#can't wait for autumn to properly settle in so i can take out all of my sweaters and cardigans ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ

[littlemoriflower]

I went out with my best friend today, and she said I looked "omega mori" in this coord (ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ

[vodika-vibes]

Hey vodika!

Congrats on your follower milestone!

Could I request f!Jedi reader x Sev

Garnet

Autumn evening

Thank you! Love you! Xx

Forever

Summary: Of all of the things that Sev hates in the universe, watching his Jedi get hurt tops the list.

Pairing: Clone Commando Sev x Reader

Word Count: 777

Warnings: Reader is seriously injured here, though I didn't detail how she was hurt. Reader is described as formerly having long hair.

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @imabeautifulbutterfly

A/N: So, I tried my best with this, but it's not easy to write when you can't focus for longer than a few minutes at a time. I'm sorry if it's not quite what you wanted. If you don't like it you can send another request and I'll write something when I'm not sick.

Sev knows that he’s not the gentlest of men. He knows that he’s quick to anger and that he enjoys violence just a little too much for most people to want to put up with. Sure, his own batchmates know that sometimes he says those things simply because it gets reactions.

But most of their brothers don’t.

He doesn’t mind it. He gets along better with his batchmates over anyone else anyway. Well, his batchmates and their jedi.

His Jedi.

She was a surprise addition to Delta Squad shortly after the war began. Someone who was supposed to manage their mission loads and help them so they could take more dangerous missions. 

And she quickly integrated herself into Delta Squad. She was careful to not step on Boss’ toes, listened to Scorch’s jokes, redirected Fixer when he was being his most ornery, and was able to temper the worst of his temper.

How could Sev not fall in love with her?

And Sev has never been the type of man to tiptoe around things like feelings, so he told her as soon as he knew that he loved her. He fully expected her to turn him down, but she surprised him by releasing a musical laugh, and agreeing to go on a date with him to see where this leads.

That was nearly a year ago now, and somehow Sev is still able to claim her as his girlfriend. Somehow, because he thought for sure that she would kick him to the curb months ago.

His gaze drifts from his rifle, which he’s been cleaning, to his Jedi.

They’re holed up in a Jedi Safehouse, and his brothers are out trying to find a way off this planet, while Sev chose to remain behind to look after their barely conscious Jedi. 

It’s a shame she hasn’t been able to enjoy the planet properly. His Jedi loves this type of weather, when it’s cool and the leaves have started to change. Sweater weather, she calls it.

Though, she’s not saying much of anything at the moment.

She’s nearly gray-faced, and her layers of robes have been removed and replaced by bandages. Her hair had been shorn into a much shorter style, due to the sheer amount of matting that they hadn’t been able to fix-

And then she stirs, her fingers flexing against the thick blanket granting her some modesty.

Sev swallows hard and sets his rifle to the side, before he stands and walks over to her carefully settling himself on the floor near her cot. Her pretty eyes flutter open and focus on his face, “Sev-” She mumbles his name, and she lifts her hand, which he catches and threads her fingers with his own.

“Hey there, Pretty Girl.” He replies, “Welcome back to the land of the living.”

“-where?”

“We’re still on the same planet,” He explains as he gently squeezes her hand, “The others are out looking for a way out.”

She tries to sit up, but Sev is quick to push her back prone, “I should be helping them-”

“You need to rest.” Sev insists. 

“But, it’s not safe.” She tries.

“Hey,” He waits until her pretty eyes are locked on him, “No one here is going to hurt them. We’ve already killed anyone who might try.”

She blinks at him.

Sev smiles wryly and he brings his free hand up to rest against her bruised face, “They had you, cyar’ika. They had you and they were hurting you, there was no other option.”

She sighs softly, and she turns her head to kiss the palm of his hand, “I don’t deserve you.” she mumbles.

Sev just laughs, “I think that’s supposed to be my line.” All of the tension has drained from his body now that she’s awake and talking, “You deserve far better than me. It’s a shame that I’m not so good a person to just walk away and let another person have you.”

She lightly squeezes his fingers, “All I want is you, though.”

“You have terrible taste in men.”

“So I’ve been told.”

Slowly, Sev brushes some of her hair out of her face, “No one is ever going to hurt you again, cyar’ika. I promise.”

She smiles at him, soft and warm, and Sev leans in to press his lips lightly against hers, pulling away just as quickly as he leaned in. “Now, get some more rest. As soon as we have a ship, you’re going to take a nap in a bacta tank.”

She just sighs, “Will you stay?”

Sev brings their joined hands to his lips, and presses a light kiss to her knuckles, “Forever.”

[trueshellz]

Hello! Can I request Osamu and Kuroo finding out their S/O has trouble functioning recently. Like usually they're working a lot and being productive but now they're burnt out – no motivation, skipping meals, can't sleep, etc. If this is too much, please feel free to ignore! Thank you!

Thank you for the request! 💜

Osamu

You had always been good at hiding your stress from your family and it was no different when you started dating. Work had been more stressful than usual, there had been lots of looming deadlines and the change in management meant that the new person was trying to leave their mark on the company. Being a perfectionist, you didn't want your work scrutinised and had taken to working long hours with little sleep.

Osamu was aware of this, knowing to keep his distance when you had lots to do. Not because he didn't like your job, but more so that you would get little done, instead playing games or making out. You had planned to see him properly but he would always pop in during the early evening to drop off some food for you.

What you hadn't shared with him was how stressed you had felt. Instead of eating, the food had been piling up untouched. You were up most of the night working on the changes coming through from the new manager and relied on coffee and caffeine pills to help. When going into work had become too stressful, you had taken some time off to recover and focus on yourself. But this had just made you fall into a dark hole. You spent all day in pyjamas, barely eating still and slept most of the day. You didn't know how to tell your hardworking boyfriend how you felt, especially since he was so busy with the shop. If he could manage a business you should be able to do your job right?

It was the second week of not seeing you daily, Osamu was starting to get worried. You had told him that you were staying with family for a bit as you had been stressed with work and didn't want to take time away from him setting his restaurant up. You still spoke everyday, less so on video or the phone but your text conversations went on for ages.

"Osamu! How are you?"

Glancing up, he saw your parents approaching the shop as he was putting up a notice board. They had known for a while that you had been dating, being supportive of you both and the relationship between you had been great.

"I'm ok. How are you both? How's my lovely girlfriend doing?"

The shock on their faces was almost palatable, they both looked at each other confused before turning back to him.

"We've not spoken to her for about 3 weeks. She said she was staying at her apartment as she had deadlines to meet and needed to focus. You know how her siblings are when she's home."

"But..."

Osamu felt his heart stop as your parents told him what else you had said. The worst thoughts going through his mind as he listened half-heartedly to them. There was no reason to lie to him or your parents. He couldn't think of why you had spun this story to lie to everyone.

Waving farewell to your parents, his thoughts swirling around his head as he finished work and tidied up the shop. By the time he locked up, he was just angry at you. How dare you lie to him? You knew how much he valued truthfulness and honesty.

Storming to you apartment, he planned his conversation in his head. He was going to confront you about lying to your parents, lying to him and about not spending time with him. If you didn't want to date him, you should have just said. Knocking on your door, he waited for you to answer but there was nothing, the lights were off and he couldn't see inside. He didn't like using the spare key you gave him, not wanting to be that boyfriend who didn't trust their partner. But it seemed like he had no choice.

Unlocking your front door, he was shocked to see your post on the floor, more than would accumulate from a day or two. Walking through and calling our your name, he could see the apartment was messy too. The food he had been sending on the worktops, work papers all over the floor and your curtains were all closed too. He kept calling your name until he reached your room, hoping to hear you reply. Were you unwell? Why hadn't you told him? He would have helped you, looked after you.

You had been in bed all day, apart from a quick shower and eating a banana, the energy you usually had had completely depleted. Everything hurt. Arms. Legs. Head. Back. Your eyeballs hurt. How was that even possible? You thought you heard your name being called but figured it was just your mind playing tricks on you. It wasn't until your bedroom door opened and Osamu's face came into your peripheral vision did you really start to panic.

"'Samu... I... what?"

All thoughts of reprimanding you flew straight out the window when he saw you. Osamu actually felt his stomach drop. Your usually bright and cheerful face was dull, your eyes were sunken and you had bags under them, he was sure you'd lost weight and didn't even want to ask when you had last eaten.

"Baby."

That one word was enough to have you breaking down into tears, not pretty ones, loud and gut wrenching sobs as he rushed over and pulled you close. Yep, definitely lost weight. His chin resting on your head as he shushed you, arms wrapped around you tightly as he rubbed your back. Your tears soaking the front of his jacket, hand curled in his top as if he'd disappear. You hadn't realised how much you missed him until he appeared in front of you.

"Baby, why didn't ya tell me? I woulda come sooner."

You shook your head, unable to form words he he climbed into bed with you. Pulling you forward so you lay on him, his arms wrapped around you as you lay there. For a long time neither of you spoke, content to lay there while your breathing settled back down and eventually falling asleep again. As you did, he couldn't help but shed a few tears at the sight of seeing you so exhausted and broken, especially after he thought the worst, made him feel like shit. How could he have been so blind? He should have seen something was wrong?

"'Samu?" He felt you move and sit up, instead pushing your head back onto his chest, he cuddled you close and squeezed you lightly.

"I'm here, baby. Don't worry."

"'M sorry."

"For what?"

"Lying."

If he hadn't cried already, he was sure you were going to make him cry again. Closing his eyes against the tears, he propped you up so you could look down at him. Brushing the hair behind your ears, he thumbed your cheek lovingly before kissing you softly.

"I wish ya'd told me, baby. I woulda helped. I woulda checked on ya more and-"

"I didn't want to burden you. You've been busy with the shop and I just... didn't want to seem like I couldn't manage. And then it just got so much and I didn't know how to fix it."

Sitting up, Osamu pulled you into his lap so you were say sideways and rocked you gently as he spoke.

"Ya never have to be sorry for shit like this. If I'd known, I woulda come sooner. Baby, ya had me worried. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to ya. Listen to me, ya never gonna be alone ok? Let me help ya baby. Lemme take some of the burden ok?" When you shook your head, he smiled and continued. "I love ya baby. It's my job to help ya."

"How?"

"Come stay with me for a bit? Even if ya never leave ya room or wanna stay in bed, ya won't be alone. I'll be there to help."

"I don't-"

"Please baby. If nothing else, I'll know that yer OK. That yer not alone and sad. All by yerself thinking that no one cares. Please?"

Kuroo

It was the autumn term and you were struggling. You weren’t sure what it was about this weather that just drained you of energy, the lack of light or the cold seeping into your bones. The idea of having dark mornings and dark evenings made your mood sour and no matter what you did, it wasn’t getting any better. You knew you had work that needed doing, your to do list steadily getting bigger and your will to donit getting smaller.

You had been off school for a week now, with Kuroo away at traing camp he was none the wiser. You were able to hide your troubles from him, he would call in the evening which would he the time you got home. He was always so cheerful, face lit up with his stories about his day and games. Often you would have his teammates crash the call and hear the mayhem as he tried to wrestle the phone away from them.

Last night, Lev had stolen the phone and started complaining about being picked on. As much as you loved your boyfriend, Lev was a sweetheart and you had a huge soft spot for him. Kuroo had wrestled the phone away from him and you watched the fight ensue in the background. With so much going on, it was easy to divert the attention away from yourself, load all the focus on his team and their game today.

Glancing at the clock, you knew the team would be on their way back by now. It was the afternoon and school was still in full force, the homework from last week still on your desk and your phone full of messages from friends asking where you were. Soon you heard Kuroo's special ringtone light up your phone. He would always message you after a match and meet with you, walking you home at the end of the day while filling you in about the camp. You would pick up snacks on the way and the lounge around on the sofa watching movies together. But today? You just couldn't do it.

Kuroo was confused and worried. Not only had you not answered your phone but you weren't in your class. Your friends hadn't heard from you in a while and that wasn't like you. Dialling your number again, he waved goodbye to his teammates before making his way to your house. He was almost there, turning back at the last minute to grab your favourite flowers and food from your local shop.

Arriving at your house, he could see that the lights were off but your car was parked outside. Calling you again, he could hear your phone ring from inside the house but you made no attempt to answer it. Banging on the door, he waited and waited. Tension growing by the minute when you didn't appear.

"Kitten! I can hear your phone ringing. Answer the door."

You knew you should answer it, you phone had rang about twelve times and you had about twenty messages as well as four voicemails. Dragging yourself out of bed, you went to your window and peered out, seeing his dark hair as he bent over his phone. The image tugged at your heart, you could see his brows furrowed as he bounced on his toes. A sure sign that he was anxious and worried.

"Kitten. Open the door. I can see your shadow in the window."

You tensed as he said that, begrudgingly walking to the door and bracing yourself against it. Tears forming in your eyes as you thought about how you worried everyone, how much of a letdown you were and how unreliable.

"Baby." His voice was softer now, closer too. "Open the door. I'm worried about you. Lemme at least see you ok? If you wanna be alone afterwards, I'll leave."

Cracking the door open a few centimetres, you peered through and saw Kuroo's face. It instantly softened, you felt your eyes fill with tears as he reached across and ran his thumb under your eyes, most probably seeing the dark circles you had. Letting him push the door open further, you let him pull you into a hug. His arms wrapping securely around your body as you fell into him, his voice a low shushing in your ear and it was then that you realised you were crying. Tears tracking down your face and soaking his jersey as you stood.

"Kitten, I gotcha. I'll always be here for you. Shhh. Don't cry baby. You're breaking my heart here. Let's get you inside yeah? I bought some food and we can lounge around like always." He pulled away and a look of panic crossed his face. "If that's what you want. If not, I'll go. I don't wanna intrude or-"

"No, Tetsu. I'd love to have you here... but, I'm not in a great place. I don't wanna-"

"Baby listen, my heart is wherever you are. If you're hurting, I'm hurting too. We'll get through this together ok? Let's stay in bed, watch some movies and eat our body weight in junk. If you're feeling up to it tomorrow, we'll organise things yeah? School work. Homework. Whatever. I'm back now, you don't have to do this alone."

[ji-yaaan]

Jessamine-rose asked:

Ohh hiiii!! I really loved your leona fic, it was so soft!! X3 may i request idia and jamil seeing their short mc wearing their hoodies?? Headcanon or one-shot whatwver you are more comfortable with!! I would like to request a but of spice as well if you dont mind.

𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬♡

Headcanons with: Idia, Jamil, Kalim, Jack

Note: Yo this idea is so cute I'm melting as I write this- this scenario is just wholesome and I won't forgive myself if I sully this wholesomeness... Oh but Jamil however- ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Oh btw I added in some characters I can imagine with this secnario lol. Ok on to the headcanons!

And yes... I reposted this cuz tumblr hates me and won't let me use the tags... I don't stay up til 5am for nothing bro-

°•°•°•°•°•𝑰𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝑺𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒅•°•°•°•°•

After 8 rounds of Mario kart Idia destroying you 8 times lol cuddled up in the blankets as the both of you crush your consoles attempting to win a round.

It's getting pretty late, but game time is holy for the both of you, so both of you gotta make time to schedule the most awaited activity of the day! GAME TIME~

But after a long day of brain damage at school *cough braincell squad cough* anyone is bound to get exhausted. Taking a break from the game, Idia takes off his jacket and nyooms away to the kitchen to get some chips and soda for you two.

"Potato chips? check~ Soda? check~" Idia smiles as he excitedly makes his way into his room to crush you at the game again.

Oh my what's this? He found a rare treasure lying in his room!!! Quick! What does he do now??? OH MY GOD! You were sleeping... BUT YOU WERE WEARING HIS HOODIE! What is this cuteness? What is this ultra uwu energy? What is this fluff doing here? That's it! Idia has now died of uwu. Respawn later...

While Idia was holding his bags of chips and cola, he can't help but blush at how cute you were! You looks sooooo smol in his jacket- congrats you stole Idia's heart.♡♡♡

I'd say Idia's greatest weakness is cute stuff and small things. So you looking so smol in his jackets is just going to give him heart combulsions.

Idia will probably crouch in the floor to stare at your sleeping face. He'd sit right next to you and stare at you for a while. "Hehe..." Linking his arms with yours as he playfully pokes your cheeks.

He'd rest his head on your shoulder still blushy wushy cuz you're just sooo adorbs♡ "Games can wait for tommorow.."

•°•°•°•°•°•𝑱𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍 𝑽𝒊𝒑𝒆𝒓•°•°•°•°•°

Like the usual, the Scarabia dorms is up for a party 24/7 because of the happy go lucky kalim. Jamil is still pissed like the usual too...

While kalim was performing his thing entertaining the guest... A wild Jamil appeared! Care to send love??? Jamil makes his way to you, so he can finally chill and recharge from chaos with a powerhug. But as he was just inches away from from you... Dammit someone just have to ruin his moment.

"WAHHHH! Y/N! OH NO I'M SO SORRY!" Some idiots just have to ruin his time with you... Drinks spilt in your top, leaking wet from the juice that spilt on you.

Jamil will just sigh and volunteer to take care of another problem yet again, just like the usual. BUT! Before he takes care of those stuff PRIORITY FIRST! You need to be taken care of first ;>

Jamil will drag you in an empty room to change... now all thats left is to change in clean and dry clothes- Wait....Wow just the luck you both have... No one got spare clothes... what now?

Of course Jamil will offer his hoodie! He can't have you walking around uncomfortable in damp clothing!

When you walk out of the room... Cute... What is this cute creature? Since you are small and short, Jamil's hoodie is oversized on you. The sleeves go way past your fingers, and the big jacket makes you look even smaller in general.

Jamil's having a lowkey midlife crisis inside his head, but gotta keep looking chill and cool, so he just settles with a pinch on the cheek.

HOWEVER! When you go back to the party in the banquet halls. Everyone seeing you will comment how tinier you look like in a big hoodie. Everyone is just going ballistic with the smol and cute comments. Jamil is not happy about this.

As people are making cute comments about you. You'll just blush and freeze on the spot. BUT JAMIL HOWEVER... SNEK BOI IS BURNING WITH RAGE AND JEALOUSY... I mean... That's his hoodie you were wearing. Are they blind? Should he hypnotize people to do stupid things later?

After the party... Oho ಠ ͜ʖ ಠ with Jamil going jealous a little while ago... He'll hug you tighter this time, his chin resting in your head. "Don't look cute in front of other people... I'm the only one you're allowed to look cute for."

Expect markings here and there in the morning... Take this sentence however you like...

•°•°•°•°•𝑲𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒎 𝑨𝒍 𝑨𝒔𝒊𝒎•°•°•°•°•

Midnight trip in the clouds with your local sunshine boi! Riding the magic carpet with kalim is one of the most magical experience! Moonbathing with the stars WHILE YOU SIT BESIDE A LITERAL STAR LIKE KALIM TOO! as kalim cheerfully tells fun stories while laughing.

But of course the night today was kinda chilly and cold but you forgot to bring your sweater with you... Dammit it was really cold today. But somehow seeing kalim smile warms you up! I can't blame you though-.

When a really cold wind blew past the two of you... THAT'S IT! IT WAS REALLY COLD TODAY! You shivered while you held unto your arms and shoulders in attempts to keep yourself warm.

Of course Kalim notices this and offers his cardigan in uwu style! "Oh? Y/n are you cold? Oh! If you want, you can use my cardigan! Hehe..." Kalim brightly smiles like the usual. A blinding smile to keep the sleep paralysis demons away.

Frankly, Kalim is not that big, but his jacket still drooped on you which was very cute in Kalim's eyes!

"Y/n you look so small~ how cute!!" Kalim just casually blurts out, no embarrassment or whatsoever...

Of course it's a bit embarrassing for you at first, but Kalim's too pure and innocent for this world, so it's mainly just rainbows and sunshine being with him.

While the both of you are up in the air, maybe he'll offer a hug too if you're still cold. ಠ ͜ʖ ಠ it wouldn't be a sin to decline right?

•°•°•°•°•°•𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑯𝒐𝒘𝒍•°•°•°•°•°•

As the both of you are walking home, casually strolling in the roads that leads to the ramshackle dorm, this night was especially chilly.

The cold breeze was not cooperating this time as it continues to blow past the two of you. "Brrrr" this was cold... this was really cold... It was stupid not to bring your jacket with you when it's autumn near winter...

Jack was not blind to not see you shivering from the cold! Because jack is a good boye, he'll lend you his Jacket!!!

Seeing you look so smol in his jacket just melts his heart away. It literally looks like a blanket on you with how big it was. I MEAN THIS BOY IS LITERALLY WHOOPING 192CM TALL! GIVE ME UR HEIGHT

He'll just stare at you for minutes while you take walks, if you look close enough, you see his tail wagging and his ear perking up... Maybe a little blush too if you really look close ಠ◡ಠ

But a jacket can only do so much... Even if it was big and warm, your hands were somehow still cold seeing as you rub them every few minutes...

Good boye Jack offers to hold your hands!!! Would you like to accept this kind offer? ∆Yes ✓Yes!

When Jack holds your hands, JACK WAS A HEATER ALL ALONG? Big warm hands.... How comfortable... ;v;

Maybe along the way, he'll put your tiny hands in his pocket too... Who knows... But what you know is that you don't want to go home yet. Can the both of you extend this hand holding session?

Bruh...... tumblr won’t let me use the tags and properly post this... sigh.......

That's about it! I added Kalim and Jack to quench my thirst! And indulge in personal interests Again.. thankz for the request! And I hope you enjoyed this! ಠωಠ sending love before you read the next post under this♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ 

[citrinekay]

Your Mindhunter stories keep me sane during those dark times, I can't thank you enough ! I've had this idea the past few days about a "double date" , or it's just Wendy and Kay inviting Holden and Bill over. Our boys are still pretty shy around each other and don't really know how to behave but as the evening goes by, they realize that for the very first time, they have a safe space outside of their own cocoon. Have a great day/night 😚

Hi, thank you so much for the cute prompt! I hope this brightens your day 💛

Holden spends at least fifteen minutes in front of the closet, picking out and discarding various combinations of outfits before settling on a white polo and gray trousers. Wendy had made him promise not to wear a tie. 

Sliding on a pair of loafers, he shuffles down the hallway to the bathroom where Bill is finishing getting ready. As he leans against the doorframe, their eyes meet in the reflection of the mirror. 

“Almost ready?” Holden asks.

“Yep.” Bill says, his tone casual despite the flicker of tension in his jawline.

He averts his gaze from Holden’s as he slides his watch back onto his wrist and clasps it in place. 

Holden sidles up behind him, and wraps his arms around Bill’s waist. Tucking his chin against Bill’s shoulder, he gives him a slight squeeze so that Bill’s gaze wanders back up to the mirror.

“You look handsome.” Holden whispers, “And nervous.”

“I’m not nervous.” Bill says, scoffing quietly. “I’ve known Wendy a lot longer than you have.”

“I’m nervous, too. It’s okay.”

“I’m fine.” Bill says, giving Holden’s hand a pat. “Come on, let’s go. I don’t want to be late.”

In the car, Bill turns on the radio and lights a cigarette. Despite his reassurances, the tension is almost palpable. His hand tightly grips the steering wheel while he smokes deliberately. His jaw clenches and unclenches. Holden can read the discomfort in the stiffness of his shoulders. He thinks again of trying to persuade Bill into honesty, but his own belly is a bundle of nerves.

 It’s only been a couple of months since they admitted their relationship to Wendy, and the idea that their secret no longer exists solely between them is taking some time to get accustomed to - especially for Bill, who had spent a lot of time denying his feelings for Holden. It’s not that either of them don’t trust Wendy - they’re going to have dinner with her and her girlfriend after all - but the simple fact that some part of their narrative is no longer under their control. 

When they reach Wendy and Kay’s house, Bill parks on the curb, and pitches the remnants of his cigarette out the window. 

“Ready?” Holden asks. 

Bill shifts his gaze back to Holden, and manages a thin smile. “Yeah.”

Holden leans over to give him a quick kiss before grabbing the bottle of wine they had brought along and pushing the door open. 

The mild autumn breeze sweeps fallen, dry leaves in a scraping pattern across the asphalt as they cross the street together. Holden’s nerves feel as scattered as the foliage even as he tries to logically order his thoughts. Clutching the cool glass of the wine bottle in his sweaty palm, he climbs the porch steps and knocks deliberately on the front door. 

Wendy answers the door a few moments later, dressed casually in loose, pleated trousers and a black turtleneck. She has her hair back in a way that Holden has never seen before. 

“Hi,” She says, her mouth widening in a smile. “Come on in.” 

She waves them inside, and they both shuffle stiffly across the threshold into the entryway. 

“We brought this.” Holden says, offering her the wine bottle. “As a thank you for having us.”

“Oh, how sweet of you.” Wendy says, taking the bottle. She surprises him by giving him a quick hug. “And you didn’t wear a tie.”

“Hey, your house, your rules.” Holden says, managed a feeble chuckle.

Wendy turns her gaze to Bill who hovers just behind Holden with his hands tucked in his pockets. 

“Bill,” She says, offering her arm. 

They share a brief, side hug before she stands back with a barely concealed grin. 

“I am so glad you’re both here.” She says, sweeping a hand toward the living room. “Please, come in and sit down.”

They follow her down the short hall, past the staircase leading up to the second level, and to the right where the arched opening leads to the living room. From here, Holden can smell the warm scents of dinner cooking wafting from the kitchen, and his stomach gives a rumble despite the butterflies. 

“I think dinner is almost ready.” Wendy says, “I’ll go check. You can wait in here.”

She disappears back through the doorway, leaving Bill and Holden alone in the living room. Bill takes a seat on the couch while Holden wanders across the room to inspect the framed photographs and trinkets lining the mantle above the fireplace. 

“This is a nice place.” He observes, taking one of the pictures of Wendy and Kay from the mantle. “They seem happy here.”

“Yeah. And you’re a guest, so why don’t you sit down and stop being nosy?”

“I’m not.” Holden says, casting him a petulant gaze. “I’m just looking.”

“And rearranging things. Put that down.”

Holden puts the picture back on the mantle, and walks back over to where Bill is sitting rigidly on the edge of the couch cushion. 

“Will you calm down?” He says, lowering his voice to a tense whisper. “Didn’t you hear what Wendy said? She’s so happy that we’re here.”

“I know. I’m telling you not to be impolite.”

Holden huffs a sigh, and sinks down onto the couch beside him. He puts a tentative hand on Bill’s knee, and nudges his shoulder into Bill’s. 

“You get cranky when you’re anxious.” He says, peeking up at Bill with a coy smile. 

Bill’s eyes narrow, but he puts his hand on Holden’s. “For the last time, I’m not anxious. I’m-”

“All right, it looks like dinner is all ready to go.” Wendy interrupts as she strides back into the living room. 

Bill quickly pulls his hand away from Holden’s, and rises from the couch. 

“Great. I think we’re both properly hungry.”

“Follow me.” Wendy says, nodding towards the dining room. 

Holden tries to catch Bill’s gaze for one last reassurance before they plunge into dinner, but Bill is already sauntering past him, on Wendy’s heels. 

They follow her down the hall and into the shared kitchen and dining space where Kay is standing over the counter in an apron, expertly wielding a carving knife over the roast chicken. She sets her tools down, and strips out of the apron with a broadening smile. 

“Hi,” She says, scampering over with a bright, eager gaze. “Welcome. It’s so good to see both of you again.”

“Oh, you too.” Holden says, alarmed as he’s wrapped up in another unexpected embrace. 

On the few occasions that they’ve met Kay, it’s always been in a more formal setting when she either comes to pick Wendy up or at a work party. Inside her own home, Kay seems much more at ease, and not holding back the way that she does under the prying eye of the FBI. 

Bill quickly extends his hand for a shake to curtail the hug, and Kay manages a respectful smile as she returns Bill’s firm grip. 

“Come on, sit down, sit down.” Kay says, waving them towards the table. “I hope you both are hungry because I made enough food to feed a small army.”

“I think we can handle it.” Bill says, casting an appreciative gaze at the array of roast chicken and side dishes lining the counter.

Once they’re all seated at the table, Wendy pops the cork on the bottle of wine that they had brought, and pours them each a glass. 

“I think we should have a toast.” She says.

“Of course.” Holden says, grabbing his own glass to hold it up.

Kay and Bill join in as Wendy clears her throat and holds her glass toward the center of the table, “To friends.” 

They all clink glasses and drink in silence before Wendy announces that they should all eat and have a damn good time. 

For the first fifteen minutes, Holden does his best to push the conversation casually forward with comments on how delicious the meal is and how wonderful Wendy and Kay’s home is. He peeks glances at Bill in between bites and conversation, trying to gauge whether or not the relaxed atmosphere is having some kind of effect on his rigidity. On the surface, he seems calm enough, but he isn’t contributing to the conversation much, and his gaze keeps dropping down his plate. 

Then, as small talk peters off, Kay puts her elbows on the table, and casts them both a curious gaze. 

“So how long have you two been dating?”

Holden almost chokes on a bite of chicken. Bill’s eyes swing up from his plate, a look of alarm straining at his jawline. 

“I, um-” Holden says, clearing his throat. Suddenly he can’t remember any details, let alone a certain number of months or days. “It’s been several months now … Right, Bill?”

“Uh, yeah.” Bill says, cautiously dabbing the corner of his mouth with a napkin. 

“Great.” Kay says, nodding encouragingly. “How’s it going?”

Wendy purses her lips against a budding smile, but does nothing to stem Kay’s questions. She glances up from her plate to meet Holden’s eyes across the table, her eyes reading like either a quiet apology or amused delight. 

“It’s going good, I think.” Holden says, sounding more uncertain than he has of anything in his life. He nervously turns to meet Bill’s gaze, mustering a weak smile. “Right?”

“Yeah.” Bill whispers. 

Impulsively, Holden reaches underneath the table to put his hand on Bill’s thigh, and feels the surprised flinch ripple through his body. Heat rushes to Holden’s cheeks, and he suddenly wants to sink through the floor. If someone who didn’t know anything about the interior, complicated details of their relationship saw this exchange, they might think they despised each other when just the opposite is true. He just doesn’t know why it’s so hard to say it out loud. 

Holden retrieves his hand, and Bill visibly relaxes. 

“Well,” Kay says, “I don’t know either of you very well, but I think you make a great couple. Very handsome.”

“Uh, thank you.” Holden says.

“On the other hand, I know both of you very well.” Wendy adds, “I’ve seen you go through thick and thin together. I wanted to have this dinner tonight because I know how difficult it was for you to tell me about it - which I respect, of course. But I’m honored that you trust me and Kay, too. And we want you to know that we’re your friends, beyond work. Our home is a place where anyone can be themselves.”

Holden’s throat clutches with abrupt emotion, but he manages a smile. 

“Thanks, Wendy. We really appreciate that.”

After dinner concludes, Holden volunteers to help Kay clean up the dinner dishes. They send Bill and Wendy back out to the living room for post-dinner scotch and cigarettes. 

For a few minutes, Kay and Holden clean up in silence, only the clink of dishes and the scrape of spatulas to interrupt the quiet. Wendy had put on a record in the living room, but the background noise barely perforates the dull roar of Holden’s thoughts. As he carries the glasses from the table to the sink, Kay turns to lean against the counter. 

“Have you tried telling General Patton ‘at ease, soldier’?” She asks, casting him a tilted smile. 

Holden sighs as he sets down the glasses, and shakes his head. 

“That bad, huh?”

“I’m not judging.” Kay says, lifting her hands. “I get it. Completely.”

“You do?”

“You wouldn’t believe the number of fights Wendy and I have had about this.” Kay says, tilting her head back with a wry smile. “We actually broke up over it once. So I get where you’re coming from, and I understand it. It’s dangerous enough for someone like me. You work for the government.”

“I knew he was nervous about tonight. I just didn’t think it was this bad.”

“Just give it some time. He’ll come around.” Kay says, giving him a friendly slap on the arm. “And I’m sorry if I came on too strong.”

“It’s not you. You’ve been great.” 

“Thanks. It’s just great seeing people outside of my limited dating pool who I can relate to. Everyone that I know is gay, I’ve either dated, or is so far in the closet they can’t talk about it with me. It’s just nice to have friends, you know. That’s why I hope we didn’t scare him off tonight.”

“I won’t let that happen.” Holden says, smiling softly. “I think this is good for us, telling other people, living it outside of our own home. Well, trying to live it.”

“I’m not sure Bill agrees with you.”

“Well, I love him, you know.” Holden murmurs, lowering his gaze to the kitchen tile as he leans back against the counter. “For better or worse. But it’s hard for him to trust people.”

“I get it.” 

“Me, too. But Wendy is our friend, and now you are, too. I don’t want it to come off that we don’t love each other, or that we don’t appreciate what you were trying to do here tonight.”

“Not at all.” Kay says, pushing away from the counter. “How about a beer while we tackle these dishes?”

“Sounds great.” 

Half an hour later, the kitchen is back in pristine condition. Kay grabs the six pack from the refrigerator and leads them back out to the living room where Bill and Wendy are talking and barely watching the baseball game on the television. 

“Hey, you two.” Kay says, bending down to drop a kiss on Wendy’s cheek, “What are you up to? Solving the problems of the universe?”

“Something like that.” Wendy murmurs, casting Bill a faint smile. 

Bill takes a drag of his cigarette, and smiles back at her. He looks a little more relaxed slouched on the far left side of the couch, a glass of scotch cradled in his lap. 

A surge of affection rushes Holden’s chest, melting away his frustrations. He doesn’t want to push too hard, but maybe he should push just a little. It’s reassuring to hear from Kay that she and Wendy have fought about the same issues but managed to come out a strong couple on the other side. He wants the same for him and Bill. 

Sauntering over to the couch, Holden plops down on the cushions directly beside Bill, and slips his hand around Bill’s forearm. 

“Hey.” He whispers. 

Bill gazes at him through a cloud of smoke, his eyes softer. “Hey.”

Wendy smiles at them from across the couch before rising to her feet. “If you guys are planning on staying longer how about a few rounds of poker or whatever you like?”

“Great idea, babe.” Kay says, “I’ll grab the cards.”

“Poker sounds great as long as you don’t mind losing to Holden here.” Bill says, giving Holden a playful nudge. 

“Is that right?” Wendy asks, “Well, I’ll warn you. Kay is a pretty shrewd card player herself.”

“Oh, don’t encourage him. He likes the challenge.” Bill says, chuckling bemusedly. 

“We can play for pennies.” Holden says, “I wouldn’t want to drain our best friends dry.”

Wendy smiles as the remark hangs in the air. Our best friends. 

Several rounds of poker and a whole six pack later, Holden has a mountain of pennies and warm relief swirling in his belly. Midway through the sixth round, Bill had put his arm around his shoulders. Too overjoyed by the willing contact, Holden hadn’t even thought to lecture Bill on not leaning too close to his cards. 

The sunset has already drained away, and the sky is black and pin-pointed with crisp stars by the time they say their goodbyes. The temperature outside has dropped with the disappearing sun, but Holden isn’t bothered by the cool breeze as he and Bill walk back across the street to their car with their hands laced together. 

While Bill drives, Holden sinks down in his seat with a contented sigh. 

“I think tonight went well, all things considered.” He says. 

“Yeah, it was nice.” Bill says, his face illuminated in the spark of his lighter. 

Holden turns his cheek against the seat leather, watching the softened planes of Bill’s face glow beneath the flash of streetlamps. His hand reaches absently across the seat to find Holden’s, fingertips gently grazing his palm before settling in between his fingers. 

“What did you and Wendy talk about?” Holden asks, quietly. “While Kay and I cleaned up?”

“Nothing too exciting. Work. Stuff like that.”

“Really?” Holden asks, “Kay told me that she and Wendy used to fight about being too forward and affectionate with each other in view of other people.”

“Yeah?” Bill asks, but he doesn’t sound surprised. 

“Yeah, and she said that she totally understands why now. It’s dangerous for people like us who work for the government and have a lot to lose. But it’s like Wendy said, their house is a safe place.”

They’re both quiet for a long moment as the hum of tires of pavement rushes in to fill the silence. Holden tightens his fingers around Bill’s, urging honesty. 

Bill sighs, casting him a quick, apologetic glance. “Holden, I’m sorry. I fucked tonight up and-”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Well, kind of.”

“No. What I’m saying is that Wendy and Kay understand completely. They know what it’s like. That’s why having them as friends is so great. We don’t have to pretend around them like we do in public, but it’s hard to get used to.”

“Yeah.” Bill says, turning his gaze back to the road. “I guess you’re right.”

“I know I am. Besides, I don’t care what other people think or see. I know you love me.”

Bill’s hand squeezes around Holden’s. “Yeah. I do.”

“I love you, too.” Holden whispers, pulling Bill’s hand to his mouth and pressing a kiss to his knuckles. 

The rest of the drive home is quiet. Holden turns on the radio at low volume, and cradles Bill’s hand in his lap between both his palms. Watching the houses and landscapes speed by outside the car, he feels a sense of comfort beginning to engulf his chest. Tonight was a test, a modification of their relationship beyond the four walls of their bedroom. Maybe they didn’t do every single thing right, but it’s only the beginning; in the bright warmth of the future, there’s many more dinner parties to be had.