#but he is something of a worrywart so my mind immediately placed him into the role of 'Flounder'

[helaintoloki]

Meet the Family

pairing: Pietro Peter Maximoff x fem!reader

warnings: angst, manipulation, reader is a Westview hostage controlled by Wanda, etc., 2.5k in length

notes: writing a piece that takes place in the WandaVision universe was such a challenging and fun experience, and I really tried to capture the same dark undertones of the show so I hope you enjoy!

summary: An innocent family dinner with Pietro’s new girlfriend reveals that life in Westview is not what it seems. Uncle Pietro introduces y/n to the family!

Y/n almost feels like she’s being watched as the warm hand of her boyfriend— since when do I have a boyfriend?— carefully guides her trembling figure up the front steps of his sister’s house and rings the doorbell. Her grip on the glass dish of brownies in her hands is so impossibly tight she fears she might just break it, and when the silver haired man swoops down to steal a kiss from her cherry gloss stained lips she can’t help but to feel nauseated. The sickness morphs into guilt immediately, and when he looks down upon her with a gaze so tender and fond she forces herself to bat her eyes and smile at him. What kind of girlfriend is horrible enough to be disgusted by a kiss from her own boyfriend? Something isn’t right here...

“Don’t even sweat it, babe, my little sis is going to love you!” Pietro comforts with an easygoing grin plastered on his features.

“I hope so,” y/n murmurs quietly, nervously chewing at her bottom lip. This is the audition, her one shot at impressing the boss, and if even one tiny minuscule detail is thrown out of place then there goes her new house and fancy wardrobe and y/n is written out of the show. Permanently.

“My girlfriend is such a worrywart,” he laughs fondly with a gentle pinch of her cheek. It’s as if a switch is flipped inside of her, and this time when she smiles at him it is genuine and full of unadulterated love.

“I just want everything to be perfect, I know how much this means to you,” she replies earnestly, too dazed to notice the soft aww that drifts through the air from the audience. Pietro smiles.

“Man, did I luck out on finding the most perfect girl in the world or what?”

“Well us being together certainly isn’t a coincidence,” she notes with a small smile. The uneasiness begins to wash over her again, but y/n isn’t given a chance to dwell on the feeling as the front door swings open and a vibrant looking young woman stands in the doorway, almost beaming at the two with pure glee.

“Thank goodness you made it!” She exclaims, hand delicately resting on her chest to showcase her relief before she pulls the stranger her brother into a hug.

“Like we’d really miss Sunday dinner,” Pietro jokes before pressing a chaste kiss to his sister’s cheek. His hand returns to the small of y/n’s back and the fond smile pulls at his lips again. “Wanda, I’d like to introduce you to a very special little lady, my girlfriend y/n.”

“Oh, she’s very special indeed,” Wanda notes with an overzealous wink, ignoring the way in which the brownie dish begins to tremble in the poor girl’s hands. Just a little stage fright, that’s all. “It’s very nice to meet you, y/n. I’m Wanda.”

“It’s an honor to meet you,” the girl replies earnestly, “Pietro has told me so much about you.”

“Well aren’t you sweet! Please, come in,” Wanda grins, ushering the two inside before shutting the door. “Boys, Uncle Pietro is here!”

“What a lovely place you have,” y/n compliments. Her eyes scan the perfectly decorated home in wonder, awe, and a third thing she can’t quite place for if she dwells on it for too long her head begins to ache and her surroundings begin to grow fuzzy.

“Oh, please, it’s just a little something I threw together,” she jokes, canned laughter echoing distantly in the background of y/n’s mind.

“Uncle Pietro!” Two voices exclaim, and y/n watches curiously as her boyfriend lets out an ecstatic laugh before rushing forward to scoop the twin boys in his arms.

“If it isn’t my favorite little trouble makers!” He grins, making sure to ruffle both heads of hair. “Billy, Tommy, say hi to your aunt y/n.”

“Hi, aunt y/n,” Billy greets politely. Tommy is at her side in an instant, movements so quick y/n can’t help but to let out a startled yelp as he lunges for the dish in her hands.

“Are those brownies?!”

“Tommy, where are your manners?” Wanda chides gently, shaking her head with a laugh and reaching for the pastries. “Boys will be boys. I’ll take these off your hands.”

“Oh, uh, yes, thank you...” y/n murmurs softly, brows stitched together in discomfort.

“You’ll have to excuse my husband’s absence, another late night at the office. You know how it is, don’t you?”

“I can’t say I do.”

“Hmm... Well, make yourself comfortable. Dinner will be ready soon, I’ll just go put these in the kitchen.”

“Oh, do you need any h-“

“No,” Wanda blurts out abruptly, startling everyone in the room. She plasters on a smile, “No thank you. How can I be a good hostess if my guest is doing all the work for me?”

“You’re right, I’m so sorry,” y/n flounders, panic clear amongst her features. “I-I didn’t mean to impose at all.”

“No apologies,” the woman murmurs quietly, a small smile on her lips and an admonitory glimmer in her eyes, “we’re going to have a nice family dinner, and everything is going to be just perfect.”

The tension in the air is suffocating, wrapping itself in a slow growing hold around y/n’s neck. Her eyes begin to water, bottom lip quivering in fear as she looks around the room that suddenly feels too big and too bright. She doesn’t belong here with these people, something is wrong, the man she came here with is not hers, and as Wanda’s figure retreats behind the kitchen door y/n makes a mad dash towards the nearest exit.

“Whoa!” Pietro exclaims with an uneasy laugh, and in a blue flash she suddenly finds herself being scooped up off her feet and tossed back down on the couch in between the apprehensive twins faster than her fried brain can even comprehend. “Not so fast there, missy. Just where do you think you’re going?”

“I... I don’t feel right,” the young woman murmurs, wincing at the uncomfortable dryness of her throat as she swallows. “I want to go home and lie down.”

“Don’t be like that, babe,” he chides with a disappointed frown, “this is my family.”

“But what about my family?” Y/n whispers, tears welling in her eyes as she realizes that whenever she attempts to picture the life she once lived not a single thing comes to mind. “I don’t have a family.”

“This is your family now. We talked about this, remember? We came to Westview to make Wanda happy, and you don’t want to upset her, do you?”

“No,” she replies meekly, shuddering when the calloused pad of his thumb swipes across her warm cheek to remove any evidence of tears. No, I don’t want to make her unhappy, because if I do then I’m written off the show and I don’t know what will happen to me if I am. “I want to spend time with my new family.”

“Atta girl,” Pietro grins as he cups her face with both hands and brings her in for a kiss.

“Yuck!” Tommy exclaims in disgust from beside the couple, and this time y/n can’t help the bubbly laughter that escapes her at the young boy’s antics. Any memory of her previous meltdown is quickly wiped from her mind, and all she can think of now is how utterly grateful she is to be loved by such a wonderful man and be taken in by his wonderful family.

She pulls Pietro in for another kiss and giggles uncontrollably when he responds by tickling her sides, all while Wanda watches carefully from behind the scenes.

~~~

“Dream of better lives, the kind which never hate. Trapped in a state of imaginary grace.”

Her voice is quiet and serene as she hums along to the Modern English song playing on the radio, a content smile on her face as she washes the dishes leftover from dinner. It was the least she could do after the lovely evening Wanda had hosted; her sister-in-law had been called upon by the neighbor Agnes for a task that hadn’t quite been specified, so y/n was happy to tidy up while her boyfriend spent quality time with the boys. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt as happy and content as she did now— she couldn’t remember anything, really— and y/n knew then and there that moving to Westview with Pietro had been the right decision for the family, for his sister and themselves, and for the children, too. Yes, everything was just peachy keen.

The kitchen door swings open and in walks a man y/n has never seen before. He looks just as surprised as she is when their eyes meet, an awkward smile on his red face and the morning paper in his hands, and y/n slowly drops the dish she had been washing back into the sink.

“Hello,” the man greets curtly, “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting before.”

“I’m afraid not,” y/n agrees with a bashful smile, quickly removing her rubber gloves so that she may extend her hand towards him for a shake, “I’m y/n, Pietro’s girlfriend.”

“Ah, yes...” he murmurs lowly, cautiously shaking her hand and sizing the woman up and down until she shrinks under his gaze. He means her no harm, but he isn’t sure whether or not she’s part of this cooky little play or just another victim cast under Wanda’s spell. He smiles suddenly, the gesture startling the girl. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Vision.”

“Oh, yes! Of course. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

“May I ask where my wife is?” Vision asks.

“She went off to the neighbor’s,” y/n explains before promptly returning to her dish washing. The radio sounds distant and warbled now, the song she had been singing along to now nothing but static and jumbled up syllables, but to Vision’s dismay she doesn’t seem to notice in the slightest.

“How are you enjoying Westview?”

“I’m having the best time. Pietro and I have been talking and we might just have to hunker down in our own little place,” she says with a giggle. “It would be nice to be closer to you all.”

“I must say, having you and Pietro here was quite the surprise.”

“Not a bad one I hope,” she frowns. Vision guiltily refuses to meet her gaze.

“No, not at all. But, might I ask how you two came to be?” Vision asks apprehensively, adding on so that she doesn’t feel cornered, “I’m sure it must be a lovely story.”

“Oh, yes! I remember it like it was yesterday,” y/n swoons dreamily, a fond smile plastered on her face and her gaze casted out towards the living room where Pietro sits playing video games with the boys. She blinks once, twice, eyes never once leaving the silver haired stranger in the couch. A pregnant pause hovers over the two, the porcelain plate trembles in her hands, and Vision watches in silent horror as her eyes begin to well with tears.

“Y/n?” He calls gently, fingertips carefully brushing against her elbow in an attempt to bring her focus back to him. He removes the plate from her iron grip and sets it back carefully in the sink before turning the girl by the shoulders to face him; she still wears that same adoring smile despite the tears that silently fall down her cheeks.

“Forgive me,” she murmurs quietly, “I can’t seem to gather my thoughts properly.”

“Who did this to you? Was it Wanda? Pietro?” Vision press urgently. Y/n sways slightly when he shakes her by the shoulders in a desperate attempt to break her from her trance but still her smile remains.

“Pietro? Oh, he loves me, and I love him.”

“My dear, I don’t think you do,” the man utters sympathetically.

“Of course I do, silly. We were made for each other.”

“Perhaps you were, but not in the way you think. Y/n-“

“Please let go,” she interrupts in a soft, steady voice, looking up at him like a scorned child, “you’re scaring me.”

“If you would just let me,” Vision begins to say, fingertips reaching for her temple in preparation to break her from the spell only to be interrupted by another presence in the room.

“Whoa, what’s going on in here?” Pietro asks with a raised brow and uneasy laugh. “Hey toaster oven, you mind maybe letting go of my girlfriend?”

“Of course, my apologies,” Vision murmurs, stepping away from the girl and allowing her to run into the arms of her boyfriend.

“You okay, babe?” He asks with a raised brow. She isn’t, not in the slightest, but she has a job to do and a role to play, so she merely bats her eyes at him before leaning up and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“Never been better. Hey, how does dessert sound?”

“I think that sounds lovely,” Wanda chimes, her sudden appearance in the kitchen doorway startling the already present trio. Vision looks like a deer caught in headlights when Wanda saunters over and gifts him with an innocent kiss to the cheek. “Why don’t you and Pietro get the boys settled down while y/n and I prepare the dessert?”

“What a lovely idea, darling,” Vision chimes with an easy smile— y/n isn’t the only one with a role to play. “Come now, dear brother-in-law.”

“Take good care of my girl, little sis,” Pietro calls on his way out. Wanda smiles, her eyes never once leaving y/n’s trembling frame.

“But of course. What is family for? Y/n, be a dear and grab the plates, won’t you?”

“Yes, Wanda,” the girl chimes obediently. She smiles.

“I noticed you seemed a little shaken up just now, is everything alright?” Wanda asks, feigning obliviousness.

“Oh, you know, just some friendly questioning from my new brother-in-law. I’m sure he just wanted to make sure Pietro had found the right match,” she explains with a passive wave of her hand. Wanda hums softly.

“Well we don’t need to worry about that,” she notes. “You’re here for a reason, y/n. Do you know that?”

“For Pietro, and for you,” she replies earnestly, smiling when Wanda takes her hands in her own and gives them a gentle squeeze. “You’ve always wanted a big family, a real family, one that would never turn its back on you or leave you behind ever again. You want a sister and nieces and nephews and love, and I’m here because I can do all of that and more for you.”

“Exactly right. Family is forever, y/n. Are you ready for the commitment that comes with being a Maximoff?”

“I’ve never been more ready,” y/n responds eagerly. Wanda smiles.

“I’m so relieved you said that,” she utters gently, pulling y/n in for a hug so that she may not see the way in which her eyes begin to glow red and waves of energy begin to emit from her fingertips as she carefully settles herself fully into the girl’s mind. She fills her head with thoughts of Pietro and family, with memories she’s never lived and feelings she’s never had, she fills her with love, and y/n is none the wiser.

“Congratulations, y/n,” Wanda utters quietly, comfortingly stroking the girl’s hair, “you’re a Maximoff now.”

[misselko]

Let's write another headcannons for Blue Lions and sauna! How would their reaction be when they saw (Y/N) clad only in towel but still worrying their well-being and insist to walk them back to their quarters? (Post time-skip)

Warnings: Fluffs!!

A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM

Saving Derdriu to relieve the Alliance and Claude is a big success. The chance to win against the Empire is getting better with Claude’s agreement to strike as one united force. Trying to unwind from the intense battle, sauna sure is quite crowded today.

In this warm midsummer's night on Garland Moon, hoping to have some private moment for yourself, you decided to wash yourself at late midnight. Unbeknownst to you, almost every Blue Lions members thinks the same.

 

Dimitri

“Please pardon my rudeness! I’m so sorry! I really am!!” King of Faerghus had been reduced to a hulking giant lion puppy, hiding behind his large hands.

"I saw you in a state that only your husband should see you in and I-” His ramblings cut off and you looked at him, trying desperately to have him meet your eyes, but he continued to look away while trying to cover his eyes.

You felt a rush of embarrassment that he had seen you like this, trying your best to cover your body with your hands. But you also found that you didn’t really mind that it was him that had seen you this way. You knew that you should do something to put him out of his misery, but you weren’t sure what. Tiptoeing, you reached a hand up to cup one of his cheeks, and he looked at you unsteadily, closing his eye as he leaned into your touch with deep crimson face. The gentle lion looks like he’s on the verge of passing out from the sauna heat and nervousness. You weren’t sure why you had decided to reach out for him physically, but staring at his handsome face, so close to your own, you felt the most comfortable and safe you had ever felt.

The two of you stared at each other shyly and he raised his own hand to cover yours that was still on his cheek gently. Filled with mixture of love, lust, confusion, and embarrassment, his eyes stare back at yours reverently.

"I feel refreshed already. Guess I’ll take my leave now,” you said nervously, trying to dry your hair with towel while looking away from him to hide your rosy cheeks.

“W-wait! Would you mind if.... I walk you back to your quarters? Monastery can be dangerous at night and I....” stuttering between his words, the kind-hearted Dimitri is concerned for your safety.

“I will wait for you outside, then. Thank you, Dima.” Your smile is doing things to his weak mind. Trying his best to ignore the somersaults in his heart and nosebleed, Dimitri change his clothes and walk you to your quarters.

You almost kill him with heart attack and arousal when he saw your exposed nape from your nightgown, much to your obliviousness. Mumbling “Don’t catch a cold”, he pulls you closer and drapes his heavy fur cloak over you.

 

Sylvain

“Whoa!! Is that you, (Y/N)?! To run into you at this late hour at this place. It must be my lucky ni....” he gulps and look at other way immediately after seeing your almost naked form. “Idon’tseeanything! Believe me!! And no! I don’t see your beautiful bod--- Ouch!!” he yelps loudly when you smack him.

Your light punch has caught him off guard and made his towel fell, much to your embarrassment. You look away to save him from the shame and his prominent erection bulge. “Sorry for that,” the redhead skirt chaser tried to fix and laugh it off but he can’t hide his flustered face.

“Like what you see? I like what I see, though. Guess we’re even, now.” He winks at you seductively. Much to his playfulness, Sylvain is still being respectful to you. He offers an extra towel to cover yourself, then look away to give you some privacy. “Just give me a call when you are done and good to go. I’ll walk you back to your room, (Y/N).”

“Eh? But why? I can go back by myself. Just a little stroll and I’ll hit the bed”. You have changed into your nightgown and ready to take short stroll around the monastery before going to sleep.

“Night walks will be more fun with me, (Y/N). Like they said, the more the merrier! Besides, it won’t do me any good if something were happen to you,” his eyes glint with mischievousness but he’s serious with his words. “Let’s grab something to eat in the dining room. Can’t sleep with empty stomach, yes?” He clasp his much bigger hand in yours, then taking you to the hall.

“Thank you for being so kind to me, Sylvain.” Wrapping your arm snuggly to his, you lean your head on the redhead’s arm. Your warmth and sweet smell made his cheeks blush a little. “Anything for you, (Y/N).” You rolled your eyes at his remarks and poke his cheeks. “Silly,” you said with puffing chipmunk cheeks. Sylvain was utterly dumbfounded at your cute, mesmerizing pout. Sylvain.exe has stopped. You’re just too adorable for your own good.

 

Felix

Felix screams at the top of his lungs when he bump into you, sending you sprawled in front of him. “Idiot. Go cover yourself! Have some decency!! Why you got to use the sauna at this late evening!!?” Poor boi He almost died when you try to cover his mouth to prevent more unwanted attentions.

Unfortunately, Felix’s shouting invited some night patrol guards that is scouting around the area. “Everything’s alright? Do we have an ambush?”

“I’m sorry, Felix. But ssshh!!” His face flushed in deep crimson to his ears when you press your small hands on his lips. Between your palms, he muttered it’s okay and just surprised to the guards behind the sauna door. Despite his non-stop ramblings, he hug you tightly to cover you with his body from the guards that is trying to peek a little to ensure his safety. He just sighed in relief after making sure that guards have passed the hallway.

Felix’s heart pounding erratically when you put your head on his chest, much contrast to his deep crimson-flushed, scowling face. “Too close...,” he growls, gingerly pulling you away from him. Despite his harsh words, his touches are very gently.

“I’ll excuse myself for now. See you tomorrow!” you said hurriedly as you trying your best to maintain your composure and burning cheeks. Just changed into your comfy nightgown, you found Felix waiting in front of the sauna building. “Let me come with you,” he grumbles with flushed face. Just when you open your mouth to protest, he wraps his arm on your shoulders. “Move!”

You tried to peek on his expression but he snarled and tug your back lightly to keep on walking. “You look cold in that flimsy nightgown. I’ll keep you warm until you’re safe in your room.” You can’t help but to laugh at his worrywart cute side. In the warm midsummer night of Garland Moon, you can’t help but to bask in this precious sweet moment

The awkward swordmaster almost explodes when you smiles brightly and give his calloused hand a chaste kiss to thank him for his kindness for walking you back to your quarters. Shrugging his shoulders, Felix’s mouth just opening and shutting like a dying fish. “Stupid” were the only word that stumbled from his trembling mouth as he blubbered and stomped away from you, covering his face in embarrassment. You swear you could catch a glimpse of a gentle smile behind his hand. And if you concentrate enough, there are puffy steams from his head.

[forever-rogue]

Baby Steps (A Good Man)

A/N: Hello my sunshines! I’m back with another little installment of the AGM ‘verse with our favorite Javi and Dulzura! I love them so much and I’m glad y’all do too! I hope you guys enjoy!  As always, comments and feedback are welcome, and if you’d like to be tagged let me know! Xx

*can be read as a standalone or part of the ‘verse as a whole*

Pairing: Professor! Javi x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 5.8k

Warnings: language, pregnant!reader

A GOOD MAN ‘VERSE MASTERLIST

MASTERLIST

JAVIER MASTERLIST

»»————-　♡　————-««

“Mrs. Peña?” the sound of your name still surprised you, despite the fact that the students had been calling you for several months now. A grin worked its way onto your face as you looked at the young boy who was watching you with wide, eager eyes. Putting your pen down, you motioned for him to continue, “will you come outside and play with us?”

“You want me to hang out with you guys?” you almost laughed at the idea that any kid deemed you worthy of spending time with them, “I thought teachers were lame, Mikey?”

“Some of them, but not all of them! You’re pretty cool,” he smiled and displayed his toothy grin. How were you supposed to say no to him? You nodded and stood up, taking the hand he was holding out to you, “besides we’re playing kickball and we need one more person!!”

“I should have known you were just using me for my exceptional skills,” you pretended to be hurt as he pulled out of the building and into the playground, where the sun was shining brightly. 

Normally, you’d have turned him down, opting to get some work done during the lunch period, but decided you might as well indulge him and yourself. You really enjoyed the kids you had this year, and it was a gorgeous early spring day. 

»»————-　♡　————-««

Turns out, kickball with a bunch of seven and eight year olds was not as simple as it seemed. They seemed to come up with all sorts of nonsense rules, and on top of it all, they happened to be extremely competitive. And yet...you were thoroughly enjoying yourself - and glad you had opted to wear jeans today instead of a skirt or dress. Javi had been particularly fond of the tight, high-waisted jeans that hugged you in all the right places, getting very handsy before you both had to leave for work. Typical Javier; not that you minded of course. 

“Come on, give us a good one, Mrs. P!” Mikey yelled at the top of his small lungs as you proceeded to kick the ball that was rolled at you. You offered up a firm kick, but not one you would have used if you’d been playing with only adults. Taking unfair advantage was something you definitely didn’t want to do.

As soon as your foot made contact with the red rubber ball, you watched it whistle through the air before running to the first base. But...it was over before it started as you ran and then immediately proceeded to trip over your slightly untied shoelaces. You made contact with the hard earth before you knew and rolled your ankle in the process. 

You landed with a mixture of an annoyed sigh and a loud oof as you chided yourself. You should have made sure they were properly tied before doing anything. The kids clambered around you, faces anxious as they tried to make sure you were okay. Physically you were sure you’d be just fine, but mentally your pride was wounded. Oh, to make a fool of yourself in front of a bunch of children. 

“I’m alright,” you promised as you slowly rose to your feet; an instant tinge of pain shot through your ankle and leg as you almost lost your balance again. Maybe you were hurt… “it’s alright - you guys go back to playing and I’m going to go back to the classroom and sit for a moment. I might have twisted my ankle.”

They nodded, but gave you wary looks as you hobbled back inside the building. You should have remained the umpire and refused to play; you were obviously not coordinated enough for any of this. Slumping back in your chair, you rolled up your pant leg and hissed at the sight of the already swollen ankle. Shit.

“You’d better get that checked out,” Anna, one of the teachers from across the hall looked at you with a pained expression, “looks painful.”

“Nothing some rest and elevation won’t fix,” you insisted as you slumped against the back of the chair, “I’m too old for this! When did I become an adult?"

“Hey, at least they think you’re cool,” she huffed playfully, “they never ask me to play! But seriously, that looks pretty bad. And it happened at work, you know how they get about stuff like that.”

“Fineeee,” you groaned, “I’ll go to the school nurse.”

“I would recommend an actual urgent care or ER visit,” she raised an eyebrow, “besides, you know how Javi gets - he'll flay us all if he thought we weren’t looking out for you.”

“He’s...something else.”

“He’s amazing,” she reminded as you nodded in agreement. For how much of a worrywart he could be, you knew it was all out of love, “now go and get it checked out. I’ll handle getting the sub in and telling everyone. You have enough to worry about. Can you make it okay, or will you need a ride? Should I call Javi?”

“I can drive myself,” you promised, thankful it happened to your left foot and not the right, “I’m not going to bother my darling, overprotective husband just yet. Not until I can confirm that nothing is actually wrong. I don’t want him to stress over nothing, and I’m sure by the time he gets home tonight he’ll just be laughing at me and my clumsiness!”

“Alright,” Anna grabbed your purse and handed it to you, as you managed to slink out of the chair, “go get checked out and feel better. If you need anything at all, just call me.”

“Thanks for all of your help,” you hobbled towards the door, trying to keep as much weight off of your foot as possible, as Anna grimaced at you, “I swear it’s not that bad - worse than it looks.”

“Sure, sure,” she disagreed politely, “now quit stalling and go get help!”

»»————-　♡　————-««

The white walls and bright lights of the exam room were enough to rattle your nerves, even if just ever so lightly. You sat on the examination bed and tried to keep yourself calm as you waited for the nurse to come back and begin examining you. Nothing but the distant sounds of people outside and the tick-tock of the aging clock met your ears. You almost wish you’d called Javier just to have some company. Shit.

“Mrs. Peña?” a kind looking woman, maybe around Javier’s age poked her head in as you nodded, “sorry for the wait, we’re pretty busy right now. You’re here for a rolled ankle?”

“Yeah,” you answered as you relaxed at her comforting presence as she came in and sat on her rolling stool, eyes immediately dropping your swollen and irritated ankle, “I was playing with my kids outside - kickball - and then tripped over my own damn feet and ta da!”

“Were you at home when this happened? Playing with your kids?”

“Oh no, I’m a teacher,” you quickly explained, a warm flush rising up your cheeks at the thought of children, “it was on their lunch break at school. I-I don’t have any children of my own.”

You weren’t sure why you felt the need to offer up a clarifying statement.

“I see,” she made a few notes before turning back to you, “it looks pretty bad, to be quite frank. I’m going to assume it wasn’t a break, a sprain rather, from how you’re managing, but we’ll need to do some x-rays to confirm. We’ll do your blood work as well just to make sure everything is in order. Before we do x-rays or anything - are you pregnant?”

“No,” you admitted, looking at your feet as you tried not to sigh. It had been on your mind recently, and you weren’t sure quite what to make of your own feelings on the matter. While you hadn't been actively trying, you couldn't help but wonder if it would ever happen.

“Any chance you could be?” 

“Umm,” you twiddled your thumbs as you shrugged your shoulders, “I-I suppose. I’m not on birth control and my husband and I don’t use protection...we’ve been trying but not trying if that makes sense? But my cycle’s been regular so I highly doubt it.”

“Okay,” the scratching of her pen on paper was almost maddening as she was making notes and you just sat there. You could curse yourself for babbling on to her, but you couldn’t really help it. Besides, it’d be better for them to know all the details if they were going to x-ray and poke and prod you, “very good. Let me just go get everything and we’ll get started and a better look at everything. We’ll have you set and on your way in no time.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

“Here you go,” you scratched Stevie’s ears as you offered him a treat, a scrap of carrot from the vegetables you were chopping up for dinner, “what do you think, buddy? Should we tell him tonight?”

“Should we tell who and what tonight?” Javi’s voice startled you so much that you almost dropped your knife. You hadn’t even heard him come in, ever the sneaky DEA agent as he walked into the kitchen. A smile was on his face as he came over to you and pressed a soft kiss to your lips, “hi baby.”

“J-Javi,” you couldn’t help but melt into his touch, despite his surprise arrival, “you’re home!”

“Oh very observant of you, Dulzura,” he teased as he pulled back and started to undo his tie. It was only then that he noticed you weren’t wearing what you had earlier in the day; you were in one of his sweaters and a pair of joggers and… “what the hell happened to your ankle?!”

There it was  - Javier switching into overdrive. You put everything down on the counter and turned to him, putting on your most innocent and sheepish expression. His large, warm hands found your face as he looked you over to make sure you were okay. 

“It’s nothing, Javi,” you promised him, “I swear it. It’s just a bad sprain, but I went and had it looked at and they wrapped it and gave me pain killers. It’s umm...a stupid little story actually…”

“What happened?” he bent down and reached out to tentatively and delicately cheek the binding to make sure the nurse had properly tended to your sprain. He made a small sound of disgruntled satisfaction before standing up and waiting for a proper explanation, “why didn’t you call me?”

“I didn’t want to worry you, Javier,” you promised as he crossed his arms over his broad but acquiesced with a nod, “you’re so busy, and honestly, it wasn’t a big deal at all. Besides, Anna was ready to call you immediately, but I told her not to worry. All that happened was that I was outside with the kids and we were playing kickball and I tried over my laces, fell, and twisted my ankle. It hurts, but no fracture or anything.”

Javier’s lips twitched as he tried not to laugh, his shoulders shaking with effort as he just studied you, “are you....are you serious, Dulzura?”

“Don’t laugh at me!” you pouted as he started laughing at your dismal nod when you confirmed that that was what actually happened, “they thought I was cool and how was I supposed to say no to them!? I’m the cool teacher to them!”

“And look what that got you,” he snickered as you sighed heavily, “I’m sorry - I’m sorry. As long as you’re okay, that’s what matters. Whatever you need, just tell me the word and I’ll make sure you have it. I’ll take good care of you, Dulzura.”

“I know you will...you always do,” your heart raced as you tried to decide whether or not to tell him the rest of your revelations. But then he looked at you with those eyes, those soft brown, gentle eyes, and your heart melted. He gently pulled you into his arms as he kissed you again, chasing after your soft, sweet lips with his own, seemingly never able to get enough of you, “Javier, I love you.”

“I love you too,” you felt him smile against your lips, “what’s brought on your sudden declaration of love, mi alma?”

“I...I’m pregnant,” you blurted it out without even really thinking about it. Javier pulled back as a surprised expression crossed his features. He looked at you, seemingly in a state of shock, before opening and closing his mouth a few times, “Javi?”

“You’re pregnant?” he repeated as you nodded. It took about a moment for everything to finally come full circle as he finally realized what you had said. Immediately, an overwhelming wave of emotion came over you as you felt the back of your eyes start to sting with tears. He grabbed your face and slowly crashed his lips back onto yours and kissed deeply and slowly, “holy shit.”

“I know,” you beamed at him, “they asked before they did x-rays and blood work and then well...they discovered I was pregnant. I had no clue and then they told me and yeah - holy shit."

“That’s amazing,” he said softly, “pregnant....”

“I know,” you breathed him in and ran a hand through his dark curls, “I’m not far along, only like six weeks, so it’s still very early, but yes. We’re finally having a baby, Javier!

“I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you,” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around and held you in a tight embrace, “I love you so much.”

“You deserve this - everything. You are such a good man, Javier, and I am so honored to call you my husband, and the father of my child,” he almost melted under your praise as you traced along his features before resting your hand on his cheek, “I love you, Javi. I am so excited for this.”

“Me too,” he agreed, “this is everything - you are everything.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

3 months pregnant

“Dulzura?” Javier yawned as he wiped the sleep from his eyes as he got up and found you in the kitchen, peering into the fridge. You were in the mood for...something. You just weren’t sure what that something was. Everything sounded good but nothing seemed to satiate that craving you had deep within, “what are you doing up?”

“I couldn’t sleep,” you admitted, hoping you hadn’t woken him up by accident, “and I got hungry. I’m sorry if I woke you, my love. Go back to bed, Javier.”

“It’s fine,” he insisted as he shuffled into the kitchen and slowly pried you away from the fridge, “sit down, and let me make you something to eat. What sounds good?”

“Javier,” you did as he asked, padding over to the other side of the counter and taking a seat at the bar. You rested your head on your hands as he stifled a yawn, "honey, go back to bed. You're exhausted and you've got back to back classes tomorrow."

"They start in the late morning," he insisted, with a sleepy nod as you just laughed at him. He was such a stubborn man sometimes it drove you crazy - but you knew it came from a place of love and concern, "don't sleep well without you anyways. 's better when you're there."

"Oh, my sweet husband," he reached into the fridge and pulled out some cheese, butter, and your favorite pickled jalapeños. You watched in curiosity as he went to the bread box and grabbed the fresh loaf of bread you'd purchased earlier at the store, "grilled cheese?"

"Grilled cheese with jalapeños," he corrected, a lazy smile tugged up the corners of his mouth. You made a small sound of musing as you realized it didn't sound too bad at all, "and tomato soup, naturally. How does that sound?"

"Sounds delicious," you grinned eagerly as you leaned in to watch him work. You made a small sound of surprise as your stomach rumbled loudly. Apparently you were hungrier than you had thought, "apparently, my stomach and I agree. I think its your daughter that agrees."

At the mention of your baby, Javier paused and smiled, his eyes flitting to your barely visible bump. Some days he still couldn't believe that you were having a baby. You were his wife. What a wild world it was indeed; years ago he'd never dreamed he would have all of this. The Javier that once existed and refused to believe that there was any light in the world could never have pictured any of this. 

But here you were. Continually proving him wrong. And he loved it all.

"Wait - how do you know we're having a girl?" he asked, suddenly wide awake as he raised an eyebrow at you, "I thought we still need to wait another month or so."

"We do," you grinned at him, "but I just know. I'm sure of it!"

"Well, you do have a fifty-fifty chance of being right…"

"I have a hundred percent chance of being right," you insisted as you reached over the counter and grabbed the jar of pickled jalapeños and fished a few out, and popped them into your mouth, "don't argue with your pregnant wife, Javier Peña. You of all people should know not to cross someone so dangerous."

He snorted with laughter, suddenly feeling much more awake as he sliced up cheese and turned on the stove, "and if we end up having a son?"

"Then we keep having more until we have a daughter and I am proven right," you plastered on a sweet smile, knowing it would wind him up. You'd never really discussed how many children you wanted or planned on having. It was just a sort of...whatever happens happens type thing. But, if you were being honest, you'd probably have given Javier as many children as he wanted. Your husband fell silent as he watched you for a moment before taking the jar away from, "nothing to add? Silence isn't like you, my love."

"We can have as many as you'd like," he promised, "you're the one doing all the hard work. If you're done after one, then it's fine for me. You already amaze me every day."

"Don't make me cry, Javier," your whole body soaked in the warmth and love from his simple words, "its getting really easy at this point, and you're taking advantage!"

"Sorry," he shot you a wink before leaning over and pressing a soft kiss to your lips, "back to business."

"Hmm," you mused quietly, "I thought kissing me was business."

"I thought you were hungry?"

"Fine," you playfully huffed as he carried on cooking, "Javi?"

"Dulzura?"

"I love you," you beamed at him, the little smile that worked its way onto his face take your breath away - as it always had. 

"I love you."

»»————-　♡　————-««

6 months pregnant

A huff escaped your lips as you tried to reach for the socks and underwear that had fallen out of the laundry basket. It was no easy feat when you couldn’t see your own feet anymore. But you were determined to get everything up and off the floor as you walked back towards your bedroom to put away the clean clothes. And you weren’t about to give up and ask for help - not yet anyway.

Instead, you opted to awkwardly lower yourself to the floor in order to blindly grab for the discarded items. But it was no use...this was almost harder. 

“You alright, Dulzura?” Javier came in and found you struggling, cleaning his dirty hands off on a rag. He’d been working outside, getting the garden spruced up as the summer slowly came to an end, “can’t reach?”

“I can,” you stuck your tongue out at him as he huffed with laughter, but motioned for you to go on. Wanting to prove that you were right, and weren’t completely helpless after all. It hadn’t been easy having to give up a lot of the things you used to be able to do with ease as you progressed in your pregnancy. The fact that none of your pants would fit over your belly anymore had been a point of horror for you - it meant you were truly and actually pregnant, you were actually having a baby. You’d always known, but that had been what made it all extremely real. Every day you got closer and closer to your due date, it all became a little more real. Exciting - but terrifying. 

Not being able to see your feet had been another blow. You could hardly get proper shoes on anymore, opting for easy slide ons, which were great for the warmth of summer and didn’t matter since you were on summer break along with your kids. It was almost as though Javier could sense your frustration, and he’d often silently help you with getting your shoes on in the morning. He never said a word, knowing he didn’t have to. He always told you he loved you in so many ways, often without saying it. 

You tried to again, dangling your hand along on the floor as you tried again. After watching you struggle for a moment, Javier came over and grabbed everything in one foul swoop before taking your hand in his and helping you upright. 

“Hey,” you pouted at him as he put the items back into your basket, “I almost had it!”

“I know,” he kissed the tip of your nose, “but I wanted to help. Why can I not help my gorgeous wife?”

“Your very pregnant and easily frustrated wife?” you teased as you started to walk towards the bedroom. He followed after you, swatting at your bum as you squealed in delight, “Javier!”

“Come on, mi alma,” he grinned, “let me help put everything away.”

“If I let you help, you’re just going to take me to bed and then I’ll have to wash the sheets again!”

“I’ve never heard a single complaint from you before,” as you set the basket on the dresser, he came up behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist before settling a hand on your belly and gently rubbing it a few times. He pressed a few kisses to the side of your neck as you tilted your head to give him easier access, “there we go, Dulzura. Just like you like it.”

“You’re the worst,” you teased as you turned your head to kiss him, “you’re lucky I love you. And I’m seemingly always in the mood right now - they really weren’t kidding about pregnancy making you more horny. Although, I’ve never heard a single complaint from you before.”

“And you never will,” he promised, his low in your ear as you tried not to completely let your mind wander too far away, “do you have any plans for this afternoon, Dulzura?”

“N-no,” you  managed to choke out as one of his hands skimmed along the waistband of your leggings. You knew exactly where this was going, and you were loath to stop him, especially as he slowly kept kissing you.

“Good,” he rasped, “because I have plans for you. Been thinking about you all day, especially in these tight leggings. You knew exactly what you were doing, didn’t you honey?”

“Uh huh,” you agreed as his warm hand slipped inside and a shiver ran up your spine, “Javier. Please.”

“Don’t worry, mi alma,” he captured your gasp in a sweet kiss, “I’ll take good care of you.”

The laundry could definitely wait.

»»————-　♡　————-««

9 months pregnant 

It was an early, chilling morning as you sipped on some tea as you sat out in the garden. It was probably too cold to be sitting outside, but you were handled up in blankets and didn't care. 

Christmas was a few weeks away and you enjoyed peeking into the neighbor's yards to see what they all had going on for decorations.

"Are you sure you don't want to come inside?" Javier poked his head out from the sliding screen door, his brow furrowed in concentration, "its freezing! And I have breakfast!"

"I've got blankets and a baby keeping me warm," you reminded him, pointing at your large belly. You were due in a couple of weeks; how time had flown. He jokingly frowned at you, sticking out his tongue. Playfully rolling your eyes, you clambered to your feet and waddled over to him, "fine, hold on you big baby. This is because I want breakfast."

Javier was on his winter break from teaching and you were on maternity leave now and you definitely didn't mind having him around all the time. If you could have always had it this way, you definitely wouldn't have minded.

"I'm just looking out for you," he insisted with a pout as you pressed a kiss to his lips, "I talked to Papà. He's really excited to come in a few weeks - more like excited to meet his grandbaby."

"I'm not complaining at all," you insisted, knowing there would be many sleepless nights and chaotic days ahead of you, "we'll need all the help we can get. Hell, maybe we can convince Steve and Connie to come and visit too…"

"I'm sure we'll have all the help in the world between our families and friends, Dulzura," he promised as he took your hand and pulled you into the warm kitchen, putting a plate of breakfast for you on the counter, "I'm sure we'll get sick of having so many people around."

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see," you took a bite and smiled as Stevie laid by your feet. The whole house was warm and cozy, perfectly decorated for Christmas, with a huge tree and already lots of presents. Javier had really outdone himself this year, seemingly more in the Christmas spirit than you. Honestly, you were feeling a little bit out of it - being so pregnant would do that to you. 

You watched your husband for a few moments, admiring his profile and lazy smile. Gods, you were still so in love with him. He felt you watching him closely, and turned to you, cooking a dark brow, "what's on your mind, mi alma?"

"Nothing much," you shrugged lightly, feeling a flush of warmth was over you at him catching you, "just thinking about how I love you, and how I'm glad you're here with me, that you knocked me up, and yeah. Are you…are you nervous Javi?"

"About the baby?"

"No, about the Astros' odds next season," you snorted as he groaned at your joke, "of course the baby. I'm just...so nervous. Like I feel ready to meet her, but I'm so scared that I'll fuck it up somehow."

"You still think its a girl?"

"Positive," you grinned at him - you'd decided not to find out the sex ahead of time, leaving it a surprise for both of you. You were still convinced it was a girl, Javier was undecided, "we'll find out soon enough!"

"Either way," he brought his plate and sat down next to you, "everything will be alright. You're going to be an amazing mother, Dulzura. You are everything."

"I love you, Javier," you beamed as he gently put a hand on your belly, "I know it'll be alright, but holy shit - I'm so nervous. Its getting so real lately. We're going to be parents."

"Parents," he repeated, "fuck."

"Who would have thought-" you were quickly cut off when you felt the baby flutter round. A small sound of surprise left your lips as you grabbed Javier's hand and placed it on your belly, "she's telling you not to curse."

He was silent for a moment as a smile spread on his features; despite having felt this many times by now, it still continued to surprise him. He couldn't even imagine how it felt for you, "this is...everything."

"I realized I didn't know what to get you for Christmas so I got you a baby instead," you don't know why it came to mind, but as soon as the words left your lips you brought into a fit of laughter - Javier joined in, a brilliant sound that you adored above all.

"Best Christmas present ever," he whispered before leaning in and giving you a gentle kiss - sweet from the syrup and pancakes he had just eaten, "I mean it. I love you both more than you will ever know."

"We love you too," you grinned as he stroked your belly, "I'm glad your class was the only one available and I took it. I'm glad you were a grumpy professor that let me into his office - I was able to work my magic and look where that got us."

He threw his back with laughter, his dark curls shining brilliantly in the light as his eyes crinkled in the corners. You'd never been more glad for subjecting yourself to his class.

"Me too," he whispered as he put a hand on your cheek, "you always were a stubborn thing."

"Some things never change," you stuck your tongue out at him, "I trust your daughter will be the same!"

»»————-　♡　————-««

You were humming to yourself as you shuffled around the kitchen and tried to put together a mid afternoon snack when you felt an odd sensation in your lower belly. It caused you to drop the knife on the counter as you held onto the marble and gritted your teeth. Stevie was at your feet in an instant, looking at you with concern.

"Its okay, buddy," you reassured him as the pain passed. Surely it couldn't have been anything too bad...probably just an end of pregnancy pain. Sighing at your nonsense worry, you reached for the knife again but before you reached it, the pain was back, "never mind, shit shit shit."

Trying to keep yourself calm, you leaned against the counter and tried to even your breathing. Contractions. Of course. You were due in a week and you still hadn't been expecting it.

"Javier?" he was down the hall in the second bedroom that had been converted into the nursery, putting away the final touches of clothing. Before he could respond, you felt an odd sensation followed by liquid running down your legs, "Javier!"

"What's wrong, Dulzura?" he rushed down the hall and back into the kitchen, worry etched onto his features as you stood there in shock and clutched at your belly, "honey-"

"My water broke," you said meekly as you pointed to your wet pants, "and I've had a few contractions - I think the baby's coming."

"Okay," he immediately kicked into gear as he remained cool and calm, despite wanting to panic and worry along with you, "its okay. I'm going to get the hospital bag, we'll get you in the car, Stevie to the neighbor, and then we'll go and have a baby."

"You make it seem so simple," you huffed lightly as you tried to channel his inner calm demeanor, "we'll be okay, right? I-I'm scared…"

"I know, honey," he promised as he kissed the side of your head, "you've done so amazing already, it will all be okay. I'm right here, okay? I'm just going to grab your bag and the dog and we'll go. Ten minutes and we'll be on the way."

"Okay," you agreed as he practically ran down the hall to get your packed bag, "we're going to have a baby, Javi."

"Indeed we are," he agreed with a small smile as he reached for his wallet and keys and stuff for the neighbor to watch Stevie for a few days, "we're having our baby."

Holy shit.

»»————-　♡　————-««

“You’re doing amazing, sweetheart,” Javier praised you as you squeezed his hand after another push. You groaned and gritted your teeth as you glared at him; this was absolute hell, “the baby’s almost there.”

“Shut up, Javier,” you hissed as you got ready for another push, “I am never letting you touch me again! You did this to me.”

“Hey - it was a team effort,” he reminded you in a vain attempt at a joke. Your death glare and the squeezing of his hand said it all, “sorry, Dulzura. I love you.”

“I love you too,” you said as you took a deep breath, “but right now, I’m blaming this on you.”

“Fair enough,” he said as you pushed again. He was sure his hand was going to break.

»»————-　♡　————-««

It wasn’t much longer before you were laying back and holding the smallest bundle you could ever imagine in your arms. You were somewhere between crying tears of joy and exhaustion, as you stared at your newborn daughter in awe. Javier was sitting next to you, looking down at her, his own eyes glossy as he gently touched her cheek. She had the darkest eyes and a shock of dark hair, already taking after her father. She had come into the world squealing and crying but had fallen asleep almost as soon as Javier held her. 

“I told you we were having a girl,” you teased him softly, “I was right. Look at her, Javier. That’s our daughter. We made her.”

“You did all the hard work, mi alma,” he whispered as he pressed a kiss to the side of your head, “she’s beautiful.”

“Lucia Luna Peña,” you grinned at your husband, “it’s perfect. I love you both more than you could ever know. Javier...you really are everything to me - the best friend, best husband, and now the best father. She’s going to love the hell out of you, just like I do.”

He remained silent for a moment as he looked at the sleeping baby before looking back at you. His whole world was in his arms, and the thought of that alone was enough to overwhelm him with emotion. He’d never thought he wanted this - a “boring” job, a home, a wife, and a baby. 

But here he was. And he had never felt happier, never felt more full of love and life. This was everything. 

“I love you so much, Dulzura - you and Lucia,” he promised as he rested his head on top of yours, “you have given me everything, more than you know. Te quiero con todo.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

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[sidespromptblog]

The Accident

Warning: Medical scene, mention of broken bones, blacking out (once mentioned), cast, and Logan angst.

Summary: While out on a date with Remus and Janus, Logan falls and hurts his wrist.

Word Count: 1,631

“Are you sure that it’s alright?” Janus asked suspiciously, as his cold fingers gingerly touched the tinder flesh of Logan’s wrist. His eyes were narrowed as if he was already on high alert to see if Logan was going to dare even lying about something like this.

“It looks a little swollen,” Remus helpfully added, circling around them like a wild hyena protecting his little pack, his eyes barely stood still long enough to even get a glimpse of Logan’s wrist.

But when he did, without a moment’s worth of hesitation…

He cringed every time.

That should have told Logan everything he needed to know about the situation. Remus wasn’t making jokes, and was well past being worried. Janus was using his literal body as a shield so that no one could even dare to get close, and there wasn’t the slightest bit of sarcasm coming from him. Logan should have been more worried about the state of his wrist, in his writing hand no less. But all he could feel was the sharp throbbing of where Janus’ grip was, and the occasional fleeting touch from where Remus would look over his shoulder and down at his injury.

Stupid.

He had been so stupid.

Of course there would still be patches of ice, even with the weather being over the standard freezing of thirty-two. The wind chill matched with it being later time of day should have made it obvious, he had been too careless. Too…

Stupid.

“Logan?” Remus’ worried voice struck up again, as he took up the position on his other shoulder. “You’re not going to black out again are you?”

Ah yes, that one moment of pitch darkness the moment his head had connected with the frozen sidewalk. He doubted that any of them wanted to recall that, especially given the way that Janus had screamed and he had come to being cradled in Remus’ arms like a limp noodle.

Swallowing thickly Logan attempted a smile. “It hurts,” He honestly said, because what was the point in lying with a human lie detector right in front of him. “But, I’m sure that once we return back to Thomas’ mind, the injury will go away. Just like they’ve done before in the imagination… right?”

An uncertain whine curled in Remus’ throat, like he was a dog that had been left chained outside on a rainy day.

That alone told Logan that even he wasn’t exactly sure just how much the imagination could and couldn’t cure.

“No.” Janus firmly shook his head, “If we don’t know then there’s no use in going back and just causing you more pain. We’ll…” Here Janus grimaced just a little bit, the scales in his face shifting into something more socially acceptable. “We’ll have to take you to the hospital for an X-ray…”

Two groans accompanied this declaration.

It was almost three hours later that Logan was able to see the doctor in question.

But by far the most annoying and anxiety inducing tribulation was the fact that he had to be separated from the other two sides when he needed to have the X-ray done. Which he had known going in, of course he had known it. But knowing it and actually having to do it we’re two entire different things. When it had come to him leaving the mind space, he had never been alone. Usually he’d had Thomas, or some of the other sides to accompany him on his days out and to be without them for some terrifying and quite painful procedure, was… scary.

He was scared, and also quite a bit embarrassed about the whole ordeal.

Sitting back in the doctor’s office with both Janus and Remus on either side of him waiting for whatever news was to come, made him feel both worse and better at the same time.

“I’m sorry.” He finally mumbled, a bolt of shame ramming itself into his guts.

A part of him wasn’t even sure what to be sorry for, but another part deep and loathing knew exactly what he was apologizing for.

Janus who had been staring ahead at the posters decorating the walls immediately snapped his attention back to Logan, his brows furrowing for a moment before an unreadable expression took over his face. It was an expression that both Remus and Logan knew all too well. “Sorry?” Janus asked, his voice carefully clipped. “For what might I ask.” Having just started he shifted his entire body to face Logan. “For having an accident? For slipping? For falling? For doing something that wasn’t your fault to begin with?”

Behind him Remus cringed back, they both knew what was coming.

“I ruined our day.” Logan tried to argue, trying being the key word there.

Just for Janus to immediately shake his head, his cold fingers seeking out Logan’s cheeks and cupping them carefully enough to avoid the scrapes on his face. The look on his face was adoring and yet exasperated at the same time, as his eyes watered but no tears seemed to fall in Logan’s presence.

“You,” Janus choked out, “Didn’t ruin anything. We can always have another day, hopefully with you being hurt a little less. It’s okay Logan… I promise. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Behind him Remus dug his fingers into the fabric of Logan’s thick winter coat as he buries his face into the logical side’s neck. His bristly whiskers tickled as he merely held Logan in place, bestowing all the love he could possibly give to him.

A laugh then shook Remus’ middle, “Hopefully Thomas has insurance.” His muffled voice finally got out.

And just like that the other two sides were tearfully giggling, knowing that thanks to Virgil’s worrywart tendencies Thomas had the best possible medical insurance he could get. And whether Logan knew it or no, which he did, he was technically going to be committing insurance fraud simply by the fact that he looked so much like Thomas.

Almost another several hours later though, with a dark blue cast now seated on his hand and wrist with the instructions to come back in a months time it was time to go home.

“So,” Remus popped the word out of his mouth, as he took up the duty of spoon feeding Logan some ice cream before they actually had to go back. “What are you going to tell the others, you know… about the cast and everything?” There was a quick glance shared between him and Janus. “The truth?”

It took genuine effort to not snort in Remus’ face after swallowing his mouthful of ice cream, and by a lot of effort it obviously meant that he coughed right into the crook of his arm in an attempt to hide it.

“No.” Logan answered back almost immediately, “Are you kidding me?! Virgil would never let me leave the house again if I came back looking like this. Roman would more than a little bit blame you. Patton would go along with it, in an effort to keep me ‘out of harm’s way’, and Thomas would just be concerned.” He gestured with his newly casted arm, they all knew that if it was discovered that Logan had left to go on a date with Janus and Remus, and had come back with a broken wrist they would be dramatic as possible when it came to any future dates with the dark sides.

He wouldn’t allow that.

Janus hummed as he nodded his head, his lips twisting just a little at the unpleasant thoughts that came with the scenario that Logan had just explained. “So what are you going to do?”

Surely Logan couldn’t just hide in his room until a month passed, and then get the cast off.

“I’ll just stay in my room until it’s time to get the cast off,” Logan shrugged, “I’ll put a sticky note on the door saying that I’m working on a big project and I don’t want to be disturbed. They usually listen to my sticky notes, a lot better than me since there’s no actual listening involved.”

“Are they threatening, these sticky notes?” Remus teased.

Instead of replying to his teasing with a retort Logan merely rolled his eyes, grabbing the front of Remus’ shirt to pull him in for a short sighted kiss.

“You know,” Remus mumbled in between kisses, “You can just stay with us right? The couch is always open for you, and so is any of our bedrooms.”

Logan pecked one last kiss on the corner of the creative side’s mouth, a warmth stirring in his chest at the offer of another place to stay if he wished to.

But…

It would be easier to recover in his own bedroom without Janus’ or Remus’ room effecting him in anyway, and recovering from a broken wrist on the couch didn’t exactly sound like fun to him.

“I know Rem,” The warmth he felt blossomed onto his face as a loving smile. “And rest assured you and Janus will see me in this month. But my room is probably easier for me.”

Satisfied with his answer, Janus nodded as he threw away the plastic spoons and cups that they had been eating from. Finally ready to head on back to the mind space, as both he and Remus held tight to Logan’s hands on the way back. It’d be a while before they could go on another date again, and maybe a little bit longer before it was anywhere in the wintertime again. But that was okay, because he could wait.

So with him lovingly holding onto the blue cast that kept Logan’s broken hand safe from the world, Janus felt at peace for the first time since the accident.

Everything would be okay.

[caesthetix]

KIDS IN LOVE — Pt. 1 No Beauty In War

↪Porco Galliard mini-series

↪content; major character death, canon universe, description of violence, unrequited love, admiring from afar, season 4 spoiler, manga spoiler 119

War was cruel and he tried to push you away from it.

Everything used to be so easy before. When your routine was just sending cookies and cupcakes to the Galliards, when your concern was just the blush on Porco's face when Pieck was around, when what you knew was that the Island of Paradis filled with demons.

How beautiful the world was before, for you to have such a mundane life.

You wished you could go back to that time.

"Hey, Pock."

He groaned once the nickname slipped from your lips, making you chuckle in the process with how easy it was to make him agitated. And for that, you really needed to thank Pieck later. "Pock, Pock~ Why don't you look at me~?"

"Seriously, you are such a kid." He grumbled, irritated with how you were just here only to annoy him. Your feet dangling on the tree stump where you sat on. "Why don't you go home? Just drop your cookies to my mom instead of being here doing nothing."

"Well, I am a kid!" You exclaimed. "And what's wrong with being here? I want to hang out for a while." With you, but you bite your tongue to hold that thought from reaching the surface.

The blonde just shrugged and continued his chore, chopping down some of the wood into halves. He was always groaning so loud as he did so, as if he put all of his energy into that. You knew better though, he was more than capable of cutting down a few kinds of wood with a meagre strength.

And knowing that he had changed into a colder person since Marcel embarked on the mission in Paradis, you needed to be extra careful with him.

"Hey, Porco." You called out once again, fingers fiddling with the bag of cookies in your hand.

"What?" He answered nonetheless, despite the annoyance that was dripping in his tone.

You pondered if it was the right thing to ask. But you have made up your mind, the thought had been haunting you for perhaps months now, making you restless at the point it was hard for you to sleep. So you couldn't back down, you need to know of a way.

"Who usually is needed in a war except, well, warriors?"

He stopped his axe midair as the question slipped from your lips, putting it down slowly before giving his full attention to you. You flinched, trying to act as calm as ever under his wandering gaze. His lips shaped into a thin line, eyes scrutinizing your face.

"There are medics, of course." He stated, though somehow he sounded careful as he shared the information. "Doctors, nurses, we all need any kind of help within that field. Then there was a researcher, professor, you know — geniuses."

You nodded, pondering if you could be in one of the fields. Perhaps nurses, yes, you just needed to know all the basics, working alongside doctors. But you didn't know if you could start to be a dependable nurse at the same time Porco would go on a mission.

"And chef."

Your eyes immediately lit up at his last statement. "Warriors and others need food too." Good. Cooking was something that you could do. You even knew that Porco loved some of the cuisines that you made, from how he always asked for a second when the Galliard had dinner at your house.

Deep in thought, you didn't see how his eyes filled with horror at the realisation.

"Then, what can I do to be enlisted in a war?" You looked up, now with confidence in your voice.

"Huh?"

"Tell me, Porco. You must know information like this, right?" You slightly begged, softening your eyes to push down the eagerness on your gesture. "I want to join you, to be there beside you when we win and for us to get our freedom." You rambled on, but your friend just stayed put in his place without saying anything. "Porco—"

"You think war is a game for you?" His voice was low, making your pupils dilated at the bitterness in it. "War needs someone braver, not just someone with a mindless dream like you." You didn't know what was in his head right now, but this side of him scared you.

Porco took a few steps forward, now just inches away from where you sat. His eyes glowering down at you with disgust, you couldn't help but let out a small whimper. "You think your burnt cookies and mediocre food could please the higher-ups? You think a weak kid like you could survive more than an hour on the battlefield?"

"I am not weak." You answered as stern as possible, ignoring the crack in your voice as you challenged his gaze. His eyes twitched at your reply before seething in anger at your words.

As if something snapped within him, he grabbed your wrist and raised it abruptly, so fast that you couldn't hold your grasp on the bag of cookies. You gasped as the crumbs scattered on the ground, but you couldn't move to save it as his hand tightened. "Porco, let me go—"

"See? You are weak." It felt so brutal at the reminder. "I am here gripping your wrist with a little force and you are already cowering like a kid." He smirked, but it was not the same smirk that he usually had when he teased you. "Oh, yeah, you are a kid." He wrecked you, slapping the fact on your face. "And a kid like you will die in a war."

He gritted out every word with mockery. You knew that being a part of the war meant that you had to be more assertive, braver. But wouldn't everyone work together to win the war? If one of the warriors was in need of assistance, wouldn't they help each other?

But Porco being Porco, he knew what clouded your mind. "Never think that someone would save you. Not even me. You know why?" His face grew closer at the point you could feel his hot breath on your face, making you suck your breath. "Because you are not worth saving."

You kicked him with all of your might, turning your face in another direction as you jumped down from the tree stump and ran. You didn't want him to see the tears threatening to fall, you didn't want to give him the satisfaction that his words impacted you deeply that you knew it would leave a scar on your heart.

"You go, kid! Run!" You heard him shout. "Do the only thing that a kid could do! Run!"

Yes, you were running away from him. But as you run, you balled your hand into a fist.

You promised that someday you were going to prove to him that you were not just a useless kid.

War was an endless nightmare, and how everything turned out in front of you became a reminder of what it was capable to do.

You heard the scream, a familiar scream that threatens to tear your eardrums. It was Zeke, that howl belonged to the beast titan. And just like that, you could see all the glows around you. One, two, no, you couldn't count how many of the Eldians in Paradis rapidly turned into titans. The city lit up with almost everyone becoming a monster inside their blood.

As you lay low on the tall building, you wiped your eyes from the dust and dirt, wanting to see more clearly of the condition in the battlefield below you. You gasped when you saw two familiar light blondes that belonged to the Grice brothers.

He glowed, Falco's body covered with a yellowish light. That was when you realised what was going to happen. The boy might have ingested Zeke's spinal fluid, and from the range he stood right now, the power inside him would be activated.

That little kid had so much in his future, and you wondered if he ever told Gabi about his feelings. And now, he was going to be a titan.

But your eyes watered even more when you saw as Colt stayed still, he was there hugging his little brother, not caring anymore that it would kill him in the process.

"Colt—"

You cracked your neck to the left and right, stretching your limbs as you let the tiredness start to sink in. Today, you were helping Niccolo to feed the Eldians warriors, saying that it would be a good time too to get to know some of the warriors who fought for Marley.

Ever since you received the invitation from Commander Magath, you had been working nonstop. He praised your skills in knowing nutrition and your capability of making a personal menu for each warrior, informing you that you would be a good addition to the military.

There was no time to slack off, you sharpened your mind and tried a lot of new recipes that could please the warriors while sticking to their diet.

"Hey, you can go there, you know? Some of them asked to meet the new chef behind their, let me quote, magnificent food." You snorted as Niccolo cleaned his hands with the towel. "Take off your apron and flaunt! You are only young once."

"You are young too, remember that?" You chuckled at his remark. For a pure Marleyan, you were surprised that he didn't look down at you. He respected your skills, not caring that you were an Eldian, and treated you like you were family most of the time. "But okay, I will take your advice."

Cleaning your hand and taking off your apron, you looked at the small mirror in the kitchen to make sure that you look proper. You heard a chuckle from your friend, somehow knowing that you were always a worrywart when it came to how people looked at you.

"You look fine, just go on, they are begging to meet you."

"Alright, alright you impatient old man."

You ignored the surprised gasp from him and went outside to the room where he assigned the warriors to. To say that you were nervous would be an understatement, you were afraid that you would flinch or ended up being too timid.

No, you were not a kid anymore. A few intimidating warriors wouldn't make you crumble.

You heard a loud chatter as you stood in front of the door. It was wrong to eavesdrop, but when you heard someone mention how good your cook was, your heart swelled with appreciation. Alright, that was enough, it would be better if you announced yourself.

Knock knock knock.

You heard a shout telling you to come in, and you didn't waste your time over it. The second you came in and closed the door behind you, you straightened your posture and gave them a small bow.

"See? Now you owe me another meal here."

"It's a young woman, I did not expect that."

"Wait, (Y/n)?"

In between all of the noises from the men, who apparently made a bet about how the chef would look, you heard a feminine voice coming from one of the chairs. Your eyes fleeting towards their direction, finding a woman with slightly dishevelled black hair and relaxed eyes.

"Huh?" You blinked, recognition dawned upon you. Then your eyes widened. "Pieck?"

Your hands were sweating as you tried to lock your gaze on her. She blinked as she saw the distress in your eyes, yet you kept staring at her. If she was here, then that would mean one thing.

Porco was here too.

Well, that explained the feeling of someone glaring a hole in your skull.

"Pieck, you know her?" Someone spoke up, it was the same man whose voice you recognised praising your food before. Before she could answer, he walked toward you with a giddy step, a soft smile plastered on his face as he extended your hand for you to shake. "Name's Colt, Colt Grice."

His presence brought you back to reality. You were here to impress them, a ghost from the past could be taken care of later. Shaking his hand, you gave him a polite smile as you looked at him with your warm gaze. You tried not to think too much about the blush on his face at the moment.

You still could feel someone drilling holes in your direction. The man in front of you seemed not to notice. Colt was saying a lot of things to you. He ignored some groan in the background about how he was taking all of your attention, he continued praising your food and how everyone didn't expect to see a beautiful young woman to be the one behind their marvellous food today.

"I thank Commander Magath for assigning you to the military branch."

Someone stood up abruptly from their chair, making you flinch a little before composing yourself in a second. Both you and Colt, interrupted from the light conversation from before, now focused on the commotion behind you. There you saw a man with his gaze darkened, hands gripping tight on the side of the table. His friends were worried about his drastic gesture.

"Hey, Porco, are you alright?"

But his flaming eyes never left your face.

The aftermath of the titans' transformation was hell. All of the warriors were scrambling around to save themselves, only resulting in a delayed death. Their end was impending, and yet they were all wriggling and running, fighting for their own life.

Your gaze was still fixated on the spot where the brothers stood before. It was as if there were hundreds of bombs that detonated at the same time and now your vision filled with dust and rubble, blinding you from what was happening.

You whimpered as dried tears stained your cheek. For the past few hours, you have cried so much as you saw the cruelty of war. But Colt, oh, Colt — a man who was too good for this world, someone who cared deeply for his brother, someone who always hyped you up even when your old friend seemed to try to kick you out from the military.

War was evil, that was what Porco always tried to say to you. And yet here you were, in the middle of it all, watching how your race tried to kill each other. Watching; how your comrades died one by one in the most gruesome way.

No, there was still Porco. You still had Porco, Pieck, and Reiner. You couldn't see where the jaw titan was before, unlike the others. The last time you saw him was when he worked side by side with Reiner before all the debris concealed your vision from the event under you.

But as your vision finally cleared, you felt like someone just shot you through your chest.

"No. No."

A titan tried to eat Reiner. His jaw was fixated on the Armored Titan's nape. Somehow the titan looked familiar, and your eyes widened when you connected the missing puzzle.

It was Falco, and you didn't dare to look around, feeling sure that Colt was gone for certain from how close he was with his brother when he transformed.

Searching through the battlefield, you squint your eyes, trying to understand what was happening right now. Then you saw it, the jaw titan. Porco's titan. Laying idly on the ground not too far from Reiner.

Then just like that, you were reminded of how cruel war could be.

Falco's titan retracted his jaw from Reiner's nape. His long neck whipped to the side, murderous eyes locked to a new prey that was out in the open. A human flesh, without anything concealing them.

It was him, Porco, your old friend, the one who never wanted you to be here in the first place. Half of his face was gone from the impact that he took as a titan. You couldn't hear what he said as he walked to where Falco and Reiner were.

Everything happened so fast after that, yet you could catch every detail of how it took place.

You watched as he just accepted his fate, the pace that he chose was slow, though certain as he was ready to embrace death. He didn't scream, he didn't do anything as Falco's titan ran towards him, with one goal to devour him alive.

That was what he always did, saving children and comrades.

No matter how many humans he killed, no matter how his face often turned into a scowl for certain people, he was always the same Porco Galliard who would prioritize kids and his friends. He never changed. No, that was wrong. He did change.

But even though he changed, he had become a better man for every day that went by.

You couldn't hear anything as your eyes never left the nightmare in front of you. All the bodies that scattered around the ground, your comrades, fellow Eldians from Marley, even some citizens that you met here in Paradis, and Colt. Their deaths would be imprinted forever in your head.

Porco was right after all, just like usual, maybe this was why he didn't want you to be here. There were so many times he would pull you to the side after a meeting, just to tell you about the terror that followed in war. He told you about the horror inside the dead bodies, bloodshed, and screams that flew nonstop.

He tried so hard to show you that war was something that couldn't be stopped. That one day all of your comrades would die, some couldn't be recognised anymore, and neither would you. After all the war that you had been through before, you kept looking forward and never let yourself linger for a long time.

You always shrugged it off before, knowing for certain what you were signed up to. Of course, there was no beauty in war, you even knew there was no winning side at the end of the day. Just people who died on the battlefield, and those who survived.

Every time you imagine what war looks like, you were always ready. No matter how many deaths that you have seen, your eyes kept fixated on the freedom that would follow soon.

But perhaps, it was not the war itself that he deterred you from stumbling in — it was this.

Your hand clasped your mouth as you let the dam break, new tears replacing the previous stains that were glued on your face. Falco's titan crashed to the ground as he had Porco's body in between its teeth. You wanted to scream out, but you couldn't, or else the titans surrounding you would eat you alive.

The worlds crumbled the second you knew there was no tomorrow for Porco.

He was gone, half of his body swallowed down in an instant. And you could do nothing except push down your pain and hide yourself even further inside the rumbles where you hid.

You tried to calm down as you processed what happened. There he goes, he leaves and wouldn't come back. Your heart was racing and not from a reason that you wanted to remember. You felt like you couldn't breathe as you realised — that was the last time for you to take a look at your dearest friend.

And you would never have a chance to tell him.

Neither of how right he was about war.

Nor how beautiful he was in your eyes.

↪Back to Wall Maria

↪Send an ask if you want to be a citizen of Paradis (taglist)!

[sytco]

collision theory [joochan]

pairing: hong joochan x reader

word count: 1k

in which you meet a boy running from the rules and straight into your heart.

a/n: this joochan high school au drabble would NOT leave me alone until i posted it despite knowing i have 2 requests to finish + edit + post but i forgive it because it’s so cute even though i’m the one who wrote it LOL also in future i would be really interested in making this into a full blown fic!! but for now please show it lots of love!!! thank you!!!!!! -ju

~

The first time you meet Joochan coincidentally happens to be the first time you nearly set your chemistry class on fire.

In retrospect, the new burn you sport on your thumb is minor and will heal up after a week, except your chemistry teacher is also a frazzled worrywart who immediately frog marches you to the infirmary as soon as the panic has died down and advises the nurse to keep you in bed until lunch. It may also be because she’s scared you’ll cause some other big incident that really will cause a school evacuation this time but either way, you’re not complaining because it means you get to miss national history and nap instead.

Or at least, that’s the working plan until someone abruptly slides the curtain of your cubicle back and loudly clears his throat.

Your eyes shoot open and - instead of some random teacher - you see a rather sweaty-looking boy with a shock of light blonde hair, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet.

He points to the bed you’re lying on. “Are you on the brink of death?”

“What?”

Something about his voice tells you that he is not joking but you are still dumbfounded.

“I said, are you”- You shake your head hurriedly as soon as you spot how his left foot has started tapping impatiently.

The boy breathes a quick sigh of relief. “Great. Okay. Just - don’t say anything, alright? You never saw me.”

And then without any further warning, he dives under the bed and rearranges the sheets so as to conceal himself entirely from anyone who might have been hunting for a boy clearly breaking the school’s regulations on hair color, and poked their head through the entrance of the infirmary.

All of this happens within the span of twenty seconds before you can hear your school’s discipline officer’s robust voice from across the room.

“Is anyone in here?”

You stay quiet as per Mysterious Blonde Boy’s request.

“Oi, you there”- and the discipline officer draws close to your bed - “have you seen anyone run by here? About this tall and sporting yellow hair?”

Despite not being a good actor, you hope the look of confused innocence on your face is enough to fool the officer and it apparently works because he then sighs in a somewhat defeated manner. “Alright. Sorry for interrupting your rest, anyway. If you do see him, come let me know, won’t you?” And he walks off, leaving you to lean back against the pillows you’d propped up.

Another ten seconds tick by.

“Is he gone yet?”

You jump, not accustomed to hearing a voice speak from beneath you. “Y-yes. I think. He’s not in the room, if that helps.”

“Hm. I’ll stay here just a few minutes more so he can put more distance between us, if you don’t mind.” You don’t really, despite how odd this entire situation is, but you worry about him having to hide all cramped up beneath your bed and you tell him as much.

“I’ve hidden in worse places,” he tells you nonchalantly. “So. What are you in here for?”

You subconsciously look down at your thumb, encased in a thick white bandage that you have already started picking at. “I nearly burned down my chemistry class.”

“Oh, that was you?” The boy’s voice sounds amused now and you flush at how the news of your mishap seems to have already spread so quickly. “My friend is in that class, by the way. That’s how I heard about it. You know Kim Jibeom? Tall and in the music performance club?”

You nod before realizing the boy can’t see you. “He gave a great presentation last week about the lab we did on recombinant DNA.”

“Yeah, Jibeom’s pretty smart,” he says. “But clumsy. And so are you, I guess. How’d you end up nearly committing arson anyway?”

It might be the fact that his voice is so comforting and soft that you find yourself focusing less on the fear that he will think you ridiculous like everyone else might. And so you tell him the whole story: from the way you just had to pick the only faulty Bunsen burner in the whole classroom to the way your partner had neglected to turn the gas off, and finally how your lab coat sleeve had caught on the lips of some test tubes containing Highly Inflammatory Materials to the detriment of your teacher’s sanity. He interjects at the appropriate intervals with funny quips about the whole situation that have you feeling better, like maybe you weren’t the world’s biggest embarrassment - and this is how you end up spending your time in the infirmary, swapping stories with the boy beneath your bed about all the times you’ve both been hilariously unlucky.

In fact, the time passes so swiftly that you both forget about the predicament the boy is in until the bell rings to signal the end of lunchtime. With a rustle, he slides out unceremoniously from his hiding place of the last twenty minutes. And this is when you get your first, proper look at him, at the bright smile on his face, at the name on his badge. 

Hong Joochan.

“Thanks for everything,” he says and now that you finally have a face to properly associate with the voice, you feel a little awkward again. You guess he does too because he clears his throat again but much more quietly this time. “Well - I suppose I’ll get going now.”

It’s strange, this feeling of disappointment that has suddenly lodged itself in your throat. “Okay.”

“I’ll see you around probably, seeing as you’re in Jibeom’s class.”

You nod.

He nods too before smiling again and turning on his heel to walk out of the infirmary just as suddenly as he’d run into it.

Left to stare dumbly out the window, you think back to his smile for a brief moment.

Oh. Oh.

You exhale a breath you didn’t know you were holding onto and place a shaky hand over your rapidly beating heart.

-

feedback is always Always greatly appreciated

[penaltbox]

everything comes back to you - dylan holloway

a/n: aka the fic that took me forever to finish, or better yet, the one where dylan plays tour guide and you both get more than you bargained for

if you like it let me know! we love to get some feedback :)))

word count: 6.4k

__

“Where the heck is this place?” You wonder out loud, looking at the little campus map in your hands and turning in circles. You should be exactly where you were supposed to be, but for some reason you couldn’t find the right room. 

You were most likely transferring to Wisconsin after taking a gap year and going to the tour solo was something you thought you could handle. It was proving much more difficult than expected though. You swear under your breath and study the map again. 

“Hey, are you lost?” You hear a voice ask next to you. 

You jump a little but you’re met with a soft smiling blond who looks harmless despite how big he is. If a puppy could have a human form you were pretty sure this guy was it. You feel yourself smile back almost instantly. 

You hold the sheet up, feeling a little embarrassed, “yeah just a bit. I’m supposed to have this campus tour but I seriously cannot find the room for it.”

“Do you mind if I-?” He gestures to the paper, “I’m Dylan by the way. Not trying to be weird or anything.”

His cheeks start to turn red as soon as the words leave his mouth and you can’t help but think how ridiculously cute he looks. Maybe academics and campus life weren’t the only good reason to choose Madison. 

“Of course! Trust me, the help is appreciated,” you hand the paper over and bite your lip as he reads over the page. 

He frowns a little at the page and then turns to walk down the hall. He gets two steps before he freezes and looks over his shoulder, “come on. I think it’s right over here.”

You take a few quick strides to catch up with him and realize just how large he really is once you’re right next to him. You try to look him up and down quickly without getting caught, just to take him all in. He turns down a hallway you hadn’t even noticed before and stops in front of a door. 

“Uh oh,” he mumbles, looking at a sign placed on the door. 

“Uh oh what?” You ask, starting to panic a little. 

He points toward the paper sign. ‘All tours cancelled today. We apologize for any inconvenience.’ Your jaw drops and you stare for a minute, willing the sign to say something else. You were here for the next few days and now you suddenly had nothing to do? How could they just cancel like that?

Dylan winces next to you and awkwardly rubs the back of his neck, “did they send an email or anything? It seems weird that they would just cancel so randomly.”

You sigh and feel yourself deflate a little, “I don’t know but I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do now. My whole plan was to go on the tour today and then revisit a couple places I really liked tomorrow so I could be sure this was the place to go to.”

Dylan feels guilty for some reason that you’re being let down like this and he has this odd feeling in him that he needs to fix it somehow. He pulls his phone out of his pocket and sees a couple messages in the group chat that give him an idea. 

“How about this - what if my friends and I give you a tour? You’ll get a way more honest experience from us since we go here and then you’ll still get to see the campus?” He offers, the corner of his mouth starting to turn up. 

You glance up at him, weighing the pros and cons. He seems nice enough and he has been helpful so far. But he was also a boy and his friends might not be quite so nice. Worst case scenario, you could possibly get murdered, right? But best case… well he and his friends could be amazing and be the first people you meet at the school. You decide to go for it despite your worrywart side yelling at you to think twice. 

“You would do that? I don’t want to interrupt your day or anything.”

He smiles then, a big one that makes you gasp in a breath at how cute it is, “not at all! We didn’t have any plans. I just stopped over here to grab a couple things but I got a little sidetracked when you looked so lost. Let me call them.”

You nod quickly as he taps on his screen, lifting the phone to his ear. There’s a loud greeting on the other end that makes Dylan pull the phone back a little before he gives his pitch about needing help with showing this ‘poor girl who got lost’ around campus. You couldn’t help but laugh as you hear those words come out of his mouth. He offers a few ‘mhm’s’, ‘yep’s’, and finally a ‘cool, hurry up’, before he’s off the phone and smiling back at you. 

“I’m just gonna warn you now that whoever shows up will probably be way too loud and if they make you uncomfortable with how outgoing they are then just tell me. I’ll get them to back off,” he says, scratching the back of his neck again. It seemed to be a nervous tick for him. 

You’re not sure how a boy as physically intimidating as he is could be so endearing, but it works for him. It’s easy to reply to his mild warning with, “I think I’ll be able to handle it. I have a younger brother and he’s always been a handful.”

Dylan laughs at that and leads you back the way you’d originally come from. He walks outside and not two steps down the staircase does he hear his name shouted from a little ways over. A blond boy that seems to possibly be a bit taller than Dylan is headed your way and your eyebrows knit immediately. 

“Are all your friends giants like you?” You mumble, thinking he didn’t hear it, but you were very wrong. 

Dylan laughs and elbows you gently, “we’re not that big! You’re just short.”

Your face flushes immediately and you throw a playful smirk his way. It’s returned quickly enough that butterflies erupt in your stomach and you have to refocus on this new boy heading towards the both of you. He gives Dylan a quick fist bump before looking over at you with a big smile. 

“Hi, I’m Shay and I’ll be your tour guide today,” he says, a level of confidence rolling off him that you wouldn’t have expected from his goofy appearance, “has Dylan here been polite so far or do we need to kick him off the tour?”

You glance over at the boy next to you who already looks like he’s about ready to fight the one who just showed up, but he only shakes his head. 

“We’re fine, Shay. You’re just here for moral support, not to scare her away,” Dylan says with a roll of his eyes. 

Shay laughs and gives you a quick wink, “don’t be fooled. I’m the fun one in our group.”

You blush a little and nod, feeling a little nervous. Would these guys actually be nice and show you good things or should you have just figured things out on your own? You’re about to tell the boys to just forget it when Dylan pulls you back to the real world. 

“Did you have a degree in mind? We could show you the main building for whatever it is,” he says, his tone patient enough to make you sigh and relax. 

“Actually,” you smile, “I do. Biology.”

“Oh so you’re like smart smart,” Shay says, his eyebrows raising as he looks between you and Dylan, who lets out an annoyed sigh. 

“We’re not idiots, geez. Just come on,” Dylan shakes his head and starts heading down the sidewalk. 

You follow quickly, trying to keep up with his long strides and he seems to notice. He slows down half a step and gives you a little smile that makes you grin right back, but you look away just as fast, too.

“So your main building is probably this one right up here,” he points, still fighting off a little smile. 

You glance up and freeze in place, taking in the big building and how pretty it looks. What you don’t notice is Dylan watching you as you take in just one of the many spots on campus he wanted to show you. The awe on your face has him staring and he has to blink hard to get out of his own head. He just met you. He couldn’t be creepy and scare you off already. 

A quick glance over to Shay has him blushing as the older boy smirks at him before tapping away at his phone. Although Shay doesn’t say anything, Dylan knows he’d been caught in the act. He wants to move on quickly to hide himself from being embarrassed all over again. 

Dylan sets out on a mission after that: find every place in Madison that would get you to make that face again. He couldn’t help but think how pretty the look was on you and he’d do just about anything to see it over and over again.

You spend the whole day following these two giant dorks around and they make you laugh so much your stomach hurts by the end of it. You’re sitting on top of the half wall in front of the Kohl Center, looking around at everything when you take a deep breath and let out a big sigh. 

“Uh oh, is that a good thing?” Shay asks from your left, eating the last scoop of fro-yo from his cup. 

“It is,” you look over at him and smile, “I love it here. I don’t want to have to leave in two days.”

You turn your attention to Dylan on your right and find him looking at you already. You give him a once over and smile before looking down at the empty cup in your hand. 

“Do you want to do something tomorrow? I have a workout in the morning but I’m free around lunch,” he speaks up and you know he’s not talking about including Shay. 

Just as you guessed, the taller blond stands up with a quick clear of his throat, “it was super awesome to meet you. I hope you love Wisconsin as much as we do, and uh, I have a feeling I’ll be seeing you. Get home safe.”

You thank him and give him a hug before he gives Dylan a nod and starts to walk down the street. You can’t help but laugh and turn towards Dylan. 

“He’s a little odd, huh? Like super nice and friendly, but wow, that’s a personality,” you bring up, trying not to sound mean or anything. 

Dylan laughs with you, cancelling some of your nerves, “oh he’s something. We aren’t sure what to do with him most days, but we like him nonetheless.”

“Thank you by the way,” you say, your voice dropping lower as you notice the sun starting to set, “I really appreciate you guys going out of your way to show me around today.”

“No problem. Hopefully you got a good feel for everything, and that offer is still up for doing something tomorrow. If you want that is. You don’t have to if you don’t want or if you’re not comfortable with it or anything. I don’t want to overstep,” he rambles, his cheeks starting to dust a little more pink. 

You bite your lip, shocked that this cute boy was getting flustered around you of all people. You decide to save him some of the pain of whatever is scrambling through his head and you gently bump his shoulder with yours. 

“Hey,” you mumble, catching his attention, “I’d love to.”

His eyebrows shoot up and his smile makes your stomach flip a little, “yeah? There’s this cool spot close to the capitol with the best burgers in town if you like that kind of thing. It’s called Dlux if you’re a menu checker.”

“That sounds amazing,” you respond, your smile matching his, “I don’t know how I’ll repay you for this weekend. This town is unreal.”

He shrugs, looks happy as can be, as he tells you, “I think hanging out has been plenty of payment. Anyone that can give Shay a run for his money with witty responses is good in my book.”

He uses Shay as a reasoning but there’s a feeling in the pit of his stomach that says maybe it’s something else. There was something about watching you fall in love with where he lived, where you’d be living, that had him looking far more at you than at the city he’d been in for months. 

The two of you repeat the cycle the next day, getting burgers for lunch that are delicious and going all around town. Dylan watches you take pictures and answers as many questions as he can. He manages to find an open door for the main building your classes would probably be in and he has to take a deep breath and look away at one point when you’re just staring in awe at everything. He didn’t know what was going on with him. 

He can’t believe that he’d run into someone like you and had so quickly become enamored. He spilled to the boys that first night, due to some prodding from Shay, all about how cute you looked and how much you loved their everyday places and things. 

“Guys, I think I’m in love or something. Holy shit,” he mumbled, his mind racing after that second day with you. 

The boys give him a hard time, of course, but Dylan rolls with it. He wasn’t sure how you’d made your way into his life so quickly but he really hoped that weekend wasn’t the last of having you around him. 

Your days blur by and before you know it you’re packing up to head home. Dylan makes sure he has your phone number and snapchat before you leave, claiming that he’d need it in case he saw something he thought you might like. 

You swear the weekend had to be some kind of fever dream. This cute boy came out of nowhere and spent three days making you feel welcomed and at home in a place that had stolen your heart. How could it get better?

—

“Would you stop checking your phone?” Mike asks, glaring across the table at Dylan. 

He rolls his eyes in response but sets it back down, “why don’t you worry about yourself? You’re always checking on your girl, too.”

“Oh, so she’s your girl now?” Ryder asks, his tone immediately teasing. 

“No, come on. I met her once and we hung out a couple times. Knock it off,” Dylan defends, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Except I saw the way you looked at her. You’re in so deep,” Shay teases, reaching over to try and rub Dylan’s cheek, but he’s quick to smack his hand away. 

He has to laugh it off otherwise he thinks he might explode. Shay’s quick to pull out his phone and pass it around to the other guys, all of them laughing and picking on Dylan. Mike finally hands it over and he sees what they’d be looking at. 

It’s a picture of Dylan standing right next to you as you look up at the science building for the first time. Dylan has a soft smile on his face and anyone who looks at it can tell Dylan’s completely smitten in that moment. 

“I’m in trouble, huh?” Dylan asks, a little laugh spilling out. 

He runs his hand through his hair as he sits back and looks at the picture again. He knew he had it bad, he could tell, but he definitely wasn’t giving it up. Things were only getting better as time went on. 

—

“Dude, are you good?” Ryder asks, smacking Dylan’s arm as he walks with his nose shoved into his phone as they head to practice. 

Dylan smiles at him, completely oblivious, “what do you mean? Of course I’m good.”

“You are sick,” Ryder laughs, “are you guys still texting? Have you guys left each other alone at all?”

Dylan’s shrugs and finally pockets his phone, but stops when he sees an ice cream truck parked near the ice arenas. He grabs his phone again and sends you a snapchat that makes Ryder start howling with laughter when he realizes what’s going on. 

“You’ve still got it so bad, oh my god. I’m telling the whole team now. Enough of just our group knowing,” he says over his shoulder, continuing his path towards LaBahn. 

Dylan rolls his eyes, knowing anything he says to Ryder won’t stop him from running his mouth to the team. If Dylan was honest he didn’t really mind. He’d enjoyed his time with you and now you both were almost constantly sending each other snaps of things you thought the other would like and you’d even had some lengthy FaceTime calls. 

Dylan is met with a round of interrogation the second he steps into the locker room and all he can do is glare at Ryder. The boys want to know more about this mystery person that had Dylan so wrapped up but he’s not giving much info. He tells them your name and where you’re from, but that’s about all he’ll give them. He thinks he’s fine until Shay picks up his head with a smirk. 

“Is this her?” He asks, turning his phone and showing off your Instagram, though he knew exactly who you were.  

“Stop it!” Dylan snaps, hurrying over to the older boy and trying to steal his phone away. 

Shay can’t help but laugh as he turns to look at his brother, “you weren’t kidding, huh? Holloway, you’re fucked. Just ask her out already.” 

“Just relax, every single one of you!” He warns, but there's no threat behind his words by any means and it only makes the boys try and rile him up more. 

Dylan’s blushing furiously by then and he shuts off the screen on Shay’s phone, setting it above him in his locker stall. Dylan shuffles over to his own stall and pulls out his phone to send you a warning. 

‘If you get a bunch of followers on insta and they’re all my teammates then I’m so sorry’

‘Uh oh who spilled the beans? 😂’

‘Shay of course. Are we surprised?’

‘Not at all. Have fun at practice!’

Dylan finds himself smiling at the phone again and he can’t even help it. You remembered when his classes and practices were most of the time by now and he really liked that for some reason. 

“Let’s go, lover boy,” Ty yells across the room, “you can call her later but for now you’ve got hockey and the boys.”

Dylan tries his best to wipe the smile off his face but it’s not as easy as it sounds. The boys run him a little harder than they usually would but it doesn’t seem to break his mood at all. It starts to be contagious though, and the team ends up skating a couple extra laps for goofing around and having too much fun. 

It’s not until Dylan’s in his room that night, attempting to study, that you send him a snap of the sunset at your place. He decides he needs to FaceTime you again right that minute. 

“Hi,” you answer, not expecting the call, but not minding one bit. You hated to say you missed him but you kind of did. The thought alone gives you butterflies that you tried to ignore. 

Dylan smiles at the screen and leans back in his chair, “you can’t keep sending me cool pictures of places in your town if I’m not allowed to come visit.”

You hear the flirty tone he strikes up right away and smirk, “I never said you couldn’t come visit. I mean I am dying to come visit Madison again so we can trade a trip for a trip.”

“So let’s do it,” he says, plain and simple, “you could even stay here if you wanted to. Then you don’t have to pay for a hotel. I can sleep on the couch.”

“I’m not kicking you out of your own place. But I think I might have to visit before too long,” you shake your head. 

“Next time we have a little break I might have to head your way then. I already know at least one pretty thing in that town since you live there,” Dylan says, not even sure where the confidence was coming from. 

You blush, ducking your head a little before looking up to find him blushing a bit too, “you better watch what you say or you’ll get yourself into trouble.”

“Maybe I want some trouble if you’re involved.”

“You better be careful what you wish for,” you warn him, but the banter has you buzzing with excitement. 

“Think I already got what I wished for, so we need to get you yours next. Now get up here and visit,” he laughs, but he thinks it’s most likely just talk.

You were probably busy and as much as he wanted you to visit, he didn’t want to sound pushy or anything. He’d had a lot of fun with you and he thought you had fun with him, too. He remembers something that might even sweeten the deal some more. 

“Hey,” he says quickly, “you remember that coffee shop we went to when you were here last?”

You smile and nod quickly, “I was just thinking about that place yesterday. It was so good.”

Dylan can’t help but soften a little when he sees you smile like that, “they have a new drink out. It’s a seasonal thing but I tried it and it’s really good. I think you’d like it.”

“Let me look at my plans for the next few weeks and let you know, okay? I can probably squeeze in a visit. Maybe I’ll even get to see you play,” you mention, trying to play it off, but you really did want to see him play a game. 

“You want to come see me play?” Dylan asks, trying not to sound too overly excited, “that would be cool. I could get you a ticket.”

You nod quickly, having to press your hand to your cheek as you try anything to suppress the grin that always takes over your face when you talk to him, “I’d love to come see you play and see more of that city. I had a pretty damn good tour guide last time.”

He bites his lip and nods, thinking of a good response, “well they’re all private tours now. You’ll have to submit an application to get the same guide you had last time.”

You let out a laugh and shake your head, “you got it. Just tell me where to sign.”

Dylan steals your attention for a few more minutes, soaking in the time he gets. He knows you’re just as busy as he is, or at least pretty close to it, so he tries not to waste your time. You delay getting off the phone as long as you can, but your mom calls for you to come downstairs and even Dylan hears her beckon you. 

“I’ll see you soon?” He asks just before you disconnect the call. 

“Very soon hopefully,” you smile, knowing you couldn’t wait much longer to go see him. 

—

Your hands are shaking as you raise your fist and quickly knock on the big door in front of you. You’re well aware of what’s waiting on the other side and you’re so excited to see him again that you can hardly contain yourself. 

The door swings open and reveals a blond boy, but not the one you’d been wanting to see. Regardless you give him a big smile and hug him back when he leans in. 

“Shay, how have you been?” You ask, holding him at arm's length and eyeing him suspiciously. 

He laughs and pulls you inside, taking your bag for you, “I’m doing just fine. I think the real question is how are you? You look a little nervous.”

You feel your face flush and your eyes go wide, “stop, do I really? Oh gosh, I can’t do this.”

You don’t even get the chance to turn around before Shay locks an arm around your shoulders, “I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Why are you and Dylan so much alike? He’s nervous too, don’t worry.”

The confession doesn’t make you feel any less rattled but you’re quickly being walked through the only semi messy apartment towards a closed door off to one side. Shay wastes no time knocking and pushes the door open to reveal Dylan. He looks over, a shocked expression covering his face quickly, and he looks like he’d been pacing in the middle of the room. 

He sees you tucked under Shay’s arm though and doesn’t even consider yelling at the older boy for barging in. He smiles right away, a soft one that makes you realize the trip was worth it, and he heads your way. 

“Hi,” he says quietly, holding his arms out for a hug. 

You dip out from under Shay’s arms and put your own around Dylan’s neck, hugging him tight, “hi, I’m here.”

You hear Shay groan behind you followed by the thump of your bag hitting the floor. You can’t help but laugh as the door closes behind the two of you, giving you some alone time. You figure Dylan is ready to pull away, but instead squeezes a little tighter, burying his face in the crook of your neck. You can’t help but run your fingers through his hair, finally getting to see him in person rather than over the phone. 

“You are here. You’re coming to the game tonight, right?” He mumbles, still leaving himself practically attached to you. 

You have no complaints about it so you reassure his question, “of course I am. I can’t wait to see you and the boys play.”

Dylan finally stands up, pulling his phone from his pocket and checking the time, “ah shit, I need to get changed. We have to head to the rink soon.”

You fight the frown that tries to make its way onto your face over him leaving so soon. You had him for the next two days before you really had to say goodbye. He tells you to make yourself at home, putting your bag on his bed before heading to his closet. 

You sit on the unmade bed and look around, taking in all the little pieces that made it his room rather than just a plain four-walled-space. A couple pictures, a Wisconsin hockey banner, and a shoe collection that earned your envy all catch your attention. Dylan turns around, a dress shirt in one hand and a tie in the other. 

“Do these match?” He asks, holding the two things a little higher. 

You glance between them and nod, “yeah those look good. No tie might even look good.”

He considers it for a second and then turns to put the tie back, giving you a little smile, “okay, no tie it is. Ready to meet the monsters? I need to get changed.”

You laugh but follow him quickly to the door. You were honestly excited to meet his friends, especially if they were all as friendly as Shay was. As soon as Dylan steps out of his room he stops and you can seem him shaking his head at whatever he’s seeing. 

“You guys all just happen to be changed and out here ready to go at the same time?” He asks, leading you to believe everyone had crammed into their living room at once and you were guessing it wasn’t because they were ready at their usual times. 

“Some of us weren’t sucking face and actually got ready on time,” you hear one voice say loudly, but a smack quickly follows it. 

“Be nice,” Shay reprimands the person and you find yourself peeking out from behind Dylan. He stays in place, almost like he’s protecting you, but Shay sees you, too, quickly calling your name, “come say hi. I’ll introduce you while lover boy here gets his shit together.”

You look up and find Dylan’s cheeks have gone deep red and he gives you an apologetic look, mumbling, “I’ll be right back. I swear I’ll be fast.”

Suddenly he’s stepping away and heading for the bathroom, leaving you with four pairs of eyes on you. You know who they are but you hadn’t formally met them yet so you opt for a little wave. 

It doesn’t take long for them to get you to sit down, introducing themselves and then peppering you with questions. You thought Shay was loud before but then you realize the whole group of them together was even worse. They’re all funny though and make you feel comfortable so quickly that you don’t even mind the seemingly endless stream of questions as you sit on the arm of the chair Shay takes up. 

The group suddenly goes quiet and before you can ask why a hand presses onto your back, causing goosebumps to shoot up your spine. You smile up at Dylan and find him giving you one back. The boys start to whistle and jab at Dylan, calling him names until he gives them a leveling glare. Something about the look makes your stomach flip and you have to look away, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. 

“I’m ready when you guys are,” he says to the group, but barely takes his eyes off of you. 

The boys, including Dylan, get up slowly and start grabbing things to take with them, hats and AirPods all included, but Shay stays in his spot next to you before tapping your leg. You look down at him and smile, letting him know you were listening. 

“I need to show you something,” he says, causing your eyebrows to pinch in confusion, “I just think you might want to see this.”

You open your mouth to argue but he hands his phone to you, showing you the picture he’d taken the first day you all met. The one with Dylan standing next to you with that soft look on his face that told you everything. You can’t help but smile as you look it over. 

Shay clears his throat a little, “I’m just saying, I called it that day.”

You nod, sending the picture to yourself, “yeah on his end. You missed it on mine though.”

“Did I?” He asks, finally standing up and starting to walk away. 

You watch him walk off and you can’t help but wonder what he meant. You don’t have to wait long before your phone pops up with a notification. Shay must have noticed you send the first picture to yourself because he’s sent a second one. This time it’s one from when you’d first got there that day and Dylan had all but swallowed you into a hug. 

He’s behind you then, his arm coming around you as he pulls you back against him. He sets his chin down on your shoulder and looks at the screen with a laugh, “in case you haven’t noticed, Shay manages to document every part of people’s lives with pictures and videos. Guess you’re officially part of the group now.”

You can’t fight the smile or the blush that take over your face then. Dylan diverts both of your attention and hands you his apartment key, explaining how to get to the rink, where your ticket will be, and where to wait after. You take it all in, nervous to have to meet him somewhere you’d never been, but a quick kiss on the cheek before he leaves has you more flustered than anything else. 

You’re instructed to make yourself at home, though it’s quickly countered by Ryder with a joking ‘don’t go in my room’, so you stick to the living room until you need to get ready to leave. Dylan was right about getting to the rink though. It was an easy trip, just go down to the end of the block then hang a left and keep going until you see the big arena. You really couldn’t miss it. 

You have to explain to the ticket window that a player had left you a ticket and by this point you were pretty sure the redness on your cheeks was just going to be permanent when you were in Madison. The girl hands your ticket over with a tight smile, one you don’t miss because it’s accompanied by her giving your appearance a once over. 

You’re quick to bolt away from the ticket window and head farther into the arena. It takes you a minute to find your seat but when you do you let yourself look around. It was a pretty impressive arena but you’re much more worried about watching the boys skate around on the ice. It only takes you a minute to find Dylan and you can’t take your eyes off of him after. 

The game goes by far more quickly than you wanted it to, but on the bright side you’d get to see Dylan finally. You wait in the lobby, constantly wringing your hands from nerves, watching as one group after another leaves the arena. You feel like you’re doing something wrong by waiting there but he’d specifically told you to wait inside until he got done after. 

You feel silly by the time the place is virtually empty, but none of the arena workers seem to be shooing you out. You’re about to turn around and leave when you catch sight of Dylan and Ryder heading your way. The smile on your face is quickly matched by Dylan and Ryder is quick to nudge him. He gives you a wave and heads outside while Dylan makes his way to you. 

He reaches for you right away, pulling you into another big hug that you knew you were going to get way too accustomed to over the short time there. You let yourself relax into him though, taking in the fresh smell of body wash that was coming from him. 

“How was the game?” He asks softly, barely pulling back so he can look down at you. You’re sure he doesn’t realize it but he’s gently rubbing one thumb up and down on your hip as he holds them and it gives you instant butterflies. 

You smile and nod as you respond, “it was really good. You guys are awesome to watch.”

“Do you maybe want to take a quick walk with me?” He asks suddenly, seemingly nervous about it. 

You’re curious what could be so urgent but you agree, trusting whatever crazy idea he’d come up with. You have to bite your lip to keep from grinning like a crazy person when he steps away and takes your hand, tugging you along behind him. 

It’s almost unreal how easy it is for the two of you to fall into step with one another and keep an easy conversation going. You feel comfortable around Dylan and he seems to relax around you in a way he didn’t before with the boys around. You’re not sure where he’s taking you but you go along anyways. 

“Is this the point where you take me to a weird part of campus and murder me?” You joke, looking up at him as you wander the streets of Madison at night. 

Dylan snorts and shakes his head, “no, I have no plans on ever letting you get hurt. If anything I’ll make sure you stay extra safe while you’re in town. It’s just a couple more minutes but I think you’ll want to see this. It’s a place I end up at a lot.”

Your heart hammers a little harder knowing he was taking you somewhere that meant a lot to him and you seem to pick your pace up a bit afterwards. You realize that he’s taking you closer to the water now, which had been blocked off mostly the last time you’d been there due to construction on the terrace. 

Your suspicions are right as he leads you to the end of Lake Street and hooks around a building, landing the both of you on a bench that looks out at Lake Mendota. It’s dark out but there’s still so many lights reflecting off the water. 

“I love it,” you mumble, very aware of Dylan putting his arm over your shoulders. You easily lean into his side before turning your attention back to him and smiling. 

He returns the expression, “I’m glad you came to visit. I was a little worried I might have been bugging you too much and you wouldn’t want to come.”

“No, I’m really glad I came. I think I finally got what I wished for,” you start off, referring back to the FaceTime that had convinced you to return to the city. 

“Oh you did? What is it?” 

You blush hard then, turning to look out at the water again, “I like being here. I don’t mind having you here with me either.”

Dylan tries hard to keep his cool but it’s harder than he thought, “I’m such a sucker.”

He laughs and it makes you laugh a little. You were both goners and you knew it all too well. He reaches over, gently grabbing your chin and making you look at him. You hear him mumble under his breath, ‘I can’t wait anymore’, and suddenly he’s kissing you softly. 

Your head spins a little and you lean into it, feeling like you can’t get enough of him. You finally need to catch your breath, pulling back, and leaning your forehead on his. You aren’t sure when you fell so fast for Dylan but you definitely did and he seemed to be feeling the same. 

“I can’t wait to see every inch of this city,” you whisper. 

“Well it’s a good thing you’ve got the best tour guide around,” he quips, leaning in for yet another kiss. 

[lailyn]

Stephen stepped out of the portal, expecting to be assaulted by a flurry of arms anytime now, but they never came. He looked around. The living room was empty.

Their house was never silent. Between Tony's music and the noises of his trade, the clangs and bangs were a normal part of Stephen's life now, one he took comfort in every day. 

And more recently, ever since a bundle of heavenly mischief by the name of Loki joined in the cacophony, it made rolling out of bed in the morning that bit harder, and coming home every evening easier.

He had been blessed, not once, but twice in the search for true love.

Stephen walked down the stairs toward the basement and true enough, he found one of them hunched over a table, hard at work. 

He watched Tony for a while before patting the Cloak of Levitation a few times; he could almost sense its disappointment as the sentient relic flew to give them a moment to themselves.

"How was work today, hun?"

Engrossed in his latest project, Stephen could barely hear Tony's mumbling through his welding helmet. Which was a shame because Stephen could have used a welcome home kiss or two, on the account of his very -

"Shitty day," he sighed. "It's that time of the year again. Wannabe witches and wizards dabbling in things they can't understand. I have to sweep in and clean up all the mess."

"You do it very dramatically though."

Stephen could just see the outline of Tony's suggestive grin through the visor. "The sweeping in."

Stephen only snorted. "You're one to talk. You spent hours talking over the latest colour scheme for Mark XXVII in bed with Loki yesterday when you two were supposed to be sleeping. Green and red? You'll look like a flying Christmas Tree."

"Hey, that was private pillow talk!" Tony protested with an embarrassed chuckle. "It's all about aesthetics, darling. That's why I insist I walk in the middle when we're on the streets."

Tony had a habit of not looking where he was going most of the time, so it was only natural Loki and Stephen be his eyes on the road. Stephen had never really wondered about it, and Loki never really minded getting hit by a car or two in Tony's stead, but now that Tony had brought it up...

"Yeah, what's the deal with that?"

"Ever watched Mean Girls?" At the blank look on Stephen's face, Tony tried again. "Charmed? The one from the 90s, not the reboot?"

"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about and I know everything."

"Pretty things always walk in threes, Stephen. And the prettiest one always walks in the middle." 

With a smirk, Tony slid his visor down; he turned the music up and purposely turned his back in the hope that Stephen would miscontrue it as a 'Do Not Disturb' sign. 

"Where's Loki?"

"He's around somewhere," Tony mumbled. "Go look for him, would you? He's going to think we don't care."

Stephen only chuckled and gave Tony one last peck on the top of his head. "Come find us when you're done."

"Will do."

Tony waited until Stephen's form disappeared up the stairs before picking up his soldering iron once more.   

In truth, Tony simply did not want Stephen to see what he was working on.

He may be a little late to the bandwagon but wearing one's lover's colours? Into battle? Tony was sold. Besides, he was only taking a page out of Renly Baratheon's book. 

(Who, according to Loki, had taken to wearing the stag of Baratheon in the fight against his brother Stannis, but in the colours of House Tyrell, obviously an homage to his lover Ser Loras.)

In Lokispeak, that meant Tony'd better be wearing Loki's colours the next time they went into battle together. And Tony Stark was not going to be outshined by a fictional character.

Mark XXVII was going to have the most gorgeous chest plate in metallic navy blue. 

(Because hello, two lovers! Beat that, Renly!)

It matched Stephen's Sorcerer Supreme costume perfectly, and Tony could not wait for the next villain to show up so he could show it off. 

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

The energy signature powering up the wards around the house was strong, indicating that Loki had not left the house, but for some reason, Stephen could not find him anywhere.

He searched high and low, up and down all three storeys of the mansion, but there was neither hide nor tail of his mercurial lover. 

When the search had gone on long enough that pangs of worry were beginning to collect in the pit of his stomach, Stephen knew he had no choice but to resort to magic. 

He began to panic when reading a strand of Loki's hair (he always kept a few on him for moments like this) brought him right where he started, in the middle of an empty living room that felt bigger than ever now that he was utterly alone. 

Okay. Loki was officially missing. 

He was about to raise all hell when he remembered that there was another locating spell he had not tried.

It worked!

Stephen followed the mage light as it led him somewhere into the bowel of the house. He grew more and more curious as the mage light took him down a long hallway, the end of which only had a utility room where they would do the occasional laundry.

Then he saw it, the outline of a sleek Bombay cat inside the washing machine. 

"Oh, Loki…"

It seemed to be sleeping, comfortably ensconced on a small mountain of towels. 

Stephen opened the front load washer and carefully extracted it from its fluffy throne. 

The cat blinked blearily, its eyes a familiar, brilliant green. It meowed in hissy annoyance but settled almost immediately when Stephen held it to his chest. 

"What's the matter? This isn't the place to sleep," he admonished gently, scratching the cat's chin. "It's very dangerous, you know. One of us could have turned it on by mistake."

The cat pawed its way up Stephen's chest until they were eye to eye.

The hovering mage light illuminated the intelligence behind the cat's eyes, as did the Inuit kiss Loki gave Stephen's nose. 

Stephen chanted a word to close the loop on the spell, and the mage light turned into a wisp of golden smoke that disappeared into the bell dangling from Loki's neck.

Stephen fussed with the slightly askew collar to fix it when the pads of his fingers brushed against something; he turned the fine leather outward, revealing the silken lining inside. 

If found, please return to S&S, it read in gold stencil letters. 

He chuckled, remembering the first time Loki shifted and the argument that had ensured between him and their worrywart of a boyfriend.

"What does S&S stand for?"

"Why, Stark and Strange, of course."

"Why can't it be Strange and Stark?"

"Don't you know your alphabets, Doctor? A comes before R."

"Loki thinks it stands for Stephen and Stark," Stephen said triumphantly.

Tony wished he could look into Lokitty's eyes but he had to fasten the collar and check the fit before he could get it engraved, diamond-encrusted, and of course, magically and electronically tagged. "No, he doesn't. And why do you get to be Stephen, and I'm Stark?"

"It was your idea. I'm perfectly happy with S&T." 

Stephen had never been a cat lover, but for Loki he could make an exception. Loki made such a fine, handsome feline. 

"Alphabetically and perfectly happy. Yes, yes, I am." 

"What's all this?" A pair of arms snaked around Stephen's neck from behind. "A party in the laundry room and I wasn't invited?"

Tony then noticed the bundle of fur in Stephen's lap. "Is Loki alright?"

"Yeah. He's just bored."

"And hungry." Loki rematerialised, and now instead of a furball, he was a tangle of arms and legs that quickly held Stephen down in place, but Tony felt equally grounded, such was the intensity of his glare. "You promised we would go fonduing."

Stephen burst out laughing. "Loki, I don't think that word means what you think it means."

"What are you talking about? Of course it does!" Tony leaned forward over Stephen's shoulder to give Loki an apologetic kiss on the lips. "Cheese or chocolate?"

Loki's eyes lit up like gems. "Oh goodness, is it my turn to choose?"

"Of course it is, Princess."

Loki nuzzled his forehead against the underside of Stephen's jaw like he had spent too long in cat form and forgotten to hard-reset to factory settings. "Hmm. I feel very spoiled now. I can't decide."

Like Tony, Stephen too was getting better at deciphering Lokispeak. "We'll do both. Cheese for dinner, chocolate for dessert."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "That's very decadent of you, Doctor. I'm impressed."

"Wouldn't hurt to indulge once in a while."

Stephen stared at Loki's lips and imagined them dripping with cheese, and surely chocolate, later. "It's a convivial affair, fonduing."

"It warms my cockles when you talk dirty," Tony sighed happily.

"Cockles?" Loki's face fell. 

"Just a saying, darling." Tony held out a hand for Loki to take, and hoisted him out of Stephen's lap and off the floor. 

He addressed his next question to his partner who was taking his time picking cat fur off his clothes one by one, no doubt to store away for safekeeping. Every bit of Loki was magic after all.

"Shall we? I forgot to feed the cat today," he said sheepishly.

"That's why it's 'Stephen and Tony', Stark," the Sorcerer Supreme said proudly, and wasted no time demonstrating why. His portal opened up onto a nondescript sidewalk, and across the street was one of Greenwich Village's well-kept secrets, a hidden treasure trove of restaurants and cafes. 

"There!" Tony pointed at a sign that said 'The Melting Pot' in big, flashing letters. 

"Watch out for traffic, Tony," came Stephen's customary warning, but Tony was way ahead of him.

With one hand, Tony grabbed Stephen's hand, "Mine." Then he grabbed Loki's with the other. "Mine."

"All mine," Tony said possessively and pulled them both in.

Together as one, they crossed the street, with the prettiest (arguably) one in the middle, as always.

"Wanna get matching tattooes later?"

"Tony!" "Stark!"

[feverishbangtan]

i want to ki__ you (answers may vary) (Part 2/2)

college sports AU

Where Taehyung and Jungkook’s relationship deepens.

Sickie: Jungkook and Taehyung a little bit

Caretaker: Taehyung

Word Count: 3377

TW: none I guess

Here is part 1

Taehyung wakes up early after a rather restless night. He didn't sleep very well, his blocked nose making it difficult to breathe and get comfortable. And then there's Jungkook sleeping next to him, curled into Taehyung's side, which made it impossible to change positions. The younger also has a fever that's even making Taehyung burn.

Carefully shifting around, Taehyung finds a position that's a bit more comfortable but he can't fall asleep anymore. He turns his gaze towards Jungkook and notices how flushed he looks. Brushing Jungkook's hair out of his face, Taehyung gently presses a hand to his forehead. He feels warm, just as expected.

Jungkook stirs at the contact. He mumbles something in his sleep but, luckily, doesn’t quite wake up. 

He does, however, wake up when Taehyung gets out of bed a few moments later.

"Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up," Taehyung apologizes.

Jungkook frowns at him confusedly, his usually sparkly eyes look dull now. He opens his mouth and a few coughs escape.

"It's fine," Taehyung reassures the dazed boy, "just rest some more."

Without protest, Jungkook lays his head back down on the pillow and seems to fall asleep again right away. Taehyung is worried about how out of it Jungkook was but sleep will do him good. Lots of rest is important to get well.

Taehyung limps to his bed and grabs his phone. He texts Jimin, asking him to bring both him and Jungkook breakfast and ask for fever reducers that he can give the younger, as well as something for his blocked nose. Taehyung feels like he doesn’t appreciate breathing through his nose enough until he has a cold and is unable to do that.

Jungkook is still sleeping when Taehyung eats his breakfast. Jimin brought Jungkook a bowl of soup, which is currently getting cold on the nightstand between their beds. 

Taehyung realizes that Jungkook sleeps a lot when he's unwell. When he wakes up, it's only for short periods of time and he's confused about what's going on before he dozes off again. Taehyung doesn't know if that's normal - he thinks it isn't - but he doesn't want to worry too much, so he just tries to work through it.

Before the soup is completely cold, Taehyung decides to wake up Jungkook.

"Jungkook." Taehyung shakes his shoulder and Jungkook opens his eyes immediately as if he wasn't sleeping. He looks around himself in a daze and sighs. It triggers a coughing fit and Taehyung struggles to help him sit up.

"You okay now?" Taehyung makes sure when Jungkook calms down. The younger man nods, taking a few deep breaths. 

Taehyung hands him a water bottle, making Jungkook drink a few sips. It seems like the beverage helps him clear his mind, Jungkook looking a little bit more aware when he hands back the bottle.

Taehyung exchanges the drink for the bowl of soup, placing it in Jungkook's lap. "Try to eat a little bit. You can take some medicine afterward," he promises.

Jungkook eats slowly. And about halfway through, he drops the spoon into the bowl and sighs, too tired to continue eating.

"Are you done?" Taehyung asks to make sure. Jungkook shrugs. His ears are red and he looks at his lap - he's embarrassed.

"Do you want me to help you?" The question is hesitant but if that's what Jungkook needs, Taehyung will do it.

"Please," Jungkook nods. He's not very hungry but he feels weak, and he knows he should eat.

Taehyung sits down next to him and feeds him the soup slowly. The moment is soft and intimate and it's so weird. Only a day ago they were still arguing and now he's feeding Jungkook soup.

Taehyung thinks he'd do that for everyone. He's just being a good person and there's nothing more to this.

Once they’re done, Taehyung hands Jungkook the fever reducers, promising him that they'll make him feel better. The medicine makes Jungkook drowsy and soon he's asleep.

-

Jungkook wakes up again in the early evening hours. He's still exhausted but it's obvious that he's much more aware of his surroundings this time.

"Hey," Taehyung greets when he notices that the younger man is awake, "how are you feeling?"

With difficulty, Jungkook turns on his side to be able to see Taehyung when he answers, "I don't know. Weak and achy."

Taehyung looks sympathetic when he hums in understanding. He shuffles over to Jungkook's bed and reaches out his hand to check the younger's temperature. Taehyung stops himself but when Jungkook doesn't protest Taehyung presses his palm to Jungkook's forehead, then his cheek.

"You feel pretty warm," he relays, "do you want to eat something?"

"I'm not really hungry," Jungkook mumbles, "but I'll try some soup."

"All right. I'll order you more soup and in the meantime, you should take a shower," Taehyung suggests.

Jungkook agrees and gets up slowly. He sits on the edge of the bed for a while, seemingly gathering himself. Taehyung observes him closely. 

"Can you do it on your own? Or should I ask one of your friends to come and help you?" Jungkook looks pale and unsteady, just from sitting up and Taehyung can't help him with his injured ankle.

Jungkook seems to think about the offer but shakes his head, "I can do it on my own." He pushes his body off of the bed and shuffles into the bathroom.

"Jungkook!" Taehyung calls out to catch the younger man's attention before he closes the door, "leave the door unlocked. Just in case."

Jungkook smiles at him. "You're such a worrywart," he teases lightly.

Taehyung laughs, "looks like you're feeling a bit better."

-

There’s a knock on the door and Taehyung knows it'll be their dinner. He slowly hobbles to the door with his crutches and lets in Seokjin and Namjoon.

"Hello!" Seokjin greets cheerily. "How are you doing?" he inquires as he sets the food-filled tray on the nightstand.

Taehyung sits back down on the bed, "I've been okay."

"Where's JK?" Namjoon asks when he can't see his friend and teammate anywhere.

Pointing at the bathroom, Taehyung tells him he's taking a shower.

"Have you two been getting along?" Jin grins but to his surprise Taehyung shrugs and nods. "We haven’t really fought anymore. We're doing quite well, I guess."

"Ahh, that's good," Namjoon hums.

Suddenly they hear a loud noise from the bathroom. And then it's silent. All three men jump up and run to the bathroom door.

Taehyung’s hand hovers over the doorknob as he calls out frantically, "JK?! Are you okay? Is everything all right?"

The continued silence makes them even more anxious. When they can't hear an answer Taehyung announces that he'll come in before he pushes the door open.

"Shit!" He curses when he sees the body on the floor.

Namjoon and Seokjin push past Taehyung to help Jungkook, who lays passed out in front of the shower. Jin grabs a bath towel and throws it over Jungkook's body, while Namjoon moves him onto his back.

"Hey, Jk." Namjoon pats his pale cheek lightly, trying to rouse the younger man. To their relief, it doesn’t take long for Jungkook to regain consciousness. With a groan, his eyes flutter open. Jungkook's head lolls from side to side.

Namjoon pulls his wet hair back. "Jungkook? You back with us?" he asks worriedly. 

Jungkook blinks up at him in confusion, a small pained noise escaping his lips.

"You fainted after taking a shower," Namjoon explains before Jungkook can even ask what happened. Jungkook lets out a deep breath and tries to sit up but Namjoon stops him, "Stay down. Don't try to sit up yet."

Seokjin must've left the room because he comes back in with a bottle of water. He hands it to Namjoon and kneels down next to the two men on the floor. He smiles sweetly at Jungkook, who looks uncomfortable and still a bit dazed.

After a while, they help him sit up and lean him back against the shower. Namjoon hands him the water and Jungkook takes a few careful sips, the drink helping him clear his mind.

"Do you feel a bit better?" Seokjin asks when Jungkook regains a bit of color. Jungkook nods.

"Then let's get you dressed. I'll help you," Namjoon proposes, noticing the goosebumps on Jungkook's skin and the small shivers. Sitting on the cold tiles with only a towel partially covering him, while he's already sick, surely isn’t a good idea.

As promised, Namjoon helps Jungkook get dressed. He kicked out Taehyung and Seokjin, claiming that they don't need their help and Jungkook'll feel a bit more comfortable with only one of his closest friends helping him in such a vulnerable state.

-

"It's probably just because Jungkook's not feeling so well and he hasn’t been eating much. No need to worry, Tae," Seokjin assures the worried boy.

Taehyung nods quietly, still a bit spooked at finding Jungkook passed out on the floor. He's glad Seokjin and Namjoon were there when it happened, he wouldn’t have known what to do. He wouldn’t even have been able to help.

Before he can get lost in his thoughts, the bathroom door opens, and Namjoon aides Jungkook to his bed. Jungkook's legs feel weak and he's grateful for the help, although he's also a little bit embarrassed about it all.

"Stay in bed and rest," Namjoon instructs as he tucks Jungkook in, "feel better soon."

After making sure that Taehyung and Jungkook will be fine on their own, Namjoon and Seokjin leave again. 

Taehyung moves to sit next to Jungkook so that he can help him with his soup. Jungkook's hand is shaky and he's so drained, this sickness taking all of his usual energy out of him.

"Are you feeling okay?" Taehyung asks when Jungkook gets restless, constantly shifting around.

"I feel really warm," Jungkook explains. He rolls the sleeves of his sweater up and pulls at the collar to fan himself. He's sweating, and flushed, and so uncomfortable with how his clothes stick to his skin.

Thinking about the risks of helping Jungkook undress, (Can I handle seeing his well-built body, glistening with sweat?), Taehyung finally offers to help him out of his top so he'll be more comfortable.

Fortunately, the blanket partially covers Jungkook's body and Taehyung has to concentrate on feeding Jungkook the soup, so he doesn’t have time to admire the muscles and smooth skin.

Once they're done and Taehyung is putting the bowl aside, Jungkook groans and pulls the duvet up to his shoulders. He's pale when Taehyung turns to look at him and, if the tremors are anything to go by, he would assume that Jungkook is feeling rather cold again.

Without thinking much about it, Taehyung lifts the blanket and cuddles up to Jungkook. He hopes sharing body heat will calm the chills and help Jungkook relax.

They quietly lie like that for a while but neither of the two falls asleep. It's comfortable, though, and almost feels normal now.

"Do you want to watch a movie?" Taehyung proposes. He pulls out his phone when Jungkook nods. "What do you want to watch?"

"Can we watch Iron Man?" Jungkook quietly requests.

Taehyung smiles, happy to fulfill Jungkook's wish he searches up the film.

It's not ideal, watching a movie on the phone but with the way they're cuddled up to each other, they both can see well enough. Taehyung can feel Jungkook's temperature rising from where his head rests in the crook of Taehyung’s neck. His cheeks are a feverish rose color, and his eyes look glassy where they stare straight ahead.

Sighing, Taehyung pauses the movie and puts his phone aside. He grabs the water and helps Jungkook drink. The younger man gulps it down greedily.

Jungkook pushes himself deeper into Taehyung's side with a moan. He's feeling bad, his joints and muscles achy and weak.

"Turn around," Taehyung instructs, pushing gently against Jungkook's shoulder. Jungkook obliges and Taehyung tries to relieve the aches with a massage. It seems to work because after a while Jungkook dozes off. His breaths are deep and even but he occasionally has to cough. Taehyung pushes Jungkook's sweaty hair out of his face and pulls him back into a hug. Taehyung likes to hold something when he sleeps and he doesn’t mind holding another person, even if it's Jeon Jungkook.

It goes like that for pretty much the whole week. Just Taehyung and Jungkook in their cabin together. Taehyung got over his small cold within a few days but his leg would take another week or so to heal. Jungkook got a little bit better day by day, spending most of his time asleep to rest and recharge.

—

On the last day of the sports camp, the two trainers prepared a bonfire for everyone. They bought meat and vegetables and all kinds of food and drinks for everyone. The coaches didn’t outright forbid alcohol, however, they gave a fair warning not to overdo it.

"Are you sure you're feeling well enough to go? You still have a bit of a temperature," Taehyung voices his concern as Jungkook puts on his jacket.

"Yes, I'm sure." Jungkook rolls his eyes. "Seriously, I feel better and I really want to go. I won't stay too long."

Taehyung bites his lip, "okay. Okay, then let's go. But let me know when you want to go back or if you start feeling worse."

Ever since Jungkook's teammates told him about the bonfire, he insisted on going. Taehyung is less than thrilled about that but he doesn’t want to ruin their last night at camp. The whole week has been a disaster for both of them and their coaches offered to send them home more than once. They deserve to enjoy this last night.

So now here they are, sitting side by side on one of the benches in front of the high, warm flames. Taehyung has a beer bottle in his hands, while Jungkook opted for water only since he took medicine earlier and he doesn’t want to mess that up by mixing it with alcohol.

"It's a beautiful night." Jungkook looks up into the night sky decorated with millions of stars. "You can see the stars."

"Yeah, it's beautiful," Taehyung agrees.

Jungkook hums. "It's cold, though. Or maybe that's just the fever rising again," he chuckles.

Taehyung laughs at the attempt of a joke. "I hope it's not that. It is pretty cold."

Jungkook leans his head on Taehyung’s shoulder and the older man stiffens, not expecting the affectionate gesture. After a moment he relaxes and leans his head atop of Jungkook's, enjoying the warmth.

"I'm going back," Jungkook mumbles, "I'm tired and cold."

Immediately, Taehyung chugs down the rest of his beer. "Okay, let's go." He gets up and if it weren’t for the crutches, he would offer Jungkook a hand.

It takes Jungkook a moment to realize that Taehyung is offering to go with him. His eyes widen in surprise and he waves his hands to stop Taehyung, "Oh, no! You don't need to come with me. It's fine. I'll be fine."

"What? No, of course, I'll come with you," Taehyung argues, "Besides, I'm cold and a bit tired as well. So, let's go."

Not leaving any more room for protests, Taehyung starts walking away and Jungkook has no other option but to follow. They walk in silence along the path leading back to the cabins. The other students put up beautiful lights along the way so it'll be easier to find the way back.

When their cabin comes in sight, Jungkook stops walking. Taehyung stops next to him but before he can ask, Jungkook speaks up. "Tae...," he interrupts himself and Taehyung can hear him mutter to himself quietly, "Oh, this is so weird. I'm not prepared for this."

Taehyung gives him an encouraging smile when Jungkook glances up shyly. If he didn’t need to hold the crutches, Taehyung would grab Jungkook's hands and squeeze them.

Jungkook takes a deep breath and starts talking again. "This week, it made me realize that you're not all that bad. You're actually pretty good company and I like being around you," he stops again, inhaling, then, "I like you."

Taehyung is stunned. He didn’t expect that. The two did grow closer in that one week. Spending so much time together and being dependent on one another does that to you. But he didn’t think Jungkook's feelings were more than that. Not just those of a superficial arrangement due to the circumstances.

Taehyung doesn’t know what to say. 

Hundreds of thoughts are running through his mind but, at the same time, it's blank and no words leave his lips. So Jungkook rushes to clarify, "It's okay if you don't feel the same! You don't have to! I just- I'd like to stay close with you. So maybe-, maybe we can be friends?"

And Jungkook looks at him with those big eyes. They're pleading and shining with their usual spark but there's also something scared and vulnerable in them. 

But who is Taehyung to reject him? To deny him that small request?

Taehyung's signature grin spreads on his face, "I would like that. Let's be friends."

—

It's been a few weeks since the sports camp and Taehyung and Jungkook kept their word of being friends. They've been hanging out a lot together. Sometimes, just the two of them and other times, with their closest friends.

Tonight is such a night where the two friend groups are hanging out together. The seven men met in Seokjin and Yoongi's shared apartment earlier that night. The two eldest cooked for everyone and after enjoying the tasty food, they're now playing video games.

"That's cheating!" Jungkook yells offended.

Taehyung grins, "it's not!"

"It definitely is!"

"No, it's not," Taehyung defends, "I won fair and square."

Jungkook pouts, "it is cheating. Go look it up."

Taehyung laughs and pokes Jungkook's puffed cheek. "Oh, I will. I know the law, baby."

"You're wasting too much time on social media." Jungkook rolls his eyes in mock annoyance.

"Well, I have to waste my time on something else if I can't waste it on you." Taehyung smiles coyly.

The others groan and roll their eyes at the flirty teasing.

"When will you two finally make it official?" Seokjin sighs.

--

Taehyung and Jungkook are on their way back to the dorms. The December air is crisp and it's snowing lightly. The music from the Christmas fair is still audible in the distance and the Christmas lighting illuminates the darkness with a soft, warm glow. It's a beautiful night.

The two men laugh softly as they walk down the streets, hand in hand. Even though it's cold out, they both feel warm. It might be because of the alcohol they consumed but rather, it's the warmth that engulfs their whole bodies whenever they're with each other.

"Hey, JK," Taehyung starts gently. They stop walking and Taehyung turns to look directly into Jungkook's surprised eyes. "I like you. A lot."

Jungkook blushes and tries to hide his smile in the scarf wrapped around his neck. "I also like you a lot," he responds quietly.

He glances at Taehyung's lips, licking his own cold ones. And then they both lean in, noses brushing against one another. They can feel the other's warm breath on their freezing faces and then their lips brush, pressing together in a soft and sweet kiss a second later. It instantly warms them up, their lips feeling like they're on fire and it spreads through their whole bodies.

They pull away from each other, stupidly sweet smiles on their faces and they laugh softly.

Taehyung's giggle is interrupted when his nose tingles and he suddenly pitches forward with a loud sneeze.

Jungkook looks at him in surprise, then laughs. "Are you getting sick?"

Taehyung rubs his nose with the sleeve of his jacket, hiding the blush and the grin spreading on his lips. "Now it's your turn to take care of me... boyfriend."

Jungkook pulls Taehyung into a hug. With a smile on his face, he mumbles, "I'll take good care of you. Boyfriend.

[spiritofchaoticdreams]

Gotham’s Puppet Princess, PART 2

(PART 1) (PART 3)

Slightly inspired by @ozmav‘s Maribat Au and thank you so much @kelelamentia for letting me use your oc!

________________________________________________________________

When Marinette first opened her eyes, she took in a huge breath of air. Like she had been holding her breath for too long, and was now taking in massive gulps of much needed air. After regaining her breath, she found that she was face to face with the familiar grin of her pops. His face illuminated by a bright green light that she couldn’t detect the source.

“Daddy!”, she cried out, burying her head in his shoulder, she felt her eyes water and her words getting caught in her throat.

She had been under the building, trapped. Her legs crushed and her arms impaled by some debris. Crying out in pain, screaming for help as loud as she could, until she had just felt so tired and everything had hurt so much. Then there was nothing. 

“Shhh. There, there, Daddy’s here. Daddy’s here”, he whispered as he rocked her back and forth. “And Daddy will be the one to make the ones who did this to you pay.”

Then Marinette felt a sudden prick in the back of her neck,then everything began to blur. Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep in the safety of Pops arms. 

___*****Line Break*****___

Marinette sighed, it was now three months since Mom left and dropped a building on her, and since that weird dream. And ever since that day she’s been planning her revenge. Unfortunately, she was stuck in a full body cast, which was weird because she felt fine. In fact it felt like she just took a really long nap and was now completely refreshed!

Sure, she can’t move, and her only form of entertainment was the tv, which was currently showing the Looney Tunes. Despite her misfortune, she felt happy. She was alive, she was healing and she had Pops! Sure he would have to leave her on her own sometimes, but Pops always came back! Unlike mom...who was the reason why she was in a coma for two months! And was the reason she was now trapped in her own room! Her! Harley Quinn’s only daughter! HOW DARE SHE DO THIS TO HER! 

Marinette felt her entire body begin heating up from all the anger she felt taking over her body. She could feel herself start thrashing around, and the bed she was on shaking from her movement. She felt, she didn’t control, it was like being in control was not an option. Then it felt as if a mini jolt of electricity went up her spine and suddenly she just felt at ease. 

So Marinette sat, watching the Looney Tunes always cheered her up. Reminding her of the fun she’ll get to have with Pops once she’s all better. Then, Daffy Duck got his head blown up. She burst out laughing, not caring that her ribs were beginning to hurt more and more with every cackle. 

She didn’t know exactly when she fell asleep, she just knew she woke up to the sound of someone knocking on her door. She slowly opened her eyes rapidly as to try and rid herself of the sweet lull of not yet awake, but not yet asleep. Yawning, she asked “Whhhhhhho-”

“Why Dolly! It’s your dear old Popsicle!”,the familiar voice of Pops brought an instant smile on her face.

He’s home! Finally! “It’s open!”, She said excitedly. 

The door creaked open, and out popped a teddy bear? A teddy bear! Marinette squealed. And from behind the toy was Pops! “Hello Dolly! I brought you a toy!” He walked over to her and plopped down on her bed, and gave her an awkward one sided hug.

Marinette’s smile just got wider, “Aww Pops! I missed you!” 

He smiled at her but then he frowned, and turned away from her. His shoulders started shaking, like he was crying.

“Pops?”, She said softly. “Daddy?”

He turned back to look at her, his eyes full of tears and he looked so sad. “I’m so sorry Dolly. I just came from your doctor’s place. He gave me good news, but also bad news!”, He wailed.

“I-I don’t understand. What did he say?”, She asked, her smile long gone.

“Good news is that, he said, that your arms are almost all better, but your legs are gonna take a while longer to heal.”, Through his tears, he gave her a soft smile and pinched her cheek. 

This is what he did to comfort her when she was scared of the monsters under her bed, he was trying to ease her fear. Somehow this didn’t make her feel better. 

“T-then what's the bad news.”, she timidly asked. Suddenly the image of Pops being all by himself by a lone grave was all that she could think of. No! She can’t leave him by himself, he’d be so lonely. She can’t die!

Pops’ smile disappeared again, “Your x-rays came back and...your lungs. T-there’s extensive damage because of all the smoke you inhaled and from being almost crushed by the hideout . Doc says that if you had stayed underneath that building any longer...It’s a miracle that you’re alive right now.”

Marinette nodded, it wasn’t as bad as she had feared, but she was still relieved to find out that she wasn’t gonna die. “Geez Pops! Ya had me worried for a sec! I thought the doc said I was gonna die!”, she smiled. When Pops looked at her like she had grown a second head, she quickly added,“Don’t get me wrong! I understand that my lungs are in bad shape, but I know I’ma get better! Then me and you will be running this town! We’ll even give Batsy a run for his money!”

Pops looked at her in shock, then his signature smile came back full force, “That’s the spirit Dolly!”, he pinched her cheek again. He got that sad look in his eyes again, “The Doc did mention that in order for your lungs to fully recover, you’d have to stay in your room for a bit longer than we originally thought.”

She was gonna be stuck in her room……..N-no problem!She’s been in here for so long, it doesn’t matter. She’s been in here for a while now! She can take it! Just until she’s all better.

“Who do you think you’re talking to? I’m Marinette Dolly! Daughter of the Joker! As long as you’re here with me Pops,  I’ll be fine.”, Marinette smiled . “It’s just gonna be a little longer until I can make Mom pay.”

Pops is such a worrywart. He’s such a good dad.

___*****Line Break*****___

Four and a half months. It’s been four and a half long and boring months that she's been stuck in her room! She threw her head against her pillow, and propped herself up on her elbows and pushed up so she was able to sit up.  After the third month was over, she was out of the full body cast, and into a wheelchair, with her left arm in a sling. Doctors orders! Pops says it for the best, she has to get better so that she can go and be his partner! No longer his sidekick! So that they can make Mom pay for what she did to her! Oh that will be so much FUN! I wonder if we can crush her under a building too! Or better yet have help just out of earshot so that she can keep crying out for help that will never come! 

She felt so insanely happy at the thought of revenge, that she started to giggle. The giggles turned to chuckles, which then went on into full blown cackles. She had laughed until her sides hurt and she couldn’t breathe. Oh that would be so much fun. Sighing from her wistful thoughts she gently began scooting over to her nearby wheelchair. She grabbed her right leg and kinda tossed it over onto her chair. Then came her left leg, and with that she began slowly lifting her body with her arms, and bringing her wheelchair closer. Then when she had enough confidence, she threw herself onto her seat. Taking a deep breath, she fixed her legs so that she was sitting properly. 

She then rolled over to her designing desk. ‘Better get started on Pops’ new suit. He has to look his best when we take over Gotham.’, she thought. Reaching over to her bookshelf, she went to grab her sketchbook. She froze.

Her sketchbook. She looked over at it, it’s leather hide staring at her, the green ribbon she used as a bookmark waiting for her to grab it. Her fingers brushed it and Marinette thought back to when she got it. 

It was handed to her in a bright pink wrapping, with a magenta bow on top of it. The little tag read; To:Mari  From: Manny  

Happy 12th Birthday to my best friend! I love you and your creative mind. May you have an amazing birthday month that’s almost as amazing as you.

Manny smiled at her and said, “Go on  Mari, open it.” Marinette opened it with no hesitation and when she saw the leather cover, she grinned ear to ear and immediately started flipping through the pages. It was blank, completely blank, no lines, and it was hers. She ran up to Manny and enveloped him in a big hug. “I LOVE IT!”, she squealed. “Thank you Manny!” He smiled and pulled out a green ribbon, “So you never lose your page. And everytime you see this ribbon, I hope you think of me, and our friendship.” Marinette smiled and hugged him even tighter.

Blinking, Marinette was now back in her wheelchair, clutching her sketchbook tightly in her arm, and silently sobbing into the leather. Manny. 

Pops did tell her that she had run off with Auntie Ivy and Manny. She had heard it, and it never really sunk in, until she saw that ribbon. That stupid ribbon. 

What was wrong with her? She was funny. She was sweet. She was kind. She was loyal. She loved them. And they said they loved her. 

So why did they leave? Did she do something wrong? 

When she felt familiar arms wrapping around her, she stopped crying to register what was going on. Turning her head slightly, she saw a familiar head of green hair resting on her shoulder, and she just cried more. Pops then began repeating “Daddy’s here. Daddy will always be here for you.” as he rocked her gently, her tears lessening with every minute of his comfort. 

Even when the whole world is gone, Pops will always be by her side.

He’s such a good dad.

___*****Line Break*****___

“Doc says that your lungs are getting better, but it is important that you get as much sleep as possible.”, Pops spoke as he patted her head. Marinette pouted but nodded her head.

“At least the other cast is finally coming off.”, she said, a soft smile graced her lips. 

“Yes, but how are your legs? You said that you had some feeling in your thighs right?”, he asked.

“I thought I did, but...I was wrong.”, Marinette frowned. 

“No matter, my dear. The doc said it could take a long time, but your legs will heal. One day.”, Pops pinched her cheek. 

“Of course, soon I’ll be as good as new!”, she grinned, and fist pumped with her good arm. Then she looked him in the eye, “H-hey Pops...Can I see Bud and Lou, It’s been so long and I miss them.”

He frowned, “Dolly, I’m sorry but I have some bad news.” Marinette gasped, tears were beginning to form in her eyes, fearing the worst for her brothers. “Bud and Lou, they weren’t looking so good. So I had Punch and Judy take them to the vet. Unfortunately, Bud and Lou both caught some type of bacterial infection. I’m afraid that if they came to see you, why'd you only get worse. Do you understand?”

Marinette pouted, and looked at the ground, then nodded her head, “Yes Pops, I understand.”

“Oh Dolly.”, He lifted her head by her chin, “Don’t be like that, it’s just until the three of you are all better. Smile!”, he grinned happily. And so Marinette did, she smiled and pushed all the negative thoughts to the back of her mind. 

Pops is right, it’s just until we’re all better. He’s such a good dad.

___*****Line Break*****___

Marinette woke up to the sound of someone knocking on her door, pushing her covers so that she could sit up in her bed and groggily wiped the sleep from her eyes. “Pops?”, she yawned. 

“Yes, Dolly. It’s me.”, He said through the door. 

“Come in, it’s open.”, she smiled, as she tried to stay awake.

“I can’t come inside Dolly.”, Pops said, his voice hoarse like he’d been screaming for a long time. 

Marinette glared at the door, “Why not?”

“I- I’m sick, Dolly.” Marinette gasped, tears welling up in her eyes. “Bud and Lou’s infection, it jumped species, and if I go inside your room, I’m putting your health at even more risk. I came to let you know that I won’t be able to visit you until I’m well again. I’m sorry. Goodnight Princess.” 

Marinette understood, and gave a weak, “Good night, Daddy. Hope you get well soon.” 

It’s for the best. Pops knows best. He’s sick and doesn’t want to get her sick. She’ll just be completely alone for who knows how long. This is for the good of everyone. He’s such a good dad.

___*****Line Break*****___

After two weeks Pops said that the doctor told him that whatever Bud and Lou gave him was completely out of his system. But! He should still get a lot of rest! But instead Pops was throwing himself into medical books trying to find a treatment to help her legs. She had hope that one day she’d be healed up and start pranking Gotham soon, but after 6 months. She had accepted the reality that she would never walk again. She sighed and pulled her comforter over her shoulders and snuggled into her mattress. 

Marinette giggled as she pressed the gas pedal of her candy kart and suddenly she was off! She passed the batmobile, the giant dancing cow, and was almost at the finish line. Then she heard it, the familiar cackle of Pops. She turned her head and saw Pops waving a sign over his head that said, “Go Dolly!” Marinette smiled, but before she could look away she appeared. Harley Quinn was right behind Pops, wielding a giant axe, preparing to strike his neck. No longer was she dressed in her usual clown costume, she was now dressed in a black cloak, with a raggedy black dress. Her hair was loose and tangled, then Marinette saw her eyes, glowing an eerie shade of green and then she smiled at Marinette. “Hey Babygirl!” And then she swung her blade. Pops was smiling so carefree as he shook his sign, until his eyes went wide as his head was separated from his body. Marinette started to scream.

“DADDY!”, Marinette shot up out of bed like a bullet. Her eyes were full of tears as she began screaming and screaming. Her nerves were on fire as the image of  Pops severed head burned in her mind. Then she heard the banging on the door, ‘She’s here! She’s here! She’s here!’, was all that was going on in Marinette’s head as she pulled the covers up to hide herself, she clamped her hands over her mouth to stifle her tears. Then her door burst open, making Marinette jump and begin crying more.

“Dolly?”, Pops’ voice appeared directly in front of her, and Marinette realized that he was here. He was fine, he was alive. She threw off her blanket and tossed herself at him, Pops catching her and she clung to him. Her forehead resting against his shoulder as she cried, and he let her. Just holding her close and whispering, “Daddy’s here. Daddy’s here.” 

___*****Line Break*****___

Marinette sat by her desk staring at the blank book that mocked her with its emptiness. ‘Bitch.’, was all that she thought. It was a new sketchbook given to her by Pops, because she can’t even look at her old one without feeling unbridled rage. So which is what led her to her current predicament. She was tempted to just slam the book but that would be letting the damn book win. She scoffed and rolled away from her desk. She could hear the book laughing at her as she made her way to her bed. She looked over her shoulder and flipped it off. 

Fucking book. She sighed and began rolling over to her bed, but then there was a knock at her door. Marinette immediately lit up, “Pops!”, she cheered. 

Then her door burst open to reveal Pops, looking like he hadn’t slept in a while, in his arms were numerous scrolls. “D-Dolly!”, he gasped, he dropped the scrolls and grabbed her by the shoulders.

“Uh yeah, Pops?”, she asked nervously. He was smiling ear-to-ear, and looked happier than she’s seen him in months. It was nice, but kinda...creepy.

“I found something! Something that could help you walk again!”, He grinned. Oh Pops, he’s lost it. Marinette tried to be excited, but she had accepted that the likelihood of her walking again was slim. 

“Pops...What are you talking about?”, She asked. Pops immediately grabbed one of his scrolls, this one looking worse for wear and slightly old. He opened it to reveal faded drawings, one looked like a man getting stabbed, getting shot, and various other forms of injury. Then there was a drawing of the man being thrown into a green lake? Then him walking out of the lake with no injuries. “A green lake?”

“What? No!”, Pops said as he closed the scroll, he grabbed her by the shoulders and looked her in the eye. “It’s called the Lazarus Pit. It was said to have been blessed by the gods of creation and destruction, to have the power to revive those on death’s door. Even bring back the dead!”

“Pops. You can’t be serious. That’s just a myth”, Marinette said. “Where would we even find one?” Pops gave her a look that said, ‘trust me’.

“I know a guy,”, Pops said, “He’s a business partner, he said he’d be willing to let me use his Lazarus Pit.” He let go of her, took a few steps away from her and turned so that his back was facing her. “In exchange for a more potent type of Joker venom, something about building immunity for him and his men.”

“Pops y-you can’t be serious!”, Marinette rolled over to him, “Something like that all for a fairy tale?”

“IT’S NOT A FAIRY TALE!”, Pops spun around and for the first time in her life. Marinette understood why so many people in Gotham were so afraid of him. The crazed look in his eye, his manic grin, and his imposing figure. The sight of him, made Marinette shrink in on herself and look anywhere but his eyes. 

Then he realized what he was doing and he looked so scared, and so remorseful that Marinette, “Dolly. I-I’m so sorry. I just want to see you running around with Bud and Lou like you used to...I’ve seen this thing...Marinette, it’s the real deal. And all I want is for my little girl to be her happy old self again.” Pops then fell to his knees, crying into his hands, his shoulders shaking with every wretched sob that came out of him.

“P-pops, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you so upset.”, Marinette said. Pops looked up at her with tear filled eyes, and she saw the pain in his eyes. “I didn’t want you to get your hopes up in case it doesn’t work.” the ‘Or in case it's a hoax’ was left unsaid. She wrapped her arms around him and just hugged him.

“I’ll get started on the new venom and you...you get some sleep.”, Pops said. 

Marinette nodded. “Yes Pops.” Pops left her room and Marinette didn’t see him for a long time. She spent days listening to sounds of crashing and yelling. It was frustrating and heartbreaking to know that he was doing this all for her when it might not even work. 

Then one day, Marinette woke up to Pops shaking her, “Dolly! It’s time!”  Marinette groggily rubbed her eyes and was barely able to get a word in before she was roughly grabbed and placed in her wheelchair. “We’re going on a trip!” 

“Trip?”, She repeated. ‘What does he-oh. We’re going to visit his business partner’, she smiled and tried not to look nervous. Pops didn’t seem to notice, he was too busy pushing her chair to a nearby small planeThis one plain and boring, seriously why doesn’t have Pops face? Oh they can’t let Batsy know. The sight of the plane made her nervous, and she tried to ignore it as she waited for help to get in their ride. Punch and Judy were the ones to help her in the plane, seeing as Pops was yelling something at the pilot. Thing is, they took her out of her chair, she tried to protest, but they ignored her. She watched them leave it behind and she wanted to scream at them to grab it, but she didn’t.They made sure she was secure and sat down in their seats.Pops came aboard, then they all took off. 

After a very long nap, Marinette woke up to the subtle turbulence of their landing and wiped her eyes of her sleep and was gently grabbed by Judy. Who carried her princess style off the plane, she crossed her arms and was silently wishing for her chair. 

She took notice of where exactly they landed. They were on a really tall mountain judging by the height of the clouds, and they were in a compound surrounded by ninjas.Then she noticed a group of people not dressed like ninjas waiting for them all to get situated; an old man dressed in white armor, and a younger old man dressed in black armor with a green cape, a woman dressed like a super spy, and a boy who looked around her age dressed in black armor with a red cape.

Pops walked over to the younger old man,“Ra’s al ghul!”, Pops smiled and did an over the top bow. “Thank you for letting me do this!” The man, Ra’s al ghul, nodded and bowed slightly to Pops. 

This man, he had an air of intimidation, and he was glowing? He was glowing! The man was glowing! Why was he glowing? It was a sickly green color with a touch of red and black in some places. Seeing as how no one was responding to his glowing nature Marinette chose to ignore it. Then he turned his gaze onto her, and suddenly she felt like she was being stared down by the King of Beasts. “So this is your daughter? Girl, what is your name?”, he spoke with such conviction  and power, it took Marinette all of her power not to cower.

“Marinette. Marinette Dolly Levi.”,she responded with a smile. Not one for show or for intimidation, but a smile so that she can trick herself into believing that she wasn’t scared. Thank god for Judy carrying her.

Ra’s al ghul didn’t respond, instead he turned to Pops and nodded. Then Pops pulled out a briefcase and opened it, to reveal several vials of the new more potent Joker venom. Ra’s grabbed a vial, smirked and stepped to the side, “Damian.”

 The boy stepped forward, “Yes, Grandfather.” Oh boy, this should be fun. Note the sarcasm. “Take Ms. Dolly Levi down to the Lazarus Pit, while I discuss plans with her father.” Wait what?! It’s real?! Judy walked forward only to be stopped by the woman pulling out a sword. 

“Only the girl may go.”, She spoke as she sheathed her sword, Marinette didn’t know how to feel. Judy and her looked at Pops, and he turned to Ra’s al ghul.

“Can’t Judy just carry her there? I didn’t bother to bring her mode of transportation seeing as how she won’t need it anymore.”, Pops grinned, his business partner didn’t respond.

 He merely turned back to Damian and said, “You will carry her there.” Double what?! It’s one thing if it’s Judy, she’s known the woman since birth, but some random kid?! Oh hell no. But Pops gave her a look, and she kept quiet. She begrudgingly let Damian take her from Judy’s arms. Once he had her securely in his arms, he looked at Ra’s and nodded. Then he and Marinette walked away further into the compound.

Eventually they reached a doorway, she could feel Damian hold her closer as they walked into a cave with stairs. “The Lazarus Pit isn’t much farther.”, he said. Marinette didn’t respond, she was more focused on the fact that if this went well she would walk again.“If you don’t mind me asking-” Marinette cut him off, “I could walk until my mother dropped a building on me, leaving me with no feeling from the waist down.” They were silent for the rest of the way down the stairs.

When they reached the bottom, Marinette got a strange sense of deja vu. The sudden darkness, with the only lightsource being a mysterious green glow. Then she saw it, she doubted it’s existence and a part of her still does, but part of her prayed that this would work. If not for her, for Pops. “Can you throw me in? If I don’t resurface, come and get me, okay?”, She asked

“As you wish.”, He replied, then he tossed her into the air. Marinette squeaked in surprise and immediately held her breath as she hit the water. Then she felt like she could do anything, she was so full of energy she shot up out of the water cheering and stepped out. Rubbing her eyes she froze, and looked down. She was standing. She was standing! She stepped forward and forgot how to breathe, she was walking. She looked up and met Damian’s eyes, “I-I’m walking! I can walk again!” She giggled excitedly, ran over and took Damian’s hand. “Thank you so much! Come on we have to go tell Pops!”

___*****Line Break*****___

Freedom’s never been so sweet in her life! She was out of her room! She was out! She was walking, she was running. She was free!  She was strolling around in the main part of Pops’ new hideout and she was laughing the entire time. “FREEDOM!”, she shouted. Bud and Lou laughed as they walked alongside her in her victory march, they were celebrating their freedom too after all. Then they started sniffing the air a few paces behind her, making Marinette stop completely. 

She turned herself around so that she was properly facing them, “Guys? What's the matter?”she went over to them slowly, then they started to walk away, snouts to the ground, sniffing for what caught their attention. Like bloodhounds, they began to track...to track whatever it was they were tracking. Feeling curious, Marinette followed them around until they reached a door. It was a plain wooden door. Nothing special about it.

But then why did they lead her here? Bud and Lou began pawing at the door, tails wagging as they started to whine and look at her expectantly. Like the little kids she used to come across at toy stores, begging and pleading with their parents to buy them the latest superman action figure.

“You guys want to go inside?”, she asked, slowly getting closer to the door, her brothers moving out of her way. ‘I swear if I find a skeleton, I’m gonna break somebody’s bones.’, she thought. Slowly grabbing the doorknob, she twisted it and pushed. ‘What am I doing?! This could be Pops’ torture room for all I know! I might find something I can never unsee down here!’

The door creaked with every little movement and then Bud and Lou just pushed aside her and into the room. “H-hey!”, she shouted. But by then it was too late, her brothers were already inside the room running around. Wincing, she slowly tiptoed inside the room, and felt the wall for the light switch. 

Once she found it, she flipped and instead of being met with torture devices, she found a gym? Looking around the room she found two long balance beams, a treadmill, a wooden dummy that had a picture of Batsy taped to it, and various types of exercise equipment. Moving around the room she came across a very familiar giant mallet. She realized whose room this probably belonged to.

“T-this was her gym. Wasn’t it?”, she asked nobody in particular, but still looked at her brothers whose tails were wagging excitedly.  “But why would pops keep anything of hers after what she did to us, what she did to me!” She walked closer to a beam,  gently stroking the wooden top with a trembling hand. 

She looked to Bud and Lou for some sort of answer. “Why would you bring me here!” she yelled. Immediately, she was feeling guilty when they started to whimper and back away from her. “I-I’m sorry guys. I know you can’t understand but she was the reason why I wasn’t able to play with you guys for a long time. She tried to kill me! She……….I hate her.”, she growled.

Frowning, she looked back at the beams, tempted to just leave the room until she had an idea. She would make this gym her training center, she looked over at the mallet leaning against a wall. The upside smile mocking her, “Oh Harley, Harley, Harley.” She skipped over to the mallet, and grabbed the handle. The smile and her now eye-to-eye, she smiled sweetly at it,“You tried to kill me, I rose. You left me disabled, I rose. Now I will rise once more, and you will be the one to fall.” She dropped the mallet and walked over to the equipment, hands on her hips she smirked. “I will rise.” 

For Pops. She will rise. 

___*****Line Break*****___

Marinette cackled gleefully as she completed her 100th push-up of the day. A month and half after she had found that gym, she was able to do 100 push-ups at once easily! She stood up and looked over at the mallet, “Don’t worry I didn’t forget about you, Harley.” She stalked over to it and grabbed it’s handle. Swinging over her shoulder, Marinette grinned. She looked over at the floor length mirror, admiring herself and her new muscles. ‘Oh me likey!’, Marinette grinned. ‘Maybe I could use this as my weapon! And then smash Harley’s face with it!’

“Dolly?”, Pops' sudden voice made Marinette freeze, she dropped the mallet and spun around to face a sad looking Pops. “What are you doing?”, he asked confusedly as he walked over to her. 

“I was working out. I have to get ripped if I want a chance at taking Harley Quinn down.”, Marinette said, and gave him a look that said ‘obviously.’ 

“It’s just, with the long pigtails, and the mallet...You looked so much like her, that, I almost thought she was here.”, Pops said, looking dejected.

Marinette froze, his words began repeating over and over in her head. ‘I look like her?’, she thought. 

“Guess I’ll leave you to it then.”, Pops said as he began to walk out the door, “Remember to hydrate, Dolly.” was the last thing he said as he left the gym. 

Marinette turned to the floor length mirror, her own reflection began morphing into that of Harley Quinn. “Hi, Babygirl. Did you miss me?”, the familiar and distorted voice that sounded too much like her whispered in her ear. Marinette watched as the mirror Harley began to step out of the mirror and slowly reached out to grab her. Every nerve in her body was telling her to run, but she couldn’t. She was stuck shaking as the hand got closer and closer until it was now cupping her cheek. “I missed you.” 

Suddenly, Marinette was now responding to what her instincts were telling her as she ran out of the gym and into her room. Slamming the door closed, she rushed over to her designing desk and grabbed a pair of scissors. Pulling at her hair, and looking into her vanity mirror, Harley Quinn looked back at her. So she cut her pig tails in half, but it was still too long. Too much like her. She cut some more. It was still too long. She cut and cut and cut, until Mirror Harley was gone. Then Marinette saw her own reflection again ,scissors in hand, tears streaming down her face, and her hair was now perfect. 

___*****Line Break*****___

Marinette peered over the handrail that was the only thing keeping her from falling down into the vat below. ‘It- it’s a really big drop’, she thought. And the chemical vat looks so far. She gulped as she took a step back from the edge. 

“What’s the matter Dolly? You’re not scared now are you?”, Pops asked from behind her. Marinette tensed up, and looked over her shoulder at him.

“S-scared? Who's scared? I’m not!”, Marinette scoffed. “I-I’m just nervous.” She said while looking back at the edge of the catwalk. 

“Maybe we should come back later then. When you’re ready.”, Pops said, as he walked over to her.

“I am ready!”, Marinette snapped. Immediately she clasped her hands over her mouth, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have yelled. It’s just...I’m ready...but what if I screw up? I was a failure as Marionette, what if I’m just as much as a screw up while being Puppet Princess?” She walked back over to the rail, her hands trembling as she held onto the rail. 

“Oh Dolly.”, Pops placed his hand on her shoulder and bent down to her level. Marinette stared him in the eye, and he spoke.“Truth be told, before I fell into that chemical vat. I was… I was weak. Spineless. I was a nobody. When that miracle water touched my skin, I was able to rise up and steal the show. But you, Dolly? You were already so amazing. When I was your age, I didn’t know how to fight, I couldn’t sew a dress from scraps. Heck! I couldn’t do the things that you can even if I tried today. Marionette wasn’t a failure. She was just the first act, the you that didn’t have the know or the how. But now, this is where the show picks up and your performance is gonna blow everybody in Gotham away.”

When Pops’ speech was finished, Marinette wiped away a few stray tears, and gently pushed Pops away. She turned around and faced the edge of the rail, “Let’s make this act a showstopper.” And with that she took a step over the edge and let herself fall. 

___*****Line Break*****___

Marinette skipped happily through the busy streets of the middle class area of Gotham. She had just paid a visit to her favorite fabric store and was carrying a bolt of fabric over her shoulder. Don’t look at her like that, she paid for them! It’s her favorite store and she would never steal from Mrs.Whitmore. Poor woman had to deal with an asshole landlord, a cheating husband, and sorry excuses of criminals trying to rob her store. Luckily, a few appearances from Puppet Princess and almost all of Mrs.Whitmore’s problems are solved. Just have to figure out what to do about that landlord. 

Giggling to herself, she continued walking until she made it to the Gotham Hotel, a nice hotel but that’s it, nice. And there were random teens coming out, oh goody. She snorted and began walking past them, when she was grabbed roughly by a hand. ‘Oh this should be fun. Not! Do they know who I am? No, I’m not in costume, they wouldn’t know. Oh well.’, she thought.

She stopped and turned around, and was met by a very pretty girl with olive green eyes, and two sausages for hair smiling at her. “I’m so sorry, but could you direct me to Wayne Tower? We’re going on a tour, and I don’t want to be late to my reunion with my boyfriend, Damian Wayne.”, the girl smiled sweetly. 

‘Oh this is definitely gonna be fun!’, Marinette thought, she faked a look of shock and started to look around nervously. “I don’t know if you’re telling the truth, but you should really keep something like that on the downlow.”, she whispered to the girl. She leaned in closer, held the bolt in between her thighs and said, “You never know who in Gotham is listening in.” Marinette then did a smile expression with her index fingers. 

The poor girl looked horrified for a minute before saying, “You’re right, but my Damiboo would never let any harm come to me.” She held up her right hand, on her ring finger was what Marinette guessed was supposed to be an engagement ring. Except no wedding ring would have a crown with a 16 embedded on the side. 

Marinette faked a look of surprise,“Oh my! Congratulations!”, she smiled at the girl. “Pretty soon, you’re gonna be Mrs.Wayne. That’s so cool!” 

The girl smirked, “Mrs. Lila Wayne. Has a better ring to it than Lila Rossi.” ‘How dumb can one person be? Who gives their name and an obvious lie to a complete stranger.’, Marinette thought while smiling at the girl. 

“Lila! Stop lying to the locals! We know which direction Wayne Tower is in!.”, a sudden shout brought Marinette’s attention onto a bespectacled girl with ombre hair. She stared at Lila with righteous fury, and was glowing red? Marinette blinked and realized that the girl wasn’t glowing, her earrings were, but was no one noticing the obviously glowing earrings!? Seriously, no one saw the red glow! Everyone was looking at the girl, but were they  too busy glaring daggers at her to notice her ears were glowing?!

‘Interesting.’, she thought. Lila immediately started to fake cry, Marinette’s done crocodile tears before, she knows what it looks like. 

Smiling, Marinette placed a hand on Lila’s shoulder, making her turn around and face her. Marinette handed her a card that read Marinette D. Levi, dress designer, matchmaker xxx-xxx-xxxx “Give me a call if you want to discuss wedding dress details, or if you need any help while here in Gotham.”, Marinette smiled at her and leaned in and whispered in her ear, “After all you never know when you need a friend in high places.” Marinette stepped away, winked at her and made sure to give Lila the best impression of Pops’ smile.

“Wayne Tower is that big building right there, you can’t miss it. It’s the only building in the city with a giant ‘w’!”, Marinette cheered.

Lila looked so scared, it made Marinette giggle. She then merrily skipped her way home, eagerly waiting to tell Pops about her new toy. ‘This is gonna be sooo much fun!’, she thought with one final look at the group of teens. Pops and her are gonna have a blast!

________________________________________________________________

(Author’s Note) Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed part 2 of Gotham’s Puppet Princess! 

[lemonz-and-limez]

Hello! I love your writing so much! Truly, you’re one of the best writers out there. If it’s not an inconvenience, can you please write something with pregnant Amy and daddy Sheldon? Whatever you want! Have a nice day!

A/N: Thank you for being so patient with me dear. I hope this turned out ok 😊

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay by yourself?” Sheldon asked as he helped Elliot put his shoes on.

Amy, who had just started her third trimester of pregnancy, sighed from the bed. “Sheldon, I’ll be fine,” she insisted. “It’ll be good for you and Elliot to get out of the house.”

Sheldon rose to his full height and turned to face her. While her first pregnancy had been smooth sailing, her second had confined her to the bed. And he doted on her like crazy. Sheldon was aware of the complications that her age could present, as was Amy, so, even though it was difficult, they put up with whatever they had to do to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

“Alright,” Sheldon conceded, but then quickly added, “but if you need anything, call me. Please.”

Amy smiled back at him. “Okay.”

Sheldon was nervous. He had never really taken Elliot out by himself. Sure, they were just going over to Howard’s so that the kids could play together, but that didn’t make him any less anxious. He loved his son, but Elliot was much more of a mama’s boy. What if he wasn’t able to handle him if Amy wasn’t around? Or what if Elliot didn’t listen to him? The boy was three years old, and still, Sheldon didn’t know what he was doing.

It was almost as if Amy could sense his panic. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. Don’t make a bigger deal of this than it is.”

Sheldon shot her a grateful smile before checking his watch. Leonard would be there any moment to pick him up. “Thank you. We should get going, though.” Sheldon said. He turned his attention to his son. “Elliot say bye to your mother before we leave,” he told the boy, gently nudging him forward a little.

It was rather adorable how the little boy scrambled forth quickly and up onto the bed, falling into his mother’s open arms. Amy kissed the top of his head and ruffled his hair. “Have fun, you two,” she called out after them as Sheldon took Elliot’s hand to leave.

Sure enough, Leonard was waiting for them outside. The new house that he and Amy had moved into was not far the Wolowitz’s, but with Sheldon still not able to drive and Amy on bedrest, Leonard was back to driving Sheldon around.

“Hey, Sheldon,” Leonard greeted as Sheldon opened the back door to put the car seat in. “Do you need any help?”

Sheldon glanced at Leonard for a moment. He knew his best friend was probably only offering out of curtesy but did he really think Sheldon wasn’t able to put a car seat in? “No, I got it,” he replied. After all, he had seen Amy do this multiple times. Even though it took him a few tries, he eventually managed to lock the seat into place. He helped Elliot up into the car before he slid into the passenger seat next to Leonard.

The short drive was filled with the chatter of Elliot and Isaac, Leonard, and Penny’s child. Sheldon filled in his best friend when he asked how Amy was doing, which took up most of the drive, considering they only had a short distance to go. Silence fell over the car when Leonard pulled into the driveway, though. Both of their sons were just antsy to get inside.

As Sheldon fumbled with the seatbelt to get Elliot out of the car, Leonard was already walking up to the house with Isaac.

“Daddy?” Elliot asked, and Sheldon met his gaze. “Why does Isaac get to go in?”

Sheldon was getting frantic now, why wasn’t this stupid belt coming undone? A small hand came into view and almost expertly undid the mechanism. Sheldon looked at Elliot, astonished.

“Mama says it gets stuck,” the little boy explained, rolling his ‘s’ like a typical 3-year-old.

Sheldon tried to brush off the incident as he walked hand in hand with Elliot up to the house. Howard was standing in the doorway, waiting to greet them. “Hey, Sheldon,” he smiled, stepping aside to let the duo in. Howard quickly turned his attention to Elliot. “Hey, little man!” he exclaimed, giving the boy a tiny fist bump.

“Hi, Uncle Howard,” Elliot giggled, delighted to be in the presence of his favorite pseudo uncle. Anyone was better than Georgie, Sheldon supposed. Elliot had taken a particular liking to Howard even when he was still baby. Maybe it’s because the engineer had been a father longer, or Elliot could somehow sense the close bond Howard had with Amy and therefore felt safe around him. Whatever it was, it delighted Sheldon to no end to see Elliot so happy. Even if it was with Howard.

“Michael and Isaac are already out in the backyard,” Howard said as Elliot haphazardly kicked his shoes off. They landed in two different spots, and, despite Sheldon’s protests, Elliot made a dash to the back of the house without straightening them out.

Sheldon pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. He was sure that Elliot was just looking forward to playing with his friends, but he would have listened if Amy was there. Maybe he would talk to him later about it. When he wasn’t under the scrutinizing gaze of Howard and Leonard, who was watching from the living room.

Sheldon ignored the questioning look Howard was giving him and walked past him to where Leonard, Stuart, and Raj were congregated. “Hello,” he greeted quietly.

A chorus of ‘hi’ and ‘hello’ followed. As he sat down in the armchair adjacent to the couch, Leonard handed him an Xbox controller. Sheldon eyed it for a moment and looked around the room. “Shouldn’t one of us be out back watching the kids?” he asked nervously as he took the controller anyway.

Howard shrugged him off. “It’s alright, Bernadette is doing some work on the porch, so, they’re not alone.”

“So, nobody is watching them?” Sheldon was incredulous.

“I just said Bernadette was out there,” Howard argued, but Sheldon didn’t listen to him because he was already on his way outside.

Sure enough, Bernadette was busy with her work. Engaged in an obviously heated phone call with someone from work, paying the children no mind. The children who thankfully were not getting themselves into any trouble. Yet.

Leonard and Howard came marching out behind him. “See, Sheldon, I told you they were fine,” Howard said.

“Sure, they’re fine now, but what about when they decide to start playing around with that hose?” Sheldon pointed to the item in question that had been left out by the side of the porch. “Or what if they decide they want out of the back yard? Our kids aren’t stupid, I’m sure they could figure out your dinky little lock over there.”

The engineer sighed loudly beside him. He was annoyed, Sheldon knew that by now. “Geez, Sheldon, no wonder Amy needed a break. You’re such a worrywart.”

Sheldon turned his head sharply. What was Howard trying to get at by saying that? He was just concerned about his child’s safety, was that really so bad? Even Amy had called him overprotective at times, but to Sheldon, there wasn’t a price to put on safety. Would Elliot think he was hovering, though? Would his underdeveloped brain misconstrue Sheldon’s worry as mistrust? That could lead to problems down the road… if Elliot thought his father didn’t trust him.

Just as Sheldon opened his mouth to say something, Bernadette hung up the phone and, surprisingly, came to his defense. “Howie, leave him alone, he’s got the right to be worried about his child,” she scolded, and Howard immediately softened.

“I’m sorry, Sheldon,” Howard apologized, albeit hesitantly. “I just think you need to relax a little. The kids are safe here.” He tried to be reassuring, and he tapped Sheldon’s shoulder. However, he retreated right back into the house.

“He’s right,” Leonard said, coming to stand beside him as the two watched the kids happily run about the yard. “They’ll be okay.” Then, Leonard too walked back inside.

Sheldon couldn’t take it. There was no way he would be able to calm down, not when he was second-guessing every decision he made in regards to parenting. Ever since Amy went onto bedrest two weeks ago, he had been in charge of most things around the house. Especially when it came to taking care of Elliot. Sheldon never underestimated how hard Amy worked for their growing family, but trying to take on two workloads was really putting things into perspective for him. Amy was doing her best to cheer him on, but every day presented a new challenge. And every day ended with the same question… did I do good enough?

Maybe coming over to Howard’s wasn’t the best idea. Sheldon always knew his friends didn’t think the best of him. And he was okay with that for many years. But then a five foot four hurricane came waltzing into his life and waking up his dormant emotions. Amy had turned him into a full-blown family man who provided for his kids and had a life insurance policy. Now, he cared what his friends said about him and what they said about his family. Being questioned about his abilities as a father stung, especially when he was questioning the exact same things himself.

He really shouldn’t care what Leonard and Howard’s view of him were anyway; he didn’t care before after all. Elliot was his son, not theirs. He should never have to explain himself to anyone other than his wife.

“Elliot!” Sheldon called from the porch. When the boy turned to look at him, Sheldon beckoned him to come over to him silently. Suddenly Elliot was in front of him, his eyes asking for an answer as to why his father interrupted his fun playtime. Sheldon knelt down to be eye level with Elliot. “I’m going to be inside with my friends, you’ll be okay out here with Aunt Bernadette?”

“Yes, Daddy,” Elliot said, the innocents of childhood giving away his sincerity.

Sheldon nodded curtly. “Alright then, go have fun.”

Elliot smiled widely at him and bounded back towards his friends.

Just as Sheldon was about to rejoin his own companions, he noticed Bernadette eyeing him curiously. “Yes?” He asked.

Bernadette shook her head. “Nothing. Just never thought I’d see the day where Sheldon Cooper was a concerned father. You’re doing a good job, Sheldon.”

Sheldon tried to ignore the backhanded compliment and just smiled at her. How little did his friends believe in him to make them all think he would end up a horrible father?  

It didn’t matter. Amy’s opinion mattered, not theirs. He kept repeating this over and over again. Because maybe if he told himself this enough, he would actually start to believe it.

He went back inside to the living room where his friends were finishing up a round of their video game. There would have been a time where that would have angered him… the fact that they started without him. However, since becoming a parent, he had learned to overlook tiny inconveniences like that. Sheldon still had a hard time with things not being a certain way, but it was one thing that got a lot easier when Amy went on bedrest. He simply had more to do and didn’t have time to worry about such mundane things, such as his friends starting a game without him. And he really thought his friends would take notice of his personal growth.

Yet, as he sat down, Raj quipped, “what? No lecture about us starting without you?”

“I had to talk to my son, I think that trumps missing a round,” Sheldon shot back, reclaiming the armchair.

Raj nodded. “Fair enough,” he conceded.

Leonard and Howard said Nothing, and Sheldon assumed it was because they understood what he was going through. Or at least that is what he hoped to be true.

While the five men played their video game, round after round, Sheldon left himself slightly tuned in to whatever was happening outside. His quote-unquote “Vulcan hearing” finally served a good purpose. For the most part, the children seemed to be having a good time. They would go quite sometimes, and Sheldon wasn’t able to hear them, he could only trust Bernadette’s watchful eye.

Every once in a while, they would have to break for one of them to use the restroom. It was to be expected with how much soda they were all drinking. Sheldon was already working on his 3rd.

“So, Sheldon?” Howard asked as he set his glass back onto the coffee table. “What are you gonna do once the baby is born?”

Sheldon crinkled his eyebrows in confusion. “What do you mean?”

Leonard and Howard shared a look. One Sheldon wasn’t so sure he was fond of.

“Well,” it was Leonard who spoke this time. “We’ve noticed you have been having a hard time recently, you know, with Amy on bedrest and all. How’s it going to work when your daughter is born?”

“It’s hasn’t been that hard,” Sheldon protested. “Besides, once Amy is able to be on her feet again, I’m sure it will be manageable.”

“Yeah, but she is going to be busy taking care of a newborn. Doesn’t really open up much time for her, does it?” Howard’s question was rhetorical, Sheldon knew this. But again, he didn’t know what Howard was trying to imply.

“Howard, I gotta be honest, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sheldon admitted. “I am still Elliot’s father; the baby being born isn’t going to change that. Besides, Amy and I have already discussed what our plan is after the baby is born.”  

“And?”

Sheldon sighed. Why were his friends pushing this so much? “We will both take our respective 6-week maternity and paternity leaves and care of our children!” his response was almost forceful; he was going on the defensive. “Then we will decide what our next course of action will be depending on our circumstances.”

The foursome sat there in silence. Sheldon was angry. And confused. Was Amy this worried about his abilities as a parent? Because his friends seemed to be given that they looked for every opportunity to question him.

Sheldon looked down at his shoes. “Why do you keep bringing into question my abilities as a father?” he asked quietly.

“We’ve known you for a long time, Sheldon,” it was Leonard who spoke now. “We’re sure you’re a great father, but change has always overwhelmed you and…”

“Oh, I see,” Sheldon interrupted. “This is about my train trip back in 2014.”

“No!” Howard protested. “Leonard is right, Sheldon. Change has always overwhelmed you, and with Amy on bed rest, you’re in a vulnerable place right now. We just want to make sure you and your family is okay.”

A recollection of Sheldon’s childhood appeared in his mind. His own father’s death, how he grew up without him. How distraught his mother was. That loss almost tore apart his family. Despite his imperfections, and there were many, George Cooper was a man who devoted himself to his family. Yet, in the end, Sheldon still had to grow up without him.

Would he follow in his father’s footsteps? Would the stresses of responsibility consume him and drive him away from Amy and his children? Sheldon had promised himself that he wouldn’t be a father who abandoned his children. But was Howard right? Was he too overworked and overwhelmed to see it already happening?

No. He needed to shake the thought of even the possibility from his head. Amy would never forgive him if he even hinted that he had thought about it.

“Sheldon?” Howard’s voice broke him from his musings. He continued when Sheldon looked up at him. “We didn’t mean any harm, but we just wanted to let you know that if you guys ever need help, we’re only a call away.”

Raj and Leonard nodded, agreeing with what Howard said. Even though they have been secondhandedly judging his parenting style all day, their support warmed him a little bit. It was nice that they still cared for his children, Sheldon supposed. Would they ever learn to stop throwing jabs at him, though?

As Stuart reappeared, the men carried on with their video games. And Sheldon didn’t win a single round, despite being a pro at the game they were playing. His mind was somewhere else, and he couldn’t care less about coming in 3rd place almost 5 times in a row.

The day went by fairly quickly, to Sheldon’s surprise, it was 3PM before any of them had even realized. The children had pretty much kept to themselves all day, except for their brief lunch break. When Howard, Leonard, and Sheldon went back out to the yard, they found that the boys had pretty much tuckered themselves out. Who knew what they were doing out there all day, but at least they appeared to have fun.

As Leonard was saying goodbye to Howard, Sheldon was helping Elliot with his shoes again. He knew he should have pushed Amy harder for the Velcro sneakers, but that woman was insistent on getting lace-up. But, shocker, Elliot had no interest in learning how to tie them.

“Still haven’t taught him how to tie them, I see,” Leonard observed as he stepped up behind him in the entryway.

Sheldon shot him an irritated look. He wasn’t in the mood for his friend’s judgment anymore. “Well, he’d rather learn about chemistry than learn how to tie his shoes. Can’t really blame him, science is always more interesting.” Sheldon smirked up at Elliot, who perked up when his favorite subject was mentioned.

“Chemistry, huh? I’m surprised you’re not more up in arms about it not being Physics,” Leonard replied.

Finishing the last loop on the tiny shoes, Sheldon stood up and turned to face his best friend. “What’s important is seeing my son happy. If that’s chemistry, then so be it.”

He gave the shorter man no opportunity to respond and turned his back to him once more. Elliot was tired, he needed a nap, and more so than ever, Sheldon wanted to be home.

The car seat gave him a lot less trouble the second time around now that he knew what he was doing. Helping Elliot get in and out of the car took much less time than before. And Leonard didn’t even ask once if he needed help. Sheldon took that as a win.

“Daddy?” Elliot’s small voice asked as Sheldon worked on getting the seat out of the car. He made a noncommittal noise in response to his son as he unhooked the last latch. “I’m tired, can you carry me?”

Sheldon bid Leonard and Isaac goodbye before responding to his son’s query. Elliot did look dead on his feet, and Sheldon genuinely did not believe he would be able to walk himself upstairs to his bedroom. Instead of verbally telling him he would, Sheldon simply bent down and picked up his son. His small head rested against Sheldon’s shoulder as he walked them into the house. Sheldon set the car seat down next to the front door and began climbing the stairs.

He helped Elliot into his PJs and tucked him in for a much needed short nap. The kid was out before his head hit the pillow.

“Hey, you’re home!” Amy exclaimed as he walked into their bedroom. “How was your day?”

Sheldon plopped down on the foot of the bed. “Well, Elliot wore himself out playing with Michael and Isaac. He’s down for a nap right now.”

“Sounds like he had fun then?” Sheldon could almost hear the smile in her voice. Elliot’s happiness brought her Nothing but joy.

“He did.”

“And you? How was your day?”

Sheldon pinched the bridge of his nose. “It was… alright. The guys and I played video games all day.”

Amy’s foot nudged him, urging him to look at her. “Sheldon, what happened? You sound tense,” she observed.

He reached beside him and rubbed her ankle softly. “Nothing happened,” he lied. “You know how it is with the guys sometimes, we bust on each other.”

“And that’s alright, but you seem bothered by something. Was it something they said?” Amy asked softly, her comforting voice soothing him a little.

‘Yes, it was something they said. It’s what they were all implying.’ Sheldon thought.

Pivoting his body so that his leg was under him and he was finally facing her, Sheldon still didn’t meet her eyes. “It wasn’t so much what they said as it was what they were eluding to.”

“And that was?”

“That my parenting skills are lacking,” he bluntly stated. Because that’s what it was. Even if that wasn’t what his friends were implying all day, that is how it was perceived.

Sheldon waited for a response from his wife, but she was dead silent, waiting for him to continue. “I mean it wasn’t like they stated it outright, but they kept asking things like what we’re gonna do after the baby is born? And how you are going to handle having to raise two children as if I am not going to be here. Maybe I’m reading too much into it,” Sheldon dismissed. He didn’t want to dwell on what they said. Mostly because he was afraid Amy would confirm what they said.

“No, you’re not,” Amy told him. “They have no right to ask you those kinds of questions and imply that you are a bad father because that is not true.”

“Isn’t it, though? I mean, Elliot prefers you over me any day. Doesn’t that say something about my abilities as a father?”

Amy sighed, her eyes pitying him. “No, Sheldon, it doesn’t. It’s scientifically proven that children depend more on their mothers during their developmental years. Elliot being more attached to me has nothing to do with your parenting abilities. Despite that, that doesn’t mean Elliot doesn’t love you.”

Sheldon stayed quiet for too long because Amy kept talking. “Did you know, when I take him shopping with me if he sees something he knows you like, he always asks if we should ‘get it for daddy’. He does it all the time. That new Flash shirt I got you a few months ago? Elliot picked it out for you. Because he knew that it is your favorite superhero. Elliot loves you, Sheldon, he just has a different way of showing it.”  

He had no idea. Sheldon knew Elliot had a heart of gold, something that he openly displayed for Amy on a daily basis, but he was always much more reserved towards Sheldon. But Amy was right, in his own special way, Elliot did show him his love. It just wasn’t as apparent right now, maybe when he gets older, it’ll be a different story.

Sheldon remained quiet for a moment. “I suppose I know why Elliot prefers you over me, but in general, I’ve been questioning myself as a father.”

Amy put on her worried face again. “Why? Has something been bothering you?”

“I second guess everything I do. Every little thing in regards to Elliot, I am always asking myself if it was the right thing to do. Am I too protective? Not protective enough? Did I discipline too much or too little? It’s been a lot to handle since you went on bedrest,” Sheldon confessed, keeping his eyes low.

“Sheldon, why didn’t you talk to me about this sooner?” Amy asked. “I could’ve calmed your worries.”

Sheldon shrugged. “I thought I could handle it on my own. You’re growing an entire human; I didn’t want to burden you with my insecurities.” He looked up at Amy to gauge her reaction. She looked concerned for him. “They didn’t bother me that much, honestly, until they were all but confirmed by our friends today.”

“Well, our ‘friends’ will be hearing from me about how they treated you today,” Amy spat angrily, her eyes remaining soft for him. “For the record, you can burden me with anything, Sheldon. Especially when it comes to our son. I don’t like that you’ve been feeling insecure about it and not talking to me. You’re going to burn yourself out.”

“I know,” Sheldon said. “But I thought I could handle it on my own. When I heard what our friends said, I started to wonder if you felt the same way… that I am a bad father.”

Amy lurched forward too quickly for someone on bedrest. She reached out to him. “Of course not! I think you’re a wonderful dad, Sheldon. You go above and beyond for Elliot, and I have no doubt you’ll do the same for this little one,” she said, pointing to her ever-growing stomach. “It wasn’t fair for your friends to bring your parenting into question like that. It doesn’t concern them. How we decide to raise our son is between you and me, no one else.”

Sheldon smiled gratefully at her. How she could calm him down so easily was still a mystery, but he loved it when she did. He tilted backward to lay back on the bed. Amy, who was still sitting up, gently ran her fingers through his hair. Something she’d learned relaxed him very much.

Something was still troubling him from earlier, though. His established reputation as a flight risk and the lingering fear that he would one day abandon his wife and children.

“Amy,” he spoke quietly, getting her attention again. “Howard indirectly brought up that time I ran away on a train back in 2014.”

The fingers in his hair tightened into a grip suddenly. Sheldon knew that was still a sore spot for Amy. “What does that have to do with anything?” she asked as she loosened her hold on his tresses.

Sheldon gulped before he spoke. “Well, he was saying he was worried that I would be too overwhelmed with all the changes that will occur when the baby is born. Howard never blatantly said he was worried I would run away again; I did that on my own. I mean, I already have a history of fleeing when things get too hard. What if I decide to do that again in the future?”

Amy’s hand stopped moving altogether this time. She wasn’t responding, and to Sheldon, she appeared to be thinking. His nerves couldn’t handle it, and he started rambling. “I know I shouldn’t even think like that, and you’re probably mad at me for doing so. How could I even think about leaving? I grew up without a father why would I even consider the possibility that I could do the same to my own children? How-“

Amy silenced him with a finger against his lips. “Shhh, it’s okay, I’m not upset.” She told him.

“You’re not?”

“I’m not because I’m not worried about that, Sheldon. Do you know why?” He shook his head. “Because you’re not the same man you were back in 2014. You’ve grown a lot since then, Sheldon.” Amy said, smiling now. “I didn’t marry a flight risk. I married a man who learned from his mistakes and grew as a person. You’re going to get overwhelmed, and you’re going to be stressed, that’s parenting. But I’ll be by your side to help you, just as you will be by mine. We’re partners in this. You felt alone when you ran away in 14’, you’re not alone now. And that’s why I am not worried about you getting on a train and leaving me forever.”

He sat up to her eye level, truly at a loss for words. “I love you,” he said, unable to find anything else to express his admiration for her.

She smiled at him, just like she always did when he said the three magic words. “You are an amazing father, Sheldon. When you’re down on yourself, I know it can be hard to remember, but I am always here to talk to if you need reminding.”

Sheldon nodded. “Thank you, Amy,” he whispered and leaned down for a chaste kiss.

“You’re welcome,” she hummed. “I am still going to call Penny and Bernadette, though. I will not tolerate people being unnecessarily mean to my husband.”

Sheldon waved his hand in protest. “You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do,” Amy insisted. “They wouldn’t hesitate to call me and rake you over the coals if you did what they did today. I won’t stand for the constant meddling in our relationship anymore. It’s hurt both of us on one too many occasions, and that needs to stop.”

She was right. Their friends had been putting in their two cents about their relationship since day one. And they’d both enabled it for too long. Their children are where they were drawing the line.

“Alright, you do what you need to do, Amy. I will stand behind whatever you tell them,” Sheldon affirmed.

“I will call them tomorrow, right now the baby just wants to cuddle,” Amy smirked.

Sheldon raised an eyebrow at her. “The baby does, or Mama does?” he playfully asked.

“Would you believe me if I said both?” Amy pouted her lips slightly, doing that pleading thing she knew he couldn’t resist.

Sheldon sighed theatrically to keep up with the playful mood that had suddenly been bestowed upon them. “Well, I suppose I really have no other choice, do I, Dr. Fowler?”

Amy shook her head as she worked to lay down. Sheldon knew better than to ask her if she needed help. In both of her pregnancies, Amy had pretty much insisted on remaining independent up until it was no longer physically possible. Just like with the car seat, even though it took her a couple of minutes, she eventually got there. On her side, facing him, basically using him as a human body pillow. He didn’t have a problem with it, whatever made her the most comfortable.

“You do realize Elliot is going to wake up soon?” Amy told him after a few minutes in comfortable silence.

Sheldon nodded against his pillow. “I am aware. But we haven’t had much time alone since you went on bedrest, I’m kind of just trying to savor it.”

She brushed his brow lightly, swooping back his unkempt hair. “You’ve been working hard, Sheldon. I’m really proud of you.”

“For what? I’ve just been doing my job, taking care of Elliot.”

“Exactly,” Amy responded. “You’ve stepped up and been such a good dad, Sheldon. I always knew you could do it. That’s why I am proud of you.”

Even when his friends all thought he would fail, Amy knew he had the capacity inside of him to succeed. Amy always believing in him. Even no one else did.

There were a few peaceful moments where they just laid there, side by side. Reconnecting as husband and wife. Just like it used to be before Elliot flipped their world upside down in the best way possible.

Sheldon never wanted it to end, but the little pitter-patter outside the door put a kibosh on that real fast. And Elliot’s mimic of Sheldon’s knock killed any magic left from the moment.

Amy gave him an apologetic smile. He knew she would get up if she could, but right now, whatever Elliot wanted was his responsibility.

Swinging the door open, there stood his son clad in his superhero pajamas, teary-eyed. “Hey, what happened?” Sheldon asked worriedly, kneeling down to his level.

“I had a nightmare?” Elliot confessed in a little voice. He was reaching his arms out towards his father, asking silently for some comfort.

Scooping Elliot up into his arms, Sheldon patted his back and hushed him as the little boy cried in his shoulder. Amy was watching concerned from her place in the bed.

“You want to lay with Mama for a little while?” Sheldon offered, and Elliot nodded immediately. He set the boy down on the bed and watched Elliot hastily scramble over to his mother. “Gentle,” he reminded Elliot as he relaxed in Amy’s embrace.

“I’m going to go get dinner ready,” mouthed Sheldon, already making his way back to the door. Amy acknowledged him with a thumbs up and turned her attention back to Elliot.

He stopped in the doorway and watched the pair for a moment. Sheldon didn’t think this was ever something he would have. A wife and two kids. Sheldon also didn’t think it was possible for him to be this genuinely happy. Yes, he had his insecurities and doubts, but Elliot made him smile every day.

Amy caught his eye as he continued to watch the scene in front of him. And when she whispered, he almost didn’t pick it up but was glad he did.

“Good job, dad.”

Even if their friends never thought he was good at the whole parenting thing, Amy did, and in the end, hers was the opinion that mattered.

A/N: I’d like to personally thank DrummerGirl66 for helping me out with this one. She gave me the inspiration for this…. Thank you again, love *hugs*

I hope you all liked this one, it’s been a while since I have done a prompt :)

[lotusthekat]

Sound and Color (With Me, For My Mind)

Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Rating: T

Relationships: Alphonse & Edward

Characters: Alphonse Elric, Edward Elric

Summary: Sometimes, Al needs to remember that he’s there.

Word count: 1.226

AO3

A/N: My fourth FMA fic already?? And with these brothers??? Fuck yeah!!

But this is really just me half venting, half wanting to see more Al-centric stuff in this fandom - so this is far from original, lmao. I hope you like it!

TRIGGER WARNINGS - dissociation*, implied past death, references to depression and fear of death.

*I don’t particularly struggle with dissociation (as far as I know), so I hope this is accurate and respectful to those who do.

--

With each step heavy and somehow nothing, Al moves to the kitchen as if in a haze.

Even though Al knows he’s there, there’s also… nothing. The day has probably passed by and he hasn’t even felt it. He’s automatic; he woke up and… did something outside. He can’t remember now what it was.

Al is guided only by what sounds to be noises in the kitchen, and the distinct metal sound of Den’s right paw patting in the wooden ground. It’s only then he acknowledges the dog playfully going to the kitchen to explore inside.

And it’s also then that he finds the source of all the noise, which is surprisingly not all that loud today.

The haze feels less blinding when he sees his brother. His main guidance and what he also fought to protect. The last remaining of hope he had since Mom had passed away. Even inside an armor, his love for Ed was real and what he wanted the most to touch again.

Ed looks so different, though. Well, he’s still short – as is his temper –, and… his automail still replaces his right arm, Al remembers. But Ed has never looked so happy and peaceful before. He looks so… homey, no longer wearing that exaggerated red coat and boots, and instead of creating giant walls and awful-looking weapons, Ed is cooking something. Is it… stew?

Ed smiles, even if for half a second. Because then he’s worried. And he drops the wooden spoon, Den immediately coming after it.

“What’s wrong, brother?” Al manages to ask out of the haze.

“Wh-?! You’re soaking wet, you idiot!” Ed exclaims in disbelief.

“… oh,” so, that’s what it was. “Sorry.”

Before Ed goes on with the scolding – because this is really far from the first time Al has gone out without a coat or an umbrella, which always drives his brother nuts –, the room grows silent again. Ed’s annoyance fades within a minute, softening in quiet understanding.

“Where… Where were you all this time?” Ed asks him, rather patiently.

The younger boy struggles to remember, only it comes to him.

Rain. Rain. Rain.

The endless crying from above. The crying that he could not let out; and not in front of his brother or anyone else. The loneliness, the wandering in years of lost hope.

Seeing the sweetness in Ed’s eyes clicks it in for Al. Only one place he could have gone to.

Al is lowering his head, noticing the mud in his knees, the remainings of grass and dead flowers now clear to him.

"I wish you were here. Both of you", Al whispered to the two graves.

"I don’t want to be alone."

Although he doesn’t say a word, he can tell his brother finds the answer as the silence in the room seems heavier.

Outside, the sky’s cries are stronger. They subtly shake the house. Al doesn’t know how he feels that, when he’s far from feeling there at all.

The clouds cry for him. They’ve always cried, when Al couldn’t sleep. They’ve never left, haven’t they?

Al listens.

Ed breathes in.

“Al…”

Whatever he wanted to say, it disappears with the rain. Al hears it, anyway.

He clenches his jaw.

Al takes one step forward, and almost falls.

Falls to the nothing.

Nothing. Nothing.

But something gets ahold of him.

A voice…

Is it Truth? To take him away for good?

…

… Al!

Alphonse !

Al smells the stew. He smells home and the rain, and the metal that replaces his brother’s limbs to this day.

Warm. It’s all so warm.

Even soaking wet, he latches onto the warmth. Of course, he doesn’t want to ruin it. He doesn’t want to wet it and steal the heat for himself. But Al is…

God, he’s terrified.

“I don’t want…” he gulps.

There’s a thunder outside.

“I don’t want to go,” he whispers, so quietly no one might hear it. His voice is beyond hoarse from the rain.

Immediately after, Al is squeezed tight, even if he’s a soaked mess.

“You’re not going anywhere,” someone else answers, a warm surface touching his forehead. “You’re here, Al. You’re home.”

Al trembles.

“But I don’t”— he hiccups —“I don’t feel real, Ed.”

His brother stills. Al trembles harder.

“I’m still trapped,” he says, “I-It’s like… I’m losing myself every single day. And then I’ll be gone. There’ll be nothing left.” Al buries himself in the beating warmth that he holds onto. It beats, beats, beats. “I don’t want to leave.”

“Y-You won’t.”

“But I did once. I did, and I was- I’m still conscious and I hate that I can’t feel anything. It hurts, and I don’t want to, anymore. But I don’t want to go, brother,” Al sobs.

“Al. Al.” He’s squeezed between the fragile metal and human flesh; both so very alive to him, despite the differences. “Listen to me. You’re not going away. I’m not letting that happen ever again.”

“B-But I am, brother! I’m going to die!”

“You won’t. You can trust me. You know that, right?” Ed inquires.

Al doesn’t protest, because he does believe him. Ed would never lie about this, even if he’s kept a lot of things to himself. When it comes to Al, he’s always clear with him.

“You’re real, Al. I can feel you,” Ed tells him. “You’re soaking wet and trembling like ice – and I’ll let you know you’re going to the shower immediately after this –, and your heart is beating hard against mine. Your heart is so strong, Al. Just like you.” Al feels something solid like metal supporting his back, and it’s far from uncomfortable. “The fact I’m even able to hold you right now is the most real I’ve felt in so long.”

Ed’s voice is the softest and rawest Al has heard in his life. Raw and real, and aching like the rain outside.

“Ed…” Al whimpers, “I’m scared.”

His brother kisses his forehead, despite Al’s wet bangs plastered on it. “I know.”

“I still feel so lost. Like I’m in that walking shell. What if I’m still there? What if…” Al sniffs. “What if I never leave the armor at all, Ed?”

It makes no sense, he knows. But what Al feels is true. He’s not sure if Ed might understand it.

“Then I’ll help you get out, Al. No matter how much time it takes,” his older brother assures. “I won’t give up on you.”

Despite the mess that he is right now, Al is able to breathe again.

Eventually, Ed helps Al get on his feet and, next thing he knows, Al is inside the bathroom, hot water embracing him. The moment he’s done, he’s immediately buried in maybe two sweaters that Granny and Winry got him back when it snowed in Resembool. Besides yet another blanket Ed grabbed from the couch.

“You’re such a worrywart, Ed,” Al teases him, much to Ed’s displeasure.

“Oh, now you’re sassing me? You brat.” His tone immediately changes, “You’re warm now, right? Do you need another blanket?”

“I’m fine, brother. Maybe you should check on the stew.”

Ed’s eyes widen, and Al suddenly takes note of a very strong smell.

“… oh, shit!” His brother runs the fastest mankind could ever run, and despite the loss of stew, Al can’t hold back a giggle.

[callboxkat]

“Why do you smell like a dumpster, and if you say you were dumpster diving I swear to god.” Dee @ Remus?

Donuts and Dumpster Diving

Fandom: Sanders Sides!

Author’s note: I combined this one with another other prompt you sent in, “You lost them? How do you lose a whole person?” I hope that’s okay!

Warnings: Sympathetic Remus and Deceit, one instance of mildly disturbing imagery (it’s Remus, he has gross ideas), food mention, some arguing

Word count: 808

Writing Masterpost!

…

Dee was just minding his own business, sitting at home and browsing a catalog of magic trick supplies on the internet, when he heard the front door opening. Normally this would be unremarkable—one of his roommates, Remus, came and went all the time—but in with him rolled a stench so foul that Dee’s eyes started watering, and he gagged.

Remus walked into the room, acting for all the world like nothing was wrong. But the stench and the state of his clothes said otherwise.

“Why do you smell like a dumpster?” Dee asked. “And if you say you were dumpster diving again, I swear to god—”

“I had a reason this time!” Remus protested. He looked upset at the accusation, but he was altogether too happy to be covered in dirt, garbage, and slime of a questionable origin.

“Oh, really? I definitely believe you. What reason might that be?” Dee folded his arms, regarding Remus with one eyebrow raised, the brim of his hat low over his eyes.

“Ah… well, see, Virgil and I went out to get donuts, and… I might have… lost Virgil. Briefly. It barely counts. Honestly, don’t even worry about it. It’s fine.”

Virgil was Dee’s other roommate. He was… unusual, to say the least. And not just because he dressed like he was trapped in his 2008 emo phase. He was, as he called himself, a borrower, a race of beings who were all but completely secret from humans (except, obviously, for Virgil himself. He was an exception). Virgil looked pretty much human, except for one thing: he was a grand total of four inches tall.

Dee didn’t have a lot of friends, so naturally, he was more than a little protective of the ones he did have. Especially given Virgil’s small size. So, when he heard Remus’s confession, Dee was immediately on his feet, staring at his human roommate with wide eyes. “You lost him? How do you lose a whole person?”

Remus held up a finger, tilting his head to one side. “Okay, first of all, he is a very small person. You could lose him in all sorts of places! Like in the—”

“Okay, okay, you’ve made your point,” Deceit snapped, before Remus could launch into what he was sure would be a list of increasingly ridiculous, dangerous, and gory scenarios.

“Garbage disposal,” Remus whispered, because he didn’t know when to stop.

Deceit groaned. “Well, did you at least find him? Is he okay?”

“Heck yeah, you worrywart, I found him!” Remus reached into the inside jacket pocket and pulled out the tiny man, who was thankfully very much alive and apparently unharmed, except that at the moment he looked absolutely filthy. He was covered in grime and dripping with the same slime as Remus, that mysterious substance whose identity Dee didn’t particularly want to know.

Dee’s and Virgil’s eyes met. Virgil’s expression was livid.

“See?” Remus said cheerfully. “He’s fine!”

“Yes… I can see that,” Dee replied dryly, reaching forward to take Virgil from his roommate. Virgil eagerly stepped forward onto his much cleaner hand, and Dee was suddenly very glad for his signature yellow gloves. They saved his hands from that mystery  garbage sludge, even if he’d have to buy some new ones after this. “What even happened?” he asked, purposefully directing the question at Virgil. Remus looked vaguely affronted.

“What do you think?” Virgil grumbled. “We were walking, on our way to get some donuts, when this idiot saw some dumb thing in a dumpster that he just had to have.”

“It was this super rusty, dented old cheese grater,” Remus justified. “It looked like something out of a horror movie! You’d understand if you’d seen it.”

“I’m sure.”

Virgil pulled off his jacket in a futile attempt to rid himself of some of the slime. “He leaned over to get it, even though I told him it was a stupid idea,” he said. “And of course, I fell out of his pocket, into the dumpster.” He glared at Remus again. “That is not how I wanted to spend my afternoon, by the way.” He turned back to Dee. “No donuts, drowning in garbage, and he didn’t even get the freaking cheese grater.”

“It fell apart when I picked it up,” Remus explained sadly.

Dee wordlessly pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to Virgil, who was so dwarfed by the fabric that he could wear it like a banana-colored ghost costume if he really wanted to. The small man made a grateful sound in his throat and started scrubbing at the dirt on himself. He was going to need a bath—or ten—and some donuts to make up for this.

“How about next time you decide to go dumpster diving,” Deceit sighed, looking back at Remus, “You leave Virgil at home?”

[minniepetals]

sanctuary

— summary: sometimes home isn't a specific destination, sometimes home is when you're crying and they reach out to hold you in their arms despite the rules. sometimes home is what you call their arms, your sanctuary.

— pairing: bodyguard!bts x reader

— genre: angst, slight fluff / bodyguard!au, mafia!au

— word count: 15.6k

— warnings: character deaths, arranged wedding, gang violence, that mafia stuff

➵ drabble: a life that’s ours

"Jimin?"

Amidst the chaos, despite how soft and vulnerable your voice had sounded, he heard you. And he was quick to flip himself around, eyes scanning your body to make sure you were indeed alright for the thirtieth time that night. And perhaps you were alright physically but the tears in your eyes told him otherwise and Jimin was left to have his heart ache at just the sight. He could see your whole body trembling, the way you huddled closer to him in seek of some comfort. Your shaky hands gripped his masculine biceps but then opted to wrap your arms around his torso instead, leaning yourself flushed against his body as you softly cried into his chest.

The words of your father's came repeating in his head; don't touch her, don't get close to her, don't hold her, don't entertain her. There were so many don'ts, so many rules that made him frozen in the spot as he contemplated on what he should do. But then he was reminded of the number one important rule;

Protect her at all cost.

And if protecting you meant holding you close during that moment, if it meant you'd feel more at ease, if it meant you'd feel comforted in the time of chaos and danger all around, then it also meant that he was indeed allowed to wrap his own arms around you. Protectively. As a shield.

Yeah, that was what he was. A shield. Just a shield.

Jimin tried to not let it get to him, the hold, the way you sighed into him when he finally held his arms around you, or the fact that he always had the desire to hold you like that, near him, and in his arms. It was only temporarily, it was his duty, and certainly not because he too indeed loved the way you wrapped your small hands around his torso.

He started to hear the statics in his ear piece and Jimin was once again reminded that he shouldn't have been enjoying the close proximity you were with him.

"Park, where is the milady? Is she alright?" Seokjin, head of the bodyguards, commanded.

Jimin looked down at your crying state, tears beginning to lessen a bit but you were still crying. All he wanted to do was to kiss the tears away but knew very well that that was highly inappropriate. "She isn't hurt." You weren't alright but he knew Seokjin's question insisted of your physical state. "We're hiding in the kitchen."

"Where's father?" You asked aloud, eyes staring into Jimin for a clear answer.

He cleared his throat and asked, "The milady wishes to know the whereabouts of CEO Choi."

"His bodyguards have taken him safely to headquarters," Yoongi replied and Jimin replayed the answer to you. "It would be convenient if you get the milady there as soon as possible."

Headquarters. Jimin wanted to scoff. You still had yet to know about many, many things.

"Bodyguard Jeon and I have taken care of the intruders," Hoseok reported. "Second and third floor is clear."

"First floor is too," Namjoon stated before Taehyung chimed in his reply with the outside surroundings being safe as well.

"We're the only ones left," Seokjin announced and a cheer escaped Taehyung.

"Fun," the male chuckled. "Jimin, you can come out now. How's Y/N doing?"

With them being the only patrols left, it was easier to speak to each other and you in informal tones. In front of others however, things were a different story as the rules kept the eight of you from being that close but you came up with your own rules with secretly seeking comfort in each other.

"Uh..." Jimin turned back to you, no longer speaking to the others. "We're safe now, Y/N."

Hearing him call your name, you knew then that it was definitely safe because Jimin and any of them would ever call you your actual name if other people were around. So you took a deep, shaky sigh but still didn't want to let go of your bodyguard.

Secretly, Jimin loved it.

"I have to bring you to your father. There's a place already set and your father has made sure it'd be a secure living environment. You'll be safe there."

But despite his words of assurance, you showed no sign of wanting to leave the mess of the place you were currently at, and instead nuzzled further into Jimin's chest. "I already feel safe here," you subtly whined. "If I go back to him, everything will have to go back to formal meetings and conversations or no speaking to you guys at all and nothing's going to be as comfortable as I am now."

His soft laughter rang into the air. "Comfortable in a place where you were almost hurt? Sweetie, your cheeks are still stained with tears."

"You know what I mean." He went on to gently wipe away your remaining tears and smiled at your cute pouting lips.

"Jimin?" He heard Jungkook through the earpiece. "We're in the ballroom. Are you two alright?" The youngest worried.

"We'll be out in a sec," Jimin assured before turning back to you. "Come on, little princess," he chuckled when you let out a little whine, "let's get outta here before the others worry too much."

That got your attention. You didn't liked worrying the others either so you were quick to oblige. As the two of you fell apart, you were already missing his warmth and only giggled when you saw the tear stains on his uniform. "Sorry about that," you sniffed but Jimin shook his head, not minding, and ruffled your hair. It had been placed in a beautiful updo for the party an hour ago but with all the commotion, it turned into the beautiful mess Jimin grew to love.

The two of you walked out the kitchen hand in hand as Jimin looked at all ways to make sure you wouldn't trip on the ruined floors and hurt yourself. Despite how close you had become with the guys throughout the years of their services to you, that night had been the first night you were really that close to any of them. And quite frankly, you liked it very much.

"Thank goodness you're alright." Seokjin let a sigh of relief escaped his lips but still made sure he checked you to see if there were any scratches while maintaining a respectful proximity. Sometimes you wished he wouldn't do that, sometimes you wished Seokjin would just forget the rules and allowed himself to go in protective panic mode because you knew the guy was a worrywart when it came to you.

But he was a gentleman. They all were. But sometimes you just wished they'd disregard the formal respectful rules and did whatever they wanted.

"We have to head to your father," the head of the bodyguards announced.

"We have to?" You cringed, looking a bit discomforted at the mention of your father. It wasn't that you didn't love him or that the two of you didn't have a good relationship, it was because you hated the strict rules he set for both you and the boys. You hated not speaking to them whenever you wished, you hated not exchanging smiles and laughters openly, and you hated that everywhere you were, you had to be careful of anyone looking or hearing whenever you did stood against your father's rules and made conversation.

"He's worried," Yoongi subtly lamented, a face of empathy glancing your way before adding, "and it isn't safe for you to be around here any more than the time we've already wasted."

You understood him, because your father didn't like not knowing where you were and would want you by his side immediately because he was so protective over you, even more so ever since the death of your mother took toll five years ago. So you sighed and nodded, allowing them to escort you out but not before you paused in your tracks, grunting at your feet.

"What's wrong?" Hoseok worried.

"The heels hurt," you pouted so they took a moment to help you out as Taehyung took your heels and Jungkook offered his back for you. The nice side to your dress (besides its beauty) was that it wasn't tight and uncomfortable so you didn't take much discomfort in hopping onto Jungkook's back.

A giggle escaped your lips as he stood up and began walking. At the sound, the men smiled, hearts warm at your happier state despite the chaos that had taken a toll on the night. But it wasn't long before their fears came true and you were asking them about what had happened.

"Is anyone going to explain what went on tonight?" You queried moments later as you all settled yourselves in the black van, Seokjin driving as you sat in the passenger seat.

The driver eyed the rear mirror while you stared out the window, watching the side of the road on the highway the van was on. "It was a robbery," Namjoon spoke. "The other bodyguards have already gone back to give the police reports so we don't need to worry about that. After all, our only duty is to bring you back safely to your father."

They all held their breaths and watched you, hoping you'd buy their lies and fortunately for them, your head gave a little nod and inaudible sighs of relief escaped their lips.

"I can still remember the look one of the robbers gave me," you recalled, shivering at the reminder.

Their brows furrowed, hearing that for the first time and teeth clenched at it. "Do you remember his face?" Jimin asked.

"He looked a little old to be a robber but I guess some people are desperate, huh?" You remembered. "I saw him across the ballroom, by the drinks. He looked a little out of place but, I don't know, I believed him to be one of my father's guests. He had a mustache, sort of like he was in his forties or something and his eyes," you shivered again, "they were so scary, I don't know why I hadn't warned any of you."

Seokjin offered you his right hand while his left was still placed on the steering wheel. You squeezed it almost immediately, holding onto it securely. "He gave me this weird smile," you went on, "like he was openly making a plan in his head on what he'd do if he laid his hands on me and I..." You shook. "I should have said something."

It wasn't long before the van pulled up to a driveway and the immediate react they gave you was their divided attention, Seokjin going on to wipe away you tears of fear. "He won't get to you, Y/N, we're here to protect you," the male vowed. "Next time if you sense anything out of place, tell us immediately."

You nodded at his words, still a bit choked up and shaky.

When your father saw you, you had already ran into his arms. He took one long look at you, sighed a breath of relief knowing that you weren't physically hurt but just emotionally in pain, gave you a kiss atop your head as he said, "You need to rest, Princess," before asking Taehyung to escort you to your designated room while he insisted he still needed to look into the robbery.

The others stayed behind to give him their reports while Taehyung silently led you to your room.

"Please stay, just for a little while," you subtly begged when the male was ready to take his leave.

"Milady, I—"

It was back to that name and you were quick to scowl, hating it coming from his mouth because you liked him calling your name instead. "Please," you pled. You eyed the corner of the hallway, looked behind you, and then back at him as you took his hand like a child forbidden to love because her father couldn't allow her to do so. A forbidden love. Only, you still hadn't known about Taehyung's side in it. "I'm scared of the nightmares, Tae."

He looked away wearily and regretfully. "They will notice my long absence."

"It doesn't have to be long."

But he still refused to go into your room. "Your father—"

"Alright, alright," you grunted bitterly, hating every word to that rule. "You don't have to stay. I just..." You trailed off, not knowing what excuses to make to have Taehyung stay by or side for even just a second longer.

Seeing the sadness displayed on your face, the male pressed his lips. "Will it help if I gave you a goodnight kiss?"

Your eyes lit up at the request. "Could you?"

He chuckled and you joined along with your giggles. With gentle hands placed at each side of your head, Taehyung leaned down to press a soft kiss on your forehead. "Goodnight, pretty princess."

"Goodnight, my knight in shining armor."

Skinny love, was what they called it. Skinny love. .

.

You would think that after that incident, your father would lay low on business parties because it involved many guests — and he did, on his part. But he was a powerful CEO so it was inevitable to get invited to many other parties and for that, you were dragged along with him.

You sighed as you walked down the hall of paintings, wearing a white blouse that laid loose on the sleeves from the elbow down, and a black trouser with a bow on the side. Yoongi and Namjoon walked behind you, silently as always, observing your slow moves while you examined each boring painting at the exhibition. You stopped at one particular painting, not because it caught your attention, but because you decided walking about the rooms as you forged interest wasn't helping yourself (nor your feet because of the darn heels).

"At least Taehyung's enjoying himself," you mumbled to the two bodyguards at your sides. The three of you eyed the man secretly, watching how even as he tried his best to act all formal and mature, there was the look of a child in his eyes, and the way his eyes lit up at each painting he saw, made your heart warm. "But..his paintings are far more interesting than these ones."

It wasn't that the paintings weren't beautiful nor horrible looking, it was just the fact that you felt more at ease when you thought of Taehyung's fascination in art and the way he put forth effort in them himself to bring his own paintings to life. He'd show them to you when he got the chance because you'd always beg to see them, knowing fully well that that man was a great artist. Too bad life had many ways to bring down dreams and had him become a bodyguard instead.

"..you make an excellent bodyguard, Mr. Jung." At the call of Hoseok's name, you turned around to find Hoseok talking to a lady just about your age, flirting with him. "I'll pay you twice the amount Miss Choi is giving you if you take the offer in becoming mine."

Your fingers balled into a fist at her words. Mine. As in she wanted him. As in she wanted Hoseok to serve her. You wanted to stomp on over there when you saw the smirk she was giving you, acting as if she had won the game. But to both of your surprises, the gentleman in front of her chuckled lightly. "With all due respect, ma'am, I am happy serving by my lady's side and wish to never part from my duty in protecting her. Now if you'll excuse me, it is highly inappropriate for me to speak to others in her presence."

You've once voiced your insecurity in them speaking to pretty ladies, never once had you actually thought Hoseok, the most gracious gentleman, would ever refuse speaking to someone who had first spoken to him. And to your amusement, your heart swelled as Hoseok turned around to walk on over to you, a subtle smile dancing on his lips as you gave the women a playful smirk, silently telling her that you had won the game.

She turned around to storm away angrily.

"You're cute when you're jealous," Hoseok whispered and the other two softly laughed, agreeing.

A pout formed at your lips. "I wasn't jealous. I was just—" You were about to say something else when you saw your father striding your way. With you clearing your throat, the amusement died down and the three of you were back in that cage of the forbidden realm.

"Mingle," was the first thing your father had told you that night. "It would be best if my daughter wasn't just roaming around the room and speaks to someone. Like that nice gentleman over there." He beckoned over to a man standing tall in a suit whom was admiring a painting in front of him. Your father wasn't giving you a suggestion, it was an order. The sight of the male was a handsome sight but you weren't a bit interested.

Still, you nodded and reluctantly walked on over.

"Ahh, Van Gogh's famous painting, a classic yet it still intrigues the world."

He turned around at the sound of your voice and had on an immediate smile the moment he saw your face. "Fascinated in art?" He raised a brow.

You shook your head honestly. "Not much. But the whole world knows about Van Gogh's Starry Night." His eyes narrowed and you sighed. "Okay, I only approached you because my father wishes for me to mingle with people."

A light chuckle escaped him. "Not much of a people person, huh?"

"Not really," you shrugged. "I only attend parties because my father drags me around but in reality, I'd very much rather love to just lay around in bed or even just work on a few paperwork here and there."

The man laughed, "you're intriguing yourself," and Yoongi wanted to roll his eyes. "Lee Woohyung," he held his hand out, "CEO of the Lee enterprise."

"Choi Y/N," you played along, holding out your own hand to shake his and the boys behind you bit back their own inner cheeks, "future CEO of the Choi enterprise. But for now, I'm just the daughter of CEO Choi Sejun."

"I think the land of Korea has already established that," Woohyung winked, holding your hand for a few seconds too long to place a quick kiss atop it and you tried your best to keep on your business smile. As if finally acknowledging your bodyguards' presence, his brow raised as he looked at the three before returning his gaze back on yours. "Are your bodyguards always around you?"

You raised your own brow, silently asking why he had asked such a thing. "Protocol," you simply stated. "Not that I mind, it's the number one rule that I must have a bodyguard around me at all times."

"I guess it's understandable being that you're quite important," he tried to emphasize. "You really don't mind? What about privacy?"

"My bodyguards are well trained and the perfect gentlemen for the job. I certainly don't mind." And before you knew it, you were excusing yourself to the restroom, not wanting to get into a further conversation with the man.

"Well that was...something." You finally sighed a breath of relief once you and your three bodyguards were out of sight from everyone else. On the other hand, they still looked a bit tense after your talk.

"I don't like him," Namjoon was quick to confess.

"He was flirting with you," Yoongi growled.

"And kissed your hand!" Hoseok added, raising his voice a bit as he took the hand Woohyung had kissed. "Wait until Seokjin and the other hears this," he grumbled, "you're washing this hand the minute we get home."

"Or I can just wash them now. The restroom is very close by."

But Hoseok shook his head. "You're not leaving our sight."

You giggled as you took the hand he wasn't holding to lightly pinch his cheeks. "You're adorable when you're jealous," you eyed the other two accusingly, "you all are."

"We're not jealous," Namjoon pouted but your grin only widened.

"Keep telling yourself that," you singsonged as you turned around, ready to head back before looking over your shoulder at them, "and for the record, I didn't like him either. I prefer my much more handsome bodyguards."

Finally, they were back to the smiles you always adored and you turned around, satisfied as you walked back to the dreaded room.

.

.

"What?" Your mouth dried, body frozen in place as you stare at your father, thinking maybe you had heard wrong. But it was your Father, he never stuttered nor had he ever joked around with anything.

"In three months," he repeated, eyeing your expression, "you will be wedded to Lee Woohyung."

Lee Woohyung. You wanted to curse his name, allowed every fiber within you to just reject the whole thing but it was your Father, you couldn't go against him. "Why?" Teeth clenched, fingers balled into fists and you were relieved your hands were hidden underneath the table. You wanted to see the expressions of your bodyguards, wondering what they thought of the whole ordeal but you couldn't take your eyes off of your father.

He let out a sigh, looking away. "I want you to be ready for absolutely anything."

Your brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"When I am gone, I want you to take over my position in no time."

"What do you mean when you're—"

"As my daughter," his piercing gaze held yours, "I expect you to be ready for whatever life throws at you. Whether that means getting married to someone I've chosen for you or whatever, you will do what I ask."

"But—"

"Do you understand?"

No. Of course not. How could you? Your fingernails clenched against your palm so hard it was beginning to sting but you paid no attention to it, keeping your glare on your father. "You out of everyone should understand what it's like to go against the rules of stupid forbidden love."

"Y/N—"

You stood up abruptly, not wanting to listen to what he had to say. You've had enough, enough of complying to every rule he had set up, obeying his every word. Because what was the point when you still was not granted your freedom? You loved your father, you really did, and you knew that he loved you. But an arranged marriage was taking it way too far.

"Mother told me many stories." Tears welled up in your eyes, heart clenching at the mention of her name but you went on, desperate to prove your point. "Stories of how you went against your own father to go by your own rules, to live a lifestyle you hoped to choose for your own self, and choosing her over your own people. What is it that you have forgotten for you to begin to act like the grandfather mother had described to me?"

He grew agitated but kept his calm. "You don't understand."

"No," you affirmed, refusing to take your eyes off his form, "I don't. And maybe that's because you don't ever explain anything to me. Every excuse you make, you say it's for my own protection. What are you trying to protect me from? Why am I always under strict security? Why can't I live life the way I want?"

"Because you're my daughter!" You didn't flinched at the raise of his voice nor did you looked away when he gave you that same glare you held. Because you weren't going to back down. Not now.

Still, you stood there silent for a second. "Right," you whispered, jaws tensed as you nodded, "your daughter. And as your daughter, I am expected to listen to everything you tell me. And I have, father, I've been doing it ever since I was born and I will continue doing it if that will make you happy, because clearly my opinions don't stand in your visions of a perfect life. But," you paused, shaking your head, "I will never marry someone I do not love."

And with that, you stomped away from the conversation, not caring for a moment about his reasonings. Perhaps it made you selfish, and perhaps you had gone a little far by talking back to him. But at the moment, you couldn't care one bit as you brushed away the tears that managed to escape your eyes. A perfect daughter, was what the world saw you as. And maybe you were, once. But to be in an arranged marriage when you had clearly already...caught feelings, you certainly wasn't going to go along with your father's commands if it meant you'd have to spend the rest of your life a miserable lady.

For a long minute, Seokjin didn't know what to do. He knew where your father had came from but also understood your feelings as well. He stood there, contemplating on things while the others avoided eye contact, understanding the situation as well. And then, Seokjin excused himself from your father's presence, the others following along as they walked away to chase after you.

"Milady, I—"

The abrupt pause in your tracks stopped him and they all watched you. Your shoulders tensed, fingers still clawed into your palms as your chin lifted in the air, eyes closed and trying to keep your cool even with the fact that "milady" alone was getting on your nerves. You hated that address of name, hated it coming from his mouth, from their mouth. But in the presence of your father and his home, not even you could stop them from calling you that.

Back still facing them, you shook your head, a whisper escaping your lips, "I wish to be alone."

They knew not to chase after you, even though the rules demanded never to have you out of their sight. Because you really did need that alone time, to think, to reflect..to cry. It was the first time they had ever heard such a weak voice out of you, the first time. Even when your mother died, you were heartbroken but not broken. Because you still yearned for their comfort, for their touches and for them to stay by your side, always.

But for this marriage thing, you were going to have to possibly deal with it all on your own.

.

.

Every time someone came knocking on your door and offered food, whether it was the maids or your bodyguards themselves, you drove them away. Not even your door was unlocked for them to just walk in. You never locked your door, ever, so they knew it wasn't right to find a spare key and walk in all of a sudden. You needed the privacy.

Your father never once visited nor had he sent someone to call you down. He worried, you knew, but never came to check up on you. Just as you were stubborn, your father was much more stubborn that even a landslide wouldn't be able to make him change his already made up decision. So you stayed stubborn in your room without letting anyone visit, not even the sun as your dark curtains made everything dark.

It went on for a week, until you heard a soft knocking on your door and a pleading Yoongi asking to see you.

"Please, Y/N." He never begged. Never. And because he had spoken your actual name, you understood that your father was out of sight, not in the house and elsewhere you couldn't come to care about.

So slowly, you stood up from your bed, having to catch yourself when the floor swayed under your feet and walked on with lagging movements before you could open the door. His eyes widened at the sight of you, surprised you had chosen to actually open the door for him, but more surprised at your figure. You looked thinner, clouded eyes, and just barely able to stand up straight.

Yoongi crouched down in front of you, offering his back. You hesitated for a moment, not understanding him but still climbed on top, trying your best to hold on tight but your weakness not allowing the strength to take place. But Yoongi held onto you as securely as possible, refusing to let you go as he walked down the steps of the stairs and into the dining room where you could smell a bowl of porridge and saw a basket of fruits.

He sat you down in your chair then took a seat for himself, right beside you. You watched his movements, the way he gently held onto the bowl of porridge, blowing onto the spoon he'd gather of the porridge, and then offered it to you once he deemed it was a good temperature. You gulped at the sight before gaping your mouth and he fed you the portion. No words were spoken, only the sounds of the spoon clinking against the bowl as he fed you. You took your time eating and he was patient enough to wait for you.

"Feel a little better?" You nodded as Yoongi placed the empty bowl down, a small small lightening his face because he was content you had finally eaten without arguing.

"Just a little."

"That's alright." His voice kept soft when he reached for your hand, fingers grazing against your skin with such gentleness. "Little is better than none at all."

You avoided his gaze, eyes cast down at the floor. "Yoongi," you called and he hummed, encouraging you to go on. "What do you think about this?"

Yoongi didn't answered right away because he didn't know what to say. Your father was his boss, a man he could never defy no matter what Yoongi's opinions were on his decisions. But he was also afraid to offend you and had you more upset. He knew you cared for their opinions, so he had to be careful with his words. One side would offend your father, the other would hurt you.

Seeing his hesitation, you pressed your lips together. "Will you tell me the truth?"

Giving you the truth wasn't a good idea. "I don't have a say in this. I only serve as your bodyguard."

"Yes, I know. I just..." You frowned. "Doesn't father want me to be happy? Why's he doing this to me? I know he understands what it's like to be in my shoes, so why is he being so cruel? I don't want my life to be miserable, marrying a man I do not love. I can rule a company fine, I'm alright with that even if the path of a CEO is not my dream. But to marry someone, Yoongi I—" you looked at him, eyes pleading, "you have to understand where I'm coming from."

"I do," he nodded.

"I didn't mean to get so upset and talk back to him," you went on, lips brought into an upsetting pout, frustration clearly set on your face. "I'm scared, Yoongi." The words came out breathless as you squeezed his hand, praying for some comfort. "I know my father, he's not going to change his mind once he's set on something. And I don't want to hate him for this, I want to understand him but I know that trying while being upset will only make me lash out again. I don't want to get married to Woohyung, I want to be able to love freely."

Your heart clenched tightly against your chest, nostrils thickening as the tears welled up. You tried blinking them away, only blinking had caused them to escape your eyes and drip down like little raindrops upon your cheeks. Yoongi knee touching you wasn't right, especially in your own home where you shared with your father. But the tears you held, the ones that wouldn't stop falling despite how hard you were trying to wipe them away with your sleeves, was hurting his own heart. So without permission, Yoongi held the back of your head with one hand, while the other touched your back as he brought you into his arms so that you could cry on his shoulder.

No matter how many times he's told himself to hold back, to stand firm, and to not fall, it was impossible when it came to you. He wanted to do something, to help ease your pain. But how? Yoongi was just a mere bodyguard who held no great status nor money. You had everything given to you the moment you were born, everything you could have ever wanted. So maybe he could give you something money couldn't buy?

You can't love her, Yoongi reminded himself and his eyes were clouded with the distraught reminder.

"I want to show you something." You looked up, eyes teary but still willing to go along with whatever he was hoping to show you. Yoongi stood up and kept his hands on yours, leading you away from the dining room. If he couldn't love you, then maybe he could make you feel better by showing you an important part of him.

You watched Yoongi dragged you into an almost empty room, having only one thing in it; a grand piano. You recognized the instrument almost immediately and gasped aloud. A light tug caused Yoongi to look back over at you and he could see your confusion and the pain painted on your face.

But despite that, he simply smiled, leading you to the piano still. "Do you remember how your mother was a wonderful musician?"

How could you ever forget? She always shined on the stage, performing songs after songs, writing her own music and getting praises everywhere she went. Your mother was a musician. Everything about her screamed music. After she died, your father was too heartbroken to see any instruments she had once held and told the maids to hide them away.

"All the instruments she had held were taken away elsewhere..." he trailed off, staring at the piano in front of him, "except the piano. It was her favorite so your father couldn't bare to take that away from the home she once lived in. So he told me to look after it because he knew, that your mother had taught me to play this instrument."

A smile spread across his lips at your widened eyes, wondering how in the world had you never known that. Yoongi took his seat on the stool and you followed, hesitantly, to sit by his side. His fingers hovered over the keyboard and then, they pressed along the black and white keys, producing a beautiful melody to resonate in the room. You let your eyes to flutter closed, a tear slipping as you recognized the melody.

It was your mother's favorite song. She played it for you whenever you were around, whether you were happy, sad, or angry. It always brought the calmness out of you and have you smiling in seconds. This time, however, although it didn't have you smiling, you still listened to it, falling in love with the music as you had when your mother was still alive. The nostalgic feeling splashed your mind and you were left to wonder how many secrets your father held, why he never told you that your mother's favorite instrument was still somewhere in the house, why he strayed away from anything you asked regarding his overprotectiveness, or the actual reasons to the sudden marriage arrangement.

You knew your father, he wasn't as selfish as one proclaimed him to be. He loved you, and you knew more than anyone that all he wanted for his only daughter, his only child, was for her happiness. So there was no way he'd propose an arranged wedding and had you feeling trapped and upset for no reason. His past taught him to never act recklessly, to regard other's opinions and viewpoints, and then looked to conclusions.

And perhaps you were indeed sick of the secrets, of the excuses he made, or the non responsive comments to your questions. But your father was no fool without a heart. And as you looked over at Yoongi who continued playing the beautiful melody just for you, you were faced with disputation.

Because maybe, perhaps, you would go along with the marriage. Even if it meant taking your freedom away from you. Even if it meant giving them up.

.

.

"Are you okay with this?"

Woohyung studied your face as you knifed at the steak in front of you, still a little surprised you agreed to his invitation when he heard from your father that you hadn't wanted to be in an arranged wedding. The room he reserved was in a private setting, away from the other guests who decided to have dinner at that restaurant that night. Though you felt thankful for the no crowd, you still brought a bodyguard that stood just outside the room, knowing you needed an escort everywhere you went.

"Not entirely," Woohyung said as he took a sip of wine. "I'd like the freedom of choosing my own wife but I've known this for a very long time so I guess you can say I'm alright with it."

You hands paused, a little taken back. "You knew?"

"I knew I'd be in an arranged marriage," he clarified, "not specifically you."

With a sigh, your eyes dropped back down at the steak. "I guess the life of a rich isn't entirely the luckiest thing in the world."

"No," he agreed, pursing his lips. "It takes a lot of our freedoms away with life decisions already made for us."

"Aren't you a little frustrated?"

"I've never been interest in love, Miss Choi." Woohyung eyed you, though you saw a glint of pain settled in his eyes. "I've never been much of a dreamer. Being the son of a rich and successful CEO comes with great responsibilities, as you would know, and our paths have already been chosen for us. But of course it makes me frustrated when I'm still young and demands are made out of me, expectations are high, and I'm forced to marry without consent. I want my freedom, maybe not in the same way as your definition of freedom, but to be tied down by marriage was never something I wanted."

"Guess we're on the same page," you lamented, "yet there's nothing any of us can do about it."

"No," he nodded. "So I guess the only reason why I'm going along with this is to make my parents happy and be less of a burden."

A burden.

Woohyung's words stuck to you when you left that night, walking along the streets with Namjoon by your side because you decided you didn't want to go back right away. To be less of a burden. He was right. And though you still hadn't spoken to your father nor understood his reasonings, you could understand that part of the plan was for your sake. Whether it was safety wise or whatever. He wouldn't just agree to something without thinking through or going about it another way. Your father was smart.

When you took a glance at Namjoon, your heart began aching at the thought of marrying some other man. But this wasn't about you, and maybe you'd break their hearts too but it wasn't about them either. It was about your father's empire, your father's choices and what he felt was the right thing to do.

"I'm scared," you confessed in a soft voice but he heard you through the quiet night. You took his hand into yours, holding it to feel his warmth and touch, not wanting to ever let go. "Because I know it's only inevitable for me to accept my father's decision and go along with the marriage. He won't ever change his mind, he's my father, he doesn't change his mind."

Namjoon squeezed your hand for comfort and you leaned in to place your head against his shoulder. "Do you think I'm being selfish? Father has his reasons, he always does. I just wish he could tell me instead of hiding so many secrets."

"Your father always has a reason, even for hiding his secrets."

You looked up at him, searching into his eyes. "Do you know something?" But then you caught yourself and looked away. "Oh who am I kidding?" You huffed. "Even if you did, you wouldn't be able to tell me because of father's strict rules."

"Y/N."

"Hm?"

"What would life be without your father's strict rules? If your father wasn't so protective of you? If you could make your own life decisions?"

You considered his question, blinking as you thought of the endless possibilities. "I would..." you trailed off, looking up at the night sky before smiling widely. "I would become an astronaut and travel space for any kind of mission!" You let go of his hand to hold yours up at the sky, palm facing up. "Whether it be searching for aliens, discovering a planet similar to earth, or just staying amongst the stars and moons and planets for years, never having to come back to this boring planet."

You took his hand once again, swinging it as you ran onto the playground nearby. "Imagine all the possibilities! What if I became a pirate?" You giggled as you placed yourself onto the swings, kicking off your feet to have yourself moving. "I could go anywhere I want, finding lost treasures, meeting mermaids and all sorts of sea creatures and befriending every one of them."

Namjoon laughed. "As they say, fish are friends, not food."

You laughed a little louder, amused by his lack of interest in seafood. "I could also audition for the main role of a beautiful actress, or sing on stage, or dance, or even become a musician like my mother and compose all sorts of music. Or..." you trailed up, smile wide, "I can be a gang boss and have the world fear me!"

He knew you were kidding, yet Namjoon couldn't find himself smiling any longer, not with what you had just said. He watched you speak of the dangers, going on risky missions, being skilled in fighting and swords and guns, but Namjoon couldn't indulge in the fun in that.

When you noticed his quietness, you looked back at him, tilting your head in confusion at his sudden solemn expression. "Joon?" You called. "Something wrong?"

"Y/N," he sighed, trying not to show that he was beginning to feel upset. "You couldn't even kill a fly so please don't talk about risking your own life just for...adventures."

"Oh." You smile disappeared as you realized you were worrying him. And though Namjoon had an entirely different reason to what you were thinking, you still knew it wasn't right to go on fantasizing your life about mob bosses and streets fights. "I'm sorry."

He shook his head, forcing a small smile. "It's alright. But it's getting late so I'll make a call to your chauffeur now."

"..okay."

.

.

"I'll marry Lee Woohyung."

Your father looked up from the pile of paperwork on his desk after you walked into his office room with a declaration, and blinked. You certainly caught him off guard, he had wondered when you'd begin to speak to him again and there you were, barging into his room. From the looks of your bodyguards, they too had no idea you were actually willing to go along with his proposal.

Jimin felt a pain stabbing his heart but he decided to ignore it, making eye contact with Taehyung who looked just as lost.

"On one condition."

Your father raised a brow. "And what's that?"

"I want my freedom for the following three months following up to the date of the wedding before it's stripped away from me."

He fell silent. "And what will you do with that freedom?"

"Spend my time on an island, away from society."

"You can't leave without security."

"I know," you nodded, already having a plan. "My bodyguards will be there with me."

His eyes scanned the bodyguards and saw the way Seokjin looked just as surprised, not knowing what your plans were. "All seven of them?"

You nodded firmly. "Yes. I will be safe, just how you want it."

You'd be safe alright, without anyone being able to hurt you if you were away on some island. But your father didn't liked the idea of you being alone with your bodyguards. The gazes you held with them was something he had never missed, and though he understood the bodyguards did whatever they could to not fall, how could anyone not want his daughter, both beautiful inside and out.

But your father knew you wouldn't want a no as an answer, and he understood that you wanted your freedom more than anything. If he was going to have you marry someone you didn't love and spend the rest of your life with them, then he knew you deserve the freedom. He'd just have to have a talk with the bodyguards before you left.

"Fine."

You gasped, eyes widened as you hadn't expected him to actually accept your proposal. "You're serious?"

"Would you like me to change my mind?"

"No!" He raised a brow and you cleared your throat, remembering that raising your voice was inappropriate. "No, father," you said in a calmer tone though deep inside, you just wanted to jump up and rejoice.

"I want you to arrive back two weeks before your wedding."

"Yes father."

"And don't run away the day of."

"Yes father."

"Good. You may leave," he dismissed.

You stood in your place for a second longer, smiling. "Thank you...father."

.

.

"Look at this place!" You squealed with delight, finding yourself running into the vacation home the second you stepped foot off the yacht and had the maknae line following along.

"It'll really just be us?" Namjoon queried as he stepped up next to Seokjin who just stood there, staring at the island your father rented out. Hoseok and Yoongi stepped up along, eyes looking at the vacation home with the same question, asking themselves if it was actually real and that they weren't just dreaming.

"It'll just be us," Seokjin confirmed though he himself still felt like it was all a joke. "Remember the rules." He cleared his throat, still in business mode no matter how far away they were from your father. Seokjin was still the head bodyguard, he still had to remember to follow the rules.

"Yes but..." Hoseok trailed off, watching the way you ran out onto the decks and up the stairs to the upper floor while being chased by Jungkook, all while laughing. It caused warmth to flow through his body and a small smile to curl along the corner of his lips. "There's also a rule that states that she should be kept happy. We can't take that happiness away from her, you've seen the way she looks at us. The same way we look at her."

"It isn't right."

"No, it isn't," Yoongi agreed yet added in his own points, "but she only has three months left before we see her wedded off to some other man."

That statement alone caused their hearts to clench. Seokjin closed his eyes, the images of you in a wedding dress as you walked down the aisle for a wedding not meant for them flashed before him. His fingers curled against his palm at the picture, the way you'd say your fake vows, the ring placed on your finger, the kiss you'd share with Woohyung. It was all too much to think about and he knew that him and the guys wouldn't be able to go through the wedding without shedding a tear, or without wanting to. But that was that life he would have to prepare for no matter how hard he wished upon not wanting to. He didn't want to accept it, to see you gone and in the arms of someone else's.

But the life he wanted to picture, of you in his arms, the kisses he'd share with you, the life you'd share your vows upon, was not the life he'd take on. He was a bodyguard and that was the only thing he'd be. Nothing more, nothing less. And even if he did get his freedom one day, it'd be spent with the other six. You wouldn't be a part of it.

And that remaining three months he had left with you, maybe it would be worth breaking some rules after all. "Then...do whatever it takes, even if it means breaking some rules, to make her happy. Just..." he trailed off, eyes cast to the ground, "just don't get too attached."

Even he himself wasn't convinced he'd be able to do that.

.

.

"If I drown, will you save me?"

"I wouldn't let you drown in the first place."

"Okay great." You giggled and was quick to run off yet you couldn't get far because Jungkook already had his hand snatched onto your wrist, refusing to let you get away as he pulled you back to trap you in his arms.

"Where are you going? You know you can't swim."

You struggled to free from his strong arms, laughing at the way Jungkook did almost nothing yet you were still struggling to squirm away. "That's why I asked you if you'd save me," you playfully whined.

Jungkook chuckled. "I'm not letting you die anytime soon."

"But it's hot!" You huffed.

"Take a shower."

"That's boring! I'm surrounded by the ocean and you're telling me to shower instead of swim? Kook, lemme go." You stomped your foot stubbornly, still whining to leave his arms.

"I don't want to have to worry about the risk of you drowning," Jungkook frowned, reminding you of that one time you got too excited and had forgotten you couldn't swim when you jumped into the deep end of the pool. Secretly, you loved the way Jungkook held you close, hoping he wouldn't let go. But you still had some desires to have fun despite his worries.

"Okay, okay," you sighed, turning yourself around to face the man. Jungkook raised a brow, arms his trapping you in because he doubted you had given in so easily.

Smart, you thought before tipping your toes up to place a quick kiss on the tip of his nose. Jungkook, easily flustered, stood frozen for a few seconds and you took that vulnerable moment of his to run away.

"Y/N you cheater!"

Days like that became a norm. Times started to quicken with the moments spent of laughter and happiness and you soon find yourself forgetting all about the bitterness of your life. In the early mornings, you'd work on your father's business, not forgetting about your duties, but because of your father being more lenient on you, you got to spend the rest of your days with your bodyguards.

It was all you could ever ask for. No rules, no restrictions, no holding back. Though at times it did still felt like they were scared of doing too much and then it was back to their cautious ways. But most of those actions turned out that way due to insecurity, minimally due to your father's rules. Seokjin held himself back the most, not allowing himself to hold your hand or even pat your head when he wanted to praise you. He kept his distance, but you always instinctively went seeking for his comfort.

"I want to help!" You'd tell him when he and Namjoon went on to wash the dishes.

Seokjin would chuckle, saying "I've never seen anyone happier to wash dishes." You liked it when he smiled, liked how despite the strict rules he set for himself, he still gave you that adoring smile and laughter whenever he wanted.

"Well, you need the extra hand in case Namjoon breaks a plate," you joked. Namjoon would pout but soon the three of you found yourselves indulging in the fun of soap and water, playfully splashing one another from time to time. Dish washing would last into about thirty minutes until things were actually finally finished.

Seokjin had to admit that he loved it, the way you felt excited about helping out because you rarely got to back at the mansion and in your father's presence. He loved it when you'd leave your study room, hair ruffled and still a bed head because of how early you'd get up just to get work done to enjoy your times. He loved it especially when you searched for him after your work, asking him to brush and tie your hair because he had delicate hands and was the only one who knew how to tie your hair without messing everything up and getting things tangled.

Sometimes he'd find you in the middle of the day, walking into his room with a pout with an artist's apron on that was splattered with paint, asking him to tie your hair up, saying, "My hair keeps getting in the way but I can't ask Tae to tie it up because his hands are also dirty with paint and he sucks at tying my hair."

He muttered "cute" under his breath and you heard it, smiling ear to ear as you gave him your back while he went on to find a hairband he'd keep in a drawer because he was used to you asking that of him.

Afterwards, you'd thank him and hop back to Taehyung who had set up a studio out on the beach because according to him, keeping his arts inside lacked some inspirations.

"Wow, look at how much you've worked on already while I was gone," you gasped once you got back to the man.

Taehyung chuckled, hand paused in midair as he looked back at you. "Is it pretty?"

"It's beautiful!" You giggled, rushing back to sit down on the seat beside him.

"One day I'm going to paint a portrait of you," Taehyung vowed.

You knew he was only joking. After all, your father would never allow you to keep something of his and he wasn't allowed to show his adoration in front of your father.

"Hey, can you paint a world for me next time?" You asked him instead, ignoring his little promise because it couldn't happen. "A world where all eight of us can live without rules and obligations restricting us. A world where we can be happy and satisfied with life. A world where I won't be married off to some other man in a loveless marriage and I'd get to spend my life with you guys instead."

"If that's what you want," Taehyung smiled. "Anything for my princess."

"I want to live in that world," you told all of them the next time you all gathered in the living room and just chatted. "Do you think in our next life, fate will allow us to be happy?"

Hoseok wished for that happiness to be in the life they were living now. As he scanned the room, fingers curling along your free strands of hair, a face of melancholy fell at everyone's faces. There was a little hope, however, hope for fate not to be that cruel and somehow crossed ways to have you ending up with them instead of Woohyung. But Hoseok knew how to distinguish dreams from reality, unlike Taehyung and Jungkook who went on to speak with sparkling eyes of a world with pure happiness with you and them in it. Because Hoseok knew that the three months would soon end and that moment right there, would be a moment he'd only be able to look back on through his memories.

There wouldn't be a life he'd look forward to but a life he'd look back on during those three short months. Sure he'd still be with the other six and they might live a happy life together, but it wasn't going to be full happiness because you wouldn't be in the picture with them. Even so, it'd be impossible for them to even have a chance at freedom themselves because of the life they were given upon. To serve your father was important and they knew never to betray him. They couldn't.

And that was the life for him and his members while you went on to live as a CEO, married to another CEO, still oblivious of the whole truth.

.

.

"Y/N? What are you doing still up?" You were always the one to head to bed earlier than the rest of them, having to wake up early to work because you weren't entirely away from the CEO job and had yet to maintain that work ethic. So to see you walking into the living room late at night had Jungkook and Hoseok, who were the only ones left to stay up, confused. When Jungkook saw the tears in your eyes, however, he was quick to pull you into his arms. "What's wrong?"

"Y/N?" Hoseok called, voicing his worry as he stepped up to sit on the other side of you, gently brushing away the tears that seem to keep flowing.

"Nightmare," you said, whimpering as you pulled yourself closer to their touches. "I thought that this was all over, that I was back in Seoul and ready to walk down the aisle to meet Woohyung." Your voice cracked as you reached to hold both their hands, grip tight as if to make sure it was in fact just a dream and that they themselves were the real ones. "I'm so scared," you cried.

Under the dim light, Hoseok and Jungkook stared at one another with eyes that was filled with sorrow because they knew the feeling. If you were crying over a nightmare of leaving them and marrying Woohyung, then the real thing would hurt you so much more. They didn't know how to take it, they didn't know how they would take it when it came to the actual ceremony. Would they break down? Walk away to not hear the fake vows and the kiss made in front of an audience? Could they even look at you in your wedding dress?

Or would they feign a smile? Pretend they were alright and that they were strong enough to go through the whole ceremony? Would their facades last the whole day? Could they stay by your side the whole night as the last time of being your bodyguards?

The three of you sat there on the sofa, holding each other close as Hoseok and Jungkook whispered words of comfort, that they were right there with you, that they wouldn't leave you, and everything along those lines. Sure, you knew that it wouldn't last, that their words were only temporary in that moment right there, but you indulge yourself in their words, forcing yourself to believe in them to cope with the nightmares. You held onto them as tightly as you could, seeking comfort in their warmth and finding sanctuary in their arms.

From afar, the others had awoken, watching from their spots. None of them felt the courage to move because they too didn't know how to make you feel better when they knew the truth.

Happiness wasn't going to last forever, you all knew that. But was trying your best to forget about the reality to life a bad thing? You wanted to be happy and if those three months were the only time you could feel as if you were actually alive, then you knew you couldn't waste the short moment that'd pass by in a blink of an eye.

That scary night was forced to be forgotten when the day came and no one spoke about it, not even you. You ignored the sad conversation that had wanted to slip in and instead spoke of the good times, of the present, of the happiness. Everyday was spent with everyone, sharing laughter and comfort and subtle little loving affections.

The skinny love went on. You'd feel it when Jimin sought for the warmth of your arms, when Jungkook held you in his arms to hold you back from playfully escaping his antics, when Taehyung praised you with your artwork with a rewarding kiss on your head, when Seokjin held you back to spend more time with him when you'd go for him to tie your hair up, when Yoongi went to you to lay on your lap to seek for some quiet peace, when Namjoon gave you loving gazes as he tells you stories from books he's read, or when Hoseok would surprise you with sudden kisses on your cheeks because he couldn't contain himself. It was all there, the happiness and love.

Until it wasn't.

"I don't want to go back, please, we can escape, run away and live just for ourselves."

"Y/N, this isn't right."

Yes, it wasn't right as Seokjin had said. You promised you father you wouldn't run away the day of, that you'd return two weeks before the wedding. And now that the last night had come and you'd be returning the next morning, the scary feelings all came back like a waterfall rushing down your body, damping your mood and forcing you to remember your duties.

"I know it isn't right but can't you see?" You were crying, shaking uncontrollably out of fear. "I'm going to be married. Not to any of you, but to Lee Woohyung, a man I don't love and never intent to. I can't get married."

"Y/N-"

"I don't want to get married, please don't force me." Your legs almost gave in but you held yourself up. Jimin wanted to cry just as much, to pull you into his arms. But he couldn't. Because if he did, it'd give you hope and that was something he could not do no matter what his feelings were. So they stood there, staring at you because they didn't know what to do. They wanted to hold you, be your comfort and strength but it was the last night. You had to return to your father.

"Say something, anything," you begged, close to falling on your knees.

"Y/N..." Yoongi whispered.

More tears fell from your eyes and you hated the way your heart ached some more with just that one simple word. "Yes, call me that. You'll return to your old ways of calling me milady tomorrow and I hate that. I hate that name so much."

"Y/N, please-" Namjoon begged.

"But this doesn't have to be the end. We can go away, escape from my father's eyes forever and I won't have to marry some other man. He won't find us, please." It was more like you were convincing your own self, because even you knew that you could never leave your father's radar no matter what.

"Please I...I love you." You looked up at them, meeting your teary eyes with their conflicted gazes. "Don't you?"

The sound of your voice cracking, the way their eyes shifted away to the floor, ceiling, wall...anywhere but your eyes..and the way your heart dropped as if shattered for the final time, you stepped back, stumbling a little but still somehow managing to hold yourself up. Their eyes never met yours. They were cold, and distant, as if everything up until that point had been a lie, as if that skinny love was never...love.

You found yourself biting down your lower lip to keep yourself from letting out a cry as your cheeks dampened with even more tears running down. Your chest tightened, a pain you had never felt before and you felt as if you couldn't breath for a moment. Their eyes still refused to meet yours and for the first time, you finally understood what that meant.

It was all a joke. Their feelings were never real. It was all staged. And you were the biggest joke of them all.

.

.

"I'm glad you kept your promise."

"...of course."

Seeing the smile on your father's face, you knew you couldn't let him know about your true feelings, about wanting to run away and start your own life. You knew that itself was now impossible. What did your feelings even had to do with business? It couldn't get involved. You were just an object he used to build up his empire.

And for the first time, you accepted that. Because what was the point in fighting now? What was the point in wanting your freedom? When you weren't meant to love and be loved by anyone?

You had to accept it. It was your life.

"I heard you went on a vacation."

You nodded, though your eyes refused to meet Woohyung's when he brought up the conversation that night during your private dinner date. "I wanted to escape for a little while."

He chuckled, nodding like he understood. "The wedding is in just two weeks, how do you feel?"

To be honest? "Relieved." Woohyung blinked, surprised and totally not expecting that answer. You smiled, shaking your head at the way he looked. "I just thought, you know, isn't it wonderful my husband is already chosen for me? It just means I don't have to play that love game where hearts are shattered and broken and someone's marrying me so I don't have to be alone for the rest of my life. There's no disappointments in unrequited love because it's built up on a loveless marriage."

"Mhm, you're right." He had thought for a while, nodding at your statement. "I guess it's better that way."

It was. Because it meant you'd be forced to forget about your own disappointment in your own unrequited love. You weren't meant to love and be loved in this life, that just wasn't the life you were born into.

"So then, future husband," you narrowed your eyes at him, dropping your fork and knife, "let's not be annoying to each other and have a good marriage built on friendship."

"Friendship," Woohyung laughed but it wasn't mocking, it was a friendly playful sound, "sure, future wifey." He winked.

"You're disgusting."

Unexpectedly, Woohyung became that comfort you never knew you needed. You stopped seeking for the eyes of your bodyguards whom had straight up ignored you unless it was necessary to speak to you, and instead gave your time to Woohyung to get to know him. The text messages would make you laugh a little, the occasional calls would turn into friendly banters, and you'd ask for his presence when you felt lonely and wanted to cry even if that meant waking him up in the middle of the night.

Woohyung didn't minded, or so he said, keeping you entertained as he walked alongside you on the empty paths to make you forget about things. You didn't like bothering people but not knowing how to control your feelings, you knew it wasn't right to stay alone for long, especially when you saw your bodyguards every single day. It certainly didn't help. But when you were with Woohyung, your father made an exception on no bodyguards around you.

It made you feel better in that sense, which was why you decided to hang around Woohyung more often, wanting to forget about your love for your bodyguards. Maybe the man knew, but he never brought it up, never brought up a conversation on your bodyguards and you felt thankful for that.

"Go to sleep, moonwalker, don't miss me too much."

You rolled your eyes at his joke as you stepped out of his car when he opened the door for you. "Oh please, it's more like you'll miss me."

"Really?" He raised a brow. "Because I seem to remember you always calling me up in the middle of the night, asking to hang."

"Look, it's not my fault I'm always busy in the day!"

Woohyung laughed, knowing not to trust those words. "Sure darling." He ignored the way your eyes fell for a moment seeing Taehyung outside, waiting for you because it was his duty. "Once we're married, you won't have to worry about making up excuses to see me." He instead decided to keep your mind off the man.

You made at face at him. "Gosh you're so annoying. Didn't we agreed not to annoy each other?"

"You love my annoyance."

"Sure."

"But seriously," Woohyung sighed, "go to sleep. Tomorrow's a big day, you're choosing your wedding dress."

"Ah," you remembered, "right." At that point, you were already too tired to think. "Then goodnight-"

"Y/N."

You stopped yourself from walking further to look back at him. "Yeah?"

Woohyung stepped up to your proximity, distance closing in as his hand reached up to pull your head in close to his lips, placing a soft kiss atop your forehead. You blinked at the sudden touch and stood there frozen, not knowing how to feel about that especially since Taehyung was standing just outside your house door, watching.

"Don't get sad often anymore, okay? I'll be a good husband for you." Yeah, why did you thought about Taehyung? If he didn't care, why should you? Why should you think he'd feel some type of way when Woohyung kissed you? Why did you always have to think about them? Getting no response from you but a subtle smile, Woohyung gave you another kiss. "Goodnight, Y/N."

"..yeah...goodnight, Woohyung."

.

.

Maybe it looked as if you didn't cared for your seven bodyguards anymore, the way your face stayed grim all day except for when Woohyung would show up on your phone. Maybe they thought that you'd move on. But in reality? You were still hung up.

Who could move on in just a week for seven male they fell in love with for years? Certainly not you. Though you feigned the feelings that you did. It looked convincing in other's eyes if they knew you had loved them, it looked convincing to your father at least. But to yourself, it wasn't convincing enough. Not when you still hoped to catch their gazes, or hoped they were looking at you when you weren't looking at them.

Woohyung was a great man. He was handsome, kind and rich. But he wasn't them, he was just...different. You couldn't fall for a man like that. Maybe in the future when you've forgotten about your bodyguards but at that moment, you certainly couldn't fall in love with someone else. Having you heart broken made you feel even more dead than you felt before you lived thinking their feelings were the same as yours, living in that house. Your smiles were only a facade and they'd only reach your eyes if Woohyung said something clever. But besides that, nothing was the same ever again.

When the employees opened the curtains to reveal yourself in your wedding dress, your father had already left the scene to take a phone call so it was only you and your seven bodyguards, staring at each other for the first time since you left that vacation island. It felt as if you hadn't seen them for a while despite always being in the same room with them. The way their eyes bore into yours, how it scanned your body and down to the floor where your dress reached, you wondered in your thoughts how it'd feel to actually get married to someone you loved. Would you be excited about picking out your dress? Excited about everything you had to plan for the wedding? You wouldn't be as heartbroken as you had felt at that moment, right?

You almost wanted to tear up at the spot, seeing the way Jungkook's Bambi eyes brightened a little seeing you in that dress. You wondered how his eyes would actually be if it was him you were marrying. But those thoughts were to be thrown away and out the window because you found out that he didn't in fact loved you. None of them did.

So standing there in front of their eyes, you felt like a mannequin, like a joke, because those sad eyes of theirs was just a playful story they wanted to hold to make you feel a bit hopeful. For the first time, you wanted that time with them to speed away fast, wanting your father to return so you could change out of your wedding dress already. But it was taking so long, you didn't know if you could hold back your tears for much longer.

Thankfully, he came back a minute later, and was quick to gasp at the sight of you. You smiled at the thought, pleased to see his smile like an actual father to a daughter who was happily marrying.

"Do I look like a bride?" You asked him and he eagerly nodded, quick to compliment you. You smiled at his words, proud that you were making him happy. After a short while, you asked for some privacy and they all went away, including the workers and your bodyguards. You took that moment to turn around and look at the big mirrors behind you, to see how you actually looked.

At the sight of yourself, your tears were quick to fall without any more hesitation. You indeed looked like a bride and that just made everything worse because it was real. The wedding to be was real. You were really getting married to someone you didn't loved. Your legs gave in and you found yourself sitting on the stool, wedding dress flared out as you stared at yourself crying in the mirror. The aching in your heart couldn't be described. Fear and broken was an understatement. You didn't feel real yet at the same time, it was real.

The times spent at that vacation island was only a distant memory and you'd soon find yourself standing at the altar, crying. People would think you were crying for a different reason when in reality, you'd cry for your loss of freedom, for your father forcing a ring onto you, for your unrequited love, for your loveless marriage. You'd cry for the fact that Woohyung was marrying someone who'd never fall in love with him because you saw the way his eyes looked at yours, saw his adoring eyes falling upon your figure, the way he kissed your forehead the night before sealed his vow.

But there was a little hope within you, thinking it wasn't that he was falling in love with you. After all, you thought the same in those seven pair of eyes but it all turned out to be fake. Maybe Woohyung hadn't fallen for you. Maybe he had. Either way, you knew you'd never be able to love him the same way you still loved your seven bodyguards.

So you found yourself just sitting there, crying your heart out for your own pitiful self who'd never come to know what true love was.

.

.

The memories came rushing down like the flash. You knew you shouldn't had thought of seven other men when you were walking down the aisle, as the whole room stood up and gasped at your sight, smiling at how beautifully gorgeous you looked. You smiled yourself, arm linked with your father, but it was all fake. The tears you cried the night before all dried out, you no longer felt alive. Your dress hugged you tight, the train descending to the floor and trailing behind you with flower petals. Your veil hid the broken look in your eyes, hid the way your smile was just a facade, that you wanted to burst out crying and run out of the room, calling off the wedding.

From just a corner of the room stood your seven bodyguards, standing tall with the charisma you knew all too well. You made no effort to look at them. After all, it was your wedding, wedding to another man who stood at the altar, eagerly waiting for you.

If only it was just a dream. If only you could just wake up from the nightmare like that one night, and run into their arms, seeking comfort and hearing the words of them telling you that it wasn't real, that they were right there beside you, that they'd never leave you side. But you knew that that was a dream, that the nightmare you were living in was the real thing and that you'd never be able to wake up from it. The three months before had only been a dream that last way too fast for your liking.

You hated every step you were taking, hated that you were still hoping they'd feel their hearts shattered just as yours as they watched you walking down that aisle. A wedding not for them. But life wasn't at all fair, was it? They weren't the life you were living towards. Your life was an obedient daughter who followed every rule her father made, even if that meant marrying someone she didn't loved for his sake. You had already accepted your fate as a broken bride, all that was left was the exchange of vows and wedding rings and a kiss at the end. And then you'd never see your bodyguards again to think about.

Easy, right?

Right?

You could do that. You had been following your father's rules your whole life. What difference did a wedding make?

Maybe just the fact that none of you expected a sudden wedding crasher to appear, shooting a bullet and just barely missing your face as it hit your earring and flying across the room, going past you.

The whole room was instantly alarmed and your father was quick to check on you. You held your hands against your ear, crouching to the floor due to panic and fear when Woohyung stepped in front of you. He and your father exchanged quicks words, something about an attack and that he needed to get your somewhere safe.

"Y/N, we have to go," Woohyung told you, a gun in his hand as your father went on to take out his own as well. You gasped at the sight, alarmed yet confused. And as you took a look around the room, it seemed as if everyone was ready and knew what they were doing as guns came out of their own pockets.

"What's going on?" Your eyes widened with fear, looking back at your father to try and understand what that meant.

"I'll explain everything later," he promised but you were quick to shake your head. Did you even had a later? Would fate allow you enough time? Would you even survive? Would he? "Get out of here, Y/N."

"Father-"

"I'll be back." He wiped your tears away, kissing your forehead before getting on his feet and running away at whoever he knew as an enemy.

"We have to go," Woohyung urged but you ignored his pleas, wanting to run after your father. "Y/N you'll get killed!"

"Father!" You cried, standing up only to quickly crouch back down with a scream at another bullet flying in the air.

"We need to go."

"No, I-"

"Y/N."

You looked at the call of your name, voice belonging to someone you knew far too well, and was quick to find yourself holding onto Jimin. "I'm so scared," you told him, ignoring the way Woohyung had reached out for you but you were instead clinging onto Jimin like your first night of the robbery months ago.

"We have to get you out of here," Jimin said and you continued crying not only because of the unexpected murder scene but because he was finally acknowledging you. The hands around his waist was tight but Jimin refused to give into your hold, noting at the way Woohyung's eyes glared at him. At that moment, he was the boss, and Jimin was below him so he knew not to anger the man any further.

The two of them helped you stand up, Woohyung giving Jimin the signal because you wouldn't release him, and you were quick to run away. What the enemy hadn't realized was the fact that the man you were about to marry wasn't someone very dear to you, which was why they mistook Woohyung as another target and had shot him in the chest when his body was exposed, unlike the way your body had been shielded by Jimin's.

Jimin and you froze at the spot at the sudden sound of the bullet. You looked back to find Woohyung on the floor and Jimin held you back from going back to him. "Y/N-"

"Let go!" You shouted at him, escaping his grasp to run to Woohyung and Jimin ignored the way his heart fell at the sight of you leaving him for Woohyung. Perhaps you had already moved on.

The tears fell like a waterfall when you pulled Woohyung into your arms. "Don't die on me," you pleaded but you both knew it was too late. Blood was already spilling away that even medical help wouldn't be able to heal him. "Woohyung please."

"Y/N..." he coughed, eyes hazy as his hands trembled while trying its best to reach your face.

"You can't die," you cried, taking his hand to hold it close to your face. Sure you didn't love him the way a women did to a man, but he didn't deserve to die. For goodness sake you were about to marry the man!

"We didn't...get to do our vows," he forced out, smiling at your crying face because it meant that you at least cared about him. "We're not getting married...aren't you...happy?"

"Stop joking at this moment," you choked, hating that he still had the time to play around.

"There was something very important in my vow...what I want to tell you."

"What is it?"

"...I love you..."

"...." Your heart clenched at the words knowing you couldn't return them. You knew how it felt to have unrequited love, one of them was right behind you, but still you couldn't bring yourself to lie to his face especially in that moment of him dying right in front of you. "I'm sorry," you cried.

But Woohyung shook his head. "I know."

"But I'm glad it was you," you told him through the tears, "I'm glad my father chose you out of any other man. I know you would had made a good husband."

Woohyung smiled, relieved as if a weight on his shoulders had been lifted. "I'm...glad." It was the last thing he got to say before slipping away.

You stayed for a small moment, staring at him and yet still not believing the sight you were seeing right in front of your eyes. Just two nights before, you were with him, talking of nothingness into the night. Four days before, you were checking out the wedding rings together. And just five days ago, you had called him up after choosing your wedding dress, voicing out a part of your fear while he did his best to reassure you that you were going to be alright, that you were going to be in good hands. You believed him, of course you did. If you couldn't move on from your bodyguards, then you knew that there was someone else to like you, even love you, aside from your unrequited love.

"Let's go, Y/N." It didn't felt real, none of it did. But it was real and there was nothing you could do about it. You allowed Jimin to help you up, eyes blank with grey as if your soul had left your body.

The next moment felt even more unreal though. But the next moment was the moment you felt the most alive ever since the vacation. Because in that next moment, you heard Jungkook calling out your name with full alarm and Jimin had grabbed you by the shoulder, shielding yourself from the bullet meant for you. Your eyes widened at the sudden moment, heart falling because you knew, knew that Jimin was going to die in your case.

"Jimin!" A scream fell at your lips when he held you even closer, embracing you with his arms and giving you the protection he once vowed years ago, that he'd do anything to keep you safe, even if that meant taking his life. Your eyes burned with tears, crying out his name.

But when the gunshot pierced into a body, Jimin didn't lurched forward, no blood came out of his body.

Instead, you screamed even louder at the sight of your father that had went forth to shield Jimin's body shielding yours.

"NO!!!" The repeated no's that slipped out of your mouth couldn't be counted as you tried to convince yourself that it really wasn't real, that it was all just a big scary nightmare. But when you felt your father's body trembling under you, the way his eyes sparked of a little hope of life, and how sharp and hard the stabbing of your heart felt, you knew it was all too real.

Your hands shook with fear as you held onto him, eyes blurred with tears as you did everything to try and clear your vision so you could see him rather than your tears. But they kept coming and coming and you didn't know how much more you could take. Words couldn't fall from your lips, it was all stuttered of gibberish because you were too choked up. It was your tears that kept your soul alive during that moment of pain, even as you tried your best to hold it in, the screams came out like an uproar from your throat.

You were unable to speak, unable to breath. It felt like just yesterday you were holding onto your mother when she passed, crying your eyes out but holding onto her like it was the only thing still keeping you sane. You hadn't expected you'd be in the same situation with your father. You expected him laying in the hospital bed, dying of old age, not dying from a gunshot that had been meant for you. Yet he smiled at you, the same smile he had always given you when you were a little girl. You hadn't seen that smile in a long time because your father was always faced with a facade, drowning in his own works as he ignored his health and sleep to build up his empire.

At this point, you began to understand his way of life. You began to understand, as Namjoon shot the man who had attempted to kill you but instead killed his boss, as a few bodies laid dead in that wedding hall, and as everyone else that stood, stared at the two of you in the room with head lowered and knees bent...you began to understand that all your father's life, his mission was really to protect you from the dangers of his world. The world he tried to keep you out of. The world he was from.

"I want you to be ready for absolutely anything."

"When I am gone, I want you to take over my position in no time."

"You don't understand."

No, you didn't understand anything. But facing your father now, the way heads were bowed both your ways, you now understood that he lived a life amongst the mafia, and that he was their boss.

Maybe your mother's death hadn't been an accident, maybe her death was a murder as well. Maybe your father had decided to wed you off because Woohyung was to be his successor, and that Woohyung also knew everything. Maybe he had all those strict rules was to protect you. From what? You would ask years ago, even days ago. From his world. And maybe, that robbery hadn't been a robbery at all and instead played out to be another attempt at your life because you were someone precious of your father's.

"Please don't leave me," you finally choked out, eyes of bloodshot red and stinging from the tears. "You can't leave me."

"I...love you..my dear Y/N."

You shook your head vehemently, trying to surpass the knowing feeling and fake a hopeful life that he wasn't dying in your arms. "Don't say that." Because it really meant that he was dying and that you really couldn't do anything about it.

Yet that was your reality.

It wasn't at all a nightmare you could awake from.

"Live a happy life," he told you. "Choose whomever you want. That is my final rule for you."

You came to regret so many things, came to regret your resentment of him because he hadn't thought of your feelings when deciding to wed you off. But your father was thinking. He understood every feeling you felt because he had been in that position once, yet forced himself to not remember because he knew that your safety was much more important. If only you had known, if you had known everything, you wouldn't had sought out for the attention of your bodyguards, you wouldn't had confessed and had gotten rejected, or had asked for a three month freedom away from your father.

But that was how silly fate was, messing around with your feelings and you having to regret so many things in life.

Yet maybe it wasn't all that cruel, because in the end, fate did leave you in the arms of your seven bodyguards.

.

.

"What are you doing?"

"I can't stare?"

Namjoon rolled his eyes at your bluntness yet you could see the subtle smile he was trying hard to hide. "You've been staring for the past ten minutes."

You shrugged, rolling your own eyes. "Maybe I'm just in love."

"It's creepy."

You made an offended face. "What?"

"Whether it's love or not, if the boss tells you to do something, you've gotta obey, baby doll." Taehyung came over to settle himself besides you on the couch, his hand sliding along your waist possessively.

"I remember when I used to command over you all," you huffed.

"Actually, you didn't really commanded anyone," Yoongi pointed out, the cup of wine in his hand as he took a sip.

"But that's what made us fall in love with you," Jimin mused as he went on to take possession of your other side, fingers tangling along loose strings of your hair. "You always took care of us, never abusing your power despite the position you were born into."

"A kind hearted lady," Jungkook nodded, his head resting against his balled fist as he watched you with a smirk.

"Really? When did it happen?" You pressed, sounding a bit annoyed. "Because I seem to remember all of you rejecting my love that night two years ago."

Choruses of laughter echoed into the room as they shared glances, shaking their heads lightly because it wasn't the first time they've heard you mention that topic of the same night.

"Still upset about it, pretty girl?" Seokjin laughed.

"I was hurt," you emphasized, reminding them about the heartache you had to go through. "You guys were going to let me marry someone you didn't even like, how'd you think I felt?"

"We would have stopped you if we could," Hoseok lamented.

"But we couldn't-"

"Because of your father."

"I know, I know," you groaned at the 95 line's comments.

"You weren't the only one hurt." Namjoon stood up from his chair to claim his seat between Yoongi and Jungkook. "Seeing you in that wedding dress, baby girl-"

"Gosh, the broken eyes you had given us when you went to that dress fitting," the maknae cut in with a groan. "I just wanted to kiss you right then and there and erase all the misunderstandings."

"And then when you wore it for a second time to the actual ceremony," Seokjin sighed, shaking his head to erase that moment but not ever being able to. "Maybe I would had called for an objection."

You blinked, looking at him. "You would?"

"Nah," he laughed at your hopeful gaze, making you frown. "You know your father's words would have been far more powerful than my objection," he said, adding, "plus I would have died if that happened."

"But things worked out in the end," Hoseok reminded you. Although the ending that day had called for a price in exchange for your happiness, that was just how cruel fate had really been.

"You're in our arms now," Jimin smiled as he placed a sweet kiss on your cheek.

But you gave him no smile, brows deepened when you looked at him, giving him a short smack on his chest. "You could have died," you chided.

His laughter erupted from his throat, that sweet cheeky smile curling at his lips making you want to kiss it away. "You know I'd do anything for you." His hand on your waist tightened as he pulled you in closer, forcing Taehyung to scoot up himself so that he could still feel you.

"You can't leave me though," you pouted with a serious tone. "None of you can."

Taehyung chuckled at the sight of a tear rolling down your cheek. "We wouldn't dare," he vowed, brushing away the tear with delicate fingers, "not when it took years for us to finally make you ours."

"Mhm," you nodded as your cheeks flushed. The sight of the room and their eyes gazing at you with soft adoring gazes just as it was years ago, helped you realized that their feelings before had never been fake and that they were all just forced to pretend it was fake for your sake. "I'm yours just as you're mine. I love you."

Unlike the night two years ago when you had first confessed your love, you received the same words in return that night with their sincere voices.

"We love you too."

[butter3drainbows]

BUTTERED THOUGHTS...

La Squadra bois and how they're going to react when their daughters get their period.

Pesci: Pesci would take it well amd treat the event like a small achievement knowing how much it means to his daughter. He honestly does not get why she would get so excited about something that some women would describe as a plight or a curse amongst womankind but he wants to be a supportive father, so he tries his best to share her enthusiasm. His daughter would be expecting for this to happen soon and would be super excited when she finally see's the red stains on her bedsheets one morning. Pesci would be bursting inside her bedroom, stand on the ready when he hears her scream only to find her jumping excitedly and clutching her bedsheets to her chest.

"Dad, Dad look! I got my period Squeeee! "

"O-oh that's wonderful, sweetheart ☺️😅"

Melone: Melone would treat it as a coming of age ceremony and will be keen to document it and stash some sort of token to remember the day. He'd do something weird like collect the blood from his daughter's bedsheets and place it in an ornamental vial or a pendant. His daughter knows her fathers eccentric tendencies and will reluctantly accept the souvenir.

"Papaaa~ you're being weird again. I'm telling (other parent) 😤"

"Ahaha no need to act so rash darling. This moment just needs to be commemorated that's all. Ooh~ my little sparrow finally becoming a woman 🤧*sniff* I must share the good news on facebook!"

"Papa NOOOO!"

Prosciutto: Prosciutto wouldn't even know his daughter had her period until his S/O mentions it to him. And oh boy, does the news raise a different kind of anxiety within him as a father. He would be a complete worrywart but he tries hard to hide it. He would get her all the necessities she'll need to survive her current condition and will keep tabs on her mood and general well-being. In contrast, his daughter would be totally cool about the whole situation, knowing exactly what to do when the time comes. A lady must be knowledgable of such things after all especially at her age.

"D/N *clears throat* are you feeling okay today? "

"Yes Father."

"Hmm that's good, that's good....do you need anything? Pads? Tylenol? Chocolates? If you need anything just let me and your (other parent) know alright?"

Risotto: Risotto's daughter would be bawling her eyes out when she discovers that she's menstruating. Her menses came early and she feels like she's going to be bullied somehow at school if any of her classmates found out. Risotto would be surprised one day to see his daughter jumping towards his arms and sobbing on his shoulders while whining about how it's too early and crying over losing her virginity to a tampon. Risotto would take it in strides, first by listening to his daughter's frustrations and after she's calmed down, maybe talk to her along with her other parent so they can assure her that it's only natural and that she shouldn't be crying over something that's going to happen anyway in the future whether she likes it or not.

"Waaaah Daaaaaddy 😭 I-l-I dun wanna h-have my menses y-yeeeeet~"

"Hush now, piccola, you shouldn't cry over something that is only natural. Shh shh...lets look for your (other parent) and get you some pads now okay?"

Formaggio: Formaggio would play the part as a playfuly obnoxious father and scare his daughter, telling her that he was going to have her put in a convent now that she's come of age. His daughter would play along with him thinking that it was one of his many jokes but when Formaggio doesn't seem to let up on his dramatics, she'll start crying to her other parent and start begging them to not let her pops take her to the convent.

"But I don't wanna be a nun 😭😭😭 (other parent) tell me pops is lying huhuhu"

"Hey, hey hey! Haha I was just joking tadpole 😂😅 Dawww stop crying now eh? You're a big girl now."

Illuso: Illuso would definitely be one of those dads who are uncomfortable with the whole thing about menses and wouldn't know s h i t on what to do but will try their best to give their daughter the support she needs. Sometimes he'll have his composure slipping and he would grimace when he sees blood on his daughters butt but he would quickly slap himself and tend to her daughters needs when necessary. His S/O finds it comical how he tries so hard to keep his dramatics to himself knowing how sensitive their daughter is. Heh just like her father.

*grimaces*

"You're making a face. Why are you making a face daddy 😭😭😭 am-am I disgusting?"

"Gah! Ah no! No no no no, I wasn't making a face bambina. Oh don't cry, don't cry D:"

Ghiacco: Ghiacco would be wondering why his S/O would be bringing home twice the amount of feminine products one day and would go ask his S/O about it thinking that his S/O might have accidentally forgotten that they already purchased said products but when his S/O excitedly tells him that their daughter has finally had her menses his mind suddenly shuts down or more like, it suddenly hangs. His mind would have a hundred things going on his head after taking in the news would probably have choice words somewhere in there like: my little girl...blood...marriage...boyfriends...more blood...mood swings...Oh God she'll start screaming at me... I can't handle that...she's not my little girl anymore...

"Oh I knew you'd be suprised caro... Ghiacco, are you alright?"

"I...I need to lay down for a sec."

Sorbet & Gelato: (In this particular AU Sorbet and Gelato are great fathers aight? 😤❤️) Gelato would immediately press his daughter into telling him if she has a boyfriend or is having trouble with boys getting too close or invading her personal space. Just say the name and he'll take care of them, he says. Sorbet would be the more level-headed of the two and would be more into catering for his daughters needs now that she's come of age. He also warns her to be more careful now from time to time and contemplates on teaching her self-defense. Gelato suggests allowing their daughter be in the posession of a knife much to their S/O's horror.

"Any trouble with boys at school sweetheart? Just tell papa their names okay and I'll handle em."

"Don't scare her. What your Papa means is that you should be more careful now especially when we're not around, okay D/N?"

[stevenuniversetanzanite]

Ally x Cordelia X Reader (Part 3)

So I haven't written this in a while but I'm excited. I didn't reread it in full so I hope it makes sense. Also, I think this is longer than the other two parts.

Summary: The three of you have had your fair share of troubles but what will happen when all your pasts’ come to for the foreground.

Warning: N/A

Parts: One, Two, Three, Four (will be added when posted)

I can see the headlines now, “Senator Allyson Mayfair killed Ex-Wife.”

Ally stared at the local online newspaper report about her accusing her of murdering her Ex-wife, listing some recent evidence that had surfaced supporting the case. She couldn’t take the threats as just that anymore. This person is ruining her reputation in the public's eye. It wasn’t long until now that these accusations will need to be addressed and if they find out the truth, that they were true.

Without a moment's hesitation, she picked up her cell phone and dialled up your phone, knowing you would do her odd request without thinking twice. She needed you to pick up Oz from school that instant, to ensure that he doesn’t accidentally hear the claims. She wished for you to keep her offline until she got home. He was allowed to do whatever he wanted as long as the both of you stayed in the house and kept off the internet. This resulted in the two of you playing on your old Nintendo Wii that you wired up onto your office monitor.

Little did the two know that the girlfriend in charge of the school had received dozens of phone calls about the news reports, parents questioning if their children were safe and benefactors questioning if their money would be better spent elsewhere. Cordelia assured them that all matters will be dealt with and assured them that the students were safe at the school as they have always been.

Cordelia came down to inform you of what’s been happening when she spotted Oz with you. What she was going to say, now put on pause until the boy was out of earshot.

“What game are you two playing?” Cordelia asked as if it wasn’t obvious that they were playing Mario kart. Oz answered the question, momentary taking his attention off the game allowing you to get past his cart and gain first place. Oz huffed, claiming that it wasn’t far, but you laughed and said he was making up excuses.

“Y/N, can I speak to you for a moment?”

“Sure thing De. Oz you pick the next game,” You said tossing your controller onto your cushioned desk chair. The boy perched on the edge of the medical cot jumped off the bed and shuffled through the box of games you’d brought down from the attic. “Take your time, I’ll be back in a second.” He acknowledged what you said before continuing to search for the best two player game he could bet you at.

Your girlfriend escorted you out of the room, shutting the door behind the both of you.

“What’s up?”

“Oz is home early,” Cordelia stated.

“What? Did he ruin your idea of a mid-day make out session?” You kidded. You caught that Cordelia didn’t play back. Your first response was, “Ally asked me to pick him up-”

“I came to inform you that I’ve been receiving phone calls all day from worried parents-”

“And?”

“A news article has come out accusing Ally of killing her ex.”

“Did she?” Cordelia remained quiet. All that the blonde had been told was that the woman (Ally’s ex) was out of the both of their lives. “I mean if she did it wouldn’t change much-”

“How's that?”

“All the school's staff have either killed or sent someone to their death. Zoe’s killed; Queenie’s killed. Some of our students find out that their witches after someone gets in the crossfire. We’re all as bad if not worse. Ally seems like the type to have a reason and I’d like to hear it- again, assuming the accusations correct.”

Cordelia couldn’t argue with that, you were right. The possibility of Ally killing someone did throw Cordelia for a loop, she’d never expected something like that from the woman and she would have liked to have known for in case something like this accord. There wasn’t much they could do now except wait for Ally to come home and explain everything.

“I’ll make sure no one brings it up in the school and organise a time for us all to sit down and talk about it.”

“Maybe after Oz has gone to bed.” Cordelia hummed at the idea, her mind flicking through a list of ideas to sort this out. “I don’t want to be a worrywart but what if they want to investigate and take Oz away from her-”

“Then he can stay with us.” Ally didn’t have any external family besides Oz and school. Her marriage didn’t go down well with either Allyson’s or Ivy’s parents causing them to cut ties completely. “However, Ally might have to go away for a bit. If it gets serious, she won’t be able to be around the school without causing drama.” You hated to imagine a world where you couldn’t be with the two people you love. But sacrifices had to be made.

“Let's hope it doesn't come down to that.”

“Yeah,” you agreed. “I have to go back inside.”

“I’ll let you go.” Cordelia pulled you in for a quick peck, but you wanted more. You pulled her into a long kiss.

You both missed the door open. “Eww~” Oz whined. The two of you pulled apart, the both of you chuckling. “Gross.”

“Well now that we’re done scarring the kid, wanna join us?”

“I can’t, I have to deal with work stuff,” Cordelia cleared her throat trying to hint at what she was talking about without saying it in front of the boy.

“Alright, I’ll see you later,” you said. You mouthed to her, “Everything will be alright.”

She mouthed back, “I know.”

At the end of the day, the safety of the coven was her number one concern, if her love life got in the way of the safety of her girls then she’d have to let go of love. Ally wasn’t a witch, not that she wasn’t any less a member of the school, no one thought twice about her presence, some of the students assumed that she too was a witch just didn’t perform magic in front of them for whatever reason. It would devastate all if she’d get torn away from the others and you knew for a fact that some of the girls would do anything to get her back, if not for themselves than their headmistress and you.

Time flew by as the two of you played Super smash bros, you never noticed it was almost dinner time until one of the students came to fetch you. You and Oz spoke about his friend James and all the games he owned.

“Can we get one?” Oz said after talking about all the games he played at his friend’s house on the newest Nintendo console.

“A Nintendo Switch?” Oz nodded. “I don’t know how your mum will feel about that.” He looked up at you with puppy dog eyes. “I suppose, if we say it’s mine, she can’t stop me from buying it.” He cheered and thanked you. You chuckled at his reaction and said, “Don’t get too excited, I haven’t bought it yet.”

The knocking on the office door snapped you out of your gaming groove. The door opened revealing said student who came to get you for dinner. Before you could ask her if she were alright, she told you the meal would be served in five and you’d be dining alone tonight. You rose your brow but remained silent. What was Cordelia up to?

After packing up the game, the two of you headed to the dining room where you met said student from before. She had to be the most inexpressive person you’d ever met. She informed you that your meal would be served in the kitchen on the circular table. Oz looked at her confused, him too wondering why you were eating elsewhere from the other stuff and students. Oz complained, wanting to talk to you some more but you told him that you can chat after. You truthfully didn’t know if you would, confused on why you were being isolated from the rest. You didn’t mind the silence at first, it was peaceful until the noise from the dining room picked up. Then you felt like you were missing out on something. You were halfway through your plate when someone sat down. You were two focused on the plate and your own thoughts that you didn’t bother to look up at who it was.

“I thought I was dining alone,” you said picking up a piece of salad. You looked up to find Ally sitting in front of you. “I thought you were going to be Cordelia.”

“I haven’t spoken to her yet. How dead am I?”

“Not as dead as your wife.”

“Y/n-"

“She wants to talk about it later,” you paused. “Did you?”

“Would it change the way you see me?” That’s a yes then.

“No.”

“Yes. I promise I had no ill intent-” You scoffed at the ‘ill intent’. “I was protecting my family.” You stopped immediately. Family?

“How so? By killing one of your own? Did she try and hurt Oz or something?”

“Indirectly, but yes. It’s best if I wait until Cordelia’s here.”

“Will be she be dinning us too?”

“I thought she would be dinning already.”

“She’s probably caught up with work. You’ve been quite the buzz as of late, everyone wants to give their two sense about you.”

“People really care that much?”

“Your rumour is bad for 'business', as it were. Founders and parents are calling up complaining. It probably won’t stop until we come up with a solution to save your reputation.”

“We?”

“You’re one of us now. As long as you associate with us, you’re protected under this coven.” Your words comfort Ally. She knows that you didn’t just mean her but her son as well.

“Thank you for picking up Oz, again. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Your welcome.” You sat in silence for a few tossing and turning over something you wanted to repeat Ally. “I wanted to repeat something I said to Cordelia earlier, all staff here have been partially involved in someone’s death. It’s not uncommon for death to happen in our coven and as long as you follow our one rule, you’re fine with us.” You didn’t say murder in case someone was eavesdropping. [The one rule, don’t (purposely) kill a witch or warlock in the coven.]

“Have you?” She knew Cordelia had, she told her that she was forced to burn Myrtle. A woman that all the staff members were fond of, but Cordelia wasn’t allowed to bring back due to being requested not to.

“Hmm?”

“Killed anyone?”

You glanced down at your plate. You spoke in the quietest voice, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Ally left it alone. It surprised her even more than it did with Cordelia to learn that you killed someone. You were a doctor, your amendment to help people, you’ve dedicated your life to helping the sick. You had a gift and you used it for the greater good. A part of her hoped it was just a mistake while operating, you had been a surgeon for a while or at least so she had heard. You’d bounced around positions in the hospital so many times, she can’t remember what you did and for how long. If an accident caused you this much grief, then she wished you shot someone.

The two’s silence was interrupted by the clinking of high heels on the floor.

“Delia?” Ally guessed. She’d be the only one not eating now so you gave a weak nod. A few seconds later you spotted the woman at the archway. She got a sense for the room, noticing your uncomfortableness immediately. She put it down to the other woman who had spun around on the Supreme’s arrival. “Cordelia.”

“Allyson.” Ally cursed under her breath.

“Y/n.” You turned your attention to your girlfriend. You hummed. “What are you doing out eating out here?”

“Didn’t you want me to-” You noticed the confused expression on the blonde’s face. Maybe Ally wanted you to sit out here so she could talk to without her son around and before Cordelia got to her.

“After you're both done dinner, I want you in my office,” She announced.

“What about you? Are you going to have dinner?”

“I’ll have it later.” She was gone a second later.

“Well I better tell Oz I want be playing video games with him tonight.”

You left your dinner and left to speak to Ally’s son.

In Cordelia’s office, Ally told you both the events leading up to the murder of her ex-wife Ivy. At the time of the 2016 presidential election, Ally’s phobias resurfaced. However, Ally avoids taking her medication and suffers a series of hallucinations in the form of a group of clowns intending to kill her. When the hallucinations happen again at The Butchery on Main, Ivy realizes that Ally is not taking her medication and forces her to take them. She goes on about their replacement babysitter, a woman named Winter Anderson and the murder of Ally and her Ex’s friends Tom and Marilyn Chang. She went on about clown attacks and how she accidentally shot Pedro, a Mexican staff member at her work. This was seen as a racially motivated homicide throughout her suburb in Michigan. She managed to clear her name. She found out her wife was in the cult terrorising the town (which Ally joined). Ally tells them how she poisons Ivy with arsenic in order to have Oz all to herself. She talked up until she and Oz moved to New Orleans, she got job as Senator and met Cordelia and later you.

Cordelia took a second to take in the story she had heard, trying to imagine pain and stress Ally went through to keep Oz safe. She did not know what she would do if she was in her boat. Cordelia was content with the story. “We need to figure out who brought this back to the surface.”

“I don’t have any enemies that would know about any of that, all the ex-cult members are dead.”

“Yet someone is after you,” you said.

“Whoever they are, they are sending me letters in parts”

“The letter you got the other day, was that one of them?” Ally nodded. “Do you still have them?”

“Destroyed them.”

“Nothing Is destroyed when you live with a group of witches.”

“The first would be at the garage tip by now.”

“Do you remember what they said?” You said. Ally nodded. You fetched a notepad and pen, “Good, write them down. And Ally, next time you get one show us, we might be able to use it to track the person down.” Ally silently agreed.

It didn’t take long for the next one to show up. It was only the next day. Ally didn’t bother going into work.

Your job would be over and your girlfriends’ couldn’t keep you around the school could they? A murder would wreck the school’s reputation.

The three stood around the opened letter. Ally in the desk chair and the other two peering over her shoulders.

"They know about you," Ally said to you. You were lost in my head, trying to figure out who would know. To the best of your knowledge, only the schoolgirls knew even how much Oz knew was questionable. As far as you were aware you were just an extremely close friend of his mother's.

"Impossible," Cordelia said. They had all made sure no one knew- mainly due to the short time you'd been going out and due to your age difference. Also, the fact that you had been a student here and people might make horrible and untrue comments about your girlfriend. And not to being on how the public would think if the polyamorous relationship.

"Have you told any-"

"No! No one knows except our girls. You don't think-"

"Couldn't be," Cordelia said.

"Should we track it?" You asked Cordelia.

"We should think through it carefully first," Ally added her two cents. "We don't know who we are dealing with or if it's a trap and the world knows that this is a witch school so they may have taken extra precautions."

"Y/n,"

"Hmm~"

"Set aside materials for a tracking spell."

You gathered all the materials you needed, including the letter they handed over to you after they had photocopied it for evidence. They trusted you to put it aside somewhere safe, unbeknownst to them, you had different plans. You’d performed the spell yourself and 7 hours later you found yourself in Atlanta, Georgia, standing outside the Delphi Trust building.

You had learned about this corporation a long time ago, only learning of the dirty truth behind it in the last 18 months. The Delphi Trust was an asset management company that served as a front for an ancient order of witch hunters that were known for using blessed silver bullets to kill witches. As far as you're aware, the company no longer was associated with witch hunting after the previous owners were murdered in the middle of a meeting. But with all sources pointing to the letter’s origins coming from here, what you thought was wrong.

You should have turned back or notified Cordelia your findings but you already snuck out and you knew she would only scold you and tell you to wait until you had back up. Your phone was bound to have 100 missed calls and messages. She’d probably be begging one of the tech savvy students to help her track down your phone's GPS signal.

Adjusting your bandana to ensure it covered the lowered part of your face, you teleported past the front doors. You flinched expecting motion sensors to go off, but nothing sounded, almost as if they anticipated your arrival.

You scoured the building for anything interesting. No one was on the premise which raised more alarms in your head. It was overly a trap and you knew it was possible passing one of these corners could send a silver bullet straight through you. Killing you would be easy; they could explain it as trespassing and it would be as good as done. They wouldn’t mess with Ally and the coven if they wanted to shoot you. Maybe they wouldn’t shoot you because you aren’t Ally, who the threat was targeted for, they could be expecting her. That wouldn’t explain the security system.

You reached a room lined with office desks and seating. All desks had personal items assigned to whoever’s desk it was, photos of people and their families, to go cups left on the occasional desk and the level of organization shifted from table to table.

One desk stood out, rested on the table was a brown archive box with the lid removed. It was the type of box that people pack their belongings in when they get fired in tv shows. It strikes you as odd, so you crept closer to survey its contents.

Inside was a knitted baby blanket. You cocked your brow, removing the blanket from the box. You played with the fabric in your hands as you unfolded it. It was as if it had been drowned in fabric softener for years. As you moved the fabric about, you noticed the name Odelia embroidered in ribbon on it. You traced the lettering with your finger before casting your eyeline down to the box.

Underneath were the blanket once was, a wedding band and a note sat. You slipped the ring into your pocket before choosing to read the note. Happy anniversary. “Shit!” You swore as you dropped the card, glancing around to see if anyone was around. You searched the person's desk finding no personal items. “Fucking god.” You slammed your hands into the desk, eyeing the box once more. Whoever planned this, expected you’d be the one to come. Whoever did this knew more about you than you’d like. Worse part of all of this, you didn’t find out who was troubling Ally. All you knew is she wasn’t the main target, or at least only.

You grabbed the blanket and dashed out of the building, missing the message on the other side of the note. See you soon x.