#and they probably have a HUGE AMOUNT of body counts in their wake!

[mugiwara-lucy]

Their first batch of banter together 🥹

[sunshinedeekay]

The Craving (DK’s version) || lsm.

pairing: dk x gn!reader

genre: tooth-rotting fluff

warnings: tbh none. just some kissing n hugging n stuff. slight cursing but not really

word count: just over 6k

author’s note: WOW okay hello. this has probably been a little longer awaited than i anticipated, but it is done now! the first idea on my previous post and first completed fic i’ll ever post on this account,,, and tumblr in general.

anywho, if you notice some odd spelling of some words (centre, colour) i am canadian, so things are normally spelled a little differently here. so i apologize if that throws you off 😭

but finally, i felt like i had to base a fic off of this song. after hearing the craving (jenna’s version) for the first time and seeing the video for it. i was brought to tears just because of how cute and sweet it was. i’m also a huge twenty one pilots fan, so that’s another part of me that went “WRITE THIS FIC.” so, here it is. i really hope you guys enjoy it :))

special shoutout to my bestie @wooziorgans for helping me with publishing, tags, banners, and also gassing me up to actually finish this and post this. you all should follow him as well because his posts are SO GOOD. he’s such a great writer.

divider by @cafekitsune

now, onto the fic!

~sunshinedeekay <3

“I don’t know why I can’t stop crying. I fear about getting old, and I don’t know a lot about you still…”

That was a voicemail that Seokmin constantly replayed in his long history of Y/N’s voicemails they had sent. He saved every single one. Even if it was the most mundane voicemail in existence, any sound of his precious Y/N’s voice was utter harmony to his ears.

He remembered that voicemail vividly. Waking up early in the morning to see a missed call and a voicemail from his partner of a few months. Y/N’s whisper sounded like they were crying, but also attempting to stay quiet and hold everything together. He remembered how nervous Y/N was of being good enough for Seokmin, and still not knowing a whole lot about him because they had only dated for a short amount of time. It crushed his heart to hear them like that.

He sent a plethora of loving words to them that day.

Now, here he was. Lied in an unfamiliar hotel bed in an unfamiliar hotel room. Darkness overcame the space, and the only light that shone was the screen of his voicemails. His thumb pressed the play button over… and over… and over. He kept thinking. Thinking more than actually doing, and that was what led him to the sinking feeling in his stomach. He felt so much guilt and remorse for what happened between them before he left for tour, and even if they talked after like nothing happened, it still lingered on his mind.

——

“You’ve been distant…” Y/N’s quiet voice brought up softly as Seokmin was cuddling their tired body that was still under the covers. He was up and ready to leave for SEVENTEEN’s short tour around the area. “Did I do something wrong?”

“Why would you think that?” Seokmin’s voice responded just as soft, if not even softer than Y/N’s sleepy tone. “I would tell you if something was wrong. You know that.”

“But you haven’t been telling me.” Y/N spoke back. Seokmin stopped in his tracks with that statement. “You’ve been out late at practice, always on your phone with something, and always sitting with that lost puppy look in your eyes. Every time I ask what’s wrong, you dismiss me.” Y/N continued as they slowly sat up and gently pushed Seokmin off. They finished their explanation with a rub to their sleepy eyes. “I’m beginning to worry there’s something you’re hiding from me.”

“Why would I hide anything?” Seokmin found himself getting defensive right off the bat. Why was he speaking like this? He never spoke like this right away to anybody, let alone Y/N who just asked a harmless question.

Y/N’s brows furrowed from the sudden defensive tone. Their nose scrunched with slight irritation. “I don’t know why you would. You never have before, so why do you seem to be now?” They spoke in the same tone back to him. Seokmin could tell that the way he spoke to Y/N irritated them.

“You act like I’m cheating or something.” Seokmin suddenly muttered. Then he thought about what he just said, and his eyes widened while his blood turned to ice. Did he really just say that? Even after he knew that was a sore subject for you? He cursed that dirtbag for even considering another woman over you… Now he just threw that out into the open.

“…What?” Was all that could come out of Y/N’s mouth. Their voice got quiet again, and their brows angled more with worry and irritation. “There’s no way you said that just now.” Despite the instant regret Seokmin felt for saying what he just said, he felt all of the stress from his planning and work bubbling over. He couldn’t stop himself from speaking now.

“Jesus, Y/N. I just wanted to say goodbye. I don’t have time to talk about this right now. Do you really not trust me enough to believe I could cheat on you?” Seokmin asked. His voice slightly sharpening with every syllable as he stood up and looked at his partner. His heart squeezed just looking at Y/N, their expression read as two parts confused, and one part hurt.

“Well excuse me for being a little worried and skeptical about your shady behaviour recently. You haven’t exactly been open and affectionate with me as of late.” Y/N started to argue. It was true. Because of Seokmin’s thinking and panicking about their relationship, he said less, and gave Y/N less affection than he normally did.

“Do I have to be clung to your hip the whole time in order for you to trust me? That’s a little much.” Seokmin retorted back. He slung his backpack over one shoulder and raised the handle of his suitcase.

“That’s not what I said at all, and you know it.” Y/N raised their voice slightly. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Seokmin.

“Well then I don’t know what you want from me, Y/N! It’s ridiculous that I change my routine with you just slightly and suddenly you think I could be cheating?” Seokmin just spoke without thinking. If current him could go back in time, god he would slap himself in the face. “I don’t have time for this. I gotta go before I’m late.”

“Fine. Leave.” Y/N spoke sharply. No “travel safe” or “I love you” spoken between either of them. Seokmin just left without a word, and probably too harsh of a slam of the front door.

——

Seokmin groaned internally thinking about that fight. Even though he apologized profusely over the phone to Y/N that night after he landed in Japan, he felt his heart still hurting. If he could explain everything, he would. But it wasn’t like that.

Truth be told, he was thinking about proposing to them.

He thought about it so much that it made him panic to himself. What if they weren’t ready? What if they said no? What if they realized they suddenly didn’t love him enough to want to spend a life with him like that? Sure, they had been together for about three years now, living together for one, and everything had been absolute bliss for Seokmin since then. But what if Y/N didn’t feel the same?

Seokmin continued to scroll his camera roll now. Having a folder made specifically for any of Y/N’s pictures or videos he would end up taking or saving. Every time he would look at a photo, the memory replayed in his mind.

Oh! Like the beautiful one of Y/N walking a trail full of looming evergreen trees. Dawned in a cute trench coat, a beanie, and a scarf he had bought for them just moments ago before that point. Their nose and cheeks were red from the cold, and their eyes were crinkled from their joyful, genuine smile.

——

“Take a few steps ahead, love! The scenery is perfect for a picture!” Seokmin told Y/N. His new camera he got for his birthday held in his chilled, slender hands while he placed it closer to his face to get a good frame.

Y/N didn’t even question it, but he could see the way they got flustered from him being so eager to take a picture of them. He knew they always got bashful when he insisted on taking a picture of them because that moment was just right. Even if the scenery wasn’t perfect, Y/N always was to Seokmin’s eyes. So a pretty scenery like this was just the cherry on top of an already delectable sundae.

Seokmin snapped a couple pictures, and as he looked back at them, his heart lept. Y/N looked so pretty. They were always so pretty. He couldn’t suppress the goofy smile on his face. He caught up to Y/N after taking the pictures with the same smile that started to ache his cold cheeks.

“Did they turn out good?” Y/N asked, but before they could even finish that breath, they felt Seokmin’s strong arms around their waist. Lifting them off their feet and spinning them in circles. Y/N burst into a fit of laughter, and held onto him tight.

“You’re so pretty.” Seokmin mumbled into their warm neck. He placed a lingering kiss against their supple skin. “I love you so much.”

——

Seokmin continued to scroll. Finding a video of him and Y/N playfully partner dancing courtesy of Seungkwan. There wasn’t any special setting, no special occasion, they were just dancing in their kitchen to the music playing on the TV. Both of their smiles infectious through the screen as they just looked happy to be with each other, and Y/N’s darling laugh as Seokmin tried (but ultimately fumbled) a complicated spin around. Seokmin wrapped his arms around his love, and the video ended.

There were so many little things. So many pictures that were taken at such different points in time. From fun and outdoorsy, to the mundane, soft, and intimate moments Seokmin got to share. All with one person. One person he knew he could and would love for the rest of his life. If Y/N wasn’t ready, he would wait for the rest of his days until they were.

He needed to let them know just how much he was ready for this next step. How much he loved them. He hated the thought of putting them on the spot like that, but goddammit, he would give Y/N the universe if they asked for it. Even if it meant taking a chance, and possibly taking some sense of security for such a big decision even for a split second. He would give them everything.

And that’s exactly what Seokmin was determined to do. He was gonna marry Y/N.

“So, I’ve had this idea for a while,” Seokmin started casually, sitting across Joshua in a secluded café the next morning. The warm sun comforting both of their bodies in addition to the lattes and pastries on a large plate in front of them. “But you have to swear to me that this stays between us. It goes to nobody else in the group or anybody else you know unless I say something to somebody else.”

This puzzled Joshua. He eyed Seokmin over his mug as he sipped from it for a lingering moment before setting the drink back on its saucer. He licked the frothed milk off his lips before he spoke. “Alright. What are you thinking about?”

Seokmin felt his heart begin to race in his chest once more as he nervously tapped his index finger onto the porcelain cup of his half-drank latte. He had to prepare himself to gain the courage to even say a few words- the main words- of his plan. How was he gonna explain everything he thought about the whole process?

“I…” His voice fell short for a moment. His throat forced a hard swallow before he sighed and tried again. “I’m proposing to Y/N.”

It was a good thing Joshua had his mug set down by now. Otherwise he’d have choked and had hot coffee spilled all over himself. Fortunately, only one of the two things happened. Except he choked on air when he heard Seokmin finally explain the summed up version of his idea.

He finished coughing a couple more times before patting his chest softly. “You’re being dead serious?”

“I’ve never been more serious than anything in my life.” Seokmin breathed. His brows furrowed in concern for his friend, but they quickly softened once he saw Joshua was fine. “I just,” he continued. “I was thinking about it all last night. Listening to their beautiful voice over the phone, looking over our old pictures and videos… It made me realize just how lucky of a person I am to have somebody as great as Y/N. They make me shine only the best parts of me, and I’ve never felt unsafe or uncomfortable around them once. I’ve thought about this for so long, and it was what was making me so off these past couple weeks. But now, I don’t think any other choice is a compromise.”

Joshua stared in awe, but the way his doe eyes twinkled when hearing Seokmin just open his heart up and speak truthfully about such a huge decision made his heart swell with pride for his best friend. Honestly, he wouldn’t be surprised if he cried at the wedding. “Seokmin…”

Seokmin looked to Joshua, and paused for a moment before continuing. The tapping on his mug stopped. “Every moment we’ve shared together has held a special place in my soul. Y/N is the most patient, loving, and perfect person I’ve been graced with. I want your help in carrying out the plan, and even the planning. I was thinking of asking Seungkwan as well, but I wanted to tell each of you this privately.”

Joshua couldn’t fight the smile on his face. He reached to take Seokmin’s nervous tapping hand and clasp it in a firm grasp. “I’ll do anything you need me to do. I’m so proud of you, Seokmin. You deserve Y/N and Y/N deserves you. To see the way you two have blossomed over the past couple years has been an honour, and I would love nothing more than to help you take the next step.”

Seokmin felt his eyes gloss slightly. He squeezed Joshua’s large hand with the same intensity as he gave him a tearful smile. His bright teeth in full view and almost glimmering from the morning sun coming through the window.

“I knew I could count on you.”

“Y/N-ah!~” Seokmin’s sweet sing-song tone would call out to his beloved partner. His feet scuttled from the kitchen to their shared bedroom, where a sleepy Y/N, probably only about half awake thanks to Seokmin’s loud voice, would lie.

“Min…” Y/N would grumble. Opening their eyes and squinting from the neutral light that now flooded the bedroom. “What time is it?”

“I’m sorry, lovebug, I know it’s early and you like your sleep,” Seokmin started. Straddling his partner’s legs to lean over them and slightly press his weight onto their body, peppering Y/N in delicate kisses. “But I have a big day planned. I’m making breakfast right now, so you can get ready while I finish. Dress nicely, because I’m pampering you, today.” He gave a cheeky grin. Leaning over to place one last kiss right in the centre of their forehead.

Y/N would laugh gently through their nose. They moved to lazily wrap their arms around Seokmin’s toned body and pulled him closer on top of them. “But you’re so warm and comfy like this…” They’d whine into his warm neck.

Seokmin would breathily laugh in return. He rested more of his weight onto Y/N’s body as he nuzzled his nose into their cheek and gave a lingering peck on their skin. “Mmm… But today is gonna be so fun. I know you’ll love it.” His voice was a sweet and low purr into Y/N’s ear. Something that could always make them shiver just from the sensation of his breath and the vibrations from his voice.

“Fine.” Y/N sighed and slid their arms from around Seokmin’s broad body. They lied flat with their arms sprawled out so he could climb off of them with ease.

Seokmin would grin like a child on Christmas while hovering over Y/N. Placing one more kiss onto their lips before climbing off. “That’s my lovebug. Trust me. You won’t regret it!” He exclaimed, then hurriedly shuffled his way back out to the kitchen.

Y/N pushed themselves up and sighed softly again. They looked over to the clock, 7AM. Jerk. As they rubbed the sleep from their eyes and face, they couldn’t help but wonder.

What did Seokmin have planned?

“Okay… And… Open!” Seokmin uncovered Y/N’s eyes. He had covered them some minutes ago to lead Y/N to a very special place for the both of them. One they would often go to when they needed a break outside, but also didn’t want to do anything too huge. In front of Y/N was the small café where they and Seokmin had their first date. Nothing had changed about it, despite it being a couple years since that fateful day, but that’s what always made the experience so wonderful each time they revisited.

“I had a feeling you’d bring me here.” Y/N teased Seokmin with a grin and a small poke to the right side of his ticklish waist. Seokmin would laugh and grab ahold of Y/N’s hand, lacing his long fingers with theirs.

“Yeah, yeah… But you don’t love coming here any less.” Seokmin chuckled and led them into the café. The little bell rang as the cyan door opened, and Seokmin held the door for Y/N to let them enter first.

Y/N entered and absentmindedly made their way towards the table they always sat at since that first date, but a sight of something caused them to stop in their tracks.

Already lied out on the table was Y/N’s favourite pastries and coffee. The beverage being made just the way they liked it. On the little cup, the word “Lovebug” was written beside it with a small heart beside it.

“Min…” Y/N would gasp softly. Bringing a hand over their mouth as they felt their heart swell from the sweet gesture.

“Yes, love?” Seokmin would have a loving grin on his face again. Bringing his arms around his lover’s waist as he pressed them up against him a little more. “Is everything alright?”

“Of course, yes! Sorry I’m just—“ Y/N tried to explain. But there wasn’t any words that could put together the amount of love and tenderness they felt in this moment for Seokmin. Maybe it was because they resolved their fight just the night before, but they also just felt… Happy. Overjoyed to have somebody like Seokmin who loved them enough to do this.

“It’s alright… Just sit down and enjoy. We can take whatever we don’t eat back with us to the car.” Seokmin reassured with his gentle tone. Moving his hands over Y/N’s hips to gently rub gentle circles around the bones with the pads of his thumbs.

The café date was everything Y/N could’ve dreamt it would be. They caught up with Seokmin, who told many stories about SEVENTEEN’s escapades during their tour, showing pictures, videos, and whatnot. But not to mention, Seokmin was just as lovey-dovey as he always was.

He held their hands over the table, under the table, gently grabbed their knee under the table and gave it a loving caress. But the way he looked at them…

Y/N had never noticed it before, maybe because they didn’t believe the people who told them all the time about how Seokmin looked at them, but they saw it now. His eyes glimmered with the sun whenever his attention was on you. His expression was bright, beautiful, endearing. They didn’t think it was true, but Joshua was right.

“He looks at you like you put stars in the sky.”

“Everything okay, lovebug?” Seokmin’s voice would bring them back to reality. Y/N suddenly looked up to Seokmin’s curious, and almost concerned expression since they had zoned out suddenly.

“Mm? Yeah. I’m all good.” Y/N reassured. Gently squeezing Seokmin’s hand that was holding theirs on top of the table. “Keep talking, I’m listening to every word.”

To let the food settle, Seokmin took them to a park next. One in the middle of town where they’d normally walk at any time of the day. Early morning, afternoon, middle of the night, you name it. They walked it.

Seokmin had Y/N’s hand in one hand, and the strap of his camera bag in the other. He was looking for a perfect scenery spot to take pictures. But not just of the trees, or that cute little bird that perched and twittered on the branch, no. He needed a picture of Y/N. One where he could capture the memory of this moment, of Y/N, before both of their lives would change forever.

“Y/N, go stand over there. Right under those trees. You see that little divot in the grass?” Seokmin tugged gently on Y/N’s hand to get their attention. Then leaned in real close to their side to point. He wanted to make sure they could see the spot, and that he wasn’t just crazy. But honestly? It happened more than he’d admit.

Y/N squinted to look for the spot. Seokmin looked over to their expression, and a small grin spread on his narrow cheeks. The way their nose scrunched always had his heart in a knot.

“I see it!” Y/N grinned. Slipping their hand out of Seokmin’s and making their way towards the spot. Seokmin was already getting his camera out. Taking test pictures to alter anything that made the picture look less than perfect. He then watched Y/N through the camera, and his heart pounded against his chest.

God. He was down horrendously.

“Now just look around. Don’t even worry about me being here. Just be you.” Seokmin instructed. Holding the camera up to his face as he carefully watched his loving partner through the lens. He couldn’t fight the goofy smile from his face.

Y/N would casually pose and look around. Smiling up at the little bird on the branch and even whistling back. Well— they attempted to, anyway. This made Seokmin laugh behind the camera.

When they saw Seokmin lower the camera, their attention caught glimpse of a group of pigeons. Picking from the ground and minding their own business. Y/N suddenly wondered how close they could get to the pigeons without startling them.

They took careful and slow steps to the group, and eventually found themself in the centre of the pigeon circle.

Seokmin looked up from his camera to where Y/N was before. They weren’t there? He looked around the area for them, and then found his partner standing in the middle of what looked like a pigeon cult. This made his chest ring with a hearty laughter as he took out his phone and started to video them.

“How did you get in there?” He laughed.

“I don’t know! I just walked in!” Y/N would respond with a giggle. Looking up to Seokmin and shaking their head when they noticed him recording. They continued to look down at the pigeons all strutting around them. Smiling when just watching their little mannerisms.

Suddenly, Y/N did a little hop. The pigeons went flying around them. They would laugh and shield their head. Rushing their way back to Seokmin, who was laughing even harder at this point. His dimples on full display as his eyes crinkled happily. He placed his phone away and took Y/N into his arms while they both still laughed.

After the walk in the park, things were staring to get a little darker now. The afternoon was setting into dusk, and the air stared to get a bite of chill within the breeze.

“We’ll head home soon. There’s just one more thing I need to do.” Seokmin smiled. His voice had suddenly gone more quiet. It faltered slightly. Was he suddenly nervous?

“Is everything alright, Min?” Y/N asked. Squeezing his hand to attempt to reassure him, even if they didn’t know what was happening.

“I’m more than alright, my love. Don’t worry.” Seokmin smiled. Squeezing Y/N’s delicate hand in return as he led them to another small place. An abandoned boardwalk over a lake not too far from the park. It was deserted. Not a single soul in sight.

The only sign of life Y/N could see on it, was a path made just for them to walk. Small candles bordered the pathway to lead them towards the end of the dock. Their flames danced elegantly in the breeze.

“Seokmin? What is this?” Y/N asked with a surprised laugh. A wide smile on their face as they gawked at the scene in front of them. They couldn’t help but pull out their phone and take a picture.

“Shhh… Just walk with me.” Seokmin grinned. Moving his arm to wrap around Y/N’s waist and pull them into his hip. Leading them through the path in a slow pace. Like one you’d take through an art exhibit. Y/N took in the sight around them. The clear sky showed the beautiful colours of the forming sunset, the gentle waves of the lake plopped onto the shore from the slight breeze. They felt their heart beat pulsing against their chest. What was all of this?

Seokmin, on the other hand, was quaking in his dress shoes. This was it. This was the final step to take before he asked Y/N the biggest question he’d ever ask in his life. He did his best to stay calm on the outside. Pulling Y/N closer and just walking in silence to let them take in the scenery. It was beautifully romantic. Seungkwan nailed it.

As they approached the end of the dock. There was a projector screen that came into view, as well as a plethora of rose petals, and a small rug that was lied down in front of the projector.

Seokmin guided Y/N by the small of their back to stand on the rug. Watching their expression light up and their jaw slightly hang open as the projection finally came on. What would play is little video memories of Seokmin and Y/N together. From when they first dated, progressing into more recent times. While a gentle song played in the background. One Y/N had sent to him when they first started dating.

“When you touch me, yeah I feel butterflies

I’m gonna love you ‘till the day I die.”

Y/N covered their mouth with both of their hands now. Feeling tears well up in their eyes as they continued to watch the compilation of videos. There were so many. Recorded by Y/N, recorded by Seokmin, or even from an outside source of one of their friends.

Seokmin stood carefully behind Y/N. Making eye contact with Joshua and giving a small nod of acknowledgement. Joshua followed the signal. Sneaking out from his hiding place to hand Seokmin the ring box.

Seokmin clasped his fingers around the box. Joshua placed his hand over Seokmin’s fingers and the box. Joshua gave Seokmin a silent encouragement through the reassuring touch. Seokmin nodded, feeling tears already well in his eyes as he smiled to Joshua.

When the slideshow looped again, Seokmin tucked the ring box in his back pocket. He approached behind Y/N and casually wrapped his arm around their waist. He took a moment to appreciate the new music playing. A peaceful, romantic piece that Woozi had put together just for this special night.

“We’ve spent so many memories together, haven’t we?” Seokmin started. His voice just above a whisper as he tried his best to keep his own emotions in check for this important moment.

“Min…” Y/N started. Looking up to Seokmin. But he took their hands in his and gave them a tender grin. Rubbing his thumbs over their knuckles as if he still didn’t remember how they felt off the top of his head.

“I love you, Y/N. I always get so scared I don’t say it enough.” Seokmin started now. His chest tightened with tears. He sighed softly and just kept himself grounded by rubbing his thumbs over their small knuckles. “But I really do love you. With all of my heart, my soul, my existence. I wouldn’t be who I am if you weren’t by my side. I don’t know who blessed me to have you, whether it was some sort of god, or the universe, or just something that drew us together. But I will always be thankful for what I have. That I have you.” His voice broke slightly. The tears making his vision blurry as he tightened his grip on Y/N’s hands. Bringing both of them up to gently place a kiss on each set of knuckles.

“You’ve been my world, my happiness, my inspiration, my muse… You’ve been and always will be all of these for me. And Y/N I— to imagine a life without you in it breaks my heart.” Seokmin continued. He gently lowered their hands, but kept them in his grip. Blinking back his tears to meet Y/N’s tearful gaze.

They already figured it out.

“Which is why…” Seokmin trailed off. Slowly bringing himself to his left knee. His gaze never leaving Y/N’s, and his heart leaping when he saw them gasp alight from surprise and start to choke out silent sobs.

“I want you to be my everything for the rest of my days, Y/N. I don’t see myself in the future with anybody else other than you. You complete me, you love me in ways that I’m sure you don’t even know yourself. You’re kind, patient, caring, selfless… You’re everything I could ever hope to achieve.” Seokmin’s voice now began to break. Seeing their tearful expression mixed with the overwhelming feelings of both love and fear made it impossible for him to hold back his emotions now.

“I don’t say enough how much I love you or appreciate you, and I feel terrible I can’t remind you every single day just how deep my feelings root for you. So… I hope that this can tell you just how much I need you with me.” He finally one of his hands out of Y/N’s. Reaching into his pocket to pull out the black velvet box and lifting the lid of it. He held it up to them. The ring was a beautiful silver. The jewel wasn’t just a diamond within it, but instead, a mix of amethyst, his birth stone, and Y/N’s birthstone. A(n) [insert birthstone].

“Y/N. I’m not perfect in loving you like you deserve. But I’ve never been more sure of this choice in my life. So my question is, do you want to love me for just as long? Will you marry me?” Seokmin finally asked. There wasn’t much silence between them in terms of words, but even the most brief pause felt like a million years. Was he pushing this too far too soon? Was Y/N not ready? What if he just put them on the spot all for nothing?

“Yes… God, Seokmin, yes.” Y/N choked out through sobs now. Frantically nodding their head as they covered their trembling lips with their free hand that still wasn’t in Seokmin’s.

Seokmin felt his world stop for a moment. They… They said yes?

“You… You will?” Seokmin stuttered out. His eyes going wide in surprise as his jaw hung agape. The tears were now flowing down his tanned and flushed cheeks full throttle now. They said yes. He couldn’t believe they just said yes.

“Yes!” Y/N nodded as they nodded frantically again. Feeling more sobs escape their chest as they looked over the ring, then to Seokmin. The Seokmin who had lived them better than anybody ever could, the Seokmin who was made of affection and tenderness, the Seokmin who was now on one knee wanting their souls to be dedicated to each other.

Seokmin quickly took Y/N’s trembling left hand and the ring out of the box with his other hand. Sliding it over their finger and looking over it now. It was beautiful. Just as amazing as he’d imagined. The best part was, it fit perfectly.

Now, Seokmin had pushed himself up to envelop Y/N in a tearful embrace. Sweeping them off their feet to wrap their legs around his waist as he quietly sobbed into their neck, while they did the same on him.

“I love you, Y/N. I love you so much.” He sobbed quietly. Moving one hand to the back of their hair to press their face a little more against his warm skin. He wanted them to be as close as possible.

“I love you too, Seokmin. With everything I have.” Y/N sobbed back. Clinging to him tighter as if it would be the last time they would ever hold him. But they both knew now that that was far from true.

Suddenly, cheers erupted from behind the embracing and tearful couple. Y/N would look up and realize that, indeed, Seokmin had help.

Seungkwan was throwing leftover rose petals in celebration, also crying with the two. Joshua was just crying and cheering for Y/N and Seokmin, a clear smile of pride written all over his tearful face. Wonwoo was clapping for the pair, his camera hanging from its strap over his neck as he had the widest smile out of the bunch. Soonyoung, standing next to Seungkwan, who was also throwing petals and shouting in victory like a viking going to war. Finally, a calm Jihoon and Minghao, well— calm compared to the rest. They were just as happy as everybody else, but weren’t the open crier types.

Seokmin set Y/N down, which caused Y/N to look back up to him with a trembling smile. Seokmin wouldn’t hesitate in taking their face between his hands and connecting their lips together in a deep, loving kiss. Wonwoo raised his camera to take a few more final pictures of the beautiful moment.

When Seokmin pulled away from Y/N, his forehead went to rest against theirs. Just closing his eyes and enjoying their new moments as an engaged couple.

“You won’t regret this. I’ll be the best husband anybody could have…” Seokmin promised through a whisper.

“I know you will…” Y/N whispered back. “I love you, Min.”

“I love you, too…”

As the group now worked to clean up the romantic scene, there was nobody short of a smile, or a stray tear. Joshua was clinging onto Seokmin from pure excitement, even though he wasn’t even the one that got engaged.

“Well,” Jihoon started. Approaching Y/N’s side and placing a gentle hand on their shoulder. “I guess the bad news from all of this is you’re really stuck with us now.” He joked with a slightly cheeky grin to his round face.

“Oh no, that’s gonna be terrible.” Y/N chided sarcastically as they playfully rolled their eyes.

“Listen, I’m just warning you now, this is your last chance to run for the hills.” Jihoon added. A chuckle leaving his chest as he finished. There were a few moments of comfortable silence between the two, before Jihoon tightened his grip slightly on Y/N’s shoulder.

“Welcome to the family, Y/N.”

[egcdeath]

a bundle of nerves

pairing: joel miller x reader (technically part of the soccer parents au, but can 100% be read as a stand alone)

summary: when anxiety paralyzes you in the morning, joel lends you a helping hand.

word count: 1.1k

warnings: au: no apocalypse, kinda hurt/comfort, mostly comfort, fluff, joel is a big softie, kinda body worship later on, reader is very anxious and stressed, run on sentences, established relationship, no use of y/n

author’s note: i can’t believe i’m finally breaking my hiatus!! huge shoutout to @pedges who has listened to the 1000000 thoughts i’ve had over the past few days.

You were so stressed that you thought your heart might burst—but really, that was your fault. Because as stressed as you were, as much as your heart pounded so hard you could feel it in your throat, or how your hands were sweating so hard you had practically created a waterfall—you were still laying in bed, nowhere near ready to take on the day.

Joel had volunteered to take care of the majority of your shared morning duties; waking up early to make breakfast for the kids, bringing them to school, he even packed your work bag so you had one less thing to worry about that morning.

Yet, the head start he’d given you had essentially amounted to zero, as from the time he pressed a kiss to your forehead and wished you good luck, and now, as he came back into the room to grab his watch before dropping the girls off at school, you still laid in bed—wildly sprawled out across the mattress, forehead damp with sweat forcing your undone hair to stick to spots of it, and still in last night’s pajamas.

“Honey, what’s going on?” Joel asked, clearly concerned with your lack of movement and general disarray. Thinking back on your relationship, you weren’t sure that he’d ever seen you stressed to the point of you being strung out.

“I don’t think I can do it,” you confessed, barely budging from where you were laid out, not even shifting your eyes from the ceiling to your boyfriend.

“Yes, you can,” his voice changed a little bit as he sat down next to you. You finally looked over at Joel, into his soft and sympathetic eyes, and felt just a smidge of your stress fade away. “What’s got you feeling this way?”

“I don’t know…” you trailed off, finally managing to sit up so that you could lean against Joel’s steady body. “I’m scared that I’ll fuck up in front of everybody. All of my peers… all of my superiors. After everything I’ve done to get here, I don’t know if I can handle that kind of humiliation.”

Joel wrapped an arm around you as you confessed your fears to him, which only made you feel more secure in telling him your predicament. He obviously cared about what you were worried about, and seemed dead set on genuinely listening to your fears and making you feel heard.

“It’s normal to be scared, honey. But you’ve practiced in front of me more times than I can remember, and you’ve fuckin’ killed it every time,” Joel attempted to console you, giving you a gentle, yet reassuring squeeze.

“But that’s different. I’m comfortable with you, and you probably only said I was good because you have to say I’m good.”

“No, I’d be honest with you if you weren’t. I just didn’t have to be, because you impressed me every time,” he gently nudged you in a way that forced you to look him right in the eye. “You are a force to be reckoned with. They wouldn’t have asked you to do this presentation if you weren’t. You’re one of the smartest, strongest, and most charismatic people I know. You’re gonna go out there, and blow off everyone’s socks, the same way you blew off mine. Now can I help you get ready so you can look as good as you’re gonna do?”

You weren’t even sure how to respond to the praise, so you opted into awkwardly half-chuckling instead. Joel did seem to have a point though, and he said all of the right things with just enough conviction to convince you that maybe getting ready was the right thing to do.

Finally getting out of bed, you freshened yourself up in the bathroom while Joel picked out your freshly dry cleaned skirtsuit from the closet. Once he’d finally found the piece, he’d found you at the vanity, now working on touching up your hair as fast as you could. Being the sweetheart he was, Joel helped you put on your clothes while you multitasked in getting yourself more presentable.

He pressed soft kisses to your ribcage as he helped you get a bra on, peppered kisses on your neck while buttoning your blouse, and trailed his fingers on your thighs while helping you into your skirt. Not only did he make you feel good about your appearance, but made you feel thoroughly loved in the process of doing so.

With your teamwork and multitasking, you had managed to pull yourself together surprisingly quickly, with Joel on his knees helping you slip into heels to complete your outfit just as the sound of his truck’s horn honking began to ring out, a sure sign that the girls were ready to go and tired of waiting for Joel to come down.

“You’re gonna kill it today, honey. And when you get home, we’ll all do something to celebrate, yeah?” he suggested, pressing one last kiss to your knee before standing up.

“Sounds good,” you smiled to yourself, still feeling nervous about your presentation and the risks associated with messing it all up, but feeling infinitely better after Joel helped to prepare you for it, both physically and mentally. “Thank you, Joel. I don’t know if you realized the actual miracle you performed on me this morning, but I really appreciate it. I appreciate you.”

He simply smiled and bashfully shrugged, never a fan of receiving praise for the work he did. He grabbed your hand, and you followed his lead as he took you downstairs, then into the garage where he prepared to say farewell.

What you weren’t expecting was for Joel to pull you into a tight hug, pressing one last kiss into your hair as he held you.

“You’re gonna do great. Just remember that you are the fucking best. I love you,” he informed you, as if he hadn’t made it abundantly clear in every single way that morning.

“Thank you, Joel. I love you too. As much as I would love to stand here and have you tell me how great I’m gonna do, if we don’t get out of here soon, the girls are gonna be late and so will I,” you laughed softly, a warm feeling of love and adoration running through your veins.

“You have a point there,” he chuckled, finally and reluctantly pulling away from you. “Go crush it, honey.”

With him bidding you farewell, and a quick wave to the girls in the backseat of Joel’s truck, you were off to work. While your nerves were still there, you couldn’t deny that Joel’s little routine had made a huge difference on your outlook on the day.

With a smile on your face as you practiced your speech aloud to yourself in the rearview mirror, and far-less shaky hands gripping your steering wheel, you realized that maybe Joel was right.

You were going to do great.

[babygirlgalitzine]

soul meets soul on lovers lips (ao3)

one:

There have been many moments in Alex’s life alongside Henry where he has had the earth shattering realisation that this is it for him. That he wants to spend the rest of his life with Henry. If he thinks hard enough about it, it’s probably something that he had subconsciously known right from their very first night; under the light from the moon and her constellations, in the swirling cold of the wintery night with snowflakes faintly floating down to earth before subsequently melting away, with the backdrop of fireworks whizzing up and up and up before exploding into multi colours. As terribly clichéd as it sounds, there is a small part of Alex that has always truly believed that those fireworks crackling into life high in the sky represented his mind, body and soul that night. He was completely consumed by Henry - entranced - and he has been ever since.

That was the first moment that Alex realised his fate in life, but it certainly wasn’t the last. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

He realised it again at the lake house, in the midst of a swelteringly hot summer with only the water in the lake and the best of Mexican beer to cool them down. He realised it in the late nights they had there, laying with their backs against the wooden floor of the porch, arms wrapping around each other, staring up at the sky, entirely content to just lay there and count all of the stars that shine down on them. He realised it there in the mornings, Henry making sure that Alex’s coffee had just the right amount of cinnamon, handing it to him with a warm kiss against his temple, a hand sliding over Alex’s back and just leaving it there. He especially realised it there, seeing Henry interacting with his dad and with June and with Nora, hanging onto their every word, enjoying and laughing at his family’s jokes, eyes lighting up with every embarrassing story they tell about Alex.

His mom’s re-election night was another moment he realised it. Henry was there throughout it all, standing right by his side all night long, whispering gentle words of affirmation and comfort, a hand circling Alex’s back in an attempt to calm him down. As Alex’s hand reached out for Henry to hold, he realised it again, standing right there on that stage, his mom reading her speech thanking the American public for voting for her to have four more years in office. He realised then, that it had to be forever, because he was standing right there with his boyfriend at such a hugely momentous, historical moment, and he simply couldn't bare the thought thought of history books referring to them in this moment in time as ‘the FSOTUS and his ex-boyfriend, the Prince of Wales’. He never wants Henry to be referred to as that. The thought actually scares him. 

He realises it every morning, in the way that Henry looks at him when they wake up in their home together, side by side, breathing slowly as hands trail over each others’ bodies, reciting it to their memory. It’s in every kiss, every touch, every shared joke. 

It doesn’t exactly become a reality until Alex decides one morning that this is it. This is his life.

He pads downstairs, a yawn leaving his mouth, jaw cracking at the stretch. He’s got one hand carding through his wild hair, glasses on after a full night of having his head in law books under the dim glow of his bedside lamp. There’s a familiar scent wafting through the brownstone, an inviting sound of Henry humming happily to an old song on the radio and it takes until he gets to the bottom of the stairs for Alex to realise what the song is. 

“Is this from your dads Bond film?” 

Henry spins around, a warm smile growing on his mouth as he sees Alex in all his soft, early morning look - still in his plaid pyjama trousers, wild hair and morning stubble. “It is.” Henry confirms. “I remember him and my mum slow dancing to it one evening. Bea and I decided to sneak out of our bedrooms one night. I think the original plan was to raid the kitchen, if I remember correctly, but we heard music, so we followed it and we sat in the corridor, looking through the crack in the door and there they were. I remember thinking at the time, that must be what love is.”

There’s a thoughtful pause for a moment, before Henry passes a mug to Alex. Coffee, with cinnamon. Henry makes it so perfectly that nobody else’s suffices now. Alex takes the first sip, and suddenly all is right in the world. It helps that Henry is also drinking - his tea, instead of coffee. You can take the man out of England, but you can’t take the England out of the man. They have matching mugs, because unfortunately they are that couple. Alex’s has an A printed in calligraphy, and Henry’s has a H. They were a house warming gift from Bea, and now they sit pride of place in their kitchen, even if they get mentioned every single time they have people over. Henry takes the silence, and presses a gentle kiss to Alex’s temple before he brushes the hair out of his eyes and Alex knows then, when he looks right at Henry and he is overcome with the feeling of peace and serenity. He knows that it’s time to propose. 

He could do it right there and then, and he knows that Henry would say yes. But the thing is, Henry deserves better than that. He deserves a romantic proposal. So instead, Alex cheekily asks another question. “Is that why you wanted to slow dance with someone at the V&A?” 

A smile twitches on Henry’s lips at the memory. “It is, actually.” 

The flush that burns brightly across Henry’s cheeks makes Alex’s insides equally as warm. 

Later, when Henry has left their home to go into the office for some back to back meetings with Pez about an upcoming fundraising event for the shelter, Alex decides to put his plan into action. 

A ringing tone trills through his phone until it abruptly cuts off and a familiar voice speaks. “How’s my favourite brother in law doing today?”

Alex smiles softly. “One: I’m your only brother in law.” His words elicit a small chuckle from Bea. “Two: it’s great that you already see me as that because by the way, I want to propose to your brother. Like, soon. The hot one. Not Philip.”

“Ew.” Bea responds, and Alex can practically picture her nose crinkling up in the exact same way that Henry’s does. “But Alex! That’s amazing, I already know he’ll say yes, he’s stupidly in love with you! I need to know everything, tell me everything.”

Alex lets out a shaky breath. He knows that Henry will agree to marry him, but hearing it from Bea just confirms it further. There’s not even a single atom within him that questions if he’s doing the right thing, because he knows he is. “I actually need your help. Do you have any photos of your dads ring? I want to get a similar one for Hen.”

Bea coos. “Leave that to me, I’ll work my magic and get back to you with the information of jewellers. How are you proposing?”

The thing is, Alex may have only just decided that he wants to propose to Henry soon, but he’s actually been thinking about how he could do so, for months if not years at this point. He’s thought about it all, and so he knows exactly what he wants to do, where and when. “I’m thinking of making him a book. The story of us, told through his favourite literature quotes.”

two:

There have been many moments in Henry’s life alongside Alex where he has had the earth shattering realisation that this is it for him. That he wants to spend the rest of his life with Alex. If he thinks hard enough about it, it’s probably something that j has subconsciously known from even before their first kiss; way back in Rio at the summer Olympics. It had been a busy day, and Henry, full of grief after the recent loss of his father, hadn’t wanted to have been there at all. It was something that was forced upon him, and as he trudged his way through the day, plastering a fake smile upon his face, he had been introduced to Alex. Bright eyed Alex, a twinkle in the brown of his iris, a childish blush blooming on his cheeks. He had been so excited to meet Henry, only for Henry to feel a nauseous wave of grief - because how dare anyone smile so brightly in his presence when his whole world had been suddenly dimmed - and turn his back to the American. It was only afterwards that Henry had regretted not speaking to Alex, regretted not hanging off his every word, regretted not allowing Alex’s smile to worm its way into his life. It was only afterwards, when he spent the remainder of his time at the Olympics looking desperately across the room, trying to catch a glimpse of him. It was only afterwards, when Henry would actually read the newspapers and the magazines for the first time in a long time, just to stare at pictures of Alex, that he truly understood his reasoning behind it. He wanted to be surrounded by Alex, his heart skipping a beat or three when he thinks of all the ways that could be achieved. He was completely consumed by Alex - enchanted, really - and they weren’t even close to being friends back then, let alone anything else. Yet he knew that Alex was special to him.

That was the first moment that Henry realised his destiny, but it certainly wasn’t the last. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

The next time that Henry realised it was during their first kiss, when he finally felt Alex pressing into the kiss, his hands rising to his waist, pulling and holding them close together. It had been electrifying, a tingle on his lips and feeling all light headed as he finally revealed his truth to Alex. Henry lives with two regrets about that night: that it hadn’t happened sooner, and that he ran away. 

He realised it further in Paris, as Alex pushed past the intrusion and remained inside of him, both of them moving slowly under soft breaths and the warm glow of the lamps. It had been so romantic, in the city of love, and he knew it then, wholeheartedly, but he kept it hidden away, locked up. He didn’t want to scare Alex away with the confessions of his heart. 

He had realised it further again late at night, when he could hear the slamming of fists against doors and a very familiar voice shouting, and then Alex appeared, dripping wet, the rain practically creating a puddle at his feet and there Alex was - professing his love for Henry - and for the first time in a long time, Henry had something to lose. He felt it in the museum in the dead of the night, with nobody around to see them, slow dancing together amidst all of the statues. That night, there was a small part of his brain that supplied him with the idea of slow dancing at their wedding, all shy smiles and gentle kisses, their families and friends watching on. 

He realises it nearly every single day now, in the way that Alex kisses him softly after waking up together, side by side, limbs all tangled up, in the building that they made their home together. He realises it when Alex takes him out of his darkness on his worst days, the way he knows Henry inside and out now, and so he knows exactly how to get him to smile, what to say and even when words aren’t enough, Alex’s hugs are. It’s in every kiss, every touch, every shared joke. 

This week, Henry is back in England on official royal engagement business. It’s been feeling like one of the longest weeks of his life, with no end in sight for the majority of it. Quite frankly, it’s been nothing short of exhausting, and it’s been even worse knowing that he can’t come home to Alex at the end of a long day, because Alex is back in New York, three and a half thousand miles away.

Henry walks down the corridor of a familiar hospital, a smile tugging at his lips as he walks past a certain storage cupboard, when his phone vibrates in his pocket. It’s a text from Alex, a photo of him and David. They are lounging in Alex and Henry’s bed together, Alex on Henry’s side of the bed, the same place he always sleeps when they are apart, and David is snoozing on Alex’s bare chest. It’s the early afternoon in England, which means that it’s still the early morning in New York - his home now, their home, no matter how much England keeps calling his name. Henry looks at the photo once more. Alex’s hair is all puffy and wild, and he’s got that morning stubble that Henry practically salivates over, though he denies that allegation profusely. A message comes alongside the photo. I love David’s morning cuddles but I love yours more. Come home soon baby, we miss you. 

A whimper very nearly leaves Henry’s throat as he texts back. I miss you both too. You more, sweetheart, but don’t tell David I said that. I deny all allegations.

He almost floats through the rest of the day, daydreaming about his future. There’s a sudden wave of excitement that rushes through him as he pictures his life with Alex. It’s silly, really, because he’s known for a long time that Alex is it for him. His first love, and his final love in the same token. But right now, he knows that he can do something about that. He can make the future a reality. He knows that he needs to make the first move. He needs to be the one to propose. 

That evening, he walks into his old room at Kensington Palace, still decorated the same way it’s always been, and yet now devoid of all the things that once made it Henry’s. He sheds himself of his blazer and his tie, unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt before he video calls both June and Nora. He needs to get this out of the way before he even thinks about what comes after. He doesn’t have to wait for long before the call is answered, and the two people closest to Alex - beyond him - appear.

“Prince Henry, all dressed up, late at night?” June’s voice is teasing. “Did you mean to call me, and not my brother?”

Henry rolls his eyes. It seems to be a Claremont-Diaz thing, for them to relentlessly tease Henry. And each other. And everyone else. 

“I’ll bite.” Nora says, shrugging her shoulders. “You look hot.”

A flush spreads across Henry’s cheeks as he silently wonders how he ended up in this situation. “This isn’t how I planned for this conversation to go.” He exhales, trying to build up the courage to confess everything. “I’ve got a question to ask, about Alex.”

“Nope.” June cuts in. “No refunds, sorry. You’re in charge of him now. What has my idiot brother done?”

“Nothing, I just -” He cuts himself off with a sigh. “I want to marry him. I want to propose to him.”

His confession is met with a silence over the phone, and Henry’s eyes flicker between June and Nora on their respective parts of the screen, their jaws hanging open slightly. 

June finally manages to speak after a few more painful moments of silence. “I’m sorry, did you just say you want to marry my brother? As in, you willingly want to propose? You want to spend the rest of your life with him?”

“Yeah?” He doesn’t sound sure. “Yes. I love him. I want to spend the rest of my life with him.” His anxiety ridden mind overtakes him rapidly. “Why? Do you think it’s a bad idea?”

Nora quickly jumps in to try and rectify the situation. “No. It’s an amazing idea. Alex…he struggled with your parents divorce, right June?” The question is met with June nodding her head. 

“He stopped believing in love after that, for years. But you made him believe again.” June truly means her words. For years Alex had told her that love is fake, that he could never believe in it, that he’ll probably never fall in love because he doesn’t want to get hurt. That all changed when he met Henry. “For what it’s worth, I know he’ll say yes. I also know that you and Alex are made for each other.”

“So what’s the plan?” Nora asks, wiggling her eyebrows, resting her head upon her hands, blinking into the camera to show that she’s listening.

Henry shrugs his shoulders as if he hasn’t subconsciously had the whole thing planned out since the first time he realised his feelings for Alex. “I’ve only been thinking about it today.” Lies. “But I’ve…I’ve got my dads ring, and I would love to give that to Alex. But how do I get him to the lake house without suspecting a thing?”

He looks at his screen, and he’s sure he witnesses a telepathic moment between June and Nora as they nod to each other, smirks winding on their faces. “Leave that to us.” They both say.

three: 

It’s 2024 and here they both are: at Alex’s lake house. It’s not necessarily his as much as it is his family’s property, but he probably spends more time here than anyone else does. It’s his favourite place, his retreat, his safe haven - and now, Henry feels the exact same way about it too. They love coming out here. It’s where they can simply just exist, away from the prying eyes and flashing cameras of the paparazzi that follow them. Here, they are just Alex and Henry, their official titles and roles in the world left behind at the door. 

It’s their first night at the lake house, having got there much earlier in the day, and there’s an air of nervousness floating between the two of them. Each of them are too caught up in their own anxiety about what they are planning to do that night to notice that the other is equally as nervous. 

“Do we have any plans for tonight?” Henry asks cautiously as he falls onto the sofa, landing mainly on Alex’s body, causing an exasperated huff to exhale from his mouth teasingly. Henry’s fingers are quick to fiddle with the material of Alex’s shirt, scared to even look at his boyfriend - and isn’t it a thrill to think that in a mere few hours they won’t be boyfriends ever again? - for fear of spilling every secret he’s been holding in for weeks. 

Alex’s fingers still against Henry’s head, his stomach damn near drooping and twisting up in knots as fear swirls through him at the thought of Henry somehow uncovering the book and the ring and ruining Alex’s plan before he even gets the chance to put it into action. “No.” He responds, because he knows that if he leaves a huge gap between answering Henry’s question, then Henry will get suspicious. “There’s no plans.”

Henry hums, taking a moment to pause and think about his next steps. “How about we get a takeaway, from your favourite restaurant?”

A smile twitches on Alex’s lips. “We could go there instead, if you want?”

“No.” Henry whispers with a shake of the head. “I want it to just be us. If people see and know we’re in Texas, we aren’t going to get any peace.”

“Okay.” Alex exhales, wrapping his arms further around Henry, completely trapping him now. His head dips to rest in the crook of his neck, and inhales the familiar scent. It reminds him of home. “Take out it is then, baby.”

Later that night, as Alex is getting dressed for their impromptu date night, Henry is outside on the porch, making sure that everything is perfect for the all important question. His hands are shaking as he puts the finishing touches to the table - a flicker of light atop a taper candle sitting in the centre of the table. “Shit.” He whispers out, the façade of a confident man withering away with every wobble of his hands, and now his breath. He closes his eyes for a second, trying to collect himself. He needs to get this right. He needs to get this perfect. He steps back, and walks inside to collect Alex. 

“You okay?” Alex whispers, voice soft and low and it amazes Henry how good Alex looks all the time. 

With a short little sigh, his shoulders deflating, Henry nods and rests a hand on the small of Alex’s back. “Are you ready?”

Alex smiles and nods and leans up to press a warm kiss against Henry’s cheek just because he can. He’s never going to pass up an opportunity to kiss Henry, no matter where they are or who can see them. They don’t have to hide anymore. They don’t have to look over their shoulders anytime they touch. They can simply just be. 

They walk outside together, out onto the porch into the dusky night, the sky twisting from shades of amber and crimson into a deep navy, blanketing over them as far as the eye can see. Upon the porch is a table, draped in a white fabric and a candle between two plates of food - their go-to orders from Alex’s favourite restaurant out here, the one he craves all the time. On the floor are rose petals of coral and vermilion, scattered all around, lightly blowing in the faint wind that surrounds them. Alex sees it all, and although it’s not even remotely unusual for Henry to get something up like this - a romantic at heart, the product of his favourite novels and wildest dreams and never thinking he could be true to himself - Alex comes to the sudden understanding of what is about to happen. A thrill rushes through him at the very notion of them being so in sync with each other that they both want to take the next step in their relationship at the same time. He’s giddy at the thought, until he realises that his whole proposal plan is still very much inside the lake house. His eyes widen for a moment, and he turns on his feet, muttering something about getting a jacket because he feels the cold all of a sudden, and then he jogs into the house, quickly grabbing the book and the ring and a jacket, before coming to stand outside with Henry once more, disguising the book in the jacket that he has thrown over his hands. 

Together, they eat, their legs tangling together underneath the table, quietly sharing stories amidst laughs and soft touches. Henry asks Alex about the lake house, as he does every time that they are here together. His idea is unsaid, but he wants to know one story or memory each time they come here, and eventually, when Alex has run out of old memories to share, they’ll hopefully have a family of their own that they can tell their joint stories to. 

The story this time is about how he and June came here one weekend when they were in their late teens, wanting to escape the stress of having a family within the political sphere. They had spent the whole weekend here, and it was the very first time that Alex had gotten drunk. He tells the story about how he fell asleep in the hammock that is still swinging between the two trees at the bottom of the garden. It was a peaceful sleep, out there that night, until he had gotten motion sick, and threw up. “I leaned over, nearly throwing myself out the hammock because I forgot that it moved, and I threw up all over my brand new sneakers that were right underneath me.”

Henry giggles uncontrollably, his face practically lighting up. 

Alex reaches out his hand, thumb lightly running over the knuckles of Henry’s hand, holding onto each other. He can practically see the ring in his mind, sitting perfectly there on Henry’s finger, like it’s meant to be. “That was the summer before we met for the first time, I think.”

“Oh really?” Henry asks, tilting his head to the side, eyes searching Alex’s face. “How do you remember what was before me or after me? I swear most things are blurry in my mind, especially from back then.”

Alex shrugs, a pout forming on his lips. “I categorise things in my mind.” He says so casually. “There was before you, and well…with you. There’s not going to be an after you.”

Henry smiles warmly, tears welling in his eyes, chill running through his body: “I love you.” Henry admits, and he swears blind that he falls more and more in love with Alex with every single day that passes. “You know that, don’t you?”

“I love you too. More than anything. Everything.”

“Yeah?” Henry asks, teasingly cocking an eyebrow further up his forehead. “Good, because I’ve got something to give you.”

“Shall we go inside then?” Alex wiggles his eyebrows flirtatiously, until he realises that he should probably be serious about this now. “Actually, I’ve got something for you, too. But you go first.” He sits back and tries to stop the smirk from spreading across his entire face, but it’s in vain. The second that Henry starts to take, a grin takes over his entire face, and only seems to get wilder with every second that passes by. 

Henry’s fingers nervously fiddle with Alex’s hand before he goes into the speech he has had planned for weeks now, if not months.  “You mean the absolute world to me, Alex. The first time that I saw you, I had no idea how much you would grow to mean to me. You hated me for the first couple of years - and for good reason too, I suppose, sweetheart. But then I kissed you, and suddenly everything just made a lot more sense to me. All my life, I have read about people's love, I have seen my parents love for each other, in sickness and in health and everything in between, and yet, for the longest of time, I never truly believed that I deserved that. I never thought that I could have that.” His voice waivers as his thumb runs over Alex’s knuckles and down to the pad of his index finger. “But you changed that. You irrevocably changed my life for the better. Your love is the best feeling in the world, and I want to feel that forever.” He stands, as he continues with his speech, the most important part of it fast approaching. He goes into his trouser pocket, and takes a leather box out, before finally falling onto one knee, looking up at his beautiful Alex as he speaks. “As my favourite author once wrote, ‘you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you’.” With one hand, he masterfully opens the box, and Alex can’t help the gasp that escapes as he takes the first look at the gold band. He recognises it immediately. It’s what inspired his ring for Henry. “Now, we might need to get the ring resized, but I want you to have it. I trust you with it. I love you, with all my heart. Will you marry me?”

Tears well up in Alex’s eyes as his smile is relentless, a soft, wet laugh falling from his mouth. “You couldn’t wait ten minutes? I can’t believe you beat me to it!” He giggles, which only grows in decibels as he looks at Henry’s confused and still nervous face. “Of course I’ll marry you, baby!”

With a fumble of hands, Henry places the ring on Alex’s ring finger, taking a moment to admire how perfect it looks against his skin before Alex tugs at Henry’s hand, pulling them together. Henry falls into Alex’s lap with ease, arms wrapping around his body as though they can’t bare to be apart - and really, who can blame them? They kiss slowly, fingers threading through hair, tugging lightly and causing soft moans. It’s perfect. It really is. Alex leans forward, reaching behind his body with his free arm, the other remaining around Henry. He punctuates the kiss with a cheeky bite to Henry’s plump bottom lip, basking in the low squeal it causes. Before he pulls away, he leaves his present on Henry’s lap. 

“What’s this?” Henry asks, looking down at the book in his lap, bound in leather, a golden H written in calligraphy emblazoned on the front. 

A soft laugh huffs from Alex’s nostrils. “The reason why I wanted you to wait ten minutes.” He grins, nodding towards it. “Go on, open it.”

With shaking hands, Henry opens the book, reading page after page, all handwritten in Alex’s finest scrawl. One by one, Alex explains the reasoning behind it all.

“Before I even go any further, did you use my pen for this?” Alex’s silence is, quite frankly, deafening. “I knew my nib was ruined! You’re buying me a new one.”

“You’ve got enough money.” Alex comments with a shrug, but ultimately concedes that he absolutely will be buying Henry a new one when Henry looks at him with those gorgeous baby blues. He can’t help it, he’s hypnotised by them.

Henry’s index finger runs over the page.

“You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever.” - Jane Austen, Persuasion. 

“These quotes are all relevant.” Alex explains. “I thought this one would work for after the first time we were here. I couldn’t bare the thought of losing you then, and I can’t now. We are forever, you and me.”

“It’s you and I, actually. But I’ll forgive you.”

Alex’s head falls back with a bored snore and a whistling exhale. “Oh shut up!” 

With an affectionate roll of the eyes, Henry turns the page.

“Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.” - C.S Lewis.

“I never knew what love was before I met you.” Alex explains, a finger and his thumb hooking around a loose piece of hair that is falling into Henry’s eyes, brushing it back. “Every single day, you give me a new meaning to the word. I loved you then, I love you now, and I fear Henry darling, that I’ll love you forever.”

Henry’s cheeks flush uncontrollably, though he stays silent and turns the page once more.

“Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never I love.” - William Shakespeare, Hamlet.

“Pretty self-explanatory?” Alex asks, raising an eyebrow. His hand is comfortingly circling Henry’s back now. “When was the first time that you realised I loved you, and you actually believed it?”

Henry pauses for a moment, thinking. “I believed it here, for the first time. I knew that I loved you then, but I hadn’t for one second thought that you felt the same way. Then we were out there on the deck and you were talking about our future as if it was certain, and I knew then, but it still terrified me. Everything suddenly made sense. It terrified me, but I believed it.”

There’s a sad smile on Henry’s face as he remembers that moment, and Alex can’t cope with it. This isn’t a sad moment. He leans forward and presses a warm kiss to Henry’s cheek. When he pulls away, Henry turns the page over.

“You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.” - Margaret Mitchell, Gone With The WInd.

“Oh well, don’t mind if I do.” Henry chuckles, wiggling his eyebrows, falling further into Alex’s space. 

Alex laughs, and lets himself be kissed, giving back just as much as he’s taking. “Last page baby.”

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” - Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. 

Written further down the page, is the explanation to the quote. I couldn’t help but end the book here, on a quote from your favorite author, from your favorite book. P.S. Turn the page to understand why I’m so nervous. Henry chuckles softly as he reads it, before he turns the page and his laugh is cut off with a shocked gasp. 

The final page - and all the following ones - have a hole cut through the paper, a leather box sitting perfectly in the hole. Written across the top, in the largest writing is Our next chapter?

“Marry me?” Alex asks, and he doesn’t even have a shred of nervousness about him, not now. 

Henry grins. “Did we just propose using the same quote?”

Alex nods. “I believe they call that fate?” He teases, a soft laugh leaving his mouth. “Do you want to see your ring?”

Henry nods, and suddenly feels the nerves. Alex takes the box from the book, and flicks the lid open. Henry gasps once more, his eyes studying the ring before he looks up at his fiancé. “It’s like my dads. How did you do that?” 

“With special help from Bea.” Alex explains. He holds out his hand with a grin. “We’re matching.”

“I need to say yes first.” Henry teases.

Alex’s jaw slackens, his grin being hidden by an open mouth, only visible with the twitching upwards of the corners. “I swear Fox, if you say no now…”

Henry beams, falling into Alex’s chest and kissing him softly. “That’s Claremont-Diaz-Fox to you, mister.”

An incredulous snort stumbles from Alex. “Ridiculous name. I feel sorry for our kids already.”

+ one: 

theagcd and princehenryuk

[A photograph of Alex and Henry. Alex seems to be the one to take the photograph. Both of their left hands are up in the centre, between them, showing off their new rings. They are smiling wildly, faces pressed together.]

WE SAID YES! How amazing is it to be so in love and so in sync that we decided to propose at the same time? It has been the easiest yes of my life. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you by my side, as my beautiful husband. I loved you yesterday, I love you today, and I’ll love you forever.

[deadratio]

Blackwood Ch. 7

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw x fem!Blackwood!Reader

Summary:  (Y/N) ‘Finch’ Blackwood had grown up her whole life without knowing the true identity of her father. She had always thought herself to be content without knowing who he was, but when her work crosses paths with his own, they both face challenges in trying to figure themselves out. Meanwhile, she doesn’t know that her childhood best friend has made his own way through the Navy, and will be joining them on their adventures.

Word Count: 4.7k

Warnings: Angst! Fluff! Panic!

A/N: Let me tell y'all...this has just taken forever to get out. Because I've been busy with finishing school and all that. I graduated, made the deans list and all! I have also been very busy with work, and doing other things that I enjoy doing, such as playing Disney Dream Light Valley and hanging out with friends. I appreciate y'all for waiting so patiently for this!

HUGE THANK YOU TO @callsignthirsty for beta'ing this and giving me suggestions/edits on my writing, I can't express how amazing they are! They are literally the best, and have some really amazing works of their own that you should check out! They have been a major help in getting this chapter edited and ready to go. Just in time for Christmas too! Happy Holidays and I hope you have a safe and happy start to the new year!

As always, please let me know what you think, and happy reading!

Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

Masterlist

Sunbeams filter through the blinds of Finch’s bedroom. The sheets are hot — almost to the point of being uncomfortable. It's not because of the Sun, though — Bradley is glued to her back, his arm draped over her hip. The amount of warmth he is radiating is ridiculous. Looking over her shoulder, Finch isn’t sure what to do. He seems so comfortable, but she knows that he has an early day and that he should probably leave soon so he can get to work on time.

She shuffles to face him, moving none too gently until they’re face to face and she stills. Caught off guard by Bradley’s peaceful expression as he sleeps. The stress from the previous day wiped from his features, leaving a gentle, sleep-slack canvas of soft skin sprinkled with freckles. Suddenly, she wishes she could keep him like this — carefree and cuddled, far away from Hangman’s snide remarks and the suicide mission and Maverick — but she’s too late. Bradley wrinkles his nose, coming out of his deep sleep with Finch’s stirring. He exhales deeply before cracking open his eyes, the bright glare of yellow light spilling from the window forcing him to shut and reopen them in a squint. A sweep of red darkens Finch’s cheeks when she realizes he’s woken up because of her fiddling. 

Bradley dips his head into the crook of her neck, relishing the feeling of being so close to her and hiding from the sun. He breathes her in, pressing a slow, gentle kiss to the spot beneath her ear. Finch leans into his touch, her body meshing with his. She could get used to waking up to Bradley Bradshaw next to her in bed, giving her peppery kisses and warm cuddles. 

They lay like this for a while, enjoying the comfort of each other’s bodies when Finch glances over to the clock above the door frame. Her eyes go wide. They’re cutting it way too close if they want Bradley to get to class on time. She moves away from him, flinging the blankets from her body as she swings her legs over the edge of the bed.

“Bradley, the time!” she exasperates, turning back to face him.

Bradley lets out a loud ‘fuck!’ as his eyes find the clock before he follows suit, the blankets a crumpled mess in the middle of the bed. He hurriedly puts on his shoes, looking up to find Finch standing in the doorway. She wishes she could be of more help — but none of her uniforms will fit him. The most she could offer him is a hot shower so he doesn’t smell a day old like his khakis. 

“I’m going to run back to my place, I should be able to make it in time,” he says, raking a hand through his hair. The golden-tinted curls are a mess, but it’s a sight that Finch wants implanted into her memory.

Standing out of his way, Finch watches as Bradley trails through the bedroom and into the living room on his way to the door. She hesitates at her next actions, but she doesn’t think she could live without kissing him again. His hand is on the door handle when she reaches him with long strides and pinches his shirt between her fingertips to get his attention.

Bradley turns to tell her he’s going to be late, but stops short to admire her rawness, the way Finch looks when she’s just woken up, her pajamas wrinkled. Finch trails her hand up his side to the back of his neck, pulling him toward her. She closes her eyes when she presses a warm kiss to his lips. Bradley’s mustache tickles her nose, his lips mingling with hers. He pulls away briefly before planting another kiss on her lips, this time gently dragging out her bottom lip. 

Finch opens her eyes to see the awestruck look in his own as they part ways. Bradley swipes his tongue over his lips, chasing the taste of her. He doesn’t want to leave her, but he knows that there’s more pressing matters to attend to. He could do this mission, whether Mav believed in him or not. He wouldn’t know what to do if Finch ever told him she didn’t believe in him, but he has no reason to doubt she doesn’t. 

Gently pressing her hand against his abdomen, Finch pushes Bradley towards the door. In his fervor to leave, he leans down to press another peck to her lips. Finch moves too quickly though, and his lips land on her nose. A laugh erupts from Finch, her head tilting back. “You better get your ass in motion before Cyclone comes for you himself!”

The grin on Bradley’s face is undeniably bright as he rushes down the sidewalk to his Bronco, looking back on Finch in the doorway. She lifts her hand in a short wave before turning to go back inside. 

Finch spends most of her morning cleaning her apartment. The to-go containers from the previous night are still on the counter and the plates in the sink have already crusted over by the time she gets to them. After the cleaning spree, she takes her usual spot on the sofa. Picking up her phone from the coffee table, she is met with the red notifications from Charlie’s texts and missed phone calls. 

A deep sigh vibrates through her chest at the thought of having to deal with her mother’s betrayal; it feels deeper than it looks. She reads through the messages, Charlie’s desperate tone clear even through the screen. Running a hand over her face, Finch gives up on trying to ignore her. Her finger hovers over the ‘call’ button, and all too quickly she’s pressed the phone to her ear, the dial tone humming.

"Finch?" Finch flinches when her mom answers the phone. "Honey, is everything alright?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm– everything's fine. Just returning your calls."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"I wasn't sure you would call me back."

Finch cringes. "Yeah. No. I just... got busy. You know how the Navy is."

Her mother sighs. "Honey, I know it's been difficult since I told you, but–"

"And him," Finch cut her off.

"What?"

"And him. Since you told both of us."

"Finch."

"Would you ever have even told us if we hadn't been stationed together?"

Silence, then: "I asked him not to mention anything to you."

You laugh into the phone. The audacity. "So that’s a no."

"Finch, honey–"

"Don't!" Finch bites into the speaker, seething but not loud. Mad and disappointed. "You knew what you were doing. You knew and you did it anyway. You had a million chances. You knew he was in contact with Carole. You knew where his next station was. You–" Finch cut herself off and took a steadying breath. "You could've done something about it, but you didn't."

"And I would." Charlie's voice comes across softer now, filled with remorse and unshed tears — "If I could go back I would, but I can't." — but it's not enough.

"Look," Finch sighs, her shoulders sagging as the phone call suddenly becomes too much. "I've gotta go. I need time to think about all this."

"How much?"

"I don't know." How much time does one even allocate to mending broken trust? "A lot, maybe. But I'll try to call you. Let you know I'm okay." Finch is angry, but she knows that her mom worries, and for good reason. She's lost many a friend to the Navy over the years.

"Thank you."

"Sure."

"And Finch? Thanks for calling. I'll be here when you need me." Finch nods even though she knows her mom can't see it through the phone. "I love you, a bushel and a peck."

"Yeah, mom. You too."

After they hang up, Finch is left with a gaping hole in her heart, but she knows that healing from this will take much longer than Charlie will be comfortable with. She throws her phone onto the sofa cushion, her hands coming up to rub her face.

__________________________________________

Several days later, and after much reflection on her situation, Finch decides she wants to return to the mission early. There’s only so much that can be accomplished while wallowing in self-pity, and frankly, she’s tired of it. She can figure out what she wants and how to get there after the mission. So long as nobody dies. After running a few errands, she heads over to base, the late afternoon sun just beginning to set on the horizon.

The halls of the building are silent, save for a few voices echoing in the distance. Finch heads directly to Cyclone’s office, her knuckles rapping on the door a few times. She releases a deep breath, stepping back from the entryway. The door swings open, revealing a very tired Admiral Simpson. “Lieutenant Blackwood. How can I help?”

“I was wondering if I might speak with you about coming back to the mission early, sir,” Finch says hopefully. Cyclone nods shortly, stepping back to allow Finch room to come in. Entering his office isn’t as nerve-wracking as it had been the last time, although she had admittedly been in an entire different state of duress.

There’s a brief silence before Finch continues with her request. “I believe I’ve had ample time to think over my situation. I’d like to continue working on the mission if you will have me, sir.” 

Cyclone doesn’t have to think too long on whether or not he wants to take Finch back early — she is, after all, integral to the detachment — no matter her relation to Captain Mitchell. “Of course, Lieutenant,” Cyclone assures, bringing his hands behind his back. “You’re welcome to come back at any time. Seeing as it’s the end of the week, you will resume your duties on Monday morning.”

Nodding, Finch gives the Air Boss a placid smile. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate your flexibility with my request, and-” A distant shout from down the hall is enough to cut Finch off. She gives Cyclone a look before stepping towards the office door. With the door open, the commotion only grows more clear. It isn’t a single voice but multiple, and it sounds like they’re grappling with each other. Following the noise brings her to the classroom where she and Maverick usually host the aviators in. The sight that greets her isn’t something she expects.

Bradley is breathing heavily, his cheeks flushed pink and anger splashed across his face. Maverick, who she’d have thought Bradley would be going off on, seems to have shoved himself between Bradley and Hangman, exasperation etched into the lines of his face and his arms spread wide to create space between the two pilots. The cocky smirk that Seresin wears fills in the rest of blanks. He’s said something he knows he shouldn’t have. When Hangman finally makes his way out the door, it’s with a nod at Finch as he walks past. The others slowly follow after Maverick dismisses them for the day.

Bradley takes a moment to try and calm himself before he turns to leave, and stops when Maverick says something to him, but he doesn’t stay for long. His heart beats out of his chest when he spots Finch in the hallway, his breath still rigid from the altercation. Finch yearns to wrap her arms around him, hold him and tell him that no matter what Hangman said, everything will all be okay, like he did for her. She stops short of doing just that, remembering where they are.

Clearly on edge, Bradley pauses next to her. “Meet me at my place?” she whispers to him. It’s more a suggestion than a question. A curt nod from him tells her all she needs to know for the moment. Bradley continues past her, his boots echoing as he gets further away. 

Cyclone watches the squadron make their exit, a deep furrow etched into his brow. How the hell are they going to fly this mission if they can’t get their shit together and act like a team?

Finch gives the admiral an awkward look before entering the classroom. Maverick sits on the edge of one of the chairs near the window, his head in his hands. Finch’s steps are purposefully heavy so she doesn’t startle him as she takes the seat to his right. Maverick looks over at her, throwing out a meek smile before turning to look out the window. Finch can’t help but wish that she understood the situation better. Maybe then, she’d be able to help.

“I don’t know if those two will ever get along.” There’s a hint of laughter in her tone, but Maverick doesn’t reciprocate. His eyes are focused at a point beyond the window and the tarmac beyond. Finch’s lips turn down. What had Hangman said that could affect both Bradley and Maverick? But she doesn’t ask and Maverick’s too swept up in thoughts about the past to try and explain it to her any time soon.

Accepting that Maverick isn’t in the right headspace for conversation, Finch pats his shoulder gently. There’s nothing she can do for him now, although she’s sure that will change in the future.

Standing from her seat, Finch walks out of the classroom. Cyclone has already returned to his office, and by the hushed quiet of the halls, she can only assume he’s having the time of his life trying to figure out what to do to turn their situation around and salvage the mission. 

When she returns to her apartment, Bradley is sitting on the steps in a similar position to how she found Maverick. He hadn’t even changed out of his flight suit before coming over. “You want to tell me what the hell that was about?” she asks, standing above him, arms folded across her chest.

Looking up at her, Bradley feels compelled to tell her something, but he doesn’t exactly want to tell her that his dad was killed in an accident that involved Maverick. It isn’t a secret. It isn’t even classified information. He’s never even blamed Maverick for the accident, but a heavy sigh pulses through Bradley’s chest at the thought of telling her. So instead, he tells her a half-truth: “Hangman just doesn’t know how to mind his fucking business.” It’s a statement, surely one Finch already knows all too well. 

But Finch can, apparently, see right through him. “The truth, Bradshaw. And not the abbreviated version, either.” It’s a demand, and he knows that she’s not going to take any shit from him.

She steps past him, keys jiggling as she unlocks the door. His boots scrape against the concrete when he stands, his sweat-slick palms wiping against the fabric of his flight suit. Once they’re inside, they find their spots next to each other on the couch. Finch slides over to be directly next to him, leaning some of her weight into his bicep. It’s meant to be a comfort to him, but the feeling flows both ways. “Bradley, you know I’m here for you.” Her hand moves from her side to slip their fingers together. “You’ve been here for me, and I want you to know that you don’t have to go through whatever this is alone.”

He nods, eyes fixed to where their fingers are twined and squeezing her hand in his. “Well, I guess I should give you some context,” There’s a nervous shake in his voice, but he can’t keep this from her. “You know how I told you that my dad and Mav were best friends?”

Finch is touched that Bradley feels comfortable enough to share more about his past with her, but she can’t help the chill that takes her at the same time. Because she knows he’d have come out with it if it were something easy.  Finch nods, looking at him expectantly. “My dad was Mav’s RIO. Iceman and Mav were the class’ biggest competition. During a training exercise, Mav and my dad accidentally got caught in Ice’s jet-wash,” Bradley’s voice is thick, his mouth coated in a thick saliva from the emotions rising to the top.

“Mav couldn’t correct the spinning, so they ejected. When they did–” He has to fight back a sudden sob. It still hurts him to this day to talk about his dad’s death. “My dad hit his head on the canopy. It snapped his neck. He was dead before he even hit the water.”

Finch lurches toward him, her arms wrapping tightly around his broad shoulders. Bradley holds her to him, burying his face into the crook of her shoulder. Slowly, the scene from the classroom starts to make more sense. Hangman must have dug up some old bones. Finch’s hand rubs gentle circles into Bradley’s shoulder blades as they stay in this position for a moment. 

“And Hangman decided to be a dick about it?” She hazards a guess. Bradley nods, face staying put in the crook of her neck, his hot breath making Finch’s skin warm. “I’m sorry you have to deal with him, Brad-Brad,” she murmurs, carding a hand soothingly through his curls. “But you’ll get through this. He can’t keep you down.” 

When Bradley pulls away and sees the genuine apology in her eyes, he can’t help but press a kiss to her forehead, then to the top of her head. His stomach twists at the smile that blooms across her face and finds himself smiling back, though somberly.

“How about I order pizza and we can watch whatever the hell is on TV?” Finch offers and chuckling, Bradley agrees. They spend the rest of the evening chatting about life, getting to know each other, and divulging some secrets they swear not to tell another soul. 

The following Monday, Finch is glad to be back at her regular post. Being back to work means that she has less time to think about all of the other things going on in her life, even if they include her coworkers, and now her biological father. 

The atmosphere of the office changes throughout the day. The aviators are all still working on their dogfighting skills, and it’s obvious that despite his best efforts, Maverick hasn’t been able to teach the Daggers how to fly the mission successfully. Cyclone grumbles as much during her meeting with him that morning, and it’s clear to Finch that Cyclone’s distaste for the dark-haired captain is ever-growing. 

During her late lunch break, Finch listens to the comms with Hondo and the rest of the strike team. Phoenix, Bob, and Coyote are all up with Maverick this time, and it seems to be going well so far. Tuning it out a bit, Finch turns her attention to Hondo. 

“So, where'd you disappear to last week?” Hondo inquires, shoving a forkful of salad into his mouth.

Finch shrugs, shuffling her cauliflower and chicken around in the bowl. “I had to take care of a few things that came up. I couldn’t wait to address them.”

Nodding, Hondo doesn’t ask any other questions about it. That’s something that Finch always respected about him, he always allowed her the space she needed, and she never felt pressured into telling him anything she didn’t want to. Her attention is caught momentarily by Rooster, who joins the two of them with his own lunch in hand. 

Suddenly, there’s a ruckus over the comms. At first, Finch can’t quite make out what’s being said, but feels a wave of relief come over her when Maverick tells them that it’s enough for the day and to return to base. Finch could only assume that they had failed to shoot him down again, or there had been some sort of emergency in the air. She hopes it was the former.

Then, before she’s able to return to her lunch, the words any aviator would dread come from Bob. “Bird strike!”

Finch’s heart drops to the bottom of her feet, wide eyes meeting Hondo’s. Bird strikes are never good. The three voices of Maverick, Phoenix, and Bob are fighting for airspace over the comm, and Finch’s blood begins to turn cold. Silence consumes the break room, the sounds of forks clicking against tupperware and plates missing. 

Hearing Maverick shout “Eject! Eject! Eject!” has Finch sitting at the edge of her seat. Everyone’s faces have gone pale, eyeing each other. Hondo moves from his seat and exits the break room, his lunch forgotten. When she can tear her eyes from the radio, Finch’s gaze flicks to Rooster only to find him gone. In the commotion, she must have missed him as he left.

Taking a shaky deep breath, Finch fumbles to place the lid back on her lunch container. The air in the room has become stale, thick with anticipation and anxiety. Moving from her seat, she quickly makes her way to the fridge, hastily opening it and placing her container wherever there’s an open spot. There’s no time to concern herself with labels.

Before she steps out into the hall, she hears Coyote’s voice come through over the radio to state that both parachutes had opened. A flood of temporary relief comes over Finch. That they had ejected, at the very least, was good to know. But she needs to find Rooster. Now. Knowing what she does now about what happened to his dad, Finch is sure that Rooster isn’t in the greatest of headspaces. 

Hearing a commotion, Finch rushes down a hallway and around a corner only to stop just short of slamming into Cyclone and Warlock. Momentarily taken aback by her sudden appearance, Cyclone motions for Finch to come with them. Heart sinking into her stomach, Finch obeys. She yearns to be there for Bradley, but at the same time she knows work has to be her priority right now, and that whatever the Admirals need her to take care of in regard to this incident is more pressing than making sure Bradley, a grown man, is okay. 

As they walk towards the hangar, Warlock talks through an action plan for the Daggers once they return to class the next day, but the details fall on deaf ears. Though Finch is walking in-step with the admirals, her mind is consumed by thoughts of Phoenix and Bob. They’re going to be okay, Coyote said that their parachutes deployed. They’re going to be okay, they’re going to be okay. 

Before she knows it, Finch is sitting in a small-to-mid-size conference room with personnel of all ranks and positions, discussing the best path forward now that they’re out for a day because of the bird strike. The faces almost blend in, and Finch knows she’s in for a long-haul.

Hours later, Finch stands in front of a mirror in the bathroom, having just splashed cold water over her warm skin. In the middle of the meeting they had confirmed that both Phoenix and Bob were alive, and had also taken Coyote in for examination because of his G-Loc incident. 

Despite knowing all of this, Finch’s hands shake. She can still hear the frantic chatter in the silent Ready Room, and doesn’t know how Bradley is handling all of it. Hasn’t seen him since his disappearing act and hasn’t heard from him either.

Stepping into the hallway, a light in the common room catches her attention. The Sun had set at least an hour ago, and with the personnel from the impromptu meeting filing their way out of the building, nobody should’ve been on base to need the light on.

She pauses when she finally sees who is in the room. Through the small window in the door, she can make out Bradley’s figure leaned against a desk, his back to the door. It’s been hours since the incident, but his flight suit is still tied around his waist, black t-shirt soft against his muscled back. Finch catches her bottom lip between her teeth before hesitantly knocking on the door and turning the knob.

Bradley inhales deeply when he turns and sees Finch slowly making her way over to him, and it’s as if some of the tension of the day evaporates as soon as Bradley pulls her into his arms. He buries his head into the stiff fabric of her khakis as Finch runs her fingers through his curled locks and massages gently. 

Words are not necessary between the two of them. They both understand that today could have turned out very differently, and that it very well could’ve been him up there instead of Phoenix and Bob or Coyote. Leaning down, Finch chances a tender kiss to the top of Bradley’s head to remind herself that he’s real. She knows that there’s nothing she can say to change how he’s feeling right now, so she holds him instead.

As Bradley goes to pull away, footsteps can be heard in the doorway. Bradley goes to say something, but snaps his mouth shut as the door swings open.  Finch turns her head to the door to find Maverick looking between the two of them. Bradley doesn’t dare look at Finch, instead opting to stare coldly at Maverick.

Maverick’s eyes flit between the two of them one more time before he clears his throat. “They’ll keep Phoenix and Bob overnight for observation. They’re gonna be okay.” The news does little to settle Bradley who appears more than a little suspicious of his presence. 

Finch, however, is appreciative that Maverick has chosen not to mention how close she and Rooster had been when he first entered the room. “That’s amazing,” she says as if she hadn’t received that same news in her earlier meeting and takes a calculated step away from Bradley. 

“That’s good,” Bradley chokes out, averting his gaze. “I’ve never lost a wingman.”

The air in the room has suddenly grown chilly, and Finch doesn't know whether she needs to be on edge or high alert.

Maverick eyes lock on Bradley as if he’s the only other person in the room “You’re lucky. Fly long enough, it’ll happen,” He sighs before continuing. “There will be others.”

Before Finch can make any argument as to what was wrong with that statement, Bradley turns back to Maverick. “That’s easy for you to say,” he spits. Venom dripping from each word as he says: “No wife. No kids. Nobody to mourn you when you burn in.”

Maverick sucks in a breath as Rooster’s words hit their mark. But his gaze immediately focuses on Finch. And, looking to Bradley, Finch wonders how deep that comment hits.

“Go home. Get some sleep.” It’s all Maverick says as he turns to leave. 

But Bradley’s anger bubbles over in an instant and suddenly he’s ready for a fight. Unwilling to let Maverick walk away. “Why’d you pull my papers at the academy?” He steps between Finch and Maverick. “Why did you stand in my way?”

Maverick’s expression changes to something stoic in the face of Bradley’s outburst. “You weren’t ready,” he says like it’s fact.

“Ready for what?” Bradley moves closer to Maverick, practically standing in his face. “Huh? Ready to fly like you?” 

The tension between the two grows and Finch worries that she should do something to get between Bradley and his superior officer, but she’s also not entirely sure she should interfere. “To forget the book,” Maverick responds, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Trust your instincts. Don’t think, just do. You think up there, you’re dead. Believe me.” 

Finch knows that it’s not the right thing to say to Bradley, and she feels inclined to step in. “That’s not always true,” Finch says because she knows that’s the wrong thing to say to Bradley, but both men ignore her, too wrapped up in their faceoff to acknowledge she’s said anything at all.

“My dad believed in you,” Bradley bites, out for blood and digging the proverbial knife deeper into Maverick’s chest. “I won’t make the same mistake.”

The oxygen leaves the room, Maverick’s face dropping and Finch’s heart beating wildly in her throat until she feels sick with it.

Then, the door swings open, and that should give them all a chance to breathe, but it doesn’t. 

“Maverick.” Warlock’s baritone has never felt more ominous than it does in that moment. Finch gasps for breath, but comes up dry.

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Product Name: 15 Minute Weight Loss [ad_1] Click here to get 15 Minute Weight Loss at discounted price while it's still available... All orders are protected by SSL encryption – the highest industry standard for online security from trusted vendors. 15 Minute Weight Loss is backed with a 60 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee. If within the first 60 days of receipt you are not satisfied with Wake Up Lean™, you can request a refund by sending an email to the address given inside the product and we will immediately refund your entire purchase price, with no questions asked. Description: If you are 20 or more pounds overweight, and have been unsuccessfully fighting to drop the extra weight for 6 months or more...This message might save your life!Stop EVERYTHING, and pay close attention, because I am going to reveal a secret about weight loss that no one is addressing, that is hidden in plain sight, well documented by science, and that is likely sabotaging ALL of your attempts at getting the healthy, sexy body you want.Unless you fix this well-known but never spoken of “secret,” it will be IMPOSSIBLE for you to lose weight, no matter how hard you try.No amount of exercise will take any meaningful weight off..No special diet, no amount of calorie restriction...NOTHING can work well. You literally can NOT lose weight unless you fix this one underlying issue.The diet industry doesn’t want you to know about this. The fitness industry doesn’t want me to reveal this to you.As a matter of fact, it’s likely that if you knew about this secret, and fixed it…you would lose weight naturally and easily with just a common sense approach to your diet and activity.No crazy diets that restrict your food choices or have you counting every calorie.No ridiculous workout programs that you have to be a professional athlete to stick to.Just easy, common sense choices about your eating and activity…Choices you WILL be able to make because those crazy junk food cravings will disappear!!You likely won’t need to see a doctor, get any blood work, or buy any expensive prescription medicines.You can fix this problem that’s sapping your health and keeping you from the healthy, tight sexy body you crave…without any difficult lifestyle changes, without tapping into huge amounts of willpower, and - really- without exerting any substantial effort at all.Just one small change as you lay down in bed at night and within 2-3 weeks all of your efforts will suddenly start working.Imagine, working a quarter as hard to drop the extra weight and getting 10 times the results!Before I reveal exactly what this issue is, I’d like to introduce myself, let you know how I found out about this deadly problem and explain exactly what it’s doing to your body.It's all from 15-Minute Weight Loss...The only rule... and this is important....Is that you cannot exercise during these 15 minutes... no matter what!Probably like you, I had worked hard to try and lose weight.I tried so many different diets that I have a hard time remembering them.I mean, I would drop a few pounds when I started any of them, then the weight loss would stop and I would gain it all back.It was humiliating to have friends say, "Hey you're looking thinner..."Just to prove them wrong... when I gained it all back, and even more the next month.It went like this for years.I wanted to make an excuse and say, "I just have a thyroid problem,"But I couldn't even do that.My doctor said, "Nothing's wrong with you, you just have to work harder."This was terribly frustrating for me.I was watching my girlfriends date better guys while I had to settle for whoever was left.And I hated being known as "the fat chick" in the group.Still, I tried to tell myself that things were ok.I was still pretty healthy, and I considered myself attractive... up to a point.It wasn't until my friend Jenna's bachelorette party in Vegas where things came to a head.My friends are all skinny, and I knew that there would be more men interested in them.

This had always frustrated me, because they seemed to be able to eat whatever they want.I had accepted that they just have it easier, and "that's just the way life is."I even shrugged off when I was talking to a guy and could hear his friends whisper, "He's a chubby-chaser" and start laughing at us.But nothing could prepare me for the humiliation to come.My friend had VIP tickets to get us into a Vegas club in front of the line.I was so excited, and was dolled up in my best makeup...And I was wearing what I thought was my sexiest outfit.We walked to the front of the line, and my friend went to get her VIP tickets out.The bouncer said, "Oh, VIP access ended at 9PM, but of course I'll let you pretty ladies in."It is nice being a girl in Vegas.We began to walk in, and then the bouncer roughly put his arm in front of me and said, "Sorry, we're full now."His big arm almost knocked me backward and made me fall...But it was my self-esteem that really got destroyed at that moment.I said "What? What do you mean?"He said, "That's all I can let in."Something sounded fishy, so my friend called the doorman out."Hey, there's no way the club is too full for one more person!"He said, "I'm sorry, but to be honest, your friend is just too big. I'm supposed to let pretty women in front but she's too fat."This was happening in front of dozens of people near the doorway...And I could already hear a couple guys laughing at me.One even took his phone out to start filming the argument.I held back from crying right there...But the truth is, I wanted the ground to just swallow me up at that moment.I did my best to pull myself together.Me and my friends were going to find another club.Or we'd all wait in the very back of the line together.We certainly weren't going to listen to this jerk bouncer!But then Jenna waved to me from inside and said, "Bye Cara, we'll see you at the hotel. Have a good night!"And they just went off to dance without me.Humiliated by not just a bouncer, but what I thought were my best friends. I was tired of being "the fat chick" in the group. I was tired of being the type of woman that men "settle for." Tired of being the type that men want to hook up with but not date... And never bring around their friends or family. And I was done with being the woman that couldn't look herself in the mirror when getting out of the shower. I hated being in restaurants and wondering if people were judging me for ordering dessert.I hated trying to enjoy the occasional fast-food burger......Just to wonder if someone was looking at me thinking, "See, THIS is why she's so fat."I didn't feel like I was overeating, and my skinny friends spent more time texting at the gym than actually exercising.I went back to the hotel and cried.I wasn't going to tolerate this anymore.I immediately packed up my things and went to the airport.The ladies could party without me.I was going to figure this out once and for all.I took my flight back to Denver, but it had a long delay.There I was, stuck in the airport, wondering how matters could get any worse.I might as well have just stayed the night at the hotel if I was going to be stuck sitting around the airport anyway.Next to me, was a beautiful skinny blonde woman.She looked great and that just made me angry.She had done nothing wrong, but the last thing I needed was to be next to someone that had it all.But then I saw the headline on the newspaper she was reading.I said, "Hey, could I read that when you're done?"She said, "No, I'm keeping this. My friend was featured in it."I said "Really? For what?"She said "Well not exactly featured, but he does the same thing. He helps people lose weight with hypnosis."I said "There's no way that can work."She said, "See for yourself. Go to ABCNews.

com on your phone and look it up."I checked, and could not believe what I saw.Here was the story of Kay Linley, 59 years old and 315 pounds.She had gone through a multi-day hypnosis session, where they made her imagine she was getting gastric-bypass surgery.And did not gain it back!I thought this had to be a fluke, but it turns out this hypnotic procedure had worked hundreds of times!I was still skeptical though."But there's no way this can work. It's 'calories in, calories out'," I said.I was simply just parroting the health stuff I had read in the past... but I was starting to see how maybe I had believed the hype too easily.She said "That's all B.S. You don't even need to worry about calories."My ego kicked in, and I said, "No way."There was no way it could be that easy. Right?I felt almost offended that there could be hundreds of people losing weight without having to do a crazy diet or workout plan.And secretly, part of me was screaming, "This would never work for me anyway."I was about to get up and walk to another terminal to wait......When she took out a photo out of her purse of a very overweight woman.I was thinking, "Ok great, now she's going to tell me about her friend who lost a few pounds using hypnosis..."But then she said "This is me."I said "no way!" and grabbed the photo."Yep, this was me 6 months ago. I keep it in my purse to remind me how far I've come."I looked very closely at her face and then the face in the photo just to be sure.But it was true, she had lost all this weight.From that moment, she had 100% of my attention.She told me about her friend Anthony Swailes."This guy doesn't do an in-person clinic where you have to wait for days. He actually does the same thing through Skype sessions. And the results are just unreal."She told me the story about how Anthony first discovered hypnosis when he was a soccer player who wanted go pro.In Australia, he was in the 5th division out of 10, which was pretty much "average" as far as amateurs go.Lessons and practice were not getting him anywhere.He needed to try something new... (just like I did).So he started researching hypnosis, NLP, timeline therapy, transcendental meditation, and many other mind-body practices.In a matter of months, he went from Division 5 to Division 1, all without changing anything in his practice!Soon other players noticed and started paying him for help... even though he had zero credentials at the time!Before he knew it, he was running a full clinic where he hypnotized soccer players into playing better and becoming the MVP's of their teams.He was happy to see these results, but at some point, he asked himself, "Is this all there is?"So he turned his attention to something more important:Anthony saw that there were millions of people all over the world...That were utterly frustrated with carrying ugly fat.He saw we were feeling bad about ourselves, losing confidence...And that a lot of us were just unhealthy too...And looking at major problems later in life if we didn't get this taken care of.Plus, he saw that a lot of hypnotherapists were doing it wrong... even if they were trying...A lot of hypnotists simply didn't have the full picture of what worked.So even though he already knew he could get results...He went to the Academy of Hypnotic Sciences and graduated...Just to be sure he knew everything he could about Hypnotic Weight Loss.I was blown away with what this woman was telling me.But I had to ask, "What does he do different from the other hypnotherapists?"She told me that it was very simple.And this was especially important if you wanted to lose weight without worrying about diet or exercise.Think about all the people you know that seem to eat whatever they want and never gain an ounce.And think about the people who have tried everything and still can't get rid of their ugly fat...Or who keep having the fat come back to their bellies and hips a month later.And this can be scientifically proven.Neuroscience and physiology have long known that your unconscious nervous system is what regulates your hormones and metabolism.

If your subconscious either believes that you don't "deserve" to lose weight...Or worse... that it's not "safe" yet to lose weight...Then it will do everything it can to sabotage your efforts.It can raise cortisol... your stress hormone... so you pack on more fat.It can lower your serotonin... so you get depressed and don't want to hit the gym.And it can speed up or slow down your metabolism.It can increase the level of "ghrelin," the hunger hormone... so you feel an insatiable desire to pound a huge bag of potato chips.So if you've ever found yourself binge-eating... know it'snot your fault!And if you did everything right and still didn't lose weight...Then your subconscious mind may have slowed your metabolism to keep you from losing weight.It's not fair, and it's not right.There is a good side to this too though.Once you have convinced your subconscious to lose weight... through hypnosis...Suddenly, you can "hack" your entire body.Your subconscious will now speed up your metabolism...So you can eat burgers, french fries and ice cream... and still burn fat, automatically.And when you do the right things while having your body cooperate... then you drop fat in record time...To the amazement of all your friends.This is what gets the "What happened to you??" reaction...when someone hasn't seen you for a while and is absolutely amazed at how good you look.Now I'm going to get into a little brain science here, so please bear with me.Because this is the missing key that so many hypnotherapists don't know.Do you know why most hypnosis does not work?It's because the brain is not in a receptive state.We have 3 basic different type of brainwaves while we're awake.The Theta state is what monks spend years... even decades trying to reach, through intense meditation.But 99% of therapists, coaches, and even hypnotists try to do their work when a client is in Beta state.That's when the subconscious has all of its defenses up.It's like a fortress that no one can get through.So of course hypnosis won't work then.Now you can meditate for a half hour and maybe get into an Alpha state.But that only gives you maybe 10% of what you can do in Theta state.And it's rare that anyone who's not a Buddhist Monk can get into Theta state right away.But thanks to the brand-new science of Cymatics, there is a breakthrough that can allow anyone to get into Theta State...Scientists discovered that if you get your Left Brain and Right Brain to synch together in their brainwaves...That you instantly and automatically reach that powerful Theta state.This means that your creative and logical minds work together...Instead of fight each other, which is what happens with most people.Most of the time, we're either daydreaming with our creative mind, or trying to figure stuff out with our logical mind...What the scientists found is that if you wear headphones...And give each ear finely tuned vibration frequencies... calledThat the two halves of your brain start to cooperate, and you're in this beautiful Theta state.That's where hypnosis actually works! This is the state where you can decide to effortlessly make more money... and everything works perfectly. It's also when you can make it easy to find your soulmate. And it's the state of mind where you can start dropping pounds of fat off your body... Right Away! A hypnotist can give your mind messages like..."You will love eating healthy foods." or "You can eat anything and still stay lean."And your mind will just accept it, if you're listening to these Cymatics at the time.Your subconscious mind will respond with... "Yes, I DO love eating healthy foods," and "Yes, I can eat anything I want and still look great."But if you're not listening to these Cymatics on your headphones...And a hypnotist tries to convince your mind to help you lose weight.

..Your subconscious will argue..."No, I hate vegetables!" or "No, I gain fat faster than all my friends!"See? It's not your fault if nothing you've done has worked so far.Your subconscious mind was fighting every step of the way...And you've done a brilliant job trying to lose weight the hard way.But now, it's time to make it easy.And once it's programmed in, you're done!You open your eyes and suddenly life is different.Your hormones start cooperating with you.Your body digests food faster than ever.And you start naturally and easily taking the healthy habits that will make a difference in your life.This is where it gets tricky.Most people will try to do a session or two and expect great results.And they will get great results... for a while.But the fact is that your subconscious mind is stubborn.This can make someone need to book dozens of sessions with the same hypnotist...That can be very expensive!But I found a way around that, (where the change is permanent in as fast as three weeks)...And I will show you how in just one moment.Because I don't think weightloss should be difficult or pricey.Remember, I've been in the same boat before, and it's not fun.After hearing this woman's story at the airport, I was sold."How do I work with him?" I asked.She gave me Anthony's contact info... but she warned me:"He is very busy, and rarely takes new clients. There is actually a waitlist."But I was dead set on working with this guy.I decided that I must have success.And that I won't let anything or anyone keep me from my weight loss goals.So I reached out to him, and immediately got a message to use his scheduling calendar online.He was booked up for 6 months already!I sent him an email, telling him my entire situation.I told him about the VIP line, my friends ditching me to go into the club...And about how painful it was to always be the "fat friend" in the group.I told him I would do "whatever it takes" to fix this problem and that he must help me.And this is the key for everyoneAre you willing to do that for your own success?Well, something about my VIP line story intrigued him...And he agreed to give me a session the following week, as long as I did everything he told me.My first session with him, I honestly can't remember.It was a whirlwind of words, music, and vibrations.He had me use a Skype call with him and use headphones...While he played the Cymatic frequencies into the call, and gave me quiet hypnotic suggestions I could barely hear.While I can't remember the specifics of the call itself...All I know is the next day... I had no desire to eat any junk food.Instead I had the lust for a carrot.I bit into it, and as I tasted the juiciness...I was shocked to find that I was enjoying vegetables more than I did ice cream and cookies.It wasn't that I thought junk food was gross now.It's just that I could have a dessert when it made sense, and didn't feel any need for it otherwise.I started enjoying going for walks, and soon, going to the gym.It didn't feel like a chore either.It was something I wanted to do.But what was interesting was, that even though I was naturally wanting to do things that made me lose weight...It turned out that even that wasn't necessary for Anthony's other clients.I talked to Anthony about other people he worked with.And many of his clients did absolutely nothing and STILL lost the same amount of weight.Anthony explained to me, "When you get in Theta state and command the subconscious to drop the weight, sometimes it just happens automatically."I was a little jealous of Anthony's other clients who seemed to magically drop the pounds.But I was still so happy with my results.I immediately booked my next session.I kept watching the pounds drop, and I didn't want to stop.Each time, I asked Anthony to explain more about the science of how this worked.Some part of my soul felt that it would be my mission to help others do the same thing, so I wanted to learn all I could.I continued to watch my fat disappear until I was a full 3 dress sizes lower.

I was so thrilled, and my friends could barely recognize me.Well, I should call them "ex-friends."Let's just say that once I dropped all that weight...My confidence boosted up...And I knew I would NEVER settle for friends who would abandon me at the VIP line.Now, things are better than ever.I have a new relationship with a man who respects me, and I feel amazing about myself.I also found new loyal friends who deeply care about me and treat me the way I know I deserve.The good news is that you don't have to book a session with Anthony to get the same results.So worth it, but very very expensive.One session wasn't enough, because if you don't keep conditioning your subconscious mind to help you lose weight...Your old programming will kick in again, and the pounds will just come back.And at some point, whether a few weeks or a couple months...Your subconscious finally goes "Ok, this is permanent, I'm happy with staying lean and fit."And from that moment on, you're FREE!Your body has now made it the "default" to be lean and sexy.So everything you do from now on will just support that goal, automatically.Once I had reached my own goal, I decided it was time to help others.One night, I was messaging with Anthony over Skype and said, "Aren't most of your sessions the same?"I said, "Then why don't you record them and sell them?"He said, very seriously to me..."Are you kidding? Why would anyone need to book a session if I gave recordings away?"I explained very simply to him:"Look, you can only see so many people a month anyway. If you put these on MP3, you can help thousands of people. You'll charge a lot less, but make a lot more."He did the math and realized that yes...Even if he charged a lot lower for the session recordings, he would still make as much or more if he sold sessions for everyone."They can play it as much as they want, so it's worth SO much more than that" he said.These recordings are worth thousands of dollars...If something can make you drop dozens of pounds... easily... effortlessly...And possibly without you even having to diet and exercise...But I don't think that weight loss is only for the rich.So I was able to negotiate him down.We agreed he'd make 3 sessions that the person could listen to again and again.And after a few weeks, be done.So weight loss would be on autopilot from then on.There was one other tweak he needed to make."I'm going to use subliminal technology for this," He said."This means the words are buried behind the Cymatic vibrations and the music...So your conscious mind won't hear it... but your subconscious mind will."I asked why. I was curious because in my sessions with him, I could hear his voice.It was so quiet, I almost couldn't hear it. But I could still make out a few words.He explained that the reason for this is..."If someone pays to book a session with me personally, I've talked to them already and they fully trust me... so their subconscious mind will be more likely to follow."However, since you haven't met Anthony yet, the best way for your mind to use this, is to hear these sessions subliminally.This way, to your conscious mind, all you think you're hearing is beautiful music... or a calming babbling brook.And your subconscious... while in Theta state... will hear the subliminal messages underneath.First, Anthony showed me some articles from Neuroscience of Consciousness and Psychology Today explaining how it works.Then he told me about the time he created a subliminal recording to help a competitive swimmer.The swimmer would play the recording in his bedroom at night while in bed with his wife, and it just sounded like beautiful music to them both. They couldn't even hear his voice giving the hypnotic suggestions.What happened next was incredible.The swimmer started getting better at his times, winning first place in competitions...But his wife... who didn't even care about swimming... also became a better swimmer.And was even having dreams of being a dolphin!This was all the proof I needed that subliminal recordings work.

But you'll get to prove this for yourself, and at no risk to your bank account.If you act right now, as in right right now...You can have the entire program at just the low price below.This is a tiny fraction of what it costs to even book a single session with Anthony himself...and a good 95% cheaper than booking all the sessions I did.Click the button below to get started.Each recording is only 15 minutes, and all you have to do is listen to one recording a day.No diet, no exercise, no nothing.Now if you get inspired to eat something healthy or work out...There are cases where people magically have all the weight drop, while watching TV and eating ice cream.And there are other cases where people wake up and just love going to the gym, doing yoga, hiking, and eating natural healthy foods.You won't know which category you're in until you try.I was in the second category.I found that I loved to go out into nature and hike.And I developed a love for vegetables without having to do anything.And I'll be totally honest.No matter how skinny you get, you will always be happier and healthier if you enjoy exercising and eating healthy foods.So there's nothing wrong with doing it the "old fashioned way"...Once you have changed your brain to make you want to work out and eat right.How sure am I about this?Well, I talked to Anthony about it, and he made one thing very clear:"If someone doesn't reach their perfect weight, I don't want their money."So for 15 Minute Weight Loss, we are giving a full 60-Day Money Back Guarantee.Just take 15 minutes a day and see how it changes your life.You can skip a few sessions if you need to, but the more you do, the better.See how your life changes over the next two months.Step on the scale once a week, or just wait until the end of the 60 days if you like.If you don't find yourself dramatically losing weight, looking better in the mirror, and feeling absolutely amazing about yourself...If your friends aren't grabbing you and asking, "What are you doing differently?"If you're not turning heads when you walk in the mall or down the street.Then just email me and we'll send you every penny back.You don't have to prove anything. We just appreciate you taking the time to try it out.But the worst thing you could do is not give it a chance.It's 15 minutes a day, listening to beautiful music... or a calming babbling brook.It's shorter than any grocery trip...Shorter than any workout...Shorter than even preparing a healthy salad most of the time.Either you'll start dropping weight almost magically...Or you're feel the enthusiastic desire to go do something nice with your body, and get incredible results.I can't tell you which path will happen for you, but either are wonderful.So if you find yourself losing 20 pounds and say, "I'm not satisfied because 15-Minute Weight Loss only made me love to diet and exercise perfectly."...Then sure, email me for a full refund if you like.But seriously, whether you end up losing weight "magically,"Or simply having the natural desire to take care of your body...You're going to be so happy you got 15-Minute-Weight Loss for your fitness, your health, and your life.So, click the button below right now, to get started.And just to make things even sweeter for you...I got Anthony to put 3 EXTRA SPECIAL BONUSES...Listen to this 15-minute recording right before bed... andIf you have any trouble sleeping, any trouble at all...Then this one bonus will be worth the entire program for you.Because you'll be so much more relaxed from getting a good night's sleep.You'll have so much more energy during your day...And having all that stress and disappear from insomnia... I'd say that's worth anything.So Anthony is being super-kind by throwing in this bonus for FREE.You have to act NOW to get it because he's really going on a limb offering it.Click the button below to get it immediately.Look, the fact is that most likely the weight you want to lose will not disappear overnight.But you can start looking more beautiful right away.

This is because what makes you attractive, charismatic, and flat out gorgeous...Is based on a lot more than your weight.It's how much tension or relaxation you have in your facial muscles.And the wonderful news is that you can start expressing yourself in an incredibly alluring way when you get your subconscious on board.So Anthony recorded a special subliminal session to make you feel and exude attractiveness right away.If you've ever had a night where you just feel "in the zone," super-sexy, and that everyone's looking at you...This audio will give you that same power.Click the button below to lock in your bonuses and get started with 15 Minute Weight Loss.The fact is we can all carry a lot of stress in our face and body...And that makes us create wrinkles, grey hairs, skin conditions, and other things that make us look older than we are...Or at least look older than we have to look.We also get told by friends, family, and the media that when we get older we're "supposed" to lose our physical youth with that.But you can reverse all of that!In this special subliminal recording, Anthony will train your subconscious to smooth out those wrinkles, relax your face....And you'll find that your friends start asking you what beauty treatment you're using...Because they'll feel like you suddenly look 5 years younger.And when you drop the stress, you'll see your hair comes out fuller, better colored, and more lustrous as well...But only if you get 15 Minute Weight Loss right now.Click the button below to get started.So what are you waiting for?What will it be like to be your perfect shape?Do you think it might add some juiciness to your current relationship, to have a sexier body?Or if you're single, do you think you might be more likely to find the perfect partner, if you get in great shape?Think about how much better you're going to move, feel, and live...If you drop that nasty extra weight that 100% of doctors and scientists agree is unhealthy.And think about your confidence.For me personally, losing weight was the best thing I ever did for my self-esteem.I feel better about myself than ever, and can truly look in the mirror and know I love myself.And that's the greatest thing of all.Any attention you get from others is just a nice cherry on top of an amazing life.So click the button below to begin your new life of easy fat loss and looking great.Remember that this option won't be open forever to you.If Anthony decides "You know, I'd rather just go back to only booking personal sessions"...Then this web page is GONE.You won't be able to find it anywhere.You find another hypnotist's product, but it won't have the Cymatic frequencies that really make the weight loss happenJust to maybe get what you would have gotten for the tiny investment below.Would you pay that kind of money on a “maybe”?Or would you rather try out 15 Minute Weight Loss today, for a tiny little investment that is not even the cost of a dinner at a fine restaurant.Remember that this is 100% money-back guaranteed.There is literally NO RISK to you.There’s no other program out there that’s like 15 Minute Weight Loss.This is the solution that you’ve been waiting for, to lose weightAnd if you don't like the program, you get to keep the "Deep Sleep" Bonus anyway!That means a lifetime of great sleep... just for trying it out!AND you get to keep "Look Great at Any Weight" and "Look Younger Now" recordings as well.But you do have to take action right now.Don't let your body down, don't let your health down...And please... don't let yourself down.This is your magic moment. Please take it.Click the button below to get your fat-releasing items immediately.I know you probably have some questions.So let me just see if I can cover some of them.A: Yes. There are countless scientific studies done on the effectiveness of “talking to the brain” using external brainwave frequencies.In fact, the research proves that using different brainwave frequencies can have a profound impact on EVERY SINGLE ASPECT of your life,including health, love and your overall happiness.

But the added element of hypnosis… or guided meditation…takes the scientifically-proven studies that back using external brainwave frequencies… and puts them on steroids.We’re using the theta brainwave frequency to access your subconscious mind.That’s not woo-woo, made up, pseudo-science; it’s a scientifically-proven FACT.And the added benefits of hypnosis “talk to” your limiting beliefs and stories about your body,and rewrites them with new, empowering conditioning that will change the way you see food and fitness.It’s that NEW conditioning that naturally directs your attention towards the body you really want…So you can start FINALLY sculpting the body you want.15 Minute Weight Loss helps you focus your attention onto the body you want, making it infinitely easier… and faster… to HAVE IT.A: The reason is simple. You are currently limited by your subconscious mind’s programming (your beliefs, judgments), period.Every diet works, every exercise program works... but if your subconscious is forcing you to crave McCheeseburgers all day and see exercise as some massively painful thing to do...Then no matter how good the diet and contraption are, you simply cannot sculpt a healthy, sexy body.That’s what 15 Minute Weight Loss does for you.It reprograms your subconscious, whereas those other programs could never even access your subconscious.15 Minute Weight Loss is the only weight loss program developed around cutting-edge brain science.So for the first time in your entire life...It’s not only POSSIBLE to get into amazing shape and have an incredibly sexy body…And when I say easy, I don’t mean everything just falls into your lap. Because that’s not actually what you want.Instead, you’ll experience one magical, miraculous breakthrough after the other.And you’re going to become someone who makes decisions based on what FEELS good, not what you “believe” you can or can’t do.That’s the inevitable transformation you’ll go through, when you watch your body change… as your subconscious is “rewritten.”A: You literally take zero risk with 15 Minute Weight Loss.You have a full 60-day guarantee!If at any point during that 60-day period, you decide it’s not for you,you can return it for a full refund. Every penny.No hassle...not a single question.Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!A: Well, right now, all that “learning” is part of what’s holding you back...until your subconscious is reprogrammed. Then...With new subconscious programming from 15 Minute Weight Loss,your subconscious will ACTIVATE much of that previous learning and training.A: Every person is different...and every brain responds differently to 15 Minute Weight Loss.Some experience powerful results the very first moment they put their headphones on.We ask that you use as directed: 15 minutes a day for 21 days before you fully evaluate your results.Keep this in mind: the results become cumulative.The longer...and more consistently...you use 15 Minute Weight Loss, the more dramatic your results will be.A: Yes, but not in the way you might think.First off, stop thinking about diet and exercise as separate “thing,” and just put them in the context of a lifestyle.Remember, your body is always becoming… WHERE your subconscious mind’s attention is focused… right now. No exceptions.All you need to do is clear away the toxic OLD STORY from your subconscious, and ALLOW 15 Minute Weight Loss’ reprogramming to reveal itself, effortlessly.A: I get this one a lot, because the idea of hypnosis scares some people.Now, the short answer is, absolutely not.There isn’t a single negative side-effect to using 15 Minute Weight Loss.If there was, I wouldn’t be offering it to you, right now.there has never been so much as a documented complaint about ANY negative side-effects.Nor has there ever been a single complaint from 15 Minute Weight Loss users.Virtually 100% of our customers who use this kind of subconscious reprogramming process report significant positive changes in as little as the first week.Nobody

ever once taught you HOW to direct your subconscious attention…Or that it’s your subconscious that determines what your body will look like.Now, the moment you take charge of your attention…You become the captain of your ship, so to speak, for probably the very first time in your life.The person you are, right now, won’t be joining you on your journey.In fact, the person you are, right now, will cease to exist.In the place of who you presently are…Will be someone who ONLY tells the story about his or her UNLIMITED Natural State of physical vitality and health.Who you are, right now, will hardly recognize the person you become; the person capable of ALLOWING into your life…The health and vitality you were created for.And if you don’t agree with me after using 15 Minute Weight Loss for yourself…We will refund every penny, no questions asked.A: Yes. Our site employs 256-bit encryption technologies using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) from trusted vendors like Verisign and Thawte to encrypt sensitive data.Your personal information could not be safer.Click the button below to get your fat-releasing items immediately. [ad_2] Click here to get 15 Minute Weight Loss at discounted price while it's still available... All orders are protected by SSL encryption – the highest industry standard for online security from trusted vendors. 15 Minute Weight Loss is backed with a 60 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee. If within the first 60 days of receipt you are not satisfied with Wake Up Lean™, you can request a refund by sending an email to the address given inside the product and we will immediately refund your entire purchase price, with no questions asked.

[valeriehalla]

This month I have been engaging in a project titled "Valerie's Back-To-School Babyfication," the story of which follows at length.

On November third, as the clock ticked nearer to midnight and I had still not managed to get any of the huge amount of work I planned to do done, frustration mounting to untold levels, I told myself this: If I can work for literally 30 minutes on literally anything at all, I will count it as a "win," and then I will play SNES games and eat clearance Halloween candy and go to bed.

How did I get to this level of dysfunction? Well, uhhhh. My work life is chaos. I mean this in the mathematical sense: It's a system that compounds upon itself unpredictably given small changes to its initial conditions. One day a long time ago (I assume), in the middle of what was probably a perfectly functional workweek, some distraction kept me from getting as much work done as I wanted. And I said, "No problem -- I'll make up for it tomorrow!"

When inevitably I didn't make up for it the next day, because the stress of the looming jumbo-sized workload just made me procrastinate rather than work harder or faster, I repeated myself: I'll simply do an absurd amount of work next time. And I really, truly believed in my ability to do this!!! I considered it a fully normal and realistic aspiration. You have no idea how long I can lead myself on like this. You're sitting there thinking, "eventually you're going to be telling yourself you're gonna do 25 hours of work in a day, and that's just silly." And you mean it as a joke, like as a logical demonstration of why this pattern of thinking is flawed. And I'm telling you:

For about a year, I carried on waking up every day fully intending to do months' worth of unfinished work before bed that same day.

Like, okay. I didn't think this literally. But I believed it in spirit and in practice. At some point I had been playing catch-up on a pile of work for so long that I didn't even remember when it had started accumulating. All I knew is that if I wanted to prove myself, to get things back to normal, to remember what it's like to be a functional human being, I had to catch up. I needed this. I needed a win.

The stress of this monumental self-imposed workload eventually meant that more days than not I went to bed having not done any work at all. Something would go just a little wrong with my day and I would know that This Isn't The One. This isn't The Day I Get My Life Back Together. I woke up a little too late, I spent a little too long reading, whatever. The size of the task demanded absolute perfection. The endeavor had to get off on the right foot.

I'm like the most cartoonish morning person you've ever met. No matter what happened the previous day, I always woke up feeling nothing but excitement about the endless possibilities of the day ahead of me. This quirk gave my emotional highs and lows the characteristic shape of a sawtooth wave: Sky-high morale in the morning, steadily decreasing as the day wears on and the perfect possibilities turn into mediocre realities, until my body hits the bed in utter dejection.

Occasionally I would luck into a string of days that really did go just right, and I would sputter back into a work machine. But as time went on and the pile of unfinished dreams grew, this got rarer and rarer. Eventually, with the help of a few tragic life events, my dysfunctional freefall hit terminal velocity. I didn't have the ability to have a functional workday anymore. Even still, I carried on picking up my pieces, believing full-heartedly that tomorrow would be the day.

This utterly depressing cycle would have surely continued unto my death and perhaps even my subsequent reincarnations had it not been for the events of November 3rd, when, in a fit of frankly maniacal frustration, I told myself that I would call it a win if I could just do thirty minutes of work on literally anything.

You wanna know what happened?

I mean, I kind of doodled awkwardly for 30 minutes until the kitchen timer went off and then set my tablet aside and ate candy. The doodle wasn't even good, like, it completely sucked because by this point I hadn't actually drawn anything in about a month?

Here's the part that's really stupid. I decided to commit to the bit. I decided that this really did count as a win. It was the first win I'd given myself in God knows how long -- a year?? Long enough that the idea of what constituted a "win" had become nebulous and fleeting, like chasing my own shadow. So it felt, honestly, darkly humorous to call this thirty minutes of trashy scribbling a victory worthy of spending the rest of the night relaxing.

I did, though. And I thought to myself: "Maybe tomorrow I can try for 45 minutes."

This is what I've been calling my "Back-To-School Babyfication Project." (Read the title in the same voice as "Human Instrumentality Project," please.) The rules are simple: Every day, try doing fifteen more minutes of work than the previous day, unless the previous day sucked, in which case try the same amount. I briefly considered adding half an hour a day, because I wanted to get up to what I once considered "full speed" as soon as possible, but I stuck with 15 minutes. I mean, am I not the baby who is going back to school?

I'm all the way up to 2 hours and 45 minutes now, which, if you're the math-doing type, you'll notice means I actually failed this challenge a few times in the past couple weeks, so great is my dysfunction. But I'm winning more often than I'm not. And when the timer beeps, I put work away and don't think about it.

It owns!!!

I'm using kind of self-deprecating language here, but I need you to understand that I feel incredibly empowered. I decided for once to not believe in myself, and the results have been life-changing. It's actually great to be The Baby Who's Going Back To School!!!

It is my nature that I sometimes have to learn simple lessons over and over again. Here's a simple lesson: If you want to climb a mountain, you should probably, like -- I don't know, try climbing a rock first? Maybe some stairs? Even if you've climbed a mountain before -- even if you've built your whole identity as a human being around climbing mountains in a unique and personally meaningful way -- you probably can't just, like, decide to do it if you've spent the last forever not doing it.

One more: The stuff that you do that's not climbing mountains or rocks or whatever is non-optional. You don't stroll up to a mountain, try getting up there, fail, and then just, like, hang out indefinitely until the spirit of rock climbing inhabits your body once again. Like a hungry Sim who couldn't find a path to the microwave so now they're just standing in the kitchen crying and peeing themselves as their green gem turns red. You're gonna die up on that mountain, little baby!! You need to sip some juice and go back to school!!

See what I mean? Really, really obvious lessons. But I found ways to not learn them. I don't know why, or how. (Let's be honest: It's probably ADHD.) I'm just like this, and I won't get anywhere by pretending I'm not.

For those in the back, this is what I'm learning at baby school, without the metaphor:

Productivity is all about habits. You will always tend to do whatever it is you already tend to do. If you want to develop better habits, take your time and start small.

You have to clearly delineate work from the rest of your life. This is hard when you're self-employed and you work from home, and harder still if you're some kind of artist, because that means that your work is also probably the thing you (at least theoretically) like to do more than anything in the world. But you must: You have to be able to imagine a world in the far future -- of like 9 PM -- in which you are no longer working because you stopped working because it was time to stop working, because that means you're allowed to do things other than work!! Even Minecraft doesn't count as procrastination when you're officially Off Work!!

Be strict about your limits. Never work unpaid overtime, even for yourself. Under no circumstances ever fall into the mindset of playing "make-up" for yesterday's unfinished business. Definitely never do it twice!!

Sometimes winning is just losing with grace and clarity of purpose.

Anyway I have to go draw for almost three whole hours, so I'll see you later!!! ILU bye!!!

[filthforfriends]

First Warning

DILFiano CW: morally grey age gap and power dynamics

Word count: 2.5k

This is the worst thing I’ve ever tasted in my life. Those were your thoughts while choking down your first shot of Malibu. Icarus’ room may have been on the far end of the house, but they were still being too loud.

“Take another shot,” Elliot cheered. You did a hybrid of shushing them and gagging. Moxy and Icarus were laying on the floor cackling. Being the most sober of the group is never awesome, but seems to always be the position you find yourself in. Today was the last day of high school for seniors, with graduation only two and a half weeks away. Celebration had started as soon as you got in Elliot’s back seat, taking a dab that made you sure of impending death for an hour afterwards.

“C’mon, do another,” Icarus hiccupped. It seemed the three of them had some super human capacity in terms of THC consumption. The whole group was cross faded, except you, who’d refused to smoke anymore. After that shot of coconut flavored poison you were about to refuse alcohol too.

“No! You can’t make me drink that shit,” you protested, trying to get the sickly sweet taste out of your mouth. “Ugh! Do we have anything else?” Icarus handed you a cranberry chaser.

“Just steal some of the cheap stuff from the liquor cupboard! They won’t notice anyway.”

“Are you sure they’re asleep?” In another house you wouldn’t dare, but the Davids had given you the occasional glass of wine with dinner. Plus their place was huge, so the master bedroom was somewhat out of hearing range from the kitchen.

“Yeah, yeah! They were having a talk, so they’ve been in their room all night.” She put dramatic air quotes up, rolling her eyes. There had been some vague references to separation, but they hadn’t officially broken the news. They didn’t need to, it was apparent to anyone familiar with divroce.

“Okay, I will be back -” you almost trip, trying to stand up.

“Look at y/n, about to break the rules,” Moxy teased.

“Yeah, yeah, you need water anyway, dumbass.”

“And you're the best!”

“Thank you, y/n!” You shush them before opening the door and stepping out into the hall. The house is dark, but you tiptoe to the kitchen just the same, not wanting to wake Alexander, Icarus’ younger brother. Carefully, you turn the open bottles so you can see the label, and google the price. Selecting the cheapest one, you set it down on their granite countertop as lightly as possible. One ceramic mug knocks against the other when you reach blindly into the cupboard. After wincing, you pour a tiny amount into a Maneskin coffee cup and tag swig.

It's awful, truly terrible, somehow too sweet and too sour. Is this what red wine is supposed to taste like? Only after forcing yourself to swallow did you realize it had probably gone bad. You hear a chuckle and freeze, not as if that’s going to help at this point.

“Pretty terrible right?” Damiano is shirtless in plaid pajama pants, standing on the threshold of the kitchen.

“Shit I’m so, so sorry Dami.” That’s what Chiara calls him. “Sorry, Damiano. I - fuck - I mean sorry. It’ll never happen again.” You feel your heart stop and your body go cold, like you’re made of stone.

“At least you drank the cheap stuff,” he shrugs. You realize he’s not angry, in fact he's wearing a wry grin. Immediately, the tether from that day in the hall pulls so hard your chest hurts.

“What happens when you drink wine that’s gone bad? Not that I don’t deserve it.” He chuckles again, and this time you can see the way laughter moves his body. His chest rumbles, and he takes a few short breaths from his stomach. The black ink drilled into his olive skin draws your gaze to a dozen different places at once. Dami had covered himself with art, even though his body was art, in its own right.

“It’s not spoiled. Icarus stole from the bottle and filled it back up with grape juice.” He pushes off the counter from his hip, walking towards you. “My daughter thinks I’m a fucking idiot,” he rolls his eyes, plafully. “When I heard you, I was hoping she’d come to learn her lesson.”

“Shit, I woke you up too.”

“No, no, I was already awake. Couldn’t sleep,” he dismissed. A shadow crossed over his face, and you must be an open book, because he sees your concern like the words were written across your forehead. “You seem much more sober than I expected.”

“Really?”

“Well, when Icarus dragged you through the door it looked like you were on a different planet. At 3 p.m.” The visual of Dami watching you being pulled across his foyer with your pupils blown out, only 70% conscious made you burst out laughing. He took a couple quick steps towards you.

“Shh, shh, shh.” For a moment, his upheld finger brushed your lips as he signaled you to be quiet. From that place of origin, fire ripped through your veins, and the meeting of your bodies felt inevitable. When your eyes connected for half a second, you saw a barely contained hunger. There was some monster he was trying to tame inside him, determined to be decent. It was the most exciting thing you’d ever felt in your life. Better than winning competitions, and awards, or your acceptance letter to Dartmouth, because there was nothing clean and shiny about it. You wanted Damiano like an addict wanted heroin.

“Chiara’s asleep,” he whispered. You went ice cold, and the fear of waking Damiano’s wife must have been so prominent on your face that it was comical. He was bent over laughing, in near silence, and somehow you ended up joining him, leaning against the kitchen counter as your ribcage shook. His eyes were crinkled, and the smile lines reminded you of all the years he’d stayed youthful, rather than his age. Dami had more youth in him than any teenager you’d met. He was overflowing with life, but that somehow had become so stifled, that a sour expression on your face had his eyes welling up with repressed joy.

“Christ, I haven’t laughed that hard in weeks,” he wiped his eyes. When he raised his arm, you spotted the irritated skin around a fresh ink. It was two figures in ankle deep water, bent forward as if they were walking into the wind.

“Who are they?” His face crumpled in confusion, but you reached forward to his arm, fingerings brushing the outer edges of the tattoo. You almost couldn’t believe that your skin was touching his, your hand trembled. He didn’t brush you off, just rotated his arm so the tattoo was easier to see.

“It’s Deucalion and Pyrrha. They’re mortals.” He pauses, and you realize he hasn’t had to explain this one before. You’ve caught him off guard, and this has an equalizing effect that you revel in. The air becomes laden with something compelling and unspeakable. You don’t dare look him in the eyes, lest his gaze tell you to take a step back.

“Greek mythology right?”

“Yeah, but also biblical. Deucalion is the equivalent of Noah.” Looking closer, you see that the characters are carrying something.

“What are they holding?”

“Stones. After the arc, Deucalion and his wife Pyrrha are told by Hermes to throw stones over their shoulders as they walk. The stones turned into people. It’s how they repopulate the earth after the flood.” His fingers brush yours as he points to Pyrrha, and you let your hand fall from his arm.

“He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her,” you recite, finally making eye contact. He nods minutely, then turns back towards his arm before the tension can build. “So is it a contradiction?”

“Very good,” he praises, but without the tone of a teacher. You feel warm everywhere. “Even though we’re not supposed to throw the first stone, doing so rebuilds humanity. There is no world without judgment.”

“Life isn’t as simple as a bible quote. Y’know I’ve been making this case for years.” Brushing it off with cynicism feels wrong. “It’s about life’s inherent complexity. It’s not something you would have gotten when you were younger?” At my age.

“Definitely not, I was an idealist,” he sighs. Some memory makes him perceptibly wince. His routine must be full of landmines that pain him with regret.

“Only adults get tattoos about how the world is full of hypocrites,” you quip, then immediately regret your words. “Sorry, that was -”

“Don’t worry,” he smiles. Dami walks across the kitchen towards the open liquor cabinet. “You’re good company.” It's a saving grace that his back is turned, so he doesn’t see how much these words affect you. Good company: he spoke to you like an adult. You were 18, but it was stupid to expect him to see you that way. And yet, here you were laughing in his kitchen, talking religious philosophy, while his wife was asleep in their bedroom. You should feel guilty, but you don’t. Not even as your eyes memorize every line his body makes.

He reaches to the top shelf with a smal, endearing groan  as he retrieves a bottle. From behind the liquor, Damiano pulls a stout wine bottle. You can tell it’s expensive with the amount of expertise put into the design. The label is embossed in gold.

“I hide it from vulture children,” he grins, oh so charming. The sphinx on his side is stretched over his rib cage when Dami reaches above the wine glasses to the crystal, and pulls out two flutes. One for each of you. He’s letting you in on a secret and that burns between your legs.

“Now that you’ve had to suffer through Icarus’ concoction, I think you should taste some good wine.” He uncorks it and pours each of you a glass, looking over his shoulder at you. “You don’t have to try it if you don’t want to.” You unfreeze, finally, moving across the kitchen towards him. Dami speaks with a casual confidence that you envy.

“Oh, I do,” you assure. Leaning against the counter, Damiano hands you heavy glass. “I’ve never drank from crystal,” you confess. This seems to please him.

“To your future.” You expect one of his megawatt smiles, but his face is serious, a genuine toast to you. The wine flutes clink and you follow Damiano as he smells the liquid before drinking it.

“Slow down. Explore all the sensations” he coaches. “Appearance, smell, taste, feel.” There's something dangerously sensual about his words.

“Feel?” you squeak.

“Does it burn going down?”

“No. It’s smooth…and it's lush.” You smell it again, swirl it around in your mouth, before swallowing.

“Lush,” he ponders. “That's an excellent way to put it. You’d enjoy wine tasting, I think.” Then take me. I’ll go anywhere you want, do anything. My body is ripe for the taking, tissue all but overflowing with sweet juice to coat your tongue. Meanly, you thought of Chiara’s body after two kids and a couple decades. Your breasts are perkier, skin taut. How many years since Dami had touched a body so unsoiled?

“You think I’d like it?” you prompt, craving the timbre of his voice, which was far richer than the wine.

“I do,” he looks at you slyly while taking a sip. “Just don’t swish it around like mouthwash.” The blush burns at the tips of your ears, but there's that full smile, so perfect you don’t care that it came at your expense. Wanting to hide your embarrassment, you turn towards the counter and study the bottle. It's what you imagine a woman taken to wine tastings would do. Golden ribbon ran through the branches of a tree and you trace the indentation of the label with your index finger.

“That's the oldest tree in the orchard,” Dami explained. He stood right behind you, deconstructing the design, but all you could focus on was his proximity. His radiant heat reached your skin, his smell nearly imperceptible, unlike that time you brought Icarus home. Your body yearned for the stench of his sweat. Dami’s breath hit the back of your neck as he spoke in hushed tones, and you steeled yourself.

Turning around, your nose nearly brushed Dami’s from proximity. He didn’t jump backward, but looked back at you, surprised. It was like electricity lay between your two bodies, and would only let you move forward, never back. No one could invade this little bubble, not even real doubt. This time you let your eyes wander to his shapely lips, remembering how he had gazed at yours. You looked back to his eyes; the shock had worn off, and they were hooded, gazing languidly at you. Forcing bravery, you leaned forward infinitesimally and crossed some invisible boundary. Damiano jumped back like the electricity had shocked him.

“No, no,” he chastised. At first his voice was shaky, then stern. “This can’t happen, you can’t be attracted to me.” You should be horrified, but barely concealed under Dami’s discouraging tone was hysteria.

“But, I am,” you answer, feigning calm.

“No, this is all part of sexual discovery. You’re becoming a woman. When you’re young people have chemistry who shouldn’t.” He’s rattling off justifications like he wants to convince himself. Dami runs his hands through his hair compulsively, until it's greasy from the sweat on his palms. “It’s animal, we can’t help it. This will pass, it happens far less when you’re an adult.”

“So when was the last time this happened for you?”

“I – that doesn’t matter.” He takes two strides to the sink and rinses his face in cold water. He skittish, and internally he’s punishing himself.

“You said ‘we.’” you persist. If Dami tells you that you’re another silly teenage girl with a crush, you’ll drop it. “Who was the last person you had an animal attraction to?” He sighs, gripping the edge of the sink, and shaking his head.

“You’re too smart for your own good.” The moonlight through the kitchen window illuminates the gray in his hair. The wine has stained his lips red, but also his teeth. Why can’t something be beautiful without others being ugly? Why do you have to be young and Damiano to be old? Why does the equilibrium of the universe leave everything bruised?

“What does that mean?”

“Y/n, we can’t ever talk about this again.” His hand waves swiftly, like the blade of an executioner. Little does Damiano know that you’d love to be his secret, dirty thing, thrown scraps occasionally to keep it alive. You’d be debased for him.

“Why?”

“Why?” he sneers, tone venomous. It’s a stupid question, but you didn’t expect so much bitterness in his answer. Biting his lip, Damiano shakes his head rapidly, in disbelief. Staring at the ceiling, he lets out a pained sigh, finally leveling his gaze with you again. It was the first time he’d beg with his eyes.

“Okay,”  you let him off the hook. Somehow, he looks more pained, like even then Dami knew there was no fending this off. He gives a decisive, final nod, and in the one gesture decades catch up to him. The failed marriage, two kids, mortgage payments, and credit card financing. A slant of moonlight hits him as he turns and leaves the kitchen. The gray of his hair is the same shade as the blade of a knife.

Notes: a reminder that I'm always writing characters that are not me or representative of me, but an extra bonus reminder since I'm pretending to be an 18 year old in love with her friends dad. this part in the series turned out to be a fic, but other parts will vary in length. thank you for reading!

Notice: tags aren’t consistently working so I’d really appreciate reblogs!

@gr8rainbowpunk @homesicam @hiraetheral @l0standn0tf0und @iosonoarina @teenyweenynightghost @elvirabelle @8iunie @immrbrightsideeee @idyllicbutterfly @ilwiwbysmv @superchrystaldrug @que--sera--sera @theimpossiblehologramtree @blackberryblossom @weareoddlydrawn @asianhawkeye @butkutee @iamtashaquinn @maneslut @maneskintifoso @little-moonbeam-666 @obiw4n @minnietmouse @thatonebraziliangirl @bohemianrainbow @xweirdxsceletton @daisy0gf @boyswillbeexecutied @stardustingold @damoriaa @teacosea @whore4damia @ohdamiano @wasteddoubts

[huenjin]

just wanna be loved.

pairing: hyunjin x reader | bff2l!au, pornstar!au, lawyer!au

word count: 4.512 words.

tw: pornstar!hyunjin, mentions of alcohol, nsfw content — dick piercing!hyunjin, dom!hyunjin, porn shooting [mutual masturbation, blow job], making out, office sex, blow job, hand job, mouth fucking, deep throating, a lil ball play, just a lil, facial, fingering, clitoral stimulation. establishment of fwb relationship !! reader is super heartless !! and hyunjin must be protected at all costs !!!

music rec: can you hold me | nf

note: pt ii. of the pornstar!hyunjin series. read pt i. here. it's finally here and it has a plot. thank you for convincing me to make this into a series, i'm grateful and i hope you enjoy this as much as i did writing. unedited, like every other work of mine.

hyunjin swears to god that he has been at the very brim of snapping at the next person he sees.

see, hyunjin is a very patient person, usually. very very patient. but with how you are ignoring his calls blatantly, his head spirals out of control. it is the pent up frustration of being forgotten even temporarily by you that gets him on the verge to snap.

and not even his hands moving frantically up and down his dick before the woman in front of him as she touches herself to the sight of a naked man masturbating — lights hitting off the piercings to make the angles sharper as the camera pans out from his hands wrapped around his cock to the scene before them — is enough to get this anger to fuel down.

how dare you ignore him after everything that went down? after him saying he doesn't want to lose his friendship, after him saying you're the one person in his life that he cherishes the most?

his hand moves quicker and the woman crawls forward. her hand is still covering her core as her fingers plunge deep into her, the squelching sounds so loud to hyunjin's ears. she sticks her tongue out only to lick small stripes at the head of his cock, her tongue circling around his piercings.

hwang hyunjin is usually a calm person but the very thought of this woman not being you, is more than enough to anger him today.

the black hair he now dons is slick with sweat and sticks to his forehead. you should have noticed that. he storied it on instagram, for fuck's sake, just to get your attention and what does he get in return? nothing. usually, you would tease him over his poor scalp, or tell him that he looked good. this time, however, he gets dirty silence and he knows he is to be blamed.

hyunjin rubs his cock from the base as the woman wraps her lips around the head, tongue lapping every single drop of precum from that oozes out from him. not that porn ever subjected him to fantasise about the woman before him, his mind automatically shifts to you.

and god, were you beautiful that night under him. it's your breasts that come into his head first, the way your hands trailed over them and played with them before him. the way you begged for him. the way you were his even if it were just a night.

and that's enough to bring him close. you are enough to break down hyunjin completely and leave him defenseless. he ruts into his hand and the woman moves further down, taking hyunjin more as he gasps.

hyunjin signals at the director and he calls for a cut. the woman takes him out from his mouth and he comes undone in his hand. he spills all over his hand messily, spilling it on to his stomach and his thigh. the staff members rush into the scene — to help hyunjin clean himself up and to his co-star with a good amount of fake cum lube that she fills her mouth with for the next take.

maybe hyunjin did ruin a friendship. he should bear the consequences rightfully.

but not until he hears it from you. hyunjin needs to hear it directly from you.

that is what leads hyunjin to your law office — kim and chang — right after his shoot. the sun has set and he knows you would be done with work for the day hopefully, unless you took up even more pro bono cases to keep yourself busy. at least this is what hyunjin keeps saying in his head to justify you ignoring him.

he has been here before and he knows exactly where your office is. hyunjin used to brag once upon a time about being a very level headed person, about how he wants what he wants. that's what made him take this whole pornstar path as he studies law at the same time. he wants to work here in seoul's biggest law firm, with you. the path to that, however, is a tough one (and an expensive one) and he knows. but if there is one thing hyunjin knows, it is that time is a bitch.

and time is such a huge bitch that hwang hyunjin walks in to your office exactly when seo changbin, your boyfriend, breaks up with you.

(not that he wasn't expecting it. just that he hoped it were already done and that it was you dumping seo's shitty arse.)

"we can't do this anymore, y/n. you and i," he sighs, "we're not compatible. you're broken and—"

"hate to break in between," hyunjin clutches the wooden door of your office room tightly, anger seething through him as soon as he heard the word you and broken in the same sentence. "but, don't pin your inefficiency on the girl, man."

"excuse me?" seo changbin looks like he got slapped on his face. hyunjin's eyes flickers momentarily towards you — your delicate figure holding the wooden edges of your table in disbelief, and he knows you — you who would normally do a good job defending as a lawyer, would do a pathetic job right now defending your honour because you loved seo changbin once upon a time and your heart could never set you upto that again.

"i said what i said, dude," hyunjin walks in to the office completely. he leaves the door open, wider than before almost as if he is signaling changbin to walk out, that this is not his place for him to walk and do what he wants, that you are your own individual and you deserved so much better — someone who would love you for the most perfect being you are in his eyes (albeit that being not him as much as he wishes it could be).

changbin drifts his gaze from the man to you and asks, "were you dating someone else while you were with me?"

"hyunjin is not someone else, binnie," you bite your lower lip. "and no, i was not. this breakup involves just the two of us. we don't need a third person involved to ruin what we had. the two of us were enough to burn it down into ashes."

"i'll see you tomorrow then," changbin shuffles the balance on his feet, looking uncomfortably at you and shooting hyunjin a look filled with disgust. "are you looking at some pro bono cases and staying overtime? i told you—"

"you don't have a tag anymore to tell me anything, changbin. so drop it. i'll do what i have to do." your voice is ice cold and even hyunjin, a third person in this whole scene, feels the shudder run down his spine.

changbin drops his shoulders in defeat and merely mumbles, "let's get along well, y/n. we are colleagues after all," before leaving your office. you take a step back, chest steadily rising and falling and you lean against your office table, your grip on it strong.

and if there is one thing that can make him forget everything — his emotions, his well being, his sanity — it is you. the very sight of you hurting with all the built up emotions from what just happened makes hyunjin forget the anger of being forgotten.

all he wants to do at this point is be there for you.

he looks at your quivering figure, head down and he knows your eyes are probably brimming with the tears you are trying to hold back. your knuckles are pale at how hard you are holding the table and hyunjin hates how another man just hurt you right before him.

hyunjin carefully takes a step forward, mumbling, "do you want a hug?"

you nod, your head down and your gaze on your feet firm on the tiled floors of your office. you can hear the soft foot steps of your best friend getting louder with every millisecond before his arms wrap around your figure and he is pulling you into his warm chest, humming the tune you are so familiar with from him. his embrace is warm, and his big, strong arms seemed very protective when wrapped around your frail body. the world around you melts away as you squeezed him back, not wanting the moment to end.

and you sob. soft coughed up sobs that you tried so hard to hold it in but it was all useless. the minute hyunjin's arms wrapped around you, you let lose and unhinged. it was always like that.

because hyunjin was like an anchor to you. he was the anchor to steady your capsized boat in the storms. he didn't necessarily have to also be the lighthouse but for you, hyunjin being the anchor was more than enough right now.

"i'm not going to apologise for ignoring you, hwang," you mumble into his chest as hyunjin pats your head gently. you pull away after a second more and lean back against the table. you look down for a short while before turning back and grabbing the green bottle of soju, half empty, and chugging it down your esophagus.

hyunjin's eyes widen and he's about to stop you when you're all done and have slammed the bottle down on the table, cheeks heating up in the effect of what hyunjin would seem is the trick of the light.

hyunjin has seen you twice in the span of two weeks and both the times you were drunk, not to the level of passing out and waking up with a hangover — the two of you were not kids anymore for that — but still intoxicated enough to magnify every intense emotion you felt within you.

and if it were lust and validation the last time, this time it was the angst of putting up with a man trashy enough to now have the tag of your ex.

"can you get me—"

"use me."

"what?"

hyunjin bites his lower lip before tugging away at the dead skin in nervousness. he runs a hand through his black hair, on which your eyes unhelpfully linger for a second more than usual. he takes a step forward and repeats with strong affirmation, "use me, y/n. you're good at it. you're good at using people. that's what makes you an insanely good lawyer. you know who to keep close, who to get attached to and what to get from them. so i insist, use me as anything as you want. i'll be your best friend, your punch bag, your comfort, your drinking buddy, your anything. just—" he gulps, before locking his gaze with yours, eyes almost shining as if they held stars behind his irises. "just use me."

there is a small part in you that is deeply offended by the words that come from his mouth; by the words he so carelessly managed to throw around without bothering to think about how it would affect him. but the magnified, intense emotion to want to stop thinking, have the oxygen supply to your brain cut off for just a while to rid you of all the thoughts is higher.

"i—"

"do you not want to? of course i do understand—"

"shut up," you groan and the next thing your body prompts you to do is grab his wrist, pull him closer, turn around and pin him against your office desk as you kiss him, lips crashing against his and moving as if he was exactly what you needed after a rough day.

hyunjin doesn't exactly remember when and where things started going down the hill. you were his best friend. you are his best friend and yet best friends don't kiss. best friends don't fuck and for sure, best friends don't tell the other to use them only for them to knock the living lights out of them with a kiss that slips consciousness out of him.

hell be damned, he wasn't even sure if he was dreaming right now, but there was a raw emotion in the way you kissed him and in the way you leaned upwards slightly to curl your fingers in his hair and tug at it as you angled the kiss, lips moving against his in a separate emotion altogether.

best friends definitely do not do this.

you part your lips and feel hyunjin washing over like a wave of warmth, curling your toes, unfurling all your senses as the taste of him nearly silenced all thoughts. exactly as you wanted him and if his taste was what blocked everything, you needed more.

your whole body tingled, the feel of his frame leaning on yours further as his arms wrapped around yours feels nearly forbidden. you pull back, breath uneasy and gaze wavering at your best friend and you know he's what he is — insatiable as fuck. hyunjin pulls you in, claiming your mouth again, hungry and intense, until your knees almost give in. by the time you are aware of your own fingers, they had already slipped under his shirt, his skin smooth and radiating heat.

you pull back, chest rising frantically and you grip his white shirt tightly, yout hand soaking in the warmth of his body as you let go of his shirt and your fingers play with the edges of his pants.

"fuck my mouth," you say quickly, before kneeling down, unbuttoning his pants, looking upwards for a sign of approval and hyunjin's breath hitches. what ever would the porn he stars in account to when you are a whole fucking porn on legs?

"are you sure? i mean, i could give you an or—"

"later. stop overthinking everything," you sigh. "we'll do that later together. now can i or should i stop?"

hyunjin's hand moves down messily to unzip his pants and your lips curve upwards as you look at the man being reckless. he pulls his pants down in a rush along with his boxers only for his half erect cock to hit his stomach slightly before presenting itself to you.

when hyunjin fantasised about having your mouth wrapped around his cock earlier that day, he definitely didn't expect it this soon. but here you were, before him on your knees, taking his hardened dick in your hands as you spit on his shaft and move your hands over it slightly. it is probably the emotions and the feelings he holds for you that get him to harden and grow further in your grip and your eyes widen before you look away.

your thumb rubs against the frenum piercings — three consecutively to make a small ladder arrangement and you gasp. this must feel insane when he fucks your mouth — just as good as it did when he fucked you hard weeks back.

you look back up at him, hand moving around his shaft a little more rigidly and you tell him, "the black hair suits you better. fuck, you look like sex with that so, keep it," and you take his head into your mouth before hyunjin could say anything. he stutters, hand gripping the table tightly as you hollow your mouth and take him, tongue rolling against the metal balls on the underside of his cock.

"f-fuck," hyunjin gasps, head rolling back as you take more of him into your mouth, sucking on it lewdly. "your mouth feels so good, y/n, oh my—" and he moans so loud that you find yourself dampening your panties with your own arousal. hyunjin has pretty, pretty moans. it's deep, guttaral and makes you want to emit more of those from his pretty lips.

you take him out of your mouth, kissing the head, sucking at it with just your lips. you kiss him down his shaft, tongue lapping against the frenum piercings a little longer than you should and hyunjin knows by now for sure — you love his piercings.

"wow, you're getting harder," you gasp as you lick the precum from the head of his shaft before licking up from the base of his cock to the very top. you suck a little more of just his head, so delectable and angry, and hyunjin groans, hand finally leaving the table to hold your hair strongly.

"don't tease, y/n," and his voice is so strong that you can't help yourself but take him finally into your mouth, hollowing as much as you can as you slowly take him completely in your mouth and hyunjin releases a series of swear words laced with your name in the middle.

it's the sight of you in your formal shirt and pencil skirt, so prim and proper and yet you are taking him in your mouth, emitting such lewd sounds that it's pornographic. it's the way he feels you taking him in as deep as you can to get used to his length and girth. it's the way he see you slip your fingers secretly into your panties to rub your clit. it's the way you occasionally look at him from below, with tears in your eyes as you take him as deep as you can, choking on his cock.

if he were to pinpoint one, hyunjin could never. he would hold every single reason responsible for him to grip harder on your head and to thrust into your mouth just as you asked from him.

"you wanted this, right?" he groans, harshly, voice octaves deeper. "wanted my big fucking cock down your throat just to make you dumb and make you forget about everything. you wanted me to fuck your mouth so hard and to shoot my cum down your throat."

hyunjin's cock is heavy and warm on your tongue. he thrusts into your mouth and your right hand shovestwo fingers deep into your sopping core at the exact same time, trying to match his pace. the tears stream down from your face and all you can think is how good you feel being fucked like this, to have hyunjin's cock in your mouth. your jaw begins to ache from the constant task of fitting his fat girth into your mouth, but the feeling of him sliding against your tastebuds — the metal balls dragging against your wet tongue — and battering the back of your throat makes your eyes roll into the back of your head. hyunjin's grip on your hair is stronger to position your face and yet you release another moan, the vibrations rolling against his cock as his hips snaps forward to push his cock deeper.

the gags that leave your mouth is loud, the wet drippings leaking along with the sputtering afters of precum from the side of your mouth and staining your white shirt. your panties are soiled with how hard and fast you plunge your fingers in to bring you close.

"oh god," hyunjin's grip loosens on your hair for a bit before he continues thrusting into your mouth lightly. "god, i could fuck your mouth all night long and then fuck your cunt even harder." he grabs a fist full of your hair to hold you down before he goes back to thrusting harder into your mouth.

"eyes on me, baby. i'm going to shove my dick down your throat, okay?" he says. you quickly nod, your thumb rubbing your clit harshly and then he shoves you down his length and holds you still. you can feel his dick at the very back of your mouth as you choke on it, tears spilling messily down your face and ruining your makeup. hyunjin counts slowly, "five. four. three. two," and he slowly lets go, "one."

you gasp, breathing in as much air as you can as he takes his dick out, "that's my good girl. so good for me. now let me fuck your mouth again, oh good lord."

he holds your jaw with his other hand, pressing slightly in an attempt not to hurt you more as he holds your hair with the other. hyunjin angles your face up to look at him. your eyes are watery, makeup ruined and may the fury of the hells be with him, but he would sin and fornicate a twenty times more if this is the sight before him. you've ruined hyunjin for every other girl now and you don't even realise it.

hyunjin's hips begin to stutter soon, losing their tempo has he chased his orgasm. how ironic that he asked you to use him and yet here you were letting him use you in turn. his grip on your hair tightens as he feels it tightening in him. the room is filled with nothing but the sound of his balls slapping against your chin, muffled moans coming from your stuffed mouth and rapid panting from him.

hyunjin's breathing hitches and you remove your fingers from your cunt. it is sticky and coated with your arousal as you reach out to use the same hand to hold his balls. hyunjin gasps, holding your head a little stronger as you play with it when he fucks your mouth.

"fucking killing me," he grunts. "you're fucking killing me, y/n." you press your tongue flat as hyunjin finally drags his cock out. you gasp heavily, mouth sore and aching and vision blurry. however, all you can think is of rolling your numb tongue against his metal piercings and you do the very same, tugging at it occasionally.

“fuck, y/n!” he grunts out, trying to hold out a loud moan. his hips still surges forward to hit the bridge of your nose. you wrap your hands around his cock, feeling him become even more rigid in your grip. your rub his length as quick as you can till his dick quivers and hyunjin repeats under his breath, "i'm going to come, i'm going to come, i'm goi— fuck!"

hyunjin comes undone on your face. white spurts leaving his cock and coating your cheeks and your chin only to drop down onto your blouse and stain it further and it is a sight to behold. seeing you covered in his cum, almost like he was marking you, is enough to make him go hard again. your eyes are wide as he spurts his release on your face and the side of your neck and it's all so messy and hot that it has you leaving your mouth open unknowingly.

his brown eyes take in the sight of your swollen pink lips, cheeks tinged red and covered in tears and spit, and now his cum. hyunjin feels his cock twitch slightly as a pang of arousal shoots through his body again. but he has to ignore that. you are worn out and he needs to attend to your needs now that he knows you just gave him one mind blowing orgasm and in return hasn't had any.

hyunjin is about to lift you up when you hold his wrist, tongue jutting out to lick all the cum by the side of your lips, taking in as much as you can with your tongue and hyunjin gulps at the sight, his adam's apple bobbing oh so visibly.

"i have a proposition," you say. your voice almost sounds like something grating against the sand paper and hyunjin can't help but feel proud (as worried as he is). he listens to you as he squats down to maintain eye contact with you.

"oh?" he raises his eyebrows at you and you nod. hyunjin is trying his best to focus on you and your words and not how his come is on your face, marking you up to him as his.

"let's be friends with benefits."

and that was enough for him to focus back on your words. his feet is firm on the floor as he asks, "what?"

"it's a win-win situation, clearly. i need you for many reasons." you lift your hand up to count. "a) you're my best friend and i value this friendship a lot." hyunjin scoffs and you choose to ignore it as you continue, lifting another finger up, "b) you're the only one who has made me come and i need orgasms and validation. you give me both. we'll be exclusive and the minute you want to date someone, we break this off."

hyunjin feels his chest heavy. why are you making this so much harder? why are you jeopardizing everything? he doesn't know if this arrangement would be for the better or for the worse but after giving him the best orgasm he has had in a while and with all the oxytocin streaming in his blood veins, he knows his decision could account for all his miseries turning from unrequited love to rejection.

"and?"

"c) i haven't been able to explore much sexually, changbin being my first and everything and i want you to teach me as much as you know with your experience," you lift the third finger before closing them all and looking at him with nothing but hope.

"come again?"

"that's the plan," you laugh at your own joke to calm the uneasy tension in the room. "but it's true. that was the first time a guy has fucked my mouth or deep throated me and i fucking loved it."

hyunjin gulps visibly, his dick hardening and you look down at it. "you know you can say yes," you mumble as you desperately shift your gaze back at your best friend. "please? you could teach me how to come on my own."

"what's in it for me, y/n? every single point you said benefits you more than it does for me." hyunjin sits down, bringing his knees closer to him as he wraps his arms around it.

"you told me to use you. isn't that the whole point of using someone? i'll be benefited more than you will ever be. you can't go back on your words now."

hyunjin thinks the word heartless and yet again you were not. the proposition was seemingly harmless, but it sounded all like a big hazard signal to him because he has feelings for you that you are so clearly not aware of.

the thing with being so whipped for a person, to be so wrapped around their finger that all one can think of is them? you do anything for them, anything to make them happy. that's how stupid love makes one. that's how crazy love has made hyunjin, because as much as he is at a disadvantage, he can't help.

"alright. let's be friends with benefits."

and hyunjin knows that it is his heart that will break in the end. but at the very least, it will only be his.

[squishneedsahero]

The Comfort of A Mother

Awesomest of Them All 2.0

Part 11 of 13

Word Count: 1558

Batman x Batmom!Reader

You know what the bat family needs? Someone to pull them together and give them all the love they deserve. Who better to do that than you? An author rising to stardom in Gotham who catches the eye of a billionaire with your standoffish attitude at a huge social gathering. You are yourself and never pretend to be more or less than that. Plus you're the most stubborn person in the world, refusing to let good things go without reason.

This is a rewrite of my story Awesomest of Them All, I wanted to see how much I've improved over 3 years.

As soon as you and your family arrived back home Bruce dove head first into this case, sometimes going for a few days without talking to you more than once or twice. This was usually how things went when there was something big going on, and normally you'd make him pay attention to you at least one every few days. But this case felt different, you felt like he needed this time to work on this one. On top of that you were in the middle of editing another book you'd written so you were able to do something to keep yourself from feeling completely ignored.

It was for weeks on end that life went on like this, and you let it go on for a while, until you had almost finished with editing and noticed that it had been more than a few nights in a row that you had fallen asleep and woken up in bed alone. So tonight after three nights of sleeping alone, it reaches midnight and you make your way down to the cave, knowing your husband had been coming back for Damian to be able to get a reasonable amount of sleep because he had school on the morning, and you wait for him. When they finally arrive back home you're waiting for them, in your pajamas, leaning against the desk of the computer. You had already sent Tim up to bed and volunteered to take over while he got some sleep.

When they get home you give Damian a soft smile as you say, "Sleep well."

He nods in reply and makes his way to change before heading upstairs.

After he's gone you turn to face Bruce, "So, are you going to come to bed dressed like that, or would you like to change?" You cross your arms and give him a look to let him know you're serious about this. "Because as your wife I demand at least 16 hours of your full undivided attention, because it's been weeks."

"Alright, dear," with that he scoops you up in his arms and carries you to your bedroom, still fully dressed as Batman. Once you both make it upstairs he goes and changes into sweatpants and no shirt before coming and lying next to you where he sat you on the bed.

You can tell that he's tired since after he lies down he pulls you against his chest, wrapping his arms and legs around you protectively and doesn't even say anything to you. "I love you," you state and give him a kiss before snuggling fully into him.

--^--^--

You wake up to Bruce running his hand through your hair, and you open your eyes to see his face in front of yours. "Hi, handsome," you say tiredly.

He smiles softly and gives you a kiss, "good morning beautiful."

You smile and roll over so you're lying on top of him, and glance at the clock. "Well, it looks like I still get another four hours of your attention." With that you look back at him and kiss him deeply, and her slides his hands up your shirt against your back, holding you as close as possible, just wanting to feel your body.

--^--^--

A few hours later as you're lying against his side and tracing your fingers on his chest, he says, "Honey, there's something I need to tell you."

You tilt your head just enough to look at his face, "yeah?"

"The first night I didn't come to bed. It was because we were finally able to track down the Redhood. And, well, I'm not sure how to say this any better, The Redhood is Jason. Jason is alive."

You can hardly believe what it is he's telling you, you're just frozen there staring at him until finally you get yourself to ask, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, thats why I've waited this long to tell you. I needed to be sure for you."

Tears form in your eyes, as you look at your husband. He was serious very often but you had rarely ever seen him this serious, the last time you'd seen this look on his face was as he said 'I do'. He kisses you gently, and you can hardly believe it, your baby who you thought you had lost for these few long years was alive. "Why, do I feel like there is something to this you haven't told me? There has to be a reason he hasn't come here."

"There is... I don't know yet how he came back but he did. He's still recovering his memory. And, he's not the same as he was when we lost him, he's killing people... and I confronted him about it," he looks almost ashamed as he says the last part.

"So, now he's mad at you?" you guess, and his slight nod is enough of an answer for you. "Thats alright, we just need patience. You saw what it took for Damian to even come this far, for Dick to finally come back to us. We'll figure it out, him being alive just means we have that chance again," with that you kiss him to let him know you're serious.

--^--^--

You and Bruce had been invited to the policeman's ball for the GCPD and Bruce wasn't able to come so you had gone for the both of you, ugh. The ball was over so you were heading out to your car that was in the parking garage. As you're walking you keep thinking you hear another set of footsteps. They're subtle and anyone who wasn't married to the most paranoid man in the world wouldn't think it was anything, but you did. You kept walking confidently, trying to figure out where it was they were coming from, since there was no one else out here right now since you were leaving early.

As you get to your car the lights in that part of the garage go out. You freeze not moving to unlock your car, just waiting for whoever it was that had been following you to make the first move. You might be wearing a fancy dress and be in heels but that doesn't mean you can't kick ass if you need too. The first move you make is pulling your heels off, giving yourself a weapon, and making it easier in case you needed to run.

Theres a shuffle behind you and you spin around, only to be facing who you could only assume was Redhood, judging by his choice of headgear. You stay still, waiting for him to make the first move, praying that if it really was Jason he'd say something. Slowly he raises his hands, showing they're empty, and removes his helmet, and a mask from under that. Your breath hitches when you see him, he was older, he looked tired, but there was no mistaking him, "Jason," it comes out barely audible.

"Hi, Mama," thats it. That's all he says.

You pause for a split second before dropping your shoes, and taking a step towards him, holding your arms open, asking if it's alright for you to hug him. He closes the rest of the gap as soon as he sees that. And as soon as he's in your arms thats when you break, thats when you start to sob. You both stand there hugging each other tightly, and as you do you can feel him shaking slightly, but you don't say anything, knowing he just needs to let it out.

Eventually both of you pull away slightly, and you look up at him, he'd gotten so tall, but that doesn't stop you from giving him a motherly kiss on the forehead and holding his cheeks so you can look in his eyes. "Can I ask what happened, or not right now?" You ask this quietly as you look at his eyes, they aren't blue anymore they're an eerie shade of green, and they look hurt, he has this deep pain behind them that isn't just going to go away over night.

"Not right now, please, I just wanted to see you."

"Thats alright, my Jay-bear."

He seems a little startled by the nickname, it had been years since you'd called him that, since anyone had.

"What?" You say raising an eyebrow, "you know you'll always be my little Jay-bear even if you are taller than me now. Is it alright if I tell Bruce I saw you, or would you rather I didn't?" You ask this without explaining why you'd even wonder this.

A small smile comes to his face and he hugs you tightly once again. "You can, it'll be better than him figuring it out himself," a pause before letting go, "I should probably get going... I'll see you around though right ma?"

"Of course you will, my phone number hasn't changed it you need anything. And I can keep a secret at least for a while, so don't go sending me your address, but if you tell me when and where we can meet up." With that you hug him one last time and watch as he puts his mask and helmet back on and he makes sure you get into your car safely and as you head home he heads off into the night.

[leviiattacks]

Seven minutes in Heaven with Physics Major Levi

author note :: i lost the ask but anon i do not know what this is. reading it sounded better in my head but physics major levi with reader who likes him is that a good description???? HM ANYWAY enjoy it’s not too great i’ve been revising nonstop for exams but i might as well have finished this off for the anon who requested it :-)

word count :: 2.5k probably... hm who knows maybe 3k

when you and levi become friends it’s definitely unexpected to say the least. everyone is naturally very confused by the peculiar pairing. levi doesn’t really... go out of his way to befriend anyone really??? so for him to approach you in the middle of the library and start talking about how he noticed you shared a class together was out of the ordinary

the flow of the conversation is a little awkward at first, you’re revising for a final exam and don’t really appreciate the disruption but you’re not confident enough to tell him to leave.

at one point an awkward silence drifts between the two of you until he points out you’ve completely RUINED your notes and have been looking over the wrong lectures for the up and coming physics exam

later on into the night levi’s stood sighing next to you. he tells you to take your pick from the pot noodle section — “hey, i know we literally just met but i’m telling you a chicken pot noodle is gonna make you feel better.”

you’re so distraught that he has to pick it up for you and pay

and that is how you and levi become friends !!!

if it’s of any relevance yes you passed the final (all because of levi giving you his organised binder full of notes and telling you to make use of it)

you know it just sorta happens but through all of the all nighters you’ve pulled with levi by your side you become used to his presence nearby. in fact most of the the time it’s difficult to even find you anywhere without him. you’re both practically joined at the hip

levi’s pretty protective of you, hates the whole party scene but is willing to tag along if you’re going. at first you think it’s because he feels more comfortable stepping out of his comfort zone if you’re there with him but his intentions become more evident later on

any time someone makes you uncomfortable he’s by your side, if you happen to get into any sort of trouble he’s the person people call to help you because who else knows you the way levi does?

currently you and levi are at another party, you tend to keep to yourself and only ever talk to your close friends. it’s also not like you to partake in games, you’re far too nervous to play anything like seven minutes in heaven but for some reason you find yourself wanting to take part JUST this once

maybe it’s the fear of never making fun memories to tell your future children about

then again why on earth would you be telling your children about your experience kissing a random man in a closet??

either way, participating shouldn’t hurt!!! you’ve got to loosen up a little!!!

levi’s a little surprised you agree to play nevertheless he still sits next to you, the both of you have your legs crossed on the floor, your knees are touching and you aren’t sure if he feels the same warm sensation that you feel. it bubbles in the pit of your stomach – you feel oddly content

“levi!! anyone you want the bottle to land on ???” hange a mutual friend of yours leans in handing him the glass bottle

levi gives the bottle a disgusted look before his gaze flicks over to you.

“i’m only here because of y/n, i ‘m not playing.”

that doesn’t satisfy hange and they begin to groan complaining that he can’t stay unless he spins the bottle

“look you don’t have to do anything in the closet, okay??” hange’s begging him at this point, he’s still holding up pretty well and for some reason you’re disappointed. it’s almost like you hoped he’d spin the bottle just so it would land on you

levi takes notice of your frown and guesses you want him to be included, he isn’t one for games like these but if it’ll make you happy so be it. there’s still the chance it’ll land on you and his thought process falters for a second.

he thinks he really wouldn’t mind if the bottle landed on you and so he ends up nodding and agreeing to play.

anyway it’s not as if he isn’t guilty of imagining the two of you being a little more than friends

ok wait!!!! it’s completely innocent HE SWEARS!!!!

he’s never told you about it but sometimes he thinks if he was a little more straightforward that day at the library and asked for your number MAYBE just MAYBE his intentions would be clearer and he wouldn’t be stuck in the friend zone for this long

he should’ve used a stupid physics pick up line he knows you love those

something like – “i’m attracted to you more than an electron’s attracted to a proton.”

or maybe — “i’d fall for you even in the absence of gravity”

ok... maybe you wouldn’t have got that one considering you were revising the wrong content and probably forgot about that topic

he can’t imagine himself saying those things but if it would make you finally see him as a potential love interest and not a best friend he wouldn’t mind having to force it out

but still it’s not really a secret that levi has a soft spot for you, literally everyone can see it. when has he ever gone out of his way to save a seat for anyone? when has he ever willingly gone to a party? WHEN has levi actually let someone lay their head on his shoulder??

he only ever let’s you do that stuff

let’s actually discuss the head on his shoulder thing!!!

whenever finals approach you’re always sucked in by huge amounts of work and barely get to sleep, levi’s always hovering over your shoulder reminding you to catch a few hours but of course you don’t listen. you think you’ll be just fine if you rely on an energy drink and two hours of sleep to get by

but levi knows you better than you know yourself. it’s hour seven into the day and you’re already dozing off in your seat. slowly but gradually your head tilts forward. levi’s sitting across you contemplating whether or not he should prop your head back up like a nice friend would or if he should wait for you to smack your forehead right into the solid oak table.

he ends up making his decision last minute, your head flies towards the table and if it were anyone else he’d just let them jolt awake from the harsh impact but it’s you and his body won’t let him ignore you.

on reflex his hand flies out and in the matter of a split second he’s holding your head back. he’s surprised you haven’t woken up and he’s even more surprised he bothered to help you

before that happens levi knows he likes you, he knows he enjoys your company, he’s aware you make him happy but he thinks he’s willing to just be friends with you because clearly you don’t want to pursue anything.

you haven’t even flirted with him before aside from the witty “you remind me of an exothermic reaction” joke that you made one time

oh and there’s also the additional fact that you had a boyfriend up until quite recently so he’s sure you don’t see him romantically

honestly he’s fine with not dating you but something about seeing you overwork yourself like that has him simmering in anger. if he were your boyfriend he would have forced you into bed whether you liked it or not

if he were your boyfriend he’d never break up with you because he “found someone better.” he can’t even manage to imagine anyone better than you.

levi shuffles into the seat next to yours and places your head onto his shoulder. a few students shoot him questioning looks but the deadly glare he sends back is enough to deter them from coming any closer

it’s a little funny actually, by the time you wake up you’re rubbing at your eyes, you don’t even notice how close levi is to you until his hot breath fans across your neck. it seems like he’s dozed off whilst trying to make notes on fluid dynamics

wait

levi. right. next. to. your. neck.

should you move????

no, he might wake up he barely sleeps and you don’t want to mess up his schedule even more

that day you choose to drift off back to sleep as if you never woke up to his breath against your neck.

“OHHHH LEVI LANDED ON Y/N????”

your head shoots up NOW you’ve completely been dragged away from your thoughts.

“lucky for you both. guess you won’t have to do anything and stand there for seven minutes. told ya levi there was nothing to worry about B-)”

hange without warning pulls you both up by your arms, you’ve yet to see levi’s reaction, you’re too stunned to have noticed his slack jaw or wide eyes

“HAVE FUN!”

and with that said and done you and levi are shoved into the cleaning closet

“well, i’m glad it landed on you. i won’t have to do anything.” levi seems happy as can be, you don’t really know why but it stings a little

he doesn’t even seem to stop for a second to wonder if you’d maybe want to do anything

are you just not his type ????

hange once told you levi liked organised people and well,, you’re anything but organised. you’d probably pass out from the work load of your physics lectures if not for levi always helping you out

scowling to yourself you try to ignore just how awkward the situation is until levi plops down on the floor in front of you

“you okay?” he asks looking genuinely concerned

“i- yeah i’m good.”

your eyes dart away trying to look at anything but him. you can’t deny he looks good today, you actually helped him slick his hair back - the entire time he complained about the hair gel feeling weird but he looks great and now you can’t even stare at him for more than a second

“i’m guessing you’d have preferred if the bottle landed on someone else.”

leaning forward without even noticing it you aggressively deny what he says. “NO!!! i like being stuck here with you.”

levi looks stunned by your outburst but nods “oh, did you feel pressured to join the game? we can leave if you want—”

“no, no i– you aren’t– oh god i mean, look. i can explain– do i need to explain???”

completely choking up in front of him and sputtering before slamming your lips shut and saying absolutely nothing is probably one of the most awkward things you’ve done in your ENTIRE existence

levi reaches out for your knee, something that’s usually seen as him being friendly only feels intimate tonight. his thumb strokes comforting circles into your skin. the situation doesn’t make it any better, essentially you’re meant to be making out with him right now

“is something bothering you?”

there it is again. that look. he only seems more concerned than before and you hate yourself for not even thinking about your friendship before you open your mouth.

“do you not want to kiss me because we’re best friends or is it something else?”

there it is. you’ve said it.

you see levi’s face contort from a mix of confusion to what looks like disgust then shock. screwing your eyes shut you know you’ve ruined everything now. he’s never going to speak to you, never going to approach you again. you’re mentally preparing for him to ditch you at this party right here right now

but then you notice his hand still steadily placed on your knee, he’s now stopped with the circles, his grip is bruising

“do you want me to kiss you?”

his question isn’t really expected, it helps you find the courage to look your best friend in the eye.

it’s pretty dark but you can still make out the familiar shadows of his face. the butterflies rush up from your stomach all the way to your throat.

mild regret fills you, usually his curtains obscure his piercing gaze but the way you’ve styled his hair gives him a better view of you, there’s nowhere for you to hide

not even stopping to think about the possibility of him teasing you right now, all you care about is telling him the truth. you’ve come all the way here you may as well finish off what you’ve started

“would you be mad if i said i’d like it if you did?”

levi doesn’t need any more confirmation than that, he swoops in yanking you by your waist. his knees are still pressed against the floor and so you find yourself leaning down into his mouth and craning your neck downwards

his chest is completely pressed against yours. the drumming of your heart is so loud you feel self conscious but levi’s soft lips moving against yours distract you from that

not even ten seconds in and you feel out of breathe but not in an overwhelming way. levi’s pace isn’t at all what you imagined it to be like. he’s soft and slow yet calloused and rough around the edges, some how he still manages to make the kiss sweet

his left hand leisurely travels to the small of your back, the other hand now caresses your cheek. his fingertips are anything but soft but the way he handles you is tender and endearingly delicate.

you smile into the kiss and almost instantly levi’s lips tug upwards too. his take on seven minutes in heaven is quite easily the most romantic thing you’ve been subjected to. instead of a passionate make out you’ve been given a honeyed introduction to a new side of him

the kiss ends much quicker than you anticipate, you open your mouth to whine and convince levi that the two of you should still have a solid minute left before hange returns but he presses his index finger against your lips

“later. i promise.” his voice is heavy and if his blushed cheeks are anything to go by he’s thoroughly enjoyed your session together

at his reassurance you comply and take the time to have a better look at him

his lips are wet – some of your lip gloss has clearly stuck to him. his hair isn’t as well styled as it was before, seeing him like this makes you feel a surge of confidence. you know you did that to him.

so... what is someone to do with a sudden boost in confidence?

hit your new possible love interest with a pick up line :-) !!!

“heyyy so i know the spring constant of my mattress, would you be interested in taking some data with me?”

slapping your shoulder lightly he’s yet to gain his composure back, levi’s genuinely out of breathe now trying to steady himself and your comment doesn’t do him any favours that’s for sure

“my god you have no sham–”

without warning the door to your left swings open you and levi flinch trying to scramble away from eachother only to fail, hange marches in before stopping dead in their tracks.

all they see is levi knelt in front of you, hair disheveled huffing like his life depends on it

then their focus shifts to you, you’re sure some of your makeup has smudged and the entire scenario looks suspicious

levi seems as if he’s about to warn hange to not tell anyone and keep this a secret for now but they sprint away before any of you have the opportunity to ask for some privacy

not even ten seconds later a collision can be heard alongside a series of thuds and then hange’s yelling towards the end of the hallway “GUYS??? THEY ACTUALLY DID IT???”

for some reason the cheers coming from the living room warm your heart

you guess your friends figured out the direction of your relationship long before you and levi did :-)

[kiranatrix]

What Comes Out in the Wash

Day 1: Hair @deathnotetober

Characters: Light, L, Watari, & mentions of Sayu // Rating: Gen; platonic (or Lawlight if you squint) // Summary: L wakes up with a huge rat’s nest in his hair and Watari says ‘handle it yourself,’ so Light has to help.

Co-written with @resilicns

——-

Sleep was something that was becoming increasingly rare for L to achieve these days, and when he did, it could hardly be called restful. He’d spend those few measly hours tossing, turning, kicking, and just squirming in general. When he slept on his own, this was hardly an issue, but now that he was sharing a bed with Light, things were getting a bit complicated.

L grunted quietly, pushing his elbow and forearm down into the bed as he lifted his head up off of the pillow, resting on his side. Blinking sleep from his eyes, he gazed around the room drowsily, trying to desperately grasp for awareness, until his gaze landed on a mirror. He lifted his other hand to feel his hair, touching the knotted mess he had noticed in his reflection. His hair was almost comparable to a bird’s nest at this point. Grimacing, he lifted the receiver off of the phone on the end table, pressing the button mapped to dial Watari’s phone in his office. He held it up to his ear and sighed quietly.

“Watari? I need you to come to my room. My hair is in need of brushing this morning,” L muttered, wincing as one of his fingers caught on a tangle and yanked the strand in that brief instant.

“Apolog--” Quillsh had covered the receiver to try and mask his hacking cough but it still came through the line. “Apologies, sir. It seems I’m unwell. I wouldn’t want to infect you with whatever I have. It’s quite dismal.” He held the phone away to sneeze several times into a monogrammed handkerchief. “You’ll have to make do on your own today.”

L paled slightly, holding the receiver away from his face for a second to stare at it as if it had personally offended him. When he held it back up to his ear, he sighed quite loudly. “I suppose we’ll have to inform the task force that they have the day off, today. However,” he frowned, pushing himself up into a sitting position as he clutched the phone. “Who will brush my hair? Who will prepare my meals? Who will select my clothing?” While he knew the latter was not necessary, the panic in his voice made it obvious he wasn’t thinking clearly.

Light opened one eye to see what all the fuss was about, frowning as he glared up at L. He hadn’t even gotten to sleep until after 3 am because L insisted on bringing his laptop to bed, loudly clacking on the keyboard and munching on panda cookies. The clock on the nightstand said it was just 6:30 am. I’m expected to work on a measly 3 hours sleep?!

“Can you keep your voice down, Ryuzaki?,” he huffed while turning over. “I’m not getting up until 7 and that’s that.”

Quillsh replied to L, “Everything will be fine. You know as well as I do that all your clothes are the same, no selection required. There are cakes and fruit in the refrigerator, and instant coffee if you can’t bother with the coffeemaker.”

He sighed tiredly, barely able to muster the energy needed to argue with L. “As for your hair...no time like the present to pick up a brush and try it yourself.” It was really past time for L to do that anyway but it meant time not focused on work, and was thus always deprioritized.

L gritted his teeth, gripping his own hair in his hand as his anxiety spiked just from the thought of trying to brush it himself. “But-..!” He stopped himself, squirming and making the bed bounce slightly. He completely ignored Light, his attention entirely focused on the call. “…alright. My apologies for disturbing you. Please get some rest and take care of yourself,” he murmured, quietly saying his polite goodbyes before hanging up the phone.

He turned to face forward, glancing at Light out of the corner of his eyes. He stared at the younger man for only a few seconds, moving to the end table and pulling out one of his hair brushes. He took a deep, loud breath to try and settle himself in preparation. However, no amount of preparation could prepare him for the instant pain that followed one frantic and barely-effective brush through his hair. He immediately chucked the item away from himself, hugging his knees to his chest in defeat.

Light snickered into his pillow and looked over his shoulder. “That’s it? That’s all you’re going to try?” He turned over to face L, yawning and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Don’t tell me that the World’s Greatest Detective has been defeated by an eeeevil tangle,” he teased. He couldn’t help but rub it in a little after all the grief L had put him through lately.

L shot Light a bitter glare, his eyes slightly moist from the shock of pain. “It is painful, and I am choosing to avoid engaging in painful activities. I will just wait until Watari is well enough to brush my hair,” he huffed, averting his gaze. In truth, he knew his hair would only be even more impossibly tangled- potentially unsalvageable by the time the man was no longer ill.

“That is…” Light sat up and leveled L with an unimpressed stare. “...the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. It’s just going to get worse if you put it off, and who even knows if he’ll be better tomorrow.” He leaned closer to examine L’s bedhead and let out a low whistle. Somehow, in the span of just 3 hours of sleep, the back of L’s head had gone from normal looking (for him) to a mess of matted, knotted hair. “Ok, I’ll admit that is pretty bad. I think even your tangles have tangles.”

He looked from the chaotic labyrinth of hair to the discarded brush thrown in the corner. L’s going to be a miserable grouch all day if this doesn’t get fixed. That made even the prospect of having the day off seem unappealing given who he was chained to. Plus, every moment they weren’t working, he was denied the chance to clear his name.

“Let me take a crack at it.” He glanced at L, giving him a little shrug like ‘why not?’ “It’s not like I can make it any worse.”

“You could still hurt me,” L muttered, glowering at Light. His expression was similar to a pout at this point, as if he was on the verge of crossing his arms and huffing.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” Light sighed, still half-asleep. “I used to brush Sayu’s hair all the time when she was little.” Under his breath he murmured, “Anyway, you’d just tag on an assault charge onto my long list of ‘crimes’.’”

L hesitated for a moment before climbing off of the bed and retrieving the brush. Thankfully it wasn’t too far that the chain would cause any issues. He set the brush down in front of Light and sat down with his back towards the man. This is a terrible idea. However, if he goes out of his way to harm me, I can hold that against him.

Light picked up the brush tentatively, making a face at how overloaded with wiry black hair it was. “Hold on…it’s not going to do any good like this.” He pulled off the hair and dropped it from pinched fingers in the trash can beside the bed. “Ok, now we’re ready. Just...” He trailed off as he blinked at the back of L’s head-- specifically, the tumor-like protrusion of hair sticking out from the back. How could it have possibly gotten this bad?! Maybe I’m out of my depth here. “Um. Do you brush your hair every day, Ryuzaki?”

“Watari brushes it in the morning when it needs it,” L murmured, shrugging his shoulders indifferently. “He brushes it less now that I’m older.” Or now that he’s older.

Light fingered a few tangled tufts but didn’t pull, just surveying the damage to undo. “Have you...thought of using conditioner?”

L had to fight the urge to tilt his head, instead making a soft humming sound as he considered it. “No, I believe using soap for all of my washing is still the most efficient option. I see no reason that liquid soap is not enough to wash both my hair and my body.”

Light made a noise between a choke and a gasp, finally forcing out, “No...no, it’s...no, not at…” He sighed in exasperation, suddenly understanding why they were here. Closing his eyes, he said calmly, “After I untangle this, I’m washing your hair with shampoo and proper conditioner, got it?” He counted to ten and opened his eyes. Well, nothing to do but get started.

Carefully, he focused first on brushing the parts that weren’t tangled (or not as badly) to get a sense for the thickness of L’s hair and how tender-headed he was. Light knew that probably even a normal tug or the slightest discomfort might end this endeavor; he had to tread carefully. “This would be easier if you sat still and stopped fidgeting.” He placed a hand on L’s shoulder to try and keep him in one place, but quickly pulled back in case he’d overstepped.

L stiffened up slightly, biting his lower lip. However, instead of pulling away, he mumbled a quiet apology and did his best to keep his body still. He continued to fidget with his hands, rapping his fingers on his knees as he sat there, flinching occasionally when Light pulled too hard for his comfort. In truth, none of it was comfortable, but the man’s touch was surprisingly bearable. He wasn’t nearly as harsh as he had expected he would be, and it seemed as if he was adjusting to L’s reactions. “If you insist,” he mumbled, huffing quietly.

As Light got closer to the epicenter of the tangle, he started to sweat a little. Wait, is that--? Finally he had spotted the catalyst for the rat’s nest. A half-eaten lollipop was embedded and wrapped up in L’s hair, with the stick poking out at a jaunty and infuriating angle. “Ryuzaki…” He touched the stick, wiggling it slightly. “Did you happen to be eating lollipops in bed last night?”

A deep shade of red bloomed in L’s cheeks, travelling far enough to peek around his neck. “...no,” he mumbled, his tone incredibly sheepish as he blatantly lied. He couldn’t stop himself from squirming now, staring down at his hands as he shifted on the bed. He knew Light would be able to tell, but some small part of him felt embarrassed enough to try and hide it.

Light leaned to whisper in L’s ear, “Liar.” He gave the stick a little tweak. “The evidence speaks for itself, detective.” He laughed and shifted on the bed, reaching for a bottle of lotion in the nightstand. “This calls for desperate measures. That brush isn’t going to help at all,” he said, tossing it aside. “Not until I get that lollipop out.” With Sayu, he’d once used peanut butter to get some chewing gum out of her hair but really anything oily would do. He settled behind L again and squirted the lotion on his fingers, working it into the knots. “This might hurt a little but you don’t want to walk around with candy in your head do you?”

“It certainly sounds like a convenient carrying solution, freeing both of my hands to do work,” L muttered, his lips twitching faintly in amusement at his own joke. His breath hitched and he hissed quietly in pain as he felt his hair being tugged. “Ow...” He whined, his hand twitching briefly with the urge to reach back and swat at Light’s hand. “Be more gentle..!”

“Sorry,” Light mumbled. “Got a little too focused.” He slowed down his pace and methodically peeled away the hair from the sticky candy, nose wrinkling at the unappetizing gloops of lotion and red sugar coating his fingers. But, it was working! Bit by bit, knot by knot, the lollipop finally came free.

“Got it!,” he said triumphantly, holding up the mangled sucker. It was odd how satisfied he felt. Maybe it was because L only complained half a dozen instead of three dozen times, but he was all smiles as he showed it to L. “The accused stands before you. How do you judge?” He giggled and held it over the trash.

L was shaken and tense by the time Light was finally finished. It wasn’t that the man had hurt him- no, the process was quite painless after the first few tugs. However, he kept expecting pain, anticipating it, even though it never came. Once the man was done, he relaxed, staring at the candy. For once, he didn’t have the urge to shove the sweet into his mouth (although that may have been because of the hairs protruding from it).

“…guilty,” he mumbled, plucking it from Light’s fingers and dropping it into the trash can. He reached back to touch his hair, immediately grimacing at the unpleasant texture of melted candy and lotion mixed with hair. “…I suppose I’ll be needing my hair washed after all,” he muttered.

Light frowned a little that his joke had flopped, but what did he expect? “You’re welcome,” he grumbled as he got up off the bed to the length of the chain. “Come in the bathroom then and I’ll wash it in the sink. Need to wash my hands, too.” You don’t deserve my nice hair products but that’s all we’ve got. He’d be damned if he’d use liquid soap like L usually did. Just the thought made him shudder, rattling the handcuff chain between them.

L followed Light into the bathroom, shedding his shirt in the process to avoid it getting wet. He unclipped his end of the chain to remove the shirt completely, immediately latching the chain back on after. “How should I stand?” He stared at the sink in mild confusion, unsure of how to wash his hair in a non-shower setting.

“Over there,” Light gestured with his chin, “until I clean myself up.” He maneuvered around L and turned the water on with his elbow, scrubbing furiously until all the melted lollipop and lotion swirled down the drain. Why am I bothering to help him? I should have just left it there and taken the day off. I need one.

He dried his hands and grabbed his shampoo and conditioner that his mother had brought him from home, purchased from his favorite salon. The sleek bottles only reminded him of how much he needed a haircut, of how much he’d taken for granted all the little freedoms like that. The reflection looking back at him in the mirror-- bangs hanging in his eyes, wispy strands long enough to tuck behind his ears-- reinforced it. L may be a mess but so was he. The realization didn’t help his mood any.

He gave L a cold glance and pointed to the still-running warm water in the sink. “So...just stick your head under the faucet.”

L glanced back and forth from the sink to Light for a moment, as if unsure of what to do. He then moved closer to the sink, leaning down and hesitantly pushing his head under the water. He immediately jerked back when some ended up in his ear, an uncharacteristic squeak escaping his lips as his face scrunched up. He tilted his head, shaking it as if trying to get the water out. His hands rest on the sink, gripping it tightly to keep himself upright. Once he had calmed down, he took a deep breath and put his head under again, this time keeping it there as he closed his eyes.

Light crossed his arms and shifted his weight to one leg. If L couldn’t even stand the water, a molecule of soap in the man’s eyes would send him through the roof. “Hold on, I’ll get a chair and you can just lean back.” He went to do so but the chain tugged him back sharply. How many times will I forget? I’m anchored. “Um, can you release the chain for a moment? I’ll be right back.”

Much to his own surprise, L reached out without even hesitating, unclipping Light’s end of the chain. “Be quick. I think I can feel it hardening,” he murmured, grimacing as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He wanted to cooperate, he truly did, and he could only hope that was coming through in his actions and words.

Light blinked as the chain thunked to the bathroom floor. He did it? He stared at the coiled chain like it was a dead but still dangerous snake before snapping to attention and heading into the bedroom. It had been over a month since he’d felt 360 degrees of freedom but he couldn’t enjoy it, even though he wheeled L’s office chair into the bathroom slower than necessary. He felt a little shaken that his first instinct had been to run, but why? What did he have to run from? I’m innocent…

“Sit here and lean back so your head’s in the sink.” He rolled up a fluffy towel and placed it on the edge of the counter. “That should make it more comfortable.” He added drily, “Don’t worry, I didn’t stuff any razors inside.” Not that I’m allowed any. A few months ago he’d been the top student at To-Oh and now he was playing hairdresser with a man who wanted to execute him.

L didn’t bother grabbing the chain again, wanting to give Light more space as a gesture of appreciation for what he was doing, since he couldn’t really find the words to verbalize that feeling. He nodded and sat down in the chair, leaning back and resting his neck on the towel. His face scrunched up slightly in discomfort as he tilted his head back, suddenly made very aware of how stiff his neck was.

“It’s okay,” he murmured. “I trust you.” Of course, that’s partly because it would be too big of a risk for him to try anything right now, but I also don’t think he’d want to…

Light arched a brow at that lie and squeezed shampoo into his hands. “Sure.” Trusts me when it’s convenient for him. He avoided looking at the chain, not wanting to remind L in case he forgot. I know he didn’t forget.

L’s face was as unreadable as ever so he just got on with it, lathering L’s hair into fragrant suds and taking care that no soap got into the man’s wide-open eyes. The smell of grapefruit and sandalwood in the bathroom started to make Light relax, the tenseness falling from his face. After a few minutes, he couldn’t feel any more sticky candy embedded in L’s hair and rinsed it clean. “Alright, sit still. Conditioner’s next.”

The feeling of Light’s fingers massaging his scalp was incredibly relaxing for L. He did his best to keep his face impassive, forcing himself to focus on the feeling of wetness on his forehead, but, eventually, even that wasn’t enough. By the time Light was rinsing his hair out, L’s eyelids were heavy and his expression incredibly relaxed. Most of the tension that was normally present in his body was gone. “This…feels nice,” he whispered, blinking slowly as he stayed still for the man.

Light couldn’t help but smile faintly at the praise. It was gratifying that he’d done well, even at this insignificant task, when it was for his harshest critic. His mood lifted considerably-- maybe this day wouldn’t be a wash after all. Wash, pft. He snickered to himself and turned the water off, then smoothed the conditioner in L’s hair to the ends.

Tilting his head, he said, “Your hair’s longer than I thought.” When wet and not fluffed up by frizz, it looked almost twice as long.

L’s body felt almost loose at this point, and part of him wondered if he would slide out of the chair. Even the feeling of Light barely pulling on his hair was soothing by now. A faint smile curved his lips as he closed his eyes. “That makes sense. It’s been a while since Watari last trimmed my hair. I’m not very fond of the sound of scissors so close to my head.”

“Now we wait. Five minutes and then rinse.” Light glanced down at his watch and leaned against the counter. This might be an awkward five minutes.

L shifted his legs, letting one stretch out and dangle off of the chair. “I didn’t expect that this would be so…pleasant. You’re very good at this, Light,” he mused, his relaxed state loosening his lips ever so slightly.

A little heat rose to Light’s cheeks. “Uh...thank you. I guess I have my sister to thank for that. I was her babysitter for years and her hair gets tangled easily, too.”

He smiled when a funny memory sprang to mind. “One time she managed to get a whole package of modeling clay stuck in her hair and I had to scrub for an hour to get it out before my parents got home from dinner. When my Mom noticed it was gone, Sayu told them she ate it.” He laughed to himself, remembering the horrified looks on his parents’ faces. “Of course, we fessed up before they called poison control.”

L’s lips twitched for a moment before he burst into laughter, holding his hand up in a failed attempt at covering his mouth. His laugh shook his entire body, a big grin forming on his face. When was the last time I laughed like this? Have I ever? I can’t recall feeling this good before now. “That- that’s quite impressive,” he managed to say after a few seconds, starting to calm back down and catch his breath. “What was she trying to do with the clay? Style her hair?” He chuckled, opening his eyes to look up at Light.

Seeing L smile was surprising but when the detective laughed, Light was shocked. But that laughter was infectious and only made Light giggle harder. “I think she was trying to make some kind of space helmet? Who knows, she was only five then,” he said between chuckles. I miss her. I wonder how she’s keeping up with her math homework. His laughter faded away.

He looked down at L, a thoughtful look on his face. “I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you laugh and mean it.”

L’s expression softened, turning thoughtful and slightly sad. “Yes, I suppose it is. I haven’t laughed like that in a long time.” He sighed, stretching out his arms for a moment as he averted his gaze. “I guess that’s just something else you’re good at, hm?” He arched a brow, smirking a bit in the subtle, mocking way he usually did. However, there was no malice to his tone. Instead of attacking Light, it seemed like he was attempting some good-natured ribbing, as if between friends.

Light blinked and gave L a puzzled smile, waiting for the barb to come. Unexpectedly, it didn’t, and he wasn’t sure what to say. L being nice was as strange as L laughing.

He glanced down at his watch anxiously. “That’s five minutes.” He turned on the warm water and rinsed the conditioner from L’s noticeably softer hair. Any residual tangles came loose immediately when he combed his fingers through it and he started to get curious about how it would look when dry. “Alright,” he said, turning off the water. “All done. Your tangles are a thing of the past.”

He turned his back to L to dry his hands on a fresh towel. “I guess it seems like a waste of time to use the conditioner but it saves time in the end for brushing. I can give Watari the information if you want me to.”

L shifted in the seat, looking over at Light with a contemplative expression. He sat there in silence for a few seconds, just staring at the other man until he finally spoke. “I suppose you can. That would be nice. But also, while we’re sharing a living space…if you wanted to- ah- do this more frequently…I wouldn’t protest.” He averted his gaze and cleared his throat loudly.

“Wouldn’t protest?” Light turned around sharply, feeling annoyed at L’s assumption. The words ‘I’m not your servant!,’ hovered on his parted lips but died there when, somehow, he saw L clearly. The man was too proud to ask directly for what he wanted. They had managed to connect in a way that wasn’t only detective and suspect, jailer and prisoner. Light had felt it, too, and he craved kindness after his long isolation, this ongoing tense situation.

He watched L for a moment and quietly said, “Alright, but no cuffs when I do it.” He smirked and added, “And no more lollipops in bed.”

“I agree to the cuffs, but I can’t make any promises about the lollipops,” L joked, smiling as he sat up and pulled the towel over his head. He picked up the chain, staring at it for a second or two before clasping it onto Light’s cuff. However, instead of immediately pulling away, his hand lingered on the man’s wrist. “…thank you, Light,” he mumbled, the sound barely a whisper as he lowered his gaze and pulled his hand away, standing up straight.

Light grinned and tossed L a towel since the man was dripping water everywhere. So it didn’t kill you to say it after all.

“You’re welcome.”

[bump1nthen1ght]

Meet Cute (GN!Reader/Mothman)

Pairing: GenderNeutral!Reader/Male!Mothman

Genre: Cryptids

Warnings: Car accidents, descriptions of bruisings and pain

Word Count: 2564 words

Summary: After an incident, You find yourself in the care of a rather strange savior.

Request: Hey, long time fan, but I could never think of anything to request! I was wondering if cryptids were considered monsters here? Would you be willing to write a meet-cute with Mothman? Maybe something along the lines of them saving the reader from a disaster and sparks fly, and boy, if that's not a pun: like a moth to a flame. Mothman can be man or gender neutral, and I'd like the reader to be gender neutral! But everything is to your discretion! Have fun~! And thank you~!

He doesn’t usually do this.

As he cradles your neck, feeling the microfibers of human hair at the base of your skull and your thrumming heartbeat, it feels as if you could shatter apart in his talons. Your pupils flutter behind your eyelids, the pain of the collison definitely affecting you, even in your near-unconscious state. He sets you down on the scraps of thrown away jackets and ratty down-comforters, paying extra attention to your head and side, where splotches of purple and yellow already bloom up your ribcage. You easily fall into the warmth of the pile, snuggling into the fabric.

He sighs, anxiety decreasing as your body relaxes. Having already checked you, he thinks you should last a night before needing to go to a human hospital, just to double-check. He perches by you, tuning the ancient radio to a subtle night-time station, and waits.

Your chest flutters rhythmically, peacefully. Your features seem to shine in the firelight, catching the shadows and giving the appearance of a Baroque painting. So serene for someone just hit by a car.

He sighs.

He just hopes you won’t freak out.

-------

You wake up in a jerk, immediately filled with regret as your right side screams in pain. You clench your teeth, hand immediately checking your ribs as the memories of last night come flooding back.

You had been walking back home after a night out with your friends. You weren’t drunk, barely even tipsy, but had decided to walk the short path to your tiny house anyway. It was quick, just a 5 minute jaunt by the side of the highway and away from the bar. Just enough time for some asshole to swerve off the side of the road, send you flying, and take off without a care for the deer they assumed they just killed.

It takes a little while longer for you to process that you are definitely not in a hospital right now; Not even in your own house, or any house for that matter. A dying fire crackles nearby, the rising sun beams peaking through makeshift curtains attached to a structure of branches. You sit in a small pallet of fabric, right next to a collection of newspapers and old cctvs.

It’s ramshackle, sure, but well-loved. It doesn’t look like a permanent residence, but is lived-in nonetheless.

“Are you feeling alright?”

A calm tenor breaks the silence, causing you to shoot your eyes away from your surroundings and to focus on the person across from you.

Well, person probably isn’t the right word.

His eyes, even in the morning light, flash with red. They’re huge, set deeply into his face with very indistinguishable features. His neck is nestled into a large amount of fluff, reminiscent of winter scarf, that extends back into his large wings, which are tucked behind him. The antennas that flicker on top of his head are distinctly insect-like, but his long, muscular body and hands are more mammalian. Not human, but more similar to an animal. His hands are long and near-spindly, each finger ended with a long claw.

All these features should come together into an uncanny-valley, terror-inducing nightmare. But there’s something about his voice, the way he sits, so cautious yet concerned, that says the contrary.

“U-Uh...I think so.” You shift your body, a lightning bolt of pain shoots through your ribs and you wince. “I’ve felt better, though.” You tentatively lean down and touch your side, trying to check for a fracture without hurting yourself even more.

The creature stands up, wings still closed and kept to his back, and walks over to you.

“Would you mind if I checked your injuries? I have some experience with collisions such as yours.”

After a second, you nod. He steps closer to you, still moving at a micro-speed, and his hands slowly begin to wander up your side. You suck in a breath, but are more afraid of the potential pain than him. His slow, southern drawl reminds you of old movies and your grandpa, radiating comfort with almost every word. Plus, whatever he was, he had shown you more compassion than the human asshole who had hit you last night, so you felt a little more relaxed having him this close.

Nevertheless, he treats you gingerly, fingers just grazing your bruised side. You wince as his index finger finds a particularly dark bruise, and the creature quickly pulls back.

“I’m fine, I’m fine, it just-fuck that hurt.”

The creature nods but doesn’t move to touch you again.

“Does it hurt when you breathe deeply?”

You shake your head. You had been taking calming breaths to assuage the anxiety of waking up in what might be a monster’s den.

The monster hums, a light chittering sound, like several wind chimes all at once. He reaches over to a small, nearly-rotted, medicine bag in the corner and pulls out an ancient-looking jar of pain cream. He gingerly slides it towards you. “You may try this, it might relieve the pain for a while. Although you should probably see a human doctor to see if you’ve sustained any serious damage to your ribcage.”

You uncork the cream and tentatively dab a bit on your fingers, looking up with a  shaky smile to your savior.

“Uh, t-thank you. For everything-”

Growl

Your hand jerks to your stomach, face going flush as you accidentally brush against your swollen side. The creature perks up.

“I believe I have some human food. Would you like some?”

Sucking in a quick breath, trying to hide the tiny pain and your embarrassment, you nod.

The creature stands up, fumbling with the remains of a kitchen cabinet. From his hunched posture, you’d guess this tiny shelter isn’t big enough for his full height. With his long fingers, he reaches and flicks on the radio. The sounds of a local station’s jingle filters through the air as he grabs a can of beans from a shelf.

You slowly begin to rub in the medication to your side, occasionally looking up at your savior as he flutters around his den. Despite his extended limbs and large body, every movement is very similar to that of a human’s; He moves around the make-shift kitchen like a doting partner, a thought which brings a small blush to your face.

The illusion is shattered when he tears the top of the can clean off, cutting through the metal like a hot knife through butter. As he turns to rekindle the fire and start your breakfast, you quickly look back to your wound, trying to hide your curiosity.

The creature lazily stirs your breakfast as a song begins playing on the radio. The strumming bass is perfect for the morning haze, the low drawl of the singer rhythmic and relaxing. You notice the creature bobbing his head, humming along to the tune. His voice sounds slightly distorted, squeaking like the crackle of tv static. You find you quite like it.

The silence returns, filled only by the radio and the crackling fire. The creature's disposition is amicable, but you're still not sure how to initiate small talk.

“Um, thank you, again. For everything. You really saved my ass.”

The creature gestures with their hand as if to say “No problem.”

“I saw that man hit you with that car and take off. As you were hidden from the road, I thought it best I intervene.” The creature pulls off the now-cooked beans and grabs a spoon, handing the can to you. You take it eagerly, another rumble growling from your stomach. You hadn’t realized how hungry you were, foregoing all table manners to scarf down the breakfast.

“If I am being honest, I don’t typically interact with humans in such a….direct manner.”

“Ah, I guess that,” You eyes do another survey of his gangly, inhuman appearance, “makes sense.”

The creature nods, grabbing an apple before sitting across the fire from you. You can tell he is tense, probably waiting with baited breath for you to come to your senses and scream. There is a small part of you that wants too, desperately, but you silence it with a large mouthful of beans. The apple is tossed back and forth between the creatures hands, his eyes locked on the fire. The curiosity of how he eats things sneaks its way into your thought process. “Do you have a name?”

The creature perks, pausing it’s movements and looking at you with its large, red eyes.

“.....I’ve heard humans call me Mothman. I think it is quite accurate.”

You nod, swallowing down another bite of beans. “Do you...like that name?”

The creature doesn’t respond, eyes still piercing into your heart. His face has a small micro-expression, but you’re not sure you can read it. “Because my brother always said first impressions are the perfect time to reinvent yourself, so I could call you something else if you wanted?”

The creature's eyes flicker, in a movement you think is slight shock, before his eyes roll back to the fire. The small light of the fire flatters the dark black of his fur (You think it’s fur?) and only accentuate his large eyes, flashing and reflecting like rubies. In his relaxed position, he sort of looks….handsome.

“You may call me Mothman. Thank you for asking.”

You nod, letting the strumming banjo of a new song on the radio fill the void. The bouncy beat has you unconsciously bobbing your head as you scoop a spoonful.

“I love this song.” You mutter, lamenting how you're almost out of food to stuff your mouth with.

Mothman hums in agreement. “Me as well, this station is my favorite.”

Given your empty bean can, you take the leap into a conversation.

“Do you have a favorite kind of music genre?”

Mothman fiddles with the stem of his apple, brow (if it can even be called that) furrowing.

“I guess I never thought of what my favorite would be. I mostly listen to whatever the radio plays, enjoyable or not. Though,” Mothman points his thumb to the radio, “I love the sound this instrument makes, though I am unsure what it is called. It’s almost like….”

Mothman’s voice begins to make a squeaking trill, one extremely similar to that of plucked strings, although much sharper and shorter.

“Oh, you mean the banjo? Uh, the one that goes like-” You try your best to imitate the chords of the banjo, unconsciously moving your fingers to imitate playing. It’s not nearly as musical as Mothmans’, but his eyes widen and he nods excitedly.

“Yes! Yes, that sound is very pleasant. I’d say any music with that in it is my favorite.”

“Ah, country, that’s a really popular one around here. Have you ever heard ‘Goodbye Earl’ by The Chicks?”

Mothman shakes his head. Your face drops in surprise.

“Oh, it’s so good, it’s about-” As you lean over to give a long spiel about the song, another bolt of pain shoots up your side, forcing you to bite your cheek so as to not cry out. You keel over your legs, clutching your rib cage.

Right, car accident.

In a second, Mothman is next to you, tentatively laying a hand on your shoulder. His fingertips just barely brush your skin, yet you can still feel a slight fuzziness, the same that covers his whole body.

“You might want to see a human doctor, soon.��� You suck in through your teeth, slowly adjusting yourself back upwards. “Yeah, yeah, that’s probably a smart idea.

“I can take you as far as the end of the highway, if you’d like to call a friend or a cab.”

You nod, not trusting your voice to stay steady. Mothman’s other hand slowly moves to your other hip, only applying a modicum of pressure.

“May I help you stand up?” He almost-whispers, a hot breath of air blowing across the side of your neck as he speaks. A shiver runs down your spine as his large fingers play gently against your skin, covering a good portion of your pelvis. You’re thankful you can explain away any blush with the pain. You nod once more.

The two of you stand up gingerly, Mothman almost extending to his full height and brushing the blanket-ceiling with his antennae. You take a couple of small steps, the pain in your side taking the occasional moment to sting you.

Your eyes squint as you exit the encampment, sun already fully risen and in your face.

“If at any point you feel uncomfortable or in pain, let me know.”

You turn your head towards Mothman, but before you can ask any questions he sweeps you up in a bridal carry and extends his wings in one motion. From the corner of your eyes you can see dark red patterns that swirl on them, invisible until caught by the sunlight. Your hands instinctively lace around his neck, fingers tucking into the soft fluff of his neck. Mothman gives you a quick nod and what you think is an assuring smile

Without a word, you two take off.

----------

You two fly low to the ground, Mothman expertly maneuvering through the trees and underbrush as he glides along the highway. You’re sure if you were to drive by, he’d look like a flickering shadow in the woods, nothing more.

He sets you down by the edge of town, just out of sight of the semi-busy main street. You basically collapse to your feet, heart pounding with adrenaline and mind wracked with “Holy fuck, I just flew with the goddamn Mothman.”

“This is where I must depart. Do you think you can find suitable transportation to the hospital from here?”

You nod, still trying to wrestle your vocabulary from ‘What the fuck, Holy shit, Oh my god.’

Mothman gives you another smile and comforting nod, patting you on the shoulder.

“Very good. Good luck on your travels. Oh, and try not to be hit by any cars, alright?”

With a playful glare from you, Mothman begins to unfurl his wings and ready himself to fly back into the woods, buut before he can-

“Wait! Uh….” Mothman halts, wings still wide open. Your mouth and mind stagger, not even sure what you wanted to say. “I have some old country cassettes back at my place. If I found my mom’s old WalkMan I could….show them to you? Some time, maybe? Give you a chance to be your own radio DJ?”

Mothman’s face remains relatively neutral, but the way his antennae unfurl and his wings slightly perk upwards betrays his interest. It’s extremely adorable, like a little kid who hears the word ‘ice cream.’

“Yes, I think I would love that.”

“A-Awesome.” You breath out, not realizing how long you had held it in. “Same place, maybe next Saturday? Though hopefully I won’t be thrown in there by a car this time.”

Mothman lets out a series of squeaks, which you assume is his laugh. He gives you a thumbs up. “Cool, it’s a date.”

With the last word, you walk away, still hobbling with your probably-fractured rib, a large smile on your face.

As Mothman flies away, the cold wind of a West Virginia morning blowing across his body, he can’t deny the certain warmth that radiates from his chest.

I have a date.

[foccaccia]

god, i just - can you imagine what zelda went through on her seventeenth birthday?

this is her last chance to awaken her powers. she’s spent her whole life begging to her goddess, the one whose blood runs through her veins, to help her, and she’s had nothing but silence. all of hyrule, all its peoples, are relying on her, watching her, and all she can do is disappoint them. she knows what she’s good at, what she excels at - zelda is a scientist, a researcher, a genius, and she knows this ancient technology will save them. it has done so before. but the world isn’t looking for another scientist. the sheikah are awash with those. they need the princess of legend, and this sixteen year old child is failing them, and she doesn’t know how to fix it.

so this is her last chance. finally allowed at the spring of wisdom. you know, when you climb mount lanayru as link, if you aren’t wearing proper, thick clothing, you die within an hour. zelda sits in the freezing waters for hours, in only a thin white sleeveless dress, and begs to a goddess who does not answer. this is her spring, naydra is her dragon, wisdom is her triforce. nothing. her best friend, her loyal knight, stands behind her, silent as always, and he is not disappointing the world. he wields the sword that seals the darkness, and he is a master of his craft. there too are her other friends, champions of their people.

and zelda is pulled away, shivering, because hylia isn’t answering her. she’s failed, again, and it weighs unbearably heavy on this child’s mind. she’s supposed to be the next in the line of chosen princesses, a rich history of powerful and grand women who wielded magic as easy as they breathe, and this zelda is powerless. those talents she does have she clings to her chest, and her father the king bats them down with a sneer.

and then ganon wakes up.

they should be prepared, zelda or no zelda - link has the master sword, ready to defend his people. the champions have the divine beasts, huge and powerful machines that could each tear down an army on their own. hyrule has gathered to it guardians, weapons, towers, and it will stand strong as it did ten thousand years ago - zelda knows this, zelda helped rebuild this army. this is what she has given to her people.

what zelda has given to her people turns against them. no help comes from the champions, spread across hyrule, as the grandest warriors hyrule has to offer are torn to shreds in the places they thought safest. armies of unstoppable machines tear through villages like wet paper, rendering so much of hyrule a wasteland. zelda fixed those machines, tuned those gears, led the sheikah to repair them. demise is screaming over zelda’s home, and zelda knows it is her fault. she did not only fail to wake her powers - powers that could stop ganon - but she aided him in his destruction of her home. link has to tear her away. she has to run.

it is her seventeenth birthday, and in a field surrounded by an impossible amount of guardians, she watches her best friend die saving her life.

of course, this is when her powers wake up. too late, of course, for the champions, for link, for hyrule. all she can do is entrust her best friend’s body to purah and robbie (they’re all but children too, all of them, these teenaged heroes tasked by fate with the weight of so many lives) and pray that the chamber of resurrection will save him someday (because her prayers have done her so much good so far).

she follows the voice of a sword in her head - no sword meant for her. this is the sword that will kill ganon, and she cannot use it. the one who can is dead. it’s her fault it’s broken and burned, and all she can do is lay it at the feet of the great deku tree, older than time counted, and promise it that link - memories or no memories, she has to believe he will come back.

and then she turns around.

zelda has been seventeen for so short a time and it has cost her everything, those few things she could claim were both hers and good. and she turns around and heads to her shattered home - the broken castle already crawling with demons and monsters, with malice and poison and glowing eyes creeping through the once warm halls, and an immortal evil clouding around it. zelda cannot kill ganon. the sword is broken, the hero dead, and the chance of either coming back are slim, and still zelda marches up to her home and she raises her hand.

it is zelda’s seventeenth birthday for a century. time is nothing in her eternal locked battle with ganon, just barely enough to keep him tethered to the castle. even still, he can reach out - the blood moons keep the hordes of monsters alive, keep the guardians and the divine beasts possessed, keep naydra (her dragon) poisoned.

what must it have been like, that century of seventeenth birthdays? zelda’s own magic keeping them locked in the cycle (though haven’t they been locked in this cycle throughout all their lives), eternally fighting? do you think she ever faltered in her faith in link? a hundred years is a long time to hope a dead man will wake up.

and even then. even knowing link woke up, then, able to stretch just far enough to see him, unable to help beyond a watchful eye... link doesn’t remember her. at all. eventually, flashes, seconds of recollections, but he never remembers fully. and it takes time to reach her, to gather his strength again. longer still that zelda has to wait, eternally just barely seventeen years old, watching the boy who was once her best friend age by the day, gather new scars, remember the feel of a weapon in his hands, rescue the spirits of her dead friends.

link was always a better hero.

god. and then he comes to save her, and in a century, all she could do was hold him back. link draws his sword, charges, and ganon is defeated so soon after. oh, she can give him a weapon, can pick up the remains of ganon and seal it away, but link does in the course of a few hours what zelda would never have been able to.

and then what? then it’s over? not really. the sun is setting on her seventeenth birthday, and zelda is over a century old, and her once best friend turned feral wild warrior is looking up at her, and zelda has to decide how to rebuild a kingdom. what to do next.

im just saying. the poor girl had probably the worst birthday ever.

[pinkteapotwriting]

Not a burden

Marauders x reader

Summary : You’re depressed and the boys confront you about it

Warning : Swearing, depression, food mentions

Word count : 1044

---

I understand how it feels to have depression and just want to say if you’re depressed please reach out to a friend. You are not a burden and the people in your life love you. Boys can’t kiss your depression away this is just a comfort fic, but I promise you’re deserving of love. 

---

You could eat some food, you could drink some water. You could go for a walk, make tea. You could hangout with some friends and maybe forget for a little bit. But no amount of advised “self care” tips could make you any less empty. Sure, being kind to yourself was important, but buying yourself candy as a treat wouldn’t will you to brush your teeth, to finally shower, to feed yourself, and to even think about your boys. Guilt ebbed in the back of your mind as you laid down on your own dorm bed instead of your more common place of rest (lol pick any marauder’s bed anyway), but right now all you craved was to hide in the dark abyss of your room. This way you could hide, and they wouldn’t have to see you like this. You didn’t want to be a burden. So instead you laid on your bed, your troubled mind heavy enough to lull you to sleep.

At least this way you wouldn’t have to think.

You were woken up by a soft touch to your cheek, your grumbly voice very much opposite to the gentleness brushing against you. 

“Y/N, Y/N come on honey you’ve got to wake up.”

“Lils, I just wanna sleep.”

“You’ve been sleeping all day. Besides, I figured it would be better if I woke you up rather than them…”

“Them?”

Your question was quickly answered when you heard the stampede of rushed feet, and an impatient Sirius.

“Lily what’s taking so long?”

“Shut it Black, I just woke her up, give her some space.”

You did your best to hide under the covers as you felt the bed dip down and James speak up.

“Y/N come on are you alright?” At your silence he looked to Lily in question, but she could only offer a shrug. “Why don’t you come back to bed, you can sleep there instead, it feels empty without you, love.”

You held back a sniffle and shook your head, but somehow Lily was replaced with Remus without your realizing and he gently pulled down the covers to see you.

“Puppy, what’s wrong?”

“I’m fine. Just tired, can you let me sleep now?”

“Sure, Sirius have you got her clothes and toiletry bag?”

“Yep.”

“Alright, we’re good to go then.”

Before you could even process what was happening you were being scooped up in Remus’s arms. So, without the possibility of escaping you were carried off towards the boys dormitory and soon enough you were being plopped on Remus’s bed.

“What the fuck guys.” 

“We love you too Y/N”

You just rolled your eyes at Sirius, but they were quickly drawn to the sound of Remus clearing his throat. Oh boy, here he goes. His level and concerned tone only reminded you how riddled with pity they were. They just felt bad, obligated out of guilt to bother keeping up with you. But still, you tried to listen.

“Y/N, we’ve barely seen you for the past three days, you’re not coming down to eat, you’re pushing everyone away. We’ve been worried sick, not to mention Marlene and Lily. Please, if we did something to hurt you tell us. But I think we both know there’s something else going on and we’re here to help.”

“Y/N we love you please.” James chided in while Sirius nodded in agreement.

“Stop it I’m fine, you don’t have to pretend it’s okay.” 

Sirius spoke up this time. “Pretend what?”

“I don’t know, just that you shouldn’t have to waste your time on me. I know you guys feel bad for me, but please you deserve better. You are everything and I’m disgusting and horrible and and.”

Sirius did not let you finish, considering he already let you call yourself disgusting by accident.

“That’s bullshit! You are not disgusting, and we don’t fucking pity you. We love you. I love you. We want to make sure you’re okay because we love you. You aren’t a burden and even if you were you are one we’d gladly carry. Not because we feel bad, but because you are wonderful and kind and funny and also kinda beautiful but that’s not the most important part.”

“It does kinda help though, doesn’t it Pads?”

“You’re right Prongs,  I’m certainly not complaining.”

You almost let out a laugh at that one, but then remembered all the things you had to be insecure about. Remus could sense it though, he probably knew how you were feeling the most, he knew it all too well.

“Y/N, do you love me? Even after a full moon when I’m not myself and recovering.”

*Sniffle* “Yes.”

“When Sirius got kicked out, and was having a hard time did you love him any less?”

“N-no.”

“Literally James could fucking breathe weird and you’d be coddling him.”

James was grinning ear to ear at that one.

“You are not worthless, we love you. Y/N I think you’re depressed and we want to be here for you. No matter how many times we say we love you, you’re beautiful, that we care, you won’t believe it until you do. That doesn’t mean we’ll ever stop though, okay?”

“K.”

Everyone breathed in the silence like it wasn’t a toxic poison tightening chests, and cutting off circulation. 

“I just” they all leaned in to listen “I just hate myself, like a lot. And I’m just having a hard time existing. I do love you and I’m sorry (Your voice was definitely breaking at this point just a heads up). Some days are better than others but right now I’m really struggling. I’m just tired.”

Remus pulled you into his chest to cradle your quivering body, Sirius slipped in behind, while James wrapped his long arms around all three of you.

Of course immediately the rest of the evening was filled with tender kisses, a hot bath, shitty movies, and a huge chunk of Remus’s chocolate stash. While that night was hard, and it wasn’t easy learning to love yourself, hell even tolerating yourself. They couldn’t make all the pain go away, that’s not their responsibility. But they loved you so much.

And always wanted to be there to show it to you.

---

@sunny-bunnny @quindolyn @weasleyposts @accioweaslcy @thotbutpurple

[lewistanfanpage]

Our Little One

Lewis Tan × The Reader

Story Summary: It is a calmn and rainy, spring day in London so you stay home with Lewis and your 3 month old daughter.

(I chose Lilou for the daughter's name because it is one of my personal favorites!)

Warnings: extreme amount of fluff with the perfect amount of smut😈

Word Count: Over 1k

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

You awoke when you heard your three month old daughter, Lilou, crying for you. You groan at the sound because you have not been sleeping well for what feels like an eternity. When people told you that motherhood is a pure joy but is exhausting, they were absolutely right. But nonetheless, you begin to move your body to get up when you feel Lewis' arm wrap around your waist.

Lewis "I got her baby." He said in his raspy, sleep voice.

You moan, "No it's okay Lew..she is probably hungry." You mumbled. He reaches all of the way over to you to kiss your lips, you sleepily do the same.

Lewis "If she is, at least let me bring her to you then?"

"Mmkay." You rub your eyes to wake yourself up completely. He finally rises from the bed, instantly making your bare body freezing without his body warmth near you. Making you cover your arm's and chest to warm yourself before you feed her.

Lewis "Hello little one" he says quietly as he makes his way to her crib in the corner of yours and his bedroom, "you are up early aren't you, my little Lilou." You cannot help but smile as you see your husband absolutely melt around his daughter. You remember when you told him that you were pregnant; he started to cry tears of joy as he knelt to the ground, holding your belly, kissing it and telling you how excited he is for the little one to grow. And now here you two are..and she is already three months old. Time really does fly by when you have a baby. You watch him wrap his huge hands around her small waist and picks her up in his arm's.

Lewis "Oh i know!" He says as she continues to cry, "you must be starving bubba!" He starts to rock her and her cries simmer down to just a simple whimper, "There we go, you're okay little one." He coos her, telling her simple nothings as she looks up at her daddy, mesmerized by his face. "Are you still hungry, or did you just want some cuddles?" He looks at you with pure love in his eyes.

"Bring her over here." You whisper to him and he quickly obliges. He wiggles his way back into bed and you eagerly hold out your arm's, waiting Lewis to put Lilou in your arm's.

Lewis "Here's mommy!" He says with a smile on his face.

"Hi my baby, look at my beautiful girl." You say to her and her cries ultimately stop once she is near the both of you.

Lewis "God, she looks just like you baby."

"Mmm, i see you in her too. She's just too perfect."

Lewis "I couldn't agree more." He says as he kisses the side of your forehead, making you moan at the sensation. He always makes you feel so loved. He looks down at Lilou again and puts his thumb under her left foot and she closes her little toes around him. He couldn't handle the cuteness and he bursts out in laughter and you do the same.

Lewis "She has never done that before!"

"No she hasn't!" You too were almost mesmerized by the sight that you did the same thing to her other foot and she does the exact same thing.

Lewis "Oh-oh my goodness.."

"How are you even real, little one?"

Lewis "I ask myself the same question everyday. But i also ask myself how i got to marry the love of my life.." you look into his eyes and his eyes are tearing up.

"Lew..?" You blushes and looks away quickly.

Lewis "It's true baby. I am honestly the luckiest man in the entire world. I am married to my bestfriend and i have a beautiful, healthy daughter, we got a dogs and a beautiful home..what more can a man possibly want in life?"

"We are just as lucky as you are baby. I love you."

Lewis "I love you-"

"No...i love you, Lew.." he leans in and kisses you, slow and passionately. You two kind of get carried away until Lilou reminds you two of her presence, making you two stop instantly.

Lewis laughs, "Sorry little one, daddy got a little too carried away-" she continues to cry.

"Okay, you are hungry now."

Lewis "So is daddy-" you hit chest playfully, making his hold where you hit him and laugh. "Sorry, i had the opportunity so i took it!" He says as he puts his hands up in defense.

"After she is done feeding..we shall see." You wink at him and he licks his lips, getting comfortable in bed next to you.

Lewis "Well, my love, we have all day. And I'm a patient man." He says to you as he combines his hands behind his head. Exposing his massive biceps to you. You know what he is doing and you try your best to ignore the temptation right next to you. It doesn't help that you both are completely naked neither..

"I know little one, i know!! You are so hungry, here you go shh shhh." she clamps onto you with ease, much to your relief because she has a hard time feeding from you some days. She stops her tears and your ears are happy for it. You look outside for the first time and you see the sun trying to peak its way through the heavy rain clouds. Spring here in London is either insanely sunny and beautiful or immensely rainy and quite depressing. Today, it looks like the ladder. You sigh to yourself, knowing that the sun won't be coming out.

Lewis "What is it hun?" He says as he rubs your back.

"It's gonna be a rainy one today." You said to him with a slight pout to your lips. He rises back up to kiss your little pout.

Lewis "More reason to stay home all day."

"Oh yeah?"

Lewis "mhm.." he looks down at his daughter feeding with adoration, "i just need my girls, my warm bed, some bed snacks..and I'm good."

"That actually sounds like heaven. Especially because we have been running ragged all week." You and Lewis are working together on a show for Netflix. That is actually how you two met, on set for a movie that everyone loved, six years ago. Since that first day on set, you two haven't been apart. Three years of marriage and a daughter later and you two still feel like you two are in your honeymoon faze. Your family jokes about it because they all saw it coming.

Lewis "I know baby, that's why i just want to stay home. I know you must be sore from that fight scene on Thursday." He says as he kisses your shoulder blade.

"Mmm. Not as sore as i was after having our little one." You say giggling.

Lewis "I bet..but you still kicked ass on set baby, you're insane.."

You smile, "Thank you baby, means a lot to me."

Lewis "I know it does honey, i am so proud of you, y'know that right?"

"Of course i do Lew." He nods and looks down at Lilou.

Lewis "Your mommy is a badass!" He whispered to her as she unlatches herself from you. Smiling at her father.

"Lewis!" You shout at him for cursing to his three month old.

Lewis "Hey, I'm not wrong." You can't stay mad at him, he's just supporting you and she isn't old enough to even understand what he is saying to her. Nor does she know right from wrong.

"Okay, time for bed little one."

Lewis "Hey hey, no!" He pleads to you, "Keep her here! We can put on her lullaby song and she can fall asleep in the middle of us." You thought about how peaceful that would be so you agreed.

"Okay, but let me do something real quick!" He looks at you with a waiting look to see what your next move is. You slowly get up from bed, exposing your figure, still holding your daughter close to your chest. You moan from the body aches that you have radiating throughout your whole body, plus the crisp air hitting your bare skin didn't help. Lewis takes it all in, admiring how beautiful his wife is. Thinking to himself, fuck she is perfect. You slowly but surely make your way to your massive windows and crack them to get the scent of the fresh spring rain into the room.

"There we go" you hum, "that's much better, don't you think?" She coos to you, making you just melt. "Yeah, i think so too, my little Lilou." You look at Lewis and he is simply smiling from ear to ear. "What?"

Lewis "Oh nothing."

"Oh come on, you're a grown man, use your words." You say seductively, making him even weaker after that little performance that you did. He also know that you did it to him on purpose.

Lewis "You are just so perfect baby."

"And so are you." You say as you make your way back to him and laying down on your back. You were about to wrap you and Lilou with the blanket but Lewis was quick to do it for you. You thank him and he simply kisses you and her on the lips. Lilou screeches in happiness, making you and Lewis laugh with joy.

Lewis "Aw..you getting the sleepy eyes aren't you?" You two haven't even put on her lullabies yet and she is already getting sleepy.

"Mhm."

Lewis "It must be mommy's special touch." You just kept smiling, not taking your eyes off of her. He gives Lilou his pointer finger so that she can hold it. It puts her right to sleep. "Remember when she did this after she was born?"

"Of course i do. She's been a daddy's girl from day one."

Lewis "I just love her so much."

"And she loves you babe." He lips nods, looking at his sweet little creation, falling asleep in your arm's while holding onto his finger. "She is so tiny." He hums, still speechless. A few more minutes of rocking her, "I think she's out.."

Lewis "I dunno, let's see.." he says as he slowly moves his pointer finger to see if she whimpers. Nope, nothing. She was out cold. "Yup, she's asleep."

"Well that was quick..?"

Lewis "Hey, momma's special touch."

"That and a food coma." You too giggle to yourselves and just hold her for a few more minutes in bed before he puts her back into her crib. Once you sink into the sheets without the crippling fear of making your baby uncomfortable, your aching subsided. You hum in relief.

Lewis "You okay over there?" He asks you when he looks over to see you smiling at him.

"Mhm." You simply said. He nods and wraps little Lilou in her baby blanket and kisses her chubby cheeks. He rushes over to you, practically jumping into the bed. He lays himself on top of you, making you breathless. He is 200 pounds of pure muscle and yet him being on top of you never hurts you.

Lewis "Fuck..I'm so in love with you."

"I can say the same thing about you-" he crashes his lips on to yours, making you moan. When he pulls back, he has his cocky little smirk that he loves to give you when he knows that you are horny. "I thought that you were a 'patient man'?"

Lewis "I said that when i thought that our little one was gonna be up for hours on end..she's asleep now." He says before leaning down and leaving wet kisses on your neck. Slowly biting down, leaving perfect love bites. You run your hand through his black locks of hair, making him moan. He loves it when your seductively play with his hair.

Lewis "Are you tired?" He asks you as he takes his throbbing cock in his veiny hand, rubbing himself slowly.

"Not at all-" with those words in his ears, he glides himself into you with ease.

Lewis growls, "So wet for me already? Only with a few kisses and love bites?"

"You know the affect thst you have on me by now.."

Lewis "That is right, i do." He starts moving his hips now because he knows that you have adjusted around him perfectly by now. He doesn't want to be dominant today, giving the fact that the both of you are quite sore from work. Today, it was all about you and making you feel good.

"Fuck.." you said as he slowly goes deeper into you.

Lewis kisses you, "Must be quiet baby...our little one is sleeping. Don't want to wake her now do you?" Making you tighten around him, making him moan.

"Who's the one being loud now huh?" He bangs into you when you said that, making you whimper and close your legs around his waistband and tighten your grip on his shoulders.

Lewis "I am still in control, remember that baby girl.." he says in your ear, making you even wetter around him. He can feel your every move and it makes him rush to his climax and you do the same. Once you two were finished, he collapses on your chest, breathless. You two were a sweating mess but filled with lust. "I swear baby, every time feels like the first time."

"Like people say, we will never not be in our honeymoon faze.."

Lewis chuckles, "No never." He kisses your entire face like he did when you told him that you loved him for the first time. Give you butterflies. "I loved you then baby..and i love you today..and i will love you forever and after that."

"Forever and after." He nods and kisses you before resting his forehead onto yours. That quote has been yours and his thing since your first 'i love you's.' You two say it so much that you both have it tattooed on each others arm's with each other's handwriting. He has his tattoo on his left tricep in your handwriting and you have his handwriting on your left forearm. Just as a reminder whenever you two are apart.

"We love you Lew.." you say with pure love in your voice. His heart just about bursts in his ribcage.

Lewis "And i love my girls. Now," he rises from your chest and wraps his arms around your torso, easily picking you up. You wrap your body around him like a monkey. He holds you close, not even letting you have an inch of personal space. "Time for round 3 in the shower!" You laugh and burry your face in the crook of his neck. As the day went on, you and Lewis did exactly what he had planned in the early morning hours. Making love during the time your baby was asleep, stayed in bed all day, only getting dressed to let the dogs out so that the neighborhood didn't see you two naked, and ate in bed while watching movies. It was a blissful, raining spring day with your family. Making you realize just how lucky you are.