#but today when i was jokingly proposing again (for a bit that was needed for the moment) my mom asked me why we arent actuallh dating

[xoxoxoogoinimsane]

ok then????? date me

[0alanasworld0]

Mornings (Yassine Bounou x reader)

Description: title speaks for itself tbh

Warnings: implications of previous sexual encounter

You wake up to beams of sunlight peeking through the gap in your curtains, streams of gold scattering across the room. You panic about getting ready for work until you realise that it's Sunday and you sink back into the warm bed. Your slight shift triggers the strong arm around your waist to tighten and the other to pull your leg closer as yassine nuzzles further into your neck, groaning at the movement. You place your hand on his forearm, giving it a light squeeze before attempting to turn around, wanting to see your beautiful husband.

He registers this as an escape plan and tightens his grip even more.

“Not going anywhere today, princess. We’re staying right here.” he mumbles, giving your neck a sweet kiss.

“I’ll have you know, I was actually trying to turn around.” you snicker at his clinginess and he blushes lightly. You’ve been together for years and he’s still just as affectionate as he was all that time ago. It instantly brings a smile to your face whenever you think about it, about him, about the night before. He was such a passionate and giving lover; every time you'd think he couldn't get any better, he would one-up himself. He always made it his mission to tend to your every need before anything and yet he felt his heart start beating quickly when you gave him the same love.

He relents, releasing you very slightly to let you face him. You feel so blessed to call him yours, he’s truly a work of art. Everything about him brought you such a level of joy that you felt you would one day burst in the happiness only his mere presence brought. You don't know how you got so lucky but what you don't realise is that he's thinking the same. Neither of you know how you went without each other for so long, being the perfect match. You’re from 2 completely different worlds yet still find yourselves on the same wavelength regardless.

His eyes are very slightly open but the sunlight illuminates the honeyed pools and he looks absolutely divine. He has a dopey smile on his face, revelling in the fact that neither of you have anything to do for the day. He rolls you onto your back and lays face down on your bare chest, arms wrapping around your waist again. the weight of his giant frame and feeling of his soft skin flush against yours was one you could never get over. Your one hand lands on his muscular back to draw random shapes and smooth over the corded muscles, memorising the little dips and scars that decorate his chiselled body. The coolness of your hand offers a soothing chill to the scratches you left the night before. You smile at the idea of his teammates teasing him about it. The other rests in his hair, lightly massaging his scalp. He hums in pleasure, nuzzling further into your chest. You’re both a bit sore from the night before and you’re almost certain that you’re not going to be able to walk properly for a good few days.

“How are your legs?” you playfully scoff at that.

“I think you know the answer to that, my love.” you feel him smile against your skin and lightly smack his back.

“I know, it's just better hearing it from you, you know?” you hum jokingly in disapproval. Some things never change. You both laugh at his silliness and quieten down into a comfortable silence shortly after.

“What do you want the wedding colours to be?” He asks all of a sudden. He's always very direct so you're now used to coming up with witty responses.

“Do you really want to know what I think?” He lifts his head to look at you, nodding. He looks so adorable with his eyes wide and lips in a slight pout.

“I think you’re going about the whole process in the wrong order, the proposal goes before the wedding, my love.” He buries his head in your chest again and you feel his face heat up slightly as you giggle. You don’t realise that he’s got that part planned and has done for a few months now. He spent many months paying attention to what you scrolled past on your phone when you cuddled, taking note of the things you saved, learning about gem cuts and shapes so he could relay them to the jewellers. He already knew your ring size as he's bought many for you but none hold the weight that he hopes this one will. The ring rests in the drawer of his bedside table. You don’t like crowds or big spectacles, he knows that much. He’ll do it at home and soon, he’s just waiting for the perfect moment. He’s always carrying the little box in the pocket of his sweatpants, just in case his intuition kicks in. He lifts his head again, opting to rest it on his hand, his elbow is resting next to you on the pillow.

“C’mon, hypothetically speaking…” he trails off, waiting for an answer.

“I don't know, I want to keep it traditional y’know? If the dress is gonna be red, green and gold, I guess everything else is gonna have to follow that?” You hope he agrees, the idea of spending the rest of your lives together is an exciting one and the images that flash through your mind of the special day have you willing it to come soon.

He hums in agreement. His heart warms at the fact that you’re both on the same page. He can already imagine it all so vividly, you're not gonna have to lift a finger.

“Would we go back to Morocco?” 

“I guess so, I want the whole family there.”

“Mom’s gonna be really happy about that.”

“You’ve discussed it with her already? You must really love me” you wiggle your eyebrows teasingly and he rolls his eyes playfully. 

“As if we don’t make that obvious to everyone, every second of every day.” he narrows his eyes and pokes your side gently.

“We’d make a hot married couple.” 

“So nothing’s gonna change then?”

“I doubt it, we’re the perfect match through and through. Anyone can see it.” You smile at his confidence. The pair of you keep PDA to a minimum but just with the way you look at eachother alone, it's so obvious that you’re made for eachother. It becomes even clearer when he whispers something in your ear and you hold a hand over your mouth, trying to stifle the giggle that bubbles past your lips. 

He falls back into your chest again, arms wrapping around you with a vice grip once more. 

“I love you, my angel.” 

“I love you more.”

“Not possible.” He says matter-of-factly. 

“It absolutely IS possible!” 

“You forgot about our first date anniversary AND our first conversation anniversary, not possible.”

“Who even remembers these things?”

“Obviously, I do. And that obviously means I love you more so checkmate.” you huff in pretend annoyance.

“Whatever”

“You know you love me”

“Hmm”

He cuddles even closer, if that was even possible. You both release a blissful sigh. His warmth was something you could never get tired of. His mere presence brought you a great deal of comfort. How did you get so lucky?

“Can we just stay like this forever?”

“Nothing’s stopping us today.” You both return to the comfortable silence. He moves to your side and you turn to look at him. Hands tracing over each other's features.

You dont get many days like this so you just treasure the beautiful moments as they come. Revelling in each other's warmth and love.

Yh i had to get this out of my system. one of my favourite tropes and since no one else is doing it, i'll gladly take matters into my own hands lol. i hope u enjoy, my lovelies xx

[chloe-caulfield94]

Max's and Brooke's drone date

Max: Now that you've entrusted me with your drone's remote, do you mind me asking you for a little bit of personal advice?

Brooke: Not at all, Max. Go ahead!

Max: How do you attract someone? What I mean is ... Suppose you set your heart on somebody. What would you do to get them?

Brooke: Grab them! And take them!

Max: You grab them and take them?

Brooke: Take them! Like that.

Max: So ... You mean to say that I should wait until after they tell me that they wouldn't refuse if I offered to bang them, that I make them feel like they have a reason to stay in a place they've been dreaming of escaping from for years and that nobody is good enough for me except for them. And after they ask me to kiss them, proclaim to everyone they are going to be my date for today's party and quarter-jokingly propose to me, right? Only then I should grab them and take them?

Brooke: Perhaps I haven't been clear enough. Max, waiting for good things to come your way is the opposite of grabbing and taking. Now, let me give you an example. Imagine Chloe is ...

Max: [blushes red as a hibiscus flower]

Brooke: I mean, imagine a completely hypothetical person of unspecified name and gender who hasn't had a particularly easy life so far finds themself in a difficult spot. Even though they want nothing more than to be with you, they start to push you away, because that's the only thing they know when it comes to relationships - being left behind. If that happens, you should tell them they are your number one priority now, the only thing that matters to you. You grab onto them and not let go of them, no matter what. And then you take them someplace where the past has no hold over you both.

Max: That was ... helpful. I'll keep all of that in mind. Not that I doubted it before, but you really are smart, Brooke.

Brooke: Max, I'm a straight-As student. I'm not bragging, that's just stating the fact. If you are able to comprehend chemistry and physics, you can understand human beings very easily. When you think about it, every single thing happening in your mind, every thought and emotion, including love, is a result of chemical reactions and physical processes taking place in your nervous system.

Max: I'm ... not sure if what you just said is reassuring or depressing. Anyways, how do you know so much about Chloe ... Sorry, the hypothetical person I asked about?

Brooke: It may be difficult to believe now, but freshman and sophomore years Chloe was top of the class in chemistry. We would compare notes ... and sometimes smoke joints. Studying and school in general can be so stressful. That's how I used to unwind. And Chloe had much more to unwind from, with her father's death, and all that stuff going on at home ... You know, at one point I owed that creep Frank Bowers a hundred dollars for weed. He put me down in his notebook. He was pretty aggressive in collecting. I lied to my parents that I needed extra money for school supplies and I managed to quickly pay him off before he could balloon that sum into the thousands with outrageous "interest", like criminals always do. I know Chloe owed him too. But I couldn't help her. What I got from my parents was barely enough to cover my debt. And then we drifted apart. I hope he's not still bothering her.

Max: He is. It's really bad. But she has a partner now. I won't let anyone hurt her ever again.

Brooke: See, Max? You're a natural at this "grabbing and taking" thing.

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

This started out as my attempt at "incorrect quotes", with the joke being that Brooke is equally as determined in pursuing love as Grace Jones's character in "Conan the Destroyer". But then it grew into a short story.

[guiraguira]

Night farewell✨

Oh, it's just the cliche of saying goodbye at each other's doorstep and declaring.

Warnings: None, just fluff

Hifumi x fem reader

° You regularly attended the club where Hifumi works, you fell in love at first sight with him and no matter how much he flirted with you because of his work, you couldn't help but make the butterflies in your stomach riot with his extravagant compliments or his daring smiles

° Resigned to being just another girl in the crowd, you shuddered just by seeing him arrive at your table and you didn't ask for more from him than a simple chat for a few minutes. Bothering him in his homework wasn't your intention, neither was it to harass him when he left the bar. Your happiness was in that little moment that he formally shared with you.

° The day you found him enjoying the afternoon with his friends and he recognized you as a frequent visitor really made your whole week. You never imagined that he was so attentive to his clients to the point of remembering his faces. When they met again at the club, he named that meeting for you and he wish it would happen again. You knew he should say it out of courtesy but he made you so happy that falling asleep was hard.

° These sporadic meetings continued to occur for a period of several months, taking advantage of them to meet informally and create a bond that grew over time. Until jokingly one night he asked you to wait for him when he left his shift but at the reception, he could never forgive himself for making a lady wait in the dark of an alley.

° The minutes flew by, while your anxiety did nothing but grow. Finally, when he appeared to look for you, you saw how his face lit up when he saw you, so spontaneous was his reaction that a blush stained your cheeks, embarrassing you. His relationship had already moved away from that of a simple host and his client, on certain occasions they had shared dinners chatting and laughing. Feeding your love for him, you wanted to confess but you didn't want to ruin this, knowing that if you weren't reciprocated you wouldn't be able to see him without making him uncomfortable.

° You did not know what to expect from him, blindly in love as you were, you would accept any offer that he proposes, as attentive and chivalrous as he is, he just wanted to share a few moments with you, accompanying you to your house.

° "Ah! We live very close! That's why we always meet" he says between laughs, neither of them crossed his mind the reason why they happened before, they simply rejoiced each other about the coincidence using them as an excuse to get to know each other better.

° The slow night walk helped you appreciate it for longer, his melodic voice that transmitted so much peace normally was a bit altered as his destination approached and you couldn't figure out why. "Hifumi? Are you okay? You shouldn't come with me all the way if you don't want to" You say when you can no longer ignore the fact that something is happening. Your apartment was on the next street and as much as you wanted to monopolize more of his time, you didn't want it to be this way.

° he freezes when he hears you "It's not that! It's not that at all!" Her hands wring and her mouth opens and closes unable to say more "I'm going to walk you home, actually… I was thinking the next time you go to the club, I wanted to do the same as today" her gaze drifts from you when saying it and you don't know how to interpret it. An uncontrollable impulse to scream how much you love him is born in your heart and your mind does everything possible to silence it.

° "I'd be delighted if that were the case... too... eh" your building is already a few steps away and you feel the need to tell him something else, but you stop when Hifumi's hand catches yours, paralyzing you. Automatically you are a nervous disaster without daring to look at another place that is not the floor you begin to perspire in a very exaggerated way and your heartbeat buzzes in your ears. The last steps before the door you do almost floating lost in the feeling of that union.

° "S/o… " Your breathing is agitated, he's not using his usual tone, he says it so seriously that it's hard for you to gather the courage to look at his face, but when you do, you notice how upset he is. A blush as deep as yours adorns her cheeks and you don't listen to what she says after your name, you are entranced by the innocent way that the red tone gives her face. "S/o…" he calls out to you again and his eyes blink a few times, focusing on yours.

° "Hifumi .." you say with a lot of effort, his hand still doesn't let go of yours, on the contrary, his grip intensifies and you can notice a slight tremor on his part. You're not an idiot, you sense what might be happening, but you're so excited that your fantasy is coming true that your tongue gets tangled up in a thousand declarations of love, causing your silence.

° Neither of them can continue, staring at each other trying to convey their feelings without being able to put it into words. The one who recovers faster is Hifumi, getting so close to you that his scent floods your nose, places a small kiss on your cheek, looking at you for a brief moment before starting to leave without waiting for a response from you.

° That was the last thing your heart needed to gather the courage it lacked. "Hifumi I love you" you say between tears and with a broken voice from the happiness of your reciprocated love. Automatically the blonde turns around moved by your sincerity, he can't just walk away after that, catching you in a hug crying alongside you.

° Neither of them knows how long they were in love with each other, or how many times they imagined this scenario. They also don't know how long that hug full of love lasted. They only know that from that moment on they could be together long enough to be able to express everything they felt.

[pbandjesse]

My post isn't going to be very exciting. Because I didn't feel great and slept a lot of the day. I would like to go back to sleep now. I honestly just feel very bad.

Last night the wedding was so fun. Like it took forever to get anyone to come back but once they did they were all so lovely and had amazing questions and it was a lot of fun!! When I was leaning on the banister looking over where the bar was, the car was down there too and I kept jokingly telling people who were taking pictures sitting in it that they can't drink and drive. Which I thought was hilarious.

I helped Angie move some tables. And then I went home.

On my drive back home I saw a guy laying on the side of the road and I stopped to ask the homeless guy if he was okay and he said he thought so. I was surprised that a cop just drove past and said as much and he was like the cops don't care about us and I was like. You are so right. I hope they are both okay.

I got home and was able to fall apart again. And I did. I would start to feel like I had a fever again. Without having the fever. My whole body ached and was tender and I just wanted to lay there and be held for a while.

I would eat a little but it still made me feel terrible. Everything I've eaten since Thursday has made me feel terrible. I hate it.

Sleeping helped a bit. I would struggle to fall asleep but would sleep deeply after that. I barely remember James leaving.

I woke up at 9 and would just lay in bed until almost 10. I finally got up. Made the bed. And opened the back door. While we did sleep with the AC in it would be really cool today and I didn't need that at all.

I would get washed and dressed. This is the first time I've worn this jumpsuit and it's great. Nice and flowy. Though the buttons are real and I think I'll sew them down to avoid gaps. But I felt cute. I decided not to do my eyeliner. Since it's almost camp and I don't wear eyeliner at camp. Have to get used to my face again.

I would have a little breakfast of angel food cake. And got right into working on my Native American feild trip proposal. I would spend the next two hours working on that. And it's not done but I made great progress. I'm like half way done I think. But it took a lot out of me. I have more research to do for sure. But I think my basic outline is there and that feels like huge progress.

It was right before 1 at this point. And I was just. Done. I felt exhausted. I didn't want to do anything. I also didn't want to feel guilty about it. So I just went and got in bed. I watched videos for a while. I asked James if we could have pizza for dinner. And then at some point I fell asleep.

I woke up and Jess told me she drove past the two houses she wants to buy. She got pre-approved for her loans this week and the one house I love. She's going to go see it later this week. I am going to be so excited for her if it works out. And she will have more info to help me and James when we start actually getting into trying to buy somewhere as well.

James would get home and start laundry and then went to pick up pizza. And while at the time it wasn't hurting, almost as soon as dinner was done I felt terrible and swollen. I don't know what is up with me. But it makes me want to cry.

James would also bring me a gift from our friend Lane, a Polly pocket set! With the Polly's!! I told them to text her that I "love these little blonde bitches." And she said it wouldn't be Polly pocket without the little blonde bitches and she's so real for that.

James held me on the couch for a little. And then I took a hot bath which helped a little bit I mostly just want to go to sleep.

James made a plan for us to go to a far away state park tomorrow. I am looking forward to being outside with them. I hope my body isn't stupid and doesn't act like it has the last couple days.

I hope you all have a great night. I hope you all feel good. Sleep well everyone!

[thermitetermite]

Can we have more of your hive mind villain and mind control super villain? I really love their dynamic and how you write them

Prompt #10 - Mind Control X Hive Mind Clones Part 3

Author's note - Ask and you shall receive! I hope you enjoy!

Tldr: Villain takes Supervillain on a date to get their mind off of things. Villain is a goof in the best way possible. Pure fluff

TW: Mentions of previous deaths/injuries (Villain has a broken arm), Villain flips themselves off jokingly, a lot of flirting, nothing explicit!

"You ready for our date babe? Just you, me, and a whole day of fun waiting for us." Villain asked with a cocky grin, messing with the strap on their arm sling.

"I don't know... Maybe it would be better if we stayed home today." Supervillain responded while looking at themselves in the mirror and adjusting their tie.

It was about a week ago when a hero broke into Supervillain's lair and harmed many of Villain's copies. Aside from the physical damage done to Villain and the lair, Supervillain was extremely shaken following the incident.

Supervillain became exceedingly more stressed than normal which was understandable. They saw copies of the love of their life dead. They lost a project they were really excited about. They were panicked about the security of their own home and often insisted that at least 5 copies of Villain be near them at all times.

Villain couldn't bare the thought of Supervillain being scared in their own home.

It was for this reason that Villain knew they had to get Supervillain out of the house and back to relaxing. Not just a little errand but an actual outing. So Villain took their time planning a date for Supervillain that would completely distract them from their worries. Just something to take their mind off everything. They proposed the idea to Supervillain a couple days ago to give them time to mentally prepare and finished the final plans after they were given the green light.

Villain walked up to Supervillain, locking their gaze in the mirror while fixing their tie.

"It's ok if you'd like to stay home. I want you to be comfortable wherever we are, date or no date. But I really think it would be good for you to get out of the house. It's not good for you to be cooped up like this." They tucked a stray strand of hair behind Supervillain's ear, leaving a trail of goosebumps up their chin.

"I hope you know that if you decide to stay in I'm waiting on you hand and foot. I don't want you to lift a finger or stress your gorgeous head one bit."

Supervillain flushed from the attention before taking a minute to think. Villain smirked once again before standing on their tip toes to press a kiss to Supervillain's temple. Supervillain pressed a return kiss to their forehead, now meeting their eyes.

"You've probably spent a lot of time planning this date haven't you?"

"A little but it'd be no problem to cancel."

"I'd prefer not to put you through that. And I think you're right. I need to get out of here at least for a little while. If we spend another day bingeing 'The Price is Right' I think you'll lose your mind."

Villain's eyes lit up, taking Supervillain by the hand and leading them towards the door. "I'd lose my mind? I'm not the one who Google's the prices just so my guess would be correct! But on a real note, thank you. If you start to get overwhelmed or if you want to go home please let me know. All my copies have their license on them so any body of mine can drive you!"

Villain stopped to give Supervillain a kiss on the lips, their non-broken arm coming to cup their face. Supervillain gladly welcomed the kiss, holding Villain tenderly as if afraid they could hurt them more than they already were. When they pulled away Supervillain seized the moment and took Villain's hand in their own, moving it to their lips before planting another kiss on Villain's knuckles.

"You romantic sap, you. Stealing my hand. Stealing my heart. What a Villain indeed."

"Correction, Supervillain my dear."

"Yeah, yeah, I know your title. Still not over seeing it on the news are you? Well that's ok, I'm not over it either! Now come on cutie, I have a date waiting for you!"

________________________________

A blindfolded Supervillain arrived at the restaurant led by an all-to-eager Villain. Just one copy of them. Supervillain tried to ask what that was about, since Villain liked having multiple copies with them at all times, but Villain only shushed them.

"It's a surprise dear! You wouldn't want to ruin a perfectly good surprise would you?"

"No, I suppose not." Supervillain chuckled while Villain stopped them in front of what must have been the restaurant.

"Ok! We're here! You can take off the blindfold now!" Villain exclaimed seemingly more giddy than Supervillain. Supervillain complied, taking off the blindfold to find they were standing in front of a fancy Italian restaurant. They smiled, happy that Villain had remembered Italian was their favorite, before offering their arm to Villain. Villain looked at it confused at first before recognizing the gesture and eagerly taking the arm to walk in the building.

Immediately they were greeted by a copy of Villain standing at the front desk. Supervillain looked confused while Villain went along with it.

"Hello guests! Table for two?" The copy asked.

"Yes! That sounds lovely." Villain responded, amusing Supervillain.

"Great! Table or booth?"

Both copies turned to Supervillain who snapped out of the little scene before them.

"Uh, booth would be good."

"Excellent choice! We'll get you all set up! I hope you two lovebirds have an amazing date. You make such a cute couple!" The desk copy said while typing the information into their computer. "Your server will be with you in a moment!"

Just before Supervillain could ask questions to Villain, another copy arrived in a server uniform. Leading them to a cozy corner booth with a good view. Supervillain noticed the entire restaurant was empty save for them.

"Woah! Who ordered the hottie over here." The server copy commented while the original copy swatted at them.

"Hey! Comments to yourself buddy. This is my date!" The OG copy mock argued with them, earning both a blush and a giggle from Supervillain.

"Fine, fine! What do you two want then. There's no point in me staying out here longer than I have to if I can't ogle the eye candy." The server huffed before shooting Supervillain a wink.

Supervillain tried to ignore how warm they felt as they ordered the chicken parm. Villain went to order but got cut off by the server copy.

"I only need hot stuff's order, not yours. It'll be out soon cutie!" The server walked to the back to input the order even though it wasn't needed.

"Man, they have such lousy service here honey. I don't think we should leave them a tip." Villain said to Supervillain, grinning like a fool when they finally earned an actual laugh from them.

"I don't know dear, I think that server was quite nice. Easy on the eyes." Supervillain responded, deciding to feed into the scenario.

Villain gave a look of mock shock before putting their good hand on their chest and leaned back in the booth.

"You wound me! How could you? I thought we had something special!" Villain cried in their best betrayed voice.

"We do have something very special, my love. It's not everyday you get an entire restaurant to yourself. How much did it cost you?" Supervillain reached across the table and held Villain's hand.

Villain quickly gave them a pat on the hand. "Don't worry about it. We're here to have a nice time out so let's not talk finances. I hope you're having fun. I know it's probably pretty silly but I didn't want you to feel unguarded or unsafe. But I also don't want you to feel like I'm too controlling. If you want to leave-"

"Nonsense!" Supervillain quickly interjected, surprising Villain. "I appreciate all the hard work you've done and I think this is really cute. Thank you for making sure I feel comfortable! And it's bold of you to think you could be controlling when you're literally dating a master of control who could spot toxic behavior from a mile away. All I see here is a dork who probably majored in theater."

"Chemistry actually."

"I know silly! Still surprised you chose security over lab work."

"With how much copies cost I'd be poor."

"Luckily crime does pay."

"Yep, it sure does! But in my case I think I got lucky finding someone who can actually hire me and my copies."

"You know I couldn't live without my army of chemists. And another thing! Why would we just leave when we just ordered food. I'm not leaving without my chicken parm."

Just then the food arrived. A chicken parm for Supervillain and Meat Lovers pizza for Villain. Before the server left they stole a piece of pizza off Villain's plate, flipped them the bird, and waved at Supervillain.

"I hate that server." Villain grumbled before diving into their pizza. Supervillain could help but laugh again at their love's antics.

Both ate their fill and after they were done a dessert was delivered to the table with a note. Supervillain picked up the note and read a couple lines before giving a little 'oh my' and fanning themselves with the letter.

"What is it?" Villain asked feigning ignorance and curiosity.

"It appears the chef is very apt at writing poetry. Quite the love letter if I do say so myself. I'm practically swooning." They giggled before diving into the chocolate cake with a side of vanilla ice cream.

"Wow, someone's popular today. I might have to fend off your admirers with a broom." Villain said while resting their head on their hand. The stars in their eyes as they looked at Supervillain gave away their jealous act, or rather their lack of it.

Supervillain caught their obvious lovestruck gaze and offered a spoonful of cake to them. Villain went to grab the spoon before stopped by Supervillain. They moved the spoon to Villain's mouth themselves waiting patiently for Villain to take the bite.

"You're injured. It's my job to take care of you until you're better so that means I have to get things for you when you can't. You're resting your head on your good hand right now so it's my job to make sure you get some of this amazing dessert."

"How did I ever get so lucky to get a partner in crime as amazing as you?"

"Maybe by being equally if not more amazing. Thank you for the wonderful date! It's been nice to get some alone time with you without thinking about work."

"I'm just happy I could help."

"You two should kiss." The server copy interrupted, causing Villain to look over annoyed.

Supervillain, however, didn't hesitate before standing up and leaning over the table to kiss their beloved Villain. The server copy cheered in the background.

Villain made up their mind that crime definitely pays and it pays extremely well.

[condorclaw]

Tommy frowned, staring.

Michael stared back.

Tubbo and Ranboo could only watch this scene unfold, somewhat expecting that this would happen between their friend and their son. What they didn't expect was how quiet Tommy was.

It was silent in the room for a minute or two more, before Tommy reached out a hand and softly booped the top of Michael's nose. The zombie piglin let out a honk of approval, making Tommy's eyebrows raise in amusement. With the piglin happy, the boy turned to face Michael's parents.

"I don't think this is a dog, fellas."

Tubbo and Ranboo both released large sighs of relief that they didn't even know they were holding in, Tommy slightly tilting his head in confusion.

"Well, we said he wasn't a dog, Tommy. We said he was our son."

"Some people call their dogs their kids, so I could only guess."

As the best friends talked, Ranboo gazed over at Michael with affection, feeling a grin spread across his face. What Ranboo didn't expect, however, was how closely Michael seemed to be watching Tommy.

Surprising Ranboo again, the piglin stood up on wobbly legs, trotting over to where Tommy was leaning on a piece of furniture. Snorting, he clutched on to one of Tommy's legs, leading Tommy to jolt from the sudden contact a little, before instinctively trying to lean away from Michael. Recognizing that Tommy was having a bit of a rough time at the moment, Tubbo leaned down and carefully removed Michael's arms from Tommy's leg, mumbling soft words of comfort and encouragement to both Tommy and Michael.

After Michael was removed, Tommy had to take a moment to catch his breath and clear his thoughts, his eyes shutting for a moment as he muttered unintelligible words to himself. Tubbo and Ranboo waited for him to recover, Michael watching with curiosity.

"A'ight, I'm okay now," Tommy inhaled deeply, letting out an equally deep exhale before opening his eyes again.

"I'm really sorry about that-" Ranboo began to apologize before getting cut off by Tommy.

"Nah, don't apologize, big man. Michael's a fetus, he doesn't know about complicated adult things like trauma."

Tubbo let out a snort of laughter, which Michael tried to copy the sound of.

"He's not normally physically affectionate like this on first meetings," Ranboo spoke, though mostly to himself more than anyone else.

Michael let out a squeal of frustration, alerting the trio to the piglin trying to wiggle out of Tubbo's arms. Tubbo and Ranboo's ears stood up in surprise at the sudden noise, the two looking down at their son worriedly. Tommy had looked startled when Michael began his outburst, but now looked much calmer as he leaned down a little to come face-to-face with Michael.

Tubbo and Ranboo's surprise grew even bigger as Tommy began to make squealing and oinking noises himself, causing Michael's fit to stop. The piglin's eyes were wide with excitement as Tommy spoke, his stubby arms starting to wave in excitement as he continued his excited honking, which Tommy responded to as well.

"What the fuck," Tubbo whispered in shock, his eyes wide, and Ranboo had to agree with him there.

Tommy proceeded to sit down on the floor, glancing up at Tubbo with a lopsided smile. "You can put 'em down, Big T. It's alright."

Following Tommy's instructions, Tubbo set his son down, who immediately sprinted towards the blonde at high speeds. He halted in his tracks when Tommy barked out another noise, one that Ranboo and Tubbo didn't understand, that brought Michael to a slower pace. It sounded somewhat familiar to Ranboo, but he didn't know why.

Michael ended up standing in front of a seated Tommy, the taller boy laughing as he reached out his hand slowly. The piglin stepped forward slowly, moving to grip one of Tommy's fingers gently, which allowed Tommy to carefully wrap his hands around Michael, lifting him up to eye level. Tommy let out a small noise again, causing Michael to oink in delight.

Smirking with satisfaction, Tommy looked back over at the stunned parents, sticking out his tongue a little. "Surprise, motherfuckers."

"HOW DID-" Tubbo began to belt out, quickly stopped by Ranboo by the taller boy pressing down on Tubbo's head gently. With this sign from Ranboo, Tubbo cleared his throat, continuing to speak.

"Tommy, and I mean this in the nicest way possible: how the fuck did you do that?"

"Wot? You jealous that I can speak piglin?"

Ranboo was learning so much today that he didn't expect in any way whatsoever.

"One," the enderman spoke, trying to keep his voice at a calm level while his husband stood slack-jawed. "Yes, I am. Two: how do you know piglin?"

The shit-eating grin on Tommy's face grew wider upon seeing how he stunned his friends, causing him to look back at Michael and speak in piglin once more, making the kid chirp out happily.

"Tomathy Danger Careful Kraken Innit Minecraft, you tell me what you just said to him right now," Tubbo folded his arms, trying to hide the previous shock on his face with little-to-no success. Ranboo, meanwhile, now had to process the fact that he had never known Tommy's full name.

"I just told him that I was cooler than the both of you," Tommy barked out a laugh, Michael giggling along with him as Tommy set him back down on the ground.

"Anyway," the blonde continued, watching as Michael began to walk in circles around him. "I learned piglin from Techno. He suggested we use it for commands in battle so nobody else would understand what we were saying."

It suddenly made sense what Tommy had said to Michael that sounded familiar. Ranboo had heard Technoblade use that exact sound when they were exploring in the nether, and had come face-to-face with a piglin squadron. "Wait, were you telling Michael to approach safely?"

"Hell yeah, Ranboob" Tommy gave a thumbs-up, Michael trying to copy the gesture with his own hooves. "When I was still living with him as well, I'd go to the Nether when we had nothing else to do. Yeah, the Nether is a horrible shitty place and I want nothing to do with it, but it was the only way I could make friends while I was still in exile."

"WAIT," Tubbo's eyes widened even more, his face looking like it might split open from surprise. "You spoke with piglins in the Nether!?"

Tommy's reply was shooting finger-guns towards his best friend with a grin, with Michael trying to copy them once more.

"As fascinating as this conversation is, and trust me, I'm absolutely going to ask you to death about this," Ranboo pointed at Tommy in a jokingly accusatory manner. "Tubbo, I think we just lost our son."

Tubbo looked towards Michael, the little one trying intensely to copy Tommy's movements. "God damn it Tommy, you stole our son."

"Hey, I'm not stealing him," Tommy protested with laughter, reaching over to gently pet Michael's head, Ranboo noticing how his touch lingered on the thin layer of hair, stroking it softly. Ranboo noted to himself that piglin hair seemed like a comfort texture to Tommy. He’d tell Tubbo about it later, but for now he’d play along with the bit of his friend stealing his son. “Oh really? Then why’s our son copying you?”

“Because I’m the coolest uncle.”

Silence stretched throughout the room once more, with both Tubbo and Ranboo’s eyes wide. The small on Tommy’s face slowly changed into a worried one, and he looked away from the couple and at the ground. “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know if-”

“Watch how hard I can cry,” Tubbo mumbled, his eyes looking bright with joy before he went to Tommy’s side, kneeling down to give him a genuine smile. “Tommy, dude, I think that’s the best thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Even better than Ranboo proposing to me.”

“Um, rude,” Ranboo giggled, kneeling at Tommy’s other side and allowing Michael to climb up on his lap. “But yeah, I know what Tubbo’s getting at. We weren’t sure if you would even want to be Michael’s uncle-”

“Wot?” Tommy sounded genuinely surprised at that, his own eyes wide. “Why wouldn’t I want to be? He’s my best friend-brother’s son!”

“I mean, yeah, but after what happened with Techno, we weren’t sure if piglins would...”

Tommy fell quiet, his eyes shifting to gaze at the ground as uncertainty crossed his face. After a stretch of silence, only filled with Michael’s occasional chirring, Tommy gazed back at the two parents. “As complicated as my relationship with Techno might be, that shouldn’t impact this little guy,” Tommy bore his fangs in a grin, making Michael clap with his little hands. “Besides, I can understand him while you two can’t. Who else is gonna teach you two piglin without fuss?”

“Are you holding our child’s language for ransom?” Tubbo was about to playfully punch Tommy in the arm, but appeared to suddenly remember the situation and placed his hand back down.

“Noooo, but now you two need me.”

Ranboo rolled his eyes, making Tommy pretend-pout at him. Tommy folded his arms, faking disappointment. “You’re so mean to me, Ranboo. I take back my marriage blessing.”

“My husband! No!”

“We can elope, Ranboo. Tommy can’t stop us.”

“I’m holding your whole son for ransom then.”

“Actually, I don’t need my husband anymore.”

“Tubbo! How could you do this to me?

And Michael squealed with delight as the three continued on into the night.

[primalsouls]

healing kisses

aether x gn! reader

⚠️ : none

theme : fluff

note: first canon character x reader insert fic lol. i don't really normally write stuffs like this because i always feel ill make the characters too ooc... but hope this one do well. still got a few fic ideas in mind for aether and a couple of other characters. :) thank you for reading! <3

⊱ ──────ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ────── ⊰

After finishing the fourth commission of the day, Aether and Paimon made their way back to Mondstadt to collect their rewards from the Guild and visit a friend for another reward, a tasty one the two hoped. The journey to the entrance of the windy city was short, for the last commission happened to be just around the corner, somewhat a few yards away from the bridge. Just a few hilichurls and mitachurls in a camp that needed to be clear off. It is no surprise the young man managed to get hurt, not severely as he thought but some of the wounds did made him wince with every step he took.

"Paimon hopes [Y/N] could make us some delicious snacks! their cooking skill is amazing!" Paimo said excitedly, earning a look from the blonde outlander. "What? It's true! Your cooking skills comes in second place!" Paimon added and it earned her a light chuckle from Aether as he shook his head.

"[Y/N] does make a perfect Sticky Honey Roast." The traveler commented as the pair walked the brigde, trying to be as mindful as they could for Timmie's birds while they passed by him. Paimon nodded with a hungry look on her eyes, mouth already wettering at the thought of the dish. With her small hands pounding the air in an impatient manner and a frown on her face, she turned to Aether with a pout added in.

"C'mon! Let's hurry up! Paimon can't wait no more!" Paimon exclaimed, already floating ahead towards the gate where the two Knights of Favonius stood guarded on each side. Aether let out another laugh before he took off from his walking pace, an apology being thrown over to Timmie for disrupting the birds once again. He raced behind the floating figure he jokingly called Emergency Food, his own heart beating with anticipation to see his good friend [Y/N], ignoring the amount of sharp pains his body received with each hurried step. Aether waved at the guards before stepping within the city walls. Paimon glared lightly as the traveler as she watched him reached the Guild's stand, a tiny foot tapping the air rapidly, her hands on each side of her waist. "C'mon, c'mon! Paimon's stomachs is getting grumpy!" Paimon told him, hands thrown up in the air to further push her point. Aether rose a brow at the mention of stomachs, still wondering about their conversation of what was weirder from a long ago.

"Okay, okay... Why don't you go wait by [Y/N]'s place and I'll meet you there?" Aether proposed as he turned to Katherine and gave her a quick smile and greetings. He didn't have to wait for Paimon's response as she already disappear from his sight. Sighing tiredly, he looked at the young man, his smile still in place. "Katherine, hello. I'm finished with today's commissions." He said, patiently waiting for the rewards Katherine was about to bring out.

Paimon flew a bit around Mondstadt, grinning widely as [Y/N]'s house came into view. She quickly headed to the front of the house. Paimon looked around for the [color]-haired individual, spotting them nowhere outside their home. Appearing in front of the door, Paimon knocked on the surface as loud as she could, stopping when it flew opened. The grin widen at the sight of her and the traveler's friend.

"[Y/N]! Hi! Paimon's happy you're home!" The floating being said with a bright smile. [Y/N] chuckled at Paimon. Their eyes scanned around the area, standing aside to let her in.

"Hey there, Paimon? Where's Aether?" They asked, closing the door behind themselves. Paimon explained Aether's whereabouts, following [Y/N] to the kitchen where a few plates of snacks where already prepared. "Ah, then it shouldn't take him long to get here." They said with a shrug. Paimon nodded, her eyes shined with glee at the delicious snacks she could smell from her place.

"Yup! And it seem you already got us ready with the goodies! It's like you knew we were coming! What are you? What's that power?" Paimon rambled as she grabbed a Mondstadt Hash Brown from one of the plates. [Y/N] shook his head with a giggle escaping past his lips.

"I just had a hunch you two would stop by. Guess I was right." They replied, blinking when another knock sounded from the door. He walked out of the kitchen, letting Paimon enjoyed the snacks. When he reached the door, another knock came through. Already with the person in mind, [Y/N] opened the door, their smile growing on their face when they saw Aether... slouching slightly with a pained look on his face. Their eyes finally took in Aether's state, eyes widening a bit. "Aether! Oh my Archons, what happened?" They asked as he helped them in. Aether waved his hand dismissively, chuckling a bit.

"Tis nothing but a scratch." The blonde man said with a shrug. Paimon poker her head out of the kitchen, wondering what was all the commotion about. She raised a brow at Aether's arm swing over the other's shoulders, looking like he was in pained. She rose a brow, her head tilted to the side.

"Scratch? It's more than a scratch! You got cuts here and there. And it made look like a small gash, but it is still more than a scratch." [Y/N] frowned, sitting Aether down on the couch. "Stay here, I'll go some stuffs to bandage you up." With no reply, [Y/N] headed to their bathroom, a small yet concern frown on their face. Once [Y/N] was out of sight and earshot, Paimon flew over to Aether.

"What are you doing? You're not that hurt!" Paimon said, her hands on her waist. Aether hushed at her, looking behind him to make sure [Y/N] didn't hear them speak.

"I know, I know... but... I like it when [Y/N] take cares of me... Their touches are so soft and gentle." Aether whispered, smiling longigly at the thought of [Y/N]'s hands brushing up against his skin. Paimon gave him a look before putting the pieces together.

"Oooh~! Someone's got a crush!" Paimon exclaimed as she floated around Aether who waved his hands to quiet down but it was a bit late, [Y/N]'s footsteps could already be heard.

"Who has a crush on who?" They asked, their head cocking to one side as they rounded the couch to seat in front of the outlander on the coffee table. Aether's cheeks were tained in a rosy color, clearing his throat as he and Paimon exchanged looks.

Paimon shrugged, shaking her head as she tried to come up with an excuse. Aether only scratched the back of his head, looking around to stop their friend from looking at the small blush on his cheeks.

"Um... J-Jean! Jean has a... uh, cru-crush on Master Diluc!" Paimon stuttered out and glanced back at the traveler. "R-right, Aether!?" Aether nodded eagerly, wanting to skip the topic already. [Y/N] rose a brow at the false gossip, nodding slowly as they opened the wooded med kit sat in their lap.

"Jean crushing on Master Diluc? Really?" [Y/N] muttered in disbelief, not believing the two but let it slide. Paimon and Aether only nodded, watching [Y/N] take out a roll of bandage. Paimon let the two alone, feeling more hungry than ever. As the two sat in silence, Aether's eyes studied the [hair color] Anemo user. He studied how gentle they tried to be with his wounds, mindful to not press to hard to cause him the wince in pain. It brought a small smile to the traveler's face, the blush he thought was long gone reappeared faintly across his cheeks. He let out a whine when alcohol was rub the last wound, alerting [Y/N]. "Oh, I'm sorry! You're okay?" They asked softly, [eye color] eyes locking with golden-yellow eyes. It took the blonde a minute to respond, having to be lost in their eyes. "Aether?"

Snapping out of it, said man nodder quickly, looking away to hide his ever-growing blush.

"Yeah, yeah... I'm okay. It j-just took me off guard." He said, giving [Y/N] an awkward smile. The individual chuckled as they finished up wrapping the wound, bringing Aether's arm out and closer to their personal space. Their soft lips pressed a light kiss on top of the bandaged area. Such gesture made Aether's heart run a mile over and over. He was sure the blush gotten redder and up to the point of his ears. "W-what?" He stuttered, unsure how to react. Part of him was taken aback by the gesture, the other part panicked as many thoughts ran through his head about the meaning of the gesture.

"My mom used to kiss all my cuts away whenever I get hurt. Said a kiss heals any wounds." [Y/N] explained, smiling fondly at the memories that crossed their mind. Without thinking, Aether pointed at his lips.

"You forgot this wound then." He stated out without a second thought. The words caught [Y/N] off guard, their own cheeks dusted with the same rosy blush that matched almost woth Aether. Their eyes widen in surprise. Aether even caught on into his own words, immediately stuttering out an apology as he tried to come up with a different excuse, but before any words were let out, he felt a pair of smooth hands cup his cheeks and pulled him closer, his lips meeting up with [Y/N]'s in a quick yet sweet kiss. Pulling away, both of them had their blush reddened like a Jueyun Chili all over their face.

"Well, t-there you go... All healed up." [Y/N] started off, eyes casted down at their hands. Aether, now filled up with a bit more confidence, took [Y/N]'s hands in his own.

"I don't think they're healed. They still hurt." To 'prove' his point, he guided the other's hand and lightly tap their fingertips against his lip, acting out a wince of pain. [Y/N] let out a genuine laugh, shaking their head at the outlander's tactics. Aether joined in, their bands still in his, intertwined together.

Paimon sighed as she finished off the last plate, blinking when she heard laughter coming from the living room. Peaking her head out, she grinned widely at the view of Aether and [Y/N] smiling lovingly at each other, chuckling here and there about the traveler's little tactic to get another kiss on the lips from the Anemo wielder. It was about time for the two of them to get together, afterall.

...

..

.

"So, was it you who has a crush on me?"

"... Yeah..."

"Heh, such a cutie."

[myhaikyuuacademia]

Jealousy | Behrad Tarazi x reader

Summary: you notice Zari trying to set up Behrad with someone and get a bit jealous Warnings: none that I can think of, bi!Behrad (had a fling with nate in the past), Behrad assumes reader has a crush on female characters (bi/pan/omni/multi reader), mention of a hair strand being moved out of reader’s face (if your hairtype or style doesn’t match that, you can think of it like you’re wearing a wig/weave/extensions as part of your costume for the mission) otherwise raceneutral and genderneutral as far as I can tell, suuuper cheesy romantic Behrad at one point A/N: there needs to be more Behrad content!!!!! Also can’t remember word for word what they were talking about in 6x08, so this is just paraphrasing, but it is loosely based 6x08

You’d been watching Behrad, again, you noticed, for the probably hundredth time today, when you tuned into his and Zari’s conversation. “I’m just saying! You should allow yourself to fall in love with someone attainable! Not Astra or Irma Rose over there.” You heard Zari exasperatedly tell Behrad. “You deserve someone who loves you back!” Behrad was rolling his eyes, you noticed, and letting out an annoyed huff. “And who do you propose I should go after? It’s not like there’s that many options when you’re a timetravelling superhero, you know?” Ouch, that stung a bit. The way he didn’t even consider you. Letting your eyes travel elsewhere, but not stopping listening to the siblings bicker you began chewing on your lip, an anxious habit you had. “Okay, right. Right....” Zari’s eyes scanned the room. “What about Nate? I mean he had a thing for other-me, so like-” Behrad interrupted her, “yeah no, we’re better of as friends.” “Wait... you and Nate? When?” Oh, so this was news for Zari as well. “A while ago.” He was looking at Irma Rose again. Why didn’t he look at you like that. You were right there! Everyone knew you were single, and yet in this little matchmaking talk you weren’t even considered an option. Oh. You were looking at him again. Irritated you decided to get up and walk over to Nate, hoping he could distract you from whatever the hell you were feeling. “Woah, dude, what’s going on with you?” He looked at you with wide eyes. “Nothing. Why?” You scrunched up your eyebrows. “You look almost as angry as Astra does half the time.” You just grumbled before sitting down next to him. “Is it about Behrad?” he wiggled his eyebrows. 

“What?!” Your face whipped around to face his, eyes wide. “I mean it’s pretty obvious. You’ve been staring at him for what must be weeks now.” You just looked at him with a horrified expression. “To be fair, I don’t think anyone else knows, you know, too caught up with all the other drama.” Groaning, you ran your hand through your face. “This sucks!” “What sucks?” You flinched at the new voice that had crept up behind you. Of course, Behrad. You looked at Nate, looking for some help but he looked somewhere else before mumbling a short excuse and dissapearing. Leaving you alone with Behrad. ‘‘Uh... nothing in particular. This mission. I don’t know.” You grimaced before changing the topic. “Is Zari done playing matchmaker?” You hoped you sounded jokingly enough. “Oh, you noticed that?” He seemed a little embarassed by that. “Kinda hard not to.” You chuckled. “Yeah, I don’t know. I think she realized that it’s hopeless.” Furrowing your brows you looked at him, visibly confused. “Why that?” He sat down next to you, eyeing the saloon. “Ah, you know, not really a lot of options, with the timetravelling and everything.” Leaning your head side to side, contemplating, you finally said: “Well, there’s still Astra and Spooner.” Behrad turned to look at you, leaning on his arms. “And you.” The butterflies in your stomache were going wild. You were trying your very best not to sound shaky when you quietly said, “And me.” But the moment was over before it even really began, when the Sheriff entered the saloon and claimed everyone’s attention.

Now, a few hours later, you were holed up in the saloon with your team. The threat of imminent death by guns and alienworm outside of it. The tensions were rising and your eyes were drawn to Behrad again. He was arguing with Zari once more. “Didn’t I say this thing with Irma Rose wasn’t going to go anywhere?” Zari looked at him with a raised brow and arms crossed. “I don’t need to hear you say “I told you so” Zari, I really don’t.” He looked annoyed. “Why don’t you just LISTEN to me?” “Because!” He threw his hands up in the air. He looked like he wanted to say something else when he caught you staring at them. You barely heard the next words he mumbled. “It doesn’t matter.” He walked away from Zari. You didn’t think he’d still go after her, Irma that is, after that little moment you shared, but apparently you were wrong. It was probably insignificant to him. “Woah, you’re doing that face again.” Nate, originally walking by, stopped. The ground was shaking. “Uh, y/n, maybe you wanna calm down?” He suggested. You exhaled, defeated. “Sorry.” “What was that about?” Sara came over, obviously intrigued by your sudden outburst. “Nothing.” You huffed. “Wait, that just now was y/n?” Zari came over. “I think.” you just said. “What were you angry at? You didn’t even talk to anyone?” Ava chimed in. “Jesus, why is everyone asking me what’s wrong?!” Oops, you were angry again, evident to everyone by the ground rumbling. You closed your eyes for a moment, gathering yourself. “Sorry.” This was really immature of you, but you didn’t know how to stop it. “I think she’s jealous.” Nate said, grinning. “Nate! Shut it! Right. Now.” But it was too late. He had everyone’s attention now. Even Constantine, Gary and Behrad were now standing around you, curious as to what the problem was. “Nate, my dear, I swear to god, if you say one more word, I will not hesitate to kill you.” You said your voice sugarsweet in stark contrast to the death glare that currently adorned your face. “Oh man, you are way more scary than Astra.” He backed away. “Jealous? Who are you jealous of?” Zari’s eyes were sparkling at the prospect of Legends gossip. “No one. Let it go.” “Oh my god, y/n, do you have feelings for anyone?” She just couldn’t let it go. The ground was shaking again. You didn’t know what else to do, so you just stood up and walked out the door. Reckless, yes, but also an escape from the pestering of the legends. The ground opened up in front of you. “Oh shit.” Okay, maybe that had been a bad idea.

Thankfully, Spooner and Astra handled that one. Back on the ship you had to listen to a lecture from Sara and Ava though. That was not fun. Finally, after what felt like ages, you were dismissed. Your feet were tiredly dragging you to your room when you noticed someone standing in your doorway. “What is it? I really want to sleep.” You motioned for Behrad to step aside so you could enter your room. “Just wanted to see what’s up. You haven’t really been in a good mood today.” “Am I not allowed to be in a bad mood?” You were snippy, and unfairly mean to him, you knew that, but you couldn’t get yourself to change that. “y/n...” He sounded unhappy. You didn’t want to make him unhappy. Regret. “I... Behrad, I’m sorry. It’s just,” you turned around to face him again. “I’ll get over it, okay?” You smiled encouragingly at him. “Can I do anything to help?” Puppy dog eyes. “You know you can talk to me right?”“ “B...” How were you supposed to tell him that HE was the problem. Or rather, you were, with your stupid feelings for him. “Were you jealous of Spooner?” Wait, what? “Huh?” you looked at him with bewilderment. “Where’s that coming from?” “Well, Nate was mentioning Astra earlier, and I thought, maybe you were jealous that Spooner was assigned her buddy.” He explained, fumbling with his hands. “No, I’m not- I don’t have feelings for Astra.” You didn’t mean to emphasize her name, so it sounded like there was in fact someone else you had feelings for. “Spooner then?” Of course he would come to that conclusion next. You snorted. “I’ll help you get her.” “B, I don’t have a crush on Spooner either.” Now he was confused. “So then who?” You shoved him lightly out your door. “I think it’s time you go.” With an apologetic face you closed the door. You turned around and leaned against the door for support and exhaled. “Mx y/n, Mr Tarazi is requesting access to your room.” Gideon piped up. Confused you turned around to open the door again. “What-” “Is it me?” You froze. He pushed past you, into your room, walking back and forth and talking animatedly. “I mean, I was thinking, you know and there’s only so many Legends, and like half of them are coupled up. Plus I don’t think you’re the type to get That jealous if it’s a crush on someone you barely know. And you said it wasn’t Spooner, or Astra, and Nate knew something, so it can’t be him either. So that leaves me, and Gary, and I really don’t think it’s Gary.” He stopped, looking up at your face. For a while, all you could do was blink and stare. “How do you know it’s not one of the people that are in a relationship?” It was a weak attempt and you both knew. “Or Mick?” That was even weaker. “Oooohhh, I get it now.” He facepalmed. “You were jealous because of the whole Irma Rose situation.” You didn’t say anything, but crossed your arms and looked to the side. “When you were talking to Zari, I wasn’t even an option.” You hated how your voice was shaking the slightest bit. He stepped closer and put a hand on each of your arms. “That’s because you’re the only option for me.” Confusion spread through you, making itself visible on your face. “You know how Zari gets when she senses an opportunity for matchmaking. I didn’t want to tell her, because I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable... because I didn’t think you’d like me... like that.” You didn’t know what to say, and when you opened your mouth, he interrupted you. “And that flirt with Irma was... a distraction, from you.” Your arms fell down to your side. “You’re telling me.. you have.. feelings for me?” You asked, the thought of it being almost unbelievable. “Yes. I think you’re the most beautiful person in the world. So smart, and so kind. I think you’re,” he pushed a strand of hair out of your face, “incredible.” “No one ever told me that.” You whispered. “Then I’ll do it, every day for the rest of my life.” A second passed, before you spoke up. “I would really like to kiss you right now.” He chuckled, before moving one of his hands to your cheek and granting your wish.

[julieloveupstead]

"To Infinity and beyond" - Upstead (part 1)

Description: First morning as brides. They are as happy as ever. How will Will react to the news that his little brother has knelt before Hailey?

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

Did what happened last night really happen? Did he really propose to the most gorgeous woman he knew? Did Hailey really say yes? Had he dreamed it?

Looking now at Hailey still sleeping in his arms tears involuntarily welled up in his eyes, his heart began to beat unmistakably fast and his smile widened more and more with each passing moment.

It all seemed surreal to him, but he couldn't have imagined a better evening and a better engagement.

If someone had told him just six months ago that the most gorgeous woman he'd ever met and an amazing police officer with an incredible career ahead of her would choose him over every cop's dream job at the FBI he would have laughed it off.

But he did. Hailey Anne Upton chose his Jay Halstead over a career with the feds. He asked himself what he had done to deserve her.

From then on, he couldn't imagine a morning without her smile, the smell of her skin, and her morning voice. Her kisses and the fact that he was the first to look at her every day.

There wasn't a day that went by when he couldn't imagine a romantic dinner where he would ask her to marry him and give her the ring she deserved and reflect how special she was, even though he knew he would never find one. He even had a plan to write an engagement speech. He wanted to do absolutely everything to show how much he loved her and the fact that he couldn't imagine his life without her.

When he told her that he had been thinking about eternity with her for years, he wasn't lying and he really couldn't remember the specific moment when he had had that epiphany. He felt like it had always been her that mattered.

And maybe his proposal was not as he had dreamed, but maybe that was the secret. All it took was the two of them doing 'Their Thing That Works' to make a supposedly not unusual and not overly thought out proposal be unusual and the way it should be. Just theirs without all the noise and talk.

He felt the small person in his arms move so he looked at her. He smiled and kissed her neck.

- 'Good morning, my fiancé,' she whispered without opening her eyes yet and Jay's heart stopped to start faster. She's going to drive him crazy someday. He thought and kissed her again but this time on the cheek.

- Good morning, my fiancée - he whispered wrapping her in his arms so he could kiss her properly.

- Did that really happen yesterday? - Hailey asked putting her hand on the man's cheek and a smile wandered across her face.

- Mhmm, yes you proposed to me and I said yes - he replied with the same smile and pulled her even tighter to him.

- Fact - she laughed into his chest and feeling grateful that Jay didn't see her blushing. Hailey as she remembered thought it was the craziest idea ever. She had been so terrified after everything that had happened in that warehouse that her only clear thought had just been Jay and that she only wanted to be with him. Her first thought after saying those words in front of Jay was that he would say no and that would be the end of it, and when he didn't answer anything she felt even weirder and the whole situation with Roy.

Then his positive answer and then this time his statement was the last thing on her mind at that moment.

It was like she was in a dream and still it was all not getting to her.

- But you proposed too, and I said yes," she said lifting her head to look into his green eyes.

Jay put a strand of her hair behind her ear and with a big smile and still with tears in his eyes he bent down to bring their lips together.

- How did I ever deserve you? - he whispered against her lips.

- I don't know, maybe with those good waffles and coffee - she replied shrugging her shoulders and drawing stencils from his jaw to his neck and chest.

- I got the message. - Laughed Jay, kissing the top of her head. - And as much as I'd love to make you the first breakfast in bed today as my bride, we did arrange for Will and I to have breakfast today, remember?

- Oh crap actually. Is today the opening of that new breakfast place? - She asked a little disappointed that he was running away from her.

- Mhmm - he muttered.

- All right, what time should we be there? - She asked kissing Jay's neck. He might not get breakfast in bed tonight, but maybe he would get something else.

- O 10? - Jay feeling Hailey's lips on his neck could barely concentrate.

- What time is it now? - she asked without stopping the kisses.

- Mmm - Jay had to pull his neck out to see the time, which forced Hailey to stop. - 7:23, we still have plenty of time. - He replied, and knowing what was going through that gorgeous blonde's head, Jay nipped at her lips with a sly grin.

✾✾✾

- Do you think Will will be very angry? - Hailey asked nervously looking ahead as she and Jay drove to breakfast together. They were quite late, but it was Hailey's opinion that it was all Jay's fault for not wanting to let her go, although she would be lying if she said she protested too much.

- Maybe a little, he'll harbor a redheaded nature, but once he gets his food and finds out about our engagement he should be over it pretty quickly. - He replied with a laugh.

- Do you think so? - Hailey although she was trying to be serious and really cared that the older of the Halsteads wasn't offended at them couldn't help but laugh when she imagined the look on Will's face when they told him.

Hailey looked at Jay who was focused on the road and an even bigger smile appeared on her face. So many hours had passed since Jay had knelt down in front of her, and she still couldn't believe it was happening for real.

She never thought there would be someone in her life who would love her in spite of everything and above all else. She didn't know if she would ever deserve true love, but everything changed when Jay came into her life.

- I love you Jay - those three words had become so natural to Hailey, and yet she still felt excitement every time she said them.

- I love you Hailey - Jay saying looked up at her and put his right hand out, so he could grab her left and intertwined their fingers.

The blonde looked at their hands, and she couldn't feel happier than at this moment and with this man.

✾✾✾

- The big one didn't make it? - indignantly spoke up Will as soon as Jay and Hailey crossed the threshold of the breakfast bar.

- We sorry. - Hailey was the first to speak up when she sat down at the table.

- Can I know the reason? - asked the older Halstead brother curiously looking at his two companions, but noticing the reddened cheeks on their faces and the smiles they were sending out, he regretted asking the question. - You know what I don't want to know, he waved his hand and reached quickly for the menu to hide his embarrassment.

Hailey and Jay seeing the doctor's behavior only laughed and also reached for the menu.

✾✾✾

- I'll tell you how delicious those pancakes were - Hailey put down the cutlery and leaned against the back of the chair she was sitting on.

- Better than mine? - said Jay, leaning back in his chair and looking at his fiancée defiantly.

- Mmm well... I mean - Hailey straightened up at the look on her fiancé's face - I love your breakfast and your pancakes are delicious, but these were delicious too. - She explained quickly hiding her forming smile.

This man will drive her to passion.

- You're lucky I'm marrying you," he leaned closer to the blonde, "because I'll have all eternity to prove to you that my pancakes are the best in the world," he whispered in Hailey's ear, so Will wouldn't hear. The woman had to bite her lip to keep from laughing out loud, and then Jay, not caring about the people in the restaurant, kissed Hailey.

- God you guys are awful - Jay and Hailey pulled away rolling their eyes with laughter hearing Will's indignant groan.

- And you've gotten awfully embarrassing - laughed his brother Jay getting a roll of his eyes.

- Okay boys I'll go to the bathroom quickly and we can get going - she said laughing at her brothers.

- Okay but come back quick - said Jay causing laughter from his wife who got up and walked towards the bathroom.

- You guys are really getting more and more unbearable by the day, Will said, drawing the attention of his brother, who kept looking in the direction Hailey had gone. Jay couldn't help it that even in a regular restaurant he had to be 100% sure that his beloved was safe. It's already a habit he hasn't been willing to unlearn.

- Gosh and you're really getting grumpier by the day, the brunet bit back.

- God. - Will rolled his eyes at his brother. He took a large sip of his coffee mug to his lips and put it down, turning back to his brother. - Something makes me feel like I'm probably going to have to pull my mom's engagement ring out of the depths of the dresser and just count down to the time you propose to her.

Jay hearing his brother's words almost choked on his own coffee trying to stop himself from telling the truth. He turned towards the bathrooms checking to see if Hailey was coming back. He didn't want to tell the story without her presence.

- Are you okay Jay? - Will asked concerned.

- Yeah, just - he coughed - I won't be needing that ring anymore.

- What do you mean, you haven't gotten married yet, did you? - asked Will jokingly, but when Jay didn't laugh he widened his eyes and opened his mouth wider. - What? How? When? Why? What? - Will knew that Jay had completely lost his head for the petite blonde detective and with reciprocation, but he hadn't expected such revelations so soon.

- Hey slow down man - laughed Jay at his brother's reaction. - First of all, I'd rather talk about this with Hailey, but since you brought it up yourself, tough. - started the brunet, still unable to stop laughing at his older brother's embarrassment. - Secondly, I proposed last night, and to tell you the truth, she proposed to me first.

- What? - the still surprised doctor couldn't make out the words. - Never mind, it's long story and just Hailey and my story - he stuck his tongue out at his brother. Jay couldn't stop grinning at the memory of those moments. He knew his brother was curious about all the details, but Jay wanted them to stay just for him and Hailey and didn't want to reveal anything to anyone, not even his older brother. What's between him and that gorgeous blonde is so special and just them that he didn't see the need to tell about it. - And to your question 'why?' the answer is simple. I love this woman madly and after everything we both went through before, and now I can't imagine my life without her. These few months with her have shown me that I don't need to procrastinate anymore, that we have already procrastinated too long anyway, so I just said what I felt, knelt down and asked myself if she wanted to spend life with me. She said yes, and since yesterday I am the happiest man in the world. - He said, not ashamed of the tears of joy that appeared in his eyes at that memory.

- Wow, I don't know what to say, little brother," he said, still shocked but also visibly happy and proud of his brother Will. - I'm proud of you and happy for you guys.

- Thanks man - replied smiling widely Jay.

- What about the ring, I haven't seen any on Hailey's finger - Will asked, completely forgetting about his coffee.

- Ammm, because it's not here yet. - said Jay uncertainly. - I didn't want to give Hailey our mom's ring because somehow it's unlucky for us - he pointed at his brother and himself. - And besides, I want Hailey to get something special, something that we can associate with this special event and only us, not Erin or Natalie. And most of all, I want to give Hailey a ring that she deserves, that reflects how much I love her and how special she is to me. - Jay concluded. There was silence around the table for a moment. Jay was still reliving the events of last night vividly, and Will couldn't get over how his brother had matured over the years.

- Jay - Will spoke up after a moment, drawing his younger brother's attention to himself. - I'm proud of you. - He said, looking into Jay's eyes, who nodded approvingly. - And I know our parents would be too, especially mom.

- Do you think so? - asked a hopeful Jay.

- I'm sure of it - nodded Will with a confident tone. - Thanks Will - smiled with thankfully Jay.

- What did I miss? - Hailey suddenly appeared at the table and watched one brother or the other with curiosity.

- Nothing much - Will was the first to speak up, getting up from the table and approaching the woman. - Welcome to the family, future sister-in-law - he embraced a surprised Hailey, who looked at Jay and asked for an explanation without speaking out loud.

Jay just smiled, and that was enough for Hailey to guess that Will had found out about the engagement. There was nothing left for her to do but smile gratefully and return the hug.

- Thank you, Will - she said, close to tears and feeling the tension coming off that she didn't even know she felt.

Looking at the two people closest to him, Jay smiled and thought that he had always dreamed of having such a family and that he was really happy.

He also knew that Will was right, his mother and even his father would not only be proud of him but would love Hailey.

He looked out the window and looked at the blue sky and smiled.

Yes, without a doubt, Hailey would earn their adoration.

[uwuwriting]

Kenma, Kuroo and Nishinoya finding a pregnancy test

Request: mmmkay, so quarantines got me watching an unhealthy amount of anime, so could i please request kuroo, kenma, and nishinoya finding their fem SO pregnancy tests hidden in their shared bathroom? Thank you! love your writing i cant get enough!❤️❤️❤️ - anonymous

Another pregnancy request? YES PLEASE I LIVE FOR THESE. THEY WATER MY CROPS AND CLEAR MY SKIN. It don’t matter for which fandom it is, a pregnancy and/or domestic request is always a good one. If i get carried away it’s not my fault I can’t help it. Love yaa.💖💖💖

rules

warnings: fluff mainly, maybe some sprinkle of angst on Kenma’s but nothing major

Kozume Kenma 

-You two have been living together for 3 years now.

-Being in a happy relationship since your third year of high school and then going to the same university, your lives were bound to one another. 

-You weren’t married and it didn’t really bother you.

-Your friends would jokingly call you Mrs. Kozume and Kenma never denied it, he would usually just wrap an arm around your waist and bring you closer to him. 

-So when you discussed kids it was a shocker. 

- “I know we are not married and all, if you want to do that first that’s fine I have no problem with that it’s just that....have you seen how Hinata is with his little girl?” 

-You had seen how happy Hinata was with his daughter.

-She was a few months old but he was so deeply in love with her.

-And you had seen how Kenma looked at them interact.

- “Okay let’s try, but no vlogging our journey or some shit!”

-You hadn’t seen him agree to something so fast in your life. 

-That was about a year and a half ago. 

-It has been a hectic ride and a disheartening one at that.

-You had a miscarriage earlier last year and after that you hadn’t managed to conceive again. 

-At first you panicked, believing that after that misfortune something broke inside of you and you wouldn’t be able to have a child after all. 

-But Kenma, being the calm one in your relationship, took you to a doctor who said that your body was just in shock and you would be able to carry a child. 

- “Just give your body some time to rest.”

-It has been five months since that and now you are standing in the middle of your bathroom staring at the pregnancy test in your hands. 

-Positive. 

-You wanted to squeal and cry at the same time, maybe laugh a little. 

-Kenma was setting up his computer to start a stream.

-One that he and 99.9% of his fans had requested to see you in.

-You had been in Kenma’s videos multiple times both on stream and on YouTube. 

-Placing the pregnancy test in the cabinet near the sink you walked out and went to Kenma. 

-You would tell him after this, give yourself time to control your excitement. 

-The stream was going well, you were answering questions *some of them had been asked before but you answered none the less* and giggling along side Kenma as he started telling the story of your failed date at the zoo. 

-A monkey had tried to take the flower that he had given you and it bit you in its attempts to take it.

-At some point Kenma got up and went to the bathroom and you were left alone with the fans showing them some of your favorite pictures. 

-While you were enjoying the stream Kenma was having a heart attack.

-He had opened the cabinet to get some tissues you stored there and came face to face with the pregnancy test. 

-The positive pregnancy test.

-You were pregnant? AND DIDN’T TELL HIM? 

-What if it ended like the last pregnancy?

-Oh god he wouldn’t be able to pull out of there this time. 

-Your laughter rang through the apartment and reached his ears, breaking his train of thought and bringing him back to reality. 

-Walking slowly towards the room his saw you with your back turned towards the door talking to the camera at his fans. 

-Right he was on a stream.

-It didn’t matter.

- “Y/N...this is real right?”

-Turning around you saw him in the doorway, head hanging low looking at the stick in his hands his hair framing his features completely. 

- “Kenmaaaa I wanted it to be a surprise!!!”

-The chat was on fire as Kenma closed the distance between you hugging you tightly before he placed you in his lap and announced that you would be welcoming another Kozume in the world. 

- “And no I won’t be vlogging anything!!!”

Kuroo Tetsuro

-He married you right after he finished university. 

-You had known each other since your first year of high school but began dating during freshman year in university. 

-Kuroo now an esteemed doctor loved calling you by his last name, it felt unreal.

-It didn’t long for him to start imagining an even more domesticated life with you. 

-You worked at the same hospital as a nurse and you usually could be found in the kids ward. 

-You were always great with kids, making the laugh and helping them stop crying. 

-What did it for him was when you were helping at the new born section and you were cooing at a baby, looking so soft and happy holding the small human that he wanted to have a baby right then and there. 

-He saw you again there helping a mother feed her baby and it felt just right.

-On the ride home he popped the question. 

- “I saw you having fun in the new born isle today.” 

- “Those babies are just too cute, Tetsu!!”

- “Yeah, seeing you got me thinking what our kids would look like.”

-He was trying to play it cool, but you saw right through him.

- “Real smooth Tetsu.”

-Little did he know though that you had already taken three pregnancy test this morning all coming out positive. 

-You had left them on the bathroom counter because you were already late. 

- ‘I need to hide them, make it a surprise.’

-The drive to your shared apartment was full of laughs and Kuroo’s poor sense of humor. 

-It was dad jokes. 

-He was practicing his dad jokes. 

-Surprisingly he didn’t pressure you on the matter of kids.

- “We’ll talk about it later.”

-He had a small pout on his lips but he soon changed the subject. 

-Arriving home you went to place the groceries but you didn’t balance them right and the milk carton fell on Kuroo. 

-There was milk everywhere.

-On the floor, on Kuroo, some of it was on you, on the counter.

- “Way to go kitten....”

-He made his way to the bathroom to throw his clothes into the washer and wash his hands.

-Then he noticed the three sticks on the counter.

-Curiousity killed the cat. 

-And Kuroo is cat.

-He has been a cat since high school. 

-Looking at the sticks it took him some time to realize what they were. 

-His eyes widened at the realization.

-Why didn’t you tell him???

-He was panicking ever so slightly, his breathing becoming erratic.

-Well he wanted to start a family with you didn’t he?

-After a few minutes of breathing exercises he still couldn’t decide if he should start jumping up and down from his giddiness or panic some more.  

-You on the other hand had juts finished putting the things away and mopping the milk off the floor. 

- “What is he doing in there?”

-You know how I said that you wanted your pregnancy to be a surprise?

-And how you wanted to hide the tests before he found them?

-Yeah you forgot and because you were dumb it took you some time to put two and two together.

-Sprinting to the bathroom you flung the door open coming face to face with a wide eyes Kuroo holding the test in his hands. 

- “Surprise?”

-He looked at you, opening his mouth and then closing it not being able to find the right words. 

-Then he was hugging you.

-He was lifting you off the ground and laughing/sobbing in your ear. 

- “Thank you thank you thank you thank you.”

-Now you were sobbing too. 

-The rest of the night was spent with you on the couch surrounded by blankets and snacks, while Kuroo did everything. 

-He made dinner, he helped you undress and put on your PJs, all in all he wouldn’t let you lift a finger. 

-He’s just so damn happy he can barely contain it. 

-Next day at the hospital he was bragging to everyone and their mothers about your pregnancy. 

Nishinoya Yuu

-Em he’s baby?

-Like literally.

-Living with him is like living with a five year old.

-And god forbid Tanaka comes to visit. 

-Now you’re babysitting two five year olds. 

-Anyways. 

-Noya our sweet sweet libero here, wanted to marry you since high school.

-He even proposed while you two were in your third year. 

-They had just won a very difficult game and he was on cloud 9.

-You had gone down to congradulate them on their win and give a few victory smooches to your boyfriend when you were tackled to the floor by a very sweaty Noya. 

- “Y/N BABY DID YOU SEE ME????”

- “Yes I did, babe.”

- “I’M SO HAPPY I COULD MARRY YOU RIGHT NOW!”

-Awkward silence. 

-He didn’t even look sorry after he said it.

-It didn’t sound like it slipped either.

- “What I am going to marry you so why don’t we do it now?”

-Fast forward five years and he truly kept his promise.

-You two share a nice apartment and are living a happy life. 

-Not a peaceful one. 

-Peace is not an option with Noya. 

-Come on...

-You two hadn’t really talked about children but you knew he was great with kids. 

-You saw how he got whenever your nephew and niece came to visit. 

-He would be so playful with them but simultaneously protective and careful which was surprising because well he was Nishinoya. 

-So when you started feeling sick one morning your first thought was to take a pregnancy test. 

-You see Noya em likes to feel free....if you know you know. 

-When the test came out positive you were both excited and nervous. 

-What if he didn’t want kids? 

-What if he left?

-Noya would never leave you and he would insist you went through every difficult situation together as team but you weren’t in the best state of mind at the moment. 

-You were drawn out of your thoughts when his voice rang through the apartment.

- “Babe, Tanaka is here could you get the door?”

-Leaving everything as it was in the bathroom you went to open the door. 

-your brain was running on autopilot.

-You had no brain cells to spare at the moment okay??

- “Heyyyyy Y/N how are you?????”

-And so the game night the two of them had planned began. 

-You were making dinner waiting for Tanaka’s girlfriend to arrive so you can talk about your little revelation. 

-And yes Tanaka has a girlfriend who is indeed Kiyoko. 

-As you were cutting some vegetables, Tanaka stood up and went to the bathroom and at the same moment the door bell rang. 

-Not even two seconds passed before you heard screeching form the bathroom. 

-You had opened the door and were greeting Kiyoko when you remembered the state you left the bathroom in. 

- “YUU HOLY SHIT WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME YOU BASTARD?”

- “TELL YOU WHAT YOU IDIOT?”

- “THAT YOU’RE A DAD WHAT ELSE?”

-Le silence. 

-Kiyoko was looking from your stomach to the pregnancy test Tanaka had thrown at Nishinoya. 

- “I’M A WHAT???????????”

-Chaos ensued.

-Noya was talking frantically with you and asking you about when you found out, why you didn’t tell him etc while Tanaka was being scolded by Kiyoko for ruining your surprise. 

-It was a very eventful night to say the least. 

-But a happy one nonetheless. 

TAG TEAM AY: @brattyquirks​ @the-arcana-fan-fic​ @angelwritings​ @reinyrei​ @axerrri​

[writingbeary]

Welcome back

“Do you think he’ll notice?” you asked looking at your reflection in the mirror. It’s been 3 months since you last saw each other personally. He’s been away for work and as much as you’re excited to finally see him and hold him in your arms, you were also not yet prepared to talk about the soon-to-be new addition to your family. You were starting to show, although still barely noticeable, but it is there. You wore a white smock dress with small flower embroidery and plan to put on some comfortable flats to go with it. It wasn’t that you were actively trying to hide the pregnancy, but you weren’t sure how your husband would react once the news hits him.

Heechul walked over laughing. “I didn’t think you’d be this worried. Why didn’t you tell him over the countless times you both talked?”

“I wanted to but I always chicken out when I see him so stressed over work. I didn’t want to add on to that.” you sighed looking over to your long-time friend.

“I’m sure he’ll be delighted. You both have also been married for what now? 3? 4 years? It’s also about time for Super Junior to actually have juniors.” Heechul grinned, shrugging a bit

“Almost 4 now. You say that but you haven’t really contributed in that sense, you old man.” you laughed, teasing him

“Yah. Must you hurt me like this? Your husband is the same age as me!” He clutched his chest dramatically “It’s just we haven’t really talked about our plans and it’s fun living just by ourselves for now. My wife is also in the peak of her career so I’d rather wait for her. Wait until my niece gets born and I’ll make sure she gets married to my son.”

“Assuming you get a son, that is. That’s true. She is also overseas for a schedule right? She was asking me what I want as souvenirs and to keep you in check.” laughing, you shook your head giving yourself one last look in the mirror before grabbing your shoes. 

“I’m hurt. You both think I’m up to no good every time. Anyway you should tell him soon though, sooner or later it’ll be hard for you to move around without help. Enough about that. We should go now, I promised the other guys I’d drive you to the restaurant before 11am. Leeteuk and Siwon would arrive together from the airport while the others are already there.”

“Mhm. Don’t worry. I’ll tell him today. Besides, he’ll probably notice it even before I say anything.” Heechul chuckled agreeing with you

The restaurant was a short drive from our home, the place was reserved for the day for the guys to catch up with one another. You’ve always wondered how they could maintain their friendship through all the years so it wasn’t a surprise that they do get together once in a while. Only this time, it’s a day for a lot of events worth celebrating for: from Leeteuk and Siwon returning from overseas work, Yesung, Donghae and Eunhyuk releasing another album, Shindong expanding his business, Ryeowook finishing up another musical, and Kyuhyun finally proposing to his partner. It was also a huge day for both you and Leeteuk. Most of the guys knew about the pregnancy and they we’re all dead set on telling Leeteuk about it if you don’t soon and even if the others don’t you feel like Kyuhyun or Heechul would.

“Oh you’re here! Noona sit beside me, how is she?” Eunhyuk pulls the chair beside him patting it.

“Hyukkie-ah, you won’t get to see her until 6 months more.” you chuckled sitting down beside him

“Meet who? What did I miss?” you hear Leeteuk say surprising you and Eunhyuk. Leeteuk placed a kiss on your forehead, sitting down on your other side. 

“Oh you’re here. Eunhyuk is excited to meet this cute lady.” you smile looking at your husband. 

“Really? Are you going to see them?” Leeteuk grinned at Eunhyuk making the whole table laugh other than Leeteuk who is left confused.

“What’s so funny?” Leeteuk frowned looking at the others 

“I think this lady is too young for me hyung.” Eunhyuk tried to answer in-between laughter.

"I'd be the first one to call the police." Kyuhyun snickered

Not understanding what is happening, Leeteuk looked at you for an explanation. "Honey, what's all this about?"

"They're not talking about a potential lover for Eunhyuk or anyone of your members." letting out a laugh then taking his hand and placing it on top of your tummy. Smiling, you raised an eyebrow trying to see if he would get it.

Leeteuk blinked, looking back and forth from your face to your tummy. "You're not joking, right? Is this what I think it is?"

You nodded. "Mhm. Before you joke around, no it's not that I gained weight."

"I wasn't about to say that! Y/N, how-...when-...why-"

"What? Hyung, you don't know how babies are made?" Kyuhyun snickered making Leeteuk send a glare at him jokingly "Not that. Since when did you know?" he pulled you into a light hug looking into your eyes.

"A few days after you left. I was at work when I felt a bit dizzy and nauseous around certain smells. I thought it was nothing until one of my coworkers told me to get examined. I got the results and have been on tight guard by your members."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to. But I didn't want to add on to your worries when you're already stressed and it's not like you can fly back right away. Sorry. I didn't mean to keep it from you" you smiled apologetically, placing your hands on too of his playing with his wedding band.

"I would have flown right back. I'm sorry I left you alone." Leeteuk sighed "Now that I'm back we have a lot of things to do and buy, Y/N."

"Believe me when I say the uncles are all enthusiastic when they found out. They've been a huge help that I didn't have much to do. Apparently, being pregnant also means that I cannot drive or go somewhere alone to these people." you glared playfully at the members while they raise their protest saying they didn't want to get killed if something happened to you while Leeteuk was away and that they're pretty much the child's uncle.

Leeteuk chuckled thanking the members. "I'm still sad that I only found out now. I missed a lot of moments. I need to make it up to you and our little angel."

"There'd be plenty more and I'm holding on to that once it gets more difficult or if I crave anything." you joked poking his arm

He let out a laugh nodding "I'll do my best."

"Also, you'll have to be the one to tell In-young unnie and you'll have to come with me to visit my parents."

Chuckling, Leeteuk pulled you pulled you closer before leaning in to whisper to your ear "Thank you honey. I'll be an even better husband to you.I love you."

"I'd say get a room but you already have one on the way so there's no need for that." Heechul grinned, making everyone laugh.

"Welcome back honey." you smiled placing a kiss on his cheek

━━━━━━ʕ ˵• ₒ •˵ ʔ━━━━━━

Writing Beary Corner:

this was in my drafts since last week but i didn’t know how to finish it or who to use as characters lol there was a lot to consider when i was writing this and i end up redoing the whole thing over and over again O3O hopefully you'll still enjoy this though!

-Mimi

[missscarletta7]

The Broken Crown- Chapter 4

Enjoy chapter 4!

Summary: All Margaret Shelby ever wanted, was the opportunity to write her own story. Only now is she beginning to realize that her brother may have already written it for her...

OoOoOo

"When your dreams all fail,

And the ones we hail, Are the worst of all,

And the blood runs stale"

~Demons~

OoOoOo

1919

Maggie was so excited. She dragged Cara toward the pub the moment their school day was finished.

"Why are we going into the Garrison?" The blonde asked curiously.

"You have to meet the barmaid who works here," Maggie explained.

"I've seen her," Cara informed her. "What's so special about her?"

"We've become good friends." It was true, after such a long period of time had passed without seeing her older sister, Grace inevitably filled the gaping space that Ada had left behind.

"Should I be jealous?" The blonde teased.

Maggie flashed a loving smile, "No one could ever replace you."

When the dark-haired girl opened the pub door, the first thing they heard was Grace's melodic voice singing. "-As I've never loved before..."

Maggie spotted Grace serving drinks to the regular customers. Unfortunately, one of those customers was Ross, who was sitting with a group of men who would hang around the betting shop. Cara was quick to notice him too, her body immediately tensed.

"Since first I saw you on the village green..."

"Sorry Mags, I forgot my mum wanted me to fix stitching on some dresses," This was one of the few times Maggie had ever seen Cara looking embarrassed, "Maybe next time, yeah?"

"Come to me ere my dream of love is o'er..."

The dark-haired girl nodded, not wanting to refute the her friends claim, and watched Cara hurriedly exit through the doors.

"I love you as I loved you when you were sweet..." Maggie moved herself over to the row of empty barstools and took a seat as Grace was finishing her song. "When you were sweet sixteen."

Grace then walked behind the bar while Maggie applauded at the performance. "Hello Maggie," Grace greeted happily, grabbing a dirty pint glass off the bar. "Don't look behind you,but a handsome young man is staring at you."

Maggie felt her stomach turn, responding, "Let's change the subject."

Grace smirked, "How was school?"

"Dull," The girl said truthfully, "Harry out again?"

Grace nodded, "It's been slow."

"What have you been doing today?"

"I had a meeting with the gentleman who will be installing the pub's brand new phone."

"Neat." Maggie beamed at the thought of the new technology.

"Your brother is trying to go legitimate." Grace informed her, "He wants to make this place seem a bit more respectable."

"Which one?" The dark-haired girl asked.

"Arthur." She answered back unenthusiastically, "Though he doesn't seem too interested in fixing anything. I mean, look at the state of these." The barmaid picked up a carton of cigarettes that was ripping apart. "Where do these even come from?" She asked, hoping this question would lead to where the guns may be hidden.

Maggie just shrugged at her question. "How should I know? I think they have a few warehouses in town."

Grace nodded, taking in the information, before noticing a customer beckon her over, "I'll be back." She told the girl.

Maggie sat by herself for a few moments before she felt a presence inch closer to stand beside her. She knew there would be a confrontation at some point, she had done so well in avoiding him. She didn't have a chance to say anything before Ross spoke first, "I had instructions to give this to you."

Reaching into the pocket inside of his coat he pulled out a folded piece of parchment, placing it on the bar he slid it towards her. She was surprised but nevertheless relieved when he said nothing else and walked back to his table. Taking the note, she unfolded it to read the message that was scribbled out. As she read a smile crept onto her face. The message was from Ada.

OoOoOo

In the parlor, Maggie had been writing in her journal when Polly descended the down the stairs. "Put your shoes on," The older woman ordered, "Johns called a family meeting."

Watching Polly walk across the room, Maggie raised her eyebrow, "Thought I wasn't allowed at family meetings."

"John says it's not that kind of a meeting," Polly said, exiting into the tiny kitchen. Maggie happily closed her book and slipped on her black boots which were resting right underneath the old coffee table, before following her aunt into the kitchen.

"Pol?" Maggie asked worriedly when she noticed the woman standing rigidly by the table. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing." Polly said after a moment, "C'mon, we don't want to be late." Polly moved to enter the betting shop with her niece in tow.

"Where's John?" Tommy asked his aunt, agitated his brother was not at his post.

"John's in the Garrison, says he wants a meeting about a family matter," Polly informed him, placing her hat on her head. "After he's said his piece he'll come back and take his place with Scudboat."

Maggie tried to follow her aunt, but was stopped by Tommy's outstretched arm, "Where are you going?"

"To the meeting. John told Polly I could come," Maggie explained to him.

Though Tommy didn't look completely persuaded, Polly called on the large man taking bets. "John will be here in ten minutes"

"Five," Tommy corrected before the family walked out of the shop onto the cobblestone pavement.

"What does John want to talk about?" Tommy asked his aunt.

"Your guess is as good as mine. Always been one for dramatics, our John" Polly replied jokingly causing Maggie to chuckle out.

"You're in a good mood," Tommy noted to the smiling girl as he pulled out a cigarette to smoke.

"I like going to the Garrison," Maggie responded.

"She likes talking to that barmaid." Polly translated her nieces' words.

"You and Grace seem to chat a lot," Tommy spoke, exhaling a breath of smoke.

The girl shrugged. "I like Grace, she likes my writing," quickly adding, "We're friends."

"You trust her enough to share your work," Tommy said, impressed by the sudden growth of his sister. "I'm thinking of asking her to be my secretary," Tommy suddenly informed the ladies.

"Only a secretary?" Maggie asked, raising her eyebrows cheekily.

He flashed her a ghost of a smile, "Never you mind."

"Secretary, eh?" Polly finally spoke up as the Garrison came into their view.

"We're going, legitimate Pol." Tommy reasoned, "What's more legitimate than a secretary? Or maybe I’ll make her a bookkeeper. Arthur mentioned she’s good with numbers and helped him fix the books." Polly said nothing and this seemed to spark something in the gangster, "Got something to say?"

"Just don't let your cock do your thinking for you Thomas," Polly warned. He remained silent, but a small smirk was fixed on his face causing the aunt to roll her eyes.

When they entered the pub, it was empty, except for Harry, who stood behind the bar drying some glasses with a white rag. They saw Finn leaning against the outer wall of the private room, which Maggie assumed John and Arthur were already in.

"Stay out here Finn," Polly ordered the eleven-year-old who tried to enter with them.

"But Mags gets to go in!" The boy protested, yet his words went unheard. This made him look jealousy at his sister, who had stuck her tongue out at her little brother as she walked into the snug with the rest of the family. Both John and Arthur were already seated, and she took a place right next to Polly.

"All right John, there's only one man-," Tommy spoke, before declining the drink Arthur poured for him continuing, "There's only one man guarding the house. What's troubling you?"

"Aunt Polly, Maggie, you two know what it's been like since Martha died." John began.

Maggie gave her brother a sad smile as Polly took his hand and said, "God takes the best first."

John looked to his sister, "Mags, you've been a big help with them, but the truth is my kids have been running bloody rings around me." With hopelessness in his voice, he continued, "Running barefoot with the dogs until all hours."

Maggie's heart ached for him, but Tommy was not having it, "Pol, give him ten bob for some new shoes. Is that it, John?" He asked his brother impatiently.

"Tommy it would be better to do this without you," Polly scolded before turning her attention back to John. "Now what's your point?"

"What the kids need is a mother." John spoke again slowly, "So that's why I'm getting married."

Everyone in the room exchanged glances of surprise. Polly was the first to speak, "Does this poor girl know you're going to marry her? Or are you just going to spring it on her all of a sudden?"

John replied matter-of-factly, "I've already proposed, and she said 'yes'."

"I think that's great John," a smiling Maggie announced. Finally! She was officially off babysitting duty.

"I think there's a shell about to land and go bang," Tommy stated mockingly, before lighting the cigarette hanging in his mouth.

Hesitantly John spoke again, "It's um- its Lizzie Stark."

"Oh, eww," Maggie breathed out, crossing her arms as her family cackled at her expression.

Polly managed to compose herself, "John, Lizzie Stark is a strong woman and I am sure she provides a fine service for her customers-"

"I won't hear the word! Understand? Do not use that word." He told them angrily.

Tommy sighed out, "What word is that, John?"

"You know what word that is," John growled out.

"Everybody bloody knows" Arthur finally spoke out and pointed at his sister, "Shit, even Mags here knows."

John gritted out, "Everybody can go to Hell."

"Whore. That word?" Tommy finally supplied. "Or prostitute? How about that one?"

Fury flashed in Johns' eyes, "Right I want it known, if anyone calls her a whore again, I will push the barrel of my revolver down their throats and blow the word back down into their hearts."

"Well, that's not dramatic at all," Maggie mumbled out her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Men and their cocks never cease to amaze me." Polly berated, "John, Lizzie Stark never did a day's work vertical- "

"She's changed!" John insisted, "All right?! People change! Like- Like with religion-"

"Lizzie Stark has got religion, eh?" Tommy interrupted.

"No! No, she doesn't have religion, but- well she loves me." John asserted, "Now listen Tommy, I won't do it without your blessing. But of all the people in the world- I want you to see it as brave."

"Oh, it's brave all right," Arthur muttered before taking a swig of his drink.

"Brave is going where no man has gone before. And with Lizzie Stark, John, that really is not what you'll be doing" She told him, unable to hold back the laughter.

But he ignored her, looking back at his older brother, "Listen, Tommy, welcome her to the family, as someone whose had a hard life. All right because I need someone. The kids need someone."

Tommy looked as if he was about to give his reply before Finn pushed open the door forcefully panting out, "Tommy, we've been done over!"

"What?" Arthur asked in disbelief.

Quickly Maggie followed her siblings and Polly, who all practically ran out of the Garrison. Not stopping until they all were back in front of number seventeen, Watery Lane. "You and Finn stay outside," Polly ordered once they were outside the entrance of the betting shop.

Maggie was about to object until Tommy echoed their aunts' instructions and followed the rest of his family inside. The pair of Shelby's eventually moved from the noisy street to the alley where the car was parked. Finn carefully crawled onto the hood and contorted his way over the front window. Maggie followed her brother, stepping up to sit on top of the hood, letting her feet lightly kick the metal of the vehicle that protected the thin wheels.

"Look, Maggie," Finn giggled and the girl twisted her upper body to see her brother playing with the steering wheel, "I'm Tommy!"

The girl smiled, "If you're trying to be Tommy, you should work more on your scowl." She told him jokingly. Overdramatically Finn made a scowl but immediately broke character by breaking out in even more giggles, triggering Maggie to laugh as well.

Suddenly Tommy was at the entrance of the alleyway in front of them, he looked instantly distressed. "Maggie, Finn." He began slowly, "Both of you stay exactly where you are."

"What's wrong?" she asked him worriedly. Did something happen inside?

Raising his arm out to her spoke out cautiously, "Mags, as careful as ya can, I need you to slowly slide off the hood."

She did as she was told, while Finn kept snickering, "I was pretending I was you." The child told his brother, but Tommy ignored him instead he directed Maggie to move against the dingy brick wall.

Once he felt like his sister was out of danger he went back to the child in the car, "Which door did you open to come in Finn?"

"I didn't," He told his big brother proudly. "I climbed in."

"I want you to climb out exactly the same way you climbed in, okay?" Tommy instructed, but Finn disobeyed and opened the driver's door.

Maggie watched as Tommy ran to grab an object that had been on the side of the door, yelling out, "Clear!" before flinging it to hit the brick wall on the opposite side of the street. Maggie yelped out at the sound of the explosion, which caused working men to drop to the ground. "That's why you should never pretend to be me, okay?" Tommy told Finn, visibly shaken by this incident. Tommy then took a deep breath and pulled both of his younger siblings close to him.

OoOoOo

Polly and Maggie had just entered the washhouse Ada had informed them she would be visiting. It was a large space, but luckily there were not very many people who decided to do their laundry at the establishment that afternoon. Alone in the corner of the washroom, sitting on a stool, was a woman with a long brown coat, wide black hat, folding trousers onto the small table beside her.

"Need help?" Polly asked the woman eagerly.

The woman looked up to see her family members and smiled, "You got my letter." Ada grinned and stood up with a bit of difficulty, Polly was the first one to embrace her.

Once the aunt and niece pulled apart it was Maggie's turn. Though the hug was more on the awkward side, due to the sizable stomach that was in the way. She muttered into her sisters' ear, "Fuck, you're huge!"

"Oh, shut up." Ada happily retorted, smacking her sister's arm lightly.

"What's with the glasses?" Maggie laughed and pointed at the large spectacles on her sister's face.

"Freddie wants me in disguise when I go out now." She spoke with a bored tone and pointed to the strange-looking eyeglasses. "Can't bloody see anything with these."

Maggie grabbed a pair of socks, which she assumed was Freddie's, from Ada's hand, "Here let me help you." She told her sister and began to fold the newly laundered clothing.

"Has Freddie got you hiding somewhere near?" Polly asked hostilely.

"It's fucking rat hole," Ada spit out, "the entire flat is about the size of your room, Mags."

Maggie felt sad for her sister. Sure, the Shelby family didn't have much to their name, but they were better off compared to most of the population in Small Heath. "Is that Copper still looking for Freddie?" Ada inquired to which Polly nodded.

Ada cursed and placed a hand on her large stomach, "I just want to live in peace with my family. But instead of thinking of me or the baby, all he cares about is the bloody cause. Freddie even gave someone two hundred bloody pounds."

Polly leaned in closer to the pregnant girl, and with a hushed tone asked, "Who?"

OoOoOo

Maggie walked down the hall from her room to Tommy's, she was hoping she could borrow a pen since hers ran out of ink. Before she opened the closed door, she could have sworn she heard noises. Had her brother come home early?

"Tom?" She asked, opening the door, but that wasn't who was in the room, "John?"

Being caught, the third oldest Shelby stopped his rifling through their brothers' things, though seemed relieved it was only her, "Mags-"

"What are you doing here?" She asked before she noticed that his eyes were watery, "Has something happened?"

"The weddings off," He informed her with an irritated tone and moved to the dresser drawers.

"Oh." Was all she could manage to say awkwardly, "I'm sorry."

"Don't," he told her bitterly, shaking his head then went back to rifling through the dresser flipping over Tommy's clothes. "It ain't your fault I'm a fucking idiot!"

"You're no idiot, John," she assured him yet he just scoffed at her words.

"Never fall in love Maggie, leads to nothing but fucking agony."

“What does falling in love even feel like anyway?” She surprised herself when she asked.

John stopped and turned his red eyes to her for a moment before continuing his search, “You know it… it's like this feeling in your gut.” He told her somewhat uncomfortably, “Your heart beats a little faster, your mind always wanders back to thinking about them, no matter what you're doing; when you eat, when you sleep, when you work… Why the fuck are you asking me this?”

“No reason”, Maggie said quickly. "What are you even looking for, anyway?"

He didn't respond to her question, causing her to become frustrated. "Fine, don't tell me." Maggie walked over to the nightstand, picked up the first writing device she saw and left the room.

OoOoOo

The next evening Maggie had fallen asleep on the sofa in the tiny parlor of their home, at least until she was shaken awake by her aunt. "What's the matter?" she muttered out, quickly sitting herself up. Was something wrong? Had the Lees come back?

"Nothing, love" Polly reassured her, "I left a new dress on your bed, go put it on."

"We're going out?" The girl asked, confused, no one had told her they had prior arrangements.

"Yes," Polly nodded, "Now c'mon, we don't have that much time."

Maggie rose from her spot, "Where are we going, Pol?"

"To a wedding," The older woman huffed impatiently and made her way up the stairs to the bedrooms.

This confused Maggie even more, "Whose?"

Not two hours later Maggie had gotten her answer. She and Polly met Ada near the Lees campground and walked into their enemy's territory with no trouble at all. They approach the crowd of witnesses just as Johnny Dogs begins the ceremony. Ada stopped to stand beside Tommy.

"Let's stand over here, love," Polly said, guiding Maggie past her siblings to get a better view of the union. She watched on as Johnny officiated, taking notice that her brother actually looked happy to be up there. Her attention was taken off the bride and groom when she spotted Ross standing about ten feet away with the rest of the Peaky Blinders. Smiling softly at his familiar face, she waved, her stress alleviated when he did the same.

"I now pronounce you man and wife," Johnny said happily as all the witnesses cheered at the new couple's first kiss.

As the night went on the partygoers were all in a festive mood. Sitting on a wooden barrel, Maggie watched as everyone mingled and danced. Tommy was sitting and chatting with the matriarch of the Lee family, Arthur was in the middle of what looked like a drinking contest, and John danced to the music with his beautiful new wife, Esme. Even she had started to sway to the music as the firecrackers sounded off over the happy noises.

"Mags," Ross greeted her, walking up next to stand next to her seating place.

"Hello," she replied, followed by an awkward pause, "I'm sorry I've been avoiding you." She told him after a few moments.

"Understandable." He responded instantly, "I've been a wanker and not just to you." Taking another puff of his cigarette, he exhaled, "I'll talk to Cara."

Maggie was surprised by this proclamation, "Really?"

"I'll sort it out." He nodded looking at the others dancing, and with a smile continued, "I miss walking with you two."

Maggie returned the smile, "We miss you too."

Ross stuck his hand out, "Care to dance?"

Maggie felt her face flush, and waved her hands in protest, "Oh, no I couldn't."

"C'mon, it's a party." He urged, with his hand still outstretched. Smiling, the girl cautiously took it and was led to the crowd.

Feeling like an idiot, she tried to keep up with the fast-paced music, but it seemed like her feet couldn't move fast enough. She felt someone clumsily bump into her backside nearly knocking her over. "Oi! Watch- Oh sorry love." Ada slurred out.

"It's alright," Maggie assured her sister, regaining her balance.

Ada then awkwardly cupped her little sister's face with both hands, and with a very stern tone warned, "Don't you ever let a man call you a 'Fucking Shelby' you hear me." She then rounded on the man next to her and jabbed a finger close to Ross’s face. "You hear me."

"Don't you worry, Ada," Ross guaranteed her, which seemed to be good enough for the older Shelby girl whose demeanor quickly changed back to her delighted drunkenness, dancing away from them.

As Ross spun her around, she caught a glimpse of John and Esme, sitting together and happily getting to know one another, "Seems like love at first sight." She heard Ross say.

"Seems so," Maggie replied happily. Very soon her attention was drawn to Tommy and Arthur trying to get a drunken Ada under control, "Oh no." She breathed out, walking closer to her feuding family members.

"Come and look, Esme!" Ada shouted, "Come and look at the family you joined!" The music ceased and now everyone's attention was on the intoxicated woman. "Come and look at the man who runs it! He chooses his brother's wives for them!" Ada shouted out for everyone to hear. She wasn't finished though, the woman then pointed at her younger sister, "Have you got some old perverted man lined up for Maggie?!"

Maggie felt her stomach drop at the thought, she felt everyone's gaze turn to her as she remained frozen in place. The only comfort that she felt was when Ross put her arm around her waist, as if to protect her. Tommy just stood in front of Ada looking at her stoically, but the mother-to-be wasn't done yet. "He hunts his own sister down like a rat, and he tries to kill his own brother-in-law!"

"Ada, that's enough!" Arthur tried to intervene.

"And now he won't even let me have a fucking dance! Not even at a fucking wedding!"

"Sit her down!" John barked out.

"Calm down Ada," Polly kept repeating, trying to soothe her. "Holy Shit. Water, right."

"Not now Ada," Arthur whined, obviously devastated the party was now unavoidably cut short. "Bloody hell, you do pick your times."

Tommy rushed over to Ada placing his coat over her and assisted Pol with leading her out of the vicinity and into the family car.

Maggie turned to her friend, "I have to-"

"Go." Ross finished for her.

Maggie rushed towards her family, who all made their way to the car. "It's too early!" she heard Ada cry out as she was ushered into the vehicle. Maggie too jumped into the front seat next to her brother.

"It'll be ok, love." Polly soothed sliding in next to her, before turning to the driver, "Step on it, Tommy."

OoOoOo

"Freddie," Ada kept repeating as she laid down on the sofa in the small parlor. "I want Freddie!"

"I know," Maggie sighed out uncomfortably, moving a sweaty piece of hair out of her sister's face.

"I can't do it, Mags. I can't do it on my own." Ada whimpered.

The younger girl's heart ached, "Hey, look at me, you can do this," She assured her, "You are so strong, if anyone can do this it'll be you."

Luckily for them, Esme had finally arrived moments later.

"Ada!" They heard Polly scream before she re-entered the home. "They're getting the word out to Freddie. He'll be here, love." She assured her niece, who grunted out as yet another contraction commenced.

"I think it might be the wrong way 'round," Esme told them, "I attended three sisters."

"Yeah, I think you're right," Polly agreed.

Maggie squirmed in place nervously, "What does that mean?"

"We should lean her forward," Esme suggested and Polly nodded, helping Ada up.

"C'mon, it's not that long to go, darling," The aunt encouraged the screaming woman. "Push, two, three!"

"Holy shit," Maggie muttered out, as she watched a new life was making its way out of her sister.

"Keep going, that's it!" Polly cheered before pulling out the baby completely. "It's a boy, Ada," Polly told the exhausted woman over the newborn's cries as Esme cut the cord connecting the mother and son with some old scissors.

Polly cleaned the new baby boy off tenderly with a small rag before returning him to Ada, who was beaming at the small life in her arms. Maggie heard banging from the front entrance and if she had not gotten out of the way fast enough Freddie may have run over her. Maggie smiled at the sight of the little family. The feeling didn't last long though, because the front door opened once again, and she felt herself being pushed aside the wall by a copper. Esme could be heard yelling, the baby boy began to shriek, and Ada sobbed, clinging to her newborn to her chest.

"Freddie!" Ada cried out as the group of officers dragged the new father out of the home.

"Tommy," Polly said darkly before letting out a string of curses in Romany before storming out of the house.

[annab-nana]

It’s Just Not My Thing - Peter Parker

Empire State University looks like the epitome of all things Valentine’s Day which just so happened to be your least favorite holiday. In fact, you hated the day and with good reason, so Peter plans something special to get you away from all the love and hearts.

A/N: Happy Valentine’s Day @jellyfishbeansontoast! This is my gift to you from @killingbxys and @earthlyholland’s Valentine’s Day Fic Exchange! I tried to add little details about you that I’m sure you’ll notice hehe and side note: this is the longest thing I have ever written so I really hope you guys like it!

Warnings: some curse words

Word Count: 12.3k+ (kinda sorry, kinda not)

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

“God, it looks like Cupid threw up here,” you groaned as you looked around at the campus that surrounded you when you and Peter walked out of the main science building. Splashes of red and pink and small bits of purple littered the outsides of all the buildings around Empire State University and the walkways were heavily decorated as well.

“Yeah,” Peter chuckled from beside you when he caught sight of the disgusted face you made on upon noticing the immense amount of love-centered holiday décor. “ESU really outdid themselves,” he mentioned, his brown eyes falling upon the pink and red twinkly lights that were twisted together and spiraling around the trees. Heart-shaped balloons swung beside the entrance of the dorm across the way. People had drawn on the sidewalks with chalk several little hearts and flowers, words of love written in the same hues as everything else. Even in the water fountain at the center of everything, they had turned the lights pink giving the water a rose tint.

“A little too much,” you shuddered after speaking. Valentine’s Day was very obviously not your cup of tea when it came to holidays. You never understood why people needed a whole day to show their love and appreciation for their significant other when it was really something you should be showing your person every day. It also bothered you a little because you never had someone to show all your love to on the damned day of hearts and flowers. The one time you had a boyfriend for a long period a couple years ago, you two broke up on February 13th so that only further encouraged your hatred for the day. “I think I’m gonna puke.”

Peter chuckled from your side at your dramatics, amused by your clear disdain for all things red and pink that surrounded you as you walked. That was one thing he loved about you. You always brought a smile to his face no matter what you did. He could come to you after a stressful week of tests or after a bad night on patrol and you would make him laugh and feel better within seconds. You did not even have to say anything. Maybe it was just your aura or your presence, but it made his mood rise tenfold.

“Why do you hate Valentine’s Day so much anyway?” he inquired. You two had only become friends since college, meeting in your biology class last semester after you asked if someone was sitting in the free seat next to him on the first day. Sitting next to each other led to snide remarks about your professor to each other and asking questions when things didn’t make sense. One day, he asked if you wanted to study with him for the first test at the library and you’d be lying to yourself if you said you didn’t want to spend more time with the cute curly-headed boy from your biology class. That opened the door to more study sessions and then sometimes y’all would study at the coffee shop across the street. Soon those turned into hanging out at the coffee shop and somewhere along the line, you two became really good friends.

“Valentine’s day just isn’t really my thing, you know bad experiences and all. I also don’t really like how it’s being shoved down our throats,” you told him simply, gesturing to the sheet signs that some of the sororities had made and hung up. You shrugged slightly before speaking once more. “I just don’t like it.”

Peter nodded slowly and you could visibly see the gears turning in his mind. You really knew he was thinking hard when he pulled his bottom lip between his teeth with his tongue and his cinnamon brown irises danced around at everything in front of him. His eyebrows drew together as you both continued your walk to the coffee shop, and you could not watch him anymore without knowing what was going on in that big, beautiful brain of his.

“What’re you thinkin’ about, Parker? I’m scared you’re gonna exert yourself if you think any harder,” you giggled when the words fell from your lips. He let his lip go from its captivity between his pearly whites and his eyes found you again, his signature smile showing on his face.

“I just had an idea,” he mentioned before leaning across you to press the button on the pole to signal traffic that you two were about to walk across the street as soon as the light changed. It was your turn to furrow your brows, but you did it in confusion instead of hard thinking.

“And would you like to share what it was or leave me in mystery?” you inquired with a quirked brow. He playfully rolled his eyes at you before beginning with his idea.

“So, this is just a thought and we don’t have to if you don’t want to, but what if we got out of the city for the weekend?” he proposed before he noticed the light change from an orange hand to the white outline of a man, signaling him that it was okay to walk. He looked both ways still before his hand found your lower back and he guided you across the street with him.

“Just you and me? Why?” you questioned further as you tried to ignore the warmth you felt inside you at the small but kind action he had just shown you.

“Well, you obviously hate Valentine’s Day so we could get away from all this stuff,” he told you as he gestured back towards the floral-colored campus that sat on the other side of the street.

“That I do,” you nodded in agreement as Peter pushed the door open for you and let you go in first. The overwhelming scent of coffee hit your nostrils like a train when you fully entered the building, Peter close behind. The coffee shop was always slightly busier on Friday’s but today was a bit much. The line was basically backed up to the door, leaving you and Peter squished against each other and the door. Somehow, y’all’s favorite spot in the corner was still available. “Do you want to stay here or go to the library?”

“We can stay if you want. You can go ahead and sit down so no one else steals our spot and I’ll get our drinks,” Peter suggested into your ear after you turned in the small space to face him properly.

“Okay, I want a-” you started but your words were cut off by the boy with who you were sharing your personal space at the moment.

“A hot chocolate with no whipped cream with those little marshmallows on top. I know. I got it,” he chuckled as his hand rested on your shoulder for a second. “Now go sit down before someone takes our spot.” You rolled your eyes at him before turning around and sitting in your seat, placing your book bag in the opposite place just in case someone tried to sit with you.

A few moments later after you and Peter shared a few glances while he waited in the lengthy line, he finally got to the counter and began to order your beverages. You had pulled out your laptop to see what all you needed to do over the weekend and surprisingly, there was not that much to do in comparison to the last few weeks that had been hell and you never really caught a break. Now it looked like you might be able to take a breather and do something fun rather than being holed up in your room writing a paper or studying for a test. All you had to do before Monday was two quizzes and a quick essay and you would be all done.

“Your hot chocolate ma’am,” Peter spoke jokingly as he presented the heated beverage to you. You rolled your eyes, taking the cup and setting it on the table.

“Shut up and sit down, Parker,” you quipped before moving your book bag so that he could do as you asked of him. He smiled at you and took the seat that he always sat in every time you both came to the small coffee shop.

“I don’t even know why you come to a coffee place so often if you don’t like coffee,” Peter mumbled as he took a small sip of his drink, grimacing as he pulled away when the caffeinated liquid was too hot to handle at the moment.

“For starters, that bean juice is disgusting. I don’t know how you drink it. Secondly, it doesn’t do anything for me as far as waking me up or getting me energized. Third, they make really good hot chocolate. And lastly, this is our spot, Peter. Of course I am going to come here all the time,” you informed him while you opened up a blank document on your computer, setting the font to Times New Roman, twelve-point, and making sure it was double spaced before you began typing your two-page essay on why technology is important and how it helps us every day. “Tell me more about this idea you were talking about earlier.”

“Oh yeah.” The boy across from you perked up and took another sip of his drink, forgetting that it was still too hot and burned his tongue. “So, this is what I was thinking. We finish all our schoolwork so that we have all weekend free. We can get out of here and find some place to explore, you know? Like we could find a hotel and just look around and go to new places. It would distract you from all the Valentine’s Day stuff and we could use the break from school since we’ve both been so busy lately.”

“I like that. Let’s do it! All I have is this small paper, our chemistry quiz, and a trig quiz and it shouldn’t take me more than a couple of hours,” you said with a smile, excited for this weekend trip with your best friend and away from all things Valentine’s and school-related.

“I just have the chem quiz that I was waiting to do with you, so I can look for a place to go and a hotel,” he stated while sipping on his now cooled down coffee.

“Sounds like a plan.” So, then the searching began. You’d glance up at him from time to time to see his eyes trained on his computer screen, nodding his head as he read whatever information he was taking in from the device. The way his eyebrows were furrowed and how focused his brown eyes were on his laptop was a little funny to you, but you also thought it was cute. While you were watching him, his eyebrows shot up and his eyes diverted to you. “What?”

“I found the perfect place,” he told you with a big grin.

“Well tell me where, you idiot,” you chuckled but he shook his head, not quite ready to give you that information just yet.

“No, it’s a surprise,” he spoke softly as he typed at his keyboard. He then pulled out his phone to dial a number and put it up to his ear.

“Who are you calling?” you pondered aloud, tilting your head at him.

“There are two hotels near there so I’m calling one right n- Hi, I was wondering if you have any rooms open for this weekend.” He paused to let the person on the other end talk but based on the way his shoulders slouched, you could tell that this one was a bust. “Okay, that’s fine. Thank you. You have a nice day.”

“No luck?” you asked though you knew the answer. He shook his head at you before looking back at his computer screen. “You going to call the other one?”

“Yep,” he sighed as he brought his phone back up to his ear and waited for someone to pick up. “Yes, hi. I was wondering if you had any rooms available for the weekend.” He shot you a smile when you heard the mumbles of whoever was on the other line, so you assumed it was good news. “Yes, it is two people, and we will be staying tonight, tomorrow night, and Sunday night.” You heard more mumbles from the other end before Peter’s voice cut them off. “Okay, we will take it! Thank you, sir.”

“That went a lot better,” you chuckled at the boy’s wide grin.

“Yeah and we’re lucky too because he said that was the last room they had.” You nodded at him as you finished up your paper.

“Proofread this for me? You always catch things I don’t,” you asked him when you turned your laptop towards him. He gladly took it and quickly skimmed over it, typing here and there at your misspellings or overbearing use of commas that he always picked on you about.

“Looks good. Ready for the chem quiz?” You nodded your head as you both opened the quiz and began to take it together.

...

“So, we’re leaving tonight?” you asked Peter as you both left the coffee shop after being there for a few hours. The sun was beginning to set behind the buildings of ESU and it made the campus look so pretty from across the street where you two stood, waiting your turn to cross.

“Yeah, we’re gonna go to our dorms, pack enough for a few days, then we’ll leave. It’s about two hours outside of the city so we will get there at around ten if we leave within the next hour and we’ll probably stop somewhere for dinner too.” You nodded along to Peter’s words as his hand found your lower back again to lead you across the street when the light changed.

“You’ve got this all figured out, don’t you Pete?” you grinned at the boy while walking next to him as you two approached the central water fountain, the lights illuminating it an even brighter shade of pink in the darker time of day.

“Of course I do. Anything for my best girl,” he chuckled when his arm slipped around your shoulders and pulled you into him. That nickname didn’t come often but it always brought butterflies in your tummy, but you knew there was nothing really to it. Did you really want something more with your best friend? Yes and no. You didn’t see a future with anyone else, but he’s your best friend and you also couldn’t see him and you in a romantic kind of relationship. Well, you could but you didn’t think it would ever happen, so you’ve pushed it into the depths of your mind.

After passing all the lovey-dovey shit that somewhat led to this whole weekend getaway, you both made it back to the dorms. You both went up to the fourth floor and parted ways at the elevator since your dorms were in different directions. Upon entering your room, you quickly emptied your bookbag of all its books and school things so that you could put some clothes in it.

“What are you doing?” your roommate, Raelyn, asked as she leaned against your door frame.

“Peter and I are going on a trip for the weekend,” you told her before you walked past her to get to the sink, grabbing your toothbrush and other things you needed from that area.

“Ooo where to?” she perked up. She was always so interested in your relationship with Peter, waiting for you and him to finally get together. She honestly thought you two were together a long time ago but was disappointed when she found out that you were not.

“I don’t know. He said it’s a surprise. All I know is that it’s about two hours outside the city and there are two hotels near it,” you filled her in as you packed the items that were just in your hands into the smaller pocket on your bag.

“A surprise trip where you stay in a hotel with Peter?” she gushed while wearing the biggest grin.

“Calm down, Rae. It’s just me and Peter going to explore some place to get away from school and all this Valentine’s shit and speaking of Valentine’s, what are you and Florence going to be doing?” You changed the subject effectively and watched the girl’s cheeks flush at the mention of her lovely girlfriend. They have been together for a few months now and this was their first Valentine’s Day together, so you knew she was excited. The girl loved love and she loved Florence, so this was perfect for her.

“We’re going to recreate our first date,” she spoke softly as she watched you go into the bathroom to get your shower things.

“Didn’t y’all do like a cute little picnic on a cliff and stargaze and stuff? Flo’s gonna love that,” you grinned at Rae while she childishly bit at her bottom lip to keep her smile from growing too big.

“Yeah, she’s making chocolate covered strawberries and I’m gonna go down to her favorite bakery and get some goodies as well. It’s gonna be a night to remember for sure,” she giggled before tucking some loose strands of her dark hair behind her ear. “I was actually putting together a little scrapbook for her when I heard you come in, so I’ll let you finish packing for your Valentine’s trip with Peter-“

“It’s to get away from Valentine’s, Rae,” you corrected her as she playfully rolled her light-colored eyes at you.

“Anyway, I am going to get back to what I was doing, and you have fun with Peter. Be safe and use protection!” she shouted when she went back to her room.

“We won’t need it!” you yelled right back.

“Y/n, you dirty girl!” she joked, causing you to groan and roll your eyes.

“Not like that, you dumbass. You are starting to sound like his aunt!” She just laughed in return and you finished your packing when you heard a knock at the door. “I’ll get it!” you shouted as you slung your bag onto your shoulder.

“Hey, you ready to go?” Peter asked when your eyes met his. You nodded your head before turning to say goodbye to Rae.

“Bye Rae. Have fun with Flo this weekend.” You shot her a wink and she giggled as she taped a heart to the corner of a picture of the two together on the page of the scrapbook she was currently working on. “You too! Bye y/n. Bye Peter!”

“Bye Rae!” Peter said loudly before you shut the door behind you and followed him out.

...

“How much longer?” you asked, getting antsy. It was almost ten and you really wanted to know where you would be spending your weekend.

“Like ten minutes. Chill out and eat your pringles,” he chuckled as he pointed to the green can of pringles that he had gotten you earlier when he stopped for gas. You huffed before grabbing some chips, placing a few in his opened hand, and keeping some for yourself. Peter kept one hand on the wheel while he munched on the chips you had given him in his other hand. You capped the can of pringles and leaned your head against your seatbelt a little.

“Okay, we’re here,” Peter told you as he lightly shook your shoulder since you were nearing sleep. You stirred a little, looking over to him while he unclicked his seatbelt and leaned over to do yours as well.

“Thanks,” you mumbled before bringing your hands up to your eyes to wipe the small bits of tiredness out of them, ignoring the slight fluttery feeling that took over your stomach at Peter’s action. You got out, slipping on your jacket that you were using as a blanket in the car to shield yourself from the crisp air of the cold February night. Both of you grabbed your bags from the back seat before Peter locked the car behind him and wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you into him to provide some warmth for you both.

The hotel looked more like a large home or mansion, older looking too but it had a charm to it. It gave off a cozy and welcoming feel and you have not even entered its doors yet. Peter pushed the door to it open and let you in first, him following soon after. It looked even more comforting and homey on the inside as well. It was clearly a family business as there were family pictures hung upon the wall and the couches that sat around a small coffee table reminded you of your grandparent’s house, making you feel more at home.

“Hi, how can I help you?” the sweet voice of an older lady broke you from your thoughts when you looked over at her. She wore a pale yellow apron tied around her waist and a gentle smile upon her lips. You sent her a kind grin as well before Peter turned to you.

“You go sit down. I know you’re tired. I’ll handle this, okay?” You nodded at his words, an insuppressible yawn escaping your lips when you turned to go sit on one of the couches you noticed earlier and resting your head on your hand.

“Hi,” Peter started as he walked up to the front desk that the lady stood behind. “I talked on the phone earlier with a man. He said there was a room available for two.”

“Oh yes, that was George. Let me go get him right quick.” Peter nodded nicely at the woman before she left through a door behind the desk. He turned around to look at you close to sleep again. He didn’t notice the small smile that crept onto his face, but it was definitely there.

“He will be right here in just a second,” the woman spoke softly when she noticed the way Peter was looking at you. “She’s as cute as a button that girl. I’m sure you love her very much.” His head tilted slightly as to what the lady was referring to, but he shook it off.

“Yeah, I do.” He meant it in a friendly way, but the woman clearly thought he meant romantically based on her next words.

“Y’all make an adorable couple. I’ve loved seeing young lovers pass through here over the years. It’s cute.” Before Peter could protest her words, a man, George assumingly, walked in through the door that the lady went through earlier.

“Mr. Parker?” he asked as he searched on his computer for a moment.

“Yes, that’s me,” he chirped, feeling slightly awkward about the woman’s assumptions but did not let it bother him too much. Of course, Peter loved you and he would love to love you in that way, but something always held him back. Fear probably as he wouldn’t dare risk losing you as a best friend. You’re his whole world and if he confessed how he felt and it ruined your relationship, he would hate himself for it.

“Alright, you paid online, and everything is set for you. Here is the key and we hope y’all have a nice stay,” he grinned while passing over the key that had a red heart attached to it. So much for staying away from Valentine’s related things. The heart read ‘214’ so Peter took that as the room number.

“Thank you and have a nice night,” Peter returned the politeness back before turning to go get you. The sight of you sleeping was absolutely adorable to him and made his heart soar. You had shifted from leaning on your hand to hugging your book bag and leaning against that instead. He hated that he had to wake you up when you looked so precious.

“Hey, y/n,” he whispered when he crouched down in front of you and lightly shook your arm. You stirred awake, your tired eyes meeting his big brown ones, and hummed in response. “I’ve got the key. Let’s go upstairs and you can go back to sleep.” You nodded as you stood and stretched before slipping your bag back onto your arm.

“Good night you two! Y’all have fun,” the kind woman you smiled at earlier spoke softly as she shot you a wink and waved you two off. You and Peter both waved back to her and sent sweet smiles her way before you headed up the stairs, choosing to ignore her playful but peculiar gesture. After making it to the second floor, you let Peter lead the way as you leaned into him, his arm where it always was wrapped around your shoulders.

“Okay, I think this is it,” Peter announced when stopping in front of a door numbered 214. You yawned and nodded while watching him fiddle with the key that had a heart charm dangling from it. You found it to be quite cute, just another little thing to add to the allure of this whole hotel. After a second, Peter finally turned the key and opened the door, letting you go in first like the gentleman he always was. He stepped in behind and flipped on the light switch, illuminating the room that was decorated in a way you both least expected.

You busted out laughing at the sight before you. A rather large white circular bed sat against the wall which was normal, but the rose petals that littered the sheets were far from what you were thinking when it came to sharing a hotel room with Peter. Red curtains covered the windows, a large red chair sat in the corner by a tv, and candles sat on the bedside tables. The light that Peter had turned on was quite dim compared to normal lights but was perfect to set the mood for a couple looking to have a fun night which you and Peter were not. You turned to look at Peter whose cheeks were the reddest thing in the room and only laughed a little harder, tears springing to your eyes.

“Y/n, I am so sorry. I was trying to get you away from Valentine’s stuff, not bring you somewhere intended for it. God, I am an idiot. I’m so sorry, you gotta believe me,” he rambled on as you gripped onto his arm to steady yourself, your laughter making your knees weaker. You leaned your head against his shoulder, continuing to giggle but also trying to calm yourself down.

“P-Peter,” you stuttered through chuckles and took a deep breath to calm your laughter before looking up at him. “Peter,” you repeated a little more seriously and stared into his eyes with your tear-filled ones. You could tell he felt so bad, but you did not mind the room that much. It was really funny to you honestly. “It’s okay. This is okay. It’s hilarious actually so lighten up and laugh about it, but this is alright. We needed a place to sleep and this works so we’re good.”

“People have probably had sex on that bed,” he groaned before his eyes flickered over towards the petal-covered sheets and then back to you.

“People would have fucked on any bed at any hotel. Did we get the bed that a lot more people have probably had sex on? Yes, but I’m sure they changed the sheets and cleaned up.” Peter shuddered at your words before pouting again. “What?”

“I feel bad,” he muttered as he looked around at the room and then back to you, the girl who wanted to get away from campus because it looked similar to this. You sighed before wrapping your arms around his waist and pulling him into a hug, nuzzling your head under his chin.

“It’s okay, Pete. It doesn’t bother me, and we only have to sleep here. We have got a whole place to explore tomorrow and Sunday, right? So, don’t worry about the room. So far, it has been the highlight of my trip,” you told him before lifting your head up to look at him, a grin on your lips.

“You’re the best, you know that?” he mumbled, squeezing you tighter against him.

“Yeah, I know,” you joked just to hear his amused giggle, making your words worth it.

“Are you okay sleeping together or I can sleep in the big chair if you want?” Peter asked when he pulled away from you. You rolled your eyes at the boy before you.

“Peter, we’ve slept together on those tiny ass twin beds in the dorms. I think we can handle sharing the bed. It’s much bigger and probably much more comfortable as well,” you mentioned as you walked to the bed and sat your bag down on it, ruffling through your things to find your charger. “Unless you’re scared of the sex that’s been had on it,” you teased, wiggling your brows at him tauntingly, “then the chair is all yours.”

“Shut up,” he quipped when he followed your actions and rummaged through his bag for his clothes. “Are you showering tonight or in the morning?”

“The morning. I am too tired to shower right now,” you spoke and yawned as if on cue.

“Great so I’m spending the night with a stinky girl,” he joked while your jaw dropped.

“I do not stink,” you playfully pouted while slipping your hefty jacket off your arms.

“Well,” he shrugged as if he was trying to tell you that you really smelled bad without hurting your feelings.

“Peter!” you frowned, crossing your arms in front of you.

“I’m kidding, y/n. You always smell nice,” he reassured as he collected his clothes and walked towards the bathroom before shutting the door behind him. You took the opportunity to pull out your pajamas which was an ESU sweatshirt and some pink pajama pants you had stolen from Peter. As soon as you heard the water start, you changed and pushed the rose petals to the side, letting them fall to the floor before you hopped in bed and got comfortable under the covers. Though for some reason, you were not as tired as you were previously and couldn’t just fall asleep as easily, so you got on your phone for a moment. Not long after, the water shut off from in the bathroom and a damp, curly-headed Peter Parker emerged from its door.

“The bath is shaped like a heart,” Peter told you before he walked over to his bag to set his dirty clothes beside it.

“You’re kidding,” you giggled, setting your phone down next to you to properly look at him, his wet curls making you feel some type of way though you wouldn’t show that.

“I’m not,” he chuckled, running a light hand through damp hair. He walked over to the light switch to turn the dim light off before he walked back to the bed and climbed in next to you.

“You really got the lover’s suite, didn’t you? You know you could’ve just asked me to be your Valentine. I probably would’ve said yes,” you teased the boy who you laid beside, hearing an exasperated sigh leave his lips.

“It was the only room they had,” he protested while you turned to face him, though you could not see much in the darkness. “And probably? You better say yes if I were to ask you such a question.”

“I’d say yes, you dumbass. We were likely to spend Valentine’s Day together anyway. We’re together all the time,” you pointed out and he hummed in response.

“Yeah, you’re right, but you really aren’t mad about this? I planned this whole thing to get away from all the hearts and flowers and love and stuff,” he brought up, shifting in bed to face you as well. You could hear the worry in his tone, so you reached out your hand to find his and rubbed your thumb over his knuckles.

“You also said it was to get away from school and take a break. We’ve both been busy bees these last few weeks and we needed this, so don’t worry. The room is fine,” you spoke calmly. Though you could barely see in the dark, you could just hardly make out a smile on his face, or at least you could feel the presence of it.

“Now that I think about it, it makes a lot more sense as to why that lady downstairs thought we were a couple,” Peter thought out loud. You chuckled thinking about how she winked at you and told you to ‘have fun tonight’. Silence overcame you both and you let go of Peter’s hand to turn the other way to hopefully fall asleep.

“Hey y/n,” Peter mumbled after a while of no speaking.

“Yeah,” you whispered, tilting your head slightly towards him.

“Can I ask you something?” His words filled the void around you, and it was all you could hear. He sounded serious, but not like it was something about him but more of a curiosity question.

“Of course,” you muttered, laying on your back and facing the boy.

“Earlier when I asked why you hated Valentine’s Day so much, you mentioned something about bad experiences. Can I ask what that was?” You knew it was your curious Peter just asking a random question as it normally was, but you understood why he used an earnest tone.

“Yeah, I, uh, used to date this guy my senior year of high school and I was like head over heels for him. We had been dating for almost ten months and then the day before Valentine’s Day, I found out he cheated on me with my best friend at the time, so I lost the two people I loved and trusted most all in one day. The last few months of high school weren’t fun, and I was ready to get to college so I applied to ones that I knew they couldn’t get into. That led me to ESU and then I met you,” you explained, “and I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.”

“Oh y/n. I’m sorry about all that. I know that had to suck,” Peter softly spoke before his hand found yours to help comfort you this time.

“It’s okay. It was high school, so I kinda expected it to be hell. I was just lucky enough that I didn’t have to experience the hell of it until the very end. And on the bright side, I have you and Rae and Florence is becoming a good friend of mine too so it worked out for the better.” Peter repeated your actions from earlier and rubbed his thumb over the back of your hand in a soothing manner.

“Yeah, that’s a nice way to look at it,” Peter mumbled while drawing little circles into your skin. The motions of it had brought you a sense of great peace and comfort and were helping you feel sleepier. You were getting closer to a nice long slumber when you felt him pull his hand away.

“Wait, give me that back. It was helping me go to sleep,” you whined. Peter’s chuckle sounded throughout the room before his hand found yours again and began the circular motions with his thumb on your hand. With that, you were asleep in seconds.

...

You were slightly awakened when you felt something move on top of you. Then the fact that something moved on you made your eyes shoot open because last you checked you fell asleep with nothing on you, but now there was definitely something there. You also realized you felt something around you as well. When you opened your eyes, you saw the brown shade of Peter’s nest of curls resting on your chest and put together that he cuddled into you in his sleep. You lifted your head slightly to look at the clock that sat on his nightstand and saw that it was almost nine, so you decided to get up and shower, letting Peter sleep in a little longer. Slowly, you tried to slip out of his grasp without waking him, but as soon as you tried to move, his arms pulled you in tighter. Chuckling lightly to yourself, you tapped at his arm.

“Uh, Peter,” you whispered softly. He stirred a little but did not wake up. “Pete, I need to get up.” He squinted one eye open and saw what you were talking about.

“Oh yeah uh sorry,” he stammered while lifting his body off you. You smiled and rolled your eyes as you slipped out of the warmth and comfort of Peter and the bed to get some clothes for the day. Peter rubbed at his eyes before turning in the sheets, placing his face into the pillow, and trying to fall back asleep. Heading to the bathroom, you chuckled at the boy and opened the door. Once your eyes fell upon the heart-shaped bathtub that Peter was talking about last night, another giggle escaped you as you thought about the events that happened before you fell asleep. Only Peter Parker, the smartest person you know, would get the lover’s suite on a trip to get away from all that stuff.

“You ready?” Peter asked once you were all showered and dressed, appearing to be ready for the day that you knew nothing about.

“I think so,” you told him as you followed him out the door, shoving your phone into your jacket pocket.

“Good morning lovebirds. Did the lovely pair have a nice night?” the lady from the previous  night asked you both when she saw you two coming down the stairs.

“Yes, we did, Mrs. Milly,” you answered, completely disregarding the ‘lovebirds’ part, as you read the name that was printed on the different apron she was wearing today. “I love your name. I have a cat named Milly.”

“Aww thank you, but you can just call me Milly or Mildred. Whichever you prefer,” she spoke kindly as she sat in the desk chair.

“I like Mildred,” you mused, leaning against the counter.

“Thank you,” she grinned at you before she asked, “How long have you two been together?”

“Oh, we’re n-“ Peter started but you cut him off with the jab of your elbow into his side, the whole action being shielded from the older lady with the counter.

“Six months,” you answered before turning to Peter who gazed at you in confusion. “Isn’t that right, Pete?”

“Y-yes,” he agreed, nodding at Mildred. She smiled warmly at you both before speaking again.

“Well, I won’t keep you cuties any longer. Y’all probably have a whole day planned.”

“That we do. We’ll see you later, Mildred,” you told her as you and Peter both waved at her before leaving the cozy hotel.

“Uh what was that?” Peter asked as soon as you two got in the car.

“What? Why I elbowed you?” you questioned, reaching up to grab your seatbelt and clicking it in.

“Yeah, and why you pretended we were dating,” he stated while placing the keys in the ignition and turning them, the car roaring to life in response.

“Do you really want to explain to that poor old woman that you’re a dumbass who got that room for a weekend with his best friend?” He instantly saw your point and did not bother arguing any further. “Yeah, I also didn’t want to break her heart because she really seems to like us, even if that may be as a couple.”

“That makes sense,” he hummed, pulling out of the parking space and beginning to drive on the main road.

“So where to Parker?” you asked since you had literally no idea what he had planned for the day.

“Okay so there’s a little diner between here and the nearest town, so I was thinking we go to the diner for breakfast, then there’s a cool science museum that looked interesting and it has a planetarium too so we can check that out. There is a somewhat rundown mall that looked like something you’d really like. There’s a really pretty park too that we can go to. Does any of this sound good or should we go somewhere else?” Peter asked when you had stayed quiet throughout his whole explanation.

“No Pete, it sounds perfect. I’m really excited,” you said with the hugest grin on your face.

“That’s what I like to hear,” he chirped before further explaining some more things that y’all could do.

...

“The planetarium was the best part for sure,” you told Peter as you walked beside him in the mall he brought up earlier. There were a good bit of people there for a place that was considered to be rundown or abandoned, but it was probably just one of the attractions of this lovely town. While some of the shops were closed, others were open and the food court still had some running businesses as well. The whole building itself was older but the inside was pretty alive and well. It was an interesting sight to see. “So where do you want to eat for lunch?”

“You pick,” he stated quickly. He always let you pick, but this time you didn’t want to.

“No Peter. You have planned this whole trip and made me happy. You pick lunch at least and you know food’s on me since you paid for the hotel so don’t even try that.” He chuckled lightly at your words before his big brown eyes scanned his options for your next meal. His options were limited to a Chinese restaurant, a pizza place, and a soup and sandwich spot.

“I think soup and sandwiches would be pretty good,” he mentioned as he met your eyes to see if you agree. With a quick smile and nod, it was evident that you did agree so the two of you walked toward the small soup shop and got in line behind a few other people.

“So, I was thinking that for the rest of the day, we could…” You let Peter’s words drown out as you looked around at the people that you could see outside of the window that showed the mall. Several different shoppers walked around the old place, but the back of someone in particular looked oddly familiar to you so your eyes darted to who they were talking to and that person was more familiar than you would have liked. The face of someone you had hoped you would never see again stood across the mall and your eyes basically bulged out of your head. On instinct, you grabbed Peter’s arms and shifted his body to stand between you and the guy, hoping he did not catch your gaze.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Peter’s soft and concerned voice broke through your thoughts for a moment before they resumed. How? How could this be happening? You tried so hard to get away from him? And of course, you would find him on the same day he broke your heart two years ago.

“I- yeah. I need to hide and it’s either you stand there and block me, or I go under that table,” you told him, giving him not a clue as to what was going on. Peter slowly turned his body to look at the source of the problem and you caught his eyes, the blue ones that you used to think everything of staring right back at you. “I used to eat playdough under the table as a kid,” you blurted out, your hand quickly slapping over your mouth at your sudden confession.

“What?” Peter mustered, a small smile cracking on his face in amusement.

“Sorry, I say random things when I’m nervous. You know that,” you reminded the curly-headed boy who stood before you with a teasing grin illuminating his features.

“I do know that, but seriously. Playdough?” You slapped at his chest when he laughed at your despair. Out the corner of your eye, you could see your ex and his friend wrapping up their conversation and it appeared like he was leaning towards your direction and anxiety filled you.

“Stop, this isn’t funny. Laugh about that later but right now I need a favor.” Peter’s giggles subsided at your serious tone and he was attentive to whatever you needed. “Act like my boyfriend.”

“What?” he questioned, dumbfounded with wide eyes.

“Just put your arm around me and make me laugh or something,” you instructed of him. Though it was normal for him to have an arm around you, he was a bit hesitant to it now but nonetheless, his arm found its normal spot around your shoulders, nice and friendly.

“No Peter. God, you’re helpless,” you sighed before you grabbed his hand that rested on your shoulder and placed it on your waist. A light dusting of red scattered upon Peter’s cheeks when you leaned your head on his shoulder and let out a sigh.

“He’s here. That guy I was looking at, that’s the reason I hate Valentine’s Day so much.” He nodded understandingly at your words when you looked up at him and his thumb absentmindedly began to rub against your waist, the minuscule action bringing you much comfort. On your way to put your head back down on his shoulder, your eyes caught the blue ones again and you saw him say goodbye to his friend and step in the direction of the soup shop. Your breath hitched and only one thing came to mind as a way to get him to leave you alone or give him some hint that you weren’t available.

“Peter, kiss me,” you half asked, half told him while his eyebrows shot up and brown eyes widened.

“Wha- y/n, I don’t know,” he stammered, gazing deeply into your eyes to make sure you were being completely sure about this, not joking or pulling some funny shit. “This doesn’t seem-“

“Shut up and kiss me,” you spoke sternly before your hand found his cheek, cupping his beautiful face. Your eyes darted between his for a bit of consent and he slightly nodded so you went for it. Your lips connected with his while his other arm wrapped around your waist as well, pulling your body closer to his. Your free hand found the nape of his neck, trailing upwards to thread your fingers through those soft brown locks of his. Kissing Peter was something you never really saw yourself doing, but it was nice. He was surprisingly good at it and he seemed to be enjoying himself as well.

“Next in line,” the man behind the counter repeated himself since you two were too involved with each other to hear him the first time. You both jumped apart, Peter too in a trance to understand what was happening while you grabbed his hand and walked up to the counter.

“Oh sorry, hi! Can I get a cup of broccoli and cheese soup and a grilled cheese? Peter, what do you want?” you asked him, lightly tugging at his hand that you held.

“Uhh,” he stammered as his eyes trailed over their menu but he couldn’t focused on reading the words after what had just happened. “I think I’ll have the same.”

After you ordered and paid, you two found a spot to sit and finally had to face what had just occurred. Peter’s eyes were trained on you while yours were darting all around to see if you could find your ex, but thankfully, the coast was clear.

“He’s gone,” you sighed before meeting Peter’s gaze. “Thank god, I hated that,” you chuckled before pulling out your phone to scroll mindlessly through it.

“I mean I didn’t think it was that bad, but it has been a while since I’ve kissed someone so I-“

“No Pete,” you breathily laughed. “I hated him being here, not the kiss. You aren’t half bad, Parker.” His cheeks tinted pink at the compliment and yours warmed up a fuzz as well. Before you two could continue the conversation, someone came up to your table with your food.

...

“You two must have had a busy day. I haven’t seen you two since nine this morning and it's almost eleven now,” Mildred stated warmly when you and Peter walked in through the front door, chuckling about a deer that was staring at him funnily before y’all came in.

“We did,” Peter grinned at the kind woman, walking behind you as you stepped up to the desk. It was something about this woman that you loved, and you felt like you could talk to her about anything. She just had a cozy aura about her that matched the hotel’s atmosphere perfectly.

“Yes, we did. We went to the science museum, the planetarium, the mall, a park, walked around the town a bit, and then we watched The Sound of Music at the theater,” you explained to Mildred.

“Oh, I love that movie,” she gushed with a wide grin, her eyes just as wide as she took in your words. You could tell she genuinely loved hearing about your day and she truly was a really sweet lady.

“She does too. It’s one of her favorites,” Peter spoke from beside you, your eyes meeting his when your lips curved upwards at his thoughtfulness.

“You both are so precious! And I am sure you are tired too, so I won’t keep you any longer. I should head to bed myself. Good night y’all,” Mildred told you, her words followed by a yawn as she stood from the desk chair.

“Good night,” you and Peter said simultaneously before Peter’s hand found the small of your back, leading you towards the stairs.

“I really like her,” you told Peter when you made it to the top of the staircase.

“Mildred? Yeah, she’s a nice lady,” Peter agreed as you both walked towards your room, his hand still guiding you there.

“She reminds me of a really nice grandma and it’s a plus that she has the same name as my cat,” you chuckled while Peter’s hand left your back to place the key in the door.

“We should go visit Milly some time. I haven’t seen her in a while,” Peter mentioned, swinging the door open and letting you in first.

“Yeah, I miss her and she probably misses you too. She really liked you and so did my dad which was surprising,” you chuckled before flopping down onto the circular bed, the replaced rose petals jumping up when your body hit the mattress.

“He did? He did not act like it. He actually scared me a bit,” Peter told you as his hands fumbled through the contents of his bag, looking for something to sleep in. You let out a yawn after nodding to answer his question. “I assume you’re showering in the morning again?”

“Yeah,” you yawned out as you rolled over to find yourself some pajamas. “Let me brush my teeth before you get in there, okay?”

“Okay, but you’ve got ten seconds,” Peter teased, eyes gauging your reaction.

“Not all of us have superpowers, dork. I can barely get my toothbrush ready in that time.”

“Twenty seconds,” he offered like that was somehow better and you rolled your eyes before walking into the bathroom.

“I’m gonna brush them slower than I ever have before, so you’ll just have to wait.” It was his turn to roll his eyes at you, knowing you were lying. While you glided the toothbrush over your teeth, you heard Peter yell something from in the bedroom.

“Ew!” he shouted and that was followed by the sound of something falling.

“What?” you asked while still brushing your teeth when you walked back into the room. Peter’s face showed nothing but pure disgust and a slight embarrassment as he pointed down into the open drawer of his nightstand. Your eyebrows furrowed when you walked over to the scene to see a pair of fluffy red handcuffs in the drawer. While laughing, you rolled your eyes at Peter. “You wanted the lover’s suite,” you joked, turning to go back to the bathroom.

“It was a mistake! He said they only had one room left and you would think on Valentine’s Day that this one would be taken but obviously not. I am never going to live this down, am I?” Peter exasperated as you finished up in the bathroom.

“Sorry Pete, but no. This is the funniest thing and I will never let it go. Wait until I tell Flash in physics Monday,” you told him while exiting the bathroom. He wore a frown when he passed you, trudging on his way to take a shower. Unlike the night before, you were able to fall asleep pretty quickly after you changed and got in bed.

...

This morning, you did not wake up with Peter on top of you. You were in fact cuddled into him, your arm around his torso and head against his chest, but you were far too tired to care or move.

“Are you awake?” Peter whispered upon feeling you move slightly.

“No,” you mumbled, hiding your face in his chest. His laughter sounded above your head before he spoke up again.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I think our plans for today have been canceled. It is supposed to rain really badly all day like practically monsoon out there, so we’re stuck,” he muttered into the space around you. At that moment, you did notice the sound of the pattering rain outside the window.

“That’s okay. We can just have a movie day like we normally do on Sundays and we can sleep in a little more if that’s okay with you,” you spoke with your eyes closed, really dreading waking up since the comfort of the bed and Peter felt too good to leave.

“Yeah, that’s fine,” he softly spoke, his arm that sat around your waist tightening for a second.

“Do you want me to move?” you muttered before picking your head up to look at him. You knew your hair was all over the place, but you didn’t have a care at all for its tangled state. Peter’s lips turned upwards into a soft smile as his hand came up to push some of that hair behind your ear.

“I don’t mind. You can stay if you want,” his gentle voice spoke, calming and sweet. You nodded your head before laying your head back on his chest.

“Say less.”

After a few more hours of shut-eye, you finally got up since it was nearing lunchtime, but you made sure to leave Peter sleeping. You reached in your bag for those pringles from the other day and quietly tiptoed over to the large comfy chair to sit there and eat chips while you scrolled through TikTok, the volume incredibly low as not to wake him.

“You left me,” you heard Peter’s pouty voice speak from the bed. Your eyes shot up to meet his as you held up a chip.

“You were sleeping and I wanted to eat these without waking you.” Peter rubbed at his eyes and laid back down for a second before his legs swung over the bed’s edge, sitting up. He came to sit next to you, the chair just barely big enough for you both, and stuck his hand in the Pringles can. “Let me see,” he mumbled, referring to the TikTok you were watching so you shifted in the seat so that your back laid against his front, your head on his shoulder so you could watch the short videos together. The both of you seemed to be substantially clingy since waking up, but you both also didn’t mind it.

It had been about an hour or so of sitting there, eating chips, and laughing at tiktoks before one of you checked the time.

“Shit, it’s already one o’clock,” Peter mentioned as his eyes flittered back to you after looking at the clock.

“Really?” you asked before you checked the time on your phone. “I guess you’re right.”

“Are you hungry? I’m not after the pringles,” Peter asked as he looked down at you still rested against his shoulder.

“Yeah, me neither,” you added, “so we can stay in our pajamas a little longer.” You stood from the chair you shared with him and went to the window to look outside. “You weren’t kidding when you said it was gonna monsoon out here. It’s basically flooding,” you announced after pushing back the red curtains to get a better look. Peter hopped up and followed your previous footsteps, standing behind you and peering over your shoulder. A huff came from him before his head plopped onto your shoulder, you looking down at his grumpy expression and trying to suppress a giggle.

“Hey, it’s okay. We can have a super fun movie day. Cheer up buttercup,” you chuckled as you kissed his cheek. You had never done anything like that before with him but felt bold in the moment. It was just a harmless little kiss and meant nothing, so there was nothing wrong with it in your eyes. When you pulled away, he wore a face of pure surprise as he watched you walk over to the remote. “Let’s find something to watch and we can sit in the chair or lay around in the bed and it will be really fun, okay?” Reluctantly, the still-shocked boy nodded his head before crawling into the bed. You followed suit and channel surfed until you found a Star Wars movie, the perfect thing to lift his spirits.

About an hour into it, you were beginning to get cold. You started to realize why each of you gravitated towards the other the past two nights. It was to seek out warmth and now you really wanted to cuddle up next to him, but you felt weird for asking that and you definitely were not just going to do it on your own.

“Y/n, your teeth are fucking chattering. Get over here,” Peter spoke up at the perfect moment. You hesitated for like a second before sliding into his open arms and wrapping yours around his torso.

“My teeth weren’t chattering, asshole,” you quipped as you relaxed against his body, finally feeling warmer.

“No, but I could tell you were cold and I was a little too, so I decided to fix both our problems.” You giggled against his chest before your eyes settled back on the TV screen, watching Leia talk to her brother. After watching one of his favorite movies, y’all watched one of your favorite movies which was Harry Potter: Prisoner of Azkaban, and then a couple of Grey’s Anatomy episodes until you heard Peter’s stomach rumble beneath your ear.

“Maybe we should go get something to eat,” you suggested with a giggle as Peter’s cheeks reddened from embarrassment. “You could’ve told me you were hungry.”

“Yeah, but I know how much you love this show and I was going to wait until the end of this episode before saying something,” he told you while you sat up from his embrace. “Do you have anything in mind about what you want to eat?”

“Not really,” you answered when you stretched, reaching your arms up towards the ceiling. “All I know is that I don’t want to change, but I don’t want Mildred to pick on me for these,” you told him as you pointed to the pink pajama pants you have worn the last two nights.

“Hey, Mr. Stark got me those and you seemed to love them the one time you wore them so I gave them to you,” Peter explained as he sat up himself. “And I doubt she’d pick on you for those. She’d probably say you look cute in them or something.”

“She does think we are cute, doesn’t she?” you smiled, thinking of the nice old woman downstairs. “I’m gonna miss her.”

“I’m sure she’ll miss you too,” Peter chuckled at the fast connection you had made with the woman in a matter of a few short conversations.

“We should make this a tradition. Like every year on Valentine’s, go to a different place and explore or I would not mind coming here just so I could see Mildred and we could always get this room as a joke. I have had a lot of fun this weekend, Peter. This was a great idea,” you told him as you slipped your shoes on and Peter pulled on a dark blue sweatshirt over the hoodie he was already wearing.

“What would we do if we get boyfriends or girlfriends?” Peter inquired, grabbing his car keys.

“Go the weekend before or after. We will still be best friends, Parker,” you giggled at him after you put your coat on and followed him out the door.

“There you two are! I was beginning to think y’all passed out up there,” Mildred spoke as her eyes fell upon your outfits, Peter in a sweatshirt, hoodie, and sweatpants and you in your pajama pants, a sweatshirt, and your coat. “Well did y’all just wake up?”

“No ma’am,” Peter lightly laughed. “The rain kind of ruined our plans so we stayed in and watched movies and now we’re going to pick up something for dinner.”

“Oh, that’s nice! Y’all are just cute as a button in your pajamas. Y’all are probably starving so you two go ahead. I won’t keep you any longer,” Mildred spoke and shooed you two closer to the door. You both said your goodbyes before stepping out the door and onto the porch. Peter wrapped his arm around your shoulders, and you ducked your head into his chest before you both ran together towards his car.

“We never decided on where to eat,” you brought up as soon as you both were in the car.

“Oh yeah. What about pizza? Or burgers? Both sound really good right now,” Peter offered, his mouth practically watering before you at the thought of some food.

“Either sounds great to me.” So, he looked up which one was closer and drove to a local pizza parlor. The place was not but fifteen minutes away and since Peter called ahead as soon as you two got in the car, it was ready when you had arrived. All y’all had to do was pick it up and you did exactly that. Now, you were on the way back to the hotel and though you had a warm box of pizza resting in your lap, you were quite cold.

“Are you freezing?” you asked the driver whose brown eyes flickered to yours for a moment before finding the road again, squinting a bit to see through the heavy rain that persisted to fall.

“Yeah, a little.” At the same time, you and Peter both reached for the knob that controlled the temperature of the air that flowed through the vehicle, your hands brushing against each other. Immediately, you both retracted your hands and heat rushed to your cheeks. A second later, Peter reached out again and turned the knob to the right to get some warmer air.

“Um, I think we should talk about something,” the boy announced while something in the air shifted, feeling thicker and slightly more suffocating. You kept your eyes trained ahead of you as well before you spoke up.

“Uh, yeah. I guess we should.”

“Something has definitely changed between us this weekend. We don’t act like the same two best friends that we used to,” Peter mentioned, not sparing you a glance. You looked over at him to see his face, but not even his face showed you any indication of what was going through that pretty little head of his.

“Yeah,” you chuckled, trying to make the conversation a little more light-hearted and less serious. You didn’t see much of a big deal. Yes, you both had been clingier and you two shared a kiss, a damn good one at that, but that was to distract someone who had broken you with no remorse from coming your way. Peter, on the other hand, seemed to think there was more to this and his serious tone frightened you a tad, not really ever being so pensive about anything other than school. “I don’t see an issue.”

“So, you’re okay with cuddling and kisses and stuff like that?” The way he said that and gave you the most incredulous look made you feel as if your presence was not wanted by him. Maybe you were not wanted by him. It wouldn’t be a first in your life. No, your brain fought itself, he wouldn’t have planned all this for you if he didn’t love you.

“We only kissed once,” you stated while his normally soft brown eyes stared coldly through the windshield. “I’m sorry if I messed something up by doing that, but you didn’t exactly fight it, Peter.”

“No, that’s not- never mind that kiss, but the one this morning. You kissed me on my cheek.”

“Because you seemed upset!” your voice rose ever so slightly as you fought your point, a feeling you have never felt about Peter bubbling in your chest. It was a mixture of anger, hurt, and sadness. You were also growing annoyed with the conversation as a whole and were ready to get back to the hotel which was mere minutes away. “I didn’t think there was that much to it.”

“It’s not something friends do,” Peter argued not sparing you so much as a glance or some hint as to what he was trying to get at.

“Why do I feel like you are blaming me for how we’ve gotten closer over the past few days? You’ve been acting awful cozy as well,” you tried to calm your voice a little as you spoke, but you hated being blamed for things, especially stupid things like this. “We’re best friends, Peter. It’s okay to be a little closer than normal. It’s okay to cuddle, hold hands, or kiss each other on the cheek. I will admit that the kiss yesterday might have been a bit much, but all the other stuff is perfectly normal. I’ll back off if you want, but don’t come at me when you have been doing the same thing and initiating it sometimes too.”

“Those are things that couples do. I have never done that with my best friends. Granted, you’re my first girl best friend that isn’t terrified to touch or interact with another person, but that’s beside the point,” Peter said as he turned into the hotel lot and found a place to park. “I’ve only ever done this kinda thing with a girlfriend and we aren’t dating. I couldn’t date you, y/n.”

That last sentence struck a nerve in you. I couldn’t date you, y/n. Why the hell not? What was so wrong with you that he couldn’t date you? The words brought you back to a place you were a couple years ago when everything that made you hate today happened. You were so easily replaced by both your boyfriend and best friend. You were never really wanted around by them, and you hated yourself for not noticing sooner. Well, you did notice, but you had hope that it was all in your head until you were proved otherwise.

Was the same thing about to happen with you and Peter? Were you going to lose the only person outside of your family that you loved and spent all your time with? If he couldn’t date you, then how could he be your best friend? The two things were terribly similar with the only differences being sexual intimacy and a different kind of love. Peter was your soulmate for sure, maybe not romantically, though you had hoped otherwise, but he was meant to be with you. Now he did not seem to want to be near you.

You didn’t recognize it, but tears had pooled in your eyes, not yet fallen though. Your breathing felt different, quicker, and you felt like you were losing all that was important to you, him. You had always hoped that sometime in the future you and Peter would get together. You two had made a pact a while ago that if you hadn’t found someone by the age of twenty-six, you two would start dating and then get married within the following year or two. That idea was now seemingly being thrown out the window since he couldn’t date you.

“Y/n…” Peter sighed, his hand reaching out to grab yours but you were quick to pull it away.

“I thought friends didn’t do that,” you threw his words right back at him before you got out, leaving the pizza in your seat and slamming the door shut behind you. Now that you were in the rain, you let your tears flow since they now just appeared to anyone else as raindrops on your face. You tried to speed walk towards the hotel for two reasons: to get away from Peter and to get out of the rain. However, the damn arachnid abilities of your best friend made him much quicker, his hand catching your arm and spinning you back to face him.

You hated yourself for the thoughts running through your mind. The rain on his face that dripped down his cheeks and nose was insanely attractive, and the water made his curls droop onto his forehead, another thing that made him look irresistible. You wanted to kiss him so badly, but how could you after the last one caused so much damage obviously since it was one of the things behind this argument.

“Y/n, that’s not what I meant,” he spoke, his honey brown eyes darted between your own. You wondered if he was thinking the same thing you were. Did he think the water droplets sliding down your face looked pretty? Did he think you were pretty? He had commented on your appearance before, saying you looked beautiful on random occasions but now it all seemed meaningless.

“What did you mean, Peter? How else was I supposed to take that?” you argued with the boy. You didn’t care if he could tell the difference between the freshwater drops on your face and the saltwater tears because his words hurt you and he should know that.

“Of course, I could date you. I would love to date you! You are the most gorgeous girl I have ever laid eyes on and I’m still shocked that you choose to hang out with me every day. Why do you think I made that pact about us dating when we’re older? I can’t wait until then because we promised we’d get together. You do not know how much I hope you don’t find someone before then because my only chance to be with you will be gone because I certainly don’t have to balls to ask you out. The only reason I am telling you all of this now is because I’m scared I’ll lose you, y/n. I can’t even bear to think about that right now. I am an idiot and I’m sorry. I’m so sorr-“

“Peter!” you snapped, tired of hearing his rambles as you desperately wanted to feel his lips against your own.

“What?” he asked, brows knitted and eyes locked on yours.

“Shut up and kiss me,” you repeated the words that you said before your first kiss with the boy as you watched a smile grow on his lips. His hands were quick to cup your cheeks as he brought your face to his, lips connecting and a fire ignited within you both. His left hand slid from your cheek down your shoulder and arm until he found your waist and pulled you closer to his body. You gripped onto his bicep with one hand while your other found the back of his head, your fingers running through the dampened curls. A thought immediately popped in your head and you acted on it, tugging on the strands which resulted in his lips parting. Your plan was achieved successfully, and you slipped your tongue into the entrance. He followed suit and after a little bit, you both needed a little oxygen.

“Um, wow. That was um-“ Peter stumbled over his words, trying to muster up the perfect ones to say in fear of screwing up again. “Nice.” You chuckled at his awkwardness, leaning your head on his forehead and looking up at him.

“Yeah, I agree,” you breathed as your eyes scanned all over his features, taking in every bit of this beautiful moment. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Pete.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, y/n,” Peter responded with a grin, happy he could make you see the holiday as a little more enjoyable for you. The sound of his stomach growling interrupted the moment, and a laugh left your lips. “I’m gonna get the pizza.”

“You do that,” you chuckled at the hungry boy as he walked to the passenger side door, swinging it open to grab the square cardboard box. “You know Mildred is going to kill us. We’re out here drenched in our pajamas in the cold.”

“Yeah, she definitely will,” Peter agreed while walking up the steps with you, “but we can do it together.” He held his free hand out to you for you to take which you gladly did, interlacing your fingers with his. You got up on your tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek as well.

“Together.”

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

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[dc41896]

Always Be Mine

Happy early Valentine’s Day❣️Whether you’re in a relationship or single, I hope you guys have a great day and remember to show love to yourself☺️. This is one of two ideas I have that’s gonna be Valentine’s themed but the other will be a bit late (at least I got one out on the day lol). Hope you guys like it!

Pairing: Chris EvansxBlack Reader

⚠️: something short and full of fluff💕

“Be my Valentine?,” Chris asks kneeling in front of his six year old daughter with red, heart shaped balloons in one hand and a small gift bag filled with her favorite candies in the other.

“...But I already have a valentines daddy.”

The imaginary violins and piano playing in his head as he expected his baby girl to run into his arms with an ecstatic “yes!”, squeezing her tiny arms around his neck, as per usual the past few Valentine’s Days, quickly came to a halt while his smile fell.

“Aww how sweet,” you smile entering the living room with your eight month old son on your hip. “You like what daddy got you Gia?”

“Yes, but I have a valentine mommy.”

“Ohh...”

“W-Who asked you first?,” he asks trying to hide how hurt he actually was. Not only because he was technically rejected by his own daughter, but the fact that she was really growing up right before his eyes much quicker than he’d like.

“Tommy,” she smiles, softly giggling to herself. “He gave me a heart card.”

“Well the other kids in your class gave you those too right? Because then sweetie that wasn’t him asking to be your Valentine per se, he was just passing out his cards.”

Although it looked like you were simply kissing your baby’s chubby cheek, you were actually trying to hide your laughter at your husbands denial that his little girl had her first crush and Valentine that wasn’t him.

“No daddy, he gave me a ring see?,” she states holding out her hand that held a pink ring pop on her index finger already smaller in size from being in her mouth the entire car ride from school.

If he didn’t think his heart could sink any further today, he was truly mistaken.

“...and you were the only one that got a ring from him?”

“Yep! Ohh I forgot my other baggie,” she announces before running down the hall to her room. Now looking up at you with sad eyes, you can’t help but laugh.

“Babe it’s not funny. She basically just got proposed to.”

“Yea and with a ring bigger than mine,” you add holding your hand out to help him stand as he jokingly glares at you before breaking into a chuckle himself.

“Tommy though? The kid with the snotty nose?”

“Be nice,” you laugh strapping your son into his high chair to eat. “He can’t help it that he has allergies.”

“To what?! Everything and everyone? I honestly don’t think there’s ever been a time I’ve seen him with a clean nose babe,” he replies leaning against the counter across from you. Sliding to stand between his legs, your hands find the back of his neck, softly grazing the small hairs at his nape, before kissing his partially pouted lips.

“Well if it’s any consolation, I’ll be your Valentine,” you sweetly smile batting your lashes and making him chuckle as his lips touch yours again.

“Thank you.”

“And, just to be sure, you know I love my ring.”

“Oh I know. Proof of that is Gia was with us on our honeymoon,” he smirks leaning down to peck your neck. Mouth open and ready with your comeback, Lucas’ hands impatiently banging against the table in front of him bring both your attentions back to your currently hungry boy.

“I’m sorry, I’m coming,” you laugh seeing his gummy smile as you open the small container of brownish orange baby food. “And just so we’re clear, I’m always your Valentine no matter who you may meet okay?”

His short giggle as food dribbles from his mouth is all the understanding you need before shaking his tiny hand, and Chris laughs beside you.

“Okay this is all my candies,” Gia smiles carefully climbing the barstool to sit down and dump the contents of her bag onto the wooden counter. “And this is Tommy’s card.”

“Gia, honey, it’s perfectly fine to have more than one Valentine.”

“Really?”

“Mhmm, like with the three of us. We’ll always be daddy’s Valentine’s. And he can still be one of yours even though Tommy asked you first.”

“That’s good! I made you one too daddy, but the girls at my table said I could only have one which made me a little sad.” Handing him the folded heart cutout covered with glitter, stickers, and most importantly ‘Happy Valentine’s Day Daddy! I love you!’ scribbled across, he visibly beams walking over to hug his little girl.

“I love it Gigi, thank you! Don’t listen to those girls okay? Like mommy said, you’ll always be my Valentine just like I’ll always be yours.”

“Even when I’m a mommy?”

“Yes even when you’re a mommy with your own family,” he smiles kissing the top of her head. “At 75.”

Taglist: @fumbling-fanfics @honeychicanawrites @honeychicana @lady-olive-oil @themyscxiras @melinda-january @lovelymari4 @literaturefeen @damnitaa @curlyhairclub @plokyu23 @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @nunubug99 @felicity-x0 @ellixthea @jojolu @jnk-812 @brwn-sgr @captainsamwlsn @wildfirecracker @nina-sj @iammyownlover @chaneajoyyy @scoop93535 @secretmysteriousperson

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[queen-scribbles]

Jinx!

Remember when I talked about the idea of Janine and Felix jinxing each other when they go to propose at the same time? Yeah, what better day to share the result with the world than Felix’s birthday :D

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

Janine didn’t think she’d ever seen Felix voluntarily sit still this long in all the time she’d known him. If he were human she’d be wondering if he’d fallen asleep. And they weren’t even watching a movie or anything.

That had been the plan when Nate shooed them out of the kitchen, but then they’d plunked down on Felix’s bed all cuddled up and neither could be arsed to find the remote. This was good, too. And surprised as she was at him not turning into a fidgety mess after two minutes, she was enjoying it too much to tease. They so rarely got to just be, without peril and running around and other stuff. This was nice.

“I like having you all to myself,” she commented, snuggling closer.

Felix didn’t reply, and Janine arched a brow. Maybe he had actually fallen asleep.

“Babe.” She poked him in the ribs and he yelped as he twitched away. “Ah, you are awake.”

“Yeah, sorry, I was thinking. About how amazing you are,” he added before she could ask, tone genuine and mischief in his eyes.

Janine giggled. Anyone else, she’d think they were buttering her up with a line like that out of the blue, but not him. “Well, don’t let me distract you.”

Felix grinned at her. “By all means, babe, distract away.”

“In that case...” Janine rolled from her position tucked under his arm to straddle his lap, her skirt pooling over his legs and her arms loosely around his neck. “Care to stroke my ego a little and share what makes me amazing?”

“Aside from everything?” Felix snorted, but the sincerity in his eyes belied the teasing tone. “Your smile, your laugh, the way you wanna help people...” his arms slid around her waist, “...your happiness, you have a way with words that could charm a banshee out of a snit” --he stole a kiss-- “But I’m glad you decided I was a better use of your talents.” Another kiss, slightly longer. “What else.... that little wiggly-bounce you do when you’re excited. And you have great taste in men-”

She kissed him, hands braced against the wall, then laughed, giddy, breathless, overwhelmed he’d reeled that off so quickly. “That’s quite a list.”

“Didn’t get to my favorite one yet,” Felix murmured, breath warm against her cheek. “You stuck around.”

“Felix...” She kissed him again, one hand curving the back of his neck and her thumb brushing over the hair at his nape. “I’m not going anywhere,” she promised softly, resting her forehead against his. “I like the rest of the team too much, and I love you.”

His breath caught, pulse jumping against her fingertips. “I love you, too.”

She loved when he said it like that; like it was a secret just for them, a treasure too precious by half, a truth that couldn’t be contained in words. It made her heart swell, made her want to throw caution to the wind, shout from the roof of the warehouse, something to tell him and the world how much he meant to her.

There was something. It was the very definition of throwing caution to the wind, of impulsivity, but there wasn’t anything wrong with that. “Felix-”

“Janine-”

“Will you marry me?” One question fell from two pairs of lips in the same moment, and all other emotions--surprise, elation, wild excitement--were momentarily eclipsed by playground rules from when she was six, and Janine whooped, “Jinx!”

At the same moment as Felix.

Half a second later, realization clawed out from under schoolgirl habit and grey eyes met gold, both wide with glee and horror in equal measure.

Shit. Janine clapped  hand over her mouth to hold back a giggle. What do we do?! she tried to ask with just her eyes. If vampires, werewolves, and various other supernatural forces were real, no way in hell was she messing with a jinx. It might actually give her bad luck.

Felix looked just as flummoxed--and amused--as she felt. He shrugged and bit his lip. Great.

Janine’s phone chimed as she tried to work out the easiest way to fix this  When she wiggled it out of her pocket, there was a text from Tina. Need you at the station. Should be quick 🤞. She wrinkled her nose and turned the phone to show Felix the text.

He nodded, eyes still laughing, and tugged her in for one more quick kiss before she climbed off the bed and hunted down her flats.

This might be a good thing, she mused as she headed for her car. If Tina greeted her by name it would break the jinx, she could handle this ‘quick’ problem, and come back to say ‘Yes, Felix’ and unjinx him if he still needed it. Yeah, this was good. 

---

Tina greeted her with an apologetic smile. “Hey. sorry to bother you on your day off, but the Captain decided these need to go to the big city” --she jostled the case files in her arms-- “and I need the detective’s signature.”

Janine nodded, fighting down  glower that Tina hadn’t used her name(but of course today would fall in the handful of occasions that happened). She got a pen from her desk and spread the files out to start signing off. There were only five, and Tina kept up a stream of chatter about her post-shift plans--never once saying Janine in the whole ramble. It was as she finished checking and signed the last file Tina poked her in the shoulder.

“Hey. You’re being awful quiet,” she pointed out, brow furrowed. “Are you mad at me?”

Janine shook her head..

Tina’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Just not feeling chatty today?”

Janine wrinkled her nose and shrugged, and Tina’s eyes lit up.

“Oh, my god, you got jinxed, didn’t you?!” she crowed as she collected the files.

Janine huffed grumpily and raked back hair that had fallen from her bun.

Tina grinned. “Who got you?”

Janine curved her hands to form a heart against her chest and fluttered her eyelashes.

“Felix?!” Tina’s grin went wider and decidedly mischievous “So I guess now you need to be unjinxed, huh?”

Janine nodded, pressing her palms together in a pleading gesture.

Tina tapped one finger against her chin and smirked. “Now, let’s see, what do I want in return for this favor....? Any ideas, J- oh, right, I’m on my own for this one.”

Janine pouted and lightly whacked her friend’s shoulder in protest. That’s not fair!

“I’d play nice if I were you, my friend,” Tina teased, wagging a finger. “Give me another second to think.”

Janine managed to control herself while Tina stroked her chin in exaggerated thought, but internally she was making strangling motions.

“I know,” Tina finally said with a giggle. “How’s a baker’s dozen pastries from Haley’s sound? Fair trade?”

You and your sweet tooth. Janine bit back a smile as she nodded. If that’s what it takes, fine.

“Promise?”

She rolled her eyes and made a heart-crossing gesture. Best I can do.

Tina grinned. “You’re the best, Janine.”

“No, you are,” Janine said fervently, wrapping her in a quick, tight hug. “I’ll get you the pastries tomorrow when they’re fresh, right now I have to go.” She darted for the door. “Thanks, Tina!”

“You’re making me think I should have aimed higher!” Tina hollered after her. “Like rights on being your bloody maid of honor or something!” 

Janine snorted a laugh at the irony but didn’t even slow down.  She could explain later.

----

Felix had never been good at patience, but this was even worse than usual. He paced his room with bouncing steps for all of thirty seconds before even that wasn’t enough and he headed out to find... someone.

Mason was on patrol, Rebecca had been called to some meeting.... Maybe if he tried to sneak back into the kitchen he could get Nate to scold him and that would do the trick.

But Nate wasn’t in the kitchen anymore when Felix got there. His face crinkled in disappointment and he lightly kicked the bottom edge of the counter.

He needed to be unjinxed by the time Janine got back. Even if this quick problem stayed quick to fix, he didn’t want to wait. He wanted to be able say ‘Yes, absolutely, just try to stop me!’ as soon as she walked in.

Of course, the fact they’d both asked was sort of a yes on its own, wasn’t it? Felix eyed the fresh tray of cookies sitting atop the stove and shook his head. Didn’t matter. He wanted to actually say it.

Denied freedom via scolding, Felix wandered back out of the kitchen in search of Nate or Adam or somebody. The few agents he passed in his quest nodded politely but all looked too preoccupied to stop and help him. Somewhere in his random meanderings, he started picking up the sound of rhythmic blows and he grinned. Shoulda know Adam would be working out. His route became much more deliberate as he started making his way to the training room.

Adam was clearly focused--though no doubt noticed he had company--so Felix waited by one of the benches for a... safer feeling moment to finagle what he needed out of the team leader. It didn’t take long--though it felt like an eternity to Felix--for Adam to finish the series of moves he’d been... rehearsing? Practicing? Whatever you’d call it, he’d actually left the practice dummy in one piece this time. Normally Felix would jokingly applaud his restraint just to get an eyeroll. 

“Did you need something?” Adam asked without turning around. He wasn’t even breathing hard.

Felix wrinkled his nose and hunched his shoulders. This isn’t gonna work unless you look at me, he grumbled silently.

Adam turned with a frown creasing his brow. “I do not feel like playing games, Felix. What-”

Yes! Felix pumped one fist and grinned. “No, nothing, I’m good, thanks.” That was easier than I thought it would be.

Adam’s frown deepened, suspicion mingled with annoyance now. “Then why are you here?”

“Don’t worry about it, not important anymore.” Felix started edging toward the door.

“Felix.”

“Ugh, fine.” Adam was going to think this was silly, he knew he would, but the older vampire looked ready to haul him up by his collar and let him dangle until he explained. He wouldn’t, probably, but explaining was the path of least resistance, and Felix was fond of those. Knew I shoulda looked for Nate.

Just as he opened his mouth, however, the training room door burst open to reveal Janine, loose wisps of hair hanging in her face and determined excitement burning so bright in her grey eyes it brought out the matching stripes in her dress. She hesitated a fraction of a second after catching his eye, probably worried about a repeat.

Felix was too excited to share her concern and launched himself toward her with a loudly whooped, “YES!!!”

She was giggling as he crashed into her, as she stumbled back into the door, as their hands latched onto each others’ clothes, laughing as she kissed him, deep enough he saw fireworks. Which was fitting because this deserved celebration.

It wasn’t until a deep, long-suffering sigh rumbled out of Adam they remembered they had an audience. “Do I want to know?”

Felix and Janine broke apart, grinned at each other, and both started rattling off explanations. Felix shut up a few sentences in; Janine was doing a much better job explaining that he would have. Besides, this way he got to look at her. At the way her eyes lit up, the extra wisps of hair curling and bobbing around her face as she reeled off an enthusiastic play by play of the events leading to now. She looked like she was glowing, or maybe that was just the light through the high windows, but Felix liked the thought of her glowing better.

Adam had a very skeptical eyebrow arched by the time she finished. “Jinxes are mere superstition, Detective. They cannot cause you harm because they are not real.”

“Says the vampire,” Janine shot back immediately with a grin and arched brow of her own.

Felix barely swallowed a whoop as he slung an arm around her shoulders and turned to grin at Adam. “She makes an excellent point.”

“Supernatural races existing outside legend is a different matter entirely,” Adam insisted, then shook his head as if dismissing the matter entirely. He ran a searching look over the two of them. “This... development will bring up things to discuss, but,” one corner of his mouth tipped upward. “I am happy, for both of you.”

“Thanks, I’m happy for us, too,” Janine said brightly, shuffling herself and Felix out of the way as Adam headed for the door.

“Me, three,” Felix chipped in, kissing her on the cheek.

One small chuckle escaped Adam, and he offered them a single nod of approval before he left the room. Soon as the door closed behind him, Janine;s fingers dug into Felix’s scarf and she kissed him deeply, soundly, long enough to set lights sparking behind his eyes.

“Fireworks,” he whispered mischievously, and she grinned and kissed him again so they could see some more.