#been sitting on it a bit to make sure i was happy with it / in case i wanted to make tweaks

[enwoso]

First of all I wanna say how much you deserve every single follower, you're always so generous with your fics and deliver way quicker than I'd ever possibly be able to! Thank you for sharing your writing!

As for a request, could I request something about Grumpy with the ACL girls?? I feel like she'd be a proper little ray of sunshine that makes their tough days better!

YOU’VE BEEN STICKERED! — alessia russo x child!reader

the message at the top of this request actually made me smile so much when i read it this morning so thank you nonnie<33

grumpy masterlist

it was another day at the arsenal training ground and was one of the days where you had came with your mum as your weren’t at nursery that day.

you had a current obsession with stickers and giving everything and anything you could a sticker, to say the least alessia was sick of having to pull colourful stickers off her walls at home forever cursing her older brothers for buying you a sticker book.

she was sure her brothers did it just to wind the her up.

so you were armed today with a pack of colourful stars, some red, some blue, others gold and silver. alessia having to constantly remind you not to stick them onto walls while in the car after catching you beginning to decorate her car seats with the said stickers

“oh i just need to stop by the treatment room” alessia was talking to steph who was wondering why the blonde was walking the opposite direction to the changing rooms, you saying an enthusiastic hello to the australian who giggled at your excitement saying hello back.

“someone’s happy today!” steph laughed as alessia hummed before you both went your separate ways.

walking into the treatment room, the room filled with all the girls who were out with an acl. leah, viv, teyah, beth and laura all sat with a similar bandage on their leg. some were further ahead in their recovery others just in the beginning stages.

beth out of them all was only a couple weeks away from being back on the pitch, so she was just in their for her routine checkup before being allowed out on the training pitches with the rest of the team.

“hey alessia, is everything okay?” one of the medical staff asked your mum as she started to talk to her as you made a beeline for viv, startling her a little as she was laid on the treatment bed with her eyes closed.

“boo!” you giggled as viv rolled her eyes, beth laughing from beside you both as you climbed up onto the bed.

“lovie be careful, remember viv’s got a big ouchie!” mummy called out as you nodded, your stickers still grasped in your hand.

since arriving at arsenal and coming out of your shell, you’d always been a ray of sunshine. often helping the girls keep a smile on their faces, especially the acl girls.

some days you would sit and draw with them, like the other day you sat with teyah as she helped you draw your own little fantasy world, teyah making sure you added in all the people you deemed important giving them their own little important roll in your fantasyland.

and other days you would just be their little helper, like if they were in the gym and they dropped something like a hair tie you would be first to pick it up. you kind nature showing through but in your head it’s just cause you had seen how sad they all were when they couldn’t play like the rest of the girls.

so in your little head, you thought doing the small things and making them happy would help speed up their recovery and fix their big ouchies.

even though unfortunately it didn’t exactly directly help fix the acl squads ouchie and non of them had it in them to break your little heart and tell you it wasn’t that, that help their knees, you did help to make the girls happy even on their darkest days when their spirt levels may have been a bit lower than usual, you were their little ray of sunshine even if you didn’t exactly know or understand that.

“hi pinda” viv said with a smile as you looked at her confused, a new nickname she always called you klein which you had to ask lotte to tell you what meant. quickly finding out it meant tiny in dutch, so that was nothing new cause that was what everyone called you expect mummy, you were her lovie.

“what dat mean?” you asked as viv smiled shaking her head a frown appearing on your face. “tell me!” you begged as the dutch shook her head.

“bethy!” you called out as the blonde stopped her conversation with leah and turned to you with a bright grin. “yes tiny, what’s up?”

“vivy won’t tell me what she saying in dutch!” you pout as beth give the dutch a playful glare, siding with you.

“viv tell tiny what you said please”

“i just called her a peanut!” viv defended herself as your furrowed your brows not understanding why she was calling you that. “hey i no look like a peanut!” you sulked.

“no no, it’s just a reference. like another way to call word for tiny” viv quickly recovered as she could begin to see your lip wobble. you ohhing at her explanation, not kind of understanding what the dutch said.

“ooo what are these for?” beth pointed to the sheets of paper in your hand which were in fact your sticker packs.

“‘tickers!” you beamed holding them up proudly, starting to peel each one of the paper and sticking them to beth’s phone case.

“oh there cool!” beth said as alessia came over, having finished getting her checks before training. “that was fast!” alessia mumbled watching as you stuck sticker after sticker to beth’s phone case, each one a different colour star.

beth looking up at the blonde with confusion, “what do you mean?”

“you fallen as lovies first victim of being stickered!” alessia sighed, this was what her nightmares looked light recently, you sticking stickers to anything. alessia was sure that some days she woke up with stickers on her.

beth laughed, sort of thinking the blonde was being a little bit dramatic. “are these next on the banned list then?”

“most definitely, along with the pens!” alessia grumbled still trying to figure out a way of trying to get you to forget about the stupid sticker books however gio and luca definitely not helping the matter as every time you were with either they gave into your small demands!

“you’ve been stickered!” you giggled holding up beth’s phone proudly, beth having a similar look of excitement on her face as you did over the new sticker obsession.

you were now sat in the gym with laura and leah they were still doing some strength and conditioning exercises for their knee as they were the two the furthest from returning just yet.

“la-la where you going?” you asked as laura was beginning to get up, you hopping up out from beside leah much quicker than the austrian.

“just to get my water from over there, don’t worry winzig!” she laughed softly as she still continued to get up, wincing slightly as a pain would shoot through her knee.

“no la-la, i get it! you might hurt your ouchie!” you got up quicker before running to the other side of the gym, trying your best to avoid anything that you might trip over.

out of breath as you handed the red water bottle back to the austrian who was talking with leah. “oh thank you winzig, you are a superstar!” laura smiled big at you as she patted you on the head as you slotted back into your original seat next to leah.

picking up your sheet of stickers and placing them on your drawing you’d been doing previously, drowning out the sound of leah and laura’s boring adult conversation.

however it wasn’t long until your sticker sticking got a little rough and you went from the paper on the floor to leah’s water bottle then laura’s and then to the bandage on that covered leah’s big ouchie.

it being a while until leah actually noticed the brightly coloured stickers due to being too concentrated in the conversation with laura. glancing over at you to make sure you were okay, when she noticed your small hand placing a blue star sticker on her bandage.

“oh- tiny your not supposed to put stickers on there—” leah smiled sadly at your little artwork you’d done on her bandage. you looking over your shoulder with a smiliar sad smile.

“sorry le, just wanted to make it look pretty” you mumbled going back to your piece of paper from before.

“tiny, your all good. your making it look beautiful and i supposed i’ve got plenty more at home i can use!” leah quickly back tracked not wanting to have hurt your feelings after seeing your upset demeanour.

your frown quickly turned back into a smile as you went back to placing the star stickers on the white bandage. a look of relief on leah’s face as she avoided the chance of a meltdown happening.

a gasp came from you as you looked up seeing your mummy enter the gym. “mummy!” you yelled running towards her as she lifted you up with a laugh at your sudden excitement to see her.

“hi lovie, what have you been up to?” mummy asked as she lifted you down from the air as you rested on her hip as she walked towards the two girls.

“um helping le and la-la with their ouchie and decorating!” you said proudly, a sense of achievement in your voice.

“oh aren’t you clever-” alessia pinched your cheek as she said her hellos to the two girls. “ah you’ve been a victim of the stickers too!” alessia chuckled to herself letting you down back onto the ground as you ran off towards the rest of the girls who were coming through the double doors of the gym.

“what? oh yeah, it’s to make it look pretty!” leah joked repeating what you had told the blonde when putting the stickers on the bandage.

“and your bottles!” alessia chirped with a sigh as she pointed to the girls’ red bottles covered in shiny stickers.

“and them! i thought it was just your leg!” laura commented as she picked her bottle up examining the the extent of the damage cuteness.

“yeh well just try and imagine my pain of having to pick them off my walls, car seats, fridge, phone case, or anything her little hands can reach!” alessia listed, a slight sarcasm in her voice as the two looked at the blonde wondering if she was joking or telling the truth.

alessia could only wish she was joking.

“i don’t know how you do it less, your a literal superwomen!” leah compliments speaking truthfully and from the heart, leah did wonder how the blonde managed everything she did do. especially when leah often struggled to cook herself a decent meal

alessia nodded, “she’s too cute so that outweighs anything!”

[luneariaa]

ᯓ★٠ ࣪⭑ 'BEST FRIEND.' ✧ KENJI S.

you and kenji being besties ( depends on how u guys see it ), reader is female based, pet names.

my first time trying to write for him bc omg the brainrot over this guy is too real,, 😭💜 also kinda bad i deeply apologize aa;;

. dividers by @/saradika-graphics !! ⚾

BEING best friends with KENJI SATO for years ever since your high school days, the two of you surely have your own differences in a way, especially in terms of personality. You didn't even know on how you managed to be friends with him still, but you're always grateful for it, nonetheless.

For all the years, you remained by his side; even supporting him in anything he decided to do, and as the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Major League Baseball team. He won quite innumerable number of awards, thanks to his amazing performance on field, and has gained lots of fans all around the world, notably for some of the ladies who swooned over his mere appearance.

You're well-aware of his current popularity and position, but still-- you tried your best to be supportive all the time, even when sometimes your thoughts are trying to drag you back negatively about yourself.

As sweet as you can be, you can still be quite of a reclused person than he is; as he ever told you before.

Kenji is always known to be quite the opposite from you-- all confident and sociable to others in the public eye, often recognized to be quite the charmer as well. His overall presence has a major undeniable effect to most others without fail.

Yet, despite of all the fame he has, there surely are certain times where he actually felt lonely, even when surrounded by millions of people who actually adored him.

But knowing about your mere existence staying by his side despite everything; it makes him feel cherished and appreciated. Kenji is glad to have you, no matter on what he's doing and wherever he is at that moment.

WITH the random novel in your hands, you have decided to read for a bit while waiting for him to finish up at your usual secluded spot-- not too far from where he currently is, and pretty much a spot where only the two of you knew.

A few minutes have passed by, he finally arrives at the said area and seemingly searching for any signs of you, to which you didn't even notice since you're too engrossed with the book at the moment. Being hounded by countless of paparazzi and fans surely can be so overwhelming-- he's just glad to be able to make it out from there.

In spite of his somewhat exhausted appearance, a small smile manages to make its' way to his lips once his eyes landed upon your seated figure nearby.

"Finally," he reaches towards closer as to where you are, immediately getting your attention up from the book you've been reading. "I found you."

"Hey too, star boy."

You eventually closed the book and put it aside, allowing him to sit on the vacant spot properly next to you with a grin on your face. "Yeah, you found me."

Kenji may not admit it every so often, but he honestly could never get enough with the way you called him-- chuckling while doing some little stretches here and there before sitting next to you.

"Oh man, it's so tiring to deal with those interviewers and people around almost all the time, y'know." He mutters with a weary-sounding sigh, resting the back of his head against the wall behind him.

"I mean, obviously it makes me happy to know that there's quite a lot of people who supported me and stuff, but they can be a real pain in the ass to deal with." He shakes his head slightly over his own words that held the mere truth, which made you feel genuinely bad for him.

"I get you," you responded, leaning your head against the wall as well. "It sounds super exhausting to handle."

"It sure is."

"I guess that's just the way it is, if anything." He then rests his chin on the palm of his hand, which situated just right atop of his left knee while he stares off at the distance.

The feeling of people swooning and admiring him sure sounds so nice, but it doesn't really get rid of the feeling of loneliness that he has to experience at times.

"They just adored the persona I've shown to the world, not the real me."

You somehow get what he's implying, even when he seemed as if he wanted to sound at least a bit jokey, to which didn't really work on you. You could see right through him.

"Well, if it helps.." Unsure on what to say, but this needed to be done because clearly, he looks like he needs one.

"You have me." You genuinely reassured him, "I just hope that you won't ever forget that."

Your words alone have an instant effect on him-- managing to draw out an appreciative smile upon his features instead of his usual cocky look that he presented to others.

"Of course I won't. I'll hold onto your words."

He could tell the truthfulness behind every word you've said to him; suddenly shifting his gaze around to face you, before pulling you into a warm hug-- keeping his arms wrapped around your torso and burying his face into the crook of your neck unexpectedly, much to your own surprise.

It's one of the usual gestures that you would do with each other, so you don't know as to why this time, it feels a little different somehow, but you didn't push him away at all.

Instead, you returned the embrace while stroking the back of his hair tenderly, accompanied with a quiet hum. Your actions alone have prompted him to smile against your neck further-- finding it all soothing and relaxing, nuzzling into your warmth.

"You give the best hugs, I swear." Kenji audibly murmurs, which made the specific area on your neck to feel more ticklish than usual.

"Oh really?" A giggle escaped from you due to the ticklish sensation, which causes him to merely smirk in pure delight. "I feel honored."

Kenji begin to point out, lifting his head slightly and not entirely just yet. "I almost forgot that you're quite ticklish here."

"Shut up, you tease." You huffed with a playful eyeroll, shoving him off backwards from you a bit. "You know damn well I do."

It's easier to act all carefree when no one else is around you both to interrupt any moment you're having.

He simply laughs it off, still remaining on his seated spot despite your attempts of pushing him away from you. "Your reactions are priceless."

The baseball star player swiftly returns into doing on what he previously did-- embracing you even more, holding you so delicately within his strong arms alone.

Kenji doesn't even know on what's driving him to do any of this for much longer than intended. His thoughts are going a bit haywire, yet it made him feel comfortable in a way as well. Confused, but unbothered to figure it out himself for now.

You didn't really mind though. It felt too nice, in all honesty; simply reciprocating his actions without any signs of hesitation.

"You did amazing, by the way."

When the moment those words left from your lips, it managed to pull him out of his own reverie; pulling away slightly just so he can face you with an evident grin upon his sharp features.

"Thanks, sweetheart."

"I was thinking of doing a mini celebration tonight."

"Oh?" You returned the expression that he's currently giving you. "Am I invited, then?"

He nodded almost instantly with a warm chuckle out of him, ruffling your hair despite your possible incoming protests.

"Of course you're invited, silly girl. Always will."

"You'd make everything more fun, and you're the only one who knows how to keep this bad boy in check, after all."

You merely and purposedly snorted out loud upon his words-- rolling your eyes comically before pinching his cheeks all of a sudden, which caught him off guard.

"Not so bad when I do it to you like this."

"Okay-- hey hey, stop that-!" He begins to sputter out complaints due to your actions, pouting as you didn't even try to stop from doing so. His hands are not helping anything either, which makes the situation more funnier than intended.

Despite everything he did, Kenji almost looked like a whiny puppy within your perspective.

It doesn't take long before the both of you ended up, quite literally, falling off from your seats though.

"Ouch.."

"It's your fault, geez.."

"Well, I love you too."

@luneariaa. do not repost; reblogs are welcomed. all rights reserved.

[mountsmase]

a/n: hi!! it’s been a little while but I’m back! (I think?) I’ve had the worst writers block ever and I didn’t think I’d have anything to post anytime soon but this is a very little, very unedited something that I wrote yesterday after we got this pic 🤭 like I said it’s unedited and I’m posting it before I have a chance to talk myself out of it so please excuse any mistakes, this definitely isn’t amazing but I’m still really happy with it so I hope you enjoy 🫶🏻💖

word count: 2k

genre: fluff and smut without actually being smut

———————

Summer Loving - MM7

Laughter, chatter, and the sound of the waves crashing are the only things that can be heard as you sit on a rather large boat in the middle of the greek ocean.

You’re 3 days in to your holiday with Mason and his family, and it’s safe to say that you’re having the time of your life. When you first met Mason a couple of years ago, they immediately welcomed you and took you in as though you were one of their own, and you’ll forever be grateful that they continue to invite you on these amazing holidays with them.

The trip this year has been a little busier than the last couple you have done together, with his eldest sister and her family flying in to join you from Australia. All fifteen of you are staying in one big villa together and you’ve been having the time of your lives, playing in the pool all day before dressing up and going out for meals in the evening, but today has been a little different.

You all decided to rent out a boat for the day, wanting a change of scenery. The plan being to do some snorkelling and sail to different spots around the coast to give you a different view of the island, so that’s where you are now, up on the top deck of the yacht you’ve rented and sat around the large table after enjoying some lunch and a bit of time out of the sun.

You’ve been making some friendship bracelets with Summer and Poppy for the last hour or so, giving them your full attention and listening to their instructions as they show you all of their favourite beads and tell you how to use each one.

You hadn’t been paying much attention to anything else that was going on around you, which is why it takes you a few moments to realise that Mason is missing from the group after you finish tying the final knot on your last bracelet, placing it to the side for safe keeping.

“Has anyone seen Mase?” You ask, looking around again to make sure he’s not just hiding in plain sight.

The group answer with collective no’s, Lewis letting you know that he disappeared about 5 mins ago but he just assumed he was going to use the loo, so you give it another couple of minuets, waiting to see if he comes back before deciding to go and look for him.

You excuse your self from the table, heading downstairs to look inside first before making your way to the back decking when you have no luck. It takes you a few more moments to spot him, but your heart warms when you do.

He’s sitting at the back of the boat, on the lowest deck with his legs dangling in the water, his back facing you as he looks out into the distance. His tanned skin glows under the sun, decorated with his tattoos which are just begging to be touched and your skin heats at the sight of his toned arms and back, a result of the extra gym sessions he’s been fitting in.

You gravitate towards him, careful not to make too much noise as you don’t want to startle him, but as you get closer you open the camera app on your phone, wanting to take a photo of him so that you can remember the sight forever.

It’s the camera sound affect that grabs his attention, giving away your presence as he turns around to find your bikini clad body stood on the deck above him, his smile growing as he motions for you to join him.

“I was hoping you’d come and find me” he speaks, voice soft as you take the few steps down to the lower deck and walk the short distance to where he’s sitting, your phone now discarded on the side as you sit your self down behind him.

You wrap your legs around him, arms circling his waist and you both know that it’s a little too hot to be this close, but you can’t bring yourselves to care as he leans back into you, his back pressed to your front as he rests most of his weight onto you.

“What are you doing over here all alone?” You wonder, peaking at him over his shoulder.

His cheeks are flushed, and you know it’s not because of the sun when he drops his head as if he’s trying to hide from you.

“Go on, tell me” you encourage, pressing your lips to his shoulder to coax the answer from him, wondering what’s gotten him so shy all of a sudden.

“Just wanted some time alone with you, and I know it sounds bad but I knew that sneaking away would be the only way I’d get it”

He wants time alone with you and he knew you’d come looking for him.

The usual butterflies that you get around him are released from their cage as his words sink in, your own cheeks now heating up as you rest one against his shoulder blade, feeling the need to be even closer.

“All you had to do was ask me to come with you, bubs. I’m sure no one would mind”

“I know, but I didn’t want to pull you away from your bracelet making. It looked like pretty intense stuff” He laughs, remembering back to an hour ago when Summer was giving you strict instructions on how to make your bracelets and telling you what beads to use.

“Well, I’m here now.” You sit up a little straighter, hands moving to his shoulders and massaging into skin. He tilts his head, placing a kiss to the back of your hand in acknowledgment before allowing himself to relax into you again.

You sit in a comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the view and each others company as you continue your touches, running your hands up and over his shoulder blades, down his back, and over every other inch of his skin that you can reach. Your lips follow their path and you revel in the soft hums that leave his lips every so often, his relaxed sighs letting you know that he’s enjoying himself so you can’t find it in you to stop.

His hands rest against your legs that are still wrapped around his waist, sitting just below your knees and tracing patterns into your skin until he decides that he wants you even closer.

“C’mere” he mumbles, patting the decking beside him and you shuffle around so that you’re sat at his side, legs now dangling into the water next to his and his arm wraps around you, holding you to him.

His other hand lands on your thigh as you lean into him and rest your head against his shoulder, his once innocent touches now growing a little more risky and you can feel his mood shift as they become more deliberate. His expression remains innocent, but the gentle circles he was once tracing become firmer as he creeps his way higher up, getting dangerously close to the hem on your bikini bottoms and you struggle to ignore the wave of heat that rushes to your centre as he tickles along the inside of your thigh.

“Mason” you warn, though you don’t put up much of a fight as his hand moves and instead finds its way up to your waist, tugging you closer towards him until your legs are thrown over his and your body suddenly craves for more.

“They can’t see us down here, Y/N. We’re hidden” he mumbles, and you feel the sensible part of your brain slowly giving into him as he checks once more for any hesitation, connecting his lips to yours when he doesn’t find any.

He keeps one hand against your waist, tightening his grip and digging his fingertips into your skin as his other finds its way to the back of your head, tangling his fingers into your hair and tilting your head slightly to give himself more control over the kiss. He tugs gently on your locks, your quiet gasp allowing him to slip his tongue between your lips.

You moan into his mouth, tasting the fruity cocktail that he’s been drinking on his tongue and feeling intoxicated as he steals every last breath from your lungs. You suddenly can’t get any closer to him, your hands everywhere as you scoot further into his lap and wrap your arms around his shoulders, digging your fingers into the firm muscles and lightly scratching your nails over his skin.

A deep sigh slips between his lips at the feeling of your hands against him, separating his lips from yours so that you can take a breath but your touch only encourages him to continue.

His hand drifts down your side, fingertips teasing over your hip and fiddling with the bows that hold your bikini bottoms together, threatening to dip under the fabric as he trails his kisses down your neck and to your shoulder, his beard scratching against your delicate skin and causing goosebumps to follow in his path.

“Mase,” you breath, getting lost in the feeling of his lips against your skin as he scatters a line of kisses alongside the strap of your top, but you’re quickly brought back to reality at the sound of giggling coming from the deck above you.

The realisation that one of his family members could come and find you at any given moment snaps you out of your Mason induced daze, and you rush to move away from him but don’t get far as he tightens his hold on your hip, not letting you go anywhere. You glance around, relieved to find that no one has followed you to this area of the boat yet, but that’s not to say that someone won’t eventually come looking for you.

“We shouldn’t” You tell Mason, bringing a hand to the back of his neck and gently trying to pry him away from you, but he doesn’t go down without a fight, groaning in protest and placing a few more kisses to your skin before eventually giving in and sitting back to look at you.

“This sucks” he pouts, resembling a child that just had their favourite toy taken away from them as he leans back against the decking, making sure to not break any physical contact as he moves his hand to instead rest against your thigh again.

You understand why he’s frustrated. The last few days that you’ve been away haven’t necessarily been easy, having to watch each other walk around in minimal clothing all day, and not being able to spend any alone time together besides the quick shower fuck yesterday morning, which definitely scratched the itch but has only left you both craving more.

“I know, Masey. But just think about next week” You hold his gaze, watching as he instantly perks up at the mention of your next trip together.

As much as you’re loving your time away with his family, you can’t help but look forward to your next getaway. After arriving back home from Mykonos in a few days time, you’ll be in Manchester for not even 48 hours before jetting back off to Portugal for another week in the sun. But you’ll be alone that time, a week of each others undisturbed company before you’re both thrown back into busy work and training schedules. And it’s safe to say that it can’t come soon enough, the both of you in desperate need of some long anticipated time alone.

“Can’t fucking wait” Leaning forward, he presses his lips to yours once, twice, and a third time just for good measure.

“C’mon” he mumbles, standing up and reaching out to take your hand, tricking you into thinking that you’re just heading back to the top deck to join his family again but you’re caught of guard when he suddenly pulls you into the water with him.

The water is a refreshing surprise as it surrounds you and you can only laugh as your head pokes back up above the surface, one of your hands still securely held by Mason’s but you’re sure to use the other to splash him as he resurfaces next to you. Your sudden playful mood attracts the attention of his nieces and nephew, all of them coming around to your side of the boat and jumping in to join you, the rest of his family following soon after.

You spend the last few hours of the afternoon making the most of your remaining time on the boat, soaking up the sun and enjoying your time with his family, all while looking forward everything that awaits you in Portugal.

———————

a/n: thank you so much for reading! feedback is appreciated as always 💖

[thebestofoneshots]

Gilded Constellations | (wolfstar x reader)

Series Masterlist | Previous episode

Pairing: Wolfstar x Reader Word Count: 8.7 K Warnings: MAJOR ANGST / I’m about to angst you with an angst that you’ve never been angst with before. Prompt: Vixen believes she's in the middle, and she hates the idea of stopping any of her boys from being happy. This IS a Wolfstar x reader fic, but it's incredibly slow burn. They won't start all dating each other until we're very deep into the story, but I promise the long wait will be worth it

Chapter 53: Too Much Love Will KiII You

How would it be if you were standing in my shoes? Can't you see that it's impossible to choose No, there's no making sense of it Every way I go I'm bound to lose

The day went by as you’d expect. James didn’t take long to also walk upstairs and join the three of you in a poker game that Remus had taught you how to play. Cards weren’t that big in the wizarding world, especially not poker because of how easy they were to enchant and how hard they were to charmproof. But Remus had managed to charm his deck with a spell so riddled, it would take more time than the one you had in one game to actually crack it. 

Besides, neither you nor did any of the boys want to cheat. Not when poker was so godric damned entertaining, and certainly not with how fun it was to see Sirius lose to you, James and Remus all the time. He couldn’t bluff, even if he wanted to. 

It’s not that Sirius was a bad liar per se, in fact, if he played against anyone other than you three (even against Peter who had always been a little absent-minded) he would have easily tricked them, unfortunately for him, his two best friends and his girlfriend were too good at uncovering his inner intentions. 

It was in the little twitch of an eye, in the way he put effort into trying to maintain a straight face, in the way he would look you in the eye or avoid it. 

“Raise,” Sirius said and placed another sickle into the money cauldron you had placed on the bed. The four of you were sitting. James had pulled out a chair, Sirius was sitting by Remus and you were on the other side of the bed, where you made sure no one could see your cards.

You gave Remus a look, he shook his head. “I fold,” you said. 

“Me too,” James agreed, he hadn’t seen Remus and your interaction, Sirius’ face had been enough, he could almost smell the confidence oozing from his friend.

Sirius smiled as he brought down his cards, three Aces. It had been a brilliant move to call it, Remus had called earlier, since he’d gotten a meagre pair of threes, and you had two jacks, but there was nothing on the table to help you besides that. 

Sirius smiled and brought the money to his side, letting the little bronze coins twinkle and be a mess in his lap while Remus sighted. His and yours were neatly accommodated in stacks. “‘Nother round?” James asked as he munched on some popcorn that Mellie had brought. You had some chocolate on your lap and you opened the package. 

“Mhm,” you agreed, you were about to give a bite to your chocolate when Sirius leaned over Remus’ legs and beat you to it, “Oi!”

He turned to you with a pair of puppy eyes and a little pout. You sighed in disbelief and then he leaned over and pressed a short kiss to your lips before he pulled back. You were startled by his sudden action, and your eyes almost instantly turned to Remus, whose gaze was fixated on Sirius as he munched on the rest of the chocolate and picked up the cards to shuffle them. 

You swallowed, you hated the butterflies in your stomach because no matter how delighted Sirius’ kisses made you feel, you knew they were making your best friend upset. You bit your lip as you looked at them both, at the way Remus attentively looked at Sirius’s hands. It was easy to justify such a stare, he wanted to make sure Sirius wouldn’t cheat, but you knew the real reason behind it. Sirius had nice hands, you had stared at his hands before, and damn he was dexterous with them. 

“You’re doing it wrong,” James said, and took the cards from Sirius’ hands, Remus broke his stare and looked up almost nervously, meeting yours, you offered him a soft smile and turned to James who had made a mess of the cards. You bit your lip trying not to smile and picked Sirius’ wand from the side, waving it over the mess, the cards floated and then neatly arranged themselves on a stack. 

“Thanks, Vix,” he said, taking them in his hands before he proceeded to shuffle them. Once he was satisfied enough with the shuffling, he started to deal. You got a card first, then Sirius, he handed one to Remus and then he pressed one over his lap.

By the time James finished dealing the cards, you had already taken a look at your stack, and it took a great deal of effort not to let your eyes shine when he placed the first card from the stack onto the table. Good game. 

This one drew out for longer, either everyone else had a great stack, or they were bluffing, so you had to pay attention to them, James seemed slightly nervous when you raised for the third time, and he swallowed before placing money on the cauldron. Remus looked confident, but you’d recently gotten a lot better at reading him, and you didn’t think he actually had a great game. 

As for Sirius, the three of you already knew he was bluffing, which is why perhaps the two other boys were still raising you. Sirius had an overly confident smile on his face, but he had not stopped tapping his finger over his knee since James placed the second card on the table. You thought it was adorable that he hadn’t quite realised what he was doing yet either.

“Raise,” you said. 

Sirius placed more money on the centre along with Remus and you. James called at that point, not revealing his game yet, but placing his cards on the bed with a rather defeated air as he grabbed a fist of popcorn and brought it to his face. 

Remus raised along with you. Sirius threw a nervous look at you, taking in your confident stance and taking in a deep breath. “Raise,” he said, a challenging look on his face. 

You placed a couple more coins in the centre without much thought. Remus did the same, enjoying the tension between you and Sirius. You were eyeing each other in such a solemn manner that it was hard for him to hold back a laugh. Even if he lost, it didn’t matter at this point, he just loved your little concentrated faces. 

“All or nothing?” Sirius said as he swallowed. 

“Sure,” you said.

“Vixen that’s–” James said when he realised what you were about to do, he wasn’t sure Sirius was bluffing anymore. But you were.

“Shhh, you’re out of it, Prongs,” Remus said as he too pushed his stash onto the table.

James tilted his head to the side and looked at the three of you nervously. “Well then, show your cards,” he urged.

You took yours but then Sirius stopped both you and Remus by placing his hands on your arms. Remus gave his hand a look and you turned to him with a frown “I raise again.” 

“You can’t raise again, all the money is in the pot,” you said matter of factly. “Well, the cauldron,” you added as you pointed at the pile.

“Never said I’d raise with money, Étoile,” he responded. Sirius was in the deep end. He had a pair of fours and a bunch of other useless cards. He had to get you to fold somehow. “Whoever loses, stays shirtless for the rest of the day.” 

“I can’t really take off my bandages,” Remus said as he threw Sirius a look. 

“Fold then,” Sirius answered with a satisfied smile.

“Twat,” he responded and threw his cards into the bed. “You don’t have to comply with it, Luv. Sirius is desperate.” 

“You’re out of it, Moons,” Sirius retorted and turned to you with a daring look. 

“Shirtless, the rest of the day?”

“You’re more than welcome to fold if you don’t believe in your hand, that is.” 

“Sirius I don’t think–” James started but Sirius threw him a look. 

“Fine,” you smiled. “Whoever loses has to stay shirtless.” 

Remus groaned and covered his face with his eyes. He knew Sirius was bluffing, but he wasn’t sure if you were bluffing too, and he had seen Sirius shirtless plenty of times, he wasn’t sure he was ready to see you shirtless though. “Little Witch, can you never back down from a fight?” 

“Nope,” you said with a smile. “I’m confident in this one.” 

“Yeah, well me too. I raise you again–” 

“Shut up Sirius and show your cards now, she’s not going to fold and I don’t need people walking naked in my house,” Prongs said. 

Time for showdown, you thought as you looked at Sirius and placed your cards on the table. He knew he was doomed the minute he spotted your king, a perfect match for the one on the bed, not to mention the three queens beside him. 

“Fuck,” he said as he left his card on the bed too. “I thought you were trying to bluff.” 

“Vix is cunning, but no one in her right mind would have accepted your stupid raise if they didn’t know they were gonna win,” James said.

Sirius sighed and took off his shirt and threw it your way, you had also seen him shirtless a couple of times, and you’d be lying if you said he didn’t look good, even if he was thinner than both James and Remus. You pulled his shirt from your face and smiled when you realised it was the Bowie shirt he liked to wear all the time. 

Sirius placed both of his arms around his torso, the chill of the open window was enough to make him shiver, you took the cauldron with money and placed its contents into your front pocket, you hadn’t thought just how useful the overalls would be when you bought them. 

“I’m keeping this one,” you said as you motioned to his shirt, he gaped at you. 

“That wasn’t the deal!” 

“Was it him or me the one that decided to put clothes into the pot?” you asked, turning to the two other boys as you did. 

“I think it was Padfoot, wasn’t it?” Prongs teased.

“I’m most definitely sure it was him,” Remus agreed with a smile. Sirius groaned in response. 

“I’m not a petty winner,” you said as you untied the jumper you’d been wearing from around your shoulders and threw it his way. “Take this, we don’t want you to freeze. 

Remus tried not to laugh at the face Sirius made when he caught the jumper and held back a smile when Sirius put on his jumper. Sirius didn’t steal his jumpers as often as you did, he always had his jacket around, and Remus would be lying if he said seeing Sirius wearing his clothes didn’t make him feel stuff.

 “Doesn’t look bad on you,” you teased. 

“Doesn’t smell as bad as I thought it would,” he retorted. “You’ve been wearing it for days.” 

You gasped at that and pushed him lightly. Remus turned to pick up his deck while you and Sirius continued to bicker and really tried not to eye Sirius again. 

Sunday, January 9th, 1977

Remus had stayed on the bed and both you and Sirius had turned into your animagus so you could fit alongside him, it was undoubtedly comfortable, almost like things were settling back into normal. But of course, they were not normal, and they couldn’t be. Not after everything that had happened. Not now that you knew things that you weren’t supposed to know. 

You had woken up at some point during the night, and you tried to ignore the pang in your heart when you noticed Sirius had turned back during the night again, and he was nuzzling into Remus’ shoulder in the same way you sometimes nuzzled into yours. You weren’t sure he looked nearly as comfortable in your arms as he did in his.

You stared at the two of them for a minute before you turned your head and wrapped your tail around yourself. Trying to find comfort in its fluffy embrace, as you swallowed. You really had been too blind, it had been there all the time. You’d taken pictures of it, you’d thought it was funny and adorable, you teased Sirius for it for fucks sake, how did you not see it before?

It had always been right in front of your eyes. You weren’t sure you had ever felt more stupid. Remus was asleep, but he somehow sensed your stirring on the bed and instantly placed his hand over your back, gently brushing his fingers over your fur, like he had done so many times during those nights when you could barely sleep back in his parent’s cottage. 

He was the best friend you’d ever had, and here you were, making him miserable, making both him and your boyfriend miserable. Feeling terrible over it, you jumped down from the bed and allowed yourself to lay close to the fire. Trying not to think how nice it had been that one time when Remus had walked right beside you and wrapped the two of you with the covers. You really didn’t deserve him, you didn’t deserve to cry on his lap, not when you were the main cause of his heartache. Not when you were the one impeding his love to come into fruition. 

Perhaps you really were as terrible as you had said yourself to be back then when you could only think about what you’d done at the Christmas Party. Remus had convinced you otherwise, but he was probably wrong. It had all been your fault, and your mother was dеad and the person you’d tried to save hadn’t even made it out alive. You really had made everything worse, and perhaps you were doing that here too. 

Perhaps that was something inherent to you, something that you couldn’t shake out. Perhaps you just carried misery with you in the same way James carried fun, Sirius carried love and Remus carried comfort. Maybe you had been cursed and you didn’t know about it, maybe it was the fae blood, cursed for mixing with wizards. 

“Hey, what’s up?” James asked as he sat beside you. 

You turned to him surprised, turning into your human form as you looked at him startled. “Did I wake you?” 

“No, I was going to the bathroom, saw a little fox moping the corner.” 

“Not moping,” you said with a frown. “It was cold.” 

“And I’m as brilliant at potions as Dad,” he responded sarcastically. Then pushed you slightly with his shoulder. “Is it about Christmas? Do you wanna talk about that?” 

You sighed, “It’s not,” you said honestly. “Not entirely at least.” 

“Then?” 

“James, if you loved two people, and you knew they loved each other, would you step out of the way and let them be happy without you?” 

“What kind of question is that?” he asked with a frown.

“Just something I read in a book,” you lied. 

James turned to you as if assessing you, but he couldn’t tell what was going on in your head, you just looked at the fire, and then leaned your head on your knee as you turned to him, “So?” 

“Do you really think those two people would be happier if they were together?” 

“I don’t know,” you replied. “But the main character knows they could never test their love if they’re in the middle.”

“Well, I guess I’d leave. Wouldn’t you?”  

“Even if you love one of them?” 

“Didn’t you say it was both?” James asked, confused.  

“I mean– yeah. Just not the same kind of love, I guess.” 

“What kind of book are you reading?” James asked with a frown. 

You tried not to panic, “It’s a muggle book, Russian, and very cheesy, you wouldn’t like it.” 

“What did the main character do?” 

“Haven’t read that part yet.” 

“Well, I think he should do the right thing, don’t you?” 

“Probably,” you said as you let out a long sigh. James was now bouncing his leg right next to you. “Weren’t you going to the bathroom?” 

“Yeah,” he said as he stood up. “Just wanted to check up on you, I’m glad you’re upset over a book and not something else.” 

“Yeah,” you said with a smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes, perhaps if there had been more light, and James wasn’t as blind as a Wilddeoren without his glasses he would have noticed. “I guess I got really invested.” 

Finally, he left towards the bathroom, you turned back into Vixen and returned to the bed, staying near the side rather than climbing back onto Remus’ chest.

When you woke up again, Sirius was looking at you with a smile. “Ready for the party?” 

“Isn’t that in a couple of hours?” you asked. 

“But it’s going to be so much fun! Monty said we could raid his alcohol stash as long as Effie didn’t notice.”

You smiled, if James was as much of a troublemaker as he was, it was because both Monty and Effie took turns to allow him to do stuff without the other noticing. He’d learned how to fly when he was five behind Monty’s back, and he’d been allowed to drink since he turned 14, behind Effie’s. 

“How nice of him,” you replied. “What’s for breakfast?” 

“I think he's preparing some pancakes for us. James and Remus are helping.” 

“James is helping?” 

“He’s good, you’d be surprised,” Sirius said with a laugh. His teeth gleamed as the beam of sun from the window fell on his face. You allowed your head to rest on the pillow as you looked at him. He was stupidly pretty. You were about to lean closer to him when Picksie approached a few feet behind Sirius. 

“Master Fleamont says the food is ready,” She said with her squeaky little voice. 

It was hard not to laugh at the face Sirius made, he knew he was getting a kiss before she appeared, but after a defeated sigh he stood up and extended his hand for you to take, “You’re coming, Étoile?” 

The hours flew by a lot faster than you expected. James was absolutely thrilled about Lily coming over to his house for the first time and he didn’t shut up about it all through breakfast. Effie seemed keenly interested in meeting the girl –officially– and Monty was a little worried as a dad who had utter confidence in his child. 

You were all sitting in the living room, already changed into party clothes, that being a simple skirt, the shirt you’d won at poker (to rub it on Sirius), and a jumper Moony had thrown your way when he saw it was snowing again. Remus and Sirius were playing magic chess while you read a book and James had dozed off on the couch just next to you –he’d been trying to read a book to impress Lily and it wasn’t going that well. 

Sirius was looking at Remus as he made his next move, the taller boy had both of his arms folded over his chest and was biting his lip as he drew all the scenarios in his head. There was a softness in his gaze that you hadn’t noticed before, something akin to admiration, but so much more than that. He realised you were staring and he shot you a wink. 

“Horse F5,” Remus said, and his horse moved to break one of Sirius’ pawns into pieces. 

“Were you just waiting for me to get distracted?” Sirius scoffed. 

“Well, it’s not my fault you were looking at Vixen while I decided to make a move,” Remus responded with a shit-eating grin. He had, indeed, been waiting.

“Jerk,” Sirius complained and turned back to the chessboard.  His tower was just a few blocks from the horse and he could destroy him, but Remus had made sure to move his horse near one of his pawns. If Sirius took revenge, he would lose his tower as well, and this time he’d be losing to a pawn. He huffed and made a different move. 

You looked at the two of them after that, just paying attention to the way they played, at just how comfortable they seemed to be around each other. You hated it, not how happy they were, that was delightful, it filled your heart with joy to see them smiling and joking around. 

Both of them –although one had a loud personality– had a gloomy atmosphere that they seemed to carry along at all times. While Remus tended to be quiet and reserved, and Sirius played jokes to mask his feelings, both of them had a sort of dolefulness deeply embedded within them. You’d seen it when you looked at them in the halls and when they had been apart from the rest of their friends for a while. 

You noticed when they were around James it lifted, and how could it not? James’ personality was warm and welcoming enough to melt even the most frozen of people, but even that, was nothing compared to what you were seeing just now. The way they joked, the way they talked, it was absolutely fascinating how much they cared for each other. 

And then there was you, you made them happy too, you weren’t stupid enough not to notice, but it was when they were both together that that dolefulness seemed to lift almost completely from their shoulder as if it never had been there in the first place as if there had never been a tragic backstory burdening their minds.

What you were too stupid to see back then, was that whenever you saw that, the magic that seemed to be almost buzzing through both boys as they chatted and joked together was that even though they were interacting with one another, you were also in the room. 

John Berger once said, "Every spectator is a participant”. And really, without your participation in such scenes, the result wouldn’t have been the same. The perfect atmosphere that you seemed to admire so much, the peak of mood that made your heart ache for their longing for each other, was only there because you were there too. 

But with the thoughts clouding your mind, with the things that had happened in Christmas and with the self-loathing that you couldn’t shake no matter what you tried, no matter how many people called you brave, you were far from seeing the truth. Too wrapped up in your inner turmoil, in your own struggle to think of yourself as anything other than chaos, that you were far closer to worrying yourself to dеath with despair than from seeing the truth so clearly displayed behind the dull fabric of self-hatred you’d placed over yourself.

You thought you were so smart, and yet you were about to make a move more stupid than the King to C6 that had gotten Sirius straight into the checkmate Moony had been cornering him into the entire game.

The bell rang, snapping you out of your thoughts, you turned your face towards the door and left the glass you had in your hand near the table where Remus and Sirius had been playing wizard’s chess. James had dozed off on the couch and rather than waking him up, you thought of attending the door yourself. 

Marlene was on the other side of the door, hair shorter than it had been before, and a huge smile on her face when you were the first thing she saw. She rushed to hug you. “I’m so happy to see you’re here,” she said with a sigh. “You know I’m on your side, right? Always.” 

“Have they been talking about me on the papers?” you asked, not wanting to hear the answer, but asking anyway.

“Your father talked to the press,” she breathed, “he said you… he said you ran away from home after your mother passed and he said he was looking for you and hoping you came back home soon. That’s what your mother would have wanted. It also sounded a bit like you had been partly to blame for the fire.” 

You held back a sad scoff. He wasn’t saying anything that wasn’t true. Except he had omitted the fact he had tortured her, and forced you to find a distraction. “Of course, he would,” you sighed. “At least Dumbledore knows what actually happened.” 

“You– trust him?” 

“He might not have whatever happens to us in his best interest, Marlene. I know he cares about stopping them more than anything. But… we’re fighting for the same cause… and I think he cares, even if it’s just a little.” 

“The war…” 

You sighed and then shook your head, replacing the strained expression you had with a smile. “But that’s not why we’re here. We’re celebrating a new year and we’re not going to dwell on the sad stuff, now while we’re together.” 

Marlene seemed hesitant about your quick change, but upon realising it was your only way of coping, she nodded and mirrored your reaction. The moment she walked into the room she went straight to wake James up and told him off –jokingly– about being a terrible host and letting his guests do all the hosting for him. 

Poor James looked so confused the minute Marlene showed up that he stood up and got everyone snacks and something to drink. Slowly but surely the house started to fill up with your friends. Mary and Lily came together since Effie had gone to get them so they could all apparate back in the house, Tom arrived by Floo and Beth rode a broom since she didn’t leave too far from the Potters. 

It really was more of a small gathering than a party, only the close group of Gryffindors had been invited since James’ parents were still hesitant about the entire thing getting too big and accidentally ending up with dеatheaters at their doorstep. But it was perfect, nonetheless. Seeing your friends was lifting up your spirits. 

Lily had gone straight to hug you when she arrived and the boys wouldn’t stop teasing James about it, he was clever enough to retort Sirius’ comments by reminding him that you had once said you were into redheads and he was the one that should be worried. 

“If we start dating, you can just date each other,” Lily added to the joke to which James made the face of someone who was actually considering it and Sirius made one disgusted. 

“That would be like dating Regulus,” James said and got shoved by Sirius who said something about being more handsome than his brother. 

Still, you didn’t miss the way Sirius’ gaze flickered, looking for Remus who was talking to Mary in one of the corners. You took a deep breath after that and thought –stupidly– the only solution to the thoughts currently tormenting you, would be alcohol. You walked towards the improv drink section they had created and poured yourself some of the ice vodka James had snatched from Monty’s stash. He’d charmed the flask so he could fill an entire bottle inside and gave it to you when Lily asked him to dance. 

You debated on whether to add anything else and decided against it, although it tasted fantastic with Mellie’s lemon juice (you had tried it last night when the boys convinced you and Remus to play Monopoly again but this time wasted so they had a better chance of winning– Remus won anyway).  But you wanted the punch the drink would give you more than the taste. You downed the glass like a shot and served yourself another bit, this time actually adding the Lemon Juice. 

“How come you’re not all over Sirius?” Tom asked as he approached you. “He looks incredible today.” 

You huffed in response, taking another sip of your cup, and mumbling a short “I know.” The problem was, Remus knew too. You had seen him gaze at him more times than you could count. He had gazed at you too, the skirt you chose to wear not helping him with his rather active imagination, so instead he tried to look anywhere else. He did not want to be a perv, let alone be caught checking his best friend’s girlfriend out. 

“You okay?” he asked, confused.

“Yeah, yeah,” you responded with a sigh. “I’ve been thinking too much, I think.” 

“Want something to think less?” he asked as he took out a small flask from his front pocket. Not big enough for alcohol, but certainly big enough for a good potion. 

What a terrible idea that was. “What is it?” 

“New creation, been working on it over the break. Kind of like the potion at Halloween but with a few tweaks here and there.” 

“Is it good?” 

“Haven’t tried it yet… So, you want it?” 

You had a mission, you had to figure out what to do, not that you wanted to have that mission, and not that you wanted to figure it out either, every choice seemed like the wrong one, every turn and you’d hurt someone (yourself included). You were tired, you just wanted things to be like before… before you knew. 

Selfish, a small voice in your head shouted, that’s selfish.

“If you knew two people were in love, and you were in the middle of it. But these are two people who are basically made for each other, and they’ve known the other for longer than they’ve known you, would you step out of the way?” You asked him, eerily similar to what you’d asked James in the middle of the night. Perhaps more perspective could help you.

Tom pulled the flask back into his pocket and gave you a confused look. “What are you talking about?” 

“Nothing,” you lied, snapping out of it. “A book I was reading… The potion?” 

He placed his hand on his pocket, then on his back pockets. “Sorry, Slysprite, I must have misplaced it.” 

“I really could have used some of it,” you added with a laugh. And that was exactly why there was no way in hell Tom would give it to you, he was tempted to take the beverage from your hands as well, but he was half scared of what an angry you would do, so decided to leave that to someone who was way closer. 

“I think Remus is looking for you,” Tom said as he pushed you towards him and left you on the sofa next to the boy. “Mary, darling, care to dance?” 

She smiled and grabbed Tom’s hand, leaving you and Remus alone. Sirius was off playing potion pong with Marlene, although they hadn’t actually used any potions and were using booze instead. 

You let your head fall on the back of the sofa, sliding a few inches down and sighing. Remus leaned over your frame to give you a better look while ignoring your skirt and how much it had ridden up. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern laced in his tone. He grabbed the cup from your hands and brought it to his nose, smelling the contents before wincing. It was more vodka than lemon juice. “How many of these have you had so far?”

“Not that many,” you replied, which wasn’t a lie. “I’m not drunk.” 

“Yeah, I know,” he said simply. “You’re… upset. Is it the party? You want to leave?” 

“No, not at all,” you said. “I love seeing everyone happy. Did you see Prongs and Lily? I’m pretty sure he strategically placed mistletoe all over the doors so he could steal as many kisses from her as possible. She seems as delighted as he is.” 

Then why do you look upset? Remus thought, not wanting to ask yet. 

“You sure?” he asked as he poked your cheek. 

You opened your eyes, first just a little and then you focused on him. He looked concerned, very concerned, you could tell he cared about you an insane amount. It made the guilt even stronger, here he was, so concerned over you and your pain while you were constantly causing him heartache. Both of them had to steer away from the other because of you. 

You smiled. “You know I’d go to the ends of the earth for you, right?” you said as you placed a hand on his cheek, brushing one of his scars with your thumb and holding him in place when he was taken aback by your words. 

“What?” 

“I want you to be happy too.” 

“What are you talking about?” he asked as he took your hand from his cheek and held it in his, a frown etched on his beautiful features. Even now, you were causing him pain.

“Nothing,” you said. “I know… I know what’s making you so upset, I’ll stop that.” 

“What?!” Remus asked, a hint of panic in his voice that brought you back to reality, away from his hypnotising brown eyes and puppy-like gaze, you didn’t blame Sirius, you couldn’t blame him. In the same way, you couldn’t blame Remus. 

“Nothing,” you repeated, this time more dismissively than before, “I must have had too much to drink… you want some?” you added as you looked for the glass that was now on the table, took it in your hands and offered it to him. 

Remus frowned and took the glass from your hands. “Are you sure you’re okay?” 

“Hmm?” you asked, turning back to him, Sirius had been looking at the both of you with interest. You would have to talk to him. “Yeah, totally. You know Tom made a new potion.” 

Remus sighed when he heard that. Now things made sense. You weren’t lying. You knew Remus could sometimes smell a lie of yours from miles away, so you decided to tell the truth. Tom had made a new potion, you never said you had drunk it. 

“I’ll get you some water,” Remus said as he stood up and walked towards the kitchen. 

Sirius was already there, looking through James’ secret snack stash to find something salty, he was really craving something salty. “Is she okay?” he asked. 

“She drank something Tom made,” Remus said simply. “I think she’s okay, just saying some weird stuff.” 

“Like what?” Sirius quipped curiously.

“Some nonsense about making me happy,” Remus responded, he’d taken a glass from the cupboard and was now filling it on the sink. 

“Mhm?” Sirius asked as he pulled a bag of fizzing whizbees and turned to Remus. “Maybe she’s just thankful for everything that you’ve done for her lately, wants to make it up to you.” 

“There’s nothing to make up for,” Remus said simply and caught the small ball Sirius had thrown his way with his left. “What’s with this?”

“You look like you need some candy,” Sirius said as he took a step closer to Remus. “You’re kind of pale.” Sirius was now so close to Remus he could see the freckles that hid beneath his scars. “Maybe you should eat a bit more.” 

Remus took a step back. What was with you and Sirius? Both seemed to have this unworldly desire to touch him today, he could barely find a way to run away. 

“I’m perfectly fine,” Remus said and plopped the fizzing whizbee on his mouth, he started floating shortly after. “Fucking hell.” It was more of an exasperated curse than anything else. 

Sirius laughed, reached for Remus’ hand and pulled him down. Ignoring entirely how well it felt to have Remus’ hand in his. “Didn’t think you’d eat it,” he said with a short shrug, still not letting go of Remus’ hand. 

“Maybe you should talk to her instead,” he said, turning back to the sofa, but you weren’t there anymore. He frowned.

“Care to share?” you asked. Remus turned to you with a mortified expression and snapped his hand away from Sirius, floating back up for a second, until he coughed a couple of times and went back down. 

Sirius looked at Remus diverted, and smiled even further when he handed the glass of water to Sirius and excused himself by saying he needed to go to the bathroom. You looked at Sirius, at the way his eyes trailed behind Remus before fixating on you. He had never looked at James like that. He had never looked at any of his other friends like that. In fact, you might dare say, the only person he had ever given than look, was you. 

He then walked towards you, there was a table in between the two, but he extended his hand with a small red ball towards you. 

We should talk, you thought as you took what he offered. 

Rather than taking the candy to your mouth, you placed it on the table and turned back to look at Sirius. He was as beautiful as always. Long lashes, stunning grey eyes, hair curling around his face in that angelic and yet somehow devilish look he had going on. 

His gaze was as lost on you as yours was on him, but while his thoughts were filled with you, yours were filled with suspicion of the feelings you knew he harboured for someone else. You rounded the table to walk right in front of him and took the glass of water from his hands before bringing it to your lips. You took a long and gentle sip before pulling it down again and looking at Sirius. 

“You like him, don’t you?” you said, voice steady, somehow steadier than you’d thought you’d manage.

“What!?” Sirius asked, confused. There was a hint of panic in his voice as if he knew he’d been found out but was trying to hide it anyway. 

“Remus,” you said simply, as if it were the most natural thing ever –it was.

You saw him tense, and you smiled, reassuringly in return. “It’s in your gaze, Sirius. You look at him the same way you looked at me when we met. Did you really think I wouldn’t notice?” 

He placed both hands on your arms, shaking you to look at him instead of the door. Desperate, Sirius was desperate. “But I don’t love you any less.” 

You smiled, a sad sort of smile that Sirius hated to see on your face. But he hated himself more for hurting you, for making you feel like you were not enough, for allowing you to see how desperate he was for love that even when he had it, he craved more of it.

“I’m sure you don’t,” you said, placing your hand on his cheek. He leaned into it instantly. Like he did all the time. Almost brushing his head onto your hand. There was a conflicted frown on his soft features, tears threatening to form. “Hey,” you said simply, he leaned his head onto your shoulder. 

“I’m sorry,” he sobbed. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have… I should have been better at hiding it, you must think I’m the worst person in the entire universe.” 

“Of course not,” you said as you scratched his scalp the way you knew would calm him. “You just fell in love.” 

“With my straight best friend,” he said. “Just…” he sniffed. “I’m sure I’ll get over it. It might just be my way of discovering I’m like you and Tom.” 

“Bisexual?” you offered. 

“Yes, that,” Sirius didn’t dare to say the word. “I’m sure Moony’s just an outlet, I can’t be in love with him, I love you.” 

You swallowed, he wasn’t making it any easier. You really didn’t want to do it, you hated the idea of losing him, but he deserved to be happy, they both did. “He’s not straight.”  

“What?” he asked. 

“He’s not straight,” you repeated. “Remus, he… he likes boys too.” 

Sirius pulled his head from your hand and looked at you with the most bewildered expression you had seen on him, “What?” 

“More specifically, he likes you.” 

“No,” he said as he shook his head. You nodded in response. “What about Alice?” 

“He started going out with her after Halloween, remember? What exactly were you doing on Halloween?” 

“I was dancing with you and–” it seemed like Sirius had seen things from the outside for the first time ever. “Merlin! He did it because I was– Because I was with you.” 

“And your sudden urge for kisses?” You added, your eyes were watery, you had to take deep breaths to hold the tears back, to stay calm. You’d analysed most of your interactions together by now, everything you remembered. Sirius had liked Remus for far longer than he’d even realised he had. 

“No, that wasn’t the reason. I wanted to kiss you.” 

“I’m certain you did,” you said with a smile. It was that same sad smile you had been prompting since the start of the conversation. 

“Look at me,” Sirius said as he shook your shoulders again. “I love you. I love you and you need to understand that. I’m not going to leave you for him. No matter how incredible he might be. No matter if he likes me. I love you.” 

And you knew he would. But it wouldn’t be worth it, it wouldn’t be fair for any of you. You’d told Remus you would do anything for him. He had saved your life, he had cared for you when you were hurt, and he would have gone to the ends of the earth to make you smile. How could you pay him back if you tied Sirius down to you? When you tied him down knowing he liked Remus too? 

“I know,” you said reassuringly. And you did, you never doubted Sirius’ love for you, it was just as undeniable as his love for Remus. Sirius had such a big heart, he could love and love and he deserved all the love, all of it. He deserved Remus’ love. And you weren’t sure he’d ever be able to enjoy it if you were in the middle of it. You wanted him to be happy, you wanted both of them to be, even if it was in each other’s arms, and not in yours. 

Sirius pulled you into a kiss, desperate to show you how much he loved you. You kissed him back, but you were soft and tender in comparison to his desperate breaths. Sirius realised too late the kind of kiss you were giving him. 

“Don’t do that,” he said as he pulled away. 

You rubbed your thumb over his cheek. Sirius was terrified now. Terrified that the one thing he thought would happen if you found out would actually happen, that you would leave him. But in this case, you weren’t leaving him because you were mad, you didn’t even seem angry at all, it was more like you wanted to step out of the way. 

“Stop it,” he repeated, now petulantly, almost like a child. “Don’t be good, don’t be the hero. Be selfish! Be selfish, be selfish for me.” 

The more Sirius talked, the harder it was for you to continue. You wanted to be selfish, you wanted to keep him, but not at the expense of other’s pain, not at the expense of Remus’. Remus and Sirius needed love, and you could only make them both happy if you allowed them to give it to each other, or so you thought. 

Sirius leaned in to kiss you again but this time you moved your mouth out of the way, placing a soft kiss on his cheek instead. You could feel the wet hot tears dampen your lips as you kissed him. At first, you weren’t sure who they belonged to, but you had somehow managed to hold yours in this far. 

Sirius whispered your name as he gripped onto your shirt, bunching it up in a futile attempt to hold you. “Please,” he begged. “Please don’t do this. I don’t want him, I will never want him. Please-” 

“If only we could choose our nature,” you sighed. “We said we wouldn’t lie to each other, remember?” 

“Please,” he pleaded, every muscle on his face turning into the most evident show of agony.

Sirius had never begged to a woman in his entire life, he was ready to go down on his knees and be as pathetic as he needed. Whatever means he had to do to convince you to stay. To not leave him for being so stupid. To not disappear again. You placed both of your hands over his, gently pushing them off your shirt, and pulling him into a hug. 

He relaxed as you dug your head into his neck and inhaled the delicious scent so particular of Sirius Black. And then you said it. “Go after him, Sirius.” 

He looked at you like you had betrayed him as you pulled apart. He tried to hold onto your arm but you were quicker to move it out of his grasp. Turning your back to him and walking towards the door. 

“I love you more. I will always love you more. It’s just a stupid crush, I’m sure it will–” he stopped. He didn’t believe that either, there was no way he’d trick you. You kept walking towards the door. “Please don’t leave me,” Sirius said, tears streaming down his face. “I don’t want to be alone.” 

You staggered, the tears you had fought so hard to hold were now streaming down your face, you held back a sob. You didn’t want him to know you were crying too, you wanted to spare him the heartache. You thought of turning around, you thought of running to hug him and tell him things would be all right, telling him that it didn’t matter, that you’d find a solution that made everyone happy. But you knew you were lying to yourself. Remus wouldn’t be happy if you were with Sirius and Sirius wouldn’t be happy if he couldn’t be with Remus either. It was best to step out of the way before it was too late. 

Before you wouldn’t be able to pull away even if you wanted to. You could barely do it now. 

You took a deep, trembling breath and then willed your mouth to still again before you spoke, “You won’t be alone, Sirius. Go and talk to him.” 

Sirius’ despair had now transformed to anger, he stalked your way and made you turn around in a harsh movement so uncharacteristic of him and the way he touched you all the time that you looked at him with shock.

“I’m not going to let you run away from this like you’ve been running away from your pain ever since Christmas!” 

The harsh truth. Spit into your face with the anguished face of the person that– probably the person that you loved the most. 

“I’m sorry,” you said, tilting your head, “I can’t help you.” 

“Tell me you don’t love me, and I will stop. I won’t look for you. Go ahead, I dare you.” 

Sirius had never been one to keep his temper cool, it was easy to get a rise out of him and you had often done it for fun. Never had it been real, never had you seen him so angry, so wrecked. You were doing this to him. 

Your lips trembled. You hated this, you hated causing so much pain to him. You were trying to make him happier, couldn’t he see? 

Of course, he couldn’t. Sirius would never fathom a life without you as a happy one. They were an antithesis to each other, and there was no way he’d ever be happy if you weren’t there. If you and Remus weren’t there. 

He wouldn’t stop, he wouldn’t go to him if you didn’t do it. You bit your lip, gaze flickering. Out of the corner of your eye, you spotted Remus. He was talking to Lily, she was laughing and he had a smile on, but it wasn’t a real one, he was upset. 

Maybe because you and Sirius were in the kitchen together doing god knows what. Your quivering stilled, your choice had been made easy. You knew what you had to do, and while the pain that Sirius’ broken gaze gave you was unbearable, much worse than cruciatus, you knew, just like that time, why you had to take it and why you were willing to do it.

 “I don’t love you, Sirius,” you said, slow, carefully articulating every word, trying to spare them of the feelings you had stuck in your head, of the words desperate to come out: I do, I’m lying, don’t listen to me, I’m lying. “I stopped loving you the second I figured you had feelings for Remus.” 

“You’re lying,” Sirius said unconvinced, voice trembling. 

“I’m sorry,” you said tilting your head to the side. “You should talk to Remus, though.” 

You somehow managed to slip from his grasp and walked towards the stairs. You wiped your tears away, and you were so busy with your task that you didn’t see Remus as you bumped into him. He looked at you, concerned visible in his features the second he realised you had been crying. 

“Hey,” he said. “Are you okay? Did something happen?” 

Yes, he deserved to be happy. You swallowed thickly. “Sirius was looking for you.” 

“What?” Remus asked, confused. 

“Go talk to him.” You added with a smile. “I’m okay, something got on my eye.” 

Remus seemed hesitant and then turned to look at the kitchen door. Sirius seemed as upset as you were. As sad and terrified as you looked. He turned to you again, as if trying to ensure he could go instead of staying with you. 

“But–” 

“I said: go.” The way the words echoed in your brain was disorienting. What was more, was the fact that Remus’ worried stance seemed to dissolve into oblivion as he turned around and walked towards Sirius. When you noticed his blank stare you gasped, covering your mouth with your hand when you realised what you had done. 

You couldn’t have, it was impossible. You didn’t have the ability you... Remus kept walking towards Sirius without so much of a glance back. 

You had used charmspeak on him

It'll drain the power that's in you Make you plead and scream and crawl And the pain will make you crazy You're the victim of your crime Too much love will kiII you every time

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A/N: Well that was something... I shed a couple of tears (many) while writing it, but you know what this means? The worst of the angst is about to pass and we're finally gonna have the fluflly fluff <3

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[zepskies]

Every Second Counts - Part 5

Pairing: Russell Shaw x F. Reader

Summary: One date with your best friend’s brother leaves you wanting more, even though his questionable job and vagabond lifestyle make you want to guard your heart. When your brother falls into trouble, however, Russell is the one you trust to help you find him. 

AN: I thought about breaking up this chapter into two parts, but for some reason it didn’t feel right. I hope you enjoy the finale! I think this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for…

Word Count: 7K

Tags/Warnings: 18+ only! Fluff, angst and hurt/comfort, ‘90s movie reference, mutual pining and tension, and a strong dose of smut.

💜 Series Masterlist

Part 5: “Damn Worth It”

You borrowed Russell’s cell to call Dory from the hospital. You let her know that Charlie was stable and resting, and that Russell was bringing you home.

You should’ve known that when you two got there, you wouldn’t have the kind of privacy you craved. Colter and Dory were waiting in his car, parked in your driveway. They met you in front of your house, where Dory pulled you into a big, swaying hug. She cried, you cried, and her brothers hung back to watch the warm scene.

Dory pulled back to get a better look at you. She hesitated to touch the bandage above your brow.

“God. Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’m…I’m fine,” you sniffed, wiping at your face. “Come on, let’s go inside.”

Dory actually had your keys. After she handed them to you, you took in a steadying breath, and you unlocked your front door without incident this time. You invited everyone in.

Even though you told her not to, Dory began straightening up a bit for you. She had Russell take out the trash while she washed the dishes.

Meanwhile, you pulled Colter aside in the living room. You led him to sit with you on the couch.

“Can I at least give you $1,000?” you asked. It was all you had left in your savings, but the man had literally saved your brother's life, and yours as well. “I know it’s not much, compared to what your jobs usually get you—”

“Please,” Colter said. He touched your arm. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you and Charlie are safe.”

You teared up all over again, but you gave him a smile and held his hand with both of yours.

“Thank you,” you said.

Russell happened to spot the cozy little scene from the doorway. He couldn’t help staring, and trying not to frown.

When Colter caught sight of his brother loitering (and that look on his face), Colter tried to hide most of his smile. He let go of your hand, patted your shoulder and stood. You followed him to the kitchen, where he went to check on Dory. Russell filtered in behind you both.

“Hey, wanna grab some lunch?” Colter asked his sister.

She gave him a raised brow. “Wow, my brother actually wants to hang out with me instead of rushing off to the next job?”

He gave her an amused look. “I’ve got some time.”

Dory was happy to hear that, but her expression dimmed when she turned to you.

“Would you want to go? Or do you need to rest?” she asked.

“Oh, I need to get cleaned up, and then sleep for about ten years,” you said. “But you go, D. Have fun.”

She frowned. “I don’t want to leave you here by yourself.”

“Well, she won’t be,” Russell chimed in. “I’m gonna hang out here for a bit, clean up and take little power nap myself.”

At that, Dory slowly smiled, both amused and suspicious. Her gaze slid back to you.

“Are you sure?” she asked. You read the double meaning laced in her tone.

“Yeah, definitely,” you said with a smile, and the beginnings of a warm blush. “You guys go ahead.”

There was a knowing gleam to her own smile, but Dory shrugged and gave you one last hug. She and Colter said their goodbyes to their older brother before they headed out. It left you alone in the house with Russell for the first time since this all began.

“Um, you can use the guest bathroom if you want to shower,” you told him. “Towels are under the sink, and feel free to borrow any of Charlie’s clothes if you need.”

“It’s okay, I’ve got a bag in the car with some stuff,” Russell said, tossing a thumb over his shoulder. “I take one wherever I go.”

“Smart,” you nodded. “Very prepared.”

A strange silence stretched between you two, until you couldn’t take it anymore.

“I’m just…gonna go clean up,” you said. “We can order some food after?”

“Yeah, sounds good,” he said. He was amused as he watched you scurry off, after giving him another smile over your shoulder.

Though he’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel a small trill of nerves himself. It brought him a little bounce in his step as he headed out to his car to grab his stuff.

By the time you were done showering and drying your hair, Russell had ordered a pizza (and a side of fries). You padded out into the living room in an old college shirt and pajama shorts. He tried not to linger his gaze on your smooth, bare legs. 

“Sorry, forgot to ask if you’d want something else to eat,” he said. 

“Pizza is perfect,” you said. At this point, after almost a full day without food, you’d eat sliced bread out of the bag. You gave him a teasing look. “I’d ask you if you wanted a beer, but I’m afraid it’s not up to your standard.”

“Well, that’s okay. I happen to have brought a sample for you, just like I promised,” he said, with that grin of his you’d come to expect.

He retrieved a case of homebrew from his car, but you had to add some ice cubes into a tall glass before you joined him back on the couch. You poured the contents of a bottle into the glass.

“Sorry, I know this is sacrilege, but I can’t drink warm beer,” you said.

“I can’t fault you, though I didn’t really peg you for a pizza and beer kind of girl,” he said. He tipped a swig of beer into his mouth, right from a lukewarm bottle. He was a purist.

You quirked a brow at him and took another bite of your pizza slice. 

“Why not?” you asked, after swallowing a mouthful of pepperoni and mushroom.

Russell shrugged. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

“No, no. I want to hear this,” you said. “What, because I teach college students?”

Russell looked over at you and leaned on his elbow, resting above his knee. 

“You’re a college professor with a handful of degrees,” he said. “I’ve got a GED and a give ‘em hell outlook on life.”

You shook your head at that. 

“We’re different. That’s not a bad thing,” you said. “And like my brother, you’ve fought for this country. You’ve saved lives, including mine. I’d say that’s pretty damn special.”

His head tilted at that. He didn’t want to remind you that, just like you saw today, he’d taken lives too. Perhaps just as many as he’d saved. You could debate the quality of those lives, but in the grand scheme of things, he knew what he was. A trained killer.

He rolled his shoulders, feeling a familiar weight.

You didn’t like the pensive look on his face, so you aimed to distract him.

“Want to watch a movie?” you suggested.

Russell inclined his head. “Sure. What you got?”

That was how the two of you ended up finishing the box of pizza and a case of beer while laughing at Tommy Boy, of all things—one of the best '90s buddy road trip comedies of all time. Apparently Russell had never seen it before, but you enjoyed watching him experience it for the first time. He had a deep, infectious laugh that made you laugh just by proximity. 

Later in the movie, the reluctant, unlikely duo of Tommy and Richard hit a deer, and tried to transport it in the car. Russell both laughed and cringed when the animal woke up and thoroughly wrecked the car from the inside. You noticed his reaction and nudged him in the arm. 

Russell held in a grunt of pain when you unintentionally hit his injured shoulder, bandaged underneath his gray henley. 

“What if that was the Chevelle,” you teased. 

He cast you a playfully chiding look. “Woman, don’t even joke.”

You laughed and squeezed his forearm in a friendly gesture. But he thought there was more than just friendliness when you shot him that little smile. He decided to take a chance. 

“Come ‘ere,” he said. He slid a hand around your waist and guided you closer until you came to lay against his side. You allowed yourself to rest against him, splaying your hand flat against the firm wall of his chest. Your heart tripped up faster, but you also relaxed more fully for the first time since you got home. You let out a long breath, and you used the remote to lower the volume on the movie a little.

“Do you think Charlie will be able to get past this?” you asked quietly. “Think he’ll be okay?”

Russell hummed as he thought back to his conversation with your brother in the hospital. Charlie was still young, but he seemed to realize what he’d done, and what he needed to change. He wouldn’t have volunteered himself for rehab if he hadn’t.

Russell brushed your arm with his thumb. “Well, I think he knows what he needs to do. If he’s anything like you, then he’ll be all right.”

Your mouth tugged upward, though you considered his words with a sigh.

“He hasn’t had it easy,” you said. “He was barely eighteen when our parents died. Suddenly he had to be an adult. In fact, he almost didn’t finish high school. Had to take care of the funeral, had to get a job, had to take care of me…and I didn’t always make it easy on him.”

Russell’s lips curved in light of your faint smile. Then, your expression dimmed.

“He pulled me out of the car,” you admitted. Russell looked down at you.

“You all were there?” he asked. 

“My dad was driving. We’d just gone out to dinner as a family,” you said.

You hesitated as the scenes once again filtered through your mind. Some things were hazy. Others, you could see with perfect clarity. You remembered how your parents argued about the best way to get home while the pouring rain beat down overhead, half-drowning out their voices.

You remembered what the flash of a red stoplight looked like through the car window, with streams of water coming down, and a dead leaf stuck to the glass.

You remembered the sound of horns blaring in your ears, the crunch of metal on metal. Your mother’s scream. The feeling of being suspended, and then ricocheted painfully through time and space.

Then the smell of exhaust, and the metallic tang of blood.

“We were heading through a terrible storm,” you said, after letting out a long breath through your nose. “By the end of the night, it was just me and Charlie in the hospital.”

He’d broken his arm, but thanks to him, the only thing you really walked away with were a few cuts and bruises, and the memories of that day. They were like old scars, painful and tender at the touch.

Russell shook his head, his brows knitting together. “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah,” you breathed. “And I’m sorry too. I know you understand what it’s like to lose a parent.”

The movie played on as that new weight settled between you. Russell fell into his own thoughts as he continued to rub your arm in comfort. His own past wasn’t like yours, but he did understand some of your pain.

“How much did Dory tell you about how we grew up?” he asked.

You shifted a bit, so you could see his face too.

“I know your dad took you all to a cabin in some sort of compound in the woods, when you all were still pretty young.”

“He taught us to live off the land. Drilled us, really,” Russell explained, noting your raised brows. “Yeah, he was…well, a paranoid bastard, to be frank. We still don’t know all of why, and what drove him to move us out there.”

“Dory said he was…eccentric,” you said. Russell snorted.

“He was a piece of fucking work,” he said. “Half the time I hated him, if I’m honest.”

That part was hard to admit, even if it was true. Your hand soothed across his chest, more comforting as you listened. Russell’s lips quirked. He liked that about you, that you were willing to listen without judging him, or his family. Maybe that was another reason Dory seemed to love you so much.

“But one night, it was like he snapped,” he said.

For a moment, he was lost in the memory. His father’s anger, and the damn crazy look in his eyes. 

“What happened?” you asked quietly.

Russell glanced at you again. “I don’t think you wanna hear this right now.”

You shook your head. “No, I do.”

He hesitated, but that earnest look in your eyes got him. Still, he surprised himself when he actually told you. He explained it the best he could, the way he saw it in his mind’s eye.

Their mom had been missing, hadn’t come home yet. Then his dad had torn around the house like a man possessed, until he told them it was time to leave for their own safety. Dory had been scared, especially when he grabbed her, yelled at her.

That was the one thing Russell couldn’t tolerate. So he snapped, yanking the older man back and shoving him away. It was one of the first times Russell had ever defied his father.

Ashton Shaw left them then, heading out into the night and the rain. Maybe he’d realized what he was doing to his own kids, his own family.

Colter wanted to follow after him, but Russell stopped him. Being the eldest, he took on the responsibility, even if he’d been reluctant. We’re better off without him…

He was barely sixteen at the time, but Russell knew he’d seen his father arguing with someone—a man he’d seen before, talking with his mother. And then…

“I watched him die that night,” Russell said.

Your hand clenched in his shirt, reminding him that you were still in his arms, still listening. He remembered that scene, looking over the cliff to find his father’s broken body down below. 

“He fell, and I couldn’t stop it,” he said. “And to this day, I still don’t know what all that was about.”

He’d been reluctant to tell even Colter that it still haunted him sometimes; that night, and the not knowing.

You pulled yourself up further so you could meet Russell’s gaze.

“I’m so sorry,” you said.

The movie had long faded into the background, but at least it gave some white noise for the next heavy beat that passed between you two. His eyes eventually fell away from yours.

“It’s old history,” Russell said at last.

“It’s not just history,” you denied softly. “It’s your life.”

He didn’t know what to say to that, so he just hummed in agreement. He encouraged you to relax against him again, with a warm hand on your back. You settled and released another contented sigh. Even though Russell’s story weighed on your heart, you did feel closer to him. It made you feel like you understood Dory better too, and even Colter.

Russell rubbed your arm. “You doin’ okay? You’ve had a long day.”

“Day and night,” you agreed. Your eyes closed against your will. “But, yeah…I think I’m okay now.”

At that, he smiled. He laid a kiss on your forehead.

“Good,” he said.

A few minutes later, Russell heard your soft, deeper breaths in sleep. He chanced grabbing a throw blanket laid over the back of the couch. He managed to toss it over your body, but he made sure it covered you. You shifted in your sleep and curled up more comfortably against him. 

Russell smiled down on you fondly. He’d learned a hell of a lot more about you in just the past couple of days, but ever since he met you, he’d been picking up on the important things. The things that made you the woman you were.

And he wanted more, he realized. He wanted more time with you.

That turned out to be the last real thought he had before his eyes closed on him too. 

Russell didn’t wake again until the credits on the movie were rolling near the end. You were still knocked out. So he carried you, blanket and all, over to your bedroom.

He smelled the remnants of your floral shampoo and body wash in the air, likely coming from the bathroom. It was an intoxicating mix, one that had infiltrated his nose ever since you came out of the shower today. 

It was only 6:00 p.m., but it might as well have been midnight. He laid you down toward the middle of the bed. There was still space on the other side. Very tempting.

She did offer, he thought, remembering what you’d said at the hospital. And yet, he hesitated.

Before he could make a decision, you made it for him. Your hand reached out to hook in his shirt. 

Russell looked down at your sleepy smile. 

“Get over here,” you said, tugging him downward. He chuckled and wrapped his hand around yours. He allowed you to guide him over, and he somehow managed to roll onto the other side of the bed without crushing you. 

“Reflexes like a cat, I tell ya,” he quipped.

You giggled softly. He took off his first layer of defense (his pants), leaving him in his henley and boxer briefs. He settled into bed behind you and slipped an arm around your waist. He fit in snug against your back.

“Mmm,” he sighed. His lips pressed behind your ear, smiling there. “Feels nice.” 

“Mhmm,” you agreed.

He couldn’t see your smile, but you held his arm in place. For the first time in a while, you weren’t alone.

In the early morning, you woke up to warmth and closeness. The man in your bed snored lightly, mouth parted in sleep while he faced you. You smiled.

How could a man who felt dangerous, in more ways than one, also make you feel safe? It was a wonder. Though when an idea hit you, you carefully slid out of bed.

Russell eventually roused in his own time. He blinked awake, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He stretched out his limbs in your very comfortable bed. This sure beat rusty motel springs.

He realized that he was alone in the room, but he heard you puttering around the house. He allowed himself to doze some more.

A few minutes later, you returned to greet him with a couple of mugs, drawing him back into the waking world with the rich smell of coffee.

“Aww yeah, that’s the stuff,” he said. He groaned as he slowly sat up.

You laughed and sat beside him on the edge of the bed. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” he said. His voice was deeper and rougher with sleep, washing down your spine pleasantly.

He accepted the mug you offered him. He took a sip and hummed in pleasure at its bold flavor. It wasn’t as sweet as he usually liked it, but it was exactly what he needed right now.

“I just did a little sugar and creamer. That okay?” you asked. 

“It’s good,” he nodded. And you looked good, he noticed, with your bed-tousled hair and an open robe over your tank top and little shorts.  

“Do you want to meet Dory and Colter for breakfast?” you asked. “Dory texted me this morning.”

Russell’s brows shot up. 

“Colt stuck around?” he asked.

“Yeah, Dory asked him to stay at her place last night,” you said. Russell hummed in response. 

A bit of an awkward lull fell between you. You’d felt bolder yesterday in the hospital, but now, you weren’t entirely sure what you were doing with a man who just slept somewhat-but-not-altogether platonically in your bed.

“Um, I’ll just…get ready then,” you said, pointing to the bathroom. “You…take your time.”

He cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah.”

He peeled back the covers and climbed out of your bed, away from the sheets that smelled like you. 

You watched him go when he headed across the hall back to Charlie’s room. You sighed and beat your hand against your own forehead in frustration. What the hell am I doing?

You’d literally invited him into your bed last night, but he hadn’t done anything more than hold you while you slept. It was incredibly kind, and it said a lot about him, despite his rough-around-the-edges exterior. You were just a little disappointed that he’d been a perfect gentleman about it all. 

You rolled your eyes at yourself. What did that say about you?

You shook your head and resolved to freshen up. There was still a cut that the ER nurse covered with a butterfly bandage above your brow. You cleaned it up and applied a new bandage. Then you put on some makeup to cover the ugly bruise on your cheek and the dark circles that lingered under your eyes.

God, look at me. You actually wouldn’t blame Russell for not being into you enough to make a move. 

A bit disheartened, you changed out of your pajamas to slip on a nice, but comfortable dress over your bra and underwear. Afterward, you paused to stare at yourself in the mirror for a moment. What exactly do you want here?

“Hey, uh—” Russell’s voice startled you, making you flinch. Maybe you were still jumpy.

He raised an apologetic hand. “Sorry. Just thought I’d ask if you want some toast or something. I don’t think my stomach can wait ‘til we meet up with Dory.”

You smiled faintly. “Sure, go ahead. Whatever’s there, you’re welcome to.”

Russell paused, tilting his head. There was something off with you. He saw it, and felt it. 

“Hey, you okay?” he asked. 

“Yeah,” you said, glancing away. 

Russell’s spidey senses began to tingle. He approached you and laid a hand on the counter, inches from yours. 

“You sure?” he said. He took in your hesitant face, then the pretty dress you had on. The color matched your eyes. Soulful eyes.

He smiled when you let him see them again.

“Can you see the bruises? I think I covered them up well enough,” you said. You turned to look at yourself in the mirror again, touching your jaw carefully. 

Russell’s hand raised to find your cheek, earning your attention with wider eyes. His thumb swept across your skin as you started to blush.

“You’re beautiful,” he said with a smile. “Don’t you worry about that.”

Your face warmed further, despite your smile. 

“Yeah, the makeup helps,” you quipped. 

“I didn’t say anything about makeup,” he replied. Though he grinned and made a show of looking closer at your face. “Although, have your lashes always been that damn long?”

You laughed, but he didn’t let go of you. Instead, his hand drifted down to your neck, cradling your jaw. His thumb brushed over your lower lip this time, smudging your lipstick a little. Your eyes met his, but they’d already lowered, to the path of his hand. You were tempted to nip at his thumb, or better yet, suck it into your mouth.

Perhaps he read the thought crossing your face. Because when those darkened eyes flicked up to yours, he finally bowed his head to kiss you.

You took in a deep breath, and you melted into his mouth with a moan of wanting. A craving from the depths of your heart, finally being fulfilled.

You didn’t let yourself think anymore. You gripped the front of his shirt and pulled him closer. He cupped the back of your head, tangling his fingers into your hair as he deepened the kiss. His tongue invaded your mouth, and you let him in. You met his every kiss with the same fervor, claiming him right back, demanding just as much.

Your hands slid up his chest and helped him shrug off the green jacket first, then his shirt (Led Zeppelin this time). He hooked an arm around your waist and brought you flush against him, so he could turn you around and walk you back to the bed. 

You clung to his bare shoulders and savored the feeling of his warm, calloused hands burning up your thighs and ass, bunching the skirt of your dress. You helped him get it over your head and toss it onto the floor along with his clothes. 

As he held you by the waist, his gaze dipped for a moment to take you in, from bare thighs and hips and lacy panties, all the way up to your breasts cupped in your bra. Through panting breaths, you smiled and blushed at the heated depths of his green eyes. You felt like your heart was beating in and out of rhythm.  

But you managed to get a hold of your nerves long enough to drag your hands down his chest, down to his belt. You unclipped it for him and took your time in sliding the entire belt out of its loops. Then you let the brown leather fall to the floor. 

Russell raised a brow at you, smiling. Taking your challenge for what it was, he unbuttoned his jeans himself and aimed to step out of them, but he had some trouble when one of the pant legs got caught around his ankle and sock-covered foot.

“Shit,” he muttered as he stumbled a little. “Hold on.”

Unable to help a small giggle, you grabbed his left arm to help steady him. He hissed in pain, but he cleared his throat to cover it. You gasped as you realized what you’d done. You noticed then that he had a bandage tightly wrapped above his elbow, right below one of his tattoos.

“What’s this?” you asked in concern. You held his arm with both hands. “Did you get shot? Did you get this looked at when we were at the hospital?”

Russell staved off your questions with a gentle hand on your shoulder.

“It’s okay. This is old, just still healing up,” he said. 

You frowned up at him. “You got stabbed, shot, what? When did this happen? I thought you worked in private security.”

“A couple months ago. I got, uh, grazed. Don’t worry about it,” he said. “Sometimes the job gets a bit dicey.”

He could tell though, that you weren’t going to let it go easily. 

“Let me see,” you said, trying to peek under the bandage. Russell laughed and gathered you into his arms to stop your attempts. Your concern warmed him, but it wasn’t necessary. 

“I’m fine, sweetheart. I promise. Can we focus on the fun part, here?” he said.

Your brows furrowed. You opened your mouth to reply, but Russell saw the testiness in your eyes. He dipped down to kiss you, swallowing whatever snippy remark you were about to make.

You weren’t the only one giving into a craving here. Russell’s was bone-deep, molten in his blood, and getting to see you, to feel your soft body under his hands was already so much better than he’d imagined. His hold tightened on your waist, his fingers pressing into your skin.

A shudder ran up your spine at his touch. You circled your arms around his neck and let him continue ravishing you, then laying you down onto the bed. 

While you were careful about avoiding the bandage, your hand did drift down his arm, and further still, to palm at the straining bulge pressing against you. And Jesus Christ, did it feel generous. He grunted at your touch and paused with his lips against your jaw. 

“Well hey there, cowboy,” you said, adopting a more sensuous tone. “I had a feeling you’d be packing. What’s that, a .45, or a 38 Special?”

Russell’s eyes blinked wide. Then he erupted with deep laughter that made his shoulders shake. Aside from throwing a punch, your brother must’ve taught you something about guns too. 

“Well thank you, kindly,” Russell said, putting on a bit of a southern drawl, just to tease you. “But you’re about to find out, naughty girl.”

You giggled as he began to kiss your neck, languid and sloppy. He blazed a wet trail down the column of your throat and between your breasts. His beard rasping against your skin made you shudder a little, but it wasn’t unpleasant. In fact, you quite liked that a lot.

He slipped a hand underneath you to unclip the black lace. You arched into him so he had easier access. 

He slid the bra from your body and tossed it somewhere behind him. Just as he’d imagined, you had beautiful tits. His lips explored each of them in turn, squeezing supple flesh and rolling your sensitive, hardened nipples with his tongue and fingers. 

It was a prequel, you thought, for what talents that mouth might have further down. You had to moan just at the idea, your fingers clenching in his hair, but also at the sensations he was drawing from your body wherever he touched. The man clearly knew what he was doing.

He traveled lower still and laid slow, occasionally nipping kisses across your stomach, hips and thighs. His fingers hooked around your panties and lowered them down your legs. You felt his warm breath panting against your thigh. You glanced down at him and tensed in anticipation. 

“Still good?” he checked, squeezing your hip. You smiled and reached for his hand. Russell gave it to you, brushing his thumb over the back of your hand in affection. 

“I think I’m about to be,” you said cheekily.

He smirked. His other hand smoothed up the inside of your thigh and slipped past your folds, finding wetness that already coated his digits.

“Goddamn. You’re soaked,” he said, just a hint teasing. “Bet if I put my mouth on you, you’d fuckin’ drown me.”

Again, he stopped whatever smart quip you were about to levy at him next when his fingers found your clit. You let out a gasping moan instead.

He decided that he already loved that sound. He endeavored to pull it from you, again and again when he began working you open with his fingers and pumping them inside you. He enjoyed seeing you writhe and arch against his hand. Your hands squeezed his arms, his shoulders, trying to anchor yourself.  

His thumb circled and strummed your clit in a rhythm only he could hear in his head, until you couldn’t help biting your nails into his shoulders when you came. You shuddered your release as your core throbbed with warmth and slick around his fingers. 

“Fuck, that’s my girl,” he said. His voice rasped deep with arousal. “Wouldn’t even mind if you did drown me.” 

You huffed in response, unable to form speech just now.

Next time, Russell thought. He slipped his fingers out of you and licked them clean, making your eyes widen. He smirked and stroked your thigh as you came down, a shuddering mess.

After taking a second to regain your breath, you pulled him down for a kiss, both grateful and fueled by a passion you couldn’t put into words. What you felt for this man was instinctual, from the moment you saw him. And yet, it was also so much more. It was raw, and real, and maybe even beautiful.

The thought spurred you on as your hands moved with purpose down his body. Your nails caught at the waistband of his boxer briefs as you tried to roll them down. You got it halfway down his thighs, enough to let his hardened length spring free. You bit your lip at the mere sight of him. Goddamn.

Your hand slid around his cock, near its weeping head. You used the beads of wetness there to work your way smoothly down to its base. Russell’s body tensed above you, just before he groaned low in pleasure.    

You pushed at his chest to have him let you up. 

“Your turn, baby,” you said. It would be one hell of a challenge to get your mouth down that beautiful 44 Magnum, but you were more than willing to try.

To your surprise, Russell shook his head and guided you back down.

“Let’s pin that one for next time too. Wanna be inside you already,” he said.

You blinked, but then you nodded in breathless agreement. He kissed you deeply, devouring you with his teeth grazing your bottom lip. His tongue soon slipped out to soothe it.   

“Condom?” he panted, between kisses. 

“Oh, yeah. Um…bathroom, bottom drawer,” you whispered, though you weren’t sure why you were whispering. 

“Okay, two seconds,” he said.

He left you in the bed, quite literally hot and bothered, and very naked. You crossed your arms over your breasts on reflex while you tried to recover. Your core was still tingling, and your heart was beating fast, though you couldn’t stamp out the smile forming on your face. 

You heard the sound of foil unwrapping and clothed rustling. When he came back to the bedroom, you finally got a full picture of what you were in for. You unconsciously licked your lips as your gaze dipped down his body, and the indeed impressive package at full mast, and full display. 

A grin curved his lips when he caught you staring. He climbed back onto the bed with just a bit of struggle with all the blankets coiled about. He pushed a heavy blanket out of his way, accidentally shoving it to the floor.

“Back to business,” he said.

“Oh, yeah,” you agreed, and you welcomed him back, sliding your hands up his arms and shoulders. You hooked your thigh around his hip as he found his way back between your legs. Holding his bearded face in your hands, you pulled him in for another kiss that reignited you both. 

He sunk his hand into your hair and treated you to another slow, deep kiss. Until your thigh tightening around his hip urged him to satisfy what you both had been wanting and waiting for.

He grabbed your thighs and angled you higher. Then he lined himself up at your entrance. Looking into your eyes, your breaths mingling together, he sheathed himself a little at a time. A keening moan fell from your lips.

He started with shallow thrusts, giving you time to adjust. But that in itself was a torturous tease. It made the coil in your lower belly start to tighten again. Pleasure began to thrum inside you, ever slowly. Your head tipped back into the pillows with a gasp.  

“God, Russell, please,” you uttered. You squeezed his arms on reflex, your heels digging into his ass. 

“I know, baby. Gonna fucking wreck you, I promise,” he said with a grin. 

You huffed in amusement. That was a hefty promise.

Though a moan tore from your throat when he finally bottomed out, stretching your inner walls. He groaned along with you. His lips fastened to your neck as he gave you deeper thrusts.

“You feel so good,” you said raggedly in his ear, raking your fingers through his hair. You felt every damn inch of him.

“You too, baby. So damn good,” he gritted out. “Tell me what you want.”

He raised your thigh a bit higher, his fingers pressing into flesh.

“Ugh, fuck,” you gasped, as he hit a particularly delicious angle. “Whatever you want to give me.”

“You sure about that?” Russell asked, panting against your neck. Your nails dragged down his back between the muscles in his shoulders, hard enough to earn a halting groan from him.

You nodded empathically. “Yes!”

His lips hinted at a smile. “Okay, hold on."

Before you could even respond, he pulled out of you all the way, just so he could guide you over onto your stomach. He pulled you up onto your hands and knees. As he ran a hand down the gentle slope of your back and around the curve of your ass, you breathed harder in anticipation.

“So damn beautiful,” he muttered.

You glanced at him over your shoulder. You unconsciously bit your lip as your heart couldn’t help but swell at his words. Russell met you with a look that betrayed his desire, making your lower belly tremble as well.

He parted your cheeks and slotted himself between your thighs from behind. You once again felt the head of his cock nudging at your entrance, and then pushing back in with one deep plunge. Both of you let out moans of relief at the feeling.  

Pretty soon, he was pounding into you deeper and faster than before. Oh, fuck yes…

You clawed at the headboard, trying to find something to keep you stable. Russell’s arm slid around you for a solid support. You held onto him right back with one hand while he continued to drive into you, earning each and every sound coming out of your mouth. He’d finally angled you just right, so he could hit that special spot inside you with every thrust. Your pussy clenched on him in response, making him grunt in pleasure. 

“Fuck, you’re close. I can fuckin’ feel it,” he said, panting. He laid a biting kiss where your neck met your shoulder. You cried out in both pain and pleasure, your inner walls once again squeezing on him. 

“Yeah,” you nodded, breathless. “This time, you’re gonna come with me.”

You reached back and tangled your fingers into his hair. He held you to his chest and squeezed your breast a bit roughly. You uttered a wanton sound. You dragged his hand down your body to part your folds. You used his fingers to press against your clit. 

He picked up your hint, and then took control, massaging you with his fingers. There you began to tremble from the inside out. Warmth emanated from your core and spread outward, down to your toes as you came even harder on his cock. 

Russell wasn’t far behind. His voice joined yours as his body locked up, and he spilled hot into the condom. You almost wished he’d come freely inside you, so you could really feel him. Regardless, your body was boneless when he lowered you down onto the bed afterward.

“Holy shit,” you breathed.

He chuckled and kissed your shoulder, before he fully pulled out. Panting for breath though you both were, you managed to twist onto your side and reach a hand for his cheek. Your fingers slipped higher from there, cupping the back of his neck. Your thumb swept tenderly across his cheek, and you guided him down for a proper kiss.

Russell obliged you, his lips meeting yours plush and wet. He brushed strands of your sweaty hair away from your forehead with affection.

Somehow, that last kiss was softer than all the rest.

One thing was for sure though. There was no way you two were making it to breakfast. 

“I kind of feel bad now,” you later confessed. 

You and Russell were taking a few minutes just to recover under the messy sheets. He held you while sitting up against your headboard. He almost craved a smoke. You’d given him a damn workout. 

He smirked at the thought. Admittedly, his mind was more on focused on the scenes replaying in his head than on what you were saying. 

“Dory doesn’t get to see you guys that often,” you continued, “and who knows how long Colter will seriously wait for us to get out of bed.”

Russell’s attention drifted back to you at that.

“Come on, it’s not like they know why we’re running late,” he said. You gave him a knowing look. 

“Are you kidding? They were already suspicious when you brought me home yesterday,” you replied with a laugh. 

Russell grinned and rubbed your arm. He knew you were probably right, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. 

“Yeah, well. That was damn worth it,” he said.

You smiled. You rolled your head over on his shoulder, so you could see his face, but you became contemplative as uncertainty crept in. You let in a breath to gather your courage, and you decided to take a chance. 

“You know, drug dealers aside, Laramie isn’t such a bad place to live,” you pointed out. “We’ve got a movie theater, a couple good outlet malls, a new Tex-Mex restaurant that just opened down the street. I’m gonna have to find a new bar though.”

Russell smiled at you. He knew what you were suggesting.

He sighed as his amusement faded. 

“Look, even if I stay…” he hesitated.

He looked into your eyes and saw the vulnerability there. You were being honest with him, putting your heart into his hands. The least he could do was be honest. He covered your hand where it rested on his chest.

“If I’m on a job, I could be gone weeks at a time. I won’t be able to tell you where I am or what I’m doing. That’s gonna be hard on you,” he said. 

He knew his friend Doug made it work with his wife, but their relationship wasn’t without friction because of the job he and Russell shared.

“I can handle it,” you said firmly. 

“You just had a little freak out over a scratch earlier,” Russell pointed out, with a gesturing hand at his bandaged arm. 

“Okay, that’s different,” you said.

You wouldn’t say it now, but there were things that still concerned you about his job. You had a strong feeling that "private security" wasn’t all it entailed. However, after what he’d done for you, after what he’d done for Charlie, you knew that Russell Shaw was a good man.

There was something good here, and you didn’t want to lose it this time. You shifted in his arms, so you could face him.

“Look, we can sit down and figure all that out,” you said. “But do you want to at least try? Or…am I reading this wrong?”

Russell stared back at you ruefully. He raised a hand to touch your cheek, grazing your soft skin with his fingers. 

“No, you’re not,” he said. 

In fact, what he felt already ran deeper with you than he’d like to admit. He let out a long breath through his nose. 

“Okay,” he said at last. “If we’re gonna do this, let’s do it right, I guess. I’ll book a motel here in town for now. If things go well, I can…I don’t know, find an apartment.”

Your answering smile broke him down further, even as it warmed him inside. You turned over to circle your arms around his neck, and as an added bonus, pressing your bare breasts against his chest. You kissed his cheek with a happy hum. He laughed at your enthusiasm. He also accepted your sweet path of kisses that led to his lips. 

He groaned when it became not so sweet, with your tongue slipping hotly against his. His hold on your hips tightened.

“Uh oh. Baby, we can’t do this now,” he chuckled, even though your hand was already wandering down his body and under the sheets. You both were supposed to be getting ready to meet his brother and sister for lunch. 

“Five minutes,” you said against his lips. All the while, you were pushing him back onto the bed. You began to kiss down his chest, and lower still.   

Russell snorted. Right. 

But he wasn’t about to argue with you. He had a gut feeling…one that made him almost certain.

He’d found where he wanted to be. 

AN: Well, then! I hope you enjoyed the "happy ending." 😘 I always get a bit sad at the end of a series, but thank you to everyone who's followed the ride on Every Second Counts. Let me know what you thought of how it all shook out here at the end between her and Russell! 💜

And...if you'd like to read more about these two, feel free to send me your thoughts on that too!

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[jeonghunny]

— matching rings, wen junhui.

fluff | 790

it’s a warm, cozy sunday morning which means you and junhui were still cuddling in bed, snuggling into one another, refusing to get up and get the day started even though you’re both already fully awake. junhui suddenly jumps up, startling you and causing you to sit up.

“i forgot to give you this,” he tells you as he starts rummaging through his bag that hangs behind the bedroom door and you watch expectantly as he takes out… a ring box?

your eyes widen and your mouth falls open. it can’t be. you rub your eyes as he approaches you, making sure you’re not still half asleep and imagining things. he comes back into bed to sit next to you and you see the box up close. it’s definitely a ring box. but he’s being so casual about it.

he sees the look on your face as you’re staring at him, both shocked and confused and you look down at his hands and then the realisation hits him.

“no, no, no.” he laughs, “it’s not what you’re thinking.”

you let out the breath you didn’t even know you’ve been holding. you felt relieved but at the same time you were also…. disappointed? was that what that feeling was?

“oh.”

you knew he can’t be proposing to you because you had already talked about how neither of you felt ready yet and yet somehow, you can’t help but feel a little bit let-down.

junhui scoots closer to you, “i was out yesterday and saw these in the window and i knew i had to get them for us.”

he opens the box to reveal a pair of matching cat rings and then he picks one up to start shaking it at you excitedly and you hear the sound of the bell.

“look, it even comes with a collar and has a little bell on it.” he takes your hand to slide the ring onto your finger and then he’s beaming up at you, “isn’t it adorable?”

you’re staring at the ring on your hand silently as junhui watches your expression carefully.

“don’t you like it?”

“i do,” you quickly assure him and give his hand a gentle squeeze. “just wasn’t really what i was expecting, that’s all.”

junhui gives you a questioning look as if to ask what were you expecting but you just shake your head, telling him to forget about it. he doesn’t.

“were you, perhaps…” he lowers his face to meet your eyes, “expecting a proposal?”

you chuckle, feeling a little embarrassed about it. “i mean, yeah. what else would you expect when your boyfriend suddenly tells you he got you something and appears with a ring box?”

he nods, “you’re right. i should have been more clear.”

“no, i shouldn’t have thought it was anyway since we’d already talked about it.”

“well,” junhui flips your hand around to put his own ring in your palm and you hear the soft ding from the bell then he holds his hand out to you. “if i were proposing you’d definitely know about it.”

you slide the ring onto his finger then look at him with knitted brows, “what does that mean?”

he lifts his hand slightly to admire the ring then holds both of your hands once he’s done, “it’d be so grand and romantic and there’d probably be flowers and balloons everywhere. you wouldn’t miss it.”

“is that so?” you laugh, “i didn’t know you were such a romantic guy and into gestures like this.”

“i learned it from all those shows about romance you made me watch,” he grins at you.

you let out a sigh of bliss, thinking about how perfect everything feels and how happy junhui always made you.

“i don’t need a fancy proposal,” you smile up at him. “honestly, even if you actually did proposed to me with these cat rings i would have said yes.”

junhui scans your face to check for signs of you joking but sees that you were actually being serious.

“okay, will you marry me?”

you blink once, then again as you tried to process what you’d just heard.

“will you marry me?” he asks again, this time a bit more nervous and you can hear the slight waver in his voice.

“yes, i will.”

junhui immediately flies up to start jumping up and down the bed, cheering with his arms flailing around. you hear the sound of the little bell on his ring again when he pulls you up with him.

“does this mean we have to wear these noisy rings forever?” you grumble.

“yes,” he places both hands on your shoulders then leans in to give you a deep kiss. “you can’t take them off ever.”

[arjwrites]

Back On the Beach- Dean Winchester x Reader

Summary: Reader and the Winchesters find themselves at the beach for a rare day off after a long string of difficult hunts. Something about the special day changes things forever. Warnings: Some language and angst but nothing crazy. A/N: Nothing heals my heart more than a happy Dean Winchester. Hope you enjoy <3 Another hunt was in the books. That was the third one this week- you'd lost track beyond that. You and the Winchesters had definitely been “cranking and ganking,” as Dean had been calling it, but you all were exhausted to say the least. No rest for the wicked, though. When you arrived back at the motel after taking out the vamp nest, it seemed like Sam had already found another hunt, and all of you prepped to ship out in the morning.  

You woke after a near restless night, your entire body weighed down by a lack of sleep. Getting up and into the shower felt like moving through Jell-O, so you couldn’t even imagine how Sam and Dean felt. Even more so Dean, who had blamed himself for one of the casualties of last night’s hunt. Before climbing into your bed the night before, you had given him a tight hug. “We can’t save everyone,” you reminded him with a gentle whisper. But you still heard him pacing the whole night- he didn’t so much as sit, let alone lay down and close his eyes. So you were up all night, partially from worry and partially because of the noise he was making. And if you had been kept up, you knew Sam had been too. That’s why you were surprised to hear some particularly chipper laughter and discussion between the two boys as you emerged from the shower. 

“Y/N! Bobby took over that case I found last night. He was in the area, so I guess we have a day off. I was thinking we could just take the time to get some rest, but Jimmy Buffet over here wants to hit the beach,” laughed Sam, hucking a packed bag into Dean’s chest. Dean caught it with a huff before holding it out to one side in order to show off his ensemble. 

“Hey, when in Margaritaville, right? How often do we get a case somewhere like this, huh? Let’s live a little.” 

Dean was decked out in Hawaiian patterned swim trunks clearly purchased from the tourist shop down the street, complete with a towel around his neck and a pair of gas station sunglasses. He was right, how often were you taking cases in Florida (seriously, enough freaky shit goes on there, yet somehow none of it is supernatural)? Your first instinct was to laugh, because he looked ridiculous, but simultaneously, your heart soared. To see Dean getting excited about something so mundane as a little beach trip was a small miracle. Things hadn’t been easy on the road recently, and it seemed like Dean had taken the brunt of it- the guilt, the sleepless nights, the long, long hours. It always hurt you to see the way he took it all, never giving himself any kindness or time to relax. So for you, it was an easy choice to humor him a little. And after a bit of convincing Sam (okay, maybe you and Dean begging and annoying the crap out of him), you got him on board too. 

 After remedial stops at the tourist shop for swimsuits for you and Sam, and the gas station for beer, sunglasses, and the sunscreen you insisted on (“Dean Winchester I have seen you take on some scary shit, so help me God, skin cancer will not be the thing that takes you out”), your crew finally found their way down to the water. And from the moment you stepped foot in the sand, the gentle crash of the waves washed the worries from your minds. It was rare day when you three could be normal. Normal people at the beach, with no monsters to kill, no world to save, no burdens weighing you down. 

It had been a picture perfect beach day. Seriously, Dean made sure you all got the full experience. He had picked up beach chairs and towels and a football for him and Sam to toss back and forth. You sat reclined in one of the chairs, reading a book (a non-lore book, you couldn’t remember the last time you read for pleasure) and watching over the boys, laughing at their interactions. After zoning into your story for a while, you lost track of the boys. Figuring they had gone exploring down the beach, you let yourself fall entirely engrossed in the cheesy romance you were reading. They didn’t call them beach reads for nothing! The protagonist was finally alone with the love interest, who was about to lean in for a kiss, until- the book went flying out of your hand, and you went flying over Dean’s shoulder. 

“HEY! Put me down!” Your words seemed frustrated, but your tone was anything but.

Dean raced down to the ocean as you bounced rhythmically off of his strong back. You playfully whacked at him in protest, but it was no use. Finally deep enough into the water, Dean gracefully slid you into his arms and tossed you under. After catching your bearings and emerging from the surf, you surveyed the scene. There was Sam, laughing his ass off. Dean held a smug look, arms crossed and a teasing smile. And you, now soaking wet, caught completely by surprise.

“I will KILL you Dean Winchester!” You ran after him, laughing and splashing. While you had chased down plenty of adversaries recently, there was something about this enemy that was compelling- pretty cute, even. 

That was the rest of your afternoon. Playing in the surf, munching on soggy gas station sandwiches, sharing a few beers, and your constant nagging at the boys to reapply sunscreen. Though none of you ever spoke it aloud, there was a shared agreeance that this was so nice. That it was a luxury to feel normal and that in that moment, you three were the luckiest in the world. And it was so fulfilling to sneak a glance at Dean and see him smiling, really smiling. You let your gaze linger, snapping a mental image and filing it away to remember for when things got tough again. You wished you could give him this peace more often.

The sun was setting on your perfect day, but the three of you remained on the beach, stalling the oncoming nightfall and thus, the return to your reality. After a serene while, Sam rose from his chair, wrapping a towel around himself and throwing you and Dean a knowing look.

“Alright, I’m going to head back to the motel and start packing our stuff. You guys stay down here a little longer.”

So there the two of you sat, side by side, leaned back in the chairs, toes dipping into the still-warm sand. You weren’t sure if the subtle pink of Dean’s cheeks was the beginnings of a sunburn or the effects of the day’s alcohol drawing the blood to his face. Warm, tipsy, sunkissed, happy. This was a Dean you wish you could get used to. 

“Thanks for taking us here today, Dean. It was a really great idea.” A soft smile graced your face as you reached your hand out, resting it on top of his own. 

Your voice drew Dean’s gaze over to you, and the look on his face triggered a pang of hurt in your chest. Though his lips were drawn in a tight smile, his eyes slightly watered and held in them all of the angst of the last few years. It was as if you could see each harrowing memory in their glassy reflection.

“What if we just stayed?” Dean asked, already knowing the answer. His question hung in the air for a moment without a repsonse. You couldn’t stay, you both knew that. There were always going to be people to save and things to hunt. Still, you deserved some peace every now and then. And that was all you wanted to give Dean in this moment- some peace. You wove your fingers into his and pulled him to his feet, meeting him with an embrace. He wrapped his arms around you and continued.

“Obviously we can’t. But, what if we did. You, me, Sammy. We could do this every day. I mean, we’d have to get jobs, but even that would feel like a day at the beach compared to… everything else. We’d be so happy,” he sighed.

“We’re hunters, Dean. We’ve gotta make our own happy.” 

“You make me happy.”

That was all you ever asked for. Dean Winchester, in your arms, happy- and because of you, no less. In that moment, you decided that this would be your own personal slice of heaven. A moment you could return to as often as you wanted- something that could never be taken from you. A perfect instance that could remain untouched by the horrors of your world. Everything in this difficult life had lead up to this moment, and every day from here on out you would exist in a world in which you made Dean happy. 

With the kind of sweetness that brought tears to your eyes, Dean brought his hand to your cheek, cupped it gently as if it were the most precious thing in the world, and joined his lips with yours. They fit in the way you always knew they would, and the touch sparked the feeling you had always imagined it would. It wasn’t nerves or butterflies. It was so incredibly tranquil. Kissing Dean, finally kissing Dean, felt like bathing your troubles away in the ocean. The hurt, blood, sweat, and tears pooled off of you, and you felt clean, new, at peace. You knew that this wouldn’t fix everything, for either of you. Both of you had your demons, and you’d both be facing plenty more. But from this point on, you could return to this moment- return to each other, and feel your worries wash away. You could come back to the beach for a short while, and things would be okay. You could make your own happy, together.

[nothingbutsweetwords]

ɴᴏʙᴏᴅʏ'ꜱ ꜱᴏɴ, ɴᴏʙᴏᴅʏ'ꜱ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ

ᴀᴇᴍᴏɴᴅ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ!ɴɪᴇᴄᴇ

"ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ ʜᴇᴀʀ ɪᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱɪʟᴇɴᴄᴇ..."

Word count: 6000.

Fandom: House of the Dragon.

Pairing: Aemond x Reader!Velaryon!Niece.

Warnings: Angst.

FALLING — 7. Her.

During the first moons of her stay at the Red Keep, everything seemed new and exciting. There was some sense of freedom in not having her family around, but with each sunrise, it became more complicated, and the longing grew stronger.

The letters she received from her mother initially brought comfort, but soon they became short. No matter how many words her mother wrote about her, her siblings, and her father, it was never enough. She wrote daily, though she only sent them every three days. She would tell her about her day, always omitting her nightly outings, and tried to hide how much she missed them, and her mother, worried, always asked about Aemond's progress.

Over time, even all the letters became inadequate; they couldn't fill the void she felt. She longed to hear their voices, feel the warmth of their hugs. She questioned a few times if it had been a good idea, but she quickly dismissed those thoughts to remain resolute.

Aemond spent most of his time in the yard, both morning and evening, promising to become the best warrior for her. This caused their visits to the library to decrease. Nevertheless, every night without fail, they slept together, face to face, finding solace in each other's presence.

Her lessons with the septa became increasingly tedious, or perhaps she just grew more easily bored. She spent a lot of time in Helaena's room, who seemed happy to have her. Helaena continued to intrigue her with riddles and enigmatic phrases, making her wonder when each prediction would come true. So far, none seemed bad, so she wasn't frightened or worried. Helaena also helped her improve her embroidery technique, although there wasn't much to be done; it wasn't her strong suit. Soon, the lack of activities even led her to become interested in her insects, delighted to see her aunt’s enthusiasm.

One day, while sitting on the floor, Helaena placed a ladybug on her hand. "It tickles" she said, laughing softly as the insect walked across her palm. Helaena smiled at her, happy to share her passion with someone.

"They all have seven dots, the red ones" Helaena said, revealing an interesting curiosity. "She likes you" she added, looking her in the eyes with a slight smile. She thanked her for saying that.

"What about those?" she asked, pointing to a wooden box with a transparent lid, where several insects could be seen inside. There were some spiders and others she couldn't name.

When Helaena turned to look in the direction her finger pointed, her smile faded a bit. She took the box in her hands and allowed her to observe them from above, while the ladybug continued to walk between her fingers and fly from one hand to the other.

"I do not trust them yet" she said quietly. "I am not sure whether their wishes are for good or ill."

“Why?” she asked, genuinely curious.

Helaena pointed to a large black spider from above and said: "They weave intricate webs, and sometimes those webs can hide important secrets. I'm still trying to unravel which ones" she said, frowning. "But what I know is, we have to beware of the guardian of secrets" she warned, as if wanting to protect her from an-as-yet unknown danger. She simply nodded, hoping nothing bad would come of it.

As time passed, life at the castle continued with its ups and downs; Aemond's training, the enigmatic conversations with Helaena, the whispers of the people, and the few letters from her mother. Even through it all, she found moments of peace, and convinced herself that despite the challenges, she was exactly where she needed to be, next to him.

Occasionally, she found distraction by visiting her grandsire's room. She spent hours there, reading to him, listening to his fascinating stories about their ancestors and the old Valyria. Often, she asked for tales about her mother's youth, seeking to feel closer to her.

She had also begun to insist on Lyra's presence during every meal, finding in her company a sense of familiarity, a relief from her growing homesickness. As expected, everything began to feel cramped, and Lyra, as perceptive as ever, had noticed it, and she herself could no longer ignore it.

She missed her family terribly, and there was nothing that could ease that pain, except the obvious. She felt trapped, guilty for wanting to go to Dragonstone and leave Aemond behind, but she couldn't help it.

"Could it be that, perhaps, I've made a mistake coming here?" she asked one night, her voice filled with doubt and shame for exposing her deepest thoughts.

"I do not think things are that simple, princess. You came here with good intentions, and missing your family is only natural, it does not mean you have made a mistake" Lyra replied gently.

She nodded, acknowledging the truth in those words. "I do really miss them" she murmured, longing evident, head bowed. "No matter how hard I try, this is not my home."

"Why do you say that, princess?" After dinner, Lyra had drawn her a warm bath, and now, in her nightdress, Lyra was gently brushing her long hair.

"I've heard the whispers when I walk alone in the halls." Lyra nodded, understanding the situation and listening attentively to her words. Both were sitting on the bed, and she was with her back facing her lady-in-waiting, between her legs. "It's as if they believe me deaf. I know what they say or think, and it's not... good" she confessed, pain reflected in her voice.

Upon hearing her last words, Lyra set the brush aside and drew her close, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. Lyra was the daughter of one of Rhaenyra's ladies-in-waiting and had lived her entire life in that family. Though only a few years older, she felt a deep maternal love for the princess. 

"We must not let such foolish words disturb our ears, and if they do, let us ensure they do not enter our precious minds, yes?" Lyra said, whispering with firmness. "They mean nothing."

She nodded, and unable to contain herself, she began to cry softly in her caretaker's arms. They remained like that for a while until she could calm down. She appreciated Lyra's love and understanding, feeling fortunate to have someone like that by her side, watching over her well-being.

After some time, Lyra left the room, wishing her goodnight. This was her signal to get up, put on her cloak over her shoulders, dampen her face a bit to erase any trace of dry tears, and take the gift she had prepared so much for him with the help of her mother. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, she headed towards her destination, seeking to find another place of peace and connection amidst the storm of emotions that assailed her.

Aemond's nameday wasn't until the next morning, but she never had much patience for such things. That night, like all others, she entered the room with a candle in one hand, only now she hid the gift behind her back with the other.

Aemond was sitting by the window, his gaze fixed on the night sky. She closed the door with her hip, as both her hands were occupied, and walked over to him. Aemond's face showed signs of fatigue, even some sadness. She knew he was trying to stay awake while waiting for her, as always. The notion of time had escaped her during the shared moment with Lyra, and he always ended up terribly exhausted by his training. Seeing her arrive, Aemond settled and offered a tired smile. She circled the bed, placing the candle on the small table, and with her free hand, she took off her cloak, hiding the gift underneath on the nearby chair.

She walked towards him slowly, observing the clear sky. The moon shone over the city, enhancing the delicacy of his face.

"This is how the night was when I claimed Vhagar" he said, with sorrow. Her heart squeezed at his words, she sadly knew he would never have a flight like that again.

"What was it like?" she finally asked, cautiously. She had never dared to ask about that moment, fearing to reopen wounds, but now that he mentioned it, her curiosity stirred again.

He smiled, still looking at the sky. "I never imagined flying would feel like that" he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Did it ever trouble you when I did?" he asked.

"What? Claim Vhagar?" she inquired, surprised by his question.

"Yes" he said softly, his voice tinged with apprehension.

She smiled at him, placing a hand on his shoulder, her eyes reflecting pride. "Of course not. It was meant for you, a warrior destined for a warrior." Her words carried a sense of admiration and certainty, a testament to her unwavering belief in his capabilities. "And that was just the beginning, Aemond. Together, you will be unstoppable" she said, her voice whispering with conviction and anticipation. "I do feel safer knowing we have you as protectors."

"Thank you" he expressed, hopeful. She knew the journey was just beginning, and the horizon stretched like a promise of all the adventures to come. "I did it on behalf of us both." She smiled gratefully, gently squeezing him.

"I know they will write books that will pass through all the ages, Aemond, about your courage and triumph" she said, walking towards the sofa.

"I'm not sure about that much" he replied, laughing lightly at her words.

"Then I will be the one to write them" she said, pulling the gift from under her cloak. "Close your eye" she instructed, with an excited smile. Aemond obeyed, but not before giving her an odd look.

"Open your hands" she indicated once she was in front of him again. He did so without question, and with a gentle gesture, she placed the gift in his hands, which lowered slightly at the unexpected weight.

"Now you can look" she whispered. Aemond did so quickly, and looked surprised at the delicate blue velvet bag. She was looking at him with excitement and a touch of nervousness. It was the first time she had given such a planned gift to someone, and she hoped not to disappoint. But even if she did, she would never find out, as he would never show it.

"It's your nameday present" she explained with a radiant smile. "I couldn't wait to give it to you on the morrow, and I wanted to be the first one to do it" she said, letting out a small laugh from her lips.

"I love it" he replied, placing the gift on his lap and looking directly at her, the faint moonlight adorning his gaze with a softness that made him appear even more beautiful.

"You haven't even seen it!" she exclaimed, softly laughing. "Come on, open it."

"I would love anything you gave me" he said laughing too, while untying the laces of the velvet bag to reveal the gift. She had a premonition that his words were sincere.

He carefully pulled the wooden case out of the bag. It was made of ebony, so its color was dark like the night, almost black, and was decorated with delicate carvings. He ran his hand over the surface, appreciating the abstract shapes as if they were a work of art. He had a slightly open mouth as he admired the case with admiration. Then, carefully, he opened it, revealing the true gift.

Inside rested a valyrian steel dagger, shining and forged with impeccable craftsmanship. Its sharp, polished blade reflected the light with a silver shine. Each side of it was adorned with intricate engravings that wound from the hilt to the edge.

His eyes lit up upon seeing it, and a sincere smile spread across his face. "It's valyrian steel" she explained enthusiastically, "so you'll always carry a piece of our roots."

The handle was equally impressive. It was wrapped in black leather, a material that, according to the smith, provided a more comfortable and secure grip. However, the highlight was the sapphires embedded in the handle. The sapphires, of a deep and radiant blue, were skillfully set into the metal, creating a vibrant contrast with the silver. Each sapphire was carefully polished, capturing flashes of light that gave the impression of small stars embedded in the hilt.

The guard of the dagger, also made of steel, was decorated with intertwining motifs that complemented the sapphires in the handle. Aemond took it in his hands carefully, observing every detail meticulously.

She had often heard him speak about Viserys's dagger, seeing the longing in his eyes when he did so, as well as the sadness knowing he could never possess it. That's why she had tried to make something unique for him, something exclusively his, perhaps even something that could be passed down to future Targaryens, always remembered as his.

He set the dagger aside and looked at the box. Inside was a sapphire too. She knew some people carried those precious gemstones as talismans, believing they protected the eyes and helped see beyond the physical. Besides, she had always thought the color matched his eyes. It seemed like a thoughtful detail, but she didn't dare mention its significance.

"My father gave me two he brought back from one of his expeditions to the Stepstones a few years ago" she explained, smiling as he held the sapphire between his fingers, admiring it in the light streaming through the window. "I have the other one" she added shyly. "So you always have a piece of sky, or sea, and I hope it always reminds you that you are destined for something big." He set the sapphire aside and continued to observe. She wondered if he would be attentive enough to explore further, and of course, he was.

The box was lined with more velvet and there was a small cushion where the dagger rested. During her lessons and visits to Helaena, she had embroidered the fabric, and the tailor had turned it into this. She had tried to depict waves and the moon in different shades of blue and teal, with some white stars. They might not have been perfect, but she had poured her heart into them.

He traced the fabric with his fingers, still not saying a word.

"I embroidered it" she added proudly. Then he put the dagger back in the case, but kept the sapphire in his hand. She waited anxiously for his words. "I’m sure it does not compare to Viserys', but..."

"It's perfect" he interrupted, his voice sincere. She let out a sigh she didn't know she'd been holding, a wave of relief and happiness at his reaction. "I..." he began, hesitating. He shook his head slightly, searching for words. Then he put the case back in the velvet bag and stepped away from the window ledge. Once face to face, he hugged her unexpectedly. With one hand he held the gift and with the other he held her tightly. She returned the embrace with a smile, now more relaxed. 

"Thank you" he whispered, holding her even tighter, their hearts almost merging in that hug. When they separated, his eye sparkled, holding back some tears, just like hers. "Let us go to bed" he said, noticing his body was cold from being pressed against the window glass. He approached a shelf where he kept some of his most precious books and now his most precious object, then headed for the bed, placing the sapphire on the bedside table after admiring it again.

Smiling, they both got under the covers, facing each other, feeling their bodies warming up again. They both reached out their hands at the same time, their hands meeting in the middle. They laughed softly and intertwined their fingers in the middle of the bed. It was their routine, talking like this, face to face, until they ran out of things to say, with their hands joined. Then they slept together, sometimes with her head on his chest, sometimes with him nestled in her arms.

"I loved it" he said sincerely. "Absolutely everything," he assured her, "no one has ever given me a better present."

She smiled proudly, happy with his words. "I'm glad you liked it."

They looked at each other in silence. It was a comfortable silence, warm even. It was at that moment, suddenly, while they looked at each other, that hundreds of thoughts flooded her mind like a torrent. Did everyone experience something as wonderful as this? Did everyone have someone to whom giving the whole world, along with their heart on a silver platter, seemed not enough? Did everyone's heart beat so wildly when looking someone in the eyes? Or was it something that only happened when it was the most beautiful face in the kingdom gazing back at them?

She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped when she saw that he seemed to want to say something too. They both remained silent, waiting for the other to speak first.

"You can go first" she said softly.

"No, you're a lady, you go" he insisted courteously.

"No, please, you tell me" she said, almost pleading with her eyes, though she wasn't exactly sure what she hoped to hear, still trying to understand the strange sensation in her chest.

"Tell me, please" he echoed at the same time, and they laughed again at the coincidence.

"You're my best friend" he exclaimed finally.

"You're my best friend" she replied, in perfect sync.

They laughed again, and as they truly heard each other's words, they smiled. She felt warmth rise in her cheeks. At that moment, everything made sense to her. That special, innocent feeling, that pure joy, so complex yet so simple, was love. She didn't need to fully understand it to know it was real, and that it was reciprocated.

They lingered for a moment, lost in each other's gaze. Aemond's eyes glowed with a tenderness that mirrored her own. Without needing more words, they leaned in slowly and shared a hug filled with affection and silent promises. The moonlight bathed the room, enveloping them in its silver glow. Every moment seemed magical, as if time had stopped just for them.

In that instant, in the tranquility of the night, they both knew that despite the challenges, they would always have that special bond that united them.

Finally, they settled comfortably under the covers, still close, their hearts beating in unison, and they embraced the serenity.

Once back in her room, she spent the day with Lyra again. If it were up to her, she would have spent the entire day with Aemond, but she knew he would break fast with his mother as usual. Later, he would be busy with his training, something that excited him especially now, with the anticipation of wielding a real sword, finally, as he had come of age for it.

At dusk, after writing to her mother and enjoying a hot bath, the woman helped her dress in the carefully chosen attire for the occasion. She opted for a flowing blue dress and some delicate jewelry. As Lyra began to brush her hair, preparing to style it up as she always did, she decided to change her mind.

Aemond had always praised her curls, often running his fingers through them in the night until he drifted off to sleep, and she thought it would be a pleasant surprise for him to wear her hair loose, something she only did in the privacy of their rooms.

When she was almost ready, Lyra was about to accompany her to the hall where the feast would take place, but they heard soft knocks on the door. Few were the times someone sought out her room, so both were intrigued. Lyra walked towards the door and opened it, while she adjusted the sandals that complemented her dress. When she looked up, she found Aemond standing in front of her, looking at her in awe, with Lyra behind him, barely able to hide her huge smile biting her lower lip.

She felt the blush rise to her cheeks, they were not accustomed to being so close in front of other people, so she didn't know how to react, a little flustered with her lady-in-waiting standing there.

Aemond's hair was neatly tied back in a half ponytail. His left side was partly covered by the patch he wore during his training, and he was dressed in a handsome green suit.

"I’ve come to escort you, princess" he murmured shyly, mindful of the third presence. She smiled and nodded, walking towards him and taking his right arm.

"Happy nameday, my prince. May you both enjoy a good supper" Lyra chimed in, opening the door for them to leave.

"Thank you, my lady" Aemond replied courteously before walking out of the room.

Once out of the enthusiastic gaze, she squeezed his arm and looked at him. "Happy nameday, my prince."

He looked at her with a smile that radiated happiness as he guided her through the dimly lit corridors by torchlight, the sun already hidden. "Thank you, my princess." The next words seemed to come with a touch of adoration and nervousness. "You look beautiful tonight... well, you always do, but tonight especially so."

She responded with a grateful smile. "You look lovely too, as always, my prince." He smiled faintly, an expression that denoted a hint of skepticism, as if he couldn't quite believe all the compliments she gave him. As they walked together, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor, she broke the silence with a curious question. "What gifts have you received so far?"

With a gleam of joy in his eyes, he replied, "my grandsire had a new saddle made for Vhagar. It's magnificent." His voice filled with enthusiasm. "My mother gave me some ancient books from Oldtown, and she also surprised me with Daeron's visit. I barely remembered his face." She widened her eyes in surprise, vaguely recalling Daeron, who was her age and whom she had seen only once. "Helaena gave me a suit embroidered by herself, with two intertwined dragons" he said with palpable excitement, hoping it meant something. "And Viserys gave me a Valyrian steel sword, with a belt that also has space for a dagger. Aegon mentioned he would give me his present later" he concluded happily. 

She smiled, glad that each gift sounded well thought out, just right for him, although still puzzled why he referred to his father by his name. As they finished their conversation, they found themselves standing in front of the imposing doors of the grand hall. Instinctively, both separated their arms as the guards opened the large doors, announcing their arrival. 

The guests stood in the center of the hall, conversing animatedly, except for the king and the Hand, who were already seated. The queen approached them with a maternal smile and planted a kiss on her son's forehead. "We were waiting for you, my dearest" she said affectionately. Then, taking his hand to guide him to his seat, she turned to her. "Princess, we did not expect you. What a lovely surprise" she added with a smile.

She felt a small knot of uncertainty in her stomach, wondering if she was intruding, but Aemond wouldn't have sought her out if that were the case. She returned the queen's smile and noticed how she gestured to the servants, who quickly added a chair and tableware next to Helaena. Helaena smiled at her and, before she could greet her, moved towards that newly added chair, giving up her place directly in front of Aemond, which she appreciated. Perhaps Helaena wanted her to sit opposite her brother, or simply preferred not to be near Aegon, an understandable preference.

She sat down with a grateful smile, though still somewhat uncomfortable. The feast began, and musicians played cheerful ballads that filled the air with a festive atmosphere. Laughter and conversation flowed along the table, and she almost forgot how much she missed her family, caught up in the distraction of the moment. She noticed that the wine jug beside her needed refilling more often than others, and wondered how long it would be before Aegon spoiled the mood. He was fun and pleasant when sober, but she couldn't say the same when he was drunk.

"Princess, I heard you've been learning High Valyrian" said the king, smiling at her with somewhat weary eyes. She smiled happily at the question, and Aemond paid attention, interested in the conversation.

"Yes, your grace. Aemond has been an excellent instructor" she replied proudly.

"She is making incredible progress" Aemond added, shyly.

"I bet it comes easy to you, just like your mother" the king said, smiling before taking a sip of wine. Perhaps to an untrained eye, Aemond's slight disappointment might have gone unnoticed, but she saw it, and understood why. She couldn't blame the king for loving his daughter so much, as her mother was a splendid person, but she felt sorry that he didn't see the fortune in having Helaena and Aemond, who were just as intelligent and kind.

"With Aemond as my guide, it's only natural for me to learn quickly, your grace" she said, smiling at Aemond. He seemed to appreciate the gesture, and the king looked pleased with the response, nodding before moving on to another conversation. Aegon's raised eyebrows and mischievous smile did not go unnoticed.

Helaena was showing her a figure she always carried, a wooden butterfly that Viserys had given her when she was a baby. She wondered if maybe that was the origin of her fascination with insects. As they continued talking, she felt an unfamiliar finger tangle in one of her curls, pulling it lightly. It was Aegon, who was looking at her hair with mocking attention.

"The Arryn blood is strong, is it not, niece?" he said sarcastically, and in a low voice, ensuring the king did not hear.

She tensed at the comment, and Helaena looked at Aegon disapprovingly. Her body stiffened, and her cheeks burned with embarrassment. In that moment, she inwardly cursed herself for not wearing black and for wearing her hair loose, proudly displaying her curls. Aegon simply removed his finger and engaged in another conversation, losing interest in teasing her, but she couldn't return to her previous state.

Helaena gently squeezed her hand, offering a small supportive smile, but it did little to calm her. Aemond didn't seem to hear the remark, for which she was thankful.

She felt more alone than ever, like an uninvited guest in a place she once called home. And she came to understand her siblings' anger at such insults, not to the same extent, of course, but she did.

The rest of the dinner passed without further incidents. Some guests joined in a lively dance once the meal was over, and laughter was heard in the hall as the wine continued to flow.

Aemond glanced at her several times, concerned about her obvious discomfort. She didn't want to spoil his celebration, so she tried to offer a reassuring smile whenever their eyes met.

She found herself caught up in various pleasant conversations with the other nobles present, mostly with Daeron, who was her same age, and Heleana. She tried to keep away from Aegon as much as possible. Aemond, on his part, approached her on several occasions, rescuing her from the dull talks of the elders. He tried to distract her with amusing anecdotes from his training or asked her about stories of dragons, which she knew by heart. Though her mind was elsewhere, she appreciated his efforts to make her feel comfortable and protected.

Finally, as the feast began to wind down into the night, Aemond approached her with determination in his eyes.

"Princess, would you like to take a walk through the gardens? The night is beautiful" he suggested.

She smiled, grateful for the chance to get away from the bustle. "I would love to, my prince."

Together, they left the main hall and made their way to the quiet gardens of the castle. The moon shone above them, illuminating their flowers lined path as they walked silently along. Aemond seemed less tense now, more relaxed under the starry sky, offering her his arm courteously.

"I'm sorry if anything made you uncomfortable tonight" Aemond finally said, breaking the silence. "I hope nothing else happened" he murmured, a slight concern in his eyes.

She shook her head gently, feeling comforted by his worry. "It's not your fault, Aemond. I'm fine. Just... I'm not used to being without my family."

He nodded, looking at her with understanding. "I know. And I know sometimes people can be... thoughtless" he said, almost apologizing again.

They walked a bit further in silence before she found the courage to speak about what she was really thinking. "Do you ever feel that way, Aemond?" she hesitated for a moment. "Like you don't quite fit in?"

He stopped and looked at her directly, uncertain. His eyes, under the full moon and clear sky, seemed deeper, more reflective, sadder at her question. "Sometimes," he admitted softly, "but when I'm with you, princess, everything seems to fall into place. I do hope you feel the same."

Her heart skipped at his sincere words, feeling a twinge of guilt for longing to return to her family. "Thank you, Aemond. Should we head back? It's getting chilly."

He smiled, softening his features. "Yes."

They continued walking together, enjoying the peace and serenity of the night. As they progressed, leaving the gardens behind and climbing the keep stairs, she said, "I hope you've enjoyed your day, my prince." He nodded. Once they reached the hallway they shared, she whispered: "Should I visit you tonight?"

"Of course" he replied naturally, offering a comforting smile.

"You said Aegon would bring your gift, I wouldn't want to arrive at an inopportune moment" she said, reminding him.

He nodded, realizing he had forgotten his earlier conversation with his brother. "You're right. Maybe I should come instead. I can come right after he leaves" he suggested, and she eagerly agreed to the plan.

When they finally stood in front of the door, with no one in sight, her hands began to sweat nervously. It was just a temporary farewell, like countless others before, so she didn't understand why her body felt so restless, or why her heart was pounding so hard. And why were her thoughts centered on whether kissing him would ease her mind?

Before pushing the door, she turned to him, catching Aemond’s smile, oblivious to her internal doubts. "May I, perhaps, try something?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly, hoping she hadn't misinterpreted any signals.

He arched an eyebrow, curious at her question, but nodded in consent. Without further ado, she took a step forward and, with determination, closed the distance between them. She pressed her lips gently against his, all her questions melting away in that fleeting moment. She closed her eyes, unable to see Aemond's initial surprise.

When they parted, Aemond's face was flushed, his eye wide with astonishment, causing a flutter of concern in her chest. Before she could apologize, he mirrored her action, leaning in and returning the innocent kiss. This time, both closed their eyes, letting themselves be carried away by the moment as their hands instinctively intertwined.

As they pulled away, shy but content smiles graced their faces. The special discovery left them breathless.

"Goodnight" she whispered, a thrilling buzz inside her.

"Goodnight" he replied with equal softness and carrying the same exhilaration.

Once inside, the room was again in perfect order, something she was thankful for. Aemond always seemed to value the organization and she wanted him to feel like in his own space. Peaceful, comfortable, happy. Her chambers were perfectly illuminated by the moon and the glow of the fire burning in the fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

She walked to the door she used every night, leaving it slightly ajar, then shed her dress, donning her nightgown and slipping immediately into bed. She tried to immerse herself in the book on her nightstand, but her mind kept returning to the shared kiss. Touching her lips with the tips of her fingers, she wondered if it had also been Aemond's first time. She hoped it was.

Soon she realized it was futile to try to distract herself with the book. Her heart still raced, and her mind was full of questions and anticipations. She tossed and turned in bed, unable to stay still as she waited for Aemond to arrive. She was worried, fearing she had ruined everything with her impulsiveness. Or worse, that Aemond had changed his mind after that.

Exhaustion finally overcame her, her head swirling with thoughts, and she fell asleep hoping everything would be okay between them.

The sun stung her face as she began to wake, the warmth of the morning enveloping her. There were faint noises in the room, but still too sleepy to make them out, she tried to ignore them. Suddenly, her eyes flew wide open and she sat up abruptly. The bed was empty, but the secondary door remained open, an invitation to scolding from her lady-in-waiting.

Lyra soon noticed she was awake. With a sorrowful expression, she approached the bed slowly and sat beside her. The princess's gaze searched for answers, but none of her assumptions came close to the reality.

"A raven has arrived today from Dragonstone, my princess..." Lyra began softly, choosing her words carefully. She nodded, attentive and anxious to know more, urging her to continue. "Your father, Prince Leanor, has passed away" she announced.

With those words, the princess's entire world shattered once more in an instant. Tears began to cascade uncontrollably, unleashed without any permission, but she knew it was only a matter of time, a storm that had been brewing finally erupted. Her overwhelming feelings of longing for her family and the unsettling sense of being like a stranger in the castle where she had grown up intensified her anguish even more. Guilt and regret gnawed at her, constricting her chest and stealing the air in her lungs. Lyra tried to soothe her, urging her to breathe, but it was in vain. 

So many moons spent in the Red Keep, precious time lost with her father that could never be reclaimed. Now, with the loss irreversible, she couldn't even seek answers about how it happened, the trauma of Harwin Strong's death still raw. Her chest tightened, heaving, as her mind spun relentlessly, refusing to accept what her ears had heard.

Lyra enveloped her in protective arms, a bulwark against the whirlwind of emotions crashing over her as the harsh news unfolded before her. "We must leave immediately, there is a ship waiting for us" she murmured softly, aware of the princess's magnitude of pain, but to the urgency of the situation too.

Tears continued to flow unabated as she nodded, succumbing to the overwhelming sensation of loss and guilt that engulfed her. She allowed herself to be consumed by it while Lyra hurriedly guided and helped her dress. Once ready, servants entered to assist with the luggage, moving efficiently as those who understood the gravity of the moment, and Lyra asked her to wait while she gathered her own belongings.

When the lady disappeared from her sight, she, with a pounding heart, hurried to Aemond's room. Upon arrival, Queen Alicent was just stepping out, her face a mask of concern and sorrow.

"I'm deeply sorry for your loss, princess" she said with palpable sincerity in her voice, closing the door behind her, but condolences were a luxury she could not afford now. She needed to see if everything was okay with Aemond before leaving, the thought of departing without clarity on their relationship or at least a farewell filled her with unease.

"Is Aemond awake? I wish to see him" she implored softly, tears silently streaming down her face. People passed around her—members of the council, servants—all casting sympathetic glances that went unnoticed.

"He does not wish to receive visitors at the moment" the queen replied firmly.

"But it is urgent" she insisted, desperation seeping into her voice. She tried to move past her and grasp the door handle, her hands trembling but determined, but the queen stopped her.

"I'm very sorry, princess, but you must understand" Alicent said, her tone unyielding.

On the brink of collapse, with each passing second more overwhelming than the last, she pleaded, "please" but received only refusals.

Moments later, Lyra appeared carrying a suitcase, hurrying towards her. "My princess, we must depart now" she said, after offering a courtesy to Alicent.

"But I need to see Aemond" she insisted, her voice a desperate whisper. Lyra looked to Alicent silently pleading for a concession, searching for a shred of sympathy, but the queen remained unmoved, her gaze fixed on the princess.

"We can exchange letters by ravens, yes? But the ship will depart soon, princess" Lyra said, her words weighted by both empathy and urgency.

She felt frustration and helplessness engulf her, on the verge of shouting in rage. With no other choice, she took Lyra's hand and let herself be led away, each step a battle against the hopelessness that surrounded her.

@helaenaluvr @purplegardenwhispers @callsignwidow @scarletbedlam @fics-i-love-and-recommend @squidscottjeans @oh-you-mean-me

Last part from her POV as kids!

[thefooljester]

Are you planning on writing Brian /hoodie sfw alphabet??

i am, but it took me a while because i had so much to do – it's the mh duo though (to make up for the fact that i ! might ! close my anon box temporarily to catch up with the asks... sike; i'm glad so many people are happy with my stuff and want to request but i dont want you guys to wait for eternity either)

- - - - - - -

sfw alphabet [mh edition]

features: timothy w. [masky], brian t. [hoodie]

reader: non specified

warnings: canon-typical violence [non graphic. implied]

...

sfw alphabet [mh edition]

TIMOTHY WRIGHT

A- Activity (What is their favorite activity to do with you.)

Stargazing. Now listen… Tim hates everything that has happened to him, from his bad mental health during his childhood – with every adult feeding into his delusions so much that his schizophrenia made him easy prey for the Operator – to the most degenerate moments where he’d wake up in a pool of blood that someone else caused. He hates the cards he’s been dealt and desperately tries to forget. But he still likes nighttime, especially because he didn’t get to see them all that much these past few years because of Masky’s manifestation… but he adores having you sit so close to him, watching the stars all night long.

He is mesmerized that he can see the entire universe reflected in your eyes at night. No Operator, no Masky… just you and him.

B- Beginnings (How do they act in the beginning of a relationship)

Terrified. It wasn’t his idea to start a relationship, obviously. He’s so unstable and only recently made his way back into society after nearly a decade of pure torment, but he’s free from that voice, the static and… that life, isn’t he? So why is he sweating bullets when you are late? Why does he check up on you nearly hourly at night? Is he… caring or creepy?

He tries to keep his distance at first because he couldn’t bear causing someone else’s death once again. He’s free from that vicious cycle. So please. Please be patient.

C- Communication (Are they good communicators? How do they normally talk about their problems or solve issues)

Depends… he is quite straightforward with his communication methods – he bluntly tells it how it is. And he wouldn’t make an exception for you. He’s got a problem? He’s telling you immediately. You seem to be facing your own troubles but won’t open up despite him giving you some time? He’s confronting you about it.

But… at the same time Tim’s difficult. Because. Hm. How do I say this? He keeps his alter ego a complete secret – or, tries to do just that at least. He doesn’t want you to meet Masky, ever. What if he really rips you apart this time? Sure, he says that he’s interested in you, too, judging from the sticky notes he leaves all over the place, but can Tim trust you with that guy?

Such a secret makes him act highly suspicious sometimes, of course.

D- Drunk (What are they like when they’re drunk)

Giggly to needy drunk… which is why he knows his limits very, very well. He is too embarrassed to be caught acting like a mushy fool.

E- Emergency (How are they in emergency situations? You get hurt, they get hurt, someone is dying etc..)

Tim would be worry quite a bit – whether it concerns him or other people doesn’t matter. He is brave and resourceful, but has had to deal with too many demons to refrain from thinking irrationally and being a pessimist sometimes.

Masky, on the other hand, is eerily calm. He acts like nothing fazes him – and that may be true… until you catch him checking up on you hourly once you’ve fallen sick and been resting in bed for day.

F- Free Spot (I’ll give you any headcanon I come up with)

Even though Tim doesn't exactly like Masky, he wants to communicate with him to further his goals of plotting against the Operator. Since he tends to black out when his personality switches and can barely retain any memories from Masky's perspective, he has bought a journal to write about their individual experience and motivations. That's how he convinced Masky to become... somewhat of an ally.

G- Gifts (What kind of gifts do they like to get?)

He's so that picky, but he'd like something useful and something that lasts. Maybe he'd just accidentally shattered a mug last week and you are kind enough to give him a new one as a gift or you hand him a scrunchie to keep his grown-out hair out of the way...

H- Hugs (How do they show affection/cuddle)

Tim is unbelievably gentle and loving. He is a rather private man, saving physical touch for the privacy of either of your guys’ home – but if he feels comfortable, he becomes really affectionate. Giggly, pining and blushes easily. In public, he’s stone cold though… don’t expect anything except for hand-holding.

I- Irritation (What is something that irritates them? How do they show their irritation?)

Talking to him when he’s driving. He’s a very anxious, person, okay? He is trying his best to… be friendly, but he’s just snappish behind the wheel, because he feels like every bad driver has it out for his life. He’s concentrating.

J- Jackpot (How would they spend their winnings if they won the lottery?)

He would love to travel the world and expand his horizons. All he’s known is misery, and the same old landscape depresses him.

K- Kryptonite (What is their ultimate weakness?)

He gets weak when people depend on him, because he automatically feels responsible. He derives a lot of his purpose in life from being useful to others (toxic).

L- Laughter (What makes them laugh?)

Acting silly with him. Make a face at him and he’ll break out in laughter and smiles, repeat someone’s words in a mocking whisper into his ears and he’s playfully hitting your shoulder and shush-ing you…

Masky?… Compliment him. Sincere or not doesn’t matter… he loves seeing you flustered as you’re expressing yourself either way.

M- Morning ( How do they wake up in the morning? Are they a morning person or a morning grouch?)

The worst morning grouch you’ll ever meet. Doesn’t even want to talk in the morning – does it because he feels obliged to do so. Drinks his black coffee in silence and stares down everyone who attempts a cheery conversation.

N- Needy (When do they feel particularly needy? How do they show it?)

If you’ve been gone for some time. He’s rushing towards you, twirling you around all of the sudden – you’re immediately surprised by his change in behavior, but he’s just eager to have you back. He’s certain that you’re… his person.

O- Oasis (Where is their happy place? Where would they go if they didn’t have anything holding them back?)

Sitting by a large window, rain running down the glass while he’s listening to his favorite song.

P- Pain (How do they handle pain? How do they handle when you are in pain?)

Tim and Masky have a terrific pain tolerance, but Tim is much more susceptible when it comes to mental anguish. He cannot handle emotional pain and breaks down because of it moderately often. Seeks solitude in these moments, to find peace again.

When it comes to you, Tim is nurturing. He is a natural at taking care of his loved ones, even of he has trouble putting it into words or showing it properly sometimes. If you need him though, he just shines by caring for and about you as if he’d just fallen in love with you yesterday.

Masky is a little awkward because he can’t relate at all. He’s mostly just standing around, not knowing what to do… and groaning whenever you ask for anything… doesn’t mean that he won’t play fetch for you, alright? He’ll do anything.

Q- Quote (What’s a quote that fits them and your relationship)

“And when she touched him he turned ruby red/ A story that they'll never forget/ Never forget/ And all the boys are smoking Menthol's/ Girls are getting back rubs/ I will drift to you if you make yourself shake fast enough/ My old aches become new again/ My old friends become ex's again” – Fall Out Boy, Where Did the Party Go

R- Ring (Would they like to marry?)

It… depends. He doesn’t mind, but has no real preference for it. Wouldn’t want to be officially married though. He’s too anxious and insecure to do that – he doesn’t want to subject you to lifelong suffering with him. No, if you want out, you should get to be free… but he sort of craves it at the same time… because he’s possessive.

S- Stress (What stresses them out? How do deal with stress and how do they relieve it?)

It’s honestly the entire process of “falling asleep” that stresses him out. I wouldn’t say he is afraid of sleep per se, but he reliving his past memories in his subconscious has him on the verge on a panic attack, which makes him… sleep averse. He hates those fucking nightmares. On top of his advanced insomnia, it’s a miracle when he does rest peacefully. Mostly, he just smokes… but ever since you became a vital part of his life, he’s turned to cuddling you and talking to your sleeping form as a coping mechanism.

T- Terror (What are they afraid of?)

The Operator and Masky

U- Unique (What is a quirk that is unique to them?)

Is one of the only ones to actually have a real profession outside of... the mess he's found himself in. He wasn't able to hold a job down when Masky first appeared, but after five years on the... "job", he managed to wiggle his way back into society despite the ghosts in his mind. Although he didn't pursue his creative endeavors in film making any further, he is content working as a set designer for a small theater.

V- Virgin (Self-explanatory)

No, but it’s been quite some time.

W- Worship (How does he show his appreciation for you?)

Acts of Service King. Title verified.

X- AUX (Their favorite song)

Amy Winehouse – Rehab

Y- Yucky (Is there something that grosses them out so badly that they can’t deal with it?)

Ironically, corpses – more accurately decay. He cannot bear to watch people’s personhood be stripped away by nature. Reminds him of the Operator.

Z- ZZZ’s (What are their sleeping habits? Both with and without you)

Hahaha… what habits? No, seriously… what habits? He doesn’t follow a routine, has a messed up sleeping schedule and doesn’t bother anymore. At some point, he just passes out and that’s it.

It does get easier with you around. He can’t catch a wink of sleep any faster I’m afraid, but he is considerably calmer when he’s not alone and has someone to watch over. Feels less lonely and like he actually makes a difference…

BRIAN THOMAS

A- Activity (What is their favorite activity to do with you.)

Honestly just loves going on adventures with you. Haven’t seen that part of town in years, hey, wanna go with me? Oh my God, no way you got me tickets to a country club meeting, this is going to be horrible… I love it, thanks. We have 250$ and a free weekend, let’s just see where the journey takes us.

He likes being able to live freely again and finds great comfort in having a companion who matches him in every aspect. Feels like he’s found a home in you.

B- Beginnings (How do they act in the beginning of a relationship)

This heavily depends on when you meet him. Whether his life already took a turn or not.

If you meet before he’s met the Operator, Brian would have been incredibly sweet and trying to show his best sides first. He is a charmer at heart and wants to leave an impression – one that lasts and sets an example. Sadly, that also means that he hides all of his problems from his loved one because he naturally wants to be good for his partner and let them unwind, not the other way around.

If you met after he met the Operator and he decided to pursue you long-term… well, first of all congratulations, because that’s no easy feat. Brian swore that he would rather die than let himself trust again, but who knows? Maybe… Hoodie got infatuated with you and forced his hand. Anyways, he would be reserved and guarded around you in the beginning, keeping most of his walls up and trying to project the image of a man who has it all together. He cannot bear to look incompetent.

C- Communication (Are they good communicators? How do they normally talk about their problems or solve issues)

Honestly a great communicator. He is direct and yet still empathetic enough to be kind about all of his potential complaints and serious when it comes to yours. He isn’t afraid of standing up for himself and expects the same from you. He cannot deal with people who let others walk all over them.

D- Drunk (What are they like when they’re drunk)

He can drink a lot, so actually seeing him drunk and acting that way is quite rare, however, it’s so easy to notice that he’s drunk because he gets unnaturally… quiet? Falling-asleep-quiet, that is. Yes, he is a sleepy drunk, which made for some unhealthy drinking habits during his first year of trying to cope with Hoodie’s existence.

E- Emergency (How are they in emergency situations? You get hurt, they get hurt, someone is dying etc..)

Brian is good at dealing with this… well, not in a healthy manner, but he’s become quite desensitized to death and injury that it doesn’t bother him anymore. He’s apathetic and shrugs it off.

Might be insensitive when it comes to you… he hasn’t been normal for some time, thus he doesn’t know how normal people behave these days. The Operator completely broke his spirit… meaning that he is quite blind to strong emotions, even yours. Cannot, for example, understand you when you are in mourning.

F- Free Spot (I’ll give you any headcanon I come up with)

Sometimes, he dissociates because of dying once [and being brought back to life because the Operator deemed him “too valuable”]. Feels like he's actually dead and just hallucinating his current life, watching it unfold from a ghost's perspective. Feels helpless in these situations.

G- Gifts (What kind of gifts do they like to get?)

Obvious, but camera equipment… would also love to receive a film you produced, maybe it’s a vlog-like video, maybe it’s a sketch… as long as you’re creative and visibly having fun, he’s happy.

H- Hugs (How do they show affection/cuddle)

He’s firm but not overpowering… gentle but not fleeting… cold and hot at the same time. He’s confident in his abilities to express his love and feels secure while trusting you. It took some time to get there, but he couldn’t be happier having you in his arms and meeting your gaze with one that is filled with adoration.

I- Irritation (What is something that irritates them? How do they show their irritation?)

“Humblebragging” and phishing for compliments. It grinds his gears. Commit to the bit, but don’t act all pathetic in front of him, he can’t stand it!

J- Jackpot (How would they spend their winnings if they won the lottery?)

Property.

Would lowkey try and buy the house he grew up in for sentimentality's sake.

K- Kryptonite (What is their ultimate weakness?)

Losing control – intentionally ambiguous in meaning. Brian can get quite upset when an idea of his gets shot down or when he feels like he’s being undermined. He is almost addicted to being right and may sometimes insist on having the last word. Doesn’t mean that he is unfair though – when people proved they are well-versed in certain subjects, he lets them make the calls.

L- Laughter (What makes them laugh?)

Be sarcastic and a bit of a smart ass with others. It may irritate them, sure, but that’s precisely why Brian’s having the time of his life. Even better that nobody dares talking back at you, because your boyfriend would step in immediately.

Being told that he’s cute makes him giggle.

M- Morning ( How do they wake up in the morning? Are they a morning person or a morning grouch?)

Honestly… he’s a bit of a morning grouch. Wasn’t always like this, but it established itself over the years because Brian and Hoodie frequently shift at night, waking up due to nightmares that haunt them.

Needs a coffee in the morning. With milk, no sugar.

N- Needy (When do they feel particularly needy? How do they show it?)

He is… a competitive man. You’ll see him act needy and all mushy when he’s losing a game because he’s such a sore loser. He starts sucking up to you too, pouting and mumbling things like “Oh baby, come on…” or “So unfair…”

Randomly starts dragging you into his lap to see you flustered, peppering kisses all over your skin. He’s relentless.

O- Oasis (Where is their happy place? Where would they go if they didn’t have anything holding them back?)

His family home. He fondly looks back, reminiscing times when everything was just easier. But he can’t go back to that life…

P- Pain (How do they handle pain? How do they handle when you are in pain?)

Physically, he doesn't have many issues, to be honest. Occasional back pain, some headaches here and there, but nothing major. He doesn't really have it bad. Plus, well... after dying once, his pain tolerance kind of skyrocketed. Sometimes shows up with huge wounds and doesn't really notice them until he touches them - that's when the pain kicks in and knocks him down.

He's also more stable than most of the others when it comes to mental health, which doesn't say much, but hey.

When you are in pain, he’s mostly talking you through it at first. Trying to decipher whether you actually need a doctor or just your boyfriend. If it’s the former, he’s basically dragging your out himself… if it’s the latter, he’s happily providing everything you need. At your beck and call.

Q- Quote (What’s a quote that fits them and your relationship)

“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious!” - Stephen Hawking

R- Ring (Would they like to marry?)

...Yes. But wouldn’t allow himself of actually committing to it. He’s, after all, a dead man walking. He is aware of himself and his surroundings and doubts his ability to give you the life you deserve.

S- Stress (What stresses them out? How do deal with stress and how do they relieve it?)

As mentioned before, his biggest personal problem is apathy. He wishes to enjoy life, to see the light and feel joy, but he's just so empty and emotionless. Doesn't really get excited anymore. He could watch someone die and not bat an eye...

And that disturbs him greatly. It feels wrong to have changed so much - he understands that his mind just wants to shield him from everything he's experienced, but he barely feels human these days.

Plus…

…

He's the glue holding it all together. Toby and Tim rely on him for their emotional support, Brian feels like he has to be strong for their sake.

Bottles everything up. No coping mechanisms. Just suffering..

T- Terror (What are they afraid of?)

Death, mostly. Hey, he’s died once, okay? And the other side wasn’t all too pretty…

Feeling powerless. Makes him feel like history is constantly repeating itself.

U- Unique (What is a quirk that is unique to them?)

Intelligent to a surprising degree. Most people don’t assume that he feels like an outcast due to his intellect since he is such a friendly chatterbox, but secretly feels alone in a room full of people and genuinely believes that he doesn't belong anywhere.

V- Virgin (Self-explanatory)

No. Not by a long shot.

W- Worship (How does he show his appreciation for you?)

He takes your advice and let’s you do however you please. He is that confident in himself (and Hoodie is the opposite).

With Brian, you can live the high life and live in the fast lane, each moment more passionate than the last…

But Hoodie… treats you as if you’re made of glass. He is timid.

X- AUX (Their favorite song)

The Weeknd – D.D (Michael Jackson cover)

Y- Yucky (Is there something that grosses them out so badly that they can’t deal with it?)

Not really.

Z- ZZZ’s (What are their sleeping habits? Both with and without you)

His sleeping schedule used to be pretty messed up and he had felt no need to fix it.

With you, he immediately is in-sync with you and feels obliged to hold you when you are falling asleep. Likes the casual intimacy of the moment and smiles when you mumble that you love him. It’s cliché, but you do look kind of angelic…

[hugmeimtouchdeprived]

Pretty sure this has been done a million times before, BUT I am bored and have been sitting for 3 hours in a train and the internet is very bad and I desperately need something to do.

Tw: Some noncon elements? Nothing explicit or in detail. Fem! Reader

What if you're on a train, or bus, or some other form of public transport, so crowded you don't even question it when a stranger suddenly sits next to you.

Kyle would draw you in with his charisma and good looks. I mean, have you seen this man?? Even as he sits a bit too close, thighs and shoulders almost touching yours, you don't question it too much. Or when his hand touches your thigh. He apologizes, of course, with that goddamn pretty smile of his, excusing it as him being tired after a long day. Even when he does it again, giving your soft thigh a squeeze, you don't even mention it. Even when his fingers discreetly slip under the hem of your sundress.

Soap wouldn't be nearly as apologetic. He's got charisma, keeps yapping throughout the drive about whatever, askong you questions. Where are you going, why, ye got anyone waiting there? Come on, he doesn't mean anything by it, just some small talk! But sure, he understands your anxiety about sharing all that info with a stranger, he doesn't intend to make you feel uncomfortable (maybe he doesn't intend to, but he sure as shit doesn't really care when he does, squishing his thigh against yours and practically pressing up against your when he points at something through the window you're seated next to, his hand "accidentally" brushing up against your chest, whispering something in your ear).

Ghost would crowd you into that tiny seat for the whole drive, barely saying a word to you. You're happy to stay in your own little bubble as much as you can, with the slightly creepy man next to you with the black mask (what's it called in English, not his regular mask/balaclava but like a medical one?? Surgical mask? The type people wore during covid????). You swear he keeps staring at you, but every time you glance in his direction, he seems to be looking at his phone, or maybe reading something. The moment you turn you feel eyes on you again.

Would follow you after it, though, that man has no shame whatsoever. Doesn't even realize why you keep glancing behind you and speeding up your pace. He just wants to make sure you make it safely to wherever you're going, right? Won't leave until he sees you walk inside your apartment building, or hotel, or wherever you're headed.

Then again, nobody is going to even think about messing with you while you walk, not when they see the fucking giant following you from a small distance.

Price. Price Price Price. I don't intend to really write for him because I'm not as into him as I am into the rest of 141 (love him!!! Just don't feel like writing for him usually!!) but I am, still, very bored and have some thoughts. He'd follow you, just like Ghost, but unlike the lieutenant, he'd shamelessly walk right alongside you, keeping the now-very-one-sided conversation going. Even when you seem a bit uncomfortable and try to turn to another street, hoping he wouldn't follow, but he does. He's a gentleman, you know? No gentleman would allow a lady like yourself to walk home alone at this time of night, no ma'am.

Might even invite himself into your humble abode, politely removing his shoes at the entrance and asking you where the kitchen is so he can get something to drink. "You want anything, love?"

Yeah, you're not getting rid of any of them after meeting them. Even if they didn't follow you (as far as you know) you will bump into them again sometime later, laughing about what a coincidence it is when he asks you out for coffee or whatever.

Thank you for reading!🌷 I slept for one hour last night and haven't been able to sleep on the train, someone help me it's going to be a long day :)

[silverofthunder]

☆ hold me close (for the minute) ☆

Copia x GN Reader

summary: ”I just want to be with you a minute or two longer.”

content: 853 words, hurt/comfort, established relationship, SFW

!! contains some spoilers of Rite Here Rite Now !!

Okay, so I saw RHRN and heard the new song (still listening to it on repeat) and here I am. I knew I would get inspired but writing flow hasn't been working that well lately. I actually wanted to throw this piece into the bin but maybe this isn't that bad anyway... 😊

You had felt off for the whole day and you weren’t sure why. It felt like the weight of the whole world was resting on your shoulders and your chest had that unpleasant tight feeling. You felt like you could break at any moment – you wanted to cry and scream but instead you just fulfilled your work duties as you would do any other day.

Your smile definitely wasn’t that bright and if anyone noticed, they certainly didn’t say anything and you were grateful for that. The hours passed slowly but as soon as you were free from your duties, you went to your and Copia’s shared chambers, finding the man sitting on the bed. His eyes found you immediately, a small smile tucking at his lips but you could see that it didn’t reach his eyes and sense the slight tension in the air.

”Shouldn’t you be working?” you asked, walking over to Copia.

”Sí but it can wait for a moment,” Copia said, reaching to take your hand in his, his eyes full of concern as he rubbed his thumb over your knuckles.

The feeling in your heart got tighter. Something was not right, you were sure of it. With a sigh you sat beside him, your body angled towards his. He squeezed your hand, gaze studying you closely and eventually you had to move your own gaze away as the concern in his eyes was too much to bear, the realization sinking in. Copia had always been able to read you like you were an open book. He knew that something was bothering you.

”Amore,” he said softly, quietly, and you swallowed, feeling the tears already burning in your eyes. Copia’s other hand came to rest on shoulder, then sliding under you jaw, taking a gentle hold of it and making you look at him.

”Whatever it is, it’s okay,” he said, and you drew in a sharp breath, shaking your head.

”The problem is that I don’t know why I feel like this,” you said frustrated. ”The whole day has been just…” You weren’t able to finish the sentence as the tears started to flow. Everything you had kept in, erupted at once and in the next moment Copia wrapped his arms around you, closing you into a tight embrace as the force of sobbing shook your body.

”It’s okay,” Copia spoke, pressing a light kiss on your head while drawing some soothing patterns on your back with his hand. You clung onto him, your fists holding his suit jacket so tight it would probably leave some wrinkles behind.

Time seemed to stop as you let it all out, focusing on the soft voice of Copia as he whispered comforting words to you. The heavy world around you seemed to disappear and it was only you and him. The tightness in your chest was fading and you felt like you could breathe again but you wanted to linger in the moment for a bit longer.

It had been so busy lately and maybe some changes had affected you more than you had thought but there was one thing that hadn’t changed. The core of everything – your love for Copia. The world around you could have been on fire yet that wouldn’t change it. Nothing would ever change it.

You let out a long sigh, finally pulling back from the embrace and wiped the tears that were still left on your cheeks. Copia cupped your face, his gaze meeting yours, all soft and loving.

”Feeling better?”

You nodded, offering a small smile to Copia.

”Yes.”

Copia looked happy with that and a moment of silence fell between you. Your eyes fell down, seeing the wet patch on the front of the suit jacket and you made a face at that.

”Sorry about that,” you said, pointing at the suit and Copia just brushed it off.

”Nah, it’s fine. Won’t ruin the suit.”

You hummed, taking in the suit. It was different than usual but you had to admit Copia looked so good in it.

”My handsome man,” you said smiling, moving your hands to run your fingers over the fabric and Copia let out a light chuckle, caressing your cheeks with his thumbs.

”My beautiful amore,” he said softly and leaned in to capture your lips in a brief, sweet kiss. ”You should rest now.”

Something tucked at your chest and you took a hold of Copia’s arms just as he was about to stand up.

”Do you have to go? I don’t want to be alone now.”

A line of worry formed onto Copia’s forehead and you knew what he was thinking.

”I feel better but right now I just want to be with you a minute or two longer.”

Understanding filled Copia’s eyes and he nodded, moving into a better position on the bed and opened his arms. You didn’t waste time as you crawled close to him, placing yourself comfortably into his embrace. You sighed and closed your eyes, focusing on the moment.

This was just what you needed right now – to be content in his arms.

[firefly-sky]

Could I possibly request some fluffy Curtis brother headcanons 😁 also seconding wanting content of Pony being taken care of by his bros when he’s stressed that’s such a sweet concept, thank u!!

i’ve been stewing on this for DAYS debating on drawing hcs or writing some but i’ll do the latter for now -also this is all familial because believe it or not siblings can snuggle and show affection

Darry and Soda always are able to tell when Pony is anxious because they’ll be sitting in silence and Pony’s stomach starts making awful sounds (anxious tummy)

They kinda immediately know what to do-darry sits with Pony because he doesn’t want him to have. a panic attack-so he lets Pony listen to his heartbeat (in the book i guess it was implied Pony likes listening to his brothers’ heartbeats)

Soda always tries to soothe Pony’s stomach whenever this happens because he knows if Pony gets too worked up he’ll throw up

Additionally Pony enjoys being a makeshift blanket for his brothers because he can listen to their heartbeats and stomach gurgles and it just reminds him that he’s safe and sound with both his brothers

It’s honestly the same all around the table. After the church incident Pony has a hard time eating so the first time he ate a full meal his brothers were snuggled up to him like cats because they were happy he was full and they liked making sure he was actually full

Sometimes Darry will skip his lunch break in favor of picking Pony up from school so he can talk to him about his day (he really makes an effort to talk to Pony more after the books)

Pony and Soda often go for walks to wear Soda out before bed or Soda will be kicking Pony all night because he’s so restless

The three sometimes sleep in their parents’ room when they have a rough day because they like pretending their parents are with them and telling them they’ll be okay (bets are one of them starts crying)

Whenever one of them is upset the other two are as well. They can also always sense whenever one is upset.

Darry works to get along off smoking cigarettes in favor of nicotine gum. It works for a bit but every time Pony relapses Darry assures him that he isn’t mad and that he’s proud of Pony for making it as far as he did

Soda is the only one who can calm Darry down when he’s angry enough. Not even Pony can.

After the book every time Darry raises his voice at Pony he locks himself up in his room and cries

He can’t bring himself to touch Pony after a while unless Pony initiates first because he’s scared of hurting him

Soda is lactose intolerant and Pony likes to make jokes comparing Darry with dairy by saying “wow I didn’t know you were allergic to our brother” and shit like that

I’m gonna stop masked there because I could ramble all night haha-

[chimindity]

How does the milk taste

♡moodboard

Summary | stepbro!jj gives reader a special glass of milk.

Pairing | stepbro!jj x reader

Warning | reader being naive? Cum swallowing (but it's mixed with milk), gagging, not too much explicit I guess..

A/N | i got butterflies in my stomach while writing this :)) again if there's any mistake feel free to nicely tell me <33

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

-"Jayj! What takes you so long goddamn!" You yell bagging on the bathroom's door, Starting to lose patience while your stepbrother was still in the bathroom, you didn't know what he was doing, but you for sure has heard some weird noises inside.

-"hey, would you calm down? I'm almost done jesus." He mutters, you could hear him panting, you sit down against the door sighing, you were about to speak when suddenly you almost fall back as the door opens, jj has finally gotten out of the bathroom.

But yet, you haven't noticed the glass in his hand.

-"what are you? A dog? Waitin' at the door like that?" He laughs at his joke,

You roll your eyes and stand up, picking up some of your clothes, as you enter in the bathroom, all of his dirty clothes are spread all over the bathroom floor.

-"how many times do I have to tell you to put your dirty clothes in the laundry basket!" You sigh out of annoyance, as you could hear him laugh in your two-shared room.

After getting all dressed, wearing a little black summer dress you walk out of the bathroom, not hearing any noise making you wondering where jj could have been gone.

-"jayj?" You ask looking around in your room.

You decide to go downstairs, standing on your tiptoes, trying to catch him on whatever he is doing, while fidgeting with the hem of your short dress, then when you reach the kitchen.

-"I thought you have disappeared, i was getting happy" you joke, walking past him to sit at the table, -"what are you doing anyway?" You catch him off guard, noticing him checking you out.

-"dude you must have forgotten to put some pants" he says drinking the milk from the bottle, his sentence makes you roll your eyes.

-"yeah and you forgot to turn on your brain as well" you wink at him then immeditaly looking away from him, feeling embarrased.

-"hey there drink this, uh I made you a special smoothie" he speaks in a more serious tone as he hands you the glass of milk, you look at the glass suspiciously.

-"what'd you do? You never treat me this well, must be a trap or something" you say glancing at him and the glass, he rolls his eyes trying to gain your trust.

-"i'm bein' real nice to you sweetcheeks, so drink it up, it's uh milk mixed with banana juice" he huffs pulling out the chair and sit on it, still watching you.

-"if i end up being sick or whatever i'm blaming you" you giggle placing the edge of the glass on your lips, ready to taste the smoothie made by your beloved steprother.

Meanwhile jj is focus on your face expression, you start drinking it, a disgusted look forms on your face, you immeditaly look at him.

-"this doesn't taste like banana, show to me the fruit you used to make that smoothie" as those words leave your mouth jj starts to become flustrasted.

Until he stands up beside you and grabs the glass from your hands, -"hey!" You yell as he shoves carefully the glass on top of your lips.

-"open up princess, gotta drink this up, to uh to get some good energy for the day" you don't notice his smirks growing wider as you immeditaly hold onto his wrists, making you swallow the drink.

You close your eyes as the disgusting taste hit the back of your throat ready to spill it all out, making you gag a bit, when he notices it he quickly places his hand behind the back of your neck.

-"hey, hey nah swallow all of it, don't waste a drop, y'hear me?" You can hear him smirk through these words.

You furrow your eyebrows whining at the taste, when you finally have drunk all of the smoothie you pull away from the glass, looking up at him.

-"what the hell was that?" You ask looking at him in disgust, as he only laughs louder, he then stops and smile,

-"you've just swallowed my cum, sweetheart" as those words, your jaw hits the floor, you must have misunderstood.

-"excuse me?, it wasn't a banana?" You ask slowly standing up beside him.

-"well, actually it was kind of a bana- hey calm down!" You start hitting him on the shoulder until he grabs your wrists.

-"this ain't do anything princess" he looks down at you, mocking your pout feeling proud of himself.

-"don't be dramatic, i'm your stepbrother it's okay, s'not like I am a stranger or something" he smirks as you finally give up on hitting him, -"getting a little tired down there ?" He speaks making himself laughs, as you get to free from his grip.

-"wasn't funny at all asshole.." walking upstair you mumble to yourself thought he wouldn't hear it.

-"heard that" he yells through the kitchen, as you close the door of your room you could still hear his laugh from downstair meanwhile you start to understand why he tooks so long in the bathroom.

Taglist

@nemesyaaa @finnickodairslut @sadfury

[the-laughing-lunatic]

im sick and I'll about emesis blue solider getting love ill take anything fluffy I need cavities,,,

(I’m so so sorry about how long this one took me, I was struggling with how to fit this into the timeline so I kinda made up some stuff. Thanks for requesting, I hope you enjoy and again so sorry for the wait!)

Emesis Blue Soldier/ Nurse!gn!reader (ROMANTIC)

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You were assigned as Jane’s private home nurse after he’d been hospitalized since he had no one else to take care of him

The only things you knew about him were from his chart

He wouldn’t talk at all in the first few weeks of you being there, and your interactions were limited to giving him his food and meds

Until one night when you were getting ready to leave you felt him grab your wrist

He was looking up at you with pleading eyes, begging you to stay.

And you did. 

Apparently he had been having night terrors frequently, and they were getting worse

So you stayed by his bed while he went to sleep

…though after about fifty minutes of sitting in a chair, you were tired, and there was an awful lot of space left on the bed. Couldn’t hurt to just lay down for a second…

A few moments after you laid down you felt an arm around you

This is completely unprofessional, I should just leave right now—

Your thoughts were interrupted by a soft hum from Jane in his sleep

He was smiling.

You’d never seen him smile before, and you found yourself wanting to make him smile like this all the time

You stayed the night, and the next night, and the night after that–

You two fell into habit, and over the few weeks you kept a decent bit of your things at his place

One night though when you got into bed, Jane wasn’t there, the clock kept ticking until it was two in the morning, so you decided to look for him

He was sitting in his wheelchair outside with a cigar, looking at the sky

“Jane, what’s the matter?” 

He paused for a moment before responding. “...you should leave here.”

“What? No, Jane, this is my job I’m not going to leave you, why would you say that?”

“You’ll get hurt.”

You sat down on the porch next to his wheelchair. “What makes you think I’m gonna get hurt?”

“Everyone I love gets hurt, I’m going to let you down.” 

You sighed and placed a hand on his, giving a light squeeze at his dejected confession. “I see. How would you let me down?”

“I’m good at loving, I always make–” he paused, remembering something. “—stupid mistakes.”

You gave an empathetic look. “We’re not perfect, I know. Though, I don’t think you can be bad at loving someone, but if you’re sure, I’d be perfectly happy if you just let me love you. If, um, that’s not too assuming of me to say.”

He looked at you for a moment, crushing his cigarette out. “You’re making a mistake.”

You took his hand. “Maybe, maybe not. We’re only going to see if you let me make this ‘mistake’.”

He paused for a moment before giving you a tight hug and crying quietly.

And that’s how y’all started dating 

Still very hesitant with any kind of affection in the beginning, you’re the one who initiates most of it

Even though you make sure not to startle him he still keeps getting caught off-guard and flustered

But when he’s more comfortable with it he likes being around you all the time

One of the things he does the most is tapping out “I love you” in Morse code on you

On your arm, your hand, any part of you he can reach he’ll press those touches to your skin

You’re the person he feels the most comfortable talking to, but he’s still rather quiet of a guy so he likes to express his affection for you in other ways by just being close to you and listening to you talk

Is incredibly grateful for how patient you are with him, and you’re the absolute light in his life as he works through his trauma

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

[ctrldoll]

Perfect Home

Wife!Reader/Husband!Miguel O'Hara

Part One | Part Two | Part Three

Genre: Angst.

3.3k words.

Warnings: Cheating, Pressure From Parents, Society’s Marital Standards, Desire To Have A Child, Cursing, Envy, Suggestive & Homely Vibes Are Non-Existent.

Peace and Blessings to You, My Love! <3

𖤐⭒๋࣭⭑ [𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐏] ➜ Leaving, but...

“You haven't been talking much today; what's up?” Dana's hand was placed on Miguel's waist as she clung closer to him, her leg atop his hip. Hints of spice filled her senses as she inhaled. The moonlight shone through her glass windows in the dark, with the white curtains swaying a bit at the warm wind that hit them.

“Hmm, summer’s nearly here. It’s been getting hotter.” She spoke, silently insisting he utter a response. It didn't work.

Miguel's mind couldn't be further from the woman's warmth, his mind misting away to the darling he called his. He tried desperately to envision that it was [Name] speaking to him, her warmth clinging to him, and that she just happened to form an adoration for citrus perfume instead of the fruity one he grew accustomed to. The hold felt like sickness. Even her hand could never caress him the way Dana’s did as her hand slowly dragged down his abs, nearing his happy trail.

His hand gripped hers, earning a scoff as she rolled her eyes. “Now you react. Ugh, men.” Dana said, removing her hand from his hold and placing it on his stomach, cherishing the bumps under her hand. Miguel was certainly a fine specimen. Even when married, she has the luck to hold him.

The glow of his wedding ring irked them both when he caressed her cheek. 

“Surely you can remove the wedding ring. It's so annoying.” She spat, its sight at the corner of her eye bringing her discomfort. It was a constant reminder of her sins; a tinge of guilt crawled to her whenever she saw it. She was a woman, even if she didn't like [Name]. She understood how much it would hurt her if she knew, but, gosh, did she selfishly want Miguel to herself.

“Dana...” Miguel sighed, looking at it as she leaned into him, frowning. “I’m really expanding myself here, Miguel. My ring’s off because I don't want you to think of Gabriel. Why can't you do the same for me?” Dana asked, eyes low as her eyes fell on the ring. She departed herself from his hold and turned around, frustrated. She tightly shut her eyes as guilt overwhelmed her for a moment.

“I care for you, Dana. Don't doubt that.” Miguel’s hand clung to her waist and pushed her to him. “Then act like it.” Her hand caressed his.

“One more pin on the side.” Your fingers worked on the mannequin, a pin on the fabric of the gown, holding it as you moved to its side.

Your mind was clouded as you tried to focus on the correct measurements, your task holding a distraction from the looming air that you knew was increasing with each passing moment.

Were you mistaken to leave him? Shouldn't you have forgiven him? You couldn't help but wonder for a moment if it was cowardly or courageous to just plead with Miguel that you were wrong in your decision.

It felt new to hold this much power in your relationship. You never wished to or had a need to do so. You loved the man.

Gosh, you're so adorable with these.” You giggled, sitting on Miguel's lap in his dorm, as you removed his glasses—they always pulled a giggle from your lips whenever you saw him with them—from his face and placed them on your own. “I look just like you now, don't I?” You winked and showed off your face as he chuckled at your antics.

“Don’t you have someone else to disturb? You look even better than me.” Miguel responded, reaffirming his hold on your waist as you took them off. “That prescription is quite strong. My smart man reads so much he needs to see better.” Said you, teasing before placing them back on his face and kissing his nose. “A last touch. You look even better.”

The glow of the warm summer sun melted on his young, warm brown skin, his vest, and his shorts, making you hold back a scream of delight as you imagined that all was meant for you and you only.

“I have a diamond next to me; of course I look better. You, Mi Vida, are stunning.” He earned a scoff and chuckle from your lips before you softly kissed one another, the moment being so perfect. “You know that's absolutely right.”

“Ah..shit.” You let out, a tear seeped into your fabric before another joined it. Before you knew it, multiple tears made their way down your face as you abruptly stopped and made your way to your quarters, sadness coating you as you flopped on the bed and let out a sob, tightening your hold on the blanket below you.

“I did more than enough, didn’t I? Why was it not enough? Why?” You continuously tried to catch air as you shook involuntarily, a headache seeping its way under your skull. “Was I not enough?” 

“What are we going to do about this house?” “What are you suggesting?” Wine was in your glasses as you sat across from one another on the kitchen counter, Miguel’s gaze on his laptop, and your own on your sketchbook. You hummed, running your eyes through a line to be sure that it matched your reference. “I think that we should…sell it.” His eyes caught yours, as you thought.

“Yeah, we should sell it. What do you think?” You felt a pang of sadness at the beginning of the breakdown of one of many things that defined your marriage. He sighed, sharing in your feelings, and ran his hands through his hair. “Wow, we’re really doing this.” He voiced the silent sentence, to which you sighed. “Yeah, we are.” You understood his pain, trying to calm yourself as you watched him lean into the table.

“Do we really have to do this?” Miguel sighed, his eyes clear with pleading, while your eyebrows furrowed. “Of course we have to. I want to move on with my life, Miguel.” You said, irked. “I wouldn't be doing any of this if it weren't for you.” You took a large sip and clanged it onto the table. The wine bottle never looked so attractive.

“I know, my Love, and I’m sorry. Can't we just give this a bit more time? Please?” Miguel was clearly on edge about this. Guilt overcomes you as you watch him, but your decision is firm.

“I’m being generous with my time here, Miguel. If it weren't for our circumstances, I would have you pack up and leave, but I don't want this to become public.” You sighed. “It’s five A.M. I don't want to be late.” You arranged your belongings and left, but not before moving your eye to the side to see Miguel's hands on his face as he slouched. You wish he was honest.

[Name] admired her father’s vinyl collection as she awaited his return from a meeting.

The classics aroused her, her nostalgia overflowing as she recalled the tunes Joseph would play as he read the local newspaper while writing notes of his own.

His office was a traditional-modern type. He loved technology truly as he cheered at each advancement man made, but he couldn't help but adore the look of a wooden table and bookshelf infused with inner tech alongside a vintage record player. You couldn't help but wonder how to approach your divorce with your parents.

Your mother would likely be sardonic about it, while your father would offer comfort alongside her.If she knew the reason why you were to leave, she'd scoop you up in her arms with your belongings as she cursed Miguel while bringing you back to her home.

They would know the reason eventually. Just not immediately after you divorced. “The spark died.” or “we just didn't understand each other anymore.” have always been standard reasons to leave your partner. You couldn't believe that you were willing to grant him the peace of a less messy divorce.

You decided to freshen up before your father arrived, knowing that he would take aeons explaining his recent endeavours to you. Reapplying your mascara in the restroom, you looked to the side and paused, your heart racing as anger overcame it.

“Oh, you're here too.” Dana sighed, rolling her eyes. “You have some nerve talking to me like that, mistress.” You spat, turning to her and running your eyes through her form as she stood rigid at the remark, scowling as she glared at you.

“Trouble in paradise, I assume?” She smiles, scoffing as she crosses her arms. “You didn't deserve him anyway. He should be with a real woman. Not some bitch who can't even satisfy her husband properly.”

“I’m a bitch? Let's not confuse each other's names. You're the one out on the streets.” You spoke, rolling your eyes at the exhaustion you suddenly felt.

“It’s not my fault that you're unable to care for your husband. He's the one who looked for me.” Your heart hurts at that sentence. She didn't seem like she was lying. “If anything, this should show you that you need to do better. Maybe things will be better in your next marriage.”

“Who’s to say that you won't have such worries soon? I’m sure Gabriel would love to hear about your adventures with Miguel.” You smiled with a twitch in your eyes, watching the woman become slightly nervous.

“You can’t tell him.” “Why not?” “It'd crush him and cause a falling out with Miguel.”

A sudden sting on your hand. A shout as you looked in shock at the bright red contrast from her blond locks as the woman grasped her cheek surprised. “I've been waiting so long to do that. Two brothers, Dana? You're disgusting.” You scoffed and walked to the door.

“Oh, and if you decide to bring this to attention, it'll ruin you. No more jobs, opportunities, plenty of shame, everything. Wholeheartedly, it's what you deserve.”

Dana held her hands to her sides, curling them into a fist when you spoke. You let out a chuckle at the thought and rolled your eyes, closing the door.

“Have you happened to see Dana? She came here to help with the renewal of the contract of the company she works for." Your father asked as he worked on a miniature boat. He loved indulging in his hobbies when you visited, especially when you'd find a piece he'd spent time searching for. “We briefly greeted one another before she hastily departed.” You responded, forcing a smile as you added a piece to the ship’s side. Your father eyed you for a moment, contemplating what had disturbed you.

“How’s Miguel?” He tested the waters, and the sigh mixed with your response was enough to confirm his worst thoughts. “He’s alright.” You bit your tongue at the exposure you felt.

“It's Dana, isn't it? I’m sorry, my daughter.” You knew you were an open canvas and sighed, then held his hand. “It’ll be alright.”

You arrived home and shut the door, then sighed while leaning on it from the exhaustion you felt. The house seemed even more empty than you felt before you found out. You know it has been like this for a long time. You aren’t clinging to delusion anymore. It’s cold. Really cold. 

The pile of fresh laundry lay on its basket as you piled it in two sections. It ached to hold the shirt you buttoned up as aimless love appeared on your face one last time. You placed it in his pile as though it would burn to hold it for longer than necessary. 

“He forgot…” His brown wallet peeked through the edge of the closet, prompting you to pick it up instinctively. It dropped onto the floor before you could catch it, and the back of a small piece of glossy paper slipped from its tight confines. 

Wallet on your other hand, you lifted the soft paper and turned to its front. You took a quick breath. 

A young, brown girl looked back at you with a wide smile on her face and a pink flower rooted in her hair. Your heart burst with adoration even before you noticed the emotion. “Who is this?” You wondered out loud and panicked when you noticed Miguel's features bold on her as well as your own.

Your phone rang, startling you out of your thoughts. The screen shines brightly with ‘Elle☆’ on it. You sadly smiled as you shook your head and accepted the call. “Hi, Elle.” You stiffly greeted, a light shade of green budding in your stomach. “Hi [Name]! How are you?” She didn't catch on. 

“I could be better. Work has been really tasking.” You brushed your envy off, reprimanding yourself for feeling like that. “Instagram seemed to love the announcement.” You logged into the app (with a faux account, of course), attempting to relax over light-hearted content, and saw ‘LIVE’ on Elle’s. Your mind warned you not to look downward to the comment section the minute after her announcement, but your eyes felt as though they knew better.

I’m so happy for you! 

OMG! Im already excited about how cute theyll be!

What’s making celebrities get baby fever collectively?!

Please do a baby clothes haul reveal when it’s time.

[Name] better realise she’s getting left behind.

“Was it a fucking competition?” The quickness with which the comment left the chat as more popped up didn’t help the dread that overcame you. You were left behind. That, you could deny no longer. Oh, and the possibility that your husband had a secret love child. That, you forgot.

“It’s pretty amazing! Gosh, I can't wait to see them! They'll be so cute, and I'll get to dress them up!” You wondered why she decided that you were the right person to be ecstatic at this moment. 

“You're going to be a wonderful mother, Elle.” You said, smiling at her joy despite your feelings. She's always been a bit ecstatic, and she loves children, just like you.

“I hope so. How’s Miguel?” 

“He’s alright.” You felt guilty for lying, but it wouldn't help to reveal him. 

“That’s good! I'd love to see a little version of you two soon. They'd definitely win in the gene department. You're both adorable.” 

“Thank you.” You didn't want to guarantee anything. 

“Ugh.” You groaned into the sheets of your bed, exhausted from the call. You fell deeper into despair at the tangy scent that filled you.

“How was work?” You asked, averting your eyes from your plate to the man in front of you. “It was good.” He responded, looking at you, then turned his attention to the clock across the room. “It’s 2:52 AM.” “I know. I couldn’t sleep. Probably because I took a nap earlier.” You let out a strained laugh, then drank from your glass. “Must be nice. I wish I was able to lay down during the day.” He chuckled, feeling the tense undertone, as did you. 

“How’s your project going?” You asked, breathing out at his sigh afterwards. “Not much progress. I tried a new chemical, hoping that it would form an imbalance with the Rapture, but it broke down after seven minutes at most. I’ll think of something else later.” He seemed distraught, doubting his words. 

You didn’t know whether you should wrap your arms as you normally would during such nights and whisper reassurance until he needed no more words but to wet the back of your shirt or to stay still and continue to watch him restrain for the first time in a while.

It was routine; you were used to it. “It’s alright. You’ll find a cure.” You couldn’t watch him like this. “We’ll take it a day at a time.” We’ll. He felt you pause for a moment, then turn back to rubbing his broad back. “Oh, I’m sorry.” 

Should you tell him what you found? Granted, you were angry about it. How could he do that to you if it was as you dreaded? But he looked so pitiful here. You couldn't delay it. He'd notice the missing photo the next day.

“There’s something we need to talk about, Miguel.” You sighed, removing your hold on him. “You forgot your wallet in your closet, and I found it while placing your clothes in your closet.” He hitched a breath, eyes low, while you sighed to calm your nerves. “It fell, and I picked it up. I found a photo.”

“Explain, Miguel. Who is she? She looks like us.” You asked, looking at him with bated breath and handed him the photo.

He kept quiet, looking away from you for a moment as his face dropped with sorrow as he looked down at it. “Let’s sit down first. We'll both need it.” You would have complained if it weren't for how dejected he seemed.

“Alright, we’re seated.” You said, arms crossed. He sat a short distance away from you on the chair next to yours, eyes low as he pondered. He brushed his hand across his hair, causing it to dishevel enough to make your heart race. “[Name]...I’m so sorry.” He sighed, averting his eyes from your own in the brief moment they met. “It’s not what you think. I would never have a child outside our marriage.” “I wouldn’t think so either if it weren’t for how wrong I’ve been proven to be as of late.” He cringed at the bitterness while you glared. “I haven’t.”

“I’ve kept track of the Spiders’ lives ever since I was able to. I’ve made sure that nothing goes wrong in their events.” You caught onto the hiss, confused, but decided to let him continue. “When I was observing a universe belonging to another version of me, he tried to stop a robbery that resulted in him…” Your eyes widened, uneasy at the thought of any version of Miguel passing, but more so anticipating what else he had to say. “He had a wonderful daughter named Gabriella, the girl in the photo. He was a single dad, [Name].” 

“What happened to her mother, Miguel? What happened to me?” You stumbled with your words, a horrifying realisation in your wake that you desperately wished not to be there. “She died shortly after the birth, [Name]. That’s what happens most of the time. It’s a canon event.” Miguel wiped a stray tear as he gazed at the tiny photo on his large palm. 

You stood hastily, panic quickly overcoming you with your eyes glossed. Your face met his chest, and you freely sobbed. “Let go of me, Miguel.” You wailed, hitting his chest with your fist. “I can’t be here right now.” “It’s alright, Mi Amor. It's alright.” He attempted to calm your nerves, rubbing his hand up and down your back. “I haven't finished explaining.” “There’s more?” You asked, groaning at the headache that grew.

“I decided…to take over the role of her father.” He couldn't look at you as you sat down while taking deep breaths. “I just thought that I'd be able to raise her and maybe, eventually, bring her here. I thought I was doing what was right.” 

“I messed with the event. It cost that universe; I destroyed it. Gabriella disappeared in my arms.” You could feel the agony in his tone as he spoke those words. 

“She looked just like us. It must have been a wonderful experience.” You tearfully chuckled, shaking your head. 

“When did all this happen?” 

“Two months ago.”

You sank into your chair in sobs. Miguel knelt to hold you in his arms. You lacked the will to fight.

You felt the back of your shirt drench.

You are everything that is good.

[ssailormoonn]

❛ Travel ❜ - 02

Thelast!Uchiha Sasuke X fem!Reader

WC; 2.6k+ | !MDNI! | TW/CW; fem!reader, she/her pronouns used, suggestiveness, so slightly smutty near the end, i switched up the POV from first to second!!!

⋆·˚ ༘ *𝑅𝐸𝒬𝒰𝐸𝒮𝒯 :: Hey! Can you make part 2 of travel with Sasuke? Like after she gets pregnant and when they have their baby, please make it mostly fluff but if you want to a bit of suggestiveness I don't mind 🤭- @enouche

part 1 | part 2

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during pregnancy

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow across the forest path. Sasuke and you were walking slowly along a quiet path, hand in hand. You were about seven months pregnant, and your belly was starting to become quite noticeable. Sasuke had been especially attentive ever since you had told him the news.

He had proposed that it would be safer for you in the village, so that's were the two of you were heading.

As you walked, Sasuke glanced at you with a rare, soft smile. “Are you feeling alright?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

You nodded, squeezing his hand gently. “I’m feeling good, Sasuke. Just a little tired.”

Sasuke led you to a nearby bench under a cherry blossom tree and helped you sit down. The petals were falling gently around you, creating a magical atmosphere. He sat down beside you, resting a hand on your belly. “He seems active today,” he said, feeling a small kick.

You giggled softly, finding it amusing about how much Sasuke thinks your shared life will be a boy. “Yes, they’ve been moving around a lot. Maybe they’re excited to meet their father.”

Sasuke’s eyes softened even more at your words. He leaned in and kissed your forehead tenderly. “I can’t wait to meet them either,” he whispered.

You leaned into his embrace, feeling completely content. “You’re going to be an amazing father, Sasuke.”

He looked at you, his expression serious but filled with love. “And you’re going to be an amazing mother,” he said, gently brushing a strand of hair from your face.

You both sat there in comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s company and the peaceful evening. As the sky turned from gold to a deep twilight blue, Sasuke wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer. “I’m so grateful for you,” he murmured. “For our family.”

You felt a surge of love and happiness, knowing that you were starting this new chapter of your life with Sasuke by your side. “I love you, Sasuke,” you said softly.

“I love you,” he replied, kissing you gently.

As you both sat under the cherry blossom tree, a gentle breeze rustling the petals, you felt another small kick and smiled. “I’ve been thinking,” you began, looking up at Sasuke, “do you think it’s a boy or a girl?”

Sasuke’s eyes, though calm, had a glint of thoughtfulness. “It’s a boy,” he said with quiet certainty.

You chuckled softly. “You seem pretty sure of that. What makes you think it’s a boy?”

He glanced at you, his expression serious yet tender, not wanting to display any vulnerable emotions. “It’s just a feeling. Besides, the way he’s kicking... he’s already strong.”

You laughed softly, the sound warm in the evening air. “Or maybe she’s just eager to show her strength.”

Sasuke smirked, a gentle smile touching the corners of his lips. “Maybe.”

You felt a wave of affection for him, reaching out to hold his hand. “Do you have any names in mind?”

Sasuke’s gaze turned thoughtful. “If it’s a boy, Itachi,” he said quietly, the name carrying a deep significance.

You nodded, understanding the weight behind his choice. “Itachi would be perfect,” you agreed softly. “And if it’s a girl?”

He paused, his eyes softening slightly. “I'm not sure,” he said, almost reluctantly.

Your heart warmed at his suggestion. “Izuna would be a beautiful name,” you said, squeezing his hand gently.

Sasuke nodded, his expression thoughtful. “That sounds nice.”

You leaned into him, resting your head on his shoulder. “Our child is going to be so loved,” you whispered.

He wrapped an arm around you, pulling you closer. “They will be,” he said firmly, his voice filled with quiet love.

The sound of the nearby river was calming, and the fresh air was invigorating. Sasuke, ever attentive, had offered to fill your water bottle from the river, knowing how important it was for you to stay hydrated.

“Stay here,” he said softly, his usual stoic expression in place. “I’ll get the water.”

You nodded, watching as he walked towards the riverbank, his movements graceful and purposeful. As he crouched down to fill the bottle, you noticed a fallen log nearby that seemed like a fun little challenge to walk across. Feeling a bit mischievous and confident in your balance, you decided to give it a try.

Carefully, you stepped onto the log, placing one foot in front of the other. You knew you were supposed to be taking it easy, but the playful urge was too strong to resist. The log wobbled slightly under your weight, but you steadied yourself with a giggle.

Just then, Sasuke glanced over his shoulder and saw you balancing on the log. His eyes widened ever so slightly, a flash of concern crossing his features. He capped the water bottle quickly and stood up, his movements swift and fluid.

In an instant, he was by your side, his expression serious. He slipped his arm under your arms, gently but firmly lifting you off the log and setting you back on solid ground. “It’s not safe,” he said quietly, his breath warm against your ear.

You felt the strength and care in his touch, and a wave of affection washed over you. “I didn’t mean to worry you,” you said softly.

He looked into your eyes, his concern evident despite his composed demeanor. “You need to be careful,” he said, his voice steady. “For the baby.”

You nodded, feeling a bit sheepish. “I know. I’ll be more careful.”

He handed you the water bottle, his expression softening slightly. “Here, drink this.”

You took the bottle and smiled up at him. “Thank you, Sasuke.”

Feeling a rush of adoration for him, you decided to give him a kiss. You stood on your tiptoes to press a kiss to his lips, but quickly realised how much harder it was with the baby in you. You wobbled slightly, and Sasuke, ever attentive, immediately placed his hand on your waist to steady you.

Despite the struggle, you managed to reach his lips, pressing a gentle, loving kiss to them. Sasuke responded, his kiss tender and filled with warmth. When you pulled back, you saw a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“You’re determined,” he said quietly, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

You laughed softly, the sound like music in the quiet forest. “Well, I have a good reason to be,” you replied, your eyes sparkling with love.

He gave you another gentle squeeze, his expression softening further. “Just be careful,” he reiterated, his voice filled with a mixture of worry and affection.

“I will,” you promised, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for his constant care and concern.

After birth

The room was bathed in the soft, golden light of early morning as you sat on the edge of the bed, cradling your newborn son in your arms. Sasuke stood beside you, his gaze fixed on the tiny bundle with tenderness. The baby had just been fed and was now peacefully dozing, his tiny fingers curled around your thumb.

As you looked down at your son, you felt a surge of overwhelming love and protectiveness. “He’s perfect,” you whispered, glancing up at Sasuke.

Sasuke nodded, his usually stoic expression softened by the presence of his son. “He is,” he agreed, his voice low, filled with emotion.

You took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. “We need to give him a name,” you said softly, looking back down at the baby.

Sasuke was silent for a moment, his eyes never leaving the baby’s face. “Itachi,” he said quietly, his voice steady but carrying a deep significance.

You looked up at him, understanding the meaning behind the name. Itachi, Sasuke’s beloved brother, who had sacrificed so much for the sake of his family and village. Naming your son after him felt right, a way to honor his memory and the love he had for his brother.

“Itachi,” you repeated softly, testing the name on your lips. It felt right, like a promise of strength and love. “Uchiha Itachi,” you said, smiling up at Sasuke.

Sasuke nodded, a rare, genuine smile gracing his features. “It suits him,” he said, reaching out to gently stroke the baby’s cheek with his fingertip.

You watched the tender interaction, your heart swelling with love for both your son and Sasuke. “Itachi,” you whispered again, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to your baby’s forehead.

The baby stirred slightly, his tiny lips forming a contented smile in his sleep. You looked up at Sasuke, your eyes meeting his. “Thank you, Sasuke,” you said, your voice filled with emotion. “For everything.”

Sasuke leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your lips. “We’re a family,” he said simply, his eyes reflecting the depth of his feelings. "But I should be thanking you."

Itachi interrupting you two

Itachi was tucked into bed after a busy day of playing, and you and Sasuke finally had a moment to yourselves. The warmth of the fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls.

You stood in the kitchen, finishing up the last of the dishes when Sasuke approached you from behind, his arms wrapping around your waist. His touch was gentle yet firm, and you leaned back into him, enjoying the rare moment of intimacy.

“Sasuke,” you murmured, a smile playing on your lips as you felt his breath on your neck.

He turned you around to face him, his dark eyes intense and filled with a familiar desire. “We finally have some time alone,” he whispered, his voice low and husky.

Your heart raced as he leaned in, capturing your lips in a heated kiss. His hand roamed over your back, pulling you closer as the kiss deepened. You responded eagerly, your fingers tangling in his hair. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you lost in the moment.

Your hands slid from Sasuke's hair, trailing down his chest, finding it's prise at the tie that held Sasuke's nemaki together. You pull on the tie and the nemaki fell open, taking the opportunity, you placed your hands onto his bare chest.

In response, Sasuke pulled your body closer, craving the warmth that radiated from your body.

Just as things were heating up, you heard the unmistakable sound of small footsteps padding down the hallway. You both froze, pulling away from each other just as Itachi appeared in the doorway, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

Sasuke visibly slumped, his shoulders dropping as a sigh escaped his lips as he tied his nemaki. “Not now…” he muttered under his breath, his facial expression slightly frustrated.

“Mommy? Daddy?” Itachi's voice was small and drowsy.

You and Sasuke quickly separated, trying to regain your composure. You cleared your throat and gave your son a warm smile. “Hey, sweetheart. What are you doing out of bed?”

Itachi blinked up at you, his expression confused. “I had a bad dream,” he said softly, shuffling over to you, he was holding his fluffy comfort blanket

You crouched down and opened your arms, pulling him into a comforting hug. “Oh, I’m sorry, baby. Do you want to talk about it?”

He shook his head, burying his face in your shoulder. “Can I sleep with you and Daddy?”

Sasuke, now standing beside you with his usual calm demeanor, nodded, though his earlier disappointment was still evident. “Of course,” he said gently, though you noticed the faint trace of a smile tugging at his lips.

You picked Itachi up, his small arms wrapping around your neck as you carried him towards the bedroom. Sasuke followed, his hand resting on the small of your back, a subtle gesture of support.

Once you settled Itachi between the two of you on the bed, he quickly drifted back to sleep, his tiny snores filling the room. You and Sasuke exchanged a knowing look, the earlier moment of passion replaced by the simple joy of having your family close.

As you lay there, Itachi nestled between you, you felt a sense of contentment wash over you. Sasuke reached out and gently squeezed your hand. Despite the interruption, the warmth of the moment remained, and you knew that the time for intimacy would come again.

this is just an idea based on an Instagram reel i watched and i found it funny asf (crack warning 😭) PLS TELL ME YOU GUYS KNOW WHAT VID IM TALKING ABT PLS

Sasuke was sitting at the kitchen table, engrossed in reading a scroll, while you were preparing dinner. The sound of your two-year-old son, Itachi, playing with his toys filled the room with cheerful background noise.

Suddenly, you heard the pitter-patter of tiny feet as Itachi toddled over to Sasuke. He tugged on his father's pants, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

“Daddy,” Itachi said in his sweet, childish voice, “I want gar-leck.”

Sasuke glanced down, a puzzled expression crossing his face. “Garlic?” he repeated, unsure if he had heard correctly.

Itachi nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, gar-leck! I want gar-leck.”

Sasuke looked over at you, a rare moment of uncertainty in his eyes. “Is it normal for him to eat minced garlic?” he asked, his voice low so as not to alarm Itachi.

You chuckled softly, wiping your hands on a towel as you walked over. “He’s been curious about the smell ever since he saw me using it in the kitchen. He might just want to try it.”

Sasuke still seemed hesitant. “But garlic?”

You smiled and crouched down beside Itachi, ruffling his hair gently. “How about this, sweetheart? We’ll let you try a tiny bit, okay?”

Itachi’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Okay, Mommy!”

You glanced up at Sasuke, who still looked a bit unsure but gave a small nod. You stood up and went to the kitchen counter, carefully mincing a small piece of garlic. You placed the tiniest bit on a spoon and handed it to Itachi.

“Here you go, Itachi. Just a little taste,” you said gently.

Itachi eagerly took the spoon and put the garlic in his mouth. To your surprise, his face lit up with delight instead of scrunching up. “Yummy!” he exclaimed, looking up at you with a bright smile. “More gar-leck, Mommy!”

You laughed, exchanging a look of surprise with Sasuke. “Are you sure, Itachi? It’s pretty strong.”

“More, more!” Itachi insisted, bouncing on his toes.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, clearly still baffled by his son’s unusual taste. “He likes it,” he murmured, more to himself than to you.

You shook your head with a smile. “Alright, but just a little more, okay?” You minced another small piece of garlic and handed it to Itachi.

He gobbled it up happily and immediately asked for more. “More gar-leck, please, Mommy!”

You chuckled and shook your head. “No more garlic, sweetheart. It’s not good to eat too much.”

Itachi pouted, looking up at you with big, pleading eyes. “Please?”

Sasuke knelt down beside him, gently ruffling his hair. “Listen to your mother, Itachi. Too much garlic isn’t good for you.”

Itachi sighed but nodded, accepting your decision. “Okay, Daddy.”

You leaned down and kissed his forehead. “Good boy. How about some apple slices instead while dinner cooks?"

Itachi’s face brightened again. “Yay! Okay, Mommy!"

Do not copy, steal, modify, etc. Relogs and like are appreciated.

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