It looked like he still had his legs, but Steve knew looks could be deceiving. And it would be rude to ask, of course. He swallowed thickly. Why would this mean Tony needed to be babysat, though? Unless he was talking about leaving before dinner was even served. He felt like he should have asked Carol more questions, been more assertive, if only to save himself the embarrassment he felt now.

"It's okay," Tony sighed, pushing his chair back under the table so he could hide it with the tablecloth again.

"...I can take you out onto the balcony," Steve said after a brief pause.

Tony shot him an amused smile. "That million just too much to pass up?"

"What? No, I wasn't going to expect it anyway," Steve scoffed. He reached out, wrapping his hands around the handles of Tony's wheelchair. "It would feel like stealing, anyway. It's not gonna be hard."

Tony tipped his head back to raise an eyebrow at him. "Oh yeah? Lots of people have been coming by to talk to me since I got here. I'm sure tons of them will stop us, and--"

"Hold on," Steve said, then braced his feet against the floor.

Tony let out a startled little 'meep' as the chair lurched forward, hands slamming down on the armrests as Steve quickly gained speed. His alarm quickly gave way to delight, though, because then he was throwing his head back, laughing, as Steve sprinted toward the balcony. Most people jumped out of the way, but Steve did end up mowing over a few long skirts. He'd probably get chewed out by Colonel Phillips tomorrow.

But with the genuine delight on Tony's face, he couldn't find it in himself to care that much.

"Oh! Oh," Tony laughed as Steve slowed to a stop next the railing. He put a hand over his chest, lifting the other to wipe a tear away from his eye. "Oh my god. I'm gonna have to pay so many dry cleaning bills."

"Take it outta that million you owe me," Steve replied, leaning back against the railing with a smug smile. "And then give the rest to charity."

"You're crazy," Tony told him, grinning, and he sounded happy still. "Rhodey always told me military guys were crazy, but I never really believed him."

Steve shrugged. "Well. I allegedly once threw myself off a helicopter without a parachute once."

"Allegedly," Tony repeated, shaking his head with what looked like genuine admiration. "How high up was it?"

"Well, I spent a lot of last year pulling off a real good mimicry of Jimmy Stewart from Rear Window," Steve answered, still smiling.

Tony's mouth dropped open into an 'o' of shock. "Are you crazy, or stupid?"

Steve shrugged again. "Yeah." Tony laughed again, from deep in his belly. It was a good look on him, Steve thought, letting his hands drop back to brace on the balcony railing. "So why did Carol think you needed to be babysat?"

He regretted asking immediately. Tony's smile dimmed, and his eyes dropped to his lap. He wrung his hands a couple times, then looked back up at Steve with a sad smile. "Dancing was my favorite part of these events before the accident. I am--I... was good at it. My mother had me in dancing classes since I was six. This is my first big event since..." He motioned at his legs. "I didn't realize how much I would miss it. And Rhodey's such a good friend, he was gonna sit with me the entire time, even though I knew he wanted to dance with Carol."

"That's nice of him," Steve answered carefully. He offered Tony a rueful smile. "I guess it's a good thing she chose me, huh? I can't dance at all."

Tony's expression turned wistful. "I could have taught you. I've taught a lot of people to dance." He looked Steve up and down, gaze turning speculative. "Mostly debutantes. But I was always up for a challenge." His eyes lingered on Steve's feet, then he squinted up at his face. "Those might have hurt my toes more than their stilettos."

Steve blinked, surprised, then couldn't help a bark of laughter. "Wow! Saying I have big feet and calling me fat at the same time."

"You're built like a tank," Tony huffed petulantly. "I'm pretty sure that's why so many people jumped out of the way. A collision with me, oh, well, ouch, but what a great story for the papers. Getting hit by you would have killed them instantly."

"I was probably going too fast," Steve allowed, but he decided he didn't really care. Maybe it would keep him from getting sent to these shindigs. He let his eyes trail over Tony's legs, considering, then dragged his gaze up his body. Tony looked... pretty slight. He wondered how long it had been since his accident. It would be rude to ask though. "Are you ambulatory at all?"

Tony frowned, brows furrowing together in confusion. "Yeah? I mean. I'm still in physical therapy, so. Hopefully I'll. Get more use out of my legs again." He sighed. "Maybe I'll dance again someday. But probably not."

"So it won't hurt you to get out of the chair?" Steve asked, just to be sure.

Tony tipped his head. "...No," he finally answered. "The pain is... secondary to the neurological component."

"Cool," Steve said, standing up from leaning on the railing, and reached out to scoop Tony up into his arms.

Tony yelped, flailing, and threw his arms around Steve's shoulders. "Fuck! Steve! You can't just go around picking disabled people out of their fucking wheelchairs-!"

Steve took a moment to make sure Tony wouldn't squirm out of his grip, carefully adjusting his arms under his knees and behind his shoulders. Once he was certain he had Tony safely in his arms, he straightened his back, then carefully turned in a circle on one heel.

"Did you--" Tony choked out, and he buried his face in Steve's neck. "Did you just twirl me?"

"It's the only dance move I know," Steve answered. He rocked from side to side, then carefully twirled him in another circle. "You could teach me some other moves, if you don't like the twirling."

"No," Tony whispered, and Steve didn't comment on the fact that he could feel him beginning to tremble. "I mean--yes. I can teach you. But I don't... dislike the twirling."

Steve nodded, giving him another spin. "So, are you leaving the party with Colonel Rhodes?"

Tony couldn't quite bite back a laugh, leaning back to smile at Steve. It almost hid how bright his eyes were, how much he blinked to keep tears at bay. "You are about as subtle as a bull in a china shop, Steve."

Steve couldn't help but grin back. "I wasn't trying to be subtle. I just used you as a battering ram."

Tony laughed again, leaning back in. His arms squeezed around Steve's shoulders as his laugh ended in a sort of hiccup. Steve didn't mention it, instead going back to his slow, gentle circles. He was kind of surprised that no one had come after them, but he decided not to think too much on it. Jim would come find them after he and Carol finished dancing. It wasn't as if Steve hadn't left a noticeable trail of scandalized rich people behind him to follow.

[count-on-mi]

Twice Interactive Story Part 22 Can't Live Without You (Momo, Chaeyoung)

You look at the phone, you still have not changed the wallpaper with you and Nayeon. 'Momo...' You quietly say her name.

I close and lock the door before calling Momo back.

You sit down and take a deep breath, then you call Momo again.

'Y/N?' Momo answers you in a shaken voice.

"I'm back, sorry. Are you alright?"

'No, I am not right when I am not with you.' Momo answers you.

'I'm sorry, I really shouldn't send Nayeon the photo.'

"Yeah, thank you for apologizing. Momo, I'm not looking to be in a relationship right now but we can always go out together. How does that sound?"

'You know I love you, I... I just don't want to be one of your causal friends with benefits, I want to be special.'

'I don't need to be your official girlfriend, I just want to have a piece of heart.'

'I'm sorry if I ask for too much.'

"We're going to need to rebuild our relationship Momo. We can't just go back to how things were. We can try. But if you do something like that again it's over."

'How can I prove my love. I really don’t know what to do. All the way before at the gym, I was just using my body to make you happy. I really don’t know, Y/N.'

'But I can't forget the moment We kiss at the shower, I...'

"Are you free tonight, Momo? Let's meet at the park. We can talk better there."

'Why don't we meet at the gym, you can meet me in my room. But aren't you said you need to pick your sister from airport tonight? You will come afterwards, right? I will wait you at the gym.'

"Yeah, I'll come as quick as I can but make sure Daniel isn't there."

'Why? You afraid of Daniel? And I haven't seen him for a long time, so it's ok.'

'I can't wait to see you, Y/N. Be safe when you drive here.' Momo blows you a kiss before she ends the call. You look at the clock, and realize you should head to Airport for Chaeyoung now.

You arrived and waiting for Chaeyoung, suddenly someone grabs your cock from behind, you turn around to see it is Chaeyoung.

"Really Chaeyoung?" I say as I now face her. "That’s how you greet me?"

You don't know how much I miss this big guy, of course you too, Oppa.' Chaeyoung says.

'I want to show you my new tattoo, free tonight? I will come after Dahyun eooni sleeps.' Chaeyoung whispers in your ears.

"I need to meet with someone after I drop you off at home so it'll have to wait."

'OK, we still got lots of time.' Chaeyoung hands you the suitcase and you two walk to the carpark.

'By the way, Nayeon eooni told me that you aren't going to fix it, what happen?'

"I just don't deserve her. She should have someone better than me. Listen Chaeyoung I don’t feel like talking about it right now." I respond.

'Sorry, I didn't mean it.' Chaeyoung grabs your arm and acting cute.

'I just worry did Nayeon eooni know what's between us.'

"No, she didn't know. Oh, and I think Dahyun is trying to have the same type of relationship."

'What? Dahyun eooni?' Chaeyoung is shocked. 'I don't think she is someone who will ask for sex proactively. But did you two start already?'

"No, She's being shy about it. She started talking about wanting to be seen as a woman and wanting to be in a relationship."

'So, what are you going to do?' Chaeyoung asks. 'Well, I wouldn't mind if you do that. If Dahyun eooni wants.'

'Just make sure you don't put all your attention on her. ‘Chaeyoung smirks.

"Already getting jealous?" I ask as I finish putting her stuff in the car. "Come on, let's go home."

'Of course! I can only meet you on holiday as we are in different city.' Chaeyoung answers you when she enters the car.

'Dahyun eooni is staying here, so she could have much more time with you.'

"Yeah, I guess so. Oh there's something else too." I explain Jihyo's situation and the reason she's staying with me to Chaeyoung as I start driving us home.

'Oh, she is so poor, marrying such a bad guy.' Chaeyoung pours as she hears Jihyo's story.

'But why would she trust you, you are a player too huh? You have girls besides Nayeon eooni... Oh, sorry, I didn't mean it.'

"I'm single now, and when I do get into a relationship, I'm ending everything else." I tell her. As I continue to drive, I move over and slide one of my hands into Chaeyoung's panties and rub her. "I'm going to have to punish you for bringing her up again, Chaeyoung."

'If it's the punishment I guess I will speak about her more.' Chaeyoung adjusts her position to let you fingering her better.

'You are not worrying Dahyun eooni will suspect anything huh?' Chaeyoung says while move her hands to your thigh and teasing you.

"I don't think so. I don't plan on letting you cum Chaeyoung." I rub her clit until I know she's about to orgasm before stopping and taking my hand out. "That’s your punishment."

'No! Put it back!' Chaeyoung roars when you denied her orgasm.

'I'm nearly cum, please let me cum. I am so sorry, I won't do it again, please, Oppa.' Chaeyoung begs for your hand. 'I would make you feel good too, Oppa.' Chaeyoung's hands starts caressing your cock from outside of your pants.

"Hands off Chaeyoung, or I'll make sure you won't be able to walk tomorrow. What would Dahyun think?"

'Oh, I would love to do that, such a welcome form your right?' Chaeyoung started rubbing the clit herself while her keep squeezing your cock, it begins to harden.

'Plus, the one who should explain to Dahyun eooni is you right? What would she say if she enters your room and see you are fucking me.'

"Chaeyoung stop, you're going to ruin the inside of the car." I finish the drive home and take out Chaeyoung's luggage from the car.

'Ah, ah, ahhh!' You come back to the car with the suitcase and Chaeyoung eventually cums on your car.

'Such a nice ride, oppa' Chaeyoung says while hands your her finger which is cover in her juice.

I grab her hand and pull her out of the car, "You're gonna gets yours soon Chaeyoung. Let's just get inside"

'Yeah, I will see you soon Oppa. Don't back so late, ok?' Chaeyoung tidy up and get the suitcase before entering the building.

You then drive to the gym, you are thinking about what you could say to Momo.

You steps by Momo's room, and you see she is keep walking inside the room, look frustrated.

I knock on the door, and wait for a response.

Momo comes and opens the door, when she sees it is you, she says nothing, just hug you so tightly, not willing to let go.

'Y/N, I miss you so much, please don't leave me again.'

"Why were you pacing inside your room Momo?" I ask as I pat her back.

'I am so worried, I afraid that you won't show up, I afraid that I won't see you again.' Momo looks up at you but still hugs you tightly.

"Yeah, well I'm here." I push my way inside and close the door behind me. "Let's talk a little Momo."

'I think I have said what I want to say in the phone, Y/N. What do you think?' Momo sits next to you while laying her head on your shoulder.

' I really really wanna be with you, I can't imagine my life without you.'

"Momo, I'm not really looking to be in a serious relationship with anyone right now. I did a lot of wrong. I know you don't want to be friends with benefits, and that's fine. I'm just not looking to have a relationship." I tell her. "So that leaves us here, and I'm not sure what to do."

'I can wait, Y/N. I just want you to know I would always wait for you.' Momo cups your cheek.

'I can be your secret lover after you got a new girlfriend, or even if you get marry in the future. I want just a little piece of your heart.' Momo says and she leans to kiss you.

"Momo, when I get into a relationship again. I'm not going to do the same things. I want to be a better person, you can have a piece of my heart but I don't want to be cheating on my potential partner again."

'What do you mean Y/N? You accepting friends with benefits in your relationships but not secret lovers? You are not cheating on your future partner Y/N, we love each other, right?' Momo grabs your head to kiss you again.

"Momo I mean that when I'm in a relationship again I won't have any friends with benefits, and secret lovers. I want to do things right. I do love you Momo."

'No, no, no! It shouldn't be like that.' Momo let's your head go and shakes her head.

'Everything was in a good balance before, we 3 are all good, I will have you when she is not there for you. Why can't we be like that?' Momo still can't face the fact that you denied her.

"Because I want to be a better person Momo. I hurt Nayeon, I hurt you. I don't want to be the same person." I put my hand on her head. "I'm just going to have casual relationships right now."

'Casual relationships?' Momo looks up at you in disbelief. 'You mean I could only be with you if I am your friend with benefits? What are you talking about?'

Momo grabs your hand on her tits 'So you only want my body huh, fuck me then! Go ahead! If that what takes you to stay with me.' Momo says while start undressing herself.

I pull my hand away from Momo. "You're not understanding Momo. I'm not doing this because I just want your body, I'm doing this because I don't want to hurt anyone." I Give Momo a hug, "Think about it for a second." I stand up ready to leave. "Look Momo, we could go out on dates sometimes and not have to worry about anything, anyone but right now I'm not going to be tied to anyone."

'You are hurting me if you leave right now.' Momo says while your hand reach the door knob.

' I really love you, but I don't know how to make you love me too. I see you like my body, so I use it to get closer to you but it seems didn't work. I am sorry if I am forcing you.' Momo's tears start dropping.

I sit back down and pull Momo onto my lap. "I do love you Momo. I'm just not ready to be in relationship like that. Put your clothes back on, let's go somewhere." I gather Momo's clothes and help her put them back on. I start to think of where to take her and decide on an ice rink.

You and Momo then leave for the ice rink. You two get changed for ice skating. You grab Momo's hand and slowly guide her to the ice.

You walk on the ice and find that Momo is not following you, you turn back to see she is still standing at the entrance.

'Sorry, Y/N. I don't know how to walk on the ice.' Momo looks at you shyly.

I go back and take hold of her hands. Gently pulling her toward the ice, while telling her how to do it.

You hold both of Momo's hands and guide her to walk on the ice.

Momo seems so nervous and eventually loss the balance, you two fall together while Momo lands on you.

Embarrassingly, Momo's face directly hits your crotch, she blushes and covers her face, 'Sorry Y/N, I can't even do simple things. I am ruining our date again, sorry.'

I kneel on the ground, "give me a second. That hurt." After a moment I stand back up. "Come on, let's try again. Besides this is actually pretty hard."

You help Momo gets up and keep teaching her. Momo strugglely walking but keep falling.

Although Momo is keep falling, you can see she is improving.

'Ah, it's so hard, Y/N. I can't do it.' Momo is frustrated as the lack of progress.

"Hey, hey, look at me. Momo you're doing well. You're getting the hang of it. I see it."

You cheer Momo and slowly free her hands, let her to walk on her own.

'Yes, Y/N, I can do it, I can do it!' Momo finally can walk on her own. She is so excited and rushes to hug you.

You hold her tight, you two spinning on the ice, Momo blushes and close her eyes, waiting for your action.

I kiss her forehead and go ahead of her, "come on, Momo let's see how far you can go.”

Momo pours her face as she is disappointed you only kiss her forehead. 'Y/N, I think I need more motivation.' Then she starts to chase you from behind.

However, as Momo is still a beginner, it's difficult for her to catch you from the back.

'Ah! I will get you!' Momo is triggered by your laughter. She lets out her hand try to catch you, it's so close, but still inch from you.

Momo leans her body too forward, and she loses her balance. You hear her falls, so you come back to get her up.

'Why I just can't catch you, in skating I can't, in real life I can't.' Momo sighs.

"That’s just life Momo. Who knows, maybe you might one day. Life is unpredictable." I skate by her and poke her nose. "Come on, let's go." I help her up and gold her hand as I lead her to the exit.

'Not might, I will catch you for sure, Y/N.' Momo holds your hand and you two leave the ice rink.

Momo still holds your hand after you two get changed, you two walk in the mall and figuring where to go.

'Any idea where to go next? Or we should back home?' Momo asks you.

"Why don't we get something to eat and then I'll drop you off at your house." I answer.

'Yeah, sure, I am hungry too.' Momo nods. 'But you are not staying with me tonight? I won't take any photos this time, really.'

"My stepsister wanted to do something later tonight so I can't." I respond. As I lead us to a restaurant.

'OK then' Momo pours her face while eating.

'Promise me you will stay next time we meet, I really miss sleeping with you.' Momo gives out her little finger before she ready to leaves your car.

Momo kisses your cheek before leaving your car. 'Goodnight, Y/N. Hope we will meet again in your dream.'

[rockwoodchevy]

Somethin' in Common

Jackson!Joel Miller x F!Reader

summary: Joel comes across someone at the bar who has something in common with him. Something he wouldn't wish on anyone.

word count: 1.9k

warnings: child loss, some swear words

a/n: OMG!!! I cannot believe the feedback I got on 'Cold'! I'm SO glad you guys loved it! Here is another little writing I thought of today. Not sure how I am feeling about this one but let me know if y'all like it!

___________________________________________

Joel seldom treats himself to a night out at the Tipsy Bison but after days like today, where it seemed that everyone and everything was out to get him, he thinks he might just deserve it.

As he sits towards the end of the bar area, he watches as the world continues on without him. Couples, families, and loners like himself go about their lives, seemingly forgetting that all of them are still living in end times. Joel scoffs to himself, returning to the drink he had been nursing. It was his third one, about to be his fourth. The bartender, whose name he didn’t even bother to listen to, sauntered over to him with the bottle of whiskey. He gave Joel a look, almost of pity or disgust he wasn’t sure. 

“Another?” He asked, already starting to pour the poison into his glass.

“Keep ‘em coming until I say so.” Joel grunts out to the man, pulling the glass back to him before the bartender even finishes pouring it. A small amount of the liquor spilled onto the bar in front of Joel but he didn’t flinch as he raised the glass back to his lips. The bartender rolled his eyes as he wiped the counter down, walking away from him back to the other patrons sitting towards the end of the bar. 

Joel continues to sip on his drink, watching as people come in and out of the bar. He doesn’t think twice about the woman who comes in, hood up over her head like she is trying to hide from someone. She sits down on a stool 3 seats down to his right and removes the hood from her head. She’s a pretty girl, Joel thinks to himself. His head snaps to his left when he hears the bartender say a name, walking over to the woman with a big smile on his face. She smiles shyly at him. Joel repeats the name in his head. Pretty name, fits her perfectly. 

“Hi, Mathieu.” Her voice resonates through the bar, though it might just be through Joel’s head from all the whiskey he's had. So Mathieu was his name. 

“Want your usual?” He asked her, already beginning to make a drink. She nods.

He makes something with a couple of liquors that he isn’t sure of before plopping it in front of her. She practically slams it in one go, Mathieu smiling as he starts to make her another.

“I have a surprise for you.” He says, turning to walk towards a back area. She follows his movements, eyes wandering to her left. She makes eye contact with Joel for a moment, smiling at him. He gives a small grin back before they both look away from each other back to their respective drinks. 

A few moments pass before Mathieu comes back from wherever he was with a smile white box in his hands. He placed it in front of the girl, stepping back from the bar. She gave him a confused look, opening the box in front of her. Her face froze and Joel couldn’t quite place the emotion on it. Reaching in the box, she took out what seemed to be… 

A small cupcake?

Joel was a little shocked. He hadn’t seen a cupcake in quite a while. It wasn’t huge or anything too flashy, just a regular sized vanilla cupcake with a bit of frosting on top. She placed it in front of herself, leaving her forearms resting on either side of it. She was rubbing her thumb and pointer finger together on both hands before lifting one of them to her face. Joel followed her movements, watching as she wiped at her eyes. Mathieu placed a comforting hand on the arm that remained on the bar and ran his thumb over her skin. 

“Thank you.” She let out, voice a little louder than whisper. 

“Don’t thank me yet.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small pack of matches. He struck one, the flame burning huge and bright for a moment before settling into a small light. He stuck the match in the cupcake, motioning for her to blow it out. She let out a watery laugh but blew out the flame no less. Mathieu clapped and spun in a little circle, making her laugh a little harder. 

Joel scoffed a little at the sight. There really wasn’t anything special to him about birthdays, especially after everything that happened on his all those years ago. He shook his head, taking another swig from his glass. Until another one of their conversations caught his attention.

“If you don’t mind me asking… how old would he have been today?” Mathieu asked her, leaning on the bar towards her. 

“Ten.” She said, voice low. “He would have been ten.” 

“Wow. Double digits, huh?” Mathieu tried to lighten the conversation.

“Yep.” She looked at the cupcake, picking it up and turning it in her hands. “He hated vanilla.”

Mathieu stood up in his spot, looking at her wide-eyed. She looked at him, a small smirk on her face. Lifting the cupcake to her mouth, she took a big bite out of it. “But I don’t.”

He laughed at her, shaking his head. “I have to keep doing my job, but I’ll be back.” He walked off to the other group of people at the bar and engaged in conversation with them. 

Joel was intrigued at the conversation that just occurred in front of him. Who were they talking about? He looked back at his glass, moving it around and watching the ice and liquor move around before he spoke. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but-”

“No worries. You aren’t the first person to ask about it.” She looked up at him. She reached a hand out to him, offering him her name. He obliged in her offering, meeting her hand in the middle of them and giving it a shake while telling her his name. When she let go of his hand, she turned in her seat to face him.

“Today is my son’s birthday. He would have been ten years old today.” She told him, not breaking eye contact. “He passed away 6 years ago. Infected got him. I didn’t have the heart to… to kill him. You know, afterwards.I couldn’t have imagined my son dying, let alone at my hand.” She looked down at her hands, ringing one around her wrist. 

Joel looked at her with shock on his face. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting but it wasn’t that. He wasn’t quite sure what to say back to her but he knew what not to say. Because he was tired of hearing it too. He turned his body towards her and took a deep breath before he began.

“I lost my daughter. At the beginning of everything. So I understand the pain you’re going through.” He grunted out to her.

She looked up at him, the shocked look mirroring his from earlier. She hadn’t met another parent who lost their child and it felt somewhat comforting to know that she had someone who understood her. She smiled at him. And he smiled back. They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, randomly sipping their drinks when Mathieu came back over to them.

“How are you guys doing?” He asked.

“I think I am gonna head out, Mathieu.” She said to him. He nodded at her and let her know that she was good to go. She thanked him before turning to Joel and giving him a nod. He hesitated for a moment and watched as she walked towards the exit. Fuck it, he decided. He called her name, standing from his seat. Turning to look back at him, she gave him another smile.

“Can I walk you home?” Joel asked her. 

She beamed at him, making his heart hammer in his chest. “I would like that.”

He grabbed his jacket off the back of the chair he was on and rushed over to her as he was throwing it on. They walked out of the bar together, walking side by side in a peaceful silence, only the sound of the town and the few people around could be heard. They reached her home about 10 minutes later, just a couple of minutes from Joel’s place. He walked her to her door and watched her stop before she opened her door. She spun and looked at him.

“Do uh… Do you wanna come in? I’m not sure if you like it or not but I got some coffee grounds in a trade recently and have been dying to try it.”

He smiled at her, nodding as he stepped forward towards the house. She welcomed him in, pointing towards the living area as she stepped into the kitchen to make the coffee. He explored around the living room, looking at the small trinkets lined along the fireplace she had. There was a polaroid of her and a small child who he assumed was her son. The boy looked quite a bit like her, same nose and small smile. He grinned at it as memories of Sarah at that age ran through his mind. He heard someone clear their throat and he turned to see her standing in the doorway with two mugs. 

“That’s my boy. He was little there.” 

“I assumed it was. Handsome fella, he was.” Joel said, walking to the couch she was now sat on. He sat next to her, graciously accepting the mug from her. They both sipped on it and hummed at the delightful taste. She giggled at the sound of their hums harmonizing together and he laughed in return. They sat in silence for a moment before he spoke. 

“Thanks for the coffee. It’s difficult to get some nowadays.”

“It is. I don’t wanna tell you what it took to get it. I’m glad I did though. It’s actually really delicious.” She examined the mug before placing it on the table in front of them. She leaned back on her couch and looked at him. “So… tell me about yourself, Joel.”

He looked a little taken aback. “Ain’t nothing special about me. Nothin’ anybody would really wanna know.”

“Try me.”

So, they spoke for a bit. About their hometowns, their respective kids, their travels, how they both ended up in Jackson. But also about themselves. Their likes, dislikes, what they wished they could have done if the world hasn’t ended. Before they knew it, the sun was starting to rise. They had spent all night enjoying each other’s presence and neither of them were too upset about it. 

“I should probably get home. Ellie is probably wonderin’ where the hell I am.” Joel said, standing from his comfortable position on the couch. She stood behind him and walked him to the door.

“It was really nice talking to you, Joel. It’s nice being able to have someone who understands, you know?”

He nodded at her. “It is. I appreciate the coffee and company.”

“I appreciated your company too.” She said, beaming at him. 

They both stood by the door when Joel suddenly turned to her. 

“Can I see you again?” He asked shyly. She immediately nodded. 

“Whenever you want. You do know where I live, so.”

“Okay.” Was all Joel could say. 

As he was turning to leave, she leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. He was taken aback for a second but couldn’t help it when his grin grew bigger. 

“Can I see you tonight?” He asked, a hand coming up to rest on her cheek.

“Name the time and place and I’ll be there.” 

[writingdevil]

Could you perhaps write something fluffy with Hero/Smitten? :>

I feel like Hero would get really flustered with how affectionate Smitten is, but feel like I haven't really seen many people explore that yet?

(AAH I agree! I love the idea of Hero getting flustered and wanting praise and I NEED to see him smothered with love, and who better to do that than Smitten? Enjoy!)

Hero wasn't sure what he was doing, but he knew his body was acting on its own, bolting into the closest room he could see.

His face was on fire. His mind was reeling. His heart was pounding.

He wrapped himself in a hug to try and calm his nerves, but his brain couldn't stop repeating that one phrase-

'You're so good for me, Hero.'

The way it had been said, the meaning behind those words, the way he reacted to those words-it all became too much for him, and he took off.

A large part of his brain was still in that moment, engulfed in all the heat and passion and excitement-but a smaller part of him was feeling guilt over running away like that.

He shouldn't of done it. But he was getting overwhelmed. But he shouldn't of done it-

He covered his face with his hands hands groaned loudly, his palms heating up under his cheeks.

"Hero?" Oh no.

"Hero? Is that you?"

Hero didn't respond, instead wrapping himself in his wings, as if that would successfully hide him.

But then the door flung open, and Smitten burst in, not even looking mad like he should be but worried.

When his eyes landed on Hero, his face fell into relief. "Hero! There you are! Are you alright?" Smitten rushed up to him, putting a delicate hand against the feathery wall blocking them

Hero tried to compose himself, tried to act in a way that Smitten wouldn't keep worrying about him, but then flashes of the five minutes prior to this moment spun in his mind.

Of the intense kissing. Of the gentle touching. Of the whispers-

"Yeah I'm fine!" Hero blurted out, in the most not fine way he could possibly manage. Smitten's gentle hands across his wings also wasn't helping.

Smitten's brows furrowed in concern and confusion. "But then why did you take off so suddenly? Did I do something wrong?"

It was more like what Smitten did made something feel right within Hero, and it mortified him to no end.

He just couldn't find the strength to say that though, so he just flashed Smitten what he hoped was a reassuring smile and said, "No, no, you didn't do anything wrong. I just-I-I-"

But then Smitten was peering at him with those soft, loving eyes, and words immediately died on his tongue, and Hero couldn't help but get lost in them.

As if against his will, his wings lowered, and Smitten wasted no time in reaching forward, wrapping his arms around Hero's middle and pulling him in closer, and Hero's body felt on fire from being pressed against Smitten's chest.

"My dear, please tell me if I've upset you in some way. It pains me so if I have."

Hero's hands instinctively went to Smitten's shoulders, and Hero tried to avoid the other's eyes as he said, "You haven't upset me, I promise you that."

"Then why did you take off? I thought we were both enjoying each other."

At that, Hero made a conflicted sound in the back of his throat, especially when Smitten cupped his cheek with one hand and tilted his head closer to him.

There was never exactly a good reason to take off suddenly when you're kissing someone, but Hero desperately needed to get out of there before he exploded. It wasn't that Smitten did anything bad to him, it was that he was being too good.

Hero's face flushed as he remembered the feelings that were flowing through him in that moment before. Love and passion for Smitten, excitement at what they were doing-and then Hero realised something awful about himself.

He liked the way Smitten spoke about him.

Every few seconds, Smitten would pepper in little whispers of praise that made Hero's brain stop working each time, sending a pleasure like no other through him.

So pretty. All mine. So good for him.

It all made his head spin, to the point that he froze, and it felt like he was about to combust if he didn't do something right now. The feelings were all good, but they were so new that they overwhelmed Hero, and when coupled with Smitten, who would also add kissing and gentle touches to the equation, Hero just needed to take a step back.

Unfortunately, Hero was having trouble articulating all of that, especially when Smitten kept getting really close to him in worry, and Hero's body still felt on fire from Smitten's touches, and he squeezed Smitten's shoulders for something to focus on.

He decided that looking into Smitten's eyes was a bad idea, and he looked away slightly as his face burned in embarrassment, and he quietly admitted, "It just got-too much."

"Too much?" Smitten echoed, tilting Hero's head up with a finger under his chin. Unfair. "What do you mean it was too much?"

Hero sighed and shuffled on the spot, feeling Smitten's soft yet worried gaze on him, and Hero just had to trust that Smitten would understand how weird he was being.

"It-It was really good, and then you started to say all those-" Hero paused as his feathers gave away his flustered state, "-things in my ear, it started to get too good for me. I kinda just needed a moment to myself."

"If you wanted a break, then why didn't you just say so?" Smitten asked, thankfully not sounding offended.

Hero chuckled lightly, finally finding the strength to look up at Smitten. "I'm not sure if you've met yourself Smitten, but you kinda-pile on the love real quick, and I didn't really get a chance to think. It was just a little overwhelming. "

That was when he felt Smitten deflate under his grip, and his voice was low with guilt as he said, "Oh, I see." His wings lowered to the ground and Hero felt him begin to pull away. "I'm sorry for smothering you. I'll see myself out-"

Before he could escape though, Hero rolled his eyes and pulled him back in. "I don't want you to leave, moron. I still want to be with you."

Smitten stared at him like he hadn't even thought of that as an option. Hero sighed and tried to keep holding eye contact with the other as he sheepishly asked, "Could we just take it a bit-slower?"

Smitten blinked at him, and then he was suddenly wrapping his arms around Hero's neck with a determined look on his face, and even his voice was serious as he said, "Why don't you show me what pace you would like to go at?"

Hero still felt that intensity under his skin, those passionate feelings that he wasn't used to, and that made him want to run away in mortification.

But instead, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and pressed a soft kiss to Smitten.

The kiss was soft and tender, not like the all encompassing passion and fire that Smitten was known for at all, but it still felt amazing.

Hero kept the kiss slow and gentle, because that was all he could take right now without burning up all over again. He felt Smitten sigh into the kiss and press closer to Hero, but it felt like he was enjoying himself as well.

Good. Hero would hate to have to run away from Smitten again. As mortifying as it was to admit, Hero did want to be good for him.

[yummyrevivalfluid]

Being Senku's Academic Rival

Senku x Academic Rival Reader (academic burnout)

A/n: Is this considered an imagine or drabble? I also didn't plan to write this; it came to me, and I'm currently procrastinating school work...didn’t really proof read

Song Inspo: Girl, so confusing by Charlie xcx

"Who's the top student in the school?" Yours and Senku's names were the only two answers.

Everyone knows that when it comes to STEM, Senku couldn't be beaten. Being the head of the science club, unbeatable when it comes to arithmetic, and even having contacts at NASA. It was only logical that Senku's name would appear as a choice.

You, on the other hand, excelled in other subjects, such as the arts and humanities. Participating in multiple clubs and being president and executive in others. You even had time to be part of some sports clubs at your school.

You two were total opposites. What the other excelled at was the others' shortcoming. This was easily balanced out by another subject. You two were well rounded, but it was obvious that you both had specialties. If society were to collapse, the knowledge you two possessed would be enough to bring back society. Only if you two got along....

Neither Senku nor you remember when this feud started.

Was it when someone compared you both?

Did this mindless comparison start a rivalry?

Was it when someone said that STEM is harder than the arts, and you were too to quick defend your specialty?

Was it when Senku countered back?

Either way, you and Senku were constantly fighting for the highest grade. But everything changed when you stopped attending classes. Stopped attending your clubs. Not showing up to your sports practices.

It really wasn't Senku's business. Even if he wouldn't admit it out loud, he was concerned about you. He began to seek you out. Eventually, he found you at a secluded or possibly abandoned park, sitting at the top of a slide. As the sun began to set.

He decides to make his way at the end of the slide and looks up to you. You stare back at him with tears running down your face, and suddenly, he's unsure what to say.

"You win." You sound defeated.

"Win what?" he questions, unsure what exactly you were referring to.

"Being the top student!" you shout as you grip the sides of the slide. "I'm just so tired of putting in so much effort and look over to you and see how everything comes so naturally to you!"

Senku stays silent. For once, he doesn't argue back; he listens to your frustrations.

"I barely get enough sleep! There isn't enough time to do everything...the sports, the clubs, the amount of studying I have to do to stay on your level!" You cry. Your breathing becoming more erratic as you slowly make your way down to the slide, inching closer to him.

"People say we are alike! But we're not! You're just so much better than me; I'm always feeling like I'm running to catch up to you," you say to him as you finally reach the end of the slide. His hands are on either side of the slide, caging you in. "Sometimes, I feel like you take pleasure in seeing me fail."

You finally look up, and he's looking down at you, wearing the same expression as you. He looks at you with tears in his eyes and a broken smile. A smile that resonates with you. He lets out a bitter laugh,

"I think I know how you feel."

[fallen-w1ngs]

'' NEVER LEAVE ,,

|| pairings: hawks x reader / keigo takami x reader

|| warning: hurt/comfort [keigo does the comforting]

|| word count: 0.6k

Today's been hard, like really genuinely hard. No- scratch that, these past few WEEKS have been hard. Your classes have been going terribly, it feels as if you're failing every class.. And god forbid you're excited to see your friends for a few minutes. But turns out, they all went out to get drinks without you!

Tears burning at the corner of your eyes, saying your little mantra of 'Just make it back home, just make it back home, just make it back home.' Trying to push the bubbling overwhelming feeling of just an overflow of sadness crashing down on you as if a wave.

It was fine too, Keigo was gonna be on patrol, and by the time you were done sobbing your eyes out, he'd be back! And you could act as if nothing had happen.

The second you opened and shut the door behind you, you put your back against the wall and started crying. Not overly loud, nor dramatic, but you definitely weren't holding back sobs.

However, one, iiiiitty bitty tiny thing had thrown a wrench in your plan. Keigo, your ever loving boyfriend of the past few years, had decided to surprise you with a nice home cooked meal. He'd felt bad for being away so much! With how many missions his supreriors had given him, he felt bad for neglecting his lovely lover. The second he heard you open and shut the door, his heart leaped at the idea of having a romantic dinner at home.. But it soon fell as he heard you cry.

In a flash he was right in front of you, his soft hands on your shoulders as he stared at you in worry. His bushy brows furrowed as he tried to calm you.

"Baby?" He said quietly. "Baby, what's wrong, fuck- are you okay?? Are you hurt??"

You shook your head quickly as you palmed at your eyes, as if trying to force the tears back in. Oh, but Keigo's voice. With his sweet and hushed tone made you feel safe, much too safe. Enough to the fact you couldn't stop sobbing.

With a strong pull and a few flaps of his wings, Keigo flew you into the living room and kept you hugged on the couch. His wings engulfing your full presence.

For a few moments, you stayed like that. Keigo keeping you warm, making small circles at the small of your back as you cried wet patches into his shirt. Tugging and clawing at him, as if trying to keep him as close to you as possible. Scared that he'd disappear within moments.

Yet, he never did. He stayed, whispering sweet nothings into your ear.

"You're okay, baby," He whispered. "It's okay. I'm right here.. I'm so proud of you, y'know? You're doing amazing, I love you so much. I-"

"You wouldn't leave me, right?" It was a quick and cut question, you barely stuttered as you uttered those words.

"What?"

".. You wouldn't leave me.. Right?"

Keigo pulled away from you and cupped your face in his hands, his brows furrowed in confusion as he stared at your eyes. His honey suckled ones bearing into yours..

"Why do you think- I would never-" He took a deep breath before restarting. His forehead resting against yours as he spoke quietly. "I'll never, in a million years, leave you. I love you too damn much to. You're my entire world, and you deserve everything. I'll never leave you, I never want to leave you. You're everything, my love."

Your winged boyfriend spoke with such conviction, every word said with the most emotion. It wasn't like the words he said on TV. The ones manufactured to be the perfect hero. But these were words of a boyfriend who loved you so fucking much. Someone who claimed to never leave..

And who never went back on his words.

|| mannnnn ive been so busy and tonight felt like eeextra shit, so ya'll are getting small comfort fic !! thumbs up

[buddierealm]

ʚ MISTAKES NEVER LAST — e. diaz x reader

Part 1/? Wordcount: 2.9k Summary: You never do this. Really, never. But, of course, the one time you decide to have a one night stand with a complete stranger, it blows up right in your face. In more ways than one. Warnings: pseudocheating?? (bc of shannon), mentions of nsfw content, slightly ooc Eddie, PURE SILLINESS baby! A/N: they're such losers ohemgee, hope they stay happy forever... :/ (also this’ll be a LITTLE inspired by early merder but u didn’t hear that here…)

You usually wake up much slower than the regular person. This is mainly because of your job's demands, having to be in full focus the moment you step into the firehouse. Today, however, you quickly realize there won't be any time for that. The sun's already up, and you should've been up by 5:30AM.

It also dawns on you that there's someone in your bed. Wait what? There's someone in your bed, with their arm wrapped around your waist, and their front completely pressed to your back. You internally panic for a moment, before memories from last night begin flooding your mind.

Gorgeous eyes. A lot of flirting. A few drinks. And then, two times on the couch, and three in the bedroom. Oh. Right.

You couldn't wait to tell Hen all about it at work. She was the one who'd told you to get out there, after all. But first, you had to figure out how to get this stranger out of your bed. Or at least slip into the shower and hope he gets the hint and leaves while you're in there.

Your nose scrunches in concentration, as you pull his arm off of your waist slowly. He makes a noise in protest, but you pay it no mind. You quickly slip out of bed and bend down to grab your robe off of the floor. As you pull it closed quickly, you hear a breathy laugh from behind you.

You glance behind you immediately to meet the stranger in your bed's eyes, looking your practically half naked body up and down. He has an arm behind his head, and he seems to be enjoying the show. You frown to hide your immediate attraction to him. Yep, his eyes are still pretty gorgeous.

His smile immediately disappears as he seems to remember he might be late to something, a job, hopefully? He grabs his phone off of your nightstand and checks the time, disappointment marring his features. Maybe he was hoping for another round in the shower. Something you wouldn't have been completely opposed to.

No, you need to get him out of here!

Thankfully, he gets up and begins dressing, grabbing anything he can find off of the floor and throwing it on.

"Um, good morning," he says quickly, "And um, thank you?"

You laugh at his apparent gratitude. If you're remembering correctly, you should be the one thanking him.

"You're welcome?" you reply, your voice laced with hesitancy "uh, if it helps, I don't usually do this either."

He smiles, looking down, as he pulls his pants closed. His shirt's buttons are still open and he looks good enough to eat.

"Not sure that it does," he says, "I'm really sorry. I'd stay, really. But I'm gonna be late. Which isn't what you want to be on your first day."

You nod quickly, trying to seem as understanding as possible. He's unbelievably beautiful, but you really need to start getting ready so there's no room to talk.

"Uh, nope. It's no problem. I'm gonna head into the shower. And you won't be here when I come back," you assert, hoping he gets the hint, "so goodbye...?"

You blank, realizing you don't even remember his name. Did you even catch it with all of the... Wow. You can't believe you slept with someone and can't even remember his name.

His mouth splits into a smile, "Eddie. It's Eddie. Goodbye. And, thanks again..."

He says your name, and you start feeling really bad. You nod anyway, and run into the bathroom, slamming the door behind you. You lock it, and wait until you hear the front door shut to turn on the water, dipping underneath it, and washing away whatever happened last night.

You're so glad you won't see him again.

The rest of your morning is going exceptionally normally. You head into the firehouse, walking alongside Hen. You can't keep your mouth closed, so you start gossiping about last night immediately, sparing many graphic details, but telling her the important stuff.

"It was great. And the best part's I don't have to let anyone down easy. What happened happened, and I don't have to deal with the consequences of it, because I have absolutely no idea who he is," you say laughing.

"Yeah, you seem a lot less pent up. I'm glad my advice saved you," she responds, wiggling her eyebrows.

You roll your eyes in her direction, "I wouldn't say saved."

Cap's unusually cheery, loud greetings for everyone spare you from dealing with Hen with a thoroughly stroked ego. His abnormal attitude makes you snicker at him. Did he have a one night stand? Oh, god. Is that what you sound like?

"You are cheery?" Hen questions, stealing the question right off your lips.

"Why shouldn't I be?" Bobby asks.

"It's weird. Please stop," you joke, sounding like a teenager embarrassed by her father.

"Yeah, what's going on with you?"

Buck interrupts what you're sure was going to be a very fascinating lie from Bobby, announcing his body fat's just dropped a half percent.

"Uh, congrats?" you offer, your voice dripping with sarcasm.

Buck begins to mansplain what the scan he did's for, and chimney interrupts him.

"They measure the fat in your head?"

You laugh, crossing the circle to offer Chim a high-five, which he takes gladly.

Buck, however, isn't taking it as well, "see, that would be funny, but we're about a week away from submissions being due for the Hot Days, Smouldering Nights: Men of the LAFD Wall Calendar, and I'm already at my goal weight. So it seems like my head is clearly working perfectly."

"Well, that title doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, does it?" you comment.

"Did you really have to use that whole title? You could just say the idiotic, reductive, sexist, calendar that insults the dignity of this organization, and furthers the myth that all firefighters are male," Hen scolds, and you shoot her a wide grin.

Buck pauses, "Yeah, that's not any less words."

Captain Nash seems to agree, "Hen, C'mon. It's for charity."

"Oh no," you lament.

"Bobby, you too?"

"Why not? They say a man is sexiest when he reaches 50."

"Is that what they say? Oh, that's what they say?"

You grimace, "that can't be true."

Chimney interjects with his own idea, "See I think you're all wrong, I think sorority houses all over this great nation are ready for a new Asian sex symbol. It's our time."

"Hell, yeah. I'm betting on Chimney," you say happily, dying to see where this goes.

Buck ignores you, "Well, I think it's great. I like that you're both going up for it." He can't even manage sounding genuine.

"Ooh," Cap begins, "because you don't think we have a chance..."

You hold back a laugh, simply living for this unfolding drama.

You tune them out for a moment and then hear Chimney going on about...

"Okay, that, is a beautiful man."

"Where's the lie? And I like girls," Hen comments, and that piques your interest.

You direct your gaze to where they're all looking and your jaw unhinges at the joint. This is a sight you're familiar with. Unfortunately.

Hen's smirking at you for all the wrong reasons. She thinks you find him attractive. And, God, you do. You proved just as much last night. But this can't be happening. Please, universe, no.

"Who the hell is that?" Buckley asks, jealousy lacing his tone.

Please not him. Please not him. Please not him.

"Eddie Diaz, new recruit," Bobby says, "graduated top of his class just this week."

You try your hardest to control yourself, but you find yourself gulping, and choking. What? You're choking. On your own spit.

You can't stop coughing loudly. Make it stop, please. Every pair of eyes in the station is on you, and you can feel your cheeks growing red, as you cough three more times.

You bend over, and Hen gives you three blows to the back, then you're standing up straight and breathing normally. Once they've checked in, and made sure you're alright Bobby begins talking all about your one-night-stand-turned-coworker’s achievements and assets.

You believe you might keel over and die.

Bobby starts insisting on introducing you all to him. Your fight-or-flight response begins to take over and you quickly excuse yourself to the bathroom, citing your choking earlier. Anything to avoid meeting this guy. Again. Fuck.

You stay in the bathroom for as long as you can, but eventually duty calls and the firehouse alarm blares. You make your way outside quickly, ducking into the firetruck.

You find yourself sitting face to face with the man you're desperately trying to avoid. So much for that.

His eyes come up to meet yours and you register the exact moment he pieces it together. You think you might keel over and die again.

You can see his chest rise and fall a little quicker than before. His eyes are fixed on your face, trailing down to your lips and back up to your eyes, and somewhere in the distance Hen starts introducing you to him, but you can tell he isn't listening either.

What the hell is up with his eyes? Are they sparkling? Is that possible?

Hen clears her throat very loudly and it startles the both of you into attention.

"Damn, did either of you even hear a thing I said?" she asks, with a knowing smile on her face.

You give Hen a look that screams 'Save me.' Thankfully, she understands, and redirects the conversation to ask Eddie if he knows anything about the firefighter calendar.

You mouth a 'thank you' to her, when you realize Eddie's finally taken his eyes off of you.

Your first call with new recruit proves to be easier than expected. He keeps his hands and eyes off of you, even on the ride back, a fact you're incredibly grateful for.

You manage to masterfully avoid him for the rest of your shift. You also manage to avoid telling Hen about the whole him-being-the-one-night-stand-you've-been-so-happy-to-avoid thing, by some miracle.

But, good things never last, and as you're getting ready to leave, he corners you. Literally. Into your own locker, of all things.

"Hey," is all he says.

And you forget how to breathe. That's stupid. You're a grown woman, and a firefighter, who breathes every single day of her life, thank you very much. It's very, very difficult to breathe right now, though. When he has an arm (a very large arm, you note) resting against the open side of your locker, and the locker door's blocking the other, leaving you feeling completely helpless.

As you look up into his eyes, you can practically hear that one part in Angeleyes by ABBA play in your mind, and it's all so stupid.

Look into his angel eyes, one look and you're hypnotized.

You burst out laughing, naturally. And he looks at you like you've gone insane, which is completely valid. He has a small smile on his face, too, though, like your laugh might be easing his soul.

"Um..." you begin, clearing your throat and willing yourself to stop laughing, "Sorry, I just remembered a very funny joke."

He nods at your explanation, his gaze following your smile as you duck your head to let out one last giggle.

You blink quickly and remember to finally ask why he's cornered you like this.

"So, what's up with this?" you question, looking at the arm trapping you with a slightly annoyed look.

He apologizes, and brings his arm close to his person, but doesn't move any farther away.

"You're good," you justify, "So, what do you need?"

"Hey, I'm just going a little insane here," he starts, "You're her. From last night. Right? 'Cause you share the same name, and face, and everything."

You're glad he whispers the last part.

You nod in confirmation. Unfortunately, the next time you speak you both do it at the same time.

"You can just forget about it all," you reassure.

"Will you go out with me?" he asks.

You blink rapidly at him, a frown overtaking your features. No, no, no. Oh, no.

He smiles awkwardly, looking away.

You huff a little, "Listen, Eddie. I'm sure you're great. I'm just not looking for anything serious right now."

He nods in understanding, stepping away.

"Also, we have a pretty carefully curated dynamic here at the 118. Please don't ruin it. Not that you'd do it on purpose. Just don't take this rejection too seriously. We could always be friends," you suggest.

"Well, I'll definitely try my hardest. At not ruining your dynamic," he begins to walk away, "And the other thing."

"What other thing?" you yell after him.

"Asking you out," he smiles over his shoulder, "I'm not giving up that easy, hermosa."

Hell no. Hell yes. You wanted nothing to do with this. You wanted everything to do with him.

You turn around and whisper shout 'what the fuck' at your locker, before slamming it shut. You're pretty sure you'll probably be downing a bottle of red wine as you set about cleaning him and his scent out of your house, and your bed tonight.

And you do.

A day later, Buckley offers you should train with him at the in-house gym to pass the time. It's a pretty slow day and you've come to tolerate him now that he isn't trying to get into your pants. So, you agree.

You're deep in your fourteenth, fifteenth? squat when you see Eddie staring at you through the mirror. Buckley's somewhere in the distance taking selfies. You narrow your eyes at Eddie in the mirror to make it abundantly clear that yes, you can see him, and no, he doesn't have your permission to stare.

He looks away, and at least he has the nerve to look a little abashed. You smile to yourself. He's pretty damn cute, if you say so yourself. But you can't get involved right now. He was just supposed to be meaningless sex. Amazing meaningless sex, but meaningless nonetheless.

You can hear him mention something about the lighting to Buck, and you laugh at how defensive Buckley gets. When Eddie pulls up his own pictures your curiosity is piqued and you take a look from the corner of your eye. You see he's noticed that though, and he's giving you a grin.

You roll your eyes when Eddie accidentally gets a rise out of Buck. It was true, everyone knew Buck was single now, but telling him to his face was uncalled for.

You focus on weights for the rest of your workout and try your best to ignore Eddie passing by the open gym a million times, and his eyes, which are subtly (not) fixed on you every single time.

The earth-quake happens a week later. Eddie's still persistent. He asks you out to dinner every other day, and insists he'll keep doing so until you say yes. You roll your eyes every time and reiterate that you really don't want anything serious right now. But it's more like ever. You're not a commitmentphobe, really. You just don't like being held down.

And dating a single dad isn't exactly your idea of free flying. It makes you like him more, somehow, the fact that he has a kid. He's responsible, and he seems like a pretty great father. But it also makes you 10 times more vigilant for him out in the field.

It's the reason why you're not happy about being assigned different areas of this hotel completely rocked by the 7.1 earthquake. Yep, the only reason. His kid seems to precious to orphan.

You try your best to focus on your work, though. This job's already daunting enough without having to worry about anyone else. That's another reason you can't afford to go out with him. You simply wouldn't be able to do your job. It'd be a mess.

You're glad when you save Jeff from underneath the rubble, and he gets to keep his leg. You're even happier to see Hen come out with Kat. But your heart soars, when you realize Eddie made it out okay.

When you get home, you decide to pull out your phone and text him. This is casual, you tell yourself. So very casual. I'm just checking up on a coworker, who I care about very deeply. Casually, of course.

Hey, your kid okay?

Yeah, he's alright. Thanks for asking. ;)

You laugh at his text. So stupid.

You decide to send another one, not wanting the conversation to end quite yet.

And you?

I'm okay. But I could've died today. How horrible would you feel if I had died and you hadn't gone out with me?

You're so full of yourself.

Go out with me? Next weekend? Please.

You find yourself typing before you can even think. It's getting kind of pathetic, honestly. And you'd feel pretty evil if you said no after the day you've both had.

Fine. You better make it worth my time.

Wouldn't dream of anything less. Goodnight.

Goodnight. To you and the kid.

After that, you can't get much sleep. You toss and turn, contemplating whether or not this is a bad idea. Hopefully not. You'll have to tell Hen eventually too. Ugh. You wonder why the hell you ever listen to her.

It isn't just the bad stuff on your mind, though. You're replaying every single interaction you've ever had with him like a drug who's high you can't get enough of. God help you.

[tinylilacbun]

i n s e c u r i t i e s ˖˚⊹ ꣑ৎ‎

Warnings: insecurities about body image/weight, rafe being incredibly soft :'), this drabble is written from my own perspective and experience (except for the fact I don't have a Rafe to comfort me...)

Some time in your life you have come to accept the fact that you're chubby, ever since highschool you've been a bit chubbier than other girls and you were fine with it, you had your friends who accepted you and didn't treat you any different.

Then you started dating Rafe, thinking this was just some kind of bet for him but it turned out that he actually loved you, really loved you, for your personality and your looks.

To him you were perfect, not feeling like you have to prove yourself with skimpy outfits or tons of makeup is what really has him whipped for you.

Later in your relationship you even found the courage to tell him about your littlespace, thinking this was it now, he will see what kind of a weirdo you are and leave you, that's what you thought.

But Rafe surprised you by still being the supportive boyfriend he is, assuring you that there's nothing you could do or say that would make him love you any less.

You changed him for the better, giving him the opportunity to find out how it actually feels to be dependent on and responsible for someone.

Even though you have a healthy relationship and amazing friends there are still some moments where your insecurities get the best of you, especially when you look into a mirror or get changed.

Just like now you wanted to try on a new dress that you bought online a few days ago, with Rafe's money of course because you're his girl who deserves everything.

You stand in the middle of your shared bedroom, staring into the full body mirror in front of you as if that can make you feel better about yourself.

The dress itself is pretty, just not on you in your opinion...

You sigh sadly, smoothing your hands down your sides and turning your body a little to see it from a different angle but it just makes you frown even more.

Not being able to look at yourself a second longer you reach to the side of your dress trying to pull down the zipper to get it off you, whining when it gets stuck in the fabric from you hastily tugging on it.

You regressed the second you looked into the mirror and even the minor inconvenience has you on the verge of a meltdown, stomping your foot.

"Need some help?" Rafe's sudden voice startles you, jerking your head to the side to see him leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, an amused smile on his face which he quickly wipes off when he sees your bottom lip start to quiver. "Hey, what's wrong, huh? Is the dress too tight?"

He approaches you as you shake your head looking back towards the mirror while he positions himself behind you, placing his hands on your waist.

"No pwetty..." You sniffle, closing your eyes and turning your head away again only for Rafe to grab your chin and make you look back at yourself.

"So, let's get this straight. You, baby, are the prettiest girl I've ever seen. I keep pinching myself to make sure you're not just a dream." He starts, gently wiping some tears from your cheeks with the back of his hand. "The fact that I get to call you my girl makes me the happiest man on earth."

Your crying slowly stops at his words, feeling the butterflies erupt in your stomach when he wraps his arms around you from behind, placing his chin on your shoulder.

"Just look at you." He murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek. "That's my pretty girl right there." He points at you in the mirror. "And I wouldn't trade that sight for anything in this universe."

"P-Pwomise?" You mumble, your fingers picking at the end of your dress anxiously, still a bit unsure of yourself.

"I promise, baby." He assures you without hesitation. "Now, you wanna get into something more comfy and watch a movie, hm?"

A tiny smile forms on your face, nodding your head and leaning against him for comfort. Rafe never fails to make you feel beautiful, even in your lowest moods.

[boyfriendsmalec]

Do Milkvans realize that the cast and crew are under NDAs? They absolutely can't spoil anything about Byler or they'd be in massive legal trouble. The only person who is allowed to tease about it the most is Noah and that's because his character is canonically in love with Mike, so it's seen as okay for him to talk about it.

Finn can't confirm anything because it would be a MAJOR spoiler, so he has to tread a line. Him saying he prefers Milkvan at the Paris con is honestly probably a mislead, but he himself has said he's never been into shipping and prefers to let the fans decide. He only said he preferred Milkvan because of the "beginning" which almost suggests that they won't be together at the end. Also based on past interviews with Finn he tends to smile more when asked Byler related questions and seems a bit more blasé when the topic of Milkvan comes up.

It's pretty clear the majority of the cast ships Byler and except for Millie none of them appear to be huge Milkvan fans (and even Millie seems less enthusiastic when talking about Milkvan these days and even said she does ship Byler now too). See Caleb talking about how Lumax's love is "real" and how Milkvan's is instead a more "teenage love." See Gaten smiling when he talks about Mike going to visit Will in California and then quickly tacking El on at the end. Why does Gaten first bring up that Mike is going to visit Will, when we as the audience are supposed to believe he's more-so going to see El, you know, his girlfriend?

I also see Milkvans bring up David Harbour saying in an interview that Mike "seems to" love El, so he said that he didn't think Byler's ship will sail. This being the same man who acted like Hopper was dead and that Jopper wasn't going to happen. He's a troll, clearly enjoying teasing the fans. He's also the one who even lowkey spoiled that Will liked Mike around S4 when he talked about how "Will doesn't like El, he likes someone else in the group" with a huge smile on his face.

I think Milkvans are honestly grasping at straws here because the cast and what they've said thus far absolutely cannot confirm a Milkvan endgame. Every reputable leaker has said no one knows the outcome of Milkvan vs Byler. It's definitely being kept a secret for a reason though, and I don't think it would be such a secret if Milkvan was going to be endgame, otherwise wouldn't they be teasing about Will getting another love interest? Or wouldn't Finn have more to say in regards to Milkvan in S5 other than "they're definitely a couple going into it?"

[magicalrocketships]

More Max mpreg! Continues from part 1 here.

(contains mpreg, reference to giving birth, Max Verstappen's bad dad and also past abuse.)

little rivers of light part 2

Max's baby hates flying. 

Bastiaan cries through the plane taxiing, the safety briefing, then take off. He cries all the way from leaving the gate to the seatbelt sign flicking off, at which point Daniel unbuckles his belt and moves one seat over until he's next to Max. 

"I know, baby," Daniel says. "Flying sucks." He makes an exaggerated sad face, but Bastiaan's too busy having the worst day of his little life so far to melt under Daniel's gaze. 

It's normally just Max who does that — melt — but Max is too tired and too stressed out and too fucking overwhelmed to cope with the re-emergence of the one person who's previously always made him want more than he can ever have. The only thing he's thinking about now is his little sad baby. 

Max undoes his seat belt, and tries to shift so that Bastiaan's more comfortable. "He wants to be at home," he says. "It's the only place he knows."

"Yeah," Daniel says. "Don't we all." He reaches over and strokes the crook of his finger over Bastiaan's little red tearstained cheek. "What can we do to make your day better, little guy?"

If Max hadn't been so busy trying to cope with Daniel beside him before the plane left the gate, he might have remembered the advice he'd read on the internet, about feeding a baby through take off to keep them quiet. He might have managed to do it in front of Daniel without feeling weird and embarrassed, but he hadn't thought of it until it was too late. Anyway, Bastiaan is proving to be a strong-willed little thing, fussy about mealtimes. He doesn't want to feed unless he's very hungry. Maybe he's like Max, who doesn't snack and only eats if it's a mealtime. That's not genetics, though. When Max was very little, his mum used to let him have snacks. It was only his dad who wouldn't let him eat between meals, even if his tummy wouldn't stop rumbling. Bastiaan won't ever feel hunger like that. Max has made him a promise. And he'd fed him in the car before coming into the airport, so Bastiaan had had his fill. 

Max kisses Bastiaan's hair. He's a little blond baby, small. He'd been just under 3kg when he was born, curled up and fierce even as Max had held him for the first time, announcing his arrival with the tiniest cries Max had ever heard. His baby, his own baby, his son. 

"Shush, little baby," Max says. "I know it's not home. I'm sorry." He wants to cry too. Wants to give in and tell the world he's scared, he's alone, he doesn't know what the fuck he's doing or how to look after this tiny baby who relies on Max for everything. "You're very lovely, my baby. My very gorgeous baby. That's right." Bastiaan's settling. Curled up against Max's chest. It's his favourite place to be. Max's favourite place for him to be too. He wants to be at home like Bastiaan does. He understands why Bastiaan's crying. 

"You got someone meeting you at the other end?" Daniel asks. "Maybe this little one's other dad?"

Max doesn't blush. Bastiaan was an accident. A long weekend in Ibiza seeing Martijn DJ, a break after the endless physio sessions and relentless pressure from his dad after Max's second leg surgery. He'd only just been off his crutches. There had been three different guys, although Max supposes he can rule out the one he'd sucked off in a club toilet. He couldn't even go down on his knees because his leg was still fucked up; he'd had to sit on the toilet seat and suck him off like that. It doesn't much matter. He can't remember any of their names, let alone their faces. One of them gave him Bastiaan, and it's a gift Max will be forever thankful for, even if he can't gift his baby with his other daddy. He'll be enough for two dads. He'll be enough for three, if Max thinks about his own dad. 

Max doesn't much remember his dad pushing him down the stairs. It's like it happened to someone else, some other boy who'd found out he was pregnant and was trying to deal with the fall out. It hadn't, though. It had happened to him. Max had waited three more days to leave. The bleeding stopped on the second. Max had heard his dad on the phone to the abortion clinic on the third. 

He'd gone that night, and he hadn't looked back. He's been alone ever since. 

"No," Max says. "It's just me and Bastiaan. Nobody's meeting us."

"I've got a car," Daniel says. "I can take you wherever you need to go. Drop you off. Whatever."

Max looks at him. He wants to cry, but he doesn't. He's forgotten how to, somewhere along the line. "I'm seeing Cyril," he says finally. "I'm going to ask if I can race for him."

The look Daniel gives him could be pity, but Max won't let it be. Daniel's racing for Cyril already. Max could too. His body's always, always done what he wanted it to. It won't be different now just because Max has had a baby. He can race. He'll race whenever, however, whatever. It's all he knows. Just because he can't go back—

Everything changes. Everything moves on. It's okay. 

He kisses Bastiaan's hair again. Breathes him in. His little, milky-soft baby. So small, so wanted, so alone. 

"I can do it," Max says. "I just need a chance."

"I know," Daniel says softly. "You always were incredible." He touches Bastiaan's hand with his finger. "I'll give you a lift. I'm seeing him myself. I'll take you right to his door."

Max lets out a ragged, desperate breath. Hold on, he thinks. Hold on. It's all going to change. 

Bastiaan, tiny and tired in Max's arms, closes his eyes. 

[22ayla21]

🤭 I want to request jiaoqiu with younger! Sister reader who get cursed to never age and never grow up or became a adult, so she still look like a kid but her age is not.

Time Frozen for a Single Soul

Jiaoqiu, like a true older brother, reminding her that a person's worth is not determined by age, but by who they are inside.

Jiaoqiu sat on the veranda, holding a cup of warm tea. The evening sun painted the sky in soft shades of orange and pink, but his gaze was fixed on a figure sitting on the stone step.

She swung her legs, swaying slightly back and forth, as if trying to convince herself that there was meaning in this movement. The long sleeves of her clothes hung a little too large on her wrists, and her fox tail trembled in time with the wind.

"Thinking again about what can't be changed?" he asked quietly, not taking his eyes off his sister. She didn't answer immediately. Her small fingers picked at the corner of her sleeve, as if searching for words.

"Sometimes I feel like the world is passing me by," she finally said, without turning to him. Jiaoqiu placed the cup on the table, then silently got up and walked closer.

"It's not passing you by," he said softly, sitting next to her. "You're just walking a different path."

His sister smiled wryly.

"The path of eternal childhood?"

She raised her head to look at him. There was wisdom in her eyes, uncharacteristic of such a young face. Her body didn't change, as if someone had sealed her in this state, not allowing her to step further. Everyone else grew up, changed, left, but she remained unchanged—a girl with fox ears and a tail, trapped in a body that could no longer keep up with her age.

Jiaoqiu sighed. He remembered the day the curse fell on her. They were children then. No one understood what had happened until the years began to pass, and she remained the same. At first, it seemed magical—the opportunity to never grow old, but with each passing decade, this "fairy tale" became more and more burdensome.

"I'm just tired, brother," she said quietly. "Tired of watching everything change, and I... don't."

He was silent, allowing her to speak. She rarely opened up like this. In the eyes of others, she remained an eternal child—cute, with a naive smile, but no one saw her true self. No one except him.

"And what do you want?" he asked after a pause.

"I don't know," she shrugged. "Sometimes I want to break all the limitations, sometimes... just fall asleep and not think about it."

Jiaoqiu covered her hand with his palm.

"Time doesn't define your worth," he said. "Neither your body nor your appearance. I've seen you change. Maybe not on the outside, but inside."

She looked at him.

"And is that enough?"

"For me, yes."

His voice was firm, but there was endless warmth in it. He knew he couldn't lift this curse, but he knew something else: as long as he was alive, his sister wouldn't be alone.

She sighed, and then, after a moment's hesitation, leaned against him.

"You always say what I need to hear," she murmured. Jiaoqiu chuckled, gently patting her head.

"Because I'm your brother, silly."

They remained sitting like that until the sun finally disappeared below the horizon. The world continued to move forward, but at least for this moment, it gave them some peace.

[abusivelittlebunny]

Did any omega have problems getting pregnant in your AU? Like maybe loosing there periods cuz of eating disorders, or just infertility? (I know must of them have pups, but I was just curious.)

Very good and relevant question!! While omegas are naturally extremely fertile in this au and a large kid count is quite common, much more than with Betas with female reproductive organs, - fertility issues still rise up. And due to the aforementioned stereotype, an omega with fertility issues is quite... looked down upon. They face a lot of challenges and self-doubts and bias against them in society. Spoilers below about who this will affect!

Most relevant to the current events will be Lando, who experiences fertility problems while around him every omega seems to start growing a belly. As if a chain reaction was going on Logan, Max, Charles, George and Oscar all had to retire early from at least the final race due to unexpected pregnancies, even reserves like Franco and Ollie couldn't attend for the same reason and the FIA was blamed for the new mandated birth control pills introduced in the beginning of the season. But little did the FIA know about how most of the omegas weren't even taking those pills at all because of how it affected their hormones could cause water retention and weight gain so they omitted from taking them secretly to not sabotage their performance...or to babytrap certain alphas khm khm.

Lando at first thought that with all the omegas around him rounding up he'd have an easy time winning the championship, but at the same time he felt a little... alone. Like he was missing out on a party everyone else was attending. He knew it was silly of him, but seeing Carlos announce his engagement, and the way different alphas were doting over a heavily pregnant Max, how Charles and George were chatting over baby clothes in their downtime while rubbing over their bumps, and even youngsters like Logan, Franco and Ollie coming together to discuss the difficulties and joys of different pregnancy stages set Lando's teeth on edge. The final nail in the coffin was definitely Oscar requesting ahead of time not to partake in the final race as he too would be approaching the 5th month of his pregnancy during that time and his doctor requested him to rest for the baby's sake. Lando didn't even know until that point that Oscar was pregnant, and he had to find out that way. So much for being best friends.

Now, Lando tried to have a baby before with Carlos, unbeknownst to the alpha, as a sort of greedy way of keeping him loyal to himself when he first said he'd be leaving to join Ferrari. He knew him and Charles had something going on at the time already, had walked in on them on multiple occasions and Charles seemed to always show off their affair proudly, so Lando tried to take his revenge using the back route. He tried getting pregnant, but failed each time. As if some curse was set on him, the second line never seemed to appear and he couldn't understand why. He kept asking his doctor if everything was alright with his reproductive system who just kept smiling at him in the same blank poker face saying of course, why wouldn't it be? Just take your regular medication prescribed and you should be tip top.

It wasn't until Carlos left and got replaced by Daniel that Lando has given up on the whole conceiving thing. He told Daniel that he didn't need to use protection when they were hooking up, he was infertile anyway, but Daniel didn't believe him and had him visit his own doctor about it. Who seemed very confused when he examined Lando's results and meds.

"You poor thing." The beta doctor sighed, and Lando was prepared for him to say that yeah, the problem is with him and nothing will save him from being fucking barren. "You have been getting fed contraceptives of a downright illegal dosage."

And Lando's world stopped dead in its tracks.

Someone has been actively sabotaging him from getting pregnant, has been paying off his fucking doctor to put a contraceptive into every single one of his supplements. He didn't know who, and didn't even dare to look into it because he was terrified of the answer. Was it his team boss Zak? Was it Carlos himself? Or his father? Was it fucking Max his ex? Or Charles? Or his own parents? Or was it actually the FIA secretly trying to control conceiving within the paddock to avoid the drama of the 2010s grid? There were possibilities everywhere he looked and it made him extremely paranoid and closed off.

Daniel took care of his doctor for him, he was the only one at that point Lando could trust, and he began taking normal supplements that wouldn't fuck with his hormones anymore but the damage was done. His new doctor, the one he shared with Daniel sighed painfully when he told him the high dosage he's been taking the last 2 years needed time to clear out of his system. It won't be easy, and could take years before his reproductive levels were back to normal. If they could get back to normal.

Lando didn't discuss it with anyone else outside of Daniel, hence why he kept his mouth firmly shut seeing all the other omegas start to pop a belly. He knew his chances of conceiving any time soon were low anyways, but then he found a brand new piece of information that shed some light on what happened to him a couple years ago that made his blood utterly boil and he thought fuck it. He might as well try. Fragile womb and all but God fucking damn it, he'll try.

Lando asked for time off from racing in advance after the 2025 Shanghai GP, showing off the ring on his finger very clearly as he announced that he was 4 months pregnant and doesn't want to race beyond 6 months for the baby's sake. Daniel by his side was smiling big and bright and eyeing the crowd together with Lando. They both knew the baby wasn't Daniel's but Carlos', but they also knew the only way this child had a chance to survive was to pretend otherwise.

And they were right. The baby wasn't harmed this time, and sweet little Carla saw the world for the first time as a healthy alpha girl on September 2, 2025.

"Funny how she almost shares a birthday with her daddy, isn't it?" Lando said as he attended a grid mamas brunch a couple weeks later where he introduced his babygirl to the rest of the omegas who all froze instantly. "I wonder if star signs are like, you know, real? If she had the same personality as Carlos it'd be crazy, wouldn't it?"

Lando's eyes could be called nothing less than daggers as he eyed the fucking bitches around him who all seemed awfully quiet now after having been loudly cooing over the new addition to their monthly brunch meeting.

Charles was holding baby Jules tight to his chest, Max raising his brows as he checked on his twins in the stroller beside him instead of looking him in the eye, Logan nearly biting through his lip as he rubbed a protective hand over his heavy bump his tiny son was napping on, Franco and Ollie leaning in close with each of their children in their laps to whisper about something, and Liam looking a bit sick as he held his own heavy bump with shaking hands.

"I don't get it." Lance was the only one cocking his head to the side dumbly, using his own baby bump as a makeshift shelf he put his parfait on that he was currently munching. "I thought Daniel was your husband?"

"He is, Lance." George groaned across the table, fussing over his daughter nervously. "God, you're such a fucking idiot."

"What? Why?" Lance looked around, completely clueless, only Oscar taking pity on him.

"You're not, don't worry. Let's just drop it." Oscar spoke softly, not wanting to wake up his own daughter sleeping soundly on his chest but giving Lando a warning side-eye. "For the kids' sake."

"Right. For the kids' sake." Lando sneered looking over his competition in more ways than one.