#from him munching like a hungry little gremlin

[kyberblade]

Back To You (Din x Reader) - Part 16 - Sneak Peek

A/N: In honor of the premiere today, here is the first 1k odd words of Part 16 of Back To You. Below the cut to avoid spoilers. (Spoilers for Part 15 near the end, don’t read if you don’t want them.)

I do not own Star Wars or it’s characters. Sadly. But I carry them in my heart. Does that count for something? My soul says yes.

Warnings: I’ll say it again, so no one can say I didn’t warn them - Spoilers for Part 15 near the end, don’t read if you don’t want them. Other than that? Just a lotta fluff. I mean, they argue? But still? It’s entirely shenanigans and domestic chaos that makes you just go awwwwwww….

Word count: 1,426

Thank you to @fordo-kixed-rex for helping me figure out the scenario - your brain gets my brain. It’s weird. We should get that looked at.

| Series Masterlist |

Xxx

The Crest was orbiting Tatooine, some final checks in progress as you watched Din from your copilot’s seat. 

Grogu babbled something quietly from his seat to your right, making incessant grabby gestures toward the crate at your feet you’d brought up from the lower level. Soft grunts of frustration painted his string of gibberish in his efforts now and then.

Looking down to the box, amusement colored your features. “What, ad’ika? You want one of these?” Reaching down you pulled up a ration packet, holding it between your thumb and index finger tantalizingly. Letting it dangle as his eyes grew wider, darting between you and the packet and back again in a never ending circuit, you laughed softly. (“Little one.”) 

“Here you go.” Tearing it open, you handed it to him, stopping just short of his outstretched hands and pulling it back a little. Eyebrow raised, you tilted your head down to look down your nose in warning. “Slow.”

Grogu just closed his mouth, his large eyes blinking up at you in understanding as he gently took the packet, making one last circuit between it and you before plopping into his seat with a soft coo. He ate like it had been months since the last time, not a handful of minutes, making you shake your head before settling back in your seat.

“Why are you feeding him?”

Din’s voice pulled your attention to him, your head snapping up from looking at your lap as you brushed crumbs from the packet away. “Oh, this is just a snack. I already gave him dinner an hour ago.”

A moment of silence settled between you before Din sighed heavily, his shoulders rising and falling with the effort. “I gave him dinner two hours ago,” he said, voice resigned as his head tilted to the side.

All you could do was blink. “Din, two hours ago we were loading up the Crest in Peli’s hangar. The hour before that we were in the market for last minute supplies, I got him fresh food there. Three whole frogs. He’d already eaten.”

After another long moment as Din looked between the child while he munched away happily, then back to you, he sighed yet again. Bringing his right hand up to worry back and forth against his forehead, the leather of his glove squeaked against the beskar with each pass. “Well he sure was acting hungry.”

You nodded, trying not to smile like you wanted to, everything about this conversation amusing you more than it should. “Yeah, acting.” Looking over at the tiny green gremlin, the smile won over as it climbed up the side of your face. “I've said it before, and l'lI say it again - where does it all go?”

“What if he's having a growth spurt?”

Turning back to face Din, you studied his body language, not sure if he was joking or not. His voice sounded serious enough, but that could just be sarcasm - he tended to do that. Often. And sometimes his dry tone just came off as not so much a joke, but entirely serious. It could lead to some hilarious moments, but right now, it just made your head hurt. He gave away nothing in his posture, sitting mostly relaxed like normal in his seat, so you just decided to go with it.

“He's a fifty year old man. How much growing does he have left in him? Look at him.” You gestured to the tiny green ward as he disappeared inside the ration packet to get the crumbs at the very bottom. “How tall is he going to grow that he needs,” glancing down at the crate, you did some quick math before lifting your gaze back to his visor, “seven ration packets in that amount of time?”

“You don't know,” he was quick to answer.

Doing a double take as you went to look back at the kid, you raised your brows at him, your voice miraculously low and even. “I know enough.”

“Do you?”

Crossing your arms over your chest, you leaned back in your seat, getting comfortable. The way your head was tilted back against the headrest, you were looking down your nose at Din. “Well neither do you, if that's your argument.”

Din’s voice was eerily calm. “I'm not arguing.”

You couldn’t help but snort out a laugh, letting your eyes close for a moment as your head lolled to the side, facing the kid before you turned a sarcastic glare back on your Mandalorian. “This is the definition of arguing, Din.”

“I…”

A small plop drew both of your attention away, looking down to find the kid had dropped out of his seat, had pulled another packet out of the crate, and was trying to make a getaway with it; standing in the middle of the cockpit with a packet almost bigger than he was.

You both said firmly in unison, “No!”

Grogu froze, turning to face you both and promptly falling into a seated position on the floor. Slowly he pulled the packet closer to his chest, looking between the two of you with large seemingly innocent eyes that only blinked maybe twice as they peered into your souls. 

“Kid…” Din’s exasperated sigh made you roll your eyes, turning your focus back on him as you sat on the edge of your seat facing sideways toward the child.

“Din, that's not going to do anything.”

He threw his hands up in the air, letting them slap back down on his thighs loudly as he leveled the stare of his visor on you. “Then you try, oh wise one.”

Making a face at him that was probably childish, to which he slightly tilted his head in response, you did what he asked. “Grogu. Hey. You don't need- Grogu?” 

When you turned, you found an empty cockpit, no child, no packet, just the tips of his ears disappearing below the hatch to the lower level. “Great. You scared him off, Din.” You copied him, tossing your hands up and letting them come down with a slap.

“I- No, you- This....” The following silence was so intense, it had to be something they taught him in Mandalorian training.

Soft cries of frustration came from below as you knew Grogu was trying to wrestle the packet open, but you used it as unneeded fuel for the fire. “Look what you did now, you've upset him.”

The scathing look you could feel along the lines of your face from under the helmet was not something you would forget anytime soon. It was so intense, so practiced, it had to be the second step they taught all young Mandalorians, right after silence.

Then came the third step, which you had no doubt Din himself probably taught other Mandalorians. Turning quickly in the pilot’s seat, he faced the controls, every line of him rigid as he jabbed at some buttons unnecessarily, the ship still floating aimlessly in orbit. The silence was thick as he pouted for a long moment.

Finally, taking a deep breath, you sighed. “Look. Just... Just tell me the next time you feed him, okay? In fact, tell me every time. I'll tell you, too. That way we don't run out of supplies, and he doesn't turn into a BB droid, rolling around here.”

Din’s body deflated as he chuckled softly, giving his head a gentle shake at the mental image you’d painted.

Smiling, you went on. “After all, these are the types of things you should probably tell your wife….”

He groaned, tossing his head back against the seat and giving it another gentle shake as he stared at the ceiling. 

“I mean, that’s the kind of thing she deserves to know.”

“Will you drop it already?” Din turned his visor toward you. “Please?” His voice was somewhere between annoyed and pleading. “I’ve told you, it was just a slip up, I didn’t…. There’s a lot more…. It’s a much more involved process if that were ever to really happen.”

“Well good,” you gave him one single nod in a definitive end to the conversation, and he turned back to the console after returning it tentatively. You smirked as you added, “Because I’m not that easy.”

He deflated, his shoulders slumping forward as a breath rushed out of him, his hands flattening against the console as he leaned into it slightly.

Din visibly relaxed, his head coming down, beskar clad forehead thumping once softly on the console between his hands when you quietly concluded with a grin, “Now I’m done.”

Xxx

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[aiiwa]

BEAUTIFUL IN BLUE — IWAIZUMI HAJIME.

— iwaizumi hajime.

⤷ genre: college au - fluff / smut

⤷ warnings: cursing, mature content and themes. smut: fingering (vaginal and anal), unprotected sex. kind of proof read but if you see a typo...no you didn’t.

⤷ word count: 6.4k

— a/n: set in the “FRESHMAN YEAR” universe, and is a continuation of “PRETTY IN PINK” - which i suggest reading before this. for those who wanted some real action after pretty in pink, this is for you <3.

a couple of weeks had passed since the incident. at least that’s what you had been addressing the day you had sent photos of you modelling your new lingerie to iwa, as. things had seemingly returned back to normal, photo unmentioned, and still your steady friendship continued with the oblivious brunette.

and now november had announced its arrival, with your boots beginning to disappear under crunchy oceans of cherry, merigold and bronze, and the potent, musky-sweet smell of browning leaves swirling around the air. it was the tell tale sign that fall was well and truly here, and what better of a time to drive out of town for the day, and celebrate momijigari.

at least that’s what you had told yourself before, what was meant to be a two hour drive, turned into over three hours spent in a car with the oversized toddlers know as your best friends.

“i’m hungry~!” whined toddler number one from behind you.

mattsun outstretched his long arms, reaching around the passenger seat you sat in, in an attempt to steal more of your snacks. you had made sure everyone knew to bring their own food and water, double- no, triple checked everyone was on the same page. but of course it was no surprise that mattsun was the only one to turn up empty handed. so when his grabby hands slapped against your cheeks for the nth time, you angled your face and snapped your jaw right on his thumb.

mattsun shrieks, jolting back away from you. “fucking hell, y/n!”

twisting around in your seat, you smirk, watching as he checked over the distinct bite mark on his red thumb.

“ha, serves you right.” pipes the figure slouched next to mattsun in the back seat. “ugh i need to take a leak.”

the peach-haired, number two toddler was none other than makki. he’d woken up cranky that morning, and it only seemed to worsen when he’d been shoved into the back with the chatty mattsun. within the first ten minutes he had tried to suffocate the latter with his pillow, and when that didn’t work, he took to blasting music in his headphones and facing himself towards the window for majority of the ride. only engaging with everyone when you began snacking, and he had decided to drink all of his juice just to spite mattsun.

“oi, iwa! control your gremlin!”

“shut up.”

“no, you shut up! you didn’t even want to share your juice with me!”

“i will literally piss on you right now.”

losing interest in the bickering duo behind you, your attention diverted to the third, brooding toddler beside you in the driver’s seat. you had spent majority of the drive admiring the way iwa handled himself behind the wheel; the flex of his arms under the fitted cotton of his blue long sleeve as he turned the wheel, and how the pads of his long fingers would tap against the worn leather to the beat of whatever tune began playing on shuffle. yet out of everything, it was when iwa took to mumbling the lyrics of whichever cheesy love song you were belting out to, that you found yourself falling even deeper into the pit of your affections for him.

throughout the drive, iwa had mostly managed to ignore the others’ antics - with your intervention of course. but with how tight his grip on the steering wheel had become from the squabbling in the backseat, and the dark look brewing under his cap; it was clear how close he was to losing his cool.

extending your arm out in front of him, you offer the hershey bar in your hand, brushing it against the pout of his bottom lip. iwa’s olive eyes glance questioningly at you from the side, to which you only offer a small grin.

“take a bite.” you order. the, ‘you look like you need it,’ is silent, but obvious in the way you prod the treat at his closed mouth.

“mmph-”

his eyes returned to the road before him as he parted his lips, pink tongue making a brief appearance before he took a small bite of your chocolate. you attempt to retract your arm, until iwa moves one hand to grab your wrist; bringing you back to him to take a bigger bite of the sweet, thumb rubbing against the inner side of your palm.

the corner of his mouth tugs upwards, as he mumbles a small, “thank you.”

heat floods your cheeks, and you catch yourself before you drop the chocolate on his lap. distracted by the deafening beat of your heart pounding in your ears, you don’t notice the silence that fills the car, or the not-so subtle click of mattsun snapping a photo of the two of you in the front and sending it to the group chat. you’re pulled out of your slight trance, by a flash of peach entering your field of view.

“that was disgusting...ly sweet. and now i suddenly need to puke, so hurry it up would you.”

as makki leans back, mattsun is quick to replace him, popping his head between you and iwa.

“don’t just ignore me, y/n, feed me chocolate too!”

rolling your eyes, you shove the bar in his mouth; the rest of you three laugh as he falls back into his seat, all the while he happily munches on the treat.

a little time passes before iwa’s flicking his indicator, signalling his turn into the free parking space outside the nature reserve. he shifts the gear into park before everyone piles out - makki walking over to wrap his thick, fossil grey scarf around your neck, the cashmere soft against your skin; while mattsun offers to carry your little backpack, only sending you a sly smile when you question his reasoning for taking the bag from you. you hug iwa’s offered arm to your chest, as the four of you start trekking along the uneven pathways leading towards lake kawaguchi. the walk isn’t necessarily long, but none of you are in a rush - strolling leisurely and enjoying the atmosphere.

and when you finally reach the end of your walk, you still yourself, awestruck by the beauty surrounding you. the glassy lake shimmering under the afternoon rays, crisp maple leaves painted red, swaying to the breezy flow of the cool wind, and the tinkling laughter from young children running about on the golden fields - filled your chest with warmth.

“it’s so beautiful here.”

your voice comes out as a whisper for only iwa’s ears to hear; with makki off to relieve himself and mattsun trailing after him, acting as if you didn’t see him rummaging through your snacks. iwa only hums in agreement, missing the way he hasn’t even acknowledged the view, his gaze set solely on you.

this is what the tradition of momijigari meant; taking time away from your busy schedule to spend a moment to enjoy this small piece of life. and of course, capturing the moment with some of your favourite people on camera. so when you busied yourself with taking photos with the towering men, it really shouldn’t have surprised you when your phone began to buzz with an incoming facetime call.

sliding your thumb across the screen to answer the call, you’re greeted by the sight of oikawa’s toothy grin; illuminated by a bright light you knew had to be artificial, since it was nearing two a.m. in argentina.

“yahoo, y/n-chan! you didn’t think i’d miss out on a photoshoot did you? i already missed out on you feeding me chocolate!” you shoot an embarrassed glanced at iwa, noticing the slight furrow between his brows and the faint dust of pink across his cheeks.

“photoshoot…?” a confused makki mumbles behind you.

mattsun leans over your shoulder, shoving his face in the camera. “oi, isn’t it late for you?”

you raise a single shaped brow as oikawa scoffs, brushing his fingers through his perfectly styled hair. “the pretty face of this group has finally blessed you, and that’s all you have to say?” mattsun scrunches his face in offence, as oikawa continues. “besides, i may be in a different country but i refuse to miss out!”

and it was because of his soft pout that you found yourself posing with your phone by your face, making sure to catch oikawa’s best angles; having long given up on questioning the setter and his antics. the so-called photoshoot came to an abrupt end later on when a tired and cranky oikawa yawned, apparently ruining another photo according to him, and iwa’s finger just so happened to slip and disconnect the video call.

“he’s stubborn.” was all he had said when you, makki and mattsun side eyed him. “we should head back home before it gets late.”

the drive back to tokyo seemed relatively faster than the journey to fujikawaguchiko. it was as if your body went into autopilot as you sat behind the wheel, this time taking responsibility as the driver while the boys napped; only coming to when you were parking iwa’s truck into their apartment’s parking lot, moments after the sun had set.

it was a silent and unanimous decision to order take out for dinner, the four of you seated around the black walnut dining table to dig in. meal times with the boys were hectic, and competitive for the most part - it was survival of the fittest. you were often being challenged by mattsun - tonight having lost the last few gyoza to him.

though it became obvious who the real loser was when mattsun flopped his head onto your lap, while you were lounging out on the settee.

“y/n~” mattsun drawled out. “rub my belly, it hurts!”

“no.”

“please, y/n~! my one and only best friend, the moon to my stars, the curry to my rice-”

he releases a satisfied sigh once you reach a hand out to press your palm against his stomach, rubbing soothing circles to stop his whining; and you catch makki roll his beady eyes at the two of you, as he flicks through suggested films to watch on netflix. iwa strolls into the living room, pillows and a comforter stacked in his arms; laying them neatly on the couch he shares with you on movie nights.

“oh, iwa, could you send me the photos please?” he nods his head once, barely glancing over at you and mattsun; pulling out his phone and dropping himself unceremoniously across the adjacent sofa. “thank you.” you call out once your phone pings with several notifications.

still rubbing mattsun’s stomach, your free hand casually scrolls through the pictures from today.

you snicker to yourself at the first series of chaotic images. a selfie with smushed faces pressed together and a phone-sized oikawa tucked right under your jaw, a blurry pic of the boys throwing vermillion leaves at each other, and even a timed snapshot where you, mattsun and makki had leapt on iwa’s back - your legs wrapped around his torso, while makki squished you from behind, and mattsun had flopped himself on top of the pile. there was even a shot of the aftermath, your phone and oikawa somehow surviving the tumble, and a deadpanned iwa staring straight at the camera as the three of you behind him cackled with your heads thrown back.

at least a few wholesome pictures had been captured. a sweet group photo with all of you huddled by each other in front of a vibrant maple tree; you and iwa were flanked by mattsun and makki respectively, as oikawa was held between you and iwa like a prized trophy. even a rare moment where makki and mattsun had their arms hooked around each other, with easy going grins on both of their faces, had been caught.

butterflies erupted in your tummy, fluttering about once you swiped to the next photo. it was a candid shot of you and iwa standing by the brilliant blue lake front. you were leaning into his side, holding two leaves at the top of your head to mimic cat ears, face tilted upwards. giggling, your eyes were shut, and only now can you see that you missed the soft smile iwa donned looking down at you.

it was almost painful to admit that together you looked like a couple, and it didn’t help that most times you even acted as such. sneaking a glance at the man in question, you watch him chatting quietly to makki, gripping your phone tightly in your grasp at the sound of him laughing at whatever snide comment escaped your peach-haired friend. you couldn’t help but sigh, being in love with one of your best friends only got harder each day.

unknowingly you had already swiped to the last photo iwa had sent, so when you return your gaze the screen, you shriek; dropping your phone flat on mattsun’s face.

“um, what the fuck, ow.”

iwa’s sharp eyes shoot towards you instantly. “what’s wrong?”

you only shake your head, warmth filling your cheeks and an itch you just can’t scratch prickling under your skin. makki only shrugs, shifting his attention back to the television. iwa is more hesitant, the feeling of his olive eyes giving you a once over does nothing to calm your nerves from being sent into overdrive. when he finally turns away, you release a breath you didn’t know you were holding.

“ugh, what even had you going even more crazy than usual all of a sudden?” mattsun groans from your lap. as he reaches to lift your phone off of his face, you’re quick to snatch the device away.

“n-nothing!” he only raises a thick brow at your defensive tone, before grabbing your hand to continue your ministrations.

glancing around the room, you pull the screen close to your face; taking in the photo, you felt your mouth run dry. 

there was no way this could have been sent to you on purpose - because the sight of a shirtless iwa at his second home, the gym, was definitely not taken at lake kawaguchi. anyone with eyes could tell how ripped iwa was under his fitted shirts. but over the past few months you had noticed that he’d run off to the gym more often; and it was obvious in the way his clothes struggled to stretch over his bulked up build these days.

it was a mid work out, mirror selfie; iwa’s dark, mocha coloured hair plastered to his forehead, bare chest glistening from the sweat dripping down from his neck. he was seated on the rubber floor, one long, tanned leg stretched out in front of him with the other bent at the knee, elbow resting loosely against his leg. your eyes greedily took in the defined dips of his toned stomach, dark snail trail leading downwards to the evident bulge of his grey shorts; the hem cutting into the flexed muscles of his thighs.

the heat pooling between your thighs as your imagination ran wild was just about to peak when-

“oi, y/n.” you almost jump, locking your screen, and blinking away the dazed look in your eyes. when your vision cleared, you found makki standing in front of you. “we’re gonna watch the movie now.”

“oh, right.”

mattsun rolls off your lap with a groan, complaining to makki about who is gonna rub his belly now, while you stand up. shuffling over to iwa, he stretches before shifting and making room for you to squeeze in next to him.

“c’mere.” he mumbles, throwing his arm around you and pulling you into his side.

the beat of your pounding heart is almost deafening in your ears, you’re near to hyperventilating, as your mind is sent into overdrive. the two of you were always cuddling platonically during movies, ever since the one time you had complained about being cold in their apartment. but this time was different. ‘is this how he felt when you had sent a picture of your new lingerie?’ you think to yourself. you spend the next hour deep in your thoughts, completely lost to whatever is happening in the sci-fi film makki had chosen, and when the end credits start rolling on the screen - iwa announces he’ll drop you off back to your dorm.

it’s close to midnight; so makki wishes you a goodnight, as a sleepy mattsun rests against his shoulder, making grabby hands for you not to go. you wave as you leave, following after iwa who opens the passenger side door of his truck, helping you jump up into the seat, before closing the door and making his way to the driver’s side.

your dorm isn’t too far from their apartment complex, so you’re not surprised at how quick the ride is. the street is unusually busy, yet completely void of any roaming students. and with no private parking for students, iwa’s forced to pull up near a secluded cluster of tall trees, a bit away from the dorm entrance.

“i’ll walk you in.” iwa says, leaving no room for argument. he reaches for his phone, as a message flashes across his screen. “oh, oikawa asked why you’ve been ignoring his messages.”

“huh?” you flip your own phone in your hand, watching as the facial recognition unlocks and suddenly iwa’s gym selfie is on full display for the both of you. it takes a moment for you to process the situation, and all you can manage is a simple, “oh,” as you resist the urge to fling your phone out of the window.

“nice photo.” iwa pipes up, you don’t even try to look at him, but the smirk in his tone is evident. “where’d you get it?”

his question throws you off, and you’re quick to turn your head to narrow your eyes at him. “what do you mean? iwa, you literally sent it to me?!”

“really? shit i must have done it by accident.”

“an accident?”

“yeah, like what you did to me. remember?”

you gasp, moving back almost as if you’ve been struck, while iwa simply laughs at your expression. a full on belly laugh that has him throwing his head back, illuminated by the glow emitting through his open moon roof. you should’ve been dwelling in the embarrassment that came with him turning your own words back on you - yet you found your own laughter mixing in with his. only when both of you had calmed down a bit, did an electrified silence fill the car.

fiddling with your phone in your lap, the strands of hair curtaining the sides of your face, is brushed aside and tucked behind the cuff of your ear. glancing at iwa, the corner of his mouth is pulled up into a fond smile as his thumb caresses the shell of your ear.

“sorry for teasing you, pretty lady. couldn’t help myself after you sent me that picture looking all pretty in pink.”

“i…” words escape you as his large hand trails down the side of your cheek. you’re suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to do something - it’s almost at the tip of your tongue, before you grab at his wrist and whisper a, “fuck it.”

leaning over the middle, you reach a hand to hold the back of his head as your lips press against his own. lips even softer than they appeared, the lingering taste of his wild cherry lip balm, the same one you owned, tasted sweeter than you remembered. after a moment, of the kiss not being reciprocated, you pull back.

“just had to do it once.” you murmur, lips still tingling.

iwa’s minty breath fans across your face as he releases an airy sigh. “then let’s do it a second time.”

this time his hand wraps loosely around your neck, pulling you towards him, and slanting his mouth over yours. you moan into the kiss as his tongue darts out to tease your lower lip. leaning into him, you almost keel forward as this time he pulls away. slightly breathless, you open your eyes to take in the barely restrained lust and adoration in his handsome features, mimicking you’re own.

“third time’s a charm, right?”

the devilish grin iwa gives you in response to your innocently posed question, has you climbing over the centre console. at the same time he’s rolling the chair back away from the leather steering wheel, making space for you to slide onto his lap and straddle him. molding your lips to his, the feeling of your tongue exploring his mouth and you grinding into him slowly; has him release a hiss as his hands grab at the fullness of your ass.

tugging at his collar, your words are muffled against his mouth. “take this off, now.”

he chuckles at your demand, pulling the hem of his shirt past the bulk of his shoulders and over his head - blindly throwing it to the backseat. you drag your eyes over the sight of his broad chest, taking in every delicious dip of his stomach; leaning forward, your tongue licks a tentative stripe along his neck, that has iwa’s breath hitch before peppering wet kisses along his skin. your hands roam around his toned body, while his own larger ones slide under your top; a searing hot trail following his exploration of your body. he draws small circles at your hips, leading up to hold your waist and bring your even closer against him.

“your turn, baby.” he whispers to you, fisting the bottom half of your top. “be fair to me, i wanna see more of you.”

sitting up straight in his lap, you slip the thin top over your head; following his suit in flinging it to the backseat. your hair brushed past your bare shoulders, exposed skin feeling the chill of the autumn night; but the look in iwa’s olive eyes, irradiated by the moonlight streaming in from the uncovered moonroof, was scorching hot. rough palms, flat against your smooth skin, slid over your tummy, teasing the sheer mesh of your bra, before playing with the baby blue ribbons on the straps.

“y/n.” iwa groans out, tracing the floral stitching and feeling the hardened nubs of your nipples under the fabric. with the moon haloing behind you, the way he stares up at you is so raw and intense, it has you frozen in anticipation. “you look so fucking beautiful in blue.”

he doesn’t wait for your response as he reaches behind you to unhook your bra, freeing your breasts from its confines. iwa’s quick to take a pebbled nub into his hot mouth, suckling as his fingers tweak the other. your fingers thread through his dark locks, when he moves and switches his focus; a lewd string of saliva dragging from your nipple to his pink tongue. stuttered grinding from his mouth distracting you, had you reaching a hand between each other to palm his erection - wanting to ease some of the tension. but iwa’s quick to snatch your hand away.

“iwa...let me touch you?”

releasing you from his mouth, he kisses the pout from your lips. “no, baby, don’t worry about me.”

“why not?” you whine.

“i wanna make you feel real good, gotta prep you for me first. is that okay with you, baby?” he only smiles softly as you start to relax against him. “i need to know if you’re okay with this. care about you so much, i just want you to be comfortable. let me know if you wanna stop right now.”

“no, h-haji...please, i don’t want to stop. i want you so bad. i need you, ah-”

your consent was all he needed before he pulls you back into him, kissing you so slow you feel dizzy; his hands travel low on your body, working the button of your jeans, as your fingers dig into his shoulders. when he breaks away from you, he helps you slip out of the dark denim, tugging each pant leg off until all you wearing is the stringy, baby blue panties that leaves little to the imagination.

“fuck, you’re gonna be the death of me.” iwa groans out, rubbing a hand across his face as you giggle lightly. while you hover over him, he quickly strips off his pants, kicking them off onto the floor before grabbing onto your hips. “flip around on me, baby. that’s right, face the front.”

settling down onto his lap, the thin cotton of his briefs does nothing to hide the print of his hard-on he’s sporting underneath. and with your back pressed to his warm chest, you roll your hips teasingly into him.

“come on, haji...let me help you.” you huff, continuing to grind against him.

“oi, cut it out.”

his grip on your hips tighten in warning, and you gasp as he manhandles you easily. shifting you around so that the heel of your left foot digs into his thigh, the other secured at the edge of the leather wheel; he has your legs wide open. before you can even think about any stragglers catching you so vulnerable; iwa hooks his arm under your thigh, pads of his fingers brushing over your clothed pussy.

“haaaa~” you breathe out, hips jerking into his touch.

“fuck baby, your panties are soaked.” he continues to tease you over the drenched crotch of your panties. iwa rubs lazy circles, casually sliding under the material to play with your silk folds. his touches have you yearning for more, as you feel yourself slowly going insane as he starts to coat his fingers in your slick.

“mmm...touch me, haji...properly.”

wriggling around in his embrace, you keen once he pulls his hand away from you; holding his fingers before you, showing off how they glisten so prettily in under the moon. and then you watch over your shoulder as he leads his hand to his mouth, and licks his fingers clean.

“you taste so fucking sweet.” he’s quick to bring his fingers back to your drooling pussy, coating his fingers once again, but this time bringing them to your own lips. “here, have a taste for yourself.”

opening your mouth, iwa wastes no time pressing his long digits flat against your tongue. sucking on his fingers, you savour the saccharine essence of your pussy; moaning at your own flavour sending your tastebuds into overdrive. iwa hums, heated gaze taking in the way you take his fingers in your mouth; he slowly pulls them back out with a pop - smiling softly at the way you stare at him, all wide-eyed and wanton.

“should we get you out of these messy panties now, baby?”

at your eager nods, iwa presses a kiss to your shoulder as he has you lift your hips up; slipping your soaked panties off, and placing them on the passenger seat side the two of you. sitting you back down against him, he hooks both arms around the undersides of your thighs, grabbing at your soft flesh and spreading you wide open for him. you whimper when a big hand cups your sex, rough palm brushing against your throbbing clit.

“shh.” iwa coos, entranced with how you’re rolling your hips to grind against his hand. “i got you.”

he presses his thumb against your clit, circling the sensitive bud peaking past your puffy lips; as his middle finger teases your slit. slowly he pushes his finger inside you, a heavy, relieved moan escapes your throat, as he easily slides in and out of you. through heavy lidded eyes you watch as fog clouds the windows of iwa’s truck, the glass steamy; while perspiration collects between your bodies. you’re brought back to focus on iwa, when he teases a second finger against your slit, dipping inside you and stretching you out even more. hissing, you clench around him; the lewd squelches as he fucks you with his thick fingers, has you digging your heels into his thigh and the steering wheel.

the way iwa’s fingers reaches deeper inside than you could ever on your own, and the added stimulation to your clit, has the tightening coil in your belly snap as you cum all over his hand.

“oh baby, feels good doesn’t it?”

“yeshhh...h-haji, mmph-”

he doesn’t stop pumping you with his fingers, letting you ride out your orgasm to the end. even when you feel the high descend, twitching at the slight overstim, you expect him to stop. but all he does is bury his face in the crook between your shoulder and neck, dragging his teeth across the sensitive skin as the hand not occupied with your pussy, fondles your ass. you lean into him, mewling at his touches when your breath hitches at a new sensation.

“haji, no! it’s dirty!”

the hand at your ass had moved to pet at your puckered hole - completely drenched in your cum, he was sure he could slide a single finger in with ease. and he was right. the feeling of your tight hole being prodded, stretched by the tip of his forefinger, before sucking the entire digit inside - had you throwing your head back in pleasure.

“f-ah-uck! oh shit, nghhh!”

“you gonna cum again for me, baby?”

the feeling of both your ass and pussy being stuffed full of iwa’s fingers is overwhelming. you’re a panting and moaning mess, writhing on top of him. and when the back of your head is thrown back into iwa’s shoulder, all you can see is hazy stars in the sky as you stare up, completely intoxicated by the feeling of his fingers moving inside you - brushing against the thin barrier of skin between your two holes. the familiar pressure in your tummy has you bucking your hips and crying out.

“you’re squeezing my fingers so tight.” he maintains the same steady pace, fucking his fingers into you nice and deep, while working your sensitive clit. its only a few seconds later he hits a particular spot that has you jolting forward, crying out at your sudden release. “shit, that’s right, i can feel you cumming all over my hands again, baby.”

you can barely think straight as your body trembles from the aftershocks of your second orgasm. still in a daze, iwa eases his fingers out of your twitching holes, and you groan at the empty feeling.

“you okay?” iwa asks, wrapping his arm around your waist. you nod, chest heaving as you attempt to steady your breathing. “you think you can cum one more time from my fingers-”

“no!” you grab at his wrists when he moves to play with you again. “i need you inside me, haji. please.”

whatever calm iwa had possessed while pleasuring you had vanished at your words. sticky hands lifted you up by your waist, turning you around to straddle him - while he slightly lowered the back of his seat. lip locked, your hands find themselves wrapped around the nape of his neck, while iwa’s hands grab at your body - stilling your wriggling form as he grinds up into you.

without breaking the kiss, you reach down and ease your fingers under the elastic waistband of his briefs; hand brushing against the tip of iwa’s cock. that earns you a muffled groan as he allows you to hover over him and slide the boxer briefs down his muscled thighs. your mouth salivates at the sight of his cock slapping against his toned stomach. he was easily the biggest you’d ever seen, with a thick vein on the underside, and a red, angry tip leaking pre-cum.

“fuck, you’re so big haji.”

he hisses when your hand touches him, you can barely wrap your fingers around him; and you start to question if he could even fit inside you. iwa notices the slight hesitation in your movements.

“we don’t have to.” he reassures, brushing the hair out of your lust filled eyes. “i can play with you some more, or i can eat you out in the back seat-”

“-haji.” you cut him off, stroke him before lining him at your dripping entrance, grinding the leaking tip across your slit. “i’ve wanted this for so long.” lowering yourself, you gasp at the delicious stretch of his tip entering you. “i’ve wanted you for so long. don’t hold back, give me everything.” and with that, you completely impale yourself on his cock.

“fuck, y/n, i can feel you clamping down on me- shit baby, you gotta move.”

lifting one leg at a time, you shift around off of your knees, steadying yourself on your tip toes; before grabbing onto iwa’s shoulders and starting to slowly ride him. his hands roam across your body freely, loving squeezes trailed in their path, as praise after praise is whispered out to you.

“you take my cock so well, fuck.”

your fingers dig into his shoulder blades as you quicken your pace. bouncing yourself faster on his fat cock, iwa’s attention is drawn to to the way your breasts move in front of him; massaging the soft flesh, and then leaning forward to smush his face between them.

“could stay right here forever.” his muffled voice croons. 

you whimper at the feeling of his hot tongue dragging a wet trail down the valley between your breasts, and you’re certain plum love bites will have bloomed across your chest by sunrise. your arms shoot up to press against the foggy glass of the moon roof above you, palms pressed flat against the steamy window, handprints painted on the transparent screen - as you bounce harder and faster. the lewd sound of your ass slapping against his thighs and of your pussy sucking him in with each stroke; shows how desperate you are to cum again.

“you’ll cum on my cock, won’t you baby? i can feel how close you are, shit, you’re so close aren’t you?”

the way you ride him gradually becomes sloppier the closer you are to cumming, so when he holds your waist and helps you bounce on him, you cry out in relief.

“f-fuck, feels s’g-good, haji! nghh, yes, yes, yes-!”

only as he reaches a hand down to roll your sensitive clit between his index and thumb, do you fall apart on his cock. your velvety walls spasm around him as he continues to fuck you through your high in chase of his own, overstimming you even more as you cream all over him, tongue lolling out. the sheer intensity of your orgasm has you collapsing forward onto his heaving chest, a babbling mess, while he holds you to him.

“you made such a mess on me, baby.” he huffs out.

“h-haji.” you whimper into his neck, arms looped around his. “s’too sensitive, haaa~”

your knees are by his hips, the tops of your feet pressed against his inner thighs, as he rolls his hips into you. large hands slide down your spine, over the curve of your ass to knead the smooth flesh in his palms.

“just hold on to me baby. you got one last one for me, don’t you?” all you can do is nod, releasing an onslaught of mewls and moans. “that’s a good girl, fuck.”

iwa is relentless in pursuit of his own orgasm - fucking into you at a punishing pace that has your mouth jar open in a silent cry, his truck jolting with each snap of his hips. your juices completely drench his cock, allowing him to slide in and out of you with ease, and you’re sure by now your pussy has been shaped out by the imprint of his cock. you can feel him throbbing inside of you, close to his climax; while his fingers dig into your ass shoving you down on his cock, and hitting your sweet spot over and over that you can’t help but gush all over him yet again.

“h-ah-ji, hnghh!” you sob, your body spent and thighs slick with your cum.

iwa only lasts a little longer with the way you were clenching down on him; pulling out of your fucked out pussy, and setting you on his thighs. he fists his cock in his hand, jerking himself a few times before thick, white cum spurts out - coating his entire hand and painting his stomach.

“mmm baby, that was fucking amazing.” he growls out, leaning back into the seat to catch his breath. “d’you feel okay?”

you only hum, entranced by how much cum he spilled. or wasted, you thought to yourself.

“can you reach over to the back and grab the towel in my gym bag, gotta clean us up…” your lack of focus has iwa trailing off. “y/n?”

“we don’t need the towel.”

reaching for the hand covered in his seed, you bring it to your mouth. iwa tries to question what you meant by that, though he’s cut off when you lick a tentative strip across his palm. gathering his cum on your tongue, you swirl his essence around in your mouth, before swallowing. you make a show of taking each finger in your mouth, sucking his cum clean. once his hand is licked clean, you slide down his lap; ready to do the same over his abs.

“you’re so good to me, y/n.” iwa runs his fingers through your hair, and then pats your head. “y/n?” he calls out again, still petting your head just as your about to trace the dips of his stomach with your tongue.

“hmm?”

“y/n? y/n?”

you move back away from him. “what?”

“y/n? oi, y/n? wake up!”

iwa watches as you jolt up from where you had fallen asleep on his lap. makki, who had been hovering over you, moves away as you try to swat at him - a confused look on your face.

“huh?”

“you fell asleep.” makki informs her. “you were interrupting the movie. if you’re that tired, just sleep in one of our rooms.”

lazed out on the other couch, mattsun pipes up; “yeah, you were making these ugly noises and then iwa said you licked his hand, what a weirdo.”

he only clears his throat awkwardly, finding a sudden interest in the beige walls of their living room. he misses the horrified expression on your pretty face, scrunched up in utter embarrassment, before you turn to start arguing with mattsun.

iwa was grateful for the pillow resting over lap, hiding the evident hard-on he was sporting. he wanted to argue with mattsun too, because the sounds you made were definitely far from ugly.

© 2020 AIIWA. please do not copy, modify or repost my work.

[catstailtavern]

On a picnic with the genshin boys

Fluff? did someone say fluff??

characters: Diluc, Kaeya, Zhongli, and Childe

content warnings: I'm not a good writer lmao so it's probably OOC- that's the biggest warning- Alcohol mention (bc Kaeya), slight injury mention (bc childe), and like slight spoilers from the beginning of the story involving the darknight hero. Other than that it's just platonic fluff!

authors note: this for some reason took me 3 and 1/2 whole hours to write for some reason???? why??????

Dulic:

When: Diluc is a busy bee so whenever y'all go on picnics it's usually on his lunch break or after work.

Where: therefore you two would probably set up somewhere scenic near Mondstadt! I think probably near Windrise!

what was packed: for the blanket he'd probably pick something simple or something classic like gingham. food wise it depends on how he's feeling, if he's feeling drained he might just take some food from Angel's share or order his favorite picnic-safe food from Good Hunter! if he's feeling more motivated he might make some sandwiches or something else that's light. He doesn't like feeling sluggish from eating a lot!

what you talk about/do: Common topics of discussion between you two are simple things like how each other's day went or plans for the weekend. it's nice just to relax and talk about stuff that doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. I feel like Diluc would find these peaceful little moments to be a lovely respite to his usual life. Nose constantly to the grindstone with running a business and being a vigilante. Maybe if Diluc has had a particularly rough day you two might cloud gaze and come up with stupid stories for the shapes you see in the sky.

Kaeya:

When: As Calvary Captain, you'd think Kaeya would have no time for things like this, but he always makes time for leisure! He loves making time for the people he cares about so really any time would be okay. As a lover of aesthetics if it were up to him he'd probably pick any time when the sky looks prettiest so most likely sunset!

Where: I feel like Kaeya would love the idea of a picnic by the water, more specifically the beach. Oceans are a thing of beauty: vast, deep, and full of life. A muse of many great poems and stories, aka the perfect place for a fancy dude like Kaeya lol, everything he does demands to be done in style.

What was packed: an absolutely flamboyant blanket probably brandishing some type of pop culture reference or meme. As for food, quite frankly, it's definitely more wine than food, but that doesn't mean he skimped out on the snacks. I feel like Kaeya would invite a lot of friends (at the very least venti is also there, Rosaria and Lisa if they can make it. Jean's always invited too, but she's usually busy), so that means a lot of food. 3 whole baskets to be exact- filled to the brim with wine and things to pair with each flavor.

what you talk about/do: The evening is full of tipsy laughter, stupid stories, and various other shenanigans. Lots of shell hunting, splish-splashing, and lazily laying where the ocean kisses the beach. Letting the waves graze your legs as you all watch the sun melt into the sea. After all, is said and done and it's time to pack up you feel a little empty as you say goodbye, but to end this wonderful day means that there are more good times to be had the next!

Zhongli:

When: Zhongli seems like an early riser to me, maybe that's just bc he's an old man fjkdhsafkjsahf. Anyway, I feel like he finds the rays of early morning light peeking from behind the clouds to be warm and inviting.

Where: If anywhere he'd pick to set up underneath a large tree by the flowery fields in Qingce Village. It's a lovely and quiet place with just enough shade to block the sun from your eye, but enough light to still read a book.

What was packed: A large embroidered silky sheet bc Zhongli gives off an air of elegance even in casual situations- for the actual eating part of this event; the foods Zhongli brings are more for a tea party than a picnic. A thermos of a strong yet refined tasting tea and plenty of finger foods to enjoy. Maybe some almond tofu or small slices of various cakes for dessert!

What you talk about/do: Zhongli will spend this precious time recanting long-winded stories of his various exploits and the time he spent over his many years in Liyue. If you're not in the mood for his bullshit, I mean, long tales then he doesn't mind just reading next to you or relaxing. You could even nap, he doesn't care, he finds it nice to be in the presence of friends. It makes his world feel a little less lonely.

Childe/Tartaglia:

When: After a long day of fatui business Childe would love to unwind with friends in the evening/at night! I see him as a night owl, but to respect your sleeping schedule he won't drag you out anywhere at the witching hour or something. He'd opt for a middle ground between you two, probably around like 9-10 pm!

Where: I think he'd pick somewhere on the docs with less foot traffic, surrounded by the lights of Liyue! Two reasons for this: 1.) As an extrovert he feeds off being surrounded by others. Eavesdropping on passers-by, just the excitement of the bustling port makes him smile. 2.) The way the water looks when the moonlight bounces off it as the jet black silhouettes of ships glide over the stillness on its surface is very nice scenery!

What was packed: Childe probably didn't pack a blanket or really even a basket, just an extremely large lunch box! Here's what's on the menu tonight: snacks, snacks, that seafood abomination he makes, and more snacks. There are no healthy options to be found. Childe is a gremlin that is only sustained by junk food.

What you talk about/do: Childe will talk non-stop about where today's various cuts, scars, and bruises came from. He loves to show off his fighting prowess. Very "if you think this is bad you should see the other guy," kind of attitude. If you express concern for his safety he will find it touching, but ultimately handwave away your worries telling you there's nothing he can't handle. He likes to people watch and come up with wild, melodramatic, telenovela-style stories for random people you see shuffling among the crowds. Egging you on to voice over their thoughts and feelings with him. I can imagine him having a large appetite so if you two are still hungry all things said and done, he'll take a walk with you past the shops looking for more things to munch on.

[gustafsnightangel]

Shattered Lives Ch 40 Pt 4

She was sore, all over sore. That was the first thing she realized when she cracked her eyes open, everything hurt. She grinned, but what a night. They’d fucked each other like a couple of horny teenagers and even though every muscle in her body ached, it was worth it. She’d slept later than Gustaf, his side of the bed already empty, the sheets cold. Hissing as she climbed out of bed, she wrapped her robe around her and padded out to the kitchen to see the kids at the table eating breakfast, Gustaf in the kitchen making tea.

“You know that massage you offered my ass the other day after ice skating?” She said as he kissed her.

“Mmm, I do.” His smirk playful.

“I may cash that in.” She snorted. “I’m so sore. Muscle sore, like I used every single one.” She chuckled as he kissed her tenderly. “Who knew there were that many of them in the most uncomfortable places imaginable.”

“I’m sorry.” He said wrapping her up in his arms and kissing her again.

“Don’t be, it’s a good sore, but damn.” She laughed. “I’ll be feeling you for days.” She purred in his ear and she nipped it.

“Don’t tease kitten.” He kissed her and winked. “Or I’ll have to take you out to the igloo again.”

“Give it a few days and you can igloo me all you want.” She grinned and sat at the table with the kids as he brought the tea over, the don’t tempt me look in his eyes making her stifle the whimper.

They spent the morning out finishing off the forts and entertaining Lily with a pint sized snowball fight. Gustaf recorded the twins hitting Sildie in the face with a giant snowball. He laughed as she got her own back, tossing them into a fluffy snowdrift. He loved seeing that smile, not a care in the world, happy, and stress free. This trip had been good for all of them, relaxing, bonding, and working toward being the family unit the kids desperately needed. But most of all it was just the time to really process everything that had happened last year since he’d met her. His life had done a complete one eighty and he love it, it would settle more with time. Eating an early lunch Sildie stayed indoors with Lily so the boys could have boy time and snowball the hell out of each other. If she was being honest the night had taken a lot out of her, she was physically and mentally exhausted, but in a good way. He gave her that freedom, a freedom to let all control and responsibility go and just feel. When Lily went down for a nap at one, the boys were well into their snow wars, so she took a few videos and some quick photos on a semi cease fire and left them to it. Curling up in bed with her book she passed out a little while later.

She surfaced much later, dark outside later, and she felt worse than when she’d gone to bed. “Probably too much sleep now.” She snorted and went to take a shower.

When she came into the living room the kids were around the fire toasting marshmallows while Gustaf read to them, Lily half asleep in his lap. He stopped when he saw her and smiled.

“There’s my sleeping beauty.” He smiled, his comment earning him a snort from Sildie.

“Sorry guys I crashed out.” She yawned.

“It’s ok we had our snowball war, part two tomorrow.” Gustaf grinned like the kid he was at heart. His brow creased as she went to put the kettle on, something was off. Getting to his feet he snuggled Lily in and stood behind her, hand resting on her hip. “You ok love? You look a little pale.”

“I’m ok, just tired still, I actually feel worse than I did this morning.” She said honestly.

“You catch a chill last night in the fort?” He was concerned, no trace of humor in his voice now.

“I hope not, but if it is, it is. I have zero regrets, especially after what you did to me.” She smiled and played with Lily’s hair. “Go put her to bed, she’s out cold.” She kissed his cheek. “I’ll be fine. I’m going to have some tea and maybe some toast and go back to bed.”

“You’re sure you’re ok.” He looked at her flatly not quite ready to believe her.

“Stop fussing.” She said and chuckled. She was fine, just a little off which could be explained by the vigorous activity they’d partaken in last night. She sat with the boys as Gustaf got Lily down and heard about their day, the fun they had as she munched on some toast and jam.

Gustaf put Lily to bed and got the boys settled, Sildie on his mind. He hoped he hadn’t got her sick with his insistence of sex in the snow, igloo or not it had been cold. He came into the bedroom to find her curled up with her book reading like any other night. “How are you feeling?” He asked stripping down and getting under the covers.

“Stiff and sore and just generally tired, wiped out. I think it’s a combination of last night and all the stress leaving my body like you exorcised it.” She chuckled.

“Be serious Sildie.” His tone changed and her face fell.

“I’m ok, honestly, I’m just sore and wiped.”

“Did you eat something?”

“I wasn’t really hungry, but I had some toast.” She went back to reading her book.

“Proper breakfast tomorrow ok, don’t skip too many meals love.” He wouldn’t push because if he did she’d shut him down.

“I promise, breakfast tomorrow.” She shut her book and snuggled down as he flipped the light off.

“I love you Sildie.” He said tenderly.

“I know you do, but I’m ok.” She kissed his chest where her head lay. “I love you too.”

At three in the morning she knew she was in trouble when the mad dash to the bathroom hurled up bile and not much else, her throat feeling like she’d swallowed a coil of razor wire and the devious little gremlins were playing tug-o-war with it. “Shit.” She spat, she was sick. “Fucking shit.”

“Sildie?” The soft tap at the door made her feel worse. Gustaf would blame himself for this.

“I’m ok.” She said feebly as she hurled again.

He came into the bathroom to see her sitting on the floor, hair held back in one hand the other gripping the bowl like her life depended on it for stability. She’d gone ashen grey, his woman was sick. “You’re not ok.” He said gently.

“I feel like ass to be honest.” She croaked, even her voice was sore.

“I’m so sorry love.”

“Don’t.” She held up her finger. “Don’t. I don’t blame you. Shit happens, I’m sick, we’ll deal with it.” Once she realized nothing else was going to be expelled from her gut she started to get to her feet, Gustaf helping her.

“I’ll get it. Brush your teeth and get back into bed.” He said as she went to flush and clean up the mess she’d made.

“I can...”

“Teeth and back to bed. Don’t fight me on this love, you’re sick and look like death warmed up.” He kissed her brow. “And you have a fever.” He added with a sigh. “Back to bed.”

“Ok.” She said simply at the concern on his face. “I don’t blame you.” She said meekly.

“I know love.” He smiled and helped her get toothpaste on her brush. “I didn’t want you getting sick from it though.” He kissed her head and started brushing her hair, the loose braid enough to keep it out of the toilet should she need to puke again.

“Thanks.” She mumbled, resting her head against his chest while she tried to find the energy to walk back to the bed.

“Get into bed, drink some water. I’m going to see if I can find some broth or something so you have food in your stomach or the ibuprofen will burn a hole in your gut.” He waited until she’d finished in the bathroom and helped her into bed before heading to the kitchen. Hunting through their groceries he sighed when it didn’t yield any broth, but there were some cans of chicken noodle soup. “That will have to do.” Sitting the soup on the stove to heat he found some ibuprofen and took it into her, he needed to get the fever down. “I have some chicken noodle soup warming up.” He said handing two tablets to her and a cold cup of water.

“Ok.”

“If this gets worse Sildie we’ll have to take you home.” He said softly.

“No.” She said quietly, it came out more like petulant child’s whine. “I’ll be fine, probably just a head cold.”

“Here’s hoping, but if you get worse we go, no arguments from you.” He would hog tie her to the roof rack if he had to.

“The kids will be heartbroken they spent all that time on their fort.” Why, she thought, why when everything was going so well did shit have to fall apart? Couldn’t the kids have one fucking vacation, one fucking memory where nothing bad happened?

“The kids will understand. Your health is more important.” He kissed her temple. “I’ll be back with some soup and toast.”

Placing the soup in the biggest mug he could find he picked up the toast and brought it in for her, she was already dozing. Grazing his knuckles down her cheek she woke and focused on him, eyes glassy with fever. “Eat love. I’ve already let it cool a lot so it won’t scald your mouth.”

“Honestly that would feel better than the razor wire coiled up in it.” She sulked. She hated being sick and hated that she’d let herself get sick when the kids were finally building some good memories.

“Probably. Let me see what’s in the medical kit here at the cabin, we might get lucky with some throat lozenges or something.” She nodded and took a tentative sip of the soup. He came back to find her dunking the bread in the soup and eating slowly. He could see it was painful as she swallowed but at least she was eating. “I found a packet of lozenges and some stronger paracetamol and ibuprofen. That will have to do for the moment.”

“Better than nothing. Can you make me a ginger tea? I’ll see if I can sweat this out of me.” She handed him the empty cup and plate and got out of bed to put her base layer thermals on and a set of sweats. She was so cold her teeth were almost chattering.

“You’ll cook.” He huffed.

“Yeah, well, sweating it out is the only option I have so I’m not ruining the kids vacation.” She muttered and drank the water. Fluids and sweat it out and sleep. “Well that’s my itinerary for the next few days at least.” She mumbled bitterly as Gustaf went to make some tea.

“This is so fucking typical. I stop to rest and relax and bam, I get sick.” She grumbled to herself. After drinking the ginger tea she bundled herself up under the covers and shivered, the fever had well and truly set in. Sleep took her again and Gustaf stayed awake watching over her. Checking his phone for reception he texted his mother and she confirmed that they were doing all they could for the moment.

If it goes to her lungs bring her home and straight to the doctor. Normal cough is fine, coughing up yellow or green usually means it’s in the chest and possibly pneumonia. Don’t wait on that. Pneumonia, straight to the doctor or emergency room.

Thanks, I’ll keep you posted.

Please do. I’ll let Sam know as well.

Thanks mum.

Take care of her Gustaf.

He drifted to sleep until Lily’s cries woke him with a start, Sildie was still out cold. Brushing his knuckles to her brow he frowned, her fever was raging. He collected a cool wash cloth and wiped her face gently before placing it at the back of her neck to draw some of the heat away. The last thing he needed was her convulsing. Changing and dressing Lily quickly he woke the boys and gave them the run down. They were understandably bummed. “After breakfast I need you to pack your bags and help get everything ready in case we need to leave in a hurry ok? We’re not leaving yet, so you can play in the fort as much as you like.” They all nodded and hugged him. “She’ll be ok, were hoping it’s just a head cold.” Deep down he knew it wasn’t, not with a fever like that. The minute she started coughing they were heading home. They should probably head there now but he’d wait for now.

She slept most of the day, only waking when Gustaf forced her to drink and take pills to get the fever down. She hated him for it, but knew it was a necessary evil and he was worried. Her throat felt worse, she had a headache, and her appetite was non existent. The only blessing was she wasn’t coughing, yet, but she knew it was only a matter of time. She waved to the boys as they stood in the doorway and told her about the snowball fight they’d had and she smiled. At least they’d snuck in another round, she thought. And that was why she didn’t want to go yet. They needed as much time here having fun as possible.

It was around 2:30 in the morning when she started coughing. It started with an occasional one or two in her sleep, a slight tickle, but by seven she was coughing to the point of throwing up. She was a mess, hot, delirious, cold, achy, headache, the cough that wouldn’t quit, her throat so shredded and sore she could barely swallow, and she was only able to take short breaths. It felt as if her body was trying to expel her lungs out via any orifice willing to let them escape. And she was fatigued, like someone had taken all her batteries out.

“Sildie I need you to sit up love.” Gustaf said gently. “Stay sitting up ok?”

“I’m sorry.” She croaked and the tears she couldn’t hold back anymore fell. “I’m so sorry.” She cried and coughed, in no condition to keep her emotions in check.

“It’s ok love. You’re sick, let’s get you home so we can get you well ok?” He kissed her brow, the fever still raging. Whatever had her, had her fully and wasn’t letting go any time soon. “I need you to sit here while I get the boys ready and the car packed alright? Just doze and I’ll come get you when we’re ready to go.”

“Ok.” She sniffed, which only prompted another coughing fit. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok love.”

It was eleven by the time they’d packed the car up and double checked they had everything. Texting his mum he had a spot waiting at the hospital when they arrived, he’d drive them straight there.

Megan will come and sit with the kids and take them home. Sam will meet you at the hospital.

Great thanks.

How is she?

Worse. High fever, coughing until she pukes, short of breath.

It may have gone to her lungs.

That’s what I’m thinking.

Be safe, get her here as soon as you can.

Thanks mum.

Once he had the kids in the car he collected Sildie, carrying her from the bedroom straight to the car, she was barely coherent. Their vacation may have been cut short by a few days, but they’d made some memories at least, he thought as he drove. They would be back again for sure. The boys helped out so Gustaf could keep driving, feeding Lily a snack, keeping her occupied and happy. With one hand on the wheel the other held Sildie’s, the gentle squeeze every so often and reply squeeze letting him know she was at least conscious.

Megan met them all in the waiting room, Alex was with her for some additional support and a driver if needed. “Brendan.” Gustaf said quietly. “I know you’re all worried about Sildie, but I need you guys to go with Megan and Alex and let me get her seen to ok? I’ll call when I know what’s going on.” He hated doing this to the kid, the grief from the last time something major happened well in the forefront of his mind. The teen nodded barely holding back tears.

“I’ll be ok B.” Sildie croaked and winced at the pain in her throat before a coughing fit stole her breath.

Gustaf didn’t wait, he wheeled her to the desk and got her seen immediately. Sure he pulled some strings and his brother came in a moment later with the ER doctor. Sildie waved a hand at Sam, the thought of talking and the pain that came with it making her clam up. They took her away for chest X-rays and after a swab of her throat the doctor confirmed Gustaf’s suspicions, pneumonia.

“We’ll have to wait for the test results to be sure, but I’ll start you on some antibiotics, get some fluids into you and see in a few hours whether we need to admit you.”

Sildie shook her head. “I don’t want to stay.” She said, throat feeling like that razor wire had been ripped from it.

“You may not have a choice love.” Gustaf said gently.

“No.” She shook her head again and the coughing fit silenced her. “Not staying.”

“Let’s see how we go.” The doctor said and went out to order up what she needed.

“Sildie don’t make me fight you on this, if you need to stay to get well, you stay.” He had to be the voice of reason and he knew this wouldn’t end well.

“Then I’ll fucking walk out of here myself.” She spat. “I’m not staying.”

“Love you can barely stand.” He murmured, trying to keep the edge out of his tone.

“Fucking watch me.” She wheezed.

“Breathe love.” That wheeze was panic not pneumonia, though neither helped her right now.

“I feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest.” She hissed.

“That’s because your lungs are full of fluid.” Sam said gently. “Sildie I’m not going to tell you what to do, but you might want to consider staying.”

She shook her head. “Not. Staying.” Her voice breathless, but the edge was still there. That edge that clearly said don’t fuck with me.

The nurse came in and hooked her up to an IV, the drip forcing fluids in at breakneck speed, the antibiotics they added hitting her hard. Within about twenty minutes she was almost asleep.

“Lay back and rest love. We’ll be here for a bit.” He kissed her temple and wiped the tears. “I need to go call the kids let them know what’s going on ok? I promised them.”

“Don’t leave.” She cried softly. “Please don’t leave.” Complete panic took over, her wheeze almost causing her to pass out.

“I’ll call them Goose.” Sam said catching on. “Stay with her.”

“Tell them I’m ok.” She croaked. “And I love them and I’m coming home and I won’t leave them.” It clicked for Gustaf then, he should have see it like a flashing neon sign and mentally kicked himself. Fear.

“I will.” Sam smiled at her. “I’ll tell them you’ll call in a little bit ok?” She nodded and wiped her tears away, angry they’d fallen.

“I’m sorry love, I should have realized.” Gustaf said tenderly and held her hand not occupied by the IV, thumb stroking her inner wrist. She just shrugged and closed her eyes, willing the whole process to go faster so she could go home.

“It’s stupid. I’m a grown ass woman scared out of her fucking mind about being left in a hospital.” She mumbled before the coughing fit took her breath away.

“It’s not stupid and stop talking.” He said holding up his hand as her eyes focused on him when she opened her mouth. “I won’t leave you here, I won’t make you stay. You will however, do whatever it is the doctor tells you to do, no arguments. None Sildie.” He said sternly as she was about to protest. “You wanting to argue with me tells me this stuff is already working.” He kissed her fingers. “Close your eyes, rest, sleep. I’ll stay right here.” With that he kicked back in the chair and read his book he thankfully had on his phone.

The hours ticked by and she slept, to the point where the doctor came in to assess her and decided that while she was out cold to add another bag of fluids and antibiotics. Gustaf was more worried about the fever now than her lungs as she shivered, the heat radiating off her, hot and dry.

“I’ll have them draw some antibiotic shots for you to take home, we can keep her on the IV until the fever breaks, the bags are easy enough to change out. It’s either that or I admit her.”

“You’d have to knock her out and she’d never forgive me.” Gustaf said wearily, he was so tired.

“I’ll get you setup then.” He smiled. “Lay down next to her and get some sleep. I’ll discharge her in the morning unless her condition changes. Let’s keep her here as long as we can.”

“Thanks.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I’m sorry about her outburst before.”

“No need, I remember her brother and wife.” Gustaf nodded, there wouldn’t be many in this hospital that didn’t remember.

Sildie barely moved when he stretched out beside her. Quietly he pulled the side bumper up so he could lean against it without falling out. “Lovely lady.” He sighed out, pressing a tender kiss to her temple. He breathed out and relaxed, she was in the right place for help, he was here with her, the kids were safe with Megan and his brother. It was the best he could do. It has to be enough, he thought. Even half comatose she found him, his scent wrapping around her. She shifted, curling against him, seeking the comfort and security of his body, of him. “I’m here love.” He murmured and caged her in with his massive frame. “Sleep now, rest.” He mumbled. Gustaf felt himself slip into sleep, the exhaustion finally pulling him under.

Gustaf wasn’t sure how long he crashed out for. However, Sildie attempting to get out of the bed woke him in an instant. “Sildie?” He murmured.

“I need to pee.” She fought with the covers trying to get free of them, her strength was non existent.

“Ok, let me help.” He said softly, half expecting the snap of her temper, it surprised him when it didn’t come. “How are you feeling?”

“Like shit.” She croaked as she accepted his hand to steady her as she got to her feet, her cough stopping her cold. It stole her breath and he could see her chest heave as she fought for oxygen.

“Let’s get you to the bathroom then back on the oxygen.” He helped her shuffle to the bathroom with the IV pole, her legs weak like jelly. Sitting her on the toilet he left her to take care of business and stood outside, the door cracked open so he could hear her if she fell or passed out. He got her settled in bed again and sat beside her. “You should stay a few days love.” He held his hand up to silence her. “I understand you don’t want to stay, and if it was something a little less serious I’d agree with you, but you’re sick love, you’re struggling to breathe, and you’re fever is still raging. You need to be here, getting fluids and antibiotics to kick the crap out of whatever is destroying your system.” It broke his heart as tears streaked down her cheeks. “I love you Sildie, and I know being here scares you, I know that it’s the absolute last place you want to be, but we need to get you well love.” He took a Kleenex and handed it to her, the coughing and tears making her nose run. His decision to keep her here was strengthened when the tissue came away pink, tinged with blood. “I’ll do it with or without your approval love, but we need to admit you and get you better. Your approval will make it easier. You can hate me for it once you’re well.”

“I don’t want to be here on my own.” She sobbed quietly, she had no energy to fight him on it, her body wanting nothing more than to shut down entirely.

“I know love, and I’ll be here with you, but at some point I’ll need to go see to the kids and calm them down because I have a feeling they’ll be freaking out a little by now.”

“I need to see them.” She sniffed. “Be with them, not here.”

“I’ll bring them to visit.” He kissed her brow and willed her to just let him take care of her. “Let’s get you settled, I’ll see if Bill or dad can come and sit with you and I’ll go get the kids and bring them here for a visit.” He gripped her chin gently and brushed his thumb over her cheek as she cried. “I know you hate this and you’re angry at me for forcing you, manhandling you. I’m not doing it for giggles, it makes me sick to the stomach.” Her eyes met his. “I love you Sildie, let me take care of you.” Her subtle nod had him breathe a steady breath of relief.

As the admissions staff got her settled he phoned his family, Eija was free and would be there in thirty to sit with Sildie. He needed to get home, shower, eat, and get a grip on how he was going to function with the kids over the next few days. He called Megan and spoke with the boys, the fear evident on their faces as they FaceTimed.

“She’s ok, we just have to keep her here for a few days so they can make her better.” He said gently.

“Can we come see her?” Brendan asked, his voice shaky.

“I’m going to get her settled in and come home. Once I’ve had a shower and food we’ll come visit her later this afternoon ok?”

“Ok.” The teen nodded.

“Brendan?”

“Yeah.”

“She’s ok.” He saw the kids shoulders relax and knew it would be better once they saw her.

Eija waved to him as he paced waiting to see Sildie. “I’ll hang out until she’s settled.”

“Sounds good. She ok?”

“Pneumonia. It got her pretty good.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah, and she doesn’t want to be here, same hospital as Quinn and Dana were in.”

“Oh shit.” She breathed.

“Yeah, the kids are freaking out a little too.” He blew out a breath and slumped against the wall.

“Just breathe big brother, you got this and we’ll help.” She smiled at him.

“Have I ever told you you’re the best little sister a guy could have?” He sighed.

“I’m the only little sister you have doofus.” She slapped him playfully as Gustaf hugged her.

“Thanks Eija.”

“Anytime goose. You two are good together.”

“Yeah we are.”

“She’s the one isn’t she?” Eija said softly.

“She is.” It was said without hesitation and was the absolute truth. Sildie was his soulmate and he’d protect and care for her until his last breath.

The nurse came and found him and took him into see her, she looked so small and frail curled up, eyes closed. Eija waited outside as he sat on the edge of the bed and toyed with her hair, it had lost its shine. Her eyes opened at his touch.

“Hey there lovely lady.”

“Hi.” She whispered, her voice and throat too raw to speak properly.

“Eija’s outside she’s going to sit with you for a bit ok?” She nodded at his words. “I’m going to head home and bring the kids back this afternoon. I’ll bring you your toothbrush and stuff.” He kissed her brow as the tears fell. “I’m coming back love, I need you to sleep and let the meds do their job.” She nodded again and it broke his heart to have to do this to her. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Her fingers gripped him, her separation anxiety flaring. Eija came in when Gustaf called softly.

“Not quite the girls day in, but I’ve worked with worse.” Eija grinned and it got a slight smile from Sildie.

“I’ll be back this afternoon love.” He kissed her hair and stepped away, he had to make it a clean breakaway or he’d never go. Eija sat in the chair and started talking, pulling Sildie’s attention to her. As he closed her door he leaned against the wall and took a few breaths.

“You’re killing me love.” He sighed, letting his head thud against the wall. “Fucking killing me.”

The doctor updated him, she’d be in for a bare minimum of four to six days. She was slightly improved this morning but not enough now she was coughing up blood and Gustaf felt a little better at forcing her to be admitted. He headed straight home, a shower and food at the top of his to do list. As he sat for food, the clean clothes making him feel like a new man, he organized a schedule with his family for the kids to be watched and someone to be with Sildie while he bounced between the hospital and home. He knew this was going to shackle Sildie, make her feel like she’s being handled, incompetent, but he had little choice and would take her wrath if it came to that. He felt like an asshole for pushing her, but her health was more important, she could rage at him after. His next call was to Oliver. Sildie was supposed to start back at the office on Monday, that was going to be postponed a few days. The kids tackled him in a group hug when he stepped through his fathers front door, he saw the worry on their faces, that deep seated fear for Sildie. “She’s ok, Aunt Eija is hanging out with her until we get there.” He took Lily from his dad as she lunged for him with her usual dad dad squeal.

“I’ll come with you, bring them back home tonight, I’ll stay with them at your place, they’ll settle better in their own beds.” Stellan said softly.

“I’ll need to stay with her overnight.” Gustaf said, knowing she’d sleep and heal faster with him there while she slept.

“As you should, she needs you.” They sat at the table and Megan sat a coffee and a plate of cookies beside it, the gentle squeeze of his forearm reassuring him that he’d done the right thing. “We’ll take care of the kids, you focus on Sildie.”

“She’s pissed at me for having her admitted.” He snorted as he bit into a cookie, Lily wanting one. He gave her a small piece and she stuffed it in her mouth devouring it.

“She’ll get over it.” Stellan assured him. “Sometimes you’re screwed either way. She’s sick, you made the right decision, don’t doubt that. She’ll see that once she’s able to think straight.” Gustaf nodded at his statement, he still felt like shit for overruling her, especially when she was so fiercely independent.

His conversation with his father and Megan relaxed him, taking the edge off his own anxiety. Loading the kids into the car, his father drove so Gustaf didn’t have to focus on traffic. He was exhausted already.

“Feels weird being back here.” Brendan mumbled and Gustaf pulled him in close for a hug as they walked.

“She’s feeling much the same way.” He told the teen, Brendan got it, he understood it a little better than the twins.

His heart lightened as he stepped into the room. She was sitting up trying to eat something, Eija eating her own sandwich. He watched her face light up at seeing him, the kids rushing in. “Ok, boys, don’t make her talk, it hurts.” He chuckled and she waved him off.

She didn’t care if it hurt to talk, she was relieved to see the kids. The boys told her about what they were doing and their stay at grandpa’s, their speech going a hundred miles a minute. “It sounds worse than it is.” She croaked, the use of her voice sending her into a coughing fit.

No, he thought, it’s much worse than you’re letting on love, but nice try. She was trying to set their minds at ease knowing they would be freaking out much more than she was. He sat Lily on the bed and she crawled into Sildie’s outstretched arms, the both of them needing the contact, her soft mum mum making Sildie smile.

“Hi little lady.” She whispered, whispering didn’t hurt as much. The rest of her felt as if she’d been dragged behind a truck for a thousand miles. So fatigued, just keeping her eyes open was a struggle, her bones feeling like someone had replaced them with lead, and she had a nagging headache. She knew Gustaf had made the right call by forcing her to stay and felt like a cranky bitch for fighting him on it. She’d grovel later, oh how she’d grovel.

He watched her energy fade, the fight to stay present for the kids, to make sure they were alright. Eija said her goodbyes and told Sildie she’d be back tomorrow to give her a manicure and watch some really bad b movies while Gustaf had kid duty. The boys crowded in for a group hug, the separation not as brutal as Gustaf had envisioned. Stellan had after all promised ice cream so the kids were putty in his hands. They were suddenly alone and he saw her relax back, eyes closing, it had exhausted her energy reserves.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered.

“Rest love.” He sat on the bed and stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckles.

“No, about fighting you on being here.” Her hand searched for his and she squeezed. “I’m sorry.”

He kissed her temple and lingered. “I would have tied you to the bed if necessary.” He growled and she huffed a chuckle which made her cough. “Shall we get you up for a bathroom break and to brush your teeth?” Her nod was enough. “You’ll feel like a new woman with clean teeth.” He helped her shuffle to and from the bathroom, a smile from her after cleaning her teeth lightening his heart. He sat her on the edge of the bed and undid her braid, gently brushing her hair, the action soothing them both. She leaned into him as brush and fingers soothed her anxiety, lulled and relaxed her body and mind. He took his time braiding her hair, the kiss to her head lingering to breathe in her scent and offer her the same comfort. “Let’s get you into bed.”

“Are you staying?” She asked, her words shaky.

“I’m staying.” He kissed her temple and got off the bed to help her get settled. Putting the bumper up he stretched out behind her and raised the bumper on his side so he wouldn’t fall out.

His arm came around her snuggling her in. “I love you.” She whispered.

“I love you too, sleep now love, let your body heal.”

“Thank you for staying.”

“Nowhere else I’d be.” He kissed her head and felt her relax, giving herself over to the fatigue and plummet into sleep.

That was his brutal routine for the next five days, wake, help Sildie, go see the kids, bring the kids to see Sildie, stay with her overnight, rinse, repeat. The upside was she was getting better, eating a little more, coughing a little less, but she was still fatigued and from what Sam had said she would be for weeks once she got out of the hospital. His time spent with the kids at home was put to good use finding a cleaner and persuading Alice into working for them part time while he was away, starting a few weeks before he left to get used to their routine. At least Sildie would have breathing room when she got home to take the load off, the only issue, getting her to slow down until she was back to full health.

She woke to the feel of him next to her. Her lanky man curled up in a bed not really made for someone of his height and massive frame snuggled in close. Rolling she looked at him, he was exhausted, dark circles painted under his eyes, a slightly haggard look of someone under a shit ton of stress with not enough sleep. She’d put that look there and felt terrible about it. Her own stupid stubbornness and pride. May as well have beaten him about the head with it, she scolded herself. Her head was clearer than it had been in days, the headache a dull roar, her throat still raw. But it was the soul crushing fatigue that she couldn’t handle. She needed a nap every few hours not able to stay upright or awake, her body was literally making her slow down or putting her down on her ass.

His eyes snapped open as fingers brushed his scruff, ice blue eyes looked back. Clearer than yesterday and she had a little more color in her cheeks. “Morning love.” He said softly, his arms tightening his hold on her as if she’d slip from his grasp.

“Morning.” Her whisper was still more comfortable than talking.

“You’re looking better.” He smiled. “Less corpse like.”

“Feeling better, little bit.” She shrugged and his smile got bigger. That was more than she’d said or done in nearly a week. “Can we go home?”

It was the first time she’d asked that since he had her admitted. “I can ask.”

“I’m glad you put me in here, I needed it, but I want to go home now, be in our bed.” He kissed her forehead.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Her fever had finally broken two nights ago, she was a normal temperature instead of that raging inferno burning her from the inside out.

“And I want to shower. I feel gross.” She chuckled.

“I think we can manage that.” He kissed her tenderly before prying himself from her side. Making sure she’d started eating, he went to the nurses station to page the doctor for her to be released, he really hoped he allowed it because fighting with her on this again would be the end of him. He needed a few days sleep in their bed too.

“Well Sildie you’re doing much better.” The doctor said positively. “But if I send you home you’re going to need to continue to rest and not push yourself. The fatigue you’re feeling is normal and it’ll take a few weeks for your body to bounce back. Your energy is going to be low for a little while longer and I want you to stay on the course of antibiotics for another two weeks.”

“She’ll behave or I’ll bring her right back.” Gustaf said in that tone that told her he meant every word and would in fact tie her to the bed if he had to bring her back. He raised his eyebrow at her glare, just try me, he thought.

“If your body says sleep, you sleep. The more you sleep, the more you rest, the faster you’ll heal.” The doctor added.

“I’ll rest.” She whispered, and she would, she didn’t want to see Gustaf look like this again, like he’d not slept or eaten in a month because she’d scared him halfway to an early grave. “I just want to do it at home.”

“Ok then. I’ll get one more round of IV antibiotics into you and you can go home this afternoon.” He said and that was that.

“Do you want a shower now or after they pull the IV?” Gustaf asked.

“After. I want to scrub this place off me before I leave.” She smiled. “You’re so tired love.” Her whisper caught in her throat. How could she have done this to him?

“I’ll be ok once you’re home and we can sleep for a few days.” His smile weary.

“I’m so sorry.”

“Not your fault love, shit happens.” He kissed her gently.

“Not your fault either.” Her fingers over his lips and the slight shake of her head silenced his retort. “It’s not. I probably picked up the bug ten days or so before I showed symptoms. It could even be as far back as the Christmas party. The doctor said with the bug and the amount of stress I’d been under it was no wonder I ended up sick.” She kissed him gently. “Not your fault at all my sweet man.”

He nodded, not trusting himself to speak as the relief flooded him.

“And I’m sorry I snapped, freaked out.” She added.

“I understand why. After everything that happened here I don’t think I’d want to be here either. Sam was here, mum works here too, they know me, us, it’s was easier. Next time I’ll take you to a different...”

“No. It’s fine. I just need to stop freaking out. That was then, this is now. Just the entire thing got shoved in my face, pushed my anxiety to the brink and being sick made it worse.”

“The kids were a mess when I went home the first night.” He said softly.

“I’m not surprised. That was the other reason I didn’t want to be here, what it would do to them. I didn’t want to put them through all this shit again.”

“They’re ok love and will be happy you’re on your way home. I know I am.”

“I want our bed.” She sighed. “In our home.”

“Oh fuck me I hear you on that one.” He chuckled.

“Are we ok?”

His brow creased in a frown. “Stronger than ever love.”

“I hurt you and I’m sorry.” His fingers toyed with the wisps of hair at her face, tucking them behind her ear.

“You didn’t hurt me Sildie, just scared a few years off me.” He kissed her temple. “No more now, we move past it. Get you better, lots of sleep and rest, and get those goddess curves back where they belong.” She’d lost weight, a substantial amount and she looked gaunt.

“You saying I’m too skinny?” She played.

“I like your curves.” He growled. “I’d like them back please kitten.” He hooked his finger under her chin and tilted her head up to look at him before slowly kissing her, that tender yet erotic kiss that made her toes curl.

“Then I need more than jelly.” She screwed up her face, clearly over the taste of it.

“I’ll get you settled in at home and go get whatever you want.”

“Pho. Buckets and buckets of pho and coconut shrimp.”

“I think I can manage that.”

“I need to lay down again.” She sighed. “Just being vertical wears me out.”

“Lay down and I’ll go make some calls, let dad and Megan know you’re coming home.” He said standing and helping her back into bed. “Dad’s been at our place with the kids so they can sleep in their own beds. And before you get upset, he chose to stay so they’d have more stability, it was the right call.”

“I know, it’s just... what a fucking mess.” She sighed.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s family, we stick together.”

“Still acclimating.” She mumbled as he kissed the top of her head and smirked.

“They’ll grow on you.” He said as she coughed. It was still there but not as bad as before, that was progress, it still left her short of breath. “Nap time, I’ll find you some ice cream or something and I have calls to make.” The real progress was her not clinging to him for dear life because he left her alone in the room for five minutes.

After talking with Stellan for nearly an hour he made his way to the dessert shop across the street from the hospital. With a tub of sorbet in hand he grinned as he saw her dozing. With the tiniest amount on the spoon he pressed it to her lips, her eyes fluttering open. “I would leave you napping but this will melt and it’s sacrilege to waste premium pear sorbet.” He said softly,

“Yes it is.” That smile, he thought, how he’d missed that smile. He handed her the tub and pulled his own out of the bag, she giggled which ended in a coughing fit. “I’m ok, better to cough it up than keep it in there.” She said and started to eat. “I can’t taste much but that feels so good on my throat.”

“Don’t make yourself puke. He chuckled. “That’s why I only got you a small one.”

“It’s enough and it’s not jelly.” She said eating another spoonful.

They talked as the final IV bag and medication worked it’s way through her system, the nurse coming by and giving her the last dose of antibiotics by injection and pulling the IV out. The nurse ran through her meds and got her ready for discharge, the doctor coming by saying she could leave when she was ready. “I want a hot shower before I go anywhere.” She chuckled and started coughing.

“Need some help?” He smirked.

“You are not fucking me in the hospital shower.” She quipped as she shuffled past.

“No sex for you for a while, period.” He countered. “I want you at peak performance when I have you next kitten.” He growled, kissing her hand before nipping her knuckles.

“Now there’s some motivation.” He heard her mutter as she closed the bathroom door. Smiling to himself he packed up her things, knowing she’d want to hightail it out of here as soon as she stepped out of the shower.

At this moment in time the shower she was currently broiling herself under was better than sex. There was nothing in the world like a good hair wash and scrub after you’d been sick and wallowing in your own sweat even when you’d done the personal hygiene wash twice every day. She emerged a new woman, had Gustaf help her dry her hair as she was already tiring, and dressed in some leggings and a sweater, total comfort.

He wasn’t wrong, no sooner had her feet pushed into her shoes she was ready to go. “Stay here I’ll bring the car around.” He said as he wheeled her to the foyer.

“Ok.”

He left her sitting in the wheelchair just inside the door to keep her in the warmth and jogged to the car, pulling up at the curb a little while later. She felt bad for having to lean on him so much, her energy fading as they drove home. “We’ll take it slowly, there’s no rush, the kids are still at grandpa’s with Valter.”

“Mario Cart wars?”

“Something like that. It took their mind of everything.” He chuckled.

“Good thinking.”

They made it to the elevator when the coughing fit started, the cold air getting into her lungs and bringing her up short. Pulling her sweater up over her nose and mouth to breathe warmer air she tried to level out her breathing as they took the ride up. “Damn that’s fucking dynamite.” She sighed exhausted.

“I bet.”

“I cough so much and I can’t stop. It makes me want to puke.” She whispered.

“Your body doesn’t want all the muck in there anymore.”

“Nope.” She said shuffling to the front door. “Home.” She sighed and he thought it was the most beautiful sound he’d ever heard. Her tone held such longing and love, they were home, their home. He opened the door to balloons and a welcome home sign the boys had made strung up over the kitchen island. Those boys jumped up excitedly and hugged her as she shuffled inside. Such love in this apartment now, he thought as he watched them, that smile on Sildie’s face both joy and relief.

@hausofobsession @ill-skillsgard @grandpa-sweaters @authentic90skidd @tuckersgirl @fairlyfallacy @flowers-in-your-hayr @raewritesfiction @stinkerbelle007 @kamie-b @mrsaugustwalker @skrsgardspam @loliwrites @trippedmetaldetector @lihikainanea @fay-walden @nandadb @grimeundglow

[nataliedanovelist]

GF - Growing Old(er)

Alternate Title: Growing Older

Summary: Everyone has a sinking realization that life is temporary and that we’re all gonna die, and unfortunately sweet Mabel has her’s.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Come on, Stanley, be serious!”

“I am serious! Dipper can have my boxing gloves and Mabel can have my old collection of photos.”

“This is an important document that goes above and beyond a few keepsakes!” Ford tried to explain this, yet again, to his brother. “We need to discuss more important arrangements…”

“Look, Wise Guy, the Shack already belongs to Soos…”

“But what about the car? What about the Stan O’ War?”

“The boat’s gonna be burned down with us in it.” Stan held up his hands in front of him and moved them apart as he elaborated. “Picture this: two old sailors lying in their boat, their friends and family shooting flaming arrows at it across the sea as some farewell-bar song plays. We’d go down like kings!”

“Yeah, no.” Ford said firmly. “We’re not doing that.”

Mabel skipped into the living room and found her grunkles at the card table. They had a bunch of stupid-looking documents covering the table, but Ford seemed like the only one really interested in it, a pen in his hand and he was leaning forward to work while Stan was sipping a can of soda and sat back in the chair. “Whatcha doin’?” She asked.

“Constructing our will and testimony.”

“WHAT?!” Mabel shrieked and covered her mouth with her hands. Her uncles stared at their niece as her eyes filled with tears and she struggled to ask with a choked whisper, “Are… are you guys…”

“Oh no, pumpkin.” Stan scooped her up into his lap and hugged her. Mabel clung onto his undershirt tightly and bit her lip as she tried not to cry. “Sixer and I are fine, I promise. He just thought it’d be a bright idea to get this outta the way for when we do kick the bucket.”

Ford leaned forward and rubbed her back. “I’m sorry, my dear, I never meant to scare you like this. I swear, we’re both perfectly healthy and going to be around for awhile.”

Mabel wiped her tears away with the sleeve of her sweater and sniffed. “O-Okay. So… why are you making a will?”

“Well, unfortunately someone bypassed the downsides of faking your death and stealing another man’s name.” Ford said lightly as he gave Stan a crooked smile. His twin just stuck his tongue out at him. “So there are some things we need to discuss to simplify complicated actions and it would be a good idea to make certain arrangements.”

“Like what?”

“Well, since in a way we both share the name ‘Stanford Pines’, it would be wise to make such legal documents together. This will ensure that the right people receive the right gifts and inheritance, and that our bodies are properly taken care of in an orderly manner that best helps the living grieve and keeps the government off our backs.”

Mabel still didn’t like the sound of all of this. “But why do you guys need to talk about it? You said you’re fine.”

“We are, sweetie,” Stan said warmly and ruffled her hair. “But we’re not gonna be around forever. Eventually these old farts are gonna be sleeping with the fishes, and when that happens we just wanna make sure everything’s taken care of. At least that’s what Sixer wants. I don’t care what happens as long as my tombstone is bigger than his.”

“That is not going to happen.” Ford said firmly with a smile.

“Too bad, I called it.”

“Since when?!”

“Since the election last summer. The niblings can back me up, right Mabel?”

The brunette grinned and shrugged. “Sorry, but since you two aren’t fighting anymore it doesn’t count. Clean slate!”

“What?!” Stan gasped with a smile. “Betrayed by my own pumpkin! Fine! Someone’s not getting my old stop-motion movies!”

“Good!” Mabel laughed with her uncles for a little bit while Ford wrote some stuff down, still trying to complete the task. The teenage girl looked up at her hero and she remembered the reason why she came in here in the first place. “Hey, do you guys wanna go make some cupcakes with me? I’ve got extra sprinkles!”

“Sure,” Stan let Mabel slide off his lap and he stood, but his brother stopped him.

“Not so fast, Stan, we have to finish this at some point. Why don’t we make cupcakes after dinner?”

Mabel’s concerns were coming back. She looked at Ford carefully to try to pick up a lie. “I thought you said you two were okay.”

“We are, Mabel, I promise.” Ford even paused his work and crossed his heart for his niece, making her smile. “But no one lives forever. One day we won’t be here. It’s like Stanley said; we just want to make sure everything will be okay.”

“It’s the way it works.” Stan said with a shrug and plopped down in his chair. “We’re born, we live a little, and then we die. S’long as you don’t just survive but live too, it ain’t so bad.”

Mabel stared at her uncles. “Aren’t you scared?” Her voice was meek and lacked her usual confidence.

“Of death? Not really.” Ford admitted. “Death is nothing but the next great adventure. An unseen destiny awaiting all mortals at the end of their lifespans.”

“And hey, that doesn’t mean I’m ready to go just yet.” Stan added in. “I wanna see my kids graduate and get married and have their own little gremlins to terrorize them.”

“Oh, absolutely!” Ford quickly agreed with. “I didn’t mean we’re done with life, but the more familiar we become with death, the less frightening it is.”

“Besides, we’ve both faced the hooded dude so many times, leaving with him will be like seeing an old friend.” Stan barked a quick laugh and added, “Maybe I’ll grab drinks with him!”

Mabel giggled, but then slowly wandered onto a dark train of thought. The idea of death was not new to her; she and her brother had nearly died at the hands of an evil triangle (she still sometimes had nightmares about it). But even though she had come to terms with growing up, she hadn’t put two and two together and realized that growing up also means growing older and then dying. It was new territory Mabel had not yet ventured into, and suddenly she didn’t feel like making cupcakes anymore.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next day the subject was still on Mabel’s mind. One day, her favorite people in the whole world were going to die. Stan was going to die, Ford was going to die, Dipper was going to die. Then she would be all alone until she died. But then what? The end? Lights out? There were such things as ghosts, so maybe they could come back and haunt Gravity Falls as a family, but the ghosts didn’t seem quite like themselves on Earth; they were vengeful and angry and hurt. Mabel’s grunkles had enough of that in life, so maybe it was for the best that they don’t come back.

Mabel was so distracted that she tripped on a rock while walking in the woods and scraped her knee. She held it and winced with tears in her eyes, a little bit of blood trickling down from her small wound. “Ow, ow, ow! What the…”

She looked at the rock that had caused it and saw something odd by it. A necklace with a silver chain and a red ruby in a circle sparkled by the rock. Mabel picked it up and looked at it. Scratches of some kind were around the ruby and it sparkled and looked pretty. The ruby was a darker red than most normal rubies, but there was no denying the sparkling gem. “Wow, cool! I bet Grunkle Ford would love to look at this.” For safekeeping, Mabel put it around her neck and tucked it under her sweater as she stood.

She continued on her way to town and she smiled at the arcade. As she approached, she was oblivious to her changing body. She grew a few inches taller, now maybe slightly shorter than Wendy, and her hair was shorter, now only to her shoulders. A few zits littered her maturing skin and her curves were growing in. Mabel was so distracted by her thoughts and the need to think of something else that she didn’t even notice. Her clothes magically changed with her so she didn’t feel tight or uncomfortable.

Mabel entered the arcade and happily played that new battle video game she had her eye on. Shooting aliens made her feel a little bit better, but it also made her hungry. She left the arcade a little while later and talked to herself as she wandered around Gravity Falls for something to eat. “I mean, I get it. There’s nothing wrong with change. I know there’s nothing I can do about it, but I guess I never really thought about everything changing like that.”

As Mabel walked, her hair grew back to it’s normal length and her zits went away. Her vision was a little blurry, but Mabel just shrugged it off and dismissed it as a sign that she was tired. She did feel emotionally drained as she purchased a jelly-filled doughnut and munch on it, her mind now in a rut. She had no idea what to do or where to go to feel better, so maybe a walk in the woods would help.

Mabel strolled through the forest and continued to think about life and death. “Poor guys… what will happen to them if they’re not together? What if Grunkle Stan dies first? Grunkle Ford will be all alone, but what if Grunkle Ford dies first? Then Grunkle Stan will be all alone again. None of that’s fair.” Mabel then gasped in horror and her eyes became more blurry due to tears. “What if Dipper dies first and I end up all alone? Or what if I die first and then he’ll be all alone? Ugh, why can’t every twin die of duel heart attack?!”

Mabel was very tired. Her back ached and her legs ached and her knees ached and she had a headache… everything hurt. She realized she was at the lake and she decided to sit by the shoreline and rest. She held her knees by her chest and peered down at the water. “I guess I just gotta… WHAT?!” Mabel yelled in horror and jumped away from her reflection, but then forced herself to make sure she wasn’t crazy.

An old version of Mabel stared back at the thirteen-year-old. Her gray hair was the same shade as Grunkle Stan’s except for a stripe of darker gray down her long hair, kinda like Grunkle Ford. She had wrinkles from all of her past smiles and her hands were ached with arthritis. In fact, everything hurt, but if Mabel had to guess, her reflection was only in her fifties.

“Wow… I look so cool!” Mabel cheered as she peered down at the lake. “Look at me! I look like a silver fox! This is great! I can buy all the drinks and magazines I want! On weekdays I get half-priced dinners! I get free money from the government! And now I don’t have to go to high-school!” She laughed at her own joke, but then her back popped painfully and she yelped. “Ouch! Is this how the guys feel all the time?” Mabel asked as she looked at her curly gray hair and her wrinkling skin. A scary realization started to sink in. “Oh no. This… This is bad… What if I… Ford!” She gasped and quickly stood up. “Grunkle Ford will know what to do! He can fix me!”

Against better judgment, Mabel ran as fast as she could for home. Her hair became grayer and curlier as it began to lose it’s life. Mabel suddenly felt an overwhelming pain in her chest, making it hard to breathe, and she tripped over her own feet and fell, unable to get back up. The old lady moaned on the grass, helpless. She looked up and with her horrible vision she could have sworn she could see a brown triangle up ahead, indicating the Mystery Shack.

“Help… help…” She breathed weakly, but no one was coming. She sighed with exhaustion and laid back down on her front to try to regain some rest so she could move forward.

Dipper, meanwhile, had been looking for his sister. He guessed she was hanging out with Candy and Grenda, but in case she was somewhere in the house he wanted to ask her if she had borrowed his BABBA CD. “Mabel? Mabel?” He called on the porch. He shrugged and was about to head inside, forced to be patient, but then he heard and saw Waddles scamblering out of the woods alone; immediately Dipper suspected something was off; Mabel never lets her beloved pig explore alone, but maybe he had been adventurous and sneaky and now regretted it.

“Waddles?” Dipper scratched the top of his head to calm him down. “What’s up, buddy? You okay?”

Waddles suddenly bit his vest, tugged, and then let go and ran back to the edge of the woods. He oinked and squealed, begging Dipper to follow him. Taking his chances, Dipper followed, wondering if something - or someone - was out there. Only a few steps into the woods and Dipper saw a woman on the ground face-first. He saw the long gray hair and gasped with shock when he realized it was an old lady. “Whoa, hey, are you okay, miss?” He asked and was on his knees by her side, unsure how to help.

“Dipper…” The old lady sighed and looked up at the boy.

“Mabel?!” Dipper gasped; she may be old, but he could recognise her own twin. “What the heck happened?! Did you time travel? Are you from the future?!”

“N-No…” Mabel sighed. “Ford… Grunkle Ford… get…”

“Come on, I’ll take you to him.” Dipper said firmly to mask his fear. He draped one of his sister’s frail arms over his neck and helped her up to her feet. Slowly but surely they were heading back towards home.

Meanwhile, Ford was at the kitchen table, pleasantly munching on his lunch. Stan, on the other hand, shivered, put down his fork, and gulped down some soda.

“What, you don’t like my tuna salad?” The scientist asked.

“No. Who puts raisins in tuna salad?”

“The French.”

“Well, it’s not right.” Stan grumbled as he started on a new task: picking the raisins out of his meal.

Ford rolled his eyes and got up to refill his glass with water. The door opened and they heard Dipper’s voice before they saw him. “Grunkle Ford!”

He smiled kindly and turned, “What is it, m-” He dropped his glass, letting it shatter by his boots.

Mabel hung loosely by his shoulder, her hair gray and her skin in wrinkles. The elder twins rushed to her and Stan got to her first, holding her gently by the chin to look at her face. “Mabel, sweetie! Can you hear me? What happened?!”

“I don’t know, I just found her like this!” Dipper answered.

“Set her in the armchair.” Ford instructed. “We can fix this…”

“What if we can’t?!” Stan dared to ask. “I’m not just saying this cuz of her age, but she doesn’t look good.”

“No, you’re right.” Ford elaborated. “She’s not that much older than us, but the sudden change must have taken a toll on her body; we’ve had time to adjust and keep our bodies in good shape… or at least prevent aches, but she hasn’t had that kind of time. But she’ll be fine, we can reverse this, I’m sure of it.”

Dipper had Mabel sit on the armchair, her eyes closed, and now sitting back the amount of effort she had to put into breathing was more apparent. She groaned slightly and the boys were shocked to find her aging again more rapidly in front of them. Her wrinkles were deeper and her hair slowly turned white.

“Dipper, get the first aid kit, now!” Ford commanded and the teenager was off like a rocket.

Stan sat on the dino-skull and held her thin hand. “Just hang on, pumpkin, we’ve got this.” He soothed, his voice trembling slightly due to his tightening throat.

Mabel moaned slightly and tried to open her eyes. “Gr-Grunkle Stan…”

“Yeah, it’s me, sweetheart.” Stan smiled and squeezed her hand. “You’ll be fine, you’re a Pines for crying out loud, so just hang in there, okay?”

Mabel cracked a small smile and nodded.

Dipper was back. “Here!”

“Good,” Ford opened it and took her opposite hand, pulling out a stethoscope and listening to her heartbeat through her wrist. “Let’s see…”

Mabel was aging again; her hair was thinning and some of it was falling out of her scalp. Her hand in Stan’s grasp was now nothing more than skin on bones, her veins sensitive. She moaned and had to put more effort into her breathing; now she looked almost a hundred.

“No, no, no!” Stan called. “Mabel?”

“Hold on, sweetie, it’ll be okay.” Ford gently coached Mabel as he listened to her heartbeat, praying it would never stop.

“What the…” Dipper began to notice faint glowing behind Mabel’s sweater. He pulled down to see her neck and upper-chest and he gasped at a red ruby necklace with a silver chain. The gem was glowing and vibrating, almost looking like it was hot, and when Dipper went to touch it, it almost burned his skin and it was stuck to Mabel’s skin like it had been super-glued onto her.

“That’s not any gem!” Ford gasped. “That’s a Youth-Sucker! It drains the wearer’s youth until the host dies and then the necklace will feed off of the body.”

“What do we do, what do we do?!” Stan asked.

“We have to remove it, carefully.” Ford said and turned to Dipper. “Get the tool kit.” And the teenager was gone, again.

Too soon Mabel was aging again. More hair was falling out, now half of it was gone and the rest remaining was thin. Mabel tried to swallow a moan but it was very apparent on her face that she was in a lot of pain. The pain would definitely explain the sou-sucking leech. Ford eyed the anomaly on his niece’s chest as it began to pur happily over the approaching meal.

“Dipper, hurry!” Ford barked harshly.

Mabel struggled to open her eyes, but she was tired of looking at the darkness. “I… I love you…” Her voice was so quiet and so weak it was a miracle it could be heard.

Stan squeezed her hand as tightly as he could risk without hurting her. “We love you too, pumpkin, but don’t gimme any of that mushy stuff like it’s goodbye, okay?” He blinked to try to ease the stinging in his eyes.

“M’scared…”

“Here!” Dipper was back and practically threw the tool box at Ford so he could get to work.

The scientist pulled out one of his electronic gloves and a pair of tweezers and instructed,” Dipper, hold down the sweater’s neck so I can work.” Dipper helped the gem being showcased and it continued to vibrate and burn and pur. Mabel would probably have a very nasty burn on her chest for a while, but that didn’t matter nearly as much as saving her life.

“Easy, easy,” Ford said mostly to himself as he carefully pinched the gem by the hook where the string was, reading to pull when the anomaly was at its weakest. He would have to do it quickly to not worsen Mabel’s burn with his glove, and so in classic Stanford Pines action, with one swift movement he shocked the gem and pulled it off of Mabel’s chest the second it screeched with pain and anger.

The moment the Youth-Sucker was off Mabel her youth returned her to and soon she was a tired thirteen-year-old, rosy cheeked and with a full head of beautiful brown hair. She blinked her eyes open and rubbed them with her fists, like waking from a dream, and was surprised to find still electrocuting the Youth-Sucker in his fist as punishment for trying to kill his Mabel. “Whoa.”

“Mabel!” Stan cried out and swallowed her into his lap for a tight hug. “Don’t scare me like that, pumpkin, I thought I was gonna lose you!”

“I’m sorry, I just thought it looked cool.” Mabel tried to explain but her face was buried in his chest and she happily hugged him back.

“Well, all’s well that ends well.” Ford breathed, his anxiety finally going down as he stood normally and pocketed the Youth-Sucker to dissect for science. “I’m sure there’s a valuable lesson to take from all of this.”

“Meh, too tired to figure that out.” Mabel moaned as she nuzzled her face against her grunkle.

“Alright, then bed sweetie.” And Dipper and Ford knew better than to point out that he was taking her to his bedroom instead of the attic; Stan needed a nap, too, and there was no way he was going to let his little girl out of his arms for a while after that traumatizing scare.

[spaceyantique]

five’s a crowd [beatles x reader] part eight

chapter summary: You’re just trying to get through this whole Tinder girl business because it’s NOT affecting you in the slightest. John nurses a particularly cranky hangover, and Paul is the kind of person that drinks milk straight from a glass, apparently. George’s pajamas don’t make this business any easier and Ringo’s heading out for mystery reasons early this Sunday morning.

word count: like 2.1k of i don’t even know what

warnings: sexual implications. drinking, a hangover, general bad language

asterisks correspond to footnotes!

masterlist 

parts one | two | three | four | five | six | seven (oh my!)

“Care for a drink? You’re sulking.” Paul’s standing over you with a shot glass in his hand. As always, he has a talent for seeing straight through people.

“Course. And I’m not sulking,” you say, taking the glass from him. Paul scoffs. 

“Sure, Jan. If looks could kill, that poor girl would be dead.”

God, if only they could. Paul would definitely be right. 

You’re holed up in a booth at the back of the Cavern Club Bar, gripping an empty glass a little too tightly for comfort. George and Maureen are both standing around a table just across the room, his arm loosely draped over her shoulders. Ringo’s on her other side and they all look like they’re having too much fun. You think of how it felt when he put his arm over your shoulders and try to ignore how they practically feel frostbitten now in comparison. She’s not even mean, you think. Hating on some girl you don’t know because of a boy is not good feminism.

“Can I sit?” Paul asks, and you’re forced to tear your eyes away from the happy couple.

“What?” You ask, but he’s already shoving you aside. 

“Lovely place, isn’t it? Much nicer than most of the nightclubs ‘round here. Always thought it would be a treat to perform up there.” Paul nods to the bar. You follow his gaze with a confused look, and he sighs with a smile, then props his head up on his interlaced hands to look at you expectantly.

“What?” You repeat stupidly.

“Drink up,” Paul says, and you do, shuddering at the burn. Tequila.

“What do you think you’re doing?” You say. “You’re usually giggling over John by now.”

“I’m being the best friend in a rom-com. The gay best friend, nonetheless. And I think you should go talk to that guy at the bar.” Paul gestures to a man standing near the stage. He’s tall, but not unnaturally so. He’s wearing a jean jacket and sporting a mess of dark hair to rival John’s untidy mop. 

He’s no George, your brain sneers immediately, and you almost want to scold yourself out loud. 

“Look, dahling.” Paul affects a flamboyant upper-class drawl, and you crack a smile. “There’s no reason you can’t have fun too.”

“You sound like Freddie from upstairs.”

“‘S true,” Paul replies, back to his normal self. “I know how you feel about George--”

“I don’t know what you mean--” you start to say, but Paul holds up his hand to stop you.

“Please let me finish my cliche speech! I know how you feel about George, but you haven’t had anyone to spend the night away with in a while, if you catch my drift.” Paul raises his eyebrows at you and the Pout transforms into a smirk. “So get over there. Don’t make me get John to force you to.”

“God, no. I’ll talk to him,” you say, and Pauls grins, before heaving himself up and disappearing behind a clump of people, probably to suck John’s face off.

As you make your way across the room, George can’t help but notice. He tells himself it’s because the bar is relatively uncrowded, but it’s more than a passing glance. He feels his cheeks heat up as his stomach erupts into butterflies, but Maureen’s laugh from beside him draws him back to reality with a shockingly sobering effect. Still, that cold feeling in the pit of his stomach only gets stronger when he notices where you’re headed.

The man at the bar flashes you a smile as you get close, and you put on your best one in return. 

“Hey,” is all he says.

“Hey,” you say, immediately cringing at the general awkwardness. Okay, so you’re out of practice.

“What’s your name, dolly?” Dolly, really? Still you give him your name and ask for his.

“I’m Eric Clapton. Are you a student around here?” 

All in all, Eric’s sweet, and despite seeming a little like an overgrown fuckboy at first glance, he seems to drink his respecting women juice now. He laughs at your (terrible) jokes and teases you in that flirtatious way, but each time he speaks you find yourself slightly disappointed at the lack of Scouse accent in his words.

Sure, Eric’s sweet, but you don’t take him home that night.

***

The following morning begins much like plenty of others. You’re munching on a bowl of cereal in the kitchen with one of your new textbooks open on the table in front of you and a safe distance from the coffee machine. Ringo shuffles around making his breakfast, his mightily messy hair floating in a cloud around his head. John’s also at the table, severely hungover, his knees to his chest, wrapped in a blanket like a gremlin. He’s wearing dark sunglasses and bitching about the noise anytime anyone speaks.

“Fucking bullshit,” Ringo declares out of nowhere. John hisses at the noise while you turn to see him attempting to mount the countertop. “George keeps putting the fucking sugar in the top cabinet. How ‘m I supposed to get up there?”

“Grow longer bones,” John mumbles helpfully*. Ringo shoots him with a glare and continues trying to climb onto the counter.

“Spent all me growin’ power on my brain, thanks.” 

“And what a big brain it is.” John cracks a grin at his own joke and you roll your eyes.

“Where is George, anyway?” You say, trying your hardest to seem nonchalant. John wiggles his eyebrows at you anyway, grinning like a chimpanzee. You slam your textbook shut and he winces at the sound. For a few seconds, you’re engaged in an intense war of making rude faces back and forth.

“Oh, maybe writing in his diary?” Paul’s entered the kitchen now too, looking overall far too bright-eyed and rosy-cheeked for the volume of alcohol he consumed last night.

“Does he really have a diary?” You ask, and John and Paul share a meaningful glance that you don’t have time to decipher. Ringo’s breakfast sandwich (toast, tomato, and cheese) is done, and when he places it on the table, John lurches forward with a hand over his mouth.

“Oh fuck,” is all he says before he disappears towards the bathroom. Paul, cheerily pouring a glass of milk, makes a sympathetic face at John’s retreating form.

“I should make sure he’s alright,” he says, before going to the cabinet to pick out a cereal. 

“Are you going to?” 

“Well, y’know, I don’t really want to.”

You’re about to repeat Paul’s y’know back to him to tease him before you see which cereal he’s picked out.

“Do NOT touch my goddamn Rice Krispies, you fuck!” 

“Just one fuck,” Ringo says, mostly to himself. 

“But I want them! I’m hungry!” Paul pleads, using the Pout and his droopy eyes to their full potential.

“But I paid for them! And there’s plenty of other cereal!”

“Yeah, well, I don’t see your name on them!” 

“Look again, bitch!” You demand, and he does. Sure enough, you’ve Sharpied your name onto the top flap.

“Fucking ridiculous,” Paul mutters, placing the Krispies in their rightful place.

“John’s fine,” Ringo announces. “He’s just sent me a TikTok. And he also told me he’s changed my contact to “Mango Bongo,” so I suppose he’s alright.”*

You and Paul both scramble for your phones to change his name to something equally ridiculous. You settle on “Dingo Presto: Magician Extraordinaire.” Not your best, but it’ll do.

Paul settles at the table where John was sitting before, grouchily eating Cap’n Crunch.

“Paul,” you say. “Why the hell are you eating cereal with milk and drinking a glass of milk at the same time?”

“Strong bones?” Paul shrugs.

“You’re a heathen,” Ringo says, straightening up and brushing the crumbs from his lap. “I’m going out, so I’ve got to get ready.”

“Where the hell are you going on a Sunday?” You ask.

“I’ve-- I’m-- I’ve started dog walking on Sundays,” Ringo stutters out.

“Interesting,” Paul comments before loudly slurping on his milk.

“That’s a job from a damn sitcom! That’s like one of Spencer’s jobs on iCarly!” You call after Ringo, but he’s already disappeared into his and George’s shared room. You almost catch yourself trying to peek inside to see if George is asleep there. Ringo wouldn’t go in if Geo had company, would he?

“That’s odd,” Paul says, and you’re a bit surprised to see he’s as confused as you are. “Wonder if he’s going to see someone.”

“Maybe,” you agree. “The university doesn’t have any classes on Sundays, too.”

As you contemplate Ringo’s departure, John shambles back in with even messier hair. He’s still wearing the sunglasses, but looking less pale and overall gargoyle-ish.

“So, how was that guy last night?” Paul asks, and the look he gives you is indecipherable.

“We left separately, if that’s what you’re asking,” you reply, before adding,  “John, you’d better still those fucking eyebrows before I tear them off your face.”

“Aggression! You wound me, birdie.”

“Why didn’t you go off with him? You looked like you were having a good time,” Paul asks, taking another gratuitous sip of his fucking milk.

“Who are you, my mother? I just didn’t want to,” you say, perhaps a bit too harshly. You open your textbook again to a random page and start reading, more to make a point than anything else. 

“George left alone too, in case you were wondering.” John’s comment affects you more than you’d like to admit, zapping through the early morning fog in your brain and making you feel electric.

“Why would I wonder about that?” You ask, but John just smiles that rat-bastard smile. Paul’s sly grin matches John’s, and you slam your textbook closed a second time, again for emphasis.

“You two fuckers are up to something. And you’re not good at hiding it,” you huff.

“Up to no good, my pretty?” John cackles in a spot-on impression of the Wicked Witch of the West. 

“Yes, you’re up to no good! I don’t like it.” You place your cereal bowl in the sink and hoist your stack of textbooks into your arms. As you leave the kitchen, you catch snippets of their conversation.

“You’ve butchered it--” Paul’s hushed whisper.

“Well, now we’ve got them both--” John’s pointed drawl. “So don’t worry--”

Fucking assholes, the both of them. You pass the tiny living room to head to your bedroom and nearly run straight into George.

He looks like he’s just rolled out of bed. His eyes are still a bit swollen from sleep, and you can see the imprint of the creases on his pillow on his right cheek. His curls are smashed on that side too, while the hair on the other side of his head sticks out like half a halo, glowing in the morning sunlight that streams through the living room window. You also notice almost immediately that he’s shirtless, and the pajama bottoms he’s wearing are untied and loose around the waist. They sit low on his hips, exposing a trail of hair on his abs and the top of a v-line that leads--

You exercise every bit of willpower you have to reset your gaze to eye level.

“Good morning,” you force out, trying to sound casual.

“Morning,” he says, and you feel a fluttering somewhere underneath your collarbones at his deep, gravelly, morning voice. Neither of you speaks for a moment, and you’re suddenly thankful to be holding your books over your chest because they provide a shield between George’s gaze and the deafening thumping of your heart.

“Ringo’s just gone out,” you blurt, if only to break the awkwardness.

“On a Sunday?” You shrug and nod at the same time in reply. What the hell is wrong with you? Speak! He’s your friend!

“John and Paul are in the kitchen, so I’m going to do my work in my room.”

George nods, glancing towards the two bastards. You nod again (idiot) and start to make for your room.

“Did you--” You turn back at the sound of George’s voice, already feeling breathless. “Were you here all night?”

“Yeah,” you say. “You?”

“Yeah.” He gives you a little smile and nod before you continue to your room. Once inside, you close your door and lean back against it, feeling almost dizzy with relief. 

Little do you know, George is still standing exactly where you left him. The strange cold feeling that settled deep in his stomach as he watched you talking with Eric is starting to thaw now in the bright morning sunlight. Still, if you could see his face, you’d agree that the smile on his face is a thousand times brighter.

***

footnotes:

*from this post

*This joke is partially from Finding Nemo. Nemo is called several different names throughout the movie by Dory, including Fabio, Pedro, Harpo, and Elmo. I shall not be accused of joke stealing!

five’s a crowd tag list: @1-2beeble​ @beatlevmania​ @theclassicsl​ @withthebeables​ @thasbooooooi​ @geostarr​ @report-abuse​ 

[revengeworld]

The Circus X [END]

Werewolf! Kylo x Reader Modern/Monster AU

Words: +3.600

Warnings: tiniest bit of Angst but mostly fluff

AN: Feedback plz! Couuldn’t reall find fiting gifs for the last chapter so enjoy these cute werewolf babies from Ame and Yuki and the Moodboard I made for this story.

MASTERLIST: Can be found in my bio if you are interested in more!

-

Everyone wanted to give Y/N and Kylo a quiet moment, except the intruder from before. Trying to pull something out of his coat he was quickly stopped from the director who was looming over him in his full height.

“Let’s discuss everything else in my buero, shall we Mister Solo? The leaders of your pack are already waiting on the other side of a portal.” the director showed his creepiest smile and Han saw no other way to follow for now.

Kylo watched them leave, before he gave all his attention to his mate who was cuddled up against his chest. It had worked! It really worked, she was a werewolf now, just like him. He wondered why her transformation had taken so long, but he quickly shook his head to get rid of these devastating thoughts. She was alive and that was all that matters.

“Alright, grace period over.” Poe suddenly shouted and all of the others agreed before they attacked them with a big group hug.

“Ow, fuck you gremlins get away from us!” Kylo barked and just now Y/N saw how beaten up her boyfriend was.

“What happened to you?” cupping his face he only smiled back.

“I protected you and I would do it again.” leaning his forehead against hers, he kissed her soft lips.

“How are you feeling, Moonshine. You must be exhausted...”

“Me?! You are the one still bleeding! I’m more exhausted from your reckless behaviour.” she sighed and looked at the bandages. 

“This will heal in just two days, don’t worry.”

“Well whoever is feeling worse, we should still bring you somewhere safer.” Phasma told them, as much relieved as the others that they had Y/N back, but their work wasn’t done yet. The Circus had to be rebuilt as soon as possible.

“Why somewhere safer? What happened?” Y/N asked confused until they could hear something crash outside.

“What did you do?!” she immediately asked Kylo who scratched his head ashamed.

“Might have destroyed the camp...” he mumbled very quietly.

Taking a deep breath, she then shook her head with a little smile.

“My chaotic wolf...” brushing over his cheek, he leaned back into her warm touch before she kissed him.

Everyone helped them to pack the most essentials before bringing them into the meadow where everyone else from the circus was waiting. Kylo carrying Y/N in his arms while he nuzzled his face against her neck.

“Is everyone alright?” Sadie called to them and helped to bring Kylo and Y/N towards a small area where they treated a few light wounded. 

“How is this possibly… ” she whispered quietly while checking Y/N before taking her in her arms.

“Kylo turned me.” she explained while hugging the older woman back.

“I’m just glad you are alright my sweetheart! You must be starving now after your transformation. And you guys too!” she pointed at Kylo and Rey who where just laying on the ground, groaning with exhaustion.

Sadie shuffled away and for now Y/N laid beside her mate cuddling with him up in a soft blanket before the kitchen woman returned and gave them a few bags of various snacks she had horted for the day after the Full Moon.

Munching on their snacks, Kylo and her were just sitting next to each other in silence while he leaned his head against hers, the little creatures on her lap calmly sleeping while the sun was slowly rising.

For the time being, since they didn’t know when they could return to the circus grounds and start rebuilding, the werewolf let Poe get Kylos car over to the safe space so that Y/N would at least be sheltered. 

“You don’t have to pamper me anymore.” she chuckled while he let her down in the mountain of pillows and blankets on the backseat.

“You can’t blame me after tonight...” he sighed while Trico and Morgana flew by his head to cuddle up against Y/N, Mellow following shortly after to hide in the shadows of her hair.

“Y/N!! I’m so glad you are okay!” she suddenly heard a hissing voice scream until Kou slithered up Kylo and made his way towards her. The little snake was crying his little heart out while she held him close.

“I’m sorry for worrying you so much.” kissing his little snout, Kou sniffled slightly while curling up around her neck.

Soon Phasma cuddled up with them in the back seat while Finn and Poe took the front seat to sleep, Rey had made herself a little hiding space in the back of the open trunk.

Even though their home was destroyed, all of them were just glad that everyone was alright and survived this horrible night.

While everyone was exhausted and snoring beside her, Y/N was laying on Kylos chest with her eyes wide open. 

Gently lifting herself off Kylos body, she watched his sleeping face for awhile while she gently brushed with her fingers over his wounds.

“I love you, you stubborn wolf...” she whispered against his lips before she quietly left the car and wrapped a blanket around her shoulders, her foster children quickly following her.

“Come here...Darling.” picking Trico up from the ground she loosened the Talisman around his neck and let him run for awhile while he started to grow to his original size.

“That's better right?” she whispered, not to wake everyone else and brushed over Tricos snout when he came closer, quietly purring.

“How about you my fiery sweetheart? Want to fly a round?” petting the little dragon that was curled around her leg he stayed where he was not moving a bit.

“I’m not going anywhere, I will be right here waiting for you.” she reassured her scaled child who slowly made his way to her arms so that she could hold him up before it flew up into the sky.

Watching him for a while soaring through the sky, Trico soon joined him, Mellow who disliked sunlight, quickly rushed back into the car to Kylo to vanish into his raven black hair. 

Finally she was able to take a deep breath again, without pain, enjoying the chilly air on her skin and without the worry that her body would just gave out under her, she wandered around a bit, until she noticed the director walking towards them from the rubble of the circus.

Quickly making her way back to the car she gently shook Kylo who instantly wanted to sit up only to hit his head right at the roof of the car, waking everyone else up immediately.

“What is it?! Are you okay?!” he asked frantic while climbing out of the car. Pulling her in his arms, he saw why she had woken him up.

Instinctively, Kylo held her even closer when he saw that his Father was still with the Director.

Y/N quickly held out her arm to catch her dragon who roared at the unfamiliar intruder, same with Trico who stood behind them, glaring at the older werewolf.

“As you can see, Y/N is a Fairy and no ordinary human. Besides now she is even one of your own kind and she and Kylo are standing under my protection. If you have something against that, your pack has to interfere with the Ministry itself, who will be here any moment.” the Director still explained to Han, while a car was coming closer. 

“Oh for fucks sake...” Kylo mumbled and immediately shuffled behind Y/N as if he wanted to hide from someone, when a few people left the car and approached them.

“Now don’t be shy and greet your Mother!” an older, beautiful woman spoke up with outstretched arms and Kylo slowly approached her before she pulled him in a hug and pressed a kiss against his cheek.

“Mum...” he mumbled embarrassed while rubbing over his cheek with his sleeve. Y/N started to chuckle when she saw this shy side of him and walked over to greet his Mother as well.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Y/N.”

“She is my mate.” Kylo explained to his Mother with slightly red cheeks but a very proud smile.

“You can call me Leia, my Dear, since you are now part of our family.” she smiled and patted her cheek until she shot a glare at the silver wolf. 

“Han.” she only greeted him shortly before she continued to ignore him completely and turned her attention to the Director.

“How bad is the damage?” the three of them and the other people that came with Leia made their way back to the destroyed Circus.

In just a day the Circus got rebuild and everything that was destroyed would be replaced by the ministry who would let the werewolf pack pay for the costs.

“It was really nice meeting your Mother...” Y/N mumbled, with her mouth full of bloody steak and Kylo just watched her with adoration.

“Sure, Moonshine.” he grinned, brushing the mayo from her mouth after she stuffed her face with fries.

“Will I always be this hungry?” she asked and pushed her third plate away while patting her full stomach.

“Around full moon, yeah. Since you just transformed a few hours ago it’s basically the same.” he explained, taking his own last bite of steak.

“Maybe we should get you changed and cleaned up now.” he suggested when he noticed the still bloodstained clothing she was wearing.

“That counts for you too. We can take a nice bath together.” with a wide grin, she cuddled up against his side and Kylo quickly showered her face in kisses which made her even more giggle.

“Circus destroyed, got someone back from the dead and the only thing they think of doing is snogging, again.” Poe called over teasingly and Kylo just showed him the finger with a grin.

“And how are the new tents treating, y’all?” Kylo asked while they set down on the table with them.

“To be totally honest we should thank you for destroying most of this place.” Phasma laughed with a few snakes around her arms. 

“The new tents they provided have freaking extention charms on them. Yours is almost finished so just wait till you get inside.” Finn grinned, visible happy about this change.

“True that, every little one of my children has there own little bed now.” the blonde woman shook her head in disbelief.

“See my Darling. Everyone is happy with the chaos you have made. So don’t feel guilty about it anymore.” squishing his cheeks together with one hand, Y/N pulled his head down to kiss his pouty lips before she gathered the empty plates to bring them to Sadie and help her with washing the dishes.

“And how is she feeling?” Poe asked while pouring Milk on his cornflakes.

“Good! Pretty good, actually. She didn’t have to transform into a wolf yet so she has more energy than me. I’m just ready to take another nap to be honest.” he sighed while resting his head onto his hand until his love came jumping back to him.

“I have the best idea for our new tent! What would you think of a big hammock for us!” jumping next to him on the bench, his eyes knowingly wandered up to her head before he started to chuckle like the others around them.

“What? What is it? Is it such a bad idea?” she asked with disappointment. 

“No it’s a wonderful idea it’s just ...” taking her hand he lead them up to the fluffy ears that were poking through her hair.

“Oh! I got wolf ears?!” immediately she started petting them herself which made her even cuter than she already was.

“Well you are basically a cup right now who has to get used to its powers. It will probably happen a few more times when you get this excited, until you can control your wolfself.” he reassured her before nuzzling his nose against hers which made her smile.

“This will be so exciting...” chuckling to herself, she cuddled back up against his chest, wondering what the next few days would bring them.

-

“I got us pizza and beer!” tired and exhausted Kylo pushed away the tarp from their tent, just to find his clothes scattered around on the floor.

“Moonshine?” he asked confused but soon saw what the problem was.

Y/N was sitting inside their bed, his clothes chaotically placed in a somewhat circle around her.

“I don’t know! I just started and now I can’t stop. And just so you know I can accept zero criticism right now!” without even looking at him she pointed her finger at Kylo.

“Oh Moonshine...” he smiled and shook his head lightly.

“You're trying to build a nest.” he explained and carefully sat down next to her construction. 

“A nest? For what? I’m not a goddamn bird!” she huffed while crossing her arms in front of her chest.

“No you silly, you’re building a nest for our cups. That means you’re going into heat soon.” he growled seductively with a wide grin while kissind her temple.

“Cups? Heat? Already? But I just woke up a few days ago...” 

“Your body and instincts know best… just try to listen to them and I hate to say it but … if you want to know better you could ask Rey about the whole female view about it.” watching her for a moment, Kylo gently brushed over her arm. “How about we eat first and after that I help you...” pressing another kiss against her temple, she suddenly held onto him.

“We could have cups?” she asked again, her voice so hopeful, and he nodded before carefully leaning his forehead against hers. “Do you want to? Because if we let it happen, we will definitely have some.” laying his arms around her, she soon cuddled up against his chest.

“I don’t want to waste anymore of our time together … The last time we thought we had all the time in the world it was suddenly stolen from us… wait, some? How many would we have?” she asked suddenly surprised and looked back up at him.

“Werewolfs rarely have just one child in one pregnancy when it happens during their rut.” he explained.

“Lets eat before the food gets cold and I explain everything to you.” brushing over her head, she nodded while making space in her chaotic first build nest so that he could join her.

Making themselves comfortable while they munched on their pizza, Kylo explained to her what it would change for them if they really decided to give into their instincts and would have children.

“I mean we could always still wait, there is no ru-”

“I want cups.” she interrupted him and he looked down at her head that was resting on his chest. 

“Remember in the hospital…?” 

“How could I forget...” Kylo sighed, the thought still giving him chills.

“You were telling me not to leave you alone...” Y/N quietly whispered and he was shocked that she had even heard him in her weak state at the time.

“And I thought, that we didn’t even have the time to really plan our family. That I would leave you completely alone. And if something should ever happen again I want you to have at least a piece of me left with you...” hearing her voice break it immediately tucked at his heart strings and he wrapped his arms tight around her body.

“Oh Moonshine …” 

Y/N slowly robbed her way onto Kylo and brushed her tears away before she sat up on his lap. “Would you want some right now?” brushing over his chest he started to grin slightly. “You know I never could resist you...” he growled and let his hands wander up her side.

“Besides, I actually would love the idea to have a few little ones of our own, I guess our other little monsters warmed me up to the idea.”

“Perfect!” with one motion Y/N had pulled off her shirt and attacked him with kisses.

“Wait right now?!” he shouted surprised but already chuckled against her soft lips. Both of them giggling like lovestruck teenagers.

-

Walking through the leaf covered paths between the tents, Y/N tried to pull the cardigan closer around her figure. 

She was on her way to the big tent, since Kylo would finish his training at any minute. They had just arrived at this town yesterday and she was sure they would get to see the first snow of the year here.

Turning around the next corner she was suddenly attacked by three energetic bundles of joy.

“Mommy are they here already?!” one of the children called while it’s fluffy tail was wagging behind it.

“Sorry, my Darling but you still have to be patient.” Y/N told her little girl while one of the boys lifted her sweatshirt.

“Are you sure?” he asked and patted against the round baby belly.

“Yes my sweetheart, I’m pretty sure.” brushing over his head, she saw the little wolf ears poking out between his black curls.

The second boy was trying to shout out to the two babies inside of her, remembering them to wake up and come out to play.

Suddenly a loud and deep howl echoed through the area and the triplings gathered around their fathers legs to howl with him.

Lifting all three of them up with one arm, Kylo gave each of them a light headbutt.

“Didn’t I tell you little devils to go easy on your Mother?!” he asked them and they quickly started to pout.

“Oh don’t be so harsh to them… They are just excited to meet their new siblings.” Y/N cooed while pressing a loving kiss on each of their heads.

“Doesn’t mean they can run you over, my Love.” leaning down, Kylo gave her a gentle kiss on her smiling lips.

“EW!” the three rascals quickly jumped away from their fathers arm to run away.

“Hey where are you going?” he called after them with a wide grin.

“Stop teasing them so much, my Darling.” cuddling up against his side, Y/N looked after the three while they started to play catch.

“As soon as their little siblings are here they will realise how easy I was on them.” Kylo snickered and let out a barking laugh.

Shaking her head a little she suddenly grinned before taking Kylos hand to lay it on her round belly.

He could feel the usual kicks against his hand and his lips curled up in the widest smile.

Laying his arm around his beautiful mate he kissed her temple.

“Mommy!” her little girl, Trico hanging in her arms, was running back to them and quickly grabbing her mother's hand. 

“Luke heard whispers in a cave nearby. Do you think it is another friend?” 

“It could be, my little Sunshine. We will have to find out.” brushing through her little girls hair, Y/N walked alongside her gently smiling while Kylo followed a bit behind with a grin.

Soon they could see their two boys and the dragon stalking around the entrance of a small cave, where Y/N could hear the voice her son had noticed.

“What do you think, Darling? Do you want to help whoever it will be?” she asked her boy who nervously stared into the dark.

“Dad will help you. And you can take Morgana with you, he can light the way.” encouraging him, Kylo already lifted him up and sat him on his shoulders.

“Mommy can’t go so you have to help this time.” his father explained and the little boy hold tightly onto his father's head before he nodded.

After around half an hour while Y/N waited outside with the other two who started to play hide and seek, they soon could feel rumbling footsteps coming closer. Kylo came out of the cave, no sign of their little boy until a rubble of stone came out of the cave, a big figure made of stone standing in front of them her boy on it’s shoulders.

“Look mommy! It’s a golem!” he shouted excited and lead the creature out of the cave.

“You did great! I’m so proud of you!” Y/N called up to him, while shooting Kylo a light glare.

“What? He is fine up there.” Kylo shrugged his shoulders before soothing her with a gentle kiss on her soft lips.

Lifting her brow slightly her eyes softened, before she cuddled up against Kylos side, their children had already started to lead the golem towards the circus.

“They are wonderful siblings, even though Luke is the only one who can talk to creatures they support him.” she whispered and Kylo nodded proudly.

“Yeah, they will be wonderful when the other two will arrive.” laying his big hand against her belly, he could feel another nudge against it.

Bringing the golem back to their camp, Luke had the responsibility to translate for the director which he mastered perfectly. 

With flushed cheeks he cuddled up against Kylos legs who picked all three of them up. 

“We are very proud of you...” he reassured them, and all of them nuzzeld their heads against their fathers.

Cupping their faces, Y/N pressed a kiss on each of them before they started running through the paths again towards their tent.

It was a normal calm day, Y/N sat down with her girl to help her with her paintings, while Kylo tried to teach the boys how to control their wolfselfs until it was time to tug them in.

Each of them cuddled up with one of the creatures in their hammocks, while Y/N tugged them into their blankets and kissed them goodnight.

Looking at their sleepy faces while Kylo read them a good night story, Y/N wouldn’t be able to describe how thankful she was for this second chance.

Brushing through Kylos black locks, she sat down beside him and closed her eyes after resting her head on his shoulder, his deep voice echoing through the tent while she gently brushed over her round belly.

-

Tags: @celestiaelisia​​​ @sdavid09​​​  @ayatimascd​​​ @acunningstargazer​​​ @agirlwithlonelymusic​​​ @ev3e​​​ @ellie-emb​​​ @siren-queen03​​​​ @luna-xial​

[a-yellow-book]

A-Ying is in so much trouble!

Jiang Cheng meant well, except for when he inadvertently made Wei Ying cried over rabbits. All things considered, it was truly a miracle Lan Wangji wasn't angrier.

I'm getting more invested in this au but really only have enough brain capacity and energy to write silly one-shot at the moment. :3 Enjoy!~

[Part 1 - you should totes read this first]

[read on ao3 instead]

It wasn’t like Jiang Cheng was overly worried about Wei Wuxian. He knew Lan Wangji would take good care of his husband, no matter what form he took. But Jiang Cheng also couldn’t control his nagging conscience, and soon found himself walking down the path toward the Jingshi.

Today was the last day of the Discussion Conference. Thank fuck , Jiang Cheng thought to himself the moment he woke up earlier in the morning, back aching from all the sitting and chatting he’d done for the last two days. He’d scheduled for the Jiang Sect to head back to Yumeng promptly the following morning, which did not leave much free time for anything else. And Jiang Cheng really wanted to have another... uhm, heart-to-heart with Lan Huan in private.

( Ah, Lan Huan ~ It tickled him to no end that he got to address the Chief Cultivator so intimately.)

Jiang Cheng walked past the Cold Springs just in time to catch Wei Wuxian, buck naked, jumping into the water from a rocky ledge with frankly an alarming amount of enthusiasm.

“Wei Wuxian! Be careful!” Jiang Cheng immediately rushed over and scolded his brother, who had grown to an eight-year-old gremlin over the last two days.

“Oh! Hi Sect Leader Jiang!!!” Wei Ying waved both his arms in the air and sprayed water everywhere as a result.

“Why are you out here by yourself? Where’s Lan Wangji?” Jiang Cheng took multiple steps back away from the failing child once he deemed him not in danger of drowning.

“Lan Zhan is feeding the rabbits!!!!” Wei Ying said, pointed towards the Rabbits Hill.

“I’m surprised you’re not tailing him to pet the rabbits,” Jiang Cheng remembered the rabbits being brought in by Wei Ying literally a lifetime ago.

“They don’t love me,” Wei Ying frowned, tears suddenly forming in his doe eyes.

“Huh?” Jiang Cheng stood, dumbfounded. “They’re rabbits. They love whoever feeds them.”

“But they don’t love me,” Wei Ying wailed, looking extremely sad and on the verge of tears.

“Ok, ok, don’t cry,” Jiang Cheng tried to put on a soothing tone, “Keep on swimming. Rabbits are no fun anyway.”

“I love rabbits!!! So much!! But they don’t love me !!!” Wei Ying sniffled, big fat teardrops are rolling down his chubby cheeks.

Jiang Cheng was at a loss as to what to do. He tried to recall what he had done with Jin Ling when he was a babe, but all he could remember was rushing off to find the nursemaids and eventually relying entirely on nannies to handle the emotional side of things. Also, who would cry over rabbits anyway?

“If you’re going to sulk, at least do it on dry land,” Jiang Cheng decided to focus on keeping the child from catching a cold instead of dealing with the tears first. He crouched down and offered a hand towards Wei Ying, who surprisingly obeyed and let himself be pulled out of the water.

Tossing the discarded white robes at the kid, Jiang Cheng grumbled, “Put your clothes back on and let’s go find something else you can do instead.”

Wei Ying, uncharacteristically, fastened his robes quietly and followed behind Jiang Cheng without much fanfare but a lot of sniffles. The pair wandered back to the guest quarters where the Jiang Sect stayed for the duration of the conference. They must look strange to the other disciples they pass by - with Jiang Cheng’s usual scowl replaced with a befuddled look and Wei Ying trailing behind, eyes brimmed red but no longer crying.

“Uhm... Are you hungry?” Jiang Cheng asked when they settled in his private room. With the mention of food, Wei Ying perked up and looked beseechingly at Jiang Cheng, “I’ll take that as a yes.”

It was long past breakfast but not yet lunchtime, and all Jiang Cheng had on his hands were a pouch full of spicy roasted lotus seeds. He handed it to Wei Ying whose return smile seemed to outshine the summer sun.

“Thank you Sect Leader Jiang!!!” Wei Ying said and immediately shoved a handful of seeds into his mouth with delight, thoughts of rabbits seemingly forgotten.

As he watched the kid munched on happily, Jiang Cheng wondered how much of his memories were returning, if at all. He entertained the possibility of rebuilding their relationship as Wei Wuxian grew up again without all the memories and burdens of past lifetimes. And seriously, how many lives would he have???  

“Wei Wuxian? Do you remember who I am?” Jiang Cheng asked, with “to you” left unsaid.

Wei Ying turned his large brown eyes from the lotus seeds to Jiang Cheng, “Hmm? You’re Sect Leader Jiang!”

“Is that it....?”

“Well,” Wei Ying paused, eyebrows knitted together as if he was giving it a great deal of thought. “I remembered you were a little bit... mean... at first,” he said, hesitating before continuing on with a shrug, “But then you gave me spicy lotus seeds!!!”

Jiang Cheng chuckled despite himself. The kid was honest if nothing else. “Just because I give you food, I’m suddenly not mean anymore?”

Wei Ying nodded enthusiastically, “You still look a bit scary, but it’s ok!!! Lan Zhan told me it’s just how your face looks - you can’t help it!”

“He said what?!!!!” Jiang Cheng yelped, but before he could say anything more on the matter, he heard voices echoing down the path toward his room.

“Uh oh! A-Ying is in so much trouble,” Wei Ying mumbled when he recognized one of the voices outside.

Just as Jiang Cheng was about to hunt down the source of the ruckus, the door blew open and Lan Zhan rushed in. “Wei Ying!” Lan Zhan walked right up to where the kid was and patted him up and down, “Are you ok?”

“Hanquang-jun, although I am only a guest at the Cloud Recesses, this is still my private chambers. How could you just run in like that?” Jiang Cheng protested. “And besides, why wouldn’t he be ok here? Stop being so ridiculously overprotective!”

“Lan Zhan!! I’m ok! Sect Leader Jiang gave me spicy lotus seeds!” Wei Ying interrupted, smiling and waving the almost empty pouch at Lan Zhan. “Isn’t he nice?”

“Wei Ying, I asked you to soak in the Cold Springs to speed up your healing progress. Did you do that?” Lan Zhan asked, ignoring the sputtering Jiang Cheng looming behind him.

“I did! Until Sect Leader Jiang came by and asked about the rabbits...” Wei Ying paused, “And I told him I didn’t go feed the rabbits with you because they don’t love me!!!!” He began to tear up in earnest.

“Oh no, here he goes again,” Jiang Cheng muttered. “Lan Wangji, I have no more snacks to offer the kid to cheer him up - so you work your magic or whatever.”

“I told you before - the rabbits love you, Wei Ying,” Lan Zhan said softly, cupping the kid’s face with both of his hands and gently wiped away the tears with his thumbs. “But you have to be patient with them. They’re very skittish.”

It took all of Jiang Cheng’s strengths to not gag, “Are you two done being all mushy here?” He scrunched up his nose and wiggled his fingers at the pair.

“Sect Leader Jiang,” Lan Zhan stood up and turned to face him, “My apologies for coming in unannounced. I was worried when Wei Ying disappeared again and was alarmed when a few disciples informed me they saw him following behind you looking...distressed.”

“Yes, so I could find something fun for him to do since he was crying over the rabbits,” Jiang Cheng said. “If I had known the Cold Springs could speed up his healing, I would have let him stew in there by himself.”

Lan Zhan barely acknowledged Jiang Cheng’s response before turning back to the troublemaker and said, “Wei Ying, bid Sect Leader Jiang goodbye. We need to head back for the lecture.”

“Goodbye, Sect Leader Jiang!!!” Wei Ying all but shouted, gone were the tears shed over rabbits, “Thank you for the lotus seeds!!!” He bowed deeply before bouncing out of the room behind Lan Zhan.

Jiang Cheng felt a headache forming and reached for the teapot. He wished he had snuck in more wine.

[thestarsaroundyourscars]

Reddie in a bouncy house. Please please please

Amelia! You probably don’t even remember sending me this prompt, it was ages ago but here it is. I hope you like it. Something soft and fluffy after that trailer. 

Bounce (up and down and around)

Word count: 3,391

Pairing: Reddie

Read on AO3

Tag list:  @daddyphantomtbh @yes-dillman-yes @richietoaster @beepbeeprichiellc @its-stranger-than-you-think @lemonaayyee @pennys-pet-kitty @tinyarmedtrex @richiefuckfacetozier @sam-i-am2468 @nicoperryy @richardtoz @aizeninlefox @chocolatemangoose @godtozier @reddie-for-anything @eddiefuckinkaspbrak

Ding!

Ding!

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

“Richie! Fucking stop it.” Stan scolded, slapping Richie’s hand away from the Denbrough’s doorbell after he failed to stop pressing it repeatedly. Their friends chuckled and watched Richie whine and complain, cradling his hand against his chest and asking Eddie to kiss it better.

Eddie was telling Richie that there was no way his mouth would go anywhere near his hand when the door opened, revealing a sullen Bill Denbrough on the other side. “Welcome to my own personal hell.” He said glumly.

Ben and Mike raised their eyebrows, exchanging confused looks. Stan and Eddie rolled their eyes at their friend and Beverly and Richie bursted into laughter.

“Aren’t you a fucking ray of sunshine?” Richie said, snickering, injured hand long forgotten.

Bill glared at him but stepped aside so that they could all come in. “You would feel this way too if you had been left in charge of a dozen twelve year olds for the last two hours.” He said, running a hand down his tired face. “All they do is run around, screaming and fighting. It’s exhausting.”

“Shouldn’t you be used to that?” Stan said, raising an eyebrow at Bill. “After so many years of having Richie around?”

“Hey!” Richie protested loudly but Bill answered Stan’s question without paying attention to Richie.

“It’s fucking worse.” Bill said. “It’s like having twelve Richies.”

“Now that does sound like hell.” Eddie jumped in, his nose scrunched up.

Richie huffed, his hands dropped to his side in frustration. “Okay, when did it become ‘trash the Trashmouth’ day?”

The others ignored Richie’s complaining, except for Eddie who grinned innocently at him, grabbing onto Richie’s arm and nuzzling it. Just kidding , it was meant to say. Richie’s expression immediately softened.

“Stop it with the heart eyes, you two.” Bev said, rolling her eyes and making her two friends blush and jump apart. Then she turned to Bill, “Why are you in charge?”

“Yeah, where are your parents?” Mike cut in.

“Dad’s working and my mom went to pick up the cake. She was supposed to come back quickly but there was a problem with it and they said they would fix it but it’s been hours so I’m stuck looking after these little gremlins until she gets back.”

“Aw. That’s what I call Eds!” Richie said, throwing an arm around Eddie’s shoulders. “My adorable little gremlin.” He leaned down, trying to kiss Eddie’s cheek, still slightly colored from Bev’s quip earlier but Richie’s lips collided against Eddie’s raised hand instead and he used it to push him away.

“I’m not your adorable little anything.” Eddie replied, rolling his eyes at him, while all of their friends rolled their eyes at them.

Just then, they heard a kid’s scream coming from the backyard and Bill took off running with a panicked expression on his face and his friends in tow. Before they made it outside, Georgie barged into the house, bumping against his brother.

Bill kneeled in front of him, grabbing Georgie by the shoulders and trying to shake the answers out of him. “Georgie, what’s happening? Is everything okay? Did the bouncy house explode? Did the clown murder someone?”

“There’s a bouncing house?” Richie muttered under his breath, eyes sparkling in excitement. His friends shushed him, waiting for Georgie’s answer.

The kid was shaking his head at Bill. “There’s no more popcorn! And we’re hungry!”

“What?“ Bill frowned. "But I made like, five bowls of popcorn.”

“There’s no more popcorn!” Georgie repeated, stubbornly. “And we’re hungry!”

“You’ve been feeding them popcorn?” Ben asked, giving Bill a disbelieving look.

Bill let out a long suffering sigh. "What was I supposed to give them? My mom didn’t leave any money and you know I’m useless in the kitchen.” He said. "And I panicked okay? They were screaming for cake and I had to give them something or next thing I know they would be screaming for my head. They’re vicious little creatures.”

His friends stared at him blankly, brows either knitted together or raised in question.

“ Okay .” Mike said, breaking the silence. “Well, I can help with that. I’m sure I can whip something up.”

Bill let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Mikey.”

“I’ll help him.” Ben said and the two of them set off for the kitchen, wishing Georgie a happy birthday on their way.

“Yeah, happy birthday, little man!” Richie said, ruffling Georgie’s hair. “You’re almost as tall as Eds now.”

Eddie glared at Richie after what was probably the fifth jab at his height in just today. He high-fived Georgie and wished him a happy birthday.

“Happy birthday, kid.” Bev said. “How does it feel to be twelve?”

Georgie shrugged but then he smirked mischievously at Bev. “I don’t know. Why don’t you ask Richie?”

At the same time Eddie, Stan, Bev and Bill bursted into laughter. Georgie grinned smugly.

Richie’s jaw dropped, he stared at Georgie in disbelief. Stan noticed and smirked at his friend. “You just got burned by a twelve year old.”

“And he shut you up too.” Eddie said, clearly enjoying the situation. They all laughed again.

“I don’t ― Wow. I can’t even mad.” Richie said, shaking his head. “I’m proud of you, buddy.” Much to Bill’s annoyance, Richie was Georgie’s favorite and the way he was beaming up at him, pleased with his reaction was a reminder of that certain fact. Not that they needed one, Richie never failed to brag about being someone’s confirmed favorite. He would often state that he was also Eddie’s favorite or Stan’s but neither had explicitly confirmed it like Georgie had on multiple occasions. He high-fived the kid. “Soon enough, you’ll be just like me.”

Bill groaned. “God, please no.” He said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I couldn’t handle another Richie in my life.”

“Billiam, I’m hurt. I bring nothing but joy to your life.” Richie said, holding his chest mockingly. Bill rolled his eyes at him, but his mouth had curled up in a smile. “Now, I heard there was a bouncy house. I must check it out. Come on Eds.” He said, grabbing Eddie’s hand and dragging him towards the door. Eddie sighed but didn’t put up any resistance.

“Richie.“ Bill called behind them. "You’re not allowed to go inside that bouncy house!”

“You’re not the boss of me, Denbrough.”

“Fine, then. Eddie, do not let him go inside that bouncy house!”

“Eds isn’t my boss either.” Richie called back.

They heard Stan snort loudly and Bev say, “You’re not fooling anyone, Richie. We all know you’re whipped!”

Richie spluttered, he spared a glance in Eddie’s way. He was decidedly not looking at him. Good, that way he couldn’t see his cheeks pinking up. “Shut the fuck up, Marsh!”

Eddie elbowed him on the side, lightly just as Bill groaned and said, “No swearing in front of the children, Richard.”

“Shit.” Richie muttered, having forgotten that he was at a kid’s party for a second. Eddie snorted when he heard him swear again. At least this time, he had done it quietly.

Outside, there was chaos.

There was a table in the middle of the backyard but none of the kids were sitting on the chairs. Instead, some of them were knocked down on the ground while others were being used by a couple of boys to build some sort of barricade. The rest of the kids were running around, jumping on each other, laughing and screaming, just like Bill had said.

There was also a creepy-looking clown making balloon animals and balloon swords and handing them out. Richie shuddered at the sight, he’d always hated clowns. And wasn’t Georgie too old for a birthday clown anyway?

“Wow.” Eddie said, taking it all in. “That’s a lot of kids. No wonder Bill was going crazy.”

"It’s like a damn zoo out here.” Richie added. His eyes finally landed on the massive bouncy house, where a group of children were playing. “Check that out Eds. Come on, I’ll race ya!”

Before he could sprint away though Eddie grabbed his wrist. “You heard Bill. You can’t go in there.”

Richie whined, stomping his feet on the ground in a hissy fit. “But Eds ― ”

“There are kids in there and if you go in you’ll knock them over like bowling pins.”

“So? They’ll bounce right back up.”

Eddie rolled his eyes, dragging Richie in the opposite direction of the bouncing house to sit with Stan and Bev under a big old tree.

They watched as Bill refilled the popcorn bowls, no doubt to keep the children satisfied and apaced while Mike and Ben finished cooking.

It worked. In the five minutes it took for the bowls to be empty again.

“They’re like fucking piranhas.” Richie gasped.

“I told you.” Bill replied, forgetting to call out Richie on swearing again. “Vicious little creatures.”

They worried that with the popcorn gone, there would be a riot soon but before that could happen Ben and Mike walked out, each of them carrying a tray filled with slices of delicious looking pizza toast.

“Food is here.” Mike said, setting his tray on the table. The word ‘food’ and the smell of it attracted some of the kids’ attention. Bill and his friends helped gather the others and soon they were all sitting down ― they had to dismantle the impressive chair barricade Georgie’s friends had built ― and munching happily on Mike and Ben’s snacks.

“Oh Mike!” Bill gasped, throwing his arms around Mike’s shoulders. “You’re a lifesaver, thank you.”

Mike grinned, patting Bill’s arm. “You’re welcome, Bill. It’s not much but I didn’t have a lot to work with or much time.”

“Not much?” Richie said, mid-chew. There was a slice of half-eaten pizza toast in his hand that none of the losers had seen him grab. “This is fucking delicious.”

His friends groaned in unison. “Stop swearing.” They said, Richie shrugged and continued eating.

Even though Mike and Ben had made enough pizza toast to feed an army, the kids ― and the losers as well ― made their way through it quickly.

They finished eating just as Sharon Denbrough returned with the birthday cake. Bill was flooded with relief when he heard that his mother was back and he followed the stampede of children inside the house. At the mention of cake they had all rushed inside chanting ‘cake, cake, cake’.

Eddie was about to join them and his friends when Richie stopped him.

“Don’t you want cake?” Eddie asked when he saw that Richie had zero intentions to move.

Richie waved him off. “Later.”

Eddie snorted. “You saw what those kids do to food. I don’t think there will be any cake left later.”

“I’ll take my chances. There are no kids anymore. No clown either, thank fuck.” Richie said. “Perfect opportunity to go inside the bouncy house.”

“Richie ― ”

“Come on, Eds! Can we go? Please?“

“Bill said we’re not allowed inside the bouncy house.”

"Bill’s not here either.” Eddie pursed his lips, trying to come up with a different argument but he could feel his resolve fading. Richie could feel it too, he grabbed Eddie’s hands in his and pleaded. “Come on, Eddie. You know you want to. For me.”

Eddie sighed, unable to resist Richie’s batting eyelashes and the way he was softly drawing circles in the back of his hands with his thumbs. “Fine.“ He said. "But if Bill catches us, you’re taking the blame.”

“Yes!” Richie whooped, letting go of Eddie’s hands and cradling his face instead, kissing him soundly on the forehead.

Eddie’s eyes widened and he could feel himself blushing from the top of his ears, to his face and all the way down to his chest, but Richie didn’t notice. He was already sitting down on the grass, taking off his Converse.

Once he was barefoot, he started undoing Eddie’s shoelaces. He lifted Eddie’s legs to take off his shoes, making Eddie lose his balance.

"Richie slow down.”

“Nope. I have to get you inside that bouncy house before you change your mind.” He said, standing up in one swift movement and starting to drag Eddie away.

“Wait.”

Richie groaned. “Fuck, see?”

Eddie chuckled, rolling his eyes. “I’m not changing my mind.” He said. He stood in front of Richie, lifting his hands to help remove his glasses. “We don’t want you to drop them and then step on them.” Richie offered him a lopsided grin. Eddie tucked the glasses carefully inside his shoes ― not Richie’s shoes, God knows he would forget they were there and crush them while trying to put them back on ― and then grabbed his hand. “Come on, you dork. Before everyone comes back.”

Richie crawled through the opening first and then helped Eddie climb inside. They stood on wobbly feet, still holding hands. Once they found their balance, they let go and started hopping and jumping around, giggling excitedly.

“I can’t remember the last time we did this.” Eddie said, twirling every time he jumped.

“I can.” Richie told him, his curls bouncing along with him. “Bill’s 13th birthday party. When I ― ”

“ ― Tried to do a backflip and broke your arm, that’s right.” Eddie finished, remembering. “No wonder Bill didn’t want you in here.”

“That and the fact that I’m pretty sure this aren’t supposed to hold eighteen year olds.” Richie said with a snort. “Hey, Eds! I bet I can do that backflip now.”  He said, bending his knees for impulse.

“Don’t you dare!” Eddie said, giving him a threatening look. “I don’t want to be forced to drag your ass to the ER.”

Richie rolled his eyes. “ Fine . I won’t do it.” He said, bouncing back and away from Eddie. “I know something I can definitely do now, though.”

Eddie narrowed his eyes at Richie’s grin, suspicious of what his friend had in mind but Richie just started jumping higher and higher, until he was able to touch the top of the bouncy house with his fingertips.

“Bet you can’t do this, Eds.” Richie said, doing it again and taunting Eddie, who rolled his eyes at him.

“Fuck you.”

“No swearing in front of the children Eds.”

“There are no children here Richie.” Eddie said, then he added with a smirk, “Unless you count yourself.”

“You’re just mad that you can’t do this. ” He teased, reaching the top of the house again.

Eddie glared at him. “Not all of us can be giants, you dick.”

“Nah.“ Richie grinned. "Some have to be midgets. Like you, Eddie Spaghetti.”

“I’m not a midget.” Eddie protested, pushing Richie. He didn’t put a lot of strength into it but it was enough to make Richie lose his balance and fall on his ass.

Richie let out a puff of breath. “Oh, I’m gonna get you.”

He tried to get up, no doubt to push Eddie in retaliation but his friend saw it coming and he jumped just in time to make Richie fall again. He did that over and over and everytime Richie would fail to get up.

“Eds, stop that.” Richie said, trying one more time. “Let me up.”

Eddie giggled, enjoying himself. “Nope.”

“You’re gonna regret this.”

Richie changed tactics, instead of trying to stand he crawled to his knees before jumping forward and tackling Eddie, trapping him with his body. He grinned down at him. “Told you I was gonna get you.”

“Rich, let go of me.”

“Nope.” Richie said. Eddie was wiggling around trying to free himself but Richie grabbed both of his hands, locking him in place.

The bouncing house went still for a moment as they both realized the position they were in.

Their faces were merely inches apart. Their chests pressed together, both of them breathing heavily, hearts thumping. Their legs were tangled with each others’. Richie’s hands holding Eddie’s wrists above his head.

Neither of them moved. They stared at each other nervously, trying to think of something to break the awkward silence that had settled over them.

Richie cleared his throat. “I ― uh. Maybe I should ― ” He let go of Eddie’s hands and tried to stand up, forgetting he was in a bouncy house. He slipped, landing on Eddie and making him groan. “Shit, I’m sorry Eds.”

Eddie chuckled, shaking his head. “God, you’re so clumsy sometimes.” He said, looking up at Richie with a soft expression.

Richie didn’t answer and he didn’t try to get up. Eddie just stared at him. Their faces were so close that even without glasses Richie could see his thoughtful expression. Like Eddie was trying to solve a puzzle inside his head. “Hey Rich.”

“Yeah?”

“What would happen if ― I mean, what would you do if I ― If we ― ” Eddie cut himself off. Richie licked his lips nervously and Eddie followed the movement with his eyes, going completely silent.

“Eds.“ Richie prompted. "What is it?”

“I just. Would you mind if I ― ” Eddie sighed, shaking his head. “You know what? Forget it. It’s nothing.”

“Come on, Eds.” Richie whined. He had a pretty good idea where this was going. He liked where this was going, but he needed to make sure. He needed Eddie to just ― “Tell me, Eds. What would happen if I what?”

Eddie closed his eyes, scrunching up his face before taking a deep breath and speaking as quietly as possible, perhaps hoping Richie wouldn’t hear him. “If you leaned down and kissed me right now.”

But Richie did hear him. He inhaled sharply and Eddie slowly opened his eyes. Richie was staring at him with wide-eyed surprise but also excitement and anticipation.“I ― uh. It’s that something that you want?”

Eddie nodded, almost imperceptibly.

Richie gulped, trying to swallow the lump that had lodged itself in his throat. “Okay.”

He started to lean down, but Eddie stopped the motion with a hand on his chest. “But only if you want to.”

“Okay.” Richie repeated only to have Eddie stop him again.

“So, you do want to? Kiss me, that is. Because if you don’t ― ”

“Hey, Eds.” Richie cut in, smirking.

“Yeah?”

“Stop talking.” He said, softly. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for-fucking-ever, and you’re kind of getting in my way.”

Eddie let out a nervous laugh, removing his hand from Richie’s chest. "No swearing in front of the―” Children. The last word was muffled by Richie finally pressing his lips against Eddie’s in a chaste kiss.

It ended quickly, with Richie pulling away after a few seconds, his eyes immediately falling open and searching Eddie’s face for any sign that he might regret asking Richie to kiss him. He didn’t find any. Instead, he saw Eddie lick his lips before grabbing Richie’s neck and pulling him down for a second, slightly more heated, kiss that Richie returned eagerly, cradling Eddie’s face in his hands, while Eddie’s tangled in Richie’s curls.

They both forgot where they were, too caught up in each other until Richie tried to adjust their position and his hand slipped when it didn’t find solid ground to support itself. It sent Richie toppling over Eddie again, this time making their teeth knock together, eliciting groans of pain from both of them.

"Fuck! Sorry Eds.”

Eddie shook his head, his hand covering his mouth. “It’s okay.” He said. “We were getting a bit carried away anyway.”

“Yeah.” Richie agreed with a chuckle. The truth was that he would’ve happily continued to kiss Eddie indefinitely but they were in a bouncy house. At a kid’s party.

Eddie seemed to be thinking the same thing. “We should get out of here before the kids come back out and we traumatize them.”

Richie snorted. “If they weren’t traumatized by that fucking clown, this won’t do it.” He said, but he still ― carefully, this time ― removed himself from on top of Eddie and helped him up.

They were just about to slide through the bouncy house opening when the sliding door to the backyard opened.

“Richie! What the fuck are you doing inside that fucking bouncy house?” Bill yelled and both Richie and Eddie flinched before dissolving into heaps of laughter when Georgie and his friends started running around the backyard again, only this time they were all screaming 'fuck fuck fuck’ while Sharon Denbrough angrily yelled at his son not to swear in front of the children.

[meetmeinthematinee]

Torn

AN: Probs going to be a multichapter fic so have no fear, while this is fluffy there is a 100% chance of smut in the future. 

A botched bookbinding attempt leads to a meet-cute for John Wick and small paper shop owner Kristen.

“Motherfucker!” John was frustrated. He had just ripped a page in the book he was supposed to be restoring. He leaned back hard against his chair and covered his face with his hands. He stayed that way for a moment, not quite ready to survey the damage. As he slid his hands down his face he opened his eyes and leaned forward, taking in a breath as he looked over the ragged inch long tear. It’s not too bad he thought. It wasn’t great, obviously, considering it was a pricey tome that he had planned on keeping for himself -- but it was fixable. He sulked for another moment before getting up and gathering the supplies he’d need for the repair job. He kept everything neatly arranged in the cabinet under the counter top across from his workbench. He pulled out the paste and brush he’d use to seal up the tear but came up empty handed when he went to grab the vellum needed to smooth everything out. “Fuck!” He exclaimed as he slammed the cabinet shut.

Normally he ordered everything from an online paper restoration dealer but he really didn’t feel like putting the project on hold for the week it would take for shipping. He glanced at his watch. It was 11:30AM. Plenty of time to go hunt down some vellum from somewhere he thought as his stomach growled. “And lunch.” He said that last part aloud to no one in particular. Since losing Helen meals had become a chore -- one he often forgot about entirely. He spread his hands out in front of him and leaned against the counter for support. It had been a year and change since he’d lost her and the dog and the car and the house and ultimately his retirement. He inhaled deeply through his nose and exhaled through his mouth slowly. Trying to fight against the wave of grief crashing over him. He laughed bitterly to himself as he realised he was using his tactical training -- box breathing -- to regain his composure and slow his racing thoughts. After a minute he pushed away from the counter and headed upstairs.

None of the big box craft stores had what he needed. As a last ditch effort at salvaging this disaster of a day he pulled out his phone and searched for a paper store. There was one not too far from where he was now. “Perfect.” He muttered before slipping his phone back into his pocket and peeling out of the parking lot.

He was hungry and irritated by the time he got into the shop. He didn’t even hear the friendly greeting called out by the person behind the register when he walked in. An entire wall of the shop was filled with wooden cubby like shelving that held what seemed like hundreds of kinds of paper in every colour one could ever think of. That’s a hopeful sign he thought as he made a beeline for it. He scanned the wall for what he was looking for and was startled when he heard a voice next to him. “Are you looking for something in particular?” “Vellum” he replied a little bit sharper than he intended. He was rattled. How the hell did she get so close without me noticing? He wondered. Was he quiet, yes. A Man of few words? Notoriously so. The kind to not pay attention and get crept up on in a fucking paper store? Absolutely not. “Uhh, ok.” She replied. “Is there a particular colour you’re looking for? All our vellum is in this section here.” She pointed and when he nodded in response she walked back over to her spot at the register. He went over and pulled out a stack of plain white vellum and then did a bit of browsing around before settling on a couple of Japanese brush tip pens to go with his paper. She was behind the register folding up a small bright green piece of paper. He watched for a moment before stepping forward and putting his items down. “Does your boss mind you making things on the clock?” He asked. She groaned inwardly, looked up from her small project and laughed. “That’s one of the many perks of owning your own shop” She said with a tight smile. He looked sheepishly away from her. She must think I’m a gigantic asshole he thought to himself. “So, do you draw?” She said eyeing the thick stack of vellum. He looked at her again and said “I bind and restore books.” Her eyes widened in surprise and lit up with delight. “That’s fascinating! I’d love to see your work sometime.” She blurted out. He nodded. “I can do that.” He said after a moment. He paid for his items and she handed him the tiny, bright green origami dog she had made along with her business card. The bells over the door tinkled as he stepped back out into the world.

John was still feeling off balance. Food. You need to eat he thought to himself. He stopped at his favourite cafe, a French spot that had the best ham and cheese sandwiches and a cozy walled in patio out back of the place. He ordered a sandwich along with an iced coffee and an almond croissant for later on. I mean, I’m here -- I might as well he decided. There was a free spot on the back patio so he settled into a chair and made quick work of the sandwich. He enjoyed the warmth of the sun on his shoulders as he finished the rest of his iced coffee occasionally swirling the ice around in the glass absentmindedly while he watched the only entrance from behind the safety of his dark sunglasses.

He pulled out his house keys to unlock the door and caught a flash of green as something fell out of his pocket. He bent down and picked up the origami dog that the woman from the paper shop had given him. He turned it over in his hands and shook his head as he stepped inside to be greeted by an overexcited Dog. Kicking off his shoes he dropped everything on the counter and knelt to give Dog some much needed attention. “Yes, I’m home.” “Good boy.” He said as he scratched behind Dog’s ears as the pup desperately tried to lick his face. He stood up with a huff and headed back down to his basement workshop.

The fact that the tear was so ragged actually made the repair job easier. A clean slice was much more challenging to fix. He thought about how the opposite held true for human beings. A clean slice was easy to stitch up and would heal nicely. A ragged tear would be a challenge to close up and would heal into a very visible scar. There was some overlap between the skill set he used for work and his hobby but the differences were what made it so fulfilling. Work was all precision and speed, brutal and visceral destruction. Book binding also required precision but it allowed him to take something that was on the verge of destruction and pull it back from the brink -- restoring it lovingly and giving it life anew. It was slow, meditative work that was tactile and creative but in a very structured way.

As he waited for the paste to dry he found his mind wandering again to the woman at the shop. How she had flown right under his radar? How had she made him feel so vulnerable without even realising it. What the hell was that about? He could barely admit to himself that something in his chest jumped when she smiled so warmly with excitement in her eyes over his hobby -- especially after he had been so rude earlier. That off balance feeling returned again and this time well fed and safely alone at home he realised he had felt it before. When he had met Helen. Fuck.

He threw himself into work for the next few weeks. Taking job after job hoping that the more time that passed since his visit there would mean he’d think about her less and would shake that feeling. It hadn’t worked. At night, when he was alone, his thoughts would drift to her and he’d feel ridiculous for it. He was a grown man not some heartsick teenage boy. He knew absolutely nothing about her aside from the fact that she owned a business. For all he knew she wasn’t even single. He hoped she was and at the same time desperately hoped she wasn’t. Especially since there was no getting out this time. That much had been made crystal clear to him and was part of the reason he had so many jobs. He had killed so many people in the weeks after Helen’s death that many of the best had been eliminated from the business. The high table was struggling to find good, qualified help so they eventually stopped sending people after him. He had single-handedly wiped out a generation of killers and not an insignificant number of their trainers either.

John was sprawled on the couch with a book when Dog trotted into the room making some munching sounds. He was a good dog but he did love to chew the occasional thing when John had been away too long. A bit of bright green was poking out of Dog’s teeth. “Give!” John got up and pulled the now drool soaked paper from his mouth. “Where did you get this?” he wondered aloud as he pinched the slobbery little origami dog between his fingers. He threw it in the garbage and stood for a moment thinking about her. It’s time to put a stop to this nonsense he thought grabbing his car keys. Padding down into the basement he picked up the now fully restored book he had been working on when he’d met her and slid it into his leather bag.

The bells over the door jangled as he walked in and narrowly avoided tripping over a small dog that was wandering around near the door. “Gremlin, bed!” She said and pointed toward the counter. The little thing sauntered away from John slowly. “Sorry about that, vellum” she said with a smirk. “Gremlin over there is a cautionary tale on why you should name your pets carefully. He lives up to his name a little too much sometimes.” John shook his head a little and arched a brow. “Vellum?” He asked. “Yeah, you never introduced yourself when you were here last.” She said as a hint of pink spread across her cheeks. “John.” He said warmly and extended a hand. “Kristen” she said as she slid her hand into his for a shake. Her grip was firm, confident and that smile returned to her face. “So John, what do you need today?” She asked letting go of his hand. “Just you.” He thought, but it actually came out of his mouth instead. He froze realising what had happened. Kristen was taken aback at his directness. In the weeks since this handsome but brusque man came into her shop she found herself hoping he’d reappear, newly bound book in hand. She wasn’t prepared for this though. He cleared his throat. “What I meant was” he said slowly, staring down at her. “I was just about to leave and get a coffee. Would you like to join me?” She said cutting him off mid sentence while gracefully letting him off the hook at the same time. He was quiet for a moment, relaxing the death grip he had on the strap of his leather bag. She could have sworn she saw a slight blush ghost across his face. “Yeah, I’d like that.” He replied. Kristen turned and called out “Steph!” “Yeah?” Came a voice from somewhere at the back of the shop. Where’d they come from he wondered. He hadn’t even noticed that someone else was in there with them. “Steph, I’m going to take my break now ok? Be sure to keep an eye on Gremlin. He’s trying to trip people again.” A short dark haired and heavily tattooed 20 something popped into view. “You’re not taking him with -- oh.” She said when she looked up from the box she was carrying and saw John standing somewhat awkwardly by the counter. “Gotcha boss, take your time.” Steph said with an amused smirk. Grabbing her purse Kristen headed out the door with John.

There was a small cafe a few doors down from the shop. Noticing a table was free Kristen gestured to it. “If you snag the table I’ll get our stuff, what would you like? They have really great scones here.” She offered. John held up his hands. “No. It’s on me. What’s your usual?” He countered with a smile. She shook her head slightly. “Fine, but only because we’re holding up the line.” She laughed. “I’ll have a coffee and a lemon poppy seed scone, please.” He smiled and headed off to put in their order as she laid claim to their table.

He reappeared with both coffees and two scones balanced in his hands. “Show off.” She teased playfully as he set everything down. He just shrugged and smirked at her. Her hand brushed his as he passed her the coffee and Kristen’s heart sank when she caught sight of the wedding ring on his finger. She hadn’t noticed it before. Of course. She thought to herself. Of course he’s married. She felt incredibly foolish all of a sudden. She pointed at his scone “Goat cheese and chive?” John nodded. “I’m more of a sweet over savoury guy but this looked too good to pass up.” He said with a smile. “Are you a sweet guy though?” She asked him rather pointedly. “Depends on who you ask.” He said heavily, his smile vanishing from his face. She could see how hurt he looked but she continued anyway. “I mean, maybe I read this whole thing wrong and if so that’s on me but I’m 99% sure this is halfway to a date, yes?” John’s face clouded with confusion. “You’re not wrong.” He admitted staring into his coffee. He finally made eye contact with her and watched her grow irritated. “I don’t understand.” He said. “Listen John, people have different arrangements and that’s fine but I’m not interested.” She cast a pointed glare at his wedding ring and went to stand. Before she could he grabbed her hand quickly. “Please stay” he said quietly, almost shyly. “I’ll explain.” The amount of pain in his eyes was clear enough for her to see. Either this guy is a sociopath and is about to tell me some next level lies, she thought, or he’s been through some shit. She was hoping for the latter. “I’ll stay but I would like my hand back.” She shot him a hesitant smile. I’m really fucking this up he thought. He let go of her hand and took a long sip of his coffee.

“I was married and those five years we had together were the happiest in my life. She meant absolutely everything to me. Everything.” He said quietly. He was talking so lowly that she could barely hear him over the din of the cafe so she leaned in closer, not wanting to interrupt him. John cleared his throat and looked up at her. “Helen died a year and a half ago.” Her name caught in his throat and he felt like someone had just landed a crushing blow against his sternum. “I’m still wearing my ring because I.” The pain in his eyes was almost unbearable to witness. Kristen felt relief followed immediately by a wave of guilt for it. She put her hand over his and gently ran her thumb across his knuckles. “I’m sorry for your loss John.” She said simply, not to cut him off but to make it clear she understood. He covered her hand with his and she smiled softly at him but didn’t move away. They sat like that for a few more moments until he chuckled softly. She eyed him curiously, not knowing how to respond. “If this is halfway to a date your scone choice is a bold one.” he said stealing a piece off of it and popping it into his mouth. “What’s bold about lemon popp--oh” she broke off and laughed. “After accusing you of being a philanderous scoundrel I think poppy seeds in my teeth are the least of my worries right now.” She grimaced. John laughed warmly at that. He leaned forward and grabbed her hand. “Never apologise for having boundaries. You look out for yourself. I respect that.” He said, squeezing her hand. She grinned broadly at him and her eyes crinkled softy at their edges, happiness illuminating her face. She was absolutely stunning.

“I brought that book I bound -- if you’d like to see it.” He offered. Kristen checked her phone. “Oh shoot! It’s nearly closing time -- would you mind showing me at the shop?” She asked. “No, I don’t mind at all.” “After you.” He said.

The bells jangled over the door as they walked in and Gremlin came scrambling over. John laughed as the tiny dog slid on the floor. “What is he?” He asked furrowing his brow. “He’s a chug.” “A what?” “A Chihuahua - Pug” You and Steph answered in unison. He smiled and shook his head. “I think my dog is at least 5 of Gremlin” “Oh! What kind of dog is it?” She practically cooed. “It’s a pit-bull, his name is...Dog.” John said with a laugh. Kristen grinned again. “They’re such sweethearts!” Steph cleared her throat “Well, I’m off! See you tomorrow, 10AM right?” “Yep! Thanks for your work today, I’ll see you tomorrow Steph.” Kristen said with a wave.

John waited by the counter while Kristen flipped the sign and locked the door. He watched the way she moved across the shop. Her confident stride punctuated by the sway of her hips. She was much shorter than him and her dark jeans hugged her in a way that had John thinking about what it would feel like to wrap his hands around her waist and feel her soft skin under his fingers as he pulled her against him. Fuck. It had been a long time since he had felt this way about anyone.

She appeared at his side with Gremlin not far behind. “Let’s go to my office -- I don’t want people to think the shop’s open.” She suggested. She grabbed his hand and lead him through the door at the back of the shop. They settled onto the small couch across from her desk. John carefully pulled his book from his bag and took out his phone to show her a couple of pre-restoration photos and explain his process. “Wow.” She marvelled. “May I?” She asked with her hands poised over the book. John smiled and nodded. She gently ran her hands over the oxblood leather, traced her fingers over the gold leafed vine pattern and then gently lifted the cover. The first page read ‘This book was bound by John Wick’. She smiled up at him and bumped his shoulder with hers. “This is so gorgeous John” “Thanks.” he replied sheepishly. He never knew what to do with the kind words of others. Even with Helen he always shrugged them off but now that she was gone and those kind words were absent from his life he realised how much he missed them. Kristen brought him back from his thoughts by reaching out and gently cupping his face with her hand. “Hey”, she said softly “Thank you for showing me your book.” The feel of his beard and his strong jaw underneath against her hand lit a fire inside her. She imagined him pressing his face into her neck, his hands lifting her up onto the counter and. Her daydream was interrupted by the feeling of his mouth gently pressing against hers. The distant but lusty look in her eyes hadn’t escaped his notice. He brought a hand up to her face and pulled her closer to him with the other. Their kisses were hesitant and slow at first -- almost as if they were waiting for the other to pull away. Neither one did and when John gently took Kristen's lower lip between his teeth she slid her arms around him tightly, opening her mouth and deepening their kiss. It was only when Gremlin growled that they parted and Kristen blushed deeply. “Sorry, Gremlin gets uh, overly protective sometimes.” She said with a tight smile. “He’s doing his job then.” He murmured before leaning in to kiss her on the forehead. He knew if he didn’t leave right that minute he wouldn’t leave at all. “I should go.” He whispered softly before kissing her again. Everything in his body was screaming STAY but he just couldn’t. Not yet. She nodded in reply. He took her hands in his and squeezed them. “I’m sorry. I’m just not--” He stammered until she cut him off “John, there’s nothing to be sorry for. I understand.” His eyes widened a little. How was this woman so generous and so clearly fine with making herself vulnerable? He wondered to himself. It pushed him to give it a shot. “I’d like to see you again.” He stated. If anyone else had said that Kristen would have thought they were blowing her off but something in his eyes told her that he was serious. “I’d like that John. Very much.” Her eyes crinkled softly at the corners as her mouth spread into another wide grin. They exchanged numbers and gathered up their things. She leashed up Gremlin and all three walked in comfortable silence as they left the shop. As she locked up outside John slid an arm around her waist and planted a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll text you.” He said with a grin. Kristen beamed back at him not quite believing the turn this day had taken. “You better!” She teased. “Thanks again for the coffee.” She leaned up and kissed him before turning and setting out with Gremlin, heading for home.

[redeyedryu]

Anecdotes & Asides

Chapter 1 - A Burger for my Valentine [Ao3]

Alrighty, here it is! A Valentine’s special for Apathy & Happenstance.  As far as timeline goes, this can be seen as occurring at some point a bit down the road from where we currently are in A&H. This chapter can be considered canon.

Summary:  It's the Underfell brothers' first Valentine's on the surface. Sans all but forces you to take him to a local burger joint and you take the opportunity to introduce the brothers to a holiday tradition.

It’s Thursday afternoon and you’re sitting in the outdoor portion of some random restaurant Sans had expressed a strong interest in visiting. He’d said something about judging whether or not the joint held up to its claims of having the best burgers in town. You assume he saw a commercial or something advertising the place while channel surfing but with the way he had announced you were heading out, (because he hadn’t asked, no, just announced it to you the moment you had walked in the door that afternoon) it was almost as if he had been issued a formal challenge by the business itself or something.

A quick glance at a few of the tables around you shows numerous couples seated about, with the near deafening noise that floats out every time the patio’s door is opened a testament to the business’s popularity. Though, considering the day and your general aversion to dining out, it’s impossible to tell if this is typical weekday traffic or if it’s because of the “holiday”. Part of you wonders why Sans had to choose today of all days for a public outing while another wonders if the monster’s even aware of what today is. Probably not, you decide, but no matter. It’s not often that he expresses interest in going somewhere, so despite having wanted nothing more than to de-stress on the couch after a less than stellar day at work, you had agreed to take him out. Papyrus had passed when you asked if he wanted to accompany the both of you (something about greasy food being of the lowest caliber and not worth his time nor attention) so it was just the two of you, out amid the sea of lovebirds.

A fleeting thought crosses your mind and it causes you to pause the absent minded twirling of the straw in your glass. You wind up focusing on the thought, stuck to the idea like a bee on honey: do the random passersby see you and Sans sitting here, having dinner together, and make assumptions? Ice clinks in your glass as you shift your gaze to the skeleton seated across from you, completely ignorant to your inner musing as he all but inhales his meal. A mixture of grease and condiments are dripping down his jaw and phalanges, some of the mess even dribbling down the bones of his wrists. You quirk a brow at the sight, equal parts disgusted, amused, and impressed.

My, what a pair the two of you must look like.

You huff in amusement and decide to indulge the stray thought, chasing it down the proverbial rabbit hole as Sans continues to stuff his face. Maybe it’s because you’re surrounded by couples, that today is Valentine’s, and that there are hearts and declarations of love all around that your mind is tossing up unwanted hypotheticals, but you find yourself wondering: could I see myself dating Sans? Would I ever want to date him?

You haven't know the guy for long, you remind yourself. You do know a few things about him, though, what with sharing a living space and all, your mind counters; that he’s an absolute slob, that he’s always trying to rile you and his brother up, but there’s also the fact that he’s surprisingly attentive. Sure he’s often crude and crass, and his people skills could definitely use some refinement, but he always seems to know when you need a good laugh or pick-me-up and is more than eager to supply his unique brand of humor (though poor Papyrus is often left to suffer for it). You haven't missed the way he hovers close when you're out in public, either, the tension he holds, as if ready to take on any attack at the drop of a hat.

You bring the straw to your lips and sip as you study Sans with a critical eye. You’re not sure what you’re looking for, exactly, but you take in his marred bones—the many nicks, cracks, and scratches that litter the visible portions of his body; the way the little pips of ruby red light that denote his irises catch on the rims of his eye sockets; that golden tooth, at home among his smirking maw.

...smirking?

You blink, blink again, and then blink several more times in quick succession before shifting your gaze to take in the whole of Sans’s face.

Oh.

Yeah, he’s definitely smirking at you—grin wide and at shit-eating levels.

The straw falls from your lips as you force yourself to slowly, casually, straighten in your seat.

“What?” you deadpan as you begin fiddling with a fry on your plate. You stuff it in your mouth and ready another, acting for all the world as if you hadn't just been checking out your skeleton roommate.

Sans just chuckles. “nuttin’,” he replies as he grabs a napkin and starts cleaning up his mess. You can’t help but watch the way his bones move—the way they bend and twist and work together with nary a muscle fiber nor tendon in sight. It's fascinating to watch and you just can’t seem to tear your eyes away. Not until another deep chuckle rumbles forth from the skeleton, anyway. You blink and force your gaze from his hands, focusing once more on your neglected plate with its half-eaten burger and barely picked at fries; you hadn't been very hungry when Sans insisted you go out. He laughs again and you tell yourself you didn't just flinch, that it's just unseasonably hot out here and that's why your cheeks suddenly feel so heated.

“hey, hey, sweetheart,” Oh goodness, don’t acknowledge you heard him. “i don’t mind ya ooglin’ tha goods.” Sans continues, and you can just hear the smugness in his voice, can see that self-assured grin splitting his mug. Ugh. Great. He's going to be incorrigible for the rest of the night, you just know it.

Don't admit anything; don't acknowledge anything.

“So what’s the verdict,” you deflect, grabbing up another fry and using it to motion at Sans’s decimated plate, all the while trying to avoid his gaze. “D’the burgers here pass your almighty judgement or were you just that hungry?”

“heh. don’t think i don’t know what yer doin’, bud, but fine.” He nabs a fry from your plate, completely ignoring your indignant squeak of protest. “i’ll bite. if ‘m bein’ honest, it ain’t half bad—ain’t no grillby’s but it ain’t bad.”

“Uh huh.” You try to whack his clawed phalanges away as he makes another grab at your fries, grumbling as you somehow manage to miss despite the close proximity. “Must be a flamin’ hot endorsement, coming from you. Hey!” The jerk just nicked another fry. “Stop stealing my food, you ass! Place another order if you want more!”

“naw,” he says between laughs. “s’too fun watchin’ ya struggle.”

That prompts you to finally meet his gaze, eyes squinting and lips set in a frown. He actually has the gall to look proud of himself. Oh, this little piece of-!

You scowl as he munches on your fries, muttering to yourself, “Can’t believe I even entertained such a stupid idea.” No way would you ever date an ass like him!

Sans quirks a brow, pliant bone arching as that stupid grin of his spreads. He tilts his skull towards you, his chin braced on his palm. “oh? what’s that? got somethin’ a’ say?”

“No, nothing,” you mumble, shoving the plate towards him. “Just shut up and take them, you heathen.”

“oooh yeah, with pleasure!” You grimace as he wastes no time devouring the fries much like he had the burger. How someone can be so messy eating fries, you'll never know.

It's not long after that Sans has finished devouring what was left of your meal. The bill is paid and the two of you are making your way past the check-in desk, the young woman manning the station smiling bright and wide at the two of you.

She waves, which you return on reflex, and calls out, “Happy Valentine’s Day, you two! Have a nice night!” as Sans holds the door open for you. You choke on a sputter just as you pass the threshold, eyes widening and cheeks heating because she totally made the assumption. You spare a glance at Sans as you pass him, expecting to see some manner of salacious expression adoring his face but all you see is a puzzled befuddlement. He meets your gaze before falling into step beside you, phalanges jamming into the pockets of his jacket.

“th’ fuck’s ‘valentine’s day’?”

Well, that's another question answered.

You take a moment to school your expression, to calm your suddenly racing heart and to fight back the heat on your cheeks. Biting your lip helps to further distract yourself.

“Pretty much just another commercial holiday,” is your even reply, and heck yeah, you nailed it! As the two of you make your way back to the apartment complex you continue: “People typically buy chocolates, flowers, or whatever for their significant other—some people’ll get stuff for their friends and family, too. My dad, for example, would always get me a yellow tulip.”

“huh. n’ people willingly take part in that kinda sentimental crap?”

“Every year,” you say as you glance ahead of you, about a block down the street. Your gaze lands on a local florist’s shop and you can’t help the grin that works its way across your lips as an idea comes to mind.

Sans, on the other hand, just glares at the ground. “tch. that’s some pansy-ass bullshit if you ask me.”

You shoot him a questioning look and notice how closed off his posture now is; how he’s drawn in on himself. Maybe you’re reading too much into it but he almost looks… disappointed?

You loop an arm around Sans’s, pulling him with you towards your new, spontaneous destination. He shouts in surprise and makes a weak attempt at pulling himself free but you refuse to acquiesce, instead only holding him tighter against you. “C’mon, you nasty little gremlin, I’m getting you something for Valentine’s Day.”

He sputters half-hearted protests and breaks out into that ever-present magical sweat of his as you pull him into the quaint little store but doesn’t bolt when you release him. He doesn’t say anything as you walk away from the check-out stand and hand him a single yellow tulip. He somehow manages to sink down into the collar of his sweater and the fluff of his hood, as if sulking, but you note the careful way he carries the flower and the tinge of red to his cheeks.

The two of you continue most of the remaining walk home in a nice, companionable silence.

Papyrus doesn’t comment on the flower you bring him, despite Sans’s insistence that it’s a silly gesture and no way would his brother accept some stupid weed as a gift (funny how Sans didn’t make any such declarations about his own flower). Instead, the tall skeleton surprises you (and his brother) with a tender, albeit brief, expression aimed at the proffered flower—a yellow tulip, just like the one you got Sans. In a blink, however, his expression is back to neutral placidity.

He doesn’t say anything as he shifts to hold the vase close to his chest, merely dips his skull towards you and holds your gaze with that of his empty eye sockets for one beat, then two, before he turns on his heels and walks down the hallway towards the room he shares with his brother. You tell yourself the red dusting across his cheekbones is just a trick of the light, a combination of his scarf bleeding into the light of the setting sun from the window, reflecting on his bones.

[angstyteeninthegayscene]

Punk Goes Pop-Klance au

I’m back, bitches! Here's part 6, which gets angsty as fuck, sorry not sorry. I ended up completely rewritting this, which is part of why it took so long for me to update, but I’m pretty happy with how it turned out, and you get some answers to things, so I hope you enjoy!

First-Previous-Next-AO3

Pt 6

Lance spent the next day totally not moping. Pidge gave up trying to get him to do something and left him to his own devices, while they hung out with Hunk and tried to reassure Keith that Lance didn’t hate him, he was just processing things in his typical Lance way.

Mindlessly scrolling through his phone, Lance opened the Youtube app with the intent to watch shitty vine compilations to return some semblance of joy to his soul. When the screen loaded, a video at the top of his recommended feed caught his eye, Brogaynes’ Rihanna cover. He felt a surge of energy, remembering how fired up about the video he got yesterday. He couldn’t just leave this rivalry hanging.

He dragged himself out of bed at the glorious hour of 2:43 pm, got dressed, and munched on a granola bar as he sat at his desk and powered up his laptop. He opened his editing software and got to work.

***

“Hey, look at that!” Pidge exclaimed as they walked into the room, “It’s alive!” Their voice warbled like Dr. Frankenstein when he first awoke his monster. Headphones over his ears, Lance didn’t notice his roommate’s return and jumped a little when he saw them move into his peripheral. He pushed the headphones off one ear and turned to acknowledge them.

“Hey, Pidge.” He smiled at them briefly before going back to his work. They moved to stand behind them and flopped their weight over Lance’s shoulders, severely hindering his ability to do anything, but refusing to move when he tried to shrug them off.

“Whatcha working on?” They asked, their voice directly in Lance’s ear from their perch on his back. He swatted at them, his efforts to get them to move fruitless.

“Remix,” Lance answered concisely as he tried to focus, despite Pidge’s weight pushing on him.

“For the Youtube thing?” The ginger guessed correctly. They squinted at the screen, taking a closer look. “Evanescence, huh? You’re playing dirty there, Aoki.” Lance swung himself around to face them, doing so fast enough to displace them, causing them to stumble back. He snickered at their indignant hey.

“Serves you right, gremlin.” A shit-eating grin spread across Pidge’s face at the name-calling. “And Aoki, really? I thought we were friends,” Lance said, feinting a pout. Pidge’s grin only grew wider.

“I call it like I see it,” they said with a shrug.

“Rude! You and I both know I’m better than him,” Lance replied.

“I thought you weren’t a DJ,” Pidge said smugly, knowing they would hit a nerve with that one.

“I’m not!” Lance huffed and turned back to his computer. “Be gone, demon. I want to finish this.” Pidge complied, sitting on their bed and pulling out their laptop.

Several minutes of silence and soft key clicking passed, broken by a loud groan from Lance as he leaned back, pushed his headphones down around his neck, and rubbed his eyes. Pidge looked up as his hands slid down his face, stretching it out like a scream mask, and he groaned again.

“You good?” They asked.

“Yeah, I’ve just been working on this for--,” Lance eyes widened as he looked at the clock, “Jesus, I’ve been working on this for, like, 6 and a half hours.”

“Dude,” Pidge replied, “Have you moved from there?” Lance shook his head. “Have you eaten?” Lance nodded. “What?” They questioned.

“A granola bar,” he answered almost sheepishly.

“All you’ve eaten is a granola bar all day?” They said in disbelief, “It’s past 9 o’clock, Lance. That’s not healthy, man.” They resisted the urge to strangle him, electing instead to drag the lanky boy to his feet and point aggressively at his shoes and jacket. “We’ve got like 45 minutes ‘til the dining hall closes. You’re eating.” Lance hung his head at the reprimand but did as he was told.

Lance realized how hungry he actually was once they walked into the cafeteria and he could smell the food. He piled his tray with two meals worth of food, a comically large amount compared to Pidge’s bowl of fruit and ice cream bar they grabbed to snack on since they ate a few hours previous.

They barely sat down before Lance started shoveling food into his mouth.

“Hungry, huh?” Pidge quipped, laughing as Lance flipped them off between bites. They sat silently, watching him eat, refraining from making any more comments until he finished, pushing his tray to the side.

“You can’t do that, Lance.”

“What.”

“Not eat, dumbass,” Pidge said sternly.

“I know. Sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize. You need to take care of yourself.” Pidge softened their voice, not wanting to come off as angry, but concerned, and continued, “I know you’re upset about yesterday, but that doesn’t mean you just get to shut down.”

“Yes, mom,” Lance retorted.

“Lance, I’m serious,” Pidge responded, a little too harshly.

“I got it. Just lay off,” Lance snapped coldly. He reached for his tray and tried to stand, but Pidge extended their leg and pulled the chair back in, forcing him to stay seated.

“No, you’re not running away from this,” Pidge’s voice was sharp, uncharacteristically so. “I get it, Keith doesn’t remember you, you’re upset, but you need to pull your head out of your ass.”

“It’s not that simple,” Lance mumbled.

“What’s not that simple? You were friends in middle school, you haven’t seen each other in, what, 7, 8, years? People forget about each other under normal circumstances all the time after that long. Keith has his reasons, you just need to listen to him.”

“We weren’t just friends, Pidge,” Lance cut in, a fire in his eyes, “He was everything to me. I’ve wondered every day where he went, why he left me, and I finally found him, and he forgot me. How could I not be upset?” Lance rested his head in his hands to cover the tears slowly making their way down his face, not wanting to draw attention to himself, despite there only being a few other people in the room, all seated far away. Pidge let out a heavy sigh, the result of an internal battle over how to handle this.

“He was in a car accident.” Lance’s head shot up, eyes wide.

“What?”

“It killed both of his parents and the doctors thought he had short term memory loss caused by a traumatic brain injury, but the memories never came back and it was more severe than they thought, he could remember next to nothing from the past 3 or 4 years, which includes the time he knew you.”

“He, oh my god,” Lance whispered, a hand over his mouth as the tears flowed heavier. Pidge gave him a moment before continuing.

“He went to live with his aunt and uncle and had to have private tutoring to catch him up to where he was supposed to be in school. That’s how I met him. My brother, Matt, was friends with his cousin, Shiro, so I came over a lot to help him with school stuff.

“He didn’t want to forget you, Lance. He just had a shitty hand dealt to him and you were indirectly caught in the crossfire.”

“Jesus,” Lance breathed, “Fuck, I was such a dick.”

“Yeah, you kinda were,” Pidge laughed softly, “I shouldn’t have even told you this, but you never would have talked to him otherwise.”

“I, um, thanks for telling me, Pidge,” Lance stuttered out, his hands falling to the table with a dull thud. Pidge reached out and squeezed one reassuringly.

“Just talk to him, Lance. You guys obviously had something before, there’s no reason you can’t start over.”

“Ok, yeah. Yeah, I will,” Lance nodded, letting out a shuddered breath as his body calmed down. Pidge smiled and smacked his arm.

“Alright, enough of this sad shit. It’s a school night,” they said, standing and grabbing their dirty dishes. Lance mirrored the action, following them to the dish drop and then their room, but stayed quiet, still trying to process the information that had just been dumped on him.