#but it’ll arrive in the office :’) and i’ll get to see my precious a week later THIS IS THE WORST

[gojoest]

how i’ll be spending the entire week :,)

[henry-and-the-seven-lords]

(u can choose for it to be a hc or anything) the brothers go to the dentist with MC and see the process of her wisdom teeth getting removed

Ok! I actually haven't had mine removed, but I have had similar dental work so I am going to base it on that!

So I got REALLY into this for a few days and then I forgot where I was going with it so it turned into headcannons with a super long intro instead of an imagine... Hope you like it!

Warnings: Mentions Dental work, Mentions Needles, Mentions of Blood, Mentions of surgical procedures

Brothers Masterlist | Datables Masterlist

Brothers Reacting to a Wisdom Teeth Removal

MC had been crying out in pain for the past couple of weeks. They had continually mentioned their teeth or jaw being the source of the problem. The Brothers did all they could in the Devildom, but in the end they decided take MC to the human world to see a dentist.

"Well, it looks like your wisdom teeth are coming in. There doesn't seem to be much room left for them, so I would suggest an extraction." The dentist looked at the x-rays and back to MC who was currently surrounded by 7 scared men.

"Extraction!? Ain't no way you are taking anything from my Hum-," Mammon caught himself, "...MC."

The doctor eyed him suspiciously before going back to the x-rays. Lucifer sighed, "Mammon. He is not taking anything. This is going to help MC."

"Will it hurt?" Beel had made his way through the crowd of his Brothers to talk to the doctor.

"They won't feel a thing while they're under. There could be some aching after the procedure, but as long as it is properly taken care of there will be no complications."

The Brothers breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this.

"I'll go through with it." MC pipes up.

The doctor smiles and says, "Wonderful. You can set up an appointment and get the paperwork at the front desk." He then turned on his heel shutting the door behind him, leaving MC and the Brother alone in the room.

"Are you sure this is the best idea, MC?" Levi's voice shakes as he speaks.

"It'll be fine guys. This is a common human procedure, plus I have all of you to help me afterwards." This seemed to easy their qualms. MC went to the front desk and scheduled the surgery sometime during the next week.

Before they knew it, a week had almost passed and the procedure was to take place the next morning. All of the Brothers were frantically running around trying to prepare until Lucifer finally got their attention.

"I want all of you to listen closely," He stood tall and spoke to his brothers now gather in front of him.

"MC is not allowed to eat anything after dinner tonight. They are only allowed to drink water," Beel's face turned sullen, as MC was usually his partner in crime for midnight raids of the fridge.

"The surgery is said to take two hours," Levi's face lit up at the thought of being home early enough to join his team in game and maybe even have MC assist. Only for it to fall again as Lucifer continued, "But before we come home, we will need to pick up some human pain medicine for when the medicine from the surgery wears off."

Asmo seemed quite intrigued with the mention of shopping in the human world, but his thoughts were cut short when Lucifer added, "And we will not be picking up anything else."

Lucifer sighed before continuing, "I have already made a shift schedule for who will take care of MC when we get home. It is in the center of the table." Satan reached for the paper as Lucifer droned on while Mammon peered over his shoulder.

"I will also be giving you instructions on how to change out the guaze and other things to stay away from." Lucifer gave the stack of packets to Belphie who didn't even take one. He just yawned and passed them to Beel.

"MC will be unable to participate in most activities for at least four days. So put any schemes you have on hold until they feel better. Understood?" Lucifer's words were stern as he glared at all of his Brothers.

"Understood." They all groan in unison.

MC, meanwhile, had taken their seat at the table and has began to fill their plate.

Satan grabs his pamphlet and sits across from MC. He quickly flips through the papers before skeptically looking up at them.

"You are confident that this is safe?" He eyes the human nervously as they swallow their food.

"Sure it can't be that bad. Some of my friends had it done and they're still alive." The brothers look between themselves as they all begin to read the possible outcomes of the procedure.

Dinner ends with everyone but MC and Beel leaving their plates mostly full. Slowly they all go their separate ways to their rooms.

When morning arrives, Lucifer wakes everyone up. He quickly goes through the house and rushes everyone out the door in order forC to get to the human world on time. It takes a lot of effort, but the group eventually makes it up to the office in one piece.

Asmo sits next to MC holding their hand and talking to them, "They better not mess up your face. If they so much as make a wrinkle on your skin. I will personally tear them apart."

MC chuckles, "Asmo. They have to have something to keep my mouth open. Don't be so dramatic."

As MC finishes their statement, their name is called and the group goes back with them.

They watch as the dentist helps MC into the chair resembling a torture device as he talks to them.

"You should be out for about two hours, you didn't eat or drink anything correct?"

MC shakes their head no and the doctor smiles before putting on his surgical mask, "Great! Then let's start the procedure."

The brothers gather around MC gently laying their hands on the human's body as the needle penetrates the human's arm.

"I'll be fine guys... Don't worry... One... Bit..." They watch as MC's head slowly lulls towards them. They look at the doctor in fear only to be quickly ushered out by the nurses.

Thankfully, there was a small room where they could sit and watched MC being worked on.

As they watched horror struck their faces.

💙 Lucifer

He really just trusted the process and had no idea what was going to happen.

So when he sees a tube being shoved down MC's throat he is upset and nearly breaks down the glass.

Then he remembers that MC is doing this to feel better and restrains himself.

But only because MC wants this done.

💛 Mammon

Mammon did not like this idea from the beginning! It sounded to dangerous and no one should be taking ANYTHING from MC (besides him).

Definitely was not happy when he started to watch them cut into their gums and blood started to get everywhere.

Lucifer and Beel had to hold him back so he didn't rampage.

Immediately grabs MC when this is all over and does not let them go.

🧡 Leviathan

Levi thought this would be a quick and easy process because it was only going to take two hours.

So they pull out a tooth and that is it right? Wrong.

He is horrified when he realizes they have to cut the teeth out and sew MC back together.

Why would they agree to something so invasive!? Why is this normal for humans!?

💚 Satan

He did a bunch of research and was the reason they went to a human dentist in the first place.

He knew what the entire procedure would entail and even tried to tell MC that it was pretty intense.

But he wasn't going to go against MC's wishes if they wanted to get it done.

Definitely stepped out of the room when it was happening... He didn't want to see it.

💖 Asmodeus

Asmodeus was fine to do anything that MC agreed with, then he saw them pulling their cheeks back and he got angry.

He was quite upset that they were stretching MC's precious skin! They could get wrinkled! And don't even get him started on the tube in their throat.

He wanted to march into the room and stopped them, but he remembered how much pain MC was in and that they needed to get it done.

He will get revenge later. Right now, he is focusing on MC.

❤ Beelzebub

Beel just wants to make sure MC is safe and feeling better no matter the cost or procedure.

So when he starts to see all the terrible stuff happening, he steps out with Satan to get some snacks.

By the time he comes back full, the procedure is over and he can walk in with everyone else as they wait for MC to wake up.

He did save MC one bag of chips... he was worried about them not eating breakfast...

💜 Belphegor

Belphie would be upset at what's happening, but more upset that he can't be next to MC to take a nap.

He definitely cares about them being safe, but he knows they agreed to it and human procedures are weird so he isn't too worried.

He just wants to take a nap and he needs his human pillow.

He will lean on MC's arm and immediately fall asleep whenever he is allowed in to see a groggy MC.

[archived-kin]

late with lucifer

note from kin: i just realised that the title sounds like a talk show ffs

anyway get ready to get SAPPY (and also get ready for a low-key out of character lucifer)

fandom: obey me!

character(s): gn! reader, lucifer, satan, beelzebub, belphie

pairing(s): lucifer/reader

warning(s): brief existential dread right at the end but i think it’s relatively light

genre: fluff all the way (with maybe a teensy bit of angst???? i accidentally got kinda deep towards the end)

Deciding to commit yourself to a bona fide workaholic music nerd who would sooner chop his own hand off than skip a single working day for potentially the rest of eternity has been... a choice and a half, to say the least. Yes, he’s a sweetheart most of the time, and you love him more than possibly any being in the known universe (though jury’s still out on cats and the dragon you met a couple of months ago who brings you giant mouthfuls of leaves every weekend), but you’d be lying if he didn’t have qualities that make you want to drop kick some sense into him sometimes. And one of those qualities happens to be his absolute refusal to just take a damn break.

“Just one more hour,” He keeps telling you whenever you ask him if he’s finally finished with his mountain load of paperwork. “One more hour, and then we can spend some time together.”

It has been five hours since Lucifer went to his study to ‘get a bit of work done’. Five hours of attempting to finish the mountain of books Satan has recommended you in the corner of the library, probably irritating the poor guy to no end with your constant restless shifting. You're surprised that he hasn’t up and left to go read in his room in peace - then again, it’d be hypocritical of him to tell you off for moving about. You’d think a bookworm like him would be so absorbed by his beloved books that he wouldn’t be able to move at all, but he fidgets about so much when he’s reading that you’re surprised he hasn’t somehow worn a hole through his favourite armchair yet. At any rate, you’re pretty sure you can see him getting ready to flip himself upside down for the seventh time this evening in the corner of your eye.

You try once again to focus on the lucrative business deal happening in Chapter 52 for the fourth time in the last ten minutes, but your brain just doesn’t seem to be listening to you right now; no matter how hard you try to register what’s going on, the words just don’t want to be processed. Finally, checking the clock on the wall for what feels like the hundredth time this evening, you decide that you might as well go bother your busy bee upstairs. It’s been at least a fortnight since you’ve been able to spend a full evening or night with him, and, if you’re honest, it’s beginning to get a little on your nerves.

Satan barely looks up from his book as you hop to your feet and begin making your way out, though he does lift a hand to wave a brief goodbye. Contrary to your prediction, he has not flipped himself upside down, but is now sitting the wrong way around on his armchair instead, facing the seat’s back, with his book carefully balanced on its head. Unconventional, but you’ll give him credit for the creativity.

The House of Lamentation is oddly quiet for a Friday night, but you’d guess that’s because Asmo and Mammon, the two loudest members of the house, have taken it upon themselves to celebrate the arrival of the weekend by going out for the night and probably blowing their savings in the process. Well, Asmo will be blowing his savings - Mammon will most likely find a way to put his spendings on one of his other brother’s tabs, or worse, yours. Then again, you don’t buy things often, so you suppose you can spare a bit of cash. (Knowing Mammon, though, he’ll probably buy enough to put you in debt for the rest of your life.)

On your way through the corridor, you’re struck by a sudden idea. Lucifer’s been shut in his study ever since he got home from the R.A.D., which means he most likely won't have eaten anything. At any rate, you know for a fact he wasn’t there for dinner with everyone else, which means you now have a much better excuse for going to see him other than just wanting to. Lucifer may be a stubborn demon, but he's never been able to resist a mug of tea and some biscuits on long nights when it's you offering them.

Beel is rustling about in the snack cupboard when you slip into the kitchen - no surprises there, but it is a little odd that he’s going for the lighter foods rather than something more filling. You'd comment on why he's down here so late into the night - he should really be in bed - but then again, it's Beel. He'd listen to his stomach over his brain any day of the week.

“Oh, hey,” He greets as he retreats from the cupboard with an armful of what look like several cookie boxes stacked on top of each other. “Did you get hungry as well?”

You shake your head and pull two mugs out of the crockery cabinet. “Nope. Just thought I’d bring Lucifer some tea and biscuits, you know?”

“He’s been in his office for ages,” Beel agrees with an earnest nod. He glances down at the heap of cookies in his arms, then pauses. “Ah… here.”

You look up as you fill the kettle with water to see him holding one of the boxes in his arms out to you.  “...what’s this for?”

“There aren’t any biscuits left in the cupboard,” He says by way of explanation, shaking the box he’s offering to indicate that you should take it. “So you can have these.”

“Aw, you don’t have to do that, Beel!” You gently push the box back towards him and give his arm a fond pat. “I’ll just bring him something else. Go ahead and eat the cookies, okay?”

On any other occasion, Beel would most likely have accepted your offer without hesitation (the day that Beel rejects food will probably never come, but you have a sneaking suspicion that a black hole would rip this reality apart if it does), but it must have been a really good day for him in terms of being fed, because he actually continues to try to give you the box. You’re tempted to coo at the big softie’s uncharacteristic generosity, but you’re not particularly sure how that would go over with him. If being in a relationship with Mr Pridey McPrideface upstairs has taught you anything, it’s that you can never take a reaction for granted.

“No, you have it,” Beel insists, shifting so that he doesn’t drop the rest of his biscuits and stubbornly attempting to shove the box into your hands. “I’ve got plenty right here.”

Your surprise must show on your face, because a moment later he smiles a little sheepishly and adds, “I promise I’m not sick or anything. I’ve still got lots right here. One box won’t make that much of a difference.”

You think it over for a moment as the kettle begins to bubble aggressively behind you. You’re a staunch believer in the fact that one should never deprive Beel of his food, partially because he’s an absolute sweetheart who deserves the food he eats, and partially because something bad could and probably would happen if said food is taken from him. Then again, you’re not taking the food from him, strictly speaking - he’s the one offering it to you. That exempts you, right? At the very least, you have a counter-argument if Belphie tries to persecute you for taking his beloved twin brother’s biscuits. (He probably wouldn’t - the kid adores you - but it’s good to be prepared for possible trials.)

“Ah, fine...” You eventually relent and allow Beel to press the box into your hands. Your compliance is well worth it - the beam on his face and the little pat he gives the box in your hands in satisfaction could probably cure multiple strains of cancer. “You’re the sweetest, you know that?”

He flushes slightly. “I-it’s not that big of a deal…”

“Oh, that’s nonsense,” You tell him firmly over your shoulder, beginning to busy yourself with the teabags and sugar as the kettle hisses to a halt. “Personally, I think I’m going to remember it for the rest of my life.”

You smile to yourself as Beel laughs a little bashfully behind you. “Thanks…”

“No problem, bub,” You reply, pausing in your work to turn around and shoot him a wink. “Hey, chuck me a spoon, would you?”

He nods and does just that - literally. He throws the spoon across the kitchen with such precision that it lands perfectly in your outstretched hand.

You thank him and begin to pour the hot water into Lucifer’s mug. He says that he likes his tea as is, without any bells or whistles or fancy additions, but you’ve been doing this thing for long enough that you know that he actually prefers his tea with a teaspoon of honey and just a splash of lemon. He just refuses to actually say it out loud.

(To be honest, you’re not sure why he does that - does he think tea with honey and lemon is a wimpy drink or something just because you told him it’s often drunk as a remedy for a sore throat in the human world? Knowing the way his mind works, it’s probably something along those lines, but still, it’s a weird conclusion to make.)

You finish preparing Lucifer’s tea quickly - you’ve done this so many times that the movements have become second nature to you at this point - and start making your own. The drinks are finished a minute or so later, and with that you begin setting up your little snack tray.

After a moment’s debate, you decide that today is worth going the extra mile, and start to carefully arrange the biscuits on a pretty plate.  It’s a bit of a hassle to get them into the right formation, but it’ll be well worth it once you get them to their intended receiver - Lucifer always gets the fondest little smile on his face when you bring him his biscuits in patterns, and that man doesn’t smile nearly enough for your taste. Personally, you’d quite like it if he smiled like that all the time, but then again, their rarity is what makes them so precious to you.

Ah - you’re starting to get sappy again. That’s a surefire sign that you haven’t spent enough time with your beloved demon lately. Well, it’s a good thing you’re going to see him now, isn’t it?

The door to Lucifer’s study is still as tightly shut as it was five hours ago when you approach it, but you doubt he’s actually locked it. He’s stopped doing that ever since your visits while he works became a regular thing - he hasn’t said it out loud yet, but you know that it’s his way of showing you that you’re always welcome to come in.

Unlocked as it is, though, you can’t exactly turn the doorknob to let yourself in. You’re a human of many talents, but being able to balance a heavy tray in one hand is not one of them. Lucifer’s tea wouldn’t make into his study - it’d just end up all over the floor.

“Lucifer!” You call softly through the door, mindful that he might be having another one of his work-induced headaches, “I’ve brought you some tea! Open up!”

For a while, the only reply is silence. You know there shouldn’t be any reason for him to be, but you can’t help but worry briefly if Lucifer’s somehow angry at you. Then again, Lucifer’s always liked to play the fashionably late card against you - whether to tease you or to disguise something, you’ll never know.

It turns out that your little worry was unfounded - a few moments later, the door swings open to reveal your favourite demon in all his exhausted-looking glory. Lucifer, who looks like the physical manifestation of work burnout, offers you a tired smile, and stands back to let you enter.

(Here’s a little secret - Lucifer would never tell you this, but he’d perked up like a kid when candy is offered the moment he heard your voice. Still, gotta put up the cool front, right? Even if that means waiting restlessly right next to the door for a minute so that you don’t think he’s over-eager…)

“Thank you.” He murmurs as you bring the tray over to his desk and set it down on one of the few patches of wood that aren’t covered by papers.

You dramatically pretend to swipe sweat from your forehead as if you’ve just finished a ten-mile run and shoot a smile up at him. “All in a day’s work, love.”

He smiles softly and leans in to gently press a kiss to the crown of your head. His pale cheeks have darkened slightly - Lucifer’s always been a softie when it comes to the host of sappy nicknames you’ve given him. One gentle ‘sweetheart’ and he’s melting like an ice cube on a hot day. It’s the sort of thing that people like Mammon and Levi would probably call gross or something, but you honestly couldn’t really care less about that. It’s not harming anyone else and it makes both of you happy, so why shouldn’t you give your lover as many endearing pet names as you can come up with?

“What even is all this?” You ask, peering at the papers scattered across the desk as Lucifer moves over to have a look at the plate of biscuits. You look up just in time to spot the way his eyes light up slightly when he sees the flower you've arranged them into.

“This and that,” He replies vaguely, hovering a single gloved hand uncertainly over the plate, as if trying to decide which biscuit he can take without spoiling the pattern.

“That’s hardly an answer at all,” You complain, plucking three broken quills from among the documents and waving them at him. “Why do you keep using these? A pen would be way more efficient.”

“Official documents should be written in the traditional way,” Lucifer tells you. He takes his time chewing the biscuit he’s finally chosen before continuing. “And Diavolo prefers quill and ink calligraphy to look at.”

“Honestly…” You round the edge of the desk and reach up to brush some powdered sugar from the corner of his mouth. “You don’t have to do absolutely everything according to him.”

Lucifer blinks down at you, lips parting slightly in half awe and half surprise as you smile at him. “Ah…”

His smile widens slightly, and he gazes at you with so much fondness in his eyes that you almost feel a little weak at the knees at the very sight. Lucifer really is a dangerous demon - in more ways than one.

“Well, c-come on, then,” You prompt him abruptly, not wanting him to realise how much his gaze has affected you, because you just know it’s going to give him an ego boost. He pauses in surprise as you start tugging him over to the big armchair beside the fire - the one that the both of you can fit snugly into together. “Let’s have a drink together.”

“I still have papers to fill out—” He attempts to say, but cuts himself off as you shake your head and stubbornly attempt to push him down into the seat. It doesn’t work - Lucifer’s much stronger than you, after all - but he does at least seem to appreciate the effort.

“You’re taking a break whether you like it or not,” You insist, starting to smack lightly at his arms in an bid to get him to listen to you. “Papers can wait. I’m more important.”

That does get a little chuckle out of him, and he finally relents, sitting down with a subtle sigh. “That goes without saying.”

You laugh, suddenly a little more hot around the collar than you’d have liked. “You said it!”

Pausing to retrieve the tray with the tea and biscuits and set it on the table beside the armchair, you quickly join Lucifer in front of the fire, snuggling in at his side and letting out a blissful sigh as you feel him start to draw circles on your arm with his fingers. It’s a sort of habit that he’s developed over the last few months - you’re not sure if he even realises that he’s doing it.

The two of you stay like that in comfortable silence for several minutes. Lucifer’s tense shoulders relax more and more with each passing moment, and soon enough, he’s sprawled out against you, pressing his cheek lovingly into the crown of your head. 

It’s only at moments like this that you get to see this softer version of him, so you always cherish it when it happens. Lucifer may be a slightly passive-aggressive panther who could kill most beings with a swipe of his hand if he sees fit, but, every now and then, he’s a sleepy panther who’ll roll over and let you scratch behind his ears.

Conversation is usually sparse at times like this - the two of you are content enough in each other’s presence that you don’t really need to make small talk. Today, however, Lucifer seems to have something he wants to vent about.

“Belphie has been missing a lot of his homework again lately,” He murmurs. You make a noise of affirmation to indicate that you’re listening, staring at the mugs of tea sitting on the table and pondering whether the two of you will actually manage to part for long enough to drink them.

“Is it anything important?” You ask after a moment, playing absent-mindedly with his left hand. He doesn’t make any move to stop you as you mess about with his slender fingers, so you assume that he doesn’t mind.

“Mostly essays,” He replies, shifting slightly and letting out a quiet sigh. “He’s never liked writing them, but he hasn’t had so many missing before.”

You make a thoughtful sound. Now that you think about it, wasn’t Belphie confiding in you about this the other day?

“It’s just hard to sit down and concentrate sometimes, especially when I’m always so tired,” You remember him saying resignedly over hot chocolate and marshmallows. “It’s not like I don’t want to turn all my homework in on time. Sometimes I just can’t.”

“Well, you shouldn’t force yourself to do them, either,” You’d replied, giving his shoulders a sympathetic pat. “Needs over school of course. If you need to sleep more, then sleep more - if you feel like you can’t write the essay, then don’t write the essay. I’ll talk to Lucifer if he gets mad at you.”

He’d given you a grateful smile then, and turned back to his hot chocolate with a marginally brighter look on his face.

“Belphie’s been having a lot of nightmares lately, so he isn’t getting as much sleep,” You say slowly. “I told him to go ahead and take as many naps as he has to. His needs are more important than schoolwork, after all.”

Lucifer takes a long while to answer, but you don’t mind. It’s only fairly recently that he’s really come to terms with the idea that he doesn’t need to be so hard on his brothers - that it’s okay to put their comfort before whatever image of respectability he’s trying to keep up for Diavolo. The change has been somewhat jarring, according to Satan, but it’s not an unwelcome one, and you’ll gladly take responsibility for it with your constant reminders and careful explanations that Lucifer’s younger brothers have their own problems that he needs to give more leeway for.

“...did he come to talk to you about this?” He asks finally.

“Yeah.” You can’t see his face, but you can practically hear the frown beginning to pinch at his brows. “I know it might not seem like it sometimes, but he does want to make you proud. He’s never wanted to disappoint you.”

He takes a deep breath and releases it with a low hum. “...Belphie has never disappointed me.”

“Seems that he doesn’t realise that sometimes, though,” You sigh, tracing the seams of his glove with your index finger. “He’s a good kid, really.”

Lucifer doesn’t give a verbal reply, but he does hum again. You shift slightly and turn to look up at him; he looks back at you with sleepy, half-lidded crimson eyes. “Take it easy on him, okay?”

He gazes at you in contemplative silence for a long while, blinking slowly like an affectionate cat. Finally, he nods, and you beam proudly, dipping your head to rest on his chest, carefully positioning yourself so that his buttons don’t dig into your cheek.

“I’ll speak to his teachers,” He says quietly. “We should be able to arrange something.”

You smile against the fabric of his waistcoat, taking his hand in yours and giving it a squeeze. “That’s progress. I’m proud of you.”

He doesn’t respond, but you know full well that he loves it when you say that to him. He didn’t in the early days of your relationship, mostly because he’d thought you were patronising him, but now that the two of you are so much more familiar with each other, he’s learnt to recognise that you don’t mince words; you say what you mean, and you mean what you say. Which is exactly why, as the Avatar of Pride, he absolutely loves it when you tell him that you’re proud of him.

Lucifer himself is deep in thought. Struck by a sudden warmth spreading through him, quite independent of the crackling fire before him, he wraps his arms around you, resting his cheek against your head. It’s at moments like these, when you’re so close to him, that he realises just how fragile humans like you are.

It terrifies him sometimes, knowing that the unforgiving march of time means that you cannot be with him forever. One day you will leave, and you will grow old and fade away without him, because, no matter how much he wishes otherwise, you belong to a different realm. You are not a demon, and he is not a human; your worlds can collide briefly, for a single, beautiful moment, but then they will continue to move in their own orbit - and perhaps they will never meet again.

Some would say that, for this reason, he never should have fallen in love in the first place. Relationships like yours have always had a sort of taboo, even in the Devildom, because all beings are not created equal; humans have such short, meaningless lifespans compared to demons and angels, such little power, always depending on leaders and faith in a deity that they cannot prove the existence of. That is what demons tend to think of humanity, and until he’d met you, Lucifer had felt similarly.

But your life has been anything but meaningless, and the power you hold over him and his brothers is far stronger than any amount of potent magic that any being holds. The seven lords of the Devildom would lay waste to all three realms should anything happen to you. 

Lucifer had never thought that he had the ability to love so deeply and so purely, but then again, he’d also never thought that a human like you could exist. It seems that he’s been wrong about a lot of things, and he can only pray that he will be wrong in his prediction of how this will end.

But you’re with him now, curled up against him with a content smile on your face. For now, you’re here, and while you are, Lucifer doesn’t want to waste time on worries.

Your story is yet to reach its ending, and if Lucifer knows anything, it’s that he will stay by your side until then. As long as your worlds are still connected, he will continue to love you, and he will love you long after your worlds separate again.

He’s sure of it.

[nuitthegoddess]

 ~Luan’s Birth~

Twisted Wonderland future AU fanfic of my OC fan child of Malleus being born. Part 1

*WARNING*

Angst, sad moments, death,

October 15th

The day of birth of a new soon to be ruler of Valley of Thorns.

It was Malleus Draconia’s happiest moment of his life time. He had met someone who he had loved dearly. He never thought after graduating Night Raven College to become king and to be in an arrange marriage for a while. Managing to find love. It was a huge celebration when he and his significant other got married. It was all over the news. The Next big that came out was the queen carrying his child.

When the news started to spread like while fire, The Valley of Thorns people couldn’t wait for months to come!

That day finally arrived,

The Queen’s water broke that made the servants to rush her to a hospital as the order from the king. He went with them along the way to the hospital. To his worry, his significant other wasn’t doing too well. They was struggling to give birth after hours passed. As soon as they finally gave birth to a baby boy. The queen was starting to pass out. Malleus couldn’t tell what was going on but Lilia and the doctor pulled Malleus aside. Malleus told them to do whatever they can to help them...

After hours later, the doctor confirmed came to Malleus and Lilia. Towards them as if he couldn’t look at them directly...He confirms the queen didn’t make it. Malleus felt as if a ton of bricks had hit him. The love of his life was gone...

He asked quickly about the baby. When they told him the baby was healthy. Malleus told them to bring him to him.

The one of the other doctors brought the newborn baby to him. He handed him over to the king gently. The king held the baby carefully to his chest like a delicate feather. He was so small to him like a little ragged doll. It made himself go ill, knowing that this was all he had left from his dearly departed queen. He couldn’t stand looking at the newborn, it made him want to cry knowing this had happened… he gave the baby gently to Lilia by his side.

Later the news was happy about the baby being born but their hearts of Valley of Thorns broke knowing that their queen has died from childbirth. They were joyful of the baby being healthy. But days later of the funeral for their queen was a devastating moment at the kingdom.

They brought the flowers around the kingdom, it was almost as if a garden grew all around the palace.

The baby never got a confirmation about his name. Malleus couldn’t think about it. For a week he was isolated in his private office to work on to signs papers while his servants or guards were helping taking care of the newborn since it’s a king’s responsibility. Today, the servants, Silver or Sebek were having some trouble. He has cried none stopped to the point where they went to Lilia. His lullaby didn’t work on the baby! Lilia thought of an idea to handed the infant over to Silver for the elder faerie to go to Malleus’ office. He began to knock right at his door.

“My king, you’ve been overworking yourself. Please come out we need your help with something.” The long haired raven male said a loud in a calm tone.

Malleus pauses himself to lay his pen next to his paper work on the side of his desk. He sighed to himself, as if knowing what Lilia was going to tell him. He moves himself off his seat to leave his work place to open the door. He sees the familiar guardian that was always by his side standing before him with a smile.

“Hello Lilia, what is it?”

“You’ve been cooped up in there for a long while. You deserve a break for once to be with the baby for at least a half hour. Please. The poor thing hasn’t stopped crying.” Lilia told him, he knows he is still upset over the queen. But he must interact with his own child.

Yes being a king means responsibility, but he can be with his own child for a break. What kind of parent would he if he doesn’t? A terrible one at that.. He took a deep breath. Malleus himself knows that he has to be with his child. “Okay, I’ll try to help. But I must finish up the papers soon.”

Lilia nodded to him with a cheerful smile. “You might as hold it off now.”

Malleus locked the door to close it before leaving. The two wander over into a fairly nice room for a baby to be in with a cradle and some huge basket with baby toys. Gifts from others especially from Kalim.

Malleus stopped to hear, crying echoing in the room. Silver was holding the baby, rocking him for a bit. “Don’t cry anymore. Please.” He mewled a bit, upset with himself that the advice from his father to help this poor child.

“Silver! You’re rocking him too much! He must focus on the rattle!” Sebek snapped at him as he shakes the baby rattle for the baby to distract him from crying anymore. Silver’s eyes looked to Sebek,

“Please calm your voice down or he’ll cry more.” Silver said trying to sound quiet but baby wouldn’t stop whaling.

Lilia giggled for a bit as Malleus looked over to him. “Oh dear, we have a little situation.” Lilia took a few more steps over to the two young men.

Sebek looks back to see the king and Lilia. “Your majesty! You’re here!”

Silver sighed a bit, feeling as if this a terrible situation. But he was relived that they arrived. He handed the wailing baby over to his father who approached ot him. Lilia started to rock him gently,

“Ah you poor little one. There should be no crying in this castle!” He giggled a little he responds. His red eyes glanced to the king. “Just hold him. Maybe he’ll be happier.” He began to walk over to hand over the little baby prince. Malleus carefully holds him around his arms. The baby was still weeping none stop.

Malleus looks over the two guardians, “Have you fed him?”

“The maids have tried to but he would spit it out his bottles or a spoon full of food. I tried to have him have his pacifier but he would spit it out,” Silver explained what happened as he sighed a little, “we thought maybe he needed a diaper change so we changed him. We thought that would solve the problem but apparently not. He would still cry after that. We tried to have my father’s help for assistance. Not even his lullaby would help. The baby didn’t want to listen.”

“I woke Silver up when he fell asleep into the basket of toys.” Sebek said with a hand to his face.

“It was kind of funny,”. Lilia laughed to himself. He looks up to the king. “I thought he maybe ill but he isn’t. So we thought maybe he wanted you.”

Malleus’s green eyes landed down upon to the red faced scrunched up baby who was howling. Trying to remember how he handled Silver was a baby. Rocking the poor baby slowly, gently. 

“Please little one. I’m here. What is it that you want?” He kept trying to think of what could possibly made this newborn be this way? They said he was healthy, they changed him, a rare thing for Lilia’s lullabies not to work on him. What could it be?

Was it his fault? 

Was it his fault that he didn’t want to look at his own child? It must be it. Guilt strikes in the young king. He was making the dragon king down in ill. All because the loved of his life had such a cruel death. The thought of giving birth to the child you’ve been longing to meet since you’ve wanted a child, and then death takes you away. Not even at least letting them hold the newborn for at least for long...

Why?

Why them?

Before Malleus could get into deeper thought, a tug was pulled by his hair made him snap out of it. It was not a hard tug. His green eyes analyzed the small hand gripping onto his streak of long hair. Green orbs trailed to the baby starring right up at him with teary glittering eyes. Whimpering a bit. He never noticed he had the same green eyes as him. The watery eyes reminded him of little stars for some odd reason.

He wasn’t crying as much but his whimpers were fading. He placed the baby’s head onto his shoulder.

“Oh! He’s not crying anymore!” Lilia said with a grin.

“Thank goodness...” Silver mumbled.

“Hush Silver!” Sebek snapped at Silver.

“Malleus try the rocking chair. Maybe he’ll fall asleep if you’ll sit down.” Lilia insisted.

Malleus walks over to the rocking chair near the baby cradle. Malleus sits down rocking the chair with the baby still whimpering.

“Sing him a lullaby. Maybe with you it’ll work.” Lilia encourages the dragon faerie king.

The king took a deep breathe again, he remembers a lullaby by heart. He used to listen to when he was little from his grandmother or Lilia. An ancient lullaby that used to make children sleep every night. He started to sing the lullaby, hoping the infant would listen to the sweet song. It was soothing song, to anyone’s ears. The baby whimpers faded each time as Malleus was singing to him. His little head started to lay against him like a pillow. His little arms wrapped around his shoulder to grip onto. Lilia was smiling at this perfect picture of Malleus with his child. Sebek was in tears, it was such a precious moment in his life time to see his Young master with his baby. Silver had fallen asleep again as Sebek was holding him and shaking him to wake up. Sebek didn’t want to ruin this beautiful moment as in respect for the king. Malleus hears with his pointy ears the baby was sounding asleep.

Malleus didn’t want to let him go, he would to let this precious baby to stay in his arms forever.

Lilia tip-toed over to the king to whisper, “We should put him to bed now.”

Malleus nodded he slowly, feeling a little upset to let this moment end. But he got up from the chair to set the sleeping baby on his cradle to slumber. Lilia pulls the blanket over onto the boy. They slowly were leaving the room for the baby to have quiet. As soon as everyone walked out from the room. Lilia closed the door gently.

Sebek looks to his king as he started to speak quietly “That was the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed with you, your majesty. Your lullaby was breathtaking.” Sebek was trying to stay quiet but his sniffles is what made Malleus worried for the baby to hear. Lilia wanted to laugh at Sebek’s reaction but held it and gave him a handkerchief instead to wipe away his tears.

Silver crossed his arms as he speaks to the king, “Malleus, have you thought of name? We never got a confirmation about his name since… You know.” Silver spoke no further in a quiet tone. It did bother him that Malleus never named the baby since he was grieving over the queen’s death. The King had a depression after all, he couldn’t come up with a name. He now thought about it for a moment.

“Hm your right. But I think I know what to call him,” The three looked at him, “The child of mine should be named, Luan.”

“It’s perfect!” Sebek exclaimed happily.

Lilia and Silver hushed him to keep quiet. Lilia’s pointy ears started to hear a little whimpering from the other side of the door as he made a sheepish smile. “Oh dear…” looking at the door.

Malleus quickly goes inside the room to go see the baby whimpering awake. He quickly picks Luan up into his arms.

“My deepest apologizes, your majesty! Forgive me!” Sebek cried.

“Sebek, just stop talking.” Silver said with a hand to his face.

Malleus cradling to look down to small prince. Luan doesn’t seem like he was about to cry. His eyes were closed and he scrunch his noses. He wiggled around in the king’s arms. The king was puzzled at the moment.

“What’s the matter, Luan?”

The baby opened his mouth to let out green flames at his father’s face. His bangs were on fire.

“Your majesty!!” Sebek and Silver both exclaimed as Lilia started to laugh hysterically.

Malleus uses his magic to evaporate the green flames. Although his bangs were crusty, the end of his tips of the hair were crumbled or a little burned out.

“That brought back some nice memories~!” Lilia said reminding himself of the nostalgic memories.

The little Luan stared at Malleus as he started to whine a little almost teary eyed. Malleus shushes him trying to soothing as he kisses the tiny forehead.

“I’m not injured, no need to worry.” Malleus said, uses his arm to hold the baby to push back his burnt bangs. Showing his mark on his forehead. His eyes looked down to Luan’s big green eyes looking right up at him. His baby arms squirmed around to grab Malleus’s hair. He uses his black nail-polished finger to dangle to the baby for him to grab it fully in the little palm of his.

Malleus’s corners of his lips started to rise.

It was the first time that Malleus has made that expression to anyone for a while….

———-

Authors note:

Ya’ll I should have made this on Father’s day 🥺 Welp I guess. I hope you all enjoyed this AU fanfic! I took time on this write out and edit like crazy bc I wanted it to be good! If you want more let me know so I can more! :D if you have any questions or criticisms! Let me know! I am open to learn!

Please drink some water and eat food! And I hope you have a good/evening/night!

[captainrexforever]

Trials and Tribulations 2/2

Rating: T

Word count: ~6k

Summary: The reader discovers that she has formed a force bond with her Mandalorian companion. This has some unforeseen complications during the events at the Imperial refinery on Morak.

Warnings: angst, fluff, canon typical violence, more Dad! Fett, awkward! Din, use of in-universe curse words

Note: Part 2 at last! There are quite a few pov. changes, so I hope that they don’t interrupt the flow of the story too much. Happy reading, and I hope you enjoy! 

Pt. 1

After settling into the cockpit alongside Fett, the only thing you can do is wait for Fennec’s signal, but that doesn’t mean you have to be bored. 

“Is it too much to ask for a tour of the flight controls?” 

“I’m surprised it took you this long to ask.” He speaks honestly. 

You can only chuckle in response and shrug. “What can I say, I’m not used to holding a conversation with my crewmate.”

“I take it Mando doesn’t talk much.” 

His eyes search your face, and although you attempt to hold his gaze, your eyes fall to the floor as you answer. “No, he doesn’t.”

Fett only nods in response, and you have a sudden urge to change the subject. “So, I noticed that you wear your helmet while flying, even though all the screens are displayed on the console.”

He must note the change in topic, but he doesn’t bring it up. “Yes, I tied all the tracking technology into the visor of my helmet. That way if I have to aim at something while in flight, I can observe it through the viewport and follow the object with my eyes, as if aiming a real blaster.”

“Woah, that’s really cool.”

“Indeed. It’s an idea my father often shared with me, although he didn’t get the chance to implement the changes. I was finally able to make the alterations myself.” There’s a little bit of nostalgia in his voice, and you wonder if you should feel bad for bringing up a potentially sensitive topic. “Perhaps I can let you try it on the retrieval run.” Boba continues. 

“Oh, no, no, no, maybe later, thank you. I don’t want to jeopardize the mission with my novice flying skills.”

“Is that so? You project the aura of a competent pilot.”

“Yes, but it’s been a while since I’ve sat behind the controls of a ship.”

Fett raises a hand to his chin, as if stroking a non-existent beard. “So you didn’t fly Mando’s ship?” It’s definitely a question, but it comes off more like a statement. 

“Well, I...I usually left that to Mando, I felt like it was almost a form of relaxation for him and I didn’t want to take that away.”

“Can I give you some advice?” 

That throws you off a little. 

“Sure.”

“A Mandalorian’s ship is a precious possession, not as important to them as beskar or their code, but still. A ship represents a Mandalorian’s freedom and individuality. If you were allowed to live within that ship for what I estimate to be several months, there was something else going on.”

It feels like someone lodged their fist into your chest and squeezed all the air out of your lungs. Surely he couldn’t mean...“What, what do you mean? Are you saying he was desperate for help no matter the cost?”

Fett wants to bang his head on the console, then bang it against your head to knock some sense into you. No wonder you and the Mandalorian get along so well, you’re both absolutely clueless. 

“Do you know that he carried you up the ramp of this ship last week when you were on death’s door, demanding medical attention from me?” Your eyes widen in response. “When we eventually realized you were losing too much blood, his first instinct was to infiltrate a medical station to obtain the necessary blood samples for a transfusion. Lucky for him, I had some sequencing instruments aboard, and we were able to identify your blood type. By some miracle, you and he happen to possess the same blood.” The atmosphere is becoming more tense by the second, and you can only sit there as Fett recounts the events surrounding your recent injuries. “He stayed by your side during the entire two day flight to Nevarro, refusing to eat or sleep. With the amount of time he spent providing blood to the transfusion system, I was sure he would pass out from blood loss before we arrived.” A choked sound leaves your throat. “The second we landed, he was on his feet, clutching onto your body as he carried you to the Marshal’s office.” 

He lets his words sink in for a moment as he pins you underneath his gaze once again. “I have fought countless battles, lost many comrades, and seen fellow warriors suffer horrible injuries. But I have never seen a man so stricken with grief and despair at the thought of losing a fellow comrade-in-arms. It’s obvious you mean much more to him than either of you realize.” 

He notices that you’re in shock after taking in all of that information, and he opens his mouth to say one last thing. “If you want to take a seat in the hold and let yourself process all of that, I’ll let you know when I receive the cue to take off.” 

The sentence is uttered with kindness, and you can only nod, thankful for his understanding. In a second you’re slipping down the ladder to the main hold of the ship. 

Kriff. 

Tears bite at the corners of your eyes as you suppress a sniffle with your forearm. That damned Mandalorian has been holding out on you. It all makes sense now. The affection you sensed earlier, the brief moments where you often notice his gaze linger for a millisecond too long. He cares about you. The thought has you releasing a muffled sob into your palms, why has he never told you? You would have welcomed his affection and returned it a thousand fold, if he had ever offered you the chance. 

A spike of fear races up your spine suddenly, and you tense in response. There is a familiar tickling sensation in the back of your mind, and you realize that Din is unintentionally projecting on you. After what happened earlier, you’re sure that you are the last person he wants to communicate with. His fear washes over you again, this time accompanied by panic, and you know that something has gone terribly wrong. Feelings be damned, you need to know what is going on down there. A firm nudge against his thought process grants your mind access to his, and the singular pulsing thought that envelops your brain gives you an immediate headache. 

“This is for the kid. The kid needs me, I can do this for him. I can do this for the kid.”

“Din, what’s going on?”

“You need to leave right now.”

“Din, what’s going on, let me help.”

There is no response. You’re so frustrated right now that you want to punch him, and you must be projecting because he allows you to see one more thought. 

You gasp in disbelief and shock. 

“Din...no. You can’t take your helmet off.”

“This is for the kid, Y/n. There is no other way.”

“Your creed, your way. What will you do after you take it off?”

“I...I don’t know. This is the only way I can save him.”

A tear rolls down your cheek.

“I understand.” Then you pull yourself from his mind. 

Even faced with death, while you cried over his limp body, he had refused to remove his helmet. 

No, you don’t understand at all.

~~

By the time Mayfeld and Mando board the ship, you’re seated in the cockpit once again, desperately trying to keep a firm hold on your emotions. The ship rocks with the force of an explosion as Boba makes a hasty retreat. 

“We got company. Hang on.” He announces. 

The ship swerves to the side as he maneuvers away from the blasts of two tie fighters, and you watch in fascination as the scope on his helmet automatically drops into place in front of his visor. 

“These Imperial pilots can’t hit a damn thing.” He complains to you.

“Isn’t that a good thing for us?” You ask.

“I suppose. It isn’t much fun though.”

Wow. Maybe he and Din aren’t so different after all, or perhaps all Mandalorians are just crazy. 

“You wanted to learn about the controls, right? Flip that gold switch I’m pointing to.” He requests.

After grasping a hold of the pilot seat to keep yourself upright, you reach for the control panel and flip the switch. 

“Excellent, now take my helmet.” He removes it and holds it out to you. “Let me know when the two fighters are within 80 meters of each other.” 

You take the helmet eagerly, desperate for some type of combat action to block out your overwhelming emotions. The visor remains dark until the helmet thunks into place around your head, then it bursts into life. There are so many readings on the display that you are overwhelmed for a moment. 

“Look at the top right corner of the HUD, it’ll show you the close-range scans and a distance measurement for the two targets.”

“Got it. The display measures the distance at 100 meters.” 

“Alright, just wait a second. Standard flight path protocol will have them grouping up soon.”

Sure enough, the number plunges down to 90, then 85, then 82. Just a little bit closer…“Now!”

A light flashes somewhere on the HUD as a click filters through the helmet’s speakers. A glance at the top right corner of the display reveals a projectile moving towards the two tie fighters, and you grin at the resulting explosion. There is still a satisfied smile on your face when you hand the helmet back to Fett. 

“Nice shot. And thank you.” You hope that he understands your referring both to the advice he shared earlier, as well as his recent actions.

He nods. “Any time, vod.” 

“Vod?”

“It’s Mando’a, the closest term in Basic is ‘comrade’.” 

That spikes your interest and there is a burning question on the tip of your tongue, but you leave it for later.

“I’m gonna set the ship down, you might want to take a seat.” Fett breaks the silence. 

You scramble to follow his advice, and once the landing cycle is complete he rises from his chair. “Just a moment.” He elaborates, as he descends down the ladder. 

His absence leaves you with a quiet moment to reflect, and you hold your fisted hands out so you can list some facts and organize your frazzled thoughts. Ok, you tell yourself as you take a deep breath. 

One, Din cares about you. 

Two, you care about Din. 

Three, he cares for the child like a son. 

Four...what’s another fact? Dank farrik!

Four, you repeat as you rack your brain. Ah yes, Din’s Creed forbids him from revealing his face to another being.

Five, Din obviously knew he had no choice but to risk breaking his code. The choice was to either reveal his face, or abandon the child to a fate that could be worse than death. 

Six. Well, now that you think about it, you are being a little bit petty. You would also be willing to risk anything, if it was the only way to save the kid. Now that you’ve gone and said it, you feel a little ashamed. Poor Din doesn’t deserve to deal with the loss of his child and your foul mood at the same time. 

You decide to continue your list.

Seven, Boba Fett’s ship is cool as hell.

Eight, Din is kinda hot. Wait, what?! Hold on a second.

Eight, Din is...alright fine. He’s pretty hot. 

Nine, He does have very nice thighs.

Ten, He’s really attractive when he’s fighting.

Eleven, He’s...Wait, you only have ten fingers! 

You really need to get yourself under control, this is completely out of line. 

“Let’s hold tight up here for a moment, Mando’s putting on his kit.” 

You let out an undignified squeak, caught entirely by surprise. What you said earlier was becoming more and more true by the second, Mando and Boba weren’t so different after all. 

~~

Meanwhile in the small fresher, Mando is in the process of attaching his beskar chestplate when you start projectingly very loudly. A blush rises to his cheeks as you approach the end of your mental list. He has always hoped that you felt some semblance of affection towards him, but the thoughts you are currently entertaining are on a whole new level.

After the events in the refinery, he’s still a little shaken, but he feels he owes you an explanation for his recent behavior. Once the last piece of Beskar is attached to his figure, he prepares to ascend the ladder to the cockpit. But, when he approaches, he can distinctly make out your voice, as well as Fett’s.

“There are two words that I sometimes hear Mando use, and I think that they are from Mando’a. Would you mind translating them?”

“Why don’t you ask him?”

“I did once. He didn’t answer.”

“What are they?”

“‘Verd’ and ‘ika’.”

“Interesting.” He strokes at his chin again. “It’s actually one word, verd’ika.” (Little warrior)

“Oh. What does it mean?”

“It means…” 

Oh no, Din thinks. I need to break this up right now. 

“What’s the status on Cara and Fennec?” He blurts out. Affection and amusement fill him when he notices you jump slightly in your seat at his sudden appearance. 

“They should be approaching our position at any moment now.”

Din nods. He realizes he’s awkwardly lingering at the base of the ladder now, but he can’t let Fett share that translation with you. Not yet. Not until he is able to explain himself.

“Fett, could you provide me with the materials to replace the cooling core in my blaster? All my spare parts and tools were on my ship.” 

Boba stares him down. He knows exactly what Din is trying to do. Din sighs, he is far too fatigued, mentally and emotionally, to deal with this right now. He’s just about to give up when Fett gives him a sharp nod, plops his helmet over his head, and rises from his chair before descending into the hull. Din notices him shoot you an apologetic look, which you respond to with a tight-lipped smile. 

Now that at least one disaster has been avoided, Din turns to follow through with his made-up task. A voice crackles through the speakers in his helmet, and he startles when he recognizes Fett’s voice. He hasn’t heard a fellow Mandalorian’s voice transmit through his helmet’s audio channel since the destruction of the covert. 

“I know what you did back there.” Fett states.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I meant in the refinery.” Fett clarifies.

Din tenses in response and whirls around to face Fett again. How could he know?

“I was monitoring all Imperial communications from inside the refinery as a precaution, just in case there was a complication. The Imperial terminal in the base uploaded a facial scan that wasn’t registered to the computer’s database right after you two arrived.”

Din’s hands clench into fists, if Fett saw the scan…

“Don’t worry Mando, I never saw the image. But, I did have to perform a fair bit of technological jargon to approve the scan. And, I made sure the image was deleted from the Imperial database immediately after the files were downloaded.”

Din’s figure visibly relaxes, those were just two more favors he owed Fett. 

“You know, you owe your companion a lot of explanations. Or should I say, gar verd’ika.” (Your little warrior)

If Din didn’t feel so exhausted he would put up a bigger fight, but he can’t help the way he immediately gives in to Fett’s unspoken inquiry. 

“She is...important to me, I just don’t know how to tell her.”

“Well you’re going to have to do better than that. Think about it, then come talk to me. We will figure it out, as brothers.”

Din nods his approval. 

“Are you two done staring into each other’s eyes? Because you’re kind of freaking me out.”

Mayfeld.

“Shut up Mayfeld.” Boba and Din huff in unison as they shoot him two identical helmeted glares.

Later, after Mayfeld is relieved from the crew, Boba and Din agree that they should fly to the nearest friendly planet so that they can restock their food stores and ammunition. While the ship is in hyperspace, Din takes a seat to prepare the message he plans to transmit to Moff Gideon. It only takes him a moment to agree on the wording. He decides to repeat the same lines that Moff Gideon arrogantly delivered on Nevarro several months ago, with a couple key differences. The message will serve as a warning, an omen of what is to come. 

The last line of the speech suddenly gives him an idea. Perhaps he knows what to say to you after all.

~~

Now that Mayfeld is gone, (you don’t even bother to ask why you are leaving him behind) you are free to sit down in the hold once again. But, after spending so much time in the cockpit, you find yourself wanting to stay. Boba Fett still sits in the pilot seat, wearing his helmet as he pilots the ship. Mando sits in the furthest corner of the hold, facing the clear viewport, as he and Cara discuss their next steps towards retrieving the child. You assume that Fennec is also down below, most likely passing the time by polishing her beloved rifle.

Fett breaks the comfortable silence that reigns over the cockpit. “As I recall, I promised you a chance to fly. Even though we’re in hyperspace right now, it’s good practice to just sit in front of the controls and familiarize yourself.” 

“Are you sure?” You’re secretly jumping up and down with excitement, but you don’t want to annoy Fett right as he’s offering you the opportunity to fly his ship.

“I’m quite certain.” He stands up, offering you the seat. 

You sit down immediately, running your fingers lovingly over the controls. It’s been a long time since you’ve been behind the console of a ship as unique as this one. After you’re done gawking, you look over to Fett, only to notice that he’s staring off into space. At least, you assume he’s staring off into space, you can’t really tell while he is wearing the helmet. He looks over to you after a second and removes his helmet, offering it to you for the second time that day. 

“Are you sure I need the helmet?” Please say yes.

“Go ahead, you might as well be familiar with all the aspects of the in-flight instruments.”

You offer him a beaming smile before settling the beskar over your head. “I’ll be right back.” You hear him say, along with the sounds of him descending the ladder. Odd, you think, he seemed to be in quite a hurry.

~~

 As Din discusses his plan with Cara, he hears Fett’s voice crackle through the speaker in his helmet. “You ready to have that discussion? Your companion just announced she’s heading to the fresher, so we have time for a brief chat in the cockpit.”

“I’ll be there shortly.” Din responds.

Din continues his conversation with Cara, and when he notices a blur make its way down the ladder from the cockpit, he politely excuses himself. 

He makes his way towards the ladder, the echo of his feet meeting the rungs causing nerves to bubble to life in his chest. One foot meets the durasteel flooring of the cockpit, then the other follows. He stands there awkwardly for a second, the back of the pilot chair and Fett’s helmet in clear view, then abruptly spills his thoughts.

“I know what to say.” He clears his throat as his voice cracks a little. 

~~ 

Fennec stands from her seat, affectionately patting her rifle as she props it against the side of the chair. As she passes by the supply closet on her way to the refresher, she notices Fett warily peering out from the doorway.

“What are you doing?”

Boba Fett, the famed Boba Fett, actually jumps at her words, hushing her as he continues to peer in the direction of the cockpit. She wrinkles her brow in confusion and glances towards the cockpit as well, wondering what exactly she should be watching for. 

~~

A few moments later, Cara notices that there is not a soul in sight, and she rises to her feet, determined to figure out where everyone has disappeared to. A quick sweep of the hull doesn’t reveal a sign of Mando or Fennec, so she decides to check the hallway on the other side of the hold. As she rounds the corner she notices both Fennec and Fett peering out of the doorway of what appears to be a supply closet.

Her eyes narrow as she stares them down. “What---”

Both Fennec and Fett shush her immediately, their gaze fixed upon the cockpit. Thoroughly bewildered, she too looks towards the cockpit, worried that something has gone awry. 

~~

Meanwhile, you are sitting in the cockpit, trying to scrape your jaw off of the floor as you examine each of the control panels. This really is one unique ship. Just as you are taking a closer look at the targeting instruments, a voice breaks through your thoughts.

“I know what to say to her now, Fett. I will tell her that she means everything to me, that she means more to me than I can ever put into words.” 

You are completely dumbfounded. Does Mando know who he just said that to? 

Fett...that sneaky little bastard...he set you two up, didn’t he. 

Well, you are not one to look a gift taun-taun in the mouth, so you take off the helmet, stand up, turn around, and level your gaze with Mando’s. 

“The feeling’s mutual, vod.” (Comrade)

He panics, because one second he’s standing in the cockpit, and the next he’s disappeared from sight. The clang of beskar meeting durasteel, along with a grunt of pain, echoes through the hold as you drop the helmet and scramble into motion. 

You rush to the top of the ladder, staring down at Din’s splayed out form in shock. A snicker breaks the silence and your gaze flies to the hallway where your other three companions are smothering laughter into the palms of their hands. You can’t help yourself, the ridiculous sight has you falling into a fit of giggles as well. 

“This is not funny!” Din’s voice echoes through your head.

The abruptness of his statement startles you, and one second you’re standing on firm durasteel, the next you’re falling through the air as you too plummet towards the flooring at the base of the ladder. Except you don’t hit the floor. You hit two warm arms that absorb most of your fall, then a beskar-clad chest. 

A pained grunt escapes Din’s helmet. 

“You’re heavy.”

“Yeah? Well you are busted, Mando.”

“Busted?” It sounds like he is still straining for breath.

“Busted.”

More laughter peals through the recycled air of the hold, and you and Din turn simultaneously to fix all three of your crewmates with a glare. 

“You see what you’ve done.” 

“It’s not my fault you're clumsy, Din.”

“Clumsy? You’re the one who fell on top of me!”

“You shouldn’t scare me all the time!”

“Are you two gonna get up, or are you just gonna lay there on the floor?”

“Cara!” You exclaim, your cheeks bursting into flames. 

“I can’t wait till this mission is over, you all need some serious help.” Fennec grumbles, but she’s hiding a grin as she stomps to her chair, retrieves her rifle-just a precaution, she mumbles-then enters the fresher. 

As for Fett, he has a shit-eating grin on his face, and you can’t help but notice that he looks like a proud father.

“Well, Mando, I think we solved your problem.” His grin falters a little. “Or, at least, one of your problems.”

Fett shoots you a wink as he steps over your prone form and ascends the ladder. “Good luck with that one, you’re gonna need it.”

Cara also walks past your sprawled out bodies, taking a seat as she pointedly looks away from you and out the viewport. 

You look down at Mando, a soft smile overcoming your features when you notice he’s been staring at you. One of the hands that was used to brace your fall is now settled on the small of your back and it holds you firmly to his chest. The other hovers in the air beside your left ear, hesitating, and you give it a glance out of the corner of your eye. You so desperately want him to touch you with that hand, just like you’ve always imagined. So you give him a little nudge. 

“Could you brush that piece of hair out of my eye for me?” It’s practically a whisper as you refrain from shattering this tender moment.

A shaky exhale rattles from beneath his helmet, and then his hand moves slowly to fulfill your request. Seconds drag by like hours...and then his touch finally greets your skin. With a tenderness that is so shocking it hurts (has he thought about this too?) the tips of four fingers meet your forehead, sliding down your temple oh so slowly until they glide through your hair, finally curling around the shell of your ear as any stray strands are tucked away. 

You shut your eyes for a moment, every nerve ending fizzling out in complete bliss as you bask in the warmth of his touch. Neither of you move for a long while, and you would think he’d fallen asleep if not for the incessant chatter that hums through your mind. 

“You’re smiling.” His voice surfaces through the haze of thoughts. 

“I know. I can feel you, your voice, your thoughts...I thought you shut me out.” 

“Never.”

You open your eyes and he is still in the same position as before. His hand curled behind your left ear, his visor staring up into your face, and the hand on your back still radiating the same warmth. After another shaky breath, he drags his hand down the side of your face, curls it around the back of your neck, then slides it upward over the base of your skull. Each movement is drawn out, as if he’s moving in slow motion. You both know that he’s only trying to prolong this moment, along with each gesture, for as long as he possibly can.  

It’s your turn to sigh when he bends your head down, closing the distance between your faces so that your forehead rests against the top of his helmet. Your palms, that had previously been supporting your weight, abandon the floor to splay themselves over Din’s beskar chestplate instead. The closeness is suffocating in the most beautiful way, and you’re sure that if he wasn’t wearing a helmet you would be begging for a kiss by now. 

“You’re thinking very loudly.”

His voice has you blushing, but you can’t bring yourself to feel ashamed.

“I can’t help it. You’re just too damn hot to handle.” It’s meant to tease him, but the response you receive is the complete opposite of what you expect.

“Yeah, especially when I’m fighting, am I right?”

There is a dramatic pause while your brain stalls to a grinding halt. “Were you listening earlier, Din? Why the nerve--”

He backpedals immediately, trying to reconcile his previous statement before you decide to jump up and clock him in the head. “Do you know that we’ve been kissing this whole time.”

Huh? Kissing? Your lips haven’t even touched! He must have hit his head harder than you thought. 

“Are you coherent right now?”

He chuckles fondly, the sound echoing through your mind, and you’re sure it's the most beautiful sound you have ever heard. “This gesture, our foreheads touching...it’s called a keldabe kiss. Since my people do not remove their helmets, that is how we show affection to our loved ones.”

“Oh.” You can feel his nerves pulsing through your mind. “It’s perfect.” A searing warmth blossoms throughout your whole body, and you know it is the result of his happiness. “Will you tell me--”

Fennec emerges from the fresher and shocks you two out of your stupor. “Are you two going to stop gazing into each other’s eyes and take a seat?” 

Fennec and Cara both share a chuckle at the way you and Din jump at the sudden intrusion. You are too immersed in your lovey-dovey emotions to even glare at them so you just huff in response. A glance towards Din’s helmet doesn’t reveal much about his current thought process, so you rely on your bond and just let yourself feel. 

The emotions he possesses are so powerful they are blinding, so you guide yourself to his loudest most current thoughts.

“...how’d I get so lucky? I wonder if she will let me kiss her again.”

You just shake your head fondly. “Come on Romeo, let’s go sit down.” You offer a hand once you are standing, and he grumbles, eventually taking it even though you both know he requires zero assistance to lift himself from the floor. He doesn’t release you though, even when he reaches his seat and settles into the chair. Just as you’re about to turn and return to your own seat, he tugs on that hand and sends you barreling into his lap. A wide-eyed look of shock is the only expression you can manage as you fumble to keep yourself on his lap without tumbling to the floor. 

And now he’s laughing into your bond again...great.

“Stop laughing and help me, you buffoon!”

Din quells his chuckling and finally moves to help you right your figure. His hands attempt to settle you into his embrace, but he can’t help but notice that you still seem uncomfortable. He looks to Cara for help, only to realize that her gaze is still directed out the viewport. Instead, he looks to Fennec, and the gaze that she eventually gives him screams you’ve got to be kidding me. He glares at her from beneath the helmet, raising a hand in desperation as he gestures towards you. Fennec glares back, and then mimics the pose of a droid, with her arms out, legs limp, and an impassive gaze on her face. Then she gestures back towards him. He gets the hint immediately, blushing red beneath the helmet, and nods his thanks. She just waves him off and continues to polish her rifle. 

For the first time in his adult life, the Mandalorian slouches in his seat. His spine rounds as he curls himself around your form, providing a protective shell around your body. Both hands guide you into a sideways position, similar to a wedding carry-he blushes even harder at that realization-and then he tucks your head into the crook between his helmet and chestplate, where his cloak will cushion your head. You give him a sleepy smile and snuggle closer to his armored chest, looping an arm around his neck as you get comfortable. 

“So will you tell me what it means?” You attempt again.

“What does what mean?”

“Verd’ika.”

“It means ‘little warrior’.”

The smile that overtakes your face is almost blinding. You fall asleep with the echo of that thought in your head, and wake up to the gentle snores of a certain Mandalorian. There’s an incessant needling in the back of your sleep-addled brain. There’s no way Din would have fallen asleep with the rest of the crew watching. You blink your eyes open, and panic a little bit when you realize that hold is quite a bit darker than earlier. There are a couple blinking lights from the cockpit that shed some light on the room. And after a second, you scan the area only to realize that there is no one else in sight. 

Abruptly, your back twitches in pain and you realize that Mando’s vambrace is digging into your back. You shift slightly, trying to adjust your position without leaving your warm perch. Din mumbles in his sleep, shifting a little bit at your movements, and it causes the hand you slung behind his neck earlier to thwack him rather violently in the back of the head. He shoots to a standing position immediately, and you squeak, clutching onto him like a koala as he nearly sends you hurtling towards the ground. 

His blaster is drawn in a second, and your sluggish mind struggles to connect with him through your bond in order to calm his frantic motions. He must break out of his trance before you are able to form a connection, because he suddenly settles back down into the chair with a tired exhale. 

“Sorry, you startled me.” He apologizes.

“It’s ok.” 

He adjusts you into a more comfortable position, fussing as he tucks you back into his chest. You just hum against his neck, basking in the warmth that he produces. Surprisingly, the beskar itself is also warm, and you note that it must maintain the same temperature as his body. 

“We landed a little while ago. The others left to enjoy a night on the town, they won’t be back for several hours.” 

“Mmm.” 

“Are you even awake?” 

“Yes.” You respond as you peel an eye open. The adorable way Din is tilting his helmet to look at your face sends a wave of affection blossoming through your chest. But, as cute as he looks right now, you really want to be asleep.

“Since we have a moment, I want to talk about what happened today.”

That has your attention, and you’re fully awake in seconds. 

“I know that we disagreed on a couple things today. And, we have both made implications about our feelings, but I want to lay everything out on the table so it is one hundred percent clear.”

You nod in agreement. 

“You and the child will always be the first priority to me. No matter what. Mandalorians value their clan, their family, above all else. You and the kid are my family.” He cuts himself off, voice cracking a little as he tries to continue.

You rush to fill the silence, eager to reassure him of your own feelings. “You and the kid are my family too Din, and I would not have it any other way. I know that you didn’t give me the mission earlier because you were worried about me. And, I know that you had to remove your helmet because there was no other way to locate the little one. I am sorry I didn’t support your decisions. I was bitter and hurt, but I won’t make that mistake again.”

A sound, like that of a choked sob, escapes Din and your heart squeezes in pain. Before you can finish, he cuts you off.

“I’m sorry I made you feel that way ner verd’ika. (My little warrior) I am so sorry, I didn’t even think about how you would feel.”

“No! Don’t apologize, I am the one apologizing to you.”

You are both laughing through your tears, and you clutch at his hands with both of yours. 

“I love you Din, I love you so much, and I will always support any decision you make.”

“Ner verd’ika, ni kar'tayli gar darasuum. (My little warrior, I love you) You hold my heart in your hands.”

At that admission, you feel a burning desire to kiss him, but you settle for resting your forehead against his helmet instead.

“I seem to recall that you promised to ‘kick my ass’ once we landed.”

“Stop it, you’re ruining the moment.” You rebuke him as you shove half-heartedly at his chest.

“I think you’re wimping out, ner verd’ika. (My little warrior) You don’t think you can beat me anymore?”

How dare he tease you. The nerve of this man.

“No, I’ll still kick your ass anyways. I hope you won’t be too embarrassed when I school you in front of everyone else tomorrow.” A smug smirk stretches across your face as you finish speaking.

“You’re quite feisty, my dear.”

“Shut up, you love it.”

He grumbles beneath the helmet, neither denying nor acknowledging your statement. 

“I never realized you had such a dirty mouth.” The words are directed through your bond, and you can’t help but notice that the tone is a little suggestive. His words have your face erupting into flames.

Your Mandalorian has some real nerve.

~~

Ending Notes: I am actually really happy with how this turned out. Multi-chapter stories are a little intimidating and I admire all of you writers that can juggle several multi-chapter stories at once. I hope that this did the whole un-masking/face reveal thing justice while still staying as true to Din’s character as possible. ALSO, if I messed up any of the Mandalorian culture/lore stuff, please let me know. 

~~

[pretchatta]

a little bit more of the university au I started here, inspired by @bythevay‘s amazing sweater vest kanan and date night hera. I still haven’t made it to the actual date yet... but it does exist in draft form! I’ll be putting the whole lot on AO3 as soon as I have a title (suggestions are welcome!) but until then it’ll be small sections on tumblr as and when I feel they’re finished.

edit: it’s on AO3!

rating: general; kanan jarrus/hera syndulla; 1.3k words

---

The soft, burbling sounds of the café reached his ears as Kanan pushed open the heavy wooden doors to the library. The foyer was grand, if a little tired, with wood-panelled walls and a polished marble floor that contrasted sharply with the modern security barriers cutting through the middle. Sweeping up one side was the long reception desk that served both sides, though only those with a university ID card could pass through the turnstiles to the café and, more importantly, the university’s precious trove of knowledge beyond. 

Kanan made his way to the desk, not needing to enter the library proper today, absently greeting the old librarian who sat on the other side.

“Morning, Okadiah.”

The human raised a white-haired eyebrow as Kanan reached over the desk to a currently unused library staff computer. “It’s past one.”

“Oh. Good afternoon, then.” He twisted the monitor around to face him and tapped a request on the keyboard in a practised way.

“Someone’s a little distracted,” Okadiah commented. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you were thinking about a woman, but since you’re never off campus and the gender ratio of your department is abysmal, that’s about as likely as you reading my sign.”

The sign in question read ‘DO NOT LEAN ON THE DESK’, and Kanan had been ignoring it since graduation. That had been when he’d started working at the library to support himself through his PhD and learnt that Okadiah was far less formidable than he’d first appeared. Since accepting a permanent position in the School of Chemistry faculty he’d not stopped acting like a member of library staff, and he was pretty sure Okadiah only allowed it because Kanan was still one of the few people who could actually work the library’s archaic cataloguing software. 

“Well, maybe next time I’m here for a book I’ll ask you to call it for me, because this woman… I don’t even know how to describe her.”

“Oh boy.”

“She was incredible. She’d dropped a lab coat, and she had these eyes… I’m telling you, I’ve never seen eyes like hers before.”

"Eyes, huh -- is this her, coming in now? Lab coat, check. Eyes, check..."

Okadiah had no idea what Hera looked like, but Kanan's head whipped around to see if it was her nonetheless. He tried not to look too obviously disappointed at the diminutive sullustan woman in white who’d just come through the doors. Her huge eyes roamed around the room before landing on the desk, which she then made a beeline towards.

"Excuse me," she said, peering up at the librarian. The lanyard around her neck proclaimed her to be a guest speaker from one of the university’s affiliate companies by the name of Zaluna Myder. "I'm meeting someone inside, a member of university staff."

"You'll have to wait here until they arrive," Okadiah replied kindly. “When they do I can sign you in.”

The woman nodded. “Very well. I’ll just take a seat here then.” She slid down to sit on the floor at the base of the desk. 

Kanan frowned in confusion, but was distracted by a besalisk with an armful of books arriving at the other side of the desk. 

“You requested this one, Oke?” the woman grunted, passing the topmost one over to him.

“Thanks, Lal, it’s for Professor Jarrus here.” Okadiah took the slim textbook and the library assistant departed again. He glanced at the cover before sliding it over to Kanan. “Hey, this has got to be the fourth Physics book you’ve ordered this term. Is it for that kid again? I don’t know why you don’t just give him Young and Freedman and be done with it.”

Kanan rolled his eyes. “He’s fifteen. I’m trying to encourage his passion for the sciences, not break his spine.” 

“If you’re hoping he makes it to higher education,” came a new voice from behind, “a little strength training maybe wouldn’t go amiss.”

Kanan almost couldn't believe his ears, but there was no mistaking that voice. He turned, and sure enough, there she was. She was wearing different overalls today, but those eyes were the same as he remembered, if not even more beautiful.

Play it cool, Kanan. 

"Hey, Hera," he said casually.

“Kanan, right?” She was smiling at him again, and it made his heart flutter in his chest. “I thought you said you teach Chemistry? Do you often teach extra subjects?”

“Yes -- I mean, no --” He was flustered, and forced himself to start again. “I’m tutoring this kid, and sometimes he gets curious about non-Chemistry topics. Sometimes I worry I’m losing him to Physics, but then I give him a sheet of algebra and he’s back to asking about rates of reactions.”

He felt like he was rambling and stopped himself from saying anything further, but she was nodding.

“I’d be interested to hear more about your teaching.”

“I -- well, you’re always welcome to come by during my office hours.”

He heard what sounded like a disappointed sigh from Okadiah.

“Dr Syndulla?” came a voice from below; the sullustan woman had stood back up. 

“Zaluna!” Hera said brightly, apparently recognising her. “I’ve booked one of the private study rooms for our meeting - unfortunately we can’t use my office today, I share it and my colleague has a tutorial in there right now.”

“If you show me your staff ID, your guest can sign in here and I can grant a temporary day pass to the library,” Okadiah said, bringing out the visitor log book. Zaluna took the pen and started writing as Hera rummaged for her ID card.

Kanan started to feel a little awkward and wondered if he should leave - he had his book now, after all - but he didn’t want to. He wanted to talk to Hera some more, but he didn’t know how to start with Okadiah and Zaluna there.

“There’s a new restaurant that’s just opened up on Gorse Street, y’know,” Okadiah said, interrupting Kanan’s train of thought.

“Huh?” Kanan was momentarily confused, but caught the twinkle in the old librarian’s eyes.

“There,” Zaluna said, finishing signing her name.

“Great, let’s get going. It was nice to see you again, Kanan,” Hera directed the last part to him as she started walking towards the turnstiles with Zaluna.

“Wait!” he called, and she paused to look back. “Do -- would you like to get dinner? With me? There’s a new restaurant…” he finished lamely, gesturing at Okadiah, who covered his face with his hand.

But Hera didn’t seem put off. She smiled at him again, and he didn’t think he’d ever get tired of seeing that smile. “That sounds nice. I’m free tomorrow evening -- meet me under the Illum Bridge at seven?”

Kanan couldn’t help the smile that split his face. “See you tomorrow at seven!”

He watched her walk away, feeling like he was floating. He was taking Hera on a date! Him! And her! For a whole evening, at--

“Wait, what restaurant did I just invite her to?”

Okadiah’s eyes sparkled with mirth over the tops of his glasses. “Luna Cynda has received nothing but rave reviews since it first opened last week, and is fully booked for the next month.”

“What?” Kanan’s heart rate spiked with anxiety. “Fully booked? Where am I supposed to take Hera tomorrow?”

The old man merely smiled at him. “I’ve been meaning to give it a go myself, but since I can’t stand the thought of you taking such a lovely woman on what would otherwise undoubtedly be a terrible date, I suppose you can have my table reservation.”

“Really?”

“Tomorrow at seven-thirty. I’m living vicariously. Treat her well, please.”

---

Continue Reading

[ibelieveinharrystyles]

Chapter Eight: Spaces Between Us

Life for Ashley was weird, although they were keeping their distance from each other, Harry insisted that a car came to pick Ashley up for work each morning, he was fearful that she would end up in a situation out of her control, and her safety was ultimately his main priority. Since Ashley ended things they had tried to remain as civil as possible, if they were going to be co-parenting a baby, they needed to at least be on good terms. She sat in the back of the car as it drove through the streets of London, the city that once felt like another world, had become the place she called home. The streets she once feared were now the places that held some of her fondest memories.

Roman greeted Ashley with open arms as she entered the studio for her last day at work, “Morning Ash, how are you feeling about today?” He asked.

“Scared, but I’m ready, I’m excited to focus all my time on my little ones, well Daisy isn’t so little anymore, she starts big school on Monday, it feels like yesterday I was standing in that kitchen with you when my waters broke.” Ashley reminded him.

“It’s been incredible working with you for the past few years, I know you’ve gone through a lot of shit since you’ve been here, but if you ever need anything, you can call me. I think of you like my younger sister, and that’s a bond for life.” Roman smiled.

“You’re a soft bugger Ro.” Her heart skipped a beat, that’s what she once called Harry, before life got all kinds of complicated. “We best get the show on the road then.” Ashley declared, taking a seat at the studio desk and putting on her chunky headphones for the final time.

“Good Morning! You’re listening to the breakfast show on Capital with me Roman Kemp, and for the final time Ash Hanson.” Roman told the listeners, “Seeing as it’s her last day on the radio, Ash has complete control of today’s tracks, so Ash what’s your first song going to be?” Roman asked.

“It’s a personal favourite of mine, and I think the lyrics are something we could all do with a little bit more of in our lives, this is New Rules by Dua Lipa.” Ashley announced just before the track began to play.

“That wouldn’t be a bit of shade thrown at a certain boyband member would it?” Roman whispered, now that they weren’t on air.

“Maybe.” Ashley smirked.

Flatpack furniture had always confused Harry, even though it was supposedly extremely simple to assemble, he found the instruction manuals no help at all, he had spent the first part of the morning trying to construct a crib for the baby. Although he wouldn’t have full custody of the baby, Harry felt that it was right for his future child to have a bedroom in his house. So here he was, random pieces of wood scattered across the floor, he had no clue what went where, or how to assemble it properly, he was losing his mind. The sound of the radio made up for the lack of silence in his house, since Ashley let him go, Harry had been listening to the breakfast show every morning, simply so he could hear her voice. He was meant to be meeting her at the hospital for an appointment at 11am, and wanting an excuse to abandon his flat pack furniture endeavours, he decided it would be best to pick Ashley up from work instead. 

Ashley left the Capital offices for the last time armed with several bouquets of flowers and gift bags, making her way to the underground car park where the Addison Lee usually waits for her, “Let me help you with that,” She looked up to see Harry smiling warmly at her.

“What are you doing here?” She asked as Harry took a couple of the bags from her.

“We  have that hospital appointment, and I didn’t like the thought of you getting the tube there.” Harry explained as they climbed into his car.

“I am a fully capable woman Harry, just because I’m pregnant it doesn’t mean I can’t get myself to the other side of London.” Ashley told him as Harry pulled out of the car park.

“I know that love, but if anything ever happened to you or the baby I could never forgive myself, I don’t want the press finding out and swarming you, especially when I’m not here to look after you.” Harry replied.

“What does that mean?” Ashley asked.

“I won’t be in the country when the baby arrives, I’m going to be in another film, I won’t be back until December.” Harry told her.

“It’s like that is it?” Ashley sighed, she had hoped Harry would be there when the baby came, she desperately wanted him there when Daisy was born, but that never happened.

“There’s nothing I can do about it Ash, I can’t ask you to come to America with me, Daisy starts school next week, I don’t want her to miss vital months of her education.” Harry explained as they pulled into the hospital car park, still overly concerned about Ashley’s safety, Harry was paying for her to go to a private maternity hospital, meaning details of her pregnancy were much less likely to be leaked.

“Hello you two, how’s everything going today?” Kirstie, the midwife asked as she entered the consultation room where Ashley and Harry were waiting. 

“Wonderful.” Ashley answered bluntly in response to Harry’s previous revelation.

“So we’re here to talk through the birth plan, have you decided what’s happening? Mr Styles you’re most welcome to be there.” She explained.

“He’s out of the country when the baby’s due.” Ashley said bitterly.

“That's okay, is there anyone you want there with you?” Kirstie asked.

“It’ll probably have to be Lou or Harry’s sister Gemma.” Ashley replied.

“That's good, as long as you have someone who can be by your side, that's all that matters.” She assured her, “If you hop onto the bed, we’ll do that scan we talked about.” Ashley climbed onto the bed, pulling up her top to reveal a perfectly round bump, Harry moved his chair to sit beside her as Kirstie squeezed the cold gel onto Ashley’s stomach. She slowly moved the scanner across her stomach, the baby appeared on the screen, the sound of it’s heartbeat echoing through the room. “That’s your baby, there's it’s hands and feet, I’ll give you two a minute alone while I go and print that scan for you.” 

Ashley turned from where her gaze was transfixed on the screen displaying her baby to where Harry was sat on the other side of her, his eyes glossed over, “You alright?” She whispered, wiping the gel from her stomach.

“That’s our beautiful baby, a beautiful little person who is going to be loved not just by its family, but by thousands of people across the world, in the same way they love Bear and Freddie.” Tears began rolling down his cheeks, “I let you down Ash, I need to be someone you can depend on, whether we’re bringing up our child in a relationship or not, I promise you, with every inch of my existence, that I will always be beside you.”

When they made it back to Ashley’s house, Harry insisted on helping her take her things inside, she put her key in the door and dumped all her stuff in the hallway, “Do you want a cup of tea?” Ashley asked in an attempt to offer a lifeline.

“I’ll make them, you go and sit yourself down and get comfy.” Harry smiled.

Harry walked down the corridor to the hallway, so Ashley proceeded into the living room, “Surprise!” All her favourite people were gathered in her living room, the One Direction boys and their respective partners, Harry’s band, Gemma, Lou, Lottie and Lux. Roman and Nick had also come along, as did both Anne and Linda who had made the trip down from Holmes Chapel. The living room was decorated with various decorations in pastel shades of yellow, green and lilac, pictures of both Ashley and Harry when they were babies scattered the room.

“Did you know about this?” She asked Harry as he returned from the kitchen. 

“I’m legally not obliged to say.” Harry chuckled.

“Mummy!” Daisy ran over from where she had been sitting on Gemma’s lap.

“Hello princess, how are you?” Ashley asked, crouching down to look her in the eye.

“I helped Auntie Gem and Lou get it ready, and I made you something, Harry has it.” Daisy took her by the hand, leading her into the kitchen where Harry was waiting. Harry handed Daisy a box which she gave to Ashley. Ashley opened the box, inside it were four homemade bracelets, Daisy had made a blue one for Harry, a purple one for Ashley, a pink one for herself, and yellow for the new baby. “It’s for our little family.” Daisy smiled as she sat in Harry’s arms, bringing Ashley to tears.

“You are the most precious little lady I could ever ask for Daisy Darling,” Ashley held her tight, as both Harry and Daisy wrapped their arms around her, none of them ever wanting to let go.

The party had died down and only Niall, Gemma, Sarah and Mitch were left, the group were sat together in Ashley’s living room, scrolling through old instagram posts, filling Sarah and Mitch in on the One Direction days. Ashley sat beside Niall, her head resting on his shoulder, and although Harry knew it was completely platonic, he wished it were his shoulder instead. Niall clicked onto Twitter briefly, intending to reply to a fan’s tweet about his latest golf project. “Hey what’s that?” Ashley tapped on a tweet from The Sun, ‘HARRY’S NEW BABY MAMA?’ flashed up on Niall’s screen. “No, no this can’t be happening.” Ashley rested her head in her hands. 

“Ash what is it?” Harry asked, taking the phone from Niall, “Hey love come here,” Niall stood up allowing Harry to comfort Ashley, “Gem can you take Dais up to bed, I don’t want this to worry her.”

“Of course, come on Dais, shall we go and find one of those pretty bath bombs and get you ready for bed?” Gemma asked, taking Daisy’s hand and leading her upstairs.

“I’ll call Jeff and ask if there’s anything he can do.” Sarah told Harry.

“What does it actually say?” Harry asked Niall.

“It just says a source close to the pair exclusively revealed the news of Ash Hanson’s pregnancy.” Niall replied.

“Who is it Harry? Who have I wrongly put my trust in? It could’ve been someone who was here today, someone we’ve had in the house?” Ashley panicked as her breathing quickened.

“Hey, Ash, look at me darling,” Harry whispered as he cupped her cheeks, “We’re going to sort this out, but I need you to slow your breathing, it’s not good for you or the baby, breathe with me angel.” Harry soothed, demonstrating to Ashley how to breathe calmly. “That’s better baby, much better.” He assured her, holding her head close to his chest and stroking her hair gently, knowing that it always made her feel calm. 

“Your PR person is working on a statement at the moment Harry, they’ll send it to Jeff and he’s going to have it circulated, he says not to worry.” Sarah explained.

“I’ll make sure you have extra security Ash, so they can’t get close to the house, we’re going to do it together.” Harry told her, not daring to let her slip from his embrace. He wanted to protect her more than anything in the world, but he didn’t have the power to stop people selling stories and spinning lies, so for now, his only power was to hold her and promise he’ll never let go.

[emutempo]

Zero to Hero (domestic SuperCorp one-shot)

Summary: Lena gets off work early and thinks she’s going to surprise Kara on date night…

Posted to my Ao3 here.

Notes: I'm kinda new to SuperCorp and this little one-shot popped into my head and refused to leave until I wrote it out. I've never written SuperCorp before so hopefully it’s not too ridiculous and you liked it. If you did, let me know! And if you didn't, I guess you're welcome to let me know that too? More notes at my Ao3 link.

-----------

Lena sighed louder than she meant to. She was stuck in a conference room with her team of lawyers presenting her with a tedious update on the contractural affairs for her latest acquisition.

She’d been through so many of these over the years, each just as dull as the next. But, Lena valued every person working for her and she hated to seem like was bored or not giving them her full attention. Lena loved running L Corp and she was not the kind of CEO to sit by and take a paycheck without putting in the work. But she thrived in the lab, looking through a microscope and in the boardroom making deals. Not so much with power points crammed with legalese in tiny fonts. But, it was hard to focus and her mind wandered again...

Tonight was date night with Kara. Dinner at 7 and a movie on the couch after. For tonight, Kara had insisted on cooking her mom’s lasagne recipe, one of the few carbs Lena let herself eat without restriction. At least, I’ll work off the calories later tonight with Kara.

 Lena fought the corners of her mouth to keep them neutral. She didn’t want to have to come up with some excuse for why she was grinning like a cheshire cat about multi-million dollar deal structuring. Although, she was looking forward to the acquisition of the new company’s tech… Shit, focus Lena.

 Luckily, when Lena brought her eyes back to the power point, she realized no one had noticed her day dream. And when she was sure all eyes were on the power point, she glanced stealthily at her watch — 4:57PM. Oh thank God. She had a video conference call at 5PM. Although she was itching to get home to Kara, she was glad for the excuse to get out of this meeting even if it was just for another meeting. Lena waited for the right moment to interrupt…

 “My apologies gentlemen but I have a meeting in a few minutes in my office. Could we pick up with the horizontal integration plan on Monday? I am really grateful for all the hard work you’ve been putting in on this deal and I’m personally very excited for this acquisition.”

 The lawyers nodded and thanked her for her time. Lena shook their hands as she left the conference room and walked briskly back to her office. Only one more meeting and then I’m home with Kara.

 Lena pulled out her tablet and opened an email with some tech mock-ups. She turned the corner, heading to her office and approached Jess’s desk, where Jess is just getting off the phone.

 “Did we set the call up for video and screen share, Jess? I know it’s last minute but I want to share those mock-ups we just got from R&D with Mr. Garcia.”

 Jess turns to her computer and pulls up her calendar, “Actually Ms. Luthor, Mr. Garcia had to reschedule. His assistant just called. He had a family emergency. His father had a heart attack.”

 Lena stops in her tracks, stricken for a moment. “Oh no. What hospital is he at?”

 Jess shakes her head. “I’m not sure but I can find out?”

 Lena nods. “Yes, please if you can. And when you do, please send him some flowers. I’ll send you a note to include.” Lena took a step to her office but turned back to Jess, “And if you can find an update on his condition, let me know. I’ll have our doctors look at his charts and see if we can offer any help.”

 Jess nodded and turned back to her computer, picking up the phone and dialing as Lena heads back into her office.

 Lena’s brow creased, worried for the man and his family. She had only met with Mr. Garcia a few times but she was struck by his humility and clear love for his family. When he explained the motivation behind his prototypes meant to help his daughter with mobility issues, Lena teared up. Listening to him describe watching her laugh and smile as she played with other kids, never minding her body’s limitations… it had hit Lena hard. 

 Lena turned to her desk and typed out a quick note to Mr. Garcia and sent it off to Jess before logging out. Whatever she could do to help Mr. Garcia, she would.

 With her things collected, Lena headed out of her office and said good night to Jess. She rode the elevator down to the garage and climbed into the car waiting for her. With the lull of the car rolling down the street back to her place, Lena slipped back into her memories and thought about why she had teared up in front of Mr. Garcia.

 But she didn’t have to think about it much at all. She knew why: Kara. Lena finally understood what it felt like to have something as precious as having Kara in her life. Before she met Kara, she'd been a vault of emotion, never showing a drop of it to anyone. But since Kara... well. She had trouble holding back, even in front of potential future colleagues. Damn you, Kara. Even now, sometimes she still couldn’t believe she and Kara were together. Like… together-together.

 When they’d first admitted their feelings for each other and took their first steps in their relationship, Lena would often become overwhelmed with anxiety. Consumed by the fear it wasn’t real. That she’d just imagined Kara confessing her feelings for Lena, Kara kissing her so sweetly the first time, Kara staying the night for the first time…

 The fear would take over so intensely that Lena would stand in front of her or Kara’s apartment door, terrified to knock. Terrified Kara wouldn’t be there… or worse.

 The first couple of times, Kara had rushed to the door to find Lena having a panic attack, struggling to catch her breath and paralyzed with fear. So, Kara had started listening for Lena’s heartbeat when she was on her way home and made sure she was at the door, waiting for Lena every time. It had taken a few months and quite a few therapy sessions with Kara to overcome the anxiety but eventually the panic attacks stopped.

 But, even though the attacks stopped, Kara didn’t stop showing up at the door when Lena would come home — even after Lena assured Kara that she didn’t have to do that anymore. It had become one of their ‘things’ and for Lena’s part, her heart sang every time Kara met her at the door. It was the part of her day she looked forward to most.

 The sound of the partition lowering in the car took Lena out of her reverie.

 “We’ve arrived, Ms. Luthor.”

 Lena slung her purse over her should and thanked her driver before leaving the car and shutting the door. Suddenly, she remembered again... she was coming home early and hadn’t bothered to text Kara a headsup. It’ll be a surprise then… Well, not exactly. Kara would have heard her coming. Lena smiled to herself as she pictured the look on Kara’s face when she heard Lena approaching. She didn’t care if she surprised Kara or not but, just in case, she would try to calm her heart and not give herself away…

 Lena walked across her lobby at a brisk pace, nodding to her doorman before entering the elevator and pressing the PH button for her penthouse. As the elevator rose, taking her closer and closer to home and to Kara, Lena took deep breaths and focused on calming her heartbeat, failing a bit when the elevator dinged and stopped at her floor.

 Quietly, Lena took out her keys and unlocked her door slowly. To her surprise, Kara wasn’t on the other side, waiting for her. Before Lena can set down her bag and keys, she hears music carrying from the kitchen…. Is that gospel music?

 Lena closes the door quietly, and strains to hear the music as it fades out. There’s a beat of silence and just as Lena things the music's off and opens her mouth to call out to Kara, she hears the vibrant notes of another song start up…. Oh. Oh my God.

 Lena can’t stop the fat grin that’s quickly growing across her face. She sets down her bag and keys. Then tip-toes down the foyer as we hear Kara’s voice start to sing over the track.

 “Bless my soul! Herc was on a roll. Person of the week in ever Greek opinion poll.”

 Lena slowly leaned around the corner to find… Kara wearing an apron, spatula in hand as she sings and acts out the lyrics. Lena watched in awe as Kara mimed brushing dirt off her shoulder as she sang...

 “ What a pro, Herc could stop a show.”

 Swinging the spatula, Lena watches Kara karate kick into the air, as she sings with some gravel in her voice…

 “Point him at a monster and you're talking SRO.”

 And Lena bit her hand to stifle a giggle. A grin of admiration and total love in her eyes.

 “He was a no one. A zero, zero.”

 Kara made a zero with the index finger and thumb on her non-spatula hand and pumped her hand in the air to each ‘zero.’ Then she made her hand into a ‘megaphone’…

 “Now he's a honcho, He's a hero! Here was a kid with his act down pat.”

“From zero to hero in no time flat. Zero to hero just like that.”

 Kara snaps her fingers and grabs a glass dish. She bends over, giving Lena a very nice view as she opens the oven door and places the dish on the rack, singing all the while. 

 “When he smiled, The girls went wild with, Oohs and aahs.”

 Lena can’t help herself. She oohs and aahs silently along with the lyrics, never taking her eyes off Kara. So this is why Kara didn’t hear her.

 Lena recognized this song from one of their many Disney nights even though she wasn’t totally sure which movie it was from. Hercules, was it? But Lena didn’t have much time to think on that as her favorite part was coming up and she knew she wouldn’t be able to stop herself.

 Ever since the first time Lena had sung along to Part of Your World with Kara on one of their other Disney movie nights, she promised herself if she could ever elicit that kind of look from Kara again — one of pure awe and adoration — she would. Lena watched Kara close the oven as she sang…

 “And they slapped his face, On ev'ry vase… On—”

 Loud enough to be sure Kara heard her, Lena sang out…

 “On ev’ry vahse”

 Kara whipped around and squealed in surprise, almost knocking over a large Peppermill next to the stove top. A flash of her stealy eyed look crossed her eyes for the briefest moment before they landed on Lena. Then, a flash of embarrassment at getting caught singing and dancing so intensely.

 (From appearance fees and royalties, Our Herc had cash to burn.)

 But Lena knew Kara wasn’t actually embarrassed. This wasn’t the first or even hundredth time Lena had watched Kara sing her favorite Disney songs… in the car, in the bathtub and the shower, at the gym with Lena, on walks in the park, lying in bed, waking up together, falling asleep together.

 And Lena loved every second of it. Especially when Kara would carry Lena on trips into the sky to dance under a meteor shower or just lay in the clouds together under the stars. More often than not, Kara would sing to her. Sometimes it was When You Wish Upon a Star. Or Somewhere Out There. But Kara’s favorite to sing to Lena was I See the Light. Lena still hadn’t seen that film yet but there was something hopeful about it and the way Kara looked at her that made all of her anxieties melt away. Made her believe that she and Kara’s love for each other was as eternal as the stars.

 But Lena didn’t have long to linger on the thought before Kara’s embarrassment was quickly replaced by a big, golden smile and a blur whooshing across the living room. Before Lena realized it, Kara had captured Lena in a hug and peppered her face with kisses. They stared happily at each other for a half second before Kara pulled back with a twinkle in her eye. Lena giggles because she knows what’s coming.

 ( Now nouveau riche and famous )

 Kara throws her head back and snaps her fingers as she sings…

 “He could tell you, What’s a Grecian urn!”

 Lena giggles and playfully swats at Kara’s butt, pushing her back toward the kitchen, following a couple steps behind. Kara turns so she’s walking backward to the kitchen, still singing and dancing but now with Lena as her audience.

 Lena’s grin grows as Kara smiles through her singing. Miming the lyrics, Kara puts her hand up to her forehead like she’s searching for something…

 “ Say amen, Ah there he goes again, Sweet and undefeated.”

 Kara flashes 10 fingers at Lena…

 “And an awesome 10 for 10!”

 Kara bit her lip, trying (but not really) to hide the smirk on her face as she brought her arms up and flexed…

 “Folks lined up, Just to watch him flex…”

 Lena bit her lip, HARD, and shook her head. Kara knew what she was doing and stopped trying to hide her smug look as she bounced her shoulders and puffed her chest to…

 “And this perfect package, Packed a pair of pretty pecs. Ow.”

 Lena couldn’t help it anymore. She shook her head and locked eyes with Kara while she slid her blazer off in that sexy way she knew Kara liked. Now it was Lena’s turn to look smug.

 “Hercie, he comes, he sees--”

 Kara froze as the song continued in the background. She caught Lena’s eye and tilted her head slightly. Lena could tell she was listening for her heartbeat. Not that Kara needed to. She didn’t need her super hearing to pick up on what Lena wanted.

 Kara’s eyes shot up to Lena’s once she heard the pace of Lena’s heart pick up. And at that, Lena turned and walked straight toward her bedroom. Lena didn’t need to have super hearing either to hear Kara scrambling to turn on the oven timer or to hear the ripping sound of Kara tearing the apron off.

 (He showed the moxie brains, and spunk

From zero to hero a major hunk

Zero to hero and who'da thunk)

 Lena barely made it into the bedroom before a whoosh of sound rushed in behind her, slamming the bedroom door shut. Lena grabbed Kara and pulled her in close. 

"How long do we have on the lasagne?"

Kara leaned in, hovering her lips over Lena's, "forty-five minutes."

"Great. More than enough time to work up an appetite before dinner."

 (Who put the glad in gladiator?

Hercules!

Whose daring deeds are great theater?

Hercules

Isn't he bold?

No one braver

Is he sweet

Our fav'rite flavor

Hercules, Hercules ...

Bless my soul

Herc was on a roll

Undefeated

Riding high

And the nicest guy

Not conceited

He was a nothin'

A zero, zero

Now he's a honcho

He's a hero

He hit the heights at breakneck speed

From zero to hero

Herc is a hero

Now he's a hero

Yes indeed!)

[thestayway90]

Unexpected Attachment: Chapter 1 - Stray Kids Imagine

Author: thestayway90

WC: 2385

Warnings: None

Characters: Stray Kids OT8, OFC/Reader, OFC/Reader’s Older Brother

Summary: Setting up the story, introducing the characters. OFC/Reader meets some of the Kids... if you can get through this chapter it’ll be a lot more exciting in the next one I promise!!!

Author’s Note: Hello all! This is my first attempt at a Stray Kids Fic so I hope you all enjoy...

Not 100% sure where this is going (I have a plan but we’ll see) but it will eventually be a OFC/Reader x Felix Relationship (coz I am whipped for that boy).

I would love any and all feedback including criticisms and ways you think I can improve!!!

Enjoy lovelies <3

You certainly didn’t expect to wake up with an iguana staring you in the face. But after two months of living with your brother, it really shouldn’t be a surprise you anymore.

You glared at the unfamiliar creature digging in its tiny nails but its only response was to blink lazily back at you, unfazed by your thunderous expression.

“Joshua!” you yelled, startling Tink from underneath the bed, the white ferret streaking for freedom as Josh appeared in the doorway.

“Oh, whoops, sorry,” Josh said as he quickly plucked the green reptile off of the bedspread. “I was wondering where Dewey had got too.” He smiled widely, stroking the placid Iguana on the head.

You sighed and sat up, stretching slightly, questioning, “Dewey? Another rescue?”

Josh glanced up guiltily. “You should have seen how they were keeping him?” He replied, placing the reptile on the floor where the green creature started making his slow way down the hallway, Tink following it curiously. “Made me pay them an arm and a leg, though.” Josh commented ruefully as you hopped out of bed.

“Well luckily you just got promoted then. More money to rescue all the poor neglected animals of Seoul,” you told him cheerfully, patting his cheek as you walked past on your way to the bathroom.

You immediately cursed, tripping over an orange streak that suddenly darted towards your legs, swiping at your ankles before disappearing in a blur of motion. “Toast!” you hollered, hopping on one leg, rubbing the injured ankle. “I’m going to cook you in the fryer, cat!” you threatened the empty air, stomping towards your original destination.

“180 degrees for 20 minutes should do it,” you muttered under my breath, closing the bathroom door behind you. “Just enough for nice crispy Toast.”

It wasn’t until you had already sat down on the toilet that the feeling of being watched prickled the back of your neck. You looked up and in the gloom between the top of the medicine cabinet and the ceiling were two glowing eyes.

You gave a small shriek of surprise and then giggled at your stupidity. “Hey Meatball,” you said, as the large fluff ball ignored your greeting, curling up and turning his back to you until he was barely visible.

Shaking your head and muttering about pedantic animals, you made your way down to the kitchen.

“Honestly Josh,” you said as you plopped down on one of the stools, grabbing the cup of coffee he offered gratefully. “We should start selling tickets. Come and see the miraculous menagerie squished into a tiny apartment in the middle of downtown Seoul.”

Josh raised his eyebrows at your tone and then smiled wickedly. “Toast get you again?”

“Seriously that cat is the devil itself,” you moaned, reaching down to rub your poorly abused ankle.

Josh burst out laughing, no sympathy in your feud with the tiny orange tabby. “Whats that 3 to 1? You need to work on your ninja skills.”

“Talking of ninja skills, don’t you have to go?” you pointed to the time displayed on the microwave clock, making Josh swear and quickly grab his jacket, a piece of toast still hanging halfway out of his mouth.

“Can you put Dewey in the tank for me,” Josh shouted over his shoulder as he grabbed his bag and raced out the front door.

“Yep. Have a good day at work,” you yelled after him and received a muffled, ‘Love You’, as the door shut behind him.

It took you fifteen minutes to find the elusive reptile, leaving only five minutes for you to quickly throw on some clothes and get half way presentable before your online class.

An hour later you leant back in your chair, rubbing your temples, glad that there wasn’t another class until later in the afternoon.

You were just contemplating whether to start on one of your many assignments or not when a familiar ring echoed through the kitchen. You searched confused until you located Josh’s phone that had somehow got wedged underneath a bag of cat food.

The number flashing on the screen was labeled ‘Work’ and guessing who it was you picked up, bringing the device up to your ear.

“Why, hello!” you answered, smiling as a familiar voice echoed through the speaker.

“I forgot my phone...” Josh’s wail made your smile widen.

“Uh huh, I noticed,” you responded unhelpfully, digging Tink out from a cupboard he’d worked his way into.

“Can you bring it to me, please please pretty please!” Josh begged. “I can’t leave right now and I really need it!”

You made him suffer just a little, staying silent while placing Tink in his escape-proof enclosure.

Finally you agreed, “Of course. I’ll be there in ten.”

“Thank you, thank you Nugget,” Josh sighed in relief, using your childhood nickname in his gratitude.

“Okay, see you soon.” You hung up and grabbed your shoes and keys, making sure all the gremlins were safely locked away, before exiting the apartment.

You walked the ten minutes to Josh’s work, enjoying the blue skies and stunning weather while strolling briskly.

You arrived at your destination and tilted your neck backwards to read the large JYP displayed prominently on the side of the towering skyscraper that Josh worked in.

You entered through the lobby, approaching the receptionist while Security Guards eyed you with mistrust, alert for any suspicious behaviour.

Luckily you recognised the receptionist from the few times you had accompanied Josh to work, flashing her a wide smile as you came to a stop in front of her.

“Hello again, love,” she greeted you in heavily accented English. “Are you here to see Joshua?”

You held up your brothers phone with a rueful smile. “He forgot this and asked if I could bring it to him.”

“He’s probably only the fifth floor,” she said helpfully, signalling to Security to let you through.

“Thank you,” you told her gratefully, walking through the security turnstile that the Guard pushed open.

You crossed to the elevator and pressed the button, happy when one opened immediately. Once inside, you pushed the button for the fifth floor, watching the numbers tick over until the doors chimed loudly.

Stepping out into the hallway, you stood awkwardly for a few minutes, trying to decide where to look first.

A door opened to your right, raucous noise echoing into the corridor as a guy backed into the hallway, talking loudly and making faces at those still inside.

He turned and jumped when he saw you standing behind him, clearly startled, hands flying up under his chin, arms hugging close to his body as his eyes went impossibly round.

“Ah, hi... sorry,” you said apologetically, feeling the need to explain your presence. “I’m looking for Josh, Joshua. Do you know where he is by any chance?” You asked hopefully.

The guy immediately relaxed and smiled widely, cheeks dimpling adorably. “You must be his sister!” He exclaimed happily in a slight American accent, beckoning you towards him. “He’s in here actually.” He turned back to the room he had exited, holding the door open for you to pass by.

You slipped through the doorway and was greeted by three pairs of eyes, startled by an intruder into their space.

Josh’s expression quickly turned from surprise to glee as he jumped from his seat to wrap his arms around you in a tight hug. You held his phone out towards him, staring around at the room surrounding you.

It was a music studio, electrical equipment made up of a complicated mess of knobs, dials and switches covering a huge desk to one side under a window looking into a recording booth. The walls were clad in some type of soundproofing material and there was a large comfy looking couch accompanied by two office chairs.

“You’re a life saver,” Josh said gratefully, pocketing the precious device, as you switched your attention to the other occupants of the room. Noticing your gaze Josh quickly gave out introductions.

“This is Han.” He pointed to the kind boy who had shown you where to go.

“Chan.” The boy with the shock of red hair smiled lopsidedly and nodded his head amicably your way.

“And Changbin.” The last boy looked serious until he gave a very wide smile, lighting up his entire face, making you unconsciously smile in return.

“Guys, this is my sister.” Josh finished, his tone brimming with pride, as he squeezed your arm lightly.

“Nice to meet you,” Chan said his familiar Aussie accent immediately putting you at ease. “We’ve heard a lot about you from Josh.”

A blush immediately started staining your cheeks, wondering exactly how much your brother had told them in the short weeks he had been working with the k-pop boy group.

“I was just about to get some coffees. Do you want one?” Han was still hovering in the doorway, with an expectant expression.

You immediately started shaking your head. “You guys look busy. I should get going!” You took one step towards the door before Han blocked you, hands waving in the air.

“We’re not busy. We’re actually taking a break. Do you like milk? Sugar?”

You smiled ruefully at the persistent man. “I’ll take it black with two sugars please.”

His face lit up with genuine joy and he ducked out the door, humming as he went.

You turned back to the remaining occupants of the room. Chan patted the empty seat beside him, presumably Hans one he had abandoned in search of caffeine.

You sat, twisting side to side in the spinning office chair, as Josh took his place on the couch on the opposite side to Changbin.

“So....” Chan drew out the syllable, his intense eyes focused on you. “We heard you’re studying to become a Social Worker? How is that going?”

“Uh, not too bad. It’s all online which is good coz I don’t have to get out of my pyjamas most days but it’s also terrible coz I have no self-motivation or control so usually end up scrambling to finish my assignments thirty minutes before it’s due!” All three boys laughed and you smiled at the welcome sound.

“Is the course through a Korean University?” Changbin questioned curiously, his English thickly accented.

You shook my head. “No, it’s through a Uni back home in Australia, thank goodness.”

All three boys eyebrows raised at the last sentiment, questioning your relief.

You quickly held up your hands, trying to wave off the misunderstanding. “No, I don’t mean that a Korean course wouldn’t be just as good or better, just that my Korean is so terrible that I would struggle even more than I am now!” You tried to explain emphatically.

Understanding dawned on their expressions and Changbin gave a small chuckle.

“You’re Korean’s that bad huh?”

You grimaced and then said, “Eotteohge saeng-gaghaseyo?”

Chan and Josh both burst out laughing, and Changbin tried to hide a smirk but failed miserably.

“It’s not the worst I’ve ever heard,” the kind rapper commented, trying to save your feelings.

“She’s been working hard on it,” Josh felt the need to interject. “She’s only been learning for two months since she came to live with me.”

The two k-pop idols turned their gaze towards you, expressions now impressed.

“Very good,” Chan complimented encouragingly.

The door opened and Han struggled through, balancing two cup holders full of cups.

Josh immediately jumped up and grabbed one off of him, the younger guy smiling at him gratefully. “Thank you, Maenijeo.”

“I’m still not used to that,” Josh admitted, as Han quickly distributed the coffees to their rightful owners.

“You deserve it,” Chan told him, as Josh and Han sat back down on the couch, squishing together a little next to Changbin. “We were over the moon when they told us you’d be our new Manager. I was just glad for the extra help with producing.”

Josh blushed a little at the praise from the Leader, twisting his fingers round the cup in his hand. You beamed with pride at him, knowing how hard he had worked to get where he was.

Aware that Josh was probably getting a little uncomfortable being the centre of attention you turned to Chan, asking, “What are you working on?” And then belatedly realising, “Although you probably can’t tell me, I guess.”

“Actually Josh was just telling us about some ideas he has for our new music.” Chan nodded his head towards your brother, making him blush even further, undermining your attempt to change the subject.

The boys started chatting about music, most of the technical stuff going over your head, but you enjoyed watching the four boys talk so animatedly about something they were clearly all passionate about.

Eventually you sighed, checking your watch and groaning as you noticed the time.

“I have to go,” you told the others regretfully. “I have an assignment to start before my next class.”

The three boys protested but Josh pointed out that they too had work that needed to be done.

You said your goodbyes, promising to return and visit the three boys you’d somehow become friends with.

Josh gave you a tight hug and offered to walk you out but you immediately declined, knowing how busy he and the boys were.

You gave them one last wave and then let the door shut behind you, crossing over to the elevator and pressing the button, waiting patiently for it to arrive.

Once inside you pulled out your phone, double checking the time for the next class, balancing your still warm coffee in your other hand.

Noticing a message regarding one of your upcoming assignments, you were too engrossed in the device in your hand to look up when the doors pinged open.

You automatically started walking but somehow managed to catch your foot on the metal grating on the floor, pitching forwards with no free hands to stop yourself

Luckily, or unluckily depending on your point of view, your fall was stopped by a solid form, as strong arms caught at your waist to stop your hectic descent.

Unfortunately for the owner of the hands, although they managed to stop your fall they didn’t manage to stop your coffee’s, the caffeinated beverage covering you both in lukewarm liquid.

[ladypaulsvn]

Mine, Yours, Ours

Billie x Reader x Cordelia

Word Count: 2,541

Part 3/?

Read part 1 and part 2

Summary: Cordelia contemplates her thoughts and actions as you spend the morning with Billie.

a/n: longest chapter so far. hope you enjoy and also don’t kill me <3

When you and Cordelia first met, there was an instant spark between the two of you. You had just joined the coven after having seen the ads and interviews all over tv that brought witches into the light of the world. You knew instantly that you were one of them. You contacted Robichaux Academy and were do for an interview the next week.

When you arrived the following week, there was a line of girls waiting at the entrance. You figured you had no chance of getting in now, seeing all the competition. But once you stepped inside and were met face to face with Cordelia Goode, the supreme, you knew you had to fight for it. You needed to be there.

When your interview was done, you were called back the next day by Cordelia. You arrived at Robichaux and within the week, you were part of the coven. You had finally found a family of your own. Cordelia was extremely welcoming, automatically attaching herself to you, more than any of the other girls at the academy.

You couldn't lie to yourself, you knew you were instantly attracted to her. But she was the supreme! How could someone like her possibly fall for someone like you?

Well it happened. The next few months, you and Cordelia grew closer, until a late night visit to the greenhouse ended in a kiss between the two of you. Cordelia asked you to be her girlfriend, and you excitedly said yes, kissing her again.

The two of you were inseparable after that. Annoying most of the coven with your antics. But Cordelia didn't care. Until suddenly, she did. She withdrew herself from you slowly. The nights you would usually spend curled into her side, you spent alone in your room, wondering what you did wrong.

Then you met Billie. The beautiful medium who instantly attracted you, just as Cordelia had. Maybe there wasn't a future with Cordelia, but a future with Billie?

***

Cordelia sighed as she closed her book, unable to concentrate after this morning. It was nearly 1 pm now and you had been gone since 10. Cordelia had heard you happily talking to Billie downstairs before you left with her in that damn old sports car.

Cordelia was jealous. How could she not be? You were hers. She thought you were, at least. Maybe she was wrong.

Cordelia had fallen so deeply in love with you. Every fiber of her being was yours to keep. She just lost of sight of that. How could she be so careless.

She knew had withdrawn from you recently. She had been so busy with the coven that you hadn't properly spent the night in her bed in over a month. She figured that you would understand... but clearly you had not.

You still loved her, right?

***

Your morning out with Billie was everything you could’ve dreamed. She took you to the small cafe where you met, then a stroll in french quarter square.

You had both gotten chai teas and she reminded you of her thoughts on your taste in tea. There were tens of smiles and hidden blushes shared between the two of you as you spent the morning into the afternoon with her.

While strolling in the square, the smell of beignets was far too overwhelming for you to resist, so you convinced Billie to go into the shops with you.

She begrudgingly treaded along side you, your hand linked in hers as you weaved through the crowds. Once you reached your optimal destination, you dragged Billie into the restaurant and up to the counter.

“You sell beignets, right?” You beamed at the cashier who seemed happy to see a smiling face. “We sure do ma’am. Would you like our plain with powder or the smidge fancier, chocolate?” The cashier was friendly and matched your bouncy energy, which made Billie chuckle behind you at your child-like attitude. She adored it.

“Plain please!” You said, turning to look back at Billie as she stood protectively behind you, a hand on your waist. “She’s never had em’ before so I think plain would do just fine.” Billie smiled warmly at you as you payed for the food.

“I’ll go find us a seat.” Billie whispered in your ear and squeezed your waist before disappearing from behind you and you suddenly felt a bit chilly from the lack of her warmth.

“It’ll be out soon ma’am. Your order number is on the receipt.” The cashier said, handing you your printed receipt and you squeezed past the people crowding the small restaurant, in search of Billie.

It took a few minutes but you finally found her in a corner booth. You slipped into the seat in front of her with a smile. “Finally found you.”

“I was beginning to think I lost you for good.” She joked. You both talked about trivial things while you waited for your beignets. They arrived from the kitchen within 10 minutes and you groaned at the smell.

“Literally the best smell on earth.” You were dramatic as you took your first bite, moaning at the taste and gesturing with your hand, “I hate to say it, but if you don’t like this, I’m afraid I can’t be seen with you any longer.” You joked, swallowing your bite.

She chuckled softly at you, enamored by your freeness and openness around her. “It’s very good.” She said after taking her precious time with her first bite.

“Oh thank god. I thought I was going to have to run away.” You laughed. You both sat and finished your beignets, laughing at various anecdotes you shared with one another.

Soon, you were out on the town again. It was nearly 1 pm by now as you journeyed back to Billie’s car. She had parked on one side of the square and you had managed to drag her all the way to the other side, so you had a ways to walk before she could take you home. You certainly hadn’t planned that at all...

“I guess now is the time I have to bring you back home hm?” Billie said as you both arrived at her car and she let go of your hand.

You climbed into the passenger seat and buckled your seat belt, “What time is it?” You asked.

“Nearly 1.” She started the car and began to drive from the square, weaving through the busy New Orlean’s streets.

Your phone buzzed in your pocket.

You hadn’t looked at your phone all morning until now. You clicked open the screen to see a few messages from Cordelia.

delia 💓: Are you coming home soon? 11:34 am

delia 💓: Y/N? We need to talk when you get home. It’s important. 12:03 pm

delia 💓: I’ll be in my office. Please come see me when you get back to the academy. 12:57 pm

“I should probably get home then.” You frowned as you locked your phone, not bothering to answer her messages. You would be home soon anyway.

“What’s with the frown sweet pea? Are you going to miss me that much?” She cheekily smiled, putting a hand on your thigh.

Your face burned bright red. “I might.” You bit your cheek as you struggled to hold your laugh in. Her mouth dropped open in shock.

“Might?! I’ll have to make sure this is memorable then.” You could see the small smirk on her face as she squeezed your thigh before putting her hand back on the steering wheel, turning onto your street.

You watched as Robicheaux came into view, the giant white mansion making your heart sink a little. You didn’t want to talk to Cordelia. Your morning had been so amazing with Billie. You didn’t want it to be ruined.

Billie pulled into the driveway, putting the car in park but leaving the keys in the ignition. You unbuckled you’re seatbelt and went to open your door but Billie halted your movements, telling you to wait.

She quickly climbed out from her seat and whipped around the front of the car, opening your door for you. You thanked her as she held out her hand and helped you up from her low-set car.

She shut the door behind you and when you went to walk to the front door, she grabbed your wrist and pulled you back, pinning you against the car door. You squeaked as she trapped you there. You didn’t feel trapped though. You felt nervous as she stared into your eyes and the few seconds without her words felt like an hour.

“I had a very good time this morning, y/n.” She said sincerely, smiling as she tucked a piece of your hair behind your ear.

Your arms were pushed against your chest, less than a foot of space was left between the two of you. “Me too.” You meekly whispered, unable to really voice how incredibly amazing the morning was.

“I’d like to do this again, if you’d let me.” She said her eyes flickering down to your lips then back up to meet your gaze.

“I’d let you.” You said and she smiled. Before you knew it, her lips were on yours. Her hands still pinned you against the car and you kissed her back. You freed your hands from crushed against your chest and wrapped them around her neck, savoring every second of this moment before she pulled away and unpinned you.

“Let me walk you to the door?” She held out her hand and you nodded, your other hand reaching up to touch your lips as you smiled and your cheeks turned pink.

She let go of your hand as she left you by the door. “Call me?” She stated, more as a question than a demand, and you nodded. You watched as she bobbed back down the stairs and you called out to her, “It was memorable.” She stopped momentarily and turned back to you, looking you up and down with a smile on her face that screamed “I win!” before she turned and walked back to her car.

She was confusing and she made your heart flutter and she kissed you! She kissed you! Your hand touched your lips again as you watched her drive away. Giving her a small wave when you saw her wave goodbye through her window. You were absolutely smitten.

You opened the door to the academy, pulling out your phone and checking the time. 1:26 pm. Cordelia. You had to go meet with her now. Discuss whatever it is she wanted to talk about. You truly had no idea what she was going to say. Was she finally going to get it over with and break up with you? Apologize?

You connected lines and dots in your head as you climbed up the stairs. Billie kissed you. You went out, with Billie, on a date. While your girlfriend stayed at home. Wondering why you left so suddenly and so eagerly.

You shook your head. She didn’t seem to care when you left. You didn’t even consider her your girlfriend at this point. Maybe you should break up with her?

You knocked on Cordelia’s office door and waited for her to call you in. Once you heard the all clear, you slowly creaked the door open, slipping inside and shutting it behind you.

She was sitting at her desk, laptop open and glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. Her hair back in a neat ponytail.

She looked up at you, “Y/N, you’re home.” She didn’t smile. You nodded, walking up to her desk and standing before her.

She closed her laptop, clasping her hands together on her desk. “We need to discuss some things. Please sit.” Her voice was strictly business. It scared you. You immediately took a seat in one of the chairs sat in front of her desk.

“What about?” You asked, your voice cracking out of nervousness. She sighed and took her glasses off, setting them on the desk. “I think perhaps it’s better if we don’t see each other any longer, y/n.” Her words pierced through you like a bullet. Regret washed over her face for a split second before vanishing in favor of her professional tone.

You shouldn’t be hurt. You’ve felt like the two of you had be broken up for weeks now. It shouldn’t hurt. You should’ve been the one to break up with her.

“Okay.” You said plainly, swallowing tears that threatened to spill. You. Shouldn’t. Be. Hurt. Your breathing started to speed up and you took a deep breath. “Is that all you wanted to say?” You asked.

She looked at you and you swore you saw a flash of shock run through her face before she composed herself. She cleared her throat, “Well, yes. That’s all.” She shook her head looking down at her hands.

You didn’t say anything as you stood up and left. You didn’t look back either. It didn’t matter. You had Billie, who actually treated you like a human being. Who made you feel like you were worth something. You didn’t need Cordelia.

You quickly walked to your room and locked the door behind you, your body seeming to betray you as you tried to calm yourself. You didn’t need to have a panic attack right now.

This was for the better! You shouldn’t be upset! You had wanted to break up with her! You had Billie for gods sake. Why did your brain and your body have to be so cruel?

You plopped down on your bed, running your hands over your face and through your hair as your breathing became more unsteady. You tried to take deep breaths, reminding yourself of the best of the situation. That you were going to be okay. That things were going to be okay.

You wanted to call Billie. Ask her to pick you up, take you back to her place, but you were too chicken. You simply just sat on your bed, knees against your chest as you let the tears finally fall.

This shouldn’t hurt.

***

Cordelia sighed as she watched you close her office door. Why did she do that? That wasn’t what she set out to do. She simply wanted to talk to you. Not break things off!

She couldn’t feel more stupid than in this moment. But her heart was hurting. Her brain and her mouth knew better. Knew what she really needed to do.

She took a deep breath and rested her head in her hands, tears falling down her cheeks. Billie had kissed you. And you had kissed her back.

Cordelia shook the memory from her head. She shouldn’t have been waiting. She shouldn’t have been watching from the window, waiting your return. She shouldn’t of had her apology speech practiced and practiced again, waiting on the tip of her tongue.

She had fucked up. She had fucked up and you moved on. She wasn’t going to break it off. She was going to question you on where you stood. Ask about the kiss, ask for forgiveness in exchange of forgiveness of her own.

She didn’t want to lose you.

But she did.

[lifeofanerdygirl]

I’ll Hold You Close, I’ll Keep You Safe, for This Is Where You’re Meant to Be

Summary:

“Not scared of a little thunderstorm are you, Lena?” Kara teased, nudging her in the side after noticing Lena flinch beside her.

“No, Luthors are definitely not afraid of thunderstorms.”

Even though she stated this, Kara was one hundred percent sure she was trying to convince herself that this was true as much as she was trying to convince Kara.

“Yeah, sure. If you say so.”

Knowing Lena, she knew she would crack eventually and show her she was truly afraid. She would just have to wait for the right moment.

-

Kara comforts Lena during a thunderstorm.

//

Large, grey clouds rolled in over National City, transforming the clear blue skies into an overcast. The rain descended as a mist, causing fog to form and blanket the city. It was only a matter of time before the rain would start to plummet, flooding the streets and the thunder and lightning would begin their game of Marco Polo.

It was around one o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday when Lena Luthor arrived outside the apartment door belonging to none other than her best friend Kara Danvers. Her arms were filled with a plethora of take-out bags and boxes with the addition of a soggy, black umbrella. Just as she began to wonder how she was going to manage to knock on the door, Kara opened it, beaming at her with a huge grin plastered across her face. Lena knew very well that this particular expression Kara only used when it involved both her and/or food.

“Hey, Lena! Let me help you with those!” she chirped, grabbing the take-out bags and boxes from her arms as if they weighed nothing, dashing over to deposit them on her kitchen table and then reappearing in front of her in a matter of seconds.

She stood there with the door wide open, smiling at Lena like she was her whole world.

“So, can I come in now or are you just going to stare at me all afternoon while our food gets cold?” Lena quipped, a small smile forming across her face.

“Haha, of course! Sorry, I’m just so happy to see you! Come in!” She stammered, her face flashing a shade of red.

Kara moved to the side, allowing Lena room to enter, taking her soggy umbrella and black trench coat and hanging them up on hooks to dry. Lena slipped off her black-heeled boots and placed her purse on a free hook next to her coat. Kara noticed that she was in her comfy clothing today, as she was dressed in a dark green sweater that made her eyes pop, dark-washed jeans and a pair of black socks. Her dark, raven hair cascaded over her shoulders in loose waves and she sported a basic makeup look. There was definitely no ‘Lena Luthor, CEO’ present, which made Kara happy as Lena was comfortable enough to not have to present herself all fancy and done-up. 

She herself wore a similar outfit, a pair of dark-washed jeans, a dark blue sweater, and blue and red socks. Her glasses, which normally would’ve been perched on her nose, sat on the small table next to her couch, as she knew she didn’t have to wear them. It felt different, but good, knowing she could just be Kara Zor-El around Lena when they were alone now. 

Several weeks after their reconciliation and defeating Lex, they were finally in a better place and had begun to have their normal hangouts again. In the beginning, it had started off with only a coffee meetup once a week at a cafe but then turned into lunches, which usually took place in Lena’s office, a few times a week. Following that, game nights at Kara’s were included in the mix as well. They weren’t partners all the time like before, but she knew that the time would come eventually when they could go back to teaming up every week and defend the city together. Things were finally starting to feel normal again and both Kara and Lena were delighted that their relationship was heading in the right direction.

About a week ago, Lena had decided she was comfortable enough to accept Kara’s offer to come over today and spend some alone time with her at the apartment. They were apprehensive about it at first, Kara not knowing when would be the right time to ask and Lena wondering when would be the right time to accept the invitation. Kara brought the offer up a few times before during their lunches, but always did so casually and made sure Lena knew it was okay if she didn’t accept. Eventually, Lena decided she just needed to take the plunge and do it, knowing it would be an important step for both of them.

“So, shall we eat then while everything’s still hot?” Lena asked.

“Yes!” Kara exclaimed, once again her face turning into a huge grin that was only reserved for Lena and/or food.

Without wasting another precious second, she super sped over to her cabinets, grabbing two plates and glasses before arriving at the kitchen table. She tore into the bags of food, filling her apartment with a mouth-watering aroma and began to place potstickers onto her plate. Lena gawked at her dumbfounded.

“Sorry, I need to remember you’re not used to me using my powers as Kara yet and tone it down,” she said apologetically after noticing the look Lena was giving her. 

“No, it’s okay. It’s just that it’ll take me a little while to get used to the fact that my best friend has superpowers,” she said, giving her a reassuring smile.

Lena opened the box of cheese pizza and took out a couple of slices, placing them on her plate. She reached into another bag and took out a chef salad along with the disposable silverware she had been given.

“Ew, green stuff,” Kara murmured under her breath.

“You know I may not have super hearing like a certain Kryptonian, but that doesn't mean I can’t hear what you say,” Lena stated, taking the lid off of her salad and giving Kara the you-know-I’m-right look.

Kara simply rolled her eyes and began placing more food onto her plate. By the time she was finished, she had a mountain of potstickers, rice, and pizza, a meal fit for a Kryptonian.

“Is water good for now and then maybe later we can have some wine?” Kara asked.

“Sounds perfect.”

Deciding it was best to not use her superspeed again, Kara strode over to her freezer, took out a tray of ice cubes, and plopped a few in each of their glasses, the ice clanging on their way to the bottom. She put the tray back in and then opened the fridge door to grab the pitcher of water she always kept on hand and filled their glasses close to the brim. She placed the pitcher back in and shut the door behind her.

When she turned around she noticed that Lena had closed up the bags/boxes and had transported both of their plates over to the coffee table positioned in front of the couch. Kara walked over and carefully placed their glasses on coasters and positioned them so they now sat in front of their plates.

“Are these smiley-face ice cubes Kara?” Lena asked, the corners of her lips rising.

“Maybe...” she said, a huge smile plastered across her face. “I had a slow day when I was out patrolling a few weeks ago and may have been shopping on Amazon.”

Lena just stared at her and laughed. Even though they were friends again, she hadn’t had the opportunity to laugh like this. The fact that they were in Kara’s apartment, as opposed to her office or a public setting, made her feel more comfortable and able to let down her walls a little more. 

They dug into their meals, the apartment falling into a comfortable silence as they ate. 

“Sorry, I just realized I didn’t even ask you how work was going and just dug into my food. I must’ve been hungrier than I thought,” Kara mumbled ten minutes later, mouth half full of what was left of her potstickers, the rest of the food on her plate mostly gone.

“It’s okay, Kara. It was actually nice enjoying a little peace and quiet and just sitting here and sharing a meal with you.”  

Lena knew to take an opportunity to enjoy peace and quiet while she could, knowing that while at her job it was the exact opposite. Plus, it brought her great comfort in knowing that she and Kara could just enjoy each other’s company without feeling the need to say anything. Before, when they were just starting to repair their relationship, it would’ve been a quiet out of awkwardness, but now she was happy that this wasn’t the case.

Outside the rain had started to pour down in heavy sheets, causing the sound of the water that collided with the windows to become more intense and the thunder and lightning had begun their game of Marco Polo. The apartment was filled with a boisterous clap of thunder followed by a dazzling flash of lightning only seconds later.

“Not scared of a little thunderstorm are you, Lena?” Kara teased, nudging her in the side after noticing Lena flinch beside her. 

“No, Luthors are definitely not afraid of thunderstorms.”

Even though she stated this, Kara was one hundred percent sure she was trying to convince herself that this was true as much as she was trying to convince Kara.

“Yeah, sure. If you say so.”

Knowing Lena, she knew she would crack eventually and show her she was truly afraid. She would just have to wait for the right moment.

After they had both finished up their meals, Kara got up from her spot on the couch and collected their plates and glasses and headed over to place them in the dishwasher.

“So what would you like to do now? A movie? Listen to some music?” Kara asked, closing the dishwasher door behind her and turning to face Lena. 

As soon as she finished her sentence, a loud clap of thunder followed and it felt as though it shook the whole apartment. A few seconds later the lightning answered, filling the room with a blaze of light.

Lena leaped onto the couch, put her knees to her chest, and circled her arms around her legs.

“I thought you said Luthors weren’t afraid of thunderstorms?” Kara chuckled, unable to contain her laughter, and strode back over to Lena, plopping back down on the couch and facing her.

She didn’t say anything, choosing to simply stare into Kara’s blue eyes. While Kara’s were filled with calmness and reassurance, hers were filled with worry and anxiousness.

“I’ve got an idea,” Kara said, shooting back up from the couch.

She meandered around the apartment, turning off all of the main lights so that the only glow was from a single lamp in her living room. She grabbed a mini blue speaker from her bedroom and placed in on the coffee table in front of them. Reaching for her phone, she scrolled through her music and selected a playlist she had specifically made for rainy days. A soothing, female voice flowed out of the speaker and she adjusted the volume, turning it down a bit so it felt more like background music.

Kara placed her phone next to the speaker and got up again and made her way into her bedroom once more. She returned with several blankets stacked high in her arms and plopped them down on the floor next to the couch. Reaching for one of her large pillows that called the couch home, she placed it on the armrest and positioned herself so that she was resting up against it. She was now sprawled out on the couch, her feet now touching Lena on the other side.

“Care to join me?” Kara asked, her blue eyes swimming with nothing but kindness and her smile so gentle, it would make anyone’s heart melt. She held her arms wide open for Lena like a mother would do when trying to comfort a frightened child.

Lena was hesitant, as she and Kara were still trying to mend things. Their physical contact was limited to brief hugs and even though those hugs now lasted longer and felt more natural, this was a big step. A little voice in the back of her mind was screaming at her to do it already and she knew it was right. It was what she both wanted and needed.

She uncurled herself from her current position and cautiously shifted her way down to Kara on the opposite end of the couch. She carefully positioned herself in between her legs and rested her head on Kara’s chest. Kara reached for two of the blankets next to her and deposited them over both of their bodies, enveloping them in a warm embrace. Strong, yet gentle arms then made their way around Lena, giving her the tightest squeeze she was able to without hurting her.

“I’ve got you,” she whispered into Lena’s ear.

Lena relaxed immediately, her heartbeat slowing and a sense of peacefulness washed over her. She was safe and sound in the arms of her Kryptonian. 

Just as Lena thought she was about to drift off to sleep, a burst of thunder erupted from the skies, the boisterous noise breaking the peaceful silence and causing her to flinch away from Kara. However, Kara’s strong arms stayed firm around her, so she didn’t make it too far, keeping her held tight against Kara’s warm body.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you,” Kara cooed, as a burst of lightning answered, causing a flash of light to burst into the apartment, only to vanish a second later.

Lena rested her head back down on Kara’s chest and closed her eyes. She focused on the sound of Kara’s strong heartbeat beating in her chest which brought her own heart rate down again and she felt a sense of calmness wash over her once more.

Kara shifted her hand from Lena’s back and began softly stroking raven-colored hair, while quietly humming along with the music. Lena let out a small sigh of contentment and snuggled closer to Kara, sleep beginning to overtake her body once more. As she drifted off, she noticed Kara’s hand had slowed as her eyelids also began to droop, too heavy to keep open anymore.

Soon both the Kryptonian and the CEO were fast asleep in each other’s arms, the raging storm outside no longer a bother to either of them. 

-

Lena was the first to awake, her eyelids fluttering open and taking in her surroundings. The storm outside had subdued, filling the apartment with quiet rumbles of thunder and small flickers of lightning, along with the sound of the gentle pitter-patter of rain on the windows. She glanced in front of her, noticing the small speaker placed on the coffee table was still playing Kara’s calming music playlist, and the memories from earlier flooded back into her mind. Lunch. Thunderstorm. Music. Blankets. The warmth of Kara wrapped around her. Speaking of Kara...

She realized that during their nap, they must have shifted positions as Kara’s back was now pressed up against the back of the couch, her head resting on the pillow. She had her front pressed into Lena’s back and one of her arms rested loosely on Lena’s side, just above her hip. They were clearly spooning which Lena worried might be a little too intimate given their current situation.

Despite this, deep down inside her, she couldn’t help but feel happy and safe in the arms of the Kryptonian. No matter what happened between them, they would always find their way back to each other because this is where they were meant to be. A feeling of want and need, that had been locked deep within her, began clawing its way to the surface. One that was definitely not platonic in any way. At that moment, she was thankful Kara was asleep so she couldn’t hear the racing thud of her heart in her chest and the blush that appeared on her cheeks. 

They may have started off as friends, then grew closer and became best friends, but at one point that eventually turned into something more. Kara was like the gardener while Lena’s heart was an almost lifeless flower. One that sat in the corner of someone’s apartment that they occasionally remembered to water and give the proper amount of sun. Once Kara came along, she began watering and nurturing her heart back to health, giving it the proper amount of sun and letting it bloom into something wonderful that Lena didn’t even know was possible. She couldn’t repress the smile that spread across her face and she shifted closer into Kara again, surrounding herself in the warmth of her body.

She closed her eyes, letting her mind wander to all the possibilities of a future that they could have together if Kara ended up liking her back. That was the problem though now wasn’t it? Did Kara feel the same way or were they just best friends that happened to be very close?

As if all of these thoughts ended up from Lena’s mind into Kara’s and summoning her, Lena felt Kara stir behind her. Kara’s eyes flickered open and she gazed at the back of Lena’s head, taking note of the position they were in. Her body froze and she let out a nervous sigh.

“Uh, Lena, you awake?” She stammered.

“Mhmm...”

“Sorry, we must’ve moved in our sleep...” she continued stammering and began removing her hand from Lena’s hip.

“Kara stop,” she said, snatching Kara’s hand midair and placed it right back where it was. “It’s okay. I feel safe and happy like this.”

“Oh, well okay. If you’re fine then I am,” Kara said, a small, bashful smile forming across her face.

“Can we just lay like this for a little bit longer?”

“Yes, of course, Lena,” she said, pulling her in closer.

They both closed their eyes once more, a second wave of sleepiness washing over them in a matter of minutes, as the warmth from each other’s bodies, and the sound of the calming music and steady rhythm of each other’s heartbeat lulled them back to sleep.

They knew there was no other place in the world that they’d rather be.

[ilooklikeaburntchickenugget]

Runaways

A/N: I actually got this idea from a Wattpad one shot I read but they didn’t continue the story after Gerard gets home so I was like “I’ll just continue it then”. So here you all go, hope you enjoy. Pairing: Criminal!Gerard x F!Reader Word count: 1569 Warnings: Steamy scenes, not actual sex description though

Gerard was one of the sweetest men you knew. At least when you actually knew him.

That fact only made life that much duller when he was sentences to 10 years in federal prison for running a state wide drug ring. You still remember sitting behind him in the court room as they jury announced their verdict. It wasn’t nearly as bad as the initial 25 years (thanks to the great attorney he had hired), but it was still a slap to the face.

You looked at him and he looked at you. Tears had already began to flood your eyes as he mouthed “I love you”, and was taken away.

So two years later you still had your office job and a new small apartment. Nothing much had changed, you still had no one other than your best friend who lives five states away. She was the only one who didn’t disown you after finding out about your relationship with Gerard.

You had a bin in your closet, filled with letters from your lover who was locked away. He wrote to you at least once a week, and you would always write back. They didn’t let anyone visit him, it was that isolated. So the only way you even got remote contact was via mail.

But he wrote the sweetest things. Talking about how he thought about you for hours on end everyday, would sometimes stay up all night staring at the photo he had of you. You didn’t doubt it for a second, you and Gerard has such a raw romance it all made sense.

Every letter ended with “I will come back to you. I promise.” You never doubted that either, but eight more years without him seemed nearly impossible to imagine.

You had decided to make some pasta and vegetables for dinner. Everything had become tasteless at this point, so it didn’t even matter what you had in your pantry at the time. Whatever it was, you would eat it just to get some nutrition.

Sitting down in the beige living room you had on the leather couch, you turned on the TV to see what politicians were bickering about and what local events were going on. You began eating, when a breaking news alert came on. Great, you thought, some fire or something.

“An estimated amount of over 50 inmates have escaped from Greentown Federal Prison today, police are on the lookout for all the convicts. Law enforcement encourages citizens to stay inside, and to not go outside unless it’s an emergency.” Your eyebrows shot up as you smirked at the news.

“Finally something interesting.” You smirked. Of course you didn’t think of the obvious at the moment, until only a few minutes later there was a knock on the door.

You got up, wiping your mouth with a napkin and setting your plate on the counter. You weren’t expecting anybody, it was around eight at night. You went to the door and opened it, but before you could register anything you had arms wrapped around you and a long kiss on your lips. Gerard?

You kissed back instantly knowing who it was by his touch. “Gee?” You asked finally pulling away and looking up. He looked around the same, his hair a little longer and more tangled than before.

“Yeah, babe.” He smiled.

“Oh my-” You weren’t sure what to say, so naturally you began crying, “It’s you.” You hugged him again.

“Shhh,” He cooed, hugging you back and rubbing your back, “I know, sugar, I know.”

“Gee, what are you doing?” You asked, looking up at him and cupping his cheeks in your hands.

“I broke out.” He said, sighing. “Which is why we need to go.” You froze for a second, “You there?” “Yeah, I just, I um-” You began, shutting and triple locking the door, “Shit! Gerard the police are going to be here any fucking minute! Are you insane?” “No,” He said, “I have a plan.” “Do you?” You asked.

“Yes! Now grab a bag and pack some shit and go.” You ran to the other room as you hurriedly put some clothes in a duffel bag. You could hear Gerard looking through some boxes before you shot out.

“What’s wrong?” You asked him as he began grabbing some stuff from cardboard boxes you had never opened (he had told you not to).

“Thank you for not opening these.” He sighed, “These will help us now.” He grabbed your free hand and ran you out of the apartment, down the stairs, and into a black car you had never seen before. Both of you got into the back. “Ready boss?” The driver asked and Gerard nodded.

The vehicle drove away and down two streets as you heard distant headlights. You froze, until you realized it was just the cops arriving at your apartment, which has now been abandoned by you and Gee.

Most of the way it was silent between the four of you in the car. You didn’t speak because you had no clue what to say. Your whole world had literally just been turned upside down, yet that still couldn’t sink in.

“I missed you.” He whispered from where he sat next to you, placing his hand on your thigh.

“I missed you too.” You lightly smiled, placing your hand on his.

“You’re nervous.” He said. You nodded. “It’ll be alright babe, okay? We have a plan.”

“Gee, I just-” “I know.” He stopped me, “I know you don’t want to get involved. And trust me, I didn’t want you to either. But the cops were going to come for you either way.” You nodded knowing in the end he was right. It wasn’t like you could necessarily turn to anyone else.

After only a few more minutes of driving and entering a completely wooded forest, you pulled into a driveway. “Boss, we’re here.” The guy said. The two of you got out, retrieving your bags from the back. He nodded at the driver and the passenger as they drove off and down the road.

“Where are we?” You asked him, he held you tightly with his arm around you.

“About 10 minutes away from the safehouse.”

“Safehouse?” You asked. He lightly laughed.

“You really think I would’ve done this without a safehouse, sugar?” He kissed the top of you head, “I’m not that stupid.” “I could list a few times where you were-” “Oh hush.” He rolled his eyes, “This is going to be relaxing, alright?” “Relaxing?” You asked, “Gerard, you just escaped from fucking prison-” “Not so loud sugar.” He hushed you, “We don’t need any body else knowing that.” A short walk on the dirt road later and a small wooden cabin appeared.

“This is it?” You asked and he nodded, “It seems pretty nice for a safe house.” “Well that’s the point isn’t it?” He turned to you, “You know I would only give you the best.” You lightly smiled.

“Yeah, yeah I remember.” He grabbed your hand and led you in, shutting the doors and locking them immediately after. He looked at you in the dark from where you had put your bags down at the end of the hallway and smiled, you smiled back. Within seconds his lips were on yours again, this time more soft and gentle, not as needy or impatient as the first one.

“I missed you.” He engulfed you in a hug, kissing the top of your head.

“I missed you too.” You smiled and hugged him back.

“I’m so glad you waited.” He pulled away. You gave him a confused look.

“Of course I did Gee,” You caressed his cheek with your thumb, “I wouldn’t dream of leaving you. You’re all I have.” “I love you.” He smiled, giving you another kiss.

“I love you too.” As tough as Gerard seemed on the outside, he was a real softie. At least with you, and family of course. Which is one of the reasons you loved him so much, because he was his truest self while at his most vulnerable point.

And of course, that played into that night’s activities, specifically in bed. The safe house reminded you of a small cabin in the mountains, which it sort of was. No heating and no electricity, the warmth you had was from each other and the fire place which Gee had graciously gotten going within minutes upon your arrival. The entire night with him was magical. He spent his precious time with you, worshipping every inch of you and letting your name melt off his tongue like a prayer. He spilled out praises like a waterfall, not giving you time to let them sink in before moving onto the next one.

And of course this happened for hours and hours, both of you finally giving out at five am, right before the sun began to rise. Your arms were over his chest, and his hand drawing mindless shapes on your back. Your head was comfortably tucked in the crook of his neck, his head on top of yours. “Go to sleep, darling.” He murmured, his fingers playing with a few strands of your hair. “I’m right here.” You hummed in response, moving slightly closer to him to absorb his warmth.

“Gee?” You said lightly, closing your eyes.

“Hm?” He responded.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, sugar.”

[losingitinjersey]

Didja miss my face, ‘cause here it is in excess!  

I’ve been oh so happily living life at home with little erp.  I’m on day four of being solo with her  during the days before Kevin comes home at night (since my mom flew out from California the morning I went into labor 12/20 and stayed until Saturday 1/4, then Kevin went back to school Monday 1/6) and I’m absolutely positively loving it.  I always knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom because work, ugh, and home, yay, but actually getting to be responsible for a little one and cultivate my day around her needs has been both more demanding than expected but also more fulfilling than anticipated.  

The downside?  I don’t get to live this life for too much longer :(  My in-laws are arriving in eight days and staying for ten days then I only have six precious more days at home before I have to go back to work.  Insert all the grieving.  Thankfully, even though I’m going back to work it’ll only be in the office 2-3 days a week for six weeks and working from home the other days.  So it should be an easier transition back while still getting to indulge in more snuggle time.  

Amazingly, we found a woman to watch her out of her home with other children.  Erp will be one of the only infants so hopefully that means she’ll be focused on more than if there were a lot?  I don’t know, I’m extremely conflicted about the entire thing.  I don’t want to have to leave her, especially with a stranger.  Prior to finding this woman (thanks to a friend of a friend’s referral) we have been on five daycare waitlists with no openings projected until maaaaybe late summer so she’s literally my only option right now.  Thankfully, this lady is ridiculously cheap (cue suspicion) but she’s also 30 minutes away so that adds an extra two hours of commuting to my work day.  Uggghhhhh.  But, we do what we have to do, right?  All in all I’m glad we found a place we can afford and I asked for references which came back glowing, so that’s encouraging.  Hopefully it will just be temporary until a spot opens up much closer to home that’s actually a licensed, official facility (even though it’ll be double the cost).  The whole thing sucks and I just want to stay home with erp, but I’m the sole provider until we move for residency so I have no other choice.  (and even when we move, I won’t be allowed to stay home until maaaaybe he’s an attending physician which is still 6-8 years away. Boooooo)

My days consist of breastfeeding (30 minutes), feeding her a bottle (15 minutes), pumping (15 minutes) then putting her down for two hours while I either do productive things around the house or rest/nap.  Then doing it again and again and again.  She’s currently three weeks old today (and today is her due date!!) and she’s already been to the pediatrician five times to continue to check on her weight since she was dropping so much post birth.  As of two days ago she’s finaaaally back up to birth weight so at night instead of waking up every three hours to feed her (three hours from the start of her feeding so only like an hour and a half to two hours of sleep) we’re now allowed to go for five hour stretches!  Although, of course, that is if she’ll sleep that long.  Last night she decided she wanted to revert back to every three hours.  But still, progress!  

I’ve been spending my nursing time keeping very current with all your Tumblr happenings while also speeding through almost the entire six seasons of BoJack Horseman.  I’m enjoying it far more than anticipated since I usually don’t do cartoons, but also finding it waaaaay darker than imagined given its cartoon status.  I’m already sad I’ll soon be out of episodes but apparently the end of season six will drop at the end of January which I’m looking forward to even if I’m not looking forward to the end of January because it means I’ll be going back to work.  

Another thing I’ve been greatly enjoying while being at home is making myself breakfast every day.  Getting to spend the time making eggs, egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and anything else I can make over easy eggs on (since I was prohibited from eating runny yolk for nine months during pregnancy).  I haven’t started focusing on weight loss yet since I only recently have been allowed to do anything more than just rest.  The recovery process from this has been longer than anticipated since I expected once I got my body back to myself everything would be back to normal but that has not been the case.  I’ve been on two half hour walks so far and the first one, using a stroller for the first time, wiped me out for the entire rest of the day.  The second one, this morning where I used a baby carrier, went much better!  Hopefully I’ll continue to have energy to do even more things today.  I’m definitely encouraged that today’s walk was more manageable so hopefully I can start integrating these into my days even more and start getting back to longer walks.  I think I like using the carrier more than the stroller, but we’ll see what I end up using more.  Not having to worry about navigating the broken sidewalks with the stroller is definitely a plus.  I’m looking forward to when I’m healed enough to get back to weight lifting but for now, I’m glad I at least have the energy to walk and do all the things around the house. 

Thanks to @81welsh and @healthyontheinside for tagging me for SDS!  Here’s all the pics of my face for your viewing enjoyment.  Tagging @fitness-my-way, @abcd-adventures, and @dungeonsndiapers for your faces should you care to share!  

Also, huge news, I finally booked a haircut appointment for the first time in over two years.  I’ll probably only end up cutting off like two inches, but it’ll be exciting to have less dead ends, especially since I’m rarely taking the time to curl my hair (which hides the split ends) let alone shower and change my clothes.  Definitely living the scrub life up in here.  Although, every day is better and I’m feeling more able to integrate a self care routine into my days which include regularly showering and taking care of myself instead of just erp, Kevin and Saki.  

[freddiesaysalright]

Beautiful Mess Part 3

A Brian May x Reader Fic

Summary: Reader works in a bookshop. She meets Brian May and they have an instant connection. It seems to be a fairy tale romance. But, things are seldom what they seem.

Word Count: 3.2k

Tag List:  @psychosupernatural​, @someone-get-a-medic​, @bensrhapsody​, @deakyclicks, @crazylittlethingcalledobsession​, @minigranger​, @crazyweirdocalledfriday​, @mrs-jack-murphy​, @not-john-watsons-blog​, @simmisblog​, @mirkwoodshewolf​, @assembledherethevolunteers​, @thosequeenboys​, @lv7867​, @maymacca​, @rethought​ If you want to be added, let me know!

A/N: The drama continues ;)

Warnings: A suuuuuuuper brief mention of suicide. Also some drinking.

Part 1  Part 2

Part 3 here we go!!!

The drink was casual - like dinner - except for the fact that you were falling hard and fast for Brian. Something was there. No one could deny it. Talking together, laughing together, even just sitting together all pointed to a romance that was past the budding stage. It was already beginning to bloom.

You found yourself glancing between his lips and his eyes as he spoke. You observed his hands and the way his head moved. You wanted to commit everything to memory because you knew time was limited. There could be no forever with Brian, so you were enjoying every little moment while they lasted. Even something as simple as a drink was precious to you. Something you told yourself you would one day look back on and smile to yourself.

As much as you fought your feelings, wrestling with them in the mud of your heart, you could not pin them down and keep them buried. You and Brian were strictly platonic physically. But every time he kissed your cheek or touched your hand, it sent a shock of pleasure through you. You were spending nearly every day with him now. He stopped by the shop when the band took a break for lunch, and in the evenings, you accompanied him - and sometimes the band - to a pub or restaurant for dinner. A day without Brian felt like a day without sunshine.

Weeks passed like this. You stopped fighting your desire to be around him. But you carefully dodged any attempt from him to take things a step further. He still had yet to kiss you, even. For now, you were grateful.

You were decorating the shop for Christmas, putting up garlands and baubles around with some twinkle lights. It was very festive. And you always had special sales during the holidays to encourage the gift of books, especially for children. Getting kids into reading was a passion of yours, instilled in you from your own childhood.

It was around lunch time, and when the bell chimed, you looked up, smiling. Of course, it was Brian. As usual.

“You know, if you don’t start going to actual lunch at this time, you’re going to get so skinny, you’ll blow away,” you teased.

He chuckled. “I’m not hungry, anyway. I’d much rather see you.”

“How nice,” you returned. 

“Need any help?” he offered.

“Yes, please,” you said. “I could use your height for a few things.”

“Naturally.”

He followed you around the store and you instructed him where you wanted a few things hung. He was so helpful and obliging, and you couldn’t stop saying thank you. With his assistance, the shop was fully decorated in a few short minutes. 

“There,” he said, hanging the last wreath.

He had stretched over you to do so, his body pressing against yours as he reached. He was warm and the closeness had you a bit flushed. When he lowered himself again, your eyes were level with his chest. Slowly, you turned your eyes up to his face. He gazed back down at you.

“Look alright?” he asked.

You stared at him a moment longer. “Yeah, looks great.”

He smiled. “I was talking about the wreath.”

Your cheeks went bright pink. You cut your eyes away and looked quickly at the wreath.

“Yeah, I was too,” you said. “Well done, Brian. And thank you.”

You stepped away from him and hurried over to the counter. He laughed as he followed you. He opened his mouth to say something, but at that moment, Charlie walked in.

“Papa!” you cried, color draining from your face.

If he found out about Brian and all the time you were spending together it could cost you.

“Y/N!” he returned excitedly. He leaned over the counter to kiss your cheek. “How are you, darling girl?”

“Alright,” you told him. “What brings you in?”

“I’m afraid it’s not good news,” he said.

Your brow furrowed. “What is it?”

“Well, I’m being called away on business to Amsterdam this weekend,” he explained. “I won’t be here for the anniversary.”

Every year, on the anniversary of your parents’ death, Charlie and Susan hosted a small luncheon in their memory. You felt Brian’s curious eyes on you and fought to ignore them.

“Oh,” you said softly, trying to hide your disappointment. It was a difficult day for you and you relied so much on them for comfort.

“I’m terribly sorry, dear,” he said. “I tried to reschedule, but it was the only time. Richard is coming with me.”

That stung. Tears began to well up in your eyes. 

“Oh.”

“Mama is already over there.”

Another hit straight to the heart. Susan was so good to you and you thought even if it were just you and her, it would be alright. No one would be there for you, it appeared.

“I wanted to invite you to come along,” he said.

You looked up at him. “What?”

“I know it’ll be different from our tradition, but perhaps it’s best,” he said. “You ought to be around your family.”

You shook your head and swallowed the lump in your throat. 

“No, thank you, Papa,” you said. “But I want to visit their graves, and I can’t do that from Amsterdam.”

“I don’t want you to be alone,” he said gently.

You started to reply, but Brian interjected.

“She won’t be,” he said.

Charlie at last took notice that Brian was standing there.

“Oh!” he gasped. “So sorry, Brian, didn’t mean to ignore you, it’s just a heavy topic. You understand.”

“Of course, Mr. Kimball -”

“Charlie, please.”

“Charlie,” Brian said. “No harm done. But I can spend the day with Y/N.”

“Brian, you don’t have to -” you began, but he cut across you.

“It’s no trouble,” he assured you.

“I didn’t even realize you two knew each other,” Charlie said.

Your stomach twisted with nerves.

“We met that day she made the delivery,” Brian explained.

“Ah, yes of course!” Charlie remembered. “Well, aren’t you a good lad?”

“Really, I don’t mind,” Brian replied.

“Very good,” Charlie said. “That’s settled.” He came around the counter and pulled you into his arms. “I love you very much, my dear.”

You rested your head on his chest. “I love you too, Papa. I’ll miss you terribly.”

“I’ll miss you more,” he returned. “I’ll bring you back something, I promise.”

“You don’t need to do that,” you insisted.

“Of course I do,” he argued. “Missing your parents’ memorial is not something a good guardian does. I’ll bring you back something pretty. And something for the shop too. And something for Mr. May over here as well.”

“Oh, please, no -” Brian began to protest.

“I won’t hear any arguments,” Charlie cut across him. He pulled away from you. “Now, I’ve got to get back to the office. But I will see you before I leave, Y/N.”

“Alright, then,” you replied. “Have a good day, Papa.”

He blew you a kiss before exiting the shop.

“Well, he’s a regular Father Christmas, isn’t he?” Brian joked. 

“Honestly,” you agreed, smiling. “When he gets grandchildren, they’re completely done for.”

“So he does have children of his own?” he asked.

You nodded. “Yes. Richard - his business partner - is his son. Charlie’s preparing to retire, and Richard will take over, so he’s working a lot more lately.”

“Ah, I see,” Brian said. “So, your parents’ memorial…”

“Please don’t fret,” you said. “Honestly, we have lunch and then we go and place flowers on their graves. It’s not a big deal.”

“It’s enough of a big deal that he needed to make sure you weren’t going to be alone,” Brian said. “We’ll do whatever it is you normally do. Just with me instead of the Kimballs.”

You smiled shakily. Then you reached out for his hand, which he took.

“Thank you, Brian,” you said. “Thank you so much.”

The day arrived. Brian picked you up from your flat. The shop was closed for the day, so you left Cat at home. You went to lunch, which was fun, and then to the florist to pick out some flowers for your parents. Brian was surprisingly helpful and you picked out a beautiful bouquet before heading to the cemetery. You walked the familiar path up to their graves, which were side by side. Even though so much time had passed, it didn’t get any easier for you.

You walked up to the headstones, and gently placed the flowers down. As you backed away to look, Brian wrapped his arm around your shoulders. His warmth was welcome in the chilly air, so you leaned into him.

“How did they go?” he wondered.

“Mum got cancer,” you told him. “She fought it for years, but eventually, it became too much. I was eleven.”

“I’m sorry,” he said. “And your dad?”

“Killed himself on the one year anniversary,” you said. “I’m still pretty pissed at him for it.”

“Jesus,” he sighed. “That’s terrible.”

“Yeah, it was a difficult thing to wrap my head around,” you said bitterly. “That his own daughter wasn’t worth sticking around for.”

“I’m so sorry.”

You softened and looked at him. “Thank you, Brian. For being here. You can imagine it’s a difficult day for me, and I really needed a friend.”

“Anytime,” he assured you, giving you a gentle squeeze.

You stood in front of the grave just a few moments longer.

“The bookshop was Mum’s dream,” you said, unsure why you felt the need to share this at this particular moment. “She loved to read and she always read me stories. The way I do to the kids on Wednesdays.”

“Voices and everything?” he asked.

“Yeah,” you answered with a small smile. “Voices and everything. I feel so close to her when I do those readings. Like I’m carrying on her legacy even though the shop is Charlie’s.”

A tear slid down your cheek. Brian wiped it away with his thumb. You sniffled and nuzzled closer, into his chest.

“It’s brutally unfair, isn’t it?” you whimpered. “As lucky as I was to have Charlie and Susan…”

“It’s not the same,” he finished.

His hand came to rest on the back of your head. A feeling of deep security came from this simple gesture. You had always felt a bit abandoned by your parents. Now, when you needed your surrogate family the most, they were gone too. Brian was here though, and it suddenly seemed like he was missing from the years before. As if he should have been there all along. Now, as he held you, you felt that he was perhaps the only person you wanted to spend this day with going forward.

“D’you wanna come back to mine and get a little drunk?” you asked.

He stiffened. “What?”

You looked up at him. “It is tradition after all.”

“With the Kimballs?”

“God, no,” you scoffed. “This part I usually do alone. But I think today, I’d be happier to have company.”

“Whatever you need, dove,” he assured you, stroking your hair.

You smiled widely at the endearment and promise. He was so wonderful. Taking his hand again, you went back to the entrance of the cemetery. As you walked, you wondered what your parents would have thought of Brian. You figured they would have liked him very much, but your father would not have approved of a relationship with a musician. He was wary of the arts as a career, and preferred someone with more security. It was why he and Charlie were so close, after all.

When you reached your flat, you invited Brian inside. He had never actually been in your home. Whenever you spent time together, it was at the bookshop, the studio, or a restaurant. This felt intimate and - for some reason - a bit forbidden.

“Nice place,” he said, looking around.

You giggled as you watched him admire it. It was large for just one person, but Charlie had insisted on this place for you. He only wanted the best, even if you didn’t need it. 

“Thanks,” you said. “It’s a bit much, in my opinion, but Charlie loved it.”

“Yeah, he really takes care of you,” he said.

You nodded and then Cat stalked into the room, climbing over the couch and following you and Brian to the kitchen. There, Cat jumped onto the counter, watching you carefully.

“Well, Cat has certainly grown,” Brian said, petting him on the head.

“He has now that he’s got a proper diet and a home,” you agreed. “The vet said he’ll probably still grow a bit, but they can’t be sure how old he is since he was a stray.”

You looked in the fridge. You had a bottle of champagne, which you always drank on this day, and you pulled it out. You started to open it.

“Don’t you need some glasses?” Brian asked.

“What? No, I can see just fine.”

He laughed. “No, dove. Champagne glasses.”

“Oh! No, I just drink it straight out of the bottle.”

“You drink an entire bottle by yourself?” he wondered, incredulously.

You shook your head. “No, normally I can’t finish it. I get drunk very easily, especially when I have champagne.”

“Makes sense.”

The cork came out with a soft pop and a misting of the beverage. You brought the bottle to your lips and took a swig before handing it to Brian, who did the same.

“Oh, that’s crisp,” he said.

“Nothing but the best for Mum and Dad,” you replied with a shrug.

It was a bottle of Dom Pérignon. He looked at the bottle and smirked.

“You know who makes this?” he asked.

“Moët and Chandon,” you replied. 

“And yet you don’t keep it in a pretty cabinet.”

You rolled your eyes and laughed. “Oh, good lord.”

“Hey, I’m still quite proud of that song,” he said, handing you the bottle.

“You should be,” you returned. “It’s a good one.”

“Are you familiar with our music?” he wondered.

“Some,” you said with a shrug. “I’ve heard your hits on the radio, but I don’t even own a Queen record.”

“That’s a shame,” he said. 

He walked over to your shelf, where your record player sat. You had a few vinyls out from where you were recently listening to something, but the rest were stored below it in a cabinet. He looked over the ones you had out.

“Doris Day,” he observed. “Adore her.”

You raised an eyebrow at him as you joined him.

“Really? Rock n’ roll hot shot likes Doris Day?” you returned.

“Hot shot is definitely an exaggeration,” he said with a small smile. “But yes. I love her music. Her movies are alright too, but her voice has always had a special quality.”

“Put her on if you like,” you suggested. “I’ve got a few of hers. I also probably have about a hundred Nat King Cole.”

“Nothing more modern?” he teased.

“I inherited these from my parents, so no,” you replied. “Besides, I like the nostalgic feeling of their music.”

He shook his head, chuckling as he placed a Doris Day record on the turntable. He started it and you closed your eyes to the sound. You plopped down on the couch and felt Brian take a seat beside you.

You passed the champagne back and forth, listening to old music warble out of the speaker of the turntable. With each sip of the bubbly liquid, your brain became hazier. Brian watched as your defenses began to deteriorate and you moved your body with less stiffness. Your smile came easier. And you touched him a lot more. He took the final sip of the bottle and placed it on your coffee table, and by now, you were drunk.

“It’s Magic” came on and you began to sloppily sing along. Brian smiled at the softness of your voice and how you giggled when you missed a word. You sat up and looked at him.

“You’re so nice, Bri,” you said. “I’m so glad we - hic - met.”

He chuckled.

“You’re handsome too,” you continued. “It’s a - hic - wonder no one’s snatched you up yet.”

He blushed deeply. “I’ve never really thought about it that way.”

“You should - hic - start,” you slurred. “Bloody smokeshow over here.”

You scooted closer, taking his face between your hands and staring at him. 

“I mean, look at you!” you cried. 

He laughed, taking your hands and peeling them from his cheeks. 

“Alright, dove, I believe you,” he said.

“Good,” you returned. 

You held each other’s gaze. Then, you leaned toward him.

“Brian,” you whispered, eyes flicking down to his lips. “Kiss me.”

He grabbed you by the shoulders and held you back. He wanted nothing more than to kiss you right now. But he couldn’t bring himself to close the distance. It felt wrong. He wanted you to kiss him because you wanted to kiss him, not because you were drunk and vulnerable. It was tempting. Your lips were soft and pink. Your cheeks were flushed from the alcohol. You just looked incredibly kissable. And yet…

“I can’t, dove,” he told you. “You’re drunk. It’s not right.”

“I don’t mind,” you pressed. “In fact, I’d - hic - probably let you do more.”

His stomach lurched at that. As badly as he wanted to make love to you - to kiss you, and hold you through the night - this was not the way. He closed his eyes to gather his strength because seeing your body did not help his resolve.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “Not like this.”

He felt your hands on his chest, gripping fistfuls of his shirt. He opened his eyes when he heard you sniffle.

“Brian,” you whined, looking desperately at him through watery eyes. “I need...I need to feel - hic - something…”

“You need some sleep,” he said gently. “Come on, dove. Let’s get you to bed.”

Slim as he was, he lifted you off the couch with surprising strength. He watched as your eyes fell shut and you snuggled against him as he carried you into your bedroom. He noticed it was very neat, with only one or two items on the floor. Then he placed you in the bed, which was unmade. You quickly burrowed into you pillows. He threw the comforter over you and tucked it around your shoulders.

“Brian…” you sighed.

He watched your face, waiting for you to say something more, but you didn’t. Your breathing evened out, with a little hiccup here and there, which told him you were asleep. He kissed your forehead and snuck out of the room. He closed the door softly. From there, he went to your kitchen, where he quietly located your aspirin. He left it on the counter for you, along with a glass of water.

He was just about to leave when he heard a soft meow and a scratch on the door down the hall. He peered around and saw Cat sitting outside your bedroom door, trying to get inside. He smiled, walked over and cracked the door open. Cat meowed gratefully and then trotted in to leap onto your bed and curl up against your back. He winked at Brian as if to say, “You’re good to go. I’ve got it from here.”

Quietly, and with only a tiny twinge of regret, Brian left your apartment. When he got to the street, he turned to look at it again. He blew a kiss to your bedroom window. That was enough, for now.

[starjeno]

bloom | n.jm | 2

genre: angst | hanahaki!au pairing: student!jaemin x female!reader warnings: vomiting/choking, blood, mentions of surgery summary: jaemin suffers from a special kind of unrequited love — one that makes him choke out flowers. a/n: thank you for all the notes on bloom pt.1! i feel the love ♥ also, please drop into my asks/inbox because i’d love to make some friends on here :) flashbacks are in italics

jaemin doesn't know if he can last much longer here.

every meeting he has with you, he chokes out petals until it looks like someone spent the whole day figuring out if they were loved. he feels a constant dull irritation in his chest, and that paired with the pain of you makes him get annoyed easily nowadays.

you don't suspect a thing, though. jaemin said he had asthma when you asked about his shallow breathing, and he claims that he's suffering from a special non-contagious stomach virus, which explains the retching you hear from your bathroom when he comes over. you believe him because jeno seems to be fine around jaemin. there was no reason for you not to.

jaemin is graduating in a week. he's glad to be out of college, to finally be out in the real world, to explore new opportunities. your void feelings are what chains him back. sometimes, jaemin wishes he could be assertive and confess. he wishes he could seduce you, or just tell you everything so you would feel guilty and love him. jaemin knows it won’t happen. he’s too nice to do that. he loves you too much to pressure you, to make you feel something you don’t feel.

the white room would've looked menacing if it weren't for all the faux flowers planted around to lighten the air. jaemin has to force himself to not laugh: it's like the office was making fun of him.

his parents stand worried in the corner. jeno was muted on the phone. the doctor glances at his notepad again before staring at jaemin's lean frame, "surgery."

his mother gasps, but jaemin is suddenly curious, "what surgery?"

"we surgically get rid of the roots in your lungs and get the plant out of your throat," the doctor answers curtly, but before jaemin could respond, his parents cut him off and agree with the proposition eagerly.

"that sounds perfect! we'll do it right away!"

"what time sounds good for you, doctor?"

jaemin looks at the base of his knee as the adults hash out a schedule. the doctor pauses and clears his throat, "there are some risks, though."

everyone quiets as he continues, "hanahaki is a rare condition. there's not specialized knowledge about it. surgery might be a bit rough."

jaemin nods. he doesn't mind as long as he gets out okay.

"you'll also lose your feelings for whoever you love."

this makes jaemin pause. two years had passed since he first threw up petals. when mark had never asked you out, jaemin unexpectedly became your comfort and your newest friend. you were glad that you were finally getting along with a childhood acquaintance, and he believed that he would stop coughing up blossoms if he got close enough with you.

now he treasures you more than he thought he would. while vomiting is officially part of his daily routine, so is seeing you, and he feels like there would definitely be a hole if he suddenly lost his intense feelings for you.

"forever?" jaemin whispers and the doctor nods, "you will never love that person again. in some cases, it's been reported that you can never love again at all."

jaemin looks away. he likes loving you. he likes when his heart swells because of you. watching you try out new trends and play his video games and talk animatedly about the newest feud between two celebrities . . . his face flushes just thinking about you. he enjoys it all.

he's in love with being in love.

"can we hold off on surgery? how long can i last?" he asks. his parents seem shocked, hurt even, that he would want such a thing, but they stay silent. they're curious for the answer.

the doctor tilts his head in thought, "i'd say about 6 more years.

jaemin smiles bitterly, knowing he has two years left to go. he takes a long sip from his drink, lazily winking as he slams it on the counter, "i am a m-martyr!"

you tilt your head as you observe him, softly laughing at his drunken comments, "why's that?"

"i am dying for the greatest cause: love!" he shouts with pride. you slide under his arm, "let's go home, pretty boy."

"you are home," he murmurs against your head as you drag him across the parking lot. you somehow manage you slide him in the passenger seat without bumping his head on the top, and you quickly lock his side so he won't escape. while you buckle him in, he gazes at your features, eyes glazed over.

"what is it, jaem?"

"it's been 7 years since i met you," he grins, his eyes drooping. you pat his head and get settled, "crazy, huh? it'll be 70 more."

jaemin doesn't respond, his thoughts are so mixed with alcohol, love, and despair that no coherent thoughts make their way to his mouth. you take this as a sign that he's sleepy and hurry to his neighborhood so you could drop him off safely.

when you arrive, jeno is already outside, pacing worriedly back and forth. he helps you haul jaemin's body up the stairs to their shared apartment, "he doesn't normally drink this much, sorry. i would’ve come instead but i was busy tonight."

"it's fine! i'm just curious as to why he wanted to go to a bar in the first place. maybe finally leaving college has gotten him in the dumps?"

jeno smiles. he knows it's nothing close to what you suggest and he almost feels guilty for you not knowing a thing. he heaves jaemin off your shoulders and lays him in a bathtub, "i'll take it from here. have a nice night."

"you too!" you grin, prancing from the apartment. jeno runs the water through the showerhead, sobering jaemin immediately. a rush of actual vomit and blood spill from his lips and jeno struggles to stay calm as his friend shouts in pain.

the petals start flowing now in multitudes. it takes a moment for jeno to stop staring at the crescent-shaped curves that endlessly sputter from his friend's mouth. there's so many. jaemin coughs a bit more, his eyes and lips a stunning red, and suddenly gags up a flower.

jeno is mortified. it's a whole apple blossom, petals attached at the center. he lets it float with the rest of the mixed fluids around jaemin's body. his fingers work quickly to remove the clothes and clean the pale skin from stains, distracting his mind from the pearly flower bobbing up and down.

"oh, jaem," he sighs, placing his sticky, wet hands against his forehead. the water continues raining onto jaemin's body, which heaves with each breath. jeno doesn't like any of the options his best friend has. he knows he shouldn't blame it on you ━ you don’t intentionally hurt jaemin ━ but he fervently prays that you return his feelings soon.

he doesn't think he asks for much. so far, none of the gods have agreed. jaemin shivers whenever jeno touches him, cold and uncomfortable. he grips the handle, shutting off the water, and stares at jeno, "what should i do? tell me what i should do."

the brown water draining is the only sound in their small apartment, other than jaemin's groans. jeno feels like crying, "you have to get the surgery, jaemin. there's no other way."

"but i love her!" jaemin shouts, immediately clasping his hand to his mouth. he had forgotten that you were in the library as well, two aisles away from him. jeno glares at jaemin with shock, "you don't even know her."

"i'm getting to that, i am!" jaemin whispers roughly. jeno's scowl grows deeper, "jaem, you've wanted to go to that university for so long! how can you just abandon your dream?"

"i want to live, jeno! i want to live and love and if i can take any chance to get her to notice me more, i will! i'm sorry," jaemin explains. he knows he's breaking a precious pact, but this is his future. he needs your feelings returned, whether it's this senior year or senior year of college.

jeno sighs, "if you go there, i'm coming too."

"no!"

"yes!" jeno asserts, waving a hand to make jaemin quiet down, "i'm not leaving you alone. we're best friends! it’s not like you chose a shitty college."

jaemin reaches out to the boy on the other side of the tub, who wraps his arms around his bare torso. he can't stop the hoarse whimpers that come from his throat, significantly deeper because of the plant in him. he sinks his head lower until it hits jeno's shoulder and cries.

he cries for a long time because he knows he's running out of time.

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[pippastrelle]

“A Not-So-Simple Story in Deapriffe”

Chapter One | Chapter Two | CHAPTER THREE

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Chapter Three: A Not-So-Easy Evening

[4k Words]

Kalyani wished she could have been more horrified to find Ahmed with a black eye. She was horrified. Still, at the same time, she couldn’t argue she was shocked. She wished she couldn’t have expected that from Ari and Barry. She wished she couldn’t have expected that from the company. She wished she couldn’t have expected that from the whole of Deapriffe.

She also wished she couldn’t have expected to have to convince Ahmed to get an ice pack before he returned the assembly line. As much as they needed him, Ahmed coming back from Clarke’s office with a black eye would have done nothing but stoke fires. Kalyani herself had to prepare her best ‘deferential secretary’ voice for when she returned to her office. The fierce emails and calls had already arrived for Clarke. She had to hold herself up through a whole afternoon of “Yes, Sir”s and “Mr. Clarke said”s while the four-hundred she and Ahmed needed hammered deeper and deeper inside the back of her skull.

Kalyani met Ahmed on the factory bus to head back home. It was packed with their – rightfully – furious colleagues. They protested the payments amongst themselves and to everyone else listening. She knew they deserved to. She knew everyone was just as stressed. But the noise reached into her nerves and injected her whole body with anxiety until it felt like she had a dozen vipers crawling up her back, constricting around her throat and piercing every inch of her skin. She had to keep her earphones in for the whole trip. Ahmed sat next to her. He shot her an understanding furrow of his eyebrows and lift of his lips whenever she caught his eyes while he mediated what light conversation he could with the others.

All through the bus journey, all through the stroll past Lord Way, all through the lift up to their third-floor flat, the four-thousand followed in their shadows. It festered and buzzed in their ears, until they shut the flat door and it was all the silence had.

They slipped off their shoes as usual and Kalayni hovered, only a few steps into the main room. They’d squashed the living room and kitchen into one. A low sofa and television took up one corner while a half-square of countertops ending in an oven and a fridge took up the other. They usually ate on the sofa but they had two plastic wheelie chairs propped against the kitchen counter too, which Ahmed would use to wheel around on whenever he wasn’t relying on his foot. She stared at her bedroom door. “I’ll…I’ll grab my laptop. We’ll look at the budget. See what we’ll need to do to get four-hundred.”

“Cool…I’ll go grab another ice pack before this starts getting worse again,” said Ahmed, indicating the sore cloud over his eye.

While he headed for the fridge, Kalyani forced her feet forwards. Her stomach churned, the floor a tipping ship, and the sensation didn’t let her go even after she had her laptop and was sat on the sofa. She gripped the laptop’s edge. She took deep breath after deep breath until, finally, she could turn on the screen.

“Okay. So. Since our savings aren’t enough right now to get two-hundred for either of us, the first thing we can do is take the money from our food budget. We can cut down how much we buy in a week and buy cheaper versions for the next month or two. Cut down on going out with people too. Even if it won’t get us much, it’ll get us something. We can do the same for any toiletries or clothes or things we’ll need. We’ll be fine,” she said, quite aware of her creased forehead and the hands covering her mouth failing to convince even herself.

“We’ve got four days to make up the rest of the money,” Ahmed added. “I can easily do more shifts tomorrow and Friday. That’ll get us some more.” He rose from the fridge with a bag of frozen chips pressed to his face. He’d had to put his sock between his cheek and the chips to protect his skin from the cold.

Kalyani’s eyes were boring into the digital budget. As her heartrate continued to spike, her hands shook over her keyboard and she swallowed. “I’ll– I’ll ask around the neighbours. Hopefully, they’ll have some sewing they can pay me for before Monday. I’ll work on my breaks and in the evening so I can get us a bit more before we have to also have to think about paying the rent next week which will take most of what we’ve saved right now and…”

“Kalyani, Kalyani, deep breath.” Ahmed rested a hand on her arm and joined her on the sofa. He took a deep breath with her. Kalyani nodded to herself and pulled her knees up to her chest. Ahmed offered her a bright smile through his makeshift ice pack. “We’ll be okay. We can do this. We’ve just got one tough month to get through then everything will be back to normal. We can do this.”

She nodded along. When he put the ice pack down and opened his arms for a hug, she gladly fell into them. They held each other close for a few silent ticks of her watch, willing to hide from the world in their embrace.

“I love you,” she said, the white ring on her left hand clicking against the black ring on his right.

“I love you too,” Ahmed murmured. He leant his head against Kalyani’s soft hair. He didn’t speak again. She held him closer, realising he needed her warmth as much as she needed his.

“If we can’t earn enough money by Monday, we can sell things too,” he said, his voice lowering as the held cheer slipped away. “We’ve got some decorations but…” He sighed. “It’s probably the console that’ll get us enough. Maybe the screen too.”

Kalyani glimpsed at the television and game console stacked in the corner. Games they’d been collecting longer than they’d lived together piled high in a neat, rainbow-coloured tower by its side. Selling them would certainly get them Clarke’s money. Selling their weekends of laughing and shrieking as they declared victory over the other would certainly get them Clarke’s money.

Her heart weighed her to floor. She closed her eyes with a weak, sad laugh. “It’s funny. The reason I asked you for a job at Clarke’s Motors in the first place was so I wouldn’t have to worry about the Sharks…”

Ahmed furrowed his eyebrows down at her. “You want to move?”

After a few seconds silent, she shook her head. “It’s just as bad everywhere else in Deapriffe. There wouldn’t be any point.” Her lips tightened as her eyes darkened. “It’s not like we can do anything to change it either. Not at this rate. Everyone’s used to it, and no-one’s going to be the one to get shot for a message. The police have probably been in the Sharks’ pocket since we were born. Wouldn’t be surprised if the local government too…”

Kalyani was hardly conscious of what she was saying. The anxiety built to a balloon’s pressure in head and all it could do was pour out of her mouth. Still, as always, Ahmed listened, his shining eyes unmoving from her. Kalyani shifted. “I’m best at Clarke’s. You don’t have to worry about me leaving. I know you’d never anyway.”

“No,” Ahmed agreed. He replaced the frozen chips on his eye and stared up at the ceiling. His lips twitched, but the circumstances restrained his usual smile at his thoughts. “I still remember the first time Dad let me sneak into the assembly shop with him. He was holding my hand the whole time so I wouldn’t run off but he went through how all the cars were made with me, who everyone was, and how it all worked and it was incredible. I thought it was the coolest job in the world. In school, everyone was telling me to ‘aim higher’ but being able to do it now with my own hands, I love it. I love getting those car shells and transforming them into something you see on the roads, knowing how every car’s constructed, seeing all the parts and effort that went into every one of them.”

Kalyani enjoyed the fire rising in Ahmed’s expression. It was so bright yet inviting, like a campfire, as if he couldn’t wait for the other person to get as lit up as he was. When he looked back, he offered it to her.

“I know there are things wrong with the company. I know stuff like welfare and the pay could be better. But I love the work so much. I love who I work with. I don’t want to have to give up on that if I can do anything to help it.”

Kalyani sighed and closed her eyes. “Yeah. Exactly…” She shifted against him and for a few seconds, she didn’t stir. Her chest glowed with Ahmed’s comfort yet her anxiety kept pumping her heart and turning her stomach. So, in the dark of her mind, she rummaged furiously for a solution. She pulled the whole flat into view, pricing everything in every drawer until she could find something enough for Clarke on Monday. Anything other than their precious games. And she found it. The thought dulled every sensation in her body.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be back in a sec,” she said. She hugged him one last time before she left to her bedroom.

Ahmed waited. When she returned, she returned with a neat, varnished, square box. His face fell. “No.”

“I never wear it anyway. It might as well help us.”

She opened the box to reveal the beautiful necklace inside. The glittering, engraved gold was a celebration of craftmanship with its thick chain of interlocking segments and plaits and the heavy adornment in the middle that seemed carved with every flame in the sun. She’d inherited it from her grandmother. She’d never worn it, just like she never wore any jewellery, but she’d kept it for all years Ahmed had known her.

“It’s real gold. If we sell it, it’ll definitely be enough.”

Ahmed rose. He closed his hands around the necklace’s box. “Thank you. Thank you so much…I know just what we’re going to do.” He projected reassurance through every inch of his face for her. “We’re going to pawn it! They do that over at the horse races. We’ll pawn it, get the money for Clarke, then work for the rest of the month to get it back! I can do more shifts, you can do more sewing, and we can even sell some small things to help if we’re struggling by the end. We’ve got thirty days. We can do this!”

“Yeah,” Kalyani said, her voice wavering. “Yeah.”

“So we’ve got our plan! I can go to the racetracks on Sunday morning to pawn the necklace. That way we’ll have these four days and a whole month to save up to get your grandmother’s necklace back. We can do it.”

He hugged her again.

Enveloped in his arms, Kalyani murmured, “You can pawn it on Saturday afternoon instead. In case something goes wrong and we need Sunday to try something else.”

“Alright.” He broke apart so he could see her try a smile. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I love you. Thank you.”

“I love you too.” Ahmed cocked his head towards the kitchen. “Alright. Now, do you want to do the cooking together tonight or do you have some work to finish?”

“Don’t worry. Don’t worry. I can do the cooking too. I’ve got that one jumper to finish but I can do it tonight.”

“Or, how about you sit on the sofa and do that while I cook? That way we can still chat.” He poked her in the chest, pretending to be stern. “Remember? You’re going to sleep at a decent time tonight so you can have breakfast with me in the morning.”

She chuckled. “Fine.” She clutched her grandmother’s necklace box to her heart. She drummed her fingers against the old wood as her chest swirled with equal stress and relief, each cutting the other down whenever they rose. Four-hundred was still so much money to get, but they had her grandmother’s necklace to pawn, but…

Kalyani’s quiet exhale deflated her. She rested against Ahmed one more time and he held her in kind.

“Elise’s family has been really struggling since her husband’s accident,” she said.

He sighed. “Yeah.”

“And Łukasz is only nineteen.”

“Yeah…”

*

On the other side of Deapriffe, Thresher was just as miserable. For the evening, she’d found herself in the Mary Rose: its status as one of the city’s finest dining establishments evident by the mass of chandeliers, silverware, columns, and arched windows. It had the architecture of a cathedral, but one refurbished in the ‘modern’ image of square polished and glass surfaces, and the night’s guests had filled its every corner with a raucous chatter. The restaurant was a luxury most of Deapriffe’s population would never see. Still, Thresher could hardly appreciate it with loud Sharks and trembling waiters all around her.

Outside the wall of windows they had gazing out onto the city, the nearest billboard was dead. The road was in lockdown and the Mary Rose should have been as well. Except, when a procession of the Shark’s white cars pulled up outside your doors, you weren’t allowed to stay shut. A sea of black and white suits filled every gleaming table across the restaurant floor. Laughter and catch-ups washed the air, covering the few meetings beneath it. Discussions that would go on to dictate lives melted into inanity for passing ears.

Thresher sat on a central table alongside her mother and twin. She couldn’t even wear her frustration on her face. Eyes from every corner flicked to the Shark boss and her children before hurriedly moving on. Even the waiters, who looked upon the mass of Sharks with indiscriminate terror, noticed how the attention warped around the three of them. They skirted away accordingly, until a lift of a hand had one darting over to take care of anything any of them wanted.

Sandra Vaughan reclined in her seat with a wine glass in hand. She ran through the other major Sharks for her children, supplying anecdotes for how she’d dealt with each of them. Thresher played the part of an interested listener. She kept her attention on her mum, she smiled, and she recognised enough of the names to add comments of her own, each of which Vaughan worked off with a proud glint in her smile. Every one wore Thresher down further. Her moments of success hit her harder than the failures: the moments where she realised she could dress up as the perfect, cisgender, Shark son her mum wanted forever, and she did not know how to deal with that prospect.

Finley, on the other hand, made no show of anything. He didn’t bother to hide his boredom at the sound of politics. He tilted back in his chair and texted his friends across the restaurant, enjoying the sight of the waitresses. Many of the women had caught Thresher’s eye as well, the restaurant’s black uniform blouse and pencil skirt a gorgeous shape on all of them. However, she stuck her attention to their table and continued draining her glass. The attention of a musclebound Shark never came as welcome to civilian women like them.

“Clarke made a decent point about Letizia Fulgoni,” Vaughan was saying. “She’s been raking in the profits recently. Shake that down and you’ll have yourself a nice bit of extra income.”

Thresher raised an eyebrow. “‘Shake that down’?” She chuckled. “Don’t worry. We won’t even have to bother. Fulgoni’s got no history of trouble. She’s got the new location but without any real safety nets, she’s not going to risk disobeying us. There’s no need to waste the manpower threatening her.”

The lines across Vaughan’s face flattened. “Watch yourself. It’s a pit trap too many Sharks fall into. Going easy on the businesses because things are ‘comfortable’ is the surest-fire way to losing everything to whichever upstart’s nearby. The biggest mess I’ve ever had to deal with was in Wobbegong’s–”

Finley snorted loudly. “God, these names are stupid!”

“He’s a stupid man,” said Vaughan. “Wobbegong earnt his name. The only reason I didn’t kill him was because I wasn’t in the mood to deal with his brother’s inevitable revenge and lose me my best bookkeeper. Wobbegong, the pathetic bastard, had all his businesses ‘banding together and refusing to pay’. Bryson had to take over and double down on the whole road to get things back in line.”

Vaughan caught Finley’s exaggerated slump in his chair to her side.

“I understand. I understand. When I was your age, I didn’t want to have to care about all these names and faces either. People learnt their lessons through fear and all I had to consider were the drinks and the men I wanted that night.”

Finley burst into laughter. “Is that why you left Dad at home tonight?”

“Shush,” Vaughan chided – smirking. “Tonight’s for the family business family. You’re controlling your own territory now. Knowing the names and faces pays off in the long run. You’ve got to know what it takes to piss people off, what they’ll do when you have, and where you hit to hurt them the most. Sometimes, it takes a burnt-down house. Sometimes, it’s a simple punch to the gut.”

“Do we have to worry about Clarke at all?” Thresher asked.

“Please. Clarke would rather cut off his other ear than be an issue for us. He’ll stay in line. Meanwhile, you’ll get some extra cash out of it.”

Finley spun his knife between his fingers. “Shame. He looked hilarious this morning. Let’s increase the pay next month. I’d love it if he didn’t get the money.”

“So, if we don’t ruin our most useful asset,” Thresher continued, with a pointed turn away from Finley, “you’re saying we can rely on Clarke. We’ll use his decades of collaboration to our advantage. Let Fulgoni know any disobedience from her will just profit Clarke and there’ll be no risk of them banding together. This way, we get all the benefits without bothering about the extra Sharks and potentially agitating the Deapriffe police chief living in our territory.”

Vaughan’s lips twisted behind her wine glass. She set it down and flicked her hand for a new round. “James Dunn is firmly in our pocket. I make sure of that. He hasn’t done anything against the Sharks in all of Deapriffe. He’s not going to start because it’s affecting a business down the road. The only thing you’re risking by acting is a few civilians’ bones. That’s nothing in the grand scheme of things.” Her gaze settled on Thresher’s face. Thresher turned to avoid it but Vaughan ordered her back. “You know what I’ve been hearing.”

“I know.”

“Thresher…” Vaughan groaned through her teeth, caught between her care and frustration. “Listen. When you look weak, it makes me look weak.”

“I know.”

“You’ve got to start showing your backbone. You already have everything you need. If something broke out here right now, I’d trust the two of you to come out on top. All you have to do is make it so no-one’s got any doubt of that in the mind. Keep your efforts on that, then everything else they could say becomes irrelevant.”

Thresher caught Vaughan’s significant look. She raised her eyebrow. “Wondering if I’m gay again?”

Finley sniggered. Vaughan didn’t say anything.

Thresher rolled her eyes, not that it could stop the constriction of her heart. “No need to ‘worry’, Mum. Trust me. I am not interested in men.”

A stiff waitress arrived with their drinks. Vaughan took hers with an understanding gesture towards Thresher. “Take some direction from Finley. This job is all about experience. Keep getting fights under your belt and it’ll become second nature.”

“Yeah. Sure. That must be– Oh, I didn’t order a rosé.” Thresher passed her glass back to the waitress. “This must be for another table. I’ll have whatever white you’ve got.”

“Oh.” The waitress – a beautiful woman with red snuck into her uniforms in her locs and her heels – stopped. Gingerly, she collected the glass and Thresher’s face fell at the look of cold disgust piercing through her made-up eyes. Then, she cursed herself for not having expected it. The waitress attempted a civil, service worker nod before leaving to get Thresher’s drink. Vaughan’s hand snapped around her wrist. The waitress yelped.

“What do you call this service?” Vaughan demanded.

Thresher’s heart punched against her ribs. She rushed to take the rosé back. “Mum, I don’t care about this.”

Vaughan refused to loosen her hold on the waitress’s wrist. “Tell me your name.”

“…Sofia.”

“Full name.”

Sofia tested Vaughan’s grip before realising she was trapped. “Sofia Gálvez Moreno, Ma’am. I’m so sorry for the inconvenience. I’ll get him his white right now.”

Vaughan hauled Sofia’s arm forwards and Sofia crashed against the table in front of Thresher. “We’re in no rush here,” Vaughan said, as if delivering Thresher a present. “You’ve got the time to teach Sofia some respect before she goes get you the right drink.”

Sofia’s eyes snapped up, wide. “No! Please, Sir, it was an honest mistake!”

Thresher put on a scowl for her mum and brother. She leant back in her seat, as if she couldn’t care less, and growled. “Get me my order.” She raised the rosé. “I’m keeping this. Come back with my white, on the house, then stay out of my sight for the rest of the evening.”

Sofia nodded like a child’s toy pulled too many times. “Yes, Sir! Right away, Sir!”

Once again, when she attempted to leave, Vaughan refused her. Finley leant over the table towards Thresher. “Here’s some of that ‘direction’ for you. You’re not teaching nursery.” He slapped her bicep. “All that time at the gym isn’t for show. People remember a broken arm way more than any of your wittle mean words.”

“No! Please!” Sofia cried. She met Thresher’s eyes, pleadingly. “Please, you have to understand. I’m just tired! I’ve been on my feet since seven this morning and I haven’t been sleeping well for weeks now. I’ve been busy looking after my sister’s baby! My sister’s got a heart disease and she’s in hospital while her son is very young. He’s only a few months old. My sister doesn’t have any other family in Deapriffe so I’m the only one who can watch him nights and look after her and–”

The words stabbed dagger after dagger into Thresher’s heart, horror painting her face uncontainably. Meanwhile, Vaughan and Finley sank deeper into their exasperation and incredulity as they heard the next rambled sob story on a list the length of a motorway. Vaughan put her face in her hand and groaned. “Enough!” She tightened her fist. Sofia cried out in pain.

“Mum–!” Thresher started.

Vaughan uncovered her tired expression. “Just shut her up!”

“Please! Don’t hurt me!” Sofia begged.

As Thresher looked around helplessly, Finley banged his hand down on the table. “For God’s sake, Thresher. Look! It’s easy!”

Thresher’s eyes shot wide. “Finley!”

“No!” Sofia recoiled.

Finley rose.

“DON’T TOUCH HER!” Thresher roared. She wrenched Sofia out of her mum’s hand. Sofia stumbled onto her heels past Thresher and the talk in the restaurant blew out like a bulb. Thresher faced Sofia, thrusting her hand at the exit. “Get out of here! No-one is going to follow you or they’ll have me to deal with.”

Sofia needed no convincing. With a final glance to Vaughan and Finley, she fled as fast as she was able to in her heels. Thresher watched her until the fire exit door had clattered shut. Her blood pounded like gongs in her ears. Her breathing rusher in and out of her chest. Neither succeeded in disguising how quiet the Mary Rose had become.

As instantly as they had stopped, the surrounding Sharks made a point of continuing their conversations and keeping their eyes on their own tables. Vaughan and Finley, however, had nothing to distract from their rage. Finley held his fists so tight his knuckles were white. His teeth seemed ready to crack against each other. The severe lines on Vaughan’s face cut through her skin as if freshly torn.

Finley tore his eyes off Thresher, facing his mum. “I don’t need him. I can do this by myself–”

“No! We do this as a family,” Vaughan snarled. Thoughts burnt behind her eyes. She pulled her voice down into something low and even. “Finley, when I tell you, take your brother out into town. I want him back with a kill. We’re going to get through his block.” She slammed her fist against the table and levelled her finger at Thresher. “And you are going to man up!”

Thresher’s eyes fell. She didn’t move.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One | Chapter Two

I’m only posting three chapters for now. I might post more depending on what feedback I get!

Also, guessed the film I based this off? DM me with the correct film and I’ll draw whatever character you want for free!