#and just get cozy in a chair and read for a couple of hours

[bunnihearted]

📚📖🧸

[jjunieworld]

27. the elevator ⸝ ˚⋆

↳ half written, half texts. word count: 3.3k

you and you friends were sitting in you and yunjin’s dorm in a circle on the floor discussing the idea of making soobin jealous. jake and hueningkai had just entered, nervous looks on their faces as they sat down. they purposefully avoided your gaze.

“i know i said fine, but that was a joke. i didn’t think you guys would actually go and key his car and slash his tires!” you exclaimed, throwing your hands up. your heated gaze turned to jake and he cowered slightly. “and carving my name in his seat?!” hueningkai coughed and opened his mouth to speak, but was beaten by yunjin.

“you trashed his car without me?!” she yelled, a look of betrayal on her face. jake scratched the back of head, “honestly, it was a spur of the moment decision and halfway through we almost got caught.”

“i wanted to egg it too but we were broke,” kai added. you looked at them in disbelief and slid your hands down your face. you actually couldn’t believe this. what were you going to say to soobin when you talked to him again? “hey, sorry about my friends trashing your car in my honor. but if we’re being honest, you kinda deserved it?” this was ridiculous.

you wrapped his crewneck tighter around you. you had found another little worn note hidden inside addressed to you that you kept secretly stored away in your drawer. it brought a smile on your face to read, especially since you came to the conclusion that soobin didn’t mean to leave the notes in his clothes.

“okay back to the topic at hand!” yeonjun suddenly said, clapping his hands together. “making soobin jealous. yunjin, you said you had an idea?” the room quieted and yunjin cleared her throat dramatically.

“we get one of soobin’s friends to “pursue” y/n. have them maybe fake date a little or at least look like they’re getting cozy to make soobin jealous.” she confidently stated. your face paled. you did not want to pretend to get cozy with one of his ex-friends. “his ex-friends,” you stated. yunjin waved you off. “and does it have to be one of them. i really don’t want to see their faces, especially after the whole bet thing. and how are we even gonna get in contact with his ex-friends? what makes you think they’re gonna give us the time of day?”

you thought more on the idea, and found that you weren’t that against it. it did make you slightly uncomfortable with the whole backdrop of the bet, but the idea of seeing soobin jealous intrigued you. you put a hand to your chest, over your heart. did you want to see him hurt though?

yeonjun sighed and pulled his phone out, standing to his feet. “i have an idea.”

it was a couple days later and you and your friends were once again not studying at the library like you should’ve been. exams were in two days and the stress was weighing you down. you had been either locked in your dorm, floor covered in textbooks as you and yunjin went over everything a million times or at the library from the break of dawn until closing hours.

everyone had been asking yeonjun what his big idea was and he just kept saying, “just wait, you’ll see…” that was also adding to your stress.

“it’s been days, jjunie. the anticipation is killing me.” kai had drawled as he dropped his head and arms on the table. you weren’t at the usual table you guys sat at, but a bigger one. there was a singular empty seat and you wondered who it was for.

suddenly, a figure approached your table, pulling the empty chair out from under it next to you. “this is embarrassing even being seen here; i look like a fucking nerd, so hurry up and say what you want to say. and don’t waste anymore of my time.” sunghoon said as he leaned back in the chair roughly and crossed his arms over his chest. the whole table, except yeonjun, gaped at him. you felt your heart beat faster in your chest.

your wide eyes slid over to yeonjun. he raised his eyebrows at you and then looked to sunghoon. “we want to make soobin jealous, are you in or not?” yeonjun asked simply. sunghoon raised an eyebrow.

“just to make him jealous? you guys are so fucking lame, surely you can do more than that.” your friends’ gazes landed on you heavily. sunghoon turned to look at you too. you gulped and rose your hands slightly. sunghoon rolled his eyes, “whatever, i’m in.”

hueningkai hummed. “no… that was a little too easy. what do you have up your sleeve?” sunghoon sighed deeply and leaned onto the table. “it’s simple on why i’m here with… you all. i want sakura, sakura wants soobin, and soobin wants you.” he turned slightly to glance at you. “you scratch my back and i scratch yours.”

yunjin gave a disgusted look and yeonjun scoffed under his breath. “more like stab,” he muttered. your eyes widened slightly as you processed what sunghoon had said, “sakura wants soobin?”

sunghoon sighed loudly as he rolled his eyes at yeonjun’s statement. “get over it! that was so long ago.” a look of anger flashed onto yeonjun’s face and he opened his mouth to retort but jake held up his hands to cool the table.

“on making soobin jealous… what do you suggest?” jake asked, looking between sunghoon and yeonjun. yeonjun scoffed lowly and leaned back in his chair. sunghoon did the same and looked to you. “we should kiss in front of him.” your face immediately scrunched up. you did not want to kiss him.

you shook your head. “no, he’ll never believe that i would actually like you let alone kiss you. we have to make this look realistic.” sunghoon rolled his eyes again. if he kept doing that they were gonna come out of his head. “you’re right, i guess. but we should still make the allusion of kissing in front of him. it would drive him crazy.” more disgusted faces around the table, including yours.

jake’s eyebrows raised. “hmm… the drama, though!” kai let out a laugh. you couldn’t help but laugh too. “fine, i guess i could give the allusion of kissing you. that’s the closest i’m coming to your face.” you speak, glancing over at sunghoon. he smirked at you, “you won’t be saying that after all this. i’m too irresistible.” you practically laughed in his face at that.

yunjin looked at him disgustedly once more, “we have to make sure soobin actually sees it though. how are we gonna do that?” kai’s face lit up. “it can be after classes, on the elevator! i can hold redacted back at his classroom and y/n and… him…—“ he side eyed sunghoon “—can get an elevator to themselves. then they can pretend to kiss just as redacted rounds the corner to get onto it!” sunghoon gave kai a bemused look. “redacted?” yeonjun and jake waved him off.

humming as you thought it over, you slowly nodded in agreement and hueningkai started clapping loudly. getting a few shushes from the surrounding tables. “let’s run back the fake dating for a second…” yunjin said. “i don’t think that’s necessarily a bad idea either. maybe not fake dating, but maybe talking? getting comfortable? we can say that sunghoon comforted y/n the day after the party or something like that.” you and your friends all stared at each other for a moment before busting out into somewhat quiet laughter. you got a couple glares and quieted down.

sunghoon gave you all confused looks. “what is so funny? you don’t think i can be comforting?” he asked. that caused more quiet laughter. sunghoon scoffed, “losers. this is why nobody likes you guys.”

still chuckling, you said, “you know what, why not! we can do the elevator kiss tomorrow and plan out the whole getting comfortable thing after at the dorms.” yeonjun smiled widely. “right before exams… i like it.” you shook your head at him. you would do just this one thing to get soobin back, just this one thing. you couldn’t bear hurting him any more than this.

“wait… but how does this help you get sakura?” jake suddenly asked, turning to sunghoon. sunghoon smiled confidently, “sakura doesn’t actually like soobin. she’s just pissed he isn’t under her control anymore. once she sees me slipping, she’ll come running.” you and your friends gave him bewildered looks. hueningkai let out an “oh, that’s not—“

“so you just want fake love then? to be controlled by her forever? that’s sad.” you asked him, genuinely concerned. he gave you a sharp glare. your friends immediately sat up straighter in their seats, giving him a sharper one. “mind your own fucking business. once she sees that i actually love her, everything will fall into place.”

yeonjun gave him a wry laugh. “your business is our business now too… if you think it’ll get sakura to love you back, then by all means!” you had to put a hand on yunjin so she didn’t retort anything back at sunghoon. this whole plan was going to be… interesting, to say the least.

—SOOBIN’S POV—

soobin couldn’t wait until he got back to his apartment. he desperately needed a nap, and the last couple minutes of class were dragging like hell. he was up the whole night with taehyun studying for the exams that were tomorrow. soobin was confident he was gonna pass them with how much information he beated into his brain. he swore he saw the contents of his textbooks when he closed his eyes.

finally, the bell rung and he cleared out of the classroom like his ass was on fire. he rounded the doorframe and had a hand pressed to his chest to stop him. confused, he took a step back and looked at who was in front of him.

hueningkai stood before him, a slightly disgusted look on his face. “soobin,” was all he said, monotone. soobin raised an eyebrow. “yes?” then soobin remembered the fact that he saw him trash his car. “dude… did you have to do that to my ca—“

kai cut him off with a loud sigh. “i could’ve done a lot more than trash your car. you’re rich, get a new one. i never got to say my piece to you after everything that happened.” soobin’s face paled slightly. he was so confused, why all of this now?

“what you did to y/nie was real shitty, you know that?” soobin spoke up, “i know. it was never my intention to hurt y/nie—“ hueningkai held up a hand. “y/n… to you. how would you feel if the person you’ve liked for forever now had finally given you the time of day? asked you out and became your partner? only to find out that it was all some elaborate joke on you. only to find out that the whole time they were laughing behind your back at how clueless and naive you were? how would you feel about that?” he spat, crossing his arms over his chest as he stared holes into soobin’s eyes.

soobin was at a loss for words. “i swear the only thing i did for the bet was the class thing and the dinner. after the dinner, everything changed. i prom—“

“how… would you feel about that?” hueningkai once again cut him off, emphasizing his question with a raise of his eyebrows. soobin gulped. he never really saw hueningkai angry like this, let alone ever at all. all the playfulness and the wide smile that usually came with him was gone. the only thing that was on hueningkai’s face was anger and cold calculation.

“i would feel betrayed. heartbroken. i would feel... unwanted.” soobin had finally said after a moment, looking to the floor. all hueningkai did was hum lowly and stared at him for a moment. then he walked away silently. soobin stood there for a couple minutes, collecting his thoughts, before slowly walking to the elevator to go home.

soobin ran a hand through his hair as he rounded the corner to the elevator, freezing in his tracks when he saw what was in front of him. sunghoon and y/n were in the elevator together, alone. they weren’t standing that close, but close enough to make soobin’s blood boil. what does he want with her? and what was she doing with him?

y/n gave sunghoon a shy smile as he said something to her that soobin couldn’t hear. they didn’t even seem to notice him standing only a couple feet away from them. sunghoon returned her smile, leaning down too close to her lips than he should ever be. soobin felt his stomach drop. they were going to kiss.

before soobin could see the kiss, the elevator doors closed. at the last second before the doors closed fully, sunghoon’s eyes connected with soobin’s.

soobin couldn’t move. couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. what the fuck just happened? sunghoon and y/n? his world was spinning rapidly on its axis. anger suddenly and forcefully hit him, making him stumble a couple steps backwards. what the fuck were they doing together? after everything him and y/n talked about? soobin let out a loud, angry groan of frustration.

this had to be some kind of joke. there’s no way in hell, not even in the ninth circle, that y/n would ever be with him. that she would ever be that close to him without him pulling strings behind the scenes. especially not because sunghoon was the one who suggested the bet in the first place. that she would ever even think of kissing him.

pulling his phone out, he sent sunghoon a “what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” text. soobin taped his foot rapidly as he waited for the rickety elevator to come back up to the floor he was on. once it did, he continuously pressed the ground floor button. he needed to get out of this building, fast.

as the doors were closing, a response from sunghoon came in. “what the hell are you talking about this time?” soobin squeezed his phone as he seethed. sunghoon knew exactly what he was talking about. he didn’t even bother with a response. when the elevator doors opened, he flew out of the building and to the dorms.

a sleepy taehyun opened the door to his room from soobin’s relentless knocking and soobin roughly pushed past him to get inside. “what the fuck?” taehyun asks, turning to soobin. he shuts his door and gives soobin a look of annoyance.

soobin then pours the recent events out with heavy breathing. he can’t help his shaking hands as he finishes. taehyun looks at him with a raised eyebrow. “well?” soobin asks loudly, running both of his hands through his hair.

“calm down,” is all taehyun says as he sits on his couch. soobin follows him. “calm down?” soobin retorts, a wild look on his face. taehyun looks over at him calmly. “it’s weird, but it’s most likely not what you think it is. what could he even have on her? and to have her act romantically?”

“what else could it be?” soobin gritted out, annoyed. “not sure. and i’m not your therapist.” is all taehyun replied. soobin huffed loudly and tried to calm himself down, it only worked slightly. that was until his brain recalled the kiss between y/n and sunghoon.

soobin sighed deeply. “you’re my only friend… so yeah, you kinda are.” he looked over to taehyun. “loser,” taehyun said without any punch. soobin rolled his eyes. “just go ask her. i don’t think she would be all cozy with sunghoon considering his hand with the bet.” taehyun then added.

soobin stood to his feet with a new vigor. taehyun was right. he’d go to y/n’s dorm and clear this whole mess up. “you’re right,” soobin echoed his thoughts.

“i know,” taehyun replied. “now get the hell out so i can go back to sleep.”

soobin was in front of y/n’s dorm, a nervous mess. what if it was what he thought it was? that sunghoon was blackmailing y/n in some way? what if her and sunghoon actually were together? he didn’t know what he’d do. soobin rose his hand and knocked three times.

yunjin opened the door, a wide smile on her face that quickly fell when she saw who it was. “what the hell do you want?” she spits at him. soobin takes a deep breath and opens his mouth to start to ask for y/n, but cuts himself off when he sees the scene behind yunjin.

she has the door open enough just for soobin to see that y/n and sunghoon are on her bed laughing together. y/n’s playfully hitting sunghoon as he tickles her, her giggles filling the room. the rest of her friends are also there, on the floor, laughing at the whole exchange.

soobin feels like he’s just been shot. his eyes widen at the two of them together, hurt pouring through his veins until it’s the only thing he knows. he was right. it was exactly what he feared. it was too late. and the worst part about the whole thing was that y/n was wearing one of his sweaters. soobin sputtered as he tried to come up with a response to yunjin.

“uh— oh— sorry…” he pushes out quietly. soobin quickly turned to leave, taking long strides down the hallway until he made it back to the elevator of the building.

soobin’s thoughts are a mess as he makes the walk home. he couldn’t wrap his head around the whole situation. couldn’t come up with a reason on how this all happened. how y/n and sunghoon happened. forget his world spinning rapidly on its axis, it was completely flipped upside down. it wasn’t even in its original solar system anymore.

he still wanted to talk to y/n, but feared it’ll make things worse. the ball was in her court, it was her move. soobin said he’ll give her space and he was determined to keep true to his word this time. but he had to do something… he pulled out his phone, shooting y/n a quick text after all this time.

as soon as yunjin closed the door, you pushed sunghoon’s hands off you and scooted away a little bit. he rose his hands slightly, raising his eyebrows as he leaned away. yunjin came back to where everyone was at and sat on her bed.

“so?” you asked, wanting to know soobin’s reaction. “he looked shocked and was stuttering. i think it worked!” yunjin replied, a satisfied grin on her lips. you turned to sunghoon in slight shock and he rose an eyebrow back in amusement. “you should’ve saw his face at the fake kiss!” jake added, getting a bewildered look from you. you didn’t think he would actually hide somewhere. “he was pissed!”

sunghoon ran a hand through his hair. “god, he is so stupid.” you gave him a sharp glare, causing your friends to laugh. kai suddenly gasped, an excited look on his face. “i have an idea!” you groaned. you don’t know how much more of his ideas you can handle.

“sunghoon can give you one of his sweaters and you can wear it tomorrow! and the two of you can post a picture together or something! one redacted is gonna know is his.” kai continued. you scrunched your face up, unsure. “wait… that’s actually not a bad idea,” sunghoon replied as he stood to his feet. you and your friends gave him a curious look.

“i've got places to be,” he said as he left your room. you scoffed at the closed door and rolled your eyes. you then rubbed your hands down your face, sighing deeply as you agreed to hueningkai’s idea. he cheered and you laid face down on your bed, thinking about how you’ll have to wear a sweater that isn’t soobin’s. out the corner of your eye, you see yunjin get up. she came over to you and rubbed comforting circles into your back as she chuckled.

masterlist.

summary: choi soobin has always been the popular kid surrounded by his popular friends. y/n… not so much. one night, soobin and his friends make bet that soobin can’t get y/n to date him in a month. unfortunately for y/n, they’re a hopeless romantic.

A/N: soobin’s like: “i hate when slitherman take over my thoughts. 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐢 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭. 𝐬𝐢𝐱 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐢 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐲𝐞𝐫.” sorry if there's weird formatting i had to upload this from my computer

taglist: @jjunberry @gothgyuu @spooksh0wbabe @beargyuuzz @carengene @binluvsu @seunnimg @vixensss @kittyhyuka @beomsite @hueningm1ckey @n034sy @littlestxli @starsforbeomgyu @soobiary @bunnisoobin @heiiolifeee @cryingforgyu @dani-is-tired @damn-u-min-yoongi @soobieboobiedoobiedaboobie @icouldntcareless22 @sleepdeprivedline @jhuuni @thepoopdokyeomtouched @rikizm @curiousgworge (if your name is bold it wouldn’t let me tag you!)

— kipo <3

[amirasainz]

okay okay i love the jealous alexandra!! but what about a continuation where it’s bff kika and amira vs alexandra and miss kika throws some hands!! maybe they were out on a girls day like they have kika and amira days and alexandra was there with her bff an iv and they got to shit talking and kika threw some punches, and amira was yelling in spanish like two very jumpy bffs, and pierre and charles are very much like it’d be painful if we hurt them, cause they may just kill us!! love the better girlfriend fic! this series is so so fun ❤️❤️ ( oml and kelly being very proud of her 2 younger wags when she find out )

I'm so sorry but at the end I had to laugh so bad. Please be aware that this is just a fic and not hate towards any persons mentioned.

I hope you enjoy reading and send me some requests.

-XoXo

The better girlfriend (Part 2)

Amira and Kika, inseparable as ever, embarked on another girls’ day in Monaco. Their bond was more than friendship—it was sisterhood. Kika played the role of confidante, makeup lender, and partner-in-crime during hungover mornings. Sweet “girl-dates” were their specialty, and Kika’s shoulder was always there for Amira to lean on.

But Kika wasn’t just a soft touch. Like any true best friend, she’d throw a punch or two if needed to defend Amira. Loyalty ran deep between them.

On this particular day, they indulged in a four-hour shopping spree, treating themselves to manicures and a relaxing spa session. To cap it off, they settled into a cozy restaurant for lunch, sipping delicious mimosas.

Seated at the back, they paid little attention to the other patrons—until a familiar voice reached their ears. It was one of those moments when fate intervened, weaving their lives together with unexpected threads.

"I honestly don't know what he sees in her." the annoying voice of Alex reached their ears. Amira and Kika shared a look, both of their faces looking unimpressed. "Yeah" was the weak reply from Alexandras best friend, Sarah. To be honest, Sarah wasn't Alex biggest fan at the moment. The whole stunt she did with kissing a man that was not her boyfriend wasn't ok. But going to said ex-boyfriends job and offend his new girlfriend publicly was just borderline crazy. In her opinion Amira is a sweet girl and a good girlfriend to Charles. No wonder that they are Sarah's favourite celebrity couple, but don't tell Alex.

"You should have seen her, she stood there like an idiot. She dresses like a whore. Hell, I bet she even behaves like one" Alexandra continued. "And of course little perfect Amira Sainz had to play the angel again and tell the media that she didn't take my words to heart. Does this bitch even know who I am? My word is law." For gods sake why couldn't she stop talking, thought Sarah.

Meanwhile, Kika and Amira listend to the one-sided conversation. Both girls started getting angrier the more they heard. While Amiras rage was the "I can destroy your life with one sentence" rage, Kika's blood was boiling. "Who does this stupid bitch think she is" muttered Kika.

But when Alexandra confessed she started the internet rumor of Amira having an eating disorder, all rational thoughts left her head. During those horrible rumours, Amira started really struggling. Anti-Ferrari fans and Anti-Charles fans took the presented possibility to write her online hate. Besides, starting rumours about serious topics like that is never alright, no matter who it is about. It was a very dark time for Amira.

Before Amira could even comprehend what was happening, Kika stood up and went to the neighbour table. "Hey, girlie" she said to Alex sweetly, before taking her hair and dragging her out of the chair. Alex screeched like an wounded animal, which gained the attention of the other guest and staff. One young waitress recognised the girls and started filming.

Kika pushed her to the floor and started ripping of her fake nails. "Who the fuck do you think you are talking about my best friend like that?" Alex and Kika started ringing on the floor. Obviously Kika had the upper hand. Amira, who was still angry, decided to encourage her besties behaviour. "Vamos, Kika. Acaba con esta estúpida zorra." she yelled. Kika shot her a little smile while Alex looked at her in horror. "Eso es, zorra. Toma tu puta opinión y a ver a quién le importa. " Amira said straight to her face, raising an eyebrow.

Kika slapped her one last time across the face, stood up and said loudly: "Can we get our sandwiches to-go, please?" Amira and Kika turned to the filming waitress who answered excitedly: "Girls, it's on the house for you." After paying their mimosas and taking their food, the two left.

Inside the car, Amira hugged Kika tight. "Thank you" she whispered tearfully. Kika didn't say anything back, just hugged her tighter. What the two girl's weren't aware of, was, that at this exact moment, their little video fight went viral. And boy, did the fans stand on Kikas and Amiras side.

Bonus (+):

Max and Kelly stood in front of the girls, the video on in the background. They knew Charles and Pierre wouldn't say anything against their behaviour, so they took it upon themselves to be that bad cops.

"I am very disappointed in you two. Instead of talking it out like an adult, you hit her, Kika. And you shouldn't have encouraged her, Amira. As a punishment you both are not allowed to have any girl-days for two weeks." explained Max tiredly. Instead of arguing, both girls silently nodded their heads.

After a moment of silence Max spoke again: "Kelly, don't you want to say anything as well?" "….Bad girls." was her only reply. While Max held his head in his hands, Kelly shot the two of them a secret wink.

[jsprnt]

Americano PT. 6 | Jude Bellingham x Reader

What happens if two individuals who absolutely despise each other are forced to interact after unforeseen events occur?

A/N: sorry for the late update! enjoy reading. Next update will be around April 12, due to my exams 🫶🫶

W/C: 3.814

part five

Liked by linacarolina and others

ynln03 Last grind before vacay!

Itsmeluis call me next time 🤙🏽

  ynln03 you would order the entire menu    instead of working 🤔

camavinga my future lawyer 💼

       ynln03 only if you stay in Madrid 😎

linacarolina born to relax, forced to study

           ynln03 come and save me please

yourdollamira can't wait to see you babes!

                ynln03 one more night!

judebellingham did you spill your coffee?             ynln03 reported. go train or something 🤢

I smile to myself as I read the comments on my Instagram post, taking a sip of my cappuccino. The weather was perfect to get some last-minute work done, so my dad dragged me outside with him earlier this afternoon.

International break had begun again, which meant that we had a little more than a week off. It was last-minute, but I had decided to go on a short trip back to London. I had missed everyone there and needed a small break from everything.

"How is studying going?" I hear, looking up and making eye contact with my dad as he sits back in his chair.

I give him a guilty grin and turn my phone off, shoving it away from myself as I pretend to focus.

"Very good. I understand everything so far.." I mumble, skipping to the next slide of the presentation.

I my eyes dart back to him, he gives me a knowing look, then goes to take a sip of his latte.

"Any questions?"

I hesitate for a moment, questioning what I know and don't know.

"Uh- could you put this situation into a different perspective or give me a different example?" I ask, pointing at the sentence on my screen.

"Alright, let me..."

He pulls the laptop closer to himself, reading the slide before he starts answering my question. I keep nodding absentmindedly, looking at my laptop screen while my thoughts wander. Focus and concentration lessening by the minute.

"Are you even paying attention?" My dad suddenly asks, his hand reaching over to shut the laptop.

I snap out of my daydream to look at him, leaning back in my chair.

"Of course, I'm listening.."

"Doesn't look like that to me. What is it? You look distracted."

I sigh, sitting up straight and finally giving in.

I knew he'd be disappointed by my low efforts, but I genuinely needed a little break.

"I'm just so ready to leave for London. I just need a break from work and this..." I confess, pointing to my screen. He responds with a sigh. It feels like he is going to scold me and give me one of his life lectures, but it never comes. 

Instead, he stands up from his seat, shutting his own laptop.

"Let's go home then. You should finish packing for your trip, and we'll make dinner together. Will you call Carmen for the recipe of what you want to make?"

I fix my sweatsuit again, knowing it will keep me warm and cozy when I arrive in London in a few hours.

I had checked the weather, and it was expectedly way colder out there than Madrid. To combat the cold, I had pulled out the most comfortable set of clothes from my closet.

"Hurry up!" I hear my dad shout from downstairs, making me jump at the noise, it distracting me from the mirror. I quickly grab onto my suitcase, beginning to roll it out of my room.

"I'm coming, don't rush me, dad! It stresses me out!" I exclaim, standing still for a moment when I reach the stairs. Starting to pull the suitcase down the staircase with some difficulty. I especially pretend to not notice as the suitcase falls a couple steps ahead of me when I lose my grip on the handles.

I hear him fuss again. I finally arrive in front of him, panting in exhaustion. I watch him as he grabs my suitcase from me.

"Come on.." He urges, already walking out of the house, presumably to put my suitcase in his trunk.

I quickly run back up the staircase, grabbing my last essentials before I pull my shoes on. Not forgetting to shut and lock the front door before I run up to the car.

"Can't believe you're taking the whole house with you, kiddo." He mutters, but I laugh in return. Maybe, just perhaps, I had a packing problem..

I look at him for a moment, realizing he looked a little sad. I knew his mood was down since I was leaving for a couple days. I lean forward, clicking some buttons on the screen.

"Come on, dad, cheer up! I know this is your favorite song." I say, smiling and swaying to the melody.

I notice a small smile growing on his face. I begin to laugh when he starts singing.

Of course, I don't hesitate to sing along..

"Yes, dad. I've arrived safely. I'm just looking for auntie right now."

I strain my neck, trying to hold my phone in between my ear and shoulder. Combining that task with dragging my suitcase and holding onto my carry-on was a challenge.

The London cold hits me almost instantly. It makes me shiver for a moment, my eyes roaming around my proximity to look for anyone I recognize.

"Good, your aunt said she's waiting outside, further on your left."

My dad replies, prompting me to look to my left. Knowing extra details gives me immediate relief. I continue walking in that direction until I finally witness my aunt stepping out of a black Mercedes SUV.

I grin to myself, smiling the moment I spot my auntie. I watch her jog up to me, the sound of her heels clicking against the ground making her presence known.

"Dad, I spotted them. I'll call when we get home. Love you." I speak into the phone, hearing a short 'goodbye' and 'stay safe' from my dad before he hangs up. I rush to put my phone in my pocket, raising my head to look up again.

I'm pulled into the biggest and warmest hug within seconds. My aunt's signature perfume gives me a sense of nostalgia when I breathe in her scent.

I would be lying if I said that I didn't have a bottle of J'Adore by Dior back home. Just to feel like she was in my presence. My aunt was one of the few women in my life who provided the feminine energy I needed growing up. Especially when I moved here for high school all those years ago.

"My sweet girl." She exclaims, pulling back, her eyes roaming around my face as she squeezes me tightly. "You've grown up so much!" She adds, kissing my cheek.

"You look amazing, auntie! Looking younger than before." I reply, my eyes caught up in her sparkly eyeshadow and lash extensions.

"That's the botox, silly." She says, making me chuckle. She'd always been super honest about everything. Not a single lie would leave her lips.

"So, the sassy princess has returned?" I hear, moving my head to look behind my aunt. I immediately recognize her husband walking up to us. His face is kind as ever.

My aunt lets go of me, and I go up to hug my uncle. He was a man I would definitely call my second father.

He'd raised me along with my auntie. Tolerated my attitude through my teenage years, and insecure times in high school. He taught me so many things, from boring politics to how to get over a breakup. My most precious memories being him teaching me about small but important matters.

"Woah! Are you balding?" I tease, saying the exact opposite of what I had told my aunt. I hear her laugh behind me, the expression on my uncle's face turning serious, but I notice the small grin on his face.

"You'll make me catch a flight to Turkey if you don't stop." He replies, touching his still-there hair.

"Come on, let's go home. Your cousins have been asking for you this entire week."

"y/n! You're finally here!" I hear my cousin shout. Small footsteps heard throughout the house as I stand at the bottom of the stairs.

"Luca!" I exclaim, opening my arms to greet him with a tight hug, swaying our bodies when I hold him.

"How have you gotten this tall already? You're only ten, what's your mom and dad feeding you?" I tease, tickling his stomach. Cute giggles leaving him as he continues laughing.

"Where are your sisters?" I ask, looking around for his twin and baby sister.

"They played so hard with Millie. They fell asleep, but I wanted to wait for you."

I nod at his explanation, making the connection that 'Millie', was the nanny who just left.

"How sweet of you. Let me freshen up, and then we'll play together. You alright with that?" I ask, fixing his brown hair while watching him nod eagerly.

I thank my uncle as he moves my suitcase up the stairs. He pats my back before telling me to get settled in. I nod, closing the door, and walk away to sit down on the pink vanity chair. All types of nostalgia flooding my senses. Nothing in the room had changed, not even the multiple Zayn Malik posters on the wall.

I go to collect my toiletries and change of clothes from my suitcase, immediately walking into the bathroom to take a quick refreshing shower.

I walk out fifteen minutes later and hurry down the stairs. I notice Luca had started on a puzzle. A generation Alpha kid who's not obsessed with technology, that was refreshing.

"Want some help?" I ask, seeing him struggle with a part of the puzzle.

"Yes, I can't find this piece." He confesses, making me chuckle.

"Hm, okay, so let's see. We need to find a piece with two edges. Can you see some?"

I watch him ponder for a second, his tongue peeking out in concentration as he separates a handful of pieces.

"These?" He asks for confirmation, looking up with a questioning expression.

"You're right! Let's look back at our pattern. Do you think this one will fit?" I ask, pointing at a piece and seeing him shake his head.

"What about this one?" I ask, watching him think for a moment before nodding.

"Try it." I encourage, observing him trying to complete the corners.

"I did it!" He exclaims a while later, joy emitting from his face as his nose scrunches cutely.

"Good job! Now let's try the other ones, hm?"

Why keep ourselves busy with the puzzle until we hear someone walk down the stairs.

"Layla is awake!" Luca yells, announcing the arrival of his twin sister.

She looks confused, freshly woken up. Her hair looking crazy as she stands there at the bottom of the stairs.

"Come here, Layla!" I urge, smiling as she walks up to me, hugging her closely.

I fix her hair as she sits in front of me, pulling her curls back into a ponytail.

"Here I fixed your beautiful hair. Why don't you join your brother in playing puzzles?" I ask and she nods, helping her brother.

I get up after a bit, walking into the kitchen. Seeing my uncle and aunt cook- what I'm assuming, lunch.

"What would our guest like to eat?" My uncle says, putting his apron on. He makes overly large and dramatic gestures, messing around with me.

"Oh- the sandwich you always made me after school! Doesn't taste the same when I make it." I request, sitting on a chair.

"Coming right up!"

"She's so cute! Don't think she remembers me at all. Look at her face." I laugh, holding the three year old as I sit on the sofa. Our bellies full with delicious dinner.

"Of course she does. You were one of the first to hold her." My aunt tries to convince me, nudging my arm.

"She looks disgusted."

"That's just her resting face. Runs in the family." She replies, making me laugh.

"Is this what I look like as well?"

"When you were sixteen, yes. Or when I used slang to communicate with you." My uncle replies, setting his cup of tea down.

"I remember that, it was traumatizing, to be honest."

"Can't wait to use it on Layla." He jokes again, laughing.

"If she's anything like me you'll be in trouble."

"That's the fun part about having girls.."

I shake my head in disbelief, returning my attention to Maya on my lap. Cooing at her chubby cheeks as she chews on a fruit snack.

"Have you made plans yet?" My aunt asks, making me turn my head to look at her.

"I'm hanging with Amira if you guys don't mind?"

"Of course! You're not a teenager anymore, you don't have to ask. We don't mind, but please, if you drink, drink moderately."

"Don't worry, that's something I can control." I smile cheekily, waving Maya's arms side to side. Hearing her cute giggles at the movement makes me smile harder.

"Amira, am I supposed to wear something in specific?" I ask through the phone, rummaging through my closet. Thankful I hung my clothes up in my closet last night.

"Nope, just getting our nails done. Oh, but if you're coming early, you have to wait a little longer since I have clients coming in." She replies.

Amira and I met in high school and still are the closest of friends nowadays. I had moved back to Spain while she stayed in the city she was born in, London. She had followed her dreams of becoming a full-time stylist, and her work was insane.

"Okay, I'll be there in like- an hour or so..." I mutter, distracted by my clothing options. Eventually, I grab some baggy jeans and a white top. Deciding to add the details in my jewelry and shoes. 

After getting dressed and finishing my makeup, I grab my handbag. Finally getting out of the house and starting to walk in the direction of Amira's office.

I eventually arrive about fifteen minutes later, standing in front of the office door, waiting for Amira to open it. I raise my eyebrows in surprise when she appears, beautiful as ever.

"Look at you! How pretty have you become in two years? Photos and FaceTime calls don't do this pretty face justice.." Amira exclaims, going in to hug me.

"Could say the same about you. New hairstyle? When did you get your braids done?" I ask, pulling away from her.

"Literally last night." She answers, running a hand down a few braids.

"Well, you look fucking amazing." I compliment, taking my jacket off and hanging it up on the coat hanger.

"When is your client coming in?" I ask, turning to her.

"In a few. Thought you'd like to play with some pieces until I'm finished." She says, grabbing my hand and dragging me into a different spot of the office. Racks, on top of racks of clothing, greeting me.

"This is your size, right? If I remember correctly."She asks, pointing to a label stuck on the front of a rack. Making me nod in confirmation, in awe at the amount of clothes.

I rummage through the racks of clothing as Amira becomes busy with her client. I was looking for a way to entertain myself. Without interrupting her and her client- or clients. It definitely sounded like two masculine voices, at least.

I hum to myself as I flip through the rack of dresses. Instantly, a beautiful black mini dress catches my attention. The deep neckline gives it a sexy and absolutely breathtaking touch.

I immediately walk into the minimally decorated changing room on the left, hanging up the dress on the hanger before locking the door behind me.

Putting the dress on is fairly easy. I struggle a bit with the zipper at the back of the dress, but eventually I manage to zip it up. Finally looking at myself in the mirror after a moment. Admiring the way it compliments my body type.

I need some heels to complete the look, black in color, preferably. I unlock the door, eyes scanning through the selection of heels, before I grab a pair of black buckled kitten heels. Then, I go and grab my phone from Amira's desk, walking back quickly. I have to take pictures, especially with how good the lighting is.

My phone is in my left hand as I try to bend down, trying to balance myself as I fidget to buckle my heels up. I hear some footsteps nearby, but decide to ignore them as I focus on the buckles. 

Though, my effort of balancing myself goes in vain as my foot slips unexpectedly, making me fall backwards, a small shout escapes my lips.

I close my eyes, waiting for my body to collide with the floor, but instead I feel arms wrap around my back. Holding me up from falling.

My eyes snap open, eyes wide, and in shock as my brain struggles to comprehend anything when I make eye contact with someone I thought I'd never see here in a million years.

Neither of us utters a word for the next few seconds, minutes maybe. I feel his grip get tighter as my heel slips again, making me yell.

I realize the position we're in, his face is close enough for me to smell his minty breath. A curse leaves my lips, and I try to detach his hands from my waist as I stand up straight.

"Let go."

"Are you stalking me?" The Brit accuses, letting go of me and stepping back.

"What the fuck? Why would I stalk you? You're stalking me." I retort, pointing at him. Immediately going to smooth out my dress, pulling it down as it had ridden up unbeknownst to me.

He doesn't respond, continuing to just look at me without any sort of emotion on his face.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" I add, pulling a face. I raise my hand, waving it in front of his face, before I hear an annoyed scoff.

"What do you think?" He asks, pointing at the floor covered in clothes, which I presume he'd dropped trying to 'help' me.

"Do I look like a mind reader?" I retort, looking up from the mess on the floor.

"Whatever." He mutters, picking up the clothes, walking into the empty changing room, and locking the door behind him.

I roll my eyes, pissed at the fact that even a thousand kilometers later, I still managed to run into him. I kick the heels off my feet, shoving them to the side neatly, and go sit down on the couch in front of the changing rooms.

I hesitantly sit down before I hear Amira shout my name. Her face appears in the corner of my eye as she walks up to me, a very recognizable person behind her. 

"Yeah?" I ask, fidgeting with the neckline of the dress.

"Woah, the dress looks so fucking good on you." She says, coming up to stand in front of me.

"Yeah, I know it's just- wait he's..?" I trail off, eyes flickering to the insanely familiar guy next to her.

"Oh, this is my client, Trent, y/n." She alternates between us, and I reach out to shake his hand.

Then it clicks.

Jude was here for his international break. Which meant he was probably hanging out with his England teammates.

Of course, he was.

"You play at- Liverpool, right?" I ask, looking into his big brown eyes. He nods, reintroducing himself again in his Liverpool- or Scouser accent.

Our attention is directed to the changing room as the door rattles. Jude appearing from the room wearing a black suit. I immediately avert my eyes in case he thinks I actually care.

"There he is, looking good man." I hear Trent say, his Liverpool accent prominent.

"It does look really nice." Amira says, walking over to fix parts of the material.

I hold back a scoff. If only she knew how much of an arse he was.

I roll my eyes as I hear him being complimented over and over again. I lean back again, trying to forget the embarrassing situation that had happened earlier. My peaceful meditation interrupted as I hear Amira gasp.

"You two know each other. Right?"

I open my eyes, seeing Trent and Amira both look back and forth in between us.

I hear an uninterested 'yeah' come from Jude as I follow up with a 'sadly'. Going back to close my eyes. Wanting to do anything but interact with him.

A couple minutes pass before I hear my name being shouted by Amira. Her voice coming from her own office. I stand up and walk inside, smiling at Amira as she waves for me to join them. Shoving a pink mug of something warm onto the table.

I don't even register the fact that I'm still dressed like I was going to hit the club in a few minutes.

"Thank you." I smile, sitting down next to her. I take a sip of the drink. Avoiding eye contact with Jude, who's sitting right across from me.

A very familiar sight.

Maybe, I should instigate a little.

"So, Trent what are you two doing here?" I ask, a very obvious question, but enough to pry.

"We have some important events coming up and wanted Amira to style us." He answers, his eyes flickering towards her.

Woah, that wasn't a normal, friendly look. What did these two have going on?

"That's nice, you'll look the best out of everyone there." I smile, throwing him a wink, my arm wrapping around Amira shoulder.

"Yeah, definitely. Though, how do you two know each other." Trent asks, throwing Jude and I a questioning look.

"We work together back in Madrid." I answer, watching Jude roll his eyes.

"For Real Madrid?"

"Yeah, I'm on the marketing and PR team."

"Oh! You're the-" He begins, placing a hand on his mate's shoulder as if to tease him. He's cut off as Jude throws him a 'don't say anything else look.'

It forces me to hold back a laugh as I watch his face turn sour.

So, he did talk about me to other people?

Our conversation is interrupted as Trent's phone starts ringing loudly. Their driver letting them know he had arrived. 

I watch Amira walk them out. My eyebrows raise when she returns with the biggest smile on her face.

"Something is up with you and that Liverpool boy." I whisper, squinting at her when she shakes her head in denial.

"Go get changed, our nail appointment is in an hour." She ushers, changing the topic.

"Well, I called it." I tease, chuckling at the flustered look on her face. Getting up to go change.

[haikyuulovercompany]

Late Night Study ~ Sugawara Koushi x Reader

All you wanted was to be in bed, cozy and wrapped around your boyfriend's arms. Instead, you were in the cold library, begging amidst sleepy eyes to call it a night. Why was Koushi so damn responsable? Original Request

Genre: Fluff. College!Sugawara

Warnings: None.

Words: 1.2k

Notes: What's with me and writing so much about studying lately? I swear I don't miss studying.

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“Come on, get your head up,” Sugawara insisted between whispers for the fifth time in the last half an hour.

You had your head lying on top of the notebook you were supposed to be studying from—not sleeping on it.

Sugawara took your head carefully with both hands and elevated it till his eyes met with yours, practically forcing you to look at him. Your eyes felt heavy and you could tell he probably felt the same. Right under caramel eyes, two dark half-moons overshadowed the usual shiny, pale skin. Your lips perked up in a tired pout and your eyebrows slightly furrowed. You were utterly displeased by the whole situation. If it was up to you, you would be in your dorm room, warm under a blanket with your boyfriend pressed against you and your laptop playing a movie for you two to doze off to. Instead, you were in the cold library under the horrible pressure of an upcoming final exam.

“We need to study,” Sugawara insisted, only causing your frown to deepen. He muffled a lazy chuckle. He lowered his hands so they were now wrapping your cheeks and he gently squeezed them, making your pout more pronounced. He chuckled again. “Just a little bit more. It’s a hard test.”

 “I know,” you sighed, setting yourself free from his playful hold. “It’s just… I rather we were cozy in my room. I’m tired and cold.”

You rested your back on the chair and threw your head backwards, shutting your eyes immediately before the heavy lights above you made them hurt. A few seconds later, you felt your arm being pulled, bringing your body back to the table. You were met with Sugawara’s begging face, silently pleading you to at least try. You sighed and nodded, giving in. He was not going to leave the library just yet, and you were definitely not leaving without him.

You rested your elbows on the table and focused on your notes again. You felt his smile on you, and for a moment, that smile inspired you to actually study and not just stare at the sentences on the white paper. He had been the one to help you organize your notes into an incredibly well detailed guide. He was right… After all the effort he was putting on helping you study, you could at least try a little harder.

You began from the top of the page, reading each sentence twice and sometimes thrice just to make sure the information was properly allocating itself in your brain—which was a massive challenge. Your eyelids got heavy again and the perfect silence of the space made it impossible to hold onto something that would stop you from closing your eyes. Eventually, it was inevitable. It was past ten in the night and you had been awake since six in the morning coming and going through exams and classes. Your head fell on your hand and then it slipped until your forehead met with the cold paper in a dry ‘thud’.

The sound of a hand slapping skin could be heard next as Sugawara covered his mouth, doing his best to stop his laughter. Even though it was late, you two weren’t the only ones in the library. A couple of students were already throwing shady glances at you thanks to the loud noise your forehead crashing on the table had made to then have Sugawara laughing out loud, disrupting everyone who was successfully focusing unlike you.

“Come on, we can do it,” he whispered to you once he had calmed down. You nodded, already knowing you were done for.

You sighed and pretended to read from the page, but you secretly used your arm to cover your phone and began trying the games you had downloaded there. It had been months since you had touched them but for the time being, they were the best you had. You peeked at your boyfriend. He was completely immersed in his notebook, using his pen to follow his lecture. It was better to not bother him. So, you turned your head and began playing your little mobile game in mute. Maybe you couldn’t study, but at least you would make him company.

Just like Sugawara in his study guide, you got completely lost in your game. So much, you hadn’t notice twenty minutes had gone by until you were called out, being caught

“Weren’t you studying?” Sugawara asked, perplexed. While you slightly jumped at his voice, you didn’t bother to move your head which was practically laying on the table. You only moved your eyes, directing at him. The dark circles around his eyes had just gotten worse and now you could see the thin red lines of the veins of his eyes. He was truly forcing himself to get through his study guide.

“Koushi… let’s leave,” you pleaded, then sat straight before continuing. “What’s the use of staying up studying if you’re going to be tired during the exam?”

This time, he didn’t rebut nor sent you straight back to your notebook. This time, you saw the hesitance in his face and how his fingers played with the corners of the notebook. Any sign of exhaustion in you disappeared at the sign of him wanting the same as you.

“Come on,” you insisted, leaning more into the table till half your body was on top of it and both your arms covered his notes. “You’re tired, too.”

The answer you got was something you didn’t expect. With his elbows on the table he elevated himself so his lips caught yours in an impossibly soft and slow kiss. It wasn’t coming from a place of lust, but because of how sluggish and weary he was. He was giving you all the energy left in him into that kiss. On any other occasion, that type of kiss would melt you into a mess of hormones–it still kind of did, but you were too tired to flirt. He pulled his head back and tilted to look at you. You could see from the corner of your eyes the people on the table next to you watching the little love-show you were putting up. You responded with another peck on his lips.  

“Is that a yes?” you asked.

Sugawara nodded. “Get me out of here.”

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♡ Thanks for reading! ♡

[potatoplace]

You Can Have It - Chapter 2

Alpha!Feysand x Omega!Reader

chapter 1 | chapter 3 | series masterlist

Story Summary: You've been a baker for 75 years, and are finally moving on from the Winter Court to the City of Velaris to start your own bakery after your grandmother passes. After your grand opening, the High Lord and Lady of Night become daily visitors to your bakery for months, every day having your most popular pastry- one that increases fertility for a short time. All the while, the two alphas want nothing more than to call themselves yours.

Warnings: A/B/O Dynamics, mentions of sex toys, I really don't think there's anything else?

Words: ~7.8k

Author's Note: it's here! I struggled a lot to get writing with this chapter, I think it's because there's so much I want to happen! Things should start moving a bit quicker after this chapter, were done with most of the OC introductions (just lil friendos for reader to have outside of the inner circle~). Hopefully in the next chapter reader will meet Rhys and Feyre :)

18+ only pls

🤍🩵🤍💜🤍

You had been reading for a couple of hours before Mor returned to the inn, busting into your room as soon as you opened the door at her frantic knocks.

“I brought dinner!” Mor squealed as she set a bag onto the table in the middle of the room. “I went to Sevenda’s and got my favorite of hers, it’s this delicious pesto chicken pasta with broccoli in it, I think you’ll love it! We just have to make sure to take the bowls back tomorrow, Sevenda made me promise and I’ve forgotten a couple of times already,” Mor said sheepishly, a grin on her face. She sat down and began pulling out the takeaway dishes along with napkins and utensils.

You sat down in the other chair, gladly taking your share of the heavenly smelling food and digging in. Mor followed suit, and the two of you ate happily in a comfortable silence for a moment.

“So, were you able to set up a meeting with Auric already?” You asked Mor before taking another bite- it tasted even more amazing than it smelled.

Mor nodded. “Yes, he agreed to tomorrow at two o’clock at this cute little café just a couple of blocks down from here. He mainly wants to know your plans for the land before finalizing the sale. Auric’s family has owned the land since Velaris was founded, and since he doesn’t have any children he just wants to make sure it’s a business with good intentions, I think.”

“That makes sense, I would probably do the same in his position.”

“Agreed. I think he’ll find a cozy bakery to be a perfect fit, he ran a custom paint and supply store once he took over, and I believe it was an apothecary before that.”

You smile softly at the knowledge that your bakery will be on land with such a long history, one that must have made so many people happy. “The apothecary part will be somewhat carried on with my bakery, I have a few different pastries with special herbs in them to give different effects to the person that eats it. I have one that was very popular in the Winter Court, it helps to boost fertility. We started having a greater amount of births around every major holiday, that’s when I would bake the most of them,” you gushed, always happy to talk about your baking.

“Really? Oh, that will be lovely! Since the war, everyone in Velaris has had their eyes turned to the future, and it seems almost everyone wants to have children nowadays. Once word gets around, you’d best be ready for constant business for that pastry alone.” Mor’s words instilled confidence in you, something that you needed every so often to be sure you’re making the right choices.

A half hour later, Mor stood from her chair and began packing up the dishes. Before she left, she pulled a small metal card from her pocket and handed it to you. “This is your bank card, you’ll need it to make any purchases within Velaris. Kallias and Viviane had me set up an account for you and deposit your farewell bonus. Ten thousand for every year you worked for them, a total of 700,000 gold marks.”

“700,000?!” You asked in a frantic tone. That was to much- far, far too much. “That- they must have made a mistake. That’s a ridiculous amount of gold!”

Mor only smiled at you as she answered, “No, they were very specific about the amount. They said if you were panicking to tell you that five thousand every year was for your grandmother, and five thousand was for you. And to tell you that there is no way to convince them to take any of it back, so don’t attempt.” Mor’s smile turned to a grin when you stayed silent, still processing the immense wealth that you now possess. “I’ll be here a bit before two tomorrow to show you to the café for your meeting,” she said as she left your room, bag full of empty dishes in her hand.

“Thank you, Mor. For everything you’ve done today.”

One more bright, sunshine filled smile. “You’re welcome, Y/N. It’s no problem, you’ve been lovely to get to know.”

You return her smile, and shut the door when she is out of sight. Standing alone in your hotel room, you suddenly feel the weight of your day crashing into your shoulders. You set your new bank card on the table, the weight of its wealth too heavy at the moment.

You made your way into the bathroom, carefully removing your dress from your body to not snag your wings on the fabric. Then you set to drawing the bath- luckily, it was fully enchanted with plumbing, allowing for hot water to fill the tub.

It was a bit smaller than you were used to, not quite the right size to fit a winged body, but it would do just fine until you could have your own custom tub made for your apartment.

As soon as the tub was filled, you sank into the warm water, keeping your wings out of the water for tonight- too much of a hassle to dry with how tired you are already.

You let the steam relax you, sinking into a soft, relaxed state of mind. It drifted to your grandmother- she had died today, but you weren’t devastated. She had been in pain the past thirty six years, caused by the curse Amarantha had put upon her. Your grandmother had accidentally served burned pastries to the revel, one making its way to Amarantha herself. As Nanna’s punishment, the evil queen had cursed her blood to burn away slowly until she eventually passed.

But she was in peace now- able to move on to the next life, hopefully one that’s happier, less filled with psychotic fae.

And here- here, you could believe that. You’d seen so many different kinds of fae today, more than you’d seen at once Under the Mountain. Every one of them got along, there was only minor haggling and bickering to disrupt the peace. Besides that, everyone had sounded happy, unburdened.

It was nice.

The Winter Court, even six years after Amarantha’s fall, was still struggling to find the same freeness that this city radiated.

Your grandmother would have loved it here, the two Palaces dedicated to food stuffs alone might have convinced her to move here.

You would love it twice as much, just for her. She had always wanted you to live a full life, one of joy, hopefully with an alpha and a family of any size. She had been an omega as well, understanding that need, that overwhelming desire to have a family, an alpha that loves you.

When you presented, your mother and father had already passed, taken by a brutal pneumonia that had overtaken most of your village. Your grandmother had been the only family left to teach you, and she had done all she could to prepare you for your secondary sex and all that came with it.

You had yet to take an alpha, ever. During your few heats before being trapped Under the Mountain, you had taken a beta as your lover, trusting him enough to help you through them.

And Under the Mountain… Well, you were lucky enough to have been relegated to the kitchens at all times besides during your grandmother’s punishment. No alphas had been allowed to work at kitchen staff, so you were kept relatively hidden during your heats, though they had been less frequent due to the stress, possibly even from the magic sucked from your body.

Now, though, they had returned in full force, three months apart and stronger than ever. Viviane had been kind enough to show you to the small shop dedicated to sex toys in the square of the capital city, some of them designed to mimic a knot.

The toy you had gotten that day had seen you through your last six years of heats, along with a special blend of herbs your grandmother had created that lessened the symptoms to a close to manageable level.

Now, though, in a new city? Maybe you could find an alpha for yourself, as well as follow your lifelong dream. You let yourself drift off and think about what your alpha might be like as you washed your body.

As soon as you were clean, you got out and dried yourself off. You wrapped yourself in the towel and padded into the bedroom once more, finally ready to unpack your things.

It went quickly enough, you hung up your dresses and put away your romance novels and cookbooks. One of them was your grandmother’s entire catalog of recipes, all of her tricks to making any recipe a bit easier. It was your most prized possession, your own catalog a close second.

Your bags were empty now, and you placed them at the bottom of the wardrobe, along with your pair of extra boots.

All alone. A new city.

You crawled into your bed after putting on your favorite nightgown, long sleeved and reaching your calves in a blue so light it’s nearly white, and a scooped back allowing for your wings to remind untouched by fabric.

The sheets on the bed are soft, and you bury your face in them for a moment, reveling in the feeling of them on your skin. A gentle huff leaves your mouth, and you turn your head to look out the window, to where it’s snowing.

You’ll be sad when the snow is gone, but you can’t deny that you’re excited to see the other seasons come and go as they do outside of Winter.

And your bakery- you wonder how that will change throughout the seasons. Different pastries, outdoor seating, seasonal themes- would you be able to make it snow inside during winter?

You drifted off to different imaginings of your new business, new home as well as you’ll be building an apartment above the bakery itself.

🤍🩵🤍💜🤍

You awoke the next morning to the winter sun shining into your eyes. You stretched for a moment, then got up from your bed, and walked over to the doors leading to your balcony and stepped through them. Outside, the snow had stopped falling overnight, and now looked to be around five inches deep.

That wasn’t bad, not bad at all. This time in Winter there would be nights with a foot or more of snowfall. It looked to be about ten in the morning- that would be more than enough time to go and grab some breakfast, and maybe shop around a little bit.

You quickly pulled on a pair of thick grey wool tights after removing your nightgown, then slipped into your thickest winter dress, making sure to get all of the buttons into their holes to make the fabric wrap snugly around the base of your wings to protect the skin beneath. The dress, made of thick wool with a silvery fabric layered over the top, was one that you didn’t wear too often, as you didn’t tend to venture outside of the High Lord’s palace often when it snowed heavily. Your wings, even after living in Winter for the first twenty five years of your life and the past six, were still sensitive to the cold at times, so you preferred to stay inside during most of the heavy snow season.

This dress keeps the rest of you warm and cozy, and you want breakfast, so you’ll risk your wings feeling a bit chilled.

You pulled on your boots that nearly reach your knees and lace them up quickly, your stomach’s loud growl making your fingers move faster. Then you throw on your scarf, hat, and mittens, taking care to slip your bank card into your right mitten for safe keeping, and then you’re out the door, locking int behind you and bounding down the stairs.

“Good morning, Y/N,” Druana said from behind the counter as you breezed past her, making your way to the door.

“Good morning, Druana!” You replied enthusiastically. “I’ll see you in a little bit, I’m going to explore the city on my own for a while.”

“Have a good time, and be careful in the snow. It gets slippery on the stones beneath quickly,” Druana warned as you opened the door and slipped through it.

“Thank you!”

And then you were in the crisp winter breeze, breathing in deep lungfuls of the clean, snow scented air. You’ll definitely miss this once the season slips into spring, but you’re here now.

And it’s beautiful.

The snow has iced the roofs of the buildings around you perfectly, and everything looks like a little gingerbread town. You made your way through the streets slowly, following the delicious scent of cinnamon, sugar, and coffee that you picked up.

Soon, you were at an adorable café, decorated with soft pastels inside and out, primarily pink. And you could tell that inside there was a cinnamon coffee cake and coffee to go with it, one of your favorite breakfasts- just perfect for your first official morning in a new home.

You entered the building, spotting a slim high fae beta at the counter in the back.

“Good morning,” she chirped cheerily at you as you made your way to the counter.

“Good morning,” you responded, already looking over the display of baked goods she had out. “I’ll have a slice of that cinnamon coffee cake,” you said, pointing to the perfect looking coffee cake. You then looked behind the other fae, taking in the coffee brewing equipment. “And a coffee with a bit of cream in it, please.”

“Of course,” the other fae said, grabbing your order in a couple of minutes, sliding a plate and a mug over to you after you’d slid your mittens off. “That will be two gold marks,” she said, and you handed over your bank card, hoping that you weren’t doing this wrong. The fae opened up a ledger, and pressed your card against it. “Alright, here’s that back. You can take a seat wherever you like, and just bring the dishes up to the counter when you’re done,” she said softly as she handed you the card back.

“Thank you,” you said with a smile. You grabbed your items, and sat at the table right in front of a window looking out onto the street you’d just come in from.

Both the cake and the coffee were delicious, warming your insides nicely as you sat and watched people go by, the city slowly waking as you ate, a few customers walking in as you did. You returned the dishes to the front, smiling at the pretty fae running the café. “Thank you, it was absolutely delightful! Would you happen to know the way to a bookstore near here?” You asked a bit shyly.

“New to town?” The fae asked, and you nodded your head in confirmation. “If you go to the right and head down five buildings, take a left and then in two more buildings you’ll be at Gina’s bookstore- she’s very nice, and loves meeting new people.”

“Thank you so much, I’ll probably see you again soon. My name is Y/N, by the way,” you said.

“My name is Jayla, it’s nice to meet you Y/N. And it’s no problem, I’ll see you again!” The fae said cheerily.

You followed her instructions well, and within a few minutes you were shaking the snow off of your boots and dress and walking into the cozy bookstore. There were rows and rows of shelves extending into the back of the store greeting you, and when you looked to your left there was a counter with a green skinned fae behind it. Further down from the counter, there was a small sitting area in front of a fireplace- a roaring fire already blazing inside.

“Welcome in!” The fae said with a warm smile as she looked to you, standing just inside the now closed door. “My name is Gina, I’m happy to help you find anything, or you can browse around for a bit.”

You moved closer to her, taking off your mittens and tucking your bank card into the collar of your dress as you did so. “My name is Y/N, I was wondering if you had any romance novels?” You asked, feeling a bit shy at the request, especially once the alpha’s scent washed over you.

She probably thinks I’m some silly romance obsessed omega now, you thought to yourself.

“Ah! Another romance lover! Right this way, I’ll show you some of my favorites too, if that’s alright,” Gina exclaimed as she quickly made her way over to you and grabbed your hand, leading you through the rows of books to the middle of the store.

“Right in the heart of the store is where I keep my favorite genre,” Gina said as she pulled a book from one of the shelves. “And this is my favorite romance series! It’s called Healer of Time, it’s about this omega high fae from the Dawn Court. She has these really strong healing powers, and she somehow ends up traveling back and forth between current time and three hundred years ago, and has to choose between two fantastically hot alphas, one from each timeline. It’s just perfect, and I’ve helped make the series all the rage in Velaris!”

She handed the book over to you, which you eagerly accepted. That sounded like the best blend of romance and adventure to you. “How many books are there on the series?”

“Nine so far, but the author puts out a new one every year or so, thank the Mother!” Gina responded, pointing out the other eight books for you.

“Wow, that’s a pretty good turn around. I honestly think I’ll get the first four today! It sounds like a really good read.”

Gina grins widely at you, and her excitement is too contagious to not smile back. “I’ll take these up to the front for you, but if you have any more questions feel free to come up and ask me!” Gina took the book from your hand and pulled three more off of the shelf.

“Do you happen to have any cookbooks?”

“Of course, they’re near the front, off to the right in the row second closest to the wall Y/N.”

You make your way over to the area, and quickly spot the section dedicated to cooking and baking. One catches your eye, titled Night Court Favorites, with a beautiful illustration of a moonlit picnic on the front. On the back, it promised the recipes for the past three millennium of Night Court nobility’s favorite dishes. Probably as good a place as any to start your full cooking journey, now that most of your meals would not be prepared by the other kitchen staff of the High Lord’s palace.

You flipped through it quickly, eyes snagging on a recipe for Night Court traditional curry- it sounded absolutely delicious.

With the cookbook in hand, you ventured slowly back to the front counter where Gina stood talking to another fae excitedly, your books waiting on the counter for you.

“Ah, Nesta, I’d like you to meet Y/N, she’s the customer I was telling you about!”

The other fae turned around, her movements sending a small amount of her scent- a winter bonfire and very alpha- and you were struck by her beauty. Sharp angles and liquid steel eyes, and lovely golden brown hair twisted into an elegant braid crown on top of her head.

“It’s nice to meet you Y/N, are you new in town?” The high fae’s voice was husky and holding a certain power to it, absolutely lovely.

“It’s nice to meet you, Nesta. And yes, I just moved to the city yesterday.”

“Well I hope you find the city to your liking. Gina was just telling me that you like romance novels?” You nodded your head. “I host a little book club here every second and fourth Wednesday at four in the afternoon, and we mainly read romance novels. I always like to extend an invitation to those Gina thinks would enjoy it,” Nesta offered.

“Oh…” you thought about it for a moment. “I’m in the process of getting my business up and running right now, but maybe in a couple of months when things have calmed down?” You asked hopefully.

Nesta nodded her head in agreement. “That’s fine, just talk to Gina when you’re ready to join, she’ll let you know what book we’re reading. Well, it was nice meeting you, but I’ve got to be going now now,” Nesta said, making her way over to the door.

“It was lovely meeting you as well, Nesta. I’ll see you in a couple of months.”

The alpha was out the door after waving goodbye, and you were left alone in the bookstore once more with Gina.

“Did you find everything you wanted, dear?” She asked, taking the cookbook from your hands.

“Yes, I did. Though I’m sure I’ll be back in a week for some extra reading, if I end up having the time.”

“You mentioned a business? What kind?”

Your books were bagged now, and you handed over your bank card after pulling it from your collar. “I’m going to be opening a bakery in the Rainbow, if all goes to plan.”

“Oh, that’s nice! We can always use more food stores, and bakeries especially! I’m a big fan of anything bread,” Gina said with a laugh, handing you back your bank card and sliding the book filled fabric bag over to you. “It came out to 11 gold marks and one silver mark, and if you absolutely hate the first book, I’ll let your return the rest and pick out something else, alright?”

You grin at her. “I don’t think that will be necessary, but it’s good to know! I’ll see you sometime soon, Gina. Thank you.”

“I look forward to hearing what you think of them! Walk safely, it can get slippery,” Gina warned as you stepped back into the snow and cold, door thunking shut behind you.

You followed your route back to the café you’d eaten at, simply names Jayla’s. You walking, taking the path that you think leads to the inn. You end up making a few extra turns, but you’re back in the warmth of the inn after you finally find the building. Druana is nowhere to be seen when you enter after kicking the snow off of your boots and dress, so you simply go up to your room.

Your bag lands on the table, and you immediately pulled out the cookbook, flicking through it again to find the curry recipe. You spy a notepad, quill, and ink pot which you grab and bring over to the table.

On the page, you write all of the ingredients you’ll need to make the curry- tonight, hopefully, if you can find everything you need in the two food centric Palaces. You’ll need chicken, a few different root vegetables, a good variety of spices, and coconut milk- you hoped that one of the various stalls you’d seen yesterday would have some prepared, you don’t quite feel like going through that hassle yet.

You check the small clock hanging on the wall, seeing that it’s only a quarter to noon still, that should be plenty of time to get the ingredients you need and be back here in time to meet Mor.

Next you look in the cupboards of the kitchenette, which hold a large frying pan, a pot with a lid, a cutting board, cooking utensils and small knife set. There’s also two sets of plates, bowls, cups and utensils. The frying pan and pot should work nice enough for the curry, there’s not much point to you buying your own cookware until your building is completed. And there’s a cold box, enchanted to keep dairy and meat fresh.

That would hopefully mean going to only one Palace today, or at least before the meeting. You let the ink of your list dry for a few more minutes, flipping open to the first page of your new book series, quickly reading the first chapter.

Just as you thought, it was going to be a good fit.

You folded your list in half once, then again, and tucked it into the collar of your dress alongside your bank card. You should probably get a purse of some sort soon. But that can wait.

You’re bounding down the stairs again in an instant, and Druana is back at her desk this time.

“Oh, I didn’t even hear you come in! I’ll see you again soon, Y/N.”

You smiled at her and said, “Yes, I should be back at or before 1:30, and Mor will be meeting me here, just so you know.”

“Thank you,” Druana replied with her own smile.

You were back in the winter air, sun shining down on you now. Your breath still made puffy clouds in the air, but you didn’t care. It’s winter, and it’s beautiful.

Slowly, you made your way across the nearest bridge that connected right to the Palace of Hoof and Leaf, your current destination. Upon entering the more tightly packed area, you gravitated towards a large stall, covered in so many different vegetables and large glass jars, only a few still filled to the brim with spices. There was a tall, dark skinned high fae standing behind the stall.

“Can I help you?” She asked in a low voice, and you instantly pinned her as an alpha.

You pulled out your grocery list. “Yes, I needed the vegetables and spices on this list, if you happen to have them,” you said, handing it over to the female when she gestures for you to give it to her.

“I just so happen to have almost all of these spices, and the ones I don’t I can point you to another sweet fae who has them, as well as the coconut milk and rice you need. And I have all of the vegetables you need. Making the traditional curry?” She asked as she began gathering the vegetables for you.

“Yes, I’m new to the city and want to learn some of the common dishes here, and this sounded like a wonderful start.”

“Well, I’ll say that it’s one of my personal favorites, so I hope you won’t be disappointed. My name is Petra, by the way, it’s always nice to see new faces in town.”

You smile at her, so happy that so far you’ve only had positive experiences with the people of Velaris. “I’m Y/N, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Now, would you like to buy small spice jars that you can bring back and refill, or just go with the amount you’ll need for the recipe?” Petra asked you, holding up a small glass bottle with a metal lid fitted to the top.

“I think I’ll buy the spice jars, please.”

She fills the three small bottles up quickly, putting them in a thin wooden container with a handle, with six slots perfectly fitting the spice jars.

“You can come back and have them filled up for a slight discount for any spice sellers in the two food oriented Palaces, but I’d prefer if you came back to my stall,” Petra said with a wink, placing the container into the tan fabric bag containing the vegetables. “That will be 7 gold marks, please.” You handed her your bank card, and she quickly passed it back after pressing it to her ledger. “Now, the other two spices and the coconut milk you need, you can find three stalls down on the right, and the male next to her has a good price on chicken, just to give a few suggestions,” Petra offered, pointing out the two fae she was speaking of.

“Thank you so much, I’ll be sure to come back when I need more vegetables,” you said before walking away, exchanging waves and warm smiles.

You made your way over to the other stalls, quickly buying the other two spices, coconut milk, and rice you need, as well as the chicken the recipe called for- one large chicken breast. You trekked back to the inn carefully, switching the bag between hands every so often.

“Grocery shopping, I see,” Druana greeted you as you breezed into the inn after kicking the snow off of your clothes.

“Yes, I thought it would be better than ordering in every night,” you chuckled as you made your way over to the stairs.

“Well, good luck with that. And don’t burn my inn down,” Druana added playfully as you began going up the flight of stairs.

“I’ll do my best!” You unlocked your room, immediately dropping the heavy bag next to the books you’d purchased earlier. Groceries sure are heavy when you have to lug them across town. No matter. You’ll get used to it soon enough, especially once you have to purchase for the bakery.

You put the chicken and coconut milk into the cold box, and the vegetables and spices onto the counter. Right after you had, there was a knock at your door. “Y/N? It’s me, Mor.”

You swung the door open, letting the bubbly blonde into your room. She was carrying a large yellow envelope under one arm, and decked in winter gear from head to toe, but still slightly shivering even in the warmth of the building. “Time to go?” You asked, still holding the door open.

“Yes, getting there a little early is wise with weather like this. Nothing quite like eating shit one to many times on your way to a meeting and ending up late,” Mor said, already moving back out of your bedroom door and into the hallway, and you followed her after making sure your bank card was still tucked safely in the collar of your shirt

The door snicked shut and you locked it quickly, following Mor down the stairs and outside once more. She led you through the streets cautiously, obviously afraid of falling down, but you made it to the café within ten minutes, and to your surprise it was Jayla’s café.

“Ah, welcome back Mor, Y/N,” Jayla said from behind the counter as she wiped it down with a cloth.

“Morrigan!” Exclaimed an older male’s voice, gravelly with age. “It’s wonderful to see you again, come, introduce me to your friend,” the elderly high fae said, beckoning the two of you closer to where he was seated at a table, three other chairs surrounding it.

“Auric, this is Y/N, the lovely young fae hoping to buy your property. Y/N, this is Auric, Velaris’s most experienced paint mixer, including magic imbued paints as well,” Mor said as the two of you sat in the unoccupied chairs.

“It’s wonderful to meet you Auric, I truly fell in love with your family’s property the moment I saw it,” you said right before Jayla came over to the three of you.

“Would the two of you like anything to drink?” She asked, and you noticed that Auric already had a mostly full cup of tea in front of him.

“I’ll take a tea, whatever you recommend please.”

“The same for me, please,” Mor said. “Thank you, Jayla.” Jayla nodded and walked away, going behind the counter to begin brewing your teas.

“So, you fell in love with the land? What did you like about it?” Auric asked you, eyes running over your face. It was then that you scented him- a male omega. It had been years since you’d met one yourself, before the mountain you believed.

“I loved the view looking towards the Sidra, you can see the mountains in the background as well as all of the other beautiful buildings in the city. The land itself is so lovely, it’s nice and flat, and I think it would look wonderful with a little extra landscaping, maybe a tree or two of that would be alright. And the location, on the outside edge of the Rainbow would be perfect for a bakery, close enough to a few residential areas, but also involved in the creativity that the area boasts,” you gushed, still picturing the view in your mind. Being able to bake and look out at such a beautiful river, beautiful city, truly, would be amazing.

Jayla returned, two cups of tea in hand that she placed in front of you and Mor. “A lovely raspberry tea for the both of you,” she said before walking back to the counter.

“A bakery, hmm?” Auric questioned, raising a brow at you as you took a sip of the tea- delicious. “Are enough sure you have the stamina to run it? It’s a hefty job.”

You nodded your head once, fully confident in your abilities. “Yes, I previously worked to bake for the entirety of the Hugh Lord of Winter’s residence, and over the course of… Well, being Under the Mountain, I was assistant to the head baker, my grandmother, for twenty years, and for thirty years after that I was head baker myself. I am confident that I can handle running a bakery on my own.”

The older fae’s eyes narrowed at your for a minute, before they crinkled as his lips spread into a smile. “I like you. I’m sorry that you had to go through that, but it’s good to see you’re stronger for it. Now, what type of baked goods will you be selling?”

You breathed a small sigh of relief before answering. “Well, I do have a few favorite pastries of the Winter Court that I’ll have, as well as loaves breads and cakes. Plus I have a number of recipes made with medicinal herbs or berries that have health boosting benefits. My most popular one by far has been a fertility boosting pastry made with a berry native to the Winter Court.”

Auric hummed as he considered everything you had said. “And what will you name it?”

“I… What?”

“What will you name your bakery? Surely you know what you want your business to be called, Y/N.”

“Of course I do, Auric. It will be called Sparaiya Bakery, after my grandmother. She might have left this plane, but she will always be with me, especially when I bake.”

Auric clapped his hands together once. “Very well, then. I’d like to sell you my land, Y/N. I think you have a good amount of experience, you have a vision for your bakery, and you seem like a strong, loyal person. I believe my ancestors would be proud to have your business on their land,” the older omega said sincerely. “I’ve set the price at 100,000 gold marks, are you willing to pay that much?”

The thought of that much money alone being spent made your stomach churn, but you reminded yourself of the massive amount of money that Kallias and Viviane had given you, and that this land was worth every single mark you were going to spend on it. “Yes, that’s perfectly fine with me.”

“Perfect!” Mor pulled the envelope from between her arm and chest, pulling a few documents out and summoning a quill and a pot of ink. “The two of you can go ahead and sign here, and Y/N, you’ll just need to press your bank card to the top right corner after you’ve both signed.” The two of you do as she says, standing and shaking hands afterwards.

“Thank you so much, Auric, for entrusting your family’s land to me. I hope that if you come by once it’s finished, you will be proud.”

Auric regarded you warmly, squeezing your hand an extra time before letting go. “I’m sure that I will be, Y/N. Let me know when you’re opening, and I’ll be sure to stop by.” He grabbed his copy of the sale documents

“I’ll make sure to. Have a wonderful rest of your day,” you said as he walked out of the café, leaving you with Mor. “I’m so happy he said yes! Oh, I should go tell Marcus that I have the plot of land now, and get everything moving in that direction. Thank you so much, Mor. You’ve been such a help in all of this,” you said, placing a kiss gently on the alpha’s cheek. “I’m going to head over to Marcus’s business now, if that’s alright.”

“Oh, of course!” The alpha responded, already donning all of her winter clothes again to bundle against the cold. “You walk safely over to there, Velaris gets slippery when it snows. Now, will I see you for lunch this Thursday?” Mor asked, and you mentally double checked the day of the week in your head- Monday.

“Yes, three days from now sounds perfect. Do you want to meet somewhere or at my hotel room?”

“I’ll meet you at your hotel room this time, alright?”

You nodded your head in agreement. “That sounds good, I’ll see you on Thursday Mor. You walk safely too!” You were already out of the door with your bill of sale in hand, beelining your way as well as you could to the Palace of Flame and Steel. When you arrived at Marcus’s shop, you swung the door open and stomped off the snow on your boots before entering. “Marcus!” You said excitedly as you met his eyes, waving the paper in your hands at him. “I have land now, will you be able to come assess it in the next few days?”

Marcis stood from his place behind the desk and made his way around it to you. “I can go right now, there it too much to do around here at the moment,” he said, already ushering you out of his shop, flipping the open sign on the door to say closed, and locking it behind him.

“If you’re sure…” you said before grabbing his hand and pulling him with you to the Rainbow as fast as the two of you could manage in the snow. “This is it!” You gesture to the dilapidated building excitedly.

“You are planning to tear it down, right?” Marcus asked, amusement in his voice.

“Of course I am, silly, I wanted the land. It has such a beautiful view of the Sidra and the mountains, come here.” You pulled him past the building, to where you had stood when you’d known that this was the land you wanted your dream to come to life on.

Marcus let out a heavy breath. “Okay, I get it now.” He looked around, taking in where they were situated. “And it’s in the perfect spot for a bakery, you really picked the best possible spot.”

“I know!” You squealed, jumping as high as you could without using your wings in your excitement. “So, what��s the procedure for tearing down the old building and starting the new construction?” You asked, ready to learn the necessary details.

Marcus pulled you back onto the street, and the two of you began to walk back to his business. “Well, we need to submit a request for a permit to demolish, and one for construction. But since I’ve done a good amount of work in the past six years, I doubt that there will be much more than two days of waiting time between submitting it and getting the permits. We can fill out all the forms once we get to my office, and I’ll get them sent up to the House of Wind as soon as I can.”

“Alright, that sounds doable enough,” you said as you threw a smile at him, happy that he’s kind about you not knowing much about the building process.

Soon enough the two of you are back at his office, and he swings the door open, letting you go inside first. He went through a filing cabinet behind his desk before pulling out a half inch thick stack of papers in total. Marcus turned back to you, placing them on the desk and gesturing for you to take a seat.

You do as he asks, and he sets two piles in front of you- both are identical. You give him a quizzical look, not understanding the purpose of having two.

“One pile is for your own personal records, and the other is for the permits and for our contract agreement, for payments and things like that. I suggest you read everything closely, and I can explain something to you if you’d like.”

You read through the stack of documents, finding everything to be fair, both in compensation for the company, and certain protections on promises made to you. You signed the contract documents first, letting Marcus take the pages as you finished to sign them himself. Then came the permit application, you needed to state why you wanted to tear the building down, then what you were going to replace it with.

That was easy, the current building would not suffice for a bakery, it might even burn down if you ride to light a fire in it. And building on top of the land, well, a bakery plus a second floor apartment with a small garden.

Once it was all filled out, Marcus went through every page to make sure that everything had been signed. “Alright, everything looks to be in order. I’ll write to you to let you know when it’s been approved, okay Y/N?”

You nodded your head, happy to be done with the paperwork portion of the day. “That sounds just fine, Marcus. I’ll see you in a few days, most likely,” you said before standing from your chair, stretching your muscles and wings slightly.

“I’ll see you then,” Marcus responded, asking you over to the door. By this point, the sun had begun to set over Velaris, but the city was more alive than it had been all throughout the morning.

“And thank you, Marcus. I look forward to working with you,” you added as you stepped outside and away from his shop.

“It’s no problem, Y/N. I’ll see you soon.”

And the you were off, your new property deed tucked under safely against your body. You were eager to make your way home, wanting nothing more at this point than a hot bath and a warm meal- you didn’t particularly care in which order. You were at the inn soon enough, kicking snow off of your boots and the hem of your dress for the last time of the day.

“Welcome back, Y/N,” Druana greeted from behind the counter, waving a bark skinned hand at you.

“Thank you, Druana. I’ll see you in the morning!” You said, already making your way up the stairs in your rush to finally get out of your winter gear.

The door to your room swung open and shut quickly, and you sat at the table in the center of the room, undoing the laces of your boots as fast as you were able. They came off, then followed by your dress after unbuttoning the back carefully. Now you were only standing in your underthings and tights, and very much feeling the chill that had set in from being outside in your bones. You stripped off the rest of your clothes before heading into the bathroom and starting the tub.

Gloriously hot water spilled out of the faucet, and you didn’t wait for it to fill up, merely settling yourself in as the water slowly came up to your neck. You allowed yourself to soak for a few minutes, letting the cold seep from your bones and warmth replace it. Once you felt warmed and comfortable, you washed yourself quickly after hearing your stomach growl loudly.

After toweling off, you went back into your bedroom and donned a soft set of white cotton underthings, as well as an oversized lilac sweater that you were able to wear like a dress, the back already having had the fabric carved out of it to fit your wings. It was so cozy and soft, you felt buried in it. Just how you wanted to feel after an eventful day.

You went to the kitchenette, pulling out the cutting board, pot, and pan. You grabbed the cookbook from the table and set it on the counter next to the cutting board, reading over the instructions once more. Next you pull out the chicken and grab a suitable enough knife, dicing the meat into bite sized chunks as the recipe called for. You set them in the pan, lighting the charcoal beneath the burner to get the heat started.

You washed the knife and cutting board and dried them off, then grabbed the root vegetables that you’d bought earlier. Similar to baking, you switched between washing and chopping the vegetables to making the meat around the pan easily, being careful not to burn anything while getting everything else you would need prepped.

Paying attention to the recipe, you measured out the right amount of each spice, mixing them Goethe’s with a bit of water to create a paste that smelled heavenly and spicy.

The chicken was done now, and you added the vegetables along with a bit of water and the coconut milk. Then all you had to do was wash and set the rice to cook, and wait. You rinsed the rice in one of the bowls, getting the water clear before carefully draining it out and placing the rice in to the now boiling water.

In another twenty minutes, you deemed the vegetables and rice to be cooked enough, and dished out a nice serving of rice, with lots of curry on top.

You cleared off the table, moving your new books over to the nightstand by your bed, then brought your dinner to the table. You sat facing the windows and stared out at Velaris as you ate, pleasantly surprised with how nicely the curry had turned out, with it being your first time cooking anything like it.

Soon enough you were full and getting sleepy, so you brought your dishes back to the sink. You plated the rest of the rice and curry into the other bowl that you hadn’t used, then washed all of the dishes you had used that night.

By the time you had finished, your bed was calling to you, and it was such a soft, sweet landing when you finally made your way under the covers, deciding to sleep in your massive sweater instead of changing into a nightgown.

It’s not like anyone will see me sleeping, anyways, you thought to yourself, right as you drifted off into a peaceful sleep, filled with the view from your new property.

Series Taglist: @icey--stars @breadsticks2004

[moonstruckme]

hiii! idk if i already requested this because I'm very forgetful but do you think you could do a tasm!peter fic with a bit of hurt/comfort? maybe r's just really burnt out and tired from school and studying and stress? thank u sm <3 i adore your work

No worries dude, you didn't! Thanks sm for requesting <33

tasm!Peter Parker x fem!reader ♡ 681 words

Peter sets your coffee down in front of you with a kiss to the top of your head. You raise it to your lips on autopilot, blowing gently. 

“Thanks,” you murmur. 

“No sweat.” His hand lingers on your shoulder. Instead of going back to his video game, he leans down to peer at your laptop screen. “Hey, this isn’t Jane Austen.” 

“No,” you confirm. Ordinarily, this is where you’d think up something witty to say. Like you would know the difference, science geek or I didn’t know you knew how to read words that didn’t end in -ion. You find you don’t have the energy. “I turned in the Austen essay earlier today. This one’s for my Flannery O’Connor class.” 

“What?” Peter’s voice pitches upward excitedly. He tugs your shoulder so you’re facing him, crowding your eyeline. “Baby, that’s amazing! You’re done!”

“I’m not done,” you say, covering your disappointment with a shrug and a small smile. “I still have this essay due by the end of the week.” 

“But you’re done with the Austen one!” Your boyfriend won’t allow his ebullience to be dampened, giving your shoulder a happy squeeze. “You worked on that for days, sweetheart, it must feel so great to have it turned in.”

You take another sip of your coffee, refocusing on the blinking cursor on your screen. Your eyes ache. “Yeah, I guess so.” 

“Hey.” Peter’s hand cuts across your vision, turning your face back towards him. “You deserve to celebrate at least a little, don’t you think? How long do you have until this essay is due?” 

“A couple days.” 

“Sick.” His touch leaves your cheek, and you hear the click of your laptop shutting. “Take the night off.” 

“Peter.” Your sigh is long and heavy. You swear you feel some essential part of you leave with it. “I can’t. I need to get this done.” 

He works his hand between your back and the desk chair, encouraging you out of it. “You’ve got plenty of time to do it,” he reassures you, palm finding its favored spot on the small of your back to guide you towards the sofa. “I felt weird about giving you coffee at night anyways. We’ll switch it out for some tea, get cozy on the couch, just take it easy for the night. You could use a break.” 

You really could, but you’re not sure you can afford one. You cast a glance back toward your laptop, abandoned and beckoning with a cold imperativeness from your desk. “Let me just get this paragraph down…” 

But Peter is determined, setting one hand on each of your shoulders to push you down onto the cushions. “It’ll still be there tomorrow,” he says, sitting next to you and settling you against his side before you can try to get up. He tilts his head as he meets your gaze, brown eyes sharp and more discerning than you think you’re comfortable with. “Look, I wasn’t gonna pull this card, but you’re not acting like yourself. This whole quiet and ghostlike thing is freaking me out.” 

He turns up a corner of his mouth to let you know he’s at least partly joking. You crack a smile in return. Peter pecks your cheek and goes on, encouraged. 

“Just give me tonight, sweetheart. If you wanna go back to Flannery at nine tomorrow morning, I won’t stop you, but give yourself at least a few hours off.” 

You shouldn’t be surprised he’d remembered which class your essay was for, but you are. You suspect that if you looked hard enough, you’d eventually find an encyclopedia your boyfriend has filled with tiny things to remember about you. It’s the only explanation. 

You really are tired. 

“Okay,” you say, and he actually fist-pumps, your favorite dork. “Just let me make the tea, okay? You never steep it long enough.” 

Peter rolls his eyes, smiling as he kisses the skin next to your eye. “Such a perfectionist,” he says fondly. “How about I make us hot chocolate instead, and then you won’t have to worry about it?” 

[pinkmirth]

What do you think Reiner and his s/o would argue about in a relationship? I can't imagine it would last long

BACK TALK, reiner braun !

SYNOPSIS — just a fluffy lil drabble about reiner wanting to take care of you. he doesn’t want to argue, but you’re just so stubborn…

CONTAINS — 1k words of . . . fluff, fem!reader (black coded), “girly-girl” reader, reiner feeds you, lowercase intended, just sappy stuff with this caring gentleman <3 (kinda sorta self indulgent!)

this is a tough one, nonnie…. only because maturity is reiner’s best attribute! picking a problem with you is the last thing this man wants to do, and he’s very slow to anger. you’re right about any disputes not lasting long! even if he tried, reiner can’t stay mad at you.

the most that could happen between you and him are petty squabbles about preferences, something dumb like waffles over pancakes! the pair of you ultimately laugh it off and end up cuddling once all is said and done. It’s hard to envision a topic that could stir such a reaction from him to the point where he’s arguing with you. i think the only thing that would get him going back and forth in an “argument” is if he’s worried about you, but you decide to be stubborn with him.

for instance, you’re tired and have been studying all day, and he just wants you to allow yourself to relax. but! you’re persistent on finishing up your assignments. he’d probably grow upset and insist that you deserve a break . . . (veryyy self indulgent ‘cause i’ve been studying for a gajillion tests lately!)

dull thuds of reiner’s heavy footsteps upon carpet announce his entrance into your room. he strolls around your cozy little home-desk, the one he helped you build a couple months back when the school semester first began. it’s adorned in sanrio stickers galore and polaroid pictures of you and him, nostalgic square photos secured with baby-pink thumbtacks. reiner circles you with a brooding silence, flitting his eyes from the slideshow on your laptop screen to your scribbled notes. you feel him linger behind your chair, but opt on saying nothing.

“baby, c’mon…” reiner calls out, his tone borderline pleading, “you’ve been here for hours.” from behind your seat, he inches in until he’s close enough to rest his weighty hands on your stiffened shoulders. reiner’s warm palms rub along the junction of your neck. it’s helping— he can see it in the way your body slackens in your swivel chair.

“i gotta prep for tomorrow’s test,” his touch brings you to release a lax hum, but you don’t allow yourself to dwell on it for long. the fleeting moment of bliss he provides ends too soon, as you smooth out your oversized baby-pink tee-shirt and begin to refocus on your work.

“have you eaten?” he asks. the shake of your head brings about his frown. you could surely get your work done without depriving yourself of basic needs… all he wants is for you to be well taken care of. “no, not yet.” you spare him a glance before looking back over your laptop.

reiner’s hand shoots out, grabbing your chair and turning you halfway-round to face him. the closeness of his face to yours makes it seem like the perfect opportunity to press your lips to his and linger there for a while. instead, you remain still, choosing a safer route by stealing glances of his handsome attributes. your eyes run across his prominent collarbone peeking through his low-neck sweatshirt, the slight clench of his firm jaw, most especially the raw concern swimming in his honey-golden eyes. “why not?” reiner questions, with his brows drawn tight in worry. you whirl back around, for the sake of your own resolve.

“because i’m studying, reiner.”

“no, you’re cramming.” he corrects. reiner can read you like a damn storybook; it’s almost as though he knows you more than his very own self. “at least i’m drinking water,” you raise a bottle from your desk for emphasis. water sloshes in the cylindrical confines as you set it back down, “happy?”

reiner rolls his tongue and prods at his inner cheek. he decides to pay no mind to your little attitude. “water’s fine, but you need food.”

“a meal would be too heavy for me... i’d probably end up falling asleep.” you haphazardly shoo his suggestion, scribbling bullet points onto your notebook.

“so a snack would be better, then? your favorite fruit is in the fridge downstairs.” reiner turns on his heel, intent on coming back with a bowl of nicely-cut strawberries and mangoes. you reach out, clasping onto him forearm before he zips out of your room and descends the flight of stairs. “it’s okay, reiner.” you assure. the ends of your manicured nails ghost his wrist.

“is it really? ‘cause it’s hard to believe that you don’t want me to get anything at all.” he quirks up a thin brow as he says it. reiner knows just how much you need his support— you’re simply choosing to act like you don’t.

“i’ll get somethin’ to eat later, i promise.” with the twirl of your ballpoint-pen, you’re back to writing. this is his third time checking up on you, and you give him the same answer with every visit. all this stubbornness has gone on long enough.

“you may be busy, but you’re also tired.” he's quick to snatch the pen from your hands, right in the middle of you scrawling a sentence onto lined paper. “hey! reiner, give it—”

“nuh-uh. stop bein’ difficult about it.” he plants a large hand onto the back of your macbook and shuts it closed. you do an over-exaggerated huff, make a pout, throw in a bratty eye roll— he doesn’t care for it. what you need is to allow him take care of you. he can’t let his darling work herself to death, now can he? not in a literal sense, but he wouldn’t forgive himself for allowing this to continue.

“i’ll be right back, okay? and for the love of god, don’t open that goddamn laptop.” he makes his leave. you hear the faint hum of a microwave. it doesn’t take long for him to return, with a steaming plate of food in hand. reiner takes joy in replacing that stupid notebook of yours with the reheated dinner that he cooked up for you over an hour ago.

he pulls up a seat, scoots in close, and brings a hot forkful up to your mouth. “don’t argue. just eat, baby.”

this sly man knows that it’s your favorite food. you have no energy left to brush him off. finally, you give in. with a soft ‘ah’, you allow reiner to feed you. there’s a satisfied gleam in his eye as he stuffs your mouth with bite after bite.

“it’s good?” he softly asks. you cover your mouth while chewing, giving him a sheepish nod. “mm-hm.”

“you feel better, don’t you?” reiner nudges your shoulder with his broader one. you don’t try to fight the smile overtaking your lips. “i do…” you relent, looping your arms around his neck. he firmly hugs you in one arm, and uses his unoccupied hand to hold onto the ceramic plate. over half of the food’s gone.

he hears your quiet, sincere ‘thank you’ murmured into his chest, feels your frame relax against his. “good.” reiner sighs into your hair. he wants you to put yourself first, every single time. “that’s good.”

[messedupfan]

Chapter 5

Summary: Reader and Wanda hang out together with some of their friends and get to know each other a bit better.

A/N: So sorry for the late chapter but this thing is almost 7k words and it was very difficult to find a stopping point. Chapter 6 is most likely going to be late as well, hopefully I can get back to my schedule. Thank you all for your patience and for reading. I truly appreciate all of you! Enjoy!

Masterlist | All Chapters | All Stories Taglist

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

Spending a week in the woods, camping with Rachel, has been a tradition since she could walk. Jean only participated in the first two. After the divorce you weren't sure you wanted to keep the tradition but Jean made a few good points on why you should continue it. Now, years later, it's the best way that you get to bond with Rachel beyond the distracting devices and all of her shows and music. You do your best to keep up with all of it but she is constantly changing. You encourage it, of course. But it's hard to feel connected with your daughter. Except on these trips. 

You rent the same spot every year. The two of you build the tent together and make it cozy inside. Then you set up the fire pit and she finds the best spots for the chairs. The two of you make food together over the fire. Tell jokes and scary stories. Remain completely unplugged for the entire trip. At night she snuggles close and you cherish the way she holds you tight because you know there will be a day a few years from now when she won't. She'll be upset with you because you'll be upset with her. Things will get tough, as they do with growing up, and you won't get as many hugs as you do now. And she'll continue to grow up and find her own way in life and her snuggles and these camping trips will be nothing but a distant memory. 

Between meals the two of you make up games, talk to each other, and you teach her what you can think of at the moment.  The two of you swim in the lake nearby and have fun splashing each other. A dog runs up to her when she’s eating her food and you already know that she's going to start asking for a dog. Luckily, you're able to convince her that she's still too young for one. 

All too soon, it's Friday morning and the two of you are packing up the campsite. It's sad putting away the fun week but it's what has to be done. Once your truck is packed up, you hit the road and she's finally able to use her phone again. The entire drive home she is blasting her favorite songs and singing at the top of her lungs. Once you're back in town you're reminded of your plans and at a stop light you message Wanda to see if she's still up for drinks. You don't get a reply until you're pulling up to your apartment building. 

Too nervous to check, you unload the car and get Rachel comfortable before you check your messages. I’ll see you at seven? Your shoulders drop from the relief. You call your sister, Kate, and ask if she can babysit for a couple of hours. 

“Oh… does someone finally have a date?” She inquires and it makes you roll your eyes. 

“No, I'm just grabbing drinks with some friends,” you clarify. 

“You’re so boring,” she groans. “Alright, I'll babysit. I don't mind spending some one on one with my favorite niece!”

“She’s your only niece,” you laugh at her enthusiasm. 

“Exactly,” she says. “I’d have other favorite nieces, maybe even nephews, but no. You refuse to make anymore.”

“Gross, you do realize that you're upset with me for not getting laid, right?” The line goes quiet and you wonder if she's even there anymore. “Hello? Kate?”

“I’m here, I just had to go scrub my brain with bleach to remove the last few minutes from my memory.” She says nonchalant, as if that was the most normal thing to do. “Anyway, I'll be there in a few. You better leave me some money for food.”

“Of course, I'll see you in a bit. Thank you so much,” you say your goodbyes and hang up. You walk to Rachel’s room and knock on her door and enter once she says you can. “Hey kiddo, aunt Kate is coming over to watch you for a bit. I have something… I mean I will be… uh, I have to do something.” You cringe at how you’re fumbling telling her that you’re going out. Normally, to avoid this, you would plan to do something on a night you don’t have her. But you only have yourself to blame for this. 

“Okay, have fun,” she says as she scrolls through her phone. 

“Okay,” you almost want to laugh at how easy that was. “Okay,” you repeat yourself. “I’m going to shower so can you let your aunt in if she gets her before I’m out?” 

Rachel nods, “Yeah no prob, now go! You don’t want to smell gross for your date.”

“It’s not a date,” you clarify and Rachel mutters something to herself that you can’t decipher but decide you don’t want to know anyway. “Please don't ever grow up,” you say with a smile and she looks up at you with big eyes like her mother. 

“I have to someday,” she says seriously and it crushes something in you. As a parent, that is possibly the best and worst response to ever hear. “Now go, please,” she says with a small wave of her hand. 

You finally leave her room, closing the door to the point that it's left to a crack. Just to mess with her a little. Then you head to the shower because you haven't had a proper one in several days. Your daughter is right, you do smell pretty gross. When you step out you hear your sister and Rachel laughing at something playing on the television. You finish getting dressed and when you walk out with a smile to greet the two girls they look up at you with horror. 

“What?” You ask as you look at your t-shirt and jeans. Your usual attire. 

“Is that what you're wearing?” Kate asks as she slowly eats the popcorn from the bowl between her and Rachel. 

“Yeah, why? What's wrong with it?” You laugh at their judgmental eyes. 

“Nothing, it's just so… you,” Kate replies with disgust. 

“That’s a bad thing?”

“No,” she pauses as she continues to look you up and down. “It’s just not a good thing.” 

You shake your head with a laugh, “Gee thanks, little sis. But it's nothing to get bent out of shape over. It's just drinks with some friends. I highly doubt Steve or Phil are going to have anything to say about my outfit.” You grab your jacket and put it on despite Kate's commentary about not wearing it. “What? I checked the weather.  It might rain tonight.” 

“I’m sorry, Rach. You’re not going to get another step-mom anytime soon,” Kate says. 

Rachel is hardly paying attention to the conversation anymore so when her aunt speaks to her it takes a moment for her to respond. She shrugs, “It’s okay, Ms. Wanda likes their work uniform. She won’t mind this, I guess. I just thought she deserved better from them.” 

“Oh, she has a name? And she knows Rachel?” Kate says in surprise, happy to be getting the good details now. “This must be serious.”

You pinch the bridge of your nose as you shake your head. “No, it’s not. I’m not dating anyone, Kate. Stop encouraging this kind of behavior.” You say, frustrated from having to repeat yourself constantly. You never liked this kind of teasing. It makes you uncomfortable and feel like you have something to prove. Besides, it's not fair to the other person who can't defend themselves. You grab your wallet, phone, and keys. “I don't have cash on me so I’ll send you the money for dinner. Thank you for watching her.” You say as you get a text from Wanda that she's already at the bar and sends you her location to double check that it's the right one. You send her a thumbs up. “I’ll be right around the corner so if there's any kind of emergency do not hesitate to call. Okay?”

“Of course,” Kate says. She hands Rachel the bowl of popcorn and gets off the couch. She stands in front of you and pulls you in for a hug. “I’m sorry, I know I tease you a lot but… I just want you to be happy.”

You hold your sister for a second and pull away and smile at her. “I am happy, kiddo. You don't need to be in a relationship to find happiness.” 

She pats your check with a fake expression of pity. “Oh, you are so single. It's sad.” 

You shake your head with a hearty laugh. “Whatever, weirdo.” You step away from her and go to join Rachel on the couch to give your daughter a hug. “I love you, nugget. I'll see you in the morning.”

“Morning? You’re going to be out all night?” She asks in surprise. 

“No, sweetheart. You’ll be in bed by the time I come home.” You tell her with a soft laugh. “I’ll be back here tonight and will be making your favorite breakfast in the morning. Don’t worry.” You tap your finger to her nose and she scrunches her face with a giggle. 

“Okay, have fun!” She gives you one last side hug, careful to not spill the bowl of popcorn. 

Finally, you leave the apartment building and walk a few blocks down to your favorite bar. You used to work there when you turned twenty-one and learned many skills that you don’t use anymore unless it’s to try and impress someone you’re interested in. Especially since the owner has a soft spot for some of his former employees and will let you behind the bar to let you do a trick or two. 

Walking inside The Hub you grow nervous because this will be the first time you and Wanda intentionally hang out together. You weren’t sure what you were supposed to talk about. What if there is nothing to talk about? How are you supposed to continue to go to her house and eat her food if she hates you after this? Steve is sitting at the bar talking with Phil. You met Steve when working here, he was the one who trained you in mixology. 

Steve served in the military before you met him here. His usual story is that he only enlisted because he didn’t have a direction at eighteen and needed something to help him make good money early in life. The real story is that he spent the majority of his life training to be in the military. His entire family is in the military, it was all he knew. But once he was actually in battle he realized that life wasn’t for him. When he finished his six year commitment to the Marines, he didn’t renew his contract and hasn’t spoken to his family because of it. To say they didn’t approve would be an understatement.  

“Rogers!” You greet him happily. You do a quick handshake and pull each other into a half hug. “It’s been a while, I’m glad you could make it out.” You sit next to him. 

“I’ve been good, Peggy and I just got a place together,” he says with a grin as he takes a sip from his beer. 

“That’s awesome man,” you congratulate him. 

“Wow, it’s like I don’t exist,” Phil says as he sets a glass down in front of you and pours your favorite drink for you. 

“I was going to get to you,” you laugh at his impatience. “How’s it been, Coulson? The place looks busy. I can’t even find the person I invited out.” You look around to find Wanda and her friend but have no luck from where you’re sitting. 

“Yeah, business has been good,” he says with a frown as he throws his rag over his shoulder. 

“Why does that sound like it's a bad thing for you?” Steve picks up on the bar owner's mood. 

Phil leans on the bar and sighs. “My daughter is home for the summer and she needed a job but no one was willing to hire her so I thought what’s the worst that could happen? Turns out, it’s this.” He points to the crowd of guys that keep looking over at the bar to catch a glimpse of Phil’s daughter and you laugh as you realize that the ratio of males to females is not what you’re used to at this place. 

“Where is she?” Steve asks and you nudge him as you shake your head. “What? I just want to see her. It’s been a while. Geez, I’m in a committed relationship, Y/n.” 

Phil looks at Steve, “No one is seeing my daughter tonight. She isn’t scheduled to come in. I’ve made sure to give her all Friday’s to Sunday’s off.” He says proudly. You point out the room full of customers that don’t know and he laughs. “I’m not going to tell them that. I still need to keep this business afloat.” You nod with a smile as someone comes up from behind him and you recognize her from the photos that Phil has in his office. She is much more mature now than she is in those photos and you can see why she draws in a crowd. You clear your throat to get Phil’s attention and point her out to him. He spins around. “Daisy! I gave you the day off! Why are you here?” 

“Calm down, Grant asked me to cover his shift. Besides, these are the busiest nights and I can make great tips,” she explains as she ties her apron on. Her and Phil have a quiet argument and you and Steve watch in amusement. 

As guys come to crowd the bar you and Steve step away and you are reminded why you’re there in the first place. She is across the room, sitting in a booth in the corner chatting with her friend. Wanda looks up and the two of you make eye contact and you smile as you grab Steve’s attention. A soft blush warms her cheeks and she looks away from you. “There she is,” you tell him. Steve isn’t sure who you’re looking at so he lets you lead the way. You join her and her friend in the round booth. “I’m sorry it took so long to find you. This place isn’t usually this busy. Believe me, I used to make the worst tips here.” 

Wanda laughs, “Okay, I’ll just have to take your word for it.” The two of you stare at each other for a moment. Not sure how to act around each other in this setting. She takes a drink from her cup and points to her friend. “This is my best friend, Carol Danvers. She’s in the Air Force.” You reach your hand across the table to introduce yourself, mentioning that it was an honor to meet her.

“An honor?” Steve scoffs in offense. “I served six years and you never said it was an honor to meet me.” 

“That’s because you’re a nightmare,” you retort. 

“I will have you know, I am a delight,” Steve defends himself. “I’m Steve Rogers by the way.” He offers his hand to Wanda first then Carol. “I know, it's an honor to meet me.” The girls laugh at his joke and you shake your head. 

You turn to Wanda, “I’m sorry about him. Now you can see why I'm in search of some new friends.” 

Wanda nods with her eyebrows raised, “I won't lie, I half expected you to bring Rachel's mom or my brother.” She admits in a laugh. “So, how'd the two of you meet?” 

“Here,” you state as you sip your beverage. “We used to work together here.” You tip your glass to her friend who is engrossed in a conversation with Steve about basic training and sharing war stories. “How did the two of you meet?” 

Wanda looks at Carol and then looks back at you. “We met at a party in high school,” she shrugs. “We didn't go to the same school, we just knew a few of the same people and became friends that way.”

“Oh that's cool. Which high school did you attend?” Wanda tells you about the high school she attended in another state. Then she goes into how she made her way out here. That she got into the university here and that's where she met Vision. How she got into architecture. She talks about how her parents weren’t ever married and that her father moved out here when she was in middle school. Which is part of what influenced her choice in university. Explains how Pietro followed along shortly after and worked under their father to prepare to take over the construction business for him. 

Before she can continue on with her life story, Daisy comes over to the table with a notepad and a few menus. “So my dad is having a bitch fit and now I'm your personal server tonight. Here,” she tosses the menus onto the middle of the table. “I will be back every five minutes. Go.” She walks away and you laugh. 

“The service is wonderful here,” Carol says sarcastically. 

“Oh yeah, definitely employee of the month,” Wanda chimes in and the two women share a look before laughing at each other. Steve makes a funny face to you and you shrug because you have no clue what their inside joke is. Wanda grabs a menu and turns to you. “What would you recommend?” 

“The loaded nachos and that’s it,” Steve cuts into the conversation. 

You nod, “Yeah, that’s the only thing that doesn’t go in the toaster oven.” 

“A toaster oven?” Wanda scoffs at the idea that an establishment would be allowed to get away with such a thing. But you nod, not showing any sign of the information being a joke. “Wow, okay. Loaded nachos then.” 

“My goodness! There you two are!” A woman says as she gets close to the booth. “I have been to three bars looking for you guys. What are we doing here?” She slides in next to you on the booth and she gives you a flirty smile. “Oh, hello,” she winks at you then she leans on the table to talk directly to Wanda. “Now I know why you were ignoring my texts.” She returns her attention to you, “Tell me cutie, are you single?” 

Wanda bursts out laughing at your uncomfortable expression as the strange woman strokes your arm. “Agatha, pump the brakes. This is the friend I told you about.” 

Agatha stops trying to flirt with you and her eyes widen. “Oh! You’re them! Oh, honey why didn’t you say anything,” She swats your shoulder as she lets out a boisterous laugh. Agatha holds her hand out to you, “Agatha Harkness, pleasure to make your acquaintance.” 

You accept her hand and shake it quickly before dropping it. “Nice to meet you as well, I’m Y/n.” 

“Oh honey, I know who you are.” She directs her next words to Wanda. “You told me they were cute but you didn’t say they were hot!” 

You look at Wanda with raised eyebrows and a teasing smirk. “Yeah, explain yourself, Wanda.” 

Wanda opens and closes her mouth as she blushes. She knew she shouldn’t have used any sort of compliment as a descriptor. “I never said Y/n is cute.” She says as she points her finger at Agatha. 

“Right, you didn’t say cute,” Agatha gives her a big wink. 

“If it evens the score, Y/n told me that Wanda is very pretty,” Phil chimes in as he comes over with a tray of drinks. You had told him the kind of drink you wanted Wanda to try when you texted him earlier about being here. He said that he’d have them ready once you lasted more than ten minutes at the table with her. “If you ask me, Y/n is a little smitten.”

You shake your head, “It’s a good thing no one asked you then.” Steve makes an ooh sound, Carol laughs and Wanda appears a little impressed. “Thank you, Phil. I appreciate everything you do.” You rush out with an apologetic smile. 

“You’re lucky I know you,” he says after he clears the tray. “Otherwise I’d pay Steve here to throw you out of here.” 

“Oh please, you wouldn’t have to pay me.” Steve says as he grabs his glass, “I’d gladly do it for free.” 

You nod your head, “Yup, these are the people I call my friends.” 

The two men laugh and Daisy returns to the table. “Know what you want yet?” She asks with her notepad and pen ready. 

“Two orders of loaded nachos please,” Steve says. “And a side order of your number,” he winks. Phil smacks the back of Steve’s head. “Ow! I was joking!”

“Behave, I won’t tell you twice,” Phil says unamused while the rest of you try to not laugh. 

Steve salutes him, and then looks at Daisy. “I’m sorry, we’ll just have the nachos, please.” 

The night continues like that, with humorous bits and teasing. Daisy returns every few minutes to check on the table and you order a couple rounds of shots that you want Wanda to try.  You watch her to see if she likes them and when she makes a comment about how you know good drinks Steve points out that you have a home court advantage. To which Carol suggests a change in venue for an even playing field. You pay for the nachos and some of the drinks as Wanda refuses to let you cover the entire bill. 

As you’re leaving The Hub, Daisy pulls you aside while everyone else walks out. You look at her confused and she writes her phone number on a paper in the notepad. She rips it out and slips it in your pocket with a sultry, “Call me.” You find the gesture to be a little funny but you don’t reject her right there. You figure that you’ll probably never use the number. Out of respect to her father and to her. You thank her and walk out the door to catch up with your group. 

As they’re walking Wanda thinks of something to ask you and turns around only to find you missing from the group. She looks around and sees the interaction between you and Daisy through the window. Her eyes widen when she sees the girl stick her fingers in your front pocket. She feels a pang of jealousy but she isn’t sure that’s exactly what she is feeling. Maybe she was feeling off from all of the alcohol they were mixing. Why would she be jealous of you getting some girl's number? You seemed close with her father, so you could be receiving that number for any reason. And yet, she couldn’t shake the fact that seeing that intimate interaction bothered her. When you appear in front of her asking where the five of you are headed off to next, she has to snap herself out of her head. She shrugs because she was so focused on herself that she wasn’t paying attention to the rest of them.

Steve points to a place a few buildings down that the group of five make agree to and their way over. This place was more of a nightclub and there is a crazy long line to get inside which you were completely fine with. It gave you some time to talk with Wanda while waiting. She asked you a lot of questions this time, to get to learn more about you. All you talk about is how you’re from this city and go into the details of your family. How you didn’t like being a child of a bitter divorce and that you wanted better for your daughter. Then you talk about the different types of jobs you’ve had since you were fifteen. And you reveal how you’re working towards a business degree at the community college because you’ve always wanted to start your own handmade furniture business. Steve hypes up your work when he overhears that part of the conversation. You awkwardly thank him and next thing you know, the five of you are inside the club. 

Once inside, you hate it immediately.  The music is loud making it difficult to hear. It’s hot and the air is thin. It was hard to breathe in anything other than the aroma of alcohol and the smell of other people’s sweat.  The place is full and cramped with sweaty bodies knocking into or grinding on each other which makes it hard to stick together. The flashing and rapidly moving lights are unpleasant and difficult to see through. Wanda grabs the collar of your shirt and roughly pulls you close so that you can hear her, “Can we leave?” 

You nod without hesitation and turn around to tell the rest of them that it’s time to go but Carol, Agatha, and Steve have disappeared in the crowd. Wanda grabs onto your jacket with a tight grip so she doesn’t lose you while you search for the other three. You spot Agatha first, she is grinning as she dances provocatively with some random man. Next you spot Carol smiling at a woman as she leans against the bar. Lastly, you find Steve getting excited about spotting a group of guys he recognizes. It’s as if those three were in this place for longer than a few minutes and made themselves very comfortable in the environment. 

You wrap your arm around Wanda’s waist to pull her close to talk, “I think we’re just going to have to wait outside for them.” Wanda nods and agrees telling you that she just wants to get out. You guide her through the many bodies that are colliding together as they dance to the booming music until the two of you are finally outside. “Oh my goodness I never thought I was going to breathe fresh air again!” You exaggerate once you’re free. 

Wanda laughs, “Oh man I had no idea that’s what those were like! I don’t really see the appeal of a place like that!” 

“We’re not drunk enough to enjoy it,” you shrug. 

“I guess not,” Wanda looks at you. “Were you a person that could handle a club like that?” 

You look back at the building and know that there are photos of you in that place somewhere online so there was no point in lying, it was a part of your life that you’re not proud of but a part no less. You nod, “Before my divorce, no way. I was a full-time parent and spouse. After my divorce however…” you drag out as you’re not sure how else to put it. Wanda nods in understanding but you feel like you still have to explain yourself. “Those first few weeks with no family to come home to were so lonely. I’m sure you know how it is. That quiet and isolation is so suffocating. So, yeah, I lost myself in a place like this.” You think back on that time and your reaction to going into that place back then is very different from how you reacted just now. “It’s been a while though and honestly, I cannot tell you how I did it. I don’t know how they’re doing it now!” 

Wanda laughs in agreement, “I guess it’s fun for some people. A nightmare for others. And an escape for those who need it.” 

“That’s an interesting observation,” you say. “Did you ever do stuff like this before having the boys?”

Wanda makes a face and looks back at the building then back to you, “No,” she drags the word out.“It always seemed like my worst nightmare and well… I was right.” 

You nod, “Yeah, it doesn't seem like your kind of thing. Sorry about that, I probably should have shut this idea down.”

“Don't be, I could have said something, I mean we were waiting in line for like an hour. I was curious and now I'm not.” She says with a shrug. Wanda looks around the street and spots another bar with a calmer setting that also has an outdoor option. “Want to go there?” She points it out and you look it over a bit. If you get a spot close to the railing, Steve and the girls will be able to see the two of you from the club when they exit. 

“Sure,” you offer your elbow for her to take. Wanda accepts it and makes a comment about chivalry and you laugh. The two of you cross the street and enter the establishment. It’s the type of place where you have to wait to be seated. So you tell the hostess two for outside and she grabs a couple menus and leads you to the empty corner table you had spotted from the club. You thank her and pull the chair out for Wanda, she looks at you funny. “What? You’re the one who said chivalry wasn’t dead. I have to continue to keep it alive.” 

“That’s too bad,” she pulls the other chair out, “because now it’s my turn.” She pats the back of the chair, “Have a seat, Y/n.” You look at the gesture and happily accept it. Wanda walks around to claim her seat, “There, now we’re even.” 

“Are we? I wasn’t keeping score,” you open the menu and start to look it over. You have only been here a couple of times and are still relatively unfamiliar with what they carry.

Wanda sits there and stares at you for a moment as read the menu. Not knowing the impact your words had on her. Most of her life has been an ongoing score board. If someone did something nice for her she made certain to do something even nicer, expecting them to do something in return. That’s just how relationships and friendships seemed to happen in her life. It wasn’t until halfway through her marriage with Vision that she realized that behavior wasn’t exclusive to good deeds. The amount of bad things they did to each other until the end of it when Vision won and continues to win… Cracks are starting to break through the rose colored lenses. 

“Can I get you two anything to drink to start?” A handsome waiter with a winning smile asks, breaking Wanda out of her thoughts. You tell him that you’re going to have a glass of water and one of the local IPA’s. “And for the pretty lady?” The man doesn’t hide that he is checking her out and though Wanda is flattered by the attention, she wasn’t comfortable with it being from him. 

“I’ll just have water,” she says shyly. 

“Actually, cancel the IPA, I’ll just have the water,” you change your order. You don’t want to be drinking anymore alcohol if Wanda is stopping. “And I’ll add an order of the grilled bread and good olive oil.” You notice that the waiter isn’t taking his eyes off of Wanda and you notice how she seems to shrink under his gaze. “Would you like another appetizer, honey?” you clear your throat as you ask. Not comfortable with using the term of endearment. Wanda sits up as it sounds foreign from you but she notices that the waiter has finally stopped looking at her. 

“Oh um, yeah, babe, you know what I like,” she tries her best to play along as she looks over the appetizers. “You’re so silly, you know that I like the-the… oh! White truffle garlic bread. That’s what I’ll have. For us,” she reaches across the table for your hand, “to share.” You bite your lips to keep from laughing as you nod and throw in a wink. 

“Will that be all for now?” The man’s flirty demeanor has changed to a more professional one and you know that although the both of you are horrible at pretending, you’ve been able to pull it off. 

“Yes, that’s all for now, thank you,” you say politely. He walks away and once he’s gone, you can’t help but laugh a little. “Oh I think we hurt his feelings.” 

Wanda smiles and hums, “That’s what he gets for being creepy.” She removes her hand from yours. “Thank you for that, by the way.” 

You wave her gratitude off, “It’s nothing. He should be focused on his job and not making his customers uncomfortable.” 

Wanda crosses her arms and leans on the table, “Did you ever pick anyone up when you were a bartender?” 

You laugh and shake your head, “No, I was still married when I started the job and then I was enjoying being out of a relationship when the divorce happened. I got to learn a lot about myself in that time.” 

“Have you dated since your divorce?” 

“I have been on a few dates. But I haven’t committed to a relationship since Jean,” you admit. “And it’s not because I still have feelings for her. Things between us ended for a reason and we’re still friends. That’s what we were always meant to be. But I haven’t met someone that I could introduce to her.” 

Wanda makes a face, “What do you mean by that?”

“Well, when she started dating, she kind of made up a system to weed out the people she wasn’t sure if they would work out or not. If she didn’t think she could introduce them to me without a doubt that I would be comfortable with them being around Rachel, then she wouldn’t pursue it. Now she’s happily married to the woman of her dreams,” you elaborate. 

“Huh,” Wanda says. The waiter returns with a pitcher of water to fill two glasses and the two plates of appetizers. When he disappears she continues the conversation. “I’ll probably be single forever then,” she says before she drinks her water. 

You laugh as you chew on the bread, “Oh yeah, that system is not designed for people like Vision.” 

Wanda shakes her head, “Nope. I’m sure he already has a file of every bad thing you’ve ever done prepared for drop off on Sunday.” 

“Oh gosh, so you’re saying I shouldn’t have accepted that follow request from hotgurl69?” You say with a smirk. 

Wanda stops chewing and stares at you with uncertainty, “You’re joking.”

“No, I’m not,” you grin as you pull out your phone to show her the obviously fake account that followed you during the week. It had a couple of posts of an objectively attractive woman but not someone that is your type. You hand it to Wanda and she shakes her head in disbelief as she looks it over. “I didn’t actually allow the account to follow me but oh that was something to see when I got back.” 

“He is a nutjob,” Wanda says under her breath. She blocks the account just for her sanity. “I am so sorry about that,” she returns your phone to you. “That’s ridiculous, he is such a child.” 

“There you guys are!” Carol says with a girl under her arm. “These are my friends. That’s Wanda and that’s… Wait. What’s your name again?” She points to you and you smile as you introduce yourself to the girl. 

“Hi, I’m Maria Rambeau,” she says with a grin. “It’s nice to meet you guys!” 

“Likewise,” Wanda smiles. 

“We’re about to head out, I just thought I’d tell you so you didn’t assume the worst. Also, Agatha went home with some Ralph guy. I don’t know. But have fun,” Carol waves as she walks away fast so that Wanda can’t convince her to stay. You and Wanda laugh as the group has gone their separate ways for the night. 

You look at your phone to send a message, “I should probably check on Steve and oh! His girlfriend had an emergency and he went home.” You close the phone and put it in your pocket. “I guess it’s just you and me, that is unless you’re ready to go home.” 

Wanda looks at the half eaten bread on the table, then to the busy street full of people walking by and businesses that are alive, and then at you. Smiling at her with kind eyes that make her feel special. Eyes that make her nervous in the best possible ways. “No, I’m okay to stay a little longer,” is what she wants to say. But she isn’t sure what would happen if she did stay. How would the night end with just the two of you past this point? Would the two of you go on a stroll and continue to talk? Will there be a moment where the two of you get swept up by some romantic setting and she does something stupid like kiss you? She doesn’t want to risk this growing friendship for something so silly. Besides, you and her brother will be at her house tomorrow fixing her wall. She has already looked foolish in front of you plenty of times in the few weeks that you’ve known each other. She doesn’t need to add to that list tonight. 

“Actually, I am a bit tired. Knowing Pietro, I’ll be waking up at six in the morning to let him in,” Wanda explains. “This was really nice, thank you for inviting me out. I haven’t had the courage to do something like this in a while. We should do it again sometime.”

“Yeah, and hopefully something that keeps everyone interested and engaged,” you reply. “I’ll cover the bill, we don’t want to give prince charming over there any reason to make some move on you because I can’t pay for your meal,” you say as you pull out your card.

“Ah well, it’s only appetizers,” she remarks. “If I were him, I’d probably say something about the lack of a three course meal.” 

“Oh, no worries,” you say as you wave the waiter over. “I’m two steps ahead of you.” The waiter approaches and you ask for the bill. He makes a face stating that you’ve only ordered appetizers. “Yeah, we got a call from the sitter,” you start and glance at Wanda to see her start to smile. “Six kids is a lot to handle for one person. We rarely ever get to have an uninterrupted evening like this,” you lie easily and Wanda tries to hide her amusement. 

“Yeah,” she adds with a disappointed sigh, “And can you believe we’re expecting seven and eight?” She reaches across the table again for your hand and squeezes it with excitement. 

The waiter's eyes widen, “Wow uh, congratulations! You could never tell. Since this was a celebration, you know what, the meal is on the house.” You are surprised and insist on paying but he clears the table and allows you and Wanda to leave without paying. 

The two of you walk to the end of the street where you’re headed in opposite directions. “My apartment is that way,” you point to the building you’ve called home for the past year and a half. Wanda nods as she makes a comment about the building looking nice. Then she turns and points to the parking garage where she parked her car. “I will see you tomorrow then,” you say awkwardly, not really sure how to end the night. 

“Tomorrow,” she repeats, “Goodnight, Y/n.” Wanda walks away and you head home after bidding her a goodnight as well.

When you walk in, the place is quiet other than the soft volume of the television that Kate is watching. “So? How’d it go?” she asks in a whisper. 

You shrug as you remove your jacket, “It was fun. Her friends ended up finding people to go home with and Steve had to head back to Peggy. Wanda and I got to spend some time alone and it was nice. Plus, do you remember Daisy? Phil’s daughter?” You are sitting next to your sister on the couch now. Kate nods as the name rings a bell. “Well she’s home from school and she gave me her number.” 

“Oh, she has had a crush on you forever,” Kate admits. 

You make a face, “Really?” You don’t want to believe your sister, especially not since she is constantly making comments on your lack of a love life. But it does explain why she made the move on you when you hadn’t shown any interest in her all night. “Oh well, I’m not going to call her anyway.” 

“Why not? Things go well with Wanda?” She tries to see if you’ll admit that there is anything more than friendship between you and Wanda and you roll your eyes at her attempt.

“You’re insufferable, you know?” Kate shrugs and asks again why you’re not going to use Daisy’s number. “One, it’s none of your business and two she’s Phil’s daughter. That’s weird, I consider him a friend. I can’t just date his little girl without him knowing. Then I can’t end things with her if he does. It’s way too complicated.” 

“Is it? Or are you making it complicated?” Kate challenges and not having the energy to even try to argue with her, you get off the couch. 

“I’m going to bed. You know how to use the pull out,” you walk to your room. “Goodnight,” you call out to her behind you.

Chapter 6

Taglist: @princessprudy @sayah13 @agaymilflover @awkwardmandalorian @bentleywolf29 @evenbeingcrazy1998 @artisannat @thisischaismagic @wqndanat @madamevirgo @likefirenrain @tearsofglitter @feltlikethat @the-writer-arcane @natashasilverfox @karsonromanoff @aloneodi @lovelyy-moonlight @red1culous @jovialsublimecomputer @natasha-maximoff @iliketozoneout @doudouneverte @druggedduck @notbornbutforged @when-wolves-howl @lifespectator @justyourwritter69 @wandaromamoff69 @awesomelygayasf @nekoannie-chan @diaryoflife @wuwu96 @wandanats-goodgirl @sincerely-indi @blueredg52 @sisiwritesfanfics @lizziesplant @fuzzyuniversityeclipsefriend @arcturusseer @scarlettwidow34 @chasethemoon @raven-ss @canyonyodeler

[bibbityboppitybillyharvgrove]

Christmas Movie Night- B.Barnes

Summary: A Christmas movie night for the Avengers, Y/N and Bucky get cozy on the couch.

Pairings: Bucky x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Use of Y/N, female reader, mentions of food, mentions of alcohol, (please let me know if I missed any)

Author's Note: I know I am very behind on the fics for December, thankfully this week is the last of the semester so hopefully I will be able to put out the fics I'm behind on and catch up. My asks are open so feel free to send is questions, suggestions and feedback. To all of the college students who are taking finals this week, good luck! You will do great!

My full Masterlist

Word Count: 764

Feedback is welcomed and encouraged!

Enjoy Reading!

When Bucky first moved into the compound, the team decided to have weekly movie nights to catch him and Steve up on modern film. Every week someone on the team would pick a couple movies, everyone would bring something to movie nights whether it was blankets, pillows, snacks, or drinks. This week was Christmas movies, more specifically, modern Christmas movies. It was Y/N’s turn to pick movies so she picked How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Elf. She thought that Bucky might enjoy them but she honestly just loved the two films. 

Everyone was settled around the large screen, settled on couches, chairs, the floor, some were cozied up to one another, others just sat by themselves. Bucky always sat between Steve and Y/N, she almost always ended up cuddled into his side. During movie nights, there were a few people on the team that fell asleep almost every time; Clint, Thor, Bruce and on some occasions Steve. There were also ones that almost never fell asleep during movie night; Y/N, Bucky, Sam, Tony and Peter to name a few.

With it being close to Christmas the snacks were a variety of cookies, the classic popcorn, some chocolate covered pretzels and a few others. The drinks were a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic(for Peter), of course there was spiked and normal hot chocolate, candy cane martinis, eggnog and a spiked Christmas punch made by Natasha. Everyone settled in with their drinks and snacks before the first movie had started. As the beginning of the Grinch started, Y/N felt her eyes starting to droop, her exhaustion catching up with her.

She had just gotten back from a mission only a few hours before movie night started, she had time to shower and debrief but she hadn’t gotten time to rest. Her head fell right onto Bucky’s right shoulder. He glanced to his right to find her fighting sleep on his shoulder.

“Lay down, sweetheart. Lay your head down on my lap,” Bucky whispered to her. She hummed and picked her head up for a moment.

“You sure?” She whispered back. Instead of verbally responding, he just nodded. So she laid herself down, curled up, resting her head on his lap. Bucky had grabbed a blanket from the back of the couch they were on and draped it over her curled up body.

As she was starting to doze off, she felt a warm hand stroking her cheek gently. The touch was feather-light, barely there, but she felt it and she knew that it was Bucky. She was fast asleep not much longer after the soothing touch had started. She stayed asleep throughout the whole entire movie and well into the second before she started to wake. Bucky’s hand had migrated from her cheek to her arm, where his thumb traced thoughtless patterns. When she opened her eyes, she noticed that Steve had moved his seat to sit next to Nat. Bucky was the only one to take notice that she was awake, he was the only one that even knew that she was asleep.

“Buck,” She whispered, catching his attention, “Lay with me?”

“Course, gorgeous,” Bucky replied in the same tone. 

Now the two of them were laid on the couch, Bucky laying on his back, his head turned towards the tv and Y/N who was laying on her side, sandwiched between the back of the couch and Bucky, her head resting on his chest. Bucky’s vibranium arm protectively holding her, his hand rubbing across her back soothingly. It didn’t take her much longer to fall back asleep. Instead of watching the movie, he watched her, the way her nose twitched, the way her eyelashes sat on her cheeks, and the way her lips would twitch into a slight smile whenever his hand passed a certain place on her back. 

Once the movie was over and the lights were back on, the members of the team that were still awake had taken notice to pair. Before they could even start ruthlessly teasing them, Bucky was quick to shut them up.

“If any of you wake her I will kill you with zero hesitation,” Bucky threatened in a whisper. The team backed off, deciding that cleaning up was a great idea.

The room was almost empty, only Steve, Bucky and Y/N remained. Steve just smiled at the pair on the couch, taking note of the protective hold Bucky had on her. “She’s good for you,” Steve said nonchalantly.

“She really is,” Bucky replied, a rare smile gracing his face.

[woah-were-halfway-there]

Along For The Ride: Blueprint

Word Count: 5.5k

A/N: finallyyyyy here’s the blueprint blurb that is way too long to be an actual blurb

When he entered the room and saw the camera, Auston knew what was happening. He agreed to do a segment for an upcoming episode of Blueprint but wasn’t exactly sure what questions he’d be asked.

Practice ended about half an hour prior, so Auston’s hair was still slightly damp from his post-practice shower. Nonetheless, he was cozy in his sweater and sweatpants as he gently rubbed his left thumb over his wedding band, a gesture he tended to do when he felt a little uneasy.

After a couple more nods and quiet hellos, someone approached Auston and handed him a small microphone as he got situated on the chair in front of the camera.

“Oh, thanks,” Auston said while clipping the mic onto his sweater collar with ease. “Good?”

“Great,” the producer replied with a smile. “You ready for your feature?”

“I guess so,” Auston chuckled. “Still not sure what you guys have planned for this, but I’m happy to help.”

“We had this idea for a specific part of Blueprint that, well, we think fans will really enjoy, and it’s centric around you. So we’ll talk to you and ask you some questions from off-camera, but of course, if there’s something you don’t want to answer, you don’t have to. Sounds good?”

“Sure, let’s do this.”

Auston shifted in his seat once more as he watched the producer talk to the cameraman and ensure the lighting looked good. She said they’d begin in a few moments, so Auston waited patiently until his phone buzzed in his pocket.

The screen lit up once he took the device out of his pocket, and Auston couldn’t help but feel himself relax when he saw the picture of him, Carson and Mia that was set as his lock screen. The picture was from the night before his and Carson’s wedding that past summer. The evening of their rehearsal dinner. Carson was dressed in a silky white jumpsuit with her hair in simple waves while Auston was wearing dress pants and a light blue button-up that matched the little blue flowers that decorated Mia’s dress, the same blue Carson’s bridesmaids would be wearing the following day.

The photo itself was simple. Carson and Auston were holding Mia and had posed for a few pictures, but Mia, out of nowhere, glanced up at her mom and giggled. So naturally, Carson couldn’t contain her massive smile in response while asking Mia what she thought was so funny. Of course, Mia laughed again, which made Auston smile, too.

Auston couldn’t remember who caught the candid moment on camera but was glad they did. It was one of his favourite pictures, and even though there were pictures from his wedding day he could use as his lock screen, he loved the simplicity of that one.  

After realizing he’d just been looking at his phone for a moment, Auston then glanced down the screen to see the notification was from Carson. In the message, she told him that she and Mia were out grocery shopping and to let her know if there was anything he wanted in particular.

Auston was texting back a response when his phone buzzed with another text from Carson. This time it was a selfie of Mia wearing a hoodie and a little beanie, slumped against her mom and not looking very impressed.

“This tired girl misses her daddy,” the message read, making Auston smile again.

He immediately wanted to call Carson, even just to hear her voice and get a proper update on Mia, but the producer then announced they would start filming in 30 seconds. So, Auston quickly texted Carson, saying he was good with whatever groceries she got and would come home to snuggle his mini once he was done filming.

After that, he slid the phone back into his pocket and braced himself for whatever he was about to be asked.

“Ok, Auston, thanks again for doing this,” the producer said.

“No problem. Thanks for having me.”

“So, as most people know, this will be your first full hockey season as a dad. How does it feel?”

“Oh,” Auston replied, a little caught off guard by the question but quickly playing it off and smiling again before he continued. “Surreal. Mia… she’s just the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Can you tell us more about her?”

Auston paused, feeling a little hesitant to answer, then nodded.

“I adore her. She’s everything good in this world. Yeah, there’s never a dull moment with Mia. She’s just so fun and curious about the world. She can be sassy, though, which her mother always says she gets from me. But it’s amazing to see her grow and watch her little personality form.”

“Amazing. As we mentioned, this is your first full season since becoming a dad, correct?” The producer asked, which made Auston chuckle slightly because he knew she knew the answer already but was trying to get him to talk more so they could edit his interview into clips.

“Yeah, that’s right,” Auston started and quickly thought of ways to keep going.

“Mia was born at the end of January. Wow, it’s wild that she will be a year old so soon. When she was born, I was lucky that the team was in Toronto already. I didn’t have to rush back and spend a flight alone, hoping I’d make it on time and be there to support her mom in whatever way I could. I know that’s not the same for many of the guys in the league, so I know how fortunate I was in that situation. I got to spend a few days at home as well. I was able to miss a game and spend those first couple of days at home, which was so important. Again, I was lucky too because I only had to miss one game, even though I may have looked into taking a leave if it came down to it.”

“Anyways, I was home after that game because we had a few days off. I was only asked to do shorter practices, then my first game back was in Detroit, I think. It wasn’t far, and we had another home game soon after, so I wasn’t even gone for a whole day. We had one more away game within the first week of Mia's birth. Again that wasn’t too far from Toronto, so I could be home quite a bit for that first little while. She was a little over two weeks old when the team went on a lengthy road trip. We were gone for close to a week, which was a lot for me, like. I’d get ridiculously anxious if I went so long without getting an update on how things were at home. That trip was pretty testing, but I knew I’d have to do it eventually.”

Once he finished his spiel, Auston blinked, surprised by how he comfortably just went on about all of that. However, with the way the producer, cameraman and other crew members were smiling and nodding at each other, Auston could tell they loved the content they were getting.

“That’s great, Auston,” the producer told him. “And what’s it like for you now to be away so much?”

“Being away from home? Oh, it sucks,” Auston replied bluntly, making everyone laugh and himself smile. “What? It does.”

“Wow, usually he’s more dramatic about being away than that,” Mitch spoke as he and Michael walked out from behind the camera. Auston assumed that the two guys were cutting through to go to the locker room, but they couldn’t keep on going. So instead, Mitchy stopped dead in his tracks to glance between Auston and the camera. “Wait, are you guys doing a feature on him?”

“Yeah, and you’re ruining the shot!” Auston laughed.

“Oh, well, that sucks,” Bunts said as he casually walked over and pretended to try to push Auston off his chair. “For you.”

“Get outta here,” Auston chuckled and pushed him away.

“What’s the feature about?” Bunts asked the producer as he walked back over to Mitch.

“We’re asking him about Mia,” the producer responded.

“And you didn’t want to ask ME?” Mitch asked disbelievingly. “I’m her godfather!”

“You’re on our list of people to ask for comments, Mitch. Don’t worry,” one of the sound guys explained. “We figured we’d talk to, you know, the one that’s a new dad, about his daughter first.”

“Ok, that’s fair,” Mitchy responded and continued walking. “Carry on.”

“You know, I’m offended I’m not getting asked about Mia,” Bunts stated while looking over his shoulder as he walked with Mitch. “We’re besties.”

“She likes me better,” Mitch scoffed.

“That’s not true!”

That was the last thing anyone heard from the two boys as they rounded a corner and disappeared out of sight.

After a moment, Auston just shook his head and smiled before looking towards the crew again. “Where were we?”

“You were telling us about what it’s like being away from your baby so much,” the producer reminded him.

“Right. Yeah, being away sucks a whole lot, and I’m sure I’m not the first hockey player-dad to say that, either. Being in a position where you’re gone from home so much and having a baby, you can’t help but think about everything you’re missing. There are milestones and other situations that will happen with Mia that I don’t want to miss, but given the type of job I have, I know it’s likely that I will. And that’s a tough pill to swallow. I’m so lucky because I have a partner… my wife, Carson, who is absolutely incredible. She holds the fort down at home while I’m gone and is the best mom to our little girl.”

Auston paused after that, feeling many things as he reached up to wipe away a tear. “I’m sorry, guys. I don’t mean to get emotional.”

“No, it’s ok,” the producer assured him. “Take your time.”

“It’s just- she’s everything to me. Carson, she’s my rock. I couldn’t do this without her, and I know it’s not easy for her with me being away constantly, but she never wavers in supporting what I do. She’s amazing, and sometimes I worry I don’t tell her enough. Like even just now, before we started this, she texted me asking if there was anything I wanted while she was out grocery shopping with Mia. I told her to get whatever, but I know that I’ll get home in a bit, and she’ll have picked up some of my favourite things and things I wouldn’t have even thought to ask for, but she knew I’d want. That’s just how Carson is.”

“Most of us here have had the pleasure of meeting Carson before, even just in passing, and from what I personally know about her, what you’re saying checks out,” the producer chuckled. “She seems like the type to pay attention to the little things.”

“Oh, yeah, like I never forget anything because she always remembers it for me somehow,” Auston replied, making everyone laugh.

“Ok, be honest,” a camera guy said. “Is Mia more of a mama or daddy’s girl?”

“That’s not even a question,” Auston scoffed. “She’s the biggest daddy’s girl. I always get called out for it, too, because it shows. Carson always gets grumpy about it because, well, I call Mia my mini. Out of Carson and I, she does look a bit more like me with the dark hair and eyes, which has Carson like, ‘of course, she couldn’t just look like you. She has to be a daddy’s girl too.’ And I just love it. I love that little girl so much. But Mia is very attached to her mom too, though. They’re partners in crime and rely on each other the most when I’m not home and just in life. Mia also has, like, her people. Aside from Carson and me, she’s got some really great people that she’s very attached to.”

“Like who?” Asked the producer.

“My mom is one, for sure. She and Mia have such a strong bond, and it’s easy to see. Whenever my family visits here, as soon as Mia recognizes my mom, she lights up and reaches for her. Then my mom would just hold onto her, talking with her and pout when someone else wanted a turn. I think us being in Arizona and with my family during the offseason helped develop that bond a lot, but Mia loves her whole family so much. She’s also very attached to Carson’s brother Nate and, as painful as it is to say, Mitchy. With Carson and Mitch being cousins, I think he and Nate remind Mia a lot of each other. She’s always giggling nonstop when she’s with either of them.”

“Mitch has made it clear how much he loves Mia, but what about the other guys? She’s quite popular with the team, isn’t she?”

“That’s an understatement,” Auston explained. “She’s got each of those guys wrapped around her little finger.”

The crew laughed at that and then glanced at each other momentarily before the producer stood up from her seat.

“Ok, I think that’s good,” she said and nodded at the cameraman to stop filming. “You gave us a lot to work with there, Auston. We really appreciate it.”

“It was no problem at all,” Auston replied, smiling as he took off his mic and stood up. “Is there anything more you guys need from me today?”

“No, no, you’re good. Go get home to Carson and Mia,” the producer told Auston as he handed her the mic.

“Don’t have to tell me twice. See ya guys.”

~*~

A couple of days later, Auston was back at practice thinking nothing about the feature he’d filmed. He knew if the filming crew needed anything more, they’d ask. So, it was easy for him to continue on normally focusing on hockey.

However, unbeknownst to him, it wasn’t just a regular day at practice.

Carson was outside the rink area, where the team would walk to and from the dressing room, talking with the producer and a cameraman. Mia chilled in her car seat on the ground next to her, blowing raspberries as she played with the ring toy she was gripping onto.

“Ok, yeah, so I’ll put this on and then just take Mia up to the glass, right?” Carson asked as she clipped the tiny mic the producer handed her to her sweater. “Is there anything you’d like me to say as we walk up?”

“Just introduce yourself and yeah, just do whatever you’re comfortable with,” the producer said, smiling. “We know that for you and Auston even to have Mia take part in this is huge, and we appreciate you letting us film this.”

“Oh, it’s no problem at all. We know this is a safe space for Mia, even if there are cameras. She’s with us too. I also really appreciate you asking if it was ok to film us rather than just assuming. I know Auston would too.”

“Of course, the players' and their families' privacy will always be something we respect,” the producer replied but was soon cut off by a squeal coming from Mia, who was looking up and reaching toward her mom. “Well, it seems like someone wants your attention.”

“Ma, mama,” Mia babbled while not looking away from Carson, showing how at almost a year old, she did in fact know who mama was.

“Wow, sorry, little miss,” Carson said, laughing slightly as she crouched down to take Mia out of her car seat. After standing back up, Carson immediately went into mom mode, adjusting the little fluffy beanie Mia was wearing and ensuring her jacket was zipped all the way up while mumbling about not wanting Mia to be cold. The producer watched, smiling, as the two girls had their little moment that ended with Carson kissing Mia’s head before looking back at the others. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Take all the time you need,” the producer told her. “We’re ready whenever you are.”

“Thanks. I think we’re ready,” Carson replied.

“Great,” said the cameraman. “You’re good to start right there, and I’ll count down from five to let you know when we’re starting to film.”

“Got it.”

Carson nodded and smiled at the other two just before they started going over some final details and moved her attention back to Mia, who was leaning against her chest while taking in their new surroundings.

“I know, sweet girl,” Carson said as she reached up to gently play with Mia’s little curls sticking out from the beanie she wore. “This is a whole new place, isn’t it? It’s a little nerve-wracking at first, but we’ll see your daddy very soon.”

At that, Mia perked up and moved away from Carson’s chest to get a better look at her mom.

“Dada,” she repeated but sounded like she asked a question, which made Carson laugh.

“Yes, dada,” Carson explained, then tickled Mia to get some giggles out of her. “And Mitchy and Willy and Bunts. All of your favourite guys.”

Mia started giggling like crazy the more Carson tickled her. Still, soon her attention fell back to the two strangers standing nearby, and she immediately leaned against her mom again and clutched onto Carson’s sweater.

“Ok, Carson. Here we go,” the producer warned her about how they were about to start filming. “In five, four, three, two-.”

Instead of saying one, the producer pointed and nodded to Carson, signalling the camera was rolling.

“Um, hi,” Carson started, suddenly feeling very nervous. Similarly to Auston, when she felt anxious, Carson tended to fiddle with her wedding and engagement rings. It was challenging to do that as she held Mia, but when she glanced down at the little girl hiding her face against the fabric of the sweater she wore, Carson’s nerves faded because she was suddenly focused on ensuring Mia felt better. As someone who struggled with anxiety and often blamed herself for Mia seemingly experiencing the same thing, Carson was always the best person to help Mia in such moments.

“I’m Carson Matthews, and this is Mia. She’s a little shy with being around so many new people and in an unfamiliar setting, but we’re here to surprise the guys with a little visit. Hey, Mia, can you look at me for a sec?”

Mia hesitated momentarily as Carson tapped her, trying to get her attention, but didn’t want to move from where she was comfortably hiding against her mom’s chest. She slowly leaned back to look up at Carson, showing how her eyes were beginning to water from the unsureness she was feeling.

“Oh, my sweet girl,” Carson said, visibly melting after making eye contact with Mia.

At that moment, she forgot about the camera. She didn’t care about it anymore because Mia was her number-one priority over everything. Had she been more aware of the camera, she probably would’ve said maybe filming wasn’t a good idea. However, she became too focused on Mia even to remember the presence of others.

The producer and cameraman picked up on what was happening and debated cutting the camera, but they knew if Carson wanted them to stop, she’d tell them, and they fully respected that. So, they decided to continue filming to see how their little situation played out and was fully prepared to scrap the idea of that segment entirely out of regard for Mia’s feelings. However, they didn’t need to because they soon caught a very sweet moment between the mother-and-daughter duo and were highly impressed by how Carson handled everything.

“Mama,” was all Mia had to babble for Carson to know how she was feeling.

“I got you, baby,” Carson spoke softly before pecking Mia’s nose. In response, Mia wrapped her arms around Carson’s neck and leaned against her shoulder, to which Carson just held her and began rubbing her back. “Oh, I know. I know. It’s a lot seeing all these new things, isn’t it? But, you know what, look who’s over here.”

Carson then walked over to the large frosted glass sliding doors the Leafs go through to enter the rink. The doors opened and showed the team practicing on the other side, which piqued Mia’s interest. The Leafs were at the opposite end of the rink, so no one noticed the doors slide open to show Carson and Mia standing together. Carson squeezed Mia and pointed to Auston, who was slightly closer to them but was too occupied speaking with one of the coaches to realize he had visitors.

“Do you know who that is?”

“Dada,” Mia answered, not missing a beat and almost instantly seeming to be in better spirits as she focused on her dad.

“Yes, that’s dada,” Carson said, then placed multiple kisses on Mia’s cheek, making the little girl giggle happily. “Wanna go see him?”

Mia nodded, continuing to watch Auston until the doors closed again. “Dada!”

At that, Carson turned around to face the camera and look at the producer, resuming what they were doing prior.

“They don’t know we’re here,” Carson explained. “Well, Sheldon, the other coaches and Johnny do, but that’s it. The plan is that as soon as Sheldon calls for the end of practice, we go out there and surprise Auston with a visit. He got a ride out here this morning with Bunts and thinks that’s how he’s getting home, too, so he has no idea.”

A loud whistle blew on the rink side of the doors, making Carson react by turning around to face the doors again. However, she paused, unsure if it was the right time to go out.

“They’re finishing up, Carson,” one of the Leafs staff members said, smiling as she walked by, but not without waving as she went. “Hi, Mia!”

Mia squealed happily in response, seeming to recognize the woman.

“That’s our cue, little miss,” Carson told Mia before glancing over her shoulder at the camera. “Here we go.”

Carson approached the doors again, this time more confidently, as she strode into the rink area and walked next to the glass towards the bench.

The guys were huddled around Keefe, listening to the last bit of his spiel before ending the practice. Keefe spotted Carson walking with Mia and tried to contain the smirk tugging at his lips as he spoke, knowing what would happen when the guys noticed the girls’ presence.

“Alright, that’s it,” Keefe said, nodding toward the guys as the music they were blaring cut out. “You guys have a day off tomorrow. Enjoy it, and I’ll see you all at the airport on Sunday.”

With that, the group dispersed. The guys took their time getting off the ice, having a brief conversation with one another or going over to collect pieces of equipment before heading out.

Still, no one noticed Carson and Mia except those who knew they were there. John tried to get Auston’s attention, but Auston was too occupied talking to Gio as they each grabbed their water bottles.

Some guys turned around and began skating to the door so they could leave the ice. Once they saw Carson with Mia, they smiled and waved, knowing Auston’s day was about to be made and caught on camera simultaneously. So, they decided to hang around to see it all play out.

Carson tried to remain patient but wanted to get Auston’s attention so badly. Luckily, though, Gio turned around after a moment and spotted her. He smiled, then nudged Auston and nodded towards Carson so he’d see who was waiting for him.

Auston didn’t know what Gio was trying to show him, and it showed when he turned around, and his face lit right up upon seeing his girls on the other side of the rink waiting for him. He was smiling so wide as he skated over to them, not noticing the camera at first as he stopped in front of the two girls and leaned over the boards towards them.

“What’re you guys doing here?” He asked, still cheesing hard as he leaned over the boards more to give Carson a quick kiss.

“We wanted to surprise you,” Carson replied and nodded toward the camera so he’d see. “And figured I’d give you a ride home.”

“Ah, I see,” Auston said as he glanced over at the camera briefly, knowing they were filming to add to the feature they were doing on him for the Blueprint. He didn’t mind, though, because it didn’t take long for his attention to move entirely to the little girl who had been so patient and excited to see him. “Hi, mini!”

Without a second thought, Auston started reaching to take Mia from Carson. But, much to his dismay, Carson stepped away and shook her head, making Auston look at her with the most butthurt expression.

“Nuh-uh, you’re all sweaty,” Carson complained. “I just bathed her this morning.”

“Carse,” Auston pouted, not caring who heard. “You can’t not let me hold her.”

“You can hold her after you’ve showered,” Carson sassed right back, making the guys standing nearby break into fits of laughter over how devastated Auston looked.

“But that’ll take too long. I wanna hold her now.”

“Then you better get to the locker room and shower.”

Auston still looked at Carson with a pout and huffed dramatically, hoping she’d crack. It didn’t work, but luckily for Auston, something else did.

“Dada,” Mia said, smiling so wide as she reached toward Auston.

“See, she wants me to hold her,” Auston stated as a matter of factly.

Carson glared at him momentarily, then sighed in defeat before shifting Mia in her hold so she could properly pass Auston, their daughter. “You’re giving her a bath again once we’re home.”

“Hi, my girl,” Auston greeted happily as he moved away from the boards slightly, not acknowledging what Carson said.

Carson watched the two together and couldn’t help but smile at least a little bit. She loved them both and how much they loved each other so much. Then she shook her head and glanced toward the camera.

“I used to be his girl.”

“You still are,” Auston quipped, not even looking away from Mia but matching Carson’s sass with ease, even though she was teasing.

Carson rolled her eyes at that, her smile growing wider as she did, though. However, a familiar voice yelled from across the ice before she could say anything else.

“Is that Meems?” Mitch called out and was quick skating over.

“Mia!” Willy said excitedly and followed after Mitch, Bunts not trailing far behind him.

“Oh, there’s my favourite Matthews,” Mo stated as he joined as well and soon, most of the guys were crowding around, trying to say hi to Mia, and she loved every second of it. Of course, they were all happy to see Carson too.

“Would you back off,” Auston snapped at Mitch, who was trying to take Mia from him.

“You literally get to spend the most time with her. Let me hold her,” Mitch replied.

“She’s my daughter!”

“She’s my goddaughter!”

The two started bickering, making Carson facepalm as she waited for them to stop. Slowly, some guys made their way off the ice and nodded to Carson before heading to the dressing room as the arguing continued.

“Carson, can you tell him to stop?” Auston pleaded with his wife, sounding like a child who wasn’t getting his way.

“Don’t try to get her to take your side,” Mitchy scoffed, then looked at his cousin in disbelief. “Control your husband, Carse.”

“Both of you are ridiculous,” Carson replied, shaking her head. She had another sassy remark ready, but then she noticed Mia fighting so hard to keep her eyes open while leaning against Auston and decided to step in. “How about I take Mia, and we head home because it’s getting near her naptime? And Mitchy, you and Steph can either come over later tonight or tomorrow so you can see her before you’re both gone on your roadtrip.”

“Are you making food?” Mitch asked with zero hesitation, to which Carson nodded.

“I can.”

“Sold.”

“Sick invite,” Bunts scoffed and looked at Carson disbelievingly.

“You know you’re always welcome, Mikey,” Carson told him as she took Mia back, who let out a big yawn as she snuggled closer to her mom. She then looked at Auston and spoke again. “I’m trying to ignore that she smells like you now.”

“Hey, it’s not that bad,” Auston whined, then smiled down at Mia. “I’ll go shower, though, so we can get this tired girl home for a nap.”

He then leaned toward Carson, wanting to give her another peck on the lips, but stopped, afraid she’d move away and say he smelled bad again. Carson knew that’s exactly what was going on in his mind and felt bad for a second because she was just teasing, even though he definitely needed to shower. So, to let him know she didn’t actually care that much about how smelly he was, she closed the gap between them and stood on her tiptoes to catch his lips in a kiss.

Carson could feel Auston smiling against her mouth, which made her do the same. Then the moment was ruined by a loud noise, which made them jump slightly.

“My bad,” Willy stated as he bent down to pick up the stick he accidentally dropped. Mia looked at the blonde with a slight scowl because of the loud noise he made, which made Willy feel terrible. “Oh, Mia. Don’t look at me like that. I’m sorry.”

Mia continued looking at him, unimpressed, but her expression soon turned into a smile. Which was a given, seeing how much she loves Willy.

Carson and Auston looked at each other, trying not to laugh at the interaction between Willy and Mia, but they couldn’t help it. However, seconds later, Mia yawned and snuggled close to Carson again, reminding her parents it was almost nap time.

“Ok, we should really be heading home soon,” Auston said as he stepped through the open door so he could make his way to the dressing room. “I’ll go shower right now. Meet you outside the dressing room in like 20 minutes?”

“Deal,” Carson responded, earning herself a wink from her husband before he headed off.

Shortly after Auston left, the cameraman stopped filming, which Carson completely forgot was even happening still. The producer thanked her again for letting them film her and Mia before saying they would go off and film a few more little things for the feature. So, Carson took off the mic she was wearing and returned it before the producer and cameraman went back through the sliding doors and out of sight.

Carson stayed in the rink area for a little while, talking to Mitchy and the few guys that still lingered around, but it didn’t take long to notice Mia’s cheeks getting rosy from being around the ice for so long. Mitchy saw Carson realize Mia was getting cold and witnessed her shifting into mom mode like he had so many times before. It made him really happy seeing how incredible of a mother his best friend was turning out to be.

All the guys she was still speaking with understood and figured they should probably head to the dressing room and change out of their gear.

Once they were back in the warmth of the lobby area, Carson got Mia settled back into her car seat with a fluffy blanket, then put a baby sensory video of dancing fruit on for Mia to watch as they waited for Auston. The video was enough to keep Mia occupied for the roughly 10 minutes it took for Auston. She was on the verge of passing out when Auston finally joined them and barely even reacted as he approached them because she was so focused on her video.

Auston just chuckled, knowing how much those sensory videos put Mia at ease, and he decided not to disrupt her as he approached.

“Ready to go?” He asked Carson as he grabbed her coat from a nearby chair and held it up to help her into it.

“More than ready,” Carson replied as she put on the coat and turned to face Auston again as she zipped it up. “Thanks, babe.”

“Of course. And ok, let's go. I’ll drive us home.”

Carson nodded in response, appreciative of his offer because, similarly to Mia, she was getting tired and ready to crawl into bed.

“After we get home and put Mia in her crib, wanna nap with me?” Carson asked as Auston grabbed Mia’s car seat to carry her out to the car.

“I would love to,” he answered, smiling as he stood back up.

Auston then wrapped his free arm around Carson and held her close as they made their way out of the practice facility, not knowing the cameraman and producer were nearby catching this one last sweet family moment on video.

[princesssszzzz]

Agony & Amor ~ Chapter 8

Pairing: Rhaemond

Word Count: 3.3k

Harry Potter AU AO3

"Expecto Patronum," the wind quickly carried away the shimmering dust that left Rhaena's wand for the 5th time that day. She'd been practicing since noon and was grateful for the house to be empty. Jace and Baela were off, having the freedom to travel now that they were older. The manor was empty, and Rhaena preferred it. Complete silence. Just her and the roaming black cats.

Hogwarts had always made it clear students were not allowed to practice magic outside of school, but this wasn’t a rule that applied to Targaryens. Who from the ministry would show up to the manor to say no to the child of Daemon Targaryen? Sitting her wand down, she wanted to take a break before attempting the next spell. Her father had no idea she was here in her cozy nook for hours, hoping to remain unnoticed until she could emerge like a phoenix when he came back home from work. Instead of emerging the Rhaena he'd seen just this morning, she'd be a new and improved master of the Patronus.

She reached for her magenta sweater and tried to hide from the winter chill when she heard the door open. Daemon was home and the booming slam of the french doors told her he wasn't in a good mood again. Not that she was shocked, this was nothing new. Rhaena got up to go greet him.

"Father."

Letting her long hair swing behind her, she walked in to find him already busy. Daemon gave her his usual thoughtless look over as she entered the kitchen.

"How was work?" He grunted something about the 'fucking criminals,' but not even that could stop her grabbing an apple. Rhaena was used to this, and she knew he wasn't interested. At some point during her break, he'd have to pay her some mind. Every year they celebrated her mother's birthday. Her death wouldn't stop them from celebrating her life. At least that's what her grandmother told her and Baela.

"Where's your sister?" His voice raised as he lifted his head from his after-work snack, wiping crumbs from his face. He towered over Rhaena with an arched brow, almost preparing to hear about Baela getting into trouble.

"She's off with Jace, on a quick holiday before schools starts back."

"Hmm," brushing past Rhaena he headed to his study, clearly wanting to go and think of new ways to torture the most recent newcomers to Azkaban prison.

Rhaena sighed. She thought about calling him and giving an update on her recent gains at school but decided not to.

It wasn't worth the effort right now nand her mind was precoccupied anyways. She slowly headed to grab a book, no longer having the energy to practice spells.

'What am I doing? It's winter break, I can take a moment to relax.'

The garden house in the backyard was much better to be in than the house. The large glass architecture gave heat to the many plants they had. Rhaena sat curled in silence after dinner, sipping her tea and using candles to light up just enough for her to read. The darkness surrounding her would've scared her when she was young. It felt comforting now. This quiet was soothing, and she felt anxiety ease by the minute. Finally. She had a book that held nothing about spells. She read a novel about glass dolls coming to life. It was so silly but no father. No school. No Aemond.

Rhaena almost rolled her eyes at herself for thinking about him. She'd spent the last couple days pretending he didn't exist. She didn't have to think about him. His side of the family wasn't coming over for dinner this year and she was certain her father wouldn't take up any reason to go to see them. Aemond. She thought back to his audacity at the ball.

He'd been acting strange and she thought it better not to think about it. Rhaena shook her head when rustling sounds made her jump. She knew it wasn't her father and jumped out of her low beanbag chair to see Aemond peering through glass watching her. His dark clothes blended in the dark of the night making it seem like his head was floating.

Stepping back, Rhaena had to ensure it wasn't her mind playing tricks on her. Her thoughts drift to him once and suddenly he wants to appear? It didn’t seem right. It was insanity, but Rhaena knew it wasn't her insanity but his when he sauntered to the door and let himself in. He had to bend his tall frame to get through the door and a cold burst of wind followed him as he slammed it shut.

Rhaena let her eyes drift down to his wet boots and then back up to his face. It was ironic. The snow was disrupting the warmth of the garden room the way Aemond was disrupting her peace. He flicked damp hair from his face to give Rhaena a grin.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I knew you would be here," he replied, giving her no facial expression. Rhaena could only raise an eyebrow at him as she watched him in take a deep breath.

Aemond’s hands shook slightly, the words he wanted to say getting tangled in a knot of frustration. He glanced at Rhaena, and this time Rhaena could not decipher what he was thinking.

He ran a hand through his hair, his movement betraying his agitation, and his attempts to inject his trademark arrogance into the conversation only seemed to make the silence more pronounced. Every time he opened his mouth to speak, his voice wavered,

Hands shaking slightly as he tried to steady himself, the words he wanted to say tangled got in a knot of frustration and fear. He glanced at Rhaena, whose eyes were full of curiosity and a hint of concern. Normally, he would have hidden his discomfort behind a veneer of smugness, his usual bravado masking his true emotions. But now, that façade felt like a brittle shell, cracking under the strain of his vulnerability.

"Look, I just—" Aemond began and he cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I just wanted to talk to you."

Rhaena’s expression shifted to one of guarded skepticism. “And what do you think you have to say to me?” she asked, her tone defensive, a protective shield against whatever he might throw her way.

Aemond shifted uncomfortably, the weight of his own words pressing heavily on him. “It’s not what you think. I’m sorry for being a craven."

He paused, slowly pulling out a small, weathered object from his pocket. It was a plastic wand, slightly chipped but still recognizable from the small pink heart sticker at the end.

Rhaena's eyes widened as she recognized it. "Is that?"

"Yes," he said softly avoiding her gaze, a trace of a smile touching his lips. "It’s the one we used to play with. I found it while rummaging through my things." He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I didn't want to be around my family right now. I was… rather overwhelmed, I suppose. And when I came across this…"

Rhaena pressed her lips together, eyeing Aemond while his words sunk in. She stared at the wand, a mix of nostalgia and wariness in her gaze. "And what, you think bringing that here will just erase everything? All the time you’ve been a right git to me?"

Aemond’s smile faded, replaced by a look of genuine regret. "No, I don't expect it to fix everything. I know I've been a prat, and I can't undo how I treated you. But I thought maybe if we could just-”

He paused before continuing. “I might have a chance to…."

Her eyes remained cool, a guarded distance still present despite the old memories evoked by the wand. "It’s not that simple, Aemond. You can’t just show up with a trinket from our childhood and expect me to forgive how you’ve behaved."

He took in a deep breath, the reality of her words sinking in. "I understand. I just wanted to try, even if it seems futile."

Rhaena’s gaze softened slightly, but the tension between them remained thick, like the heavy snow piling against the glass walls of the garden house. The warmth from the candles crackled softly, the flames casting flickering shadows that danced across the room.

The garden house was her sanctuary from everything. Family drama and the winter storm raging outside, a cozy refuge filled with lush greenery that thrived under the glass roof. But here was Aemond to invite the chaos of the outside world in.

Despite the room’s inviting comfort, the air between them was charged with unresolved emotions. She eyed him warily, not knowing what to think. The silence between them stretched on, heavy and uncomfortable, as if neither of them knew how to proceed.

Aemond moved to sit in one of the white fluffy beanbag chairs across from her, his tall frame sinking into the plush material. He looked out of place in the small room since he was older now, his usual cool demeanor clashing with the warmth and softness that surrounded them. For a long moment neither of them spoke, and the only sounds were the crackling fire and the occasional loud gust of wind outside.

Rhaena’s fingers played absently with the edge of the book she had set aside, a frivolous escape that felt distant now. She let her lilac eyes flicker back to Aemond, taking in the way he sat rigidly, his hands clasped together as if trying to keep his emotions in check. She could see the tension in his jaw, the way his eye moved restlessly around the room before settling back on her.

“What do you want from me, Aemond?” she finally asked, her voice breaking the silence like a sudden crack of thunder. Her tone was soft, but there was an edge to it, a challenge that hung in the air between them.

Aemond’s gaze remained on hers, and for a moment, she thought she saw something raw and unguarded in his expression—something that made her heart beat just a little faster. “I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice low and rough. “I just don’t want things to be like this between us.”

Rhaena’s lips pressed into a thin line again, her skepticism returning. “You think a few words can change everything? After everything you’ve done, everything you’ve said?”

He flinched at her words, a flash of regret crossing his face. “I know I’ve been cruel. I know I’ve hurt you. And I can’t take any of that back. But I’m here now, trying to make things right, if you’ll let me.”

“Why now?” Rhaena asked, her tone sharp.

Aemond hesitated, his fingers tightening around the small plastic wand still clutched in his hand. “Because I’m tired of being alone,” he said finally, the admission costing him more than he wanted to admit. “I’m tired of pushing everyone away, of hiding behind my anger and pride. I care about you, Rhaena. More than I ever wanted to.”

His confession hung in the air between them, vulnerable and exposed. Rhaena felt a flutter of something in her chest. But it was something she wasn’t ready to name. It was quickly tempered by the memory of every harsh word he had ever thrown at her, every cold glance and sneer since he’d returned.

She looked away from him, her eyes drifting to the flickering candles beside her. The silence stretched on once more, heavy with the weight of their shared history. The storm outside seemed to mirror the turmoil within her, the wind howling as if in sympathy with her confusion.

When she finally spoke, her voice was quieter, more tentative. “You say you care about me, but how can I trust that? How do I know this isn’t just another game to you?”

Aemond’s gaze softened, the harsh lines of his face easing as he leaned forward slightly, the beanbag chair shifting beneath him. “Because it’s not a game, Rhaena. I’ve been a fool, and I know I don’t deserve your trust. I’m willing to earn it again, if you’ll give me the chance.”

Rhaena’s eyes flicked back to his, searching for any hint of deception. She let out a slow breath with her resolve wavering as the tension between them shifted into something else. Something fragile and new.

“You’re not the only one who’s tired, Aemond,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aemond’s eye softened further, a small, tentative smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Maybe we can try something different,” Aemond proposed, his voice edged with a vulnerable earnestness.

Rhaena’s gaze remained fixed on him, her expression a blend of curiosity and wariness watching as Aemond moved closer. The rustling of the beanbag seemed to echo the sudden shift in their dynamic.

Aemond edged nearer, his proximity making Rhaena acutely aware of every breath he took. His hand reached out, long fingers trembling slightly as they hovered near hers but she tightened her grip on the book . The air between them felt electric, every small movement magnified by the silence that had settled over the room.

With her heart racing, Rhaena pulled back slightly, her instincts screaming at her to maintain the distance she had so carefully guarded. “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice betraying a hint of anxiety.

“I’m trying to be honest with you,” Aemond said, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I know I’ve been difficult, but I want to make things right. I don’t want to keep pretending.”

His closeness was overwhelming, and Rhaena struggled to process the whirlwind of emotions that his nearness stirred. She glanced around the room, trying to ground herself. The garden house was meant to be a sanctuary, a place of solace. But tonight, it was a battleground of emotions.

Aemond’s hand moved closer to hers, his eye searching hers for any sign of reciprocation. She hated that her stature was so much shorter than his. He was so near now that Rhaena could see the faintest tremor in his gaze, the vulnerability he had attempted to conceal. It was in that moment that her gaze fell upon his eyepatch, the empty space where his eye should have been. The scarred skin a silent testament to a past he had yet to fully reveal.

“Why don’t you tell me how you lost your eye?” Rhaena asked abruptly, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

Aemond’s face tightened, the warm expression he had been wearing slipping away to reveal a mask of guarded pain. He withdrew slightly, the space between them widening as he struggled to maintain his composure. “That’s not something I like to talk about,” he said, his voice strained.

Rhaena’s heart ached at the sight of him retreating. “If you want to be honest with me, then start by telling me the truth. I know you lied to everyone.”

Aemond’s frustration flared, his fists clenching as he fought to keep his emotions in check. “Why does it matter so much to you?” he demanded, his voice rising. “What does it change if I tell you?”

The sudden outburst made Rhaena flinch, and she watched as Aemond stood up, his movements sharp and agitated. “Maybe it’s best if I just leave,” he said, his voice trembling with anger. “You clearly don’t want me here.”

Rhaena’s eyes followed him as he headed to the door, awaiting the return to his previous behavior.

But Aemond paused, his hand resting on the cold doorknob. He took a deep breath, the fight draining from his posture as he turned back to her. “It’s not about what you said,” he admitted, his voice cracking. “It’s about me failing. Again.”

Rhaena’s eyes widened in surprise. “What do you mean?”

Aemond moved slowly to sink back into the beanbag chair, his shoulders slumping. “I was practicing a spell, trying to perfect it. Sectum sempra. I was so focused on proving myself, on being something more. I made a mistake—an error in the incantation. The backfire took my eye.”

His admission hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his self-reproach. Rhaena watched as Aemond’s face flushed with an admixture of shame and frustration. “I thought I could do better,” he said quietly, his gaze dropping to the floor. “But all I’ve done is fail. Aemond confessed, his voice dropping to a near whisper as he struggled with the exposure of his deepest insecurities. He leaned lower into the beanbag chair, his gaze lost to the flickering candlelight that cast long shadows across Rhaena’s features. "I had to prove I was as much a Targaryen as anyone, even though I got a late start.”

Rhaena watched him, the firelight playing across her face, softening the edges of her usually stern expression with him.

Aemond continued, the words coming more freely now, driven by a need to make her understand. “I think I pushed you away because I saw the same struggle in you. You remind me of everything I was trying to run away from. It wasn’t fair to you Rhaena.”

Her eyes held his, and in them, he saw a mirror to his own conflict. Here was another Targaryen who knew the weight of legacy and expectation. Yet, she carried it differently, with a grace that made him envious yet drew him in.

She let a silence fall on again, wanting the sound of the storm to help her think, but Aemond moved closer to her. She stood also and this time his approach was hesitant, marked by the awareness of his past mistake.

“I’ve seen how you are with my cousin Garmund and and that boy Corwyn,” Aemond said, the words carrying a hint of bitterness. “It bothers me, seeing you so close to them, knowing how different things are between us.”

Rhaena’s expression tightened at his admission. “You have no right to comment on my relationships, especially not after how you treated Corwyn. He’s my friend and you hurt him, Aemond.” Her voice was stern, reproachful.

Aemond’s lips curled into a reluctant smirk briefly across his face. “Maybe I did,” he conceded, his apology sounding half-hearted.

“You should be more than ‘maybe sorry,’” Rhaena countered sharply. “And you should start being nicer to Jace.”

Aemond’s expression soured at the mention of Jace, but he masked his disdain quickly. “I’ll try,” he said, his tone noncommittal, clearly designed to placate her rather than express any real intention of change.

Rhaena rolled her eyes at his obvious lie before regarding him, her eyes searching his for any sign of genuine change at least between them. Maybe. Baby steps.

Aemond took a step closer, diminishing the space between them as he watched her release the book from her hand. She’d been holding it to her chest, using it as a blockade and tool of protection. His movement was deliberate, a silent challenge to the boundaries they had both been guarding. His gaze was intense, searching, as if trying to communicate more than words could say.

Rhaena’s breath hitched slightly, her body instinctively tensing as he neared. The warmth of his breath touched her face, and for a moment, the rest of the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the dimly lit glass surrounded by darkness.

Their eyes stayed locked, and a silent understanding passed between them—a recognition of the tumultuous path that had led them here, to this moment of fragile closeness. Neither moved to bridge the final gap, the space between their lips charged with the possibility of what could be, yet unfulfilled.

Finally, Aemond’s voice broke the silence, low and rough with emotion. “Rhaena,” he murmured, her name a confession, a plea, an acknowledgement of everything unsaid between them.

Rhaena remained still, her eyes not leaving his, her response a whisper that carried all the complexity of her feelings. “Aemond.”

The tension lingered, palpable and unresolved, as they stood there, caught in the storm’s embrace and their own, an echo of the chaos outside mirrored in their entwined fates. The scene closed with them close enough to feel each other’s warmth, yet still apart, their emotions as tumultuous and uncharted as the storm raging around them.

[b4b3tte]

Thank you for answering my question earlier! I was wonder if I could get some headcanons for Dwight Manfredi from Tulsa King? And thank you😊

TULSA KING

꒰ ⊹ ˚ Summary — Some Head Canons of dating Dwight Manfredi!

Contains of — Physical touches, Dates, Love languages, Romantic atmosphere, etc. ♡

My note — Hii!! Tysm for this request, very much appreciated! Honestly I didn’t know what type of relationship you wanted with Dwight like lovers or friends so I picked lovers but if that isn’t what you wanted then please let me know I’ll be happy to change it! Otherwise thank you for requesting and reading!!⭐️

— Dwight can be sorta complicated, being in prison for over 20 years has definitely left him touch starved but he will always stick to his Old-School manners.

— Which leaves you like “ should I touch him or no “ but you notice that behind close doors he will insist physical contact, while in public he’ll tone it done a lot by just a kiss on your forehead and his hand on your waist once in awhile!

- it gets obvious that his love language is Touch & quality time together, As much as he loves holding you while you are on his chest, he also adores just being in a room together and reading without a word being said

- But again he loves having you hold his hand or show him any sign of physical affection although he won’t verbally admit it. Speaking of that, he can be stubborn and won’t admit when he likes certain things at least affection wise

- For a second let’s retract to the first head canon, His “ Old School Ways “ dating someone in their seventies is completely different than dating someone in their twenties, not that you mind but let’s look at those differences

- He is an absolute courteous man ( gentleman ) and will always pay attention to your needs and wants. He loves to be a man of his word so whatever he tells you or promises you, he will do it without a doubt

- He believes that you deserve the highest of treatment, He will always pull out your chair and push it back in when you’ve sat down, Open all the car doors and doors to places for you, Pay for almost every meal, give you massages whenever you are stressed or tired, Make you coffee or tea when you wake up and whatever else you can think of!

- damn he is setting the bar high for me 💀 anyways😓

- For date nights it will always be incredibly romantic and seem like something straight out of a romance novel. The most regular and common one you guys would have is a Fancy Candle Lit dinner at a high end restaurant with top notch service and food that always manages to amaze you

- Another one will be a lovely night at a small cozy book store somewhere near downtown it can just be you two reading for hours while drinking caffè latte or latte macchiatto with tunes of piano in the background

- Lastly it can be around the afternoon maybe sunset, you guys will have a picnic at a beach or park and have a couple of books with you, eat while reading , maybe talk about the plot/authors and after take a stroll on the beach or park after the lunch and just talk for hours until night

- he adores spending large amounts of money on you, he understands money might not be everything for you or isn’t as special as quality moments but he still wants you to have nice things wether it’s jewelry or the newest skincare products you know?

- Whatever you add to your shopping car, whatever you stare at longer than 5 seconds, Whatever you talk about, he will manage a way to buy it, he believes giving you whatever you want has no price and he sometimes takes it quite literally

- One time you were upset your favorite artists album sold out quickly and Dwight being Dwight he found a way to get one, one with a personal signature of the artist he says no harm done but that’s obviously a lie.

- Another time you were eyeing a new food item on your phone that looked delicious, you never spoke about it but Dwight being observant and sometimes not intentionally, he picked up on it, figured which restaurant had it, picked it up and surprised you with the meal!

- when you were ranting about your friends new Vivienne Westwood necklace he quickly searched up where and when he can get it as soon as possible and it didn’t take long for you to receive a fancy package outside your door

- He loves seeing your reactions to romantic dates or expensive gifts he randomly gives you or even the random acts of service he does for you but nothing beats it better then your smile in the morning when he asks you how did you sleep 🤍

Hii!! Thank you so much for reading and liking this I truly appreciate it!! Stay disciplined and be consistent do the hard work especially when you don't feel like it, love you🫶🤍

[hockybish]

Fluffy Ava and Jack

Their Bookstore

l Nightingale Au l Jack x Ava l masterlist l

"Remind me of the rules again?" Ava asked.

It was Jack's turn to plan date night. He chose a relatively low key restaurant. The place they usually go to when they didn't want the possibility of any of Jack's crazy fans to find them.

And then Jack drove them to their favorite go to bookstore. It was a small space with two stories, pack to the brim with book. Everything from new books to older first editions.

After most of their dates they will end up at the store, picking out a book or two to add to their collections. This time Jack a little bit of a different idea in mind.

"We get thirty minutes to complete the checklist and then meet in by the two lumpy chairs in the corner." Jack reminded her as he pulled into a parking space across from the store with the good candy.

"And what those tasks?"

"A cookbook with a recipe for next date night, a book about the place we should travel one back, a book our parents read to us as kids, and a book we really want to read" Jack smiled grabbing Ava's, guiding her safely across the way to the store.

"Do we have thirty minutes? I thought they closed in ten?" Ava frowned, checking her watch. They usually had to speed on through, taking their books home to read while they were tangled together on the couch.

"About that, I um, paid Georgie to stay open a little an hour longer for just us." He admitted. Ava smiled, reaching over to peck Jack on the cheek, giving her approval for the second half of their date.

They got in the store and hung their coats up on the rack by the door. Jack gave Georgie the store owner a little nod and set the timer. He held up three finger, counting down one two three and they were off.

Ava quickly ran upstairs to the children's section grabbing Norma Jean, Jumping Bean while Jack started in the cooking section selecting From Crook to Cook because how could a cookbook by Snoop Dogg be any good?

Once the timer sounded the couple found themselves in the back corner sitting in their favorite cozy chairs, exchanging their selections.

"Oh my god, why did you choose this book?" Ava laughed holding up The Perfect Couple.

"We watched the show, and I wanted to to compare the book to the show." Jack shrugged he was thumbing through the book on Italy Ava choose. "And because I knew you'd want to read it, so I figured we could read it together since I read all your books anyways."

"Awe you're too cute Babe!" She leafed through it quickly before she snagged the Italy book Jack was looking at, replacing it with one she had. "Start reading it to me?"

Jack couldn't resist his girlfriend's request. The hockey player got comfy, cleared his throat and started at the beginning. Ava's smiled got even bigger. She moved her chair as close to Jack's as possible. She leaned over and place her head on his shoulder.

An hour later, Jack was still reading the book, only to himself now. He had dogeared the spot he left off reading aloud since Ava nos was dropped over his lap, softly snoring. She had fallen asleep like twenty minutes ago.

"I'm sorry Jack, I've got to close the store now. It's late." Georgie finished with his organizing and stocking. It was around eleven pm, he just wanted to lock up and go home.

He didn't want to wake her, although he hadn't been there, he knew she hadn't been sleeping well, and now that she was, he wanted to let her for as long as she could

"Do you trust me?" Jack came up with an idea on the fly. "Leave the keys, when Av wakes up we'll leave. I promise no funny business."

"Fine. No funny business, I have cameras you know." The old man tossed the keys to Jack and winked at his favorite customers

[heartinajarofpickles]

Dinner is not over

Part 5

Run to rise and leave me blind, i feel it coming all the time

Half of the cup was already gone, hands trembling so much they almost spilled the little liquid left on it, feet touching the dark pavement one step at a time anxiously looking forward to see how Muriel was handling the library, mind focused on the fact that aziraphale wasn't there anymore so that his absence didn't take him aback, she was halfway there, eyes fixated on a new door color, when something solid and cold on his hip pulled her out of his thoughts, and stopped him from looking at the door.

She realized that she was on the ground and the pain came immediately after, hips and head hurting, Oh! the head, it felt like it was going to explode, the person driving left not caring about the accident nor the being they have hurtled, or perhaps caring too much, but about the consequences that’ll bring.

Crowley was okay with this being his end, lately things on earth were dizzy and confusing, like they were many many years ago, after that everything just became worse, it was many years ago and in a far better place, with no strings attached, so he didn't dare to imagine how bad things could get here, the only things that grounded him to earth were gone, he come to this place to accompany humans, to tempt them, to make them make choices, for him to intervene and help them choose the way they wanted to live, it was only fair that one of those humans would take his life, and what better than with a car, one of their best inventions.

Humans would probably be gone thanks to aziraphale in a couple thousand years, if Crowley died he would go back to hell, there, demons would notice his existence, maybe just by punishing him, making him an example of what happens to traitors, it wouldn’t be the first time that happened and right now it was far better than what was happening, he wanted for someone to call out his name even if it was just to torture him, to laugh at him, ridicule him, THAT was better than nothing at all, than an unimpactful existence, maybe none of that would happen and he'll just get back to the crowded place that everyone keep insisting was his home, either option was better that seeing how the creature he loved so purely destroyed what they have been caring for together the last 6000 years based only on bad decisions and pressure exerted by a higher powers.

The demon was slowly saying goodbye to his earthly years relieving theirbest memories one by one in the few seconds he thought he had left, preparing to say goodbye to the body that had held him so many nights and anticipating what would be of him in the afterlife, when a familiar high-pitched voice invaded the space.

— “Mister Crowley, are you okay?” Although it shouldn't, it took him by surprise, in no time he restored his composure and responded to the curious eyes.

— “Yeah sure kid” the demon said while an almost unbearable pain on the hip ached her, he couldn’t stand up by himself, so Muriel helped him cross the road, until they arrived at the library.

It was different, barely the entrance remained the same, instead of the deep red color there was now an almost electric blue adorning the door, a sign could be read stating the hours it was opened 9-5 every day, but the inside, that was what took Crowley aback, what once was a cozy place packed with books and old comfy chairs, with warm walls and wood floors was now all organized by sections, by genre, yearly, or alphabetically, it didn't matter which one, if Muriel did it that meant it was a good system, a system that was meant to be accessible for those who came inside, and a system that aziraphale didn’t have as his books were ordered in quirky unique ways that made sense in his head and his head only, because he was supposed to be the only one in contact with them, only him and the people he trusted could inhabit that quiet little sophisticated nook on earth, however that domesticity was all over, as strangers now enter the room where Crowley poured his love time ago.

The new layout was intended to welcome people with clearer colors, bright white lights and colorful modern chairs, all of this inviting them to buy.

The hit, the caffeine and the new state of one of the few places where he truly felt himself made the world whirl once again.

All he wanted was for this to stop, he closed his eyes to escape from the tormenting reality, when a figure posed in front of him, and suddenly they didn’t feel so bad.

Muriel had miracled out Crowley's wounds, only the superficial ones as his power was limited, still his hip didn’t hurt anymore, and she felt pretty proud of Muriel for discovering new things. 

— “Wow, already making miracles, huh?”

— “Oh! Well yes, I’ve learned a lot thanks to aziraphale!”. Pain.

— “Is that so?” The angel had visited Muriel but not him. Pain again.

— “Oh well just by reading, Aziraphale’s books really have a lot of him in them” They did. “Besides it's cute how he gives them little names, I feel as if he was talking to me” 

— “Sounds just like him” said the demon in what was intended to sound depreciating, but coming out mourningly.

Thanks to the fact that Muriel keep distracting him from the destructive way his mind been working lately, and to the miracleperformed, Crowley could appreciate the view with detail, he got up and started analyzing the books realizing that a large number of the originals were already gone, pristine new books taking their place, making the place seem stocked, luminous white lights adorning the roof facilitating people that wanted to evaluate what they were about to buy, chairs in all different colors gave a good contrast to the rest of the store and serve as a thoughtful addition for however that wanted to start their treat at that exact moment.

— “Sold much Uriel?”

— “Oh you noticed! Yes, I did, it wasn't that hard really, a lot of people seemed to be very interested, and for some of them they gave me a lot of money, at first I didn’t understand the concept of money, I still don't fully grasped it, you just give it away and people give you back things right?”

— “Pretty much yes”

— “Yes I knew it!, apparently some of them were really rare as they gave me a lot of money from them”

— “You were not supposed to sell them, did you know” said Crowley in a dismal tone

— “Don’t be silly this is a bookshop, that’s what we do”

The demon gave a little laugh both for the way that Muriel’s speak so sure of themselves, and because of a reminder of better times popped up, when the angel would give infinite explanations as to why he couldn't sell his books.

— “True”

The last safe place on earth had crumbled, becoming a new version of what it was, a version not made for Crowley, not in a bad sense, time changes, it's a normal and organic thing that happens, but ever since that kiss he had remained the same, soul forever buried in a place that wasn't there anymore, trapped in the past unable to escape.

After analyzing all, the demon's mind only came with one possible solution, one unique thought, the plan that could make all of this stop, the thing that would get rid of all of his problems.

— “Muriel, could I ask you for something?”

[halfmoondaze]

Rumors

previous

Series Masterlist

As you opened your eyes, you looked around the dark room as your eyes tried to adjust to the darkness in the room. You glanced at your phone screen. 

 ‘2:25’ it read.

 As you looked up, you saw a figure sitting the balcony. 

 You cautiously walked over to the balcony, as to not wake up Urban. That’s when you got a better look at Jack sitting at a lounge chair, while scrolling through his phone. 

 The moment he sensed your presence, he put away his phone and looked at you. 

 “Hey, missed me already?” 

 You laughed looking away. You couldn’t believe this guy. 

 “You wish” 

 He laughed at your response. 

 “What’s keeping you awake then?”

 “I don’t know. Silence, I guess”

 He nods. 

 “You?” you asked taking a seat beside him. 

 “Nightmares” 

 “Sorry to hear that” 

 “It’s fine. I’ve had them since I was a kid” he said. “By the way, Im sorry about Nemo. That was way out of fine. You didn’t deserve that” 

 You were surprised by his apology. 

 “Thanks” you said. “It wasn’t your fault though” 

 After a few minutes of silence you said: 

“The sky looks starry tonight” you said looking up. 

 “It does” 

 “Do you think there’s life in other planets?”

 Jack was surprised by your sudden question. 

 “Sorry, that was so random” You said laughing awkwardly at yourself.

 “No, I like that. I was just thinking of an answer” he said laughing at himself. “Definitely. There’s no way we are the only ones here” 

 This how you and Jack ended up having the most interesting random conversation ever. You saw a side to him that was more than just his confident persona. You jumped from subject to subject: to funny memories, searching for connection music and art. 

 However, about an hour into your conversation, you let a yawn slip from your lips. 

 “Sorry” you said. 

 “Its ok. You should get some sleep” he said getting up from the chair.

 As you got up from the chair, you noticed there was a full moon. 

 “Oh wait. Give me a second” you said as you quickly took a pic of the full moon before going back inside. “ Ok, I’m done”

 Jack laughed at your enthusiasm as he started walking back inside, behind you. 

 “You are something else” he said laughing. 

The next morning you woke up to your phone blowing up. 

You opened twitter to see that you and Jack were tagged in a bunch of posts.

 “Oh no”

theshaderoom

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theshaderoom New Couple Alert! Jack Harlow and Y/N Y/L/N Spotted Cozying Up In A Balcony In Sydney. Is Jack Harlow officially off the market?

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