#and we hugged for a looooooong time and i think we both know it’s because we still have so much attraction for each other leftover

[bubblegumbeyotch]

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[call-sign-shark]

Okay I’ve been dying to read this. Sorry for taking so much time, I swear it was like torture to have this new chapter sitting in my draft waiting for me to read it but Gosh it worths it! I cannot describe how much I loved this chapter and how it digs even more the despicable character Stefano is. First of all I particularly enjoyed your description of Nina and her cleverness, as well as her tendencies to always drifts from everyone’s morals/values/opinions. I think it is brilliant to depict her like this, and emphasizing how hard it is to follow her for her family, almost hearing the title of the black sheep, while in truth she is filled with freedom and modernity. You’ve crafter such a lovely and complex OC, who manages to be both powerful and so fragile at the same time, powerless because of her era. This is sincerely heartbreaking — We can’t help but emphasize with her, especially because of the dread feeling of powerlessness you instill.

Stefano is a bastard. I know it’s the normal reaction to have when reading how you write him but duck, the short but intense description of him dragging girls in car has outraged me so much that I was gritting my teeth. Yet, your portrayal of him is also clever. The contrast between his politeness, fake patience and how twisted and creepy he is underneath it is wonderfully efficient. Also, it renders the scene in which Nina threatens him with a knife even more cathartic! I loved how she displayed her courage and fierceness despite still feeling unsure and scared — the detail of her being unsettled by the sticky and warm feeling of blood was brilliant.

I must quote this part: “But Tommy recognised the stinging sensation that was rising up inside him, a sensation he had already felt before. A sensation he couldn’t admit, not even to himself.” Not only it is written beautifully but also it made me smile like an idiot. Now he’s slowly but surely falling for her. And I must admit that I understand him and that I’ll probably fall in love with Nina too.

Still on the topic of Nina and her surroundings, I just love her relationship with Agnese and how sincere her sadness is when her cousin feels bad. I think I already go you that but I am so happy you strayed away from conflict and jealousy for these two but rather decided to keep their relationship good. I don’t know if it’s still going to be the same as the story unfolds but atm it feels just nice that, despite Nina hiding her nightly meetings with Tommy, it’s drama-free between the two cousins. Part from Agnese, the sexual aggression scene made me jump from my bed— Stefano. I swear I’m going to..

Despite the fact I want to push him from a cliff, I must say that I LOVED how you suddenly unraveled his monstrosity. You’ve created a palpable tension when Nina insults him — I knew he would snap but I didn’t know when nor why… And wow, you gave me a formidable fright. At first I thought he was just a stupid batard but you’ve given such a terrifying dimension to his character in this scene. These lines: “It had become a game to him, some sort of dark, twisted game (…) He could smother the flames of her fierceness and turn her into a quiet pretty thing” literally made me shiver as I understood that he was really dangerous and fucked up. Honestly, when Tommy appeared I was just so so happy and relieved. Mark my words: I love him. I’ve never loved Tommy as much as I do when you write him. While being worried for her, I love how he is extra careful and approach her cautiously with his palm open. I love for these tiny details which, not only gives realism to a scene, but says also a lot about the characters’ relationship. He’s starting to know her and understands her, and that’s freaking beautiful. Similarly, the description of Tommy cautiously pulling her in a tender hugs and Nina giving in, feeling safe for the first time in a looooooong time made me melt. Look at my two babies. I don’t know how you do it, but the slow burn is immaculate in this chapter. Kudo for this line: “it didn’t make sense, but having her safe in his arms brought him a sense of calmness and security, and his tense body began to relax.” I love how you often emphasizes on how what she’s starting to feel doesn’t “make sense” or “is wrong”. Like obviously she feels bad because of the wedding with Agnese but I can’t help to wonder if it’s also due to the fact that it’s the first time she’s falling in love? And all these new sensations/feelings are so unusual it scares her a little bit? But that might as well be just me going too far.

Finally the last scene of Tommy knocking at her door and the two of them starting to cross a real line got me all excited. This: “Slowly, even hesitantly, his hand went to cup the side of her face, and he gently rubbed his thumb along her cheek” was so soft I died a little bit. All these little gestures are such significant steps for them. I was sure they were going to kiss but NO. No they didn’t because you’re a SADIST. 🥲 I need more of them pleaaaase!

Strong and expert writing, with such an incredible and addicted story, Reb!

Heart, Body and Soul || Tommy Shelby x OC

PART V

Summary: As they get closer, Tommy and Nina start to realise that their time together is limited. However, an unexpected event makes the tables turn.

Warnings: mentions of arranged marriage, slow-burn, small age-gap (Tommy’s 30, Nina is in her early 20s), time-typical misogyny, mentions of war, mentions of mutilation, this chapter contains triggering themes, such as sexual assault and violence. Read at your own risk.

A/N: I hope this is worth the wait! Useful information: in the first part of this chapter Nina is 17. She’s depicted as naive, maybe a bit too much for a seventeen-year-old, but bear in mind that she grew up in an extremely conservative environment. Also, I wrote all the dialogues in English because it would’ve been too much of a mess to switch between the languages, so keep in mind that whilst the dialogues between Nina and Agnese could be in both languages since they’re bilingual, the ones between Nina and Stefano are technically in Italian. Last, some things from the previous chapters are really important for this one. I do not claim any ownership to the dialogues excerpts taken from the show. English is not my first language.

After this way too long note, I hope you enjoy this chapter☀️

PREVIOUS PART

SERIES MASTERLIST

Gif credit

Dividers credit

1915, five years earlier

“They say Italy might join the war soon.”

It was the first time Nina voiced her concerns. She always had the feeling that if she expressed what was troubling her out loud, it would inevitably, irrevocably become true. But she had been bottling up that fear of hers for weeks now, and it had been growing and growing, consuming her from the inside. The weight of the basket she was carrying was nothing compared to the weight of uncertainty, of not knowing what to expect.

“They say that at your school?” Agnese asked absentmindedly, looking in the windows of the small bakery they always used to stop by when they were children, because they knew the owner would give them freshly baked biscuits for free.

“They say that everywhere,” Nina murmured, kicking a stone with her foot.

Agnese had heard about that possibility, and it scared her as well, but she didn’t fully understand the extent of the seriousness of the situation. No one ever bothered to explain it to her, and every time she asked questions about it, her family would just brush it off. She shouldn’t trouble herself with such nonsense, they said. And although she could ask Nina, she never found the courage to do it, far too ashamed of her own ignorance. Her cousin knew lots of things, talked about serious matters, had opinions that contrasted with everything they had ever been taught, and most of the times Agnese had troubles following the things she said. But she said them with such conviction, such mastery that she couldn’t help but agree with her. And she suspected that the reason why no one ever listened to Nina was because they had troubles following her as well. There was something unsettling in her cleverness.

“I’m worried about my brothers,” Nina admitted. “They’re old enough to be enlisted.”

Agnese shifted her attention back on her cousin, sending her a sympathetic look. “Maybe we won’t enter the war. And even if we do, maybe they won’t have to go. Your father can find a way to-”

“They’re not cowards,” Nina interrupted her with resolution, shaking her head. “The Spinietta brothers are cowards. Pietro and Salvatore are not like them.”

“What do the Spiniettas have to do with it?”

“I heard my father say that if we join the war, Mr. Spinietta already knows who to talk to to make sure his kids are not enlisted. He’ll shake a few hands, make a few threats, and they will be safe and warm in their houses. He might even send them to America, they have relatives there.”

Truth was, Nina wished they’d be sent to America. She wanted them to be as far away as possible from her, from the village. They walked around as if they owned every street, every shop, every person; as if everything was owed to them, because they had money and power. But everybody knew where that money came from. And even though she was aware that her family wasn’t any different, that their own money was mostly blood money, she still believed that her brothers were better than them.

“They’re cowards. Cowards and bastards, that’s what they are,” she gritted her teeth.

“You can’t say things like that,” Agnese hissed with wide eyes, frantically looking around to make sure no one was there to hear her. “Lower your voice.”

“I’m just telling the truth. They’re bastards. Sick bastards. You’ve seen how they’ve dragged that poor girl in their car, last week.”

Nina watched as her cousin pressed her lips together, avoiding her gaze. The episode had left both of them with a bitter taste in their mouths, and a feeling of powerlessness that haunted them still. They didn’t know why they had done what they had done, what they would do to her, but somehow they knew it wouldn’t be anything good. Because despite the kind smiles they were wearing and the false gentleness with which they had guided her into the car, it was clear that they were forcing her. The two cousins heard some girls say that she wasn’t the first, and probably wouldn’t be the last, and that the reason why they targeted her was because she had no father nor brothers.

Everyday since that day, Nina cursed herself for not intervening. Would things have gone differently, if she had said something? Would she have been in trouble as well? What kind of trouble was that girl even in? She didn’t have the answers.

Now she carried a pocket knife with her. If they even tried to get close to her, or to another girl in her presence, she wouldn’t be afraid to use it.

“You still can’t say things like that.”

“It’s not like they can do anything,” Nina shrugged.

There was a delicate balance between the families, assured by mutual fear and by the possibility of a bloodbath that wouldn’t suit anyone. But even that wasn’t enough to guarantee peace, one wrong step was all it would take to disrupt that balance. It was like a bomb waiting to explode.

“I need to buy some thread for my mum,” Agnese changed the subject, stopping in front of a shop. “Wait for me here.”

As her cousin disappeared into the shop, Nina placed the heavy basked on the ground to clench and unclench her sore hand. She slightly rubbed the red marks which were appearing on her palm, wincing at the pulsating sensation. The rev of an engine came to her ears, and before her mind could register what was happening, a car stopped in front of her. Stefano Spinietta stuck his head out of the window and sent her a smile, showing a perfect set of white teeth. “You want a ride home?”

Nina frowned, trying to suppress the feeling of disgust that came over her at the mere sight of his face. “No.” She said firmly, the lump in her throat preventing her from saying anything else. She had always hated how nervous she was when he spoke to her, when he looked at her. He always looked at her as if he wanted something from her. What it was, she could not tell, but it made her feel incredibly uneasy. His handsome features and immaculate manners didn’t fool her.

“Don’t worry, I don’t bite,” he taunted her, getting out of the car. “Let me help you with that.” Stefano reached his hand towards the basket, but before he could take it, Nina pushed it away with her foot. A glimmer of amusement flashed through his eyes, lighting up his face.

Her hand went to her pocket, and she clutched the small knife tightly, the weapon giving her a new found sense of security. She looked right into his eyes, and spoke enunciating each word carefully. “I said no.”

“I just wanna take you home,” Stefano insisted, his stupid smile still plastered on his face. “C’mon, get in the car.” He took ahold of her arm, slightly squeezing it as if he wanted to reassure her.

A wave of uncontrollable rage coursed through Nina, and in a matter of seconds she had him pushed against his car, her blade grazing his throat. Surprise spread across his features as he looked down at her.

“Touch me again,” she said through gritted teeth, “and I’ll cut your throat.”

Silence fell between them as they glared at each other in an unspoken competition, both of them waiting for the other to cave in. Nina forced herself to keep her burning gaze on him, while every muscle in her body urged her to run away. Instead, she didn’t move, head high, hand steady. She wouldn’t bend. She couldn’t bend. Stefano slowly held his hands up in surrender, the shadow of a grin playing at the corners of his mouth. Under her confused look, he slightly leaned forward, causing the blade to pierce his skin, and a trickle of blood seeped from the small wound, red, thick. It ran all the way down to Nina’s hand, and its slimy texture almost made her flinch. Stefano, on the other hand, had regained his composure, as if he was the one in control of the situation, as if he didn’t have a knife pointed at his throat.

“I’m sorry,” he breathed out, staring at her with an indecipherable look in his eyes.

Nina hesitated for a moment, then, with a swift movement, she took a step back and placed the knife back in her pocket, suddenly aware that she had held her breath the whole time. Stefano sent her one last glance, before turning around and going back in his car without saying another word.

As he drove away, she glanced down at the crimson stain on her hand with wide eyes, her heart thumping in her chest. When Agnese walked out of the shop, unaware of what had just happened, she closed her shaking fingers in a fist, and hid her hand into her pocket.

“What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” her cousin chuckled, looping her arm though hers. “Let’s go home.”

Present day

“I swear to God, I swear to God…she gave me sixpence. She sends me to the shop for margarine, eggs and bread. When I came back…”

“With a top hat and a coconut,” Nina shook her head, a laugh escaping her lips.

“And that was all the money we had for the whole fucking week,” Tommy stopped to lit his cigarette, then he raised his eyebrows, a smirk growing on his face. “And me mum beat me with a fucking frying pan.”

“Why the hell did you buy a top hat and a coconut?”

“‘Cause I thought she deserved it. I thought we all did. And I could never understand,” he hit his hand on the table, a hint of some old anger creeping into his voice, “why people like us only had bread and fucking lard. And I wanted to be different. That’s what I wanted.” Silence fell between them as he took a drag from his cigarette, his gaze getting lost in old memories.

Their late-night chats had become a habit now. The night after the first one, for some reason, Nina went downstairs to make herself a cup of tea, and, for the same unknown reason, Tommy went into the kitchen with a dry throat. Just like every night since then. They stayed up late, sharing thoughts, doubts and memories, whispering them into the night and letting it take them away. Over the past week, Nina had come to realise that there was way more than Tommy let on behind his stoic facade, and she found herself wishing to know more. As for Tommy, he liked hearing her talk. She had something to say, and she wasn’t afraid to say it. It was refreshing, and a nice change from the hordes of people who repeated somebody else’s words like parrots, without fully understanding their meaning.

“And you are different, aren’t you?”

The depth of Nina’s eyes became too much to bear. For the first time, Tommy suddenly felt exposed. It was as if she was reading right into him, as if she had him completely figured out, as if every thought, every fear, every unspoken word was no longer a secret. It scared him.

He cleared his throat, stomping out his cigarette. “I heard your brothers also fought in the war.”

“Yes,” she nodded. “They were at Caporetto.”

Pietro and Salvatore still bore the marks of that defeat, both physical and mental. Pietro, the older one, had almost lost an arm in combat, and even though two years had passed, sometimes it still hurt. But in exchange for the arm, the war took something else away from him. There seemed to be nothing left of his once caring nature, and his innate attention for details had turned into a urge to have everything under control. As for Salvatore, the war had enhanced the restlessness that had always distinguished him. He was angry, easily triggered, spiteful. And now he had a deep scar which crossed the left side of his face, making his expression appear even more grim. However, in Nina’s eyes, Pietro was still the boy who fought for her to keep on going to school, just like Salvatore was still the playful kid who took advantage of their size difference to sweep her off her feet and spin her around. But they were not those kids anymore. A line was drawn between Nina and her brothers, and that line became a breach, and that breach had continued to open up until an abyss yawned beneath their feet.

Nina took a sip from her cup of tea, sensing that it might be time to change the subject. The war was clearly a sore point for both of them, although for different reasons. “Agnese told me you like horses,” she sat up straight in her chair, her gaze lighting up with curiosity.

“Yes, I do like horses.”

“When I was a child I wanted to learn how to ride. I even asked my father to buy me a horse for my birthday,” she reminisced, a small laugh escaping her lips. “My mum threatened to leave for good if he ever dared to come home with a horse.”

“So you didn’t get the horse.”

“I didn’t get the horse.”

“You know, I’ve got horses, I could teach you how to ride one,” he proposed, the words escaping his mouth before he could think about what he was saying. Then he realised, and he paused for a moment. He wouldn’t get to teach her. A faint, bitter smile appeared on his lips. “I mean, when you come to Birmingham to visit your cousin.”

Nina couldn’t explain the strange effect his words had on her, the sharp stab of sadness that hit her right in her chest. She brushed off that feeling, telling herself it was just the thought of not seeing Agnese - her only friend and the only ally she had in that family - to cause it.

But Tommy recognised the stinging sensation that was rising up inside him, a sensation he had already felt before. A sensation he couldn’t admit, not even to himself.

“How are things with Tommy?” Nina casually asked her cousin, struggling to hang a bedsheet on the clothesline to dry in the shared backyard.

A sly smile flickered on Agnese’s face as she glanced at the black-haired girl, keeping on folding the dry clothes. “You call him Tommy now?”

Her question made Nina’s movements come to a stop. She shut her eyes for a moment, cursing herself for letting the man’s name slip out of her mouth. She hadn’t told anyone about how she and Tommy were on better terms, about the frequent conversations that had brought them to that point. She had been extra careful not to show the slightest hint of friendliness towards him in public, for she knew people would talk. She couldn’t risk Agnese getting the wrong idea. “Only when he isn’t around,” she murmured, starting to hang the laundry again.

That wasn’t too far away from the truth, though. Although Tommy did call her by her first name, she didn’t remember ever doing the same with him. She didn’t call him Mr Shelby anymore, either. She just didn’t address him. For some reason, calling him by his name seemed too personal. It felt like crossing a line that was not supposed to be crossed.

“I almost thought you were starting to approve of him,” Agnese joked, letting out a small giggle.

Nina forced a laugh, shaking her head, and a sense of guilt rose inside her. She told herself it was just an innocent, white lie; those secret conversations didn’t mean anything. It wasn’t even a lie, just an omission of truth. A justified omission of truth.

Then why did she feel so bad?

Agnese fiddled with the necklace Tommy had given her, pondering her words. “He doesn’t seem to be…taken with me,” she revealed, a glimpse of worry shining in her green irises. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s a gentleman, and he’s been nothing but polite to me, but… I don’t think he likes me.”

“Agnese, are you joking?” Nina hung the last shirt, before turning towards her cousin. It pained her to see her like that. She was the most beautiful person she knew, inside and out, and she didn’t deserve anything less than being happy. “I’m sure he does. How couldn’t he?”

“What if he doesn’t love me?”

“Love will come with time,” Nina walked up to her to take her hands in hers with a reassuring smile. “Everything will turn out for the best. You have to believe that.”

She felt relieved as Agnese nodded, worry starting to fade from her expression. Truth be told, even Nina didn’t fully believe her own words. She couldn’t be sure that Tommy would grow to love her cousin, nor that they would have a happy marriage; she couldn’t be sure that the war that would follow with Sabini would end well for them. But she said what Agnese needed to hear, because she didn’t have the heart to to make her fears seem even more real.

“Thank you, Nina.” Agnese whispered, wrapping her arms around her. When Nina awkwardly returned the embrace, patting her on the back, her cousin couldn’t hold back a chuckle. It was no secret that Nina wasn’t big on physical affection, but for a few selected people - that she didn’t have the courage to push away - she brought herself to tolerate it. At least she tried.

“I need to help my mum with lunch,” the brown-haired girl said, breaking the hug to grab the basket full of dry clothes. “She’ll have my head if I don’t.”

“You’d better go, then.”

As Agnese walked back to her house, Nina finished hanging the laundry, humming a little song to herself. She tried to keep her mind busy with futile thoughts, like what Winston might be doing in that moment, what she would eat for lunch, which book she would start to read after finishing the one she was currently reading. She thought about anything and everything in order to keep her mind off Tommy, Agnese and their departure, off her father and what he had told her that day in his study, off the uncertainty about how her life would turn out. It was a nice day, and she didn’t want to plague herself with such worries. However, in the back of her mind, all of that was still present, poisoning even the nicest of thoughts.

When she turned around, the figure of a man leaning against the wall of the house made her flinch. Stefano Spinietta was standing there in silence, observing her, and she had to fight the urge to ask him how long he had been staring at her. “What are you doing here?” She frowned, collecting herself.

“Business meeting. Your father gave me permission to spend some time with you, while he talks with mine,” he explained, pushing himself away from the wall.

A scowl formed on Nina’s face, and a new wave of irritation ran through her, this time directed at her father. All that speech about him wanting her to make the decision for herself was, indeed, just speech. Words he had said to keep her nice and quiet as he indirectly pushed her down the path he had charted for her. “What makes you think I want to spend time with you?”

Stefano’s lips curled in his ever-present grin, as if he found great amusement in her reactions. But that was exactly the point, to some extent. It had become a game to him, some sort of dark, twisted game. The more she rejected him, the more stubborn he became. Something that had started years ago as a mere interest, had slowly taken a different turn. He wanted her, he had been wanting her since she had drawn a knife at his throat. She was carved under his skin just like the scar her blade had left on his neck. There was something about her. Maybe it was her defiance, her refusal to bend, to mould herself into what she should be. He could make her. He could smother the flames of her fierceness and turn her into a quiet pretty thing. “Why do you always have to be so hostile?” He asked her, squinting his eyes.

His question made Nina’s annoyance grow even more. As if he had no clue of how much he had pestered her all those years. Now he had the courage to act all innocent, to play the part of the nice, polite guy who was just courting a girl he liked. He might’ve fooled everyone with that act, but he had never fooled her. “You asked my father his blessing to marry me.” She snapped, taking some steps in his direction. “Did you really think he’d say yes?”

“He never said no.”

“I did.”

Silence fell between them as they stared at each other, once again refusing to be the first to cave in. But this time it didn’t take Nina any effort to keep her eyes on him. She wasn’t a naive seventeen-year-old anymore. Now she knew what it was that he wanted from her. And his gaze didn’t intimidate her anymore.

“Listen to me, Stefano, and listen to me carefully, because I’m not going to repeat myself,” she said in a low voice, coming even closer to him. “You disgust me. You and all your kind,” she spelled out, making sure to emphasise each word. “And I’d much rather jump in front of a train than marrying you.”

Stefano didn’t say anything, at first. He just clenched his jaw, and his hands balled into fists by his side. Then he broke into a half-smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes, trying not to let his wounded ego show. “I’ve been nice to you, and yet you keep on insulting me.”

This time it was him who got closer, towering over Nina. His eyes darkened, and he looked at her with such contempt that for a moment she had the impression he might hit her. With a quick, sudden movement, he grasped her jaw, and before she had the time to react, he turned to push her against the wall. She looked up at him, trying not to show an ounce of fear as her heart increased its speed.

“My patience has limits. And you shouldn’t forget who you’re talking to,” Stefano gritted out through clenched teeth, digging his fingers in her cheeks. His whole body shook with anger, and the mask of politeness he always hid behind began to fall apart. “You’re playing with fire.”

The same uncontrollable rage that years ago gave Nina the courage to point a knife at him now gave her the strength to stomp on his foot, making him hiss and take a step back. Taking advantage of his distraction, she darted forward, but as soon as he tried to escape, Stefano forcefully slammed her against the wall again, holding her in place by the throat. A sharp sting of pain flashed through her spine at the impact with the cold surface, and a whimper escaped her lips as the air was knocked out of her lungs. Fury flared in Stefano’s dark eyes, but then something changed in his expression. His pupils dilated, and he seemed to lose any kind of control over his actions as his hand left her throat to slowly wander down her body.

An overwhelming sense of panic started to rise inside Nina. She wriggled, trying to free herself from his grasp. “Stop,” she raised her voice, but Stefano promptly covered her mouth with the other hand, pressing his body against hers. She squeezed her eyelids shut when his hand became more insistent, squeezing her small breast in a painful hold, then travelling down to her hipbone to keep her still with bruising force. His hot breath burned on her skin as he leaned over her, bringing his face closer to hers. Nina tried to turn her head in response, but the hand he still had on her mouth wouldn’t allow it. She emitted a muffled sound, bringing her hands to his chest to push him away, but he was too strong, and twice her size. All her desperate efforts to put some space between them were useless. He was a rabid animal, a wild beast devoid of any rational thinking as he ground against her, trying to slide his filthy hand under her skirt. Nina’s face scrunched in disgust, and her whole body stiffened under this touch. A whirlwind of thoughts swirled around in her head, endless, confusing, as if she couldn’t exactly register what was happening.

Then he stopped. Much to Nina’s surprise, Stefano suddenly seemed to come to himself, and he took his hand off her mouth. But there wasn’t a hint of guilt, or regret, in his eyes. On the contrary, he looked almost satisfied. And then she realised. He had been in command of his actions the whole time. “What, you don’t talk anymore?” He asked provocatively.

Nina’s wide eyes rested on Stefano in shock. The lump in her throat kept on growing and growing, making it impossible for her to utter a single sentence. She swallowed, trying to regain some kind of control over her emotions, to force herself to speak, and when she did, she faked a confident tone. However, the trembling in her voice betrayed her fear. “Once my family hears about this, you’ll-”

“I didn’t do anything you didn’t want, love,” he interrupted her, furrowing his brows, his face assuming a perplexed expression.

“What…” she batted her eyelashes in confusion, her voice barely above a whisper. “No, I didn’t...” the words died in her throat as the awareness of his implications started to set in.

Stefano leaned in, bringing his hand to her cheek to caress it with fake tenderness, and a terrible smile made its way on his face. “Who do you think they’ll believe?”

Nina shook her head, a feeling of helplessness she had never felt before taking over her. She just wanted him to leave. She wanted him to take his hands off of her. She wanted to kick him, to scream at him, to dig her nails in his face deeply enough to make him bleed, and yet all she could do was look at him in silence.

But then someone must’ve heard her prayers, because Stefano was abruptly pulled away from her. It was as if some kind of supernatural gust of wind had ripped him away from her body, freeing her from the heavy weight that had her pressed against the stone surface. Except that it wasn’t some supernatural force. The person who had grabbed Stefano by the collar of his shirt was very much human.

“The fuck are you doing?” Tommy growled, his knuckles turning white from the tight grip he had on the man. Stefano, not understanding a word he had said, just raised his hands, as if to show that he meant no harm.

Tommy had recognised the guy. He was the one they had met two weeks ago in the city, the one who had given him a bad feeling as soon as they had met. He couldn’t explain the pure rage he had felt when he caught him holding Nina against a wall. Her scared, helpless expression was all it took for him to see red and launch at the Italian man. The thought of what could’ve happened if the meeting with the Ferrantes and the Spiniettas had finished just a bit too late made his skin crawl. Still holding him by the collar, Tommy raised his fist, driven by the sudden urge to break his nose, but before he could land the blow, Nina’s voice stopped him.

“Don’t!” She exclaimed, causing him to look in her direction. “He’s Spinietta’s son,” she frantically explained, getting a bit closer, but still keeping herself at safe distance.

Tommy shifted his eyes on the Italian man again, his fist still in the air, and pondered for a few seconds. Although Stefano couldn’t understand Nina’s words, he probably had a vague idea of what she had said, because the corners of his lips tugged upwards as he stared at Tommy steadily. Nina held her breath, her heart skipping a beat at the Italian’s implicit provocation. Tommy was really close to doing something that might put him in a dangerous situation, and it seemed like Stefano was doing everything in his power to encourage him. It was part of his fun, of his sick little game.

Feeling his hands itch even more, Tommy charged again, nostrils flaring, almost letting his impulse win. Fuck Spinietta, he thought to himself. But he was not in Small Heath. Begrudgingly, he lowered his hand and let the guy go with a violent push, making him stumble backwards. “Fuck off,” he snarled, pointing towards the path that led to the main garden to get his message across.

Nina sighed in relief, and she wasn’t sure whether it was because Tommy had made the right choice, or because that situation was over. Stefano took the time to straighten his shirt with unsettling composure. Without saying another word and keeping on watching them, he walked past them, his wicked eyes shining with amusement.

The adrenaline started to wear off, leaving Nina in a growing state of dizziness. The panic, the disgust, the anger. All of that became a single, indistinct mass aiming to engulf her and suffocate her. Her ears started to ring, and she had to fight the instinct to cover them and scream at the top of her lungs.

“Are you alright?” Tommy’s voice came to her ears, snapping her out of her trance.

“Yes.” She nodded, blinking a few times. Now aware of her surroundings, she felt as if she was re-entering her body after rising out of it, and the reality of what had happened was crashing on her. Bile raised in her throat, and she knew that if she had had something in her stomach, she would’ve thrown up. “Yes I’m alright.”

“Nina, you’re shaking,” Tommy noted with a hint of worry in his voice, his own heart still racing in his chest.

“No, no I’m fine,” she insisted, turning her face to hide the tears welling up in her eyes. She tightly crossed her arms over her chest, hoping that her hands would stop trembling. “It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine.” He shook his head, tentatively reaching out to hear. He was approaching her slowly, almost with apprehension, with his palm open, like one would do with a scared stray cat. “Come here.”

Nina hesitated for a while, torn between what she needed and what she was supposed to do, instinct and reason endlessly fighting. For once, she chose to act without thinking. Cautiously, she pulled Tommy into a hug, resting her head against his chest. Hit by an implacable wave of tenderness, he gently wrapped his arms around her, placing his chin on the top of her head. It didn’t make sense, but having her safe in his arms brought him a sense of calmness and security, and his tense body began to relax.

The warmth of his body, his scent, the reassuring sound of his heartbeat, the unfamiliar softness he was showing her; the combination between all of that gave life to a feeling Nina had never felt before, and she couldn’t put a name to it. Between all of that, she was relieved by the awareness that, at least for that moment, she didn’t need to be strong. Tears began to spill out, and her facade fell for the first time.

When a suffocated sob escaped her lips, shaking her slender shoulders, Tommy’s heart painfully clenched in his chest. His hand found the back of her head, and he started to soothingly run his fingers through her soft dark hair. He wanted to say something, but he knew that there was nothing he could say that would make it better. So he held her tighter, as if he could shield her from harm with the sole strength of his arms.

“Breathe, love,” he whispered when he noticed that, in an attempt to hold back her sobs, she had tensed up a bit too much. “Breathe.”

Nina took a deep breath, focusing on Tommy’s deep voice and the delicate motion of his fingers through her hair.

“There you go,” he murmured encouragingly, feeling her calm down against him. She sniffled, snuggling even closer, and, once again, Tommy was overwhelmed by the need to protect her.

They couldn’t care less if someone saw them. In that moment, their embrace was the only thing that mattered.

Laying on her side with her knees drawn up, Nina stared at the shadows created by the small lamp on her bedside table. She could still feel the heaviness of Stefano’s hands on her, the burning of his hot breath on her skin, the suffocating smell of his cologne. She only wanted to get rid of those hands, that breath, that smell. She would gladly rip off her whole skin if it meant to forget.

She hated herself for allowing him to make her feel small, weak, for he had made it quite clear that was what he wanted. Because even though for a moment he had indulged in the temptation, he wouldn’t actually dare go through with it, not in her house. His purpose was to show her that he could overpower her at any time.

But then came feeling of being wrapped in Tommy’s arms, of being pressed against his strong frame, the feeling she had been desperately trying to give a name to. Until it occurred to her. Safe. She had felt safe.

A soft knock on the door of her bedroom pulled her out of the vortex of thoughts. She sat up on the bed, crossing her legs beneath her. “Come in,” she said, but her voice was so feeble that she doubted the person on the other side had heard her. Still, the door opened, and in the dim, warm light, Tommy’s figure appeared on the doorstep.

He had never been in her room, but somehow it was exactly like he had imagined it. Ivory-coloured walls covered in a pattern of small flowers, dark wooden furniture, lace curtains. Handwritten sheets of paper scattered all over the desk, along with pens and pencils. It was bit messy and full of books, and it smelled like her. A mixture of lavender and honey.

When that night Tommy had come out of his room, the first thing he noticed was the unsettling silence. No rattle of pots coming from downstairs. But a half-light shone through Nina’s bedroom door, and he found himself desperately needing to know how she was. She had been avoiding everyone the whole day.

“I just wanted to check up on you,” his deep voice came out in a low sound, and it held some kind of uncertainty. He wasn’t sure that going to her had been a good idea. Maybe she didn’t want to see him, maybe knocking on her door was too much.

His doubts faded when the ghost of a smile formed on her face, and she motioned for him to come in. He carefully closed the door behind him, then went to sit on the edge of the bed, keeping his distance. A vice-like grip held his stomach when he noticed her puffy eyes and red cheeks. How many times had she cried?

“You’re paler than usual,” Nina teased him to ease the tension, but her voice didn’t hold the bantering tone he had grown used to hear. “You should get some sleep.”

Tommy half-smiled, shifting his gaze on the floor for a moment. But instead of spitting out a retort - contrary to Nina’s expectations - he just nodded. “You’re right,” he conceded.

A sigh escaped Nina’s lips, and she nervously fiddled with her own fingers. He was walking on eggshells, and she didn’t like it, not even a bit. “Please, stop treating me like that.”

“Like what?” He furrowed, looking at her again.

“Like I might break at any moment.”

Tommy said nothing. He could see why she didn’t want to be treated any differently, but she did look like she would break. Not once had she shown a single shred of vulnerability until that day, and it was disarming. Truth was, he didn’t know how to act.

“I’ll forget it ever happened,” she spoke again, this time with resolution, but she didn’t sound fully convinced of what she was saying. “And you should do the same. No one can know about it.”

“You should tell-”

“No,” she firmly interrupted him, Stefano’s veiled threat still echoing in her ears. “I can’t,” she continued, her voice becoming softer.

Tommy suddenly remembered what she told him a week earlier at the beach, and everything became clear. It was all it took to make his blood boil again. The room went quiet, but the silence was soon broken by a faint rustle of sheets, as Nina left her spot to sit closer to him. Honey and lavender filled his nostrils, and he had to restrain himself from inhaling deeply, eager to feel more. More than the light brushing of their arms, separated by the thin fabric of his undershirt. They were barely touching, and yet his skin burned. As hard as he tried to suffocate that feeling, to extinguish that fire, the flames kept on flaring, higher than before. He couldn’t fight it. She placed a hand on his shoulder, and that feather-like contact was enough to send sparks of electricity through his body. “Promise me,” she whispered, “you won’t tell anyone.”

Tommy turned to look at her, and the proximity allowed him to spot a small scratch on her cheek. Without thinking, he delicately ran his finger on it, and he was almost surprised by the feeling of her soft skin under his rough hand. Slowly, even hesitantly, his hand went to cup the side of her face, and he gently rubbed his thumb along her cheek. “I promise.”

Tommy’s hoarse voice, along with the warmth of his hand, sent shivers down Nina’s spine, and her pulse started to race. She couldn’t explain how the closeness of his strong body was making her feel, nor the effect his masculine scent had on her. Aftershave, cigarettes, and a hint of musk. And she couldn’t help but wonder: if she pressed further into him, if she let herself be held by him again, would it lift the weight off her chest? Would it take away the pain, the revulsion, the shame? Would his touch be enough to replace Stefano’s hands?

When he felt Nina unconsciously get closer, Tommy closed his eyes, drowning in her scent, and he could swear there was fire running through his veins. It was as if some unknown force was pulling him towards her, drawing him nearer, and when her soft lips brushed against his, his mind went blank. Every cell in his body was begging him to give in.

No. It wasn’t right.

Nina was vulnerable, too vulnerable, and probably unable to make any conscious decisions. He couldn’t take advantage of her like that. It took all his strength to move away and bring her in to press a kiss on her forehead instead. He lingered there for a few seconds, savouring the moment. When he let his hand fall from her face, the warmth left him, and it seemed to him that his fingers had sharply gotten cold.

Feeling her confused eyes following him, Tommy got up and walked to the door, ignoring the invisible string that was pulling him in the opposite direction. He couldn’t stay in that room any longer. If he did, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to restrain himself.

“Goodnight, Nina.”

Tag list: @iamngoclinh08 @lilywinchesterlove @fandom-puff @capitanostella @caelys @lucillethings @peakyxtommy @queenofkings1212 @lyarr24 @kmc1989 @call-sign-shark @jomarch-wannabe

Heart, Body and Soul tag list: list: @zablife @queenofshinigamis @raincoffeeandfandoms @call-sign-shark @kmc1989 @babayaga67 @kmhappybunny240 @diorrfairy @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @gaslysainz @brummiereader

Tommy Shelby tag list: @50svibes

[malfoysmaybank]

So What?- JJ Maybank

Part Two

part one here

summary: JJ finds himself breaking his most mandatory barrier; falling in love with a kook. but hey, he’s never been one to follow the rules.

warnings: SPOILERS!!!, angst, fluff, underage drug and alcohol consumption, cursing, past heartbreak, possible typos (i have a broken arm, i proofread once it’s posted so i’ll find edit it and fix any) SLOWBURN

wc: 1,546

a/n: thanks for the massive support on the first part! i didn’t expect that but i got crazy good feedback! im so glad you guys are enjoying this and just lmk if you wanna be tagged! also i’m sorry if these lines aren’t correct i didn’t go back to watch it and write it the same as the show, just kept the main gist of the lines. Also, about halfway through there’s some perspective changes from you to JJ. Enjoy!

__________________________________________

“Whatcha say? Just a day chillin on a boat with me and my friends?” JJ said, hoping you’d agree. Ever since last night, he couldn’t get you out of his head and he didn’t know why. “Uh... sure! Sounds like fun!” you said. “Keep her safe, don’t do anything stupid.” Your mom whispered to the blonde with a laugh. “Will do!” he said with a thumbs up. “Thanks Mrs. Y/L/N, you’re the best!” JJ yelled behind him as you were getting in the van. The two boys you recognized as John B and Pope liked you almost immediately, a smile coming over your face. But you turned to the girl you knew as Kiara would be a tougher nut to crack. (a/n: get your head out of the gutter John B)

“So, the famous Y/N Y/L/N. Kiara spoke up. I don’t like many kooks and I know you’re close with Sarah..” Kie started, making you panic a bit. Her and Sarah had a fallout and some drama and you befriended Sarah a couple months later. “...but JJ could not stop talking about you last night and I trust him. Plus it’s another girl to balance us out. Welcome to the Pogues!” She engulfed you in a big hug, relief washing over you. You looked over at JJ who was beet red, embarrassed about the little detail Kiara said about you never leaving his mind. You giggled a bit and John B turned up the radio.

Screaming to Tounge Tied by Grouplove, you savored this moment that felt like it was straight out of a movie. “Take me to your best friends house, I loved you then, I loved you now ooooooh yeaaaah!” You and Kie were laughing and singing at the top of your lungs like you had been friends all your life, when in reality, it had been less than 5 minutes. Finally, you got to the dock and got on the HMS Pogue.

“Y/N, watch this!” JJ grabbed a beer out of the cooler Kiara brought and got to the front of the boat. “Oh no, not again.” Kiara said with a groan. “Hey Pope, can you go a little faster please?” he asked, opening the beer. “Here we go, I’m movin.” He said and made the boat go faster. JJ put the bottle up in front of his face and beer splashed all over Kiara and I. “Oh my god, you’re getting beer in our hair!” Kiara said. Pope put a hand up. “Alright, Alright!” he said. John B and Pope argued with JJ a little before the boat suddenly hit something and jerked forwards. JJ flew off in a front flip. You, John B, and Kiara all flew forward and hit the deck. You hit your head on the side of the boat. A chorus of “What the hell, Pope?”s and groans came from the deck.

“You okay, JJ?” John B asked. “I think my heels touched the back of my head.” JJ said with a hoarse voice. “Kie, You Okay?” John B continued. “I’m alright.” she said. “Y/N?” “I think. Just hit my head a little, I’ll be good.” JJ swam over and hoisted himself on the boat. “Pope, what did you do?” he asked while helping you up and wrapping his arms around your waist from behind you. It was a small gesture, yet meaningful and loving. You passed it off as platonic, you didn’t have to fall for him even harder and get your heart broken again. “Sandbar, the channel changed.” Pope replied. “Yeah, no shit.” JJ said. “You ok, Y/N? How hard did you hit your head?” He asked you, concern lacing his voice. “I’m ok, JJ.” You placed a kiss on his temple and pink dusted his cheeks and nose.

“Probably gonna mess this whole place up.” Pope continued. “Hey, I saved the beer, though!” JJ said, making you giggle a little. “Congrats, JJ.” John B said sarcastically. “Guys... I think there’s a boat down there.” Pope said. JJ let go of you and you both walked to the front of the boat where Pope was standing. “Holy Shit, he’s right!” Kie said. “Let’s go.” All of you jumped in and went to see the ship. Sure enough, there it was.

You all exclaimed in surprise when you came up for air. “That’s a Grady White, a new one of those is 500 Gs, easy. That’s a primo rig.” JJ said as he pulled you up on the boat. “Guys, I saw something in the boat when I was down there. Kie, come with me?” You and Kie jumped down for a second time and looked in the wreck. Finally, you found what you were looking for; the motel key.

“Be so careful John B! Just gimme that John D already- like when are you gonna jump in on that?” You, John B, and JJ were walking towards the motel room and you couldn’t help but overhear their converstation. “I don’t know, besides you’re the one who’s always hitting on her!” John B replied. “Of course I hit on her dude! She’s a rich, hot, hippie chick who’s slumming with us.” You couldn’t help but feel kind of hurt by that comment but you tried to ignore it. “I know that door is locked because I’ve tried it.” JJ continued.

Once you got to the room, JJ knocked on the door. “Housekeeping!” he said in a high pitched voice and you couldn’t help but quietly giggle at his antics. He looked over and smirked at you. God, that smirk killed you. Wait, no. No, you didn’t have a crush on him. You couldn’t fall in love. Not after freshman year. “We’re clear.” JJ snapped you out of your thoughts and you swung open the door.

John B was trying to get a safe open, JJ was in the bathroom, and you were looking under the bed. JJ was talking about stealing shit but you were tuning him out, still trying to get his words about Kiara and that damn smirk out of your head. Suddenly, John B opened the safe where there was a bunch of money, a gun, and some other stuff. JJ’s eyes went to the gun immediately. He was messing around with the gun and a wad of cash when there was a pang at the window and pounding on the door.

★ JJ’s Perspective ★

While I was messing around with the pistol I found, there was a tiny sound from the window and a harsh knock on the window quickly following. Cops. My first instinct was to lock the gun, put it and a wad of cash in my back pockets, and grab Y/N’s waist and pull her back against my chest. I could feel a blush creeping up her neck. I looked towards the window and had an idea. I let go of Y/N for a moment and starting to open the window, struggling at first but getting it open. I helped her on the ledge first, then John B, then myself, and closed the window.

As I got closer to Y/N, she almost slipped but I put my arm around her back, carefully holding her against the building. I felt her breath quicken. “You’re okay, I got you. It’s gonna be okay.” I gently whispered to her in an attempt to calm her down. Her breathing slowed back down and I calmed down.

Suddenly, the gun fell out of my back pocket and made a loud clang against the building. I held her closer with one arm and quietly kissed the top of her head. “Shhhh, it’s okay, just stay still baby.” I didn’t expect to call her that, but it felt natural. She nuzzled into my chest and I put my chin on the top of her head. By then the cops had finally closed the blinds, and I helped her jump down.

★ Your Perspective ★

You were still a little shaken up from the cops incident when they had gotten back on the HMS Pogue and took off, so JJ put an arm over you and let you rest your head on his shoulder. “Did you find anything?” Pope asked. JJ took his arm off my shoulders and I shivered at the loss of contact. He reached into his back pockets and pulled out a stack of cash and the gun. “Did we find anything? No, I don’t think so. Oh yeah, we did!” he said, laughing lightly and holding them up.

While Pope started freaking out about a scholarship and JJ was trying to comfort him, your mind went back to the cops incident. When he called you “baby”. You passed it off as platonic, you were falling in love and you had to keep your feelings hidden and ignored so nobody would question you.

“I copped a picture, check it. Dead bodayy.” a rando girl showed you all a picture of Scooter Grubbs’ body from her cell phone. “Insane.” Kie said. “What kind of boat did he have?” JJ asked curiously. “Somehow the dirtbag snagged a brand new Grady White. Everyone’s out looking for it.” You looked at JJ with wide eyes. God, you were in for a looooooong summer.

a/n: school is over for me tomorrow so no more distractions!!! Idk how many chapters this is gonna have but it’s gonna be pretty long. again, thanks for the amazing support on the last one and i hope you enjoy this one! if you wanna be tagged lmk! if you’re too embarrassed to ask in the comments (i get it bb) then you can message me privately and i will make sure to tag you, this is a shame-free zone!

Taglist- @agirlthatisbi @abrunettefangirlnerd

[butterbeeryuta]

johnny as your boyfriend; radio!au

a/n: thIS was requested a looooooong time ago, and i am so sorry that i only wrote this now. My mocks are finally done, and they actually went pretty well, so i hope my results will match whatever i am claiming skdjkjd. This headcanon was really fun to write, and it was overall just adorable oof alright, imma head to over to my next oneshot now. Hope all of you have a great day.

Okay so ya’ll are in uniVersity (as expected because I am writing this)

You met johnny 2 years ago when you were freshman looking for a job on campus cause um,,, college is a bitch

And you saw this uni radio show ‘Night Night’ which went live every wednesday at 9 in the evening

You honestly had no idea what they talked about since you’ve never listened to one

Despite the fact that your roommate Sicheng always talks about it and claims how great it is

BUT ANYWAY

You always enjoyed radio shows in general, and saw that they were hiring for another radio show personality

HMMmmMmmmM i wonDEr wheRe tHIS Is gOInG

You were one intellect my dear; you were studying political science at Konkuk University, meaning, you were one opinionated ass individual

But, you also had your crack side acCording to ur roommate

You fucking chased Sicheng around with those incense sticks cause you couldn’t find your go-to rolling pin to scare the shit out of him for eating your pack of strawberries

I swear the two of you are great friends ya’ll just show love to each other in quite a unique way

ANYWAYS

YeAH so you went to ask for the job cause you need money to buy a safe for your precious strawberries

You brought whatever requirements they asked for, and nyyOoooOOooooOOOOnged your way over there

It was a pretty old building, or radio station per se. not that it was bad or anything but, it isn’t exactly a place you would like to step into

Going up the stairs, you just saw a really TALL and attractive guy clearing out a few things in the booth. Your guess was that he was also probably new to this and whoever lent him the place didn’t exactly clean up the place.

With whatever courage you had in yourself

Or i guess how much sugar you consumed this morning cause you casually just walked it without contacting the guy

‘Uh... hello?’

HE JUMPED, whatever shit he was holding? Yeah it dropped

Which caused you to jump too, not expecting the huge ass pretty guy to have that big of a reaction

he looked over to you, surprised to see a person in the radio station because um,,, nobody ever goes there except for him

‘Hello to you too??? uhhh, not meaning to be rude or anything but, why are you here? Are you lost?’ He asks, looking extremely concerned

You just shook your head and deadass told him that there was a job offer for another radio show personality, and he looked eveN more concerned

Sorta like a ‘are u fucking serious’ face

‘Oh! Right. That job has been open for about a year now so I didn’t expect anyone to come at all...’

OHHhhHhh????????

Well,,,, i guess you have a better chance of getting the job?

‘Well.... do i get a higher chance of being accepted then for being the first to show up? You ask, unsure if whatever you said made sense, or was even socially acceptable

Imagine going to a job interview being like: ‘so i saw ur job offer, and since i actually showed up, I’m accepted right?’

Babe i dont think it works like that, but let’s continue

Johnny honestly had nothing to say against you though. You were right in a sense that you had no competition since you were the only one that actually came to apply. At the same time, he wanted the quality of the show to still be good even if there was a limited audience

‘Higher chance is indeed right. But tell me, uhh, what’s your name again?’

‘I actually never introduced myself, but it’s _______’

‘I’m Johnny by the way. So _______, why do you want to be a radio show host for Konkuk University?’

you had two ways to answer this question: (1) be blatantly honest that you really need the money, and talking to earn cash seems pretty great in your opinion or (2) repeat whatever the fuck sicheng has told you about the show

And of course, you were going with the first option

‘i honestly need the money because college is a bitch. And also talking and having discussions is a pretty fun and interesting method to get some cash in. Also because my roommate loves your show and why not ruin it for him by including me in it’

Babe

BABE SKDJKSDJKDSJKSDJSKDJKSDJ

Johnny actually wanted to accept you immediately. I mean for starters, he found you pretty adorable marching up to the radio station determined to get the job. And not only that, you were quite the talker, which is something that could spike up the show since it was just always johnny speaking

And also because he was feeling quite lonely but he would never admit that

‘Alright _____, meet me this friday to talk about next week’s segment’

OOFT

And let me tell you, tall boi’s assumptions were right. During your first show together, the two of you decided to talk about the book ‘1984’ by george orwell and although it may sound boring on a superficial level, yOU made it sound pretty interesting and johnny was actually just laughing the entire time

You and johnny just clicked in an instant, and your way of describing things made ‘Night Night’ known by the students

Nobody could ever forget your infamous line about the book: ‘george orwell’s sexual frustration is honestly so transparent in the book; all he needed was to get his dick wet then maybe he wouldn’t have let julia and winston be caught by the thoughtpolice.’

And things like this happened every wednesday. The pattern of your radio show just included you being you, and johnny trying to make shit be on track

The two of you were doing it for a very long time now, and back to toDAY where ya’ll have been doing it for two years, well... it would be a lie to say you hadn’t developed feelings for johnny

of course the man was beautiful and well-built. But his personality and laugh? Yeah sicheng should’ve warned you about that.

He is probably one of the most open-minded person in the world, and he knows a bit about everything, making him so well-rounded. And and and he’s to kind???

If you tell him that you can’t make it to the radio show, he says it’s okay and even gives you snacks the moment you come back and he just makes you so soft in general i—

Meanwhile for johnny, damn is he in love with you

Over the past 2 years, you definitely helped him open up more. With the way you speak along with your galaxy brain, he couldn’t help but fall for you? You were intelligent, you had your own mind, and being friendly and funny in general is something johnny really liked about you

The time when he realised he loves you was when you curled yourself up against the seat while you were discussing about what to talk about next week, and you just fell asleep. He noticed how soft and peaceful you looked, and that he would want to see you like this on a daily basis

Shit this is getting me all soft i wasnt planning on this nsndnsndnd

So yeaHHHHH this week’s segment, you guys were talking about the spanish conquest of mexico and peru woohoooo

AND you were very excited for this because this was one of your (my) favourite topics you learnt during your time in high school

‘OKAY, good evening everyone I am ______D,’

‘And I am JohnD, and welcome to’

‘Night Night. Oof, we’re getting better at our introductions aren’t we JohnD?’

‘Nope, you just learned how to say it without cringing’

‘Touché’ and ya’ll began your discussion. And things actually got pretty interesting.

‘So _____ you’re telling me that it was Cortes’ leadership that allowed the Spanish to successfully take over Mexico?’ He asks you in disbelief.

‘No you tall dumbfuck, it’s one of the attributes that led them to succeed. Both Cortes and Pizarro had disease on their side and better weapons, so of course they’d win. I just wanted to include leadership as i don’t know, to see the defeat of the aztecs from a new lens?’ You respond, deadass looking at johnny in the eye

‘Well, i don’t think i can argue with that, mainly because i am too scared too. That is it for today, but before we end this, i would like to add one more thing.’ Johnny says, which took you by surprise

huHhh?

You looked confused, in fact, you were confused.

What the fuck was going on?

‘This academic year is ending, and this so happens to be my last year here at Konkuk University...’

Oh shit

Your eyes softened at his words, just realising now that johnny was two years older than you, and yeah, he’s graduating this year

‘... this year has honestly been one of the greatest years here at Konkuk, but for me, I think of my my most memorable memories here was when ______D entered the station and giving me a huge fright’

You laughed a little, remembering how much you scared the man

‘Taking this opportunity, ______D, I want to ask you something’

Shit

Shit

Shit

BRUHHHHHHHHH

‘I just want to congratulate you and thank you for joining “Night Night.” You made the show livelier and massively increased the viewer rate with that big brain of yours—‘

‘I prefer the term galaxy brain’

‘—yes, galaxy brain. I hope that you can continue this radio show, and maybe recruit someone else while i’m out in the world of disgusting adults. So yes, thank you ______. And because we won’t be colleagues in a bit, will you be my girl/boyfriend?’

You were initially teary eyed, buT yEET those tears out biTCH what????

You wanted to say yes, bUt how?????

Do you just nod at him and go ‘ye,’ or do you like, confess?

You felt weird in the stomach. Not that you can exactly do 459343948 cartwheels in one go, but that’s exactly what your stomach was doing. If you were to speak, you could have vomited.

Idk what happened to you, but you took off your headphones, and went to the tall boy and just hugged the shit out of him cause umm,,,, SAME????

And johnny wasn’t sure what that exactly meant so he just hugged you back, bringing you to his lap and holding you tight against him cause honestly, when will he be able to do this to a person he genuinely loves

There was a moment of silence of you two just holding each other, until you realised you were still live with lord knows how many people were listening.

‘U-um, yeah Johnny, I w-will gladly be yours—‘

‘_____ I love you’

OKAY RETRIEVE THOSE TEARS BISH YOU CRYING NOW TF

You sorta just placed your head on the crook of his neck, quietly whispering to him

‘I can’t believe I love your tall ass too...’

‘SHE SAID SHE LOVES ME TOO!’

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #367: Moving Out (RWBY)

JNPR: You're WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!!!!!!!!!!

Oscar: I'm moving out. My mind have been made up since yesterday.

JNPR: YESTERDAY?!!!!!!!

Oscar: (Simply Nodded) Yep. Wasn't an easy decision, mind you. But....it is what it is.

Jaune: (Almost at a Lost of Words) B-B-But I don't understand......What is the reason for this?

Pyrrha: (Frowns Sadly) Where would you go?

Nora: (Almost close to Tears) AND WHO'S GONNA GIVE YOU CUDDLES AND LOVE AND CARE ON A DAILY BASIS?!

Oscar: It's gonna be okay, you guys. Sure, I won't be able to receive hugs and kisses from all of you as often anymore, but I'll always visit. Plus, I actually found a place for me to crash in for about.....maybe forever.

JNP: ('GASPS')

Ren: (Tries his Hardest not to be Heartbroken) And what place would that be, son?

Oscar: Well.....This might come at a shock to you, buuuuuut....the place I'm moving in with.....are with Sun Wukong and Neptune-

Nora: (Hug Tackles Oscar in tears) NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! DON'T LEAVE US!!!!

Oscar: (Taken Aback by Nora's Sudden Hug Tackle) N-Nora?

Nora: Don't leave us, Oscarrrr! Don't goooooooo!

Oscar: Oh! Uh...Well, I'm very sorry, Nora. But my mind has already been made up.

Nora: But you can't leave now!!! You're our baby, remember?! I mean......(Gives Oscar the Saddest Look while Holding him Close to her) Is this because we're not good enough parents for you?

Oscar: (Eyes Widened) Wait, What?

Jaune: Oscar......(Tears Coming Down his face) Is all this because of our past mistakes toward you?

Oscar: W-Wait-

Jaune: I mean...('Sniff') I know we have a really rough start at first....('Sniff') But I'm trying my hardest to be the Best Big Brother I can be for you, you know? (Joins in on Oscar and Nora's Hug)

Oscar: (Immediately Starts Feeling Bad) H-Hang on a-

Pyrrha: You mean the world to all of us, Oscar.....(In Tears) Please don't leave......(Joins in on the Group Hug) Don't go.... Please....

Oscar: Pyrrha.....(Look to see Ren is acting Normal as he always been) Wait. Why Ren is the only one not crying?

Nora: ('Sniff') Because Renny cries on the INSIDE, Oscar!!

Ren: (Crosses his Arms in Sadness) It's true.....

JNP: (Continues Crying)

Oscar: ('Sigh in Defeat') Look, you guys I-

JNP: (Still Crying)

Oscar: Guys, Seriously, I-

JNP: (Cries Even Louder)

Oscar: Guys!

JNP: (Still Crying Louder)

Oscar: I'M NOT MOVING OUTTTTTTTT!!!

*Silence*

Jaune: (Eyes Widened in Shock) Wait.... Y-You're not?

Oscar: No.

Pyrrha: B-But you said-

Oscar: ('Sigh') Look, you guys, this is all an April Fool's prank.

Nora: S-So..... You're not really leaving us?

Oscar: Of course not. I could never leave you guys behind. You're practically family at this point. ('Sigh Sadly') I'm really sorry for pranking you all like that......I understand if you don't-

Nora: (Gives Oscar a Big Kiss on the cheek while Hugging him) You scared us!

Oscar: (Ticklish by Nora's Kiss) I know. I'm really sorry.

Jaune: (Chuckles Lightly) You got us good, bud. (Ruffles the top of Oscar's Hair) A little a bit too good if you ask me.

Oscar: (Chuckles Lightly) Yeah...I did, didn't I?

Pyrrha: (Giggles Softly) That you have. But next time.....(Place Two Hands on Both of Oscar's Cheeks) Could you give us a prank that doesn't involve giving us an Emotional Roller Coaster? (Kiss the top of Oscar's Forehead) Pretty please?

Oscar: Oh trust me, that is the last I am ever making a prank on pulling on your heartstrings. I love you guys.

Nora: We love you too, sweetie-

(*Ahem*)

The team turn their heads at Ren, who is making his way towards Oscar.

Oscar: Look, Ren, I-

Ren: (Gives Oscar a Big Loving Hug....While In Tears) Never scare like that again, mister.

Oscar: (Chuckles Lightly by Ren's Sudden Embrace while hugging him back) Yeah. I promise, Ren.

Later in the Afternoon.....

*Knock on the Door*

Oscar: (Opens the Door) Yes- (Gets Hug Tackles to the floor by Ruby) W-What the-

Ruby: (Frowns Sadly) Please don't move out, Oscar!

Oscar: Ruby, I-

Weiss: (Frowns Firmly) Ruby's right on this, Oscar. You guys are practically family, remember?

Oscar: I do-

Blake: (Frowns Sadly) I know Sun and Neptune are really good people, but I don't think even they think it's a good idea for you to move in with them.

Oscar: I-I know that-

Yang: (Gives Oscar a Sisterly like Frown) Why would you even think about moving out in the first place? You're FOURTEEN!

Oscar: Of course, I know I'm still Fourteen, Yang-

Penny: (In Tears) Little Brother Oscar.... please reconsider your life choices....

Oscar: Penny-

???: Oscar.

Oscar: (Eyes Widened once he saw a very Familiar Face) Glynda?!

Glynda: (Gives Oscar a Worried Look) We understand how difficult life can be sometimes, but you shouldn't have to shut Team JNPR out like this. Especially if you're trying to-

Oscar: Guys, I'm not moving out!!

Weiss: (Eyes Widened) Y-You're not?

Oscar: ('Sigh') No. I'm not.

Yang: Wait. Then why did you-

Oscar: Yeahhhhhhh....That was all a prank. An April Fool's prank....(Chuckles Awkwardly) April Fool's....

Everyone (Except for Team JNPR) Starts Glaring at Oscar in silence.

Oscar: (Starts Getting Nervous) Uhh...Guys? (Walking Backwards while Ruby and the others slowly walk towards him) It's April Fool's, remember? C'mon! W-Why aren't any of you laughing right now?........................

*Silence*

Oscar: (Sweating Bullets).............I'm in Trouble, aren't I?

Glynda: (Glares at her Surrogate Son) What do you think?

Oscar opens his mouth to speak....only for him to try running away from the ladies' wrath with little to no prevail by Ruby, Yang, and Penny's Hug Tackle.

Oscar: Guys, C'mon! (Gets Carried by Yang while being tied up in a rope) Was that really necessary?!!!

Penny: (Glares Sadly Towards Oscar) You made us sad, Little Brother Oscar!

Ruby: (Pouts Towards Oscar Furiously) And we're gonna have a looooooong talk about this upstairs, mister!

Oscar: Upstairs?

Weiss: That's right. I've just ask your parents if it was alright to do so. And they said "yes".

Oscar: (Turns to his Team and Family, who were sitting on the Couch, while being Carried to upstairs by Yang) Seriously?!

JNPR: (Happily Waves at their baby) We love you, Oscar!~

Oscar: (Facepalms while Sighing) I knew pranking everyone on me moving out was a bad idea...

Yang: (Carrying Oscar) Ya think?

And with that, Team RWBY, Penny, and Glynda begin to scold Oscar for pranking them and the rest of his team and family on moving out. Thus, making the Farm Boi write a mental note in himself to never prank his love ones again.

@optimisticfruitcup

@albion-93

@miki-13

@maripr

@ma-lemons

@oscarpineprotectionsquad

@rozanime

[violetnotez]

Shopping Trip HC- Kirishima x Reader

@fxndxmxnxce​!:Hi! i just saw your blog but you already look so good😍 could i get a request where kirishima and his s/o go out to get groceries for cook dinner for their classmates? they goof off; riding around in carts, taking random samples of food, and even recite vines while they look for ingredients🥺 just a lot of tooth rotting fluff because why not :D bonus todoroki gives them endeavor’s card (in which he stole) to let them pay for the stuff tonight LMAOO thanks i love you🥰🥰🥰

ACK MY FIRST REQUEST THANK UUU! I love getting requests ngl :) I made this into a HC hope you dont mind!

Kirishima x reader

Genre: OVER LOAD of Fluff

Word Count:

Warnings: Choatic Energy throughout

(RULES | MASTERLIST COMING SOON| REQUESTS OPEN!!! :))

----------------------------

It was the week before exams and everyone was beginning to cram big time

Everyone was in the common room, every surface covered in textbooks and notes from the semester

Izuku, Ochaco, Iida, Froppy, Ojiro, and Toru  were on the training grounds practicing for the practical exams- Todoroki was studying on the couch

Momo was giving all of Bakusquad (including you) a huge study session that made all of your heads hurt (minus Bakugo- he wouldnt be caught dead studying with a bunch of ‘idiots’)

All of you were exhausted- you had been going at this since 9 in the morning at it was already close to dinner time

Kirishima had his head resting in your lap, you playing with his fire red hair as Momo rambled about Geometry, while Kaminari and Sero tried desperately to take notes as fast as Momo talked 

Mina had given up an hour ago and was now standing in front of the fridge

“Ughhhhh”, she whined, “we have no fooooooood.” 

“Cmon Mina we got like a hour to dinner you can wait!” Kaminari said while writing like his life depended on it (which it kinda did- he was borderline passing his classes as it was- if he failed these exams he was screwed)

“Oh be quiet Kaminari your the one who eats all the food half the time!” Mina yelled frustrated

When Mina’s hangry- she is HANGRY

“Dont blame this on me- my quirk isnt the one that depends on eating to work!”

“If your trying to imply Im the one who ate all the food then you are completely wrong!” Momo spat out at Kaminari, kinda looking hurt

“Can you all keep it down-Im trying to read,” Todoroki interjected calmly, not even looking up from his book

To be honest, all of you forgot Todorki was even in the room, so it kind of threw you all off

“Hey-why dont me and y/n just go pick up some food! The market’s not too far away” Kirishima sat up, his hair in odd angles from you combing it with your fingers

You knew what he was doing- he had zoned out too, and he just wanted a way to leave the study session, but he was too polite to actually leave it (for Momo’s sake- she got way too excited over study sessions)

You yawned, stretching from sitting for so long- “thatd be nice, Id like to stretch my legs a little.”

Kaminari shrugged, “Sure why not- not like were going anywhere, mind as well get some snacks-”

You started making a list of everything everybody wanted and it was long- Kaminari and Sero were shouting out everything fattening, from Takis to Twinkies to 2 liter sodas, Mina yelled she wanted a bunch of sweets like Pocky, Momo was a little healthier but she wanted more expensive things like sushi, and Kirishima wasnt helping since he wanted to buy everything for everybody

You two started adding up stuff in your head and you knew for sure there was no way you could pay for all this, even if everyone chipped in

You gave Kirishima a look, letting him know that this wasn't going to work- somebody had to help you two out or ask for a little less

He knew you hated to let your friends down, so he smiled, letting you know he had it under control

“Uh, guys, we cant get so much food- this is way too much and we cant buy all this- can we maybe take something off the list?” kirishima asked as Kaminari and Mina began to whine

To your surprise, Todoroki walked over and handed you something. You looked down at it seeing it was a credit card.

You gasped slightly- “No Todoroki we cant take this this is yours-”

“I dont care what you do with it or how much you charge on it,” he said calmly, “as long as it makes you all quiet.”

“Of course- thanks man, we owe you one!” Kirishima smiled, grabbing your hand, pulling you up and shuffling you out the door

“Well you were desperate to leave, huh Kiri?” you kidded as you cuddled closer to him as you both walked to the store

“Anything to spend some alone time with you princess,” he smiled, kissing the top of your head, “Also.... I think my head was starting to hurt from listening to Momo- what even is a Pythagorean theoreom?!”

Oh Kiri you poor baby

You both get to the supermarket and the cute lovey dovey Kirishima disappears

He instantly gets super excited because FOOD

And carts

“Cmon y/n they have kiddie carts!”

“Kirishima no those are for kids!” you laugh, taking the cart from him gently

“Ahhh cmon babe please!!!”

You kiss him on the cheeck- “No Kiri sorry!” (he pouts tho)

You get one of the normal carts and he instantly stands on the back and holds on to the wired basket, forcing you to push him around

You shake your head, smiling, because he looks so cute just standing there having the time of his life as you push him around

“A Thousand Miles” comes over the speakers and you both look at each other with the most shocked but happy faces ever

-30 seconds later-

Your now on the back, Kirishima is pushing your around like a maniac, has knocked you into 3 stands of food already, but you dont care because your both laughing trying to sing the lyrics

“IF I COULD FALL INTO THE SKY” Kirishima practically shouts, holding a can of whip cream like a microphone

“DO YOU THINK TIME COULD PASS ME BY!” you sing after

“BECAUSE I WOULD WALK A THOUSAND MILES JUST TO SEE YOU!” you both shout out, getting some dirty looks from a pair of old ladies at the meat section (which you could care less about)

You both look at each other and just start busting up, Kirishima taking you to the next aisle

You get to the candy section, where Kirishima is still laughing over the old ladies’ glares at you two

You kinda calmed down, going back to the task at hand, picking out all the candies Mina had asked you to get her

He then sees a bag of Life Savers

PLS TELL ME SOMEBODY REMEBERS THIS VINE

“Hey y/n-” he taps your shoulder, giggles barely being contained from him

You turn around, a grinning Kiri holding a bag of Life Savers

“Le-fes Sa-ve-airs”

You roll your eyes, giggling, “Oh my gosh Please Kiri no more vines!”

“Oh calm on vines are so awesome!” he exclaims, putting the bag of candy back in its original space

“Yes but I think we’ve annoyed enough people with our vine references”

“Only two old ladies!”

“Two old ladies that will probably get us kicked out” you laughed, giving him a kiss

“Lets just get the food so we can go back to the dorms- Im getting kind of hungry seeing all this food…”

“Wait, youre hungry?!?” he asks super concerned

“Just a little,” you shrug off, “its no big deal-”

“WAIT HERE” Kirishima practically yells, seemingly not hearing what you said and runs off

You shake your head, knowing your boyfriend too well- he could get impulsive sometimes

You got all the food and was waiting in the checkout line when you spotted Kirishima trying to balance a bunch of small, clear cups in his hands

“Are those--- samples?!” you asked, shocked that he went around the WHOLE store getting all those samples

“Yep!” he says super proud, happy he was helping his girlfriend

“Oh my gosh Kiri I love you, you know that, right?” you exclaim happily, your stomach growling as you began to eat out of one of the cups

KIRISHIMA.exe is BrOkEn

If he knew food would get you so happy he would have brought you WAY more food A LOOOOOOONG time ago

You got to the check out and the price- was- ALOT

You gulped, hoping the rumors of Todoroki being extremely rich were true

And thank the gods they were because you were able to pay for the food no problem

Then you realized- you had 10 bags full of food you had to lug back to the dorms

And it was close to a 15 minute walk

You started picking up bags, already feeling the weight of them after 3

“I got them, don't worry babe!” Kirishima gingerly took the bags from your hands and began to strap them across his arm

‘Wait Kiri no theres alot you can't hold all-”

Kirishima put a kiss on your cheek, instantly making your cheeks warm

“Its okay I can carry them!” He smiled, making your insides all fuzzy

How did you get such a cute boyfriend?

“At least let me hold 2!”

You literally had to claw two bags away from him because he refused to let you hold any because it wasnt “manly” for his girlfriend to have to hold a bunch of heavy bags by herself

The walk back was a breeze, Kirishima seemingly unbothered by the weight and you two both  enjoyed the sunset coming down against the mountains

When you finally got back, all your classmates were there, everyone in their pajamas and on the floor

All the notes and books had been replaced by pillows and blankets and everyone was in their lounge or sleep wear

“Oh hey ya two love birds, you got the food!” Kaminari yelled out happily, wearing pajamas with lightning bolts on them

“Hey Pikachu,” you laughed, “and yes, we got your food,” throwing him a bag of chips (which he devoured instantly like an animal)

“Why is everyone in their pajamas?” Kirishima asked, putting the bags on the kitchen counter

Mina came over and hugged you, so happy you got her snacks as Uraraka made a pillow float in the air

“We all decided were going to hang out and build a huge pillow fort and have a sleepover!” Uraraka exclaimed excitedly, Froppy and Momo helping her place the pillows inside the fort

“Awesome!” Kirishima shouted excitedly, “Cmon, y/n, lets go get changed!” 

He grabbed your hand, Kaminari and Sero making whistle sounds at you two as Kirishima pulled you up stairs

You shook your head, a blush coming on your cheeks

“When did they get so interested in us?” you asked, your face turning red from those dumb whistles

“Dont worry about them babe,” Kirishima said soflty, “their just jealous that i have somebody as amazing as you.”

                                                             BONUS

“So,” Ochaco asked, snacking on a cookie, “how were able to pay for all this food?!”

“Yeah, you guys must have spent a fortune,” Tsuyu added

“It was Todoroki,” you explained, “he was nice enough to let us pay for it on his credit card- again Todoroki, thank you for letting us pay for all this!”

Kirishima agreed, his hand wrapped around your waist, “We totally owe you a favor- if you ever need anything, come to us!”

Todoroki nodded in thanks

“Your all welcome”, he replied calmly, “but that credit card wasnt mine-”

“It was my father’s.”

You instantly choke on the soda you were sipping on, Kirishima patting your back to keep you from choking

“Wait-” you gasped out, “We SPENT 500 DOLLARS OF FOOD ON ENDEAVOR’S-PERSONAL-CREDIT CARD?!”

“WHY WOULD EVEN GIVE US THAT CARD IF IT WASN'T EVEN YOURS MAN?!” Kirishima shouts, fear evident in his voice

To say the least, the night just got 10 times more stressful as you and Kirishima were terrified that the #1 Hero was going to come and rip you to shreds for using his money to buy snacks

Requests open!!!!

[missfeisty199]

Ahhh I love when writers do these prompts! Friendlypack #9. "I can't feel anything."

Anonymous: 9 😲

((here’s to you both! :3))

#9 “I can’t feel anything.

I thank my good friend @gay-spaghetti​ for helping me out with this prompt :)

Also, this will be REALLY angsty, and looooooong! (I just had to get carried away like always haha ) 

-

Stan is currently making his water delivery rounds around the city of Los Santos. So far, things have been successful. He earns his usual good pay, and even getting some tips from satisfied customers. 

Today has been satisfactory, and he thinks to himself that it’s going to stay this way. 

He is getting back into his delivery truck when his cell phone rings. Stan takes a look at the caller ID, having the thought that another customer was calling him, eager for some refreshing bottled water. 

However, he sees that this would not be the case. 

It’s not a customer calling him. 

It’s Brenda. 

She doesn’t ever really want anything to do with Stan, and they haven’t spoken to each other in a good while, so...why is she calling him out of nowhere?

Baffled, Stan swipes his thumb on the screen and holds his phone to his ear. “Hello? Brenda?” he answers. 

“Stan,” he hears Brenda begin, “what are you doing right now?” 

Stan’s eyebrows furrowed. “W-why do y-you wanna know?” 

“Just answer the question, dumbass,” Brenda aggressively presses, which isn’t a surprise to Stan. 

“I’m currently making my water delivery runs,” Stan tells her. “I just got done with one of them.” 

There is a bit of silence before Brenda replies. “Could...could you maybe take a break...and come to Pillbox Hill?” 

Stan wonders to himself what this could be. All of their friends know that Jimmy and Stan are an item, so Brenda couldn’t possibly be asking him out on a date. Like he thinks before; Brenda doesn’t ever really want anything to do with him. 

“Brenda,” Stan starts out in a frustrated sigh, “why do you need me to-” 

“Because this has to do with your boyfriend, Stan!” Brenda shouts back, interrupting him. “He’s here at the hospital right now. He’s...not good.” 

A shiver shoots down Stan’s back, and he feels his stomach do kickflips. “J-Jimmy’s...there? He’s not good?” Anxiety builds up in Stan, filling up every surface of him. 

“Yeah,” Brenda replies. “He got into an accident on his motorcycle. They just brought him in and...he’s looking really terrible. He was wailing up a storm, so at least that eliminates one worry. You may wanna come though, Stan. I know you would.” 

Of course Stan would, and judging by Brenda’s words and the tense tone in her voice, he has to go...right now. 

“I-I’m on my way,” Stan says. He’s already putting the keys into the ignition, the screwed up jalopy of the truck sputtering alive. 

“How far away are you, Stan?”

“I’m in the Vinewood area.” Stan has one question on his mind, and as scared as he is of what answer he may get, he needs to know regardless. For his own sake. “Can...would I be able to actually see Jimmy...since he was in an accident?”

He seriously hopes, even prays, that Brenda will say yes. 

“I...I can’t really guarantee that, seeing as how fast the EMTs rushed him in.” 

Stan can hear the little bit of rare sympathy in Brenda’s voice. 

“Brenda...”

“I’ll try to see if you can though. I’ll see if I could work something out with the staff taking care of Jimmy. You just...you just focus on getting your ass over here, Stan.” 

With that, there’s a beep on the other end of the line. 

- 

Even though he drove in a gigantic delivery truck, along with being cautious about not going over the speed limit, Stan manages to reach Pillbox Hill Hospital in a matter of quick minutes. After carefully parking the truck and locking it, Stan rushes into the entrance lobby of the hospital, where Brenda is in her usual spot at the reception desk.

“Good GOD, Stan! Watch it! You almost fucking shattered the glass doors!” Brenda groans with evident irritation. 

“Just tell me if you worked something out with them, Brenda!” Stan pleads back, having no time for her sass. 

Brenda uncrosses her arms, and she scratches the back of her neck in a way that Stan reads as it not being that good of a sign. “Well, I did talk to the doctors overseeing Jimmy.”

“And?”

Brenda sighs, but...it’s not in the constant bitchy way that is familiar with her personality. However, it does sound...kinda distressed. “Look, Stan,” she says as she brings them over to the waiting room chairs to sit down. 

“The good news is that Jimmy is alive and stable, but...he’s just too banged up from the accident. All I know from what the staff could only tell me is that there was an incident where Jimmy collided with another vehicle. As they were rushing him in on the stretcher, I got a quick good look at him. I...I think Jimmy must have been dragged under the other person’s car by his legs. I...I wasn’t lying to you when I said he looked terrible, Stan. I heard his motorcycle got completely trashed even, so that should also tell you something. As we sit here and talk, they’re still taking care of him.”

The entire time Brenda is telling him all of this, Stan feels like he’s on the verge of passing out even though he’s sitting down. Things and people all around him are blurry, only focusing on Brenda in front of him and her words. “Taking care of him...how?” Stan asks. 

“They’ve got him in emergency surgery to see what they can fix up...and what they can’t.” 

It isn’t reassuring...at all. 

“So,” Stan starts out, “what you’re saying to me with all of this, Brenda, is that I won’t...actually be able...to see Jimmy right now?” His voice is cracky, and the tears are already on their way to stream down his face. 

Brenda sighs again, like how she did moments ago. “Yeah, not right now. Maybe not even until tomorrow since it’s going to be quite a while.” She glances down at the rugged floor beneath them for a minute, and then she looks back up to meet Stan’s now flooding eyes.

“I...I really did try, Stan. I know that I may not give a shit about you and your pathetic life, but...I know how important Jimmy is to it, and to you. I really did try to have them let you see him, but they needed to wheel him into surgery. They said his injuries were just too severe...even for a visitor to see him. It has nothing to do with your guy’s relationship status. It’s just...what they have to do.” 

It’s a hard truth that Stan understands, and he nods. He doesn’t blame Brenda, because even he knows there’s only so much a receptionist could do in cases like this. “I appreciate it nonetheless, Brenda,” Stan softly says to her, even when it comes out as choked up and saddened. He wipes his tears with his wrist, and he casts his eyes down to the floor. 

Then, Brenda does something Stan would never in his life think that she’d ever do - Brenda wraps her arms around Stan in...kind of a comforting hug. It overwhelms Stan so much that he returns the gesture, completely sobbing now, though he makes sure to cry into his own arms and not onto her shirt. 

The last thing he’d want right now is for her to angrily yell at him to buy her a new dress shirt. 

“Go get some rest, or go back to your runs, or whatever the hell else it is you do with your time,” Brenda tells him. “I’ll call you back the second I know he’s ready for you.” 

-

Sure enough, and as promised, Brenda gives Stan a call sometime the very next day. 

He is back at Pillbox Hill Hospital literally five minutes after Brenda had called him, and she is now escorting him into the room the staff have Jimmy. 

Stan sees that the door to the room is closed, but he notices that there is a name plaque on it that reads out ‘Jimothy Bending’. 

The two of them stop just inches away from the door, and Brenda turns her body to look at Stan. “Wait out here for a second, Stan,” she tells him before giving a couple of gentle knocks to the door. 

There is a female voice on the other end, and Brenda announces herself. She opens the door, but then quickly shuts it behind her. Stan is undoubtedly confused, but he figures this is another one of those things that’s done in a hospital, especially when there has been a subject such as a severe accident at hand. 

He can hear Brenda speaking on the other side of the door, along with the female voice from seconds ago. He doesn’t know exactly what is being said because it all sounds muffled through the thick wood of the door. Nor does Stan wish to be intrusive and place his ear to it. Brenda instructed him to wait, and so he will do just that. 

Luckily, he doesn’t need to wait too long. The door is then opened back up slightly, and Brenda peers her head out. 

“You can see Jimmy now, Stan,” she tells him. “I should warn you though, he’s...well…” She sighs. “Ya know what, just get in here and see for yourself.” With that, Brenda opens the door wider for Stan, and she steps aside to make room for him. 

Stan’s heart drops to his stomach when he gets inside. He sees Jimmy fully aware and looking back at him. He watches as his eyes light up at seeing Stan, even though there seems to be a hint of melancholy in those deep brown hues of Jimmy’s. 

That’s not what makes Stan gasp audibly, however. 

What does, though, is seeing both of Jimmy’s legs being held up by slings dangling from the hoist of the hospital bed. The entirety of his legs are also in casts, and Stan could only see a tiny portion of Jimmy’s toes. The rest upwards is just...thick castings. 

“J-Jimmy…” Stan stutters breathlessly. 

“Hello, my sweet Sunflower,” Jimmy softly greets back. There’s some sadness to his voice though. 

The doctor overlooking Jimmy, who Stan can only assume is the source of the second female voice he heard outside, steps beside the waterman. “I’m assuming Brenda has filled you in a bit on what has happened with Mr. Bending here?”

It takes a moment for Stan to reply, but he eventually does find his own voice. “Y-yes, she has.” His eyes never leave Jimmy’s though. “A-a motorcycle accident, right?” He isn’t sure if he’s asking for clarification from the doctor, or from Jimmy himself. 

“Yes, it was,” the doctor replies. “A serious one at that, as you can see from his legs. Thank Jimmy’s lucky stars that he is still with us, however!” She then glances at Brenda, and together the women turn to walk out of the room. “We’ll be giving you your chance to visit with him now. Ms. Pancake and I will just be right outside if there are to be anything you’d be needing.” 

The door closes behind Stan, who is still looking at Jimmy. 

The room is silent with just the two of them in here for a moment. 

“You don’t have to keep on standing,” Jimmy says. He gestures with his hand at the small chair next to his bed. “Although, I’m envious that you get to do so.” 

“Envious...of what?” Stan asks as he takes his seat alongside his boyfriend. Not before giving Jimmy a meaningful yet quick kiss to his lips though. He notices that they feel chapped. 

“Of...of you standing.”

“Me...standing?”

Jimmy adverts his gaze at Stan’s to look at his casted legs, and he stares at them for what feels like an extended amount of time. 

In him doing it, Stan then realizes what Jimmy could mean. His eyes widen. “You...you mean you…” 

“I can’t feel anything.” Jimmy takes a long, deep breath. When he exhales though, his breath comes out shaky...and before they both know what is happening, Jimmy breaks down in front of Stan. “I can’t feel anything in them at all! I’m paralyzed from the waist down! I can’t ever walk again!” 

“Oh, Jimmy,” Stan gasps. He sits up in his chair so that he can comfortably wrap his arms around his distressed boyfriend, to which Jimmy returns by clinging onto Stan. He continues his heavy weeping as he buries his face into Stan’s chest, already soaking his blue polo shirt. 

“The Doc says that even with physical therapy, it...it’ll be years until I could ever walk again...if that’s even possible at all! I may have to be in a fucking wheelchair for the rest of my damned LIFE!” As Jimmy says this, he wails even more into Stan’s chest.

The tears Stan has been holding in this entire time are now freely cascading down his face. He soothingly combs his fingers through Jimmy’s messy bed hair, even pressing kisses to his head. “I...I’m so sorry, Daffodil,” he mutters softly. 

“I’m gonna live out the rest of my years as a fucking cripple!” Jimmy proceeds to sob. “I’m gonna be useless! You won’t ever want me! You won’t want anything to do with me! I should’ve just fucking died on the spot if it’d save you the trouble!”

“Jimmy, don’t say that,” Stan calmly says. “Don’t you ever say things like that. It’s not true. None of that is true at all. You should be glad that you’ve survived...I know I am if it means that you get to still be here with me.”

“B-But...but I won’t be able to walk or run or even go places on my own. I’m gonna be a burden to everyone...especially you, Stan.” 

Stan sighs. “No you won’t, Jimmy. You wouldn’t be a burden to anyone, especially me. I’m going to take care of you. I’ll be there for you...through thick and thin.” 

He gets choked up, and he also feels a lump in his throat. Stan swallows it before continuing to speak.

“I help you with everything, Jimmy. With getting around, with taking care of you, all of it. I’ll push your wheelchair to wherever you need to go if you want me to. I’ll take you to your physical therapy appointments. I’ll even help you with the bathing you and dressing you up and what have you. I’ll do everything. I’ll do it all, and you won’t ever hear me complain about any of it.”

“Stan…”

“Please, Jimmy. Believe me. I’ll do it...all of it...because I love you. You know I do, baby.” 

Jimmy’s crying has subsided a small bit throughout all of their talking, and he’s just sniffling now. “I do,” he softly says. “I do, Stan. It...it’ll change our lives drastically, however. It...may even strain our relationship.” 

“You’re right. It may.” Stan presses another kiss to the top of Jimmy’s head, only this time with more love put into it. “But you know what, Jimothy? It’ll make us stronger. There will be many, many obstacles in our path...and I wouldn’t mind. We won’t go through them alone, we’ll see them through…together.” 

[crazyrandomfucker]

Adrien Augrestre: Cardboard

Adrien was definetly determined to set up Adrienne and Marin. He know they both liked eachother, Marin even loved her Kitty Noire side. Frustrated he couldn't reveal her identity without getting in a serious trouble, he had plotted to let the lovebirds alone for a bit so they could just confess their feelings and start to go out. The problem was, of course, Marin and his insecurity that couldn't manage to get the courage to ask her out. The model also couldn't tell Adrienne that Marin had feelings for her as her civilan self and as her hero self, since he wasn't completely sure of how would Adrienne react to that information or how'd Marin react if Adrienne confessed her love. The only possible way that it would be a success it was for Marin to tell her his feelings, all of them. He had even told Marin to prepare his confession because he was going to create the perfect chance for it.

The problem with his plan was how and when. It was crucial that he could set the cheesiest and most romantic atmosphere by choosing the right time and place, to give Marin a little push, but he needed help to make the others scatter at the right moment and to keep the bodyguards busy, most likely femenine help. He didn't know if the girls knew about Adrienne's feelings, except for Nina. But Nina was too obvious when she tried to set Adrienne up with Marin. Alya had something that Adrien couldn't quite explain that gave him shudders from time to time, not to mention that her personality was somehow similar to Nina's, but more mischievous. So he'd have to ask Mari for help.

At the first chance he had, he explained Marinette the details of his plan and was so delighted to hear that she would take care of taking the others far and also help him in setting the mood. All he needed now was to inform and convince the bodyguards to convenintly go to the figurine store when they saw all of the teenagers scattering. Once that was done, he payed atention to the shopping mall map to find a good spot to let the magic of love work. He found a little unkown square that had a sort of hidden exit to the main street. That'd be useful if he wanted to spy and see how everything would go.

Almost at sunset, they headed to that secluded little square and it was honestly beautiful, with some trees and bushes and a nice bench. Marinette told Adrien and Adrienne to wait there for Marin, who had just gone to the toilet, because she wanted to go with the others to find a special surprise. Before Marin could arrive, Adrien faked getting a call and told Adrienne to wait for Marin while he attended some business with the bodyguards. As soon as they were out of sight, the bodyguards left and Adrien run to the street to spy Marin's confession throught the hidden connection with the street or even the bushes.

Surprisingly for him, he found Marinette next to the entrance holding some cardboard boxes that were big enough to hold a fridge inside. Adrien approached the bluenette to ask her what was she doing and was surprised when she told him, stuttering a lot as always, that she managed to make sure the others were occupied for a while and also thought on a plan to watch the confession without getting caught. They'd use the cardboard boxes to hide and would see through the small hole they had. If the put the boxes near a wall with other boxes, it could pass as something a store had thrown away. Impressed by the idea, Adrien carefully placed the boxes without making a noise and hid in a shorter cardboard box, thinking about how much that resembled to the Metal Gear saga. Mari hid in a fridge-sized one and kept quiet as Marin returned and found himself alone with Adrienne, mentally cursing Adrien.

"Oh, you're back, great" said Adrienne with a tender smile on her face. "I guess we should go meet the others, but I think they were preparing a surprise for Adrien and me, so it'd probably better if I waited here". "I'll stay here with you then, we can't let such a beautyful lady alone at this time. Speaking of which, where are the bodyguards?" asked Marin, already feeling the pression of what Adrien expected him to do. 'Coward' thought Adrien. "They went with Adrien to attend some business or something, he seemed to be in a hurry thought" said Adrienne sheepishly. "Then I guess we'll be alone for a bit" commented Marin nervously "I guess so" "Anyway, how's today been?" asked Marin with a faint blush on his cheeks. "So smooth brother" whispered sarcastically Marinette. "It's been amazing! I've had so much fun shopping, walking with everyone, playing at the arcade and I loved the bunny. Thanks for getting it for me" says Adrien with happiness sparkling in her eyes. "It's nothing, I'd have gotten you a few more if you had asked" said Marin. Adrienne smiled gently. "Thanks. I'm also glad you've made a truce with Adrien, it's been funnier today when you weren't competing against eachother". "We've just come to an understanding, it's definetly not that much" says the designer boy rubbing his neck nervously. "Still, I'm glad to know that my two favourite boys are getting along. It's nice to see Adrien happy with friends that don't mind our surname" confessed Adrienne, making blush Marin. "Um... Adrienne?" asked Marin nervously, surprising Adrienne and the hidden ones because of his embarrassed tone. 'Is he going to do it?' thought Marinette and Adrien. "Yes? W-What happens Marin?" asked Adrienne blushing. "I've got to t-tell you something... I-I've known for a while that you're crushing on me a-and the thing is t-that I also h-have a crush on you..." says Marin with his face redder than Ladybug's suit, leaving everyone speechles as he mentally cursed Adrien for putting him in such situation. "But... " "But... ?" asked Adriennne fearing the answer. "I-I also have a crush on K-Kitty Noire... I know it's unfair for you t-that I also love someone else... But if y-you don't mind it... I'd love to g-go out with you..." says Marin sweating bullets. "I..." began Adrienne with a big blush. "Of course I don't mind! Kitty is one of our protectors and she's a badass. I'm glad that you see me as highly as her..." "Is that a yes?" asked the designer, silently praying for a yes. "Didn't you said you knew my feelings for you?! Yes! I'd be more than happy to be your girlfriend" said Adrienne, jumping at Marin and hugging him tight. 'They did it!' thought happily the hidden teens. "Now tell me" said Adrienne still hugging Marin. "If you knew how I felt, why didn't you asked me out before?" "Y-You see, it's been really difficult to gather up more courage that I have to ask you out today. In fact, most of it it was you brother pressuring me and even creating a chance to confess... Before I was conflicte because I loved two incredible girls and felt rather nervous I guess insecurity runs in the family..." said Marin in a rather apologetic way. "I see... Guess I'll have to fix that from now on~" said Adrienne, booping Marin's nose teasingly. "That's not fair..." complains Marin, redder than red itself. "Well, I don't also love Lordbug, do I?" said teasingly Adrienne. "I need to make you only mine~ So we'll have to talk to my father, for approvation and all stuff. But he likes you and your designs, so it won't be a problem I think. Just in case, we'll say I confessed and you accepted". "Congrats then girl! shouted Alya, standing up from behind the bushes and surprising everyone. "Well, I guess the cat is out of the bag now. Congrats thought" said Alen standing up next to his sister. "I'm glad you two are now together" said Nina, standing up while drying fake tears. "Our angel is now with a sunshine girl". "Congrats dudes" says Nino. "Is there anyone else?! Why is everybody here?! How embarrasing..." said Marin hugging Adrienne, trying to hide behid her. "Well, we knew Mari and Adrien where up to something and we came, but we were surprised when we actually saw them here. Perhaps they are giving you privacy..." said Nina. "Wait, that can't be, my brother is hidden somewhere, for sure. And Mari is likely to be hidden too" said Adrienne. "There's literally no other place to hide around here aside from this bushes and those.... Those cardboard boxes..." said Alen. Adrien stood up and threw away his box. "Guilty as charged. I'm the only one here thought, Mari is with the bodyguards" said the model boy laughing sheepishly. "Riiiiiiiiight. The you certainly won't mind to go inside that refrigerator box, as there's noone in there" said Adrienne. "Or is there someone, brother". "Pshhhh, of course I don't mind" said nervously Adrien and opened the box from it's behind to enter it, but Mari came out all red. "Double busted..." "You two are going to have a looooooong talk with us" said Marin clearly annoyed. "Oh shush, if it wasn't for them we wouldn't be a couple now" teased Adrienne. "Okay..." accepted the designer.

Adrien called the bodyguards back and everybody went to their respective houses, except for Marin, who had to go throught an embarrassing car time, an embarrassing talk with one of his fashion idols to ask for permission to date Adrienne, another embarrassing car trip and an infinitely embarrassing talk with his parents to present Adrienne as his girlfriend, being subjected to the classical parental torture of embarrassing past stories and photos. By the end of it, Adrienne was certainly blushing like crazy, but Marin's blush was evolving into a whole new color. Meanwhile, Adrien and Marinette had their share of laughs from their twins' despair, but also because they had picked up the cardboard boxes as a memento of the day and Adrien was totally not in full Chat Noir mode sitting in the boxes and playing with them.

[flowerpowell]

Whoops (Chris x MC)

This is the fic I wrote back in November but decided to publish it for Christmas but then Captain Powell Week was announced because TS ended (and I’m not over it and won’t be over it for a looooooong time) and I decided it was a perfect time to post it. Hopefully you like it! This is a sort of follow-up to my one shot First Word but it’s not crucial to read that one first. And as always, feedback is much appreciated! ♥

All rights go to Pixelberry.

Rating: Fluffy

Tagging (perma + Chris + the hosts): @damienazariostan @littlegreenmoo  @katurrade @agent-bossypants @mysteli  @gardeningourmet @mr-sinclaire @delightfullypinkglitter @jellybean-marshmellow @syltti78 @jared2612 @kadencantarella @christopher-powell @maxattack-powell @marikagia @mynameiskaylabella @regrettingnathan @kinkykingliam @chrispowellappreciation ♥

“I really don’t want to go,” Amy sighs when Chris puts a scarf around her neck. He gently kisses her forehead and smiles encouragingly. “You can do it Amy, it’s not the first meet and greet you’ve had.” 

She quickly turns to face him, eyes narrowed. “I’m not worried about me!” she exclaims, “I’m worried about leaving you alone with Noah.”

“Amy...That was the only one time I really screwed up, okay? But he’s not using the word anymore.”

“Well, he’d better,” she murmurs and Chris chuckles.

“Come on babe, I can take care of our son. We’ll have a lot of fun together.”

Amy rolls her eyes but Chris notices a tiny smile. “I mean it, we’ll have some quality father-son bonding time.”

He kisses her softly and Amy relxes slighlty. “I know you’ll be fine. You’re the best father Noah could get. I love you. I’ll be back late in the evening, please don’t burn the house,” she says as their son runs up to her and hugs her.

“Daddy promised we would decorate Christmas tree!” he grins and Amy looks at Chris. “Please be safe. Don’t make Noah--”

“Amy, I’ve got this. You go now or you’ll be late,” Chris interrupts her and she realizes it’s already late and she should have left about twenty minutes earlier. “Okay then, I love you! See you soon!” she waves her hand at her boys and before she closes the door behind her, she hears Noah yelling “Bye Mommy!”

The second Amy drives off, Noah starts jumping around his father, excitedly clapping his hands. “Can we go to Target for some ornaments Daddy?” he asks and Chris only shakes his head. “No buddy, we already have everything we need.”

“But Daddy,” Noah pouts, “they are old!”

“No, they’re not! Your mom and I got them when we bought out first house,” he explains and opens the box with all the necessary decorations. Each piece brings him many memories, maybe Noah would listen to the--

“They’re old! Like you!” Noah yells, which makes Chris narrow his eyes. This is going to be a long day.

~~~~

Few hours of decorationg and a couple of arguments later, the tree was finally decorated. Chris goes to the kitchen to make something to eat for both of them. His preparations are suddenly interrupted by a glass-shattering sound coming from the living room. He quickly runs to the room and finds his son looking helplessly at a few Christmas balls, now broken, laying on the floor.

“What happened here?!” Chris asked, dragging Noah from the pieces of the ornaments.

“I told you they were old. They fell,” he answers, shrugging slightly.

Chris turns to his five-year old son and eyes his suspiciously. “They fell...by themeselves?”

“Old things break easily Daddy. Now we need to go to Target to buy new ones.”

“We really don’t need to buy anything, Buddy. Besides, it doesn’t look that bad! This tree was overloaded anyway.”

Noah narrows his eyes, clearly offended, or maybe just mad that his plan has failed. “You’re no fun Daddy! Can we at least build a snowman?”

Chris looks at his son and sighs as he runs his hand through his hair. “Noah...you’ve been sick for over a week and you still look too weak. I don’t think it’s a good idea to--”

“WHY DO YOU ALWAYS RUIN EVERYTHING!!! I want Mommy to come back, you’re awful!” Noah sticks out a tongue and runs away to his room. Chris stands still with the pieces of ornaments in his hands, shocked at his son’s outburst. He knew that his temper Noah took after Amy but it was enough. Sick or not, Noah can’t behave like this!

Having cleaned the mess his son made, Chris makes his way to Noah’s room. He finds his rebellious 5-year old playing on his phone, not even bothering to look at his father.

“Noah! What was that? You can’t talk to me like this! I’m doing what’s best for you and you just...Noah!” he slams his fist on the desk realizing his son is not listening, too invested in whatever he’s doing on the phone.

“What? I’m busy!”

“Give me that,” Chris takes the phone from Noah’s hands and shoves it into his pocket. “What’s gotten into you?”

“YOU! You are the Christmas Grinch, I can’t do anything fun with you anymore!”

“Excuse you! I am so much fun!” Chris pretends to be hurt but in fact, he is actually a little bit hurt.

Noah looks at his father and shakes his head before answering. “You won’t let me go out and do anything cool! I have more fun with Mommy!” he pouted.

Yeah, go ahead Noah, twist the knife even more!

“Maybe if you were nicer to your own father, you’d appreciate him more,” Chris starts carefully trying to calm down.

“Maybe Mommy should’ve married Santa because Santa is always nice to me!” Noah exclaims motioning a picture of him sitting on Santa’s, that is Zig in costume, lap, from year ago. They have an agreement that each year one of them dresses up as a Santa and vists homes of the others to entertain the kids. Last year it was Zig’s turn, this year it is James who is actually supposed to come the next day.

Chris counts to ten before opening a mouth but Noah is faster.

“Santa is so cool, he looks a bit like uncle Zig but maybe he’d be Mommy’s type. Don’t get me wrong Daddy, I love you but Santa is cooler. And definitely would let me play outside. And would give me presents every single day! And--”

“And he doesn’t exist Noah, please calm down. Mommy’s mine.” He says firmly only realizing his mistake a second his son’s eyes fill with tears. Shit.

“Noah, it’s not like this, I said it because I was angry, it’s not true, I swear, I--”

“SANTA ISN’T REAL, SANTA ISN’T REAL!!!” Noah cries running out of the room, and downstairs, and then around the house. “Christmas is ruined!!!”

“Noah! Please, I’m sorry! He is real, you’ve met him!!” Chris tries to comfort the kid but it’s pointless.

“That’s why he always looked like one of my uncles! It was all a lie!!! Aaaaaaaaah!” Noah yells and in this moment the door opens and Amy comes inside.

Her eyes widen at her son running around, yelling and crying, and her husband trying to catch their five-year old.

“What is happening here?” she asks and both men freeze.

“Mommy! Daddy said Santa wasn’t real!” Noah runs to his mother and clinges to her legs. Amy throws a cold look at Chris before crouching and pulling the kid into a hug.

“Tell you what, Mommy will make you hot chocolate and you’ll tell me everything that Daddy said, okay?” she offers and Noah nods. Amy kisses his forehead and heads to the kitchen, throwing her coat at Chris. When she’s done and goes to Noah’s room, Chris scratches his head nervously, not being sure what Amy is going to do with him.

Finally, she emerges from their son’s room and wordlessly sits down on a couch next to Chris. They both sit in silence, and Chris worries about what she may say. After a moment, she breaks the silence but still doesn’t look at her husband.

“So...I think I’ll never leave you two together again.”

“Amy..” Chris starts, sorrow in his voice, “I swear I didn’t mean to! I’m so sorry, I know I screw up. Please don’t stop loving me.”

“I really hope you’ll be more careful with this little one,” she says, still not looking at him but placing her hand on her belly.

“I know I—what?” he turns to her suddenly realizing what she just said. “Are you--?”

Amy smiles widely before finally turning to her husband and nodding. “I was planning to tell you on Christmas day but I figured you needed some cheering up after today.”

“Amy...that’s...I’m..” Chris pulls his wife into a hug. They’re having another baby! Addition to their growing family.

“But I swear Christopher, if you screw up again, I’m--”

“I won’t, I promise! I’ve learned my lesson. I’m so happy, Amy, so, so happy! I love you so much,” he says and kisses her passionately. When they part, Amy looks at him lovingly and snuggles against his chest.

“I love you too, Chris.”

“And you,” Chris says to the belly, happy tears in his eyes, “I can’t wait to meet you and I promise I’ll be a better father and never tell you the Santa is not real--”

“Christopher!” Amy says, hands protectively on her flat stomach, “The baby isn’t even born yet!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’m just too excited! I promise I’ll be the best father our kids could have!”

Amy chuckles as she kisses her husband’s cheek, “I know you will, you already are. Just remember to be careful around them, okay?”

“I will, I swear,” Chris burries his face in Amy’s hair, embarrassed but also happy.

Amy shakes her head amused. Life never gets boring with Chris and she can’t wait for this little one to arrive and to see what life has planned for them next.

[heathenbride]

From the Forest, Across the Sea (Part 1)

This is my first fanfiction in a looooooong while so please be patient with me. This is mostly a setup/introduction to the characters

Word Count: 1363

Warnings: Some food mentions but nothing else.

Summary: A Vikings fanfiction following Arlyn as she hears a rumour that sets her off on an adventure that she’ll never forget. 

Under the canopy of the trees nothing seemed to be able to bother the woman. She sat on a rock beside a meandering river with her eyes closed and listened to the world around her. Her mother always said that Arlyn reminded her of a river, calm and serene on the surface with nothing giving away the rushing torrent underneath. The wild side that she shared with most of the men in her family, her mother prayed to the gods that it would skip her only daughter but to no avail.

A twig snapping in the distance brought Arlyn crashing back to reality. She felt for her bow on her lap and with her eyes still closed she traced her fingers over a quiver of arrows by her side. In a flash, she moved to kneel on one knee and drew her bow.

She was met with her brother’s slightly startled face, mouth full of what looked like chicken.

“Dun schoot” he muffled, chicken preventing him from getting his words out properly.

“Brennan.” Arlyn gave a small chuckle “I won’t shoot if you’ve brought food, otherwise I’ll have to attack you for the rest of that chicken.” She gestured to the half eaten chicken leg in his hand.

He swallowed the food still stuffed in his mouth.

“I don’t know. This is pretty good. May even be worth a fight.” He gave a chuckle as he came closer and Arlyn settled her bow back into her lap. When they were young their mother would say that they we’re like twins. They both had the same brown hair, green eyes and talent for getting into and out of trouble.

“I guess I can spare this one though” He pulled another chicken leg from his pack, threw it to her and sat nearby, legs dangling off the edge of the rock so his toes barely skimmed over the water.

“Okay, you can live for now, but I have my eye on you.” She nudged his side gently with her foot as they both laughed.

There was a quiet silence between them for a while. This was broken when Brennan spoke up.

“Father told me that York has fallen.” He seemed somewhat on edge for a second. “We couldn’t gather much information, the Christians are avoiding us. They may come this way so we need to be prepared to fight in case something comes up.”

Arlyn nodded.

“Do we need to scout the area? I can gather a small group and see what we can find.” She offered.

“It’s not my call, Ahri. Father is the one who’s going to be calling the shots. You’ll have to talk to him.” Brennan responded, throwing his chicken bone into the river. He always used that nickname when he tried to convince her of something. “I’d rather you not go though, we can’t have ourselves seen in the area otherwise we may provoke the nearby settlements. We’re hated enough because we won’t bend the knee to their religion.”

Arlyn looked down, it was true. They followed the old gods and often persecuted for their faith. But they had to do something, with prior information they could build proper defences and find their weaknesses in case of attack. There was something about the way Brennan was acting that made her think there was something he wasn’t telling her, but she knew him well enough that pushing the subject wouldn’t help right now. He would tell her in time and if it was important then he would have told her already.

They headed back after a few more hours of talking between each other. The small village coming to view over the horizon, sounds of livestock and the distant murmur of people. The siblings walked the dirt path to their home in the middle. It was unassuming to those who didn’t know what it was, the only landmark was a standing stone near the front door which was marked with protective spells and runes. Entered the great hall which was beginning to come to life with servants setting the tables for the evening feast. Arlyn saw her father sat in his throne talking to one of his guards, when he looked up he beckoned her over with a wave of his hand and a beaming smile. Brennan walked forwards, straight to the kitchen, probably to pick at the food and flirt with some of the serving staff to get extra portions.

“Arlyn, my dear girl. I have not seen you all day.” He stood to offer her a hug

“Sorry about that, I was taking some time to myself for a bit.” She stepped forward to hug her father. After some pleasant conversation about their day and Arlyn trying to slip in about the attack on York, she finally managed it.

“I overheard someone talking about York on my way home, are the rumours true?” she tried her best to act naïve about it.

The king froze for a second before sighing. “I’m not certain. The information came from a peddler trying to sell wares that looked stolen, it could be a ploy to sell stolen goods so they have another excuse to hunt us down.”

“Hasn’t anyone checked?” Arlyn asked as she took a seat at the table closest to him. “Surely you could send someone nearby even just to check.”

“Arlyn. No.” His voice was stern. “You aren’t going to check it out, it’s best that we leave it be.”

“But what if…”

“NO.” He yelled this time, putting and end to the argument once and for all.

After a dull silence and some small talk with the guards people started to pile in to the feast. Soon food, ale and stories were being swapped. Then the singing started, followed by dancing and Arlyn slipping unnoticed from the room.

She gathered her sword and some daggers from underneath her bed and put a few provisions that she stole from dinner in her bag. An apple, a few pieces of pork she had wrapped in cloth and some flat bread. Plenty to see her to York and back if she foraged for berries and roots too.

She waited until the next drunken song started and made her exit. She thought she had made it until a hand wrapped around her arm.

Brennan.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He asked, amused.

“Where do you think?” I shook his hand off. “We need to know more. What if they come for us next? I couldn’t live with myself if I did nothing when I could have prevented this.”

“I know, Ahri.” He sighed and grabbed his own pack. “Be careful, okay? If you aren’t back in a few days I’m coming to hunt you down.”

Arlyn smiled and gave him a hug before running to the paddock to retrieve her horse and start out on the long journey

The sun was beginning to rise on York, barely poking above the horizon. She had been riding foe hours, sticking to the grass to muffle the horses hooves. She found a place to hitch her horse and moved closer to the town on foot. Ducking between foliage and trees she managed to find herself a vantage point in a low tree branch to scout from. Then she waited, nibbling at some of the pork she packed and taking a mouthful of bread.

It was then she heard voices coming from below her. Arlyn froze, her pack in hand reaching for another piece of bread. They came closer but there was no indication they spotted her. She stayed silent but didn’t notice the apple start to roll from her pack until it was too late. It slammed through the branches and onto the floor.

The voices stopped for a second.

Then they started back up again but sounding a bit more angry and much closer this time. 

Arlyn was getting ready to make a run, then an arrow hit near her head and she fell from the branch into the brush below, hitting her head hard against the floor.

She slipped into darkness even though her mind was screaming at her not to.

The last thing she saw was a man with dark hair and bright blue eyes.

@lisinfleur

[omg-imatotalmess]

Friends Forever

Hey guys! Newt Scamander is my baby and he deserves all the love in the world and I fully intend to give him some. What a wonderful cinnamon roll. By the way, this one is going to be long so it will keep going under the cut. I kid you not, it is so long. I got carried away. You have been warned. 

Pairing: Newt Scamander x Slytherin! Reader 

Requested: Nope 

Warnings: A little angsty, swearing, looooooong 

Five Years Old 

You cocked your head, watching a boy who sat alone in the park. The other kids didn’t seem to want to play with him. You didn’t know why. He didn’t seem mean like a few of them you knew. Standing up, you began to walk towards him. 

“Where’re ya goin’, (Y/N)?” (F/N) asked. 

“‘M gonna see if he wants to play,” You said, smiling. All of your friends wrinkled their noses. 

“He’s weird,” (2nd/F/N) said, still wrinkling her nose up. You looked back at the boy, who was drawing in a little book. He didn’t look weird. Just lonely. 

“If you talk to him, we’re not gonna be your friends no more,” (F/N) said. That didn’t sit well with you. Sticking your little nose in the air, you marched your little self over to the boy. They weren’t worth it if they were going to be mean. 

“Hi!” You chirped. The boy jumped, looking at you like you might bite him. 

“H-Hello,” He greeted, quietly. You plopped down next to him in the grass, glancing at his book. 

“Wha’cha drawin’?” You asked. Shyly, he moved it so you could see a sketch of a creature. You didn’t know what it was, but it was cool anyway. 

“It’s a bowtruckle,” He said, “They’re in my book about magical creatures.” 

“Cool!” He smiled at you and your eyes lit up. You hoped that he’d let you be his friend, especially since you’d just lost yours. 

“Yeah! I’m (Y/N) (L/N), call me (Nick name),” You giggled, holding out your chubby hand for him to pull himself off the ground. 

“Newton Scamander,” He said. You wrinkled your nose. 

“How ‘bout ‘Newt’? Sounds better,” You said. Newt smiled at you, nodding. 

“Let’s be friends forever.” You held you pinky out to make the most sacred of promises and he linked his with your own. 

Eleven Years Old

Your letter from Hogwarts had just arrived, coming as no surprise to you or your family. You’d been showing signs of magic forever. Either way, you ran over to Newt’s immediately with the good news. You knocked on the door and Mrs. Scamander answered the door. 

“Hi, Mrs. Scamander! Is Newt home?” You asked, bouncing on your toes. She laughed, lightly. 

“Yes, dear. He’s just cleaning up from tending to the Hippogriffs. Please come in,” She said, leading you into the house. It was the same routine both of you went through every day. 

“I got my letter today,” You told her and she smiled. 

“Congratulations, dear,” She said, leading you into the living room. Newt walked in just as you did and you grinned. 

“Guess what!” You giggled. He pretended to think about it for a moment. 

“You’ve joined the circus?” He teased, giving you a hug. You gave him a playful shove as he let go, laughing. 

“I wish but, sadly, no, I got my letter this morning!” You all but sang. He gave you one of his best grins, pulling out his own letter. You jumped on him, squeezing the life out of him. Neither of you could wait to go buy your wands and robes. As you made your way to his room, you began to think about sorting. 

“What?” He asked, noticing your slight shift in mood. He knew you as well as he knew his mother’s hippogriffs.

“This is dumb but, what if we get sorted into different houses?” You said, rubbing your arm. Newt shrugged, looking a little worried himself. 

“I doubt we’ll be in different houses,” He reassured you. 

“You’re right but, just incase we are,” You held your pink out to him with a smile, “Friends forever.” He linked his with yours making it an unbreakable promise. 

Fourteen Years Old 

You hadn’t been sorted into the same house, but your promise of being friends forever hadn’t changed. You made lots of friends in Slytherin as well as plenty in Hufflepuff. One of those friends, and you use the term loosely, being Leta Lestrange  and you quickly became a trio. All of the adventures you used to go on with just Newt became a group thing and you didn’t mind it, but you also saw something happening. 

Leta was getting really close to Newt and starting to push you away. The adventure duo that had been you and Newt had quickly become a trio; now becoming a duo again without you. To be honest, you didn’t trust that girl as far as you could throw her. Newt seemed happy though, so you kept your mouth shut. Eventually, it got to the point where you wouldn’t see Newt for days at a time. That was about the time you knew you had to say something. 

On an off day, you found Newt alone in the library and figured that then was as good a time as any to tell him how you felt. You’d leave out the parts about not trusting Leta, but tell him that you wanted to see him more. 

“Hey, Newt,” You said, smiling as you slipped into the chair beside him. 

“Hello, (N/N),” He replied, grinning at you. 

“Can I talk to you about something that’s kinda been bothering me?” That got his full attention. He put down his quill and turned to look at you, setting those blue-green eyes on you with a worried look. 

“What’s wrong? Did someone hurt you?” He asked. You shook your head, pushing some (H/C) hair behind your ear. 

“No, no one hurt me. I just wanted to talk to you about something,” You said, appreciating the fact that he worried about you that much. 

“Always.” You shifted nervously in your seat. You didn’t want him to think that you were jealous of Leta or anything. You just wanted to spend a little more time with him. Okay, maybe you were a little jealous.

“Well, it’s just, I feel like I never see you anymore,” You said, tracing the line of the table as you spoke. 

“What do you mean?” He asked. 

“You spend a lot of time with Leta, that’s all. I miss my best friend. I just feel like we don’t hang out as much as we used to,” You said, watching yourself trace lines instead of looking at him. 

“If that’s all it is, I can make some more time for you. I don’t want you feeling left out,” He said sweetly, smiling at you like you were his favorite person in the world. 

“Thanks, Newt,” You said. “Friends forever.” You held out your pinky and he locked his with your own. 

Fifteen Years Old 

As much as Newt told you that he’d make time for you, he didn’t. When he actually did, all the conversation was Leta this, Leta that, ‘isn’t Leta so wonderful’. It was getting annoying, especially since Leta was acting nasty towards you. Instead of going to Newt this time, you went to her. You two were alone in the common room after dinner when you decided to speak with her. 

“Leta, we really should talk,” You said. She glanced up from her book, narrowing her eyes. 

“About what?” She asked. 

“About Newt,” You replied. She smiled, darkly. You didn’t like that look. That look on Slytherin’s meant they were up to something. 

“He’s darling, isn’t he?” She purred. You shifted uncomfortably. 

“I suppose. The two of you are awfully close now, I see,” You said. Her smile widened and she snapped her book shut. 

“You could say that,” She said. You really didn’t like that look. That look was malicious, almost. It meant that Newt was probably going to end up with a broken heart. 

“What do you mean by that?” She snorted a laugh, leaning her chin into the palm of her hand. 

“He got interested when he found out that I’ve been working with a few creatures that could really get me into some trouble; thinks their wonderful things,” She said. This was getting worse by the second though you didn’t let your face convey that. What kind of creatures were they working with? Was he safe? 

“Ah,” You breathed, noncommittally. 

“At least if anything goes wrong, I know he’d be more than willing to take the fall,” She chuckled. This was a damn game to her. It was a joke. It was funny. Your blood began to boil. 

“Leave my friend alone,” You said, lowly. She raised an eyebrow, smiling lazily. 

“Why?” She asked. 

“He doesn’t need people like you in his life. You’ll only give him a hard time,” You snapped.

“You can’t make me.” That much was probably true. You probably couldn’t make her do anything. She was a Lestrange, not exactly the type of person that knew when to quit. 

“I’ll tell him. I’ll tell Newt precisely what you told me,” You growled, standing. She remained in her chair, smiling. 

“He won’t believe you, you know. He likes me too much.” You were Newt’s best friend. He would have to know that you’d never say something like that just to hurt him. 

“Bullshit,” You said, turning to leave. You heard her laugh from behind you.

“Are you jealous because you aren’t his favorite girl anymore? Get over it, (Y/N),” She laughed. With that, you left. So what if you were? That didn’t mean you weren’t worried.

Finding him hadn’t been hard. He was by the Black Lake as usual, looking for the giant squid. You smiled despite your mood and the news you brought. Newt always looked so happy when he was dealing with creatures. You jogged over to him. 

“Newt! Newt, I have to talk to you!” You called as you approached him. He turned to you, grinning. 

“(N/N)! Good, I have to talk to you too,” He said. 

“Alright. I think I should tell you mine first though,” You said, trying to sound as apologetic as possible. 

“Mine’s very important!” He chirped. 

“Yes, but--” 

“I think I’m in love with Leta,” He said. He had hearts in his eyes and that swoony look to him. 

“Newt, I really think you want to hear--” 

“Do you think she might like me?” He spun back to the lake, smiling goofily. You didn’t want to rain on his parade, but you didn’t want anything to happen to him. 

“Look, I’m trying to tell you someth--” 

“Oh, I hope she does. She’s so wonderful, (N/N).” He was practically dancing. 

“About that, Newt she’s no--” 

“(Y/N), Leta loves creatures nearly as much as you and I do. Oh, she’s such a wonderful woman.” You were getting annoyed and more antsy the more he didn’t listen. 

“That’s lovely, but I need you to listen to--” 

“I want to spend the rest of my li--” You gripped his shoulders harshly, dragging him down to look at you. 

“She’s using you, Newt!” You yelled, glad that there was no one else around. His joy dropped away and he stared at you with a blank look. 

“What?” His voice betrayed no emotion. 

“Leta’s using you. She told me in the common room. I’m so sorry,” You said, taking the warm hand that you found so familiar. 

“So am I,” He said. Before you could look up at him, he ripped his hand from your grasp and glared down at you. Shock fell over you. You’d never even seen Newt angry with anyone, let alone you. 

“Pardon?” You asked, dumbly. He ran a hand through his already messy hair, beginning to pace. 

“I’m sorry that you’re so jealous of her that you’d have to make up such awful stories. You know, she told me that she thought you’d try to get rid of her and I laughed. How was I to know that she was right?” He snapped. You blinked at him. You couldn’t believe that he didn’t see that she was using him. 

“Do you really think I’d lie to you?” You asked. 

“I don’t want to believe it, but you’ve done it,” Newt said, for the first time since you’d met him, he sounded cold. 

“Newt, we’re friends forever, I would never do something with the intention of hurting you,” You said, sounding slightly hysterical. 

“I’d really like to believe that, (Y/N),” He said. For the first time ever, he’d called you by your actual name. You reeled back as though you’d been stung. He never used your real name. 

“Newt...” You trailed off as soon as you saw the look in his blue-green eyes. He wouldn’t believe a word you said. 

“What?” He asked, almost impatiently. You blinked, fighting to pull the hole in your chest closed. 

“Fine, you know what, don’t come crying to me when she’s got no use for you.” With that you turned and began to walk away. You didn’t mean that. 

“What happened to friends forever?” He called. You wondered that yourself. 

Sixteen Years Old

She’s finally done it. Leta screwed him over. You knew that it was her that had endangered the life of that girl, not Newt, even if he was the one taking the fall. You raced to Kings Cross as quickly as you could, hoping that you could catch him before he left. You didn’t want to leave things the way you had left them the year before. 

Thankfully, you made it in time. There was the tall, gangly boy with constellations made from freckles, standing on the edge of the platform with tears on his cheeks. Your heart broke. You hated to see Newt cry. 

“Newt! Newt Scamander!” You yelled over the noise of the platform. He looked at you, eyes red and puffy from crying. 

“(Y/N),” He greeted, coldly. You stopped in your tracks. There was your name again. 

“I heard what happened,” You whispered, coming to rest in front of him. He looked away from you. 

“I believe you told me, ‘don’t come crying to me when she’s got no use for you’,” He muttered. His voice was watery and edging on tears again. You hugged him, tightly, knowing that he needed one even if he didn’t want it from you. 

“We’re friends forever, Newt.” He pulled away from you and picked up his case. It was a case you’d gotten him years ago to put his creature related notes in. 

“I’m beginning to feel as though that holds very little meaning.” And he left you standing on the platform, holding back tears because you knew you never should have said anything about Leta. 

Twenty-three Years Old  

You’d moved to New York after Hogwarts for the simple fact that you couldn’t handle being so close to Newt knowing that he wanted nothing to do with you. Life had been quiet. You lived next to two other witches, Queenie and Tina Goldstein, sisters whom you’d become good friends with. Unlike them, you didn’t work for MACUSA, you specialized in potions and remedies for things. 

After hearing two male voices and hushed arguing one night, you figured something was wrong and went to go make sure they were okay. When you knocked, Tina uncharacteristically asked who it was instead of answering the door. 

“It’s (Y/N),” You said, “Is everything okay?” Tina poked her head out of the door and dragged you in. 

“Actually, we could use some help. We have a no-maj with a murtlap bite,” She said. You squinted in confusion. Murtlap were indigenous to Britain. You’d never encountered a murtlap bite outside there. 

“How strange. What’s a murtlap doing in New York?” You wondered aloud as Tina pulled you into the living room. “Are you sure it’s a murtlap bite?” 

“Yes,” She said, urgently. You looked at the man on the couch, a larger man with a nice moustache and a kind face. He appeared to have the correct symptoms. Sighing, you wondered if you even had the things to make it better. 

“Hi, I’m (Y/N), lovely to meet you, sir. May I please see the bite?” You asked, smiling. 

“Jacob Kowalski, nice to meet you,” He said, showing you the bite. Definitely a murtlap. 

“If you don’t mind my asking, Mr. Kowalski, where did you come across a murtlap?” You asked, probing the area lightly. He winced and you gave him an apologetic look. 

“Ah, yes, well, that may have been my fault.” You froze. You knew that voice anywhere. There was no way in hell that Newton fucking Scamander was standing behind you right now. Not a chance in hell. Turning slowly, you came face to face with the Hufflepuff that had once been your best friend. Maybe he wouldn’t recognize you.

“I see,” You said. A look of surprise fell over his face. The again maybe he would. 

“(N/N)?” He said, disbelief spilling into his voice. 

“Hello, Newt. It’s been a while,” You said, unsure if he was happy to see you or not. 

“It would seem so,” He said, quietly. Tina coughed loudly and you looked at her. 

“Can we do this later? We have a no-maj sitting here breaking damn near a thousand laws just by being here,” She snapped. You didn’t take it to heart. She was stressed. Queenie smacked her arm. 

“They have some things to work out, Tinie,” She sing-songed. You shook your head. 

“No, Tina’s right, but I’m afraid I can’t do anything. I don’t have the ingredients.” Tina looked like she could cry as you said that.

Eventually, you found yourself in Newt’s case, helping him tend to his creatures and remembering how fond of them you were, yourself. Smiling to yourself, you brought an empty bucket back to the little shack he had. As you put it way, a picture caught your attention. Upon closer inspection, you realized that Leta Lestrange was looking back at you.

“I suppose you don’t exactly have the same fond memories of her that I do,” Newt said, causing you to jump. You cleared your throat and wiped your hands on your pants. 

“No, I don’t suppose I do.” You began to push past him so you didn’t have to have this conversation. Thankfully, Queenie began asking questions before Newt could say anything else. By the time you came back to the conversation, Newt looked uncomfortable and Queenie looked sad. 

“She’s a taker. You need a giver,” She said, softly. Newt said nothing, but you listened. “You had a giver.” 

“I beg your pardon?” He asked. You wondered the same thing. Queenie gave him a smile. 

“(Y/N), she would have given her right arm to take the fall for you. She would have given up her magic if it meant that you’d be happy,” Queenie said. True. 

“Perhaps a long time ago,” Newt mumbled. Queenie shook her head. 

“Still would.” The tall wizard looked up, brows furrowed in confusion. Again, Queenie was right. 

“Even after...” 

“Yes. She loved you Newt. She still does. Even when she moved here thinking she’d never see you again,” Queenie said, laughing quietly. You came out of your hiding place. 

“She’s right, ya know,” You laughed. You didn’t at all find the situation funny. 

“Really?” He asked. You smiled, running your hands through your hair. 

“Of course. We’re friends forever,” You said, holding out your pinky. For the first time in far too long, he linked his pinky with yours. 

[im-abanana]

If you are taking requests, could you possibly write what happens after the movie like your prequel: Light Blue Sky, Bright Pink Flower. It could be a smut to show how much closer they have gotten after their adventure together and after confessing they love each other. Please and thank you.

Here you are my dear anon! :) I hope you’ll like this little fic (Fluff/Smut/Surprise at the end). 

When I read “It could be a smut.” my mind just elaborated “Do a Smut in that fic!”, so here you go. OwO Enjoy a little piece of my madness.

Thatwarm and bright evening was completely silent, just like the tiredbut satisfied Trolls, asleep in their colorful pods and under softand fluffy blankets made of leaves and hair. Man, what a long daythey had: after their return to the Troll Tree, that was right in themiddle of the new and finally happy Bergen Town, the little singingand dancing creatures had a lot of work to do: building and makingnew pods, fixing the Tree’s broken roots and branches, secure thewild area, pulling weeds, moving things and supplies from their oldhome… yeah, that was exhausting and boring, but necessary.

AndPoppy, the happiest, the most loved and the most positive of all ofthe Rainbow Trolls, was now the new and beloved Queen, so she had alot of responsabilities and duties to perform. Of course, her fatherhelped her with his long experience and wisdom, but still… The girlwas in fact still awake, with big dark circles around her magentaeyes, and was talking to herself, resuming the day’s activitiesquickly and with attention: “Ok, so… It’s been a week, alooooooong week, and I must say we fixed and did a lot ofwork, that’s very good. The roots are ready, green and healty, as thecrown of the Tree, full of leaves and flowers. But we need more podsbecause the population is increasing and the kids are growing, soonthey will need their own little homes! Also, the Tree’s bark is fartoo friable and full of dangerous splinters, and we must create azone for-…”.

“Woah,talking to yourself, Pops? Work and organization sucks, right? Youlook dead tired right now!” a familiar and gentle male voice calledher from not so far, with an ironic but worried tone and crossed,strong blue-green arms. “You’re tiring yourself too much, youshould go to sleep. You are working so hard these days, and for thefirst time of your life! No parties, no jumping in the fields, nosmelling flowers or hugging randomly… you must be lost right now,am I right…”.

“Oh!Branch, it’s just you. Are you still up too, uh?” the royal femalelaughed sincerely and greeted her new and now happy boyfriend,standing up, quickly approaching him and resting her heavy andthrobbing head on his right and strong shoulder, sighing and huffingout her great frustration. “You are right. I know I should get somerest, you’re totally right, but everyone’s counting on me and I don’twanna let them down. Remember, we are in a big, big hurry. The coldseason is coming, you know that, we can’t risk our subjects’ lifelike this. We’ll freeze!”.

“Iknow that indeed, that’s the worst time of the damn year and it’shard to survive without enough supplies, but our work’s half done andthe cold season will come the next month. We’ll be ready in a week ortwo, I promise.” Branch hugged her tightly, trying to comfort andcalm her, caressing her slim and elegant back. “And I’ll be thereto help you if you’ll need me, always. What you’re doing right now,tormenting youself and worrying too much, won’t help at all. Come on,let’s head inside, there are plenty of warm blankets and pillows, agood rest and everything’ll seem alright.”.

“Iguess you’re right as always, you smart, ex-survivalist. Your help isinvaluable, without your guide and precious advices I don’t know whatI would do.” Poppy nuzzled his neck and kissed his left andslightly glittery cheek, closing her bright eyes and smelling him,finally peaceful and quiet in his arms. “You’ll make a great Kingone day, you care so much about me and our people, and everybodyloves and respects you.” she added with a bold smirk, giggling andpunching his back. “King Branch, sounds pretty good right? The badthing is that you’ll have to wear a beautiful flower crown, eheh! I’maware you hate them, I’m so sorry.”.

Thecolorful survivalist gulped and blushed visibly, rubbing his nape andlooking away, embarassed and shy as always. “D-do you really thinkso? I’ll be good enough for the Trolls? For you? Do you really wantme, will you really choose the dull, always prepared andstrange me? I… just don’t know if I deserve that…”.

“No,you won’t be good enough, Branch.” the pink girl slowly shook herhead, looking strangely strict, serious and severe, looking at himinto his light blue eyes, now full of surprise and esitation. “You’llbe perfect for us all. I chose you, and maybe that was thebest decision of my whole life. And I’d choose you, always.” shesmiled widely then, amused by his unsure reactions, grabbing hisstrong but pudgy waist and, on her tiptoes, she pressed her perfumedlips on his, in a kind but passionate and needed kiss.

Branchgroaned and smiled during that welcomed act of affection, his heartfull of joy and pride hearing those beautiful words, and used hisfree and big hands to grab her fluffy hair and gently pull it,knowing how much she would like it. As planned, he heard a tiny butexcited squeal and felt her body against his, hot and tempting.

Whenthey pulled away, Poppy grinned and licked her wet and now flushedmouth, fixing a lock of hair and putting it behind her round ear. “Isee what you did there, are you trying to make me relax in thatway? What a naughty and smug Troll you are, Branch.” the Queenasked, lifting an eyebrow and snickering, a hand on her hip. “But Iam too, so… will you join me in my bedroom?”.

Itwas not like they’ve never done it before or that it was their firsttime: in fact, during those short and maybe too fast weeks, theyfound themselves inseparable and deeply connected, in any existingform. Even in that form. But it was still a strange feelingfor Branch, being inside his girlfriend’s form and whispering lovingphrases, sweet nothings and poetries in her rounded ears.

“Youok, Branch?” Poppy panted with a little and kind smile on her face,her many freckles shone in the darkness as she looked into his lightblue eyes, beneath his muscular but chubby body. Her slim hipsbounced up and down slowly, meeting Branch’s unhurried thrusts. “Youseem a little… uh, restrained? Like you want to say something.”.

“No,no. It’s alright up here. Are you ok down there?” the survivalistsmiled back and laughed, kissing her forehead for a moment andcontinuing his movements, then the male got closer to her right earand huffing: “But maybe you’re right, I would like to saysomething. It’s just… I cannot find the words to describe myfeelings right now, and… damn, I can’t find the words to tell youhow much you mean to me. Maybe I am a poet, well… sort of, butsometimes, especially when I’m around you, I can’t find the right wayto tell you how I feel.”.

“Thenshow me. If you can’t find the right words, then use yourself becauseyou, just you are more than enough for me.” the Queen hugged him,nuzzling against his chest, deeply touched by his sincere words.

Thepink Troll felt her partner speeding up after a few moments ofreflection and esitation, and his royal blue-purple hair twirlingaround hers in a passionate and affectionate dance they shared a lotof times, together and connected, in that fluffy and comfortable bed.“Mhh-!” she moaned, spreading her long legs a bit more, grabbinghim by the waist, and moving her pelvis along with the survivalist’s.

Branchlicked his rather sharp teeth, drooling a little and panting a lot,still not very used to those act of intimate affection, then hegently bit the female’s breasts, sucking them and using his tongue tolap her excited and red nipples, enjoying her wails and whines ofpleasure.

SuddenlyPoppy used her great strength and agility to lift her smaller bodyup, helping herself with her behind’s muscles, sitting on the blueTroll’s lap and smirking, happy to finally be on top. Sheloved it, when she could move and watch her boyfriend’s desperateexpressions, closely. With a loud but muffled scream, she started toride her companion’s rod with speed, while kissing him on the lipsand rubbing his belly and nape with her free arms.

“Ugh!”Branch groaned loudly, his eyes barely open and his tongue out,sitting on the pallet and enjoying the show his girlfriend wasputting up. He felt a warmth in his groin area and his manhoodswelling inside her damp and dripping slit. “She really loves tobe on top, uh…”.

“Someone’sapproaching his peak, Branchie? Awh!” the smug and self-confidentQueen joked while huffing, rubbing his cheek and pressing herforehead against his sweaty one for a second. “It’s ok, I-I’mreaching it too… j-just let it out… will you?”, Poppy knew howto make him come anyway, in fact she knew a really, really sweet spotof his: smiling and smirking, she opened her mouth again and bitgently his pointy and moving ear with her rounded teeth.

“P-Poppy!”he shouted with a not-so-manly and very surprised tone, his handsgrabbing her slim hips on instinct and his organ emptying itselfinside the Queen’s welcoming and warm canal, filling her up with hiswhite and fertile sexual liquid, that poured out slowly, on the dirtyand now messy sheets. “Mpgh…”.

“Branch!”Poppy shivered in pleasure right after him, clenching her muscularinner walls around her partner’s dick and riding out her own orgasm,while electric waves clawled up and down her arching back. “Ahh…”she concluded after a long minute, falling back on the mattress alongwith the survivalist, both of them dead tired, panting visibly andsweaty. But satisfied. Really satisfied. “I admit it… that…relaxed me quite alot.”.

“T-Toldyou… And guess what, that even helped me, you know… gathering abit of courage to tell you something.” the survivalist laughedweakly, kissing her lips for the last time and suddenly sitting onthe bed, grabbing his green gilet and searching for something in itspockets. When he found and took it, he turned towards hisgirlfriends, hands behind his naked back and an embarassed smile onhis chubby face. “Poppy, we’ve known each other for so long, 20years, and I never found the bravery or guts to talk to you, never.But believe me when I say that I loved you so, so much. I loved youwith all my heart and soul, but I was a coward and I was scared.Scared to lose you, like I lost my grandma. Only during our journeyand especially in that pot, when you lost your hope, happiness andcolors, I found myself finally capable to show my real feelings andto tell you I loved you. I couldn’t let you go, I couldn’t see youall grey and sad like I was. And gosh, when you told me you loved meback… I just couldn’t believe it: you, the most perfect and…well, rather annoying dork, my love interest, my beloved party-lovingand funny Princess, loved me! You didn’t give up on me, that’s why Ifell in love with you long, long ago; with your smile you were ableto bright my days and fantasies, especially when I wrote poetriesabout you. You are my bigger inspiration and an essential part of mynew, colorful and beautiful life. And even if maybe’s too early…I’d like to make it official.”.

“…B-Branch? What do you mean, what are you trying to say?” Poppyasked, a little insecure and excited, with her big, enrapturedmagenta eyes, looking at the little and opened black box with agolden and shiny ring inside, right in front of her.

“Poppy,will you marry me?”.

[3one3]

The Sequel - 819

Never Okay

André Schürrle, Juan Mata, other Chelsea/BVB players, and random awesome OC’s (okay they’re less random now but they’re still pretty awesome)

original epic tale

all chapters of The Sequel

“How is it there today?”

“It’s South Beach. It’s the same every day. Hot. Humid. Sunny.”

“I mean around the horse show.”

“It’s fine. I rode them a little at 7 this morning and they both jump this afternoon, but there are so many entries it’s gonna be a looooooong break in between. One long side of the ring is open for anybody to walk up and watch, and the people just barely stick up over the advertisements. I’m not sure the boys will like that.”

“It must be great to ride a dozen yards from the surf though, yeah?”

“It’s okay.”

“Cheer up, Prinzessin, please. Everyone is okay. And the result yesterday isn’t the worst thing.”

“I know, I’m just...I don’t know. The world is especially ludicrous this week. I’m jumping multi-million-dollar horses on the beach in Miami for rich people to watch between socializing and drinking, and leaders are gassing their own people, and terrorists are trying to blow up football teams- your football team. I just- I don’t- Pffffft.” Christina let out a protracted and frustrated sigh/groan combination deal that she felt did a better job expressing her feelings than she could do with actual words. She didn’t really want to be in beautiful Miami Beach with beautiful Rio and Nick to compete on the Tour with her friends. She didn’t really want to go home and hold André and Lukas safely in her lap on the couch and dwell on how scary the bus attack was, and how terrible it is to experience something that hits so close to home. She just wanted the stuff related to the second to not have happened, so that she could enjoy the first, and so that the world could appear less bleak, hypocritical, and cruel. The crawl on the TV in the restaurant she went to for lunch with her colleagues bragged that the US just dropped “the mother of all bombs” on an ISIS target in Afghanistan, and Christina couldn’t help but wonder how many football games would turn out like the one she watched the afternoon before as a result of such aggression, and that was obviously the least concerning effect, really.

That game was miserable. No one from the German side wanted to play. They weren’t prepared to play. Some of the guys didn’t even get to sleep after returning home to their families and beginning to understand how serious and how crazy their experience was on the bus. Borussia started poorly, predictably, and gave up a penalty. It wasn’t converted, but Sven Bender managed to concede an own goal minutes later anyway. He was filling in at centre back in his first appearance since December because Marc needed surgery. Monaco also scored a likely offside goal, and then capitalized on a terrible mistake by Lukasz for their third. Dortmund came out looking much more like themselves during the second half, particularly with some personnel changes working in their favor, and managed to crawl it back to 2-3. Their fight would be uphill for the return leg. And that didn’t even matter that much. The players were just really upset about having to play. It all upset Christina, because it wasn’t just any game and any result. Advancement in the Champions League was important to the club financially, and to the team’s state of mind. They were really suffering in the domestic league. They needed a positive campaign in Europe to help keep them going. She was upset because the guys she was beginning to get to know, and the guys whom she loved from a far for years and years, all seemed so devastated. Most of all, she was upset that she couldn’t be there for André. He kept saying he was fine, and he sounded okay, but the rider just knew he would have really appreciated having his girl there for hugs and talking and general support.

“I know it doesn’t feel real,” the injured BVB man told her. “You’re still allowed to enjoy your horse show, though. Some people have the job to entertain and preoccupy us so we don’t all have to think about the terrible stuff every minute of the day.”

“Well maybe we should all think of it every minute of the day and then maybe we’ll be motivated to fix it!”

“Chris.”

“I’m just saying...”

“Where is the party tonight?”

“In the VIP chalet.”

“Are you going to wear a dress?”

“Yes.”

“Which one?”

“The blue one you picked for me in New York.”

“Oh, I love that one.”

“Just as soon as it’s 75 at night in Dortmund I’ll wear it for you too.”

“Have a fruity drink for me.”

“I’m drinking out of a coconut right now.”

“Send me a picture.” Do something so I know you’re better than you sound, André willed his girl. The team had the day off and he had nothing to do. Everyone wanted to spend time with family. Half of his family was in Miami and the other half was a few hours away waiting for his nephew to show up. The little boy was a bit late. It still baffled the player that the incoming baby’s father was still showing in another hemisphere instead of waiting by Mom’s side, but he was glad to have another person in Christina’s orbit to keep an eye on her. He was already texting with Espen and Tom to make sure she was a functioning sad girl and not just a sad girl. By all accounts, she was still doing her normal things, be they workouts, food habits, and baby playtime. Tim told him she called and asked him to get her out of some media commitments and to dodge any inquiries to his office pertaining to the bus attack. She didn’t want to talk about what happened, or how she felt about it. Most people at the Miami Beach venue- a combination of the local convention center, long fenced off paths across streets and between hotels, and a jumping arena on the beach itself- didn’t register a low level potential terrorist attack in a secondary German city, even though it did make the American news. The European riders were more aware of what happened, and the significance of it, and the significance as it pertained to Christina. So did the European journalists kicking around to cover the Tour. Many traveled on the same trip she did, primarily for the World Cup. Their reigning GCT champion was thankful for the sympathy of both groups, and desperate to avoid the questions of the second. Her agent was helpful. So was getting away from the venue and spending her free time in other parts of Miami with her son. His dad was just worried that she would let everything get to her, that it would hurt her preparation or her riding, and then make her upset with herself too and not just humanity and the rest of the world.

It was easier for André to worry about her than it was to further internalize what happened closer to home. Naturally he was thankful not to be on the bus on Tuesday night. Naturally he felt terrible about his friends and colleagues and coaches being on it. Naturally he felt as if something was really wrong in the world if football teams were the new target for terrorism. But he also knew he couldn’t do his job or enjoy his sport if he let himself think too much about the implications, or become too afraid. Not only would it mean giving in to the bad guys, but it would also mean surrendering something he loved- something he lived for. André wasn’t willing to do that. He was capable of embracing hope for change and a better future, and in the absence of that, ignoring reality.

He also missed Christina, a lot. Her return flight was Sunday, and Sunday couldn’t come soon enough. Three weeks away was too many, even if there wasn’t a major life drama involved to make him need her presence more than usual. He still couldn’t train, and he asked about permission to go to Miami. The medical staff said the things they could do for him each day to speed the healing process were worth maintaining, so he couldn’t leave. There was a chance he could start individual training on Friday, too. He was quite relieved to learn that Juan was in the same boat. The Spaniard wasn’t back in training yet, but needed to be at Cobham daily for treatment. That kept him away from Miami too, and prevented him from being Christina’s Savior in Time of Need again.

She sent him a selfie with her coconut and straw, and then posted a picture of Nick “drinking” from it. She had to hold it up for him and get Tom to snap the photo. The Hanoverian didn’t really know how to drink from a straw. He did, however, hold onto said straw with his lips. He kept lifting it out of the coconut. The photo op was more difficult than anticipated. Tom indulged her instead of reminding her that she needed to go walk the first course. He wasn’t thrilled about the bomb attack from his personal perspective either. He’d just moved his young family into the area from significantly further from the center of Dortmund. Three weeks away from that family was difficult for him too, and he was stressed about having someone new working at the barn at home. Christina hired a 28-year-old Belgian woman with good references and a seemingly pleasant personality to help Kyle take care of the 11 horses left in the barn, including Navarra, who was delivered halfway through Nick and Rio’s tour of North America. Her little Dirk foal, Dylan, was successfully weaned and getting on just fine in a big group with the other youngsters, and there was no need for her to remain at Holger’s, racking up board bills. It was cheaper to keep her at home, especially since she wasn’t in foal again. Holger and Tom planned to try to move her cycle up so that they could breed her in May for an April delivery. Part of the plan was to keep lights on her, since a mare’s cycle is largely dependent on the photoperiod, and part was letting her hang around near the boys. That was much easier at Christina’s than at the federation’s training center, since the breeding stallions were kept elsewhere. Christina almost hoped it wouldn’t work and that they’d have to wait another year to breed her again because it would buy her some time to decide whom to breed her to. Everyone thought it would be Nick. In her heart, she wanted it to be Marcus’ retired stallion, Plot Blue. That wasn’t exactly the greatest signal about Nick in marketing terms.  

In any case, rider and groom were helping each other along- helping each other cope with missing their loved ones, and worrying about what went on at home. They were a good team. It didn’t always seem that way of late, but Christina thought, if nothing else, three weeks on the road did good things for that relationship. Her relationship with Dirk, and even with herself, were the ones she hoped to go away to work on. Strengthening the one with her groom- her most important team member and ally on the road- was a satisfying accident. They had a lot of steaks together in Nebraska, a lot of tacos together in Mexico, and a lot of Cuban coffee in the morning in Miami. Christina brought him one each morning when she turned up to ride, usually between 6 and 7.

All of those things, from mares to grooms, were thoughts and evolutions of thoughts that she shared extensively with Juan. He was getting the deep daily briefing, and André was getting the André Schürrle Family briefing. His wife thought it was almost weird that they weren’t fighting while she was away. They were actually getting on really well, even before the scary bus attack. She endeavored to preserve that good trend by keeping discussion sort of superficial- just talking about the tick-tock of her day and her husband’s, about Lukas, and her general feelings about how the horse showing was going. Juan was getting the full philosophical mind dig every day, primarily because he always did. Christina could tell him anything troubling her, anything she felt like examining, anything she wanted perspective on, and not worry about what it would do to their ability to communicate, or that she would upset him, or detract from the importance of what was going on his life. The Chelsea man always let her talk as much as she wanted, and then he unloaded things on her too, and got the same listening service. André wasn’t always so good at that, so he didn’t get that exchange. Sometimes he reacted to something that mattered to his wife, or bothered her, in a way that diminished it, or he was overtly dismissive, or he wanted to argue and tell her she was wrong to think the way she did about whatever it was. Holding some topics back was an exercise in defense- of their relationship, not just herself. She held nothing back from her ex.

“What are you up to?” he asked her on his regular daily first call, usually the one before any competition. The Miami schedule was a little different, so he caught her between rides.

“Sitting under a palm tree.”

“At the beach?”

“There aren’t any palm trees on the beach. Technically I’m in a parking lot, I think.” Christina sat up from her chair-in-a-bag to try to figure out exactly what the space converted for hand walking was originally. It was surface parking for trucks and such that needed to unload. The horses were stabled in outdoor tents nearby. She put her chair under a tree on the edge of the pavement to generally hide from people. No media people or Tour people or FEI people or Longines people would look for her there, and it was shady, and there was some grass for Lukas to play in, though Espen was pushing him around the parking lot in Tom’s wheelbarrow.

“How was the Samba King?”

“We had a rail because he was distracted by girls in bikinis.”

“Understandable.”

“How was your day?”

“Not so good, actually,” Juan told her without inflection. “The recovery is going to take a little longer than expected.”

“Oh no, did you do too much too soon?” The rider slowly settled back into her black nylon chair, a deep frown on her face under her baseball cap. She was really done with the sun.

“More like we just thought everything would heal faster than it is. I probably won’t be able to play again this year,” her friend reported, still without the appropriate amount of angst and disappointment.

“This year? Or this season?”

“Season! It’s better to just give it lots of time and then be all fit and ready for pre-season.”

“Aww, Juanin. Way to bury the lede. Why didn’t you tell me that sooner? I’m so sorry. That’s so shitty!” Poor babe. Poor me, because I will be deprived of watching him play, but poor him! God this week sucks. Christina lifted her cold-ish water bottle to her cheek and held it there, seeking reprieve from the heat as much as the misfortune of her loved ones. It really wasn’t that warm on Thursday afternoon but she was struggling to stay cool nevertheless. Something about riding right next to the water made her body intensely hot. Tom guessed it was the water itself, drawing extra rays.

“It’s not a big deal,” Juan seemed to shrug. “I rather play it safe than risk making it worse and missing even more time. Now I’ll be the most rested going into pre-season!” he chuckled. “And I have free time to do other things. I go to watch you at some of those competitions. I still owe you the tour of Madrid. We didn’t do that last year.”

“Madrid is the same weekend as the last Premier League match. You have to be there to lift your trophy.” Christina smiled in spite of the bittersweet thought of the Chelsea man not being able to play in the run in to Chelsea’s next title. Thinking about the trophy just made her happy. She only even knew the fixture conflicted with the GCT stop in the Spanish capital because she checked to see if she could go to the match and see her Blues lift the prize. “You’re welcome to come to Hamburg the weekend after though, or Cannes, or wherever. I’m bringing the boat there.”

“With André, I’m sure.”

“He has a tournament to play in. I don’t expect to see him much until after Monaco and Paris. We might go to Portugal, and northern Spain. I dunno.”

“You don’t sound happy about that.”

“I’m not. Even if I didn’t show as much, I still wouldn’t see him. The games are all over this year. But anyway...never mind me. Aren’t you desperately sad?” The girl in all white slipped her sweating water bottle inside the open collar of her stretchy long sleeve show shirt, to cool her sternum, basically, and didn’t care if it made the white shirt wet and see-through. It would shock no one to know she was wearing a white adidas sports bra underneath.

“No. It’s easier to take after what happened this week. My situation could be a lot worse.” The Spanish player cleared his throat, and then changed course again. It was like neither of them wanted to speak about themselves. “You have the team competition later, right?”

“Yeah. I have to go change into my team kit soon but I don’t wanna get up. Whose idea was it to schedule show jumping in the middle of the afternoon in Miami? They should do everything at night. I guess they can’t get lights on the beach.”

“Which is your team again?”

“The St. Tropez Pirates. I didn’t have a choice. It’s a little weird for me because our under-25 rider is German and the main competition for Stef for spots in the real team- the German team. This is my last one for a while. Only two of the 5 of us can do each event. Simon, Jos, and me are the only ones over here, so I’ve done both and they’re each doing one. I’m skipping some back in Europe when the other people are there to do it. I kind of wish I hadn’t signed on to do the Champions League at all.” Christina wrinkled her nose and removed the bottle from her shirt to have a sip from it. She was tempted to add to herself that she wished she hadn’t signed on to come to the show at all, but she knew that wasn’t really true. Her attitude toward competing in Miami was largely indifferent. It was fun to ride next to the pretty blue water, and it was fun to go to some great restaurants with her friends, and it was fun to play with Lukas in the sand. The actual competing just didn’t excite her much. Daniel told her that was a good thing. He said it meant her brain was just separating the average events from the really big and significant ones, and saving her best for the latter group. His teammate wasn’t sure if she bought that reasoning, but it was as good an explanation as any she could come up with, besides that she’d just lost the drive. That was an explanation she didn’t want to entertain.

“Why? Isn’t it fun to have a team and everything and have it not be as serious as competing with your country?”

“Yeah but we can’t use our own stuff. I have to wear a team shirt or jacket, and the horse has to wear the team saddle pad and ear net. We can’t display our personal sponsors. That means I can’t even use Socks, or Dirk. Dirk can’t do anything without an adidas logo except WEG and the Olympics.”

“That’s kind of like our Champions League. No club sponsors displayed in the stadium.”

“Yeah. The most important one stays on your shirt though.”

“I need to go, cariña. We’re doing the private opening of the restaurant tonight. Call me back later if you want. I’ll be up late.”

Christina and Juan said goodbye and good luck for their respective events, and the rider kissed her son goodbye for a little while too. She needed to go switch shirts and trek back over to the beach to walk the course for the first class in the two-part Global Champions League competition. The event was in its second year. Germany’s brightest star didn’t get involved in the inaugural season, and despite her telling Juan that she wished she didn’t sign up to participate in the second one, she really didn’t have a choice.

The organizers guaranteed a packed, top class field for their signature League classes by making the second one the qualifier for the Grand Prix. The Grand Prix was the only class counting for points toward the Tour championship. Individuals could contest the qualifier, but the catch was in the scheduling. Riders could only bring two horses. The first day of competition included a 1.45m Table A class and the 1.55m Table A Team competition first round. The second day was just one 1.50 Table A class. The third and final day featured the second round of the Team competition/Grand Prix qualifier, and the Grand Prix itself just three hours later. In addition to placing in the top 25 of the qualifier, riders were required to jump their Grand Prix horse in that first 1.45m class on the first day in order to be eligible. No one was going to try to do the qualifier and the Grand Prix on the same horse. It was too much jumping for one afternoon. As such, they all needed a good second horse to do the qualifier. Working backwards, the only Day 2 class really needed to be for the Grand Prix horse, otherwise he or she was sitting for a day without any good prep, and he or she was required to jump in the easy class on Day 1, which wouldn’t be a good enough prep on its own. That meant the qualifier horse couldn’t jump on Day 2, and he or she couldn’t jump in the easy class on Day 1 either because that was for the Grand Prix horse. In order not to have to go into the qualifier without a single warm up or prep class, riders had to enter their qualifier horse in the Team competition and jump in the second class on Day 1. Technically, individuals were allowed to enter that too, just as they were allowed to enter the qualifier, but there was €10,500,000 in additional prize money on the line for the Team competition. Christina and Tom decided it would be silly to go and jump in all the same classes anyway and give up the chance to win a piece of that bonus purse.

Even the thought of that eventual prize money windfall wasn’t enough to inspire the rider. Her round with Nick was fine. She jumped clear. It was uneventful and unremarkable in every single way. After tying up her loose ends for the show day, Christina went back to her hotel room to shower and do nothing until it was time to go to the welcome party, which as it turned out was not actually in the VIP tent. It was happening right in the hotel. That meant she had even more time to lie in bed and relax. Lukas was already napping when she finished washing her hair, and Espen asked if she could assume responsibility for him for a little while so she could go work out. That meant Lukas’ mom couldn’t nap, but she didn’t mind. She called his dad to help keep her awake, and because she just wanted to talk to him.

“Is everything alright?” he asked her sleepily, as she wasn’t in the habit of calling him at midnight his time, and because she’d already sent him a goodnight text.

“I miss you. A lot. And it’s the real kind of missing you, not like how I missed you even when we were fighting all the time. It’s like...I just miss everything about being near you, and I can’t wait to get home.” And this matters because for a long time I have only missed Juanin this way, Christina pointed out in her head only. She didn’t want to share that part with André. She wasn’t sure how she felt about it. It should have been a good thing- a sign that her relationship with the German was really getting strong again- but she had a nagging sense of disappointment about it.

“I miss you too, Prinzessin. And I’ll see you soon. Just a few more days.”

“What are we going to do this summer? We’ll hardly see each other.”

“We’ll find time for visits. It’ll be okay.”

“It’s never been okay.”