#and who you happily give up so much fore

[ikjun]

i actually think giving up your hobbies, even something as “trivial” as fandom or fandom spaces on social media, to only study or go to work and spend time with your boyfriend a disturbing lifestyle that is normalised way too often (and more for women than for men, who usually preserve their hobbies and fandom spaces) and i don’t think it’s a sign of maturing or being more of an adult. i honestly think it’s rather embarrassing.

[revasserium]

Pining Zoro and blind-to-it Reader?

un-certainly

opla!zoro; 3,422 words; fluff fluff fluff so much fluff, straw hat!reader, fem!reader, (seeminlgy) clueless!reader, lots of pining, banter, teasing, smitten!zoro, the whole nine yards

summary: in which everyone knows zoro's got it bad for you, except for you, of course.

one.

“so… i should just… talk to her.” zoro says uncomprehendingly, blinking at an exasperated nami, who has to take a long, steadying breath to keep from shoving him overboard. the waves beneath them are calm, the day above them, a gorgeous, endless stretch of blue so brilliant it almost pains the eyes to stare.

nami resists the urge to pinch her nose bridge as a dull ringing starts to echo in her ears.

“yes. sweet god — just go up to her and say ‘hey, i think i might like you’ and i guarantee you, things will go from there.”

zoro shifts his tightly knitted arms, squinting at her as if she might be lying or purposefully luring him into a trap, “go? so there’s a chance it could go badly.”

this time, nami really does drop her face into her hands, groaning loudly.

“well there’s always a chance it could go badly —”

“sounds like a bad idea to me.” zoro looks away, eyes still narrowed as the light sea breeze ruffles his hair, a colony of news coo squawking loudly overhead, one of them dropping down to careen towards the going merry, landing on the thick white railings next to them, ruffling it’s feathers as nami pushes off to dig in her pocket for some berry.

“oh! newspapers here!” your voice makes both zoro and nami jump, and a second later you’re bounding up the stairs to the forecastle deck and stuffing some berry into the news coo’s bag. your arm brushes by zoro’s as you lean over to offer the news coo a piece of dried shrimp, which it considers for a second before leaning forward and gobbling up.

nami gives zoro a soft shove from his other side, leveling him with a meaningful look before turning and making a show of going to check on her tangerine grove.

zoro doesn’t have time to glare before the news coo takes off with a pat-pat-pat of wings, leaving you and him very much alone on the sunny fore-deck. he purses his lips, casting about for something to say even as you hum happily to yourself, your arm still painfully close to his as you unroll the newspaper and flip though, blissfully unaware of the inner turmoil of the man standing next to you.

“uh — anything interesting?” zoro asks, desperate for something, anything to fill the silence.

you shrug, “nope… just the usual — uptick in piracy along the coast, tightening of marine patrols…” you turn and cast him a grin that makes his stomach twist inside him like a contortionist from buggy’s freakshow.

zoro clears his throat, thumbing absently at the hilt of his swords before taking a deep breath.

“hey — uh…”

“hm?” you turn towards him, with your wide attentive eyes and your stomach-curling smile.

zoro blinks, his gaze flickering from your soft button nose to the way the wind twines its fingers in the loose strands of your hair. two twin pearls glitter from the lobes of your ears and he feels the tension melt from him as he sucks in another breath.

just say it, nami had said, just tell her.

really, how hard could it be?

“i uh — there’s something i wanna talk —”

“wait, hold still,” you say, your eyes going wide as you lean forward suddenly and zoro’s visions tunnels in around him — you’re close, closer, too close/too close/too close!

your fingers card through his hair and he has to bite back the shiver that rockets down his spine as you pull your hand back with a black-tipped feather.

“the news coo left you a present,” you say, laughing as you offer him the feather.

zoro considers it for a second before taking it from you.

“it could’ve left worse,” he says, recalling the few times that he’d gotten bird shit in his hair.

you giggle; the sound makes him want to scream but instead, he settles for clearing his throat again.

“now, you make a wish,” you say, nodding towards the feather in his hand.

“never heard of that before,” he frowns slightly, “thought you could only wish on dandelion seeds and…” he waves at the endless stretch of sky above you, “shooting stars and stuff.”

your smile is so wide that zoro thinks his cheeks might start to hurt for you.

“haven’t you heard that rules are meant to be broken?” you ask, offering him the feather again. he looks at you, then at the feather, and the back at you.

“okay — i wish —”

you squawk flapping your hand, “no! you can’t tell me what the wish is! otherwise, it won’t come true!”

zoro smirks, cocking an eyebrow, “i thought rules were meant to be broken?”

you blush the most darling shade of red and he decides to take it easy on you (and, honestly, himself). so, he plucks the feather from your hand and closes his eyes, making a soft, silent wish. a wish that, in truth, he’d been making since the moment he met you.

when he opens his eyes, it’s to find you staring.

“kay. now what?” he asks, rolling the feather between his thumb and forefinger.

“now…” you gently tug the feather from him before opening your palm and letting the wind whisk it away, “you let the sea take your wish. and if you’re worthy, it’ll grant the wish for you!”

zoro lets out a breathy laugh, “if i’m worthy? and how’s it supposed to know that?”

you lean in, and if it were anyone else, he might’ve been annoyed, but with you, somehow, he finds himself charmed.

your voice is conspiratorial as you whisper, “because… the ocean knows all the secrets the sky can’t keep.”

two.

at dinner, with you by his side, usopp detailing some imaginary adventure, nami laughing, sanji blowing smoke rings towards the middle of the fire-lit deck. your cheeks are pink from the wine everyone is passing around and for a second, you bump into him and turn — he turns towards you too —

your eyes catch like unsuspecting fish to a bobbing hook and zoro feels his stomach tug as you grin up at him, the night sky caught in the flutter of your lashes.

he can’t help the way his gaze flicks down to your lips, and then back up again.

“feel like sharing?” you ask, nodding towards his half-finished bottle.

wordlessly, he hands the bottle to you and watches as you bring the mouth to your lips and take a long drink. he tracks the soft bobbing of your moon-lit throat and feels his own mouth go dry at the sight.

across the fire, sanji watches with a growing smile and nami rolls her eyes.

“oi, moss-head — mind if i take a swig too?” sanji asks as you hand back the bottle, dragging the back of your hand across your lips, and zoro turns to pin sanji with a glare.

“get your own,” he says, before polishing off the rest with a few hard sips and tossing the bottle into a rapidly growing pile.

zoro licks his lips and tries not to think about the way your lips had fit around the bottle just right; he tries not to wonder if you’d taste like wine. or, if he’d even have the mind to think that far if you were to let him kiss you.

three.

“… and then, you pull it through… like this?” you slowly bring your arm through a swiping movement, your hands clutched around the hilt of a wooden training sword. zoro sighs, shaking his head.

“uh — not quite — here,” he pushes off from the barrel he’s sitting on to circle around behind you, wrapping one hand around both of yours, the other palm curling around your middle to press against your stomach, “you’re breaking in your waist again — keep your core tight and —” he helps you swing the sword through in a swift arc.

“oh.”

it takes him a second to realize how close you are, how he can feel your entire back pressed against his entire front, how perfectly you fit into his arms, how easy it’d be to hold you to him and never let go.

“so just… practice that a few hundred times,” he says, stumbling back as his cheeks go hot and he feels the inexplicable urge to toss himself into the calm, saltine waves below, if only to cool down just a bit.

“will you practice with me?” you ask, your smile wider than the sky is wide — zoro is sure.

he blinks at you for a second before making a show of sighing and rolling his eyes.

“ah… i guess i could use a bit of practice too.”

he pulls out the wadou ichimonji and takes his stance next to you.

“ready?” he asks.

you nod, glancing over and adjusting your posture.

“okay, how many are we doing?”

zoro casts around for a number, “a thousand.”

“zoro!”

“five… hundred?”

you cast him a look that makes his stomach flip inside him.

“how about we start with a hundred, and then i’ll see how i feel from there?”

zoro clicks his tongue, smirking, “i could do a hundred in my sleep.”

you make a show of rolling your eyes, “fine then — go take a nap!”

zoro huffs as he clears his throat, “right then — let’s start — one, two —”

you squeak as you hurry to catch up, jumping as he reaches out a hand to correct your posture.

up on the foredeck, luffy watches with usopp by his side.

“hey! i wonder if zoro would teach me sword tricks if i asked!”

usopp sighs, clapping luffy on the back even as he shakes his head.

“uh — not that i think he wouldn’t but … maybe you should just… let them do their thing, yeah?”

four.

“i think you really should tell her,” luffy says, slapping zoro on the shoulder, a bit harder than he’d intended. zoro winces, pressing a palm to his chest — still sore from their recent raid.

“i don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.”

luffy laughs, leaning forward against the railing, “nami said you’d say that.”

zoro fights the urge to scowl as he sighs, his eyes narrowed at the damnably calm horizon. at least if the weather weren’t so nice, he could make up an excuse to leave but —

“really, what’s the worse that could happen?” luffy asks.

zoro grunts, shooting luffy a sidelong look, “oh i don’t know, she doesn’t feel the same and shit gets awkward and —” he waves a hand at the going merry, “the crew falls apart.”

thankfully, luffy doesn’t pause to call him out on for once not denying it.

instead, he lets out a contemplative hum, “hm… yeah, that could happen. but… i don’t think it will.”

inside his chest, zoro’s heart clunks, strange and uncoordinated.

“why? she say something to you?” he can’t keep the curiosity from his voice, the stomach-squeezing anticipation he’d only ever associated with the heat of battle and a really good fight. but now, he feels it whenever you get too close, and he wonders if he can go insane like this — if one day his heart might just give out.

“nope!” luffy’s voice is too bright, too cheerful, and zoro feels himself rolling his eyes before he can stop himself, “i’ve just got a feeling!”

“a feeling.”

“yeah! and — have a little faith! the straw hat crew isn’t that fragile.”

with that, and another hearty clap to the shoulder that leaves zoro hissing in pain, luffy clomps off towards the kitchens, where sanji is already doing dinner prep. zoro lets out another sigh as he straightens, carefully stretching his arms to test the range of motion.

above him, a flock of migratory geese fly southward in a soft, arrowhead formation. zoro holds up a hand to shield his eyes from the sun as he watches them pass overhead.

a single feather flutters down towards him and he finds himself reaching out to catch in the palm of his hand.

a wish, huh, he thinks, twirling the feather between two fingers before casting around to make sure no one else can see him. satisfied that everyone else is either too far away or below decks, zoro closes his eyes and makes a wish —

alright roronoa, please. don’t fuck this up.

five.

“ahem.” zoro clears his throat after dinner, making a point to down a couple more drinks than usual. he’s never been one to believe in liquid courage, but… it couldn’t hurt, right?

“can we, uh, talk?”

you smile a smile that threatens to crack his chest wide open, nodding.

“sure! what’s up?”

across the room, sanji visibly stills but nami catches his eye and shakes her head ever so slightly.

“c’mon… not in here,” zoro says, jerking his head towards the hallway that leads to the decks above.

“what’s got you so secretive all of a sudden?” you ask as he leads you all the way up to the crows nest, reaching down to help tug you up, letting his hand linger in yours as you grin up at him.

“i’m allowed to have secrets,” he says, turning to stare out at the darkened sea, the summer moon hanging low and full-bellied over the glittering waters, the stars winking like so many all-seeing eyes.

“we all are, but… i thought we’d gotten all your big ones after that one night the whiskey bar —”

zoro coughs, “alright, alright — don’t need to bring that up again.”

you laugh, leaning forward to pillow your cheek against your crossed arms, propped up along the edge of the crows nest.

“so? what’s this new secret, then?”

zoro swallows, “uh — wouldn’t exactly call it new.”

“alright then, an old secret.”

“not super old, either —”

you turn to look at him, half-exasperated, half-amused, but when you catch sight of his expression, you still, pressing your lips.

“zoro? is… everything okay?”

he ticks his tongue against his teeth and lets out a long breath, as if bracing himself for something before he says —

“yeah. i think —” he clears his throat again, trying to recall what nami had said about just saying it and he tries again.

“i think i might like you.”

the coil in his chest feels tight enough to snap, but you’re quiet as he turns to steal a glance at you.

“oh,” you say, you expression curiously contemplative as you look out over the darkened seascape.

zoro has to physically stop himself from shaking you by the shoulders — say something, goddamnit! say anything!

“so…” he says, knitting his arms across his chest instead.

you turn towards him, your eyes bright as twin stars.

“you think you might like me, right?” you ask, and for a second, zoro can only blink down at you, completely thrown by your lack of reaction. of all the things he’d imagined you doing — everything from getting angry to apologizing to throwing yourself at him with an impassioned speech about how you’d felt the same since the beginning — this was not one of them.

“uh… yeah, pretty sure that’s what i said.”

you cock your head, a quick, bird-like gesture that makes zoro’s heart skitter inside his chest, threatening to leap from his mouth as you continue to stare up at him, completely unabashed.

“ah… so what do you think we should do then?”

zoro stares, “… do?”

“yeah, because if you’re not sure if you like me… we should do something to make sure, right?”

and it’s then that he sees the soft, playful uptick of your lips, the glittering darkness behind your eyes. the tension in his chest seems to loosen even as he lets out a breath, chuckling before quirking an eyebrow and taking a step towards you, caging you in against the crows nest’s edge.

“mm. you’re right — i can think of a few things we could try, though.”

“yeah?” you voice is little more than an exhale on the wind, but it’s the last thing zoro tastes before he finds his lips on yours.

as far as kisses go, zoro would later think back, it was a pretty damn good one.

it started as a slow kind of kiss, a soft, unfurling of breath on breath, and then lips on lips. the ghost-friction of promises made and kept and unbroken, the first spark to a fire that had been threatening to consume him since the moment he’d heard you laugh.

and then — just like that, he’s kissing you. and you’re kissing him back, the gravity and inevitability of it making his head spin even as he presses in closer. it is sweet and warm and trembling — soft and hard and deepening. he runs his tongue along the seam of your mouth and savors the way you gasp open for him.

just him.

he swallows it like he wants to swallow you, reaching up to sink his fingers into the silk and gossamer of your hair, pulling you so close he can feel your heartbeat thrumming against his chest, your nails as they curl into the linen of his shirt.

it takes everything inside him to pull back, and everything else left not to dive right back in again. you’re both panting, a little breathless, and zoro — a lot relieved.

“so…” you say, your tongue flickering out to lave across your bottom lip.

zoro doesn’t try to stop his eyes as he tracks the spine-tingling motion.

“so?”

you grin, biting back the shiver that chases through you at the deep, base rumble of his voice, echoing from his body to yours.

“what’s the verdict? have you decided if you like me yet?” you ask, batting your lashes even as he watches your own eyes drop down to his lips. a dark, warm, purring satisfaction curls inside his chest at the way your pupils dilate, black as the night, bright as all her favorite stars.

“hm,” zoro hums, leaning down to skim a knuckle along your jaw, slowly guiding your face towards his again, “dunno… jury’s still out… might have to try it a few more times. y’know… just to be sure.”

“mm…” you sigh as he leans down to graze his teeth along your pulse point, fingers tightening around your waist as he feels you tremble in his arms, “y-yeah… wouldn’t want you to be —” you hiccup as he sinks a soft bite into the juncture of your neck and shoulder, “uncertain.”

“no…” and his voice is all groan and gravel as he lets himself breathe you in, “we certainly wouldn’t want that.”

bonus.

far below, beneath the decks of the going merry, sanji takes a long pull from a post-dinner cigarette, his lips twisting into a concerned sort of frown.

“it’s been a while since they’ve been up there. think we should go check on them?”

luffy shugs, still happily picking at the remains of the turkey carcass sitting in the middle of an oblong plate.

“they should be okay — i mean, they say that no news is good news, right?”

“uh, not sure that applies to this kinda thing,” usopp says as he makes to peak out of the nearest window.

nami swirls her drink, “i think they’re fine. and we’d hear if zoro threw himself off the crows nest, right?”

across the table, sanji blinks and luffy pauses in his munching.

“whoa, you think he’d really do that if she rejects him?” usopp asks, his face going a little pale.

nami rolls here eyes, “no.” and then a moment later, “but really, we’d hear him if he jumped, right?”

luffy licks his lips, shrugging, “dunno, probably though. he’s pretty heavy so he’ll make a pretty big splash.”

sanji taps a bit of ash into his empty bowl and lets out a long suffering breath.

“yeah, y’know really, no news is good news.”

[dixons-sunshine]

Sweetest | Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader

Summary: Wounded and benched from runs for the week, Daryl was asked to watch the kids in the prison while you and some of the others worked on repairing a breach in one of the fences. One of the kids asked Daryl how he met you, his wife, and it made for a rather sweet tale.

Genre: Fluff.

Era: Prison, pre season 4.

Part of the Shopping Spree, Hangout Dreams AU.

Warnings: None.

Word count: 1.6k.

A/n: This turned out worse than I hoped, better than I expected. I don't really know how to explain it, but I hope you like this! (Thank you @ddamm and @dixondystopia for giving me your favourite moments from the entire series to add to this! They were pretty much the same, so great minds truly do think alike, as they say.)

“Mr Dixon?”

At the sound of his name being called, Daryl looked up from his baby girl and locked eyes with a little girl—Mika, he believed her name was—who was staring at him with a big smile. “Yeah?” he replied, slightly bouncing his knee when Hazel began fussing a little.

Mika giggled slightly, sharing a look with her sister, Lizzie, before turning back to the archer. “Mrs Dixon is your wife, right?” she inquired, bouncing slightly on her feet.

Daryl's lips involuntarily twitched up at the mere mention of you. He nodded and shrugged his shoulders. “Yeah? Why do ya ask?”

“Well, my dad likes to talk about how he met my mom. Mr Greene has told us how he met his last wife a million times. We wanna know how you met Mrs Dixon!”

Almost as if for added emphasis, the other children all perked up and voiced their interest in knowing the tale of how Daryl met you, his beautiful wife. The archer, both amused by the children's nosiness and embarrassed by the metaphorical spotlight he was placed under, let out a small scoff and adjusted Hazel in his arms, allowing the small girl to happily toy with his fingers. “It ain't some big love story or nothin'. It'll only bore ya.”

“No, it won't,” Carl added from his position atop one of the tables. The teenager had been sulking because Rick had forbade him from helping fix the breach in the fence—where several walkers had managed to crawl through—but the chance of getting to know some insight to one of the most talked about couples in the prison brightened his mood somewhat. You and Daryl were the only couple that dated back before the outbreak, and everyone was eager to know how the two of you got together, and how you managed to keep that spark alive. “We wanna know. Come on, Daryl. Please.”

Daryl let out a small groan and rolled his eyes at the young Grimes' insistence. “Why dun' y'all go pester Glenn or somebody? M'sure he'd be more than happy to tell y'all 'bout how he met Maggie.”

“But he's told us that story a zillion times already,” one of the kids groaned. “We wanna hear your story. Please, Mr Dixon.”

Daryl let out a deep sigh. From somewhere behind him, he could hear Carol chuckle, closely followed by the chuckles of a few of the adults that were taking a break from their chores around the prison. Daryl shook his head and pursed his lips. “Y'all really wanna hear?” Almost instantly, all of the kids perked up and simultaneously voiced their clear interest, trying to talk over the other. Daryl raised his eyebrows and let out a small chuckle. “Woah, calm down. I ain't sayin' nothin' 'til y'all quiet down.” And just like that, it got so quiet, one could hear a pin drop. “Y/n and I go back many years, long 'fore all'a y'all kids were born. We're closin' in on three decades'a knowin' one another.”

“Thirty years?” Carl voiced in a disbelieving tone. “That's basically forever!”

Daryl chuckled and shrugged. “Guess ya can say tha', yeah.” Daryl shushed Hazel when she began fussing a bit, lightly tickling her stomach to coax a laugh from her. “We met when we were twelve, 'side this river in the woods outside the trailer park we lived in. I admit, I didn't know wha' to think'a her at first. Refused to talk to her fer a whole month, but she never gave up. She kept pesterin' me 'til one day, somethin' happened and I broke my quiet facade. Tha's when we started becomin' friends.” Daryl stopped and tried to hide the smile that spread across his face, but to no avail. “She, uh... She quickly became my best friend after tha'.”

“When did you start love-liking her?” one of the kids asked with a giggle, closely followed by the mischievous laughter of the other kids.

Daryl hummed and shrugged. “After she did somethin' fer my sixteenth birthday. I liked her fer a while 'fore tha', but tha' occasion was my wake-up call. My feelin's fer her slapped me righ' in the face tha' day.” He stopped and let out a small sigh before continuing. “I didn't have the balls to confess to her fer 'nother year after tha'. And when I did confess, it was righ' after we went and bought pa—” Daryl cut himself off, painfully aware of the immature teenage boys that would freak out over the mere mention of pads. Because of that, he altered the truth a little. “...Pasta fer dinner tha' nigh'. Things escalated and we kissed, and then her mom walked in.”

“No,” Beth gasped, slightly tightening her grip on Judith as she thought of the embarrassing scenario.

Daryl chuckled and shrugged. “It was embarrassin' as shi—crap, tha's fer sure, but we lived. Her mom was nice 'bout it all. Definitely didn't mean we could escape her teasin', though.” He pursed his lips as he thought of that moment, the embarrassment still fresh in his mind, even all those years later. “Her teasin' got even worse when Y/n and I eloped. She was kinda upset 'bout it, but she soon went straight back to teasin' us fer not bein' able to wait to have a proper weddin'.”

By that point, unbeknownst to the archer, the group that had been working on fixing the fence—a group that included you—had silently stepped into the part of the prison everyone was in to alert the kids to the fact that they could go play. However, once they heard what the crossbow-wielding man was talking about, they stopped and remained quiet, eager to hear about it all. And you stayed quiet as well, quite shocked that your husband was willingly telling stories about his past with you. He preferred to keep that part of his life private, but there he was, happily talking away. It made your heart swell with love and affection for the man.

“The two of you stayed together for all those years?” Zach—Beth's boyfriend—asked, leaning against the wall. When Daryl nodded, he continued. “How?”

Daryl shrugged and adjusted his daughter in his arms again, feeling her head begin to droop as she was beginning to fall asleep. “I love 'er. And fer some reason I still don't understand 'til this day, she loves me. Ain't tha' hard to stay committed to the person ya love the most. Relationships ain't always all sunshines and rainbows, but when yer with the person ya love, s'all worth it. Y/n taught me tha'. She's the sweetest person ever. I dun' know wha' I did to deserve her, but I thank my lucky stars every day tha' I get to call her mine.”

It went silent after that. The only sound that could be heard was the distant sound of walkers groaning outside the fences. That is, until Rick spoke up from behind the huntsman, startling him and alerting him to the fact that essentially everyone had heard him practically rave about you.

“Well said, brother. Well said,” Rick complimented him, a faint, teasing smile on his face. He turned towards the younger ones in the group and gestured towards the door. “Y'all can go play now. Just stay away from the fences.” And just like that, all the kids—except Carl—had forgotten their need to hear about Daryl's love story with you. They all excitedly darted out the door, their laughter fading as they disappeared out the doors.

Michonne smirked, playfully hitting you on the back. “Y/n, you never told me you found such a keeper. And you found him early on, too. You're so lucky.”

“Yeah, she is,” Carol chipped in, a teasing smile on her face as well. “Did I ever tell you about this one guy in our old camp that insulted her and Daryl instantly put him on his ass? He did accidentally reveal her pregnancy while doing so, but that's besides the point.”

“Was it Shane?” Rick asked, sighing when Carol nodded. “Yeah, of course it was,” he mumbled while he shook his head.

“Not to mention how he nearly killed Jenner because he wouldn't let us out—well, wouldn't let them out. He didn't care much for us back then. We all know he only wanted the doors open so that Y/n was safe,” Glenn piped in.

“Aw,” Michonne cooed teasingly. “That is so sweet, Daryl. You're just a big teddy bear.”

Daryl ducked his head in embarrassment as the others joined in on the teasing as well. He could feel his cheeks flush, and he would've gotten up and bolted from the embarrassing situation, had it not been for the fact that Hazel had just fallen asleep, and he didn't want to wake her.

The feeling of your hand being rested on his shoulder almost instantly made him calm down, your familiar touch bringing a sense of comfort to him. The rest of the group were to busy relaying their favourite moments they had seen between the two of you to notice this interaction, and the archer was glad about that. He was also glad that they couldn't hear what you whispered in his ear, because although Daryl Dixon wasn't a selfish man, the others didn't have to hear these words you clearly meant just for him:

“I'm proud of you. You climbed out of your shell today and did something I know you don't always enjoy doing. You're amazing, Daryl Dixon, and I love you so much.” You placed a soft, tender kiss on his cheek. “You really are the sweetest person ever.”

©dixons-sunshine 2024. I do not give permission for my works to be copied, modified, adapted or translated to any other site or platform without evidence of my given consent.

[chaosandmarigolds]

I'm crying I need more Simon and Ollie here just so !!! maybe their dynamic with reader too

I need more Simon and Ollie too!!! So win - win!!’

Dad! Simon who, yeah admittedly, practically took over parenting for the first few months of marriage cause he ‘has time he has to make up for’

- waking up, cooking, going to the park, getting Ollie dressed, watching Bluey (loves bluely I will die on this hill) and anything and everything inbetween

Dad! Simon who loves holding Ollie’s hand as they walk, even though he has to be like lobsided to do it

Dad! Simon who lives for fishing trips, don’t ask why buy he and Ollie will wake up early, make pancake-

“Si- honey,” you grumble into the darkness as you feel the bed moving as he gets up, reaching out your arm- that he gently took a hold of and pressed a kiss to your wrist, “‘s early.”

He leans over more onto the bed, leaving a few kisses to your forehead and nose. “Olls and I ar’ gunna go fishing at th’ pond, wanted to wake up ‘fore him.”

With sleep still blurring your vision you rub yours eyes, trying to not let his showering of kisses falter your words, “Olls wakes up at 6 normally- four thirty in the morning Simon.”

“He’s gonna be up any second now, luv.”

“Oh yeah, cause you know-“

“ISTER RILEY IS FISH DAY.”

You quickly sit up in the bed to see your three year old standing in the doorframe of the bedroom, hair messy and the dinosaur pjs are wrinkled and lopsided- very much awake though. “Oliver-“

“Oops. No mean wake mommy, jus get ister Riley so we go fish.” His words are fake hushed as he toddles over to the bed, crawling onto it and then standing, making him a shocking only a foot and half shorter than Simon. “Fish day?”

“After breakfast, laddie.”

“no breakfast, we go fish now.”

“Mmm, no, big boys eat breakfast an’ then go fish.”

Dad! Simon who loves teaching Ollie all of the little in and outs of thing, like things he thought were common sense but in fact is not

Dad! Simon who when you don’t have a babysitter calls Price and his missus- meaning this conversation-

“Who Iser Money?”

“Price, laddie, ‘Ike the price of your toy- yeah?And…” Simon falters as he looks to you in the passenger seat, eyes down to your phone and your hand grasping is, “Jus call ‘em Grandfather, okay?”

Your head snaps up, giving your boyfriend a look as Ollie chirps happily in compliance. “Simon-“

“Leave it be, just till you meet them, okay?”

[fallecupid]

nsfw alphabet with art donaldson. ( headcanon )

.ᐟ.ᐟ warnings :ㅤ dom!reader.ㅤsab!art.ㅤfem!reader.ㅤnsfw content.ㅤword count: 3,3k.

( author's note : i apologize in advance for errors in this text / vague wording / words that are incorrect in meaning ( if any are present in the content. ) english is not my native language, everything written below has been translated by a translator. )

A — ( aftercare ) Immediately after sex, donaldson most often takes time to catch his breath, and later immediately buries his face in you like a damn koala. this is accompanied by his quiet questions about how much you liked it and whether he caused any discomfort.

B — ( body part ) of course these are hands. art melts in your hands, all these small touches on his hair, cheeks, and ultimately his penis. all this makes it the top of the world and brings incredible pleasure.

C — ( cum ) a man prefers to keep you clean, so he either cums in your mouth or on the fresh sheets.

D — ( dirty secret ) donaldson often jerks off in the bathroom, imagining something like bdsm. he wouldn't mind participating in something if it involves you.

E — ( experience ) can you say you are his one and only for life? however, his first time wasn't too damn terrible and he got better and better each time. after all he is a good boy and a quick learner, right?

F — ( favourite position ) donaldson likes it when you sit on him, it opens up a lot more possibilities. plus, this allows him to see your facial expression and understand whether he is going correctly.

G — ( goofy ) art will often say something inappropriate, almost forcing you to tease him. however, he is far from serious during sex.

H — ( hair ) hair is one of donaldson's main weaknesses, if you want to make it wet, just caress the light locks of his head. during sex, he will often ask you to grab his hair while you whisper sweet nothings in his ear.

I — ( intimacy ) art is a hopeless romantic. he suffers with every fiber of his being trying to please you. whether it's a candlelit dinner or going to the cinema with a bouquet of roses.

J — ( jack off ) sometimes he can afford it, on a tennis tour when you are not around. he locks himself in the hotel bathroom looking at your photos and completely worshiping you. sometimes these are video calls, but that's a completely different story.

K — ( kink ) dominance. well, you can’t hide that to some extent what turns him on is how much control you have over the process. more often than not, making him a boneless man who lets his needs come to the fore.

L — ( location ) there is no need to change traditions, so he fucks you (or you fuck him) in your bedroom, away from everything, only a lush bed and quiet moans.

M — ( motivation ) donaldson just needs to look at you to make his dick jump at a frantic pace. but it’s worth highlighting foreplay. what turns him on is how well you can act it out.

N — ( no ) nothing without your permission. even if he fucking wants you, he won't until you give him the green light.

O — ( oral sex ) he wouldn't perform oral sex on his own accord. if you proposed to him, he would happily agree, wanting to please your sophisticated desires.

P — ( pace ) definitely a slow pace. he wouldn’t rush anywhere, but rather would stretch out each thrust like a damn taste of pie on his tongue, giving you a chance to enjoy it to the fullest.

Q — ( quickie ) definitely not. neither you nor he like speed in this matter.

R — ( risk ) he wouldn’t fuck you in a toilet stall or somewhere on the balcony.

S — ( stamina ) usually your sex doesn’t last too long, an hour or an hour and a half, and you’re both already wet and damn satisfied.

T — ( toys ) unusual, but unfortunately not practiced.

U — ( unfair ) art encourages you rather than teases you. a few kind words and you have already pounced on him like a cat on a piece of meat. this is not to say that there is anything bad about this.

V — ( volume ) more often than not, any noise is muffled by your hips or pillows, so overall art is not a problem in this regard.

W — ( wildcard ) during sex, he is too often embarrassed by your comments about the behavior of his penis, so he sits under the covers while foreplay time passes.

X — ( x-ray ) something like 15 cm?

Y — ( yearning ) on a scale of ten it is something around 7/10. sex is relaxing and enjoyable.

Z — ( Zzz ) a man falls asleep once after you, so it depends on how tired you are and whether you will not have a continuation of previous sex.

[percyjavksongf]

𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞☆

➤𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐝 (𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐛𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐡'𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧) 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

➤𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟑,𝟏𝟖𝟖

➤𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐚𝐭 𝟑𝐚𝐦, 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡 <𝟑

"𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭, 𝐈'𝐦 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮"

-𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐟

𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜𐮜

Your boots had hit the ground hard, flying down the dirt path uncaring of the flecks of mud that stuck to the cream coloured dress that danced wildly around your ankles. The sun was setting over the land and it bid farewell with a kiss of colour. Oranges, yellows, pinks, and blues spread across the sky in a perfect harmony, it truly was your favourite part of the day. You continued on your run, your mother could scold you if she caught glimpse but you just had so much energy in you that you couldn’t help but let it out somehow, and you also delighted in how much your dress puffed up and swirled around with the wind.

Finally landing in the front yard, you slowed down and rested your hands against your knees, gripping the fabric there for a moment to catch your breath, you lifted yourself up and spun around to look back at where you came from, the trees swayed slightly in the breeze but you couldn’t take your eyes off the sunset, it seemed to become more beautiful every time you looked at it.

You walked backwards a few steps before swinging around on your heal, scanning the yard to see if any of your fathers workers were still hanging around this late into the evening, your eyes landed on a man leaning up against the fence, staring shamelessly at you. Your smile was uncontainable as you stared back for a moment before glancing away, you strolled at a delightfully calm pace over and up onto your varanda. You leaned forward to rested your bare fore arms against the fence, making a point of looking away from the man in front of you, who’s eyes you could feel burning into your face. But you had learnt quickly that Billy was as determined as they come, and confident, he was a man who would happily walk the stretch of the farm to come talk to you.

You raised a hand to shield your eyes from the setting sun, struggling to contain a grin at the sight of Billy walking over to you, the way his body bathed in the sun made him look even more handsome then any man you’ve ever seen, his dark hair glowed enchantingly in the dying light, giving off a golden hue. You were completely unable to remove your attention from the man who now only stood a few feet in front of you, internally scolding yourself at the obviousness, as much as you’d love to show Mr Bonney just how much you appreciated his presence around the farm, you knew your father would be no quicker to try shoot the man.

“evening’ Mr Bonney” you spoke, your voice deliciously sweet.

god you were hopeless.

Billy’s smile never seemed to falter around you, it almost seemed to double in size when you started talking to him too.

“evening’ sweetheart” Billy beamed, removing his hat and hanging it off the fence post next to him. The nickname made your heart squeeze, you swear he was a dream. You noted how his face was flushed from a mixture of the days work and the burning sun, it had been a wonderfully warm day and you could only imagine how hard it must’ve been to be out working in it all day.

“do you need anything, Mr Bonney? I can grab you a glass of water if need be” your played with your fingers absent-mindedly, hoping the flush on your face wasn’t too apparent, he had such a way of making you so nervous without having to do anything. Billy let out a small chuckle and you prayed he couldn’t tell how shamelessly you were staring at his oh-so kissable lips

“you’re such a sweet thing, aren’t you? I’ve told you darlin’ call me Billy. No need for the formalities” he spoke light heartedly but the deepness in his tone was breath taking.

You nodded with a small grin “okay, Billy”

it felt strange to call him by his name, you’ve known Billy for quiet some time but you’d always made sure to stay polite, that’s what your mother had always taught you. And deep down you also believed that if you started calling Billy by his first name that you’d never be able to utter another word besides that again.

The two of you watched each other for awhile, paying no heed to the comfortable silence between you, your eyes made their way down his frame before landing on his arm, you sucked in a quiet breath at the dried blood you saw smeared there. Your body moved before your head could even catch up, you had flew down the steps of your varanda and had gently taken hold of Billy’s arm. Billy stood wordlessly as you examined his injury, it wasn’t a deep gash but it was lined with dirt gathered over the day, if it wasn’t sorted it would definatley lead to infection.

“it’s nothing sweetheart, truly. Just a scratch I got earlier this morning” he spoke softly, his much larger hand coming up to cover your hand with his. You shifted your eyes upwards to meet his, you never realised how much taller Billy was then you, and seemingly neither had he, you both soaked up the imagine in front of you. You shook your head slightly in disagreement and to also bring you back to your senses, you were being awful obvious.

“I’ll clean it up for you, it mightn’t be a terrible cut but it’s better safe than sorry Mr Bonney-uh, Billy, sorry” you took a step back but kept your hand intertwined with Billy’s, giving it a small tug of encouragement to have him follow you into the house. Billy followed you instantly but quipped in a few times, saying it was fine and that he didn’t want to bother you truly, each protest you brushed off.

“is your mother home? I don’t believe she’d be mighty happy finding me in here alone with you”

you were glad you had your back turned to him, searching through your cabinet for some alcohol to use as disinfectant and a roll of bandages, he couldn’t see the way your teeth immediately sunk into your lower lip at what he was implying. You gathered what you needed and guided Billy to sit in the chair in front of where you were standing, you dumped everything on the wooden table beside you and got to work.

“no need to worry, Ma’s gone off to town for the evening with a few friends. Daddy’s off in the saloon with some boys from work, I’m surprised you’re not with them” you questioned curiously, Billy’s never turned down a chance to win some quick cash playing poker with your dad before.

“eh just wasn’t feeling up for it today” you eyed him suspiciously, earning a melodic laugh from him “I mean it, I swear. Just had other thing’s in mind that I wanted to do instead” his tone seemed to drop slightly at the end and a shiver ran up your spine, you eyes stayed firmly on the wound before you, marvelling in the way his fingers tapped against the exposed skin on your elbow as you worked.

“this might hurt a bit” you whispered, pouring some alcohol onto a rag, you ran it on the surrounding skin before ultimately pressing it gently into the wound itself, earning a quiet hiss from Billy

“m’sorry” you said softly, finally grabbing the bandages to wrap him up. His fingers had now changed their tune and were drawing small swirls on your skin

“s’alright darlin’, thank you for patching me up, don’t know what I’d do without you”

you smiled to yourself and made a knot with the left over bandage, tucking the knot down and moving to put away the left over alcohol on the table.

“I think you’d be just fine, you know I’ve heard you’re pretty good at taking care of yourself” you tease, reaching up to slot the drink back into it’s original place, you heard Billy shuffle out of his chair and walk over to you

“you talk about me, sweetheart’?” you turn quickly in your spot, your back pressed up against the counter top behind you, Billy stood a mere three feet away, smirking down at you. You rolled your eyes at the sight, he could be such a confident bastard.

“I heard the guys talking about you one day, said you have a pretty good shot. Not sure how much I believe it though” the playfulness in your voice was evident, obviously you knew how good Billy was with a gun, it was all your father would talk about whenever Billy got brought up in conversation.

You’d never get over Billy’s laugh, it was so genuine and heart warming, having you smile without a choice. “I know you’ve seen me shoot, angel, you don’t think I’ve seen you watching from the top window?”

you look away bashfully, wondering how many times he had caught you watching him in the past.

Your gaze shifted down and you watched Billy cross the few feet that rested between you, bring a hand down and lean against the bench behind you, you realised Billy had you cornered and you’d be lying to say you didn’t enjoy it. His free hand made quick work of tilting your head up to look him straight on, once he knew he had your full attention he let his hand wander down to rest on your jaw, caressing his thumb against your warm cheek. You stared up at him starry-eyed, unsure of where to rest your own hands, you opted for holding them against your stomach and fiddling with you fingers.

“this alright, sweetheart?” he spoke, rasing a brow to you. You nodded your head and leaned into his touch ever so slightly, still too nervous to believe this was actually happening. Billy was a big name around town, and from what you’ve heard there are a lot of girls interested in him, so being the one he’s currently pinning against a counter was something you didn’t believe would happen outside of your daydreams.

“I need words, angel” he said, brushing his thumb into the apple of your cheek

“yes, Billy. it’s good” you spoke gently but loud enough for him to hear, worried he’d take his hands off of you. He smiled down at you and you reached a hand up to his belt ring to tug him closer, taking the outlaw by surprise. He welcomed the new found closeness gladly and you relished in how much bigger he was than you, holding you snugly against the counter behind you, all you could see and breath was him.

Your hands drifted upwards and you pushed his jacket aside slightly to mess with his buttons, you felt anxious, unsure of what he planned to do next. Yous spent a couple of minutes taking each other in, his hands explored your waist as he asked about your day, as if he didn’t have you in this thrilling position, you tried answering him with the best of your abilities, hoping the slight shake in your voice wasn’t obvious. You wondered how long he’d do this, you never took him to be such a tease. Your ran a steady hand down his chest and continued playing with the buttons down there, this must’ve done something to Billy because before you knew it he had crossed the basically none existent line between you and you’re standing chest to chest, the position making you have to angle your head uncomfortably, as if sensing your predicament, his hands reached down and gripped at your thighs, pulling you up onto the counter top. You gasp at how easily he’d grabbed you and you noted the smug look on his face at your shock. Billy slotted himself between your legs easily, he made a point of sliding his hands up your thighs painfully slow and you didn’t bother contain your huff of annoyance.

Billy snapped his eyes from his progressing hands to your face instantly

“so eager” he breathed out tauntingly, you could feel his hands holding you tighter, pulling you legs around his hips.

“you’re such a tease” you retorted, trying to settle your breathing which had become more ragged as his hands progressed. A pinch to your thigh through the thin fabric of your dress made you jump, sending a glare to the man shortly after. One final tug had your hips meeting his, you felt like the whole world around you had stopped, his hands had left your thighs and laid flat behind you, either side of your body. Even in this position he towered over you, he leaned his body into yours and brought his head down, now only a few inches away from yours. You stared up at him, spellbound by how little distance was between you.

“you want me to kiss you?” he spoke more so like it was a statement then a question, staring down at your through hooded eyes. You almost laughed at how confident his words sounded but how desperate he looked. Almost.

“please, Billy” you murmured back, your noses brushing against his as you try close the gap between you two, you listen to the shaky breath he exhales before moving his hands to grasp onto your waist

“sweet fuckin’ thing” is all you hear before Billy’s lips come crashing down onto yours, he kisses you like he’s been starved, completely unashamed on how badly he needs you. You let out a small moan which is swallowed up by Billy’s eager mouth, your hands moved to grab at the sides of his face, the stubble prickling against your palms. His hands ran along your lower back, trying to pull you as close as possible. When you broke apart to catch your breath you observed the line of saliva connecting his mouth to yours, you find his awaiting mouth soon after and continue kissing him like he’s your last meal. Billy bit down on your lower lip, earning a whine from you and access to him. Your hands moved up to settle in his curls, you’ve always wanted to know how his hair would feel running through your fingertips, you’d have never imagined what it feel like to pull on them. You tugged his hair in attempts to pull him in deeper and your hands ran quickly back to his face when he lets out a guttural groan.

You’d have stayed perched up on that counter top all night if you hadn’t heard the familiar sounds of hoofs patting into the hard earth, your fathers shouts as he laughed with some of the men he must’ve gone out with. You jumped at the sound and moved quickly, pushing Billy into the corner and peering out the window, fuck, he had come home so much earlier than you thought. You didn’t notice Billy had slid up next to you until you found his head resting on your shoulder, looking curiously around outside until he spotted the source of your panic

“oh fuck” was all you heard before you felt him wrap his hands around your waist, lifting you off the counter and grabbing your hand in his,

“you gotta go-” you whispered, knowing your father would be in the door any minute now

“I know I know, just- wait” Billy’s hands moved to try smother down your hair, in the moment you were only thinking of Billy, you hadn’t even thought of the state you must be in right now. You tuck your hair behind your ears and reach for Billy’s hand, racing him towards the back door. You had to go through the sitting room to get to it so it brought you a few moments more for now, you unlock the door and move aside to let Billy go, you’d assume he’d go running out the door but he continued to look at you

“Billy-” your cut off by his lips against yours and you can’t help smiling into the kiss, letting him press a few more quick pecks before pushing him away again

“come on we’re pushing it here” you laugh, guiding the man out the door. Billy turns around and intertwined your hands once more

“can I see you again, tomorrow maybe? Look, I don’t want you thinking I’m just here to mess around. I wanna take you out” his confident demeanour falters for a moment “well, only if you want to go out with me of course”

“I’d love to go out with you, Billy” you grin, noting how in the sunshine and moonlight, he seems to shine just as bright.

With that you lean up to press one last kiss to Billy’s cheek, he sends you a quick wink and is off into the night. You rushed to shut the door behind him and lean up against it, trying to process what had just happened, and if it had actually happened or you just had the most vivid dream of your life.

“honey, could ya’ come here for a moment?” your fathers voice broke you from your haze and you made sure to walk out calmly to the kitchen, praying to God Billy did a good job at making you look presentable.

“how was your evening?” you smile, letting him press a quick kiss to your forehead. He seemed to be in a brilliant mood so you’re guessing he’s won big tonight.

“it was good, hon. same old stuff-it wouldn’t interest you too much. But um, I was just wondering if Billy Bonney was around this evening?”

the mention of Billy’s name made your blood run cold, you swore no one was around when you brought Billy into the house, you just prayed if your father did somehow find out, that Billy had made it far enough off the property

“I’m not sure, I’ve been up in my room all evening” a horrible lie yes but it was all you could think of.

“nah it’s fine love, just saw his hat on the post outside. Never seems to go anywhere without it that’s all” with that he gave you a pat on the shoulder and walked off into the living room. You let out a heavy breath and made your way upstairs, the events of today taking a tole on you, it was hard to fall asleep though, ever time you’d close your eyes you’d relive how Billy was holding you and smile so hard you’d swear your face would split in two, you’d finally scolded yourself for acting like a love sick school girl and rolled over to face the window. You’d better get some sleep soon anyways, you’d have to be up to find an outfit to wear to your date tomorrow.

a/n: ok I'm in my Tom Blyth era and i'm sorry but i can't bring myself to write a fic about president snow so we're gonna stick with the cowboy alright. Also forgot that billy the kid was a real person in history lol. Anyways i deadass wrote this in an hour and a half, its currently 3am and i have an exam tomorrow so lets goooooooooooooo

[sinfulpanda16]

MHA Boys x vegetarian/vegan reader

Reader x Bakugou, Midoriya, Kirishima, Kaminari and Todoroki

How they would react to you being vegan or vegetarian

Deku

~ Super supportive

~ Has no problem giving you his fries when there's no vegan options

~ He thought it was cute when you told him he looks like the broccoli you eat 🥦

You and Midoriya walk into the small convenience store, you already having the vegan chips you want in mind. Midoriya finds the bag of chips he wants but you... they're nowhere in sight.

"Hey is everything alright?" Midoriya asks when he sees you distressed.

"I can't find the Takis. Did they seriously run out of them?" you ask all pouty. This sucks, that was the thing you were really looking forward too all day. Being vegan meant not eating just about all the chips there are.

The only vegan ones there were was Lay's but you're not in the mood for that. Midoriya smiles at you "Aww love its ok. We can look somewhere else for them and if we still can't find them than I won't eat chips today either."

The idea of your boyfriend willing to give up his snack for you makes you feel some type of way. Who does that? Your supportive boyfriend that's who. You tell him he doesn't have to do all that but he insists that its ok.

You smile "Thanks Izuku". He puts his bag of chips back in their place and grabs your hand to exit the convenience store.

You did find Takis at another store so both of snacked away when you both got home.

Bakugou

~Lowkey bullies you for it. But in a loving way.

~ Acts bothered every time you reject some of his food cuz it has dairy products but in his head he's like "Fuck I forgot!"

~ He was like "Tch pathetic" when you told him but when he sees how important being vegan is for you, he tries learning how to cook vegan recipes.

Your tummy growls you haven't eaten since breakfast. You have no idea what to cook though, last time you checked there was no vegan ingredients for you to cook something.

Your tummy growls again so you get up and get dressed to head out to buy some oat milk and a box of Life cereal. Its not much but at least you'll eat something.

You head to front door but then you hear someone scream "OI! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING?!" you turn around scared shitless and see Bakugou in the kitchen holding two plates of food.

What the- is that the smell of Mac and Cheese? Is that the vegan cheese you buy for yourself!? You gasp "Katsuki! Did you made vegan Mac and Cheese?!" you ask excitedly. Truth is Bakugou has been practicing making vegan Mac and Cheese, but he wanted to make sure it was perfect for you.

He clicks his tongue "Tch yes you idiot. Now come over here and eat it fore I make you eat it!" you happily oblige. This meant more than he could ever know.

You two sit down and eat. He did a good job, it was really good.

"Mmm. Katsuki you should be vegan too."

"Hell no!"

Todoroki

~Yes this man respects you and everything you do

~ You're probably the first vegetarian he's ever met

~ When you told him he was taken aback a bit but immediately showed his support

You remember your first date with him. It was a surprise dinner at his place. You hadn't told him you were vegetarian cuz it just never came up. So when he set that stake he put hard work into in front of you, you were nervous to tell him.

He didn't notice anything. He takes some of his own stake and says "Here love." wanting to feed it to you but you go 🙊. He's confused, was there something wrong with the stake?

"What's wrong my love?" he asks a bit worried.

You sigh and fiddle with your fingers. "Shoto I'm really sorry for not telling you but...I'm vegetarian." you say not looking at him. You feel really bad that the stake he made is going to waste.

"Oh. You're vegetarian."

"Yeah."

"That means you don't eat meat right?"

"Yes."

"So what do you eat?"

Boy. You eat everything but meat lol 😭. Its ok baby was just too sheltered. You explain to him and when you're done he gets up and takes the two plates of stake away. You protest he can still eat his but he insists its ok. He wants to enjoy his cooking together.

So that night you guys made some delicious Soba Noodle Salad and enjoyed it together.

Kaminari

~ He's all cool with it. It doesn't matter to him

~He does forget a lot though.

~Like when he offers you some of his pepperoni pizza and then 10 seconds later, he's like "*Gaps* Sparks I'm so sorry I forgot!" 😭

Ever since you two began dating you guys have been hanging out together 24/7. (He's clingy as hell that's why) You guys study together, train together, and eat lunch together.

You have told him you're vegetarian, you have, but he's so goofy he forgets a lot. Its lunch time and you and him walk to the cafeteria together. You guys order your guys food and go sit at a table.

Listen, normally it would be Kaminari who would enjoy his non-vegetarian food. UA doesn't have that many vegetarian options so you would be the one watching him eat all like "Mm mm mm! 😋Sparks this is amazing try some... Wait... OMG I'm so sorry I forgot!" You're never bothered though as long as he eats something and is happy, you don't mind it.

Today though was the complete opposite though. There were some bomb vegetarian options and few meat options. So finally, you were going to enjoy something good! You're eating away and because it's been a long time since you were able to enjoy the school's food you were like, "MMMM! This is so good!!" and then you see Kaminari looking at you like😐.

"I'm sorry" you say a bit embarrassed.

He laughs and says "Aww, hey its ok. You never get to enjoy anything when we eat so go ahead" and smiles at you. You smile back and take some of your pasta and feed it to him. He eats it and says, "Holy shit this is good!" You both laughed and had a good lunch.

Kirishima

~ He respects and supports you being vegan.

~ No like actually hats off to you, he doesn't know how you do it.

~ He's the cutest carnivore there is so when he accepted the challenge of being vegan for a week he almost died.

He comes back from the gym, and he does not feel good. He felt like he was lacking in the gym recently and he thinks it's because he hasn't eaten meat. He's gets even more disappointed when he remembers he can't drink his protein milk! Fuck he felt like his world has stopped. Even though it's only been 5 hours.

You come out to greet him.

"Hi Kiri!" you say as you hug him.

"Hey baby" he says hugging you back.

You look up at him "Kiri I made lunch. Its vegan nuggets do you want some?" WTF vegan nuggets! Yes, the closest thing to meat ofc! He felt like he was saved, you guys go to the kitchen and sit down to eat. When he bites into his nugget he is met with disappointment. He tries not to show it though because he doesn't want to disappoint you, but you noticed immediately. "Kiri, are you ok?"

He tries to reassure you that he's fine but you don't let it go, so he gives in. He sighs "Baby, I'm sorry but these vegan nuggets are not it" he says pouting a bit. He really wanted to enjoy eating this with you but it's just not the same as meat. You giggle and tell him "Its ok. You can eat meat if you want. I don't care if you quit the challenge." Kiri looks at you. No, he's not going to quit the challenge he wants to make you proud. So, he goes on with the challenge.

The whole week was so stressful. Learning to read the ingredients to a snack and being disappointed he saw it contained dairy products was super annoying. He would drink his protein with water which he absolutely despised, but it was all good when you told him he can drink it with soy/oat milk. The memes he saw of people hating on vegans didn't help. Especially when the guys would eat meat in front of him and be so disrespectful about it 😭.

Then the week was over. You couldn't have been prouder of him. The moment he was free he ate all the burgers he wanted. As he should. Don't worry though, he gave you all his fries so both of you had a yummy meal.

[blakeswritingimagines]

Dating Robin Buckley would include

Steve likes to tease her about her crush on you but will also help out regardless if she wants his help or not, he's the best wingman Robin could ask for since he'll make plans then bail just so you two can hang out and have fun together.

Will hands down notice little things about you and think their adorable but doesn't ever tell you since she doesn't want you to be embarrassed or change anything.

Will let you wear her clothes but doesn't try to wear your clothes unless it feels like her own but will happily hype you up no matter what you wear.

With everything that's happened, regardless of whether or not you know it, she will become fiercely protective over you and will do everything in her power to make sure nothing happens to you.

She loves it when you come to see her whenever she works and talks with you until it comes to a point she can't anymore.

Becomes pouty when jealous, and it'll take some time to coax it out of her because she thinks it's stupid but can't help thinking you'll find someone better.

Hates it, but she goes to Steve for dating advice but ultimately listens to Nancy instead and decides to mix both pieces of advice, which works surprisingly well for her.

She loves making jokes to make you laugh, and Steve has become an unwilling participant to be the butt of most of her jokes, but let's it go seeing how she enjoys herself with you and lets her continue to be sassy.

Her favorite forms of affection are: Holding hands or linking fingers together, Holding you close to her, Cuddling, Ruffling your hair, Tripping you up simply to catch you.

Her date ideas are: Going swimming, then getting ice cream, Going to the movies but likes being at each other's houses so you can cuddle, Going on walks, Going to an arcade or bowling.

Loves going on adventures with you no matter what it is, going to the store, or any errands you have to run or even taking a drive late at night together.

She's extremely loyal and supportive no matter what, but if her friends try to tell her anything about you, she'll try her best to actually listen, but she thinks you're perfect.

Adores having soft and gentle moments with you much like dancing around in the kitchen together or singing like you're at a live concert in your bedroom as you listen to music.

Have drama or gossip going on in your life and can't tell anybody? Not anymore Robin's here, and she'll listen and try to give feedback because who will she tell? Probably Steve, but other than the kids, nobody else knows, and she can promise you that.

Never understands when people say you both sound like an old married couple regardless if you're bickering or flirting with one another but does blush and secretly enjoy it.

She'll act dumb just to see the pure joy on your face of helping her or if it means getting closer to you, if it's opposite she'll constantly be there and help you get an answer you'll like/can use.

Doesn't like seeing other couples before you both start dating because all it does is remind her of what she can't have. Once you do start dating, she gladly flaunts and shows off your relationship proudly.

No matter what anybody says, she wants a life with you, and countless times has imagined what you both could have as far as what house, how many kids, and what kinda animal you'll have.

Tends to stick closer to you if your apart of the group that deals with the whole upside down and everything that comes along with it, doesn't ever let you out of her sight because she doesn't want you hurt nor does she know what to do if you got lost or hurt because of her dragging you along.

Will sit and talk with you for hours about whatever comes to mind, gently running her fingers across your skin or playing with your hair as she listens to you talk with a tender smile on her face and heart eyes.

Of course, loves giving and seeing the far away look in your eye, but there's something about receiving she loves just as much.

Could honestly kiss you forever even as foreplay she's waited what feels like forever so she just wants to enjoy it but she also loves feeling your body under her fingertips mapping out what feels good.

Unintentionally, leans more dominant and takes care of you and your needs while not letting you do anything unless you really make it a point to her.

Heavily vanilla and gets blushy/squirmy if you bring it up or have her join you to look around at kinky things but slowly grows comfortable with it.

[innerchorus]

Arslan Senki Chapter 127

The long-awaited encounter with Zahhak is here! I'm tagging my posts for new manga chapters with 'arslan senki spoilers' but here is your reminder to look away (and probably avoid my blog until you've read the chapter) if you don't want to find out what happens.

Turns out I was right about a few things and my suspicions about something else seem likely to be correct, too.

The chapter opens with the legend of Zahhak and his defeat by Kaykhusraw as the Parsians know it. The title page features Kaykhusraw's open sarcophagus with his wrapped body and Rukhnabad inside, inside the tomb. This is clearly from an earlier time (presumably his burial?), well before Hilmes ventured down there, and given the chapter title it feels... ominous. (And it's right to feel that way, as you'll see when you get to the end of the chapter.)

The legend is conveyed in the typical stylised carving/illustration style that Arakawa has used for mythological history before.

Look what appears as a decorative border to one of the panels!

It might just be a nod to the existence of these creatures in the novels, but I really hope that their presence here makes it more likely we might actually encounter them before the end of the manga... DARK TEMPLE PLUS CREATURES, ARAKAWA PLEASE

Very much has the feel of something that has been mythologised, the details probably don't match up exactly with how it really went down, but the main points are there...

...and 300 years later, the Snake King appears to have returned

Farangis's raishal reacting like this is a nice touch and shows just how extreme the presence of evil is here. (Also I didn't know it could do that so I'm filing this detail away very happily.)

Those snake heads are really very freaky, the fact that they are so humanoid yet totally animalistic and driven by instict and hunger for human brains. Top notch horror!

Daryun's warrior instinct comes to the fore and overrides his shock!

The Zot do their best but one gets chomped pretty quickly, sadly. I'll go ahead and say it now, the Zot being the only casualties in this encounter was exactly as I called it, but Arakawa does her best to ensure their deaths don't feel trivial, as we later learn the names of those who fell, and even though we never got to know them it's clear that they meant something to their comrades.

Some very exciting combat scenes follow and Team Arslan enter the fray and get to grips with their frightening new enemy! Some key details about Zahhak rapidly become apparent: his blood is corrosive, and his wounds can heal.

The key is to keep moving! Alfarid realises this; one of the Zot tries to encourage her to flee, but is struggling with his terrified mount, but thanks to Elam and Alfarid loosing arrows at one of the snake heads he is spared.

Don Ricardo is in abject terror, but his behaviour later this chapter was a surprise for me, in a good way!

Estelle saving Don Ricardo just in time, and putting her life on the line to stand before him even though she's trembling in fear! 👌👌👌

She's so brave!

She doesn't know that the snakes have spotted/sensed Rukhbanad... but Don Ricardo does! Let's hope he will now give that 'junk sword' the respect it deserves. Anyway this is the part where he surprised me, as he breaks out of his terrified state to call out to everyone to rally to him and gather round the sword! Remember when I said 'quick, everyone group hug Don Ricardo'?

Of course, he's speaking in Lusitanian, but Estelle translates in an instant... and Gieve quickly grasps why!

"Is it truly Zahhak...?" This is the line that makes me think I might be on the mark when I say that Zahhak, although freed from Mount Damavand, may not have returned to full consciousness yet. I think those head jars may have something to do with a final ritual to bring about his true return.

So, it's now a stalemate. Zahhak cannot attack them, but they can't attack it either. But there's an ominous shape in the mist (and you can take one look at it and just KNOW it's going to be fucked up and even take a pretty good guess at how)

Before Team Arslan can get a good look at it, Zahhak withdraws, whether due to the arrows they fired at it it because of some other unknown reason isn't clear... Team Arslan leave without even being able to spare time to bury the bodies of the fallen, which clearly weighs on them, but night is drawing closer and they can't remain safely.

(I wonder whether they will still continue to Mount Damavand? Perhaps Arslan will appeal to Kaykhusraw's spirit to seek his approval to wield the sword? Or maybe priorities will have understandably changed and they'll change directions. Personally I think we'll at least get a scene that indicates Arslan has the right to wield Rukhnabad!)

Anyway Zahhak's also in a hurry to get somewhere and although Team Arslan didn't manage to glimpse the true horror, we do!

JESUS FUCKING CHRIST WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK

Well, now we know what happened to Kaykhusraw's mummified body? I did think that Team Zahhak would use him as a vessel for the Snake King, thinking this might occur in Ecbatana, but nope, that looks to be the case already.

The torso ending in a cluster of snakes, ugh.

I wonder whether Kaykhusraw's spirit is aware of what has happened to his body now that it has been possessed like this?

I wonder whether the intention is for Zahhak to retain this form? Because at the end of the chapter you see the host body's brittle-looking arm disintegrate where one of Team Arslan's arrows struck it, and it looks different to Zahhak's snakes pushing arrows from their bodies and regenerating. So maybe this takeover of Kaykhusraw is a temporary thing, and Team Zahhak are planning to transfer Zahhak to a new body once he reaches Ecbatana? And that new body... who better than another descendant of the Parsian royal line? 👀

I feel like with any luck I might get my wish for Hilmes to come face to face with Zahhak and in a moment of horror realise exactly what the sorcerers have been using him for and what he's helped to bring about...

(I want Team Zahhak to be planning for Hilmes to be a host for Zahhak but I don't want for it to actually happen! I'd love it if Team Arslan managed to step in just in time... augh my brain is racing into visions of Hilmes captured for a head jar ritual below Ecbatana)

Oh and Zahhak really is heading towards Ecbatana as I thought, so it looks extremely likely that all final showdowns are going to take place there. I feel like this direction was actually hinted at when the corpse of Kaykhusraw was slithering towards the setting sun. It's a panel I really like, as it both indicates the sun (which represents the Shah) setting on the royal line and Pars alike, and as the sun sets in the west and Ecbatana is west of Mount Damavand, you can tentatively extrapolate where the Snake King is heading.

So now Team Arslan have seen the Snake King. One day soon, they will have to defeat him for good. And given that everyone survived this time, can we hope for the same to happen again when they next meet in battle?

[elvisabutler]

and lord she found me just in time

summary: after the rocky beginning to your relationship with professor elvis presley your life together settles into one of considerable domesticity. fandom: elvis presley | elvis ( 2022 ) rating: g? a very low t at worst. pairing: professor! elvis presley ( big daddy flavor ) x student! female reader word count: 1140 warnings: big daddy elvis. elvis using a walking stick/cane. student and professor relationship ( everyone is of legal age ). use of the nickname belle for the reader. brief hints at period typical misogyny in academic settings. brief mentions of nepotism- in a way- in academic settings. twin children. brief mention of priscilla and lisa. this is really fluffy so i don't need any of these warnings i think but i'm giving y'all them anyway. author's note: i did promise this was going to be pure happiness and i like to think i delivered. honestly after what i put the reader and elvis through truly they deserved only happiness in this. as i said before definitely won't be the last time i write for them if i have a desire to/request to and i'll answer asks/headcanons/etc for them all the livelong day. y'all know the drill, pick your elvis poison, this is written with real elvis in mind but you can imagine austin elvis.previous parts are here to be read in order: 1 and 2 and 3.

"Da." A tiny voice interrupts Elvis's own mid-sentence during his lecture followed by a familiar feminine voice shushing the young one with a giggle. The tiny voice pretends it heard absolutely no part of their mother's shushing and speaks again. "Da." Another tiny voice follows with a noise that sounds like the letter e.

There's a murmur amongst the students as those who can't see where the offending noise is coming from wonder if Professor Presley is going to say something while those who are sitting close enough are fighting back laughter as they watch PRofessor Presley's eighteen month old twins opening their mouths each time Elvis even tries to open his own to speak. After about a minute the boy finally holds out his arms as he tries to wiggle out of your grasp. "Da. Up-ee."

Up at the podium Elvis shakes his head and rolls his eyes before moving to take your son from your grasp with a grin equal parts fond and put upon. This is a song and dance he's gotten used to by now any time you bring the twins with you to sit in on his class.

"Ya happy yittle Wes? Got daddy's and everyone's attention." He coos a little ignoring the class for just a moment. "And ya get to be front 'n center."

Your son giggles happily as he sits on the top of the podium and busies himself with playing with a piece of paper and crayon that your husband pulls from his pants pocket. How it got there is anyone's guess.

The students know better than to get too distracted by Wes and focus on what Elvis is saying with the sort of rapt attention only Elvis can command of a room full of students. It's not for the occasional lack of trying on Wes's part, however, with his occasional whine at Elvis when he starts to move away from the podium. For his part Elvis answers the whine with a look over his classes and Wes each time purses his lips together to be quiet and goes back to the paper.

You are having a much easier and far more relaxed time with Wendy as you're both a bit tired. Her because it's starting to inch toward nap time and unlike most babies she welcomes the sweet embrace of sleep. A fact you are decidedly thankful for, knowing that you have every plan of falling asleep once Elvis's class is over and he's taking the three of you home. At the end of class right as Elvis is finishing his lecture you hear Wes start to get more fussy in a way that reminds you it truly is nap time for everyone.

"A'right, class dismissed, gotta get everyone t'bed. 'fore I bore them anymore wit' my voice." He quips nothing your drooping eyes that mirror your daughter's. Picking up Wes and setting him on the floor where he can start to toddle to you is easy enough. Thankfully the few students still left in the room know to give Elvis's son a wide berth and those who don't always find themselves on the receiving end of his cane blocking their path as he taps their kneecaps lightly saying things about "yittle man walkin'."

When Westley finally reaches you and Wendy he gives his sister a hug before clinging to your leg knowing it's the best hug he'll manage right this moment.

Elvis pulls you in for a kiss as he picks up Wendy who readily puts her head on his shoulder, snuggling in as best she can. When he looks at you he sighs. "Last night catchin' up to ya? Told ya t'do the-"

"Don't lecture me, Elvis. I knew I'd regret it but I didn't realize how much. Just want to go home and take a nap before dinner." As if to belabor the point, the last few words of your response to him are swallowed by a gaping yawn.

"Yes, ma'am, Belle. Let's get you and our yittle prince and princess t'bed." Elvis hums shifting his stance just a enough to not jostle Wendy has he starts to walk, his cane making it's normal tap against the floor.

"I can take-" You start to say, shifting Wes to allow yourself to balance both children in your arms only to be shushed quietly.

"I got 'er. You busy yourself wit' the troublemaker."

You roll your eyes with a scrunch of your nose making sure you have everything as you and Elvis walk and then enter the car, talking about how you had plans to invite Priscilla and Lisa for Thanksgiving and how for practice Elvis planned for you to cover for his class next week while he went to an appointment you didn't have to join him on.

"Routine check up. Jerry and George both agreed to watch the twins if they can. And they'll be each other's back up. I jus' wanna make sure ya ready. Ya know how the big-"

The sigh you give him from the passenger side of the Cadillac is so aggravated that he has to turn to look at you at a stop light and frown at your face before you speak.

"I know. Doesn't mean I have to like it, especially with what we both know about some of them." You give him a pointed look at you try and keep the annoyance out of your tone but Elvis can hear it plain as day. His hand moves to your thigh, giving it a squeeze.

"All the more reason for ya t'show off." He says as he turns into the gates of Graceland. You let out a soft hmph in reply as he parks the car.

The twins are barely clinging to consciousness and snuggle into both yours and Elvis's shoulders with soft whines at the sunlight. It takes just a few minutes once you're inside to settle them in their cribs and once you do you prepare to lay down by yourself only to realize that Elvis is undressing as well.

"Mr. Presley, are you planning on sleeping with me? What would your wife think?" You tease as you climb under the covers.

"Well, Mrs. Presley, I have it on good authority that she won't mind. Somethin' 'bout missin' the cuddly teddy bear chest cuddles." His laugh at the last words he says are music to your ears as he settles in behind you. His arms wrap around your middle tightly and the the warmth of his body combined with the warmth of his hands on your stomach lull you into the land of dreams so quickly you don't quite catch Elvis murmuring a question against the shell of your ear. Or perhaps it was a statement.

"Wanna try for 'nother one after ya all settled wit' ya own class."

taglist:  @elvisgirl35, @butlersluvbot, @lokis-right-femur, @godlypresleyy, @steph-speaks, @lindszeppelin, @eliseinmemphis, @thatbanditqueenn, @venus-haze, @lrd98, @ab4eva, @blurredcolour, @butlersxbirdy, @notstefaniepresley, @holyastronauts, @vintageshanny, @powerofelvis, @ellie-24, @softsatnin, @precious-little-scoundrel, @pennyroyalcreep, @heartbrake-hotel and @meds4beatlemania and i think that's it?

[gemini-sensei]

Hear me out- Chubby!Bimbo!Reader buying lingerie for Valentine’s Day to dress up for GirlCock!Tory & GirlCock!Sam.

Ohhhhh 💖✨️💖✨️ I love it!

Fem!Reader ✨️ unedited

Disclaimer: idk if I wrote bimbo!reader right, so take that part with a pinch of salt.

It had been a long day for everyone. Tory got called in to work and Sam had to go help her dad with something at the dojo. So when they were heading back to the apartment, all they wanted to do was relax. They'd almost forgotten that it was Valentine's Day, but Sam remembered at the last second and managed to buy some chocolates and flowers for Reader, who had been left home alone due to the hectic change of schedule. She'd originally planned to surprise her girlfriends with a nice dinner out, but had to cancel when it was obviously not going to happen. Meanwhile, Tory was sadly used to this sort of setback and was thinking of what she wanted to say to Reader when she got home.

Unbeknownst to them, Reader was in her own little word. The fact that both her girlfriends had to leave on Valentine's Day didn't deter her whatsoever. If anything, it gave her plenty of time to get her own little surprise ready.

Perhaps a little too much time, fore when Sam and Tory met outside their apartment, they heard loud music playing. They had texted their little group chat that they were on their way home, but she had never seen it. And when they opened the door, they understood why, and it was a beautiful sight.

Reader was dancing around the apartment, which she had decorated with a few rose petals, candles and a few other small Valentine's decorations. Their living room was very pink and red, which was not how they'd left it earlier that day, but they could care less about that, as Reader laughed and shook her ass to the upbeat music playing through the stereo system in nothing but a pretty little number:

Sam is quick to shut the door while Tory whistles, thoroughly amused. Reader yelps, surprised as she hadn't heard them come in, but heard the door shut. However, it's no problem as when she sees them, she smiles really big.

"You're home!" she squeals and hurries over to them. Throwing her arms around them, she hugs them both, seemingly forgetting she was wearing nothing but a pair of lace panties and a thin little top.

Tory and Sam don't mind either, hugging her back happily. Tory chuckles as Reader pulls back and kisses Sam like a live wire fueled by nothing but love. Sam holds her waist and kisses her back, giggling when they pull away from each other so Reader can turn to Tory, who grabs her and pulls her into a searing kiss.

"You put all this together for us?" Tory asks when their lips part.

Reader nods enthusiastically, taking both girls by the hands. "Uh huh. I wanted to do something special for you, especially since we couldn't be together much today. So I figured we'd spend the night together!"

Her cheerfulness is cute, but both Sam and Tory find it hard to think much on "cute" when Reader is hopping around, tits ready to pop out of her top and her ass just begging for a nice hard smack. When Reader turns her back, Sam puts down her little gifts, completely forgetting them in favor of giving Tory a look, who smirks back at her.

Without using words, they both know what they want to do with Reader all night long.

Tory walks up behind Reader as she's rambling on about how she went out to get some decorations and cookies. She grabs her hips and pulls her back against her, pressing her hard on against her fat ass. "As much as I'd love to hear about all the effort you put into this, sweetie, I'd rather get to the bedroom to celebrate with you."

Reader looks at her over her shoulder, pressing her ass back into her. "Yeah?"

Sam walks forward, undoing her belt and jeans. "Oh yeah. You're almost too good for us. We just wanna return the favor..."

Reader licks her lips as Sam pulls out her pretty cock to start stroking it. She watches for a moment, moaning softly as Tory starts kissing her neck and humping her ass. Sam comes to stand in front of Reader, grabbing her waist and feeling up her curves while she pumped her cock. "Oh~! Please..."

"Please what?" Tory grunts against her ear.

Sam pulls at Reader's panties and slips her cock into them, groaning lowly as she felt the lace wrap around her shaft. She starts thrusting, both hands free to roam Reader's doughy body.

"Please- oh!" She moans as Sam gropes her breasts over the lingerie. "Fuck me~!"

"Forget about the bedroom," Sam says, giggling. "We'll make it there eventually."

Tory unzipped her pants and pulled out her hard, weeping cock. "Yeah, eventually."

[turtlesofhappiness]

The Hermit

Some of the stories in this blog will involve drawing a tarot card, and applying it to turtles in some way.

You live in a studio apartment above a defunct dry cleaners near the university. It’s lit by two French doors that open onto a rusted Juliet balcony that hangs over the now-inaccurate dry cleaners’ sign. You have a kitchenette, a breakfast island, a captain’s bed with a chest of drawers underneath, a little desk tucked into an alcove, a loveseat, a bookshelf, a monstera plant. There’s a closet for any of your clothes that won’t fit under the bed, an alcove to hang your coat, a shelf for your boots. The bathroom has a tub, and black tiles. It’s nice. It’s all you need.

You come home after work and climb the stairs. More often than not, you splay yourself across the bed. You spent a lot of money on the bed; the mattress is like a mattress in a good hotel. You felt obscurely, when you moved here, that this would be important, and it is. After a while, you get up and heat up the soup you’ve left in the fridge, and then you go to the couch and pick up your tools. In the summer, you open the doors; the voices of passing students and the smell of hot oil from the fish-and-chips place next door filter in. Between the roof of the house across the street and the sprawling maple next to it, you can count three stars.

You could have people over, but you don’t. Instead, you read, and sometimes watch movies, and carve turtles out of wood. You are going to grow old this way, alone, which makes you sad at times. At other times, you reflect that your turtles are objects of immense power and value, and that makes you feel better. 

You paint the turtles, once carved, with red lacquer, then rub gold dust on them, then paint them again with black lacquer, then buff them with sandpaper or dab at them with paint thinner so that they reveal patches of colour. You carve the head and legs and hang them from secret hooks within the shells so that they bob and move about independently. You murmur incantations over the turtles, things you’ve made up for the purpose and polished over time. An example of a turtle incantation might be:

Luminous reptile! 

Emblem of certitude! 

Stay gold. 

You imbue each turtle with magical intentions: one turtle may possess the quality of strong intuition, another, inner strength. You imagine, firmly, that this will give them power over the fates of the people who wind up owning them. Every Sunday in the summer you take a wooden chest of turtles down to Kensington Market, where you lay them out on a rug next to the guy with the ayahuasca-inspired neon cloth paintings of tree frogs. At first, the guy (Carlos is his name) viewed you with suspicion, as competition; but eventually it became clear that your interests meshed, that you were symbionts. In fact, Carlos eventually invited you to an ayahuasca ceremony at his place, and you accepted.

You’d heard that ayahuasca was capable of bringing about immense transformations in people, imparting clarity of purpose in those who had previously only drifted through life. The prospect filled you with a faint, quivering hope. During the ceremony, you vomited into a metal bowl for over an hour; then, a puma appeared, crouched on the hand-painted carpet in Carlos’s living room. It looked into your eyes, and you understood that living alone and carving turtles was in fact the correct path for you; and that you were going to die of stomach cancer before you reached 60 anyway. 

This sounds depressing, when I write it down like this, but to you it truly felt like a weight lifted from your shoulders. You had worried so much, over the years, about what path you should take through life, and here it turned out that you’d been on it all along, that you couldn’t have done otherwise, that everything was soothingly foreordained, written in strong black ink in nice calligraphy in a book with gold dust rubbed along its fore-edge. You could sink happily into your loveseat at the end of the working day (you work in the marketing department for a midsize pharmaceutical company) and bring out your carving tools, your brushes, your miniature pliers and your sandpaper and buffing cloths, and do exactly what the Universe intended you to do.

In fact, this knowledge sat so softly with you, sank into your bones so sweetly and completely, that you became, privately, and still are now, a kind of saint. You radiate kindness and contentment. You leave a trail of soft blue certitude wherever you go, and passersby inhale it and are better. And when you are dying, at 56, of pneumonia following treatment for stomach cancer, you will be taken into a hospice for the lonely and indigent, and treated with such loving care by the people there that you will almost regret taking your leave of life.

[emiri-tezel]

"Yeah, I mean... I wouldn't wanna meet her in a dark alley, so..." She trailed off with a light shrug; chuckling. Taking his words for what they were and not taking any offence - knowing that actually, he wasn't calling her cousin a monster out of spite. "Are you calling me short? At least I'm in the... what people would call normal climate..." she huffed slightly, eyeing him up before letting out a small burst of laughter. Soon only shrugging at him betting she'd floor a grown man, silently knowing herself that she'd give it her best shot, anyway. Her dad had been the one to show her how to throw a punch and then some, after all. Listening as they continued to expand on the whole pyramids conspiracy her blue eyes only widen, because... "Oh my god I know that," that Cleopatra was Greek. It was funny to her in a weird way, as she had mentioned this not only the other day. "Which is so... bizarre, right? Like I really think history in educational scenarios needs to be written, because sometimes you see a black and white photo in a text book and think it's from a million years ago, right?" That was an exaggeration, she knew that... "But reality it's only hundred years at best. Not even that." She says, excitedly, actually, hoping that her point had been picked up on and not missed. "You think mermaids are real?" She asks, curiously, there's that sound of doubt in her tone because she wasn't actually sure she believed. "I dunno, I mean, maybe something similar in size?" Deep deep down, in the ocean anyway. Though the idea of Megalodon sharks still existing scared the shit out of her and didn't help the fact that actually, she couldn't swim. "It's strange, right? But I wonder if it's because... if something fails when we're going up there," she means space, "We know about it? But down there it's like... you're not going to sink upwards are you?" You'd sink down into the deep, was what she was trying to explain, anyway.

"I'm definitely keeping them." she means his socks, but actually she was probably going to go home the next day in his clothes. So it was more a fore warning. Settling back down she happily welcomes Buffy back, giving her a fuss when she lays back down on her. Smiling softly because she thought it was cute. It was also an added thought for Emiri on whether or not she should get a dog herself; knowing having that company was a big part of it for her. Relaxing back into the furniture as Riley pressed play on the movie - one she had seen way too many times, she silently sighs, actually feeling content for once. She found herself turning to look at him when he spoke up, brows furrowing briefly before she laughed, shaking her head softly she paused in her own thoughts for a moment. "I think you watch too much sci-fi." Lizard people? She wasn't sure she could get on board with that. "Or you're obsessed with Doctor Who." Though she only knew one person that was obsessed and that was Alara. "I dunno though, I think if the DNA was there we'd know about it, right? Or is this you saying that the conspiracy is because it's there." She chuckles. "Next you'll be saying Bigfoot is real, huh?"

"I'd bet on her against a fuckin' bear," he nods as if that was a fact. "Yeah, so I recall. At the time nobody could have guessed he'd create a monster." Chuckling, he hoped it was obvious that he didn't mean anything by it. Especially not when at that time, he did remember just how lost and fragile she'd been, what Nate did to help her was exactly what she needed. "Don't sell yourself short, Em." Riley smirks, hoping she'd catch the purposely worded pun. "I bet you could floor a grown man if you really wanted to." In fact, that statement rang true to most of the women connected to the club. In one way or another, he never wanted to piss any of them off. "Isn't it? People keep chattin' about conspiracy but the facts are right there. If it's not true then explain why that has water erosion and nothing else does? The only logical explanation is that it was around way before the pyramids. & Did you know Cleopatra was actually greek?" Shrugging, he nods in agreement. "Yeah, scary. And fuckin' annoying, isn't it? We'll never know the real answers." Humming, he couldn't say it didn't excite and infuriate him with equal measure. The mystery of it was what lured him in but as someone who liked to have answers, it irked like an itch he couldn't scratch. "I bet mermaids make up at least 1%, that'll take our knowledge to a solid 11% if we could only prove their existence." Grinning, he tipped his head over to her. "What do you think is down there? Think the Megalodon sharks still exist?" Sure, nobody had seen one, but like she'd said, nobody really knew what was way down there in the depths. "Don't you find it a bit weird? We can build things that take us off planet, set a man on the moon, put a rover on Mars... But we can't build something to explore the oceans? Hmm."

Settling himself back on the sofa, his eyes roam down to his socks with a nod. "Oh yeah, I'm cool. Got the boxers to match." He jests, knowing that really, having pacman socks didn't do much to support that statement. Whilst Emiri is away, he settles with Buffy, chatting to her like he normally would, giving her a fuss, only to be abandoned yet again when Emiri returns. A quiet scoff and a pair of narrowed eyes watch his dog as she stomps her paws in excitement, waiting for her to sit back down so she could lie down. He might actually sulk about it if it wasn't so damn adorable. "You do suit them." Riley smiles, not entirely talking about the socks. Something about seeing her in his clothes just made him feel glad that he'd made the offer in the first place. "Oh yeah, I'm ready." Nodding, he leans forward to hit play, passing her drink over before slouching back down. The movie only plays for about a minute before mischief begins to creep onto his features, knowing he was about to purposely interrupt. "Lizard people." He says, turning to her with a boyish grin. "What do you think? Real or nah?"

[gucciwins]

breathe with me

the city of angeles bring love, troubles, and honesty. with a slight glimmer of hope of something more.

Word count: 12053

A/N: hi friends! the end is near, where we say goodbye to bel and harry but do no fear it is not forever. i want to focus on other writing. as much as i adore this story i got many ideas i'm looking forward to writing. this chapter is a bit of ride so i hope you enjoy it. i love you.

please remember to reblog! let me know what you thought!

warnings: fluff, smut, angst (in that order. only happy endings here)

love on tour series // previous part

Los Angeles, California

Thursday

You're still wondering how you got here.

You're dressed in leggings, a thermal white long sleeve, a Portland hat, and sneakers. You're pouting and getting no attention. You see, Harry brought you golfing. If only your ancestors could see you now.

You stand there watching Harry as he thanks the worker for providing a set of clubs. Clearly, they're for both of you. Not that you'd be any good, you think.

"Why are you upset?" Harry asks, walking up to you, white-gloved hands carrying his clubs in the provided bag. If you asked Harry, you're sure he'd give you a name for it, so you don't ask.

"You tricked me," you pout.

"No." He's biting back a grin.

"You asked if I wanted to go mini-golfing."

"Yeah, we'll golf for a mini  amount of time.

"Ugh… you're the worst."

"Bel," he's laughing, "I've never seen you throw a tantrum."

You scoff, "this isn't a tantrum."

"Mhmm…tell you what."

You ignore him deciding to adjust your hat, blocking the sun from hitting your face.

"You can drive the golf cart."

You turn to look at him, eyes shining bright with hope, "really?"

He grins, nodding. "Yes."

Harry holds up the keys, which you happily accept. You lean in and press a kiss on his cheek.

"My hero."

You slide it, trying your best to contain your excitement. Already having forgotten why you were annoyed with Harry.

"It's that first hill, start there and make our way."

This would be fine. You'd get to see Harry stick his ass out for you and take swings of balls, giving you a nice view of his forearms. That's two wins.

Harry starts off strong, hitting the ball way off but clearly in the right direction as he guides you to where the hole must be. He jumps off and finishes the round. He tries his best to explain, but it's no use, especially when he's playing alone.

You've made it through two more holes when Harry persuades you out of the golf car something about lemon blueberry pancakes for breakfast. He knows your weakness and uses them well.

He hands you a golf club; it's shiny and looks like it's never been used.

"You know I heard it's better to start with a professional to teach you."

Harry frowns, "who told you that?"

"This Irish fellow I met in a bar when I was filming in Ireland a few years back told me."

"Blonde?"

You shake your head, getting a feel of the golf club he handed you.

"Brunette."

"I know an Irish brunette." He follows right behind.

You know he wants to ask more, but you don't let him. You're not what this club is called by feels comfortable. Moving your hands forward, having your trail hand rest under your lead hand falling on top of it. It feels comfortable.

Harry gets you in position, knees apart, shoulders back, and tells you to swing.

You do arms extending and legs popping back just like you had seen him do before.

"That was really good," he says, not hiding his shock.

You bite back a smile and get into position once more, this time prepared to send the golf ball in the air.

"Fore," he shouts, then you swing.

You laugh at how far the ball seems to travel, not shocked at all.

"Fuck." Harry mutters as he follows your ball and stays on the green bit farther behind his ball. "Thought you didn't like golf."

"I don't."

"Then why are you good?"

"Listen, when you live in a town where there isn't a lot to do as a young kid growing up until you get your driver's license. Mini golf and laser tag are something I excel in."

"You're competitive, sunshine," he states, not having seen it before.

You nod, "I checked out books in the library about golf to better my stance and swing."

"For mini-golf?"

It's odd, but you were a strange kid growing up.

Harry continues playing, and at one point, you abandon the golf cart, preferring to keep walking as the eight-hole course didn't seem so bad. You know Harry wanted company, and he could have easily asked Jeff, Luis, or literally anyone, but he picked you. It's nice knowing you're the first choice.

You're so lost in thought you don't realize Harry had been trying to catch your attention for a few minutes until he sets his hand on your waist.

"Yes, amor?"

He moves your hat up, wanting to look in your eyes, "baby, you're not really upset, are you? We can go home right now if you want."

You sigh, letting your shoulders drop, not noticing how tense you had become. He looks concerned. "You're fine. A little hungry is all."

His frown deepens, "I'm sorry I forgot about snacks. We can get something from the cart girl."

"No, I'll be fine for a while longer."

It looks like he doesn't believe you and instead reaches for your water, opening it for you. Without question, you take a long sip, letting it refresh you for a moment as you soak in the warmth of the sun.

"I'll cook you dinner when we get home." He promises.

"What do you have in mind?"

"You'll see, darling."

Harry walks back over, grabbing the golf clubs and stretching out his free hand to you, which you happily accept, intertwining your hands together, loving how easy it is. The weight of his hand in yours is something you never want to forget.

Arriving back home, Harry sent you up for a shower without letting you help him in the kitchen. You leave him be, taking advantage of the alone time he has granted you with. You love Harry and love spending every moment with him, but you're glad he's observant when it's okay to step back and give you that time to yourself because you both need it.

You spent a decent amount of time in the shower, belting song after song in a private concert. It was fun while it lasted. Getting dressed quickly in sweats and Harry's discarded shift from this morning, you slip it on before hurrying down the stairs, and the aroma in the room is divine.

"What smells so yummy?"

"That'll be the lasagna that is cooking in the oven."

Your eyes widen at the thought. You see the pan on the counter with leftover sauce. "Did you make it from scratch?"

"The sauce, yes. Those months in Italy sure are helpful in picking up skills. The pasta isn't. Promise we'll do that together another time."

"It's a date," you grin at him.

You wrap him in a hug, unable to contain your excitement at the prospect of a home-cooked meal that he made especially for you.

Harry lets you go, making you pout at him. He only shakes his head, pressing a kiss on your lips before helping to sit on the counter. It's your favorite spot you've come to learn. You get to rest against him, his head against your chest, your hands moving up and down his back as you hold each other tightly.

You'd be in the position had Harry not heard your stomach growl. He pulled back a deep frown on his face, and you flush in embarrassment but try to pull him back to you.

He goes to the fridge, pulls out a container, and grabs a small yellow bowl that looks like it was hand-painted. Turning around, he presents you with the plate that holds blackberries for you.

"Should hold you off for a bit."

As you take the plate, happily beginning to eat them humming at the juicy flavor, Harry can't help the laugh that escapes him. His happiness radiates off of him, and you know it's partly from you. He presses a kiss to the side of your head before leaning back on the counter, keeping a time on the timer that should be going off soon.

"Where's your mum?"

"Out with friends." He steals a blackberry, popping it in his mouth, "comes all the way here and doesn't even spend time with me."

You roll your eyes at his silliness, "relax, drama queen."

He pokes your side, making you jump and drop a berry. You pout at Harry, who just shakes his head, feeding you another.

"You probably invited her golfing."

"I did."

"'Course she said she had plans she didn't want to come golfing for hours," you tease. "No one does."

"That's a lie. Niall told me his girlfriend joins him," He defends.

"The Irish fellow?"

"The very one."

"He probably gives it to her so good she can't say no."

Harry's mouth falls open in disbelief, "oi, shut it." He throws a berry at your head but you duck. "Are you saying I don't give it to you good?"

"Didn't say that."

"Yes, you weren't saying that last night or this morning."

"Mi vida, you are the best lover, and I'm forever grateful."

He presses a kiss to your neck, then your cheek, and finally on your lips. "That's what I like to hear."

"I'd like to meet him. I enjoy his music."

The oven alarm rings loud, and he moves to shut it off. Grabbing the oven mitt and knife on the counter, checking on dinner that should be just about done.

"You do? How did I not know this?"

"Because I didn't have a Twitter account dedicated to you during this time."

"Why's that? Not cool enough for you."

"Oh definitely, but my career was growing just as yours was around the same time."

He shuts the oven off then places the oven mitts on the counter, letting the lasagna sit there for a few more minutes. "Right, right."

"What would you be doing now if I wasn't here?"

Harry tilts his head, "as in if you were working?"

You laugh, "no, silly, if I wasn't in your life. Do you think you'd still be golfing and cooking yourself lasagna?"

The look on his face is serious. He moves your legs wide to step in as you become the same height from your spot on his counter. "Don't say things like that."

"It's a hypothetical, H."

"Hypothetical or not. I don't want to think of my life without you. Lived too many years missing you, and now that I have you, I don't think I ever want to let go."

Oh.

You did not mean to go down the sentimental road, but you're glad you did. It's not easy for Harry to open up, but he has throughout your time together because he knows you need it, and you appreciate it. More than he'll ever know.

"I'm sorry, baby. No hypotheticals."

"Good. Go set the table time to eat."

"Yes, sir."

Harry groans, "Bel."

You smirk as you gather two plates and two forks, "oh, you like that, noted."

"You'll be the death of me, my love."

Los Angeles, California Night Two

You rushed in hair a mess, looking flushed in your black raining daisy high waisted straight leg jeans and a white top, your bag flying off your shoulder as you stopped spotting Harry in the chair in front of the mirror. Ayae stood right behind, scissors in hand.

“Didn’t miss it?” You breathe out.

Harry laughs, shifting to look at you. The smile on his face is contagious, “you made it, Bel.”

“Traffic sucks here. But I had to thank Alfonso for the few days he let me pester him.”

You set your bag down, pulling up a chair to sit right next to him.

“You didn’t pester, darling.”

“I know. Sorry I was late.”

Harry rolls his eyes, making grabby hands for you, and who are you to deny him. Ayae just watches on fondly, pretending to need something from her bag, giving you a moment of privacy. His hands settle on your face, and he brings his lips against yours. Something you missed in the few hours you were away having met up with two friends from an interview you did a month prior. Harry understood, but that didn’t mean he liked spending time apart from you.

“You’re here all that matters now.”

“Sorry, Ayae, go right ahead.”

You sit back, looking at Harry’s who’s staring straight ahead, as Ayae begins to wet his hair to make it easier. Stylists are to be admired, all the work they put in is sometimes underappreciated, but you know Harry always makes sure she knows how grateful she is.

As Ayae cuts, letting the pieces fall to the floor, Harry shuts his eyes, letting himself relax while you continue to admire him. He looks calm as if he’d been waiting for it to happen. You weren’t blessed to enjoy time with Harry’s long hair, but you do know he pulls off every look.

“What?” Harry asks after a while of silence.

You shrug, shaking your head. “Nothing, just admiring.”

“Like what you see?”

“Looks really good.”

“Think so?” He looks down timidly, but Ayae makes him look up again, the blush evident on his cheeks. “It’s been a while since I’ve cut it.”

“You’re always pretty,” you assure him.

Ayae saves him by turning on the blow dryer, beginning to style his hair, and he’s thankful for the save, or else he’d be redder than he already was.

As she finishes, fixing one stubborn hair that falls over. You giggle as Harry helps hold it in place, and the loose hair finally settles.

“All finished,” she pats his shoulder, letting him get up and get a closer look. You do the same.

Harry turns his head, careful not to run his fingers through it as he takes it in.

“Wonderful, thank you, Ayae.”

“Course, boss. I’ll be around if you need anything.”

After she cleans up, she leaves you and Harry alone. You step behind him, bringing your hand to rest at the back of his neck where his curls used to fall. Now it’s free. You rub your thumb affectionately as he sighs, relaxing to your touch.

“Like that.”

“H, we’ve got to go,” Luis said with a sincere smile on his face for interrupting.

Harry sighs, “be right there.”

You giggle as he rolls his eyes, but it’s the life of an artist who has to prepare for tonight.

“Want to–”

He’s interrupted as your phone begins to ring.

Viola.

She’s here.

“Sorry, amor. Gotta take that.”

“Okay, I’ll be back soon to meet her, alright?”

“She understands you’re busy.”

He shakes his head, “I’ll make time for you.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too, my love.”

“Now go. Before they drag you by your perfectly cut hair.”

Harry giggles at the image that popped in his head. He leans in, capturing your lips in a soft kiss enough to hold you over for the time you’re going to be apart.

“I’ve got a surprise for tonight.”

“Am I going to like it?”

“Love it,” he promises.

“Looking forward to it.”

He’s a step away from exiting when he turns around to look at you, “back here for my good luck kiss just in case Jeff doesn’t let me go?”

“Course, mi amor.”

And he was off.

Viola had been thrilled to meet Harry. They got along swimmingly, bouncing off each other's stories and laughing like old friends. It was funny; the last person Viola got on that well with was you. She had many clients, and you know you couldn't say you were her favorite (although you were), but it was nice knowing that your manager was your friend and was rooting for your success. Even nicer when she got to meet the new people in your life.

It was important that she met Harry because you didn't let yourself open up a lot in fear of being taken advantage of or the chance of being hurt. As many friends you had in this industry, you also had just as much privacy.

Now to be watching him on stage with Viola dancing along, laughing at everyone's dorky moves, her own included. Viola and Anne had spoken briefly, promising to talk more after the show. You're sure by the end of the night, they would have a tea time together planned for a date before both of them left Los Angeles.

Harry was really shining tonight. The outfit is one that just calls for your attention. He's wearing a black sequin shirt, matching trousers, black suspenders keeping the uniform going, and his leather boots. The perfectly styled hair tying the look together. You loved that he left the shirt unopened, giving a view of his chest enough to satisfy.

He was interacting with the crowd a lot more, his energy even higher than a couple nights ago. You loved seeing how happy he got on stage, you've said it many times, but you'd never get tired of it just like he would never do either.

Tonight Harry had many friends in sections where he could see them and sing directly to them. It was interesting knowing all the fans must be wondering who must be up there if they already didn't know. The biggest names, Lizzo, BTS, and SZA, hanging out laughing and singing with Harry as he strums his guards towards them. Even throwing a sunflower towards Lizzo, who blows him a kiss after she catches it.

The big surprise that Harry had up his sleeve was singing 'To Be So Lonely' you were not expecting it, but you were excited. You enjoyed the honesty of this song. The raw talent of Harry and Mitch is clear from the opening chords to the lyrics. The fans did not hold back as the fans shouted out loud Harry's six least favorite words. He encourages, though, and that's all that matters.

Jeff noticed you stepping back and getting a drink of water. He laughs as you narrow your eyes at him, not sure what he is laughing at.

"Are you jealous?"

Your eyes go wide. The question is absurd.

"What? No."

"You are."

He nudges you trying to get you to laugh.

You pout, shaking your head no. "'Course not. His attention isn't always on me. Thousands of people here, Jeff."

"But you expect it."

You scoff, "cut it out."

"Nope."

You roll your eyes, "Jeff, stop it." You chuckle, letting him know you aren't actually angry.

"Fun to tease."

You narrow your eyes as he throws his arm around your shoulder. "Love ya, Bel."

Shrugging him off, you flip him off, his laughter ringing in your ears as you go to stand with Anne. She's got the biggest smile on her face.

"Darling, you alright?"

"Jeff's just teasing me."

"Want to have a few words with him," she offers playfully.

"Nah, I can take him."

"He's wonderful. Looks so beautiful." She nods her head towards Harry, who is dancing around on the other side of the stage, shining as bright as the disco ball he displays towards the end of the night.

"Beautiful indeed."

"He was made for this." She whispers in awe, and you know she must be proud, but of course, she misses her little boy.

You feel an ache in your chest, so you hug her tight. "Sorry," you're quick to jump back, not sure if that was appropriate.

"Don't be daring," she pats your hands holding them tight. "Always grateful for hugs."

"Good, hope you don't mind if I shower more upon you then."

"Excited for it."

There, arm in arm with Anne, you watch Harry living his dreams, knowing you get to a part of it and more.

After the show, backstage is just as lively. Everyone gathered around and mingled, wanting to speak with the band and Harry. You shared a brief moment in his dressing room telling him how wonderful he was on stage and stealing kisses until you left, leaving him to get changed.

Now you're in a crowded room stealing glances at each other as you dance around each other, never getting close enough, both being pulled in different directions. You spent some time talking with friends you invited that you did an interview with when you were in Pittsburg pretending you were in New York. They were kind, and you honestly liked them, which is why you invited them tonight.

Viola had spent time chatting with Jeff over god knows what, but they departed amicably. She bounced over to you, telling you not to worry about it. You had a great time conversing with everyone, telling stories, and making jokes. Viola liked sharing funny stories about you. Always a crowd-pleaser.

You had just gotten a drink and were just watching when Viola came to join you. "You alright? What's wrong?"

You shrug, not sure, honestly. A sinking feeling is washing over you.

"Overwhelmed?"

"How'd you know?"

She grins, pointing at you, "there's this small scrunch between your eyebrows. I know you well."

"I guess. I wanted you to spend more time with him but forgot how popular he is."

"You're not used to sharing him," Viola states.

"What," you scoff. "Share him every night."

"Not this intimately."

It's crazy how well she can read you.

"I guess it's easy to forget he has all these other people in his life, and he just met me."

"It's not the same with you," she assures, rubbing your arm comfortingly.

You shrug and smile, "maybe."

"Y/N?"

You turn around and see Grace and Celia.

"Hi, ladies."

"Hey, thank you for inviting us. It was a great show." Celia tells you with a giant smile holding on tight to her bag.

"I'm glad you were able to make it. Were you heading out?"

Grace nods, "time goes by fast when you're having fun."

"Oh shit, I didn't introduce you to Harry. He's very popular, pointing over your shoulder to hear him laughing with a group of people." You tell them apologetically.

The two ladies wave you off. Celia smiled. "Don't worry. He came straight to us earlier before the show. Surprised us, really. He was very kind."

"He is." Grace agrees. "Shocked us, really. But he assured us that any friend of Bel was a friend of his. He really cares for you."

You stand there surprised but so relaxed after hearing that. It's precisely what you needed to hear.

"Thank you. I can't wait to read the article. Please send it over."

"To review?" Grace teases.

You laugh, "no. once it's posted. I'm sure it'll be a lovely read. Even pass it over to Mrs. Twist."

Celia places a hand over her heart, "an honor."

The ladies hug you goodbye and make their exit. You use this as an excuse to get a moment of privacy, excusing yourself from Viola. As you're walking away, you don't notice Harry's eyes on you following you.

You lean against a wall far away enough to keep you hidden, leaning your head back and just closing your eyes. It's only a few minutes when you hear footsteps coming your way.

"Hiding out, lovie?"

You open your eyes to see Harry swimming at you, arms open, and you're quick to shuffle in his hold.

"H," you sigh fondly and soften as his arms wrap around you.

"Miss ya, angel."

You giggle, "you are mister popular."

"As are you. Miss popular," he corrects, burying his face in your hair.

"Not even. You, on the other hand, have everyone around you."

Harry laughs, holding you closer, "I saw everyone come up to you. You and Sarah are the most popular people in that room."

"Not true," you mutter. "About me, not Sarah."

"Oh yeah, then why are Lizzo and V begging to meet you," he teases.

"Stop it."

"Nope, not lying. Big fans, they say."

"No one cares to meet the girlfriend."

"They want to meet you because you're Y/N Belmonte, the kindest and most beautiful movie star. Plus, they think you're crazy for wanting to date me."

"Because you're too amazing?"

Harry pulls back, holding your face in his hands, "no, because you're too good for me."

"But I love you."

He chuckles, grinning wide. "I know, sunshine, and I'm so lucky you do."

You let Harry hold you for a bit, enjoying the silence and having him back next to you. As much as you love that he's got amazing people by his side, you're also glad for these moments where he seeks you out because he loves you and needs you just as much.

His hand running down your back is comforting and not at all seductive, all though you know that is how the night will end once he gets you both home.

"You need to speak with Viola more. Want her to get to know you before we both leave."

Harry nods, playing with your fingers noting that your nails have chipped. You pull your hand back, but he holds tighter, intertwining your fingers together.

"Tall, long black hair, golden-brown skin, and pearly white teeth."

"That's her."

"Then we chatted lots." He grins, and you narrow your eyes at him. You meet his gaze and catch him looking bashful. "She showed up today while you were on set. Took her to lunch, and we chatted about you."

"Oh god, that's embarrassing. You let me introduce you earlier, acting like you've never met."

How did you not know? It's no wonder they seemed to get on so well. They had broken the ice earlier.

"I thought she'd mention it, and maybe she assumed I did. Our secret." He laughs as you feel your face flush at what they could have possibly talked about. "Also not embarrassing."

"It is."

"No, it's sweet. She cares for you a lot. Always wanted you to be happy, and she knows life is hard but glad you've given yourself and me a chance."

"The sweetest." You agree, knowing that Viola has been by your side for the best and the worst times.

You think back to your earlier conversation. She didn't say a word. No wonder she was so relaxed, mentioning how much he cared for you, something you knew but something she hadn't gotten the chance to see. Or so you thought.

"She may have also threatened me if I ever get you in bad waters, some things I don't want to mention." He shrugs, waving it off as nothing serious.

"Seems right," you laugh as he pouts, not at all getting you concerned.

"I love you."

"I love you, H."

You'll never get tired of saying it.

"Good, let's go meet friends."

"Can't go home?" You ask, suddenly feeling how socially exhausted you are.

"Nope." He keeps walking but stops when he doesn't feel you at his side.

"Want to show you how much I love you." He turns around slowly and sees you batting your eyes at him seductively.

"God woman, you will be the death of me," Harry groans.

You grin, knowing you're getting exactly what you want.

"Fifteen minutes top." He promises.

Los Angeles, California Night Three

The best way to wake up after a late-night is with kisses being pressed all over your naked skin as the fresh air hits you. The duvet pushed to the end of the bed while a beautiful man draped himself over you, coaxing you awake.

The man in question, your loving boyfriend. Who did not get sedated even after the three rounds you went together last night after leaving the venue.

"Harry," you groan, voice full of sleep.

Although, your body is reacting to his loving touches.

"Good morning, baby."

"Mhm." you shift, trying to bury your face in the pillow. "Sleep, please."

He chuckles, "it's late, darling."

You roll your eyes, lift your head to catch sight of the time on the small alarm clock on his bed that he never uses reads nine am.

"It's early. You lied."

Harry smiles, taking you in as you fight the warm feeling of sleep. If he hadn't stolen the blanket from you, then you'd already be in dreamland again.

"Want to love on you for a bit," he confesses.

Fuck. He never plays fair.

"Yeah?" You shift, your eyes staring at him. "Want to fuck me, baby?"

Harry groans, "fuck, how can your mood shift that quick."

You chuckle, "your kisses got me worked up." You pause. "Maybe it was the dream I was having, already so wet."

"Bel," he growls.

"Don't you want to check?" You tease.

"No teasing right now, love. Just need to be close to you."

You move your hands to your side, leaving you to spread open for him, "then by all means."

That's all he needs before he's diving forward, connecting your lips with his. The kiss is fast and all-consuming. You moan as he bites your bottom lip before pulling away. He knows better than to leave bruises where they can be seen, so he moves down and past your neck to your breasts. Harry places kiss after kiss until he takes your bud in his mouth, biting lightly as you push up against him.

"Harry," you plead.

He chuckles against your skin, "alright, my love. I'll take care of you."

Harry reaches over you, opening the drawer and grabbing a condom. You loved foreplay, Harry, and you could go on for hours appreciating each other, kissing every inch of each other's skin, but right now, you were craving him.

You needed him.

Harry quickly shifted right over you, pushing your legs further apart. His hand snaked down to feel you and checked just how ready you were, never wanting to hurt you. His touches were soft and focused. You felt pleasure ring through you, the smirk on his face as he rubbed your clit, making you buck up.

"H, amor." You whine. "I need you."

"Need my cock, angel."

You mewled. Your head was thrown back as he rubbed his tip back and forth over your lips.

"Answer me."

"Yes, yes," you breathe. "Need you to fuck me. Please."

"Give you the world if you asked, angel."

You throw your hands over his shoulder, needing him closer. "Only want you. Only you."

"You got me," he promises as he pushes inside of you.

The feeling of his inside of you was something you'd never get used to. He slipped in easily at how wet you had been. As he bottoms out, he holds still, waiting for you to catch your breath.

"Now, H."

Harry pulled out and pushed back in, keeping a steady rhythm. Your moans filled the room. The sex was soft compared to the words both of you shared earlier. He knew exactly what you wanted.

You ran your hand through his hair, tugging at his roots to get his attention back on you and not where your bodies connected. His eyes shined with lust and love. Harry leaned down, pressing your lips together, getting lost in the taste of each other.

"I love you," you told him against his lips.

Harry didn't need to answer for you to know how he felt.

His movements became harder as if he was fighting back his release wanting you to reach your release first.

"Come on, darling. Sing for me."

"Harry," you moaned louder as he picked up the speed, hitting you in all the right spots. You closed your eyes, seeing stars getting lost in his grunts.

You moved your hand down only to be stopped by Harry. You opened your eyes to see him staring at you shaking his head. Letting you know he'd do it, he'd take care of you.

His index finger circled over your clit, a harsh breath leaving you as the pleasure only increased.

"Good, angel?"

"Perfect, fuck, H."

Harry smirks, moving quicker, feeling how tight you got knowing you were going to come soon.

He pumps into you three more times while rubbing your clit, and that's when the feeling hits you spreading all over your body. The moan was loud, echoing through his room and through his entire house.

Harry follows right after you, the sight of you coming for him too angelic, and lets himself let go. He holds himself up, not wanting to lean his weight on top of you, but also not ready to be separated.

As you both work to catch your breath. Harry slips out, tying off the condom and throwing it in the small trash can by his bed. After that's done, he comes back to cuddle you, pressing kisses into your sweaty hair.

"Morning, H," your voice is cheerful as opposed to earlier.

"Morning, my love." Harry kisses your cheek then your neck, causing you to laugh. Shifting closer to him, not at all trying to escape his hold. This is exactly where you wanted to be.

Your eyes widen, you tense in his arms. "Please tell me your mum isn't home."

You feel the vibrations of his laugh as it rings loud from his chest. "Lovie, wouldn't have had you screaming that loud if she was home. She went out for a walk with Sarah and the bub."

"Thank god." You relax, as much as you love Anne. You fear you'd never move past the embarrassment.

"Reckon, we have time for another round in the shower," he tries.

You laugh, patting his chest. Harry takes that as a no. Standing up on shaky legs walking to his luxurious bathroom. Once you make it to the door, you turn around, catching him staring at your ass. Typical.

"Are you coming?"

Harry sits up cautious, "really?"

"Mhm…feeling a little hungry," you wink.

If Harry slips on his way into the bathroom, well, that's okay because you on your knees for him would take all the embarrassment away. Getting lost in the feeling of your mouth makes him forget everything around him except for you. And well, a gentleman always returns the favor.

The rest of the morning went perfectly as Anne came home and joined you for pancakes. Then Harry drove you over to the venue where he was instantly ushered around with Jeff, and you kept Anne company telling stories back and forth. It wasn't until close to lunchtime that Harry managed to get away bringing you with him.

Harry had brought you to sit with him on the steps of the stage. It was strange to see it empty when it had been packed to the brim of fans and friends watching him sing on stage the past two times. You had brought with you a clementine, and after peeling it, you gave half to Harry. Sharing a clementine has always been portrayed as an act of love, and it's intimate making sure to give half of what's yours to someone else.

You sit there eating silently, letting your head rest on his shoulder as you think a few weeks ago this might have been the last show, but it is not. No, you've three more to enjoy together and if all things go well, the end of the year as well.

"In the home stretch." Harry let out a deep sigh. "Only a week left." Time seemed to fly by with him, you think.

"You worried?" Harry asks.

"About?" You shift to look at him, hearing the shift in tone in his voice.

"Us."

"No," you answer confidently without missing a beat.

"Why not?"

You rest your head on your knees. "I love you." You shrug because it's that simple. "I'm going to do everything to make this work."

"Me too, angel," he promises, bending forward and pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

"Good."

"What's after New York?" Harry continues with his questioning.

You exhale, "can we enjoy today?"

Harry looks at you for a second too long and agrees, noting you didn't want to discuss it. He kisses your temple and begins to stand up, "going to speak with mum."

"H," you sigh instantly, seeing he's upset.

"No, Bel. It's fine." He breathes out.

"Clearly, it's not."

Harry can see he can't leave now and expresses his thoughts.

"I want to talk about our future."

"And we will."

"I want to talk about it now."

You shut your eyes for a second before standing up, needing this conversation to happen at the same level and not talk down on. "What's a few more days?" You ask calmly.

"Nothing is tying you here. Why don't you want to discuss it?"

"Nothing?" You spat out, eyebrows raised. Your mood goes from tense to sad in seconds. "I've got family here. You also know my plans about finding a home in London."

"What for? So it can remain empty," he spits as you.

You're not one to back down, not ever. "Just like yours will."

"What?"

"Stadium talk sound familiar?" You've got a busy summer and even more active months after that." Harry freezes because you're right. He's going to be gone a long time traveling from country to country until he begins the press tour with Flo before the film releases in September. "You may not have brought it up yet, but others talk to me. You don't think we'll make it." You breathe out your heart at your throat. "Is that it?"

Harry deflates, "Bel, no."

"Then why are you getting upset?"

"Why are you?" He shoots back.

"Because a simple conversation about your tour ending made you upset with me."

Harry scoffs, "I've had enough."

He turns, and you know he's going to walk away from you.

"You promised me." Your voice cracks, betraying you, displaying how upset you really are. He freezes but doesn't turn to look at you. "You promised we'd talk things out. Not fight, not like Connecticut." Even the mention of the place you fought makes you more upset.

"Well, maybe you should get used to me breaking promises." His voice echoes out, each word finding a place to sink into your heart, only deepening the hurt.

It seems he might not have been as all in as you were. Now you aren't sure what the last few days mean, all suddenly beginning to feel like a dream.

There's nothing left to say. How are you supposed to fight for Harry and your love if he gives up this easily?

You walk away from him just as he was about to do, glad he did not see the expression on your face.

Were you foolish to follow him on tour? To have fallen in love so quickly.

Did love make you weak?

The tears threatening to fall blur your eyes, so you take a moment to stop and wipe your eyes. You need to get away. Except there is nowhere to go. Fans have lingered outside since early this morning. There are crew members at every corner you turn. You just want to get away.

You shove your hands in your pocket and sigh at the cold metal hiding in your pocket.

Harry's car keys.

He let you drive the car in this morning. You had forgotten to slip them in his bag after shutting off the vehicle. Well, at least for now, you had a place to be alone.

You move to lay in the back seat of the Range Rover, thankful for the tinted windows. You have your phone just in case but know no one will come looking for you, why would they?

You doubt Harry would mention the argument.

Being alone in your thoughts will be good, allowing you to reflect and try to figure out what upset Harry. It was the topic of the end of the tour, of course. He was upset.

Why did he throw your filming schedules in your face as if he was home all the time?

As you tried to find an answer to justify Harry's anger, you ended up falling asleep, not realizing how tired that made you feel.

You wake up startled, sitting up, and feel your phone buzzing on the floor. It must have slipped. You pick it up, staring at the screen and the various missed calls that have accumulated.

Shit.

How long did you nap that a search time seemed to have been sent out?

As you're about to reply to Jeff, a call from Glenne comes in. You answer on the second ring.

"Hello."

"Bel, where the hell are you?"

"I was sleeping." You avoid telling her where you were.

"Why?"

"Bel," she sighs. It's obvious she knows. Meaning everyone must know. "H said you got in an argument and left."

"Like I could go far," you muttered bitterly.

"We've searched everywhere."

"Clearly not."

"Not funny," Glenne scolds.

"I'll meet you back at the dressing room." You pause. What if he's there? You don't think you're ready to speak with him yet. "Wait, where is he?"

Glenne knows precisely the 'he' in question is and answers that he's right there pacing around waiting for any news.

"Oh. Well, you can come to me."

"Where is that?"

"In his car. By the private entrance."

Glenne doesn't hold back her laugh, it rings through the phone, and it makes you smile. "I have to tell him you're okay."

"That's fine. As long as my location remains hidden."

"You have my word."

It's only a few minutes later when there's a knock on the door, and it swings open where you don't only just see Glenne but Anne too.

"I brought back up." Glenne points her thumb behind her, and you grin, scooting to the end for both of them to come in.

"You alright?" You shrug because, honestly, you're not sure. "Though it was a dream."

"Want to tell us what happened?" Glenne asks softly, but you can't help but look at Anne and fear judgment for a moment.

"He's my son, but darling, I'm not here to make you feel bad or judge you. Just want to make sure you're both alright."

You appreciate her words. It's what you needed to begin to share your story.

"We were talking about the final shows. Then he asked about after New York, and I'd told him we'd talk about it then, not now. And he flipped."

"Bel," Glenne sighs, squeezing your hand.

"Then said not to expect him to keep his promises for the future."

"Fuck, Harry," Glenne mutters under her breathe.

You don't mention everything because the fight was intimate. It's about you both and your relationship. You feel strange speaking about it, but if anyone was able to help, it was Glenne and Anne who know him better than anyone, having been by his side for so long.

"Yup, now we're here."

Glenne and Anne share a look, making you wonder if they might know what's going through his head.

"Do you know what's going on?" Anne frowns, shaking her head.

"All he said was that you got in a fight and that he messed up."

You let your head fall in your hands, just wanting to drown your sorrows in something. "I wish I knew how to fix it, but if we don't talk, then we won't be able to."

"What do you want to do?" Anne asks.

"Right now or with Harry?" Two different responses.

"Right now." They reply, waiting for your response.

You look down, looking sheepish. "I'm kind of hungry."

"Then we eat. The best thing you can do is talk, but that can wait. Alright, darling girl." Anne assures you. "He's my son, but I will admit when he's being an idiot as all men are sometimes."

"Amen, Anne," Gleene agrees, throwing her arm over your shoulder.

As you all get out of the car, you walk by a noticeably large sign overhead saying 'Harry Styles Love on tour' the o on tour was a heart. Anne had asked for a photo, and neither Anne nor you could say no to her. You asked a worker who was walking by, assuring them that they could say no if they were busy. Lucky for you, they said yes. You hurried back over, standing to Anne's right arm around her waist. Glenne posed effortlessly to display her gorgeous outfit she picked especially for tonight as she texted you this morning asking if it was too much or just enough. In the middle of you two, Anne could not contain her smile. This happiness. The people around you, and that's how you knew that you and Harry could fix whatever had happened earlier in the day.

You stand there all close, huddled together, smiling and laughing, looking at Glenne's phone as she posts on her story, something private from fans at least for a bit. Neither one of you ever would stop Anne from posting. She's just a mum who loves sharing photos and videos, not her fault her son is a world loved artist. You love that; as much as she keeps Harry's life private, she shares enough because she wants her family to see her children's accomplishments.

Sitting down, you eat. You're hungry, and thankfully, the food never fails. Sarah's kitchen produces nothing but the best for you all every night without fail.

Dinner was good, giving you the clear head you needed. You knew you needed to talk to Harry, but you were nervous about approaching him. After eating and assuring almost everyone that you were okay, you made your way to Harry's dressing room which Glenne and Jeff had made sure was clear for you. Anne had been the one to distract Harry long enough, making sure he'd have enough time to get ready.

After eating and assuring almost everyone that came up to you that you were okay, you made your way to the restroom and got ready. Glenne made sure Harry was out of the dressing room, allowing you to do your makeup and hair there. You suggested going back to Harry's house for the night, but Anne was quick to shut you down, saying running away wouldn't fix anything.

The outfit you were wearing for tonight was a shimmering blue fabric on a black base. It's a twist crop top and ultra-flattering pants that hug you in all the right places. There are sexy high slits on both sides. It makes you feel confident knowing you look so good. You didn't want to do too much makeup, settling on shimmery eyeshadow to match your outfit and mascara to make your eyes pop. Slipping on your black platform heels wanting the extra height tonight, knowing it only made you look more desirable.

Looking at yourself in the mirror, you were satisfied, meaning you had two choices: one, go find someone to hang out with for now and avoid Harry, or two, go find Harry and talk like you should have earlier.

"Look beautiful."

His voice startled you, not expecting him to have come back yet. You take a deep breath before turning around to look at him. You stay silent, not sure what to say.

"Hey."

"Hi," you whisper back, your voice escaping you. "I can leave if you need to change."

You look away from him, settling on looking at the floor. You miss the way the frown on his face deepens. Not knowing your words broke him a bit inside because just yesterday, you were helping him get ready, giving him a kiss every time you buttoned up his shirt.

Now you don't meet his gaze, standing tense a few feet away. He knows he did this. Now he's here to try and fix it and hopefully not mess up again.

"Don't want you to leave. You know how much I like having you here."

You shrug because you honestly aren't sure right now.

"Can we talk?"

"Okay."

You move over to the sofa and take a seat.

It's silent as you both avoid meeting each other's eyes, the gap on the couch different than what you're used to. You hold yourself back from crawling in his lap and just letting him hold you as he tells you that you would be alright.

"Bel, I'm sorry." You meet his eyes, and they are filled with sorrow. "I'm so sorry."

You let him continue knowing he's got to get this off his chest.

"There's this fear that we're going to burst the bubble. That all we have will come crashing down." He confesses.

"Does it feel like a fantasy to you?"

Harry exhales softly, "sometimes."

"I'm real. I'm here." You hope he can see the honesty in your face.

"I know."

"Your fears are valid, Harry. But fuck you attacked me. You threw your words at me like you wanted me to walk away like you wanted it to be my fault you lost me."

Harry's beautiful green eyes well up with tears, and it breaks your heart. "I know."

"You can't live with the fear that at any chance something will go wrong, and you'll lose me."

"But I can," he pleads for you to understand.

"That's not how relationships work, H." You shift closer, knowing he needs comfort. You place your hand on top of his thigh, his hand quickly follows, gripping yours tightly. Clinging to that small sign of hope that you're going to be okay. That he didn't mess this up. "I know you've struggled, but baby, so have I. I've given you everything and have bared my heart and soul to you."

Harry knows every part of you, parts you didn't even know that had been closed off until him. "I know, I know." He repeats. "You know everything. You hold my heart."

You're sitting right next to him, thighs touching.

"How will we make it work?" He asks, voice full of fear.

The fear of losing you while you're apart is what scares him. He can fight for you now, but what if when you're miles apart, he can't fix it? What then?

"Talking, lots of it. To the point, you'll get tired of my voice."

"Could never."

"Coordinate visits. Not saying it will be easy, but if you're all in then, we'll be alright."

He smiles, and it lightens the mood instantly. "Can't join me on a second tour."

"Not this time, mi vida."

"Disappointing."

"I know, can't be your groupie forever," you tease, calling back to the early days when he asked you to join him, and you thought it was the craziest idea then.

"Wouldn't want you to," you hear the sincerity in his voice.

"Now that's just rude, Styles."

Harry chuckles, shaking his head. "I mean that I want to see you in your element. Visit you on set, take your coffee and meet your team. Sit in your chair with your name on the back. But also go on dates and spend time together. Just me and you, baby." Harry expresses all his thoughts, deciding that sharing isn't so hard if you're the one at his side.

"Bel, let me promise you something."

“Harry," you frown.

"No, I apologize for earlier. I was an asshole, and I was scared, but you let me see that I didn't have to be."

"I forgive you. I do." You squeeze his hand. "You go asshole on me, and I swear I'll kick your ass," you falsely threaten.

"Won't give you a reason to."

You lean in and hug him. You hug him tight, needing to know that you're okay. That the argument is now in the past, and you'll move forward.

"I love you. I promise and cross my heart that I will bring my concerns to you. We will work through things together, whatever they may be."

"I love you, H. Promise to do the same."

You lift his hand and link his pinky with yours. Old school style, the best kind to be made.

Holding your pinkies together, you feel Harry begin to lean in, and you follow. Once your lips meet, all the worries fade away for the moment. It's two people reconciling after an argument. A foolish one, but you know each fight only makes you stronger.

Harry tilts his head, deepening the kiss. His lips are soft and warm. It's slow; neither of you picks it up simply, just wanting to get lost in each other. You break away to catch your breath, lips only a centimeter away, which Harry closes to peck your lips a few times until you pull away laughing.

"Couples fight. It's healthy or whatever. But you keep too much to yourself." You tell him, wanting him to be aware. You have your flaws, you know. You're sensitive, making it harder to have a conversation when the tension rises. Also, you walked away when maybe if you stayed, it could have cleared the way.

"Talked with mum. She made me see things clearer. Also, never hide, thought you really left."

"Yeah, I fell asleep in your car."

"Dork." He giggles. "I'd be the biggest idiot if I lost you."

"Not wrong," you tease.

"We'll pause then. On our conversation about what is after New York."

You laugh, "it seems best for now."

"Cause I have to get ready?"

"Hit the nail on the head."

"Alright, going to help?"

"You know it, rockstar."

You pull him in for one last kiss, both of you smiling against each other's lips, happy to be here in this moment. To be in each other's arms because there is no one else you want at the end of the day.

As soon as Harry stepped foot on stage, the smile on his face did not drop; well, it hadn't stopped since you helped him get ready. And maybe if Jeff hadn't walked in on you sitting on Harry's lap while wearing his sequined vest, then perhaps it'd be even bigger, but you doubted it was possible. After getting scolded by Jeff, neither of you, at the point to be the least bit embarrassed, you actually helped Harry get ready before you were kicked out.

Harry waved goodbye as his box was shut and was rolled under the stage. You were really looking forward to the behind-the-scenes footage the team had been compiling, maybe the fans would never see it, but you would.

Linked in hand with Glenne, you went out to your spot as the lights dimmed and Harry's final song on the playlist began as the countdown started for him to get on stage. Once he did, the screams were thunderous. You felt them echo out as if they'd never stop.

One stage, you didn't think it was possible to shine as much, but with his open vest covered in black sequined fringe paired with green embossed wide-leg trousers and cream leather boots, he was doing just that. It might also have to do with the glitter you put all over his chest, more specifically on his tattoos that were on display tonight. The ferns remained hidden. Those were for your enjoyment later tonight.

Much to your displeasure, the show had been flying by. Harry stood in front of you all, preparing to sing 'Cherry' when a sign caught his eye. "There's a sign that says 'I just got dumped' I'm really sorry. Maybe you can relate to this song. It's sad." And with that, he began to sing. The fans never failed singing along with him, not perfectly but with so much love.

After 'Lights Up,' a song that has become one of your favorites, hearing how special it is to hear life, to know that at one point, Harry wasn't sure of who he was but now proudly told his fans each night that he does. That he found himself and is proud of who he has become.

"Los Angeles! You having a good time so far?" The applause goes on for a few seconds before allowing Harry to continue. "Alright. Take a second to talk. Wanted to talk about the fact I've been coming to LA for ten years. After this show, only three shows left." You can hear the sadness in his voice at the thought of this ending for the time being. "I remember the first time I stepped in this room. I remember the last time I stepped in this room." He pauses for dramatic effect. "It was yesterday. But I also remember being here almost exactly two years ago. The day that my last album came out. And I cannot express to you how much you've changed my life over the last two years since I've been here."

He's holding on to the microphone stand for support; you hear that slight tremor in his voice to tell you he's overwhelmed but so happy. "And every time I get to play in LA is an absolute pleasure and a privilege, and some of the time when I'm here, I'm very lucky to have some friends in the audience. Over the years, people that I've met over the last, you know, twenty-seven years of my life."

The screams you feel are now booming, trying to find an escape only to bounce back, creating even more noise. "There are some people in this room tonight who have helped me more than I could ever express to them, and you all know who you are," his voice thick with emotion. "And each and every single one of you knows who you are, and I just want to say thank you because you've changed my life." Harry pauses to take a deep breath and lets the cheers die out. Harry plays with his in-ear, "and… I'm so happy." The smile on his face is breathtaking, one you hope Anthony was able to capture on camera.

"This is one hundred percent my favorite thing to do, and I appreciate you being here tonight so much. Thank you. Thank you. I knew this one was going to be fun. I could feel it. I could." He jokes, letting the seriousness fade away and go into the next ten minutes of dancing.

You've told Harry time and time again that 'Canyon Moon' live is fantastic. It's a fun song about going home to a person you love after a long time. He takes pride in writing your favorite songs. You're only a quarter way in when the camera's pan to Harry looking serious into the crowd.

"Stop, stop, stop. You good? You okay? Lights up for a second, please." He turns around, making his way to the middle of the stage where he keeps spare water. He bends down, and security gets it to the fan. "You okay? Good. Do you want me to keep going or wait?" Keep going, alright." He turns a skip in his step. "At least you're at the front now." Making the fan laugh and going forward with the show. You know Harry's going to keep an extra eye on them now that he's seen them. Harry wants people to have fun at his show, not get hurt. Meaning he tries to make this the safest environment for them with the bit of control he does have.

"Los Angeles, did you have a good time tonight?" Loud cheers ring around the room. "Thank you, you've been absolutely incredible. What's gonna happen next is we're going to do a song and disappear pretending it's the end of the show." There are loud 'awes' that ring out. "It's not." He giggles as the crowd begin to raise their voice again. He raises a finger to the air, wagging it around, "plenty more, you'll see."

Harry stands with his guitar strapped to his chest as he looks around as if he's trying to memorize every face in the crowd. "Before we do that, I want to say thank you to a couple of people if you're okay with that."

The audience would never disagree with him, so he moves forward with his speech.

"First of all, it is her last show with us tonight. Very sad to see her go. Please give a wonderful cheer to Miss Jenny Lewis, who opened the show. I've been a fan of hers for a long time. It's been a pleasure to watch her every night before coming on stage. She has loved you. Thank you so much for making her feel welcomed every night. Thank you very much."

Jenny has been incredible and so kind to you. You think back to the late-night run Harry offered to do for her when she ran out of dog food, an excuse to get you both out of the hotel you were staying at.

"Second, to my incredible band who is on this stage. Please make some noise." Harry laughs and claps along, knowing his band deserves the praise.

"Third, there is a large group of people in this room who get here a long time before any of us are in the room. They go home a long time after all of us have left. You don't see them. And quite simply, the show can't happen without them, so to the crew, all backstage make some noise." Everyone around you cheers as loud as they can, personally knowing each member of the crew and knowing how much Harry values everyone he has on his team. Without them, he wouldn't have an amazing show.

"Also, and potentially the most LA thing to ever come out of my mouth, my therapist is here, so thank you to her!" The cheers are loud, and the smile on his face is so wide you feel how much it brings you warmth to freely mention that. Both of you having gone to an appointment now that you were in Los Angeles. "Now, do you understand?' He giggles into the microphone as he takes in the crowd a final time before getting ready to sing. "So, thank you."

Harry has so many thanks to give, and you know it may not be directed to you, but you're just so grateful to see how loved he is. Everyone was hugging. Anne and Jeff hold each other tightly, and you move back to rest by a stage box taking in the family Harry had created during his time away from home.

You didn't even notice when Anne bounced over to you, tears still streaming down her face. You tried to wipe yours away, but it was too late, seeing as she noticed them only for more to continue falling down. Anne doesn't even say a word; instead wraps you up in a tight hug, allowing you to feel comforted.

"Alright, darling?"

"Yes," you wipe your tears, laughing a bit, when you see some glitter on your hands. "Nice to see he's so loved and has always had people supporting him and helping him.

"I'm thankful too. I'm his mother, so I'll always support him, but it's nice to know when I'm at home, and he's off doing what he loves that he's not alone and being taken care of."

You nod, squeezing her arm tight, holding them close to your chest. "He's so thankful for you. Always speaks highly of you." You assure her.

"And you darling."

Now that surprises you.

"Me? Oh, I've just entered his life. Hell, we fought today." You breathe out. "But I love him."

"Oh, darling." She brushes your hair back. "He loves you. Let his fear get in the way sometimes, but he loves you." Her words bring your tears forward again. "There is nothing more proud of than he is of you. He's so thankful to have you supporting him and loving him. You here every night is more than you can imagine."

Anne wipes your tears away. It reminds you of when your mother would do it when you were younger.

"I know it feels like you just entered his life, but you've changed him. He's happier and lighter. Oh, and so so in love. You take care of him so well."

Your tears are falling faster, and you pull Anne in for a hug tucking your head in her shoulder. "I love him. I promise to take care of him. He's truly the most amazing person I've ever met."

Anne kisses your cheek. "I know, darling."

You hold each other tight as you tune back onto the stage where Harry finishes his speech.

"Remember to find your sunshine. It might not feel like it's there all the time, but I promise you, once you find it, don't ever let it go." Harry pauses, turning around briefly. You know he can't see you, but knowing he's searching for you warms you with the best feeling. "I feel lucky enough to say that I have."

You know it's you. No one knows he calls you sunshine or sol as he prefers. But he constantly reminds you how much you've brightened his life. You vow to do the same.

You love Harry. You do.

These past two months have been insane, but you wouldn't change a single thing because it brought Harry into your life, and you're going to do everything in your power to have him stay and know he will do the same.

"And most importantly, most importantly to each and every single one of you, thank you so so much. I do not get to do this if you don't come. You've changed my life, and I'm so grateful. How important nights like tonight are to be with people you love. We'll be alright. This is 'Fine Line.'"

Harry and the band had just finished Medicine, and he was getting ready to introduce the band when you heard your phone ring. You knew it was a message, but something in your gut told you to check it.

Naomi

Mom is in the hospital. All good. Going home in the morning.

What?

Ruby wasn't okay.

You feel all the blood rush to your head and bump into Jeff. He's quick to take hold of your arm, holding you steady.

"Bel? You alright?"

You aren't okay. Your head was spinning.

"Uh...Naomi. Her mom's in the hospital."

Everyone around is suddenly moving faster, and you want them to stop.

Jeff is still holding your arm when you realize he's guiding you out. "Let's get you going."

"But H," you try to turn around, needing him to know. You also want to get out of there and call Naomi for a better update.

"We'll get him in the car with you as soon as he's off the stage. I'll talk to him through the in-ear."

You let him lead you after that. The black curtain moved as you walked by, a car already there waiting and running. Ready for you to get in. Jeff glances at you, debating to stay with you when he sees you put your phone to your ear, deciding you need privacy more.

It's close to two am in Minnesota, but clearly, she's up if she sent the message.

There is only one ring, and she picks up.

"Hey. You're up?" Naomi sounds exhausted and tense, not a good sign.

"You knew there was a show." You deadpan wanting her to get over the small talk.

"Yeah… Mom's fine, honestly."

"Did you just get there?"

She pauses. Too long. It must have been hours.

"A few hours."

"And you didn't call," your voice cracks.

"You were at a show," she defends.

"Unbelievable."

"It was her idea."

You scoff, laughing bitterly at Naomi pointing fingers at the person in the hospital, not wanting your anger directed at herself rather her mother,  the patient. She knew it was pointless.

"Really?"

"It was, I swear. Didn't want to bother." She tells you as if sensing your anger. She continues, "her words not mine."

"Pass the phone."

"Uh…" you hear bickering in the background and let out a laugh. "She's sleeping."

"Seriously, I just heard her."

"Sleep talking," Naomi tries. Then there's the voice again asking for the phone to be given to them.

"Hi, sweetie."

You soften, thankful to hear her soothing voice. "Hi, Ruby. You alright?"

"I'm fine. Nothing to worry about."

"You sure?" Before she can answer you, ask another question, "what made you go?"

"Had a few dizzy spells. The last one had me falling."

"What caused them?"

"Lack of fluids."

You're shocked. Honestly, growing up, she was on Naomi about always being hydrated.

"Really?"

"You know it's hard to drink with the cold weather."

"Please be careful," you plead.

"Amir is all over it."

"As he should." You pause, glad to know her husband is going to keep an extra eye. Meaning buying those outrageous time water bottles. "Do you need me?"

"Oh, sweetie. As much as I love you and miss you, I'm okay. I'm good with three people to smother me for a bit."

"How did the others take it?"

"Better than you," she teases.

"Ruby, please. You're my family."

"I know, sweetie. The other trusts I'm in good hands."

"You better be," you sniffle, wiping away a tear that escaped.

"How was the show?"

"Lovely as always. He's incredible."

"I bet." You know she's grinning. "Going to have to take me eventually got to see the young man in action. Got to meet the potential son-in-law."

Those words move you to tears. You let them run free.

"You made me weepy."

She laughs. "Me too." Ruby pauses. "I miss you."

"Me too. Holidays soon," you remind her.

"Naomi says you have a surprise."

"I do," just thinking about it makes you excited.

"You spoil us."

"Not nearly enough." Naomi must have said something because she's laughing again. "Tell her I give her permission to tell you all about it tomorrow once you're home and settled. Then you can call me, and we'll make the arrangements."

"Alright, sweetie."

"You're—"you cut off as the door swung open, showing Harry's naked chest, vest in Luis' hand. "You're okay?" You check one last time."

"I am. Are you going to be alright? You in good hands?"

Harry is looking at your concern written all over his face. He scoots closer, resting a hand on your thought and the other on your cheek, taking note of your dried tears.

"The best," you assured her.

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

You move your phone to your lap but keep your eyes locked on Harry's.

"Everything alright? Didn't explain much. Is Naomi okay?"

"It's her mom, Ruby. She's in the hospital. She was low on fluids and had her hooked to an IV now."

"She's okay?"

"Yes, keeping her overnight and going home in the afternoon."

He nods, "do you need a plane ticket?"

"What?"

"Do you want to leave in the morning or check if they have any leaving soon? LAX isn't too far from here."

You sit there shocked. Didn't think he'd be searching for flights for you.

"What?"

Harry doesn't sense your urgency and calms down. "It's your family, right?"

"Yes."

"Then we'll get you home," he promises.

"H, amor. Settle for a moment. Your adrenaline's still going."

"What?"

"Breathe with me."

He takes long, deep breaths and follows with long exhales. You repeat a few times until you see he's relaxed.

"Good?"

He nods his head.

"I'm not going. She doesn't want the fuss. She's got three people looking out for her."

"You sure? Not staying because of me."

"No amor," you peck his lips. "But I do appreciate it."

"It's family, lovie." He states simply. Like he understands if you have to leave because he knows how much you both value family.

"I know, but she's fine. Doctor's say she's good."

"You alright?"

That's when you notice the slight tremble in your hands still. "I will be, not something you expect."

"Yeah, I know."

Harry leans back against the middle seat, moving you to hold you close to his chest.

"We'll get home, and I'll make you tea and tuck you in."

"Sorry, you left in a rush," you apologize.

"No, lovie. There's no need. Go anywhere with you." He pressed a kiss to the top of your head, and you settled down, focusing on his heartbeat.

The drive home is silent, but his hold is strong.

You're okay.

You will be okay with Harry.

With Harry by your side, everything always would be.

thank you for reading <3 i adore you

taglist: @alienorknight @harry-is-my-sunflower @myfavfanficsever @springholland @michellekstyles @harryismyfwend @evanjh @onlyamylee @golden-hoax @itsmycorneroftheinternet @harryspirate @tenaciousperfectionunknown @thurhomish @thelovecayon @shawnieeboyy

twenty-five houston

[ack3rlady]

The Universe Had His Back - Chapter 7

Summer

Chapters: Six | Seven

Master List

Warnings: Fluff, Fluff and more Fluff

Word Count: ~2.74k

Inspiration: Don't Go - Exo

A/N: And with this chapter, I conclude this series. Thank you for all the love you all gave my baby project!

Tags: @sooibian, @queenofcurse, @red-n-tall, @badbitxhbuckybarnes , @sweet-assh0le

‘Why am I nervous? We've done much more than just kiss. For fucks sake! I'm the mother of his child.’

You took a few deep breaths to calm yourself down before pushing the cart from behind your truck towards the large glass doors of the café. You had offered to take today’s batch of bread and pastries to Levi’s to snag a chance to see him, much to Mikasa’s annoyance.

“Oi, brat! You’re late.”, Levi remarked without looking up from his laptop when the bell above the door rang with your entrance, expecting her to have finally arrived.

“Levi, I’m so sorry! I made an impromptu decision to come here instead of Mikasa and -”, you emerged from behind the lofty stack of boxes.

Your hair was up in a messy bun, you were panting from hauling the weight and the resultant perspiration made you glow. Your continual rambling about why you were late, instantly gave him a feeling of Déjà vu, hurling him eight years back in time to the morning when he first laid his eyes on you.  Mirroring that day, he couldn’t focus on anything you were saying, gawking at you with unblinking eyes given how stupefied he was by the sight before his eyes and the sound of your voice.

“Levi? Are you listening?”, you waved your hand in front of his face, disrupting the mental movie playing in his head.

“Huh? Oh, y-yeah. Hi.” he shook his head vigorously and blinked a few times to bring himself back to the present.

Both a blushing mess, you stood by the entrance to the cafe, smiling at each other like two smitten high-schoolers.

“Are you finally back together?”, a shriek from the opposite end of the seating area made your ears ring.

The cacophony was loud enough that Erwin’s head immediately peaked out of his office; his face riddled with confusion. Both your necks snapped towards the source - Hange was running in your direction with the brightest grin on their face. Every head in the room was turned towards you. Eren and other new members of staff at the café, Armin, Jean, Sasha and Connie were slack jawed with their gaping eyes fixed on you after being subjected to this abrupt and unnecessary announcement. One look from Levi sent them scrambling back to work.

“Fucking four-eyes.” he mumbled as they came closer.

“I knew it! You lovebirds couldn’t stay apart for long!”, they squealed with joy enveloping you both in an spontaneous group hug, not giving Levi an opportunity to flinch away.

“Shhh! Calm down, Hange! We’re not back together. Yet.”, you tugged on their hands trying to free yourself from their clasp.

Levi's eyes met and stayed on yours when you uttered the last word, the way his heart fluttered at the sound of it clearly reflecting on his face.

Yet.

“But you were together last night. You have both put in way too much effort in your appearances today. And the color on Short-stack's cheeks can be spotted from Mars! What am I missing here?”, they observed, unaware of the heat rising within their two friends thinking about their final moments together at the Ackerman home yesterday.

Always the perceptive one, Hange. They weren’t entirely wrong. You did spend forty minutes in your closet hunting for the one floral lemon-yellow dress that Levi loved seeing you in; piling on deodorant while simultaneously cursing the hot summer. You picked your reflection in the mirror apart for way too long, fiddling with the necklace he bought you ages ago while rehearsing what you would say to him.

By the looks of it, he did too. He looked oh-so handsome today. Granted, he always did. But today was different. He wore your favorite navy-blue button-down shirt with slate grey slacks, sleeves folded to reveal his toned fore arms, and the top two buttons left open to aid with the sweltering heat; or was it because he knew that it made you weak in the knees when he wore his shirts that way? And his cheeks and ears were definitely a brighter shade of pink than the raspberry compote on the cheesecake you brought.

He stood pinching the bridge of his nose, his breathing starting to speed up. You figured it was his attempt at suppressing the strong urge to smack the grin right off Hange’s face.

“Hange, I promise, I’ll give you all the details later. But for now, Levi and I have things to discuss.”, you pulled him away before he could act on his impulse.

Taking a seat at the table by the large bay window, kissed by the morning sun, you watched the city slowly rise awake with your cheek resting on the palm of your hand. Levi, who was walking back from the kitchen with a cup of tea for himself and a caramel latte for you, stopped in his tracks to mentally frame this image. It was as if you were a different person than who he met over the last two days.

There were no signs of the anxious but adoring mother from yesterday nor the bewildered, pained ex-wife from the day before; you were the same clumsy, moody, garrulous, as well as kind, selfless and mesmerizing woman he fell madly in love with when you walked in through the doors of this very place eight years ago. How could one person flood his heart with a barrage of different emotions this way?

You acknowledged him with a soft ‘hi’ accompanied by a smile when he sat down on the chair opposite to you, nervous about the forthcoming conversation. You stole occasional glances at each other while sipping your beverages, hesitating to be the one to say the first word.

“Do you hate me?”, he asked out of the blue, his gaze locked on his cup.

“No! Why would you think that?”

“Uh- you obviously had a chance to think about what I said to you after going home last night. Why would you possibly want to still see me?”

“Well, I’m here, aren't I? I want to work on us if you’re willing to try as well, Levi. I want to see where this takes us.”, you smiled, placing your hand on his.

"Me too."

.

.

Four months later

The day of Suki and Furlan's wedding was finally here. The venue was set, guests had arrived and you were busy helping the bride get ready for her special day, having spent all morning with her, Isabel and the other bridesmaids in the bridal suite, chatting away in excitement and anticipation for the day ahead.

“Honestly speaking, Suki, I’d have a hard time keeping my hands off you if I were Furlan”, you teased while draping the veil into her hair, causing her to bury her face into her palms.

“You’re one to talk! Levi has been looking for reasons to see you all morning. I had to turn him away thrice already. I'm pretty sure he is going to murder me after the wedding is over.”, Isabel shot back with a smirk.

The last four months had been nothing short of a whirlwind. After that morning at the cafe, having breakfast with Levi turned into a routine. He brought Luna along on most days, and the three of you spent time chatting and admiring the toddler’s antics over tea and scones while sitting at your usual table by the bay window. Sometimes you’d have her accompany you to the patisserie to give Levi a much-deserved break.

Everyone there was enamored with the little firecracker. Her Uncle Miche had always been her favorite because the gentle giant ferried her around the large kitchen on his shoulders. Bertholdt and Reiner would happily comply to all the orders their mini boss belted out. Annie, although a little awkward around her, listened intently to her endless stories; Mikasa secretly pampered her with numerous treats even after several warnings from you, and Nanaba would fuss over her all the time and try to keep the little one all to herself, earning protests from the others.

The evenings varied between taking Luna to the park or the pier, or just spending time indoors at your place or his. You even celebrated her fourth birthday two weeks ago. All your friends and family, along with some little friends the birthday girl had made at the park were invited. You spent a beautiful evening in the backyard of your house around a bonfire, with a delectable meal and wonderful company.

Levi especially made sure you knew that you were being wooed by taking you out on date nights every now-and-then to the finest of restaurants, walks on the beach, to the drive-in theater a few miles outside your town, or star gazing from your favorite spot up the nearby hill. You both were working through your differences and had barely had any disagreements during the time spent together. Things were slowly falling in place; in fact, this newly re-built relationship with him felt much stronger than ever before.

The flashback ended when the wedding planner knocked on the door indicating it was time for the ceremony to begin. You, Isabel, and the other bridesmaids ushered Suki to her designated spot, making sure her dress, hair, make up and flowers looked perfect.

.

.

Standing at the altar by Furlan’s side as his best man, Levi was relieved that he would finally be seeing you soon after being apart all morning. Lately, the two of you spent most of your time together; and this sudden separation had him feeling restless.

On cue, the two harpists seated on either side of the rows began to play heavenly tune of ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perry, a prompt for the bride’s party to start making their way towards the altar. He watched patiently as bridesmaids accompanied by groomsmen walked down the aisle, waiting for you to finally appear. He almost forgot to breathe when your form eventually entered the nave, walking a short distance behind Isabel and one of Furlan’s friends.

You wore the emerald gown from your encounter with him at the store four months ago, and looked a million times more beautiful this morning. Your usually open hair was tied into an elegant loose braid with some curly strands framing your face. The sun rays falling on your silhouette from the towering stained-glass windows of the church made you look like an angel descending solely upon him. He finally began breathing again when you smiled at him and mouthed “breathe”, after taking your position at the altar.

Levi only peeled his eyes away from you when Luna’s giggles reverberated off the stone walls as she waddled down the aisle, scattering petals of baby pink roses, about the same shade has her chubby cheeks, on the ivory carpet. You wiped a stray tear rolling down your face as you both proudly watched her play the part of a flower girl with utmost perfection. Upon making it to the end, she ran to you and buried her face in your gown, suddenly feeling shy from the cheers and applause she received from the smitten guests.

You instantly scooped her up and held her close, letting her nuzzle into the crook of your neck, cooing sweet words of encouragement into her ears. Levi was so taken by this divine scene before him that he failed to notice the bride's much awaited walk down the aisle; surprised to directly find Suki standing at the altar, facing Furlan with her lips curved into the widest smile before his attention found you and Luna again.

He lost track of how long he was marveling at his two perfect girls for, until he felt an elbow harshly crash into his ribs, knocking the wind out of his lungs.

“Is this revenge for your wedding?”, Furlan frowned.

Levi blankly stared at him, having no clue what he was talking about

“Ring, Levi!”, the fuming groom growled.

Oh, right. He pursed his lips in embarrassment melting under the scrutiny of the baffled guests while he handed over the ring that was in the safety of his blazer’s pocket. His eyes darted towards an alarmed Suki and silently apologized to her. Then his gaze moved back to you, an impish smirk on your face as you stared back at him, knowing exactly what was going on in his mind.

Fuck! Furlan was not going to let this go for a long time.

Luna had lost interest in the festivities midway through the nuptials and had fallen asleep in your arms. After the ceremony, when everyone began to make their way outside the chapel, Levi swiftly moved over to walk beside you and offered to carry the snoozing toddler. You groaned after her weight left your body, stretching your sore shoulders and aching back .

“Stop that. You have no idea how hard it is to control myself from jumping your bones, especially when you look this gorgeous.”, Levi whispered in your ear, snaking an arm around your waist.

You glanced around awkwardly making sure his words did not fall on any prying ears and gave him a quick smack on the shoulder, trying to suppress the heat creeping up your neck.

.

.

Time skip – Evening

The wedding reception was underway. You sat at a table sipping lemonade, watching the newlyweds grooving to the beats of music being played by DJ Zeke. Levi swapped his usual glass of Macallan for a cup of ginger lemon tea; His reason being that his throat was sore from carrying out best man duties. But you knew he was just being supportive of your goal to stay off alcohol.

Erwin and Hange sat by the bar, socializing with Furlan’s Boss, Mr. Pyxis while Luna was busy playing duck-duck-goose with some new toddler friends she made at the venue. Levi needed to be physically restrained from ambushing Isabel who he had discovered slow dancing with the same groomsman that walked alongside her at the ceremony. Miche and Nanaba were spotted in a rare public embrace, dancing leisurely to the slow music; and your army of helpers consisting of Eren, Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Sasha, Connie, Reiner, Bertholdt and Annie took the lead on setting up tables as yours and Levi’s patisserie and café were the official caterers for the evening.

The choice of DJ Zeke's next track brought a sparkle to your eyes. Your smile spread from ear to ear when ‘Fly me to the Moon' by Frank Sinatra emanated from the speakers. You sang along and began swaying cheerfully in your seat to the melody.

“Remember, Levi? This was the song we had our first dance to at our wedding.” you reminisced; a nostalgic smile spread across your face.

“How can I forget?”, he asked.

His eyes were unfocused, lost in memories of his own. He remembered how ethereal you looked in your white wedding dress. How your diamond jewelry shimmered under the spotlight, how you whispered honeyed words into his ears when he felt exceptionally uncomfortable dancing in public, how warm your hands felt wrapped around his body, how your breath tickled his neck. He’d give anything just to go back and relive that moment.

You gaze was still lost among people enjoying themselves on the dance floor when a stretched-out hand entered your line of vision. Your eyes followed it to land on Levi’s face. A quirk in your eyebrows wordlessly asked him what this action meant.

“Let's dance.”, he said.

“You, Levi Ackerman, are willingly asking me to dance? Did someone spike your tea?” You smirked, earning an eye roll from him.

“Oi, brat! Let’s go before I change my mind.”

“Only if you ask nicely.”

“May I have this dance with you, my love?”

You accepted and the pair of you headed towards the dance floor. He gently pulled you close to him and firmly held on to your hand. His other hand wrapped firmly around your waist and you rested yours on his shoulder. You both moved to the slow rhythm in perfect harmony, as you drowned in those gorgeous blue-grey eyes. It felt like the world around you had dissolved and it was just the two of you and the music.

“You look nice today. I see you bought the same gray suit you hated with a fiery passion.”, you teased.

“How could I not after you said you liked it?”

You looked over his shoulder to Suki and Furlan flashing you a wide grin from across the dance floor. And so did Hange, Miche and Nanaba from over that the bar. Erwin gently raised his drink in your direction. The heat from the from the sudden metaphorical spot light you stood under was cooled by the kiss Levi planted on your cheek.

“Did I tell you how lucky I feel to have you?”, he whispered into your ear as while brushing strands of hair off your face.

“I could stand to hear it more often.”, You hid your blush by resting your forehead on his shoulder, feeling too shy to keep his gaze.

“It's true. You’re the most beautiful woman is this room tonight, scratch that, you’ll be the most beautiful woman anywhere, any day; and I get the honor of calling you mine.” he cooed, drawing gentle circles on your back with his fingers.

“You’re awfully talkative today!”, you lifted your head again to reveal a contagious coy smile spread across your lips.

“Don’t be stupid. I’ve always been talkative.”,

“Come with me.”, he moved you off his chest and tugged at your hand.

“Where?”, you asked in utter confusion, and a bit of annoyance at the wonderful moment being ruined, just to receive silence in response.

Levi quickly glanced over to find Luna munching on garlic bread sticks with Erwin and Hange, as he guided you away from the venue and towards the lake nearby. The ripples in the water gleamed under the moonlight, resembling liquid silver. Warm yellow light from the lamps on either side of a wooden dock dimly illuminated the path that led to a gorgeous gazebo that stood at the end, its ceiling sprinkled with fairy lights that defined the intricate floral carvings in the wood. You stood in the center of the structure and slowly spun around, marveling at the work of whose ever brilliant hands built it.

“Levi, this is stunning!”, you said gazing in all directions, running your fingers over the sophisticated engravings.

“Yes, it is.”, Levi agreed, his eyes not on the architecture, but instead on the human embodiment of radiant sunny day that stood by his side.

Not remotely expecting anything to outshine the sight before you, your vision was captured by an extravagant display of red, green, and gold against the dark blanket of the night’s sky. You jumped when the sound of the first soaring explosion caught you off guard. An arm slid across your waist and a kiss was placed on your temple. You were enamored by the shattering sparks of the fireworks, eliciting frequent oohs and aahs, until a voice snapped you out of your reverie.

“Marry me.”

It took you a few seconds to fully register what you just heard. But when you did, overwhelming feelings of joy rendered you speechless; fingers absentmindedly running over the carved railing of the gazebo, stunned orbs darting between the brilliant sky and the love of your life.

This time Levi had to remind you to breathe.

Your eyes and lips both turned into wide Os, and you slapped your hands to cover your gaping mouth when he slowly lowered himself to kneel before you, opening a little black box containing the same gorgeous ruby ring from all those years ago, which he sneaked out of your nightstand during one of his visits.

“I know that you said you wanted to take this slow. But the last four months with you have been the most precious of my life, where I got a glimpse of what having a perfect family would be like. I learnt the hard way, what I lost when I lost you and you gave me a second chance at finding happiness when you decided to come back. I promise to love and protect you every single day for the rest of my life, and even after. You complete me, love, and you complete our family. So, will you do me the honor of being Mrs. Ackerman, again?”

“Levi...”, your trembling voice was barely audible.

“Yes.”, you breathed, letting the floodgates finally open when he slid the ring on your finger.

He got back on his feet and engulfed you into the tightest embrace as you wept joyous tears into his shoulders.

“I love you so much!”

“I love you too!”, moving to look into your eyes, he cupped your face with warm hands.

And finally, his lips found yours.

It felt... like home;

Like laying in a cozy bed after a long day of work, like the warm chocolate sauce on a cold scoop of ice-cream, like wearing a fuzzy sweater on a crisp autumn evening, like walking barefoot on the beach at sunset, like taking a cool shower on a blazing summer afternoon, like everything you ever needed.

After being torn apart from the one person who made your life perfect, you were finally back in the soothing confines of his strong arms, resting against his able chest, ready to fall apart; all while the fireworks in the sky mirrored the fireworks in your hearts.

“Mama! Papa!”

You were awoken from this surreal euphoria by the most beautiful squeal you had ever heard. Both your heads turned towards the source of it – a tiny figure running towards you with all her might while all your near and dear ones including the newlyweds watched from a distance, cheering merrily.

“They knew?”, you gasped, sobbing and sniffling from the joyous tears.

“Yeah, pretty much everyone but you knew.”

Luna flew into Levi’s open arms when he bent down to receive her. The three of you merged into one blob of a positively smothering family hug, only pulling away to pepper each other with more kisses. Levi held his two girls close. His sun and moon were now back together in the sky of his life. He looked into Luna’s crescent shaped eyes and whispered,

“Moon beam, Mama’s coming home.”

[hacash]

season 3 predictions

(all of which are likely to be made completely redundant by 2x12 but HEY HO LET’S GO)

Sam. I think the opportunity offered to him by Edwin is too great to pass up but I just can’t imagine the show and the Richmond team without Toheeb Jimoh. Given that the writers have said they’ve planned these arcs in advance I don’t think he’d be written out for the sake of a new acting gig. Therefore because I’m selfish and desperately hoping he stars in season 3 (and could hardly pop back as a recurring character while on Edwin’s team) I could see him doing a Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec: ‘I want to leave Richmond better than when I joined it’. After what I hope will be a promotion for the team I could potentially see him asking Edwin for a year’s grace to help Richmond win the Premier League, and then he’ll happily take him up on his offer.

I’m also hoping like hell that this would be the push Rebecca needs to see there’s not going to be a future in the relationship with Sam. It’s interesting that although Bill Lawrence has openly agreed that the employee/age difference is concerning, there’s been little acknowledgement of that in the show, so I wonder if there’s going to be fallout in episode 12 in some fashion. Regardless, I think it’s time to say goodbye to Sambecca.

Keeley and Roy. I am firmly of the opinion that they ain’t breaking up any time soon. There’s no way in hell Roy has knelt down in front of Keeley so many times without it meaning something, so I am certain that next season will be the planning of the Kent-Jones wedding. 

I also have a sneaking suspicion that Keeley might end up being the next opening-shot of the season. After episode after episode of her working as Roy/Rebecca/Jamie’s emotional support, we got a tantalising glimpse into her psyche last episode: both with her uncertainties around being featured in Vanity Fair and her ambitions being shaped by her mother’s history. I love Keeley but quite frankly we haven’t had enough of her as plot - I really think/hope she might come to the fore next season.

Nate. I fully believe there’s no way in hell Nate will still be working at Richmond come the end of the season, though I can imagine him walking away in a fit of pique rather than Rebecca firing him. (Frankly, I can’t see Ted letting Rebecca do that.) I think he’ll end up joining another team - possibly with or without Darth Mannion’s help - and, although a lot of people here want this to be a devastatingly humiliating/humbling experience for Nate, I’d love to see this as an opportunity for him to genuinely grow outside the confines of Richmond (which forms way too much of his identity - and let’s be honest, can’t always hold good memories for Nate when he was literally asking his teammates not to physically harass him on a daily basis). I can definitely see someone - HigginsHigginsHiggins - giving him Sharon’s number to call before he leaves, and I like the idea that in the season break Nate could be dealing with some of his issues and returning to the Nate the Great we know and love.

However, I then think Nate will somehow end up back at Richmond. While you could argue that it would be better for Nate to make a clean break, it would honestly be a waste of Nick Mohammed’s bloody sterling acting talents to keep him away from Nelson Road for too long in season 3. I have no idea how a redemption arc here might look, but it would have to be good, and if there’s forgiveness to be offered, it should take more than the space of an episode - although I hope they don’t stretch it out too long. Rebecca and Jamie were forgiven relatively quickly; it would be a shame and a bad look if Nate’s own forgiveness journey was too disproportionately drawn out.

I’d also love to see Jamie, Colin and Isaac apologise for their season 1 bullying of Nate. Much as the bullying Nate suffered doesn’t excuse his shoddy behaviour, Nate’s own bullshit doesn’t excuse what our beloved trio pulled in season 1 - and crucially, we never saw them apologise to Nate or try to make amends. I really love apology scenes and I’d love to see Nate with some friends beyond Ted and Keeley - and that li’l scene in the Liverpool karaoke bar with Isaac, Colin and Nate doing shots together means I want more of this friendship.

Some sort of Jamie/Nate commiseration over shit dads and over-compensating for the emotional wounds they give us? Please?

More Higgins. In many ways Higgins is the emotional rock for our beloved Richmond: he’s the only one not suffering from some sort of untold trauma or struggles, and is able to live with a relationship with an imperfect father and yet be a fantastic father himself. I’d love to see a storyline where Higgins isn’t on the periphery but straight in the heart of the action, potentially adopting a Richmond boy or two along the way. 

By saying this, I mean Jamie. If we get a scene where Jamie is invited around to the Higginses for Sunday lunch I will cry. Much like Nate needs space apart from Richmond to grow and heal, Jamie needs close relationships with people who aren’t Keeley for security - mature familial relationships, and quite frankly the Higginses are the stable family dynamic Jamie needs right now. 

Why the fuck does Colin feel the need to remind himself he is not a piece of shit? Enquiring minds need to know. We’ve had episode storylines that focus on Dani, Sam, Jamie and Isaac; I just want one with Colin where I’m not emotionally devastated by the end of it, thank you Headspace.

This isn’t so much a prediction as a plea, but an entire episode where the Richmond boys are the focus. A night out in Richmond, that long-promised pillow fight, them finally taking Colin to go clothes shopping for something that isn’t a  button-up polo shirt - I honestly don’t care, I just need as much of their antics as Apple TV allows.

On a slightly more realistic note, the Himbos Greyhounds content rose significantly from season 1 to season 2, so I can see the writers carrying on with that arc. 

Ted. Fuck knows. At this point I can’t trust myself to predict Ted’s actions - I do think Nate’s going to be leaving Richmond, and so I can’t see Ted leaving as well. It would be amazing if Ted used the dubiously-written expose (c’mon Trent, you couldn’t have given Ted a head’s up or asked for a quote before the article was put online? forget dubious journalism ethics that just...seems inefficient not to approach him for a comment while you were writing the piece) as an excuse to talk more about mental health in sport. I definitely think episode 12 is going to have Richmond rally around Ted, and so I do hope the article isn’t going to drive Ted further into hiding and that he’ll be at Richmond by the time season 3 comes around.

Ted and Rebecca. I can’t have been the only one that caught that little look by Ted when Rebecca left his office in 2x11, right? Certainly the show has set up a whopper of a truth bomb for season 3, when there’s another heart to heart in Ted’s office, and though it could be anything, my little shipper heart is screaming  some sort of romantic confession of love. I don’t know, it just feels like there is a...a something between Ted and Rebecca that’s going to happen in 2x12, and I can’t help but think it’s going to lay the foundations for whatever happens in season 3 big time.