#and used to meet me every friday with flowers

[theladyofbloodshed]

Alright, gotta get this out of my system because I’ve been gone for a while.

The kind of romance you write cannot be compared to any others I’ve read so far (fanfics or original works). Your fanfics have been the highlight of my ACOTAR journey. Where SJM failed to show/write true romance, you always gave the best kind of romance. I remember how obsessed I was with the mating bond in the beginning. As I went on to read all the books, I realized that mating bond was just a device for lazy writing (idk if I am using this term correctly). There’s nothing common between mates (Rhys and Feyre being the prime example). They have sex and that’s it. Sometimes the ‘love’ aspect of it feels so forced that when I think about how things would be different if the mating bond didn’t exists, all I can come up with is that Rhys wouldn’t have bothered with Feyre. If his mate was Clare Beddor, regardless of how the series went, she would have been the queen of his heart and the High Lady of Night Court (this doesn’t make much sense but it’s just something that comes to my head when someone talks about how the title was earned and not given). The romance is just not there. But your romance 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. I am often labelled as someone who doesn’t like romantic stuff because honestly, I can’t connect with what most people think is romantic. But everytime I read your fics, it make me feels so many emotions. There’s a yearning. I have questions about when my theladyofbloodshed/Chelsea’s male protagonist will come and hold my face in his hands and ask me what I need and tell me how much he loves me. Or rather, show it to me (Pardon the dramatics, I’m emotional 🥹😂 I think I’m getting my period soon). I just can’t deal with all these emotions and yet I come here to read more of it. I love your couples, the romance, the friendship from where the romance starts (as opposed to the general approach where rather than being supportive to their vulnerable SO after a truly horrific incident, the supposed mate bends them over and fuck the pain and misery out of them).

Your writing reminds me of people who say that the male character is so good he seems to be written by a woman. You know, sometimes just exactly what we dream of.

What a comment 🥺🥺🥺 Thank you. I'm so glad you like the romance. I tend not to read romance books either but I always look for a nice romance embedded in the story. (I just finished Rule of Wolves and I am on my knees for Zoya and Nikolai). My golden rule is would these people want to spend an afternoon hanging out? Would they want to spend every dinner time together? There needs to be friendship. Take away the lust, are they on each others team?

My issue with sjm's couples are the points you've made here, that the mating bond is lazy. My favourite couple is probably chaol and yrene because at least they had their disagreements initially and had to become friends before they became anything more and it felt far more genuine.

[tojisun]

!! it’s very silly and unserious and the only reason it’s long is because it’s so vivid in my head. unedited as hell </3

nosy neighbours tf 141 got me giggling. and it’s not even inherently sexy nor attractive, it’s really just them being in people’s (or a person’s) business.

thinking about how, in retirement, they still bought a house together because it’s so odd to have separate lives. and so they bought one in the suburbs, with five bedrooms and four baths, and a really big backyard. kyle picked up gardening so the backyard was not just a plus but a damn requirement.

so they move in, not giving a damn about that one old WASP couple across the street watching them all with a sneer because apparently moving in with your mates is unusual. well, whatever. fuck them.

then they meet their new neighbour. you’re single—divorced, price would tell them later—whose life is centred around your 9 to 5 job at an office in the city which you wake up at 5am for.

you leave the house at 6:30am and then amble back home when it’s pushing 8pm. it’s a boring life; a boring routine. not even your little front lawn of cared-for wild flowers managed to hold their attention longer than a day.

so with that said, they’d like to go on a record and say that it’s all johnny’s fault.

friday evening, he started the game by saying, “she bought a baguette.” he paused. “and a bottle? it's shaped like lube?”

john blinked, setting his book down. “what.”

mactavish shrugged, still peering from the crack in the curtains. kyle walked in then, his apron all dirtied. “hey, i’m craving a baguette.”

johnny laughed and looked at price like price was supposed to get something from that. of course he didn’t, but johnny’s always been good at carrying the momentum so, to no one’s surprise, he repeats the observation three days after the previous one.

“bag’o coal and lemon bread. what the hell.”

“that’s a disgusting dinner combo,” kyle chirps, switching the channels.

simon throws a pillow at him because he had been watching a documentary about moths when kyle changed the program without asking him.

“it’s just monday,” john finally replies, cementing his participation in the game. “why’s she buying lem—did she not grocery shop?”

johnny looks at him, wide-eyed. “that’s a good question, sir.” then he turns, ignoring them again to peer at their neighbour. john’s sure you’re back in your home so he really doesn’t know what johnny’s watching at that point.

simon was successful at wrestling the remote control back to him, and the program’s returned to the moths.

.

thursday evening, two and a half weeks after monday’s lemon bread and bag of coal, the game picks up again.

“who the hell makes a rug purchase during the weekdays?” kyle asks, his voice teetering between fascination and concern.

“how long’s the rug?” johnny replies, all of them watching as kyle stands in front of that slip of window they now use for ‘bird watching.’

kyle spreads his arms out—2.5 ft.

“huh,” johnny says. “for the toilet, you reckon?”

“probably for the cat, actually,” simon cuts in.

“what cat.” john doesn’t even know who asked that, but really—what cat?

“a round thing,” simon answers. “grey fur.”

“aww,” johnny croons. “that’s cute.”

john sighs and turns back to the morning paper’s crossword puzzle for the day.

.

you don’t join the neighbourhood’s annual summer barbecue party much to their disappointment. although, in all fairness, john understands your decision because they wouldn’t have gone to it anyway had they not found out that the host this year was going to be that WASP couple who still sneered at them every chance they get.

the wife, of course, couldn’t turn them away in front of the other neighbours who particularly loved kyle and, shockingly, simon so there they are, eating what is begrudgingly some good ribs while listening to the neighbourhood gossip.

and while each story was riveting, nothing could honestly hold a candle to their ‘bird’ and your peculiar grocery runs.

.

one evening, you come home with a man. john tells them it’s your ex-husband, admitting to them that yes, he’s now used up their once-a-month pass to accessing ‘special’ resources with regards to finding more about you.

“think they’re fuckin’?” johnny asks, no longer feigning disinterest.

kyle groans because it had been more than a minute now since johnny dropped a card from his stack; they tried their best to be patient as they waited, thinking mactavish needed more time since, apparently, he’s never played cards before—growing up as a catholic boy, he’s always been told that any form of gambling was a gateway to eternal damnation.

john didn’t have the heart to tell him that you didn’t have to make bets to be able to play cards.

“maybe,” simon replies, ignoring kyle’s angry grumbling. “why else would she bring him home? her house ain’t really a wonder.”

“…how do you know that?” kyle asks, his words measured and slowed.

simon blinks, then he sniffs, before looking away.

“hey!” mactavish screams, catching on. “we agreed no tampering with anythin’ of ‘ers!”

“yeah? well tell ‘at to cap’n too—he was already there when i broke in.”

johnny turns to him with a theatrical betrayed look. kyle drops his head on the table because the game’s been fully abandoned now.

“sir,” johnny says, his voice airy like he’s speaking mid-gasp. “you didn’t.”

john licks the back of his teeth, then, “jus’ wanted to see ‘er cat, s’all.”

.

the ex-husband leaves three hours later with a familiar rug tucked to his side.

.

“huh,” simon murmurs, his voice so faint that john almost missed it. “tulips and tuna today.”

johnny and kyle would’ve loved the update but the two are away for the week.

john messages it to the group chat.

suds (19:21)

> holy shit she’s improving.

.

oddly enough, it took them six months since they moved in for them to finally talk to you.

or, well, for you to talk to them.

“i’m havin’ a yard sale tomorrow,” you say after the introductions have passed, your lips tugged up in a shy smile.

john honestly couldn’t even remember how he used to envision you—old age caught up to him and for a whole while, you were nothing but a coloured blob in his eyes since they turned out to be more damaged than expected—but whatever that had been was erased the moment you stood before them.

shy and awkward, your back slouched just a little like you’re trying to curl into yourself in the face of their rapt attention, but even then you’re beautiful.

“yeah?” kyle asks, smiling; the first to break out of the trance you put them into. “and would y’need help, pretty miss?”

“oh, you,” you murmur, strained laughter peeling from your lips. “and yeah, i do. would that be alright? i tried moving my old couch downstairs and my back almost gave out. i swear, i thought i was going to see the lord today.”

johnny laughs, loud and booming. “well we’re glad that you didn’t die today, otherwise who would take care of little truffle, huh?”

john barely stopped himself from heaving out a loud sigh, an attempt made more challenging when he caught the way kyle whirled his head to glare at mactavish, the act not any less subtle since it startled you too. simon grumbles something incoherent—it’s lost amidst johnny’s petering laugh and your swelling horror.

“…how, exactly, do you know my cat’s name?”

[blingblong55]

Cowboy like me -Philip Graves

creds: @/vhenan_virabelesan on instagram

Based on a request:

i need more graves in my life. like southern cowboy graves who finds veteran reader one day in line for food or something and he just can’t help but talk to her until the blood rushes to his face and flushes red. need graves who never thought he would settle down or get married until he finds himself staring at rings after dating you for 8 months. philip who cherishes his fiery girl by winning stock shows and buying her a new mercedes just because. reader asking him how she can pay him back and he asks her to move in. philip who holds reader so so close to his body, never wanting to hurt her while his cock throbs into her. caressing her hair and clicking his tongue whenever she breaks eyes contact from his good he feels. philip being called away for a two month deployment all of a sudden. two months feel like two years until he can see his beloved peeing the ranch goats and chasing chickens back into their coop. philip who finally gets home and uses his rank to skip the welcome home ceremony, wanting to surprise reader at home since it’s late at night and him speeding home because they’re not going to live their lives through the phone. driving like a maniac until he feels the grind of gravel against rubber and the familiar low glow of the wooden house, until he holds onto her body like how oxygen embeds itself into his lungs. i need him so bad ---- F!Reader, fluff, some smut, boyfriend!Graves, cowboy!Graves, P-in-V, soft sex, soft!dom Graves, veteran!Reader ---- A/N: this is how I know you are a Graves lover, so please my dear..enjoy :)

You moved to the countryside, a small town and a pair of old boots. Life is calm, away from that old and rowdy one you lived as a soldier. This time around, you were told about some new small restaurant in town, decided to check it out and that's when all the stars aligned. He walks in, three days into his break from a long deployment and then, his eyes meet your frame. A small smile on him. Never did he see another woman like you in his part of town. Not as pretty or as captivating. His cowboy hat by his chest as he admired you. You, unaware, order your meal, eager to taste something new.

He walked closer, and the cashier asked for your name. "R/N," you said and he smiles. What a precious name. For days after, he returned to that small restaurant, walked around town and frequented many shops and then he stopped walking. There you were, getting what he assumed was your truck loaded with gravel and some other stuff. You were a local then. He knew the man from the shop, asked around and soon he realised you were the woman who bought a property close to his. Ain't it funny. Your herd dog ran away and into his property, what a fun time Philip would have.

"I'm sorry, he…is a bit of a runner," you chuckle as you get your dog in the truck. "No worries, hun. I'm Philip," he extends his hand and you shake it. "I'm R/N, a pleasure to meet you," you smile. "So, what is a pretty lady like you doing 'ere?" You chuckle, your hat being the perfect sunblock for this sunny day. "I own this land," you answer and he smiles more. "Ah, so that means you aren't just a pretty lady with a dog, that makes you my pretty lil neighbour," he gets closer. You couldn't deny it, he had his charm and it worked on you. "What if instead of keeping you out on this Sun, I keep you out, say Friday night at around 8 pm?" Oh that smile on him, what a dangerous game it played.

And so you accepted. You played the dangerous game with him and it turned into something so calm and beautiful. Now, instead of spending his days or weeks off work alone, he spends them with you. He got to know you, understand you and love all of you. Every day, there he was, at your front porch, wildflowers at hand from his part of the land. Every day, there you were, at the front door, ready to greet him with a kiss. It never was the fact he could buy store flowers, it was the intention, to always bring them to you, pretty or not, he took his time every day to pick them out, to think, 'She'll like them, yeah…this one is perfect,' that is the beauty of him. And, you always fell even deeper for him. That smile, the same one he saw every morning, gave him more reason to go around, plant flowers on his land and when they grow, he will cut them and hand them to you.

It's what all lovers did before him. His eyes, my my my, were they enchanting to look at. He never meant to be a husband, to come home to his pretty lady, to love. He was meant to be a soldier, a commander and to watch himself die sometime far from today, in some dangerous place. Today, he walks around, looks at rings and shakes his head anytime the lady at the jewellery place asks if he likes that ring. "No, don't think my darling would fit this, I need something more…more beautiful…something that matches her beauty, so let's keep looking." But that was a game to never be won. In his mind, no diamond would match your beauty, it just had to at least resemble your natural looks.

His friends were all teasing him for falling in love. It's not bad, they reassure, it's…new..it changed you for the better, they all admit. When he introduces you to them, they all look at each other. "Oh, it makes more sense," one says and the rest agree. You did change him, he has become someone everyone admires more, and he has more reason to do certain stuff now. You and him, it is possibly the healthiest of loves he or you had. The warm feeling in your chest, that feels right. The compliments from his mother, his father and siblings, all feel too well. And you know that maybe you are right, maybe this is love. It's love in the beautiful, the ugly, the immature things you two laugh at, the stare his friends give when they know he find his forever person. It is real…it's love for what humans know love to be.

"My dear, c'mon, calm down," his voice soft, hands on your body as you argue over something that happened at a store. "Babe, you don't get it. That man…ooh that man do I dislike him!" He chuckles, "You know what the deal was and what he said was right-" "No, no it wasn't and you know what, shame on you for backing him up." You push him. "No, don't do that, we don't do that. If I fuck up, you correct me and I do the same for you, we fix each other that way." You huff out and cross your arms. He was right, you did that and now he had to do the same. Anytime he said or did something that wasn't right, you corrected him and he listened and apologised and did better next time. Now, here you were, having to be in his situation. "Sorry…it's just…why…why would that man do that- you're right..sorry"

"It's over, let's move on," his arms wrap around you and you sigh. "I love you," he reminds you and you smile. Your arms now wrapping around him. "I love you too," you whisper and get comfortable in his arms. Slowly, this became the norm, talk it out, don't yell but talk, it's simple and it's what keeps it all comfortable.

Christmas, ten months into loving you, he buys and gifts you a car. Lavish and all for you. For what reason? No motive, he just felt the need to give it. You, being someone who can't just accept these nice acts, shove the keys back to him. "Nope, nope…Phil, you can't just give me this." He shakes his head, "I can and it's rude to deny a gift, my love," he walks to you, the smile on him again. Was he a wizard? To have you so enchanted by his smile? "But-…how can I repay this? This is too much, Phil-" A kiss, is all it took to have you calm down and let him love you more. "Move in, that's all I ask of you." He says between kisses and you smile. Of course, now that is the man you know. A mastermind for a fiance? Now that is something to have yourself get accustomed to.

By Spring, he and you married.

By Summer, he had your back arched, your body and his pressed against each other as he repeatedly made love to you. His cock, deep inside of you as your milked him for every last drop. Your hands, wrapped around his back, owning him and marking him with scratches, ones he would proudly wear. His hands caress your body as if you were some angelic creature. Your eyes close once your body starts to feel euphoric, its pleasure to the greatest it can be. Philip's kisses trail from your lips to your collarbone. Your tits bounce with each thrust he gave you, your eyes closed and then he grabs your face with force. "Don't you dare look away, my love, not now," he grunts and moans.

His fat cock stretches your tight cunt to its limit. You let our whimpers, your orgasm building up slowly. "That's it, be a good girl-" he grips your face again. "Tsk, what i say?" He kisses you and once he is done with your lips, he ensures your gaze never leaves his. Your drunken stare is the one thing that is making him last so long. Your juices leak all over him, his cum deep inside of you, making sure to leave you leaking. It was his way of saying goodbye as he went on yet another operation. Your cunt, throbbing for the abuse and love your dear husband gave you over and over. It was perfection, it is love that he makes to you on a night like this.

Your teary eyes, make him frown and apologise. "I'm sorry, I know…I know darling." he cups your face with his warm hands and kisses you all over that precious pouty face. Your tears dried by his lips. Love is an action or emotion. Right now, in this bed made up of two drunken lovers, he made sure to teach you that he was not like any of the past men you loved. He was sure of it because no other man-made you cum with a stare, a touch, or a lick of your precious and delicious cunt. He isn't most men, he is your man, your other half, the one that has you whimpering over his size. The one that has you lighting candles for when he comes back home.

After that night, he was gone for some time. Not much contact besides the small talk on texts or the quick calls from the base. It was an eternity, to not have him by your side, to not watch you fall over as you tried to feed the animals on the ranch. It was a long night when you didn't have him wrap his arms around you and whisper sweet nothings. But it was the rule, wait and I'll be back to love you more. You were his patient lover, like a woman back in the day, waiting all day for her man. And the second came with the view of the joint estates, he smiles. His pretty darling, his home and all those crazy animals, all waiting for him.

His mates at the base, all begged him to wait just a little longer but he couldn't not when he yearned to be in your arms. He didn't care, it didn't matter if they all wanted a sit-down cookout to celebrate a triumph of an operation. You mattered. You see, the thought of you, laying in bed, with an empty side, his pillow used as a teddy bear as you await for him, that was an image he couldn't let happen anymore. His truck, rushed through the night all to get a glimpse, a touch, a whisper and an 'I love you' from you.

The door, swung open as he hurried up the stairs and into the bedroom. The floor creaks under his step as he silents himself from excitement when he sees your precious face. It was a rush, it's love and glee to know he came home, came home to you. "R/N, doll..I'm home," he whispers as he gently stirs you awake. That smile of yours, oh it can melt a man as mean and cold as him. "Hi," your voice is so soft and small. "Hi," he responds and sits on the edge, watching as you crawl into his arms. "Did you miss me?" but of course, he knew that answer. You nod and bury your face on his chest. What was once an empty bed, is now a bed full of two. Two crazed people, two hearts, one home. "Oh I missed you more," he rubs your back and notices how your body relaxes. He holds you close, so close that it's as if he wants your body to become one.

His boots are under the bed as he settles in with you. Your warmth wrapped him in an embrace. This, this is all he ever needed. It wasn't some drunk one-night stand, it wasn't cheap love or cheap sex. No one could afford this. Don't think he even understood how much he had to afford this kind of love but he can and that is all that matters now.

A/N: I love cowboys....and I love cowboy Graves

Join my tag list

Tags:

@katz-chow @liyanahelena @johfaam0 @ghostslillady @goldenmclaren @moonsua1 @frazie99 @viomast @saoirse06 @vampsquerade @alxexhearts

[vivwritesfics]

Hooked On A Feeling

Aus Grand Prix Special

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES, READ AT OWN RISK

1.8K

Series Masterlist

AUS GP, 2025 (two years after the beginning of the story):

You don't you stress until you've tried to wrangle two hyperactive seven year olds into a car. "Liv, c'mon. We're going to see you dad."

For the fifth time, Olivia climbed out of the car. She ran back towards the house for something she definitely didn't need. "Muuuuum," Milo called from the back seat. "Can we go now?"

"One second, Milo," Y/N called as she put their things in the trunk of the car. As soon as she shut the door of the trunk she was back in the house, calling for Olivia. "Liv, let's go!" She called up the stairs.

"But I need my hat!"

When Y/N arrived at Olivia's bedroom she was searching through her drawers. "What hat, Livvy?" She asked as she searched through the top of her wardrobe, where Olivia couldn't reach.

"The one uncle Lando got me for Christmas," she said.

Y/N knew exactly what hat Olivia was looking for. It was custom made bucket hat, made to match Daniels helmet with a 3 on the top. Olivia had worn it for every race they had attended, had almost lost it in the wind at Bahrain.

Y/N knew exactly where the hat was. Olivia had taken it in for show and tell at school and it was still in her bag. She pulled it out of the flower decorated bag and handed it to Olivia. "Ready to go now?"

She nodded and followed her future step-mom down to the car. While Y/N locked the front door, Olivia climbed into the back of the car beside Milo. Y/N climbed into the drivers seat and the three of them set off.

The year before the four of them had travelled to the Grand Prix together. Daniel had driven, singing along to the music Y/N had put on. It was one of her favourite memories. This year he had driven up with Scotty James. She couldn't be mad, she had seen the videos of them having so much fun posted all over social media.

As they drove along, the music stopped and her phone started ringing through the hands free system in the car. Y/N used the button on her steering wheel to answer and Daniels voice came through. "Hi honey, are you guys on your way?" He asked.

"We're about half an hour away, Danny," she called. From the back of the car the kids let out a chorus of 'hi's'. "Are we meeting you at the Red Bull hospitality?"

"Yeah, hun. Max and I are waiting."

There was a quiet hi, from someone Y/N could only assume was Max. "Tell him we all say hello," she said to her fiancé, who quickly passed on the message.

"Baby, I've got to go," he said. "Love you guys!"

"Love you too!" The three of them replied before the call ended.

Just as she had said, they arrived at the hotel half an hour later. They could have stayed home and watched the live coverage, but they wanted to give Daniel as much support as they could, so Daniel got himself booked into a hotel room with enough space for all of them.

He had been there since Wednesday, due to media duties and such. Y/N stayed back to work and get the kids to and from school. But they had all taken the Friday off to watch the first of the practices from the Red Bull garage.

They checked themselves into the hotel room, getting the key Daniel had left by the front desk, and headed to the track. There was no point in driving, and it was close enough that they could walk.

Milo and Olivia led the way to the track. Y/N made sure they all stayed together as they walked. It was incredibly busy as they pushed their way through towards the paddock.

Actually, it was Scotty that spotted them. He waved Y/N over and she moved the kids through the crowd, towards him. With Scotty's help, they got into the paddock. "You have much traffic on the way up here?" Scotty asked as he led the three of them over to the Red Bull Garage.

She shook her head. "Not until this point," she said, keeping one eye on the kids as they led the way once again. They were just too excited, there was no point containing them. "How is he feeling?"

It was Daniel's second year back in the Red Bull, and everybody knew he was nervous. He had seen just how quickly Red Bull had tossed their other drivers to the side. He'd managed to secure a contract for another year, but that could all change with the snap of someone's fingers.

They got to the hospitality unit, where Daniel was waiting outside. He took pictures for fans and signed the things that were shoved in his face. Staff parted the fans like the red sea to allow Y/N, Scotty and the kids through.

Olivia immediately ran to her father. "Badger!" He called as he hugged her.

He held his other arm out for Milo, who joined the hug. "Hi dad," he said, grinning.

Milo didn't realise what he had said, not right away. And Daniel sure wasn't going to make a big deal out of it. It was Olivia who giggled at her future brother. "You just called him dad," she laughed, and Milo's face scrunched up in embarrassment.

"No I didn't," he insisted.

"Yes you did! Yes you did!"

But Milo went running to his mother. Olivia let go of her dad and went inside of the hospitality unit to find her Uncle Max. Daniel turned his attention to his bride to be. "My lady," he said as she stepped towards him.

"Danny." She was aware of the cameras on the two of them as she stepped towards him. Flashes went off, videos were recorded on fans phones as she pressed her lips against his and wrapped her arms around his neck.

The two of them never had much a chance at privacy. There very first kiss all those years ago was televised. They'd tried, to give her and the kids a normal life, but their attempts were futile. They'd given up.

With his hand on the small of her back, Daniel let her and Milo into the hospitality unit. "Are you hungry?" He asked, immediately going to fix her and Milo something to eat. He would have gotten Olivia something, but she was eating a muffin as she spoke to her uncle Max, no doubt about karting.

The family of four spent what time they could together before Daniel jumped in the number 3 Red Bull car for the first practice session. This one wasn't about speed, Y/N had come to learn. It was about testing different set ups, not about setting the fastest time.

FP2 that afternoon was about showing what you could do. And Danny did. Y/N, Olivia and Milo watched on as Daniel set the fastest time in FP2 over and over again. He and Max raced each other. Not in the literal sense, but it was a competition between the two of who could get the fastest lap.

After FP2 they were free to head back to the hotel. Daniel drove them back to the hotel. While Milo and Olivia took turns in showering and getting changed for dinner, Y/N and Daniel laid together. He sat on the bed and she laid against him, her hand against his racing heart. "How are you feeling about tomorrow?" She asked quietly.

Daniel sucked in a breath. The smile that played on his face wasn't a smile at all. It was more of a grimace as he looked up at the ceiling. "Nervous, definitely. But I'm glad you guys are gonna be there to support," he said and leaned down to kiss her.

They had a lovely dinner that night. It wasn't often that all four of them got to go out and do things like this, not with Daniels racing schedule. They had a wonderful time. The kids ordered whatever they wanted, which meant the biggest deserts in the place. Daniel was a lot stricter with what he was eating, considering it was a race weekend.

After their dinner, the four of them headed back to the hotel. Bellies full and incredibly happy, they quickly fell asleep. Daniel held Y/N through the night. He missed her on race weekends like this.

She woke up first. Bile rose in her throat and she struggled out of Daniels grip. As she had every morning since Wednesday, she got up and ran to the bathroom to throw up.

In the close quarters of the hotel room, everybody could hear what was happening in the bathroom. They all woke up to the sounds of Y/N throwing up into the toilet. Daniel was up and out of bed in an instant. He raced to her and immediately held her hair out of her face, rubbing her back soothingly as she heaved.

"Baby," Daniel said softly as she sat back on her heels and wiped her mouth. Tears touched her eyelashes, as they always did when she threw up.

Daniel opened his arms, but she didn't throw herself into them. Instead she washed her face and cleaned her teeth, just as she had every other morning. "C'mon, Y/N, speak to me," he said softly.

She shut her eyes, steadying herself against the sink. "I think I'm just sick," she said and turned to walked out of the bathroom.

But Daniel stopped her. He grabbed her arm softly and pulled her into his embrace, his hand moving up and down her back. "You'd tell me if... right?"

She nodded her head, letting herself rest against him.

They didn't see the two little heads peaking into the bathroom. "Mum?" Milo called, somewhat timidly. Daniel hadn't heard him speak like this in years.

Y/N and Daniel pulled away from each other. They looked at the kids as they walked into the bathroom. "Is everything okay?" Olivia asked, eyes holding concern.

Both she and Daniel nodded. "It's nothing to worry about, guys. I promise." she said.

They all stayed in the bathroom just a minute longer. Y/N was the first to leave. They all followed her out and crawled back into their beds.

But Y/N and Daniel didn't sleep. They laid there, waiting for the kids to fall asleep before Y/N turned towards him. "I think I should go and get a pregnancy test," she whispered, snuggling close to his chest.

Daniel couldn't hide the way his face lit up.

Taglist (CLOSED): @biancathecool @rewmuslupin @prettiest-at-the-party @hellowgoodbye @cassie0sstuff @spideybv28 @andydrysdalerogers @aundercover @lou-bean28 @landossainz @purplephantomwolf @ggaslyp1 @layazul @phantomxoxo @minkyungseokie @gills-lounge @hollie911 @annispamz @lily-ann-b @cixrosie @notyouraveragemochii @charli123456789 @amalialeclerc @teamnovalak @tallrock35 @teenwolf01 @chiliwhore @darleneslane @sava207 @thatsusbitch @formulaal @leptitlu @angiesw0rld @yunakynn @landosgirlxoxo @msolbesg @cherry-piee @catmouseggy @bathedinheat @chanshintien @ilove-tswizzle @woozarts @evie-119 @trouble-sistar @mysticalnightenthusiast @lewisvinga @spilled-coffee-cup @starkeyellow @fxrmuladaydreams @viennakarma @radiator101 @lightdragonrayne @angelxxrose @millinorrizz @xemiefx @ellies-world61 @the-depressed-fellow

[froggoon]

˚✧₊MEGUMI'S GIRLFRIEND⁺˳✧༚

A short one-shot where you are Megumi’s Secret Girlfriend

★ pairing: Megumi x f!reader ( slight Yuta )

★ wc: 1.38k

No one expected Megumi to have a girlfriend. The guy had no rizz as Yuji would say. He had about as much personality as a block of stone. “Yah Megumi, tonight me and Nobara are headed out to Roppongi to go clubbing want to join?” Yuji asked his friend. They had just finished all their missions and would have off the next few days

“No, go on without me.”

It wasn’t unusual for Megumi to say no, so Yuji, Nobara, and the 2nd years went without him.

The next time the trio went on a mission they noticed Megumi couldn’t stay off his phone. It’s like he was glued to it.

“Who are you texting? You don’t have any friends besides us.” Nobara was just as nosey as Yuji when it came to Megumi’s personal life. And as usual, the response was “None of your business”.

The Jujutsu Sorcerer life was a tough one. If you found a partner that was great. Staying alive, working , and keeping your partner happy and safe was another challenge. But Megumi somehow did it. He loved you with all his heart. Made time for you. Took you on dates. He showed you a soft side that he had never shown anyone before. You and Megumi had been together for over a year and you had never met his friends and still didn’t know too much about his school life.

It was Friday and every Friday Megumi took you out on a date. It didn’t matter where, how long it was, or if he had a mission, he would always do something with you on Friday nights.

Last week he took you to the aquarium to look at the sharks, your favorite animal. You split a sandwich in the cafe ( cuz ur boi poor like his dad) and he bought you the cutest fluffiest shark plushie that currently sits on your bed.

However, this Friday was tough, he has just gotten back from a mission and was covered in bruises. After a short trip to Shoko, he made his way to your place to relax and watch on of your favorite movies, Legally Blonde. However this time, his absence did not go unnoticed by Yuji whose room was right next door.

The next morning Nobara and Yuji were walking to the training field to meet with Gojo and Yuji thought it was the perfect time to have a little gossip sesh. “Hey, Megumi snuck out last night.”

“What ? No way that guy definitely has no where to go. What do you think he doing?”

“I don’t know he’s been acting sort of weird”

“How so?”

“Well, For the last few months, he’s been going out on his own, staring at his phone a lot and sneaking out… MAYBE HE'S DEALING DRUGS”

After a quick wack in the head from Nobara “No freaking way he’s dealing, he’s probably reading new ways to train or something”

For the next weeks, the duo would stalk Megumi. They began noticing things. The slight blushes on the check after a sly phone call, the hint of lavender on his clothes when he came back to the school, a necklace in the shape of a heart he wore that was way too girly for him to buy himself.

It wasn’t until the next Friday that Yuji and Nobara decided to follow Megumi when he left. Dressed up in horrid disguises, they followed Megumi to the train station where he bought a small bouquet of daisies at the flower shop.

One… two… three…four… they counted four stops before the train arrived to shibuya.

“He went all the way to Shibuya? For what … the flowers? No way this guy is on a date…”

“Nobara! Hey he definitely is on a date! He got all dressed up and brought gifts!” Yuji replied as they both scurried after Megumi to avoid losing him in the crowd.

“No … way.” Yuji and Nobara’s jaws dropped as they saw a gorgeous woman run into Megumi’s arms before he swung her around, landing a small kiss on her head. The look in Megumi’s eyes and the expression on his face was something they hadn’t seen before. It was a look of pure love and adoration for this woman dressed in another Tokyo school uniform. The couple chatted a bit, you thanked Megumi for the flowers and gave him a swift kiss on his lips. Kissing Megumi was a treat, he was soft and gentle, but his arms around you were strong and protective. Almost as if he was afraid you’d disappear if he let go.

Yuji and Nobara were shell-shocked. Firstly Megumi had a girlfriend and DIDN’T TELL ANYONE and secondly, you were hot as fuck. No way a guy like Megumi could land you. But to you, it felt like it was the other way around. Megumi was perfect for you. He was a gentleman who showed you what love was and treated you with respect and kindness. It didn't help the fact that he adored everything about you.

After Yuji and Nobara got over their shock and gorged on food in Shibuya. They went back to Jujutsu High and gossiped more about you and Megumi.

Four months had passed and neither Megumi nor Yuji and Nobara brought you up. Yuji was waiting for Megumi to tell him on his own, and Nobara wanted to see how long Megumi could keep the secret for.

“Hello first years! We have a new student joining us today. Treat her well!” Gojo was never really good at intros. Stepping around Gojo there you stood in your own Jujutsu high uniform looking just as cute as when Yuji and Nobara first saw you. The duo almost broke their necks to look at Megumi but he showed no reaction, you didn’t either.

It wasn’t until you four headed to the training field to meet up with the 2nd years till Yuji and Nobara started whispering.

“How are they going to pretend they don’t even notice each other!?”

“They didn’t even look at each other!”

Dumbfounded, they watched as Yuta approach you with a friendly smile on his face. Standing a little too close he introduced himself. “Hi (y/n) I’m Yuta Okkotsu, 2nd year and special grade sorcerer.” Yuji and Nobara watched Megumi as a large tick appeared on his forehead. Seems as if Megumi was the jealous type. As you and Yuta conversed a little more the duo swore they saw steam rising from Megumi’s spikey hair. After 3 minutes and you laughing at Yuta's stuttering, Megumi stalked forward and grabbed you by the waist. His grip was firm, not too much to hurt you but enough to show Yuta that he was serious.

“Oi, (y/n) I see you’ve met Okkotsu-senpai.”

“Yes, Gumi I have! We were just taking about our abilities”

“Oh yeah, you’ve showed me them all the time. I know you abilities in and out. “

Panda , Maki, Inumaki, Yuji, and Nobara watched the interaction unfold and Megumi practically hovered over you.

“Megumi… or… Gumi he he… YOU DIDN’T TELL US YOU HAD A GIRLFRIEND.” Panda shouted.

“Oh yeah… I guess I didn’t. Well, everyone this is my girlfriend (y/n) we’ve been together a little over a year now.” Megumi confessed as he looked at you.

Yuji and Nobara sweated before shouting “We’ve been WAITING for you to finally admit that. It was eating us ALIVE.” This is definitely the longest secret the pair had kept.

Megumi chuckled “I know. I saw you guys following us on our date to Shibuya. You guys are shit whisperers and dressed like Sherlock Holmes…”

“YOU KNEW???!” At this point, Yuji and Nobara were shocked and accepted defeat. They needed to work on their spy skills.

“Yep, I knew I just wanted to see how long you guys could hold out for. But thank you. I just wanted to keep my girlfriend to myself but now that she’s here we’ll all my seeing more of each other” Megumi said as he grabbed your hand.

“I like your friends Gumi, they’re funny. I hope Yuji doesn’t mind me coming over to your room too often though. Don’t worry Yuji I’ll buy you some earplugs.” You said as you kissed Megumi on the cheek, effectively leaving everyone speechless.

[captainsophiestark]

Oldies And Goodies

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for my personal fic writing challenge for 2024, Sophie's Year of Fic! Featuring a new fic being posted every Friday, all year long :)

Fandom: Marvel

Summary: Bucky's not a fan of modern dating conventions, until Sam sets him up on a date with a good friend who shows him the potential of the modern world.

Word Count: 1,543

Category: Fluff

A/N: To the anon who sent me an idea outline for this, I hope you like it! It got merged with another idea I had, but hopefully, it's still pretty close to what you had in mind :) Thanks for continuing to read stuff for Grant Ward and enabling me to keep writing him- he's my fave, so I'm glad I have at least a few people to share the love with!

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

My eyes scanned the restaurant, trying to make out Bucky through the dim lighting. After a moment, I caught sight of him at a table by the window. I smiled and started heading his way. As soon as he noticed me, he shared my smile and stood to greet me. Always the perfect gentleman. My heart skipped a beat, and I made a mental note to make Sam some cookies or something as a thank you.

Sam Wilson, a good friend of mine even before he'd taken up the superhero mantle, had recently introduced me to the second supersoldier out of time that he'd befriended. Bucky Barnes, the reformed Winter Soldier, was a little different than the Man With A Plan Steve Rogers, but he'd been different in a way that I liked. We'd hit it off pretty well, and with a some meddling from Sam, we'd set up a date within a few weeks of first meeting each other.

I'd spent an hour and a half making sure my outfit looked just right and trying to convince my nerves to calm the hell down. It was just a first date, with someone I was already friendly with. And I knew Sam wouldn't steer me wrong. Tonight was going to be fun.

Once I got close enough to the table, Bucky pulled a small bouquet of roses out from behind his back, holding them out to me with a lopsided smile. I gasped, taking them from him with a slightly disbelieving look.

"I've been told the flowers are a little old fashioned, but... it seemed like the right way to go," he said. I gave a little laugh, taking a moment to smell the roses (literally) before beaming back at Bucky.

"I love them," I said. His shoulders seemed to relax a little, the smile spreading to cover the rest of his face as he took a few steps closer to me.

"I'm glad. Here, let me get your chair."

He pulled my chair back from the table, gesturing for me to sit down. I nodded my thanks, trying to ignore the butterflies exploding in my chest as he scooted the chair back in for me like it was nothing. I gently laid the roses down on the table as he took his seat across from me again.

"Thanks for finding this place," I said, scanning the restaurant to take in the ambiance this time, instead of just searching for Bucky. "It's... really nice."

"Yeah, no kidding," he said, huffing a small laugh. "Honestly, I'm... a little out of my depth here. A lot's changed since the last time I asked somebody on a date."

"Well, for what it's worth, you've been doing pretty damn well so far."

We shared a smile, but then a silence settled over us that wasn't entirely comfortable. As much as this night seemed perfect, I couldn't help agreeing with Bucky. This place wasn't totally my scene, and I was starting to feel a little out of my depth, too.

"So..." I said, taking a deep breath and meeting Bucky's eyes again. "What exactly did dates look like back in the 1940s? One of the handful of times I talked to Steve, he said you set up a pretty cool double date to... some kind of expo?"

Bucky's eyes fell to the table even as his mouth pulled up in a smile. He nodded, talking as much to himself as to me.

"Yeah. Despite how it ended, I was always pretty proud of the Stark Expo one. We got to see a car fly long before any of that should've been possible. Walking around, looking at all the exhibits and experiments... honestly, it was incredible." He looked back up at me, the soft smile still in place. "Unfortunately, there weren't a lot of major, groundbreaking expos happening tonight for us to swing by."

"Damn. That would've been fun," I said, gently reaching across the table to take Bucky's hand in my own. I bit my lip, then looked up at him with a smile. "You know, Steve also said you're kind of a nerd."

Bucky snorted. Clearly, that's not what he'd been expecting me to say. He shook his head, but when he looked back at me, he had a smile on his face.

"Steve's got quite a few stories of his own that he should keep in mind when he says things like that."

"Well..." I took a deep breath, hardening my own resolve. Bucky and I were friends, and for whatever reason, this restaurant didn't feel right for either of us. I needed to trust him and our relationship so far, rather than pretending for norms or anybody else's approval. "Look, I don't know about you, but... this restaurant is lovely, but not exactly my usual vibe."

Bucky sighed, shaking his head and pulling his hand out of mine.

"I know, it's not really mine either. I just-"

"Hold on. I have an idea for a solution that might suit us both. And I think it'll be super fun."

Bucky stared at me for a few moments appraisingly, the faintest ghost of a smile appearing on his face.

"You know, I'm not used to letting the other person plan the date. But I guess I can make an exception."

I grinned. "Good. Because I have an idea that didn't exist in the 40s, but is the kind of modern thing I think you'll be able to get behind. You trust me?"

"...Yeah, I do."

"Good." I took Bucky's hand, grabbed my roses, then stood from the table. "Then follow me."

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

"...and in the original, Gollum volunteered the ring as a prize for Bilbo winning the riddle contest!"

I beamed at my date as he raised out of his chair, the few beers we'd had and his passion for Tolkien pushing him to make his point loudly after being called on for the bonus question of this round of trivia. The host grinned, ringing a bell and pointing at Bucky.

"Aaaaand that's correct! Mark that down as three points for Oldies and Goodies! Hang tight everybody while we update the scoring, and we'll be back with our final round in ten minutes."

With that, the bar dissolved into chatter again as everyone went their separate ways for the break in trivia. Bucky settled back down into his seat with a sigh, then carefully cut his eyes towards me.

"So... was that a dealbreaker for you?"

I laughed. "Are you kidding? You got us three points, all while schooling the rest of the bar on some nerdy shit! It was hot."

Bucky laughed at that, shaking his head even as a smile stayed in place on his face.

"Alright, I've done a lot of complaining to Sam about how much dating's changed since I last did it, but I'll admit... I like this."

I grinned. "I'm glad. And for the record, I like it too. As far as I'm concerned, being able to have fun and kick ass at bar trivia with someone is one of the best green flags there is."

"Well, good. Because that table over there is right behind us in the points, and after they shouted out the worst string of horseshit about the Hobit I've ever heard with complete confidence, there's no way I'm letting us lose to them."

"Hell yeah! I'll go grab us another round, and then we'll make them wish they'd never come to this trivia night."

I jumped down from my seat and started heading past Bucky to the bar, but he caught my arm before I could get very far, his expression more serious than I'd seen it all night.

"Hey. Thanks. For getting a round of beer, for agreeing to come out with me tonight, for bringing us here... it's the best time I've had in a while, and you've been pretty much the entire reason for that. So thank you."

I smiled, my heart speeding up in my chest as I took a half-step closer to Bucky and softly kissed him on the cheek before leaning back.

"You're welcome. Thanks for being willing to try out something as new and chaotic as bar trivia. Maybe we could even make it a weekly thing?"

Bucky beamed back at me. "Sweetheart, I would love that."

"Okay, good. Then start getting ready for the next round, because if we're coming back here next week, I want it to be in defense of our title. This is the beginning of the trivia power couple Oldies and Goodies."

"I like the sound of that," Bucky said, his voice dropping an octave as he leaned into me a little. I smiled, and he pulled me into his side, squeezing me tight before letting me go so I could get us both another round.

My dopey smile stayed on my face even as I got to the bar. I'd always had butterflies in my chest when I was around Bucky, but now, it was more than that. Being around him made me happy. I felt comfortable, and I didn't want the night to end. And luckily for me, he apparently felt the same way.

Destroying our enemies at trivia was just the beginning for us. And with no ending in sight, I truly couldn't wait to see what came next.

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

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury @kmc1989 @space-helen

Marvel Taglist: @valkyriepirate @infinetlyforgotten @sagesmelts @gaychaosgremlin

[goosita]

hii! i'm obsessed with your writing and how you write billy 🫶🏻 i wondered if you could do a part 2 of the singer!reader x billy one. maybe they meet again and he asks her out or the next time they see each other, reader is singing a song about him 🎀 i'm sure whatever you decide to write will be stunning

she so totally would sing a song about him bro

it becomes a thing after that second time he comes to see you sing.

no matter how tired, beat up, beat down, sunburned or moody billy is, he’s at that table every single friday night. after the 4th or 5th week in a row, he finally plucks up the courage to ask you out. you even use the word finally, which makes him blush but he laughs all the same.

you become inseparable in your moments that neither of you are busy. as soon as billy is finished with his work for the day, he’s high-tailing it to your little house out in the hills. some days he strolls around town with you, some evenings you two lay out in the grass behind your home, gazing at the stars and grazing hands. much to your surprise and delight, it’s billy who kisses you first.

you two are sitting on a blanket, his favorite place in the world woth you at his side and the sun shining. birds tweet happily in the trees, you scribbling in your leather-bound notebook while he braids together pieces of the tall grass and watches you. he loves to listen to you hum different melodies, testing them against the words you put on the pages. he finds a little flower, probably a weed but its still pretty all the same, and weaves it into the little knot of grass he’s been tying together.

“hey, darlin’,” he murmurs, smiling. you glance up with a chirpy little hm?, grinning and blushing when he tucks the little woven plants into your hair carefully. it looks like a little rosette, with the flower at the center.

“how’s it look?” you ask, matching his grin.

“pretty as a picture,” he breathes, letting his hand cup your cheek gently. when you lean into his palm, his heart does this funny little thing in his chest that it’s only ever done for you.

you rest your own hand over his on your cheek, and the next thing you know, he’s dipping his head to brush his lips against yours. they’re warm and soft on your mouth, sweet from the peach he’d eaten earlier. when you sigh into him and press closer, he thinks he might just be the happiest man that’s ever lived.

and so it goes, billy gives you all his attention and you give him all your affection and vice versa, in this perfect little back and forth. what he doesn’t expect, though, is for you to give him your songs.

he’s parked at his usual spot, humming along to all the songs he knows by heart now. he sips his whiskey and watches you, a permanent little quirk to his lips that betrays exactly how much he adores you to anyone who spares him a passing glance.

“alright y’all, i got one more up my sleeve before i take my bows for the night,” you tell the crowd, grinning. “this one’s new, so i hope you like it! but really, there’s only one person here who’s opinion on it matters to me.” You laugh and wink at him, and he smiles but lifts his brow curiously at you.

and then you’re picking up your guitar, voice soft as a cloud as you sing about blue, blue, blue, and cowboys with rough hands but gentle hearts. funny little hats and maroon sweaters that are warmer than any blanket you’ve ever felt. billy swallows hard and sinks his teeth into his bottom lip, though still he smiles. you don’t take your eyes off him the entire song, and as soon as its done, you slip your guitar off your body.

you don’t even bow or thank the audience this time, you’re walking straight to billy. he stands up and you smile, standing on your tiptoes and yanking him by the collar down to your lips to kiss him until he feels dizzy with it. he wraps his arms around you and pulls you flush against his body, bending you backwards with how fiercely he returns your kiss.

“i love you,” he pants softly against your mouth, not caring about who sees. you break away with a giggle, the sweetest thing billy has ever heard.

“i love you too, cowboy.”

he grins and takes his hat off, placing it on your head. then, he cups your cheeks and kisses your forehead, both of your cheeks, the tip of your nose, and finally your lips one more time. billy bonney is the happiest man who’s ever lived, no doubt about it.

[may-russell]

Just the two of us… 🎶☕️

You work at a coffee shop and once Hamzah notices you, he becomes a regular.

Word count: 2744 (sorry if it's too long)

!hamzah x fem reader.

Part 3/3:

You had spent a few days texting and facetiming just to get to know each other a bit more.

Every new thing Hamzah learned about you, was just another reason why he liked you. It was scary, he was experiencing so many feelings in such a short amount of time. It was the first time someone had swept him off his feet, but you brought him so much peace that focusing on anything other than the way his chest felt everytime he thought about you was pointless. Time was relative.

On Thursday, as you were finishing a long day at work, your phone rang. It was Hamzah. His voice alone was enough to calm you.

"Hey y/n, how was work?" he asked.

"Hi... ugh, it was rough. I'm exhausted, but it was good. I like staying busy, you know? I never run out of things to do."

"Haha, I don't know how you do it, but I'm glad you enjoy your job. You should get some rest though; you'll need it for tomorrow..."

You could hear the smile in his voice, hinting that he had something planned.

"Tomorrow? What's happening tomorrow?"

"...Our big date!! If you're free... Are you free for dinner tomorrow? I found this place I think you'd really like."

Your heart started racing. It was finally happening. Initially, you had doubts, but Hamzah had given you the time and space to get to know him, and you appreciated that. He was patient and understanding, passionate about his job, and struck a perfect balance between fun and serious. Though you hadn't known each other for long, you trusted him enough to say yes.

"Yeah," you said with a big smile—the same one he always complimented you on. You had once confided in him about your insecurity growing up, and he had made it a point to always appreciate it. "Where are we going?"

"Well, you're always talking about jazz, so I asked around and found this 'invitation-only jazz club'... and I managed to get us invites!"

"Oh... Wow! I see being an influencer has its perks. I've always wanted to go to a place like that."

"Haha, I knew you'd like it. Meet you at 7?"

"You know me well. Yeah, text me the address and I'll meet you there."

"Great. See you tomorrow then."

"See ya!"

The date was set.

Saying you were excited was an understatement; you had always dreamed of meeting someone who wasn't afraid to show genuine interest in you, someone who listened and cared deeply about your feelings. It felt surreal. Sometimes, you thought about the "random" ways the universe worked—what were the chances of Hamzah walking into THAT coffee shop on THAT particular day and time? If not for that serendipitous moment, your paths might never have crossed, and your life wouldn't be this nice.

As soon as you got home, you couldn't wait to share the news with Anna, your roommate and best friend. Her eyes lit up with happiness for you. “It’s good seeing you like this y/n, it was time you finally met a nice guy,” You could see it in her eyes, she meant that. “Do you know what you’re wearing yet?. “I have a few ideas” You said.

The excitement was mutual, as soon as you hung up Hamzah texted Martin. “GUESS WHO HAS A DATE TOMORROW!!!!” He had gotten a haircut the day before to make sure it looked nice by Friday, and already had an outfit in mind, he had planned on picking you up with some flowers, him walking up to your door and surprising you with them, giving you a big hug and smelling your perfume. But you told him you’d meet him there instead, so he had to come up with a new plan to fantasize about.  

FRIDAY

The time leading to the date seemed like an eternity, work was slower than usual, everything was quiet, except for the incessant ticking of the big clock on the cold, white wall in front of you. Across the room, your coworker in her fifties, mindlessly scrolling on facebook on her phone, the screen glaring brightly as she burst into laughter at every funny post. You and Anna had joked about her contagious, "funnier-than-the-joke" laugh just last night.

Hamzah would text you every once in a while throughout the day, and you’d reply trying not to show your excitement, but you were giggling all day long, your mind kept drifting away from your tasks to the infinite possibilities of what could happen tonight, what he’d wear, how he’d react to what you’d be wearing, would the food be good? Would you guys dance? Or just talk and enjoy the music in the background. You kept trying not to get your hopes too high up, in case anything went wrong, what if he canceled last minute?What if–Stop overthinking- You told yourself, -Let’s find something else to do instead-. Hamzah had awaken a lot of feelings within you, most of them sweet and cheesy, but you had found yourself feeling more self-conscious than usual at times, not because of him. First dates are always nerve wracking.

Finally, the workday came to an end. You packed up your things, said your goodbyes, and headed out to the parking lot. Unlocking your car, you climbed in and took a deep breath. As you turn the engine on, you noticed a weird sound, but chose to ignore it. The drive home was filled with a mix of nervous excitement and cautious optimism.

Arriving at your apartment, you hurried inside. You kicked off your shoes and headed straight for the kitchen, were Anna was already heating up lunch for the two of you, she gets off work earlier than you, and she loves cooking, something you were very grateful for. As you both ate your meals, you checked your phone again—another text from Hamzah.

"Hey, are you getting excited? I can't wait to see you tonight 😊"

You smiled at his message, feeling a rush of warmth. Quickly composing yourself, you replied, "Definitely excited! Looking forward to it 😄"

Anna noticed your distracted state and teased, "Someone's got a big date tonight, huh?"

You chuckled nervously. "Yeah, it's just... I really hope it goes well."

Anna grinned knowingly. "It will. Hamzah seems like a great guy. Relax and enjoy yourself."

Over lunch, you shared the latest updates with Anna, including Hamzah's thoughtful messages throughout the day. After eating, you took an “everything shower” and went to your room to decide on an outfit for the evening.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of multiple outfit changes and fleeting thoughts about the evening ahead. After a few moments of deliberation, you settled on a black backless dress, heels and you hair in a messy but stylish bun.

With a final glance in the mirror, you grabbed your purse and phone, checking for any last-minute messages. There it was—a text from Hamzah.

"Heyy, I'm almost there! Can't wait to see you. I'll be by the entrance."

Your heart skipped a beat as you read his message. Taking a deep breath to calm your nerves, you replied, "On my way! See you soon 😊"

You headed out the door, the cool evening air adding to the anticipation building within you. As you got into you car, you could feel something was off, you tried to turn it on but it wasn’t working –Shit.- You quickly grabbed your phone again and ordered an uber, luckily there was one just a couple blocks away from you.

After a few minutes, you were finally there. You got off the car, spotting Hamzah waiting just as he described, wearing the cutest glasses, your nerves eased. His smile widened as he saw you approaching, and you couldn't help but smile back.

"Hey," he greeted warmly, reaching out to give you a gentle hug. "You look amazing."

"Thank you," you replied, feeling a flush of happiness. "So do you."

“I wanted to get you an actual bouquet,” He says, revealing a red rose he was hiding behind his back. “But I thought it would get in the way when we started dancing. I’ll get you one for next time though.”

“We’re dancing?!” You said with a huuuugeee smile, “God I love your smile-OF COURSE we’re dancing! I didn’t look up ‘How to dance to jazz tutorials’ for nothing”.

“Thanks, really” It’s all you managed to say, staring into his eyes, the night had just started and it was already everything you’d dream of. “Come on, let’s go inside” He said as he wraped his arm around you and led you in.

As you entered the jazz club together, the soft strains of music enveloped you. The ambiance was cozy, with dim lighting casting a warm glow over the intimate tables. Hamzah led you to a table near the stage, where you settled in comfortably. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of good food and the gentle hum of conversations.

The evening unfolded beautifully as you and Hamzah delved into meaningful conversations, sharing stories and discovering mutual interests. You told him about you car breaking down and he offered you a ride back home. He was attentive and sweet, making you feel at ease with his genuine charm and personality.

Dinner arrived—a delicious spread of gourmet dishes that delighted your taste buds. Between bites and sips of wine, laughter bubbled up naturally between you, punctuated by moments of shared glances, soft innocent touches and smiles that spoke volumes.

As the music shifted to a soulful jazz melody, ‘Just the Two of Us’ ;) Hamzah stood up, extending his hand to you with a playful grin. "Care for a dance?"

Your heart skipped a beat at his invitation. You placed your hand in his, feeling the warmth of his touch as he led you to the small dance floor beside the stage. In the soft glow of the club lights, you swayed together to the rhythm of the music, feeling the subtle electricity between you.

For a few blissful moments, the world outside faded away as you immersed yourself in the magic of the night. Hamzah's movements were graceful yet assured, his hand on your waist guiding you across the floor. Your hand in his and your foreheads touching. You couldn't help but admire how his eyes sparkled with genuine happiness, mirroring your own.

As you moved together in sync with the music, the distance between you seemed to dissolve. Each step was a testament to the growing bond between you, a silent promise of more moments like this to come. The rhythm of the jazz, the soft glow of the club lights, and the subtle scent of his cologne enveloped you in a cocoon of intimacy.

In the quiet pauses between songs, he leaned in close, his breath warm against your ear. "You're an amazing dancer," he murmured, his voice filled with admiration.

You smiled, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. "You're not so bad yourself," you teased softly, the playful banter adding to the lightness of the occasion.

As the music continued, you found yourself lost in the dance, savoring each fleeting second as if trying to capture the essence of this perfect evening. The world outside seemed distant and insignificant compared to the connection you shared in that moment.

Eventually, the song ended, as you returned to your table, hand in hand, the evening continued with a renewed sense of closeness and connection. The jazz club buzzed with life around you, yet it felt like the two of you were in your own little world, cocooned in the warmth of newfound companionship.

As the night came to an end, and the jazz club began to empty, y/n and Hamzah stepped out into the crisp night air, their breath visible in the glow of city lights. The date had been enchanting, filled with laughter, shared stories, and a dance that seemed to suspend time itself.

As they walked towards Hamzah's car, y/n's thoughts flickered back to the Uber ride that had brought her here. She had enjoyed the evening and was grateful for Hamzah's company. The offer of a ride home from him now felt like a continuation of his thoughtfulness.

Reaching the car, Hamzah unlocked the door and held it open for y/n with a gallant gesture. She smiled appreciatively, settling into the passenger seat. The warmth of the car enveloped them both as Hamzah started the engine, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.

"I hope you enjoyed tonight," Hamzah said, glancing over at y/n with a gentle smile.

"I did," y/n replied softly, her gaze meeting his. "Thank you for inviting me and for the ride home."

"My pleasure," Hamzah replied warmly, his eyes reflecting the streetlights as they drove through the quiet night. "I'm glad we had this time together."

As they navigated through the familiar streets towards y/n's apartment, conversation flowed between them. They discussed their favorite jazz tunes from the night, shared funny anecdotes, and delved into deeper topics that revealed more about their passions and dreams.

The drive seemed to pass in a blur, the connection between y/n and Hamzah growing stronger with each passing minute. By the time they arrived at y/n's apartment building, she couldn't help but feel a sense of reluctance to say goodbye.

"Here we are," he said softly, pulling up to the curb outside y/n's building. He turned off the engine and turned to face her, his expression earnest. Hamzah hesitated for a moment, stepping out, he hurried around to y/n's side and opened the door for her, offering his hand to help her out. She accepted, feeling a flutter of warmth at his gesture.

"Thank you," y/n said softly as she stood beside him, their eyes meeting in the dim glow of the streetlights.

"You're welcome," Hamzah replied, his voice gentle. "Let me walk you to your door."

Together, they walked towards the entrance of the apartment building, the night air cool around them. The silence between them now felt comfortable, filled with a shared understanding and the promise of more to come.

As they reached y/n's door, she turned to face Hamzah with a smile. Him looking at her as if contemplating his next words. "Thank you again for tonight. I really enjoyed your company."

"Me too," y/n replied sincerely, moving closer to him, a warm smile gracing her lips. "I had a great time."

"Would you like to do this again sometime?” He said, his hand gracing hers.

Y/n felt a rush of excitement at his suggestion. "I would love that," she answered.

"Great," Hamzah said with a smile, relief evident in his voice.

Their closeness drew them together naturally, and suddenly, y/n found herself wrapped in Hamzah's embrace. Her arms were around his neck, fingers gently caressing the curls at the back of his head. His arms encircled her waist, drawing her in as she rested her head against his chest. The intimacy of the moment enveloped them both, a silent acknowledgment of the connection they had forged over the course of the evening.

“Y/n?” Hamzah murmured softly.

“Yeah?” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Can I kiss you?”

Their hearts raced in unison, the anticipation palpable between them. Y/n lifted her head, meeting Hamzah's gaze with unwavering certainty. Their noses brushed against each other's, their breath mingling in the quiet space between them. And then, without hesitation, Hamzah closed the distance between them, his lips meeting hers in a tender kiss.

Time seemed to stand still as they shared this intimate moment, the world outside fading away. The kiss was gentle yet filled with passion, a culmination of the emotions they had both been feeling throughout the night.

As they pulled back slightly, their foreheads resting together, y/n couldn't help but smile. It felt right, being in Hamzah's arms, their hearts beating as one.

Hamzah brushed a strand of hair away from y/n's face, his touch tender. “I'm glad I met you, y/n.”

"Me too," y/n replied softly, her fingers tracing the line of Hamzah's jaw. "I'm really glad."

They stood there for a moment longer, savoring the closeness and the newfound connection between them. In that quiet moment, they both knew that tonight had been more than just a date—it had been the beginning of something beautiful.

Thank you for reading!! This was so much fun.

[emeritusemeritus]

Friday Night Dinner [Fred Weasley x Reader]

Title: Friday Night Dinner.

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Fiancé!Reader {Established relationship} George Weasley x Angelina Johnson, brief mentions of Ron Weasley x Hermione Granger.

Timeline: Set after the war, Fred is very much alive.

Summary: Friday night dinner at the Burrow, the first time both twins have brought their partners round at the same time and it’s a surprise all around.

Warnings: Brief mentions of the war but no vivid description of violence. Pregnancy, pregnant reader and characters. Talk of babies. Ron being a miserable sod. Brief mentions of a fight between Ron and Hermione. Not beta read or spell-checked, we die like Madeye.

Inspired by the last episode of Friday Night Dinner S6. Jonny and Adam give me such strong Fred and George vibes that I found myself writing this as I was watching it. Also, that GIF of James may have just knocked me up. 🤍

A slight nervousness bubbles up within you as you walk hand in hand with Fred down the cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley as the street lamps turn on, anticipating the dark evening ahead. George and Angelina were walking behind you, chatting amongst themselves and looking round at the newly renovated shopping quarter, seeing businesses booming once again after the threat of war was over and proprietors began spilling back into the alley. New stores were popping up everywhere, only increasing your fiancé's booming business and a smile crossed your face at the thought, knowing that the tensions of war were now in the past.

You'd all been to the leaky cauldron after Angelina had finished work for preparatory drinks before the four of you descended upon the Burrow for one of Molly's famous meals, walking back to the flat you shared with Fred and George above the shop to use the floo.

It was the first time Angelina would be visiting the Burrow as George's official girlfriend even though they'd been together a few months now, both of them reuniting after the war and renewing their friendship before it had turned into something more. You and Fred had been together since just before your fifth year at Hogwarts so it was far from your first meal at the Burrow but you were still slightly nervous this time.

"Maybe we should go on ahead," George says nervously to Fred, his hand pushing back some of his hair at the front as you all walk into your flat. Fred seems to pause, casting a look at both you and Angelina before nodding. You fought to roll your eyes, knowing exactly what George meant by that.

When Fred had brought you along with him for the first time as his official girlfriend, despite you having spent weeks on end at the burrow in the past as friends, Molly had gone all out and had been especially eccentric, welcoming you into the family and throwing a lavish feast, hovering constantly and fussing with every little detail. Now that both the twins had partners, you didn't doubt how over the top Molly would have gone, especially having never really met Angelina before. You bit at your lip to stop the smile from passing over your face as Angelina looked between the twins with obvious confusion upon her face.

"We'll meet you in 10," you said, placing your hand on Fred's shoulder, shooting a knowing look to George who seemed relieved that you understood. Fred turned slightly and kissed you on the lips before moving into the fireplace ahead of George and flooing away with a wink and a determined speech of 'the burrow'.

George hovered around Angelina for a moment who looked thoroughly unimpressed before stepping into the fire and immediately travelling towards the burrow as you took a seat on the sofa, waiting for them to be finished before you two joined along.

"So what's that all about?" Angelina asks, taking a seat on the sofa beside you, making you chuckle.

"Mum," George says with a tone of exasperation as he looks around at his childhood home, though it hardly looks the same as when he used to live there. Wild flowers tied up into neat floral displays decorated nearly every inch of spare surface around the kitchen and hallway. There were candles lit on the armoire and every side table spare and he had noticed that the fancier plates had been brought out, the table decorated to within an inch of its life.

"We said no flowers! Why's dad in a suit?!" He exclaims, seeing his father walking into the kitchen in his finest suit, the filigree patterned waistcoat complete with his dark blue overcoat with a collar and tails. "We said no suit!"

"It's a fancy occasion, I wanted to wear my fancy suit," Arthur says, pinning a wild flower to his pocket.

"It's not fancy, it's a casual dinner!" George says, getting more and more irate as he watched his father pin the peony to his suit pocket, looking even more formal. Fred can barely contain his laughter as he looks upon the scene, remembering the first time he'd brought you home as his girlfriend, though it wasn't as bad as this.

"Both my twins have partners now, it's a celebration!" Molly argues, faffing with something at the kitchen counter which looks to be a decadent trifle.

"You make it sound like we're trolls," Fred says, cutting in, "we can get girlfriends you know, we're not grotesque." George nods along, though he seems a lot less calm in his demeanour.

"Now you're just being silly," Molly says, pointing an accusatory finger at them both. "Of course you can get girlfriends."

"Fiancé's in this ones case," Arthur smiles proudly, patting Fred on the shoulder who shoots a smug look at George under the praise.

"So it's just me that you think can't get a girlfriend?" George says bluntly, winding his mother up further.

"Did I say that? You both have partners at the same time, both of which are coming for dinner for the first time together- where are they anyway?" Molly says, suddenly looking around as she realises that the two expected guests aren't there.

"We came ahead to check on the place and thank Merlin we did!" George shouts, gesturing at the mass of flowers littered around the place. Molly suddenly reaches out and strikes George with the tea towel on his upper arm, reaching her limit on his whining.

"Knock knock," you say with a smile, having stepped out of the fire and dusted yourself off whilst they were arguing, appearing by the entrance to the kitchen with a wide smile, holding out a box of muggle chocolate you knew Molly and Arthur were fond of.

"Oh y/n dear!" Molly says, rushing over to you to pull you into a warm hug. She pulls back and takes your face in her hands as if inspecting you in her maternal way. "You just get prettier, doesn't she Arthur? Are you hungry dear? Dinner shouldn't be long now," she says pulling back.

"Starving, been looking forward to this all week," you smile with an enthusiastic nod, seeing her face light up as you hand her the chocolates which she promptly thanks you for before you turn to Arthur who stands with his hand clutching his waistcoat, looking like a first class train conductor.

"Very dapper Mr Weasley," you say with a brief raise of your eyebrows as you take in his very formal appearance, suddenly feeling a little underdressed in your simple tea dress and cardigan. He bows his head at you with an over dramatic flair whilst laughing and you curtesy back at him, not missing George's glare at the mocking formality, smiling as you hear Fred let out a huff of laughter behind you.

"Why thank you miss y/l/n, or Weasley-to-be should I say," Arthur smiles then reaches out and pats your shoulder warmly before he walks off to get a drink, being chastised immediately by Molly for using one of the good glasses she'd just washed. You walk over to Fred who immediately pulls you in closer and presses a kiss to your head as you both grab a drink from the table before walking over to the little loveseat in the corner.

"Where's Ang?" George says suddenly nervous when his girlfriend doesn't appear after you.

"She's just fetching something, won't be long," you say, beginning to take a seat on the sofa until you're pulled into Fred's lap.

"Hi?" Angelina says as she steps out of the fire nervously and immediately George is racing over to her, followed closely by Molly and then Arthur.

"Oh lovely girls!" Molly says as she pulls you both over to the kitchen after she'd been introduced to Angelina. You see Arthur pull the boys to one side and can't help but smile as you imagine them getting a talking to, man to man where you can't overhear.

"What the bloody hell's he doing here?" George says a little while later as you all sit with a drink, waiting for the meal to be finished, seeing Ron walking grumpily down the stairs and rounding the corner to the kitchen. He looks glum, slumped over as he shuffles his body about, a creased burgundy T-shirt haphazardly thrown on with his plaid pyjamas. He pauses and says a brief hello to you all before making his way towards the fridge to pull out a drink, immediately tailed by Molly who runs after him calling out about not eating this or that as it's for dinner.

"He's a little glum, had a fight with Hermione," Arthur explains quietly, leaning in to you all as if he's telling you the secret of the century, before tapping the side of his nose, prompting you all to keep hushed about it.

"So he's joining us?" Fred asks from beside you, taking a swig of his Knotgrass mead.

"Afraid so boys, and girls," Arthur says, leaning back in his chair, linking his fingers over his belly, frowning gently in the direction of his moping youngest son. George immediately groans and you can't help but stifle a laugh as his displeasure, turning your head into Fred's shoulder to disguise it.

"Dinners ready," Molly says with a smile as she gestures you all to move towards the table, keeping he tone airy and formal as she guides Angelina by the shoulders to sit at the table beside George. You and Fred share a look of utter delight as you sit down at the opposite side of the table to George and Ang, already anticipating the brutal questioning they were facing.

Ron mopes the entire way through dinner, not even slightly amused by Molly's incessant questioning of what Angelina does for her job, how they met, what her school life was like, her family and every other topic she could think of. Arthur had been gripped when she disclosed that she was the Gryffindor quidditch captain during your last year and the conversation had quickly drifted to quidditch in general as the twins added in stories and quips of their time on the team with Angelina before they were banned by Umbridge. Ron had barely added two words despite being on the team as well and instead had grumbled his way through a reply about a certain game versus Slytherin where he insisted they were using dirty tactics.

"What's for pudding?" Ron asks with a mouthful of food, helping himself to seconds or rather thirds after everyone had already finished. Molly instantly calls him out for his bad manners before turning to Angelina with an apologetic smile, ignoring her youngest son until everyone had clearly finished.

"Trifle for pudding!" She announces, standing up excitedly and rushes over to the counter to gather the rather ornately decorated trifle in the big bowl as Arthur clears the plates with a flick of his wand.

"Will you stop moaning Ronald!" You hear from the kitchen as Ron follows Molly in to help fetch the dessert plates and you can't help but let out a chuckle at the noise, laughing a little quieter than your fiancé next to you, who doesn't hold back his cackle. George still looks thoroughly unimpressed, thinking that Ron was stealing the night away from him and Angelina and you take a sip of your butterbeer with a smirk on your face, enjoying the Weasley drama unfolding around you.

Pudding was had, a great success all around and you helped Molly clear plates despite her protest as everyone made their way into the lounge. Molly had sent you in with after dinner mints that you placed onto the coffee table before sitting down next to Fred, watching as Arthur tucks into the mint chocolates almost immediately.

"Ronald Billius Weasley you are spoiling this night, if you cannot stop moping you are welcome to retire upstairs!" Molly shouts from the kitchen,

"Don't see why it's such a performance, y/n's been coming round since they were in third year," Ron mumbles as he slumps into the armchair in the lounge, blissfully ignorant of the harsh glare that Molly was shooting into the back of his head.

"Ronald you'll respect you're mother, she's gone to a lot of trouble tonight," Arthur says, stepping in.

"Too much," George mumbles under his breath and once again you find yourself biting the inside of your cheek to stop smiling or laughing.

"It may have escaped your notice Ronald, but both of your brothers have girlfriends now, at the same time, whom they have brought for dinner. If you weren't as temperamental as a hippogriff perhaps Hermione would have joined us too!" Molly says, walking Ron with the tea towel that was tucked into her apron.

Sensing a full blown argument about to erupt between mother and son, which of course Arthur would be dragged into and no doubt the twins at a later point, and then you, you share a poignant look with Fred, silently conversing as you try to decide if now was the right time. Fred stands suddenly and clears his throat, immediately getting the attention of his parents.

"I'd like to say something," Fred says, suddenly feeling a little nervous as every pair of eyes trains in on him, not that he's not used to that of course. He looks to you and reaches out his hand for you to hold as he shoots you a little smile, seemingly summoning courage from your touch.

"You've set a date?!" Molly says excitedly, her tea towel holding hand stopping midair as she focuses her attention of the older twin.

"For the wedding? No," he says with a smirk, knowing it would infuriate his mother to give such a vague reply. She huffs but never takes her eyes off him as a few seconds of silent anticipation pass. The hand holding yours slowly pulls you up off the couch and he instinctively pulls you into his side, your hand wrapping around his waist as you share a smile. He then turns back to look at his mum before slipping his other hand down to rest on the small curve of your lower abdomen, cradling the sacred present inside of you.

"Y/n’s pregnant," he says with a glowing smirk, never taking his hand off your tiny but growing bump as he kissed your head.

Molly is frozen for a second as you can almost see the cogs going around in her mind as she processes the information, her gaze firmly cemented upon Fred's hand on your belly.

Mere seconds later she erupts into a loud squeal of pure delight, running forward to pull you into her arms, knocking Fred out of the way as you laugh in her hold, tears forming in your eyes as her utter delight. Arthur immediately walks over to Fred with a shocked but immensely proud smile on his face and pulls his son into his arms, giving him a strong fatherly hug as he pats his back. Molly breaks away from you, immediately placing her hand on your bump and muttering absolute unintelligible nonsense as she speaks over herself, every thought pouring out at once. She then launches at Fred and cries in delight as she pulls him into a hug, words still falling from her mouth as she rambles about how pleased she is and how proud she is.

Arthur walks up to you and pulls you into a hug too and for the briefest second you can tell that he is crying, tears falling down his cheeks as he wordlessly holds you tenderly.

"Arthur, we're going to be grandparents!" Molly beams, almost bouncing with delight as she claps her hands together after wiping her eyes.

"Indeed we are Molly, how wonderful," Arthur says, taking hold of his wife as they embrace excitedly.

Fred suddenly reaches for you and pulls you back into his side, stroking your back absently as you both watch his parents react to your news.

It was everything you'd hoped for and more, seeing their reaction and you couldn't help but dab at your own eyes, the emotions and joy overwhelming you. Fred notices, of course he does, and pulls you in for a kiss. You can see that he's also a little misty eyed at the sight and it only warms your heart further to see.

Ron comes up to you and congratulates you, giving you the most awkward side hug imaginable despite being friends for years. He then gets pulled in by his big brother and they do a little manly back pat that makes you chuckle.

"You know," Ron begins to say, though his tone has dropped once again as he mumbles his way through the words. Molly immediately senses him about to ruin the moment and viciously points her finger at him in warning which seems to build the tension again as everyone watches in nervous anticipation.

"I actually have something to say too," Angelina says, raising her hand to deflect the attention away from Ron. You look up at her with a knowing smile as she glances at you and you subtly nod your head to her, encouraging her to go on. She then turns to George with a little nervous smile and you can't help but watch with rapt attention as she takes his hand, seeing his utter confusion as her gaze flicks between George and Molly. "I'm also pregnant."

Dead silence fills the room following Angelina's words, everyone except you utterly shocked by the revelation, but none more so than George.

"Are you, are you happy?" She asks George, seeing him still frozen in place.

"He certainly looks happy," Fred quips, earning a swift nudge to the ribs from you.

"Yeah, yeah of course," George says quietly, though you can see that he's not fully convinced of his answer, still in shock. You knew George well enough that he would be overjoyed by the news ordinarily, he just needed to let it sink in. After a few tense moments, he suddenly turns to Angelina and smiles goofily, looking down at her still flat belly before she pulls him in for a kiss. It's heartwarming to see and you can't help but clutch Fred a little tighter as your pregnancy emotions heighten the joy you feel.

"Two babies?!" Molly shouts suddenly, her arms waving in the air as the double realisation hits her, bouncing in the spot as she turns and clings to Arthur.

"Uh, three, I guess, actually," you say with a grin as Fred chuckles beside you, resting his hand on your belly again and stroking the two growing babies inside you. Molly and Arthur let out perfectly synchronised gasps as Molly's giddiness doubles. Suddenly she turns to Angelina with a waiting look and Angelina chuckles, holding her hands up.

"Just three, at least I think," she laughs and within moments Molly is reaching for her and pulling her into a giant hug as Arthur reaches for George and embraces him exactly as he had Fred. 

"You knew?" Fred whispers in your ear and you nod in reply, shooting him a cheeky, innocent smile that fools no one.

After Arthur and George part, Fred drops his hold of you and walks straight to George to congratulate him, wrapping him in a close embrace. You reach out for Angelina and you link hands, both doted on by Molly who keeps babbling about 'lovely girls' and 'three babies' with utter joy.

"This calls for a celebration I think!"

[sunkissedscribbles]

Prejudiced - Chapter Five

this is only a part of the series, the previous and next chapters can be found here

a/n: i had so much fun writing this with all the internal struggle cassie’s facing currently, and with what happens at the end of chapter xx

word count: 5903

tw: mention of sex (i think it’s going to be a constant warning from now on), swearing?? (that one too), use of alcohol, mention of drugs, skipping meals

summary: drifting away and bottling feelings up takes a toll on cassie and starts to shut down

<previous chapter

dividers by @chachachannah

The next day, being the first day of lessons and a Friday, I'm sitting with Ki, Enzo, Theo, and Mattheo at the Slytherin table, eating breakfast. I'd lie if I said I didn't miss Hogwarts' food.

"Miss Black," I hear McGonagall's voice from behind and I turn to look at her. "Some habits never change, do they?" she points out how I'm sitting at the Slytherin table again as she hands me my timetable. Her facial expressions aren't bitter because of it like my housemates'. I think she's just glad the rivalry isn't a hundred percent true.

After thanking her for handing me my timetable I look at the paper in my grip.

"What do you have today?" Ki peeks over my shoulder and answers herself as her gaze scans through my timetable: free period, Herbology, DADA, free period. I finish early on Fridays, I state to myself relievedly. "DADA. With that creepy-eyed old man?"

I must let out a short chuckle at her declaration.

"Some habits should change," exclaims a voice behind us, in a tone of boredom. I swear McGonagall and Snape share a brain. I mutter the professor a 'good morning,' then he places the timetable in front of Kiara next to me. "Your timetable, Miss Bianchi." He then hands the timetables to the boys as well.

"Thank you, professor," Kiara says clearly, with the most charming smile she could ever put on, Snape then turns away with a dull and strict expression.

This man takes away the leftover will I have to live, honestly.

"The only reason I was willing to come back to Hogwarts," Ki exclaims in a lovey-dovey tone and a matching gaze that makes me want to vomit. I share a look with the boys – they think the same.

I slide our timetables next to each other on the table, observing them both to know what classes we have together.

"I needn't get up," Ki grunts when pointing at the free period today: it's free for the both of us. What's more, she's got a free second period with the boys as well while I'm having Herbology. This means I'm not going to have any Herbology lessons with the Slytherins this year. Which means...

"Oh, I'm fucked," I let out a big, troubled sigh, to which Kiara looks at me with a questioning expression, the boys also peering over the table and Enzo over my shoulder. I just point at Friday's second period. She lets out a laugh and nudges me with her elbow, the others looking for some sort of explanation.

"You won't have Flower-boy helping you during lessons, huh?"

"Fuck off, I'm gonna fail this year."

To that, she just shakes her head and waves me off. She knows I won't fail. I do too.

"I'll just help in the afternoons," Enzo murmurs to me with a sweet smile, still leaning over my shoulder and I mutter him a thank you in response.

Enzo and I have studied a lot in the greenhouses over the years, just sitting on the floor. Well, I've been the one studying and he was the one who's been talking all the time, about flowers and herbs, of course. But I've always loved listening to him and hearing what this or that flower means when given to someone and which herb you could make Wolfsbane Potion out of, for example. He's always had an interesting way of explaining things I had no clue about — no wonder I passed with an E every year in Herbology.

Today, we were here to celebrate our birthdays. I mean, neither of us celebrates their birthday today or this week; both of us were born in August but we couldn't manage to meet up during summer so we had to be creative.

I got him a book about magical flowers, his favourite sweets, I baked his favourite cookies with a little bit of help from the house elves in the kitchen, and gave him a framed picture of us. In the picture, we are seen last school year. It was taken by Ki on a winter Hogsmeade Saturday in the record store. The picture is moving, thanks to magic, capturing perfectly how we are dancing to the music. Although it can't be heard in the picture, I remember we were dancing to 'Crocodile Rock' by Elton John, which is one of his favourite muggle songs.

I step into my dorm room, finding Ki on my bed, messing with my guitar.

"When I said 'you can come anytime,' I didn't exactly mean when I'm not here," I set my bag down next to my desk, smiling lightly at the girl.

"Flower," she points at me with a frown. "Who got you... it was Enzo, wasn't he?" she smirks as I'm hanging the yellow chrysanthemum up upside down to dry it. I just nod, feeling a little bit bad and guilty. "Why the face?"

To that, I pull the necklace out from under my shirt. She gestures to me to come over to her  — she wouldn't get up even if there was an earthquake.

For my birthday, Enzo got me that beautiful chrysanthemum and a silver necklace in the shape of the constellation Cassiopeia with a small sun-shaped charm hanging on the left side of the constellation, basically by her feet as she is depicted horizontally.

"Pretty. Why the face?" she looks up into my eyes, my guitar in her hands, still, resting on her thighs as she repeats the question.

"Because it's silver. Silver. Pure silver — you know how much that costs?" I start walking up and down in the room, practically freaking out because of guilt.

"Cass, you do realize you could easily buy that too, don't you?"

"I know! I know I could but you know what I got him? Biscuits! And a book and a picture! And that's it! And he got me a silver necklace and that gorgeous flower!" I run a frustrated hand through my hair. "What, now I should buy him a Swatch? This boy is insane!"

"No, he's just rich. And so are you. And so am I, what about it? You could just buy him, what, Honeydukes," Ki shakes her head, clearly not understanding my problem. "The whole shop, I mean."

"No, Ki. I know I have some money but that's not the point. He got me all these and I got him stupid little things. A bloody picture is what I gave him!"

"I took that 'bloody picture,' show some respect," she points at me with raised eyebrows, offended by the adjective I used.

"Right. But he got me expensive jewellery," I sigh, looking at the necklace through the mirror.

"Yeah, the boy's head over hells for you."

"That's heels," I correct her, admiring the silver guiltily.

"I prefer hell so it stays that," she shrugs as she starts strumming the intro of 'Highway To Hell' on the guitar, making me laugh.

I shake my head, looking back at her, the charm between my fingers, "How do I thank him for this?"

"Wear it. And let him shag you. You like the necklace?" she asks and I nod, rolling my eyes at her comment about having sex with Enzo. I walk over to my bed and drop myself down onto my back.

Enzo knows how much of an obsession I have with astronomy and names; he thought it would be the perfect gift for me as Cassiopeia is my first name, as it's clear from the constellation hanging in my neck. And my middle name is Apollonia, meaning 'belonging to Apollo,' the Greek god of music, poetry, archery, and the sun — that's why the sun charm by Casiopeia's feet.

Ki gets up from my bed, taking my guitar as if it was hers. She stops by the door when she's already opened it, looking at me, "Don't forget 'bout tonight," then, making sure I nod, she closes the door, disappearing behind it and I stay there in my room, alone with my thoughts.

I promised her to attend the party later in the Slytherin common room; the first one of the year.

Slytherin parties have always been of the kind you see on TV. Drugs from the Hufflepuff students, the common room smelling of that and cigarettes, alcohol, and sweat, people dancing to the music, making out either in the crowd or in a secluded corner, or shagging elsewhere, locked away in the dorms. And if you weren't a Slytherin student, you must befriend one for invitation, and to be given the password.

This is my first time attending one of these, actually, but not my first time being in the Slytherin common room. I've never been much for drinking, which people would consider me dull and a prude for. But for Merlin's balls, I'm barely fifteen. I walk past a few students, then get myself a plastic cup of whatever alcohol gets in my reach before I make my way to my group of friends.

I plop down onto the armrest of the couch next to Ki who's sitting on the couch itself. It's only Ki and Theo yet, Enzo and Mattheo are nowhere to be seen.

"Thought at least you'd dress up," Theo smirks with a suggestive, cocky grin and I roll my eyes.

"I'm not dressing up for you," I raise my cup to my mouth.

"C'mon, would it really hurt giving up on this tomboyish shit for one night?" he nudges me.

"Would it hurt not to try and take your friends to bed?" I snap at Theo annoyedly. It's not that I don't want to give up on this 'tomboyish shit.' Wearing these rather large and loose clothes simply feels nice, I don't have to worry about my body and don't have to sit with my arms covering all the body parts I'm insecure about.

I then look at Ki when I feel the girl tugging on the sleeve of my t-shirt. She's sitting next to me in a pair of sweats and a big T-shirt — she's never been one to wear at least jeans and probably never will be either. The look on her face tells me more than words would ever do and I almost know what she's thinking.

Ki turns back to face Theo and in an instant, she pulls her shirt up just enough to reveal her boobs to the boy's eyes, earning a gobsmacked look from Theo that's replaced by a mischievous grin in no time. And the ones surrounding us? They cheer and whistle at her, getting a furious look from me that screams 'Look at her like that and say goodbye to your nuts' in return.

"Want me to taste them?" a boy from behind the couch Theo's sitting on, who's a year ahead of us, Adrian Pucey, says with a devilish grin. But all his comment does is earn Pucey a punch in his face by a furious Theodore Nott flying over the backrest of the couch before Ki could even respond.

The students nearby all gather around us and Ki and I jump up from the couch too to see Theo and Pucey wrestle on the floor, accompanied by the sounds of the boys' insults, huffs, grunts, and finally, the sound of Pucey's nose breaking. In the meanwhile, nobody is doing anything besides yelling encouraging words at the boys to kill one another.

"What's happening?" I feel Mattheo's warm, alcoholic breath on my neck as the boy is trying to yell louder than the crowd around us.

I can barely even process the information myself as we are still only watching the boys but by the time I realize someone should do something about the boys on the ground, Theo is already up on his feet with bloody knuckles and a bruised face.

"Ki's flashed Theo and Pucey made a comment about her boobs, so Theo punched him," I explain briefly to Mattheo, looking into those deep brown eyes while Kiara is talking to Theo in an irritated tone about how she could've defended herself.

"And now they're going to bed," Matt points in our friends' direction but by the time I look there I can only see their backs turned to us, both gesturing fiercely to the other while Theo's pulling Ki furiously into the direction of the dorms to continue their argument there. Witnessing their arguments I never know if they'll end up throwing punches or snogging. "Bet they'll get together."

I shake my head, the both of us still looking in the direction where they've just gone, "Just sex."

"Three galleons," he turns to me with a vigorous grin and his hand stretched out for a shake.

"I'm in," I shake his hand with a smirk after a few seconds of thinking.

Mattheo gets asked by a Slytherin girl to dance, so I'm just standing there with the cup of alcohol in my grip, leaning against a wall, and watching the scene in front of me escalate. The girl in question is Daphne Greengrass from a year below us. I can't help but feel jealousy arise in me as I watch her shiny, straight blonde hair and that pretty face on which not a single pimple ever shows up. Not to mention her slender figure and how her body's just starting to be more feminine but how mature she already looks — of course, my friend said yes to a dance. He'd have been stupid not to. She's the type to make me want to turn invisible or bury myself alive in shame as my insecurities take over me. Feeling small and left out now that Mattheo's having a dance with that gorgeous girl, Ki and Theo doing Merlin-only-knows-what behind closed doors (I have a few guesses), and how Enzo's never showed up, embarrassment and an uncomfortable feeling grow on me, telling me to back away and head to my dorm instead.

The next morning, I'm just playing with my scrambled eggs at the table, opposite Mattheo and Enzo, Theo on my right. They are talking about something, but I'm so zoned out that I can't even make out what it's all about.

"Cass," Theo pokes my side and I jump away about half a metre at the impulse. It took me by surprise and there are no girls who like to be poked in the side and no one can tell me otherwise. "You quiet."

"I'm fine," I shrug as I put my fork down. I don't want to talk about anything right now. "Where's Ki?"

For one, she is a lazy person and despises waking up, that's for sure. But she's never late. It's been ten minutes since she should've shown up.

"And why should I know that?" Theo raises his brows, to which Mattheo and Enzo share a look.

Enzo didn't show up at the party yesterday and I left shortly after Mattheo didn't come back from that dance with Daphne after minutes that seemed long and lonely hours to me, and Theo, well, he went away to argue with Kiara. And I felt left out, that's why I left instead.

Without an answer or any further explanation, I get up from the table and walk down to the Dungeons and into Ki's dorm room through the Slytherin common room.

"You up?" I open the door without knocking and make my way over to the bed.

"Let me die," she groans, and I can't help the little smile crossing my lips.

"Not today. You have to get up."

"I can't."

"Yes, you can," I sit down on the edge of the bed and run a hand through her hair as a form of encouragement.

"Can't."

"C'mon, get up."

"But I can't," she whines, looking up at me with desperation in her eyes.

"Yes, you can. Or what, you got shagged?" I tease her. We've been through this little back-and-forth a few times before.

Silence.

This is enough proof for me and my eyes widen at the revelation. Who- Theodore Nott, who else?

"You and Theo?" I ask finally, after a few seconds of silence and she nods.

Suddenly a weird feeling washes over me. It's something I can't really explain, something I can't depict with words just yet. Just knowing she's done it... I feel old, all of a sudden. It's so weird. No, I'm weird.

"But it's casual," she shakes her head and sits up cursing as to why her muscles are so sore and I can't fight back an amused chuckle, although my eyes still aren't very sincere.

It takes some time and a few encouraging words but I persuade her to get up and we make our way up to the Great Hall. The boys aren't there by the time we sit down. They hate waiting, of course, they ate their breakfast and went their own way.

"Aren't you eating?" Kiara snaps me out of my thoughts as she's eating her cold cuts.

"Ate already," I shake my head with a faint smile as I lie, the scrambled eggs I put on my plate are still there, untouched, a few seats away. I just can't wrap my mind around how she and Theo have had sex. I mean, I know I made that stupid bet yesterday. But I didn't mean it a slight bit. At least not yet. Why am I still thinking about it? It's not even my business.

Trying not to fall behind immediately on the first week, I'm studying in the library with headphones on, when Kiara and Enzo sit down across me at my table. They've been out, Ki and Theo haven't talked all day and Enzo and Mattheo seem to have fallen out a bit these days, only interacting when necessary.

They seem to have bumped into Professor Moody, judging by Kiara's next sentence.

"This man's a creep," exclaims Ki which Enzo's traumatized expression only confirms as he slumps on the chair. "And that eye — I swear it has x-ray function."

Looking up from my book, I just nod with an unreadable expression. I agree with them about how weird Moody is, but I say nothing. Ki looks at me, concerned.

"Why so quiet?"

"I swear you and Theo are the same," I refer to the boy pointing out I was quiet at breakfast in a tired voice. She frowns and Enzo furrows his brows.

"Cass-" he'd start but I shake my head.

"I'm fine. Just tired, is all," I run a hand through my hair.

That's not true, though. I mean, yes, I'm tired. I always am. But I'm just not in the mood for socializing, not up for any company today. Not at all up for their company today, even if they are my best friends. Maybe I'm just selfish, maybe it is wrong to feel this way, but I can't help it; jealousy and a sense of betrayal creep upon me. There's also this thought in my head all day, about running out of time. Not having been kissed yet, not ever having been drunk, not one fag smoked — all my friends have done either some or all of these and even more. Not that I couldn't do it, but shouldn't my first kiss be, well, special? With someone I truly love. Or maybe I'm naive for still believeing in true love.

"I think I'll take a nap," I stand up from my chair and pack my things into my backpack.

"What's up with her?" I hear Enzo ask Ki quietly as I'm walking in the direction of the door.

"No idea," Ki sighs with concern in her voice.

Late at night, I'm sitting by the window with my notebook laid up against my thighs as I'm writing into it, head laid against the cool glass of the window sideways as I'm listening to the storm outside, watching the lightning when I hear an urgent knock on my door. Getting shaken out of my thoughts, I look up with a frown. I don't know if I have really heard that or if I'm just hallucinating. The line of short knocks is repeated and I get up from my sitting and walk over to the door that reveals a trembling, sweating Mattheo.

"Matt-"

"Can I come in?" he asks in a shaky voice, on the verge of crying, and I nod and step away from the door to let him in.

"What happened?" I ask in a concerned, worried tone as I watch him pace back and forth in my room with that same scared look on his face that I used to have as a kid when I always ran to my mum's room after I'd had a nightmare. The memories of these nights are still living rent-free in my head; telling my mother I have had a nightmare and her comforting me, telling me it'll be alright, telling me no one wants to hurt me.

"I-I had a nightmare," the answer echoes in the quiet of the night my room holds. I reach my hand out for him, my instincts kicking in; he's just a boy, breaking down in front of me- no, he's my friend who's come to me for support. And my heart's breaking that I'm seeing him like this.

"C'mere." Mattheo doesn't need any more reassurance that he can trust me with this, he closes the distance between us and still trembling, now even letting his tears run across his cheeks like rivers, he wraps his strong arms around me and so do I, rubbing his back as I hug him close, afraid he'd slip through my grip if I weren't.

"I-it was awful. He came at me and..." he sobs into the crook of my neck, barely able to squeeze a full sentence out of himself. I just run a hand through his hair, damp from his sweating, to comfort him.

"I told him I-I won't join his boy band. And he... he used a curse," by the time he gets through telling me his rather traumatic experience, dream-his interaction with his father, his voice cracks and lowers into a painful whisper.

"It's okay," I hug him tighter, and to that, he squeezes me more against himself as well. "It was just a dream."

"But it felt so real," he trembles again, shaking in his whole body as he holds me so tight.

I don't let go of him, nor does he break the contact either.

"I-I-I'm sorry I just came to you without anything... and for having you listen to this shite. It's just... only you know about it and I don't want to worry Theo," he pulls back to look at me after a few moments of him being comforted by me and me being comforted by the long hug we shared. It was much needed for me too.

"Don't be silly," I chuckle softly and shake my head. "You're not a burden. And I'm glad you came to me," I squeeze his arm reassuringly.

Minutes later, we're sitting on the cool wooden flooring, our backs against the walls that have the window in-between, just calming him down as we watch the storm outside, listening as the heavy rain crashes against the window, gifting us with the music of nature itself.

"Haven't seen you all day," Mattheo exclaims after some time of just staring off into the void, probably trying to cool down after the nightmare.

"Been at the library."

"Yeah, Ki told. But after that?"

"Took a nap."

He frowns. I can tell what he's thinking just by the way he looks at me, his eyes shining in the dim light of the night as the moon is peeping through the clouds, trying to steal the night back to have all the attention to himself.

"You haven't come down for dinner either," he points out, trying not to sound too concerned.

"Slept it through."

"Cassie-"

"No. I'm fine. Stop worrying about me," I sigh and look out the window. I don't know what to say after this. I feel like I've killed the mood as well.

"Okay. Sorry," he mutters and I leave it at it, not saying anything else. I would say something to not be sitting here with a friend in complete silence but it feels as if I had no thoughts. No feelings and no thoughts, except for the ones about yesterday. I feel empty, completely vacant, like the bottles of firewhisky consumed the day before in the Slytherin common room.

I want to ask him how that dance with Daphne went. I also want to ask him what happened after I left yesterday (but I'm not even sure if he'd noticed I sneaked back to my dorm), if he knows where Enzo was (which I could just ask from the guy in question, but again, it's not my business). But lacking of words to express all these thoughts and feelings that frame the thoughts about last night, it's just easier to keep them to myself as I can't find the right way to phrase and voice them.

"It was the Cruciatus Curse. The one he used in my dream," he says after seconds of silence when he realizes I'm not going to denote any of my possible thoughts, trying to sound neutral about it but his tired voice cracks once again and it comes through more as one filled with concern and some fear.

Opening my eyes, I have to think through what happened last night. Mattheo came up for comfort after he'd had a nightmare and after I refused to talk about what was bothering me, as an unspoken agreement we decided to sail onto lighter waves and talk about casual stuff; films, the Triwizard Tournament, music and avoided talking about school at all costs because it could've been traced back to his nightmares through how he's relieved to be back at Hogwarts after a summer all-too-long with Theodore Nott Sr., and the unforeseen events of the World Cup that still haunt me.

So, he insisted on going through my collection of vinyl and mixtapes. Most of the vinyls are from the attic at home; I've found some David Bowie, Queen, The Clash, and T. Rex albums up, in a box with the label only being "G.P.12" written with big, capital letters. I assume these are the stuff dad's listened to before he died. When I found the box I immediately took it to my room to go through the collection. I've been listening to them all summer long — much to Kiara's exasperation — and definitely have grown fond of them in the time being.

My music taste mostly consisted of the kind of rock that teens usually listen to when they're first met by some good rock songs and decide 'This is not music taste, this is a lifestyle' only to grow bored after listening to these few songs by the given artists for months on repeat. I mostly listened to AC/DC before, mixed with some Nirvana, Guns N' Roses, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Aerosmith, and Led Zeppelin. But only their top hits — basic, aren't I? I mean, my mixtape I've been listening to on repeat, wearing it out to the point it almost broke, and consisting of Back In Black, Highway To Hell, Hell's Bells, T.N.T, Thunderstruck, Sweet Child O' Mine, Paradise City, I Was Made For Lovin' You, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Welcome To The Jungle, Immigrant Song, Paranoid and The Trooper should be considered a unique taste that totally describes me, right?

That was until this summer when my taste in music got turned upside down, almost completely by finding out I'm more into glam, and the more singable and melodic (and queer) side of rock.

So, Mattheo insisting on going through my vinyl and tapes is what ended in us falling asleep while the record was still playing. And it is also what results in me waking up in the morning on a mountain of tapes, my legs tangled up with the boy's. I sit up and take notice of how he's sleeping on the other end of the bed, on his back. I just watch for a few seconds, taking in how peaceful he's looking, just for once in a lifetime; no forehead wrinkling, no tense facial muscles, just a relaxed, calm expression as he's sleeping soundly, unaware of his surroundings. I watch as his chest rises and falls when breathing, how he occasionally takes a deeper, sharper inhale, releasing stress even in his sleep.

Cass, stop.

You're being a creep. He's your friend, you can't be just staring at him while he's asleep. In your dorm, in your bed.

Our legs are still touching.

With a sigh, I pull my leg away from on top of his and as I start to get up to stretch, I realize that he is indeed in my dorm and he couldn't be farther away from where he's supposed to be.

His dorm. In the Slytherin area.

Because right now, he's in the Gryffindor Tower and there's no way no one will notice if he just leaves like this. For Merlin's sake, how on earth have I got into this? Not that I care for my own good about what my housemates would think of me if they ever saw him walk out of my dorm like this, through the common room, it's not the case. But there are already too many rumours about us, all rude ones and I don't think we'd ever need more.

I look at the clock; it's 7:58, on a Sunday. The common room is filled with people.

I let out a sigh and go over to the bed to wake Mattheo up. But he just rolls over to his stomach and tells me to fuck off. After trying to be nice a few more times but getting the same response and even nudging him doesn't work, I decide to use the same technique I usually use on Kiara.

Turning my back to him, I lie down on top of him, my limbs hanging on the two sides. He finally takes notice of this and mutters in a calm tone. "What are you doin'?"

"Trying to wake you up," I reply in the same undisturbed tone as I'm staring up at the ceiling.

"Isn't working," he murmurs back and when he isn't moving, I take the initiative of the situation and get up, practically straddling him as I kneel up by the two sides of his hips and start to continuously (gently, may I add before someone said I'm abusing my friend) hit him. But when he only lets out a grunt, I lean forward and bite his arm. To that, his eyes open.

"Finally," I state satisfied, and just as I am about to get off of him, he rolls over to his back and pulls me back down and in a second, he's towering over me. I can feel his breath on me when he pins my wrists to the mattress.

"Did you really bite me?" he asks with furrowed eyebrows in a slightly playful tone, and I nod, trying not to become flustered at the positioning as I can feel his warm breath on my collarbones, his hands gripping my wrists and his hips brushing up against mine.

"You didn't respond to anything else," I smirk playfully, mixed with a sense of innocence.

"Why even did you wake me up?" he then looks over at the clock on my bedside table and groans when he sees it's only 8:07. "Ugh, Cassie."

"Shut up, you have to get out of here unnoticed," I try to free my wrists of his grip and he frowns, not understanding why he has to get out with no one noticing he's ever been here. I then tell him how weird it would get, how many new rumours we'd start, and stuff. I really do not need to be in the spotlight right now.

This is what results in me going over to Harry and Ron's dorm to borrow the well-known invisibility cloak from my friend. And this is what ends up with Mattheo and I under it, trying not to slide down the stairs as we both want to be the navigators. It all goes smoothly until Seamus and Dean make their way up the narrow staircase and we have to press up against the wall — and against each other. The next time we almost get caught is when I nearly trip on the hem of the cloak and Mattheo catches me, holding me tight against himself and I pretty much get a heart attack at his closeness again. What is up with me today?

Anyhow, we make it out of the Gryffindor common room and get into a secluded corner of the other corridor so that we can take the cloak off without being caught.

"You're really not as dumb as I initiated," he nudges me with a devious grin under the cloth and I smack his arm but I'm not able to hide a smirk from forming and Matt pulls the cloak off us. This is when I take notice of a familiar mop of brown hair passing by the entrance of the corridor and I shove Mattheo inside a nearby broom closet, almost tripping in the small, dark space.

After shaking himself out of astonishment, Mattheo grins at me and starts to tease me.

"Princess, we could've just stayed in your dorm. Your bed would've been much comfier to-"

"I'm not having sex with you, Mattheo Riddle," I poke him in the chest, practically pressing him against the wall behind him, and just when I say the word regarding physical contact with another person, the door opens, revealing two of our friends, about to burst out laughing, stating our close proximity with two of those charming Italian grins.

My cheeks flush out of embarrassment as I look at Ki and Theo and a stupid grin spreads across Mattheo's lips as well, mirroring the two, one of the kind that makes me really want to jinx him.

"She just jumped at me," Matt exclaims as if he were a victim of my desires, earning a sting from me on his arm hanging between us. "Ow. See? Feisty, this one."

"In a broom cupboard? Bold choice," Kiara grins and I shoot her a glare, a mix of frustration and fluster.

"And the initiator as well," Theo teases, and with a sigh and a grunt, I go to shove past them and leave. It's too early for this shit. Mattheo will explain to them what happened, anyway.

"Leaving without a kiss?" Mattheo calls after me and I can feel my blood boiling. I let my impulsive behaviour take over me as I turn around, and without thinking, I grab the back of his head and pull him down to crash my lips against his. He provoked me, he got what he wanted...

...Or have I taken it too far?

But the kiss only lasts a second, until I realize what I've done. Not giving him any time to react; to pull me more into the kiss or conversely, push me away, I break away from the boy, leaving him surprised, cursing in my head, and ignoring my friends' calls, I start running back to my dorm.

What have I done?

thank you if you made it this far! comment to be on the tag list.

+ a little something my dearest @inksoakedparchment made:

tag list: @reyys-letters @mqstermindswift @inksoakedparchment @sweetcolorfulies

[moralesmilesanhourlibrary]

sunflower

summary: you begin to recieve flowers from an anonymous source. originally posted: sept. 22, 2019 (wtf I was posting fics damn near every day)

You open your locker to pack up for the day and go home, and there they are.

Sunflowers.

Yesterday it was roses, last week it was daisies. It was a sweet gesture, until you found a bouquet of sunflowers on your desk with your name on the tag. This person was in your class, and knew where your desk was, and who YOU were. Curiosity peaked, you meet up at Miles and Ganke’s dorm to discuss.

“So now I have like, 3 bouquets of flowers and petals all over my locker and I really need to know who it is-”

“Whoa, whoa, slow down [Y/N],” Ganke interrupted. “Are you saying you have a secret admirer?” You nodded, frantically. You’d only met Miles and Ganke the previous week, but, for some reason, you felt you could tell them a whole lot.

“I need you to help narrow down who could be giving me all these damn plants, because I’m running out of space in my vase at home,” you frowned. Miles smiles to himself at the thought of you taking the flowers home and caring for them. “They’re obviously in my homeroom, since they know where my desk is at, right? Miles, who’s in our homeroom?”

Startled out of his thoughts, Miles finally speaks after having been silent this entire time.

“Uh, there’s me and you, Andre, Miranda, and… That’s all I know.”

Sighing in frustration, you plop down on Ganke’s bed next to where Miles sat.

Impishly elbowing your arm, Miles, asks, “Is there anyone you want it to be?” Not catching onto the joke, you actually answer. “Hmm. I hope whoever it is is like, really sweet and artistic. I like artsy types.” Miles feels a glimmer of hope at that. “You’re mad corny,” he laughs.

The next day, you find more sunflowers and daisies in the holes of your locker, but there was something else there, too.

Stuck to one of the bigger sunflowers was a baby-blue sticky note, your name written in a bubbly font and decorated with neon patterns. Cute.

Miles opened his locker next to yours.

“More flowers?” he asked. You smiled and showed him the sticky note. “Look, they drew this, too! Isn’t that cute?” Miles smirks a little, though you don’t know why.

—

It was a Friday, so you texted Miles that you were coming over to hang out. Before you even ring the doorbell, he opens the door to let you in, beaming.

“Hey [Y/N], pizza’s here already. Don’t just stand there, now!” After greeting his parents, you both head to Miles’ room with the box of pizza. Of course, his Bluetooth speaker was blasting Swae Lee. You still had the sticky note in-hand as you sat on his bed, taking a slice of pizza.

“You good, Gonzalo? You been mad quiet lately.” Snapping out of his gaze at the mention of his middle name, Miles replies, “I’m fine, I’m fine. No need to use my government name.” Looking up, you notice a pop of color on Miles’ desk. It was piled with sketchbooks containing elaborate designs that looked like they belonged on a mural.

“Those are nice,” you tell him, pointing at the pile of drawings. “Thanks, made em myself, you know.” Miles internally facepalms himself. They’re on your desk, of course she knows they’re yours!

You get up from the bed to get a closer look at Miles’ designs. The circular lettering and neon color palette look… familiar. Then you take the sticky note out of your back pocket. A sheepish grin creeps onto your face as everything starts to make sense.

“Miles, you been giving me all those flowers?” Smiling playfully, he gives you a big shrug that said, ‘I’ve been caught, so yeah.’ You suck your teeth in feigned annoyance and hit Miles with a pillow. You both descend into uproarious laughter as you continue hitting him. “I really hate you, bro!”

“What, I’m the artsy type!” Miles jokingly exclaims, earning him another smack with the pillow. The two of you flop back down on his bed, exhausted from all the laughing.

“Did you buy all those flowers yourself?” you finally ask. Miles replies, “Yeah, man! 20 bucks each,” and you snort a little.

“All that for a prank-?”

“It wasn’t a prank.” Miles’ tone is somber, now. He isn’t grinning anymore. You don’t understand.

“What does that mean,” you prod further. He turns his head to look you directly in the eye. “Well… I kinda like you. Just a little. So I got you flowers.” You continue staring at him, at which he says, “…sorry?” You sit up, and so does Miles.

“You’re so fucking stupid,” you tell him as you pull him into a suffocating hug. “Wanna go out sometime?”

Miles chokes out a muffled, “Yes!”

[sneakyblinders]

chocolate cake

A/N: for my Tommy and his darling wife!au. we meet grace in this one... continued in the drunk lunch.  warnings: not canon. sexual themes, mentions/alluding to smut but no smut. fluff. language, general other peaky blinders shenanigans. (alcohol, smoking etc) 2.3k words

As your marriage to Thomas Shelby went on, there were things he discovered about you that he hadn’t known about prior to your vows.

Like how you stole all of the blankets in your sleep, leaving him to freeze with no blankets, your grip on the blankets unbreakable, even in your deepest sleep.

Or, how much you enjoyed writing letters. He grew to love your handwriting. Grew fond of the little notes you’d leave for him in the domestic parts of your home. Some simple and sweet, and others laced with the intention of getting him rather riled up for later.

He loved how intentionally you selected your outfits for the day, how much you fussed over your hair and lipstick being just right. He’d sit and watch as you finger combed through your curls, getting the waves right.

He loved how bright you are. He knew you were bright before he married you, yes, but upon finding the right place for you at Shelby Company Limited, he was astounded at how quickly you caught on to everything he had given you charge over. You were fantastic with numbers, quicker with them than he was. Good with wording correspondence. He also thought you looked bloody beautiful sitting at the desk at the other end of his office. You told him you didn’t have to be in his office to be his new secretary, but he assured you that he wanted you in his office. Wanted to spend every second with you that he could. And every chance he got to lay eyes on you, he took. It took some getting used to–having his beautiful bride in his office everyday. He didn’t get nearly as much work done the first few weeks, but after the novelty wore off, the two of you fell into a good routine. Every Friday you’d walk into the office to see a fresh bouquet of flowers from your husband sitting on the corner of your desk.

“Mr. Shelby, it appears someone is trying to romance me,” you giggled, reading the card in the flowers the first Friday he had the idea. The card was incredibly raunchy, something you couldn’t believe he would’ve narrated to the flower shop man.

“Is it working?” he smirked at you from behind his paper, sitting at his desk.

“Yes.” you smiled back.

But his favorite thing he’d discovered after you’d married, was your love for celebration, and your ability to bake.

When you got married in March, you were dismayed that you had to wait a whole ten months to celebrate your husband's birthday in January. “You have almost a whole year to think of how to royally embarrass me, my darling.” he had told you.

He was turning thirty-one, and you had wanted to make it a special day with you and his family.

You’d spent the night before his birthday holed up in the kitchen, shooing Frances away, assuring her you knew what you were doing and you didn’t need any help. Your Thomas loved chocolate, and a chocolate cake is what he got.

He returned home late that evening, just as you were tucking the frosted cake into the icebox for the celebration dinner you had planned for the next evening. “Darling?” he called from the foyer.

“In the kitchen!” you called back, smoothing down your hair, unknowingly spreading flower and sugar throughout it.

He chuckled when he saw you. Hair adorned with sugar and flower, the front of your apron messy from where you’d wiped your hands repeatedly on it, and a slight bit of chocolate on the corner of your lips from where you’d taste tested. “Hello there,” he chuckled as you untied your apron. “You’ve got a little something here,” he told you, smiling down as he wiped at the chocolate with his thumb. You stood on your toes to kiss him. He moaned into the kiss before you pulled away. “Smells wonderful in here, what is it?”

“You’ll have to wait ‘till tomorrow!” you tell him in a sing-song voice, dancing away from his hands to the sink.

“You don’t have to do that tonight, love, it’s late. Let Frances do it.” he told you as you went to the sink and started scrubbing at the dishes.

“If I don’t, it’ll be harder to get clean tomorrow. It won’t take me long. Plus, I have other plans for tomorrow, and I already told Frances she could turn in for the evening,” you tell him, turning the water on. He took his jacket off and began to unclasp his cufflinks, putting them in the dish you kept for your rings at times like this, and rolled his sleeves up.”What’re you doing?” you ask as he stands next to you.

“Helping,” he said simply, holding the drying towel as you passed him the first of many spoons that needed washing. “When your hands start to turn pruney, switch me and I’ll wash and you can dry.” he told you, sliding the spoon into the drawer with the rest of the silverware.

“You surprise me everyday, Thomas Shelby.” you smile at him, continuing to scrub.

You asked about his day and he told you of several conversations he’d had in your absence at the office. He told you of the new barmaid that Harry had hired, and he had an odd feeling about her.

“What do you mean?” you asked.

“She kept eyeing me.” he said as he pulled your hands from the dirty water, signaling you it was his time to wash.

“Eyeing you?” you ask, heart sinking a little.

He smiled at you, eyes crinkling at the corners. “Nothing to be worried about my love, she’s–not someone I’d be interested in,” noticing your apprehension, he wiped his hands on the dish towel and turned to you, taking your head in his hands. “She’s not you. I’m madly in love with you, eh?” he told you. You nodded, as he pressed a kiss to your forehead.

The next evening after the company was closed for the weekend, you all headed to the Garrison to celebrate Tommy’s birthday. You’d asked Frances to drop the cake off at the Garrison that afternoon.

When you entered the Garrison, you were greeted by a number of “regulars” who you had grown to know and care for. Caleb, one of them, was a young man, probably sixteen, who was infatuated with you. At first you were afraid of his advances, not wanting Tommy to hurt the poor man. “Darling, I know it’s just puppy love. I know you need a man,” he had nearly growled in your ear, making you bite your lip and squeeze your legs together under the table.

“Good evening, Mrs. Shelby!” Caleb waved to you from the bar.

“Evening, Caleb!” you waved back to him as he smiled from ear to ear. Tommy’s hand was on the small of your back, gently guiding you to the snug, where his family waited with confetti, whiskey, beer and party blowers. And of course, the cake.

You caught the eye of the new barmaid, and she instantly made your blood boil. She looked at you as if she may cry.

“Does she always look like that?” you asked Tommy over your shoulder.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Like she’ll burst into tears at any given moment.” you said.

Tommy just smirked, opening the door to the snug. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” everyone yelled as he walked through the door. He looked at you with an incredulous smile as confetti fell onto his hat and shoulders.

“Come on, ya mad bastard, so we can eat this lovely cake your wife made!” Arthur said, hurrying the birthday man to sit down.

All of you were crowded around the table, sitting shoulder to shoulder as you passed pieces of cake around, and toasted to the birthday boy. “Thirty one miserable years. May the next thirty one be better than the first thirty one,” John joked. Everyone laughed and toasted, beer sloshing over the sides of their mugs.

You’d made advances at him all evening, undressing him with your eyes, pressing small kisses to his jawline, a hand on his thigh, fiddling with his ring when you held his hand, all things that you’d discovered that drive him wild.

After everyone was properly drunk, Tommy excused the two of you for the evening. “Let’s go to my upstairs office, since you can’t seem to wait until we get home,” he rasped low in your ear, hand around your waist as he guided you upstairs, the barmaid's eyes not leaving your back for a minute.

Tommy closed his office door with his foot, his hands too preoccupied with pushing your coat off your shoulders.

Thirty minutes later, after a long round merciless teasing on your end, and begging and cursing on your husbands, your knees ached; but your husband was breathless in front of you, his chest heaving as you rested your cheek on his thigh, looking up at him from your position between his legs on the floor.

“Fucking perfect angel, my wife is.” he told you, reaching for a cigarette in his top desk drawer. You move yourself up to sit on his lap, taking the cigarette from him, lighting it between your lips before passing it to him.

“Happy birthday, my love.” you tell him, pressing a kiss to his jawline, resting your head on his shoulder. He smokes, allowing his breathing to return to normal and the flush to fade from his cheeks and neck. After he finishes his cigarette, he tucks himself back into his pants, readjusts his suspenders and straps his holster back around his shoulders before pulling his jacket over his broad shoulders. “Ready?” you ask, standing by the door.

“Yes,” he says, looking around the office, a confused look on his face. “Do you think I left my hat in the snug?” he asked.

“Probably, we can go look.” you tell him, taking his hand as he locks the door of his office.

The Garrison was nearly empty now, his family and most patrons long gone by this time of night. The barmaid was wiping down the bar when you two walked by. “Mrs. Shelby,” she called out to you, her accent striking to your ears. Tommy kept walking towards the snug. “Where did you get your dress? It’s beautiful.” she said, a small smile attempting to form on her lips.

“Mrs. Johnson’s, on Rickter street.” you say, eyeing her carefully. She shrinks under your scrutinous gaze.

“Mr. Shelby’s birthday is today?” she asks.

“Yes.” you tell her shortly as Tommy returns with his hat.

“It was in there, love.” he tells you, hat in his hand. “Grace,” he nods to the barmaid.

“Happy birthday, Mr. Shelby.” she says, a flash of seduction in her tone.

“Thank you,” Tommy held out his hand for you to take after he secured his cap on his head. “Goodnight, Grace.”

“Goodnight,” she called out, but the doors slammed shut behind you two before either of you could hear her.

You were quiet on the ride home, hand resting on Tommy’s thigh as he drove you two home. “You alright?” he asked when he pulled into the circular driveway of your home.

“Yes. Perfectly alright.” you told him, faking a smile.

“Did the barmaid say something to you?” he asked.

“I just–can’t shake this feeling, Thomas.” you tell him, worry spreading across your features.

“We’ll figure it out, my love. Try and put it out of your mind for tonight, yeah?” he told you. You nodded your head in agreement.

The next morning you woke up naked in Tommy’s arms, your back against his chest. Your legs burned, and there was a familiar ache between your legs from the second half of your husband's birthday present you’d delivered after returning home. He groaned as he began to wake up, rolling onto his back to stretch his legs. “Good morning,” you tell him, flipping to your stomach to stretch your arms and legs simultaneously.

“Good morning,” he rasps, voice gravelly from sleep. “Thank you for such a wonderful birthday, Sweetheart.”

“You’re welcome. Did you like your cake?” you ask.

“It was the best birthday cake I’ve ever eaten.” he told you, raking a hand through his hair. “Do we have any leftovers? I’d like some for breakfast.” he smirked at you, reaching for a cigarette. “I liked everything you did for my birthday.” he said, pulling you into his chest, a cheeky tone to his voice.

“Yeah?” you asked, cheeks flushing.

“Yes. That red robe… I really like that.” he said, eyeing where he had thrown it the night before on the chair in the corner of the room.

“I’ll wear it more often.” you told your husband, rolling on top of him, your mind a million miles away from all the worries you had the night before about the barmaid.

~

Grace entered the museum, aware of her meeting place with Inspector Campbell. She quickly walked through the halls, finding the room he had described to her. She nervously fiddled with the hem of her sleeve, waiting for him to round the corner-make his presence known.

“Any luck with Thomas Shelby?” his deep voice rasped as he came around the corner.

“Not so far,” she said quietly. “I think getting close to him will prove to be far harder than we thought. He is besotted with his wife.” she said, a twinge of jealousy in her voice.

The inspector breathed out a “pft”. “No man like Thomas Shelby is besotted with a wife for long. Men like him stray easily.”

She chuckled. “You didn’t see the way he looked at her.” she said. “And,” she added quickly. “You didn’t see what she looks like.”

“Then get close to the wife.” Campbell ground out, jaw locked tight.

Grace’s pulse sped up. “That is–another angle.”

And thus began Grace’s attempt at friendship with Mrs. Thomas Shelby.

[harrywavycurly]

Sarah I could use some fluff please😕

Hiii babes!! I hope you enjoy these super fluffy conversations with Eddie💖

*when I say these are super fluffy I’m not exaggerating these are disgustingly sweet*

“You think we’re good for each other?” “No.” “Eddie! What the hell?” “Sorry I meant no we aren’t good for each other…we are great for each other.” “Oh really? What makes you think that?” “Because…the kinda love we have can’t be anything but great.” “Yeah?” “Yeah…this is that once in a lifetime type shit…or at least it is for me.” “You’re going to love me the rest of your life?” “Oh yeah…you’re stuck with me baby.” “I like the sound of that.”

“You make me nervous.” “Eddie be serious I’m trying to see where your mind is at with…us.” “I’m being fucking serious you…you make me nervous because what…what if there’s a day you wake up and realize you can do so much better than me? I don’t know what I’d do if you…if you decided to leave..I mean I wouldn’t blame you but I just…I really fucking love you and it’s terrifying.” “You love me?” “Yeah…yeah I do..I love you sweetheart.” “I love you too…and there’s never going to be a day when I wake up and want to be anywhere else but wrapped up in your arms because that’s where I feel the most at home.” “You’re it for me you know that right?” “Glad we are on the same page.” “God listen to us we sound like a hallmark commercial for one of their cheesy Christmas romance movies…” “oh you know you love their Christmas movies.”

“If I dropped to one knee right now and asked you to marry me what would you say?” “What took you so fucking long.” “Wait…what? Really? You wouldn’t run away screaming at the idea of me being your husband?” “No you dummy I’ve thought about you being my husband for a while now…I mean we live together and have a cat so it’s like the only thing missing is a ring on my finger and my last name being Munson.” “Oh…uhm well then in that case….will you marry me?” “Holy shit you’re actually doing it? Right now? I didn’t mean to pressure you I’m so-” “baby you’re making me really fucking nervous can you just say yes already?” “Oh shit I’m sorry! Yes yes of course I’ll marry you Eddie.”

“You know what I think?” “Honestly baby there’s no telling…” “don’t be mean Eddie.” “Sorry Princess…what’s on your mind?” “I think that you and I were meant to meet at the exact time that we did all those years ago because the universe knew exactly what I needed and who I needed to be loved by…so they sent you to me.” “I think you’re right baby…I had no intention of going to family video that night but all of a sudden I was pulling into the parking lot and not even five minutes later I run into you in the horror section.” “And look at us now…sitting in a bubble bath in our house on a Friday night because we are an old boring married couple.” “Boring? We aren’t boring…but yeah…crazy how time flies when you’re having fun with the one you’re meant to be having it with.”

“How much do you love me?” “I hate these conversations sweetheart they always end with me doing some ridiculous favor…” “so you don’t love me then?” “Now that’s…not what I said…you know I love you.” “How much?” “So much there’s not even a word for it.” “Oh that’s a lot…does that mean you love me so much that you’d come help me plant some new flowers in the garden?” “I knew this was going to end me with me on my knees somehow.” “Maybe I’ll return the favor later tonight if you don’t moan and groan while planting my petunias.” “I make no promises…you know how much I love moaning and groaning.”

“Can I tell you something?” “Is it going to make me cry? You know how I feel about crying Eddie…” “I don’t know? It might?” “Lay it on me.” “I think we’ve been in love before.” “Oh yeah? Like…in another life?” “I think we’ve always been in love and…will always be in love…in every life we live…I sound crazy don’t I?” “No Eddie you don’t sound crazy…I know what you’re talking about…what we have just feels too…special to only be for such a small amount of time.” “Exactly….I love you.” “I love you too…in this life and all the ones that come next.”

[haerinari]

ᖗ Best Friends

— pairing: childhood best friend!ni-ki x reader.

— genre: fluff

— warnings: none

— plot: your best friend since childhood Ni-ki, has been more touchy than usual.

“How about we go out tomorrow?” Said Ni-ki, he is your best friend since you were little kids.

“That’s sounds amazing” you respond. Tomorrow was Friday, so you had nothing to do. “Where do you wanna go?”

“Maybe we can go eat and buy some clothes, you are dressing horrible this days” he said joking. “Hey! There is nothing wrong with my clothes” you respond. “Just because you have better taste in fashion than me doesn’t mean I don’t dress good”.

“Yeah, whatever” he responded. “I will buy you new clothes tomorrow”

“Really?” You said excited. “Of course, we are going out and you have to look good” he said. “Oh my god that why I love you so much. You are the best friend of all the entire world”

“I know, I know…” he said hugging you. Ni-ki loved to hug you, something about you always make him feel comfortable and safe. Also, sometimes when he hugged you a little too long his stomach felt different, he felt that he was going insane.

You two have been best friends since childhood, you meet on kindergarten and since then you are inseparable. Always playing around, watching movies, playing video games, eating, anything to spend time together. It has been always like that, just happiness and fun.

But now that you both have grown out, Ni-ki started to feel different when he was around you. Sometimes, when you got to close to him, nervousness started to invade his entire body. The way he could see every small detail on your face and smell the perfume that you have always use, made him feel different.

At the beginning Ni-ki just ignored this kind of feelings, telling himself the excuse that he was just feeling humor changes or that he was just growing out and his hormones were betraying him. That was until he took a picture of you one time you two went out and he couldn’t stop looking at it. He noticed that you were actually really pretty.

But the bad side of Ni-ki’s feelings for you was that he knew that you only consider him your friend, your best friend. Even tho, he sometimes tried to make a move on you. Telling you that you looked pretty, occasionally touching your hand, playing with your hair, or just trying to keep you around and be touchy with you.

On your side you did notice this change on your best friend. He was being more touchy than usual, more kind, and even more pretty. Of course that you find Ni-ki pretty, I mean, who would not. You liked how he was behaving with you this last months. You really enjoy his company, you enjoy being with him.

Maybe you like Ni-ki, maybe. But even if you fully did, what would happen with your friendship with him? Would you ruin it? Would it make it 100 times better? Would it make it 100 worst? You didn’t know the answer to that, that’s why you decided to keep this feelings to yourself and let the time take them.

It was around 4:30 pm on the afternoon and you and Ni-ki had been together almost all day long.

As he promised he did buy you new clothes, and damm, they were really pretty. But your favorite thing that he bought for you was two matching t-shirts that you can use together and two bracelets that had your initials with a heart in between.

Right now you were walking thru one of your favorite spots to hang out with your best friend. It was a little place that was all surrounded by flowers, but what you liked the most was the view of the sunset that can be seen from there.

You really enjoy watching sunsets, they had something that it was so magical and special for you. You were so lost on your thoughts that didn’t even notice when Ni-ki left to search something for you.

“Hey” he simply said while giving you a bunch of beautiful flowers that he took from the grass.

“Wow Ni-ki, they are beautiful thank you so much” you said giving him a kiss no on the cheek, he immediately felt his heart beat faster. “Sit here with me, let’s watch the sunset” you said with a smile. “Okay”

There was such a special connection between you two in that moment. You both sat on the grass, admiring the beautiful view the sky was giving. Few minutes later Ni-ki put his arm around your shoulder, embracing you with his touch. You put your head on his shoulder, your heart beating 100 times faster just by having him this close.

“Y/N” he called. “Hmm?” You simply respond. “I need to tell you something”

You leave your position, now sitting in front of Ni-ki face to face.

“What is it?” You asked curiously.

“You know, I really love you very much. I love spending time with you and hanging out every day. You have been there for me every time I needed you and I really appreciate that. You are the most wonderful and beauty girl I have ever met, and I really like you. Y/N I really, really like you since a lot but I didn’t tell you anything because I was scared. I was really scared that you would reject me and that our friendship will be ov-“

You couldn’t resist any more. Before he could finish the sentence you took his face softly in your hand and gave him a kiss. His soft lips around yours, one of his hands now on your cheek, it was the moment that you both waited for so long.

“I really like you too, Ni-ki. But I was also very scared to tell you because I thought it would ruin our friendship, now that doesn’t matter any more. Honestly, I’ve like you since a long time ago, I was just trying to hide my feeling. Ni-ki, you’re the most wonderful boy in this world, I really like you to.” You said, your heart was going crazy.

“Oh my god yes! I’m so glad” he said while resting his back on the grass. “Why?” You said laughing. “I thought you didn’t like me back. Did you know how hard was for me to take the courage and tell you this” he said laughing with you. “Well, now you now I do” you said resting with him as well.

Everything was perfect, the orange and pink color of the sky, you and ni-ki together. You turned your body to face ni-ki’s and put one of your arm around him, giving him a hug. Him giving you a kiss on your head while playing with your hair, he was very happy that you were with him now.

“Are we together now?” He asked with curiosity. “I don’t know, you tell me” you said joking. “I will take you on a date tomorrow, an official date. And I want you to use the matching shirts I bought for us, we are going to look so pretty like that… I mean you’re going to look way more pretty like that, because you are super beautiful now”

The way his words reached your heart make you smile like a fool.

“I love you” you said looking him on the eyes.

“I love you 1000 times more” he said giving you a soft kiss.

[eiko-chatter]

(CW death, suicide) 6 months ago today, I lost a close friend.

Mari was - someone who loved unabashedly and shared it with the world, despite having been horribly wronged by it. She made a point of complimenting strangers because she knew she was unthreatening and wanted people to know the things about them she appreciated. She tried hard to reach out to people she thought seemed neat, even though it took her time to build up the courage - that's how we met in the first place, at skating night. (she told me later she'd been building up the courage to talk to me the first 3 times we'd been at skating together). In my short time with her, she made it abundantly clear how much she loved her people - her entire soul lit up when she talked about them. She told me so many stories about people I didn't know very well and more about people I'd never met - will probably never meet, now - and even though she's gone, a little piece of her love for them remains.

She brought that energy to her hobbies - she wrote and shared really detailed strategy guides for the games she played, made and published free translations of foreign gay comics on request - and her friendships. I met Mari only a few weeks before my roommate's cat died. She came to visit us a day or two later, brought us flowers, and kept us company while we grieved. She checked in on us every day, sometimes multiple times a day, and did what she could to help. She was meticulous about keeping track of people's preferences and triggers, and thanked me whenever i told her about one so that she could use it to be more effectively kind.

I didn't really learn the details of what Mari was going through until a week before she died, but it was - genuinely harrowing. She was really hesitant to talk about it at all, but it eventually got bad enough that she was willing to, and when I heard the details I invited her to come to stay with us to get a break and have some company. She stayed with us for 3 days, during which she was more scared and frightened than I'd ever seen her. By the time I took her back home, things had gotten worse - she said she just wanted to be alone, that she thought that would help, so I hugged her and left. (it was the last time I'd see her. she was smiling at me and making a little heart gesture with her hands as I drove away). But being alone ended up being worse for her - she asked me if she should find someone to babysit her, but I - didn't know anyone in her area (it was a pretty long drive), and she was having a lot of trouble with her local social group, so we planned on having me go down to look after her that Saturday, and I spent the time until then checking in on her as often as I could. Friday afternoon she told me she was really grateful that I was doing that for her. It was the last thing she ever said to me.

When I got there Saturday, she was gone. She'd left out a bunch of things that she wanted to gift or return to people. She wrote a note, apologizing to everyone in her life for not being strong enough to ask for help, telling them how much she loved them and how good they were, and a warning on the door, saying not to come in and to instead call 911. (i didn't listen. i wish i had. even then, she was trying so hard to make sure whoever found her wouldn't be hurt more than they had to).

i loved Mari from the moment i knew her well enough to see her for who she was. i've tried, in the last 6 months, to bring a little bit of her kind and thoughtful spirit into my interactions with people, and to do small things to look after the people i know she loved and cared about.

i wish things could have been different. she deserved so much better than this. so often i see things or meet people and think about - how much she would have loved them, how much i wish i could have shared them with her. i miss her so much, still. losing her was the most painful thing i've ever gone through, by far. my friends and family have been - incredibly kind and patient and loving and generous with me. i know i would be doing so much worse without them and am deeply indebted to them. i'm trying really hard to - continue being the kind of person i want to be, to have the traits that she loved in me. it's - often really hard, though it's been getting easier, bit by bit.

goodbye, Mari. i'll always love you. the world is forever diminished by your absence.

[hauntedwizardmoment]

You have to write the proposal I’m BEGGING 🤧🙏

so i definitely got carried away with this.

light of the love that i found

1.2k, fluff, light angst, happy ending, sometimes jace gets treated niceys

When Jace Teleports into his classroom on Friday, there’s a box on his desk. It’s ornate and weighty, carved out of solid wood and engraved with delicate looping vines and flowers. Another one of Porter’s gifts. 

It’s one of the little things Porter’s been doing lately, leaving him presents after they fight. Last week it was a new set of gem-infused inks in every color, after they’d screamed at each other for twenty minutes after a few lighthearted jabs boiled over. A month ago, when Jace had threatened to walk out of their plan entirely, he’d found a new leatherbound sketchbook in their bedroom, filled with sturdy paper that could withstand anything he’d put it through. 

He hates the way it works. It shouldn’t be this easy to win him over with a couple of trinkets. But sorcery is an expensive profession, and teaching it moreso, even with the school providing a fund for material components and spellbooks. The thought of Porter, who can’t even cast a simple Prestidigitation, tracking down wood from a tree struck by lightning just to apologize, makes him melt despite himself.

He chills again, though, at the memory of last night. They’d flung every insult they could at each other, every secret confessed turned into a knife to lodge in each others’ flesh and twist. He opens the box hesitantly, expecting pearls or diamonds, something extravagant to make up for it, but instead finds a piece of cardstock nestled into the crushed velvet lining. Turning it over reveals a message. 

Remember our spot? Meet me there, at our usual time. 

A clearing in the Far Haven Woods, where they used to sneak away after work and watch the sun set and stars rise with a bottle of wine. Of course he remembers it. Back when life was easier, their schedules not filled to the brim with ambrosia and Devil’s Honey and hazardous spellcraft. 

The bell rings, students trickling in, and he shoves the box into one of the larger drawers in his desk. Porter’s planning something, clearly, and it should make him nervous. Instead, there’s a buzz under his skin, excitement mixing with anticipation. 

“Hey Jace, can we have class outside today?” A freshman asks, before he’s even had a chance to take attendance. 

He sighs. Today’s going to be a long day. 

---

Long day ends up being the understatement of an eon.  

The artificer class across the hall is doing something loud and obnoxious with their arcanotech that has all of his jumpiest underclassmen on a hair trigger. Before he knows it, he’s got eight new Surge Incident Reports to fill out, and it’s barely noon.But there’s no time to do that during his planning period, because Lucilla gets a bad case of nausea and needs someone to cover her class and he’s the only one available. 

Mercifully, his seniors are able to work on their portfolios independently, so he can catch up on all the grading he’s missed while working on The Plan, but just as he’s about to head out to meet Porter, a parent walks into his classroom, and he cannot believe he forgot he scheduled a parent-teacher conference today of all days. 

By the time he finally leaves work, it’s 6:04 PM, the November air cool against his skin but not helping with the beginnings of his migraine. He hates talking to parents, especially the ones that like to yell when their children don’t earn As just for showing up. By the time Ken Morilinde finishes his tirade and Jace can head out to the woods, the sun’s already making its descent downwards.

Finally, though, he’s at their clearing. It’s just like he remembers it: the overgrown path giving way to a patch of grass and low-lying ferns next to a small stream. Porter’s waiting for him, a checkered blanket spread out on the ground, wine uncorked with two glasses poured. At the sight of Jace, he grins. “Thought you weren’t gonna show. Had me thinking I pissed you off for good.” 

“Work sucked today,” Jace complains, sitting on the blanket and downing a large sip of wine.  “When you’re a god, promise me you’ll destroy the Morilindes. Or at least put a curse on their family for ten generations.” 

“Consider it on the list. Don’t think about that now, though, I need to talk to you. And you need to take it seriously.” 

This isn’t what he thought he was walking into. Jace finishes his glass, pours another one. “Well, that’s ominous. Spit it out, then.” 

“You like this, right? Us, together?” Porter asks him, taking his hand, running his thumb over Jace’s knuckles. The skin there is red and angry from a student’s accidental Shocking Grasp, threatening to split. Porter presses his lips to the wound in a kiss, Lays on Hands until it heals. “I know we’ve had our disagreements, but… I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”

He’s thrown for a loop at the question, Porter’s sudden gentleness making him lightheaded. Isn’t it obvious? “You know I could kill you if I wanted to, right? Of course I like this.” The next words out of his mouth are too honest, but it comes out before he can stop himself. “I wouldn’t trade this for anything, either.” 

Porter laughs, genuine and lovely. “That’s what I love about you, bunny. Always so bloodthirsty.” 

“Creep.” 

“You’re not denying it?” 

Why would he? He doesn’t need to pretend to be Chill Jace, Friendly Jace, Helpful Jace with Porter. “Is that all you wanted to talk about?” He leans back against a tree trunk, tips his head up to watch the sky shift from orange to purple-pink. 

“One more thing. Close your eyes for me?” Porter asks, and he does so without question. The combination of being pleasantly tipsy and the atmosphere - distant owl calls, the sound of rushing water, the last fireflies of the year flickering - does wonders for his mood, his terrible day at work nearly forgotten. He could fall asleep like this easily, but it only takes a few moments for Porter to say: “Okay, now look.” 

He opens his eyes to Porter holding out another box in the palm of his hand. It’s small, square, and covered in black velvet. He knows exactly what’s inside. 

“Porter…” 

“Open it.”

Porter hands it to him, and he does. The ring is gold, with small garnets inlaid around the entire circumference. On the inner surface of the band, he can see tiny engraved runes. “It’s beautiful.”

“Jace Stardiamond, will you make me the happiest man this side of the Celestine, and marry me?” 

All the arguments, all the nights of lost sleep, all the waiting and boredom and terrible days at work, all of it seems so small and insignificant now. He’s a dam full to burst; tears well up at the corner of his eyes. He tries to speak, but no words come. All he can do is nod, practically falling into Porter’s embrace as Porter kisses him, slipping the ring onto his finger deftly. The faint aura of protection settles over him, comforting and warm. 

“‘S that a yes?” Porter holds him still as they pull apart, looking at him intently.

“Gods, you’re stupid,” he sniffles, wiping away his tears. “Yes, it’s always been yes.” 

Porter kisses him again, and for a brief moment, everything feels right.