#do people read things at 2 in the morning?

[russellbby]

Jealously doesn’t look good on you🙄

paring: f1 grid x fem!mercedes f1 driver!reader

in which: the young driver seems to get on very well with the younger drivers and jealousy starts to get to the rest of the grid..

requested: yes, by anonymous: Heyy, can I request something where the reader is the youngest f1 driver and is very closed off and don't talk much to any of the drivers, however when the younger drivers are around (kimi, ollie etc) she doesn't stop talking to them and the grid can't help but get jealous of her relationship with the younger drivers. thank uuu :))

a/n: I’m back guys!! This request has been sitting in my inbox for I don’t know how long. Hope you like it and start sending me in more requests! :)

//

Y/n, a young talent, record breaker, the youngest on the grid and the paddock princess. However, despite how much the grid loves and cares for her, they don’t know a single thing about her.

The young mercedes driver was entering the paddock, smiling and waving at the cameras before making her way over to fans to sign things and take photos before she made her way into the garage.

“The fans know more about her than us,” Lando mumbled as he had watched her interaction with the fans.

“Y/n has always been like this especially in formula 2, she would only talk on the radio and interviews” Oscar added.

“She’s just shy, don’t like talking and prefer to be alone. I learnt that the hard way when she became my teammate” George said.

“I just wish she would open up to us, it’s like her whole life is a mystery to us” Charles added.

//

Later, a few of the drivers had gathered in the lounge before the start of a busy weekend. During these times, Y/n is normally on her own with her headphones with a book in hand or on her phone.

This time around, she had her knees up with her book on her lap with headphones on with no care in the whole and having no intentions of joining any conversations or banter amongst the drivers.

However, her plan didn’t stay very long as she felt her headphones being taken off her head which made her look up at the certain aussie driver.

“Danny!” Y/n exclaimed as she got up and tried to get her headphones back, only for Daniel to lift them in the air, Y/n soon realised there was no point in trying.

“C’mon, you were being anti-social!” Daniel said.

“How do you even like reading?” Lando added which earned him a glare from the young driver.

“I mean he has a point, how do you find it entertaining?” Max asked.

“This shows you lot barely finished school or dropped out” Y/n told them.

“We just want to talk to you! We know nothing about your life!” Charles added.

“There’s nothing too exciting that happened, just a normal childhood!” Y/n said before she got ahold of her headphones and went back to the same position before the drivers interrupted her.

“One day, we will get something out of her” Pierre said.

//

The morning passed, Y/n was just talking to her engineers as FP1 had just finished and were gathering information in preparation for FP2.

Y/n knew that F2 was going on this weekend, she was hoping to be able to see some of her closest friends and her wishes were fulfilled when she looked outside her garage.

She saw Ollie, Kimi and Paul chatting outside, this made her face light up with a smile, which was rare for her and she knew her team were watching her, but she didn’t care.

"Guys!!" she called out, jogging over to them.

"Y/n!" Kimi opened his arms as the young girl launched into a hug. The pair laughed as they pulled apart, before Y/n hugged Ollie and Paul.

The four started talking continuously about anything and everything and laughing, which caught the attention of the grid.

“It’s like she’s two different people,” Lando said as he nudged Oscar pointing over to the scene.

“That’s Y/n for you” Oscar replied.

//

“Y/n!” Daniel called as he made his way over to where she was sitting down on a table outside the mercedes hospitality. Soon enough, Daniel wasn’t the only drivers who joined her.

“What’s this? A gathering?” Y/n asked.

“You with Ollie, Kimi & Paul?!” Charles said.

“What about it? We are best friends, we are all practically family” Y/n replied confused.

“So they know everything about you?!” Pierre added.

“Well, duh!” Y/n told them.

“You are like a completely different person when you’re with them compared to us!” Max added.

“Didn’t realise that there was a drivers meeting outside the Mercedes hospitality” Kimi joked as he walked over with Ollie and Paul.

“They are saying I’m different person with you lot compared to them” Y/n mumbled.

“Well, they ain’t wrong!” Paul said.

“I’m going to tell your mum you still haven’t opened up to anyone but us,” Kimi joked.

“Don’t blame me if you don’t get invited over to our annual barbecue!” Y/n replied.

“Your parents love me too much to not invite me over, I’m their favourite!” Kimi added.

“We will be stealing Y/n until FP2! See you all later!” Ollie told them as he an Paul became a barrier for Y/n and Kimi.

“What the f*ck just happened?” Lando said.

“That’s one way of putting it..” Daniel replied.

“Maybe we should of just accepted it at the beginning..” Charles mumbled.

//

Throughout the rest of the day and weekend, the drivers stared down the 3 young drivers who made Y/n smile and laugh continuously.

And from that day on, the grid accepted that they were never going to find out anything about Y/n. Despite it all, they still continue to try and get stuff out of her, which leads to nothing.

They were really jealous of Ollie, Kimi and Paul.

However, they learnt the hard way that jealously doesn’t look good on them..

[kenziebluex]

The Broken Heart That Makes Us

We are back!!! (updates will be every Friday in January 😊) Hope everyone had a great finals week and happy holiday!

Story Description: 

Your arranged marriage is on its last legs. After making an agreement with your step son, Megumi, you are puzzled when you are faced with finally making a decision.

Your whole life so far has been planned for you, leading you to struggle with the idea of moving on and finding something stable…someone stable.  

Will you finally be able to let go of the life that was made for you? Will there be others out there willing to pick up the pieces?

(18+) Pairings: Toji, Goji, Geto, Nanami, & Choso.

Read on ao3: TBHTMU

Chapter 2:

You weren’t surprised when the morning after Toji was nowhere to be found. He even packed up most of his stuff this time. What wasn’t even more surprising was that he didn’t show up for his son's martial arts tournament that was 2 days later. 

You knew how important this tournament was for Megumi since it was the last tournament before he would advance up a level in his class. If he won this match he would advance a color.

So when he walked out on stage and scanned the crowd for you. You made sure you were front and center not wanting him to feel alone. His face lit up as he noticed you in the crowd wanting to wave even though you knew he wouldn’t out of fear of embarrassment. Megumi continued scanning the crowd even though you hoped he wouldn’t. 

As much as he puts on a strong face you knew one thing that he had that you regretfully had a few days ago too.

Hope.

It all happened at once you watched as a wave of realization hit him. He looked back at you for a moment and you could see a tear slowly falling down his face. You felt sick to your stomach knowing that he was hurting. Megumi seemed to realize where he was and let out a laugh to distract himself. Getting back into his starting stance. He was going to do what he always does and channel his emotions into the fight.

You can just imagine what happened next. 

Megumi won the match 3-0. 

✿❀○❀✿

Practically running backstage after the match you barely manage to not trip over your own feet. You usually waited after the match in the front with the other parents but you needed to see him. You just felt an intense urge to tell him how proud of him you were. 

“Meg,..megumi” calling out softly in the crowd of people backstage you were met with a voice you didn’t recognize.

“Megumi’s over here.” said a man you weren’t familiar with. Megumi was sitting on a chair in the far corner of the room. You didn’t need to see his face to know by his body language he was frustrated and crying.

You couldn’t help yourself but to crouch down and hug him ignoring the people that were near him once you got to him. Surprisingly you were met with a tight hug back as he silently sobbed into your shoulder. Megumi usually doesn’t like public affection but you figured this was his one exception. 

“I’m so sorry Meg, but I'm so proud of you” you whispered next to his head, not wanting to draw more attention to him. Continuing to hold him and assuring him everything is okay you finally look up at the man that was standing in front of you as if he was blocking the view so you two could have some privacy. 

The back of the man had your eyes almost popping out the back of your head. The man was wearing a tight black compression shirt that made sure to emphasize the muscles on his shoulder and back. You could almost see the outlines of his veins and the back of the shirt left little to the imagination. He had to be a security guard. 

“Excuse me” you say softly because you didn't want to alarm Megumi. He didn’t seem to hear what you said which you figured would be the case. It was very loud backstage with the people and the wrap up music playing. Reaching out to touch his arm you hesitated causing you to jerk back.

The sudden movement seemed to have got his attention. He turned around and you wished he hadn't. 

“My god.” your eyes instantly locked on to his abs. You were right earlier at this point he might as well just not have worn a shirt. His abs were hugging the shirt and you could have sworn you could see his nipples if you looked hard enough. You could tell this man worked out daily. 

His white hair was pushed back and don’t get me started on his beautiful blue eyes. They seemed to sparkle even though the lighting wasn’t shining directly on him. He looked like a delicate painting that would be hung on the wall in an art museum. You were sure you could write a poem about how handsome- 

“SORRY” you say in a horrified whisper when you realize you have spent the last minute staring at his body. 

“You can stare all you want.” the man said with a smirk before bending down to the level me and Megumi were on. He was even more intimidating up close. 

“You guys okay? I saw him crying and led him over here for some privacy. I know these matches can be quite intense.” he sounded different from the joking tone he just displayed a second before. His voice was filled with genuine concern. 

“We are okay sorry for worrying you Sensei.” Megumi said, removing his head from my arm while slowly standing up. Sensei? I have never seen him before. I would have remembered meeting him. I stood up to not wanting to be kneeling on the hard floor any longer. 

It was a brief awkward silence as we all stood up not sure which one of us was going to talk first. I could barely look at the man in front of me, still embarrassed from my actions earlier.

“Mom this is Sensei Satoru Gojo, he’s a Sensei for the upper class students. He offered me a spot in his class.” Megumi said, breaking the silence. I turned to Megumi in disbelief, usually he asks permission before accepting after school classes. 

"We will talk about it at home Megumi." you said trying to put a positive smile on your face. You were met with a smile back and knew you would give in.

✿❀○❀✿ - (big jump skip, present time)

It’s been two years since you’ve been  rebuilding your life after divorcing Toji. To be honest, life became…somewhat peaceful. But it would be a lie if you said that overcoming everything was easy. The marriage was arranged to benefit your father so you thought divorcing had a heavy price to pay.

 Time passed and marriage to Toji was no longer needed for the firm’s success, making it just another fruitless expense. You still can’t believe that your dad uprooted your life based on a whim  just for you to go through hell and in the end, everything fell apart. But, you couldn’t complain much. After all, Megumi was all yours and you wouldn’t have it any other way. 

You figured that finally getting into a steady beat while taking care of Megumi was going to be a breeze. (Since that was something you were doing anyway.) And you know that he is not the type to complain much about anything. However, a guilty reminder racked your brain. 

Megumi needed someone to look up to. Up until now, you have always been the safety net to Toji’s broken promises and a part of you feels ashamed for separating him from his father. You concluded that enrolling him into Gojo-sensei’s martial arts classes was a good sign since it was the first time he truly asked for something from you. So, you gave Megumi all the support he needed to succeed and that’s why you’re parked outside of the dojo 20 minutes early before his class ends, right?

You eyed the rearview mirror while making final touches on your lashes with your mascara until you heard a blaring car horn. Shocked out of your focus, the mascara skidded leaving a dazzling black streak under your eye. Your head snapped outside the driver’s seat window of your blue Chevrolet Equinox.

“What the hell? They’re early!” The panic fell from your lips as you worked double time trying to tidy up the mess under your eye and fumbled through your purse to prepare to go inside. The other students filed out of the dojo and into their parents' cars while you had to prepare for a ‘fun parent-teacher conference’ as Gojo had stated. 

You exited your car, with your shoulder bag in tow and entered the dojo with a million thoughts running through your head.

‘Why a conference? Is Meg finally going through his rebellious phase?’ 

A thoughtless sigh escaped your lips as you discarded your heels to step up to the tatami mat of the cleared out dojo where only two people remained. 

 As soon as you passed through the double doors, brilliant clear quartz blue eyes pinned you in place. Phantom white hair slicked back from the sweat of a rigorous practice. The wet of his forehead trickled down into the scandalously opened chest of his white Gi that no doubt explored down the rest of his well-toned body. 

“Mama Megumi has such shameless eyes.” Serpent like words hummed from a deep bassy voice. You blinked twice as your gaze focused on the playful grin that tugged the lips of the tall mischievous man. He allowed the collar of his Gi to fall slightly, parading more of his wickedly muscled peck. Your lips tightened at his obvious teasing. 

You ignored his taunt and shifted your gaze to Megumi, who wore a similar Gi but a color belt of a few ranks below. 

“Meg, is everything ok?” You asked, fully focusing on your son whose typical spiky black hair laid flat from his work out. 

Megumi’s eyes shifted back and forth between you to Gojo, lightly acknowledging the banter.

 It was always a game between you two. He’d flirt, you’d ignore. You tease and he bites back. It was a battle of wits everytime you two met which is precisely why you wouldn’t play his game today. Megumi’s wellbeing always came before whatever shallow flirting you had going on.

“Yeah mom. I-.” Megumi began.

“Megumi is doing just fine.” Gojo interrupted as he swung a lazy arm over Megumi’s shoulders. Your eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

“I don’t get it then. Why did we need a conference?” Your arms slumped as you felt the rush of worry escape your body. All that was left was confusion. Gojo had whispered something to him and after a formal bow, Megumi departed to go gather his belongings. 

Gojo leisurely planted his hands on his hips and gilded himself towards you, leaving only a forearm’s length in between. His towering figure overshadowed your frame as the heat of his gaze spoke a thousand words. 

“I think we are past the stage of stick-up-your-ass formalities.” Gojo purred. Playfulness showered his lips while his eyes left a danger to be desired. 

“I don’t have time for games when it involves my son, sensei.” You answered firmly. He raised a hand and used his thumb to brush under your eye. You assumed he was cleaning up the aftermath of your mascara but heat remained as his thumb caressed your cheek. 

You gently slapped his hand away and it fell to his side. You shot him a glare warning him to stop wasting your time. He smirked, humored at your fiery response.

“I just wanted to do a follow up for the letter I sent you through the mail.” He confessed.  Your head fell to the side and your eyes trekked downwards in deep thought. You don’t remember receiving any mail recently from him but then again…

“Ah-. I changed my address.” You raised your head too quickly not knowing Gojo hovered low enough where his nose barely brushed yours. You took in a gasp. 

Gojo studied your face and his peering blue eyes paused at your lips. You subconsciously wetted them with your tongue and you watched his breath hitch. His eyes then fell to your chest that teasingly left the first two buttons open of your blazer. 

“This is our new address! We fully moved in about a year ago.” You broke the tension. Your body turned to fumble through your purse looking for a small piece of paper and a pen. You settled for an old restaurant business card and began to write your address on the back. 

With his index and middle finger, Gojo swiftly swiped the card from your hands. He exchanged looks with the card and your face and then looked back at the card and flipped it over. He snorted a laugh and covered his mouth to contain it. 

“What?” You shrugged trying to take a peek at the card to see if you spelled something wrong. 

He flipped the card up to your face.

“Coupon for Chuck N Cheese’s?! Are you 6?!” He threw his head back and boomed in laughter. You shoved his shoulder and attempted to swipe the business card back. He was faster than you and raised the card in the air to force you to jump for it.

“Give it back, dickcheese.” You leaped again and attempted to take the card back. Gojo’s wicked smile only grew while he watched your embarrassed reaction. 

“Ha! And I’m the childish one?!” You huffed.

You felt a hand curl around your back and he pulled your chest against his. The force sent you both tumbling with Gojo breaking your fall. 

Your eyes grew wide as your chest pressed plush against his and his long legs straddling the sides of you. You tried not to focus on something rock solid that bullied its way against your pelvis. You felt his hand on your back slowly rub up and down, teasing the top of your ass. 

He took another glance at the card with your address written on it.

“Got it. I’ll swing by tomorrow at 8. Dress nicely.” He ordered and you pushed yourself up to meet him face to face. 

“What game are you playing?” You whispered looking for deception in his gaze. His head fell back on the mat and he gazed up at you under hooded eyes. His hand stopped just before the curve of your ass. He parted his lips as he was about to answer.

“Oi, pervert!” A bellow emerged from the changing room and you quickly scrambled to your knees and Gojo sat up after you. Megumi’s face was twisted in disgust directed at Gojo. 

Before another word was uttered, Megumi marched over to you and pulled you up by the wrist. He stood in front of you protectively. However, Gojo was completely unphased.

“Oh! That reminds me. I wanted to recommend Megumi to extra practices. I think he could train for a higher belt before the end of the year.” Gojo explained nonchalantly. He perched up his knee and rested his elbow on it while flicking the card back and forth in between his fingers. 

You rubbed the temples of your forehead.

‘This could have been a fucking email.’ You groaned internally. 

“Of course…I do need a parent’s approval. It means that he’s going to be training more during the week and I wanted to make sure that was ok with you.” Gojo rose up to his feet. You were taken aback at how reasonable his explanation was. Watching Gojo flirt back and forth from playful to serious was kind of sexy in a way.

His gaze turned soft as he eyed Megumi knowingly.

“I want to see him succeed.” Gojo confessed. You noticed the flicker of sincerity in his tone. 

Keeping up with Megumi’s practices was hellish already. Although moving gave you the distance you needed and the living space Megumi deserved, traveling was brutal. His shoulders slumped. He knew this too. But if jujutsu martial arts was something he wanted to do, distance be damned!

“I think we can spare a few extra days. Right Meg?” You placed two hands on his shoulders and he turned his back to face you in disbelief. Then, the pinch of hope you briefly saw in his eyes disappeared in an instant.

“But you’ve been pushing yourself. There are no buses near our house and you have to drive me to school everyday and then from school to practice. I don’t want to be a burden again…” The last part of his sentence trailed off almost like a silent apology. He almost struggled to look you in the eye. Being a burden was the last thing you wanted Megumi to think. Especially after it took years to heal the wounds his father left that made him have those thoughts.

“Erm! *cough* I’ll take Meggy home if he’ll need a ride.” Gojo suggested. Both you and Megumi snapped your heads towards him. Megumi pondered the suggestion.

“This just gives me more reasons to camp out at your doorstep.” He continued and once again wore a mischievous grin. You clicked your tongue and rolled your eyes.

“Stalker.” You uttered while guiding Megumi to the exit. 

“Remember! 8 O’Clock on the Dot! Okay??? Do you hear me?!! Hey!!! Hey helloooo!!!” You heard Gojo holler from behind you as you and Megumi exited the dojo. You displayed a pretty little middle finger to Gojo without sparing him a glance. 

“Mom, don't associate with him. He’s ill.” 

“Yeah…I know.”

tag: @beetusbritt❤ @nousija divider by @cafekitsune art credit 1: ig: arekushisu (commission do not use) art credit 2: twitter: ayushnz_ ❀follow for more ❀ ao3: kenzieblue❀ -kenzie & des

[donteattheappleshook]

Not Broken at All Chapter 18/?

Summary:

A season 1 Neverland AU. Emma is still trying to adjust to her new life as Sheriff of Storybrooke and mom to Henry, who still believes everyone in town is a fairytale creature. When she finds a badly beaten, one handed man while patrolling, she’s convinced he’s crazy. He is, after all, rambling about fairies and shadows and crocodiles. But when Henry is suddenly taken out the window of a house everyone believes is haunted, the madman in the hospital might be her only hope of getting her son back. Whether he likes it or not.

Rated E

Catch up on Ao3 (where my italics work) or on Tumblr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Oh hey! What's up everyone?

I know it's been a while (shocking) but it's Solstice today and the muse decided something needed to be posted for this fic in honour of the fairy orgies XD

This was written super fast and not really re-read because it's already 10pm so I'll probably edit it later but I'm giving it to you all now.

Happy Solstice and I hope you enjoy this chapter! <3

********

Part 18

“Doesn’t look so bad,” Will shrugs when they stand outside the mouth of the cave the next morning. Emma and Wendy roll their eyes at the same time. It does look that bad. For a place called Echo Cave she’d had expected something bigger, something louder. But all she can see as they approach is a narrow tunnel in the rockface, no sound escaping from within. So she jumps when Tiger Lily’s voice suddenly comes from within. 

“You’re late.”

“Apologies,” Killian nods. “The forest has changed a fair bit since I last made the journey - it took us longer than anticipated to find the path.” 

“You have a habit of doing that,” Tiger Lily scoffs. “Misinterpreting time.” 

The reply is so quick, and Killian’s sigh so exhausted, that Emma has to hold back a snort of laughter.

“We came as fast as we could.”

“Come then, let’s not delay any further. The others have gathered.” 

“Who are the others?” Emma asks Hook quietly as they follow.

“The eldest of those who were here before Pan. They were barely more than children when it happened, but They have some memory of how things were.” 

“I thought you said they’d forgotten all their magic.” 

“We did not forget,” Tiger Lily snaps from the entrance. Emma watches as the faint, gold dusting of magic that covers their skin, the only light in the otherwise pitch black cave shimmers and slides over their arm, cascading like water down through their fingers  that they trail along the  rocky wall, leaving flecks of sparking, gold dust in their wake.  “It was taken from us. Through slaughter and cruelty. When the children who were left behind grew enough to become a threat to Pan, we were forced to lock away what little we remembered or meet the same fate.” 

Every time she thinks it can’t get worse, it does. The massacre of Tiger Lily’s people and the destruction of their history, the torture and killing of the Lorelei, the horror of the murder of those boys on the beach. There’s no end it seems to Pan’s cruelty, to his thirst for blood. 

Emma reaches for the shimmering of light that remains along the wall, glittering and moving with the flow of the rough surface. It glows brighter beneath her touch and something swells from deep within her, rushing to meet it, warm and electrifying, before she yanks her hand back and stumbles the rest of the way though. 

The walk is long, this cave buried deep in darkness and stardust. She’s not sure she even hears it at first, a small whisper of a voice from far away, the words too quiet to make out, but repeating. As they continue along and a dim light starts to appear in the distance, they grow louder. It’s a child’s voice, rolling against the walls of the cave - wish I’d never come here… just want to go home. Just want to go home. Just want to go home….

She feels Killian’s hand on the small of her back and realizes she’s stopped walking. “It’s alright, love. It’s just an echo. The last secret that was shared here.” She still hesitates, not wanting to get any closer to the haunting voice. “Whoever they were, they’re not here anymore.”

“His name was Ruffio,” Will says, nearly as quiet as the first echo. “He’s been gone a long time.” He only meets her eye for a moment before clearing his throat and continuing as though he hadn’t said anything. She can’t blame him. She knows by now that nobody in Neverland ever goes home. “Come on - we’ve got secrets to spill.” 

The light ahead grows until finally they emerge into a massive cavern. The stone that surrounds them black onyx - gleaming faintly against the dust that covers the ceiling like a galaxy above them. The space feels boundless, endless like the darkness could go on forever and she’s reminded of their flight here, of the endless sea of stars they’d sailed in on. 

There are four people standing in the center of the chamber on a platform of the same black onyx, all of them with the same sharp, androgynous features as Tiger Lily, all with the same loose-fitting clothes and cropped hair, and all with that same shimmer of living magic glowing faintly in the dark. Tink stands with them, waiting. None of them are any older in appearance than herself, but she knows better by now than to judge age or power by appearance on this island. 

The Constant. 

They follow the rest of the way to the narrow, stone bridge that connects the ledge to the platform on which the others stand. When Emma takes a step to follow Tiger Lily onto the bridge, Killian puts an arm out, halting her in her tracks. Emma watches, heart in her throat as the bridge crumbles after Tiger Lily, stone falling away behind every step until they reach the end and there’s no bridge at all. 

“The Constant keep no secrets,” Killian explains. “The cave can’t compel anything from them. We, on the other hand…” 

“Of course they don’t.” No wonder they wanted to use this place. Easy to make others share their deepest darkest secrets when you’ve got none of your own to divulge and nothing to risk. “What about Tink?” she asks, nodding at the fifth person standing with the Constant.

“The fey have wings.” 

Right. “So how does this work?” 

“From what I remember, you step out onto the edge and call out your secret. If it’s truly your darkest, the cave will echo it back to you.”

“And then we get across?” 

“Aye, easy as that,” Killian attempts a smile, but it comes out as a wince. “I’ll go,” he offers though he looks like he’s dreading this as much as she is. She’s just thankful she doesn’t have to start.  He lets out another sigh, bracing himself and then, “I kissed Emma.” 

Fuck. Her heart drops into her stomach. He’s been a pirate for two hundred years - How the hell can his darkest secret have anything to do with her?

Will smirks. “Kissed? Is that what they’re calling it these days? And I think you’re forgetting that we were all there when she jumped you at Solstice.” His smirk deepens. “And when Emma came back all wet.” If Emma could reach him she’d smack him. 

“I literally walked in on you,” Wendy deadpans.

“I’m not talking about Solstice,” he sighs, not rising to the bait. “It was…” She knows when it was. We’ll keep each other safe, they’d promised. She doesn’t need everyone else to know though. Not when she’s not even sure what any of it meant or what it means now. “It doesn’t matter,” Killian shakes his head. “It was what the kiss - what all of it - exposed.” Fuck. fuck. fuck. fuck. “My secret is… I never believed that I’d be capable of letting go of my first love, of my Milah.” He breathes her name like a prayer and a wound. “To believe that I could find someone else.” His eyes lift to hers and it’s only by sheer force of will that she’s able to stop herself from taking a step back, from running away from the way he’s looking at her. Because she needs to hear this. They all do. If she wants to get across this fucking bridge, if she wants to talk to the fucking Constant, if she wants to get her son back - she needs to hear this secret as much as he needs to tell it. “That is, until I met you.”

She doesn’t know what to say or if she’s supposed to say something, can’t bring herself to look at Wendy or Will or look away from his eyes still burning into hers. And then before she even can do anything, Killian’s voice echoes through the cave, ‘until I met you’ called back to them like a ghost. A rumble follows as a section of the fallen bridge rises back from the depths below them, rock by rock, rebuilding itself. 

Killian lets out a humourless laugh. “So, who’d like to go next?” 

“I will.” Wendy stands with her shoulders straight, like she’s ready for a fight rather than a confession. Emma gets a sinking feeling in her stomach from the way she’s making herself look at Killian, with shame and guilt. He doesn’t look surprised - he looks like he expected this to hurt. “Sometimes��� Sometimes I wish you’d never found me. Sometimes I wish you had just kept on walking that day when Pan left me to die.” She winces. “I’ll always be grateful to you for saving my life, for taking me in but…” 

Killian nods when she hesitates, her eyes damp with unshed tears. “Go on, it’s alright.”  

“You trapped me here, Hook. You’re the reason I have to live in this neverending nightmare. Forever. You knew what that water would do to me and I know you couldn’t ask but… you didn’t give me a choice. And I think that if I had one now - if I could have had a say in the next hundred years of my life… I’d rather you’d just let me die because this -” she gestures at herself, at everything around them.  “It’s worse than death. And because of you I’ll never leave.” She lets out a bitter laugh. “I can’t even die if I want to. Not unless Pan decides that’s what he wants. You forced this life on me, Killian, you cursed me to live because it made you feel better and I don’t… I’ll never forgive you for that.” 

Tears stain her cheeks now, jaw tight as she refuses to let any more follow and Emma can see the heartbreak on Killian’s face. “Wendy…” but she shakes her head and he stops the step he’d taken towards her. 

“I’m sorry,” she chokes and he shakes his head this time. Her secret echoes around them like a taunt this time - ‘never forgive you for that’ - and another piece of the bridge rebuilds itself. The silence hangs between them, louder than any echo, until Will steps up. 

“I suppose I should go next - while we’re on the topic of never being forgiven.” He takes his own steadying breath. “I’m dying.” 

Wendy’s face falls. “... what?” It comes out cracked and small and frightened. “What do you mean you’re dying?”

The look Will gives her - there’s so much guilt there, so much pain and self-loathing and love. Emma may not know much about it but she can recognize it now in his eyes, in the way he looks at Wendy. “I lied when I told you I didn’t know what Pan did to my heart. I’ve seen him do it before.”

“One hundred years…”

Will nods, a self-deprecating smile falling flat. “I really hoped that I could keep it from you for a little longer. Neverland will slow it down but… he squeezed a hundred years from my heart. I’ll start aging faster - a lot faster - and pretty soon…”

“How long?” He hesitates a beat longer than Emma can handle - and Wendy… gods, she can’t imagine. “How long?”

“I’ll be dead in a few months - three, maybe four depending on how long I would have lived if I’d aged like a normal person but - I’m so sorry, Wen. I didn’t want to tell you, I -”

Whatever he was going to say and whatever she might have answered  is stolen by the cave calling back to them in Will’s voice, ‘dead in a few months’. Nobody looks as the bridge puts itself back together, all of them too focused on the cruel revelation. He did it for her, Emma realises, for all of them but… he’s dying because of her. Wendy’s losing him because of her. Even Killian looks solemn at the news. 

“Your turn, Emma,” Will chokes out with the palest attempt at levity she’s seen him manage since she met him. “Wouldn’t want to be left out of all the fun, would you?”

She looks out towards the chasm between them and the Constant. She doesn’t even know what she expected to confess, or what she’d hear confessed by those with her, and now, with the truth of Will’s fate hanging in the air, nothing feels like it matters in the grand scheme of things. 

What even is her deepest secret? That she gave up Henry? That she had her heart broken by a selfish man who used her and then left her? That she spent a year of her life in jail? That she’s spent her whole life searching for the parents who left her behind? That between Neal and her parents she doesn’t think she could ever trust someone again - could ever let herself love someone again, or let them love her… That she might be anyway? None of it feels like enough; none of it even feels like a secret anymore, not since Henry found her and brought her to Storybrooke. 

And then, like bile and sick, she feels something being forced up from her throat, words clawing their way to the surface and past her lips of their own volition. She can’t stop them. She doesn’t even know what she’s going to say until they come spilling out. 

“I wish Henry had never come to find me. I wish he’d never brought me to Storybrooke.” The confession leaves her gasping, tears in her eyes as though she had been sick. She wants to be, hearing such a horrible truth being spoken out loud. Killian looks at her with sympathy, but she turns away from it. And once it’s started, she can’t stop it. “I never wanted to be a mother. I gave him away because I knew he’d be better off without me - but also because I knew I’d be better off without him. He’s a beautiful, amazing kid and I love him more than anything… but I never asked for this. Every day since he showed up at my door I’ve been terrified - every minute of every day. Those few minutes in the Fae forest when I couldn’t remember him were the most peaceful I’ve felt in months and when it all came flooding back it just reminded me of how much simpler my life was before I had to be anything to anyone. I don’t want to lose him. But I never wanted to find him either.” 

The bridge rebuilds itself, completing the path across as the worst thing she’s ever said, ‘never wanted to find him’,  is echoed back to her cruelly. She feels drained, numb, and she wonders if the others are feeling this horrible emptiness too. She looks out at where the Constant wait. If this is their idea of having them prove their allegiance, they better be ready to give theirs in return.

“Come on, Swan,” Killian tells her, leading her across the bridge. None of them say a word, Will and Killian both casting glances at Wendy who won’t look up from her feet, and the silence follows them the whole way across. 

“That sounded rough,” Tink comments when they reach the platform, the five Constant talking in harsh whispers in a language she doesn’t recognize. 

“How lucky of you to have missed it then,” Will snips. He must be feeling worse than Emma realized.

There’s an argument starting, still in that foreign language, but she can tell just the same. Every few words there’s a glimpse of something that feels familiar, a syllable from another language she’s heard, a word that could be French or Spanish, a glimpse of English, not one language but many - like every language spoken at once.

“This meeting has been a topic of some controversy,” Killian whispers. “But I think Tiger Lily might be on our side.” 

“You can understand them?” 

He shrugs. “One picks up a few things after two centuries.”

There’s a small scoff from Tink. “Yeah, all that pillow talk was really educational.”

Killian ignores the quip. “They’re the keepers of the last of the forgotten history of the old Neverland.” He nods at each as he names them. “That’s Philodendron, Halcyon, Alder, Jacaranda, and you know Tiger Lily.

“Tiger Lily is one of them?” 

“Tiger Lily was the oldest Constant to survive the massacre. They were just shy of a century when Pan took over.”

“A century?”

“The Constant are eternal, love. A century is nothing.” 

The Constant have gone silent, a tense, begrudging conclusion to their argument that Emma can feel even if she doesn’t know the words. 

Finally, Tiger Lily speaks. “Tinkerbell tells us you wish to unearth the secrets of the island - secrets that were buried to keep us safe.”

“Secrets that could return the island to the way it once was if you ally with us against Pan,” Killian counters. 

“If our knowledge could have defeated the boy,” Alder interjects, “we would have done so a millenia ago when he first laid waste to this island.” 

“Maybe your knowledge alone couldn’t defeat him, but we have the Lorelei on our side, and the fae,” Wendy adds, gesturing at Tink. 

Alder scoffs. “You have one fairy. One who’s been without magic for almost five hundred years, who’s magic was corrupted by the very demon you seek to destroy. Our magic was born from the innocence and dreams of children, the purest light magic there is, and even it was snuffed out by Pan’s darkness. What chance have you with a weakened fairy and the duplicitous sirens?” 

“We have more than that,” Tink interjects, bitterness and insult obvious in the bite of her words. “We have her.” It takes Emma a moment to realize that she’s the one being gestured at and now every set of eyes is on her. 

“Me?” 

“Her?” Wendy frowns. 

“You can’t honestly tell me you haven’t noticed. She practically reeks of magic. It’s spilling out of every pore. I clocked it as soon as she got here.” 

“I don’t have magic.” The Constant continue to stare, questioning, doubting. “I don’t. Don’t you think if I did I’d have used it by now to get Henry back?” 

“Not if you weren’t aware of it, love,” Killian offers gently.

“Okay but I’m not some fairytale character; I’m from Boston - the land without magic. I don’t have any power.” 

“Oh for…” Tink swears under her breath, crossing the room and grabbing Emma’s wrist. Faster than she can stop her, the fairy pulls a small blade from the complicated twist of pins and leather that keeps her mass of blonde hair piled on top of her head, ivory handle embellished with gold runes, and slashes it across Emma’s palm. 

“Ow! What the hell!” Emma shouts, yanking her hand away. That fucking hurt. Tinkerbelle doesn’t resist, the rest of their small crew moving to intervene, but all at once, they freeze. Emma follows their gazes to her hand, clutched tightly in a fist to her chest and her breath catches. There’s light seeping through the cracks in her fingers, golden and swirling like smoke, shimmering like the magic that flows over the Constant’s skin. 

Jacaranda reaches a hand out to her, palm upturned in a request and Emma looks to the others before carefully placing her hand in theirs. Carefully, the Constant unfurls her fingers, examining the light that shines from her wound with a careful touch. Their eyes go wide. “This is our magic,” they say, voice soft and tinged with awe. “Ours and… something else.” 

“May I?” Philodendron asks, extending their own hand. Emma nods, even as the urge to refuse shouts at her. You don’t have magic. You’re not magic. You’re a goddamn bail bonds person from Boston, not a fairytale character. Philodendron looks at her after taking a moment to examine the wound themselves. “This is light magic,” they confirm. “It’s raw and untapped but powerful, more powerful than anything I’ve seen since before Pan’s time.” They twist her hand a bit, trying to look closer, to read something in whatever they see that Emma can’t. “But this isn’t born of belief and dreams as ours is, it's the product of something else… of -”

“True love,” Emma breathes out, so low she doesn’t mean for anyone to hear it. Henry had said that hadn’t he? That she was supposed to be the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, that she was supposed to be the Saviour. 

“Yes, that’s it,” Philodendron nods slowly. “You were right, Tinkerbelle. This is more powerful magic than we anticipated.” 

“Can you use it?” Emma asks, still not believing it really, but if it means they’ll help her get her kid back, she doesn’t care what she has to do. 

“That depends,” Halcyon takes a step forward. “Can you wield it?” 

“No, I…” she doesn’t even know how this is possible. 

“I can.” They all turn to Tink, Emma cradling her hand to her chest once more. “If you tell me what we need to do, I can guide her. But you’ll have to let me.” The last bit is directed at her and she hesitates… Tink hasn’t exactly made a secret of the fact that she’s not a fan of hers, and she just slashed her damn hand open… Trust already isn’t her strong suit to begin with. “I’m not going to steal it,” Tink snaps and looks genuinely offended and Emma remembers that she knows what it is to have her power taken from her. 

“I know you won’t. I just… what if it doesn’t work?” How powerful could this magic be? She’s not anything special, she never has been. Why would this be any different? 

“Then I guess you don’t get your kid back.” 

“Tink,” Killian warns but Emma can’t help but appreciate the fairy’s bluntness. 

“What do we need to do?” 

“This cavern, ” TigerLily starts, taking a knee and placing a hand reverently on the stone, “used to be a sacred place. It held all of the secrets of Neverland, and the dreams of children who visited - the purest and most honest of truths of all - fueled the island as it did our magic. This was its source - the source of everything. 

“But then Pan tainted this cave with his twisted version of secrets as power, as something to be wielded, and forced us to sacrifice the last of the light magic that still breathed life into Neverland, the cavern shielded itself from his darkness. Now it echoes truths rather than accept ones taken maliciously. This place… has seen nothing but darkness for centuries. It has not been sleeping, but fighting, the last of the resistance against Pan right under his nose, keeping the darkness at bay and it has hardened. We need to remind it what the light looks like.” 

“It can have mine. Whatever this is. If it can help and if this place can defeat Pan it can have all of it.” 

Tiger Lily smiles kindly. “Not all of it. It would never snuff out your light. But even the slightest kindling can spark an inferno and with it you can breathe magic back into the island.” 

“How?” 

They nod to Tink who retrieves her knife again, slashing her own palm this time, the light that glows from her wound a shimmering green, and holds her hand out to Emma. Heat burns across her skin when she takes Tink’s offered hand, the light between them growing, shining and mixing. Tink places her other hand on Tiger Lily’s shoulder and the Constant flattens both their palms against the stone beneath them. After a moment, they look to Emma and she knows she’s doing it wrong. She’s not doing anything but she’s doing it wrong. 

“I’m sorry.”

Tiger Lily shakes their head, their smile not malicious, but understanding. 

“I have met so many lost boys and girls on this island. So many broken, hardened children lead here by fear and hurt and neglect, so afraid to trust, to love, to admit or even accept what they want, what they desire more than anything - what has been robbed of them. This place is born of dreams and truths and you, dear Swan, strong Swan, brave Swan… frightened Swan, have locked yourself away from both.” 

“But I already told this place my darkest secret.” But she doesn’t need Tiger Lily to tell her - this place echoes darkness, resists darkness. That secret was Pan’s magic - not Neverland’s. 

“What do you dream of, Emma? What truths do you keep from yourself?” Emma opens her mouth to speak but Tiger Lily holds up a hand. “Do not tell them to me. Tell them to the lost girl. Unburden her.” 

What does she dream of? Things she can’t have, things she’s never had, things that were taken away. She wants to find her parents, that’s no secret though, she’s always known that. She wants them to have never given her up in the first place. She wanted a family, the one she could have had with Henry and Neal if he hadn’t turned out to be the vile person he was, the life that she’d had just a glimpse of after one missed period, before everything went to shit. She doesn’t want that anymore. She hasn’t let herself want any of it since then, not love, not family, not hope… 

Her skin begins to warm, something flaring beneath the surface. Liar. She doesn’t know if it’s the cave or herself or her magic but it echoes through her like her secret against the walls. Tiger Lily accused her of locking herself away from her dreams, from her truths, but can they even still be truths if they’ve been silenced and stomped down for decades? 

She thinks of the lost girl she was, abandoned, a runaway on the street, burning the last of her childhood, of stupid fairytales and stories to keep warm in a world that was only ever cold. What had that girl wanted? Powerless, lost, alone. That girl who felt like nothing, who meant nothing to anyone, who had never mattered and never would, who had only herself to take care of her. She wanted to matter - to someone, to herself, she wanted people to matter to her, to be able to let them. She didn’t want to be alone anymore. Even as she pushed away every foster parent, every friend, every lover as she grew older, she didn’t want - she doesn’t want - to have to do it alone. 

That’s what she dreams of, what she refuses to admit that she dreams of. That for all of her rightly earned distrust of everyone, for all of her caution and her fear of abandonment, of love and hope, she wants to be able to let them in, let them matter. She wants to believe that she could have that happily ever after that she’s scorned all her life. 

Images flash in her mind as the heat builds, her body tingling, a faint glimmer of light shining against her shut eyelids. Henry smiling in her doorway in Boston, Mary Margaret offering her a home, Killian bringing her to Neverland, Wendy helping her hide from Pan, Will sacrificing himself for her, Killian nearly sacrificing Milah’s name - sacrificing his memories, all of them banding together to help her save her kid, even Tink now, helping her to wield magic she doesn’t understand. 

She’s not alone. She’s not in this alone. For the first time in her life she has people she can count on. People she can trust. She thinks of the smile Henry gave her when she let him know she wasn’t going to leave Storybrooke even though she could, of Mary Margaret’s pep talks, of shared hot chocolate and drinks and advice in their apartment, of Killian in that dank brig after one of the worst hours of her life - perhaps I would - of his words whispered in the quiet darkness of his cabin - I’m here. You don’t have to ask - of his confession echoing around them - until I met you. She does matter to people. She’s not nothing. She was never nothing. She matters and she has people who matter to her. 

Her whole body alights, the blood in her veins not blood anymore but something else, something powerful and she can feel it surging beneath her skin, pulled by a force as it rushes through her and towards that opening in her palm. The white of her light overtakes the green and Tink’s body jerks like the surge of magic is as jarring to her as it is for Emma. Tiger Lily gasps, the ground beneath them starting to glow, tendrils of golden light snaking towards them across the stone like rivulets. Their body starts to shimmer, the dusting of gold shining brighter until their skin is swallowed by it completely. 

Emma can feel sweat beading on her skin, the salt mixing with the tears she hadn’t realized she’d been crying. She doesn’t know how much longer she can keep this up, the power coursing through her overwhelming. Tink’s hand is shaking in hers, both their palms damp and slippery and white knuckled and she can’t imagine how much more effort the fairy is putting in as the one actually channeling all of this. 

“There’s so much,” Tiger Lily says in awe. “We’ve forgotten so much.” Their eyes are glowing with the same gold that covers their skin, their mouth pulling into a smile even as tears roll down their cheeks. 

“I can’t -” Tink starts, but doesn’t let Emma release her hand when she tries to stop.

There’s another moment, the light engulfing the Constant almost completely, so bright Emma has to look away, before finally, suddenly, it stops. The three of them slump against the ground with a gasp of exhaustion. Emma doesn’t even turn when she feels hands on her shoulders, helping her to sit up, she knows it’s him. Wendy is at Tink’s side helping to support her as well as the Constant circle around Tiger Lily, all of them holding one another in a moment that feels beautiful and private as joy and heartbreak play over their faces. 

“Can you. Stop him?” Tink pants out. 

“I… I think so. There’s just - there’s so much. I need time to sort through it all.” 

“We don’t. Have. Time.”

“All of the secrets of Neverland, millennia’s worth, have just been poured into my mind. It will take me more than a few minutes to understand it all and find what will help us.” 

“How much time?” Emma asks. Henry’s already been here too long - too long without knowing that she’s here, that she’s coming for him. 

“I don’t… give me a few nights at least. Come back in three days. That should give me time to make sense of what is needed at least.” Their eyes are far away, like they’re not seeing the cavern around them but something far bigger and far more extraordinary.  

Emma nods. “Three days?” 

“Three days. And then we’ll rid this island of its false king forever.”

***********

Let me know if you'd like to be added or removed from my tag list!

@kmomof4 @elizabeethan @the-darkdragonfly  @undercaffinatednightmare @jennjenn615 @dramioneswan @gingerchangeling @gingerpolyglot @batana54 @lfh1226-linda @csalltheway @xsajx @xarandomdreamx @onceratheart18 @ownedbycaptainswan @teamhook @pirateprincessofpizza @lostintheskyfaraway @zaharadessert @thejollyroger-writer @ultraluckycatnd @justanother-unluckysoul @spartanguard @jonesfandomfanatic @deckerstarblanche @jrob64 @klynn-stormz @wefoundloveunderthelight @sailtoafarawayland @tiganasummertree @winterbaby89 @hollyethecurious @stahlop @superchocovian @snowbellewells @xellewoods @sals86 @karlyfr13s  @ouatpost @skairipakomtrikru @lonelyspectator12   @anmylica   @alexa-fangirl-forever @inspiredbystardust @marcella2727 @paradiselady19 @koryandr @killiansprincss @goforlaunchcee

[morgana-larkin]

Alrighty, I finally finished it as I kept getting distracted when writing it due to the holidays. But here it is, Worth It chapter 14. Not edited in the slightest and I hope you like it!

On another note: I’ll be writing Chessy ones next as I finished the Donna ones. If you don’t read Chessy then Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! ❄️🥳🥳🥳

Worth It - Part 14

Warnings: Smut, swearing in English and Italian

Words: 11.3k

You awake to the smell of breakfast being cooked downstairs and you put your robe and slippers on before going downstairs. You open the kitchen door and the sight before you makes you smile. There’s Melissa, happily making food while humming the song that’s playing from her phone. She’s in her robe and her hair is in a messy bun and she looks so happy right now.

“Good morning!” She says when she sees you.

“Morning.” You say and she goes up to hug and kiss you. “Why are you so chipper this morning? You remind me of Janine.” You tell her and she scoffs at you before going back to the food.

“I’m just happy this morning. I got 2 weeks off of work and can spend time with my girl without interruptions or responsibilities.” She tells you and you smile.

“No interruptions besides the Christmas party that’s today and the new year eve party that’s on Friday.”

“Well that’s beside the point.” She says and you smile at her. “You should eat up, we got a meal to make and things to put in the car before going to Marie’s place.” She tells you as she hands you a plate of food.

“A frittata with pieces of ham and peppers in it?” You ask her and she nods. “What are we tasked with bringing today again?

“Pasta alla Norma, it’s a Sicilian pasta with eggplant.” She tells you.

“That’s like 5 Italian dishes that I know of that use eggplant.” You say and she looks at you with a smile.

“Because it adds the right flavour.” She says to you and strokes your cheek. “Remember what I told you about today?” She asks you and you nod.

“Stick by the people that I know, don’t get angry if they insult you or the pasta, and watch out for Marie as she’s a total nightmare on Christmas.” You tell her. “I still have questions about those.”

“What questions?”

“I don’t get why they would insult you. Even though you guys are Italian, it still doesn’t sound right. Also Marie was so sweet and quiet last time I met her.”

“And your parents are from Vermont, they’re practically Canadian but your mom is a complete bitch.” She tells you.

“Not every Canadian is nice. I’ve met a lot of Canadians since we’re so close to the border, some of them are real assholes.” You tell her and then finish up your breakfast.

“Marie is always like this on Christmas, she’s the sweetest Schemmenti but on Christmas she’s the worst.” Melissa tells you. “Been that way since we were kids and we don’t know why.” She tells you.

4 hours later and the pasta is made and the both of you head to the bathroom to start getting ready. You both hop in the shower and start washing when you feel hands wrap around your waist.

“What are you doing Melissa?” You ask with a smile as you lean into her touch.

“What if I want my taste of you before we go to the party?” She asks as she starts kissing your neck.

“Why do you always want sex right before your family’s parties?”

“Because I like claiming you as mine.” She says before spinning you around, pinning you to the shower wall and kissing you with force. You begin moaning into the kiss when she starts playing with your nipples. She goes to her knees and immediately wraps her mouth around your clit and sucks hard.

“Do you not want me to last long?” You manage to get out between moans. Melissa gets back up to be face to face with you and brings her hand to your clit.

“Consider we have to leave in an hour and a half, probably best if it’s quick.” She tells you and plays with your clit the way she knows drives you crazy.

“Melissa.” You gasp out as you’re close and she kisses you. You gasp into the kiss as you come and she pulls back with a smirk. “You’re evil.” You tell her with a smile and she giggles.

“Come on, we have to finish the shower and then get ready.” She says and you grab her hips with both your hands. “Woah!” She says as you pull her to you.

“You haven’t come yet.” You tell her and she smiles before she brings your leg out a bit and places herself on your leg.

“Then hold this leg still.” She says before she starts grinding on it. You tense up your leg muscles and she moans out as she keeps grinding. “Do you feel how wet I am, baby?” She asks and you nod. She keeps grinding on your leg until she comes with a gasp and rests her forehead against yours as she calms down. “I want to wash your hair.” She says and you tilt your head after she pulls back. “Can I wash your hair?” She asks and you nod before she pulls you under the water.

You pull your leather jacket on over your red dress and look in the mirror. You check your makeup again to make sure there’s no mistakes and then you put both of Melissa’s gifts in the bag, one for secret Santa and the other one because you wanted too. You get out of your room and then go downstairs to where Melissa is putting the food in a bag.

“I see we both went with leather and red.” You say as you see her outfit and she turns around to see you and her jaw drops. “What do you think?” You ask her as you do a little pose and she has to swallow all the extra saliva in her mouth due to her drooling over you.

“You look beautiful.” She says when she finds her voice.

“So do you.” You say. Melissa went with leather pants, a red top and a little pin on the right side of her shirt.

“I can’t wait until we get home and I can ravish you.” She says with her seductive voice and you shiver a bit at her words.

“That depends on how much you drink tonight.” You tell her and then walk past her to put your coat on. “Last time you couldn’t stop flirting and tease me.” You tell her. “Well until I brought you into Janine’s bathroom, did a quickie and then threw freezing cold water at your face.” You say and her mouth drops as you bend down to slip on your heeled boots.

“You threw water at me?” She says and you nod proudly as you see her shocked face. “Well that’s rude.”

“It was a fair punishment for trying to have sex with me in front of our coworkers for 4 hours.” You tell her and she pouts. “If that happens again but with your family then I might see how far you’ll go, especially with your siblings there who will tease you about it after.” You add on and then walk outside.

“And you say I’m evil.” Melissa says while she follows after you and then locks the door. “Stellina.” She says while she’s driving the both of you to her sister's house.

“Ya?” You ask and turn your head to look at her.

“There’s something that I haven’t told you and it might show today as I usually get a lot of Christmas cards from my family.” She starts and you tilt your head. “I’m dyslexic.” She says and you smile.

“Melissa, I already know.” You tell her and she furrows her eyebrows.

“How?”

“I’ve seen you grade tests and papers many times, I’ve seen you read over the same sentence twice many times.” You explain. “I don’t care if that’s what you’re worried about. And I never brought it up cause I figured you’d tell me when you’re ready.”

“It seems like you were made for me.” She says and you smile.

“Maybe I was, I am 20 years younger so maybe I was born to love you.” You say and she giggles.

“You’re cute.” She says.

Melissa knocks on the door and her brother Tony opens the door.

“Hey sis and Eva!” He says and hugs you both. “Thank god you’re here. Marie has gone crazy as usual and she ain’t listening to any of us.” He explains as you both walk in and hear shouting in Italian from the kitchen.

“Well what makes you think she’ll listen to me?” Melissa says.

“You’re the eldest sibling, you basically have Ma’s power until she gets here.” He says and you take Melissa’s bags of presents.

“Why don’t you go and try to calm your sister down and I'll put these under the tree.” You tell her and she nods before she heads to the kitchen. You head towards the tree and Tony follows you.

“So is Carl coming?” He asks and you look at him before rolling your eyes.

“Yes he is. Is your boyfriend here?” You counter.

“He is.” Tony answers. “But like I said before, open relationship, just last week we both went to the bar and made out with other people.” He tells you.

“How do you not get jealous by that?” You ask him.

“Well it’s sometimes the point, the other gets jealous and it makes the sex hotter.” He tells you and you grimace.

“Ok TMI.” You tell him. “You think it’s safe to go into the kitchen. There’s not as much shouting.” You say and then Maria Christina runs out.

“I was banned from the kitchen.” She says as she walks over to you both.

“Definitely not safe.” Tony tells you. Then the doorbell rings and Maria Christina goes and answers it.

“Merry Christmas Ma!” She says and you see Teresa there and she hugs her daughter.

“Are all my Bambini here?” She asks her daughter.

“Yep, most in the kitchen. The two out here are the ones who got banned.” She says and Teresa smiles.

“Merry Christmas Tony and to you as well Eva. I’m guessing Melissa is in the kitchen?” She asks you and you nod.

“I believe she’s trying to keep the peace until you get here.” You explain and she laughs.

“Sounds like an Italian Christmas.” She tells you before heading into the kitchen. You hear all the shouting stop at once and then you hear Teresa shout out some orders.

“Why are only the siblings here?” You ask Tony.

“Most people don’t get here until 4 or 5.” He tells you. “We just get here early to help out.”

“Melissa warned me that this family is the worst on Christmas. But I’m confused, I just saw you all on Thanksgiving and you were alright.”

“Schemmenti’s and extended family get feisty on Christmas.” He says.

“But why?”

“Christmas has never been the same since Nonna died, now Christmas has to be perfect.” He explains to you.

You then see Melissa, John Anthony and Marie Camille come out and they’re all carrying dishes. They go and put them on the giant dining table and then Melissa walks over to you.

“Keeping all my siblings in line is tiring.” She says. “I already want to drink.” She adds on and you giggle.

“Well I’m driving home so drink all you want.” You say and she wraps her arm around your shoulders.

“Thanks for the reminder.” She tells you and then places a kiss on your cheek and then goes back into the kitchen.

An hour later all the food is out and people have been arriving non stop. Kids have been running past you and immediately head for the basement before you’re not going to see them again for the evening. You go and take a seat on a couch and just sit there with a glass of juice in your hand, watching everyone catch up with other people.

“Melissa, go keep your girl company.” Melissa hears Seamus say.

“Why? Is she ok?” Melissa asks.

“She’s sitting on the couch alone. I mean I could just tell the rest of our siblings and I’m sure they’ll run over to her.” He tells her.

Melissa scoffs before she picks up her wine glass and leaves the room to the living room. “No need to tell them.” Melissa tells her brother.

“Hey Stellina, what are you doing all alone?” She tells you and sits beside you.

“I don’t know a lot of your family and there’s a lot of people here. So I just decided to sit here.” You tell her and lean into her. She puts an arm around you and kisses the side of your head.

“You could have come to find me. Seamus told me that you were all alone here.” She tells you.

“Well I’m ok, I was alone but I was watching everyone converse with each other.” You tell her. “How many glasses of wine have you had?”

“Lost count after 2.” She tells you and takes a sip. She then turns her head to face you and you give her a kiss. She grabs your chin and keeps you into the kiss until you hear someone call your name.

“Hey Eva.” You turn and see Carl there followed by John, George and Anna.

“Auntie Eva!” Anna says excitedly and then runs to hug you.

“Hi Anna, and Merry Christmas!” You tell her and then she goes and hugs Melissa.

“Hi Melissa!” She says.

“Hello Anna.” She says and returns the hug.

“Anna, if you want you can go and join all the kids in the basement.” You tell her and she smiles before she runs down and joins the other kids.

“You know now I know what it’s like when you walk in on me and George kissing.” John tells you and you stand up to hug him.

“Ya, but it’s worth it to see you happy.” You tell him. “Merry Christmas.” You add on.

An hour later and you and Melissa return to the couch with plates full of food.

“So anything interesting happen since thanksgiving?” Toni asks everyone.

“Well Eva got jealous of a parent flirting with me.” Melissa says and everyone looks at her.

“Well Ms. Obvious here didn’t even know the parent was flirting with her all week.” You add on.

“So how are you two together if you don’t notice someone flirting with you for a week?” Marie Camille asks Melissa.

“Well I noticed Eva was flirting with me. But because I love Eva, I didn’t notice the parent’s advances.” Melissa defends herself with.

“So what did you do then Eva?” Maria Christina asks like it’s interesting gossip.

“Mostly ignored and got mad at Melissa.” You say and Melissa rolls her eyes.

“Ya, wasn’t fun being ignored all week.” She says.

“I was going to go shout at the parent but Barb stopped me and instead I went up to Melissa and kissed her in front of the parent.” You tell them and smirked at Melissa.

“And then on Monday she saw the hickeys you left on my neck from Friday and left me alone after that.” Melissa adds on.

“But she leaves you alone, that’s the important part.” You say and Melissa wraps an arm around you.

“Yep, you made sure she got the message.” Melissa tells you with a smile. “So anything interesting with any of youse?” Melissa asks all her siblings and yours.

After everyone eats then dessert is put out and everyone gets up to get more food.

“Please eat as much as you want.” Marie yells at everyone. “I do not want to be stuck with a bunch of food again.” She complains after sitting down with her siblings.

“Aw, don’t complain sis, it’s Christmas, lighten up.” Seamus tells her.

“Tell me to lighten up one more time Seamus and I’ll punch you in the face.” She tells him.

Melissa puts her head on your shoulder as well as a hand on your thigh.

“Alcohol starting to take effect?” You ask her.

“Nope.” She says with a smile and then runs a finger up and down your thigh.

“I think it is.” You say and grab her hand that was on your thigh and she lifts her head up and faces you.

“I’m not drunk, I just really love you.” She says and gets really close to your face.

“Well I really love you too.” You tell her and give her a kiss.

“Sis, do you ever think you might want to date a man again?” Kristen Marie asks Melissa.

“Why would I do that when I have her?” Melissa asks and points at you.

“I meant if it doesn’t work out.” Kristen Marie says and you give her a confused look.

“Why wouldn’t it work out? Are you wanting to break up with me?” She asks you and you shake your head.

“Of course not.” You tell her. “Kristen Marie what the hell are you trying to get at?” You ask her sternly.

“I’m just curious.” She says and puts her hands up in defence. Melissa then wraps her arms around your waist and you wrap an arm around her.

“Don’t leave me.” She mumbles out and you stroke her head.

“I don’t plan on it.” You tell her.

“Get yourself together Melissa.” Teresa says and you look at her mom. “If you’re too clingy then she’ll leave you.” Her mom adds and you glare at her mom.

“Glares don’t work with this family Eva.” She says to you and then walks away.

As if sensing the tension that happened, Marie suddenly yells out “PRESENT TIME!” She says and gets up to go to the Christmas tree that’s full of cards and presents. “Ok we’ll do secret Santa first. Eva, can you come help me? I know you’re not drunk.” She asks you and you peel Melissa off of you and walk over to the tree. “Ok you find presents for secret Santa and then hand them to me so I can give it to the person.” She says and you nod and then search through the gifts.

After everyone got a gift then they all proceed to open their gifts while you sit down with yours. You open yours and see it’s a vibrator and you quirk an eyebrow and see Maria Christina smirking at you.

“For when Melissa isn’t in the mood and you are.” She tells you and you look at Melissa who has no idea what’s going on as she’s opening her gift that you got her.

“Oh my god! A pink leather jacket! That’s so amazing!” She yells out and she looks around at everyone’s face to see who it might be. She looks and sees you holding your phone and telling her to try it on. “Wait a minute, this is our wrapping paper. You’re my secret Santa?” She asks you and you nod.

“Now get up and put it on so I can take a picture of you in it.” You tell her and she does as you say.

“You’re so obedient outside of the bedroom.” Toni tells her and Melissa flips her off and then puts the jacket on.

“Does it fit?” You ask her and she moves her arms around before nodding.

“It’s perfect!” She says with a huge smile and you take a picture while she poses. She then gives you a big hug as she sits back down beside you.

“Ok Eva, I need your help again. Get your ass over here.” Marie says and you get up and walk over to the tree. “Ok I need you to help me hand out the gifts.” She tells you.

“But I don’t know who everyone is.” You tell her. “Just your siblings, my siblings and your mom.” You tell her.

“I know, which is why if it’s someone you don’t know then hand it to me.” She tells you and you nod.

10 minutes later and all the presents are handed out to everyone. You go and sit back down and see 4 presents, and 8 cards there for you. You go and read who they’re all from. You see the presents are from Melissa, Kristen Marie, John and Carl. You open all the cards first and see all 7 of Melissa’s siblings gave you one as well as Teresa. You then go and open the gifts. You open Carl and John’s gifts first before you open Kristen Marie’s gift.

“Do I even want to know what you got me?” You ask her and she shrugs. You open it up and see she got you a shirt that says ‘I’m with stupid’ and coincidentally it’s pointed right at Melissa. You actually laugh at that and it gets Melissa’s attention and she looks at it and then glares at her sister.

“Rude.” She says before she goes back to opening cards.

You then open Melissa’s gift and see she gave you a framed photo of the 2 of you and you see there’s a little note attached to it and you take it and open it up. ‘For you to put on your desk in the library for everyone to know you’re mine.’ It says and you look at her and smile. “You’re sweet.” You tell her and she looks at you and smiles back at you. “You have no idea why I’m calling you sweet do you?” You ask her and she shakes her head. “You’re so drunk, my love.” You tell her and she goes back to opening Christmas gifts. She opens your gift and sees you got her a photo album and she opens it to see there’s already pictures of the two of you in it. “I hope to fill it with you.” You tell her and a tear runs down her face and she hugs you.

“Thank you, Mia Stellina.” She says to you and you smile.

“Merry Christmas Melissa.” You say to her when you pull back from the hug.

“Merry Christmas Evalina.” She says back to you and gives you a kiss on the cheek.

“Ouch a pity cheek kiss.” You hear next to you and turn to John Anthony there.

“Shut up, it’s not pity.” You tell him and he shrugs.

“It looked like it.” He says and you glare and then remember that glares do nothing to Schemmenti’s.

“Maybe you should shut the fuck up.” You tell him and Melissa looks at you as well as all the other siblings.

“Ooohhh, Eva is getting feisty.” Maria Christina says and you roll your eyes.

Half an hour later and all the siblings are visibly drunk and what Melissa said is true, they’re kinda assholes on Christmas and they’re getting on your last nerves as they’re picking on you and Melissa.

“Oh my god, Melissa, are you a homosexual?” You hear and you all look up to see Uncle Archie there and you notice the placement of Melissa’s hands, one is wrapped around your waist and the other is on your thigh.

“I’m bisexual.” Melissa tells him and gives you another cheek kiss. Uncle Archie then looks at you.

“Melissa wasn’t a homosexual before, did you convert her?” He accuses you and you get up and walk away to the bathroom. You ignore all the calls of your name from Melissa and her siblings, as well as your siblings.

You get to a free bathroom and you lock yourself in it and take a deep breath at the sink. You try to get control of your breathing and then you hear a knock on the door.

“Eva, you in there?” You hear John say and you unlock the door and let him in. “Hey, are you alright? You looked upset back there.” He asks you as he closes the door and locks it.

“No, I'm not ok. Melissa warned me that there’s always insults thrown to everyone especially on Christmas and then her uncle Archie was the last straw.” You tell him. “It reminds me of mom.” You tell him. “Except all in one night. I came to Philly to get away from the criticism and I’m in a relationship with someone who’s family does it on Christmas every year.” You add on and he hugs you.

“I know it’s not easy.” He starts with. “If it makes you feel better, when I left, her brothers were holding Melissa back from strangling their uncle. And I believe she was cursing, it was hard to tell as it was slurred and in Italian.” He adds and you snort.

“Sounds like her.” You say.

“Why don’t you talk to Melissa about this tomorrow? Obviously not tonight as she’s super drunk. But tomorrow tell her how you feel and she’ll definitely think of something to help make you feel better.” He tells you and you nod.

“Do you ever miss it? Home.” You ask him and he thinks about it.

“Rarely but there has been moments in the past 8 years. Why? Do you miss it?” He asks.

“A little. I miss the home we grew up in, the friends we made, the life we were trying to build and then realised we had to leave our mom.” You tell him and you let out a dry laugh. “But I would miss Philly more if I ever moved.” You say to him.

“Why would you ever leave Philly? Melissa is here and I don’t see her moving out of Philly as her whole life is here.” He asks.

“I know, but if it didn’t work out with her then I would move.” You say.

“Just ignore all the stuff that her family has been saying. I don’t see this relationship with her failing, this is the first mature relationship you’ve been in.” He tells you. “Even to that girl who proposed to you 5 years ago, she wasn’t mature enough for you.” He adds and you nod.

“Is the reason you came instead of Melissa is because she’s threatening murder?” You ask with a smile and he laughs.

“Pretty much.” He says and then you both hear a knock at the door.

“Eva? You in there?” You hear Melissa say, the words slurred. John looks at you and then you wipe at the tears that formed before nodding to him. He unlocks the door and opens it to reveal Melissa.

“Oh thank god I found you. Are you ok?” She says as she runs to you and gives you a hug.

“Ya, I’m ok. Just needed a break.” You tell her as she pulls back.

“We can leave if you want.” She tells you and you shake your head.

“I actually want some more dessert.” You tell her and she smiles while you both head to the dessert table.

“Eva, you missed Melissa threatening to strangle Uncle Archie.” Toni says. “Seamus and John Anthony had to hold her back cause she was actually going to.” She adds on and then laughs.

“Could you imagine if she killed him?” Kristen Marie says. “Would have made the party better.” She adds on and everyone agrees and then laughs.

Everyone stays for another hour and then people start to head out. You see Melissa start to get sleepy and then decide it’s time to head out as well.

“Melissa and I are gonna go before she falls asleep on me. I cannot carry her inside the house.” You say and you pull Melissa up from the couch. You both say goodbye to everyone before you get the containers back from Marie and then get ready before leaving to Melissa’s car.

Once you get home you grab all the gifts and containers and Melissa unlocks the door and you both go inside. You both go get ready, with you helping Melissa get dressed, and then you fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.

You wake up to Melissa scrambling out of bed and running to the bathroom and you check the time, 7:47am. Melissa comes out a few minutes later and doesn’t look good.

“You look like hell.” You tell her and she groans.

“Why didn’t you stop me from drinking so much?” She asks and you shrug.

“I honestly didn’t see you half the time.” You tell her. “You were either helping out, chatting to family members, or I was helping hand out all the gifts.” You say to her and she falls on the bed and snuggles into you.

“Do you mind warming up the leftovers from yesterday?” She asks you and you nod.

“Sure, I’ll be right back.” You tell her and slip out of the bed, put your robe on and go downstairs. You come back to Melissa fast asleep and you go to wake her up gently. She blinks her eyes open and then looks confused before seeing you with food in your hands. She gets up and eagerly accepts one of the plates from you.

A couple hours later you’re scrolling on your phone with Melissa snuggling into you. You then think about what John told you yesterday and you look at Melissa.

“Hey Melissa, are you feeling up for a conversation?” You ask her and she looks up at you.

“Is everything alright?” She asks when she sees your face.

“What do you remember from last night?” You ask her and she thinks about it.

“Not much, I remember gifts, I’m definitely going to wear that pink leather jacket to school.” She tells you and you nod with a smile. “I remember little bits of conversations and threatening to strangle Uncle Archie for some reason, although knowing him he probably deserved it.” She says with a small laugh and then looks at you. “Did he say something to you?” She says and gets up slowly to not give herself motion sickness.

“He did, he told me I converted you to being a homosexual.” You tell her and you see a fire start in her eyes. “It’s fine, you already defended me by threatening him and you were held back by your brothers or else you would have strangled him, and you were cursing at him in Italian.” You tell her. “The truth is your entire family got on my nerves.” You tell her and she looks at you confused. “The way they were picking on both of us reminded me of my mom.” You explain to her and she gives you a sympathetic look. “I don’t know if I can be with someone who’s family is like the exact same person I moved away from to escape her.” You add on and she looks at you with a worried look as she sits up more and grabs your hand.

“I don’t want to lose you Eva. I can talk to my family and tell them to cool it or we won't go to family get togethers.” She suggests.

“I couldn’t keep you from your family, your family is everything to you, I know that.” You tell her.

“It seems as if you’re making me choose between you and my family.” She says softly. “And I can’t choose.” She says and you grab her other hand.

“I’m not asking you to do that. I’m saying that I can’t be around your family. So whenever there’s a family get together then I won’t be going to it.” You tell her and a tear slides down her cheek. “I’m still trying to heal from my past and my mom. And being around people that are like her isn’t helping. Maybe after time then I can be around them, but right now, I can’t.” You add and she sniffles.

“I don’t want to go if you’re not there.” She says.

“I don’t want to keep you from them and give them a reason to hate me.” You tell her.

“You’re not keeping me from them, I’m choosing to stay with my girlfriend.” She tells you. “Will you at least come to the New Year’s Eve party at my mom’s?” She asks you and you think about it before nodding your head.

“Ok, one more party.” You tell her and she smiles at you.

The two of you spend the day in bed as Melissa was trying to get over a hangover and you just happily read the new book to her that she got from one of her siblings.

During the day, when you went to the bathroom, Melissa sent a threatening message to her siblings group chat.

Melissa: Hey you stronzos listen up, you’ll have to cool it with your insults and picking on us or I will kill you. Got it?

Kristen Marie: where is this coming from?

Toni: I don’t think that’s possible in this family

Maria Christina: I don’t even remember last night

Seamus: Does this have something to do with Eva?

Tony: I also don’t remember last night

Marie Camille: We need more context Melissa

Marie: Were we too much for Eva last night?

John Anthony: I barely remember anything at all, the only thing I remember is Melissa threatening to strangle uncle Archie and telling him to go to hell in Italian

Melissa: The details don’t matter, just cool it or I will make do on my threat

Kristen Marie: I’m texting Eva

Melissa then goes to text Kristen Marie so she won’t text you but then sees you coming out of the bathroom with a confused expression.

“Why is Kristen Marie asking if I’m ok? Oh my god are you threatening your siblings?” You ask her as you get another text.

“Yes I am, I’m telling them to cool it or I’m gonna kill them.” She tells you plainly.

“You don’t have to commit murder for me.” You tell her.

“Family you kill for, even if you have to kill blood relatives.” She tells you. “Outside of my blood relatives, you and Barb are my family.” She tells you and rejoin her in the bed.

“That’s so sweet, no one has offered to kill for me.” You tell her and she wraps her arms around you while you place your head on her chest.

“If you’re not already feeling better from yesterday then my boobs should do the trick.” She jokes and you giggle.

“They are really comfortable and squishy.” You say and squeeze one of them. “Two giant pillows for me to lay on. And other times two nipples to suck on to help turn you on. Or even times they’re two big stress balls.” You tell her and she smiles.

“Glad they’re multi-functional for you. They’ve mostly been a pain for my back and just a pervert magnet at bars.” She tells you and you lift up her shirt and put your hand on one of her boobs. “What are you doing?” She asks.

“Playing.” You tell her and then you do a little kitten lick to the nipple. You feel her hips move slightly and you smile. “What did you say yesterday before the party? Wasn’t it that you want to ravish me when we get back?” You ask her.

“I did say that.” She tells you calmly but you can tell by her dark eyes that she’s turned on.

“Aren’t you going to do what you said or are you gonna be a liar?” You challenge her and she smirks.

“Maybe you should give me a reason why I should pin you to this bed and make you cum until you beg me to stop.” She says and your jaw drops and your brain stops working. “Did I make you speechless, my little sugar plum?” She says.

“Sugar plum?” You ask her and tilt your head.

“It’s the holiday season, seems appropriate.” She says and then you lean to her and kiss her. You pull back after a few seconds and you see her eyes are darker.

“You know I could always just take out that new vibrator your sister gave me last night if you’re not in the mood.” You say and you go to get out of bed but she grabs you and pins you to the bed.

“Which sister?” She asks you and you smile.

“Maria Christina.”

“Of course she did.” Melissa says with an eye roll and then she kisses you. She pulls back and then she takes her shirt off of you, one of her longer shirts that you love to wear to bed. “No matter how many times I see this body, I still love undressing you.” She tells you and you smile. She gets on top of you and then bends down to kiss your neck. She starts sucking and you start moaning and try to buck your hips but she’s on top of you. “Already turned on? I barely touched you.” She teases and you whimper. “Relax little Stellina.” She says near your ear and then she trails her mouth down to your nipples and takes one in her mouth. She brings her hand down over your centre and runs her fingers through your folds. “You’re so wet.” She says before easily sliding a finger in you.

You moan as you feel her finger inside of you, hitting all of the spots that make you feel good. “Melissa.” You moan out and she smiles around your nipple. You feel your orgasm building and you start squeezing around her finger and then she pulls out. You snap your head up at her and she smirks before she gets off of you and reaches for the nightstand. “What the hell? I was getting close.” You tell her and then she pulls the strap out and you blush.

“I know you were close but I need you needy and wet.” She says as she takes her shorts off and slips the strap on. She makes sure the dildo is placed at her clit before she gets in between your legs. “Now, I know you’re wet, but I don’t know how needy you really are. I don’t know if you really want this.” She says to you and you gulp. She then places her hands beside you and makes sure the dildo is near your entrance and leans down so she’s close to your ear. “How needy are you?” She whispers in your ear and then pulls back to look at you. You let out a whimper and she smirks at your reaction. “That’s not an answer, baby.” She says as she strokes your cheek.

“Please, Melissa.” You beg.

“It doesn’t seem like you really want it.” She teases and you grab her shirt and pull her towards you. “Woah!”

“Please mommy, I need to feel you inside of me.” You beg again and she smiles widely before she grabs the dildo and then slowly slides in you.

“You’re so needy for mommy.” She says before she’s all the way inside of you. “I know this would be much better if this was a real cock.” She says before she starts moving inside of you. “Where I can feel you all hot around me, squeezing me to make sure I stay inside of you, squeezing me dry to make sure I finish inside of you.” She says and you wrap your legs around her to pull her closer. “If I were to finish inside of you, then I would really claim you.” She tells you and then begins rubbing your clit. You start breathing hard as you feel your orgasm starting to build. You’re aware that hers is building as well, as her movements aren’t as steady, her breathing is heavy as well.

Your foreheads connect as you both get close and you have your mouth open as you're right at the edge and then she notices you’re squeezing the dildo as it got a little harder to push inside of you. You then gasp as you come out and then Melissa comes right after you. She pulls out of you and then goes and rubs your clit and you gasp.

“I told you, make you come until you beg me to stop.” She tells you and you put your hands in her hair and you grab a handful and squeeze as you’re already so close to your second orgasm. She kisses you and your arch your back slightly as you reach your second orgasm with a moan. She doesn’t stop as she immediately inserts a finger in your entrance while still rubbing your clit and you cry out.

“Melissa, Melissa please, it’s too much.” You tell her.

“I think I can get one more out of you.” She says as she rubs your clit faster and you unwrap your legs from around her and place your feet on the bed. You start bucking your hips as the sensation is overwhelming and she pins you to the bed and kisses you to help. “Take your time baby, don’t force it.” She says and you relax as much as possible as you feel your orgasm building quickly. You then squeeze her finger as your whole body tenses and then you come with a gasp. She pulls out of you and immediately lays beside you and cuddles you to help your body calm down. She feels your body shaking slightly and she kisses your cheek and brings you closer to her.

“You do what you say you will.” You pant out and she smiles as she rubs your arm. “Also, do you have a breeding kink?” You ask her after a second and she looks at you confused.

“What’s a breeding kink?” She asks and you have to think how to word it.

“It’s that you love the thought of breeding me but without me getting pregnant.” You explain to her and she hums.

“I guess I do.” She says. “It’s more the thought of you being mine though.” She adds on and you get more comfortable on her. “How about I run us a nice hot bath?” She suggests after a few seconds and you nod your head.

“Ok.” You say, a bit tired.

“Did those 3 orgasms wear you out?” She asks you, amused. You nod again and she giggles. She gets up and runs a hot bath and she gets you to follow her so you don’t fall asleep on the bed. She gets in the bath first and then you get in after her and lay on her chest. She places her chin on the top of your head and wraps her arms around you. After a minute she notices your breathing evens out and she lets you sleep for a few minutes before waking you up.

The next day she surprises you by teaching you how to waltz around the living room after moving the dining table into the kitchen.

“When did you learn how to waltz?” You ask her as you see she’s really good.

“Ma put me in dance classes when I was 7 after I asked.” She tells you. “As the golden child, I got my wish.” She says and you chuckle.

“I thought you only did enough to stay in her top five?” You question and she laughs.

“I did, but at this point there was only 4 of us. Marie Camille was just born when I went to dance classes.” She explains.

“What was your childhood like? I mean you have 8 younger siblings and you’re Italian. Must have been difficult.” You say and she thinks about it.

“It was more annoying having 8 siblings then it was having Nonna make sure I know how to cook properly.” She tells you. “It was difficult having to help raise my siblings, as I’m sure you know.” She says and you nod. “But it was also the 70’s and 80’s.”

“What’s the age differences?” You ask her and thinks about it.

“Let’s see. Well as you know, I’m 50.” She starts out and you nod. “Kristen Marie is 2 years younger than me so she’s 48, Marie is 2 years younger than Kristen Marie so she’s 46.” She continues and thinks about her other siblings. “Marie Camille is 3 years younger than Marie so she’s 43, John Anthony is 2 years younger than her so he’s 41. Maria Christina was born just 11 months after him so she’s 40. The terrible twins were born 2 years later so they’re 38. Pa died shortly after the twins were born and then Ma got married about 4 years later and then had Seamus who’s 6 years younger than the twins, so he’s 32. Seamus was born when I was turning 18.” She finishes explaining and you nod.

“Must have been a packed house.” You tell her and she giggles.

“Loud is the right word.” She says and then spins you around then continues to teach you to waltz.

“Would you want that many kids?” You ask her and she immediately shakes her head.

“I only want 1 or 2.” She says and you smile.

“I want that as well.” You tell her and she kisses you. “Have you ever thought of any names?” You ask her and she nods.

“I thought of the name Liliana for a girl and Luca for a boy. Liliana in a way came from the name Lily so it’s like the Italian version. I have thought of non Italian names but I don’t like them as much.” She tells you and you smile.

“I’ve seen Italian names and I like them too.” You tell her and she smiles.

“And which ones have you thought of?” She asks.

“I like a few E names for girls.” You start and she nods. “I like Emilia, Eleanora and Eliana.” You tell her.

“And the fascination with E names has nothing to do with your name beginning with an E?” She asks you and you giggle.

“I guess it kinda seems like that but there’s no relation.” You tell her and she spins you around. “I also like the names Veronica, Vanessa, Sophia and Diana.” You tell her and she hums.

“You have quite a list for girl names, what about boy names? Have you thought of those at all?” She asks and you nod.

“I liked the names Enrico, Pietro and Romeo. Romeo just because it reminds me of Romeo and Juliet.” You tell her and she rolls her eyes.

“No Romeo.” She immediately says.

“What?”

“Ma said that she was told there was a kid in Sicily named Romeo and he was made fun of in school because of Romeo and Juliet. And I don’t doubt the same thing would happen here, I mean I’m with second graders all day, someone named Romeo would more than likely get made fun of.” She explains and you pout. “Besides want to name a kid because of a story about star crossed lovers who both commit suicide?” She adds on and you think about it.

“I like Romeo and Juliet. The idea of a forbidden love and then two people who are willing to do anything to be together.” You tell her. “Wait, is Juliet Italian?” You ask her.

“No, it’s Latin.” She says and you pout. “Oh, stop pouting.” She says with a smile.

“But Romeo and Juliet takes place in Italy and Juliet is not an Italian name?” You question.

“I’m not the right person to ask that question to.” She says with a quirked eyebrow. “The right person would be Shakespeare.” She says.

“Well if I ever get the chance to meet him then I’ll definitely ask him.” You say and she shakes her head. She then spins you so that your back is to her front and has her arm wrapped around you while your hands are still entwined. “Is this part of the waltz?” You ask her and she hums.

“No, more of the Rumba but I just want to feel you close to me.” She tells you.

“Exactly how many styles of dancing do you know?” You ask her and she thinks about it.

“Well I know the Waltz, Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Tango, Quickstep and a small amount of the Foxtrot.” She says and you smile.

“Will you teach me all of those?” You ask her and she nods with a smile.

“I could teach you the Rumba next, the dance of love.” She says and you lean your head back and she kisses your forehead.

“I’d like that, we already got the love part done.” She says and she hums. “I know a bit of burlesque dancing.” You say suddenly and she spins you around so you’re face to face.

“Is that why you’re so good at giving lap dances?” She asks and you nod.

“So what are we doing for the rest of the week and are we bringing anything to the party on Friday?” You ask her.

“I thought we could bring cacio e Pepe.” She tells you and you smile.

“The first meal you ever taught me.” You say and she nods.

“It’s what helped bring us closer, I thought we could bring it to the end of the year party.” She says.

“You know some teachers think you’re not romantic and soft, and by some I mean all, but you are romantic and soft.” You tell her and she groans.

“Don’t go telling them that, I got a reputation and it keeps annoying ones away from me.” She says and you smirk.

“What would you do if I go around revealing your soft side?” You challenge her and she quirks an eyebrow at you.

“If you did then I would have to punish you.” She says and starts walking forward and you’re forced to walk back. “I would have to punish you by edging you until you apologise.” She adds and you gasp as your back hits the wall and Melissa traps you. She pins your hands above you while she kisses you with force and places her leg between yours. You start grinding on her leg as you got turned on by her kisses. She presses her body right up against yours and you moan as you feel her boobs squished up against you. You get close to an orgasm and then she pulls back and then walks away. “That’s what would happen if you told.” She says as she walks to the couch. You gasp out in disbelief and then walk towards her.

“That was cruel.” You pout and she laughs. “I mean I haven’t told anyone.” You say and then you pounce on her and you both fall onto the couch. You’re straddling her lap and then you kiss her with the same force she was kissing you just moments ago. You then grind on her thigh until you come.

The week goes by quickly as you both relax and have sex for the entire week. It’s Friday at noon and you’re both making the dish to bring to the New Year’s party.

“I think you’ll find my family is tamer today. They’re only the worst at Christmas.” She says as you’re helping her with the dish.

“I already told you that I’ll see that for myself tonight. If it’s true then I’ll go to the Easter party and whatever other holiday you celebrate with your family.” You tell her and she smiles.

“That’s all I ask.” She says and then gives you a kiss before you both continue the dish.

You slip on a purple dress and then you walk outside and see Melissa in a sparkly gold shirt, leather pants and she’s slipping on the pink leather jacket you gave her.

“Nice outfit, that jacket really brings it together.” You tell her and she laughs.

“I hope you don’t get cold, you didn’t even put tights on.” She tells you and you shrug.

“If I get cold then I’ll just cuddle with you and steal your warmth.” You and hug her.

“So you’re gonna be a little Koala?” She says as she picks up her purse and the bag with the food.

“No, I’m gonna be your little Koala.” You say and she giggles.

“Well then my little Koala, how about we go to the party or I might want to just stay here and fuck you until next year.” She says and you shiver.

“Well I won’t say no to that.” You tell her and she snorts before walking to the door.

“Finally you guys made it.” Teresa says as you both walk into the house.

“Hello to you too Ma.” Melissa says and then she hugs her mom. “I made some Cacio e Pepe for today.” Melissa says and then hands her mom the container.

“Oh how nice, haven’t had that dish in a little bit.”

“It was the first dish I taught Eva how to make.” Melissa tells her.

“Count yourself lucky Eva, Melissa doesn’t reveal the family secrets of our cooking to just anyone.” Teresa tells you.

“Oh I already know how lucky I am.” You say and then kiss Melissa’s cheek.

“Eva, do you mind if I take Melissa for a second?” She asks you and you look at Melissa who nods.

“I’ll go talk with your siblings, I see them over there.” You tell her and she gives you a kiss before you walk over to her siblings.

“What is it Ma?” Melissa asks.

“How long have you two been together?”

“3 months, why?”

“The chemistry you both share reminds me of the chemistry between me and your Pa. Don’t let this one get away.” Teresa says and then walks away.

“What did your mom want?” You ask her once she joins you and her siblings.

“Nothing much, just said she approves of our relationship.” She tells you.

“I think that was clear as she keeps inviting me to family events.” You tell her and she smiles.

“So what are you and my troublemaking siblings talking about?” She asks.

“Troublemakers? Us?” Toni says in fake shock.

“Well we are.” Maria Christina says. “Except for the older boring ones.” She adds and giggles with the twins.

“Oh Eva, your brothers are already here but they got swept away by family members.” John Anthony tells you.

“Oh thank you, I’m sure they’ll circle back to here at some point.” You say and then you turn to Melissa.

“So who’s the designated drinker tonight?” You ask her.

“I still remember my major hangover from Sunday so you go right ahead.” Melissa tells you and you nod then go grab a drink.

You get swept away by Vinny and Annette after grabbing a drink and you stay and talk with them for a few minutes.

“So I heard there was some trouble at Christmas.” Annette says to you.

“At Christmas her siblings and mom act like my mom and I’m trying to heal from the trauma my mom caused me.” You tell her honestly and she nods.

“I get it, Italian families can be tough to adjust to.” She says. “A lot easier if you’re born into them so then you desensitize.” She adds on and you nod. Just then Uncle Archie joins and you glare at him.

“You’re that queer that turned Melissa into a homosexual.” He tells you and Vinny holds him back while Annette puts an arm in front of you.

“She was born like that.” You tell him and he scoffs.

“She married a nice man and now she’s dating a little girl.” He says and before you can think about it, you throw your drink at him and everyone turns to look at the scene. Melissa walks up to you, sees what happened and pulls you away.

“Just walk away.” She tells you. “What are all youse looking at like this doesn’t happen all the time?” She asks everyone and then they all go back to their conversations. “Are you ok?” She asks you and you nod.

“I just don’t like him.” You tell her and she smiles.

“No one really does. He’s too set in his ways.” She tells you and then takes your cup. “Looks like you can use a refill. Come on.” She says and then goes with you to get you another drink. “Here, this is a stronger drink.” She says and hands it to you. You chug it down and she laughs at you before handing you another one. “Better be slower with this one unless you want a major hangover.” She says and you nod before taking a couple sips. “A few cousins want to talk to you to get to know you.” She says and then brings you over to some people.

You get to know a few new family members of hers instead of just her immediate family members, and you quite like everyone you meet, except for Uncle Archie who stays away from you. You start to get quite drunk around 10pm and Melissa stays by your side more as she wants to keep an eye on you.

“I’m just gonna go to the bathroom.” Melissa tells you and you nod before she walks away.

“Look at her ass and boobs more and you’re no better than a perv.” Kristen Marie says as she walks up to you.

“Well I’m with her so I’m just a pervy girlfriend then.” You tell her and she smiles.

“So what happened at Christmas? You never told me why Melissa was threatening us.”

“You guys reminded me of my mom.” You tell her and she nods.

“I guess we’re a lot on Christmas.” She says and you nod. “We’re much better every other day of the year though.” She adds and you giggle. You then stumble and fall into Kristen Marie who catches you. “You’re quite drunk.” She tells you and takes your drink. “How many of these have you had?” She asks after sniffing it.

“4…?” You say unsure, then start showing fingers that definitely don’t add up to 4.

“They’re really strong.” She tells you.

“And tastes really good.” You say and giggle.

“Your girlfriend is really drunk.” Kristen Marie says and then pushes you to Melissa.

“Wee!” You say and then Melissa catches you. “Can I tell you a secret?” You ask her and she nods. “I have a girlfriend who probably won’t like how close we are.” You whisper to her. “You actually look a lot like her.” You say with surprise and you gasp. “Like twins.” You say and she starts leading you to the couch as you keep stumbling as you walk.

“I’m sure your girlfriend won’t mind if I take care of you tonight.” She tells you and then throws you on the couch.

“Ahh!” You say and then burst out into giggles as you hit the couch.

“I’ll go get you some water and food.” Melissa says and then walks away to the kitchen.

“What’s up Eva?” Maria Christina asks you as she sits down next to you.

“Don’t tell Melissa but I may have drank a lot.” You tell her “shh.” You say and do the ‘shh’ motion.

“I won’t tell her. But maybe you and your loose lips want to play truth or dare?” She asks you as everyone agrees.

“Ok, but don’t tell Melissa.” You say and then giggle.

“Eva, truth or dare?” Maria Christina asks you.

“Dare!” You exclaim and Melissa comes back just as you say that.

“I dare you to kiss-”

“The name you say better be mine cause she ain’t kissing nobody else.” Melissa cuts her off with.

“Well where’s the fun if I say your name? You two have probably already kissed 5 times this hour.” Maria Christina complains to her sister with. “Eva, I dare you to kiss Toni.” She tells you and earns a glare from Melissa.

“Which Toni?” You ask.

“Sister Toni.” She explains and you nod. You then get up and give Toni a quick kiss on her lips. You then sit back down and Melissa sits beside you with some food and water for you. You start eating the food as the game continues. The truths and dares get more scandalous as it goes on and then Melissa ends up before anyone gives you a lap dance.

You disappear on Melissa when a family member starts talking to her and she finds you with another drink and holding onto Annette for dear life.

“There you are.” Melissa says and takes you from Annette. “Sorry about that, she escaped from me.” She tells her cousin.

“That’s alright, kinda like a kid.” Annette tells her and then goes to talk to another cousin.

“Don’t go wandering off.” She tells you and you just stare at her in amazement.

“Am I in trouble?” You ask her as she leads you back to the couch with her siblings.

“You will be if you wander off again.” She tells you sternly.

“Is mommy gonna punish me?” You ask her and she quickly covers your mouth but all her siblings heard. They all have their mouths hanging open in shock before the twins and Maria Christina have giant smirks on their face.

“OH! OOOHHH!” Maria Christina exclaims.

“OH MY GOD!” Toni says.

“This is the best!” Tony adds.

“You guys have a mommy kink!” Maria Christina says loudly and Melissa glares at them.

“Keep your voices down.” Melissa scolds them.

“Why is mommy gonna punish us too?” Maria Christina teases and all her siblings laugh, even Marie.

“Seriously? All of you?” Melissa says as she throws you on the couch.

“Wee!” You say, completely unaware of what’s going on.

“It’s too funny.” John Anthony says.

“Your girlfriend keeps throwing you under the bus.” Marie Camille says as Melissa sits next to you and you wrap your arms around her.

“You’re my girlfriend, right?” You ask her and she sighs.

“At the moment that’s in question, loose lips.” She says and her siblings burst out laughing. “Oh all youse can shut it.” She scolds her siblings.

“Is mommy gonna spank us?” Kristen Marie teases and Melissa whips her head at her sister.

“Eva is definitely in trouble for this.” Melissa mumbles and then you plant kisses all over her face and then climb into her lap.

“Looks like mommy’s attention is wanted.” Seamus says and Melissa sighs loudly. Melissa puts her hands on her temples and you fall to the ground as Melissa wasn’t supporting you.

“Ow!” You say and then Melissa helps you up. You sit back on the couch with a pout, cross your arms and look away from her.

“Oh the silent treatment? Really? How mature.” Melissa says sarcastically.

“Looks like mommy is in trouble.” Tony says and all her siblings laugh again.

“Everyone shut it.” Melissa tells them all sternly. “Eva, quite it out.” She tells you.

“You pushed me.” You tell her and then quickly glare at her before turning your head back to not look at her.

“I didn’t push you, you fell by accident.” She tells you.

“Doesn’t look like she’s forgiving you.” John Anthony tells her and she sighs.

“Really? I didn’t notice.” She replies sarcastically. You then suddenly get up and try to make a run for it but the twins catch you and hold you back until Melissa grabs you and drags you back to the couch. “Where were you going?” She asks when you’re back on the couch.

“I don’t know.” You tell her and she sighs

“For fuck sake. Cazzo, you’re such an idiota right now Eva.” She tells you and you just blink while staring at her.

“You’re so sexy when you speak Italian. You tell her and straddle her lap and go to kiss her. She covers your mouth with her hand and you open your eyes to stare at her in confusion.

“Not the time or the place.” She tells you and pushes you off of her.

“Ahh!” You say as you’re sitting next to her again. “You pushed me again!” You exclaim and cross your arms.

“This time was a push, the other time you just fell off of me.” She explains to you.

“Hm.” You say and turn to look away from her.

“If you’re ignoring me then I guess you don’t want a midnight kiss to ring in the new year?” She asks you and you widen your eyes before turning to face her.

“What time is it?” You ask her and she looks at her watch.

“11:29pm.” she tells you.

“We could do something to pass the time.” You tell her as you move a hand to her leg and trace it up to the top of her thigh.

“Looks like she wants mommy to punish her.” Toni says and Melissa grabs your hand.

“Later.” She tells you and you pout.

“But I’m bored.” You complain and turn around then lean back and place your head on her lap dramatically.

“You’re acting like the kids in my class.” She says. “I’m sure if they can survive 7 hours in school 5 days a week, then you can survive 31 minutes right now.” She tells you and gently runs her fingers through your hair.

“Eva, didn’t you see that your family is Irish?” John Anthony asks you and you turn your head to look at him and nod. “Then drinking is in your blood, have some more.” He says to you and then leans close to Melissa. “It’s just water.” He says to her and hands you the cup. You drink the whole thing and then place it on the table.

“There was no flavour there.” You say to them.

“Wasn’t there? There was flavour in mine.” He tells you.

“You have pretty eyes.” You tell Melissa and her cheeks turn slightly red.

“Well thank you Mia Stellina.” She says and you lean in closer to her. “What are you doing?” She asks you.

“Looking at your eyes. They’re a beautiful green.” You tell her and she smiles.

“Well thank you but can you back away a bit so you’re not right in my face.” She tells you and then the giant tv springs to life and everyone’s attention turns to it. Teresa changes it to the New Year Eve’s celebration in New York and you watch it in amazement. One of the bands starts playing a song and you grab Melissa’s hand and pull her up off the couch.

“Let’s dance!” You exclaim to her and she laughs as you pull her to a free space and the two of you start dancing to the song.

Everyone turns to the two of you before a few other couples start dancing as well. When the song is over, half the people there are dancing and Melissa is laughing as you stumble through the entire song. She catches you everytime and she still enjoys dancing with you even though she’s catching you for half the song. Another song comes on and everyone starts dancing again and Melissa holds on to you tightly this time and leads the dance.

“Alright 1 minute to midnight!” Teresa shouts as the countdown on the tv shows 60 seconds. Some of the kids come up and your brothers move their way through the crowd to you. Melissa holds onto your waist as the excitement is building for the new year.

“My New Year’s resolution is to make every day with you count.” She tells you and you smile at her.

“That’s mine as well.” You tell her.

“Ready?” Someone exclaims and then the entire room starts counting down.

“10…9…8…7…6…5…”. Everyone shouts and Melissa turns her body towards yours and pushes you closer to her. “4…3…2…”. Melissa leans in at the last second, lips almost touching. “1!”

Taglist: @esposadejoyhuerta

@imaginesmultifandoms

@idonothingalldays-blog

@sexysapphicshopowner

@dvrkhcld

@lilfartbox1

@ricejucie

@unicorniusfallapatorius

@a-queen-and-her-throne

@sleep-deprived-athlete

@og-kxsh-420

@sasheemo

@midnight-lestrange

@dashbag-art

Let me know if you want to be added!

[snailsgoingdowntown]

Help, I Reincarnated as the Female Leads Sister-in-Law!

1  2  3  4 

Chapter 5

'Slight' Yandere! Dion x Fem! Reader 

Arranged marriage AU

  Warnings: implied depression, guilt, implied coercion, implied toxic family (not yours), please tell me if I missed anything. 

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT CONDONE ANY OF THE HARMFUL AND/OR DANGEROUS ACTIONS AND/OR BEHAVIORS THAT MAY TAKE PLACE IN THIS PIECE OF FICTION. THESE ACTIONS/BEHAVIORS SHOULD NOT BE NORMALIZED NOR ROMANTICIZED AS BOTHY ARE EXTREMELY TOXIC AND DANGEROUS. 

MINORS/BLANK BLOGS/BLOGS THAT DO NOT REBLOG FANDOM STUFF/FICS/FANART DNI, AND PLEASE DO NOT SPAM LIKE MY POSTS

NOTE: The amount of time I spent on google to look up words is embarrassing.

Overall chapter summary: two memories that resurfaces and the odd, concerning actions and behaviors from two of your in-laws…  this night only gets stranger and stranger.

===

The fluorescent lights flicker above you, a sign that they needed to be changed. But it doesn't bother you as you look down at your phone, admiring the art of the new manhwa your friend recommended you. It was all you could do really, enduring the cold air filling the room. 

The T.V in the background also doesn’t catch your attention despite playing your favorite show.  Usually, you would abandon your phone in favor of watching the images that play on the screen, the volume just loud enough for you to hear. But the story of this novel-turned webtoon is more captivating, especially with the beautiful blond and cunning female lead scheming ways to free the silver haired male lead. 

Must be nice, to be rescued.

“It’s good, isn’t it?” your friend’s voice draws your attention, grinning as they sit on the chair they pulled up to your bed. “But remember, the content is dark.” they warn for the nth time. Like that would bother you. 

“Oh please, I’m not that sensitive,” you refute while rolling your eyes. “Besides, if I was, you wouldn’t have recommended it to me. We both know that.” A playful pout forms on your face as they ruffle your hair. 

“Yeah,” they say, “but sometimes people change their minds, you know?” 

“Like you?” 

“Hey! You can barely handle gore so good luck with it.” 

“Gore,” you snort. “Doesn’t bother me as much. But since I love you, I guess I’ll listen.” 

They hum, retreating their hand from your hair. “You should also read the novel once you’re done with the current episodes. It adds more context and includes the stuff the webtoon left out.” Yawning, they look at the clock on the way. A mumbled complaint rumbles in their chest. “Sorry, but I have work in the morning.” They linger on the uncomfortable bed before getting up to stretch. 

“Alright.” You hope they can’t hear the disappointment in your voice or the way your eyes become dull. “Make sure to text me once you get home, okay?” 

They reply with a thumbs up. 

It doesn’t take them long to gather their things and walk to the door, opening it. However, they don’t leave the room before looking at you. “I’ll bring your favorite snack tomorrow. As a gift.” You pretend that their grin is teasing. 

“Good. I would kick you out otherwise.” 

With a wave of their hand they disappear into the hallway, the door closing behind them. The room feels empty. Adjusting yourself to get comfortable, you lay on your side, leaving the T.V on.

The noise lulls you to sleep despite the gnawing loneliness pulling at your strings. Pulling the cover over your head, you close your eyes. 

- - -

The dream you had the day before your engagement announcement was what made you realize you were stuck in a fictional series.

Everything was normal when you woke up a month before it. No drama, no unfortunate accidents. The cup of tea you were enjoying that day was the sweetest you ever had, rare tea leaves that were a pain in the ass to find. But your father searched long and hard, wanting to give them to you as a happy little sweet gift. It only made sense, since it was your birthday and all. 

Well, you wish it just that; a birthday gift. Instead, it was an apology gift, him refusing to look you in the eye. At the time you had just assumed he was embarrassed, not that he was being eaten away by guilt that threatened to swallow his entire being whole. The sad part was that he didn't tell you the plans for your future until after you sat down for teatime. 

“...How’s the tea?” his voice had trembled but you didn’t notice it. You should have, especially with how small his voice had become, nearly a whisper. You were too caught in your jolly mood.

“Oh, it’s sweet - like honey!” placing your cup down you raise up from your seat to hug your father who sat across from you. He became stiff before returning it, his embrace tighter than usual. You thought it was out of adoration a father would hold for his daughter. Not of the father who was signing her death papers. 

“I’m glad.” when you stepped back he followed, bringing himself up to his feet. A heavy sigh that came from his chest before he finally looked into your eyes. You mistook the look of regret and horror in his for the uneasiness of your reaction towards the news. Still, he allowed himself to grab you by the shoulders. 

You misplaced the trembling for excitement instead of fear. 

“(Name), my daughter…” your father closed his mouth and shut his eyes tight. His grip on your shoulders tightens. Now you realize he did that so you wouldn’t run out. “I have some important news for you.” 

“Oh?” you cock your head, somewhat excited and somewhat worried. You wait for him to finish. 

“I…” opening his eyes he’s unable to meet your gaze. “I…found…a  fiance for you. He’s from an extremely well-off family.” he finishes but it sounds incomplete. You should have questioned him more. 

“A fiance?” you asked, blinking while your mind processes the information. “Did you find him recently?” truthfully, you didn’t like the news, but you knew it would happen eventually. But you can’t deny the slight bitterness you felt, the news slightly dampening your mood on your birthday. 

You got over it pretty quickly. Too quickly. 

“Well, yes? Kind of. His father would talk to me sometimes, insisting that the marriage would benefit us both." He left out the part where it only meant for your father-in-law and possibly yours, too. Not for the soon-to-be bride and groom. 

“I see.”

Your father looks at you in shock, asking “aren’t you upset?” 

You shrug your shoulders, hiding the annoyance. “Well,” your hands grab his wrists, squeezing them to comfort him - despite how it was your future married life and not his. “I knew it was going to happen eventually. It wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ 

He shakes his head, releasing a low and forced chuckle. At the time you just assumed it was from astonishment and not self-hatred. “You’re too forgiving,” he lets go of your shoulder and pulls his arms back. “But rest assured that the wedding and engagement party will be grand.” 

He never mentioned how your married life would be. That you would be in good hands. That your husband will take care of you and how you’ll grow fond of him as time passes. Or how your in-laws would be lovely. He couldn’t force himself to lie to you.

Your father couldn’t tell you how the marriage would chain you to your husband’s family. 

“Father, I don’t really care about that.” you laugh, softly hitting his shoulder. His expression didn’t become playful as usual. Instead it was grave and your heart painfully rattled at the sight. 

“I know you don’t - but they might.. Just endure it, okay? I promise the party and ceremony will be decent, at least.” 

You never thought to ask what he meant by that. Decent? Right after he called them grand? 

“I’ll trust you, then.” 

Little did you know that your trust would crumble away the moment you laid eyes on Dion Argece, his face stoic and eyes glued to something past you. 

-----

….why were you remembering that now? While Jeremy is running his mouth about his brother and Roxana wiping your mouth with a rag. Hana had given her the rag once she returned, stepping to the side at her orders.

Roxana offers to bring you to her room to freshen up, and your heart nearly leaps out of your chest with bliss. “It’s fine, lady Roxana,” you reject the offer, knowing that you’ll be caught in her web. Seems she’s already thinking of ways to use you. That or she genuinely felt bad. 

You couldn't tell. Her facade was always perfect. 

“I insist,” she smiles sweetly but it doesn’t reach her eyes. Does anyone else ever notice this? Aside from Dion? 

“Just accept it already.” Jeremy cuts in, stretching his arms above his head. Odd. The boy was nearly codependent on his sister, not willing to share her attention. Yet he’s sharing it - her - with you. “Besides, it’ll give you more time to avoid that asshole.” 

His words should have sounded playful, teasing, but they were filled with pure venom instead. Dion’s number two hater truly worked hard for that spot. 

“I’m flattered that you’re considerate of me,” your hand raises to pat his hand only for you to swiftly bring it back down. What were you doing!? He wasn’t your brother. Nor a friend. Just someone who happened to be related to your husband. 

That and a little murderous punk. 

Though, you couldn’t miss the disappointment in those blue eyes. Why was he acting like this?

Jeremy stays quiet for a bit, lost in thought. Your legs start to become weak the longer he doesn’t say anything - was he going to mock you? Lash out? Turn to Roxana and say that you’re not worth anything after all? 

“You deserve better than him. That’s all.” your mind blanks. To say that so bluntly and in the open… 

You just notice that Roxana stayed quiet in the background. Observing. Weighing the options. 

“I…” do you agree with him? You don’t want to be with him - that much was obvious. But you’re not sure if you deserved a happy ending. Maybe a slightly better one than this, though.

You stare at him like a deer in headlights. What answer would be the best one? Agree with him only to find out it was a test? Reject his view and say that he’s the one who deserves better? Wait, why was he so involved with this in the first place. 

And why did he look at you so sincerely?

You’ll get the answer for that later, or so you tell yourself. Frankly, you’re scared to find out. But curiosity always kills the cat.

“...it was a marriage arranged by our parents. If they saw that we were the best for each other, then we’ll listen. That’s how it is.” indirectly saying you agree somewhat could be a bad idea. But you also don’t want him to think that Dion was your ideal husband.

“‘Best for each other,’ huh? Well sometimes they’re - “ Roxana cuts him off. 

“Jeremy,” she says, “don’t you need to get ready for practice?” She lovingly pats his head. The boy beams at her before becoming petulant - not wanting to leave his sister’s side but was obligated to. 

“Right, right… it’s nothing more than free labor though.” he complains while starting to leave. If he lingered for even a bit he wouldn’t be able to drag his feet to his destination. “I’ll see you later?” 

“Tomorrow,” Roxana respondes. “I have something to do.” Jeremy reminds you of a puppy with the dejected look in his eyes and small frown. But with the promise of staying with him tomorrow, he brightly grins - you could almost forget his brutal personality. 

“Well then, I’ll be off.” he groans at the thought of the bothersome chore. 

But before leaving, he leaves you with ‘adivce’ :

“You should escape before this place digs its claws into you. Dion included.” You’re left speechless as his figure gets smaller and smaller, watching his back as he leaves. Why were you given advice anyway? First, by Dion, now Jeremy - was this a test?

Then, you realized that it’s only you and Roxana - without your noticing, Hana had left. Ordered by Roxana, perhaps?

What was she going to add to this strange night?

“Jeremy means well.”  She doesn’t acknowledge what he said.

“Yes. Of course.” You refrain from asking her why. “It’s… a bit cute.” for now you silently add, turning your head to look at your sister-in-law. 

“Mhm, he is, isn’t he?” The blond toys with a strand of her hair, dainty fingers twirling it. “Although, I must admit that he still has a lot of growing up to do.” Yes, yes he does. 

“I think it’s the same for everyone at that age; even for me.” she titters with you. It was faked on both ends. Yet it was mutually accepted. 

“My offer still stands.” 

“Oh, but I’m fine - I'm all cleaned up.” you lie. But her offer puzzles you - what would she gain from it? And while you would love to avoid your husband for a few extra minutes, you didn’t want to owe Roxana anything. Being in her debt was the same as signing a lifetime contract. 

You held no emotional importance to her. It’s only reasonable to think that she’s doing this for Jeremy’s sake. And you really, really need to find out why these characters - people were acting so weird. 

“Besides, I’m sure that your brother is waiting for me.” 

Her pointer finger taps against her chin in thought. Her ruby eyes look towards the side and you can’t read her expression. Beads of sweat threaten to slip down your face. You hope she doesn’t notice. 

“After some thought, I realized something.” she brings up once she looks at you again. You tilt your head, confused. 

“You never once referred to Dion as your husband.” 

[fragglez]

every time I watch a war related movie and they play the reveille i get spooked i HATE that melody

[anetherealpoetess]

finished the outlaw barbie game and have cried non-stop over arthur morgan ever since

[jawnjendes]

wowwwwwweeeeeeee

[youremyonlyhope]

.

[cassis2006]

might commit atrocities actually !

[girlwithrituals]

GLOW UP GUIDE FOR 2025⠀

READ: On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact. And considering that 2025 is precisely these many days away, why not start with our glow up plan already?

Physical Glow Up-

BODY

— 5-10K steps a day.

— 7-8 hours of sleep.

— workout everyday for 1 hr atleast- yoga/stretching/pilates/cardio. a workout may take one hour, but your mood will be boosted for the next 12 hours.

— posture training.

— sunlight exposure after waking up for at least 10 minutes.

NUTRITION

— 2-3 liters of water every day.

— limit your caffeine intake.

— avoid sugars as much as you can.

— high protein diet, pre and probiotics.

— more fruits and veggies (+ green smoothies if you like).

— no junk/processed food/trans fat.

— no eating after 8 pm.

SKINCARE

— be clear on your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive).

— once you're clear, use these accordingly- cleanser, toner, targeted serum, eye cream, moisturizer, sunscreen (≥50 spf).

— keep your bedding clean as well.

— no picking of skin on your lips, cuticle etc.

— gua sha to help improve blood circulation and lessen toxins.

— cold therapy may take three to five minutes of being uncomfortable, but your energy levels will be boosted for the rest of the day.

— remove makeup before you go to bed.

BODY CARE

— shower every day.

— exfoliate 2x a week.

— use body lotion (shea butter/aloe vera gel/coconut oil).

HAIR CARE

— wash hair 2-3x a week

— oil your scalp 2x a week, at least 3 hours before shampoo.

— hair mask 1x per week.

— never brush wet hair.

— use silk pillow case.

HYGIENE

— brush your teeth 2x a day, clean tongue and the roof of the mouth daily.

— floss daily.

— cut your nails 1x a week, never remove the cuticles.

— glycolic acid under arm for odor and discoloration.

— never use soap on your coochie.

Mental Glow Up-

MINDSET

— set clear goals- define and breakdown your aspirations.

— start your mornings with positive affirmations.

— surround yourself with uplifting content and people.

— be shamelessly selfish to your career and mental health, remove anyone or anything that doesn't align with your priorities and wellbeing.

— boost your brain health by these 4 neuroscience tools:

difficult first: start your day with the most difficult task (cortisol and dopamine are high in the body meaning that your body/mind is primed to work).

rest your eyes: introduce a micro-pause after learning by resting/closing your eyes - will help retain information better.

tomorrow's worries: write tomorrow's to-do list before bed as it is proven to be effective in helping you fall asleep.

find time to play: engage in low-stake play. can be anything you find fun but where the outcome doesn't matter (induces neuroplasticity + reduces stress).

MIND

— meditation might take as low as ten minutes, but your focus will be improved for the rest of the day.

— no social media after waking up and at least an hour before bed.

— keep aside 1 hr of time to read daily! reading a new book may take five hours, but you will keep the knowledge forever.

— journaling, gratitude.

— digital detox once a week or for 12 hours.

— limit unnecessary screentime, unfollow or cut off people you don't want to see.

JOURNALING

— choose a regular time each day to journal, making it a part of your routine.

— find a quiet, comfortable place free from distractions. light a candle if you want.

— allow your thoughts to flow without censoring or editing.

— write about your feelings and emotions to understand them better. write about things you are thankful for to boost your mood. write about your short-term and long-term goals. identify what triggers certain emotions or reactions

— set a timer for 5-10 minutes and write continuously during that time.

— reflect on both positive experiences and challenges.

— make lists, journal your thoughts on these questions.

— journal at night to clear your mind before bedtime, because emotions and thoughts lose their power once we acknowledge them.

— a gratitude practice may take five minutes, but your mindset will be shifted for the rest of the day.

AFFIRMATIONS

— customise affirmations to your needs.

Personal Life-

WEEKLY TASKS

— initiate small changes: begin with small, manageable tasks such as making your bed or cleaning your room every sunday.

— celebrate your success: reward yourself when you achieve your goals or have a consistently productive week. consider treats like buying flowers for yourself or watching your favorite show.

DAILY WORK

— set achievable goals: establish realistic goals for the day, week, or month ahead.

— track your progress.

— organise your work space, declutter your shelves etc.

— embrace the power of lists: keep a list of tasks to be done and their deadlines. this way, you start each day with a clear plan. to make it visually appealing and motivating, consider using productivity apps like evernote, habit tracker, or notion.

PRODUCTIVITY TIPS

— wake up early.

— plan ahead everything, do scheduling. you can use:

google calendar / notion / tasks .

— if the task takes less than 2 minutes to finish, do it immediately.

— countdown rule, if you are procrastinating, count 1-2-3-4-5 and jump.

— start slow, don't rush and try to do everything at one time.

— follow a proper routine, use app locks based on screentime.

— pomodoro technique, 25 min work, and 5 min break.

— schedule longer break times as well e.g 30 min nap.

[onrainynights]

I love adderall <- guy who has been on adderall for one day

[exopelagic]

I am baking cake at midnight and it is going to kill me <3

[sapsolais]

<3

[mecachrome]

notes from nicole piastri's interview on red flags pod

oscar started playing monopoly and chess when he was 4-5 but he was too good at chess (relative to nicole) that she boycotted it

nicole opened her twitter account because oscar wasn't replying to her at boarding school and she needed a place to chastise him ("can you not answer... i KNOW you're on your phone") (it worked because he started replying to her there)

instead of unflappable she calls him "conservative"

even during christmas and birthdays he was never super excited, one time they went with a group of 5 mums and 5 kids to a hi-5 concert (popular australian kids' musical group) and while all the kids were "going nuts" oscar just sat there "focused the whole time" and didn't smile or move lmfao. they were like 3 years old

didn't know what she was doing with oscar as a baby because he was her first child and her mothers' group was her only reference and they went "isn't the best part of the day when you wake up and go to their crib and they smile at you?" and she was like ??? because oscar would wake up and just SCREAM every single day needing to be out of there immediately and she thought that was just normal... then she had the girls and went "ahhhh... so that's what they're talking about"

when he was younger than 2 he needed them to read car magazines to him and was already obsessed with all things automotive and while they were driving would just name off and point out car brands by their badges

for a long period of time he behaved like he was a car and would "spin" his wheels and pretend to accelerate and run like a car lol

did a big burnout the first time he was on a bike (it had training wheels but he still learned very early)

as a mum she wishes he'd chosen golf or tennis since it's much safer than f1 and sometimes people tell her that she technically had a say in that when he was a kid and she said "but i didn't! it was just in him!!!"

won an academic award when he was 13 and she was president of the parents' community so she presented it to him, normally these events are super formal and you simply shake hands but she gave him a big kiss and instead of acting embarrassed or spluttering he looked at the crowd, nodded silently, and walked off

came back for the summer a few years ago and they were biking on the beach together when she had to brake hard to avoid a kid and went over, when she recovered and got back on he went "are you all right?" very deadpan but after they got home they checked his heart rate monitor and saw that he was totally steady the whole time except for when she crashed and his heart rate went through the roof, told him "ah so you do have a heart... we just don't see it"

"there's no sibling that can piss him off?" "well he's a boy with three girls so he just doesn't go there because he's never going to win"

met lily in person for the first time when he came home for the melbourne grand prix (was still alpine reserve), at midnight oscar was like "hey mum you know the dts film crew are coming tomorrow morning right?" and she was like WHAT... and he was like yeah it'll be chill they just want to film us having breakfast like a normal family or whatever and she was like Mate you haven't lived here for 5 years now do you know what breakfast looks like. it looks like your sisters storming downstairs and grabbing an inappropriate breakfast and storming out the door giving me the finger!!! and then the next morning lily comes down and nicole is like "oh is oscar up?" and lily is like no... i think he's still in bed... (many such cases) and then mae refused to be in it so she got dressed and ran off to school 2 hours early to escape them. and then the mclaren fiasco happened and the whole thing got cut out of dts anyway

when she said "oh my god you met matt damon!" he was just like (shrugs) "yeah... yeah..."

they communicate by facetiming and he's Always lying in bed. one time in bahrain he was leaning back on an ornate tapestry and she asked what hotel he was staying at and he was like oh i'm at the royal palace i'm like a guest of the crown prince. she freaked out and was like "oh my god!!! get your head off the tapestry!!!" and he just looked back like ? no it's fine it looks pretty old lol

called her to tell her that he signed his f1 contract and when he said mclaren she Realized and was like oh no i love daniel!! and he straight up deadpanned "yeah everyone loves daniel. that's going to be a problem..." and said verbatim "of all the f1 drivers ever daniel is the worst one to be replacing"

one time in f4 chris couldn't go to a race and billy monger had just had his crash so she flew to the uk for the weekend to support him and when she was driving him back to boarding school she was happy because she had 2 hours to spend with him and she wasn't sure when she'd see him again but instead he slept the whole way through and the moment they got back to school he went "ahhhh... home sweet home" and she wanted to slap him lmfao

first day of primary school when he was 5 years old he said he didn't need her to walk him to school and she was like "well i actually do mate" so he forced her to walk behind him the whole way and the moment they got there he turned to her and went "all right i'm here you can go now" 😭

the chinese & italian & yugoslavian is on chris's side of the family while nicole's is scottish & irish ("that's where the pasty skin comes from")

red flags pod sent her a shirt with oscar's face composed of His Tweet and she showed it to him and he immediately said he wanted it

he gave her a small warning before he posted the tweet but it was just like "mum so this is going to happen just don't worry about it. it's all under control. it'll be fine" and was very calm the whole time

"we just had to trust that his personality would come through at some point, because the way he came across was not at all what he's like. people will work out who the real you is so just continue to do what you do" 🥺

all of the kids were obsessed with Cars (2006)

likes his mum's golden syrup dumplings and grandmother's rumballs

AT THE SINGAPORE GP IN 2023 HATTIE DISAPPEARED FOR HOURS TO GO SEE A K-POP CONCERT 😭😭😭😭 i think it was p1h lmfao (nicole was asked for her favorite group and went "i have no idea. five boys") ((it's txt)) meanwhile oscar is only into house music and she thinks everything he plays is the same song

did pilates when he went home but never with her and thinks it's a lot harder than it looks

takes him minimum 24 hours to respond to anything she sends

she had an exact conversation with oscar where she asked who he wanted to be teammates with and he said "well if i go up against lando i don't even have to get close the first year because everyone knows how good he is" 😭

oscar you are so you 🧡

[a-b-riddle]

Part 2

Can't stop thinking about reader finally cutting them loose.

For three days there was nothing but radio silence. In those three days you had told yourself that it was a grace period. Time for Simon to cool off and realize how much of a bastard he was for saying all those things he obviously didn't mean. Johnny coming back over with a bouquet of flowers and endless apologies and cuddles.

Simon didn't apologize for his harsh words.

Johnny didn't call you later, as promised.

For three days you jumped at every single notification, silently hoping it was one of them. Any of them.

But it wasn't.

And you, unfortunately, got the answer to the question you had been asking yourself for months.

Did they still want this?

The answer was clear.

You didn't let their unofficial dismissal get to you. You still had shit to do. A life to get on to. A book signing to go to.

Jesus.

A book signing. A book you wrote. A book that was being published and released the day of the expo. You weren't expecting a huge line because this was your debut novel, but with the help of some ARC readers who had took to social media, there had been a bit of a storm brewing.

You had listened to John when he had mentioned writing under an alias. Don't know how crazy people are out there. They'd do anything to get close to you, Dove. Just better to protect yourself where you can. You almost hated yourself for listening to him now. Now you would just have to keep writing under your pen name.

You were getting ready to close up shop early when your phone finally pinged.

Kyle.

Fuck.

Of course it was Kyle. The one who hadn't treated you like you were constantly bothering him. Not the one who made you feel guilty for agreeing to your arrangement. Nor was he the one who fucked you and left you. No. He was just the one who just wasn't there.

Maybe that was just as bad.

What are you up to today?

That was it. Almost two weeks of radio silence and that's all he had to say? It just added more evidence that you were making the right call in ending this now. It had already carried on for too long.

You had two things on your to-do list and you wouldn't let Kyle's sudden reappearance deter you.

E-mail the publisher back.

Change the locks.

You didn't have the strength to face them again. If they groveled, it would be too easy to take them back. One against four wasn't much of a fair fight. And if they didn't care to fight for you... you don't know if you could survive it. Coming face-to-face with the proof that it didn't bother them to give you up even though it was killing you.

No. Cutting it off completely was the best thing to do.

So you didn't respond.

You left Kyle's text unanswered as you e-mailed the publisher back that everything was set for your flight on tomorrow morning. You would spend Thursday adjusting to the time difference and Friday you would rest up before the expo this weekend. She assured you that you would need to rest up your writing hand. Whatever that means.

You left Kyle read as you closed up shop several hours earlier than usual. You needed to drop off the bank deposit before you started on task number two.

You didn't bothering responding to Johnny when he had texted you when you were leaving the hardware store, purchase in hand. Asking if you were free Friday. Promising dinner. 'In or out. Your choice.'

It was almost second nature when you got home to pull up your phone. Ready to text one of them to see which one of them could come over and help.

Fixing a leaky sink? Nothing Johnny hasn't seen before. Need help moving furniture? John won't mind when you change your several times on what should go where. Kyle would always come in with take out the moment you mentioned you were hungry and whenever you felt like going for a walk when it was a bit too late in the evening, Simon was the first to volunteer as your personal guard dog.

But asking them to come and change the very lock you planned on using to keep them out seemed... counter productive, if not downright petty.

You were almost done with the lock when your phone sounded off. Only this time it wasn't a text. Someone was calling you.

You almost faltered when John's name came on your screen.

Fuck.

That almost got you.

You almost answered it.

Almost.

You clicked on the 'Sorry, I can't talk right now. Options, before finishing up your work.

And just like that, you were done. No help needed. You had changed the lock. Even adding on a deadbolt. Replacing the flimsy chain Simon had taunted you about. If someone wanted to get in here, that wouldn't stop them.

Well, now you didn't need to hear it anymore.

Not that you would really hear it again...

Your flight was in twelve hours. Although that seemed an ample amount of time you hadn't even begun to pack. You had luckily narrowed your outfits down, but now was the task of folding it nicely into your suitcase rather than just stuffing it in there.

On my way. We need to talk.

It was too late for talking. Three days too late. Several months too late.

The last message sent was four weeks ago. A new Thai place had opened up close to your apartment that you were wanting to try. All of them had given you excuses.

Not my taste, Dove.

Cannae do it tonight. Next weekend? Next weekend didn't happen either.

I can do tomorrow. Kyle ended up bailing. You forget the excuse he used.

Simon hadn't even bothered to reply.

The final nail in the coffin of your relationship. Almost two years wasted with nothing, but a broken heart to show for it. And the worst part is, they had all chipped away at your heart, leaving you to deal with the final blow that would shatter it.

Im sorry. I can’t do this with you anymore. wish you all the best.

Your fingers made quick work in blocking their numbers. It was best. If they wanted to reach you, they couldn't. On the other side of the coin, if they didn't care to reply, you wouldn't spend countless hours crying over the fact that none of them had been affected the same way you had.

You would deal with getting them their belongings that they had left behind another time. You had big things, great things happening for you. You were cutting your loses. You were cutting them loose.

You just hoped you didn’t regret it.