#did he trip and fall flat on his face??? was he being a pushover like usual???

[elysianymph]

whoever slanders remus lupin will get beat up by me. get out of here

[ilythena]

Hi lovie! Your writing and blog aesthetics are incredible! I visit every morning to get some motivating energy. May I please make a request for Jack Hughes? May it please be with a girl who is quiet/introverted but not a pushover. She doesn't start conversations/speak much in public, but is chill with herself and doesn't waste her social battery with those she doesn't vibe with. If that makes sense so sorry! The plot can be anything you wish! Please change or ignore this I know it's odd and choppy.

𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐒 || 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐇𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐄𝐒

★SUM Jack’s in love with his blunt girlfriend, and isn’t afraid to show that.

Fem!reader, as per requested the reader is quiet and doesn’t give two shits about it, use of y/n, poor Trevor getting ignored bad and then rutger taking his spot, ngl this was kinda hard to write cause I am literally the most friendly person ever, anon I love u thank u sm for this req I love soft Jack, hope I did this ask justice!

WC: 1.8K, not proofread 🐚

♪ GOOD DAYS - SZA

“Still standing here?”

“Mhm.”

Tonight was great. You went with Jack to this beach party he was invited to and despite thinking you were gonna hate it, it was actually pretty fun. Though you would never admit that to him.

The warm air of summer brushes past you with a soothing coo of relaxation. The music from the party being distant in your ears; hearing chatter and the crashing of the waves in harmony.

“You don’t talk a lot, do you?” A boy says, one of Jack’s friends named “Trevor” or something—honestly you didn’t mean to forget but it just didn’t stick to you at the moment.

“Not really.” You say and then turn around to walk back into the crowd. After a few minutes of just wandering you bump into the chest of another person. “Excuse me-“

“Well hello pretty lady, you alone?” He says, and you lift up your head a little bit to see the gorgeous sight of your boyfriend, Jack. His smile widens as you two meet eyes and they crinkle at the side a little bit with how hard he’s smiling.

“Hmmm, not too sure if I am….” You tease and he wraps an arm around your waist to bring you closer to you. “Where’d you go? Outside?” nodding your head and bringing your arms to wrap around his neck you give him a small kiss

You two part slightly when a girl makes her way over to the two of you, not even sparing you a glance.

“Jacky! How are you-“ she stumbles—trying to purposefully trip herself into him, but only getting surprised when he grabs you and quickly moves the both of you out her way, causing her to fall flat on the floor.

A few people around her look down confusingly, and you mentally smile at her slightly embarrassed look. She quickly jumps back up to her feet and coughs a little to clear herself up.

“Um, anyways. How are you doing, Jacky?” She says, and looks at you for a second while her face shifts to displeased when she sees his arm around your waist.

“I’m fine. Me and my girlfriend, y/n, are doing pretty well-“ “Jack! Tell your brother he sucks at pool.” A tall brunette says with Luke trailing behind him with a grumbling smile “I do not suck! You definitely cheated!”

“Yeah okay Luke.” Your boyfriend snorts and the random girl is very swiftly pushed to the side while the two boys take over her spot in front of you.

“Hi y/n” Luke says and gives you a small hug while you smile at him in greeting. “Hi, I’m rutger! You can call me rut, Nice to meet you.” The boy takes out his hand and his demeanor is incredibly friendly, shooting him the same smile you gave to Luke “I’m y/n. You’re a pool expert?”

“Nah, but I could definitely beat you if you play like this dude over here.” He jokes while nudging over to Luke and he replies with a ‘so not true’

“You’re so on!” The two of you run over to the table, already joking around about which one of you would get which side.

“That’s new? She doesn’t really click with people like that…” Luke says and Jack nods, looking at the two of you. “It is rare, but sometimes it happens. Rutger has that younger brother vibe which is probably why they clicked so fast. Y/n has a soft spot for family.”

“Jack! Get over here! I am not having Luke as my partner again” “that’s my boyfriend!”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were alone? I would have came too!”

“Rut, I like my alone time outside” you giggle, seeing him plop down on the seat next to you, making an ‘O’ shape with his mouth.

“Well, Jack was looking for you earlier. And Trevor was complaining that you didn’t like him?” “It’s not that I don’t like Trevor, I don’t really know him like that.”

“you don’t know him either!” A muffled voice comes from behind the glass window you’re in front of, turning around to see Trevor (apparently) and Jack looking at the two of you.

Jack grins, mouthing a ‘hi Baby’ to you while Trevor freezes and backs up from the window. “…a little creepy.” “I didn’t even know he was there.” Rutger laughs and you scoff

“He’s kinda right though, I only just met you at the party two days ago.” Rutger says, leaning back into his seat. “Yeah, but you give off like a friendly sibling vibe. Whoever that is gives me random dude vibes which is true cause he is.”

“Can you at least make an effort to learn my name? As Jack’s best friend I think I deserve some respect!“ Trevor whines and Jack opens the door, already tired of talking to you through the window. “you are not my best friend.” “Then who is?” “You are, obviously.” Jack says to you in response to your question.

“Y/n! Come here, I need help with my hair.” Ellen calls you over and you gently excuse yourself from the porch as the boys talk amongst each other.

A few minutes later, the same girl from last night slides into your spot and everyone stops talking. “Hey guys, what’s going on?” “Um, nothing much. Just waiting for y/n to get back I guess. Where did you come from?” Rutger says and she fakes confusion, purposefully ignoring his last question. “who’s y/n?” “My girlfriend. You saw her last night at the party.” Jack says and she furrows her brows.

“Oh, her? I talked to her outside too, not very friendly.” “Yeah, you just have to get close to her. Unless you’re Rutger apparently.” Trevor sighs and Rutger lets out a little laugh “I don’t know, she really seemed like she didn’t like me.” “She might warm up to you eventually.” Jack cuts through shortly, not wanting to leave a space where she could talk negatively about you.

He thanks everything when he sees you walking back up to them, another smile gracing his lips. “Your mom is literally the best Hughes.” “Should I take offense to that or no?” He jokes and you shrug.

“Hi.” The girl sitting in your seat says and you nod your head back in greeting. “Can I get a hi too?” “Hi Travis.” “My name is Trevor!” Giggling, you let out a small ‘oops’ and Trevor knows for a fact you’re messing with him now.

The girl eyes you down carefully, as if she’s trying to pick out a flaw while you stand there and look at something on your phone.

“Oh shit, we gotta go. Promised Luke I’d go with him to watch a movie. You wanna come, babe?” “Nah, I’m good. I’m probably just gonna relax.” “I can go.” The girl says with an exaggerated ear piercing voice, and Jack can’t help but cringe. “Um, Luke said guys night only. Bye! Bye babe.” He kisses you goodbye before shoving rutger and Trevor out and away so the girl couldn’t question him.

You stand there and watch while the boys pull out of the driveway, waving a goodbye and seeing them drive off. Eventually, the boys leave and it’s just you and this mystery girl here.

You move to go back inside, and she follows you from a distance.

Walking into the kitchen, you take out a pack of strawberries and wash them off before grabbing a cutting board and beginning to cut them into pieces, trying your best to ignore the weird girl behind you.

“Do you even like Jack?” She questions and you pause before turning around to look at her. “Who are you?” You say, before turning back to your strawberries. “I’m Kianna. I live next door. I don’t think you’re a good fit for Jack.” “Good thing I don’t care what you think then, Kianna.” She huffs and you slide your diced strawberries into a cup, moving to take ice cream out of the freezer and scoop it into a bowl.

“That’s rude.” “It’s not rude, I don’t know who you are. Why would I care about what you think if I don’t know you?” You respond, and place your strawberries on your ice cream before leaving to go upstairs into Jacks room. “You don’t want to get to know me?” “Why would I want to get to know someone who’s trying to steal my man?”.

You can hear Ellen open the front door when you disappear up the steps and slow down so you can hear their conversation.

“Oh! Kianna, honey… what are you doing in here?” Ellen says and she freezes “um, I was talking to Jack’s girlfriend and she just went upstairs.” “Oh, y/n! Isn’t she great? I just love her so much, such a sweetheart! Jack’s just so in love with her too.” Ellen says and you can feel the awkwardness radiating off of Kianna. “U-um, Mrs. Hughes, I’m gonna head home now. Bye.” She mumbles before making her way out the door.

You snicker before walking up into Jacks room and turning on the latest episode of your favorite murder tv series.

You wake up to feel Jack laying down next to you, Arms wrapped around you and his body slightly squishing yours.

“Hey. Had a nice nap?” He buries himself into the back of your neck, smiling when he hears you giggling with a sigh.

“Was soo nice. You have fun at the movies with Luke and the others?” “Yeah. Was a great movie. Would’ve been better if you were there though.”

Silence is the only thing heard between you two. The tv doing all the talking you need to fill in the empty air.

“My mom said Kianna was in here earlier. She trouble you at all?” You roll onto your other side to face him properly and play with his hoodie. “Nah, she tried to intimidate me but it didn’t work.” “Intimidate you how?” “Tried telling me she didn’t think I was good for you or whatever, but I literally don’t even know that chick. Why would I care?”

Jack hums in agreement as he snuggles closer to you. “She’s just upset cause I’m not dating her. I’ve never liked her, but I’ve been nice because she’s like my summer neighbor or whatever.” You smile and nod in acknowledgment.

“I don’t care what she thinks. Like I said, I don’t know her.” “My mom secretly hates her too, but don’t tell her I told you that.” He whispers and you smile.

“I love you so much.” He mumbles into your neck and you sigh in contentment. “I love you too, J.” You two share a few kisses before you hear knocking on the door.

“Hey. Tell y/n her favorite Hughes brother just came home.” “Quinn!” “Hey! I’m here too!” “Shut up Luke!”

© copyright of ilythena. Do not repost or translate onto any other websites.

[singing-and-humming]

Road Trip HC

Warning : this is full of clichés and I apologize but I was in the mood to write the boys being romantic so there you go…

CHRISTOPHER

Insists on driving the whole trip but because you rented a nice car, he’ll let you drive when you ask

And soon after you take over, he falls asleep

You’ll stop on the way to buy some snacks because you know that he’ll get hungry and throws everything on him

Laughs so hard he’s wheezing when he wakes up covered in sweets and chips packets

Calls you a mediocre co-pilot because he gets confused between left and right every time you tell him to take a turn

Tries and succeeds to make up for it by grabbing you hand and placing kisses on your palm and your forearm

Strikes a conversation with strangers on your stops, in the restaurants and that’s how you get ideas on where to go next

Sings to pretty much any music on your playlist or at least do a very good job at lip-syncing

Probably brings you to do some surfing or maybe to a rope park or both

Video calls his mom while you drive so he can share the views with her

Reads you some lyrics he’s been working on

Way too much food stops

Obviously documents the whole thing on his Instastory

You get confused about why your phone is blowing up with notifications

You only get a chance to see what is about when he’s ordering room service

It is because he tagged you on a video going from the sun setting to your face with the caption “Cuando tu sol se pone, el mío siempre brilla”

 RICHARD

Kinda short trip because he doesn’t want to miss too much of his free time with Aaliyah but still wants to spend some alone time with you

Because it’s not for long he’s driving a sports car

Brought the snacks

At some point makes you stop so you can hike and have a small picnic with a nice view

You take some picture of him for his Instagram

“Wait let me take some for you as well, you look bomb in this light”

This will end up as a full photoshoot with both of you rotating taking pictures of the other

While you’re on a break at some station gas station, one of his favorite song comes on

Cranks up the volume and dance next to the car

You can’t resist joining him and you draw the attention of a group of college students. This results in a big section of the parking lot turning into a dance floor until the owner makes you leave.

(Later, you’ll found out that some videos of it have been posted when your coworkers start recreating some of your dance moves)

Is pretty quiet when he’s the one driving so you don’t talk either

Put his hands on his tights and you play with his fingers, tracing his tattoos on his right arm

Listens to you recount stories from work that he hasn’t already heard when it’s your turn to take the wheel

 ZABDIEL

Your idea because he was just gonna spend his break chilling in your apartment

Doesn’t have his license (last I heard) and has no plans on getting it

So sits in the passenger seat, looking pretty

The guitar is strapped on the back seat like it is his child

Plays music on his ukulele

It turns into a game of you trying to guess which song he’s playing

Is improvising a lot to throw you off

Got Joel to give him a list of spots to visit

Reads you a book to practice his English and you correct him whenever he mispronounced a word

99,8% chance of it being Harry Potter

You’ll seated next to each other at some lookout point

You get quiet as you take in what is in front of you

“What are you thinking about?” he asks

“Nothing in particular, just appreciating the view. I wish we could have more time together. You?”

“I know we don’t see each other enough but for me times like this just make up for it. I feel so blessed to be here and even more so that I get to share it with the person I love”

Damn, that man knows how to make you feel better and melt

“Oh, no llores, mi amol”

 JOEL

Probably in a SUV

On your way to a relative’s wedding

Has the whole trip planned

Like who’s driving to point A to Point B, where are the gas station, etc.

Booked nice hotels on the way

One with a spa because you both deserve it

Sings musical and passes you the invisible mic

Has a list of restaurants to try out

When it’s your turn to drive, will take your phone and read the GPS instruction doing impressions

Debates that gets blown out like what race of dogs you’re gonna get, opinion on new songs

“I don’t really like the new Ed Sheeran song

In the corner of you eyes you see him opening the window and get his arm outside, your phone still in his hands

“Take that back or it’s gone” in a very serious flat tone

“Joel PimenTEL DE LEON, DO NOT FUCKING DARE!”

“TAKE IT BACK!”

You pull over so you can wrestle the phone from him

You end up in a staring contest and because you’re a sucker for those doe eyes you concede that it’s not that bad but that it’s not your style

He accepts that answer because he doesn’t like a total pushover

You spend the last night at some outdoor movie festival where you’ll cuddle up under a blanket

He proposes to you there

During the reception, brags about how he made you cry when he officially introduces you as his fiancée to everyone even though you already know most of them

ERICK

Insists that he can drive but hasn’t had time to pass the test yet

Pouts when you don’t let him drive, even on the deserted road

Which makes you laughed, he can't help but smile in return and whips up his phone for to capture your smile

You planned a stop at a ranch so you can ride horses

As usual he records the scenery as it passes by

Checks the restaurant in the areas while you drive because baby boy is picky af

And then, as usual, gets bored

Starts a game of would you rather

Talks to you about where he’ll bring when you’ll be able to go to Cuba

Gets emotional about it

You distract him by asking what are his next pranks plans

Makes you follow an ice cream truck until it stops near a park

You get some and go sit under a tree

You ask him to sing for you

He sings a few that he likes and then freestyle

“What was that? I didn’t recognize it?

“I just made it up. Te gusta?

“Of course, that sounded was really nice.”

“Es porque lo inspiraste”

 +YASHUA

Wakes you up at 7 am and is already fully dressed

“What is going on?”

“Go get ready. We’re leaving soon.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I just rented a car. We have to pick it up soon. ”

“What for?

As usual he’s kind of cryptic but you trust him so you get up too

You get ready quickly while he prepares some breakfast for you

Just shoves some of your and his clothes in a duffle bag, telling you that you’ll buy whatever else you might need on the way

“On the way to where, Camacho?”

Actually, has no plan at all. He knew you were stressed and needed to get out of the city for a couple days.

Is the one driving but will randomly ask you to pick which direction to follow

Talks to you about some of the embarrassing things Richard and him did when they were younger to make you laugh

You don’t go far because you didn’t take time off but you end up in a small b&b near a lake after asking a passerby for a hotel

Brought his guitar and decides to teach you the new songs he’s working on while you’re sitting on the front porch

Insists you go skinny dipping

You lay down, intertwined on the grass watching him point all the constellations he can remember while you both air dry

The next day, you go on a ride in a small bark where you take turn rowing

Stops in the middle of the lake and make you stand up with him

Startles you by screaming fucking loudly and tells you to do the same

You actually feel better and starts crying in his arms because you really needed that pause in time

Has to put the GPS on the way back because he has no idea where you were

[camillemontespan]

the fight [drake walker x mc]

So, I think everyone knows I’m raging about the new chapter of TRH so I vented by writing this short one shot, which I hate to add to my Cake universe so just consider it as a ‘what would actually happen if Drake was a complete and utter cuntsatchel who made huge life changing decisions without consulting his wife.’ 

I’ll be honest, I tried to write a reason for Drake wanting his child to be the heir, a valid reason which has been floated around the fandom, but it still doesn’t sit right with me.

@jovialyouthmusic @pug-bitch @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @sirbeepsalot @moonlightgem7 @katedrakeohd @emceesynonymroll  @notoriouscs @dcbbw   @drakesensworld @carabeth @be-still-my-aching-heart

**************************************************************************************

Camille stormed into the foyer and threw her handbag down on the floor. She strode up the stairs to the bedroom and slammed the door.

Drake, laden down with suitcases, dragged himself into the manor. He abandoned the suitcases and took the stairs two at a time to the bedroom.

‘Camille?’ He opened the bedroom door.

A book was thrown at him.

‘Camille, please-’

‘You fucking bastard!’ Camille screamed, reaching for another book and launched it at him. He ducked and it slammed into the wall. 

‘Camille, stop throwing things,’ he ground out. ‘Stop.’

Camille, who had been pacing the room, whipped around to face him. Drake stepped back in alarm; her eyes were filled fury. ‘Believe me, Drake, if I had a fucking weapon, I’d use it on you right now,’ she spat. ‘How could you? How could you agree to that? You didn’t even discuss it with me!’

Drake raised his hands in defence and moved towards her. ‘Camille, honey, this is an honour! Our kid is going to become the future monarch! It’s a big deal!’

Camille stared at him, her chest rising and falling. ‘Do you even hear yourself right now?’ she asked bluntly. ‘You are not talking like my husband.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I mean that the Drake Walker I married.. he wouldn’t agree to this. That Drake Walker wanted a normal life, well as normal as can be within our noble status, and he wanted to raise our child his own way. He had plans to teach them how to make smores, how to build a campfire, family trips.. normal dad stuff that he did with his own father. But this Drake? This guy who suddenly wants his baby to grow up to be a king or queen? That’s not who I married, it doesn’t make any sense!’

‘Maybe my ideas have changed!’ Drake burst out. 

‘When?!’ Camille shouted. ‘We were discussing future babies literally three weeks ago! On the balcony! Are you telling me your ideas have changed so drastically in the space of three fucking weeks?!’

Drake moved towards her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She shoved him away. ‘Don’t you dare touch me!’

A wounded expression appeared on his face. ‘Camille, please..’

Tears were running down her face now. ‘You have sentenced your child to a marble prison,’ she managed to say, her breath hitching. ‘You saw how Liam grew up. Always having to be responsible, no freedom, no life outside of serving Cordonia. He may have had a beautiful palace and was waited on hand and foot but he wasn’t happy. So well fucking done, Drake. That life of campfires, smores, family trips and everything else in between has been ruined because of you being too much of a pushover.’

‘I’m not a pushover,’ Drake muttered, staring at her, his eyes flashing. 

‘You are,’ Camille told him. ‘You talk as if you’re the lone wolf at court, you don’t need anyone, you are better than them but honestly Drake, you’re the same. What happened to the man I married? You would have told Liam to fuck off. You would have defended our baby but instead, you caved to Liam’s wishes because you will always feel that you owe him. Well guess what, sunshine? You have repaid Liam in so many ways. You gave up college to be with him. You endured balls for him. You denied your feelings for me because Liam was in love with me. You constantly put yourself last. I always knew that about you but I never once thought you would put your own baby at the bottom of the list.’

Drake’s eyes filled with tears. ‘Camille, please try and understand..’

‘How can I understand?!’ she burst out. ‘I was so excited to spend my life with you and make a family. You know I have always wanted a family. You know what happened to my parents. You know I have always wanted a child to care for and call my own but now it belongs to the fucking King and his people. You have taken away the one thing I can call my own and I will never forgive you for that.’

They stared at each other for a long time. Drake reached out to take her hand but she shifted away, casting her eyes down. Drake struggled of what to say. What could he say? He didn’t want his child, the offspring of basically two Americans with no noble blood, to be cast out. He didn’t want them to be judged. He wanted his child to feel a part of things, to be something.  But it didn’t seem like a good enough explanation. 

‘I just wish you had discussed this with me first..’ Camille whispered. ‘But you didn’t. We’re meant to be a team, Drake. But while you and Liam were busy planning for our baby to be the next heir, I was sat on that plane wishing I could throw myself off it. You didn’t ask how I felt about this. If that’s how this marriage is going to be, then I don’t want it.’

The breath was knocked out of Drake. ‘Wha? Camille, what? What the hell are you saying?’

Camille drew herself up, her eyes steady on his. She looked powerful now. ‘I mean that if you decide that we should go through with this, I want out. I did not sign up for this when I married you. I was hoping for an equal partnership. That is what we had. But if you’re going to make such a monumental decision about our unborn child without consulting me, then I’m sorry Drake, but I refuse to partake in that. If I am pregnant, I am taking this child away from Cordonia to live a different life. I will give up the role of Duchess, I will give up Valtoria, I will give up you before the monarchy can take my child.’

Drake’s face had turned stark white. ‘You can’t mean that.’

‘I do. The moment you made this decision was the moment I lost complete faith in you.’

Drake grabbed her hands, not letting her go. ‘Camille, please don’t do this,’ he begged. ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry.’

Camille’s eyes narrowed. He had never seen her like this before. ‘Camille.. what can I do?’

‘You know what to do,’ she said bluntly. ‘Be a man about it.’

Drake placed his hands on her flat stomach, imagining a baby was in there. He couldn’t imagine a life without Camille. Without her, the future seemed black with no colour. 

‘I can’t lose you,’ he whispered.

‘You will if you don’t fix this.’

Drake got down on his knees and pulled her close so his head rested on her stomach. He could hear Camille crying and he held her tight. ‘I’m so sorry,’ he murmured. He looked up at Camille, who was looking down at him, her eyes red rimmed and her face wet. 

He stood up and placed his hands on the sides of her face. ‘I’m not losing you,’ he told her. ‘I’m not letting that happen.’

Drake kissed her deeply. She stiffened at first but then relaxed. Drake pulled away and turned on his heel, leaving the room. He was going to fix this. 

Camille sat down on the edge of the bed. A sense of numbness came over her and she placed a hand on her stomach. She might not be pregnant; but she had never felt so protective over something she didn’t yet have. She was like a lioness protecting her cub. No heavy crown was going to touch a hair on her future child’s head, not while she lived and breathed. 

[khhunniewriting]

Baby Illionaire

When you got to your friend’s house you immediately felt like turning back and going home. All of your friends in attendance were wearing long flowy dresses that were perfect for spring. The bright colors and floral patterns brought the garden party to life. It almost felt like something out of a magazine. 

“Y/N!”

Your head turned towards the heavily pregnant woman who was making her way over to you. “Hana...”

She smiled as she took a look at you. It had been a long time since she last saw you but she was glad to know you hadn’t changed. “You’re just as fashionable and edgy as ever.” 

Unlike everyone else, you wore colors on the other side of the spectrum. It wasn’t anything edgy or special but among them, you did seem to stand out. You could see the other women looking at you from the corner of your eye. “Thanks” you smiled, accepting her words as a compliment. “So how have you been?”

“Great” she enthusiastically responded. “It’s so much easier the second time around you know.”

“That’s good to hear,” you laughed it off. But on the inside you yelled, No, I don’t! Now you remembered why you didn’t see this woman more often. She was a good friend in terms of being there for you but she was dense. 

She gasped when she remembered, “Oh my god Y/N I’m so sorry I forgot that you-”

“It’s fine,” you held onto her wanting to stop her from saying anything else. “Let’s keep this to ourselves.” Hana was the only one who knew that for the last year you had been trying to get pregnant. You didn’t have any kids but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. As soon as people heard you hadn’t been successful in conceiving they would all start to hound you with useless tips and advice. What you hated most was when they consoled you. It wasn’t like you were barren, you just couldn’t get pregnant.

Slamming the front door with a groan caught Joonkyung’s attention. He immediately stopped what he was doing and walked out to see what had happened. When he saw his wife fall back into the soft cushions of the couch he knew something was wrong. He sat beside you putting his arm around your shoulder to bring you in close. “What’s wrong?”

You rested your head on his shoulder as your arm drape over his torso. “I want a baby.”

“Me too,” Joonkyung smiled knowing all too well what was going through your mind. He was more than ready to be a father. Since you first proposed the idea he had been looking forward to it.

You looked up at him with pleading eyes. “Can you go make me one?”

“What?” he laughed. “Baby girl you know I can’t just go out and buy one.”

“Joonkyung I saw it, today it’s been a year since I first asked you if you wanted to have a baby with me.” You were starting to lose hope. Even if the doctor said you were fine it felt like it was too long now. “What if I can’t get pregnant? What if I get so desperate for a baby that I ask you to go make one for me with another woman?”

Joonkyung was starting to get concerned when It didn’t look like you were joking. “Y/N that’s-”

“Just think about it, a little Joonkyung.” A smile reappeared on your face as you imagined what that would look like. Your husband was handsome and cool but when he smiled he looked so cute. A baby like that would be perfect for you. “You can go make it then bring it to me so I can take care of him and love-”

“Y/N don’t be crazy!”  He wanted to have a baby just as much as you did but not like that. There was no way he would go have a baby with someone else. “The only person I want to make a baby with is you. How can you tell your husband to have an affair?”

“Awww Joonkyung~” you pulled him in by the neck and kissed him. All the while your lips locked your heart fluttered with his words.The fact that he didn’t even entertain the idea of an affair made you love him even more. 

Now he was totally confused. One moment you were talking about having a baby with him then asking him to have an affair for the sake of giving you a baby. “What was that?”

“I was just testing you.” You were afraid he would start to drift from you if you were never able to give him a child. Your worst fear was that he would trade you in for someone who could. “Of course I don’t want you to make babies with anyone else but me.” Your eyes closed as you leaned in for another kiss.

This time Joonkyung pushed you back making you lay flat on the couch. He didn’t let go of you until you were gasping for air. “Don’t ever say anything like that again.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I was seriously worried that you were going crazy with this baby fever.”

“Well if I didn’t have a fever I do now.” Your hands went up to your cheeks as you felt your skin become warm. The way Joonkyung asserted his love for you had gotten you in the mood to keep trying.

“Just from kissing?” he asked a bit surprised.

You nodded with blushed cheeks. “You know I always get like this before the end of the month.”

“Oh,” he realized what you meant. His eyes lowered to your chest as he further examined what he had noticed earlier when you were leaning against him with your chest to his arm. “No wonder your boobs felt bigger.”

You playfully scolded him for taking advantage of his position above you. “ Hey, what are you looking at?” In reality, you didn’t mind at all. It was your intention to get him to look at you for the rest of your life anyway. That’s why you married him. 

Joonkyung gave you a kiss on the cheek before responding, “My beautiful wife.” There was a sly smile on his face as he helped you up into a sitting position again. He didn’t want you to feel bad about yourself or to feel bad for him. You were in this together or not at all. “Baby, don’t think about it too much. It’ll happen when you least expect it.”

His hands held your face close to his making it impossible for you to care anymore. Now all you could think about was how much you loved the man in front of you. Being married to Joonkyung was easy because he made sure to remind you how much he loved you every day, night, morning, holiday, birthday, anniversary, etc. Although he always kept that cool tough guy look in front of others, when it came to you he was a pushover who smiled and gave in to your every wish. “I won’t but can you take me to Hawaii soon?”

That was an easy request. He was more than ready to take you there if it meant making you feel better. He was a busy man but he didn’t even have to look at his schedule because you were way more important. “How about next week?”

You held onto your stomach as you made your way back to your seat. It was unfortunate that you were feeling so sick when you planned to be extra loving towards your husband.

“Are you feeling better?” Joonkyung asked seeing slight relief in your expression. While you were gone he had transformed your seat into a bed. 

“Yeah, it helped.” When you laid down you made sure to lay on your side so you could still face him. “I’ve never had motion sickness before. It’s awful! My stomach feels like it’s empty but being crushed at the same time.”

“Sorry baby...” He placed his hand on your stomach wanting to comfort you. He began to rub small circles around it reminding you of your mother would comfort your upset stomach as a child. Soon your eyes closed but your lips continued to curve up.

“What are you smiling about?”

“Just thinking...” You were sure Joonkyung would be an excellent father. “I feel so much better now.”

Joonkyung continued to watch over you even when you got out of the plane. After checking in to the hotel he made you rest even though you didn’t want to.

“But Joonkyung-”

“Y/N you just spilled your guts out in the plane.” He was accustomed to taking you out for lunch as soon as you got there. But this time he thought to order in so you could recover from the plane ride.

“But I’m feeling much better now.”

“I don’t-”

“Please” you begged with wide eyes. You really were feeling better, it almost felt like you had imagined the whole thing. Now your stomach was settled and ready for a feast. “I wanted to come here so we could do stuff together not rest.”

“Fine,” Joonkyung sighed giving in. “But we’re going to stop by the drug store to get you some medicine in case you get sick again.”

“Fine with me.” You took his hand to lead the way out of the familiar hotel. It was the same one you always stayed in. By now you felt it was like a second home; you even joked about Joonkyung owning it.

The next morning you were back to being sick until evening. Even with the medicine, you experienced the same thing a few more times during your trip. Joonkyung was starting to seriously worry. You knew he would try to end the trip if you continued like this so you hid it from him.

He knocked on the bathroom door where you had locked yourself in. “Baby are you okay?”

You hated lying to him but you had your reasons. Instead of worry, you were starting to get excited. It really was creepy to smile after you had just threw out your entire breakfast but it couldn’t be helped. You came back out with a bright smile, “Never better.”

“You mean you’re not sick today?”

“Of course not.” 

As soon as you got back from the trip you went to the doctor and confirmed that you were indeed pregnant. It was the news you had been waiting to hear for a year now. Exciting wasn’t the right word, there were no right words to express how you felt. That’s why you knew you couldn’t just tell Joonkyung the news. Plain and simple just wasn’t the way you two lived. You wanted to do something special.

It was oddly strange how nervous you felt. You kept imagining what his reaction would be like that you knew you couldn’t wait much longer.

“Joonkyung,” you called out to your husband as soon as you got home but there was more than one reply. 

“I’m in here” Joonkyung called out to you so you could follow his voice.

“We’re here too” Donggab added.

You went around looking for him and ended up in front of an Illionaire Ambition meeting. “Everyone is here today,” it was almost too perfect. Like this, you could let the boys know the news as well.

“Were you out shopping?” he asked you when he saw the bags in your hands.

You nodded putting down all the bags except for a small Versace bag. "And I got you something too.” The bag rested on the table for them to wonder what it could be.

“For me?”

“Yes but you have to come open it here.”

Joonkyung didn’t think much of your instructions. He went over to your side of the table not suspecting a thing.

Donggab, on the other hand, noticed how fidgety you were. He took his phone out knowing something was going on.”I feel like I have to record this.” 

It wasn’t a special occasion so he did wonder why you were giving him a gift. “Did I forget our anniversary?”

“Hyung how can you forget when it’s tattooed on your arm?” Hyoeun pointed out. 

“Open it, open it, open it” Changmo started to chant.

“What is it?” Joonkyung glanced at you as he picked up the bag looking for any sign of what could be happening. But you wouldn’t budge, “open it and find out.”

He visibly relaxed when he pulled out a familiar black velvet box. It wasn’t until he opened it that he reacted. There was no gold chain, no ring, or watch. His lips slowly curved up as he realized what was going on, “it’s a pacifier.” 

Joonkyung’s smile grew when he looked at you. “Are you really?” He was in disbelief needing your verbal confirmation to know this really was happening.

“I’m pregnant.” As soon as you confirmed it you received a bone-crushing hug from your husband. He was clearly just as happy as you were. Being so close to him allowed you to feel the pounding in his chest. 

“Congratulations!” The guys were all still shocked. They had come for a meeting and ended up hearing some big news. 

Joonkyung was no longer thinking of work. “F*ck work let’s go celebrate.” He took everyone out to dinner that night. While they all posted pictures of the celebration no one revealed what they were celebrating. To the fans, it just looked like the men were out having a meal together.

Dok2: Baby text me as soon as you get out.

“What’s wrong with you?” Donggab asked when he saw Joonkyung kept checking his phone. They were currently backstage of an Ambition concert watching over the three younger males as they performed.

“I’m waiting for Y/N to tell me how the appointment went.” Today was the day you would find out the gender of the baby. Because of the concert, he had to miss the appointment but wanted to stay updated.

“I’m sure Baby Illi is fine.” 

Because the gender of the baby wasn’t known yet it had no name. That’s why Joonkyung had nicknamed it Baby Illionare or Baby Illi for short. It caught on, the guys and even you referred to the bab with that name.

“Yeah but today she finds out if it’s a boy or a girl.”

“Oh, are you hoping for something in particular?”

“A boy,” Joonkyung instantly responded making Donggab laugh.

“That was quick. Why a boy?”

“If it’s a girl I will definitely not let her date until she’s 30. I don’t want any guys to go near her and if she looks like Y/N...” As he thought back to the days when he was trying to date you Joonkyung remembered the other guys who would hit on you. Even now there were those who picked you as their ideal type. “...There’s going to be a lot.”

Dongabb was having a good laugh with his explanation. He knew his friend would be just as protective as he was with you. “What does Y/N say about this?”

“She said I’m crazy.”

You: I’m out 😊

Dok2: How did it go?

You: Good... I gained 2 kg more but it’s okay it’s for Baby Illi 😥

Dok2: Don’t worry about that Baby. You’re still beautiful.

You: How do you know? You haven’t seen me in four days!

Dok2: You’re always beautiful though❤️

You: 😍 I knew I loved you for a reason.

Dok2: I love you for many reasons 😉

You: 😘😘Two kisses, one from me and one from Baby Illi.

Dok2: So what is Baby Illi exactly?

You: An unborn fetus 😂 JK I know what you want me to say but I’m not telling you.

Dok2: What! Why not?

You: Because you told already told our parents and your fans. Now I get to reveal the gender.

Dok2: That’s okay but at least tell me before everyone else.

You: No

Dok2: But I’m the father!

You: Issa surprise 😉

Joonkyung was in a hurry to get back home. He needed to get the information out of you.

“Surprise!” you shouted as Joonkyung opened the front door. He had been gone for almost a week and came back to a room full of white balloons scattered across the floor and furniture. 

“What is all this?” he asked as he kicked through the balloons to get to you. He was curious to know what you were up to but also he missed you so much he just wanted to kiss you. 

It was hard to pull away from him but you really wanted him to start. “This is a gender reveal surprise.”

He looked around not clear on what you meant. “But it’s all white? What does that mean?”

“One of these balloons has confetti inside. You have to pop them to find the right one and see what color it is.” You gave him a safety pin so he could start.

Joonkyung’s eyes widened as he realized just how many balloons there were. “Baby you’re really going to make me pop all these balloons when I just got back?”

You nodded, “I mean it’s up to you if you want to know.” 

“Of course I want to know.” He picked up one of the balloons and popped it but nothing came out. 

“Only 349 to go~” you teased as you took a video of him. He was full of determination as he quickly went around the room popping balloon after balloon. You sent the video to Donggab just like you promised and he instantly responded.

Donggab: Look at that determination. Baby girl Illi is going to be living the single life till she’s 30.

You: My poor baby girl.

-end-

A/N: What do you think of the insta edits? Should I continue to use them in my fics?

[ginnyweatherby]

Anything Your Heart Desires Will Come to You

This story is somewhat of a sequel to this one I wrote awhile ago, but it can stand on it’s own.  I just wanted to write about Charlotte going to Disney World, since she wasn’t able to go on Lefou and Stanley’s last trip with her brother and sister... This time Gaston tags along too!

I struggled with this story more than anything I’ve ever written, but after days weeks months of fighting with it, and I even seriously considered scrapping it a few times, I think I can finally say it is finished.  100% family fluff because that is my jam and I hope it is yours as well.

Being born in the middle of first semester meant Charlotte’s birthdays often went by without much of a fuss.  Quiet dinners, a small (or as small as a family such as hers could accomplish) party if it fell over a weekend.

But last November, Charlotte Mae Durand-Lefou had turned twenty-one years old.

No one wanted to admit it out loud, but not many people thought she would make it this far.  Between her endless hospital stays, and more surgeries than anyone her age should have to endure, twenty-one seemed like an even bigger milestone than it was to everyone else.

Still.  She had college degree to obtain.  So, once again, her birthday went by with a nice dinner (featuring her first - doctor-approved - adult beverage) with both sides of her family, complete with Michelle singing an endless chorus of “Happy Birthday”, while Barney tipped off the waitresses to join her.

Now, it was early May, the weather was warm and Charlotte didn’t have a care in the world.  She’d completed the school year with good grades, didn’t have to think about exams or reports for a few months, and still had two weeks of freedom before her summer internship began.

In honor of her twenty-first half birthday, her father agreed to take her and the family on any trip she wanted… within reason.  Michelle was still only six, after all.

Despite her love for princess movies and countless Mickey Mouse t-shirts, Charlotte had never been to Disney World.

Which is why today Charlotte was checking her reflection one final time as she placed her Minnie Mouse headband over her unruly hair.  She may have accomplished reaching adulthood, but that didn’t mean she couldn't spend a week with her family (and her favorite Uncle Gaston) embracing her inner child.

Michelle was running up and down the halls of their hotel, her Little Mermaid backpack bouncing on her shoulders as her family dragged the bulk of their luggage into their rooms.  At six years old, she didn’t fully understand the responsibility of “carry your own bag, Michelle!” Lefou shook his head as he watched his daughter practically float in excitement before swiping the room key to his and Stanley’s room.  “Michelle, honey, over here.” Michelle skipped back to the rest of her family and leaped past them to bounce on the bed. “Papa, this bed is huge!” “That’s because they knew there’d be a little girl trying to destroy it,”  Lefou teased, finally releasing his grip on his suitcase, Michelle’s suitcase, and his backpack.  He let out a sigh of relief as the weight was lifted from his aching body.  It had been a long day of travel and he couldn’t wait to put his feet up and rel- “WHEN ARE WE GONNA GO TO DISNEY WORLD, PAPA?” Lefou let out a breath.  He should have known better. “We just got here, Michelle,”  Stanley appeared behind them, relieving himself of his own luggage.  “Take a breather.” “I wanna see Ariel,”  Michelle whined.  The mere thought of visiting a theme park after spending so long in transit exhausted Lefou.  He didn’t know where children got their energy, but he envied their apparent never-ending supply.  He had to get his in the form of caffeine... he thought he saw a coffee shop downstairs... “We will, just relax,”  Stanley laughed, pushing open the door to the adjoining room, where Charlotte and Michelle would be staying.  Barney had managed to convince Gaston to allow him to stay in his room across the hall to not have to share with his sisters. Michelle – who was usually found attached to Charlotte’s hip whenever the latter was around – caught sight of her sister unpacking some of her things and jumped off her parents’ bed with an impressive thud on the carpet to run through the doorway. “Is this my bed, Charlotte?”  Michelle asked, and Lefou saw her climb onto one of the beds, before hopping across to the other.  The girl had boundless energy and it wore him out just to watch her sometimes. “Pick whichever you want,”  Charlotte said. Michelle flopped onto her back on the bed closest to the window, seeming to test out the mattress.  “I think I want this one...” “Alright then I’ll take the other o-”  Charlotte turned around to see Michelle, flat on her back, arms sprawled on either side of her, eyes shut and sleeping soundly. “How did she fall asleep so fast?”  Charlotte peered through the doorway to look at Lefou in disbelief. Lefou shrugged, as he heard Stanley chuckle behind him.  “She’s like a battery... she just keeps going and going...” “Until she stops.”

Lefou was simultaneously juggling a handful of tickets (as no one else could be trusted with such responsibility) and doing a head count as he led his small parade of family members through the front gate of the theme park. Stanley stood next to him, his nose deep in a map.  He had spent most of their last trip in a similar position, and soon enough he would probably be pulling a bottle of sunscreen from his backpack insisting everyone lather up. Gaston had Michelle balanced on his shoulders to keep her from running off in her excitement; Barney was hovering behind them from a distance, pretending that fifteen was far too old to be on a Disney vacation with his family.  Lefou knew he’d warm up to the idea soon enough. … and then there was Charlotte. She may have been legally an adult – as difficult as her father found it to believe – but she was looking around the park with a look of awe and wonder usually reserved for small children seeing snow or fireworks for the first time. Lefou stayed away from theme parks during her childhood.  He didn’t want to disappoint her when she discovered most of the rides were forbidden for those with heart conditions such as hers, but this was her choice... and he soon realized he may have made a mistake keeping her from it.  There were still plenty of things she could enjoy this week. “It’s even more amazing in person,”  She muttered under her breath as she looked to Cinderella’s castle.

Lefou smiled as he watched his daughter take everything in.  If he was honest, he never got tired of seeing the castle, himself. “It’s pretty great, isn’t it?”  Stanley asked, as he finally tore his eyes away from the map to follow her gaze. “It’s unbelievable,”  Charlotte said, with a small nod of her head.

Normally, Lefou would have taken a photo of such a precious sight, such a beautiful expression on her face… but not only were his hands too full to root through his pockets to find his phone, but he soon realized part of the magic that Disney so often promised was being present in the moment.

To his parents, a trip to Disney meant a week with the family, a few dorky kiddie rides, matching family outfits… Their choice today was a Finding Nemo theme, with Lefou and Charlotte sporting orange and white to be Marlin and Nemo, respectively, Stanley wore blue to be Dory, Michelle was wearing a pink dress and cheering “aww, you guys made me ink!” every few minutes, even Gaston had been talked into wearing green and brown to be Crush, and finally, Barney wore a yellow shirt that Charlotte had insisted on emblazoning “I’M OBNOXIOUS” across the front in permanent marker.

Stanley said it was a rather fitting quote.

… but to Barney, a trip to Disney meant more than matching costumes.  It meant thrill rides (the Haunted Mansion was his favorite) and most importantly, the snacks.  There was something about food in the shape of cartoon mice that just tasted better.

They’d hardly walked through the front entrance before he was begging Stanley for a few dollars to buy popcorn.  His dad was something of a pushover when it came to the kids, and easily relented.  Now, while they were headed towards the Finding Nemo show that Michelle insisted on seeing, Barney spotted a Mickey pretzel cart and he wanted nothing more than to partake in one.

He rummaged through his pockets for the spare change he’d accumulated from all his earlier snacking, and managed to come up with enough for two pretzels.  He figured he would treat his Papa since he was the only one willing to wait behind as the others charged ahead toward the theater.

“If you keep eating like this, you might actually have to start buying shirts in a size medium,”  Lefou teased, poking Barney’s skinny arm, before taking one of the pretzels from him.

Barney rolled his eyes, as he bit into an ear.  “I’m a growing man, Papa.”

“I don't know what you're talking about,”  Lefou said.  “I still see that tiny little thing hardly more than six pounds in the nursery when I see you.”

“Papa.”

“A little taller now, I'll give you that.”

Barney opened his mouth to reply when they reached the theater.  “Ooh, can we get some popcorn?  It's not a show without popcorn!”

“Bartholomew, you still have a massive pretzel in your hand.”

“What if I promise to share with Michelle?”

Lefou sighed, before handing Barney his wallet.

Charlotte and Michelle were on a mission. They were determined that over the course of their visit, they would meet every princess they possibly could.  Michelle met Ariel on their last trip, and in the two years since, had spoken of little else. Barney had dragged Gaston to ride one of the bigger rides that his sisters couldn’t, so they began their quest, with Lefou and Stanley hovering behind, making sure Michelle stayed within eyesight… They trusted Charlotte, but Michelle could be a handful. “Keep an eye out, Michelle,”  Charlotte was holding the younger girl’s hand.  “Poofy dresses and dainty voices are a dead giveaway for princesses.” “What does ‘dainty’ mean?”  Michelle asked, taking her role of "lookout” very seriously. “Watch ‘Snow White,”  Charlotte said.  “You’ll understand.” Only a moment later, Michelle’s voice rang out in the busy crowd,  “IT’S AURORA!” “We found one!”  Charlotte said, laughing at Michelle’s enthusiasm. There wasn’t much of a line to see their princess, and in no time Michelle was falling into the arms of Aurora. “Oh, my, hello there, Princess!”  Aurora greeted with a chuckle, trying not to topple over from the force of Michelle’s hug.  “How are you today?” “I’m good,”  Michelle said, politely, as she pulled away.  “Charlotte and me are gonna meet all of the princesses today!” Aurora flashed her a smile.  “Is that so?” “Yep!  You’re our first stop.” “Well, I’m honored,”  Aurora said, looking past Michelle’s head to her family.  “Then this must be Charlotte?” “It is!”  Michelle said, excitedly, as Charlotte walked up to the princess and gave her a hug of her own.  Lefou managed to snap a picture of the sweet exchange, pleased to see both of his daughters involved in the magic together. “Are you friends with Ariel?”  Michelle asked. “You know what?”  Aurora said,  “I am.  I think I saw her swimming around somewhere today.  I bet you could still catch her if you look really hard.” Michelle’s excitement was contagious as she squealed at the thought of meeting Ariel again.  She liked Sleeping Beauty well enough, but nothing would ever hold a candle to The Little Mermaid in her mind. “What about you, Princess?”  Aurora turned to Charlotte, who turned slightly pink at the nickname.  “Do you have anyone you would like to meet?” “Oh, I’m just happy to meet you,”  Charlotte said, honestly.  Lefou knew that Mulan was her favorite princess movie, but she was a fan of them all. “I’m flattered,”  Aurora said, putting a hand to her chest.  “You’re both so sweet.  I can’t wait to tell Phillip about you two!  Now tell me, is there a prince in your life?” She glanced over Charlotte’s shoulder to see Lefou and Stanley.  “... or perhaps a princess?” If Charlotte was pink before, she was magenta now.  “There might be... uh, a prince, that is.” Stanley, who’d just taken a swig from his water bottle began to cough.  “... Excuse me?” Aurora giggled a delicate laugh behind her hand as Lefou pounded his husband on the back while he spluttered to get him to breathe properly again. “Did you know that?”  Stanley hissed into Lefou’s ear as the girls continued to talk to Aurora. “Not exactly,”  Lefou admitted.  “But she’s twenty-one, so I can’t say I’m surprised.” “She’s too young.”  Stanley insisted.  He didn’t even know Charlotte until she was twelve, but he had fully accepted her as his daughter to the point where he was apparently scandalized by the thought of her having a boyfriend.  Lefou decided not to tell him of all the times Charlotte had mentioned her dates in the past. “She’s an adult,”  Lefou corrected.  “By the time I was her age... she was already born.” “That isn’t exactly easing my state of mind,”  Stanley grumbled as they watched the girls give Aurora one last hug before waving goodbye. “Sorry, Dad,”  Charlotte said, as they began to walk away.  “I didn’t mean to give you a heart attack back there.” Lefou snorted.  “He’ll get over it if we buy him a churro.”

“Did someone say ‘churro?”  A familiar voice asked from behind them.  They turned around to see Barney, now sporting a smile and Gaston who looked a little green in the face. “Those rides were a lot more fun before I turned forty,”  Gaston muttered, steadying himself on the handle of the wheelchair Charlotte used if she tired from walking too much. “You aren't suggesting we're getting old, are you?”  Lefou asked, steering them in the direction of the churro line.  Between this, the Mickey-shaped ice cream Barney insisted on, and the bucket of popcorn Stanley had refilled three times already, he was sure he was gaining a few extra pounds this week. “Never,”  Gaston said, before turning to Charlotte.  “Well, bud, what’s next?”

“Michelle and I are still on the hunt for more princesses,”  Charlotte said, as Stanley handed her a churro.  “Maybe there’s one out here for you, Uncle Gaston.” “If he hasn’t found one yet, I think it may be a lost cause,”  Barney snorted. “Oh, really?”  Charlotte said with a smirk.  “... maybe for you, then?” Barney’s freckles appeared even more prominent on his face as he blushed… or maybe that was just the sunburn. “There’s Tiana, Daddy!”  Michelle said, pulling on Stanley’s hand and pointing across the way. “You’re right,”  Stanley agreed.  “Barney, maybe this is your shot!”

Barney grumbled under his breath, his pale face now just as red as his hair.

Lefou couldn't help but laugh at his son’s disgruntled face.  He wrapped an arm around Barney’s shoulder as they watched Michelle give Tiana one of her signature bear hugs.

“Oh, Bartholomew,”  He sighed, as Tiana complimented Michelle on her dress, before greeting Charlotte.  “I must say, you could do worse than a princess.”

Barney shrugged his father’s arm off his shoulder, but Lefou could see the smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Charlotte?”  Tiana gasped, once Charlotte had introduced herself.  “Why, that’s my best friend’s name!  Are you sure that's not you, Lottie?”

Charlotte laughed, as she shook her head.  “I’m not interested in kissing any frogs, I’m afraid.”

“Well, that's a relief,”  Stanley muttered from beside Lefou.  “At least she's not kissing him.”

“Maybe he's already turned into a prince,”  Lefou teased, reaching over to squeeze his husband’s hand.

“Lefou!”

Tiana offered to take a picture with the group, and while Lefou was usually behind the camera, Gaston offered to hold it to make a family photo of it.

“Say… uh, ‘frog’, I guess?”  Gaston said, as the family crowded around the princess and flashed their smiles.

“Uh, frog, I guess!”

Gaston only groaned as he snapped the picture.

As they walked away, Charlotte leaned into Barney’s side.  “So, what did you think of her?  I bet I could get you her number.  My name is Charlotte, after all.  I have connections.”

Barney retorted with something Lefou was glad Michelle didn’t overhear.

Late afternoon was setting in and Michelle was getting cranky.

To counter her mood, Charlotte plopped her in the wheelchair and was pushing her towards the “It’s a Small World” ride for the third time that day.  Charlotte was able to ride that one, and even though Lefou would have rather done anything but listen to that song for another fifteen minutes, he would never refuse her. “And here we thought she outgrew strollers,”  Stanley commented as Michelle giggled when Charlotte hit a bump. “It can be fun to be pushed around,”  Charlotte admitted, as they approached the line.  Charlotte didn’t often use her chair, and it was mostly used to carry their bags, but Lefou could tell she was getting a little winded and may need to trade with her sister soon. “Do you want to sit down?”  Lefou asked. Charlotte sighed, seeming to admit defeat.  As much as she didn’t like to use it, insisting she was well enough to go without, it had been a long day, and they would be in this line for awhile. “Michelle, sweetie, can you stand up?”  Stanley asked, reaching down to lift her out. “No, no, she’s fine,”  Charlotte scooped her sister out of the chair, before falling into it, Michelle settled on her lap.  The younger girl looked close to a nap. “Are you sure she’s okay there?”  Stanley asked.  “She gets heavy after awhile.” “She’s alright,”  Charlotte said, letting out a breath.  Lefou took over pushing the wheelchair as the line moved forward. “Do we really have to go on this one again?”  Barney asked.  “I think I’ll have this song stuck in my head for the rest of the day.” “The week,”  Gaston corrected. “The month.” “The year.” “My life.” “I like the song,”  Michelle chimed in, sleepily. “Do you now?”  Stanley asked, throwing a mischievous glance in Barney and Gaston’s direction.  “... Can you remind me how it goes again?” Michelle perked up a bit as she began a chorus of “it’s a small world after all...” “Dad,”  Barney whined as Gaston let out a groan. “Just trying to keep a kid entertained for the next half an hour,”  Stanley said, a little too innocently. “... it’s a small world after all!”

Their day ended a little earlier than they’d anticipated.  Lefou always loved to watch the fireworks show at Disney, but they had another few days for that.  Michelle had fallen into a heavy sleep, trapping Charlotte (who was also getting a little worn out) in her chair, and Barney’s combination of roller coasters and absurd amount junk food made him sick, putting him in a sour mood for the rest of the day.  The sun hadn’t even begun to set yet, but they decided to call it a day and head back to the hotel. “I’d say that was a pretty successful first day,”  Stanley said.  He was sprawled out on the bed in their hotel room, scrolling through the pictures he’d taken on his phone that day.  Michelle was curled up next to him, her pigtails in disarray, bangs plastered to her forehead.  She had sticky ice cream residue on her dress, and Lefou saw a hint of sunburn on her cheeks. She was cuter than ever. Charlotte was resting in the room next door, while Gaston and Barney went downstairs to check out the hotel pool.  Lefou couldn’t imagine swimming after a day like today, but he’d never been nearly as athletic as they were.  He’d swim later. He fell onto the bed, taking care not to wake his daughter, before flipping on the TV. “Successful indeed,”  Lefou agreed, flipping through the channels.  “We wore Michelle out, at the very least.” “She’s not the only one,”  Stanley said, hiding a yawn behind his hand. Lefou checked his watch.  “There’s still an hour and a half before the dinner reservation.” With that, Stanley scooted down on the bed, fluffing the pillow a bit before closing his eyes. Unsatisfied with the choices on TV, Lefou shrugged and laid down on his own pillow, and in no time they were both asleep, Michelle snuggled up between them.

The next day was somehow even muggier than the previous afternoon, and it was still early.

Lefou was already drenched in a layer of sweat, and could feel himself growing more irritable by the minute.  He didn't want to spend his vacation in such a foul mood, but if they didn't find air conditioning quickly, he might just melt into a puddle like that talking snowman in Frozen.

Stanley took the girls off to meet a few more characters, while Lefou and Gaston took Barney to ride the Haunted Mansion for what was sure to be the first of many times.   Since it was his favorite ride in the park, they always made a point of hitting it at least once, and the line had been too long the day before.

Barney walked ahead of the adults, impatient to reach the line as soon as possible.  Lefou and Gaston trailed behind, talking among themselves.

“He acts so high and mighty sometimes,”  Lefou chuckled, as he watched Barney try and keep from racing too far ahead,  “but look how sweet he is when he cuts the act.”

“Don’t you remember being a fifteen year old boy?”  Gaston asked.  “Between puberty, parties and wooing girls, you’re lucky he wants to spend a week with his old man at all.”

Lefou let out a dry laugh.  “Our teen years were vastly different, my friend… and as much as I appreciate you, I hope my son doesn't go quite as crazy as you did.”

“I have to agree with you there,”  Gaston said, honestly.

“Come on, you guys!”  Barney called back to them.  “We’re almost there!”

They were now at the entrance, and Lefou watched as Barney allowed a mother and her young child to cut in front of him before they entered the line.

“That was awfully nice of you,”  Lefou commented.

Barney shrugged.  “She was really little.  I guess I could wait a little longer.”

No, Lefou didn't have anything to worry about.

“Okay, who’s thirsty?”  Lefou and Charlotte were balancing handfuls of souvenir mugs in their hands, before carefully placing one in front of each family member.

“Do I want to know what you spent on the specialty drinks, love?”  Stanley asked, taking a sip.

“Probably not,”  Lefou admitted, falling into the seat next to his husband.  He pulled his own cup close to his face, inspecting it.  It was brown, with a rustic feel to it, but he couldn't identify the characters on the side.  A handsome, rather muscular fellow in a red coat, and a squat little man with a large, pink nose.

“I don’t know who they are, but this guy is ugly,”  Barney said, pointing at the smaller character on the side of his mug.

“Just think,”  Stanley said, rolling his eyes.  “Since Papa undoubtedly spent a fortune on these, we get to keep them forever.”

“I hope they stay in the back of the cupboard.”

“Actually, Papa,”  Charlotte said.  “I'm not sure why, but this guy has always reminded me a bit of you…”

“Should I be offended?”  Lefou asked, taking a sip.  Maybe it was a little expensive for a glorified cup of apple juice…

“I don't think so,”  Charlotte said.  “The other guy reminds me of Uncle Gaston.”

Gaston looked pleased at this fact.

“Do you know what movie he’s from, Char?”  Barney asked.  “I’ve seen his picture around, but I can't figure out who it is.”

“You mean you’ve never seen-”

Before Charlotte could finish her answer, Michelle let out a shriek, her pricey apple juice now spilled all over her dress.

Stanley sighed, before reaching into his backpack for his pack of trusty wet wipes.

Even though she wasn't his daughter, Charlotte had been a big part of Gaston’s life ever since she was born.  He had spent many of his college days at Lefou’s apartment, holding that tiny little girl against his shoulder, wondering how he ever got to the point where his friends were having babies, and wondering if someday he’d have one or seven of his own to coddle.

Now his favorite Little Buddy wasn't so little anymore.  Twenty-one years older, and was tall and smart and everything Gaston had hoped she would turn into, plus some.

He watched Charlotte fall into her wheelchair, pulling Michelle into her lap as Barney pushed them around.  He loved each of his little “nieces and nephew”.

“Disney magic making you emotional?”  Lefou asked, handing Gaston a bottle of water.  “You look lost in thought… which is strange for you.”

Gaston chuckled.  “A dangerous pastime indeed.  No, I was just thinking about-”

Before he could finish his answer, Charlotte let out a gasp and then a snort.

“Oh, I am so getting a picture with him,”  She said, pushing herself out of her chair, and taking Michelle’s hand.

She led their group a little farther down until they met her destination.  Gaston never saw the thrill in meeting the characters at Disney World.  They were just people in costumes, what was so exciting?

Upon closer inspection, he noticed this must be the man who was on their drinks earlier that afternoon.

A large man with padded muscles and a long black ponytail gave a charming smile as they approached.

“Well, hello there,”  He greeted.  “What brings you here to see me today?”

Charlotte was the only one who was familiar with this character, so the rest of the family hovered behind as she spoke to him.

“I just had to meet everyone's favorite guy,”  Charlotte said, her smile growing wide.  “Rumor has it there's no man in town half as manly.”

Even though Gaston didn’t know who he was, Charlotte was obviously smitten.

“Perfect, a pure paragon.”  The man said with a wink.

“Now, who do you have with you today?”  The man took in the crowd of people behind Charlotte.

“My dad, my other dad, my brother, Barney, my sister, Michelle, and my…,”  Charlotte snorted again before continuing, “Uncle Gaston.”

The man’s eyes darkened as he looked Gaston up and down.

“Uncle Gaston, you say?”  He crossed his arms as Gaston took a step closer.

“That's what they call me,”  Gaston said, furrowing his brow.  Just because he didn't know who this guy was, didn’t mean he was about to feel threatened by a children's character.

The man took another step closer.  “You look like a strong guy, Monsieur.”

Gaston flexed his muscles (he could practically feel Lefou rolling his eyes behind him), and a smirk of his own crept over his features.

“Not nearly as much as me, of course.”

Gaston felt his face fall.  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

The other man flexed his arm, that annoyingly handsome smirk still tugging on the corner of his mouth.  “I just mean I'm the strongest guy here.”

“Sounds like a challenge, doesn't it, Gaston?”  Stanley taunted from behind them.

Gaston turned back to see him and Barney trying not to laugh at the interaction with this mystery character.

“A challenge?”  The man let out a hoot of laughter.  “This guy would hardly be a challenge… but I'm always ready for some healthy competition.  How are you at push-ups?”

Gaston threw his head to either side, resulting in a series of crackling noises, before falling on all fours.  “Oh, you're on!”

It was late, and Charlotte was sitting on Lefou and Stanley’s bed, snuggled up to her father’s side with the TV turned low, the light casting shadows across their faces in the dark room.

Stanley was asleep in the chair near the window, Barney passed out on the floor, and Michelle curled up like a cat at the foot of the bed.  Their day had ended after watching the parade, Gaston heading to bed as soon as they arrived back at the hotel - still a little huffy about losing his little competition against the buff character.

Charlotte and Lefou were the only ones still awake to finish their movie, despite their own exhaustion.  Charlotte yawned as she laid her head against Lefou’s shoulder.  Michelle may have watched this movie hundreds of times due to her love for all things underwater, but Finding Nemo was really Charlotte’s movie with her papa.

When she was younger, she didn't understand why her father cried so much when watching a movie about animated fish in a dentist’s office, but as she got older, she began to realize.

It couldn't have been easy on him (or her mother, of course) when Charlotte was born.  He became a single dad so quickly, only for his child to come out with some serious health issues.  Charlotte absentmindedly ran her fingers over the large scar across her chest.  It had been a source of insecurity for a long time, but she’d learned to embrace it, and it didn't bother her anymore.  She didn’t even mind when Michelle asked questions if she wore a lower neckline.

She watched as Nemo swam with his lucky fin and she knew this is why her father loved the movie so much.  It was just her and her papa against the world for so long, much like Marlin and Nemo… and like Nemo, she could have gotten lost.

Lefou stroked her hair - a mess after spending a long day out in the humidity - gently as they continued to watch.  It was nearly over now.

Michelle rolled over, jostling the bed a bit.

It wasn’t only her and her father anymore.  Now she had a full life with a big, loving family.

Barney let out a snort in his sleep, as Nemo and Marlin were reunited again.

Charlotte nestled even closer under Lefou’s arm and closed her eyes as the credits began to roll.  She thought she heard him sniffle, but chose not to bring attention to it for once.

Despite the dozens of times she had seen the movie, for the first time, she felt herself get a little choked up as well.

It could have been so much worse.  She could have been lost.

Thankfully - like Marlin - she knew her papa would always be there to find her.

Another reason Gaston tagged along for the trip, was because Stanley and Lefou’s wedding anniversary happened to fall in the middle of their vacation.  They didn't make extravagant plans for the occasion, but they did want a little alone time to celebrate their nine years of marriage together.

Stanley pressed a kiss against his husband’s sleeping forehead to rouse him.  It was early, but Stanley always struggled to sleep in past six, even on vacation.  He was already showered, and his breath tasted of mint toothpaste.

“Morning, love!”  Stanley greeted, cheerily.

His husband - who much less of a morning person - mumbled something, his face smashed into the pillow.

“Happy anniversary,”  Stanley tried again, poking Lefou’s cheek, his coarse facial hair scratching at his hand.  “Can you believe it?”

Lefou rolled over, his face no longer in the pillow, but it was now marked with pink wrinkle indents.  “Believe what?”

Stanley situated himself against the headboard as Lefou groped the nightstand for his glasses.  “Nine years, Lefou… that’s a long time.”

“You're making us sound old,”  Lefou teased.

Stanley chuckled, pressing another kiss into Lefou’s hair.  “Do you think Gaston will be able to handle the kids today?”

“He said he’ll take them to Disney Springs,”  Lefou said, snuggling up to Stanley's side.  “I’m sure they'll be too busy looking at souvenirs to act up.”

“That will keep them busy for awhile, then,”  Stanley said.  “Which is good because I have plans for us this evening.”

“Is that so?”  Lefou asked, a smirk crossing his face.

Stanley nodded, a grin of his own spreading across his lips.  “I’m taking my man out for a nice, perhaps overpriced dinner, have a drink or two, and then we can, um, come back here for awhile.”

Lefou snorted, and opened his mouth to make what was sure to be a witty retort, when they heard a (rather violent) knock originate from the door between their bedroom and the girls’ room.

“Sounds like Michelle is awake,”  Lefou chuckled, as Stanley untangled himself from his spouse to unlock the door.

He cracked it open to reveal their youngest daughter, waving a folded piece of purple construction paper in the air.

“Happy anniversary, Daddy!”

“Good morning… Let’s see what you have there,”  Stanley plucked the card from her hand, and brought it over to the bed for Lefou to see, Michelle close on his heels.

Lefou took the card and read it aloud, squinting as he tried to decipher the spelling of a six-year-old.  It was a sweet note with a cute little drawing of their family, Lefou and Stanley holding hands in the middle.  At the bottom of the card, Michelle had even convinced Charlotte and Barney to sign it.

“Thank you, darling, I’ll be sure to put it in my book when we get home.”  Lefou said, kissing Michelle’s head.  He kept all the cards and drawings his children made for him in a scrapbook he often liked to page through.  He still had the first wobbly drawing of flowers Charlotte made for him when she was hardly more than two.

“What do we do on anniversaries?”  Michelle asked, wedging herself between her parents in the bed.

Lefou laughed.  “Daddy and I are going to dinner tonight, no kids allowed.”

“No kids allowed” were three of Michelle’s least favorite words, and she made her opinion known with a disgruntled noise.

“But you get to spend the day with Uncle Gaston, and your brother and sister,”  Stanley pointed out.

Michelle's response was a much cheerier noise.

Before long, there was another knock at the door, this time it was Barney, asking if Michelle wanted to go downstairs for some breakfast.

Michelle's noise was the happiest of all for the promise of sugary cereal was better than anything else Stanley or Lefou could have said.

“Are you coming too?”  Michelle asked, once she had reached the door and opened it, revealing her brother, still in his Superman pajama pants, and sporting an impressive case of bed-head.

“We’ll be down in a bit,”  Lefou said.  “Go on ahead.”

Michelle slammed the door behind her, and Lefou let out a laugh.  “I love that girl more than anything, but she has far too much energy for seven o'clock in the morning.”

“Shopping, shopping, shopping,”  Michelle sang as Gaston hoisted her onto his shoulders.  Disney Springs was crowded tonight, and he knew her well enough to know she had a habit of running off when something interesting caught her eye.

Barney and Charlotte were beside him, debating on which restaurant was the best one to stop at for dinner, while Michelle was insistent to find something to add to her ever growing Little Mermaid collection.  Gaston was just hoping to keep them out of their parents’ hair long enough for them to finish whatever they had planned for the evening… Perhaps he didn't want to know what they had planned, exactly.

“Ooh, let's stop here!”  Michelle said, pointing her finger in the direction of one of the shops.

Gaston was starving, and was really hoping Charlotte and Barney would make up their minds soon so they could get something to eat, but he supposed they could make a detour while they decided.

He led them into the store, and placed Michelle on the floor.  “Stay close to us, you.”

Michelle nodded, before taking Barney’s hand and leading him toward the back of the building.

“I guess she saw something she liked,”  Charlotte snorted, before wandering off to browse the shelves herself.

Gaston headed to the opposite end of the shop, wondering if there was anything with antlers to add to his own house.  The Bambi stuffed animal Michelle brought home for him after her last trip still sat proudly in his room.

“UNCLE GASTON!”  Michelle’s voice rang throughout the store, causing a few people to look in her direction.

Gaston sighed.

Michelle weaved her way through the shelves (and customers) until she reached him, holding something red in her arms.

“It’s Sebastian,”  She explained, offering Gaston the large stuffed toy.  “He goes with my Flounder!  Can I get him?  Pleeeease?”

Gaston never was able to refuse the kids what they wanted, at least not when they gave him those big doe-eyes.

“You’re sure this is what you want?”  Gaston asked, peering at the price tag… Well, at least Lefou had paid for his plane ticket.

“I do, I do, I do!”  Michelle bounced on the balls of her feet, hugging Sebastian tightly.

“Alright, then,”  Gaston chuckled, as Charlotte found her way back to them.

“I think I found an anniversary present for Papa and Stan,”  She said, displaying a little snowglobe with Donald and Daisy Duck on the inside.  Lefou collected snowglobes, and Stanley did love Ducktales.

“It’s perfect,”  Michelle declared, giving her nod of approval.

“I like it too,”  Barney agreed.

“Anything catching your eye, Barney?”  Gaston asked, pulling his wallet from his pocket as they made their way to the cashier.

“Yeah,”  Barney said.  “The restaurant across the street… wait, is that a Mad Hatter hat?”

Splash

Barney pulled his head above water, shaking droplets out of his hair like a dog when he resurfaced.

“Hey,”  Charlotte wiped her face dry with the back of her hand, where Barney had apparently splashed her with the force of his cannonball into the hotel pool.

“It’s a pool, Charlotte,”  Barney laughed, using his hand to splash her intentionally this time.  “You’re supposed to get wet!”

“I know, but my hair takes forever to dry,”  Charlotte said, as Michelle floated by them, her goggles falling down her face.

Before Barney could retort, an even bigger splash soaked all three of them, this time Gaston was the culprit.

Charlotte sighed, wiping her face again.

“When’re Daddy and Papa gonna come in?”  Michelle giggled, as Gaston pulled her from the water, before throwing her back in, her arm floaties causing her to bob like a buoy.

“Right about now,”  Stanley said, walking into the pool room, and placing his towel on a table, Lefou close behind.

Michelle cheered as her parents walked tentatively into the cool water.

Michelle doggy-paddled over to Stanley, while Lefou - clad in a pair of heinously neon swim trunks - made his way to where Barney and Charlotte were wading.

“It’s humid in here,”  He commented, already beginning to sweat.

“That's because you still have a shirt on, Papa,”  Barney said.  “Are you afraid of getting sunburned inside?”

If Barney didn't know any better, he would say Lefou was turning a little pink in the face.  “Maybe if your father hadn't…”

Lefou cleared his throat, muttering something about his anniversary, and Barney tried not to imagine why he kept pulling his neckline a little higher, and why Stanley kept throwing mischievous glances in their direction.

Charlotte snorted, her laugh echoing through the high ceiling.

It was late on their final day of vacation, and Charlotte was sitting in her wheelchair, Michelle asleep in her lap.  While she didn't want the week to end, she was exhausted, and couldn't wait to tell her mother all about her trip - and to sleep in her own bed again.

Barney was revoked of his wheelchair-pushing rights after he rammed into Gaston’s ankles three consecutive times, and Lefou had taken over, while his son followed sleepily behind.

The parade was enchanting as ever, and now they were all gathered around a garbage can in their matching Mickey ears, while they waited for the fireworks to start.

“You wanna see the fireworks, Michelle?”  Charlotte asked, adjusting the girl in her lap.

Michelle mumbled something unintelligible and nuzzled her face further against Charlotte’s shoulder.  Charlotte supposed they had already seen them a few times.

… and yet, they never seemed to get old.

Her father always told her the fireworks were his favorite part of the day, and Charlotte now understood why.  She watched in awe as bright colors exploded over the sky and reflected on that beautiful castle, all while her favorite Disney songs played behind them.  The first night they’d seen them, she cried… and she thought she might again tonight as a final farewell.

The song faded into “You’ll Be in My Heart”, and she was certain she heard Lefou sniffle behind her.  That song always seemed to make him emotional for some reason.

Charlotte hugged Michelle a little tighter as the finale blasted, and she heard the ooh’s and ahh’s of the people around them, and thought she might have let one out herself.  She couldn't help it.

The crowd erupted into applause, and Charlotte contributed the best she could with her sister constricting her arm movement.

“I’ll never get tired of that,”  Lefou commented, as they followed the funnel of people out of the park one last time.

“It’s really beautiful,”  Charlotte agreed, while Barney only yawned impressively.  Their trip had apparently worn him out just as much as it did herself.

“But,”  Stanley leaned down and lifted Michelle out of Charlotte’s chair, and onto his shoulder.  “I still wish I could figure out who that princess in the yellow dress was!”

Charlotte smiled to herself, choosing not to say a word.  She supposed he would figure it out on his own eventually.

[bgtdw]

Ways of Getting Lost Without Trying

The fall happened so fast that it seemed more like the ground came up to meet him.

It was on the playground during recess.  Scott daydreaming about nothing in particular when suddenly he was flat on his front, his stinging palms saving him from a broken nose and busted teeth by mere centimeters.  Despite being prone to tripping over things, he was not clumsy in general and had fast reflexes, which is the only reason his face hadn’t been mangled.  The problem was that he dragged his feet.  His right leg was the one affected by his condition, it was called cerebral palsy, but his aunt always called it his condition whenever she spoke to anyone on the phone about him; even though the limp was only on his right side, it caused him to shuffle both feet as the unaffected leg compensated for the other.  He was supposed to do daily exercises and focus on heel striking whenever he walked, but he could barely concentrate in class much less every time he took a step.

There had been a lot of teasing about the way he walked when he was younger, probably still was, but at some point Scott had learned to tune it out.  Even when he went down the way he just had it usually didn’t elicit much reaction beyond some staring and pointing.  Sometimes a well-meaning kid or adult would try to help him up, but Scott generally thanked them and waved them away before they got started.  The assistance was always herky-jerky with him being hoisted up by the armpits which usually hurt a lot more than anything he’d suffered from hitting the asphalt.

The bell rang and everyone began filtering back into the building as Scott pushed himself up onto his knees and then slowly rose to his feet.  There were several tiny, pink indentations in his palms and a few loose pieces of gravel still clung to them.  He flicked them away with his finger and watched as they arced off toward the monkey bars.  It was popcorn day and there was a bookfair in the library after school, so Scott doubted anyone would be thinking or whispering about him, but he still waited until the line was mostly gone before heading back inside.

                                                                   ****

His aunt worked nights three times a week doing data entry for an accounting firm in the city.  It was the firm the office she worked at during the day used and she’d been able to snag a few evening shifts when Scott was old enough to stay home by himself after school.  She said it was to “make ends meet”, which he had always heard as “make ends meat”; he’d pictured those discounted bags of cold cuts from the deli counter, the ones with all the hind pieces from the ham, roast beef, and bologna that most folks didn’t want because they looked so gross.  He imagined his aunt taking those remaindered hunks home and throwing them in a grinder to create some sort of Frankenstein meatloaf or sausage.  The next time they had meatloaf for dinner Scott asked her if it was made with ends-meat and when he explained to her what he meant she’d laughed about it for the rest of the night.  Sometimes when they were out grocery shopping, she’d point over at the bags of deli ends and they’d both bust out laughing.

On the nights his aunt worked Scott usually made himself a sandwich or one of the tv dinners they had in the freezer.  There was a fried chicken and mashed potato with a brownie for dessert still in there and he turned the oven to 400 as soon as he walked in the door.  There had been an awesome movie about some pod people on last night, but the only thing even remotely interesting on tonight was a western that he’d already seen.  He watched some of it anyway while he ate dinner and did his homework.  After that he finished a few more chapters in the paperback he was been reading about a picked-on kid and his killer car that took revenge on the bullies.  His aunt knew that he liked horror and science fiction books and didn’t really care if they weren’t meant for kids.  “I didn’t wanna read a damn thing when I was your age, so any reading has to be better than none.” Was what she always said to him.

It was almost nine, but the weather was warm, and Scott didn’t bother with his coat when he left.  The school was only a couple miles away from the apartment and he walked most days except for winter or when he was running late.

The pole lights along the street shone yellow above him like giant lightning bugs hovering overhead.  This stretch of sidewalk was uneven and he had to be mindful and pick up his boots to avoid another faceplant.  It was easier to think about it when he was alone.  He didn’t have to worry about being watched as he lifted his knees high into the air like a drum major leading a parade.  The school had its own pole lights in the playground and floods at the exterior corners of the building, but the bulbs were white instead of yellow and cast blinding cones of illumination that looked to Scott like tractor beams from some unseen spaceship waiting to take him away.  He instinctively avoided them and kept to the shadows as he made his way over to the swing set.

There were probably only a couple weeks left before it began to turn chilly, but right now everything felt perfect as he pumped and straightened his legs, gaining altitude with every arc.  

His aunt would be home from work in an hour and he wanted to be back before she got there.  She was pretty lenient with him, though certainly not a pushover, and either way he didn’t want to worry her.  They’d met for the first time at his parent’s funeral, though Scott didn’t remember it; everything he knew about his mom and dad came from her and his grandparents.

She had always taken good care of him, but he could sense this thing between them.  He wasn’t sure if she’d wanted kids of her own, or what her plans had been before he came along.  His aunt loved him, Scott knew this, even if it sometimes felt like they were both actors performing roles in a play.

He gazed up at the night sky as the wind rushed past him and could pick out a couple constellations in the swirling mass of stars.  

Scott wondered if his parents were up there somewhere scattered among all that brilliance.

Or if its beauty was only meant for the people down below to distract them from the things they’d lost.