#can’t wait for her onesie to come off

[89cats]

my little heart, man 😭🥹

[wonderjanga]

Marvel and Zatanna

I think Marvel and Zatanna would have a wonderful funny haha father/brother-sister/daughter duo. Magic and Magic. Why not?

Zatanna and Marvel: *both talking*

Zatanna: “I��m just missing this one ingredient for a spell! Hyancinth nectar.”

Marvel: “Hyancinth nectar?” *reaches into pocket dimension to see if he has any before coming up short* “I don’t seem to have any. Well, I’m sure you could find some at the upcoming farmers market in Fawcett.” *shrugs*

Zatanna: “Farmer’s market? Is it like a magical farmers market…?”

Marvel: “Yes actually! I could take you with me if you wanted.”

Zatanna: *thinks that being with the Champion of Magic might help her get better deals on stuff* “I’ll take you up on that!”

The Day of the Farmer’s Market…

Zatanna: “Oh! I’ve been looking for Wrackwort Bulbs!” *trades vendor for them*

Marvel: *holding two huge bags with smaller bags full of ingredients in them*

Zatanna: *puts a bag of Wrackwort Bulbs into one of the bigger bags*

Marvel: “I thought you just wanted Hyancinth Nectar?”

Zatanna: “I can’t add a few more things to my cart on the way?”

Marvel: “I’m not saying you can’t but…”

Zatanna: “But nothing.” *does a little levitation spell to float up and pat his head before spinning around still floating* “Emetic Wax! I need some of that too!”

Marvel: *pulls her back down by the back of her shirt before muttering a counterspell to make her stop levitating*

Zatanna: *jogs over to the vendor selling the wax*

Marvel: *follows after her just happy to see her happy*

or

Zatanna: *making Marvel try on a bunch of outfits* “Work it!”

Marvel: *is in fact, albeit awkwardly, working it*

Zatanna: *chuckling* “I don’t even see why you agreed to this.”

Marvel: *shrugs*

Zatanna: *magics another outfit onto him* “Well I gotta thank you. I didn’t get much of this as a kid.”

Marvel: “Why didn’t you get much of it? You didn’t care for it or something?”

Zatanna: “Uhm… Not exactly.” *unsure whether she should tell Marvel* “When I was younger, my dad uh… had an alcohol problem. By the time he sobered up, I was too old for this stuff.” *awkward*

Marvel: *also awkward* “Oh. I’m sorry.”

Zatanna: “It’s fine. It’s not like I hate my dad for it. He was just going through a tough time. I still love him. I honestly don’t know why you’re apologizing. It’s not like it’s your fault.”

Marvel: *stares for a bit* You know, I’m fine doing this with you even if you’re too old right? I uh… never really got to do stuff like this with my parents either. Maybe I did, but I don’t remember. When I was 8, they died.” *awkwardly pauses cause he doesn’t know whether it was a good idea to share that or not* “But, it’s just, since I didn’t get to do it, and you didn’t get to either, I want to. Cause everyone has to play dress up with someone else at least once in their life, right? So, yeah. I’m fine doing kiddie stuff like this.” *extremely awkward as he says this*

Zatanna: *processing all that information* “I uh… I see.” *magics Marvel into another outfit*

Marvel: “A tiger onesie?” *looks down at the outfit*

Zatanna: *while he’s looking away, rubs at her eyes to hide any tears* “Yeah, a tiger onesie. It fits you.”

Marvel: *now confused* “It does?”

Zatanna: “Yeah, you give off the vibes.”

or

A video of a beam almost falling on the audience of one of Zatanna’s shows goes viral.

Marvel: “Wait, so that wasn’t planned?”

Zatanna: “Nope.”

Marvel: “And you just saved them like that…?You’re amazing!”

Zatanna: *preens at the praise* “I know.”

Marvel: “No, Zatanna, I’m being super serious! You’re an awesome hero.” *blinding smile*

I don’t know why but I love it whenever a person a little more than half the size of another person bullies the bigger person. Also, as for the alcoholic thing, it wasn’t really mentioned on the wiki whether or not it affected her badly, but she not only had her dad as her only parent, but he was an alcoholic. It could’ve affected her.

[urrockstar-xe]

winter formal - p.parker x fem!reader

aka a starstruck christmas

posted jan 2nd, 2024 8:55pm

this is specifically for @heywardsarchive who said i should make a part 2 so thank u pals :D

this is also fairly late, happy new year, thanks for being here.

summary; although reader misses hanging around her special spider friend, her crush on a certain peter parker boy has her distracted use of Y/n

starstruck does not need to be read first to enjoy this!

starstruck

masterlist

wordcount: 2.1

It had been a few weeks since you had seen that familiar spider up close, nothing more than him swinging from afar, not that you should’ve been complaining. All of your time was being taken up by studying and then getting tutored by that Midtown High kid, Peter Parker. He was a lot cooler than you had expected but the fact all you did when hanging out was math really tainted the image of him in your head.

no matter how pretty he was.

Although with the holidays, more crime typically followed Santa around the globe so you weren’t exactly surprised how Spidey was extra busy this time of year.

Yet you still sighed in disappointment when you got home and once again met a note on your windowsill. 

”Hey, pretty lady, stopped by but you weren’t in :( can’t wait til you’re done with your tutoring sessions” 

The note was short but still, it brought a stupid little smile to your face, pulling out the notebook from your backpack, you wrote a note of your own.

”miss you spidey”

you set it on the outside of your window, setting a small rock from your desk on top so that it wouldn’t run away in the wind before quickly shutting your bedroom window and shivering from the cold.

“Maybe I should get a onesie”

~

“Y/n? You still with me?” Peter asked, grabbing your attention away from the window of the coffee shop you sat in. “Yeah, sorry, Peter” You give a quiet laugh, looking back at the window for a second, just checking to see if he’s out there before turning back to Peter, who was looking at you with a soft smirk. 

“What, why are you looking at me like that?” You asked, earning a laugh from the boy as he set his pen down.

“When did I lose you?” He asked, ignoring your question. “I don’t know,” You shrugged, honestly.

Peter shook his head, his smile unmoving as he closed the book in front of him. He leaned back into the leather of the booth, turning his gaze to your face. “Can’t get you focused at all lately” He joked, but not really. “I’m sorry” You gave him a half smile, hoping it would help your apology come off as genuine, just earning another laugh from the boy as he took his glasses off. 

God, he’s so hot. dude don’t think like that he’s right there

oh god what if he’s a mind read-

“Y/n? Again? C’mon, sweetheart” He chuckled, snapping you out of your thoughts. You laughed with him this time. “I’ve just got like no sleep lately,” You explained, ignoring the way your heart sped up at the pet name and earning a sympathetic smile and nod from Peter. “Is there a reason why?” He asked, leaning forward just slightly as if you were sharing secrets. 

“It feels like waiting for a phone call every night” You shrugged, not missing how Peter’s face fell at your words.

“Oh, boy trouble?” He asked, quieter this time. “something like that” he just hummed in response, not wanting to press any further. 

“Well, if you need a distraction, there’s this school thing-“ “Oh you mean at Nerdtown High?” You cut him off with a tease, laughing at how Peter scoffed and couldn’t help his smile. “Yeah, it’s like a winter formal dance thing, I’m in charge of takin’ pictures and stuff, could use some company” He shrugged, not wanting to just outwardly ask you. 

“And I have a special invite from the photographer himself?” You feigned a flattered face, dramatically putting your hand over your heart.

“Yes,” he laughed, “if you want to come, that is.” He shrugs, smiling at you. You mimicked his actions from earlier, leaning forward into the end of the table, still far enough to not feel his breath but close enough to make Peter slightly tilt his head as if unsure of what you were doing. 

Okay, so maybe how pretty he was did make a difference

“So, what are we wearing?” You asked, smiling.

~

The last-minute invite limited your options but luckily you managed to dig up something from your closet and accessorize enough to feel good about how you looked. While you were putting your earrings in, a knock hit your window, interrupting your giddy feelings about going to a school dance with Peter. 

Your head whipped around when there was a second knock, knowing now who it was as you got up and quickly opened the window, laughing at how Spidey dramatically fell into your room, completely on purpose. 

“hi” You smiled, putting on your jacket to shield yourself from the cold. “hey, pretty lady” Spider-man’s voice was distorted, muffled almost but also sounded like he was purposely making his voice quieter and deeper. “Why do you sound like that?” You laughed as you asked the question.

“Got a cold” he shrugged, before looking you up and down. “You look nice” Spiderman nodded, as if in approval but also as if he had to shut up before saying more.

“Thanks, don’t stare too much though, I’ve got a date!” You teased, smiling excitedly as you sat back down and focused on the red color lining your lips before blending it with your fingertip.

“A date huh?” He asked, not even trying to hide his shock at this point. You sigh, dramatically looking back at Spiderman, earning a chuckle at your theatrics. “Well, I think it’s a date, but if you ask questions, it sucks the fun out of it.” He nodded as if he understood your explanation.

He didn’t.

“You remember that tutor I mentioned?” 

Spidey hummed in response, making himself comfortable on your old bean bag chair, watching you finish getting ready.

“It’s with him” You spoke with a giddy light to your voice as you applied lip oil over the red on your lips. 

The silence from the usually obnoxious talkative spider caught your attention.

And while you didn’t know why, it was because he was internally panicking. 

“Thought he was like a total nerd” He laughed awkwardly, worried he’d blow his cover.

“Oh, he totally is,” You chose to ignore the scoff from Spidey as you continued speaking. “But, he’s also like charming and funny, and he’s so fuckin cute, he calls me sweetheart and like how he rambles apologies whenever he’s late and he always insists on walking me home even though I'm way out of his way for his own walk. Oh my gosh and the other day he hugged me which reminded me so much of that scene at the end of Tangled, like he just hugged all of me, does that make sense? Like he needed to be as close as possible, Ugh”

As you rambled on about your almost embarrassing crush on Peter, all he could hear was his heart pounding in his chest, he had spent weeks as Spiderman, coming to your rescue for mundane tasks, going as far as leaving notes when he wanted to see you but couldn’t. 

Here he was thinking Peter Parker was ruining his plans as your math tutor, meanwhile, He was the one you couldn’t stop rambling about.

Not Spiderman

But Peter.

He was freaking the fuck out.

“Oh my god, what time is it?” You asked, cutting off Peter’s Spiderman’s thoughts as you urgently looked for your phone. “Spidey, you know I love you, babe, but he’s gonna be here like any second.” You offered an apologetic smile as Spiderman waved it off, a way to say It’s all good, 

“Hey, have fun tonight, pretty lady!” He said, clearing his throat as if he was trying not to cough, and before you had a chance to respond, Spiderman was gone. 

~

“Did I mention how pretty you look?” Peter asked as he snapped another picture of you, complimenting you for the 5th, no 6th time tonight.

not that you’d been counting

You smiled, shaking your head. “No, I don’t think you have” You teased, earning that laugh that felt so painfully familiar in return.

“Hey, I have a question for you,” Peter started, still unsure about your previous conversation with Spiderman, even if you laid out all he’d need to know. 

The christmas lights and hanging snowflakes around the room suddenly became incredibly interesting to you as you nodded, avoiding all hints of eye contact possible, and silently thanking anyone who was listening in prayer as instead of looking at you, he started photographing other students and teachers dancing around the room to the Christmas music playing. 

Peter bit the inside of his cheek as he thought out his next few words, trying to not talk himself out of it. Distracting himself by taking photos of his classmates, he finally spoke.

“Do you prefer Pepsi or Coke?” 

coward

You laughed at the question, so it must’ve counted for something, right?

Or that’s at least what he had hoped as he smiled and listened to your unnecessary rant of an answer.

~

You shoved your hands into the pockets of Peter’s jacket that you were currently wearing at his insistence, of course, not being able to help yourself as you did a quick scan of the sky as Peter walked you home. 

He didn’t need instructions on how to get there anymore.

“Lookin' for something?” He asked, nudging you lightly.

Why did he always notice you looking for Spiderman?

“Someone, actually” You smiled at him, turning your gaze to your shoes, counting the cracks under your feet. 

“Oh,” play it cool, Peter. “Spiderman?” Was that too obvious?

You shrugged, looking at Peter with your head tilted.

“Didn’t know you were a fan” He continued, his turn now to count the cracks. 

“Yeah, something like that” you chuckled to yourself, shaking your head before looking at Peter, watching as he smiled softly at the concrete beneath his feet. 

“I had a really great time tonight, Peter” You sighed, nudging him slightly once your apartment complex came into view, even if you still had 3 more minutes of walking.

You really enjoyed your walks home with Peter. Of course, you counted how long the walks were.

“Me too” he nudged back, stopping for a moment and getting your attention by the feeling of his scarf getting tossed around your shoulders, you stopped walking now, allowing him to properly adjust the soft fabric around your neck making it two items of his you were now wearing.

“Can’t have you catching a cold for the holidays” Peter whispered, soft eyes moving to look into yours upon realizing how close you were. “Course not” you agreed in the same tone.

The moment lasted for however much time wasn’t enough, ending with the sound of police sirens, you both turned at the sound, watching as 2, 3, 4 cop cars rushed past you both. 

“Think I know where Spidey’s been” You mumble to yourself, though not missing the quiet laugh from Peter as he threw his arm around your shoulder, urging you to keep walking, seeming to be sort of rushing now. 

You didn’t question it, it was getting late and you knew he didn’t like leaving May alone too late into the night, it makes her worry would be all he told you anyway, so why pry?

You also had quickly decided to try and forget about the ruined moment, content in feeling as he wrapped his arms around your waist, forcing your arms around his neck in the hug you had loved so much and a quiet “I’ll see you in two weeks” mumbled into the shoulder of his your jacket.

Shit, winter break, you almost forgot about that

“Merry Christmas, Peter” You mumbled back, holding your breath as he pulled away and not letting it go til after you opened the door to the lobby. 

“Hey,” his voice made you turn around, tilting your head like a silent question mark.

“Merry Christmas, Sweetheart” 

~

The words replay in your head even still as you lie in your bed, waiting for your dreams to overtake you. How he looked at you and how he spoke the words so softly, despite having heard him call you Sweetheart a dozen times by now, you couldn’t get over it.

That seemed to mix with the anxiety you were feeling about whatever was going on with those policemen tonight, why was he not following? Was he already there? Is it about what’s had him so occupied the last few weeks?

The unanswered questions of worry and giddy feelings of adoration put you in a seemingly never-ending loop of anxiety that you were completely unable to come out no matter how hard-

Thump thump thump 

You sat up, almost giving yourself whiplash with how you turned to look at your window. 

Thump thump

They were weaker that time, uh oh.

[illdowhatiwantthanks]

The Butternut Squash (The Surprise, Part 19)

Emily Prentiss x fem!reader Warnings: pregnancy times, mentions of female anatomy/breastfeeding, explicit language (let me know if I missed anything!) Word count: 2.2k

Summary: You and Emily don't really need a baby shower, but you do need help getting the nursery ready, so the whole BAU comes over one Saturday to help out.

Week 29: The Butternut Squash

You had insisted on no gifts. You and Emily had plenty of money. You didn’t need a registry, and you didn’t need a baby shower. What you did need was help getting the nursery decorated and set up. So Emily–fresh off a 4-day case–had invited the entire BAU over to help prep the nursery on a rare, free Saturday.

“Emily,” you complained that Friday morning when she came home. “I won’t even have time to make food!”

“You don’t need time to make food,” she chastised, wrapping her arms around you from behind and resting her chin on your shoulder. “Because we’re just gonna have it delivered.”

You scoffed. “I always cook, Em. It’s my whole thing!”

She turned you around and grasped your face in her hands, kissing the tip of your nose, then moving to your lips. You huffed impatiently, even as your stomach erupted in butterflies (and maybe a few kicks from the baby) when Emily kissed you. “Okay, well, right now your whole thing is being seven months pregnant, so…”

“I could at least make cookies…” you grumbled. “If you get me chocolate chips from the store?”

Emily raised her eyebrows at you, but smiled lightly. “Will it make you happy?”

“Mmhm,” you confirmed, turning on the charm and your very best puppy dog eyes.

She sighed and rolled her eyes, kissing you one more time for good measure and grabbing her keys from the counter. “I can’t say no to you when you look at me like that.”

“Thank you, my love!” you called after her, a little too giddy with your grocery store victory.

“Yeah, yeah…” she muttered, shutting the door, but you knew she was smiling behind it.

But, now, here you were. Saturday, mid-morning. A plate of fresh-baked, homemade brown butter chocolate chip cookies on a plate on the coffee table… along with gifts from every single member of the BAU. Despite insisting they not bring any.

Hotch sat in the living room with you, playing Mario Kart on the Switch with Dave and Jack. Penelope gossiped with you on the couch. Meanwhile, Emily was running operations in the nursery, and every so often you could hear her ordering Derek and Spencer around. It made you giggle. JJ squeezed your shoulder, hovering back and forth between rooms.

“You need anything, Y/N?” she asked.

“I’m okay,” you assured her. “Thanks, JJ. Just�� make sure Emily doesn’t get too bossy.”

JJ laughed. “Oh, I’m not sure anyone can do that.”

“Can we do gifts now? I think we should do gifts! Open mine, Y/N!” Penelope insisted, patting the spot next to her on the couch for JJ and handing you a glittery gift bag. You should’ve known they wouldn’t listen when you’d said not to bring gifts. You would’ve done the same thing. They were your family, after all.

You pulled out the tissue paper to reveal several tiny baby onesies in bright colors with adorable designs and sayings. Happy Camper. Silly Little Bear. Even one with tiny dinosaurs all over that said Babysaurus. Your heart felt like it might burst thinking about how cute your little one was going to look in these.

“Penelope, these are so cute!” You wrapped her in a hug. “I’m gonna send you so many pictures of her in these!”

“I know you guys are waiting to find out the gender, so I tried to pick ones that were gender neutral. Although, I mean I guess technically every outfit is gender neutral or… should be, or–”

You stopped her before she spiraled. “They’re perfect."

Before you knew it, Jack was pressed up against you, shoving another gift bag into your hands.

“Open ours, Aunt Y/N!”

You wrapped an arm around him and gave him a squeeze. “Thanks, buddy. I can’t wait to see what it is!”

You pulled out the most adorable stuffed gray wolf, soft as velvet, complete with two little pointy felt teeth sticking out.

“Oh, Jack, it’s perfect!”

“His name is Wolfie,” Jack told you, snatching the toy back.

“Jack,” Hotch scolded. “Remember, that’s for Aunt Emily and Aunt Y/N’s baby. It’s not yours.”

Hotch looked at you apologetically, and you shook your head to let him know it wasn’t a big deal.

“I made you this picture, too,” Jack said, handing you a crumpled piece of paper. You smoothed it out to find stick figures of you and Emily. He’d drawn your belly as a big circle, with a tiny swaddled baby inside of it. You grinned.

“Now, this is art, Jack. This is going right on the fridge.”

“This is you,” he said, pointing. “And this is Aunt Emily. And this is the baby inside your tummy.”

Speaking of the baby, she was incredibly active right now. Almost as if she, too, was happy to be with her BAU family.

“You want to feel her kick?” you asked Jack, and he nodded. You grasped his hand in yours and pressed it over your baby bump, estimating at the last place she’d kicked. Jack screeched when he felt her kick his hand, jumping on his tiptoes.

“Oh my gosh!” he squealed. “Oh my gosh! Daddy, there’s an alive baby in there!”

Hotch smiled at you. He was such a good dad. A good team leader. A good friend to you and Emily.

“After she’s born, Jack, you’ll have to come over and hold her,” you told him, but he was already gone, distracted the Switch.

“Aw, crap,” Dave exclaimed as Hotch hit him with a red shell. Hotch chuckled. “Y/N, go ahead and open up mine,” Dave said. “I’ve already lost this race. It’s the one with the silver paper.”

Penelope grabbed the gift for you, since your arms wouldn’t quite reach all the way to the coffee table. You ripped off the paper to reveal a box set that read, “Ciao Pasta Bistro.” It included a tiny little metal stock pot and colander, little ladles, and soft felt pasta shapes–bowties and raviolis and elbow noodles and shells.

“Oh my god,” you breathed, looking it over. Penelope and JJ leaned next to you to get a closer look. “This is freaking adorable.”

“The little meatball’s gonna know her pasta shapes if Uncle Dave has anything to say about it!” Dave called, cheering as he zoomed past Hotch with Star Power.

“Thank you so much, Dave,” you said, and you really meant it. They were such thoughtful gifts, so particular to each of them. You couldn't wait to show the baby, to let her get to know her BAU family, too.

JJ waited until everyone was distracted and Penelope had been dragged into Mario Kart (“Okay, but I’ll win! They don’t call me a tech goddess for nothing!”) to give you her gift. She sat next to you and pulled a bag from underneath the coffee table.

“These are more for you than for the baby,” JJ explained. “But if your pregnancy is anything like mine, you’ll get plenty of baby gifts, but not a whole lot of mom gifts.”

“That’s really thoughtful of you, JJ.” You squeezed her hand.

She pulled things out one by one, displaying them discreetly and explaining their purpose. “Listen, your nipples will hurt so bad. So bad. Just telling it like it is. So…” She held up a plastic tube. “Nipple cream. This one was my favorite. Also, silver nursing cups. I can’t explain why the silver makes them less sore, but it does.”

You nodded, feeling both overwhelmed and extremely grateful. “It’s basic, but there’s also a food delivery gift card in here. I know you love to cook, but I promise you’re not gonna feel like it for a while after giving birth.”

“JJ, I don’t know what to say. This is so nice.”

She held up a finger to stop you. “Last gift.” She pointed to herself. “Me and Will. We’re happy to babysit. Often, if you like.” When she saw you start to protest, she said, “Look, Henry’s getting older, and I really miss baby snuggles. So it’s really no trouble at all.”

You felt like you might cry. It wasn’t that nobody paid attention to you or took care of you during your pregnancy. Emily took excellent care of you. It was just that JJ was right. Most people looked at the end of your pregnancy and the birth of the baby as the end of the hard part for the birthing parent. But you knew that wasn’t going to be the case. And JJ knew, too. You were so grateful for her friendship, for her support.

“Thank you so much, JJ,” you said quietly, pulling her in for a hug.

“Oh, are you opening gifts?” Spencer asked, entering the room and hovering quietly behind you.

“Yep!” you said, watching him retrieve a tidy package wrapped in newspapers and hand it to you. You looked at him, eyebrows furrowed. “Are you guys done with the nursery already!?”

Spencer chuckled. “Oh, no. Not even close. I just snuck out while Emily was yelling at Morgan.”

You shrugged and started tearing the paper. “That tracks.”

Inside Spencer’s package was a set of colorful board books with titles like Quantum Physics for Babies, General Relativity for Babies, and Rocket Science for Babies.

“Spencer, these are awesome!” you exclaimed, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “Baby Prentiss is gonna be a genius.”

“You know, that’s probably true,” Spencer observed, taking Penelope's place in front of the TV next to Jack. “Scientifically speaking, children inherit their intelligence from their mother, not their father. So no matter how intelligent or unintelligent the donor was, the baby will inherit your intellect. And you’re really smart, so it’s likely the baby will be, too.”

“Trust Reid to come with a prepped science lesson,” Emily said, poking her head around the corner.

You threw a balled-up piece of wrapping paper in Emily’s general direction. “Zip it, Em! I like hearing about what Spencer knows.”

“Nerd,” she muttered under her breath, coming up behind you to place her hands on your shoulders and kiss the top of your head. “You alright? You need anything?”

You squeezed her hand. “I need you... to stop being so mean to Derek.”

“Thank you!” Derek exclaimed, emerging from the hallway to shove Emily out of the way and plant a kiss on your cheek. “It’s nice to know someone around here cares about Uncle Derek.”

Emily shoved him back. “Yeah, well, I don’t want to have to tell the little butternut squash that you wussed out of painting his nursery one wall in.”

Derek grabbed one of the cookies from the coffee table and took a bite, momentarily closing his eyes in enjoyment. You smiled. This is why you loved cooking and baking.

“Listen, Prentiss,” he teased. “I’m taking a well-deserved break. You’re lucky I love your girl or I wouldn’t put up with this shit.”

“Ooh!” Jack squealed. “He said a bad word!”

Derek looked at Hotch apologetically, then reached down to grab the last unopened gift bag. 

“Here, mama,” he said, handing it to you. “Saved the best for last.”

You grinned at him, handing Emily the loose tissue paper as you opened the gift. Inside was a collection of soft toys that included a football, a whistle, and a little number one finger.

“Oh, man, are we gonna have a little football fan, Uncle Derek?” you asked, grinning cheekily.

“Not just any football fan,” he insisted. “There’s one more thing in there.”

You pulled out a tiny Chicago Bears onesie, complete with a number 34 on the back for Walter Payton.

“A Bears fan, huh?” you said, smiling from ear to ear.

“I figured since the little guy or gal’s gonna be born right as football season’s kicking off, he’ll spend a lot of time on the couch watching the games with Uncle Derek. And we gotta be decked out in our matching gear.”

“If you let us sleep, Morgan,” Emily said, squeezing his shoulder playfully. “You can indoctrinate my son into being a sports fan all you want.”

“Or daughter!” you protested, and the whole team laughed. By now, your faux-feud over the baby’s gender was well-known. They were even placing bets. It was about a 50/50 split.

“Alright, guys,” Emily said, clapping her hands together and rallying the troops. “One wall down, two walls to go. And one wall of wallpaper, but I don’t think that’ll take as long.”

JJ, Penelope, Hotch, and Dave stood to follow Emily to the nursery while Derek took a seat next to you. Spencer sat cross-legged on the floor with Jack, fully immersed in Mario Kart.

“Be there in a second, Emily,” he called. “We’re about to start Rainbow Road.”

You grinned, so glad to be surrounded by Emily’s family–her real family. Happy that you had people who were excited for you, people who took care of you, people who gave up their Saturday to help you get ready to welcome a new family member.

“Hey, Jack, add me and Derek in for the next round,” you said, lowering yourself gently onto the floor, Derek’s hand instinctively grasping yours to support you. “I play a mean Moo Moo Meadows.”

[aauroraxia]

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

*:･ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐

synopsis: It’s the day when your baby’s gender is revealed | warnings: none, mild cursing | parings: Armando x reader | Authors note: The gender of the baby is chosen!! (based off of the poll) Sorry if you were on the opposite team, but the people have chosen 🤷🏽‍♀️!

𝐈𝐓𝐒 been a while since you’ve told everyone you’re pregnant. You told Armando to go to work but he insisted on staying home with you, at least until the baby’s born.

Armando has just gotten back from the store. You sent him to buy ice cream, that was what you’d been craving for hours.

You were sitting on your couch, flipping through Disney movies before stopping on Princess and The Frog.

He placed your ice cream on the kitchen counter, before sitting down next to you.

You turned to him “I know you want a boy but what do you feel like we’re having?”

“A girl”

You’ve Google many things that could help you determine the gender of your baby but nothing helped. Tomorrow you would actually find out the gender, though.

“Oh, I feel like it’s a boy. I know Mike wants it to be a boy, he said it keeps the Lowrey line going or something.”

Armando rested his hand in your stomach, rubbing it, “Cualquiera que sea el género, el bebé va a ser perfecto.”

“Awwe!” You leaned over to him, pecking him softly on the lips. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?”

“Back to the store. I’m craving pickles.”

He rolled his eyes, standing up, grabbing the keys off the counter.

He couldn’t say no to you if he tried.

𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 at the doctor, you were shaking with excitement. You couldn’t wait to know the gender of the baby. You weren’t really looking for names yet, but you were excited to go clothes shopping.

A.M.M.O team had already had a custom baby onesie, with A.M.M.O spelled out on the front made. It was black, and grey, so it was kind of gender neutral.

You were seated inside an room. You waited for the nurse with Armando. Hand in hand.

Soon an nurse walked in.

“How are you feeling? Are you excited? Todays finally the day.” The nurse asked smiling sweetly.

“I’m super excited!” You replied, squeezing Armando’s hand.

“Well I’m happy to say that you are carrying an healthy baby girl!”

Your mouth dropped, while Armando froze with wide eyes.

“¿Que?” He said, mouth agape.

There was nothing wrong with having a girl. That’s actually what you wanted anyway, but it’s still very shocking.

“Congratulations!” The nurse said handing you some papers, including an printed out ultrasound of your baby girl.

“You’re on the right track so far, the baby is the opposite way that we need her to be for birth, but it’s nothing we can’t fix. I’ll expect o see you back here in about 3 weeks. The nurse said before smiling and walking out of the room, leaving you and Armando in an awkward silence.

“Are you okay?” You asked turning, looking at him. “I know you wanted a boy but-“

You paused feeling an squeeze on your hand.

“I’m happy we’re having a girl.” He said. You sighed, you thought for a second he was mad.

“Ella va a ser fuerte como su mamá.”

You smiled at him before standing up from your seat, “Now how are we going to tell your dad?”

You and Armando, decided to tell everyone the gender with cupcakes. You didn’t want a big gender reveal so you bought cupcakes. All of the cupcakes were white on the inside, except one, which was pink on the inside.

You met everyone at Mike’s house. After greetings we’re exchanged, you handed out cupcakes.

As everyone bit into their cupcakes, you watched closely, to see who had the pink one. Marcus shoved his into his mouth whole.

After a few minutes, no one had the pink cupcake yet. “Wait. One of the cupcakes were colored!”

Everyone started looking around, then all eyes stopped on Marcus.

“Oops.” He said chuckling.

You should’ve known he was gonna do something stupid, and not given him the pink cupcake.

“Wait your tongue is pink!” Kelly yelled. “Are you having a girl?”

You looked at Armando who was questionably quiet, nodding slowly.

Congratulations and cheers were made. “I’m gonna have a granddaughter?” Mike asked.

“Yes.”

You grabbed Armando’s arm, bringing him to Mike’s living room, leaving everyone else in the kitchen.

“Are you okay? Your more quiet that usual.”

He placed both of his hands on your stomach.

“Me acabo de enterar que voy a tener una hija.” You smiled at him. “Todo está bien.”

He bent down, now being face to face with your stomach, looking back up at you.

“Everything’s okay.”

*:･ | Translations

Cualquiera que sea el género, el bebé va a ser perfecto - Whatever the gender, the baby is going to be perfect.

¿Que? - What

Ella va a ser fuerte como su mamá - Shes going to be strong like her mama

Me acabo de enterar que voy a tener una hija - I just found out I’m getting an daughter

Todo está bien - Everything’s okay

Taglist as always comment ‘🩷’ to be added to the list: @dyttomori @believeinthefireflies95 @armandosbabymama @atomicfriendfestivalbiscuit @yeahnohoneybye @madi05sblog

🎀 | Authors Note: Congrats to team girl!! The baby will be a girl! Now all I need is name suggestions, the baby’s name will be revealed in the next chapter (chapter 3). So lock in your baby names! Thank you for all the love on chapter 1! I do know that the poll is still going but any answers chosen after today will not be taken, sorry! Anyways enjoy 😉!

(reblogs, likes, and follows, are appreciated!)

[corroded-hellfire]

Sniffles and Snuggles - Eddie Munson x Reader

An As You Wish story

Collaboration with my dear @munson-blurbs 💕

Older!eddie edit by the lovely @eddiemunsons-missingnipple

Summary: When your baby girl wakes up sick, her daddy is there to take care of her

Note: The thought of Eliza being all clingy to Eddie because she doesn’t feel well and just wants her daddy inspired this so I hope you enjoy the thoughts that just pop into my head

Words: 4k

[As You Wish Masterlist]

A familiar cry wakes you from your slumber. It’s muffled—coming from down the hall. Your eyes open in the darkness of your bedroom. Glancing over at the window you see the slightest gray creeping into the blackness of night. Morning must be rolling around you surmise as you stretch your arms out above your head. The cry sounds again and you stare up at your ceiling while you wait to see if it’s going to continue or not. There have been times where Eliza has woken up, cried out a few times simply because she wanted attention, then let it go. 

Eddie’s fast asleep next to you, turned your way, giving you a clear view of the drool dribbling out of the corner of his mouth. A soft chuckle falls out of you as you trail your gaze down to see your husband’s bare chest slowly moving up and down with his steady breaths. Another cry from your daughter breaks your focus on your sexy man though, and you push yourself out of bed to go see what’s bothering her. 

The closer you get to Eliza’s room, you can hear the different noises she’s making. These aren’t just the typical cries she sometimes has in the middle of the night. There’s whining and a whimpering that’s breaking your heart. 

“Hey, what’s going on in here?” 

As soon as you see your one-year-old you know something is up. Her cheeks are flushed and her brown curls are matted to her forehead in sweat. She’s holding onto the bars of her crib like she’s an inmate begging to be freed from their jail cell. The moment her eyes land on you, the whining picks up and she’s scrambling for your attention. 

“What’s wrong, Sweet Pea?” you ask.

Not even making an attempt at the few words she knows how to say, Eliza simply raises her arms for you to pick her up. The heat radiating off of her little body in its pink onesie is evident the moment your hands are on her. Frowning, you hold her against your chest and gently press your lips to her forehead. 

“Oh, you’re burning up, baby. Is someone not feeling well?” Eliza buries her head in your neck, and you have your answer. “Come on, you. Let’s take some medicine that’ll help you feel better.”

Intermittent sniffles come from the baby as you walk with her into the kitchen. The medicines are kept on a high shelf and there’s no way you’ll be able to rummage for what you’re looking for with your daughter in your arms. Luckily, her Disney Princess highchair is only a few feet away and you move to set her down in it. This elicits an immediate negative reaction from Eliza. 

“It’s just for a second, sweetheart. Give Mommy one moment to find your medicine.” She clings to you as you try to place her in the chair, but a couple of kisses to the head and whispered assurances that you’re not going anywhere have her finally releasing her vice grip on you. As you watch her slump to the side in her seat, eyes glazed over and staring somewhere in the distance, you think her lack of strength or energy also contributed to her finally letting you go. 

The children’s Tylenol is easily findable, and you pour some of the thick berry flavored syrup into a small dosage cup. Eliza eyes it warily, as if already knowing that she’s not going to like it. She wrinkles her nose up as the blue medicine comes closer to her and her whines start up again. 

“This is going to help you feel better, my love. I promise.” You can’t blame Eliza for her cranky attitude, but you just wish she’d believe you and take the medicine without issue. But since when do children behave that way? Especially the children of Eddie Munson. 

“Come on,” you say as you set the little cup on the tray of her highchair. “It’ll be over really quick. You might even like how it tastes.” 

After a few more whiny protests and some cranky writhing in her seat, Eliza stares down at the liquid that might give her some relief. You’re pretty sure you can see the resignation in her brown eyes as gazes at the medicine.

“Here we go.” You lift the small cup up to her lips—which she begrudgingly opens—and tilt it up so the Tylenol pours into her mouth. The moment it’s all swallowed and Eliza closes her mouth, her face scrunches up in revulsion and she shakes her head. It doesn’t seem right to laugh when your daughter is feeling so lousy, but you can’t help but let out a chuckle at her visceral reaction to the taste. “Why don’t we watch a movie, huh? One of your favorites.”

Eliza’s body heat takes you by surprise again as you lift her from her chair. Her head lolls onto your shoulder as you walk into the living room and snatch up the movie on the top of the pile. The Little Mermaid disc isn’t in the case, and it doesn’t shock you at all. It’s probably already in the player, all ready to go. 

You scoop up the remote on the way to the couch and click on the television. Eliza’s curls tickle your chin as you hit the buttons that will lead you to the DVD screen. As suspected, The Little Mermaid is in there and ready to be watched for the thousandth time. 

“Here we go,” you say, snuggling into the couch with her. “Let’s watch Ariel, yeah?” You’re hoping that the medicine will allow her to get some more sleep. The way she holds herself to your body lets you know she wants to be cuddled. Adjusting yourself so that it’s comfortable for the both of you, you lean back and kick your feet up on the coffee table, allowing Eliza to use your torso as her bed. Her big eyes turn towards the television at the familiar sounds of her favorite movie. One of your hands goes to her tiny back, rubbing reassuring and calming circles, while the other gently strokes her soft downy hair. 

You’re fighting sleep when you hear the heavy-footed sound of Eddie padding out to the living room. His hair is a mess, curls askew, and he scratches at his stubble as he yawns. 

“What’re my sweet girls doing up at this hour?” he asks softly, re-tying the strings of his plaid pajama pants. 

You return his yawn with a weary smile. “Someone is sick and spiked a fever, so I’m just laying with her until the Tylenol kicks in,” you explain, kissing your baby’s sweaty curls. 

Eddie looks at you, kindness and empathy still radiating from his tired eyes. “Babe, you look exhausted.” He leans down to try and take Eliza from your embrace, frowning when you pull back. “Let me help.”

“S’okay, Eds. I got it.” 

“But you need to sleep so you can go to work tomorrow,” he protests. 

Noting that you’re distracted by the conversation at hand, Eliza takes advantage and wriggles from your grasp. She plops her head down on a nearby pillow and almost immediately falls asleep, congested snores emanating from her tiny nostrils. 

You furrow your brow, lowering your voice so you don’t disturb your daughter’s slumber. “No, I’m staying home with her. You go into work.”

“I have more vacation days saved up,” he points out, holding out his arms. “Hand me the child and go back to bed.”

You give in, too tired to argue further, kissing him and Eliza before trudging back to bed. You look over your shoulder before you head down the hall, back to your bedroom. Eddie has made himself comfortable on one side of the couch, placing a throw pillow on his lap. He carefully maneuvers Eliza so she can curl up in the same position, rubbing gentle circles on her back to try and break up some of the congestion. It’s not his first rodeo with a sick kid, and based on his older children’s experiences, it won’t be his last. 

When your alarm goes off an hour later, you feel anything but rested. Your muscles ache as your body all but begs for more sleep, but you try to shove away the discomfort with a warm shower. It helps somewhat, but you’d be lying if you said you didn’t almost fall asleep standing up. 

The family room is quiet; the only sound is the soft hum of the DVD player whirring, the movie long over. Eddie is sprawled out on the couch, his long limbs flung in every direction over the furniture like an overgrown starfish. Eliza, always one to copy her daddy, is spread out on top of his chest.  They’re both snoring, though you truly can’t be sure which one of them is louder. 

Trying to make the least amount of noise possible, you head into the kitchen and prepare breakfast for yourself and the boys. You know the drill by now: cereal for Ryan, Eggos for Luke. This particular morning though, you don’t think you’ll be able to ingest anything other than a large cup of coffee. 

The ringing of two alarm clocks faintly reaches you in the kitchen. Knowing it takes both of them a minute—or a few in Luke’s case—to get out of bed, you know you have time to finish prepping the food before you head down the hall to intercept them. You have to inform them that on this side of the house there are two sleeping beauties currently sawing wood. 

“Hey,” you say in a hushed tone as you meet up with the boys in front of their rooms. “Daddy and Eliza are sleeping on the couch. You have to be quiet, okay?”

“Good morning to you, too,” Ryan grumbles, rubbing his left eye with the heel of his hand. Sometimes his preteen moments popped up when you were least able to handle them. 

“Why are they on the couch?” Luke asks, voice lower for him, but still a bit loud. 

“Eliza isn’t feeling well, and they must’ve fallen asleep waiting for her medicine to kick in,” you explain. 

“Is she okay?” Ryan asks.

“She’s fine, sweetie. Just some sniffles,” you tell him. “Now come on, your breakfasts are ready.”

Most of breakfast manages to go smoothly and quietly, until Luke drops his fork on the ground, and it lands on the linoleum with a definitive clang. Your second oldest winces as he turns to you. “Sorry,” he silently mouths. Honestly, you had expected him to make a bigger noise than that at some point, so this is nothing. 

Once they finish their breakfast, you usher the boys down the hall and tell them to get ready for school. You finish getting ready for work as well. It’s hard to focus on doing your hair or finding a pair of shoes when you know your baby girl is sick in the other room. But you know she’ll be fine; she’s with Eddie. Super Dad. Being a mom came with a boatload of anxieties, but Eddie always managed to make everything better and less stressful. You joke to him all the time that some magic must’ve rubbed off on him after all the times he’s played D&D throughout his life. 

You finish getting ready the same time the boys do, and you see them slipping on their backpacks in the family room. They make no noise, yet their presence in the room must have been enough because both Eddie and Eliza stir from their nap. 

“How are you feeling, Eliza?” Ryan asks, tone still soft and low. 

His baby sister’s only response is to heave an overdramatic sigh, very reminiscent of her father. 

“Feel better!” Luke chirps with far too much enthusiasm. 

With an irritated whine, Eliza puts her hands over her tiny ears at her brother’s loud volume. She buries her face in Eddie’s chest, signaling that the conversation with her siblings is over. Eddie uses one hand to caress his daughter's brown locks, hoping it will calm and relax her, and waves to his sons with the other. 

“Have a good day at school, guys,” he tells them. The two of them wave back and say their goodbyes before they head out the front door to get to their bus stop down on the corner of the street. 

It’s your turn to leave now and you really don’t want to. This is the hardest you’ve ever had to push yourself to get out of the house and go to work. A restless night’s sleep or a massive headache making you not want to go in is nothing compared to knowing your child is home sick. 

Once you have everything ready to go, you walk over and lean down to press a kiss to Eddie’s forehead.

“I gotta go now, baby. But I don’t wanna.” You give him the most adorable pout that has a smile lighting up his tired face. 

“I’ll hold down the fort,” he tells you. “Have a good day at work. Though it won’t be as amazing as Eliza-Daddy Day.”

“I’m very jealous that I don’t get to be a part of it.” You smile down at your daughter, who has fallen back asleep, and admire the adorable features that she’s inherited from the both of you. “I’ll see you guys later. I love you.”

“We love you too, baby. I love you more, though. But don’t tell Eliza I said that; she’s a very territorial little girl.” 

Chuckling, you lean down and press one more kiss to your husband’s lips. “Bye, baby.”

Eddie dozes on and off as he stays as still as possible on the couch so as not to wake the baby. It’s certainly not the most comfortable position, but he’ll be damned if his daughter is awake because of him. He keeps one hand on her back; she’s so little underneath it, and he’s suddenly overcome with a fierce urge to protect her. 

Eliza eventually wakes up around lunchtime, tears immediately springing to her eyes. Her face crumples when she tries to breathe in through her nose and realizes that she can’t. 

Eddie sits up a bit straighter, keeping his daughter close to his chest. “How ya feeling, baby girl?”

“Uck,” she grunts out, swiping messily at her runny nose. 

“Are you hungry?” Eddie asks before deciding for her. “You need to eat something.”

He picks her up and starts to set her in a flowery pink baby walker—surprisingly, Luke had been the one to pick it out at Babies R Us—but Eliza is in no mood to be put down. She lets out a whine that sounds more like a shriek. 

Eddie winces at the piercing noise, instinctively bringing her against his chest again. “Hey, hey, what is it?” he softly asks, but she just whimpers and hides her face in his neck. 

“Dada.”

“Sweet pea, I was just gonna go into the kitchen to get us some lunch,” he tries to explain, knowing full well that it’s next to useless. “You’ll be able to see me the whole time.”

Eliza shakes her head against his body and sniffles pathetically. “Nooooo. Dada!”

Eddie sighs, giving in to the prospect that the two of them will be attached at the hip all day. “Okay, Lize, you can come with me,” he acquiesces. “We can make a mess of the kitchen together.” He lowers his voice before adding, “just don’t tell Mommy.”

He makes two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with one hand, the other holding on to Eliza’s diapered butt while he works “And they said I had no talent. Ha.”

“Goo Dada.”

Eddie’s glad he understands her normal baby talk enough, because interpretation is even harder now that she’s congested. 

“I did good? Why, thank you.” He hands her a piece of sandwich and she immediately drops it on the ground. 

“Eliza!”

She crosses her tiny arms and twists her whole body back and forth in protest. “Ucky.”

“Lize, you love peanut butter—”

“UCKY!”

“Okay, no peanut butter for you today,” Eddie mutters, shoving half a sandwich in his mouth. “Let’s see what else we got.”

There isn’t a whole lot in the freezer, but Eddie spots a box of frozen Italian ice cups and pulls it out. He flips the lid open and purses his lips when he only sees a few yellow cups inside. 

“Guess your brothers ate all the cherry ones,” he grumbles as he rummages through the box, just to make sure he didn’t miss a red one. “Looks like we just have lemon left.” He makes an unamused face, but Eliza reaches out and grabs it anyway. “You want—y’know what? Sure.”

Eddie grabs a spoon from the utensil drawer and uses his foot to pull Eliza’s high chair over to the kitchen table—lest they be too far apart from each other and Eliza gets all fussy again. She willingly complies since she sees her Daddy will be sitting right in front of her. He pops open the lid of the frozen treat and sets it on the tray in front of her.

“All right, this is gonna be sour,” he warns, but she still eagerly accepts the bite. 

Her lips pucker immediately, her nose scrunching up like a bunny at the strange sensation on her tongue. 

Eddie lets out a laugh at the adorable and hilarious expression on her little face. “I told you! You want that sandwich now?”

Face still pinched up, Eliza vehemently shakes her head. 

“Mo!” Eliza stretches out her hand towards the cup.

“I’ll be damned,” Eddie muses, but he obliges. She makes the same expression with each bite, but she eats nearly half of the serving before declaring, “no mo!”

Eddie gets Eliza cleaned up, not worrying about the mess in the kitchen right now. He’ll take care of it later, as he’s sure the sick girl will take many naps today.  

He picks his daughter up out of her highchair and holds her on his hip. “Whatcha wanna do now?”

Eliza lets out a wet little baby cough and gives a shake of her head. 

“You don’t know?” Eddie asks. “Hmm. Ah, I’ve got it.”

He stands up, balancing Eliza on his side. She lays her head on his shoulder while he walks into her princess-themed room, using his elbow to flick on the overhead light. 

“Okay,” he says, kissing her temple, “let’s see what we’ve got.” He quickly scans the little bookshelf next to her bed to find her favorite story. With a triumphant grin, he plucks The Poky Little Puppy from its spot. 

He tucks himself into the rocking chair, settling in and shifting his daughter into his lap. Reaching behind him, he grabs the bright pink throw blanket and drapes it over her, digging his toes into the carpet to gently sway back and forth. 

Eliza is enraptured by her dad reading her favorite book to her, eyes wide as she clings to every syllable. She usually falls asleep to it, conditioned from countless nights where it’s been used as a bedtime story, but she’s still fresh from her nap. Besides, she’s having too much fun with this daddy-daughter bonding to be sleepy. 

She only gets fussy again once Eddie closes the book, her symptoms more prominent without the distraction of Eddie’s story-telling skills. 

“I think it’s time for another dose of medicine, baby girl,” Eddie whispers, trying to appear enthusiastic despite his own waning energy levels.

She downs the syrup easily, so out of sorts that she doesn’t even process its rancid taste until after it’s done. Eddie laughs at her contorted face, plopping down on the couch. “All right, my brave little girl,” he says as he grabs the remote, “what should we watch?”

The mere question brings a tiny spark to Eliza’s eyes, giving her just enough energy to bounce in her dad’s lap and point at the TV. “Mermah!”

“The Little Mermaid again?”

Eliza nods and Eddie internally groans. It’s a cute movie, but he’s pretty sure he could recite it line for line at this point. 

“Okay, let’s go under the sea,” he says as he starts the movie from the beginning, settling in to listen to Sebastian belt out “Under the Sea” for the umpteenth time. 

Still curled up into his chest, no indication of moving anytime soon, Eliza wipes her runny nose on her dad’s t-shirt. She doesn’t take her eyes off of the screen as she rubs her nose against the soft cotton with a sniffle. 

“Thanks, kid.”

“Welcuh.”

Eliza settles her head on the middle of her father’s chest and watches the different colored fish and sea life all gather together at the concert for King Triton. Eddie doesn’t really pay attention, mostly just focusing on how the little girl’s breathing is sounding and trying to keep her body supported up against his. 

But Eddie’s ears perk up when a familiar little voice joins in with the singing on screen. Ariel is singing “Part of Your World” and there’s a small, congested mumble singing alongside her. Eddie grins to himself as he listens to his daughter’s rendition. 

“Schingamabobs? Gots twenny. Bu’ who cawes? No bih deal. I wan’ mooooooo.”

All the times Eddie insisted on singing to Eliza while she was in your womb have seemed to pay off. She’s a little musical prodigy after his own heart. 

“You wanna be a mermaid, Lize?” Eddie asks her softly. She nods in response, never taking her eyes off of the television screen. 

Eddie half-heartedly watches the movie with her from that point forward. When it comes to the scene of Ariel using a fork as a comb for her hair at the dinner table, Eliza reaches up and begins to play with her own hair. Silky brown curls slip through her little fingers as she absentmindedly strokes her locks. Eddie would love to know what’s going on inside her head right now. Is she thinking of trying to use a fork as a comb? When Eliza brings a few pieces of her hair in front of her face to study, Eddie has another thought. He wonders if she wants to have the same red hair as her favorite Disney princess. To show her that he loves her hair just the way it is, Eddie presses a few soft kisses to the top of her head. 

As the movie progresses, Eliza becomes stiller on Eddie’s chest, and she’s not made a peep in a while. Her father watches her tiny back move up and down and sees it’s going in a slow, steady rhythm. As if to further prove his suspicion that she’s asleep, the sounds of her stuffy snores reach Eddie’s ears, making him smile. 

Eliza stirs a bit, wiggling around in an attempt to get comfortable in a new position. Eddie gently wraps his arm around her to rub her little back in calming circles. Within seconds, she’s out like a light again. 

“Daddy’s always gonna be here for you, Liza Bean,” he murmurs against her scalp, sweaty from fever. He takes a deep breath and settles in. 

Neither he nor Eliza wake when you return home, both of them sound asleep on the couch. The kitchen is a mess; there’s a random piece of sandwich on the floor and a melted lemon Italian ice on the table, but clean-up can wait for a moment. 

You watch the two of them breathe in tandem, heart soaring at the way your daughter curls up into her dad with all the love and trust in the world. 

Fatherhood looks perfect on him, you think, but wrinkle your nose upon further inspection, but the booger stains on his shirt definitely do not. 

[mopopshop]

Baby Steps (Diana Taurasi x OC)

based on this <- request

summary: imani and dt being cute and domestic over their baby

i wanted to write a fic abt it instead of little headcannons so i hope you enjoy y’all!

You wake up to the soft light of the morning filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. Diana is already awake, resting against the headboard quietly watching TV. 

"Good morning, mama," she whispers, noticing you’re awake and leaning in to kiss your forehead.

You smile, feeling a flutter of happiness. "G’morning”

Diana slides out of bed, moving with the grace and ease that comes naturally to her. "Stay here, I’ll get breakfast started," she says, pulling on an old hoodie and heading to the kitchen.

A few minutes later, the smell of pancakes fills the air, and you hear the sizzle of bacon in the pan. You take a moment to stretch, feeling the gentle weight of your pregnancy. The baby seems to sense your contentment, giving a soft kick that makes you smile even wider.

When you finally make your way to the kitchen, you find Diana humming softly as she flips a pancake. She looks up and grins, her eyes sparkling. "Perfect timing. Breakfast is almost ready."

You sit at the table, resting your hands on your belly. "You spoil me too much, D”

"Hell yeah I do, I’m gonna keep doing it too” she replies, plating up a stack of pancakes and setting them in front of you. She adds a generous portion of bacon and pours you a glass of fresh orange juice.

As you eat, you talk about your plans for the day. It's a rare day off for Diana, and you both intend to make the most of it. 

"So, what should we tackle first?" Diana asks, taking a bite of her pancake.

"I was thinking we could start on that nursery," you suggest, smiling at the thought. "We barely touched it"

"Yes ma’am," Diana agrees, her eyes lighting up. "I've been waiting to get those damn walls painted”

You laugh. "Yeah, yeah, I know, you've mentioned it a few times."

Diana grins, reaching across the table to squeeze your hand. "I can't help it. I just want everything to be perfect"

"It will be," you assure her, squeezing back. "Especially with me in charge." you tease back

“Shut up” she grins back

After breakfast, she insists on cleaning up while you relax on the couch, catching up on some reading.

"You don't have to do everything, you know," you call out as you settle into the cushions.

"I know," she replies from the kitchen, the sound of running water accompanying her voice. "But you deserve to take it easy. Besides, I like taking care of you, baby” she smiles, pecking you on the lips.

You can't help but smile at her actions. "Well, thank you. But I can help with the nursery, at least."

"Maybe… I’ll think about it," Diana says, emerging from the kitchen with a satisfied look. "But only after you finish that chapter."

You laugh, holding up your book. "Yes, ma'am."

She joins you on the couch, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and peeking at your book. "What you reading, anyway?"

"It's a parenting book," you say, flipping the cover to show her. "Thought I'd get a head start."

Diana nods appreciatively, laughing. "Okay, okay I see you Mrs. Scholar"

"Whatever, whatever” you blush, leaning into her. Later, the two of you take a walk in the nearby park. The weather is perfect, the sun shining but not too hot. Diana holds your hand, matching her pace to yours, making sure you’re comfortable. You talk about everything and nothing, just enjoying the day. 

When you return home, you decide to tackle the nursery. Diana has been excited about this project, and today seems like the perfect day to start. She paints the walls a soft, calming shade of green while you sort through the tiny clothes and toys you've been collecting.

"I can’t believe we’re gonna be parents" Diana says, her voice filled with wonder as she steps back to admire her work.

"It's still sinking in," you admit, folding a onesie with little stars on it. "But I can't wait."

She puts down the paintbrush and crosses the room to you, wrapping her arms around you from behind. "Me neither. I love you, baby."

You lean back into her embrace, feeling the warmth of her love surrounding you. "I love you too, D."

The rest of the day passes in a blur of contentment. You take a nap together in the afternoon, the cool breeze from the open window lulling you to sleep. When you wake, Diana is already up, preparing a simple but delicious dinner. You join her in the kitchen, helping where you can, laughing and talking as you cook.

After dinner, you settle on the couch to watch a movie. Diana holds you close, her hand resting protectively on your belly. You feel the baby kick again, and Diana's face lights up with joy.

"Hey there, little guy," she whispers, pressing a gentle kiss to your belly. "We can’t wait to meet you."

As you continue to watch the movie you start to dose off slightly but are woken up as Diana helps you back to your room. You drift off to sleep with Diana's arms around you, feeling safe, loved, and excited for the journey ahead.

———

give feedback if this sucked or not 🙃

[lacedinweb22]

watching her sleep ❦︎ Vampire Next Door ♱✮♱ Miguel O'Hara x reader prev part Miguel's pov

She shows up at my door accusing me of having been drunk, of stumbling into her apartment with bloody hands. She heard the screams. I keep my wounds hidden, forearms crossed over each other. 

I comb through my memory, trying to think of how it might have looked.

After I dropped off anomaly #1 at headquarters, and after my little talk with Jess, I lingered on top of the apartment building with the annoyingly heightened urge to protect the people who live here. No big deal.

There was a fight in the alley below and I told myself I wouldn’t interfere unless necessary. I watch for a bit, observing the two men arguing and throwing weak, drunk punches at each other. It looked like a fair fight.

I climb along the side of the building, heading towards my window sill, when I feel the need to check on new girl. If she’s bothered by the noise, I’ll interfere. 

I creep down slowly, looking through her windows until I reach her bedroom. There she is. Peaceful and beautiful. She’s laying on her side, wrapped up in her comforter. I hope she’s not too cold. It’s raining hard tonight. 

The commotion in the alley grows, and now she’s tossing and turning in bed, her slumber disrupted by these inconsiderate assholes.

That’s it. They’re waking up the whole goddamn building. 

I crawl down the slippery walls, then stop when my watch buzzes. It’s an anomaly and I’m headed right towards it. I get closer trying to scope what I’m going up against, then realize they’re … twins? 

I jump down, startling both of them into separating. They both look up at me, surrendering, giving me the exact same face of fear.  

“Huh, twins, you couldn’t find another spot to fight? You’re waking up the whole damn building!” 

“Holy shit! It’s Spider–”

“Shut up, let’s keep this brief. What’s the issue here?”

“He showed up at my place! He’s trying to steal my fucking wife, steal my life!” one man accuses, shoving at the other.

“He was in my bed! Sleeping next to my wife!” he slurs, drunk off his ass.

“I can fix this, but you’ll have to come with me,”

“The hell I am, this is my home. This man is an imposter … and who are you supposed to be? F-fucking creep in a onesie!”

“Your home isn’t here, bud. I’ll take you there. Don’t be difficult.”

He shoves me, lazily, then starts running. 

“You’re going to take care of him, right?” the original idiot asks, watching his alternate self run off.

“Coño,” I exhale, running a hand over my mask.

“Yes just … you stay here, okay? Here.”

I run down the alley and turn right to see the idiot sprinting for his life, but failing, drunk and stumbling. I shoot web at him and pull him towards me. He starts screaming bloody murder.

“Spider-Creep is trying to kill me! Someone–” I web his mouth shut.

I drag him back to the alley, where the original guy is standing, waiting anxiously in the rain.

“You can’t talk about this ever, okay? If word gets out, he– he’ll come back, and steal your wife. Got it? This never happened.”

“What are you gonna do to him?”

“Return him,” I mutter, distracted by the beeping coming from my wrist.

I look down to a flashing “LOW BATTERY” warning. It won’t be enough to make the jump.

“Fuck me. Change of plans. He’ll be staying at my place for ten minutes, until this charges up,”

“Gosh, Spider-Man, it’s been an honor to meet you!” he breathes out, bowing to me. 

“Yeah, uhh sorry for the stress … you caused … you. I’ll take it from here,” I mutter, throwing the webbed man over my shoulder. 

“Take care of him– me, take care of me!” he yells running down the street. I nod. 

I wait for the original to run completely down the street and around the corner, then slowly crawl along the building to my window. 

He doesn’t resist. He’s drunk and seemingly falling asleep. I finally lay him on the floor of my living room, and rush to my bedroom to charge the batteries. 

Once I’ve hooked it up, I head back to the living room. He isn’t there. I turn around, searching for the slithering imposter.

I hear a grunt then look around the kitchen counter to find him lying on the floor, cutting through the webbing with a pocket knife. 

“Estúpido, you’re going to need more than a pocket knife to cut through that.” 

His arms are glued to the side of his body, but he still squirms, threatening me with the short blade. 

He slithers towards the door, the door that has six different locks on it. I let him entertain me; the batteries are still charging and I need something to pass time.

“You’re drunk. Can you just sit still and you know, be drunk?” I ask, looking down at him kicking against my door. 

He bangs the door harder then starts to scream, muffled through the red webbing. “¡Cállate! For fuck’s sake–” I grab his feet and drag him towards the bathroom. 

He sits up, taking stabs at my ankles. My suit glitches, somehow reacting to his stabs.

“What the fuck?” I look down at the malfunction. 

I reach for the knife; he jolts his body towards me, stabbing at my grasp, his blade dragging down my wrists and palms as I pull away. He cut through the nanoparticles. 

“How the fuck is this happening?” I look down at the blood trickling down my wrists. 

“I’m trying to take you home, pinche güey! Do you not want to see your fucking wife again? Are you having marital problems? Fuck off.”

I shoot web at the knife, gluing it to the wall behind him. 

“¡Idiotas como tú me hacen odiar mi puta vida!” idiots like you make me hate my fucking life

“Cabrón, cabrón, cabrón.” I stumble to the sink, washing the blood from my hands. It’s bad. 

“¿Por qué lo intento?” why do I try?

He starts screaming again, his voice muffled, but louder. I close my eyes, hovering over the sink, holding pressure to the slashes on my wrists. 

I storm over to him and punch him hard enough to knock him out, soft enough not to kill him.

He’s awakened the whole building. I’m sure of it.

My mind wanders to new girl.

I shake my head at the urge to check on her, looking down at the blood on my suit. She’s fine. She’s asleep. Leave her be.

But, what if… 

I deactivate my malfunctioning suit quickly, pulling on normal clothes then head for the window. It’s still pouring. 

I climb over to her window, the rain drenching me. 

I stand on the fire escape, blood dripping down to my fingertips and onto the stairs. 

I feel the anger burn in my cheeks. Tonight has been a test of my patience. 

I look in. She’s tossing and turning still. I wipe the window, the rain blurring my view. Her eyebrows are knit together as she moves under her sheets. Is she … okay? Is she sick? 

The rain pours down. I slowly slide the window up. It’s unlocked. 

I slowly climb in. I know I’m in the wrong. I know this is fucked, but it’s instinctual. My body is on autopilot, out of my control, and now

I’m here 

in her room. 

and it’s too late to turn back.

I watch her turn over, muttering quietly into the sheets. She’s just dreaming. She’s okay. It’s okay.

She suddenly stops muttering, lying quietly, beautifully tranquil. 

Her state of slumber pulls a sigh out of me. All of the anger drips off of me, I’m cleansed of my frustration, and for a second, I feel as at peace as she seems to be.

I look down at soaked cotton, annoyingly clinging to my skin. My hair drips down onto my face, I comb it back, then notice the blood and rain mixing on my fingers.

I look down at my hands, my wrists bleeding down, coating them. Shit. 

I look up to find her staring at me through squinted, sleepy eyes.  

She turns to turn on the lamp. 

I leap out pulling the window down against the beating rain. My claws scratch the surface of the window as I pull it down, my guard still up. 

I stand away from the window, my back pressed up against the wall. I wait for a moment before slowly peeking back in through the fogged up glass. She’s sat up, looking at the corner I stood in. She takes a deep breath then lies back down, pulling the sheets over her, trying to fall back asleep.

I turn away, pressing my back against the wall. I wince at this mess of a night. 

I was watching her sleep. The anomaly twin was right. 

I am a fucking creep. 

✩‧₊˚

next chapter here

[midn1ghtdreamer]

Kuroko’s Basketball boys x Pregnant Reader

These are head canons on how Aomine, Kagami, and Kise would be during your pregnancy.

Aomine

He’s not shocked at all. He claims that he knew you would be pregnant after one night in particular.

He doesn’t seem like he would want a baby, but behind closed doors you could tell how excited he was. His love for you and the baby did not stop his complaints whenever you asked him for weird cravings at night. Despite all of his complaints he would make sure you had everything you needed. No matter how difficult it is to get it. He even asks Murasakibara to help find the rare foods.

He starts making competitions with everyone else about whose kid would be better at basketball. Kagami was his main target.

“My baby’s going to kick your kids ass on the court.”

“Oh yeah, well see about that, Aomine.”

Kagami

He very shocked. You two hadn’t touched the topic of kids yet. That didn’t stop his excitement though. As soon as you told him he grabbed you and spun you around, reassuring you that he was ecstatic about the baby.

The news couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. Kagami’s basketball was taking off, leaving zero concerns about money. He was concerned about you though. He wouldn’t be able to stay with you, especially when his team went on tournaments. You had to convince him that you would be ok so he would go to his games.

He couldn’t wait to share the news with everyone either. Alex was one of the first people to find out about your pregnancy. She even volunteered to watch over you while Kagami was away. Kagami was worried about you to say the least

Remember when I said Aomine would challenge everyone else’s kid? Yeah, well Kagami made a bet with Aomine that his baby would win a basketball game. He didn’t;t tell you about his little bet either you found out about it years later.

He was outside teaching your son different moves to use and out of nowhere he says, “You can keep all the money if you win this game.”

You gave him an earful about it later and all he had to said was, “It was a good motivator for him.” You couldn’t deny it either. Your son did everything he could to make sure he beat Aomine’s daughter during that game.

And yes Aomine’s pride was hurt when his baby girl lost, but he didn’t hold it against her. She was his sweet little girl after all.

Kise

Literally will not shut up about it. He tells anyone and everyone he can, even when your standing next to him obviously pregnant. As in added bonus he walks around with a picture of your ultrasound in his wallet, showing it off at every opportunity. He just can’t stop himself and you don’t have the heart to stop him either. You both waited so long for this baby.

Anytime your around a large group of people, Kise goes into security mode. He won’t leave your side for anything. You want to talk to your friends, he’s there with you. Getting a drink, he’s there too. The probability of you going anywhere without him is .0001% out of 100.

He will also become your personal servant. You could be in the nesting stage of your pregnancy, feeling the intense urge to clean, and he wouldn’t let you lift a finger. Dishes? Clean. Laundry. Done. When he can’t handle all of the chores he calls in his mom. She makes sure everything is in order before and while your in labor. Making sure that you brought your baby home to a clean house.

If you thought that Kise would stop talking about your child after birth, you would be dead wrong. A newborn picture of your baby in a pink onesie would replace the ultrasound that he carried. He was a proud father and he was going to let everyone know it.

[missmarveledsblog]

Flumpy ( Jake Seresin x reader) part 15

summary : the news of twins is share and its countdown to when they come , more old faces come to help with new home and flumpy meets her neighbours in well true flumpy fashion ... a groove in the kitchen well has them waiting for the moment they been waiting for ...

warning : goofy fluffy humour , hormones , pregnancy is fast tracked , not proof read soz

previously on flumpy

Picture perfect moment was the only thing she could even remotely call it when she stood holding two pink baby onesies in her hand  .   they instantly said girl as she hinted the plural  wasn’t til jake got bored and told them …

“ i put two buns in that oven” slight fear in his voice as he spoke given the shock still prevalent . 

“ oh OHHH TWINS .. SHE’S HAVING TWINS “. 

“ well done bob you adorable human … i wanna adopt him “ she sighed . 

“ we’re not adopting baby on board “ jake rolled his eyes .

“ stop pouting you can’t adopt a fully grown man even if he reminds you of bob from the minions pretty girl “ rooster patted her cheek . 

“ ok skipping that … twins” nat asked. 

“ yeah shy one in there or trouble i not too sure , hid her little ass behind her sister , i thought my kid had extra arm and head for a moment” she shuddered. “ ohhh “ her eyes widened as she held her stomach .

“ is the babies … her sit down .. call a doctor or hospital “ jake lead her to the stool as rest panicked.  “ darling what is it speak to me “ . 

“ we’re gonna need a bigger house “ she smiled up brightly as they all stopped. 

Saturdays were usually beach days  this saturday was driving around looking at bigger houses .  she had it written down a checklist of what their dream home would look like and honestly after she scared the shit out of him and took breather well it was a better step .  they would be crowded in the house and rooster was still going to be living with them plus more rooms when guest stayed  , for peanut and he knew future rescues he was still waiting for the day she’d come home with a box of ducks it hasn’t happened yet but he was waiting for it .  most of the house felt off , they didn’t scream home   til this one it wasn’t too far from base nor beach or hard deck . it had big spacious  back  garden  and she was smiling whole time .  a basement the two men  already swapping ideas to convert into man cave .  perfection  even more when they’re offer was accepted  watching the dagger squad as well as her dad and beau simpson started moving things.  Anytime she even so much as look at box it was taking up away from her .    she watched as they moved around  ready to slip out the door to see a new neighbor and a reason to see it was too good to be true .

“ welcome to the neighborho… y/n “ 

“ michelle” she groaned. 

“ you live here?” her face scrunched up . 

“ jake we’re moving again “ she called back . 

“ not happening flumpy dear” he chuckled  til he saw the demon woman standing at the door. “ i have the realtors number”he chuckled awkwardly. 

“ bye have a good day , tell annabeth we say hello” she called closing the door . 

“ hey i wanted to say hello to our new neighbor “ rooster  ran up . 

“ you really don't “ they both said heading back into the house . 

“ oh oh we need food i can least do that right “ she called pulling out her phone . 

“ who’s our neighbor?” rooster asked confused. 

It seemed having the navy set up house was both proficient , getting the navy to set up a nursery well other story completely . she was aloud paint as far as she could reach  while she grumbled  “ i’m not going to break the damn ladder” along the way.  7 months and three weeks pregnant it was getting more real , the house was coming together and  peanut was thriving ,   jake was home and she was supported by a bigger family she ever thought she would have .  it was all so magical and amazing she had all of this . 

“ baby are you crying?”  jake put down the screw . 

“Again” javy muttered. 

“ i’m just happy this time or mental  but i never thought i would have all this “ she sniffled. 

“ it is a nice house” fanboy agreed. 

“ not the house idiot all of you even luke “ she cried . 

“ i think she happy to have us as family and friends “ rooster smiled kissing her head. 

“ we love you too kiddo” beau smiled. 

“Shit she made simpson soft” payback whispered . 

The dinging of her door as she looked around the room  wondering who else it could be then dreaded thought of michelle and annabeth coming to take jake from her set in .  but what she wasn’t expecting was . 

“ hey princess “  the man smiled. 

“ uncle ron , solomon  , bernie” she gasp  before breaking into more tears alerting the others to the front door . 

“Slider , warlock , hondo  good to see you guys “ pete hugged the men . 

“ well anything for this one “ slider smiled hugging her to his side. 

 “ shit you are like part of top gun royalty “ jake smiled in awe. 

“ so your the one that knocked up my niece huh?” he stood a little taller . 

“ at ease  we’re here to help not scare him”  the voice called as sarah kazansky  pushed her way in. “ hey baby girl” she smiled hugging her tightly . 

“ you got uncle ron here” y/n sniffled . 

“ well he wanted to meet the S.O.B that got his baby pregnant “  sarah laughed as jake gulped . 

“ but we told him what great young man  he is “ warlock chuckled. 

“ i swear he did this to mav back in the day too” hondo whispered. 

“ well he was my husbands  well husband “ sarah rolled her eyes . 

“ we were never together “ pete spoke up . 

“ the eyes  they never lie…. Look all my family is here , except penny where is that woman “ she stood  looking around . 

“ getting you naco’s like you asked “ nat snorted .

 “ ah she’s good for you “ she patted her father on his cheek as she showed her new arrivals the new house still crying along the way but they sort of could understand her. 

“ your screwed if you ever hurt that girl you know that right ?” javy turned to jake. 

“ i ain’t gonna hurt her…. But yeah i’m fucked “ he winced . 

Sitting around her dinning table as they  all share stories of good ole day , the warming feeling of the people she loved most all in one space  , ruby and penny showing their faces not long after basically  top guns hall of fame sitting this was what life was for all this love in one room  and even though few couldn’t be there well they were there in away in spirit and stories .   jake could see the happiness radiating off of her  , how relaxed and peaceful she was basking in the glow of the past and how he couldn’t wait for their new future as scary and daunting it would be he was ready whatever was thrown their way as long as they were happy he was happy. 

8 months pregnant on twins not easy as she felt her soul literally being sucked out of her body and now with her maternity leave starting  honestly she wanted to pop em out so she had something to do .  she and peanut got to chill for bit  as she waved jake and roo off slightly sad to be home alone . she got to sitting on the porch as peanut enjoyed the fence yard  she couldn’t help picture the girls playing with the pup . what she didn’t like was coming out to greet bradley and jake standing with the toned up giggling barbie who she could only  known who and why she was there.  Huffing and she waddle down the path. 

“ hey my handsome men “ she cooed as the woman shot a glare. 

“ hey baby how are you” jake smiled brightly honestly waiting for anything to get him away from the girl . 

“ oh is this your little sister?” the woman chided. 

“ you must be annabitch.. Beth “ y/n smiled. 

“ this is my beautiful girl i was telling you about” jake held her close. 

“ oh your y/n my moms told me all about you “ she rolled her eyes. 

“ yeah sure she did , can we help you ?” y/n tapped her foot . 

“ you even old enough to have kid? “ she scoffed .

“ i mean gotta trap em one way keep your sugar daddy around “ she winked . 

“ she thinks she funny” jake rolled his eyes 

“ i think she is “ rooster snorted. 

“ when you need real woman not a little girl  call me “ the woman smiled sweetly . 

“ and when i need dollar store extensions  i call you bye annabitch have good day sit in a microwave   “ y/n waved  before jake led her away. “ little girl?” “ she growled waddling back up the path. 

“ big girl  very big … not in width  though so skinny” rooster called as she glared at the man . 

“ my beautiful woman huh  she  jealous cause your so radiant and gorgeous “ he cooed  kissing her cheek. 

“ i bet michelle sent her trying to have her own barbie and ken to show off to stupid friends “ she mocked the womans voice as they walked into  house .  

8 month  2 weeks pregnant she wanted it over , she was done  ready throw into the towel missing bending and seeing her feet. She waddles around the kitchen making more food singing along to her  playlist telling the two men she could make breakfast .  swaying along it really was a show with their meal.

“ looking like a chef i’m a five star michelin  .. get it cause im cooking . …oh shit the felix effect is strong” she gasped holding onto the counter  as their eyes all looked to the floor . 

“ darling ..” 

“ pretty girl was that ?” 

“ my water breaking yes “ she stood leg opened as she looked up at too men . “ this time we can go the hospital “ she winced . 

taglist : @harrysgothicbitch @djs8891 @darksparklesficrecs @sarah-bear706318 @emma8895eb @katiemcrae @eleventhdoctorsangel

[miyuuuki]

How about a fic where male reader goes out with they're husband to a sanrio store

✦ SANRIO ~ ♡ !

PAIRING: M!OC/M!READER

SYNOPSIS: your rich husband lets you spend money on your favorite thing, Sanrio.

A/N: Oc name is Osoro Rio!

“Hun, why are we going to the mall at 10 in the morning..?” Osoro asked tiredly.

“They’re having a sale! All Sanrio being 30% off! I can’t miss out!” you said excitedly, dragging him too the mall.

“Hun… the store doesn’t open till 12…” Osoro said.

“Oh..” you said, stilling at the realization.

“Oh well, I can spend money on other things in the mall!” You said happily, dragging him once more much to his dismay.

“Ooh, they have boba! Let’s go get some!” You said excitedly seeing a boba stand, running towards it.

“Hun, calm down you’re dragging me like a ragdoll…” Osoro tried saying, but you ignored already ordering two, memorizing his order.

“Seriously, a clothing shop? Hun, you have like a thousand outfits at home..” Osoro said looking around.

“So? Thrifting is fun, and better clothes then those designer companies. Barely know anything about fashion.” You argued back and eventually grumbling.

Osoro turned his head, before being appalled at the sight. You had your shopping cart already was 1/3 full.

You’ve been here for three minutes.

“Hun, you don’t think you’re getting a bit too much..?” He asked, still appalled.

“Nope.”

“I’m paying for all of this aren’t I..?”

“Mhm!” You confirmed.

“You’re also carrying everything!”

“Oh come on, (N/N)!”

“H-hun, a-are ya d-d-done?” Osoro shakily asked eyeing your cart, which was FULL. Full as in all the clothes were spilling out.

You looked around, before nodding.

“Guess I am, let’s go check out.” you mumbled.

The total was $987.87.

When you went to checkout, it was 11:20. Now it’s 11:56.

“Hun.. it’s 11:56.” Osoro mumbled, barely being able to hold on all the bags.

“The sales gonna start soon!” You gasped in excitement running away, leaving Osoro in the dust.

“Hun- wait for me..!” Osoro yelled after you.

“I’m just gonna drop everything to the car and come back..” Osoro sighed as he walked towards the exit.

Walking into the store, he realized how big it was. He turned his head and saw a depressed cashier, that was on the verge of passing out.

“Dang he looks rough..” Osoro mumbled, before walking ahead into the sanriotopia.

“Hmm… Sanrio nails, bags, supplies, ooh rings!” Osoro exclaimed.

Osoro took one that he deemed would fit you. He turned his head to look for you before seeing the same employee being yelled at by a Karen.

“My daughter wants that bag with the green frog on it! Tell that man to give it back!”

“Ma’am, I can’t do that. He got it first, just because your daughter wants it doesn’t mean he has to give it up…” the worker spoke tiredly.

“He is an adult! Where’s your manager!? I’d like to speak to them, and young man, where’s your wife!? As you’re clearly married, with that ring on you!” She yelled, causing ruckus.

Osoro turned his head to see the young man being YOU..?

“Ma’am, get out or I’m calling security.” The worker said sternly.

“Where’s your manager!?”

“He’s up my ass, I’m the only one who showed at work today. And I’m not taking bullshit, get the fuck out.” He said tiredly before kicking that woman and her kid out. Literally.

“And this green frogs name is Kerropi, and I have a husband too, get it right!” you yelled out at her.

Osoro sighs before walking up behind his husband, and kneeling on one knee.

“(N/N), will you marry me?” Osoro spoke with puppy eyes with the Sanrio ring in his hands, surprising you who turned around just in time.

“Osoro… we’re already married.” You mumbled, reminding him as you showed him your ring finger.

“So? We can still marry again!” Osoro grumbled not moving from his position.

“Fine, only cause the ring is cute and that everyones looking at us. Now get up!” You ushered him off the floor.

“Are you done, hun?” He asked you, peering down at your cart.

“No, I heard there’s onesies we should get matching ones!” You said, dragging Osoro once again.

“I don’t know how I can be taller then you, yet you still manage to pull me with you..”

“I’m just built different, Oso.”

“You’re hello kitty, I’m dear Daniel.” You decided giving him the onesies.

“Why am I hello kitty..?” Osoro asked, he was a man! No way was he gonna be-

“Because you act like a bitch boy sometimes.” You replied, not skipping a beat.

osoro sulked in silence.

“Oso, I’m just joking!” You chimed, already feeling him sulking.

“Ooh, oso they have hello kitty picture frames!” You suddenly yelled in excitement and awe.

“Are you gonna hello kittyify our house..?” Osoro asked starring at the frames.

“Mhm… you can’t do shit about it either.” You answered.

Osoro chuckled before patting your head.

Once you guys were finally done, you guys checked out. The same cashier being there.

He had prominent eyebags and looked gloomy, I mean I don’t blame him, imagine being the only one working at a store as big as a food court?

He had black curly hair, and looked like he could blow a bullet through the next persons head.

“Your total is $104.25… will you be using cash or credit? We don’t take debit.” He asked bluntly.

“Credit.” Osoro replied giving him his card.

“Okay thank you, bye. Come back never please.” The worker said slumping on the desk, falling asleep as soon as his head touched it.

“Jeez, a hundred bucks on hello kitty stuff??” Osoro asked, holding your bags.

“Mhm, now hold still so I can flaunt you and my stuff too my friends!” You said pulling your phone out.

two fics in one day, eat up my children!!

TAGLIST:

@call-me-nev @furotage @peedyharkyonut @nickey-diano

[hughes86-43]

˃ ❝Heartbeats? Plural? There’s more than one?!❞ with Jeremy swayman pls 🤭

❝Heartbeats? Plural? There’s more than one?!❞

150-Celly! ⭐️

over two weeks, you figured out that you were pregnant. once you figured it out, you immediately told your husband Jeremy the same day. you waited until he got home from morning skate before you told him. he walked through the door and you were standing there holding a cute little onesie that said “daddy” with the number 1 on it. he immediately dropped all his hockey bags and ran to you.

now, two weeks later, you were both sat in your doctors office with you laying down waiting on the nurse to come in. today marks your first pregnancy check-up. you were extremely nervous, but you were excited to see your little bean on the screen. you could also tell that Jeremy was nervous as well as he was twiddling with your fingers.

he whispers to you, “i can’t wait to see her on the screen.”

“hmm, her? what if it’s a boy?” you laugh.

he shrugs his shoulders, giving you a smile. “either way, I’ll be happy. however, I’m pretty sure it’s a girl anyway.”

“hmm, okay, babe,” you reply, then the door opens and the nurse walks in.

“how’s everyone doing? are we ready to see the little bean?” the nurse asks enthusiastically.

you both nod your heads giving her a smile. “so ready!”

she puts the gel on your stomach, and you breathe in because it’s cold, and then she puts the wand on your stomach. immediately your eyes swell with tears at the sound of the heartbeat coming through. turning your head, you look to Jeremy who is left speechless with tears close to forming.

“hmmm,” the nurse says which immediately has you turning your head to her.

“what? Is something wrong?”

“oh, gosh no, sorry! everything sounds good with the heartbeats.” you let out the breath you were holding. however, Jeremy seems to perk up at what she said.

“heartbeats? plural? there’s more than one?” he says looking between the nurse, you, and the screen.

“oh, you didn’t know? well, you’re having twins!” she wipes the gel off, “everything is going really well, I’ll let you two have your moment, I’ll be back.”

you let out a breathless laugh in complete shock. “oh my gosh!” you pull your shirt down and look at your husband.

he runs his hand through your hair. he has the biggest grin on his face. “well, I guess we may have the chance now to have one of each.”

you laugh at that, “yeah, I guess so, are you okay with this?” your nerves were about to catch up to you.

“baby, of course I’m okay with this! I’m so happy with this, and I get to do it all with you,” he says leaning in to give you a kiss.

[totalswag]

little starkey being besties with maddie cline and their always together on set

mini best friend — MADELYN CLINE

authors note thank you anon for this request, i hope you like what i wrote. just the thought of this made me so happy while writing because drew and maddie have such an amazing friendship. this is technically a madelyn cline fic/blurb btw. as for the other requests i have in my inbox, i will get to them as soon as i can. i do have a personal life outside of tumblr, please be patient. feedback is always appreciated.

summary bringing little tatum on set and maddie just can't wait to see her little best friend everytime she comes to visit.

warnings a whole lot of cuteness!!!!!

Outer Banks is filming their new season, Drew had some scenes to film and brought you and nine month old, Tatum, along to keep company and hang out with the other cast members. 

"Where is my littlest bestie?" Maddie asked as she entered Drew's trailer, her eyes wide with delight.

"She's right here," you said as you placed Tatum on the carpet so she could crawl over to Maddie, who was squatting down with her arms stretched out.

Tatum recently began to crawl, which indicates that she will start walking shortly. That girl is so fascinated about everything she sees, walking on two feet will be interesting for her.

She smiled and spoke in her baby language as she crept closer to Maddie. Tatum places her left hand on Maddie's knee, signaling her want to be carried up.

"She's getting so big," Maddie says, pouting as she picks up Tatum off the carpet, places her on her hip, and kisses the top of her head.

“I know, it’s sad,” you agreed.

“I just remember when you were a tiny itty baby in my arms and now you are growing up so fast, slow down girl” you can’t help but laugh at Maddie’s comment. 

Tatum just giggles. 

Tatum's godmother is Maddie. You and Drew made the decision way before Tatum was born since you three have a great relationship and you trust her with your child. Tatum adores Maddie– whenever she comes into the room, Tatum gets all excited and starts talking in her baby language. Their relationship is precious. Everyone adores their relationship.

Maddie was the first one to find out the gender before Drew and you. She hosted the gender reveal party at her home, which was absolutely breathtaking.  Maddie bawled her eyes out when she first met Tatum, who was wearing a onesie that stated "I love my godmother."

Tatum will want to stay in Maddie's arms as soon as she is in them whenever you go to the set to see Drew and hang out with the other cast members in general. Maddie doesn't mind being with Tatum the whole time; in fact, she enjoys it. They take videos and pictures together, which are eventually posted to Maddie's Instagram, but only with Drew's and your permission.

No matter where Maddie goes on set, Tatum is always with her. Plus, it’s good bonding time for the two. They’ll take naps together on the couch randomly. You swear they’ve met in another lifetime. 

Another time, Maddie had Tatum in her sunglasses while she was strapped in a carrier that wrapped around Maddie as she drove around in a golf cart. This happens quite a lot now as Tatum got older in months.

Fans make edits, post, and talk about how adorable Maddie and Tatum’s relationship is all the time on social media. Whenever fans bring up the two to Drew and you, all you guys can say is they are made for each other and there’s no stopping in separating them. 

Now, the rest of the cast get their time with the little Starkey. They enjoy spending their free time with her every second they get. They are her second family and she will eventually know that as she continues to grow up.

Drew and you always talk about how their own daughter loves her godmother more than her own parents as a joke but you know she loves you both. There’s going to be plenty of more times of Tatum and Maddie being together on set.

my taglist 🧚🏼‍♀️

@runningfrom2am @winterrrnight@brooklynscherry-z @kaydsr3venge @ikisscline

if your username is has a line through, that means your user didn't pop up.

if you would like to be added to my taglist please let me know :)

[subwonwooagenda]

Hi Annabelle! I checked your profile and wasn’t sure if your requests were open or not. If they aren’t, please feel free to ignore this.

However, if they are, I was wondering if you could write something about Pezzy with a (preferably black) plus size female reader? I was thinking the guys (Droid, Grizzy, Puffer, and whoever else is in that group idk them all) do another sleepover stream, and they keep asking Pezzy to invite his girlfriend since nobody knows what she looks like. He gives in and has her come over, and everybody (stream audience included) is shocked because she’s so pretty. Like, they don’t understand how Pezzy got her because everyone thinks she’s out of his league. At some point she goes to the bathroom real quick and everyone is asking if it’s a joke or something but still can’t believe he’s serious about it. (I feel like Grizzy would be really happy because she’s black lol) She comes back from the bathroom and starts making dark jokes or has the same sense of humor as everybody else there, and the guys are like “oh yeah, she’s definitely dating the right guy” or something and they accept her, and have a really fun rest of the stream. When it ends, she lays down with Pezzy and reassures him that she loves him and doesn’t want anyone else.

Sorry this is so long, I thought I saw something that said the more detailed the better so I hope this is more than enough information lol. Love your work!

Hello!! They are open even though my adhd makes me procrastinate asks but I’m trying to push them out! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this ask, i appreciate it so much. I really hope you like it, if I missed something let me know and I’ll rewrite it!

Sleepless Worries

Black!Fem!Plus Size!Reader X Pezzy (FT. Grizzy, Puffer, and Droid)

using puffers sleep stream to base this off of, the one where Droid and Pezzy had matching onesies

Warnings: Grizzy uses the n word. I AM A BLACK WOMAN SO CHILL BEFORE YALL COMMENT. Some cursing, sexual humor, unhinged chat, I don’t know if pezzys ever dated anyone plus sized, if he has then my bad lol, if there is any spelling errors please let me know and I can edit it. I will not tolerate hateful comments or bullying, you will be blocked.

In all honesty, Pezzy thought you were gonna say no.

He’s asked you a million and one times to meet his closest friends, you always told him no. You wanted to make sure you and him were truly gonna work out before you both met each others people. He knew why you were nervous. You were unlike any of the women Pezzy ever dated, and although you never really felt many insecurities about your size, you knew how cruel the internet could be so you didn’t feel ready at the time to put yourself in their view.

But here you were, getting ready to join him on Puffer’s sleep stream. You figured he would ask you, the entire stream the boys were pestering him to invite you, which in turn roped chat into pestering him and Pezzy is indeed a weak man when it comes to you. Sue him for wanting to cuddle his baby as chat scares the shit out of them with scuffed audios.

By the time you were ready, you heard your front door open and close, knowing that your lovely boyfriend let himself in with his extra key. You laughed to yourself as he bursted into your room, adorned in a green onesie with a four leaf clover on the front. He instantly lit up when he saw you.

“You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready, baby. They can wait as long as you want them to wait.” He, yet again, assured you. You loved how assuring he was to you but you were honestly getting a little annoyed with his constant reassurance.

You smiled and cupped his face with your hands, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, his hands immediately finding their place in your plush hips. “It’s okay, Pez. I wanna do this, I think we’ve made them wait long enough.” You laughed, enjoying the feeling of his hands on your body. He let out a big sigh, placing a kiss on your nose this time, smiling fondly as your nose scrunched up. “I guess I just wanna keep you to myself just a little bit longer.”

You kissed his cheek, shaking your head at him fondly as you pointed at your computer monitors which displayed Puffer’s stream, “Come on, babe, they’re waiting on us.” You gave him no room to complain as you grabbed your phone and blanket. Pezzy grabbed your bag which held your skin care, silk bonnet and your stuffed Yoshi that Pezzy won you at a carnival. What’s a sleepover without a secondary cuddle buddy?

Pezzy and you held hands as you walked the short walk back to the house, talking about anything and everything. He could tell you got a little more nervous the closer you got to the house. Your free hand was fiddling with the ends of your hair, a new wig that you installed that morning. “Don’t worry, they’re gonna love you. I think you and Grizzy will get on better than anyone.” He chuckled, feeling a bit better when he saw the smile on your face. You were close to the same age as Grizzy and you were black so he figured you two would be the best of friends very quickly.

You knew how much the three boys meant to Pezzy. His absolute best friends so the last thing you wanted was to make a terrible impression. Pezzy wasn’t worried about it though. He knew you. He knew the way you acted and the wonderful humor you had, he knew you would be just fine.

He gave your hand yet another squeeze when he unlocked the front door, laughing softly at the small jump you gave when you both heard yet another scuffed buzz lightyear commercial. “Unfortunately, that will happen a lot.” He mumbled.

“Pezzy? That you?” You heard Puffer ask, another voice, Droids, adding in, “Imagine it’s not. We might get murdered, dog.” He said, the rest of them laughing at the thought. Pezzy shouted back to them, pulling you along with him as he stepped into the room.

Puffer was kind enough to mute the streams audio so they could properly meet you without Chat hearing as Pezzy introduced you all to eachother. You gave them a smile and a wave, not exactly knowing why you were so nervous when all three of them smiled at you so widely.

“It’s actually crazy that you’re real.” Grizzy joked, all of you laughing as Pezzy threw his hands up and rolled his eyes. “Are you sure you’re not kidnapped?” Droid asked making Pezzy throw a pillow at him. “I’m sorry! She’s just too pretty man, it’s wild you bagged her.” They joked.

Pezzy set up some of your things on his side of the couch, kissing your cheek as you told him you were going to the bathroom, walking off into the direction Its almost as if the mood shifted a bit, the boys instantly fixating on Pezzy.

“….What?” He asked them, which seemed to open the floodgates. The boys instantly began questioning him. They thought it was a prank or maybe Pezzy felt that with all their jokes on their videos and streams, he felt like he had something to prove to them so he faked a relationship with you to get them to shut up.

To be honest, Pezzy felt a tiny bit of sadness that they apparently thought that he couldn’t get with someone as beautiful and great as you. When they noticed he got a little bit sad, they felt bad. They didn’t mean to come off as rude or mean, they were just genuinely blindsided by you. But from the way Pezzy looked at you, like you hung the stars in his sky, they were quickly losing their doubts.

Meanwhile.

You were silently laughing your ass off. You did your business and as you were washing your hands you noticed a certain bottle sitting on the counter. The bathroom you were in was shared between droid and Pezzy, so the fact that you found a bottle of lube just out and about made you double over in muffled laughter.

You knew it belonged to you and Pezzy. Droid was a virgin and Pezzy adored the ground you walk on so you know he would never cheat on you. You smirked to yourself as you got a wonderful idea, grabbing the lube as you left the bathroom.

You stood in the entrance of the hallway, not wanting the stream to pick up on what you were about to do. “So, I’m fine with Pezzy having a side boy, but which of you side boys enjoy cherry flavor?” You asked, all of them turning towards you. Their faces held confusion until they realized what you were holding, instantly doubling over in laughter.

In between his laughter, Puffer nodded his head. “Yup, you’re definitely Pezzy’s girl.” He confirmed. The other two nodded their head, shaking their head as you threw the lube in Droids lap, laughing as he screams. Pezzy patted the spot next to him, smiling as you sat with them.

You were in between Pezzy and Droid, happily snuggling into the blanket you and your boyfriend were sharing. Puffer got up to fiddle with his stream settings, monitoring the chat. The boys promised Pezzy that if anyone was saying anything negative they would end the stream, without question. But from what they could see, the chat was full of compliments and simps towards you.

Pezzy handed you your Yoshi plush, smiling to himself as you and Grizzy chatted. You both were talking very animatedly about the newest horror game he recently played on his channel. You played it yourself so you knew about the game very well. He counted himself lucky, he had some great friends and a wonderful girl.

He zoned back in at the loud sound of you and Grizzy dabbing up, “My nigga!” Grizzy shouted, both you and his laughter contagious as the other boys laughed along. Puffer unmuted the stream, all of you screaming at the loud sound that chat sent in.

You felt good. These were people that you knew would be a constant in the life you were living with Pezzy, and you found no nerves about that.

The rest of the stream went on without a hitch. You blended very well with the chaotic energy the boys had, and chat loved your presence, everyone being extremely respectful. Of course you had the negative comments about your skin color and your weight but with reassurance from you they didn’t end the stream and the lovely mods took care of it for them.

Once the stream ended, everyone went to their respective rooms, you bunking up with Pezzy. You both exchanged little whispers and sweet words as you both got ready for bed. As you both laid down, his arms tugging you as close to him as you could be, you could tell he was still slightly bothered by the comments the boys made at the beginning of the night.

You pressed a kiss to his jaw, making him look down at you. “I hope you know, you’re all I’ll ever need. I love you, and no matter what anyone says to you, that won’t ever change my feelings. You’re it for me.” He smiled down at you, pulling you closer as he kissed you, his hand, holding your leg over his lap. He appreciated your words, sighing contently as the doubts finally left him. He watched you fall asleep, his hand rubbing up and down your thigh. He was grateful you got along with his friends and he honestly couldn’t wait to see his favorite people all together again.

With that thought, he fell asleep with you, the feeling of your gentle heart beat soothing him into a wondrous dream.

[baxteravenue]

Can You Shoot & Score?

PART ONE.

Summary: You don't listen to Jack Harlow but because your friend is seeing his best friend you find yourself at his concert and at the center of his attention.

A/N: This is a three parter, so stay tuned!

“You’re coming,” Your roommate practically begs, “Y/N please for me! I literally never ask you to go anywhere and I’m literally on my knees.”

“I don’t even listen to him, besides that one song.” You shake your head, “And I don’t know if I can be the best wing woman.”

Jack Harlow is in town and for the past few months on and off your roommate has been messaging with his best friend or photographer… you’re not really sure but you do remember his name because of how random it was. Urban.

“I will literally play Animal Crossing with you for an entire month, please! Just the show and the club after and you will get me to fully dive into the game you’ve been wanting me to play for the longest.”

“Way to make me sound boring.” You stick out your tongue.

“So?”

It’s silent for a bit before you eventually melt, “Fine. But I’m wearing what I want to wear.” 

Nina, your roomie practically jumps up and down in a fit of glee. “Yay and fine! You could literally wear a trash bag and still look hot.”

So that’s how you ended up being escorted from the box office all the way to the backstage area, backstage passes plastered on both you and Nina. 

It’s awkward at first when you walk into a room crowded with girls wearing full on club outfits, you slowly begin to feel self conscious with your choice of clothing. Your trusty pair of Levi’s and a random black mesh tank. You slowly lean into Nina, “Did not know we were going to a Fashion Nova runway show.”

Nina giggles, “You look beautiful.”

You recognize Urban first, Nina had shown you his instagram first. He completely disregards all the girls lingering and walks up to Nina with a huge smile on his face and a cherry wrapped joint behind his ear. 

He hugs her tightly and you smile, you can’t hear what he says but she smiles and he gives her the blunt. 

“This is Y/N, Y/N this is Urban.” Urban smiles, and for a second you see his eyes dart behind you wiggling his eyebrows a bit before snapping back.

“S’nice to meet you, did you need anything? We got some drinks over there and some chicken sandwiches and oh shit do you smoke? I got Neens her favorite but I completely forgot to ask if you had any preferences.”

You melt at Urban’s nickname for Nina and shake your head, “Thank you but no. I don’t smoke, I get paranoid and I’m not a big fan of alcohol.”

“Respect.” Urban nods, “What about a chicken sandwich?”

“Sure.” You shrug. 

Urban leads you over to a whole buffet, constantly looking over your shoulder. “Help yourself to anything,” Glance, “Literally anything.” Glance, “Give me a second I’ll be right back.” 

Urban leaves and you look down, giggling at the Jack Harlowified wraps of the KFC chicken sandwiches. 

“It’s funny huh?” An unfamiliar voice says from beside you. 

You look up and then back at the wrapper and then back up, “They kinda did you dirty, you look like the unabomber.” You immediately cover your mouth with your hand, “I didn’t”

“Holy shit.” He laughs, “Okay, wow.”

“I didn’t mean to actually say that out loud.” You can feel your cheeks getting red.

“It’s fine,” He smiles looking back down at the rapper before laughing, “Shit you’re kinda right.” 

You shake your head, “M’sorry I’m just gonna eat my chicken sandwich in the corner and stay quiet.”

“Wait no!” Jack says a little too eagerly for his liking, “Nah it’s cool… What's your name again?”

“I never said it, It’s Y/N.” 

“Y/N…” Jack tests the name on his lips, “I like that name. It’s a nice name.”

“Thanks, I like the name Jack too. It reminds me of how obsessed I was with Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas, so much that I had my parents buy me this onesie costume and I wore it almost every day for the entire month of April which is like an insanely random month to develop a hyperfixation on that and sometimes I ask myself like why not October or like even December? But then again I did watch Stand By Me over and over again from November to…” You immediately stop realizing how many words are coming out of your mouth, “Sorry.”

Jack has the cheesiest smile, loving every single word that’s coming out of your mouth. “No please continue, I was just going to say how I watched Save The Last Dance secretly every night for two months straight, I swore I was gonna pop out at my seventh grade winter formal like no other.”

You throw your head back in a fit of laughter, “I kid you not I used to stand in front of the T.V. and try and mimic every single one of Moose’s dance scenes from Step Up.”

“And how did that go? Can you move like him?” 

You snort laughing, “Oh hell no. I have no rhythm. I was doomed from the start and I think if I remember correctly I dislocated a bone.”

Jack can’t stop laughing with you and neither can you. Everyone sees how deep the two of you are in conversation, laughs coming out every few seconds. Urban, all of Jack’s friends, and Nina are smiling watching from a distance. Meanwhile every other girl who had hope of a shot frowns with disappointment and jealousy.

You’re telling Jack about how you used to play basketball in high school when his eyes light up. 

“Wait for reals, you used to play? You can shoot?” Jack has an up to no good look on his face.

“It’s been a while but I think so, I’m not the tallest but I have a good arm.” You shrug.

Jack nods, “Alright… alright. You’re gonna be watching from the side stage or were you gonna be in the crowd?”

You look over at Nina who’s staring at you already along with everyone else. You give her a confused look before turning back to Jack, “Uhm it’s honestly up to Nina, I came with her so…”

He nods as someone tells him he’s on in five.

“I hope you enjoy the show.” Jack gives you a wink, “And I really hope you can shoot.”

You don’t know what he means but before you can even ask you both are being dragged in different directions. Jack to his spot on stage and you to side stage to watch with Nina and Urban.

You’ve never really listened to his music but you find yourself enjoying the music. You laugh as he interacts with the crowd.

“We even got a basket up here and… a ball! Who thinks they can make it?”

The arena immediately roars in cheers, Jack laughs looking at all the raised hands. “Alright. Alright. There's no way y'all can all make it. Hmmm, you!” He points at a girl right at the front, “You think you can? Alright c’mon.  And you my boy in the middle you got it? Alright let's go. And mmm alright you look like you got the spirit you come up too!”

It’s sad to see all of the fans miss, but regardless they look happy that they were even up there getting to be near Jack.

You giggle as he nicely kicks the fans off joking about their lack of baskets before looking around, “You know I think I have another person who said they can shoot… Y/N, you wanna give it a try?”

Your eyes widen as the light moves to you, Jack pulling at your arm. “C’mon I need one person to make it. Everyone Y/N said she’s got it like that!”

The crowd cheers.

You shake your head, “What? No!”

“C’mon Y/N don’t make us go out sad!” Jack pouts at you, before turning back to the crowd, “Unless she doesn’t got it like that then I get it. She doesn't want to embarrass herself.”

“Embarrass myself?” Suddenly you don’t care that you’re stepping on a huge stage in front of almost 16,000 people. You grab the ball from Jack’s arms, “No one’s gonna embarrass themselves.” 

“Oooh she got the ball! Let’s see if she makes it?” Jack taunts you to the crowd. 

Oh you were gonna make it, best believe that. Suddenly you were back in your high school prime ready to make a free throw and within second it swishes into the basket graceful as fuck and you cant help but let out a small scream jumping up and down. You were never great with pressure, but it was nice to know you still had it.

You feel your feet lift off the floor as Jack picks you up, throwing you over his shoulder screaming. “Let’s goooooo!”

You cannot stop laughing as he runs all over the stage, before gently placing you down at the side of the stage. “Man everyone give it up for Y/N! She redeemed yall!” Jack tucks the mic behind him, “You’re too fucking good, I think I’m obsessed with you.”

He doesn’t even give you time to respond before he’s running back to the center of the stage getting into the next song.

Your mouth is open slightly in shock and a bit of confusion. 

“Oh, he likes you bad girl.” Nina smirks.

[starcrossedxwriter]

Unbreakable Part 4 (Erik Killmonger x OC)

A/N: So... we're getting into the thick of the plot here! So a lot happens in this chapter - maybe too much LOL but two parts were holdovers from chapter 3 that weren't quite ready lol so this chapter ended up jam-packed. Enjoy!

***

“You know we have staff to do that?” Nakia asked while she nursed Wakanda’s new princess and Naja moved at lightning speed folding all her clothes and straightening up her nursery.

Naja merely smiled and waved off her sister’s statement. “Yes I know. But the staff could use a break every once in a while. Besides laundry and organizing are the few domestic tasks mama taught us that I actually enjoy. How does such a tiny human make so many dirty clothes? She already has more clothes in this closet than I do.”

Nakia merely shook her head and laughed. “We have to change her outfit no less than 5 times each day. And she’ll outgrow 90% of that closet by the time you leave in a month.” 

Naja’s shoulders sagged a bit as she realized she only had about four weeks left in Wakanda. She had been so disgruntled about coming and now she did not want to leave. She knew she had to, there was much work waiting for her in Niganda and she missed her life there. But for the first time in a long time, she wondered whether she would miss what she was leaving in Wakanda more. Particularly her sister, her niece and her nephew. The Queen of Wakanda was incredibly busy with the new baby and her regular duties but she and Naja still made time for sister bonding, even if it was merely fawning over the baby together. 

“Who knows how big she’ll be when I am able to return again. Those five years with TJ went by so fast.” 

“Yes, this time will be very different though. Thank Bast,” Nakia whispered. Naja abandoned her task and squeezed her sister’s hand. 

“Yes, it will.” Naja pressed a soft kiss to the baby’s head before returning to her task. 

“You ever think about having one of these one day?” 

Naja was thankful her back was turned to Nakia as that question hit her ears. Her eyes clenched shut for a moment as if she could block out the avalanche of emotions that started barreling down at her at the question. She had to force her fingers to loosen around the baby onesie she was holding, her tight grip wrinking the pristine fabric. However, she did not let it show beyond that as she quickly schooled her expression into one of pained laughter. 

“Nope,” she asserted with a tone that made it seem like the suggestion was laughable to her. “Don’t think years of murdering people make you the mothering type. Hardly a nurturer.” 

“I disagree. You were amazing with TJ during his first 5 years. You were always the more nurturing of the two of us.” 

“Even if that were true, it would require me to be attached to a man for more than a night.” She winked at Nakia who merely rolled her eyes with a chuckle, always amused by her sister’s flippant attitude about sex. “And there is not a single man on this continent or Earth I am interested in saddling myself with for a lifetime.” She ignored the vision of a certain prince that popped into her head. 

“There’s not a single man whose company you enjoy in Niganda?” 

She scoffed. “There’s barely a man who can give me an orgasm to enjoy on a regular basis. I certainly don’t enjoy their company. They are merely a necessary means to an end.” She chose to leave out the part where many of her late night callers were men she wanted information out of for the rebellion… her sister hardly needed to know that part. 

“You can’t run from love forever, sister.” 

Naja rolled her eyes. Here we fucking go… A lecture. 

“I’m not running from it. I’ve actively decided I don’t want it. I love this life for you, Nakia. But I… I want something different.” 

Naja knew Nakia was not foolish enough to actually believe that lie. Naja had always been the one who wanted what Nakia now had, not being Queen, but to settle down and build a family once she had the adventures she and Erik discussed. While Nakia had yearned for the life Naja now had but had fallen in love with the King, which came with responsibilities she could not ignore. 

Sometimes those plans haunted her as vivid nightmares of the future she and Erik planned together when they retired from their posts as War Dogs and returned to Wakanda to serve T’Challa and Nakia as advisors and raise a family together. Fifteen years later and she could still see that future clear as day, only now it mocked her for ever believing it could be a reality, for putting so much stock into childhood fairytales and fantasies that could never happen. 

“Love can fit into your lifestyle, Naja. You can have the life you want and make room for love.” 

“The only people I love are in this palace right now. You, your children, T’Challa, Shuri. And our parents… most the time,” she muttered under her breath. “That’s all I need.” 

“I understand. I just don’t want what happened with N’Jadaka to close you off from love forever.” 

“It has nothing to do with him!” Another lie. “Not every decision I make in this life has to do with what he did.” Another lie. She despised just how much of the person she fashioned herself into was because of Erik. But there were some hurts… some wounds she simply could not let go. And no one on this planet, even Nakia, knew how deeply Erik had cut her. Everyone knew he abandoned her and broke off their engagement but their last conversation? That nail in the coffin of their love and friendship? Naja had never breathed those words aloud to another soul. Every time she tried, it felt like the poorly constructed stitches holding it together ripped open and pain flowed as if he had just hurled those words at her. 

“I am not saying it does. I had just hoped… since you have clearly forgiven him and you are becoming friends again, perhaps it had softened some of this. I know a future with him is not possible but that doesn’t mean getting to a better place with him will not open doors for others.” 

Naja paused but this time for some introspection as she tried to find the words to describe her increasingly complex relationship with a certain prince. She had two hearts where Erik was concerned and she had no idea which one would win out each day. One was held together by duck tape, still shattered and reeling from his actions. While the other, the heart that she tried her best to ignore, yearned for him as she did air to breathe and sustenance to survive. For that heart, he was as critical to her survival as the blood it pumped through her veins. And the control over her actions and her brain ebbed and flowed between the two, toggling back and forth in ways that made her increasingly frustrated.

She wanted to hate him, her hate for him was fuel and she was not ready to let it go. Today or ever. Once those feelings were the most clear and easy aspects of her life. And now? They were murky and she found herself wanting to forgive him so she could experience the once-in-a-lifetime love he offered her again. Since he held her the other night, she could not shake the feeling it left her with, the reality of how much she had gone without in the last 15 years. But she could not pretend that the mere idea of giving into that made her feel ashamed of herself. How could she forgive him so easily? He had not even really worked for it yet. She had to make him work for it, she could not let go that easy. She would hold to the tether of her rage and pain until it broke. Because he did not deserve easy this time. 

“I haven’t forgiven him… not yet anyway and I wouldn’t use the words friends. And whatever we are was not intended, believe me. I planned to go to my grave hating Prince N’Jadaka. I still might. But he’s… I don’t know. Every bit the same as I remember and completely different too. And he sees me? In a way no one else really does. So I am willing to give him a chance to earn my forgiveness, prove he’s changed. We are going out together on Friday.”  She glanced over her shoulder expecting to see an excited look on her sister’s face. Instead, she saw an expression she could not read fully. Partially shock but under the surface, Naja could not help but wonder if she saw a hint of anger. Of course, Nakia was able to school her face to throw on a fake smile but Naja noticed it too fast. “What’s that look?? You think I’m completely stupid, don’t you??” 

Nakia cleared her throat and shook her head. “No, no. You’re far from stupid. I just… Just be careful, Naja.” 

Naja scoffed. “I’m surprised you aren’t jumping for joy. Am I to believe the ulterior motive of this whole visit was not to get us back together? Was your husband alone in those intentions? It’s not gonna happen, I don’t want that,” Not really, she added silently in her head. “I just… there’s a part of me that has to know if he really has changed? And I lost a bet,” she admitted. 

“T’Challa and I merely want you and N’Jadaka both to be happy. And be able to coexist for the sake of this family. And perhaps that is best done apart. I just don’t want to see you hurt again. There are things you don’t know about him a-” 

“I’ll never be hurt like that again,” Naja answered sharply, cutting her sister off. She became immediately frustrated by the insinuation that she was anything like the 17 year old girl Nakia and T’Challa had to nurse back to health like a broken bird. As if Erik or anyone could break her again. She was stronger, she was different. “I know everything I need to know about who Erik is now. We’ll never be more than friends.” 

Nakia fell silent and merely nodded, though Naja could tell there was more she wanted to say. “You’re right, you’re right. Sometimes I just get overprotective.” 

Naja immediately felt bad for biting her head off. This was Nakia’s job as her older sister. But Naja already felt rubbed raw by N’Jadaka’s clear advances and effort. Old woulds were open and now her own sister was questioning whether she was strong enough to withstand the inferno that was Erik once again. If Nakia could not see how much she had changed, had she really at all?

“I know and I appreciate it. But I don’t need you or anyone else to protect me anymore. I’ll be ok. I promise.” 

***

Naja barely laid her head down to attempt to sleep when she got a call on her kimoyo beads. She glanced down, surprised to find a voice message from N’Jadaka. 

“Meet me outside. Bring your notes and journals. Got somethin’ to show you.” 

Naja could not help but stare at her beads in confusion. She had seen Erik several times throughout the day and he had not mentioned wanting to see her tonight or that he had anything to show her. 

Despite all of her questions and annoyances about having to leave the palace so late, she still forced herself out of bed and back into the first set of acceptable clothes she could find. Since she worked late nights at the bar and often did her recon and other illegal activities in the dead of night, all of her clothes were designed for stealth and to hide weapons. It was all the clothes she had so even tonight, when there was no stealthing or defending to do, her light black jacket was still home to four well hidden knives and her soft black leggings held spots for two guns, which she chose to leave at home. She stuffed all of her notes and journal into a small backpack.

She slid on her soundless shoes and out of her room with a mere nod to the Dora assigned to her room. She walked through the palace and out to the landing pad, Erik arrogantly leaning against the Royal Talon. 

“That was quick. When I didn’t get some smart ass response, I assumed you didn’t get it.” 

“It’s not too late if you need a dose of smart ass. I always have a few in my back pocket for you.” 

Erik surveyed her body, taking in her perfect curves and toned ass in her leggings. He licked his lips and winked at her. “What else you got back there for me?” 

Naja stopped in front of him and smiled sweetly. “A gun… though I’d prefer a knife. But trust me, you wouldn’t.” 

“How you know knife play ain’t a kink of mine, baby girl?” 

Naja almost choked before she recovered with a shake of her head as Erik burst into laughter. “You’re my least favorite person on this continent, you know that right?” 

“Don’t believe that for a second. Come on,” he gestured toward the Talon as the ramp opened for them to climb on. 

“Does our King know we are stealing his plane?”

Erik merely shrugged as he slid into the driver's seat. “More or less. Not my first time takin’ it out for a little ride. But don’t worry, we’re just going to Shuri’s lab. So we won’t be far.” 

“What’s at Shuri’s lab?” Not that she did not mind going to Shuri’s lab, she enjoyed learning from the Princess and getting to try out new gadgets before anyone else. However, she did not understand why he wanted to go there with her or what he would have to show her. 

“You’ll see.” 

Naja rolled her eyes before sliding into one of the seats. The short plane ride was virtually silent though the tension between them, in such a small space, was palpable. Things had somehow both become more difficult and more effortless between theme since he spent the night two days prior. The vulnerability they shared broke down a few barriers in a way Naja had not expected but she did not know what to do now. She was not accustomed to gray space when it came to Erik. They were not friends, they were not lovers but they weren’t enemies anymore either. They were just something else that she was not prepared to decipher or understand. 

“So are you going to reveal the big secret?” Naja asked as they entered Shuri’s private workspace. She was surprised to not find the Princess in her usual spot. Everyone knew she did her best work in the middle of the night when she should have been resting like everyone else in Wakanda. The Wakandan Palace was filled with night owls.

“Shuri told me we could use the space at night for a while cause she’s working on a different project downstairs. Wanted to show you this,” he took her over to the giant work table which was usually covered in completed or half-finished gadgets. However, tonight, it was filled with notes and papers, treaties, aerial photos, and a giant 3-D map of Niganda. 

“Whoa.” Naja’s hands started grabbing random pieces of paper. There was enough material here to keep her busy for weeks. “What’s all this?” 

“Notes from the other three War Dogs in Niganda from the last year, I didn’t tell them why,” he added at the freaked out look on her face. “I just asked all War Dogs to send an update to make it seem routine. After our talk the other night, I pulled some recon photos we had from before the peace treaty talks started. Figured we could use all this and your notes to piece together some more information. And T doesn’t really come down here unless Shuri invites him so it’s a good spot to do shit we ain’t supposed to be doin’.” 

Naja glanced at him with wide eyes. “You did all this to help me?” 

“There’s nothin’ I wouldn’t do to help you. I know you don’t believe that but it’s true. And you ain’t in this alone, this ain’t just on you to figure out.” 

Erik did not have the heart to tell her that his actions were not totally altruistic. He had his own motivations for finding a reason to end these peace talks with Niganda. His future, or rather the future he wanted, was as tightly wound in discovering what Niganda was doing as Naja’s was, if not more so. 

She sighed, grabbing more papers. “I do now. Thank you, N’Jadaka. Seriously. Also a bit old school don’t you think?” She gestured to the printed papers. 

“Less likely for T’Challa or anyone to notice on our tablets and shit. And stop thankin’ me and let’s get to it, aight?” she nodded with a smile before putting on her game face. “So you said the King is definitely behind the kidnappings? Any theories as to why?” 

“Definitely. Witnesses report soldiers taking the kids. It’s possible it is a rogue faction of the guard doing something nefarious and they are getting away with it because most of the people will think it is the King’s orders. But King Bisi runs the guard with an iron fist, hell, most do not breathe without his command. There are claims that his mental health is waning so perhaps someone in the palace is taking advantage of that? But there are few in his court with the skill to pull something like this off besides him.” She sighed. “And I have several theories but none of them are particularly good and haven’t panned out.”  

“Ok well let’s hear 'em anyway.”  

She started pacing up and down the length of the table. “First I thought intimidation? You know taking the children to keep their parents in line. But that doesn’t explain the first four kids who were all orphans. And the entire country, save the rebels, are already terrified of him. And those with parents… none of them are part of the Front or involved in illegal activity. They are just regular people so that would not make sense. It could be trafficking or labor for the fields? It’s the poorest village of the Capitol and in the country so outside of those of us who live there, no one would know or care that these kids are going missing. The wealthier villages are just happy to remain in the King’s favor. The first few were from the local orphanage, the man who runs it is who sounded the alarm to Dayo initially. But Dayo ruled out trafficking. The kids aren’t showing up in those channels either. Whatever he is doing with them, they are still in Niganda.”

“Yea, and there are a lot easier ways to get bodies… prisoners, rebels. What else?” 

Naja glanced up at him with a helpless expression. “That’s it. If we were finding bodies, we’d have more to go on but these kids are vanishing without a trace.”

“Anything else suspicious happened since this started?” 

“Not really. Two doctors were kidnapped about a week before the kids started. But we found one of their bodies the same week so we assumed they were both dead and fell into something they shouldn’t have. We never found the body of the second one so maybe that’s something?” 

“Yea but most people kidnap adults or kids… kidnapping both is uncommon. What’s the deal with this rebellion anyway?” At her skeptical look, he smiled. “Don’t worry, ain’t gon’ rat you out to T.” 

“How else do revolutions and rebellions start in this world? The people have nothing and King Bisi brutalizes them while leaving them destitute. Dayo… he and a couple rebel leaders were once in the King’s court but he escaped after the King murdered an entire village who was ‘harboring’ a father who had stolen from the palace. He realized that the freedom we deserved was only possible if the king was not in power. He created the Nigandan Liberation Front to overthrow the Royal Family and install a true democracy.” 

Eek could not help but hear how she used the word “we” to describe Nigandan citizens as if she was not a spy masquerading as one of them. Nor could he stop the smallest kernel of hope from blossoming in his heart. If the rebels succeeded, that nagging reminder of the promise he made that he desperately tried to forget, the reminder that his future did not belong to him at all, would be null and void. 

“How likely you think that is?” 

She scratched her forehead. “Honestly, I don’t know. We’re inching forward but it could be years. The King loves his grip on power. Many refuse to join the rebellion because they hold hope that his heir will be different but…” 

“You disagree? You know her?” 

She laughed humorlessly. “No, never met her. Gotten a glimpse of her a few times. She’s been to the village more than once. She’s known for her charity work, feeding and clothing those in need.” 

Erik could hear the disdain in her voice. “That’s a good thing, ain’t it?” 

“Not when she has the power to ensure there are no poor in the country to begin with. Niganda has the money for everyone to live in prosperity. Her father has chosen policies that hoard resources for him, his council, and the wealthy while the rest of the country starves. Many of the country may love her for it but I won’t celebrate someone saving lives when they are the reason the people are dying to begin with. All Princess Imani is doing is keeping the people on life support so they can continue to serve her family and eventually her interests. As far as I’m concerned, she is as soulless as her father.” 

Erik’s eyes grew wide. “Damn, tell me how you really feel. Who knows, maybe she’ll be different.” 

Naja did not look up from the written accounts of one of the war dogs she was reading. “Why do you care so much? It’s not as if you have to live under her rule. You met her?” 

Erik fixed his face to seem as disinterested as he should be. “Only once at an event. She was a bit vain but hella independent. I’d hardly describe her as soulless. Her father? That nigga definitely. But she seemed like she wanted to do some good.” 

“I’ll believe it when I see it. But that’s a ways away, unfortunately. According to the palace, King Bisi is in perfect physical health by all accounts. And despite his age and ailing mental health, the ancestors will have to drag him to whatever heaven or preferably hell is waiting for him before he willingly gives up that throne.” Silence fell for a few minutes before she paused. “Wait… this could be something. Did you read this one from… M’Badu?” 

“Haven’t had a chance to read any of them. What’s it say?” 

Naja stood and walked over to where he sat to hand him the papers, sliding to sit on the table in front of him. “His cover is a doctor at the biggest hospital in the Western Province, smart cover… that’s were all the wealthy go. A life of comfort as you put it. He reported that half of their supply of medications and drugs was stolen the day after the first child was stolen. Things like anesthesia, blood supply… opioids.” 

“So? Could be for a black market or somethin’.” 

“No, I know every major player in Nigandan’s underground… none of them have the manpower, capitol, or balls to pull this off. And they are all egotistical men so they would’ve bragged about a score this big. I never even heard this happened, which is saying something. They still small amounts with the help of doctors and nurses in their pockets to avoid attention. Whoever did this has all those things and sophistication.” 

“Why you say that?” 

“Because… I didn’t think it was relevant but this same hospital houses the country’s largest scientific research center and they had a break in not long ago… about a month before the first child was taken. I don’t even live in that Province and I heard about it. It was the biggest breach of security they’ve ever had. They redid the security for the entire facility and hospital afterward. So this person had to get around all of that and M’Badu said Princess Imani had been there earlier that day visiting sick children. So they had to avoid additional palace guards too.”

“Ballsy to hit the same hospital twice.” 

“Not really when you know the health care infrastructure is crumbling. Biggest hospital in the country and the only significant research facility. If you want as many chemicals and drugs as you can get your hands on, this is your only option.” 

“What chemicals were taken?” 

“They took a bit of everything the facility had. All raw chemicals and drugs that could be used to make a million different things. Dayo and I check the black markets every night to see what will turn up but nothing of note has.” 

Erik raised an eyebrow. “Does T know you frequent black markets this much?” 

“He knows I check to see if there’s vibranium floating around. But does he know I go almost every night and sell what I can get my hands on? Nope.”

“What do you even have to sell?” 

“Whatever I can buy with my War Dog riches without raising attention… and whatever I can steal from the King and the wealthy and give back to the people where it belongs.” 

Erik was shocked, and admittedly aroused, at how nonchalantly she talked about theft. A ruthless spy indeed. 

“How’d you get into that? Also you must not do much bartending on your shifts with all this extra shit?” 

She let out a barking laugh and waved her hand dismissively. “No. Truth be told, I’m a terrible bartender, which Dayo figured out fairly early on. But Dayo is not a fool and recognized I had skills that were far more important to him so he keeps me around to bookkeep for him, manage the bar… flirt with men to get information. And some talents that he appreciates but won’t dare ask how I got. My speciality in the Hatut Zeraze … besides torture and murder, of course, was infiltration. When he realized, Dayo helped me start to steal from the trucks that supply the palace and wealthier restaurants with food and other delicacies. Sometimes from the houses of the wealthy. I take whatever I can and sell it.”

Erik let out a low whistle. “Infiltration… that shit’s hard. I was good at gettin’ niggas to talk but the gettin’ in and out was always my weak spot.” 

She shrugged as she looked down at him from her spot. “I’m surprised. All it takes is being a good liar. And you’re the best one I know,” she mumbled under her breath before she could stop herself. She clenched her eyes closed as she saw the hurt flash across his face. “Sorry, habit.” She stood up from her perch she had taken on the edge of the table by him and moved to the giant screen they had in the room. She started writing the information they had on it. 

Erik let the papers he was holding fall back onto the metal table. “My feelings for you weren’t a lie, Naja. The things we talked about, the life we wanted to have together… none of it was lies… I just… shit happened and I handled it all wrong a-”

Her hand stilled as she heard his words, painfully clashing against the narrative she had created for over a decade. Her heart wanted her to leap and fall but her brain forced her feet to remain planted where they were until he proved he could be trusted again. All of this was a good first step but that was all it was: a first step. 

“Don’t.” 

“Don’t what? We need to talk about what happened. Let me explain.” 

“Look… I want to trust you… get to a place where we can, at least, be friends again, Erik. Because as hard as I try to hate you with my entire soul… part of me will always care for you more than I should. You caught me at a weak moment the other night and I appreciate you being there for me. But nothing that’s happened should make you think the door is open for that conversation. I don’t want to hear you excuses and reasoning… whether or not what you felt was true doesn’t matter anymore. Why you left… why you said those things, none of it matters because it doesn’t change the fact that you left. All that matters is that you did it and you said it. And because of that, we can’t go back. But we can create something new… a new friendship. So all I want to see and hear from you now is something different. That’s all I have space for.” 

Erik’s head fell in disappointment at her words. He knew he should not have gotten his hopes up, that he should have listened to T’Challa and not gotten his heart back invested in Naja because she would never feel the same. He knew that was not the only reason T’Challa had cautioned him to stay away but he had not listened. He never listened. And though he knew he should take her words as fact and accept the friendship she offered, he knew it would not be enough. Whatever time he had left of freedom, he wanted to spend what time he had left with her, choosing her. He also knew her better than any other soul on this Earth, there was more than just care for her too even if she did not want to admit it. 

Luckily for him, Erik was as patient as he was committed. He would not stop trying and he would play the long game to continue softening that barrier between them for as long as he was able.  

“Ok so…” she turned back to him, a determined look on her face as she quickly changed the course of their conversation. “We have missing kids, a doctor, drugs, chemicals, and medication. But no obvious links between any of them. So we have nothing.” 

“The links are always there. We just gotta find them.” 

***

Nakia stalked through the palace, an aura of anger radiating off of her so strong that the few servants walking about immediately moved out of her way as she raced to her husband’s office. She did not give Okoye a chance to knock or announce her presence as she walked inside. She had tried to not let her overprotective nature get the best of her since her conversation with Naja that morning. However, when Ayo alerted her to Erik and Naja taking the Talon for a late night joyride, she could hold her tongue no longer. 

T’Challa glanced up from his tablet as the door opened and she swept in. However, his fatal error was not noticing the look of rage contorting her features. 

“I will come up to bed soon, my love. I need to finish thi- what’s wrong? Is it the baby?” T’Challa immediately jumped up as he realized his wife was not there to drag him from his office to get rest. 

“What part of ‘Tell Erik to stay away from Naja,’ did you not understand, T’Challa??” she exploded. No one except Nakia could yell at the King of Wakanda and the Black Panther. “Because what is happening right now is NOT staying away!” 

T’Challa grimaced. “I told him to stay away.” 

“What did you say exactly??” 

“That she despised him and that she would never forgive him, which is true. Naja won’t forgive him so there is nothing to be concerned about.” 

She shook her head as she paced up and down by his desk. “No it is not true! They are currently Bast knows where in the Royal Talon. He spent the night in her room a few days ago and they are going out on Friday.” 

“Nakia…” his voice took on a chastising tone. “You can’t spy on your sister.” 

“Do not take that tone with me as if you do not spy on N’Jadaka too. You knew this was going on and you’ve said nothing. You’ve DONE nothing to stop it. I will spy on her all I want when she is in harm’s way. Someone has to protect her, no one else in this country seems to.” 

The jab hit exactly where she wanted it to, T’Challa’s face twisting up in indignation. “That is not fair, Nakia. I protect Naja just as I do my own sister. She is my sister in every way that matters. But I cannot stop N’Jadaka from trying to mend fences with her if that is what he wants to do.” 

Nakia shook her head. “This is more than mending fences and you know it. He is in love with her and making her fall in love with him again. And you and I and he all know that cannot happen. The only person who is going to get hurt is Naja.” 

T’Challa shook his head. “What we are talking about is a hypothetical situation that is 10… maybe 15 to 20 years down the road, Nakia. The King will have to die and she would have to choose N’Jadaka among a list of eligible princes. We have years before it is even a conversation and even then, it is only a possibility. The Princess does not even want to get married.” 

“You and I both know that King Bisi did not raise a fool. There may be a list… but every nation on it knows that Wakanda, thus Prince N’Jadaka, is the list. If she is forced to marry someone, which she will have to according to Nigandan law to be queen, there is no one else who would give the Nigandans the power and resources they want and need other than him. Just because N’Jadaka chooses to play the fool and pretend that is not the case does not mean we have to. I am not ok with my sister’s heart being broken in 10 or 20 years either when I can stop it now. Since N’Jadaka and you have clearly forgotten, remind him of the promise he made to this country or I swear to Bast, I will tell her myself.” 

“Nakia… Erik offered his life and future for this country and for us. The life he has led… what he has endured because of what Wakanda took from him… he deserves happiness. He deserves hope even if it is only for a short while. Do not ask me to take it from him. I have faith that N’Jadaka will tell her when the time is right. Before it progresses to anything serious.” 

“No one deserves happiness at the expense of someone else’s. My sister deserves happiness too… with someone who can actually dedicate their entire life to her, not years with an expiration date stamped to them. I love N’Jadaka like he is my own brother and I wish for his happiness as I wish for Shuri’s and everyone else I love. But I will not allow your guilt for what your father did to hurt my sister. He broke her once and I lost her for years because of it but if he does it again, I don’t think she will be able to get back up. Tell him to stay away from her, T’Challa. I mean it. Before this ill-fated date on Friday. And do it properly this time.” 

She did not even wait for him to agree or respond before she swept out of the office, Okoye peering in as if waiting for an invitation. 

“I suppose you heard all of that?”

Okoye nodded. “Our queen’s voice does certainly carry when she is impassioned and angry at you. Did you really believe what you told the Prince that first night would stick?” 

T’Challa’s head thudded back against the soft material of his chair, his hand rubbing his eyes. “I had hope… foolishly perhaps.”

“Seems as if there is a lot of foolish hope floating around this palace since Naja returned.” 

“Do you believe it is my guilt?” T’Challa asked as Okoye handed him a glass of rum from his stash. He sought counsel from precious few people but Okoye was most certainly on that list. 

Okoye sighed. “What did you tell me your father said when you saw him in the Planes? You’re a good man, T’Challa… and it is hard for a good man to be king. You want to do right by him to make amends for what your father did and I understand that. But you, who seems determined to carry the weight of his triumphs and mistakes, aren’t accountable for what King T’Chaka did, the fate he allowed to befall his own family. That was his choice and is it a shame that he did not live to take accountability for that, yes. But that how Bast saw for his life to play out. What Prince N’Jadaka lost? That is not a debt you will be able to repay, my King. Even saving his life won’t do it. And you would be a fool to try… and you are not a fool. Prince N’Jadaka must make peace with what he lost and you, my king, must make peace with your father’s role in it. But denying Prince N’Jadaka hard truths because it makes you feel better about what happened to him will do nothing but hurt him when those hard truths come to call. And they always do.” 

And with those words, Okoye returned to her post outside his office and left her King alone with his thoughts. 

***

“Fuck!” Naja’s frustrations got the better of her as she and N’Jadaka spent another night pouring over all their notes and information. She threw a knife at the wall, the very tip of it lodging into the vibranium. “This is hopeless.”

“We have a good startin’ point. Seems like experimentation of a new drug or chemical or somethin’ is the most likely bet.” 

“Yes but what good is that if we have absolutely no way of determining what they are testing and why?” 

Erik stared at her for a moment and sighed. It did not matter how many nights they spent working on this, it would never satisfy Naja until they… she found each one of these kids and returned them to their parents. 

Naja was fascinating puzzle to him. Depending on the setting and context, he saw a different picture every time he looked at her. When they trained, he saw Naja, the ruthless assassin. She was everything T’Challa said: a lethal beauty… Killmonger’s equal in every way… just as cunning, pragmatic and unemotional as he - maybe more. That night in her room he saw the Naja he used to know, the soft second daughter of the River Tribe who could not wound a fly, much less murder a person. And when they stood among the low blue lights of Shuri’s lab, he saw the Naja he imagined she did not want anyone else to see: a ruthless assassin who was still felt everything far deeper than she should. 

He knew the real Naja was the latter version. Just as Killmonger was not the real him nor was the 18 year old he was before he fled Wakanda. It had taken a brush with death and a year to finally come to terms with the fact that it was not an either/or calculation. The real him was the best and worst parts of all of the hats he wore. He prayed to Bast it would not take the same thing for Naja. 

“Let’s get out of here.” 

Naja looked at him like he had grown several heads. “You’re joking right?”

“We’ve been staring at this shit for hours every night and recycling’ the same theories. Let’s take a break. You know one night ain’t gon’ make a difference.”

“And go where?” 

“For me to know and you to find out. Come on.” And with that, he walked out of the lab. 

Naja stared at his back for a few moments before letting out a soft chuckle and following after him. She followed his footsteps to the elevator, which took them up to the panther opening of the Great Mound. 

“When’s the last time you saw a Wakandan sunrise?” He asked as he walked to the edge of the cliff and sat down, his legs dangling off the side. A small sliver of the sun was visible over the horizon. 

“You remembered?” Her entire body stilled as she looked at him. 

“If I remember correctly, it was the sunrise over the falls specifically but I figured this would do too.” 

While sunsets were always Erik’s favorite thing about Wakanda, Naja’s was the sunrise. Different sides of the most beautiful coin Wakanda had to offer. Naja often snuck out as a child, when she needed to calm her spirit, to the falls to watch Bast bring a new day across all of Wakanda. 

“I forgot how beautiful it was,” she muttered as she sat down next to him. “Niganda has a different sort of beauty to it. But it’s not this.” 

In the distance, she could see a herd of antelope racing by, the sun only barely peeking out. They sat in silence as they both stared out into the distance. Erik could tell that the picturesque landscape was not doing much as her shoulders still hunched forward with the weight of everything she felt. 

“What are you thinkin’?” 

“That I can’t find them…. That all these kids are going to die because I’m too much of a failure to connect the dots. ‘A wallflower who will never be quite good enough’ indeed.” The words of her father rang loudly in her head. Aside from her rage for Erik, he was the other man whose words fueled this version of her, fueled her desperate need to be the best. 

Erik sighed. “You were always too hard on yourself, Naja. Never saw your potential.” 

She wrinkled her nose. “Nobody here saw my potential… my father made sure of that. Nakia’s shadow and nothing more. You know he tried to stop me from becoming a War Dog? Tried to get T’Challa’s father to decline my application.” 

Erik bowed his head. “Yea T told me.” 

“Of course he did,” she chuckled. She brought one knee to her chest and hugged it. “I passed the trainings and tests and he still tried to go behind my back to stop me from doing it. You know that’s why I became Hatut Zeraze? Wasn’t the route I intended when I applied, even Nakia didn’t go that route. But I just wanted to spite him, prove I could do it. That I was built for it. That’s all my entire life has been. Proving I’m worthy… that I’m something to the people who claim to love me. But maybe all of you were right. I should’ve just stayed in Nakia’s shadow.”  

Erik pressed his palms into the warm surface of the mountain’s cliff and scooted himself closer to her so that their shoulders were touching. He placed a tentative hand on her thigh, right above her knee, gently rubbing it. 

Her breath nearly stopped at his touch, tender and loving just as she remembered. She felt everything in that simple touch. It had been too long since she let someone touch her for comfort and in the last week, she had let him do it twice. And this time, she had no desire or inkling to pull away from him. 

“Nah we were all wrong. I ain’t just sayin’ this, Naja but you can figure this out. Your father’s words… my words… they don’t gotta be what you believe about yourself. You can choose to believe that you’re the woman who took all her pain and fashioned herself into a weapon, someone who people quake in fear when they see comin’. You think I ain’t heard stories about you since I got back?” He nudged her with his shoulder causing her to laugh. “You might’ve started down the road cause of me and your dad and whatever else but where you are now? That’s all you. So own that ’n use it to figure this out. You’re the smartest person I’ve ever met. Always were.” 

She sighed and glanced at him. “How is that you always know what to say? It’s extremely annoying, in case you were wondering,” she added with a teasing smile. 

“I always know what to say with you. But only because I’ve always seen all of you.”

“Oof… all of me? Quite the dark picture I imagine,” though she tried to keep her tone light, Erik could see it. The shame in her deep brown eyes that she tried to hide by dipping her head, avoiding his stare. 

“Nah, parts of it are dark… but those parts were always eclipsed by light and vibrancy. There were just too many people contributed to dimming that light. Me included. But from where I’m sittin’, the only person dimmin’ your light ‘n doubtin’ you right now… is you. Can’t hide in the darkness forever, baby girl. Gotta let that sun rise at some point.” 

She rested her cheek on her kneecap, his words settling into her mind. She did not have the words to respond to that. Or rather, she had so many words, so many feelings bubbling to the surface that she did not know where to start. Tears pricked the back of her eyes, forcing them away from him as she pushed them back down where they belong. 

He did not say anything, thank Bast, he merely just took her hand, lending her as much nonverbal support as he could. She squeezed his hand gently, praying that the small gestured conveyed what her words could not. Her thanks for always seeing her even when she desperately tried to hide. 

***

Only T’Challa was at breakfast when Erik arrived, an additional pep in his step despite the somber tone this day usually had for him each year. Today was finally his date with Naja and he would be lying if he said he had not strategically picked today in hopes she would distract him from the painful memories and rage he usually felt. Naja had always been his peace and solace, his place to retreat to. She still was. 

Though she would never call it a date, it was close enough to one for him. To an outsider, it might not have seemed like much. But to him, it was everything. Spending the night with her, working with her every night, solidified one fact he had always known: he was madly and insanely in love with her. And her friendship was not enough… he’d do anything in his power to get her back. 

“Morning,” he offered as he settled into the seat across from T’Challa. 

“How are you today? I know what today is.” The words were simple, T’Challa did not even look up from his tablet as he offered them. 

Erik shrugged. “Just another day like any other day.” As much as he loved T’Challa, in his own way, his father was not a subject he would discuss with his cousin. Ever. “What did you want to talk about?” 

T’Challa glanced at Okoye who merely offered him a dead pan expression that demanded he get on with it. He closed the cover of his tablet and lifted his eyes to his cousin. Erik could immediately since the tension… a power imbalance that was not usually present when he spoke to T’Challa. He straightened up slightly, he was not speaking to his cousin today. Today, he was speaking to his king. 

“You and Naja have been spending quite a lot of time together. Daily sparring sessions. Late night rides on the Talon. You spent the night in her room?” 

Erik raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Is that a question cause seems like you know already?” He and Naja’s sparring sessions were no secret around the palace, they were often a spectacle for training Dora and War Dogs alike. Everything else was not common knowledge, though Erik knew he always had eyes on him. But Erik did not understand what that had to do with him being called to the proverbial principal’s office. 

T’Challa sighed. “Do not do this, N’Jadaka. You will only end up hurting her.” 

“Do what? Stop beatin’ around the damn bush ‘n just say what you need to say.” Erik’s patience was running thin, as it often did when T’Challa clearly had something on his mind but did not want to confront him. Save Naja perhaps, Erik was the only person in the entire palace T’Challa handheld like a child. Like he would pick up and run the moment T’Challa did his job as King and ordered him or told him something he did not like. But Erik was no stranger to hard truths, his life had been shaped by them. There was nothing T’Challa could say that would make him run, not anymore. 

“Stop working her! Naja is not a mark or a challenge to conquer. You are falling in love with her and trying to convince her to do the same because you believe you have time. Time to undo the mistakes of the past, time to try again even if it is fleeting. You made a promise and I expect you to keep it. So stop pursuing something that can never happen.” 

Erik stilled. He had made that promise to T’Challa and the Nigandans in service to Wakanda, a promise that he was assured may not even happen. Had he foolishly held onto that too tightly? Maybe. 

“You told me she didn’t even want to marry. That it was unlikely given Niganda and Wakanda’s relationship.” 

“Plenty of monarchs don’t want to get married, N’Jadaka. But she will because it is her duty. And marriage alliances are one way to cement peace, which puts your name at the top of the list. Frankly,” T’Challa sighed. “You might as well be the only name on the list. I’m sorry… I should’ve been more clear when Naja returned about this. That is my fault.” 

“Wait, wait. Nah, nah, nah. T, I’m just… I’m just gettin’ her back. This is a once in a lifetime shot. Don’t ask me to give her up. Retract my name from consideration. Please.” 

Erik Stevens had never begged another human being in his life, his pride would never allow him to do such a thing. However, for Naja? Pleas were all he had to over, pleas that T’Challa would give him this reprieve as his cousin and not his King. He could not give Naja up, would not give her up. 

“The peace between our countries is fragile as it is, N’Jadaka. Any perceived or real slight could tip the scales. I know it is not fair, I know it is not right. And I am sorry. But you made a promise when we offered up your name that you would serve Wakanda’s interests if chosen. And as your king, I expect you to uphold that. Whether it is 5 years or 20 before she is queen, you are as good as engaged to her. You need to start acting like it.” 

“So what do you want me to do?” 

T’Challa sighed and clenched his eyes closed before saying, “Stay away from Naja. Temper your feelings for her so you can fulfill your duty when the time comes. You can do whatever you want with your life and your heart until then but Naja is off limits.” 

“That an order?” 

T’Challa stood up and walked over to Erik, placing one hand on his shoulder, which he immediately shrugged off in frustration. “I tried to warn you once as your brother and hers. I hoped the knowledge that she still harbored such anger toward you would be enough to keep you away. But I was wrong. I give you a long leash, N’Jadaka and I do it because you have proven yourself worthy of it. But yes. On this subject? This is me ordering you as King. Do not continue to foster feelings you know you cannot act on. Stay away from her.”

Erik’s hands curled into fists. Those were two things he could not do. “Why’d you even offer up my name when you knew she lived there? If she had not come home, were you ever gonna tell her that the man she despises would be her King consort one day? That I would be leading the country she calls home. Were you ever gonna tell me that the woman I loved more than anyone on this planet was living in the country you offered me up to like a prized horse? I didn’t know where Naja was when I agreed to this but you did… and you said nothing.” 

“At the time, I did not owe either of you that information. And I did not say anything because your dedication to this country should outweigh whatever childish feelings you still harbor toward her. Beyond that, Nakia wants Naja here… home with us. I will not pretend as though I do not see this eventuality as a way to push her toward returning here for good.” 

“You’re talkin’ about me workin’ her like a mark? As if you aren’t usin’ this shit to manipulate her into comin’ home. Just like you did to get her back here in the first place. She deserves the truth. She can handle the truth ‘n make her own damn decisions.”

T’Challa scoffed. “Bold of you to say as if you did not abandon her and throw a grenade behind you as you went.” 

“That was different,” N’Jadaka rose from his chair, his rage getting the better of him. “And you fuckin’ know it.” 

“Hardly. You found out the truth of what happened to your parents and instead of trusting Naja with it and what you wanted to go do, you destroyed her to ensure she would not follow. You did not see what Nakia and I saw after you left. It took months to piece her back together. Nakia refuses to see that happen again. Better you hurt her now before she grows too attached to you again.” It will hurt her but it will not break her.” 

Erik shook his head, finding his cousin colder than he had ever known him to be. He was not talking to his cousin who was basically his brother. He was talking to King T’Challa, son of King T’Chaka indeed. “That’s cold, T.” 

“I know… and I take no pleasure in it. I would love for you and Naja to be what you once were. I will even admit that I may have considered it a blessed side effect of her return when I invited her back. But I am King and that means I must often act contrary to my whims of my heart and do what is best for Wakanda. And whether T’Challa, your cousin and brother, likes it or not, what best for Wakanda is that you are free to secure this alliance between Wakanda and Niganda when the time comes. You and Naja’s feelings and complicated relationship do not supersede what Wakanda needs to survive or what this continent requires to avoid another needless war.” 

Erik could not stomach to hear another word. He stood up with such force, his chair screeched loudly against the marble floors. “Yes, my king,” he sneered before marching toward the door, his breakfast forgotten. However, when he got to the door, he stopped. “Your father chose Wakanda and politics over family ’n we all know how that turned out. Thought you would’ve learned from that nigga’s mistakes but I guess you’re more like him than I thought.” 

And with that, Erik stormed out. 

***

Erik fiddled with his kimoyo beads, dreading what he had to do. Words could not describe how much he hated T’Challa in this moment. He was well within his rights as king and things had only gotten this far because Erik allowed himself to have hope - a fool’s errand really. But here he was and now he was going to have to break his own heart and Naja’s again. He hated himself for it. But he had forced himself to hurt her once to fulfill a selfish need for vengeance. He could do it again for his country. He had no choice. 

This was not how he wanted today to go. On today of all days, to have to lose another person he loved, it was too much. 

He pressed the button of his kimoyo beads, calling Naja. He hated how quickly she picked up, a soft smile on her face. 

“Hey,” he offered. 

“Hey… you ok?” She asked. “You sound weird? You better not be calling me to cancel. I let Shuri drag me to get a manicure and pedicure for this…. Painstaking shit if you ask me. I adore her but that girl basically wants to dress me up like a damn doll. I drew the line at her taking me to get my make up professionally done.” At his silence and the grimace on his face, she frowned. “Oh you are canceling.” 

“Yea, I’m sorry.” She clearly tried to hide her disappointment, the deep frown that overtook her features. He did not understand how he did this all those years ago. It felt like the worst form of torture to make himself do this again. And as he struggled to find the words, he realized he couldn’t. So like the coward he was, instead of telling her the real reason he needed to cancel, he said, “T’Challa just dumped a bunch of shit on my plate for the peace talks and it’s pretty time sensitive. Will keep me busy ’n workin’ late for a while. A-and honestly… just havin’ a really shitty day. Wouldn’t be much fun anyway.  Figured it’s only right to free you from your debt.” 

She chewed on her lip for a few minutes before saying, “No worries. Your work and Wakanda comes first and I’m sure you’ve been falling behind since spending every night helping me. All good.” 

“I am… really sorry, Naja. I hope you believe that.” 

“I do. Still have time for our sparring session tomorrow?” 

He could hear the hopefulness in her voice. And that hopefulness felt like a beacon of light in a hopeless situation for him, proof that she felt everything he felt. He lowered the beads so he could not see his face and clenched his eyes closed. He knew he should say no but he heard himself say, “Yea, we’re still on for tomorrow.”  

He could see the small sigh of relief she let out. “Good. See you tomorrow, Erik.” 

He offered her the same refrain before ending the call and tossing the beads across the room in frustration. 

***

Naja paced back and forth outside N’Jadaka’s wing. She knew the Dora stationed there was eyeing her as if she were a madwoman as she muttered to herself while holding a picnic basket and a backpack. 

“What are you even doing here?” She whispered to herself. It took all of two minutes after hanging up with N’Jadaka to realize why he had cancelled, to remember that today was his dad’s birthday. She did not even know how she remembered it, a memory so buried deep in her brain that she was shocked she was able to retrieve it. Every year on this day, Erik distanced himself from everyone and everything without a word. 

One year, when they were 15, she found him at the Great Mound watching the sunset. He had disappeared and T’Challa, Nakia and Naja were sent to find him and bring him back to the palace. Naja, who knew him best, was the only one who knew where he’d be. She did not approach him at first as he sat there quietly, she just watched him. Like a creep, admittedly. But she watched him, took in every bit of his lean teenage form as her heart ached for him more than it should at that age. 

Her heart broke as she heard his deep youthful voice, cracking with the strength of his sobs, offer a prayer to Bast on behalf of his parents, prayed they would come back to Wakanda soon, that they would return to him. She remembered bowing her head as she prayed for the same thing on his behalf. She had never met Prince N’Jobu a day in her life, just knew him as a traitor that most of the country hated, who was likely on the run to avoid facing the consequences of his treason. But even back then, Naja could not believe that was the full story, could not believe that N’Jobu stole what he did for selfish reasons, that he was just a traitor.

And that’s why she was now standing outside his door with a picnic basket feeling rather foolish. But resolved to do what Erik had done for her a few nights ago, show up for him. Because everyone deserved someone to show up for them in their darkest moments. 

She bowed her head to the Dora who shifted to the side to allow her to knock. It only took a few moments before he swung his door open. 

Naja lost the ability to speak as she took in his perfectly tone chest, the deep V that led down to his most formidable and tantalizing weapon. Her brain and the reason for her visit disappeared as a cloud of lust hazed everything. 

“H-Hi.” 

“Hey, everythin’ ok?” He wanted to scream at her that she should not be there. She could not be there. This was the opposite of distance. But try as he might, those words refused to surface. 

“Y-Yea, yea. Everything’s ok. I just… well, I know you didn’t cancel tonight because of work. I know what… I remember what today is. Your dad’s birthday. And if you want to bury yourself in work, I understand. But I figured you could use a friend while you do it. So I brought snacks and liquor and work of my own. And I have Boyz in the Hood queued up on my tablet, which I doubt is still your favorite movie. But I do remember you mentioning your dad liked it so… I thought we could watch while we work.” 

She lifted the backpack and basket in her hands as if to ask him if she was allowed inside. 

This woman, he thought to himself. Something inside him wanted to break down in tears at her thoughtfulness. And before this moment, he was not even sure his body still produced those. 

“Guess it’s my turn to be shocked you remembered all this?” 

“Well… tell anyone and I’ll have to kill you,” she joked. “I remember everything about you too. Much to my chagrin, I suppose. So can I come in?” She asked as she balance back and forth on her heels. 

Right then and there, Erik knew he had an impossible choice to make. He could do what T’Challa demanded and be the Erik that destroyed her or he could be the man he wanted to be. And the man he was and wanted to be loved this woman beyond comprehension, adored her beyond comprehension. 

It was a gamble, a gamble that could cost him her and everything he wanted. But a relationship with her was worth risking everything for… war, damaging his relationship with T’Challa… he did not care. She was worth every risk in this world. 

So then and there, he decided to hell with T’Challa. Fuck his orders, fuck marrying some woman he did not know because of a promise he made years ago. Even if it took every day of the next 20 years until King Bisi was with the ancestors, he would dedicate his life to finding a way out of that promise so he could be with the only woman that mattered in this world. The only person that mattered in this world. 

“Only if there’s some lime cake in that basket?” 

Her entire body, which was weighed down by her nervousness, seemed to lightened as she walked in past him. “As if I’d bring anything else??” 

“You didn’t have to do this. I’m sorry… for canceling on you.” 

Naja waved her hand. “I know I didn’t have to. Probably shouldn’t have. But I lost a bet. Besides, this is way better. What would the Wakandans say if they saw their most feared assassin at dinner with their beloved prince? We’d never live the rumors down. Can’t have anything destroying my… how do you Americans say it? ‘Street cred?’” 

“I thought I was Wakanda’s most feared assassin?” 

Naja tilted her head as if she had to think about it as she sat down on the giant couch in his living room. “Second… did you forget how I was beating your ass on the mat everyday?” 

“You forgot what bet you lost to earn this date, baby girl?”

“Beating me twice hardly means anything when I’ve beat you no less than 30 times.” 

“Touche.” 

He settled on the couch next to her as she pulled out all of their supplies and poured him a drink and hit play on the movie. “Remember when we used to sneak bottles of rum from my dad’s collection?” 

He let out a barking laugh. “Yea I remember you bein’ scared as fuck too. Goody two shoe ass.” 

“One of my endearing qualities back then. Afraid to steal,” she threw back her head and laughed. “Oh if the 15 year old me could see me now.” She straightened up and raised her glass. “To our 15 year old selves? Maybe they be forever shocked and dismayed by our crimes and debauchary.” 

“Cheers.” He chuckled, the first genuine laugh he had all day before clinking his glass against hers.  

They did not talk much as the movie played and they both did their “work,” which really was stealing glances at each other and Naja commenting on the movie, which she had not seen since she last watched it with Erik. 

“Can I ask you something?” She asked him as the movie credits rolled. “It’s ok if you don’t want to answer.” 

“Shoot.” Erik brought the glass to his lips. 

“Did you ever find them? Or at least what happened to them?” 

His hand stilled. He did not know how to answer that without opening a conversation that she explicitly told him was off limits. He never talked about the truth about his parents, let everyone save T’Challa, Queen Ramonda, and Nakia believe what the rest of the country believed: that his parents had dumped him at the border and disappeared with their fortune from stealing vibranium and selling it to the highest bidder. When he thought about the real story, he found it difficult not to fall back into that vengeful 18 year old he was when he left. 

“Yea,” he cleared his throat and sat up. “Didn’t have to look far, they died not long after they dropped me here.” 

She did not seem deterred by the sharpness in his tone as she grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “I’m sorry. I know you doubted it back then but I… I believe that they would’ve come back for you if they could have. Would have faced up to what they did for another opportunity to be with you.” She paused. “Everyone’s fighting to get back to something. And you were worth fighting to get back to.”

Naja did not let go of his hand or break the stare between them as they gazed at each other, their work long forgotten. Erik tugged on her arm, Naja offered him no resistance as his superhuman strength pulled her gently into his lap. His hand cupped her face as he stared into her eyes and saw his future. As breathtakingly beautiful as a Wakandan sunset and sunrise, he saw everything he wanted in this world, his first real shot at happiness. 

“You’re what I’m fighting to get back to. No matter what gets in my way or how long it takes. Rhoqo ukutshona kwelanga nokuphuma kwelanga ubomi bam bonke.” 

Tears glistened in Naja’s eyes as she heard his words. 

Every sunset and sunrise for the rest of my life. As long as she lived, she never forget those words. The words he had said when he proposed, an eternal reminder that they were two sides of the same perfect coin. 

“N’Jadaka…” she breathed. 

The sound of his Wakandan name on her lips drove him insane. Whether a plea to stop or continue, he could not hope to care.

Every fiber of her being, down to her very cells begged her to fall. The sea was right there, the water felt warm and safe and like everything she had ever wanted. And yet, her feet were still planted. Something still made her hesitate. 

And Erik could feel it, every ounce of her that warred with the other. Every cell in her body that pushed her lips to meet his and every other one that begged her to retreat. She was not ready yet, he could feel that… see that. And that was ok. They would have time, he would make sure of it. 

He forced himself to muster superhuman self control and stop himself. He pressed his forehead against hers for a moment, Naja letting out a deep exhale. 

“I want…” she whispered, her voice breaking with the weight of everything she felt for him and wanted to feel for him. She wanted him so badly but she did not want to regret it tomorrow. “I want you so badly. I’m…” she lifted her eyes to the ceiling. “F-fuck if you ever tell anyone I uttered this, I’ll kill you. But I’m scared. Fucking t-terrified. A-nd I’m j-just not…” 

“I understand.” he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “For as long as it takes. I meant that shit.” 

“I’m sorry… I should go.” She started to move when he halted her. 

“Stay.” At her weary expression, he amended. “I don’t need that. But I do need you… stay.” 

Naja nodded, there was no resistance left. Erik shifted so he could lie down and Naja laid between his legs on his chest. He pulled a blanket around them and pulled her in tightly as he cued up another movie on her tablet for background noise. 

“And I know… no one can know ‘n this don’t change shit between us,” Erik’s deep baritone filled her ears. 

“No, this time… it changes everything,” she whispered back before closing her eyes to go to sleep. 

Erik watched her sleep for almost an hour, her soft snores reaching his ears. He did not need much sleep so he merely let movies continue playing while he watched her, committing every feature on her face to memory. Once she was deep enough in sleep, Erik slid out from under her. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bed. He was surprised she stayed asleep through all of the movement, most spies he knew could wake up at mere shift of a body next to them. 

However, before he joined her, he quietly snuck to his front door, easing it open. He leaned out, getting the attention of the Dora assigned to him. 

“Teela, remember that favor you owe me?” Erik asked lowly, referencing a mission he and the Dora went on to recover vibranium not long after he returned, a mission in which he saved the young Dora’s life. She said she would be indebted to him, a debt he never thought he’d need to call in until now.

“Yes, my prince.” 

“As far as Okoye ‘n that nigga T are concerned, you ain’t seen Naja here tonight or any other night. You got me?” 

The Dora sized him up for a few minutes, Erik could tell she was weighing the pros and cons of keeping a secret from her superior and King for the prince. However, thankfully, she merely nodded and saluted him, her nonverbal agreeance to his words. 

“Preciate you.” 

And with that, he closed his door and returned to his bed. Tonight, he would not think of how he would hide what he was doing, tonight he would not think of how he was going to help overthrow the very monarchy he was promised to, tonight he did not think of how he was going to hide a potential engagement from the slumbering woman next to him. Tonight, he merely reveled in the feeling of Naja in his arms and the peace she brought, a night where his heart was calm and at ease.  

Tag list: @miyuhpapayuh @pipsqueak-98 @injerafiend @themakingsofdion @lishabaybee @certifiedlesbianbaddie @prettyisasprettydoes1306 @dangerous-history @roguekiki @mysteryuz @shyblackgurl

***

A/N: le sigh... everybody's lying to our girl smhhhh lol so hopefully you caught the couple hints in chapter 3 that Erik was keeping some secrets. But hopefully you also caught the hints that his impending nuptials are not the only secrets he is holding back. So what do you think? How do you think this is going to blow back on him? Cause you know it will lol Drop a comment and let me know what you thought! Thanks for reading!