#going to nap in my glasses case for the night

[glowettee]

✧ my summer 2025 essentials ✧

hey lovelies! ✧

summer is literally my favorite season ever (besides fall, and winter!!), and i've been making mental notes of all the things i can't live without this year. thought i'd share my essential picks for summer 2025 since we're all trying to look cute while surviving the heat, right?

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ fashion must-haves ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

those little lace-trimmed cotton shorts that are everywhere now… literally living in them

sheer overlay dresses (the ones with the built-in slip that make you look like you're floating)

platform mary janes - the chunky ones that are somehow both sweet and edgy

micro mini skirts (yes, they're back and i'm not mad about it)

those butter-soft cropped cardigans that go with literally everything

delicate pearl ankle bracelets (the ones with the tiny charms that make that soft tinkling sound)

oversized linen button-ups for beach cover-ups (steal them from your dad/brother/boyfriend)

those silky bandanas everyone's wearing as tops now (the trick is double-sided tape, trust me)

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ beauty essentials ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

tinted spf with the cooling effect (the one that feels like splashing your face with cold water)

waterproof tubing mascara that actually stays put when you swim

those lip oils with the subtle color-changing technology (mine turns the prettiest dusty rose)

cream blush that doubles as eyeshadow (for when you're running late to beach bonfires)

the hair sunscreen mist that smells like coconut but not in a fake tropical drink way

those cooling under-eye patches you can keep in your mini fridge

the new biodegradable glitter gel (because regular glitter is basically killing turtles and we can't have that)

that viral rosewater setting spray everyone's obsessed with (it actually works, not just pretty packaging)

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ tech & accessories ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

those tiny waterproof bluetooth speakers that float in the pool

solar-powered phone chargers that actually work now (finally!)

the new ultra-thin e-readers that don't glare in the sun

those cute little cameras that print mini polaroids instantly

woven market bags big enough to fit everything but don't look bulky

stackable jewelry cases for traveling (game changer for tangled necklaces)

those silicone wine glasses that don't break when you inevitably knock them over

the new cooling phone cases (because overheating in the sun is so 2024)

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ lifestyle musts ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

linen picnic blankets with the waterproof backing (spilled drinks? never heard of her)

those frozen fruit ice cube trays that make boring water actually drinkable

the plant-based bug repellent that doesn't smell like chemicals or make your skin sticky

silk sleep masks for afternoon naps (because summer is for resting too)

those foldable fans with the wooden handles that make you feel like you're in a period drama

the new non-toxic sunless tanner that doesn't streak or smell weird

those little portable blenders for smoothies at the beach

the cooling weighted blanket for those nights when it's too hot to sleep but you need the pressure

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ self-care necessities ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

that new journaling prompt deck specifically for summer reflections

cooling aloe vera gel (but the one with the extra calming ingredients)

the waterproof meditation cushion you can take to the beach

those herbal ice pops that help with hydration and are actually good

the new summer reading subscription that sends you a surprise book each month

blue light glasses for when you're inside hiding from the heat

that special detangler spray for post-ocean hair nightmares

the new sleep sounds app with the "gentle summer thunderstorm" track that actually helps you drift off

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ secret summer rituals ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

okay i wasn't going to share these because they feel almost too personal? but these little rituals have literally transformed my summer experience and maybe they'll help someone else too…

morning sunrise moments - waking up 20 minutes early to sit outside with your coffee before the day gets chaotic and the heat becomes unbearable (i keep a special mug just for this)

weekly flower refresh - treating yourself to fresh flowers every sunday and watching them slowly bloom throughout the week (the bodega near me sells peonies for cheap)

evening cooling baths - taking lukewarm baths with fresh mint leaves and lavender right before bed when it's too hot to sleep (game changer for insomnia)

digital sunset practice - putting all screens away when the sun goes down at least two nights a week and lighting those special summer candles instead

memory documenting - keeping a tiny notebook where you write one perfect moment from each day (mine are usually something small like "the way the light hit the water" or "laughing until i cried at the beach")

friendship postcards - sending actual physical postcards to friends instead of texts (i bought vintage ones from this little shop downtown and people get so excited to receive them)

sunday prep baskets - filling a basket each sunday with everything you might need for spontaneous adventures that week (sunscreen, lip balm, emergency snacks, band-aids for inevitable blisters)

stargazing dates with yourself - laying on a blanket once a week to watch the stars and remember how small our problems are (i use that constellation app to identify what i'm seeing)

gratitude swimming - mentally listing things you're grateful for with each stroke when swimming (sounds cheesy but it's become my moving meditation)

sensory evening walks - taking walks at dusk focusing on one sense at a time (the smell of barbecues and jasmine, the sound of kids playing, the feeling of finally cooling air)

these might sound silly or too precious, but creating these little pockets of intention has helped me actually experience summer instead of just surviving it. honestly, summer used to stress me out (sweating, sunburn, sand in everything), but i've learned to embrace the season by having these little things that make me feel prepared. some might call it excessive, but i call it taking care of myself in a season that can be overwhelming. anyone else feel like they need an entire arsenal just to enjoy summer? or is that just my anxiety speaking?

anyway, would love to know what your summer essentials are! maybe i'm missing something life-changing?

xoxo, mindy 🤍

[flippysquid]

Tiny Tel fits in my glasses case! I started painting on his tattoos, then realized how sloppy they were when I tried to take a closeup photo. So fixing them is a project for tomorrow. On the plus side, they transferred me into a rehab facility today! So hopefully I can relearn how to walk. And make my hands strong enough to mess with the epoxy so I can build him a new hand and armor.

[from-izzy]

[00:35] | ATEEZ CHOI SAN

“And if I do?”

pairing » ateez choi san x fem!reader

trope/au » established relationship au, non-idol au

genre » very fluffy, falling asleep during studying and boyfriend san who is worried for you because you don't take the greatest care of yourself, (it really was supposed to be fluff all through the end) turns suggestive towards the last quarter of the story, reader is a bit playful, san is very in love with you, of course you are super in love with him too

word count; estimated reading time » 1032; ~4 mins

warnings (lmk if i missed anything!) » quite suggestive at the end, indeed...a suggestive sentence at the very end, san lifts the reader up, reader wears glasses, reader implied to be smaller than san, san restrains reader's hands, pet names (bubs, baby girl)

navi/masterlist!! 🤍 ateez masterlist 🤍 the boyz lee juyeon ver.

my ateez debut! here it is @jaehunnyy !! i really wanted to post smth for your bday so please take this as a late bday present 😭 thanks for proofreading a bit of this one and finding the pictures for the banners 🥰 you saved me a bunch of tears fr 😀 have fun with the second one (even though it's the same...😭)

It’s not an unusual occurrence for you to be staying up late at night and for San to find you draped over your books and worksheets when he gets home. In fact, it’s becoming such a usual occurrence that San is making it a habit to open the front door with such gentleness that the click of the door opening would be too loud for his liking. In reality, your study desk at your shared apartment is quite a distance from the entrance of the apartment, so if San wanted to, he could enter in the same way as if you were awake.

But he didn’t want to.

In the rare case that you decide to snooze off on the couch, he doesn’t want to be the one to ruin your precious, peaceful sleeping time. Unfortunately for him, he would still be needing to do it one way or another if he ever finds you asleep on the couch or anywhere but your shared bed. The victorious smile from closing the front door quietly soon turns upside down, frowning at the sight of your head lying on your stack of handouts in the study room. The stack acted as your pillow, your arms around the rectangular pile. You look like you have been resting your body for some time now, given that San’s soft head pat didn’t faze you at all. With a slightly heavy sigh, San makes his way to the other side of the desk to get a better look at your face. He kneels on the floor, content with being more at eye level with you. 

He’s surprised to see that you must’ve been so exhausted that taking your glasses off might have been too much effort for you. The side frame completely rests on the paper, the nose pad of the glasses no longer resting properly on your nose. San hisses at how the hard plastic pushes against your nose, already imagining the pain when you wake up and realise tomorrow.

“Bubs,” he tests your consciousness with a whisper. “Your whole body is going to hurt when you wake up, you know?” Your breathing is still as even as before, and the no response from you deepens his frown. “I’m sorry, but I’m going to move you, okay?” 

San rises to his feet once again, grabbing the blanket drapped on your study desk that he has prepared. He’s told you multiple times to at least cover your body if you don’t plan to take a nap on the bed, but he should have known that when tiredness kicks in, all a person wants to do is to close their eyes. San spreads the light cotton across your back, kissing the side of your head and humming sweet melodies to avoid surprising you too much with his movement.

“San?” You slur sleepily, still unable to fully wake up. San clicks your desk light off and soon sees your content smile at his little gesture. “When did you get home?”

“Just a few seconds ago. When did you fall asleep?”

“Just a few minutes ago.” A raised eyebrow from your boyfriend is what prompts you to tell him the truth. “A little longer than that.”

San tuts disapprovingly, “You can’t keep slouching off on the table. It’s not good for your body. And this,” he takes your glasses off by the hinges, “it’s not comfortable for you.”

You hum at his loving lecture for you, beginning to straighten your back from the long nap. Truthfully, if San weren’t beside you right now, you would be sending complaints to your past self for dozing off at the table, your back cramping and sore. But Choi San knows you too well, and the creases between your eyebrows tell him everything.

“See?” He reprimands. 

You’re not given another chance to rebut when he swivels the chair around for you to face him. In a second, you’re in his arms, the back of your knee and back supported securely with his arms, and your shoulder pressed against his chest. San looks down at you, pressing a quick kiss on your forehead that you respond to by pressing yours along his jawline. Along the short walk to the adjacent room, you plant kisses all over his face, giggling at the way his cheeks grow red with every second. 

Just a few seconds before San would rest you gently on the mattress, you steal a kiss from his plump lips, arms wrapped around his nape and threading your fingers into the strands of his hair. San almost stumbles but soon regains balance when he registers the way you delicately take his lips. Along with the giggles and fabric rustling against each other in the small room, it’s not long until your head properly lays on a pillow. San doesn’t let you breathe after, climbing on top of your figure with his palms beside your head to support himself. His knees sink to the mattress beside your thighs, and you’re left breathless with the man before you. The remnants of his cologne are clearer now, and the proximity leaves you curling up a side of your lips.

Your boyfriend knows the meaning of your expression well from experience. “Don’t rile me up, baby girl…”

Just like he did a second ago, your eyebrow rises. Your pointer traces along the center of his exposed neck, feeling the gulp and his intense stare on you. You glide across his skin, tracing along his collarbones slowly, making sure that your touch lingers on his skin. When your finger slides down to the neckline of his fabric, it curls around his shirt to pull his tense expression closer to you. A quick touch of your lips is all you spare him before regaining eye contact with him.

“And if I do?”

Those words are enough for San to lose control, pulling the sheets to his palms as he fists them tightly. One hand leaves the bed, restraining both your wrists under his hold above your head. He dives closer to the crook of your neck, ragged breathing and warm breath against your skin.

“I’ll make sure you’ll sleep peacefully for days.”

navi/masterlist!! 🤍 ateez masterlist 🤍 the boyz lee juyeon ver.

tags: @k-films @kflixnet @starlit-network @kstrucknet @blossomnet

@haneul-and-clouds @jaehunnyy @mars101

[kiplex]

“Doctor Zayne!" You call, skipping into his office, your visitor badge clacking as you walk. Zayne has his eyes locked on to his computer. His glasses are slightly slouched down his nose, his hair flatter than it was yesterday when you last saw him, the bags under his eyes extremely prominent. His tired eyes drift to yours as you stride into view, he offers a small smile. “Hi my love. What do I owe the pleasure of you walking in here…" he looks you up and down. “Unharmed." You scoff. "Can't I come visit my husband just because?” He chuckles, adjusting his slightly askew glasses. “You normally visit me when I forgot my lunch, or you're gravely injured… which neither seem to be the case."

“Ooor a secret third option!” You huff, rustling around in your bag before pulling out a little box of macarons. “I'm here to provide fuel for my favorite hard working doctor." He hums in approval, rising from his desk and walking to where you stood on the other side of his desk. “I'm your only doctor mind you." He remarks, reaching for the box before you stretch it out of reach. “Woah woah woah Doctor, hold your horses." Zayne rolls his eyes, a silly smile threatening to take over his features. “I knew there was a catch.” "Ah ah no catch, you worked a double two days in a row now. When was the last time you slept? Last night you were glued to your computer for the few hours you were home.” His eyes search yours as if looking for an excuse in them. “In all honesty, I slept a few hours over the course of the last few days." He sighs.

You frown, you set the box of macarons on the desk and got to cup his face. He practically melts into your touch. "You know I worry about you as much as you worry about me. How much time do you have before your next surgery?” You ask, stroking his cheek with your thumb. " He glances down at his watch and sighs. “45 minutes." You sigh in return. “That's not nearly enough time to properly earn those macarons, however it'll have to do." Your hands slide from his face to his hands yanking him towards the couch in his office. You plop down at the very edge and pat your lap. “Zayne sweetie, do me a favor, take a nap, for the love of God, so I'm not worrying about you all night.”

He hesitates for a moment before laying down on the couch, his head planted in your lap. “You'll wake me up before my surgery, correct?" “Yes dear. I promise, and after that surgery you can have those macarons." He smiles, his eyes fluttering closed. “I love you… and thank you for taking care of me." Your hands thread through his hair, before stroking it gently. “Always." You smile softly as you hear his breathing steady and his body go heavy with sleep. You guys always look out for each other. Even if that includes convincing your husband to take a nap in exchange for sweets...

You can find my master list here

[hoopingwjuju]

Juju x volleyball player

i write how i speak sorry. mostly fluff with a side of smut.

☽｡⋆ word count: 1.5k

ღ- she wasn't very social when you first met her but she warms up to you be she likes the way you can make her laugh and pull her out of her comfort zone.

ღ- she made the first move by taking the friendly flirting seriously be she's not gonna shy away from something she wants.

ღ- she's very competitive so yk she has to win all her mini-games with you. it boosts up her ego every time.

ღ- after you taught her some pointers on how to serve she's been teaching you how to ball.

ღ- she likes to practice doing a bun with your hair before your plays or practices be she's gotta learn how to perfect her own bun somehow.

ღ- she likes to help you tape your fingers before practice be it gives her a little bit more time with you.

ღ- she lovesss to bother you so you gotta know how to stand your ground when she comes at you be she likes to argue and start stuff. plus she's hella sassy and she's always going to out sassing you.

ღ- you'll know when she's mad or something is up be she's gonna get hella nonchalant and strict.

ღ- you have to be really hard on her when she gets hurt or injured bc she doesn't know how to take care of herself. yet she can take care of you so well when your injured or hurt.

ღ- she loves it when you tag along with her and her family during the breaks.

ღ- her voice gets soft when she talks about you or when anyone brings you up.

ღ- when the two of you are around family and friends she can be all lovey dovey she wants, but your relationship with her is not known to the public so she has to be hella nonchalant about the dating topic when it comes up.

ღ- the reason why your relationship is not public is because you two don't want it to take away from your passions. i mean if people do a little deep research then they'll know to put two and two together and figure out your dating. she masks this fact by saying you two are best friends.

ღ- if you wear glasses she always carries a backup eye lenses for you in her bag in case something happens to the current pair when you're playing or practicing.

ღ- just sitting in her car in a parking lot listening to music. since you both have a curfew you can't be out late for late night car drives; soaking up each other's energy. she barely lets you touch the aux tho.

ღ- she will always open the door for you even after an argument or whatever. you're definitely her passenger princess; you have you're side decorated and all.

ღ- you're an outside hitter so you're pretty tall 5'10" with long legs so you're not that much shorter than her. so you love sharing clothes with her. matching sweats and lowkey matching outfits. also matching bracelets or other jewelry. she loves going shopping with you when she can.

ღ- whenever the basketball court is being changed for volleyball practice, she tries to stay and talk to you but gets kicked out most of the time.

ღ- she doesn't bother asking you were her hoodies are be she'll find them in your closet or somewhere in your dorm later.

ღ- your communication with her is really good. since both of you are student athletes you can't really see her every day when it gets super busy for you both, so you'll try to send her a few texts here and there throughout the day and she really appreciate this. same when you two are in away games, you'll try to ft to say goodnight if y'all can.

ღ- she loves laying on your chest when she takes a nap or the other way around. you love to write letters on her back with your finger when she's asleep.

ღ- when she gets excited or when she's laughing she likes to grab onto you and jump up and down or hits you.

ღ- she slept through the professors lecture and you guys had an open note quiz after, so she asked for your notes and after that you guys kicked it off. that is how you two met.

ღ- she loves to randomly stare at you and she's so oblivious sometimes when it happens. even her teammates say it's one of her biggest habits and tell her to stop it.

ღ- she don't play about you. she be ready to tussle when she's at your games and the other team's fans are talking shit about you. she can be obsessive and overprotective.

ღ- while celebrating you ending the game with a back row attack, one of your teammates is accidentally too touchy with you and she gets hella jealous. her jaw clenched glaring at whoever touched you. her glares are so lethal your teammate asks you "does juju hate me?"

ღ- you love it when she gets jealous bc there's nothing she needs to be jealous about; your all hers.

ღ- definitely calls the stuffed animals or plushies she gets you "our children."

ღ- she's a tomboy but whenever you want to dress up she lets you go all out with hair, makeup, and all.

ღ- she uses her face to get what she wants from you all the time since she knows you love her pretty face.

ღ- my pretty girl ju is your nickname for her and she won't admit that she likes it but she always responds to it.

ღ- loves it when you kiss her mole under her lips and when you play with her ears.

⛧°。 ⋆༺♱༻⋆。 °⛧

ღ- very blunt and straightforward, but will say some very explicit things with a straight face and act like nothing happened afterward, which can be quite surprising to you every time it happens.

ღ- soft dom definitely.

ღ- likes to record you moaning and loves it when you send her videos with the sound on; she loves to listen to it like it's music to her ears. so don't ask her "what are you listening to?" bc it's different every time. it’s either music or you moaning.

ღ- has a sex playlist. (the song girl you loud by chris brown ft tyga is definitely on it top song fr).

ღ- she has a big thing on eye fucking you. (god her eyes are so pretty).

ღ- she loves to hold eye contact with you while eating you out.

ღ- even tho things are private she loves to sloppy kiss you anywhere be she gets a thrill out of almost being caught. she gets all cocky with that damn smirk on her face.

ღ- very touchy. hands on your lower back, smoothly moving you around grabbing your waist, having her arm around your shoulders and groping you through your clothing.

ღ- loves teasing 100% (you can't convince me she doesn't). "you like that baby? I know you do, you like anything I do to you."

ღ- since you're used to wearing shorts most of the time she loves it when you wear them around her. she gets hella touchy; grabbing your ass and roaming your body with her hands.

ღ- sends you dirty text messages about your volleyball uniform whenever you're practicing talking about how your ass jiggles every time you jump etc.

ღ- one hand on the stirring wheel other hand touching your thigh, running it up and down your thigh which always leads to car sex.

ღ- nothing gets her more turned on then when you grab her chin and make her look at you. like when your talking to her and she's not paying attention, just grab her face.

ღ- she cries while fucking you, be you're so good for her. (not elaborating).

ღ- when she's fucking you with her strap she loves it when you ride her; your titties all over her face and she can kiss your pretty face. also loves tribb-

ღ- she loves to be praised so she'll ask you "do you like that baby?" or "did i do good baby?" plus she has an obedience thing so when you tell her to do things and it can be something simple like "sit" she'll say "yes ma'am" every time.

ღ- she has a thing for hickeys but she can't really act on it be you two can't keep using makeup to cover it up if you both are going to sweat it off later.

ღ- you definitely leave hickeys all over her inner thighs (her thighs are so thick yall...) the first time you guys were intimate you left scratch marks on her back and she didn't even realize she had them until india pulled her to the side and told her.

fuck all that nonchalant shit she's really a lover girl, but let me shut up before i start yapping even more bc i didn't even mean to write all this... and i don't even know anything about volleyball shhhhhh.

[ashwhowrites]

Hi! I'm so happy that you're inbox is open! I love your fics 💜

I have a few ideas for request but I don't want to overwhelm your inbox 😅

I thought about Eddie x fem reader where reader is not into PDA and all of Eddie's friends are telling him that reader is not into him and he should let her go. They don't believe Eddie saying the reader is crazy about him like he is about her.

She cares about him, help him with homework and even put his socks on when he's napping during movie night. Eddie's friends think that he sees her through rose colored glasses.

But one time Gareth or someone else saw how she threatened cheerleader that was telling shit about Eddie.

Or other time Gareth came to trailer park because Eddie had a cold and he was shocked when he saw reader taking care of Eddie.

Thank you for you time!

I hope this is what you wanted and you enjoy it. Thank you for requesting 🫶🏻

No PDA

Eddie found himself in a new relationship with Y/N, she was a cheerleader and popular. Their relationship was a shock to everyone and Eddie's friends were skeptical.

Gareth was suspicious from the start. To him, it was weird that Eddie and Y/N didn't act like a couple. They have been together for a few months and Gareth had never seen them do anything more than talking. He didn't think he had ever seen them hold hands or kiss, they looked like friends.

He had talked to Eddie about it many times but Eddie always said that Y/N was crazy about him and there was nothing to be worried about. Gareth wasn't sure if he could believe that without seeing it with his own eyes.

Eddie knew Y/N loved him. It was obvious in the way she took care of him. She wasn't much for public display of affection and Eddie was cool with that. He felt loved by her in different ways. She stayed late to help him with homework, bought his favorite snacks at the store, and always let him pick the movie for date night.

~~~

Gareth was walking down the hallway when he heard the sound of arguing. He looked around the corner and saw Y/N and another cheerleader getting into each other's faces.

"Keep his name out of your mouth. I'm not going to let you talk shit about my boyfriend. If I hear you say anything about him again, I'll get your ass kicked off the team."

Gareth watched as the other stomped and walked away, Y/N looked proud of herself as she walked in the other direction.

Well, Gareth had to give her a point there.

~~~

Eddie came down with a bad cold so he couldn't go to school. Gareth, as his best friend, collected all his homework and planned to drop it off. He stopped at the store for medicine and soup, just in case Wayne was too busy to grab some.

Gareth was confused when he saw another car parked in front of the trailer. He carried the bag of groceries and endless homework. He knocked on the door and called out for Eddie.

But Eddie didn't answer the door, it was Y/N.

"Hey Gareth, come on in," she said, a polite smile on her face

"What are you doing here?" Gareth asked, setting down the groceries on the table

"Taking care of Eddie," she laughed, "Homework and food?" she asked as she began to take out the food from the bags

"Uh yeah, I wasn't sure if Wayne would be able to take care of him," Gareth explained

"Yeah, he's at work, thank you for grabbing all of this. He's in his bedroom if you want to see him."

Gareth nodded, watching as she began to make soup on the stove. He walked towards to Eddie's bedroom, shocked to see how clean it was.

"I don't think I've ever seen your room so clean," Gareth said in awe as he walked in

Eddie tried to laugh but it came out as a harsh cough, "Yeah, Y/N cleaned while I slept."

"I brought you your homework and some soup," Gareth said as he put the books on Eddie's bed

"Thanks, man," Eddie said through sniffles.

"So how long has Y/N been here?" Gareth asked, standing near the door so he didn't catch anything.

"All day, once I told her I was sick she drove over here and has been taking care of me all day. Even put my socks in the dryer so they can be warm!" Eddie gushed, wiggling his toes in his warm socks.

"So she uh, really takes care of you, huh?" Gareth asked

"I told you, she cares about me and loves me. She prefers to do it in private," Eddie said, "and other things in private," he added as he wiggled his eyebrows

"Eddie, don't be a perv," Y/N said as she walked through the door with a bowl of hot soup

Eddie rolled his eyes but happily took the bowl of soup. He sat up as she set the bowl in his hands.

Gareth watched as Eddie ate his soup, and Y/N pushed back his hair to feel his forehead.

Maybe he should have believed Eddie in the first place

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @somethingvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @stusdollface93 @gretavankleep37 @bellaisswagger @arlxt @ineedmentalhelp123

[ocinstar]

Heart and soul

Spencer reid x reader

Summary: slow dancing in your living room turns into an unexpected proposal.

Cw: fluffy fluff, established relationship, use of y/n, use of "mrs" and "girl" (but other than that theres not much fem pronouns)

Wc: 1877

A/n: first time writing a slow dancing scene guys!

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

I wasn't having the best day. I had been called in earlier for work since they were understaffed and had to do the majority of the work. I didn't have any more coffee left at home and didn't have time go get some from the coffee shop, so I were tired all day with no aid. On top of all of that, my boyfriend had been gone for almost 3 days and I didn't know when he'd be back.

Of course I knew Spencers job was important, he was saving lives and catching killers. But it would be nice to have him all to yourself for a week before he was swept to a different state. Spencer and I talked on the phone every night and texted each other throughout the day, but it wasn't the same. Not having him next to me in bed every night has severely messed with my sleep schedule, missing the warmth of him next to me. You'd think after 2 years of this that it'd get easier, but it really hasn't.

I felt so much lighter as you walked up to your apartment door, feeling relieved to know the day was over and you could relax. You thought about the warm shower and nap you were going to take as you unlocked the door. As you opened the door, you were pleasantly surprised to see spencer sitting on the couch with a book in his hand. He looked up as you shut the door behind you.

"Hi, love." He smiled, getting up to greet me. He kissed me on the cheek and took the purse off my shoulder and onto the table beside the door.

"Hey, I thought you weren't gonna be back till tomorrow?" I wrapped my arms around his torso and smiled up at him, happy for him to be home so early.

"Case ending sooner than I expected, thought I'd surprise you." He gestured behind him with his head. I looked over to the coffee table to see a spread of food from our favorite Chinese restaurant and my favorite a bottle of wine. I got excited just at the sight of the feast he had bought for the both of you.

"Oh thank god, I'm starving." I unwrapped my arms from him, hurrying over to the food. He laughed as I wasted no time in filling up my plate and shoveling food into my mouth.

"How was your day?" Spencer asked as he sat down beside me, filling up his own plate much slower than I had.

"Better now." I said, words muffled by the food in my mouth. Before eating, he opened the bottle of wine and poured me a glass.

"Thank you, honey." I said once I had swallowed my food. He smiled at me and began to eat the noodles on his plate. Once I wasn't feeling so ravenous, I slowed my pace of eating, now taking normal sized bites.

"How was your case? Did you catch all the bad guys? Save the city?" I asked as U took another bite of chicken.

"I'm not batman." He laughed. With his work hours he mine as well be. "But yes, we did catch the "bad guy" and actually saved another victim."

I always felt proud of him when he tells me about his work. I mean, you're always proud of him. But there's something about the way he talks about the cases he works, the people he helps that just makes me extra proud.

"Gothem is saved once more!" We both shared a short laugh. We quickly fall into comfortable conversation as we finish our meal, him telling me as much from his case as he could without spoiling my appetite and me telling him about the day I had at work.

After eating as much as we could, we cuddled up on the couch. My head rested on his chest as his hand rubs my back. I listened to the steady sound of his heartbeat, sighing contently as he talked about a new book he had just finished.

"I should probably clean this up." He said after a few minutes of us cuddling.

"No, no, I'll clean up." I pushed myself up and crawled over him to get up.

"It's ok, I'll clean up. You relax." He stood up and began to stack our plates. I grabbed them from him before he could take them to the kitchen.

"No. I'm cleaning. It's the least I could do after you bought all this." He sighed in defeat and say back down. I kissed his forehead before grabbing as much containers as I could and heading to the kitchen.

As I tossed out plates into the sink and the empty food containers into the trash. I heard spencer shuffling around in the living room, then I heard the scratching of the record player and then the opening to "every time we say goodbye" by Ella Fitzgerald begin to play. I smiled to myself and walked out from the kitchen to see spencer standing nervously. He had dimmed the lights and lit a few candles.

"Dance with me?" He asked as he held his hand out to me.

"Always the romantic." I walked over to him and took hid hand. He pulled me into close to him, putting his other hand on my waist. We quickly fell into a steady rythme, swaying along to the music. I wasn't much of a dancer, so I let spencer lead me through step. We smiled at each other, never breaking eye contact as we danced.

He took the hand I had on his shoulder in his, pulling me in and pushing me out. I giggled as he pulled me back to him, wrapped his arm around my waist and holding me as close as humanly possible. I nuzzle my face into the crook of his neck and he rested his head on mine. I closed my eyes, relishing in the feeling of having him close. The world seemed to disappear completely, leaving just us in its wake. Any memories of that day had been completely erased from my mind and all i felt was peace.

"One last spin." I heard him say when the song was nearly over. I laughed and put some distance between us so he could spin me. He lifted his arm slightly, twirling me under it. He released my hand when I was turned towards him again.

I was confused for a moment, until I saw him reach into his pocket and pull out a box. My eyes widened and my heart skipped a beat when I saw him drop to one knee, opening the box to reveal a beautiful ring. I put my hand over my mouth to stop myself from screaming.

"I, uh, I had this whole speech planned out, but I forgot everything. I, um, I've never done this before- obviously. But, um-" he cleared his throat, trying to fight off the shakiness in his voice.

"Ok-" -he took a deep breath- "I love you. I love you more than everything in existence. I love how you make me better, I love waking up to you, I love how you push me to try new things even if it's out of my confort zone. You've taught me so much. You're my biggest supporter and my bestest friend. Every time I imagine my future, you are always in it. I couldn't imagine my life without you and I want to stay by your side forever. So, y/n l/n, will you marry me?" Happy tears ran down my cheeks as I listened to him.

"Yes! Yes!" I shouted loudly, practically jumping up and down from joy. I leap towards him ad he stood, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him into a hard kiss. He stumbled back a little at the sudden force, but he quickly found his footing and wrapped his arms around my waist. My hands moved to cup his face and I pull him in closer. I pulled back, resting my forehead on his as we both smiled widely. We laughed when we saw the other, both of us with tear stained cheeks and goofy smiles.

"Oh right!" He sniffled and held up the ring box. He took my left hand in his, taking the ring from the box and slipping it on my ring finger. I marveled at the jewelry, a beautiful silver band with my birth stone on it. It was absolutely perfect.

"Oh my god, spencer. I love it!" I looked up at his beaming face. He chuckled.

"I'm glad you like it. Penelope helped me pick it out." I had talked to Penelope about my dream ring before, so of course she'd know exactly which one I'd want.

"It's perfect." I smiled at the ring on my finger. I felt like I was dreaming, like I'd wake up any second in an empty bed. But this was real. Spencer, my best friend and love of my life was now my fiance. I couldn't explain how i felt, it was far beyond happiness or any other emotion. I felt complete.

"I love you so much." I peppered kisses all over his face as I murmured 'I love you' over and over. His cheeks turned pink and his smile grew. I settled into his embrace, feeling the warmth of his body. We stayed like that for a long time. Just taking in the feeling of each other, feeling the connection of our souls.

~~~

Later that night, we sat together in bed and disgusted what our wedding would be like. We searched for venues online and talked about dates. Of course we weren't deciding anything right away, but we could barely contain our excitement for our day. In the middle of looking at decoration ideas, Spencer's phone rang. We both smiled at each other when we saw the name on the screen. He hit answer and put it on speaker.

"Did she say yes?!" Penelope asked from the other line.

"I did." I laughed and she squealed loudly.

"Oh my god! Oh my god!" We heard her shuffling around and opening doors.

"Our genius is getting married!" She yelled out and we heard a bunch of people cheering.

"Wait Garcia, who's there?" Spencer asked.

"The whole team." Spencer and I shared a short laugh.

"Hi guys!" I yelled over the phone, hoping she had us on speaker. She did and everyone yelled hi back to me.

"Way to go, pretty boy!" We heard Derek say from the background. Spencer smiled.

"And congrats to you, Mrs. Pretty girl." He followed up with a cheer.

"I knew she'd say yes! Oh my god, this is so exciting! I'm so happy for you guys!" Penelope yelped. We got more congratulations from the team before hanging up and falling into conversation about their reactions.

We talked about our wedding for a while longer before we started to get sleepy. We cuddled up in bed, wrapped up in each other's arms. Sleep was fast to come as the memories of today replayed in my head. I felt full as I drifed off to sleep in the arms of my love. My fiance.

~~~

A/n: thank you to the person who requested this! I loved this idea so much.

[softlypaintedseafoam]

orpheus

synopsis. he looked back.

pairing. portgas d. ace x f!reader (afab)

word count. 7.1k | masterlist

content warning. marineford/post-war arc spoilers, reader is coded black (written ambiguously. anyone can read), character study, childhood friends to lovers, open-ended

reblogs & interactions appreciated.

my premiere fic on this acc! as someone who was watching op back when it aired on 4kids, ace has been my favorite character for over a decade. so come to my inbox and let's talk about how much we love him! the 'poem' the reader recites is actually a quote from this short film you should definitely watch

Dadan is doing your hair before bed when you learn of this story.

The night is late on Mt. Corvo, baths taken and house cleaned after the chaos of dinner. Much too late for you to trek down to your home in Windmill Village, ensuring that for the fifth night in the row you'd be spending the night at your friends' house. ("You're going home tomorrow," Dadan insisted, hands on her hips sternly. "This a base for bandits, not a daycare!")

The one who mentions the story is Leif.

The man is a strange case among Dadan's brood with his glasses and delicate mannerisms. Someone who seems like he should be a normal person in society rather a bandit. Perhaps that's what makes him so useful to Dadan's team; he looks like a normal person. He seldom swears, seldom drinks himself tired. Most evenings, like now, it isn't strange to see him reading a book in the living room among his friends by the window. Suddenly, he shudders, setting his book aside and closing the window firmly with a click of his tongue. "Orpheus must have looked at Eurydice," he mutters.

"Who- hey!" Luffy cries belligerently when the brief moment of distraction leads to Sabo smacking his hands. They're playing some sort of hand game where you're supposed to move your hands before your opponent hits them. 'Reflex training' Ace called it. "No fair!"

Sabo grins with a victorious laugh, ignoring Luffy's demands for a rematch. "You snooze you lose, Luffy!"

Ace's expression is just as smug, "your reflexes suck."

Amusing as their antics are, you wave an arm to regain Leif's attention. "Who's Orpheus and Eurydice?"

"Ohoho," Leif perks up, pleased. "They're characters from an old story."

Luffy cocks his head, "how old?"

"Older than Dadan probably," Sabo surmises without a second thought.

"Brat," Dadan seethes under her breath. She turns your head to an angle, beginning the first of your french breads.

Eyes wide with intrigue, you lean forward eagerly before Dadan's grip on your hair reminds you your actions are limited. Dadan picks carefully through the accumulated naps and tangles. The woman's only solace is that you're not tender-headed. You can't afford to be when most of your daytime activities lead to your hair being filled with sticks and leaves. ("What on earth are you brats doing for your hair to get like this?" You and Luffy share a look, snickering mischievously. It's no secret to anyone in this house that the woman's exasperation is worse than her bite.) "I wanna hear the story!"

Leif is more than happy to recount the tale of two lovers.

You liken the story to the life and death of spring.

The new life of spring is in their love as their dance causes petal after petal to bloom in the wake of their steps. But spring's death is in Orpheus’ turn and the sorrow that follows. In that stillness of spring that one seldom notices.

Orpheus’ delight in seeing the sun.

Eurydice's stumble.

Her silence.

Maybe he thinks he’s been tricked.

Regardless the variety of the tale, it all ends the same Leif tells you gravely. Dramatically, as if singing a song. Orpheus looks back and his beloved disappears.

The death of spring itself.

It's the most beautiful story you've ever heard.

"Well that's dumb," Ace crosses his arms, thoroughly unimpressed. "The exit was right there. He couldn't wait five minutes?" It doesn't take long for Luffy to agree with the eldest of his brothers, arms crossed with a matching expression.

Sabo rests a hand on his chin thoughtfully, "and if he heard her stumble in one version, he should have known she was actually there and not a trick."

Ericht, a hardy man with a throaty voice chuckles, raising a tankard at the boys' words. "See, Leif? Even the kids think it's ridiculous!"

"I don't think it's dumb," it's hard to be taken seriously when your head is at 45 degree angle, however. "It's sad and pretty."

"At least one of you lot have taste," Leif huffs, index finger raised indignantly to the air. "The rest of you are completely missing the point! It’s human nature to look! That’s what makes the story beautiful! It’s human to love. Love is why Orpheus looks back. He wants to tell Eurydice the sun is right around the corner! He’s worried for her safety. He’s afraid he’s been tricked-”

Luffy stands firmly, hand resting on his puffed out chest, "I wouldn't have looked back!"

"Me neither!" Ericht proclaims.

"Hear, hear!"

A clank of mugs and a chorus of cheers ensue and his audience is lost. Leif plops down beside yourself and Dadan in annoyed defeat. "This is what happens when you try to bring classics to criminals."

"You're a criminal," Dadan reminds the man with a snort.

It's a comment that causes the mild bandit to laugh. "I suppose you have a point there," he chortles. Moments like this makes you wonder once more why he turned to crime instead of academics. In another life, perhaps Leif becomes a teacher. Leif gives you with a small smile, sparing a glance the rest in the room. "They would have looked," he says just quiet enough for you to hear and you giggle as if you've been told a funny secret.

The rest of the night is uneventful as Dadan finishes your hair. She rushes the four of you to bed as soon as possible and even then, you rowdily have one final round of sparring before settling down. (At least Luffy doesn't fall through the floorboards this time!) Sleep doesn't find you as easily, your mind full as Sabo and Luffy snore around you. Turning onto your side, you stare at Ace's back.

"Ace," your whisper is just barely audible over the cacophony of sleep. "You awake?"

There's enough beat of silence before Ace shuffles, turning around to face you. You blink, unsure if its surprise you feel or otherwise. You'd suspected he hadn't been sleeping when you noticed how quiet he'd been. Yet you're taken aback he turned around anyway. It's strange. “What?”

"Would you look back if you were Orpheus?"

"That story again?" Ace whispers incredulously. You don't need a light to know his brow is furrowed in disbelief.

"I feel bad for Orpheus," you murmur as you recall Leif's words. It was a beautiful story as much as it was sad. "He just wanted to be with his wife again and now he can't ever be with her again." It's human nature to look, Leif said. It's human to love. It's what makes the story beautiful. With more quiet than noise in the room, it's not as easy seeing the beauty. But I can, you squeeze your hand into a tiny ball in quick protest. Apparently it is also human to be contradictory. I think I can see the beauty. Maybe the beauty is what makes it so sad.

There's a brief sigh that leaves the boy and you wonder if he's annoyed until he asks, "well would you look?"

The dance of spring. The death of it in Orpheus' turn.

If it was Ace or Sabo or Luffy behind me…

When you look behind you to see how far away Luffy is.

When Sabo swallows his saliva the wrong way and coughs.

The moments where Ace falls quiet and suddenly, even if he is with you and his brothers, he looks like the loneliest boy in the world.

You look back every time.

"Yeah," you curl into yourself into a small ball. A sigh escapes your lips in your admittance. "I guess we'd never see each other again, huh?"

You half-expect Ace to balk at your words. 'Why am I Eurydice, huh? I'm a guy!' Instead he's quiet and you wish you could see his face so you can try and guess what he's thinking. It's when Ace is quiet when he's the hardest to read. "Well," Ace proposes after a moment. "Maybe Hades'll be nice and Orpheus can try again some day. That time he won't mess up." He pauses, scratching the side of his head. "So stop being all sad about it."

A warmth settles in your chest at his clumsiness. "Yeah."

A particularly loud snore from Luffy makes you both snort silently. You hope the bright-hearted boy never changes. Once your amusement subsides, you yawn. "You never answered my question though," you yawn once again. Sleep will be upon you soon. "Would you look back too?"

"No, dummy," Ace replies without a second thought.

Your cheeks puff into a petulant pout, "Leif said looking is what makes us human."

There's another beat of silence.

"Maybe I'm not human then," it's a reply void of Ace's typical cocksure and defiant attitude. There's a shuffle and Ace turns around, his back facing you once more. "Night."

"… Night."

The next day, life continues as it always does. If anything, this nest of thieves in the mountains is as much a home to you as it is for the actual residents. A stray shoe of yours there, a few shirts that belong to you there. Even the rituals of the morning are your own, rushing out of the house before Dadan can wrangle your band into chores.

Hunting for your own breakfast with steel pipes and vinegar and a healthy dose of throttling thugs for your pirate savings.

Ace and Sabo with wide smiles, making sure Luffy and his tiny legs are keeping up.

Ace huffing when you trip and fall on your face, reaching out a hand for you to grab regardless of his gripes.

Orpheus and Eurydice aren't far from your thoughts.

"What are you smiling about," Ace raises an eyebrow as he tugs you onto your feet.

"Nothing," you laugh airily in return. You're human.

Ace looks back at you again another time, more concerned than his grouchiness let's on as he grumbles you're not talking as much as you always do. It's rich coming from the guy who constantly complained you talked to much your face when you were first getting to know him. "It's better when you don't shut up than when you're quiet," he barks when you point this out. "It's weird."

(You're human.)

The island is covered in snow the day you decide you'd join Ace's crew after months of indecision. Your vision of freedom is different from your friends'; you don't want to be a captain of your own crew. You don't want the worries of having to lead. So, the boys decide, you have to join one of theirs. It's hard picking between your friends. That indecision goes out the window the day you meet Old Man Naguri and you listen to his tales about his battle against Roger for all of until whenever you notice Ace leaving quietly.

"Ace," he turns around, surprised at your sudden appearance. He must have been deep in his thoughts if he didn't hear the snow crunching underfoot. "Are you okay? It's okay if you were scared of Naguri's story." Although the man had told it warmly ー fondly, even ー it's a haunting thought that they were defeated so easily when the older man was so strong.

Despite your attempts to comfort him, Ace is quick to shut down that train of thought immediately. "I wasn't scared," he retorts. "I just don't feel like hearing stories about Roger." He doesn't expand on his reasons and you decide not to ask. You only want the look on his face ー the lonely one ー to leave him. You never want to see him make that face ever again.

So you change the topic; ask him if he thinks Naguri's old crewmates would ever want to sail the seas together again as you walk back to your secret base. "I dunno," the dark-haired boy shrugs. The freckles on his face almost seem like snowflakes in the surrounding weather. "Probably not," he decides with a grumble. "Their adventures are over now so what's the point in staying together at that point?"

It crosses your mind not for the first time that Ace is the most independent kid you know. Maybe one of the loneliest. Even if it's different, you understand the feeling. You were the weird one in your group of friends in Windmill Village. The one too loud and too strange, lost in daydreams and content to play all the roles yourself if it came down to it. The kid with animal bones and dead flowers mixed into your collection along with seashells and stones. You couldn't curb those interests.

Not for any lack of trying, however.

You did try.

You just couldn't. You tried talking less, you tried being normal but you inevitably would open your mouth and your oddities rolled off as naturally as breathing.

No one on Mt. Corvo is normal, however. That's what makes you fit in. Ace's problem, whatever it is, doesn't seem like it's the same.

"Well I'd stay with you," you tell him earnestly; vehemently. It isn't enough to say it if Ace doesn't believe you. "Even if the adventure's over too. You're my friend." The adventures could be over and there could be no more treasures left to find but you'd still stay with him. "We can find another journey to go on after the first one and another one after that. And even we don't have anymore to go on, I'll still stay with you! Then you won't be alone when the journey's over because I'll still be there."

There's a pause, a blink and Ace lets out a sound of surprise. "But you said you didn't want to ch-"

"I'm choosing your crew right now, duh!" You rest your hands on your hips, nose pointed in the air. "Got it, Captain Ace?"

Ace's cheeks are cherry red from the cold but his usual frown shifts into a something as bright as the sun. "Fine, but I'll be a strict captain, you know!"

We're all Orpheus, you kick up snow with wide footsteps while you and Ace excitedly discuss all the things that would be on your ship. All the places you should go on your ship. It's because we're human. You think as much as your hands brush against one another, cold and warm at the same time.

You think as much when you both turn to Sabo and Luffy loudly returning home with a-

"Oh, hey guys! I didn't know that you were home!"

"Oh, Ace! I didn't know that your father was Roger!"

A look akin to horror blossoms across Ace's face as he looks back at you at break neck speed.

(You're human.

You knew Ace was human all the times he looked back at you before. You still know he is human when he meekly asks one week later if you still want to be part of his crew. It's the smallest you've ever seen him and the most uncertain.

"You're stuck with me forever, you dummy!")

𖤓

Orpheus and his dilemma doesn't return to the forefront of your mind again until the Burning of the Gray Terminal. You hug your knees to your chest, pressed against Ace firmly now that it's over. He doesn't make to push you away, nor does he call you a 'baby' despite how quick he was to disparage Luffy and his tears earlier.

You can still hear the fire roaring in your ears; the smoke thick, darkening the sky and Bluejam holding you at gunpoint. Sabo was gone, taken by his noble family and far from the chaos unfolding in the slums of the Goa Kingdom.

For the first time in your young life, you understood what hell on earth looked like.

The screams of the helpless drowned out in fire; a mysterious power knocking all but Bluejam himself unconscious. You were never one for believing in gods but Dadan and her band's intervention was nothing short of a miracle. Still fear had gripped you in your entirety, draped over Ericht's shoulder, when you saw Ace wasn't running behind you guys.

"I'll never run away," he proclaimed, defiant as ever. The sparks surrounding you look as if they were stars leaping from his body. A display that, in any other situation, would have looked breathtaking. He was that boy ー your boy ー in the fire. Your boy who never turned around, not even when Dadan went to stay with him.

Look back, You wanted to scream. You wanted to scream it for the whole world to hear. Look back!

He didn't.

You didn't see them again until over a week has passed and the belief they'd been reduced to nothing but ash nearly took hold of you.

You never want to experience anything like that again.

You're sure you'll love Dadan for the rest of your life. Her skin is wrapped nearly head to toe in bandages and the burnt ends of her coily hair will need to be cut off. Still she's alive. You'll take Dadan bandaged and bruised over any other possibility. She speaks for all of you when she wearily asks Ace, "why didn't you run away?"

The answer isn't immediate as Ace mulls over his answer. You're too tired to press him to hurry in divulging his secrets. "Sometimes, I get so angry," the boy begins gingerly. Tenderly, as if he doesn't want to touch a bruise too firmly. "And I feel like if I run away, I'll lose something I could never get back. And this time, Luffy and," he trails off unexpectedly. Your head dips as he shifts to scratch his head, one of his tics. "They were behind me. I don't know why but that's probably the reason."

They're words that make your lips tremble. "It's 'cause you're human," you mumble, exhausted. "You're human. Like Orpheus." You close your eyes, ready to drift asleep on Ace's shoulder. You won't cry; you've cried enough to last a lifetime. "Being Orpheus is scary."

Dadan sighs testily, "that old story again?" Her words are more amused than disgruntled. "Leif, quit teaching weird stuff to the kids."

"They're taking after my love of the classics," Leif sniffs wetly. "There's nothing weird about it at all. She's right," it must be a vindicating feeling for the both of you. "It is scary to be Orpheus."

Maybe it's why Ace didn't look back. You press into his shoulder more firmly. "You don't have to be scared next time, I'll be there too." I'll protect you.

"I wasn't scared," he protests, resting his head atop yours. "You were the scared one." There are no arguments to be had there.

(It's a few hours later Dogra comes home, news pertaining to Sabo freezing your blood.

You never see the boy with the missing tooth again.)

𖤓

You leave Dawn Island when you're 17 on a small boat sturdy enough to get you and Ace by until you get your actual ship. You're pirate savings are long gone. "What pirates having savings anyway," you said when you remembered the silly notion you had as children. "We were so dumb for that!"

That's right, we were kids.

Kids who, for the longest time, could only talk hypotheticals about your ship and your adventures. That precious promise of the forever beyond journey's end. Now you're finally on the sea, you inhale in shaky belief at the long stretch of blue surrounding the two of you. We're finally doing this.

You run your hand over the water's surface, admiring how it feels silky to the touch. The distant cries of seagulls in your ear and the briny smell of the sea breeze in the air. You sure that you're going to blink and suddenly you be back in the boys' room, groggily staring at the ceiling in puddle of your own sweat as Ace and Luffy hold you tightly. Their snores sound vaguely enough like seagulls that they could be tricking you into thinking you're sailing right now.

It's spring, you breathe.

"Where to now, first mate?" Ace's voice pulls you from thoughts and you see him smiling. Frowns are no longer commonplace on his face anymore. It suits him as much as the sun shining down on him does. A sun child, that's what you are.

"Wherever the wind takes us, captain," you salute before breaking into a laugh. You aren't sure what to do with all the giddiness swelling in your person.

Ace matches your energy tit for tat, tugging the sail in the direction the wind. "Then off we go to uncharted waters!" You whoop excitedly, water droplets following your hands as you raise your arms.

You initially think it rotten luck you shipwreck on Sixis a few weeks into your journey, following legends of bountiful treasures. After acquiring Deuce and Ace eating the Flame-Flame Fruit to boot, you're more inclined to say fate works in mysterious ways.

Deuce is nice; you like Deuce.

The start to your friendship may have been rocky with his comments about Roger's son ー as well as you subsequently throwing your shoe at the back of his head ー but things ultimately had been smoothed over. It's hard to tell there'd been any foul feelings before, at least on Deuce's part. Not with how Ace throws his arm around Deuce's shoulders as he cheerily recounts a story about Luffy for the millionth time.

It's sweet.

It makes your stomach churn uncomfortably.

You groan, palming your forehead. I'm jealous. This is so stupid. It isn't even like we're not best friends anymore. You know that is fact. It's the 'whys' behind your jealousy that you don't understand.

The Spade Pirates have grown considerably since it was just you and Ace in a rickety boat. There's Deuce, Cornelia, Pinnacle, there's even a lynx in your crew. All of whom who joined this crew because they liked Ace. Most of them liked him almost immediately; it's darling in how effortlessly he does it. There is no effort, you realize not for the first time.

Even when you were 10 and Ace found more reasons to try and keep you at arm's length, you liked him. You always wanted to be his friend; it's something you and Luffy have always had in common. Your old friends in Windmill Village were unable to see your vision, however.

In hindsight, it's objectively not hard to see why.

Ace had been an angry, belligerent child with a harsh mouth. The Ace on the deck before you is practically a different entity entirely. Polite, gentle and extroverted. It's hard believing how easy making friends comes to him now when before the only friends he was able to gain were you, Luffy and Sabo. Which it is why it's so great Ace has so many now, truly. Truly.

This is what you wanted, isn't it? You've always wanted this ever since you were able to further understand Ace's complexities.

You are happy. As such, you're unable to grasp why you feel so gross. No, you sigh. That's a lie. I do know why. You're not Ace's only confidant anymore. He'll still go to you when he needs you, of course. It's just that you're no longer the immediate choice. It's simply a period of adjustment. You hold back a huff but Wallace, your friend in the crow's nest, is quick to notice your mood.

"Everything alright over there, partner." It's not truly a question; you can tell by the lack of rising intonation. It's a prod.

"Yeah, I'm fine," you tell the fishman offhandedly. "Just thinking."

"Oh no," Wallace grins wickedly, dark eyes dancing mirthfully. Even if he worries, Wallace seldom pushes if you really don't want to talk about it. It's his best trait after his humor. "Sounds like we're in trouble."

"Oh shut up," you hiss playfully, giving him a light shove. "See if I haggle for you again the next time we go to a market." Despite your sharp words, you're both laughing. From the corner of your eye, you see a flash of black turn around into tan and freckled flesh. You ignore wishful(?) thinking in favor of reality. You're not Ace's number 1 confidant anymore and that's alright. It's an awkward feeling having to share the role with someone else after so many years in that best friend role.

It'll pass; it'll pass.

𖤓

You realize you've been in love with Ace for the better part of your life one year later after the Spadille washes up on the shores of Amigasa Village. The entire affair is an ugly thing. Tears at the weight of your emotions; tears from realizing how much weight you were carrying in your heart to begin with.

What's worse is there's no grandeur in what causes your awakening.

It came to you slowly then all at once watching your oldest friend, snoring into a bowl of tororo soba. His face was a mess, flecks of tororo smeared on his face while the locals panicked assuming he had died mid-meal.

I love you, you chuckled silently, chin propped on your palm.

Then you blinked and everything else hit you like a surge of conqueror's haki.

"How could I be so blind and stupid," you screamed into your hands, Wallace patting your back all the while. Even being around Ace was a struggle. I told him I needed to go and forage mushrooms when he asked if I wanted to learn how to weave kasas with him. Mushrooms that even locals barely were able to find themselves. It wasn't your smartest attempt to process your emotions alone and far away from the cantankerous heartbeats Ace caused. "Was it obvious? Tell me it wasn't obvious!"

"I mean," Wallace's strained, sharp-toothed smile offered zero comfort. "It isn't to Ace?"

"Kill me."

"Hey, the hard part's over now," the weedy stingfish fishman shrugged. "It isn't like it isn't reciprocated."

"I don't know what you're talking about," you grumbled.

"You know Ace is in love with you, right?"

"Wallace."

"He is, though! Not that he's noticed but- come on, now," Wallace's tone was pressing, as if he was stating a long known truth. "You have to have noticed you're special to him, right?"

'Because I'm his oldest friend,' you wanted to say. Somehow you knew it wasn't an answer Wallace would accept.

It was a trying five days of woes and sorrows; scouring your memories.

(You can pinpoint the exact day you fell in love with Portgas D. Ace.

A day only a few months after Sabo's death and Luffy's inability to even begin the process of healing from it. When he begged Ace on that windswept cliff not to die to which Ace vehemently declared that he wouldn't.

In that moment, Ace was sparkling.)

By day five, you've gone through most of the five stages of grief. In all honesty it felt like you'd gone through ten, you truthfully believe as you recuperate by the shore.

There's not another place in the world as healing as the sea at sunset. In a world of power holders and haki, it's almost an impossible magic to perceive. How the sky becomes shades of indigo and vermilion and the sea becomes wine-dark. You close your eyes, breathing deeply as you lean your head back as if in meditation.

It's hard to tell what you notice first ー the crushed sand or the rise in heat behind you. You whip your head over your shoulder, a motion practically second nature.

"What are you sneaking around for," you smile lightly as Ace winces, brow furrowed, like he's been caught doing something wrong. His fidgeting is almost secondary to how he looks in the light of the setting sun.. It's a good look on Portgas D. Ace even before he adopted his gentle demeanor. For a second, you feel like Orpheus when he sees the light and turns, forgetting he wasn't supposed to gaze at his beloved until after they'd left Hades' domain. How Eurydice looked in his memory when bathed in its light. I get it, your eyes feel hot looking at the boy turned man behind you. I get why you looked.

"Mind if I join you," comes a hesitant reply, Ace.

"Since when do you ever have to ask to do that?" Nonplussed, you tap your fingers against the sand. He waits, as if gathering his bearings, before gingerly taking a seat to your left. Your heart flutters as your knees brush against each other and you wonder if this reaction has always been present. If you've merely been blind to it. "Your shadow isn't with you."

"Tama?" You raise your eyebrows with a questioning smirk as if to say 'who else would I be talking about?' A light chuckle falls from Ace's lips. The young girl had been attached to Ace's hip ever since you washed up on the shore. "Yeah, she's a sweet kid. But Kotatsu stole her away from me. Cats always win over over people at the end of the day."

"Tragic," your chuckle as you picture the yellow lynx allowing the girl to sleep atop him as he purrs and purrs. The thought inspires memories of Luffy, clinging to your person even as you try rolling out of the sleeping boy's grip. "Tama's lucky. It took me and Luffy three months before you could start tolerating us. It took her basically nothing."

"Aaah," Ace makes a sheepish sound at the reminder. If it were up to him, he'd be more than happy to pretend that weren't the case. In fact, that part of your knowing each other always fails to be brought up in Ace's many, many stories about Luffy and your childhood. "That… is something I don't rightly remember," he coughs out at last. "Maybe you're remembering wrong."

"Oh am I now," you snort, equal parts incredulous and entertained.

Ace nods, black tresses dancing with the movement. "Pretty sure. We've always gotten along."

"Luffy told me you punted him off a bridge his first day at Dadan's."

"I-"

"There was also that time you basically threw boulders at us for following you."

"That-that was-"

"And I'm pretty sure-"

"Okay, okay, I was a brat!" Ace throws his arms in the air, you guffawing all the while. "Stop reminding me!"

"What's funnier was your first etiquette lesson with Makino! I half expected you to call Red-Haired Shanks a bastard when we met him last month!"

Ace groans your name in embarrassment, face in his hands and the tips of his ears blazing red. Resting your arms on your knees, you lean forward against your chest in. Sitting there on the beach, ocean singing in the background, you could almost delude yourself into thinking you're the only people in the world. There is no Amigasa Village, no World Government and no concepts like Emperors and government-sanctioned pirates.

It's simply you and Ace.

What was I panicking about so much before? Watching Ace settle into himself, stardust dotting his skin and wavy hair moving in the breeze only cements the feeling. I love you; so much.

Enough that you'd traverse the realms beyond to bring him home.

Enough that you'd damn yourself right when victory is on the horizon.

And that's okay.

"What are you thinking about," brown eyes glance in your direction, lips twisted into a suspicious pout.

"Nothin'," you reply petulantly. I'll tell you one day, you vow silently. Once I get used to it. I've spent the better part of my life being in love with you without knowing. I wanna enjoy it now that I do. Treasure it like you're holding something precious because you are. "What are you thinking about?"

His eyes dart away following your question, Ace opening and closing his mouth a beat after. You shuffle your feet, shifting back and forth between the tips of your toes and your heels. Remembering your odd behavior the past few days, you don't doubt it is at the forefront of his mind. "... are you mad at me?"

You make a sound of bewilderment, leaning back and brow furrowed. "No? Where did that even come from?

"Sorry that isn't-," Ace stumbles over his next words. "It wasn't what I meant to- I just meant I knew something is bothering you but I didn't know how to bring it up but I know you talked to Wallace and I didn't want to come off as nosy or... I just wanted to make sure you were okay." Ace breathes, the deluge of words slowing down. "I'm always here to talk. But if you don't that's okay too. I just don't... It felt like… maybe you were avoiding me or something." He is mumbling by the time he finishes, abashed, after thoroughly exposing all of his cards.

Oh, I definitely was doing that. It will be a a cold day in hell before you admit that, however. Ace would only feel worse.

"I know how it must've looked but I promise that was just me making a bigger deal out of something than it actually was." Wallace will certainly agree with that sentiment. You can only imagine how he must have felt watching you be so obviously smitten. "But it wasn't you! It was just me! I didn't want to worry you and I was getting in my head and well, Wallace just kinda happened to be right there and well... it kinda just got word vomited onto him. Otherwise, I would have kept stuff to myself."

Ace rasps the back of his hand against your arm, "you're sure you're okay?"

You know Ace is in love with you, right?

"Yeah," you press yourself into his side, resting your head on his shoulder. "I'm good. I just had to freak out about it, I think. Everything's perfect." Nice isn't enough to describe how it feels, being enveloped in the warmth that flows from his body. I could die like this, you remember a poem Leif recited a long time ago. Softly; peacefully. In the middle of a dream.

𖤓

"Gimme my props."

The only response you have to your sing-song demand is a playful groan.

You nudge into Ace's arm with your whole body, "come on, flame boy! My props!"

The night is young on the seas, the Moby Dick alight with drink and song. Pirates never miss a reason to party, Ace becoming the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates is no different. He deserves the position more than anybody, in your extremely biased opinion. He's more than earned it and you're happy to see him accept it, even if it was with an uneven stride.

"Ace, we're on the ship of the world's most tolerant pirate," you told him the night before when the two of you sat alone in one of the crows nests. "If you trying to kill him a hundred times didn't get you kicked out, I don't think Roger being the cherry on top is going to do anything either."

"You don't know that," he replied quietly, shoulders to his ears. It was like you were children again and he was so sure you'd take back your promise. As if him being Roger's son would be a dealbreaker. Ace could have been the son of the devil himself and you'd still have kept your promise.

"I don't," you agreed promptly. Still, you knew Whitebeard's character. He was the father to an entire fleet of vagabonds and rejects; what was one more with a large secret?

"And what if you're wrong?"

"Well, first as your friend I would tell you that you really picked the wrong tattoo," you grinned at his snort, watching as he failed to keep his lips from curving upwards. You raise your right hand, showing off your own, smaller Whitebeard jolly roger on your inner forearm. "Alright, alright, I'll say we both picked the wrong tattoo. And that we really fucked ourselves over burning down the Spadille." The ship was long gone now, only existing in your memories. "So assuming we have to battle our way dramatically off the Mobyー we'll jump on the Striker, head to the closest island to get some cover ups and we'll start over," you wink and Ace's eyes softened, looking as if he was staring through you. "But I doubt things will go that route and I look forward to you telling me I was right."

"Okay," Ace drapes himself over you, pulling your back into his chest. You squeal as rough fingers tickle your sides. "You were right so be humble about it!" Perfect. Ace is absolutely perfect.

"Stop it already! I'll be humble!" It doesn't take much time for the tickles to stop with your ceding, Ace's arms lying lazily across your stomach. In the far distance ー as distant as distant can be on a ship so ginormous ー Binks' Sake is being sung on loop with Jozu and Haruta particularly off-key. There's something comforting in how terrible they sound, you giggle softly. "Hey," you press your back further into his chest. "I love you."

"Yeah, I love you too," Ace snickers, lips curled into a lazy half-smile. There's no deep pondering at all behind those eyes. No inclination to look deeper into your words.

Not quite, you brace yourself with a quick in-breath. "No; Ace," while not enough to pull yourself out of his hold, you lean forward enough to look over your shoulder with ease. "I love you."

There's a pause.

Panic then flashes across his face, nothing but a grunt of shock escaping his ajar mouth. You stumble at how quickly Ace is to separate from you, attempting to make his exit to Oden knows where before you grab one of his hands.

"Ace," you squeeze his hand delicately as he stands completely still, face buried in the hand he has left. "Ace," you call again and Ace looks back at you ー truly looks back at you, brow furrowed and eyes wet with conflict. "I'm in love with you. You and no one else. You, Portgas D. Ace, and you can't run away from that. And," your throat clenches. "I want you to admit that you're in love with me too."

"You shouldn't-"

"Do you love me?"

A choked sound escapes him, "you can't-"

"I can and I do," you interrupt him belligerently, both your hands wrapped his tightly. Like he's begging you to end this torment for something he can't have; that you shouldn't want. That maybe he never wanted to know he wanted in the first place. "I'm in love with you. You don't have to love me back just don't," the breath you release is shaky. "Don't run away from it. Don't run away from how you feel about me."

You know Ace is in love with you, right?

"You're in love with me," you ask with a falsetto pitch, face warm and throat tight. It takes more strength than you're prepared to admit to tug Ace into facing you directly. It takes more strength than you're prepared to admit to hold his gaze. "Aren't you?"

"I," he starts, tears pooling in the corner of his eyes. It's a steadying process of half-formed words, stumbles and shaking shoulders. A steadying process of deep breaths. "Of course I love you," he chokes at last. "I've always… always," it's enough for you, those words. More than enough; you can tell from how Ace's figure suddenly becomes unclear. Whatever else he wants to tell you can wait for later when he's able to say them.

Finally, something you in whispers. Finally.

"Can we kiss?" The two of you can't help laughing at your own words. It's a clumsy affection, unsure what to do with itself. You look forward to figuring it out together. We have forever, after all. It's what you promised one, long winter ago.

"Yeah," Ace nods with a sniff. You wonder if he's remembering the same winter. His smile tells you he is. "We can kiss," the first of many, chaste with the underlying taste of salt. Warm and yours; your personal spring in the sea.

𖤓

For the second time in your life, you're seeing hell on earth.

You're battered, bruised and the ground is littered with more corpses than you can count; pirate and marine alike. Your blood roars through your ears, your breath just as loud. Breath after breath, stride after stride.

The scent of death, fire and everything in between is cloyingly thick but it doesn't matter.

None of it matters.

Ace is safe; alive.

The Moby is gone and Pops will soon be another memory along with it you acknowledge sorrowfully as you leave the strongest man in the world behind.

You'll grieve later, you decide. When you're far from Marineford, far from Garp who'll never choose his grandsons no matter the cost and far from the people who nearly took your beloved from you.

We're almost there, you pant. We're almost there, the edge of marine headquarters so close you can almost taste the sea salt.

It's surprisingly easy to pick out the sound of Ace's shoes and Luffy's sandals drumming against the pavement.

Your boys are fine, your boys are well, your boys are alive.

You'll cry all you want after you make it back to the ship.

"Well your captain is that guy so you can't help it, can you," Akainu's voice is velvet smooth. Too calm in the chaos but still so loud. "Whitebeard is just a loser from the old times, isn't he?"

Ace's footsteps come to an abrupt halt, "loser?" Why is he stopping?

"Ace," Luffy cries out, just as confused.

It's strange how Orpheus comes to mind as you nearly fall over in your attempt to stop running. Your lungs burn white-hot from exhaustion, only seeing the purple and white of Ace's tattoo. Your body stopping doesn't feel like your own, like an out of body experience.

This whole war feels like you're one of the thousands of civilians watching the broadcast from all parts of the world. All watching with bated breath to see who will claim victory; watching to see how the season will change.

You feel like your that little girl again, confined to Dadan's work on your hair as Leif tells you the most beautiful story you've ever heard.

It's new life of spring when it was all Luffy could do to cry out joyfully Ace's name, the flames of his now unextinguished powers on fully display. The chill of late winter still clings to the season with how Whitebeard has to be left behind. The stillness of spring that one seldom notices.

Orpheus’ delight in seeing the sun.

Eurydice's stumble.

Her silence.

Maybe he thinks he’s been tricked.

Regardless the variety of the tale, it all ends the same Leif told you gravely.

He looked back.

[lustjunkiie]

ghost!reader x honorably discharged!simon

Simon thought he was mental. Coming back to his flat after the most excruciating (and literally career-ending) mission of his life, just to start hearing noises? And for things to randomly go flying off shelves? Simon was sure his head was done in. He’d hit it a little too hard and now he’s reaping what he sowed.

But no! Unbeknownst to Simon, it was you! You’d passed away in 1813 due to a bad, bad case of consumption just before marriage. (Modern-day TB). Floating around in a baby blue day-gown, silk gloves and your hair eternally tied into a curled updo. You weren’t harmful, no, quite the contrary. You were just trying to navigate the new space where your castle had once been.

Blank white walls, tall windows and minimal design was sacrilege. Where is the stained glass?! Why is there no photo of the King at every corner? This space was weird. Knocking glasses into the floor and stepping where the creaks were had to be a part of the acclimation process.

Now, problem is, Simon hadn’t seen you. You saw Simon. ‘Oh, he has to be the head of this house. He must have some answers,’ you thought.

Except, you freaked him the fuck out. All he felt were cold, subtle grazes on his arm and the hairs on his neck standing up. But eventually, the more he started to understand? The more he saw you.

A glimpse of a woman’s perfume bottle in the corner of his eye, only for him to blink and it disappear. The feeling of silks against his back leg in bed when his sheets are nothing of the sort.

And then eventually, one night after the pub, it was you. In the flesh. Well, not really. He was drunk, stumbling into his flat by the skin of his teeth. It started with your voice, a soft giggle in empty air.

“Too much gin, my Lord?” You observed him, a soft silhouette of you on the couch. Proof of your existence in the couch cushion, a shape forming under your weight. A book was open in your hands. Some book on a war you didn’t even live to see.

“The fuck?” Simon sobers quickly, like he’s just been shot. You look appalled, either because of the word he used — or the fact that you haven’t learned that word yet.

“My Lord,” you scold him, hand clutched on your ghastly pearls. “Wretched speak in our castle? Hm,” a disapproving hum slips from your lips, and Simon is … disappointed in himself. And then he realizes he is talking to a ghost.

Ghost talking with a ghost. Very funny, universe.

“Who are you?” He orders, slipping off his shoes. Despite his voice’s aggressive tone, he is cautious in approaching you. Like you will vanish at the sight of barred teeth.

“Perhaps I am your wife. I haven’t got an idea our relations.” You shrugged, setting the book aside. “What a fantastical story,” you laugh softly. It has a soft echo to it, as if you’re in a cave. “Despite it being fictitious, it is very enthralling.” You tap the book, getting up and floating past him.

Floating through him. Shivers scale up and down his body and he feels as though he’s just… well, he feels as though he’s floating in post-pleasure bliss. He gawks at you, because how dare you walk through him?!

“What, my Lord?” You ask, trying your best to open the fridge. You haven’t quite grasped the concept yet. Simon just waves a hand, mumbles something vaguely vulgar and walks to his room. This is tomorrow’s problem.

Tomorrow comes with you — translucent and yet so fucking beautiful — sat on the side of his bed with tea and a wet rag. “My Lord, you are burning like a thousand suns. Your face is the color of a ripe tomato,” you tsk again, pressing the rag to his head and the rim of the teacup to his lips, urging him to drink.

It goes on like this for a while, you materializing when Simon gets home and floating around the house helping him with things. He finally gets to hold you one night, when you are taking some strange kind of ghost-nap, and you have your guard down. Shifting you into his arms, he is mesmerized by the way you feel. Your entire skin is bliss, silky texture and a cooling sensation.

You awake with a gloved hand on his chest, embarrassed with yourself because this man is the head of this house! Surely his wife will come and find you two.

“No,” he assures you, playing with the fabric of your paranormal gown, “I have found my wife.”

No one will ever believe him, but that’s okay.

[mrs-pondwater19]

~Sunsets And Pepsi Cola~

-Sam Winchester x Fem Reader

-Synopsis: After a hunt leaves you and the boys a bit roughed up, Sam has an idea and a sweet little surprise waiting for you.

W/C: 1,4K

C/W: Soft and sweet Sam, disgustingly sweet fluff, established relationship, mentions of a normal life, y'all being lil cuties.

A/N: I mainly wrote this to prove that I'm capable of writing sweet, fluffy pieces of Sam despite my last few works being straight angst. He's a lil sweetie pie and deserves all the sweetness. Half proofread and somewhat inspired by Lana Dey Rey's Song "Cola".

I hope you enjoy my lovelies 💞

“Come on, baby, let's ride.

We can escape to the great sunshine.

We made it out to the other side.

We made it out to the other side.”

You slumped down on to the curb in front of the dingy motel you guys were staying at.

A nowhere town in northern Michigan where you guys decided to take a break from the bigger cases you guys were on. Just to try and slow down a little, and this is where you ended up. 

Bobby sent you guys out to track down a werewolf the locals claimed to be the infamous cryptid ‘Dogman’. 

It was supposed to be a simple case.

An easy in and out job. 

But even in its simplicity, it was still a bit rough all things considered. 

The bastard certainly gave you all a run for your money. Putting up more of a fight than you initially anticipated.

But at the end of the night the job was done and over with. 

That went without saying he still got you guys good. 

You, Dean, and Sam adorned fresh, nasty scratches and claw marks, none of which were going to go away anytime soon. But not bad enough to warrant a visit to the local clinic either. Bloody noses and fat lips, the metallic taste lingering on your tongue like a sour liquor. The dull ache settled in your bones after the adrenaline had worn off. 

But you made it out to see another day.

Dean patched you and Sam up like the protective big brother figure he was before forcing you to the bed for a quick nap. Wanting you to rest and regain whatever strength you could before you guys got back on the road again.

After taking the said short nap you found your way outside to the curb. Taking some time to decompress and just breathe in the late summer afternoon. 

The sun was laying low in the sky, casting a golden yellow over the rundown motel, illuminating the hot top of the parking lot. A soft breeze broke the heat of the air, creating a more comfortable atmosphere around you as you stared up at the sky.

Lost in your reverie until you heard the clicking of glass bottles and the heavy footsteps of Sam's boots. 

You looked up at him, seeing his sweet face all biffed and scratched from the night before. 

But he didn't care in the slightest. 

It seemed he had something else at the forefront of his mind. 

A brown paper bag crinkled in his arm and a gleam in his eyes, like a child who knew a secret no one else knew. 

You raised your brow in curiosity and he flashed you a toothy grin before he looked down at the pavement, a gentle flush crept on his face as he spoke sweety,

“I had an idea.”

He said as tried not to look all embarrassed, even though he was failing miserably.

You just smiled kindly. 

“What kind of idea Sammy?”

He looked at you again with that same, goofy, embarrassed smile. 

He let a beat of silence pass before he extended his hand to yours.

“Come on. I'll show you.”

Oh. 

So it was a surprise.

You didn't hesitate to take his hand, a cheeky smirk spreading across your face as a result of his coy demeanor. 

You could feel his underlying strength as he pulled you up, not struggling whatsoever as he held your hand, nodding his head in the direction he wanted you to follow. 

Letting him lead the way, your hand in his as you walked down a forgotten path behind the motel. The long grass brushing against your legs and the overgrown branches tugged at your sleeves as you followed behind him, an eagerness in his step as he led you through the trees.

The smell of warm earthy oak, sun-dried grass and freshwater filled your senses as you led you to a small clearing hidden behind the thicket. 

What laid in front of you was a rickety wooden dock that overlooked the lake. It was vast and open, a perfect view of the west side of the sky. 

A fleece blanket waiting at the end of it for you both. 

You felt your heart thud against your chest at the sight, knowing that he put a lot of thought and care into finding this little space for you two.

You followed him to the end of the dock, sitting down on the blanket as you watched him pull out two glass bottles of Pepsi.

Classy. 

You let out a gentle chuckle as you shook your head.

“Didn't take you as the soda drinking type.”

He ruffled his hair as he tried to hide the smile on his face.

“Not usually. But I'll make an exception if the occasion is special enough.”

He said as he handed you your bottle. His hazel eyes practically glowing in the golden glow of the sun. The green and brown hues were incredibly bright, as if you were looking into an enchanted forest all wrapped in his eyes.

The sweet smile never left his face as he looked at you. Like he was a teenager experiencing real, true love for the first time. 

He looked absolutely ethereal in the setting sun. 

He looked so happy. 

Truly, genuinely happy.

The heat rose to your cheeks as you stuttered slightly, 

“And what's the occasion?”

You asked as you traced the bottle cap with your index finger. 

“Living to see another day.”

He teased, causing you to roll your eyes with a smile as you playfully elbowed his arm. 

“Come on Sam, what's the real reason?”

You inquired as you popped the cap off your bottle, smelling the sweet signature scent of the cola emanating out the lip and down bottle neck. 

He was silent as he cracked his bottle open alongside you. Looking out over the water, pondering on how he wanted to answer your question. 

Like it was the most important question to answer. 

“To being able to escape from it all. Even if it's just for a few hours. No hunting. No monsters. No demons. No worrying about making it to tomorrow. Just you and me sitting on this dock with a couple cold ones watching the sunset.”

He paused, looking over at you with his gentle, sweet, pretty eyes. 

“Just us being normal.”

Your eyes softened as you looked at him. 

Knowing deep down this was his way of getting out of the business he was forced to grow up in and was never able to truly get away from.

His own way of giving you something he knew he never could.

A calm, domestic life. 

A life where you two could slow down, take the time to appreciate each other without the anxiety of having to fight monsters and supernatural entities. 

To be normal people. 

But unfortunately, the little moments like these were the closest you were going to get to something like that. 

And you wouldn't want it any other way.

Your eyes looked back to the sky as you scooted closer, your arm brushing against his as you raised your bottle up slightly,

“To escaping.”

He gently clinked his bottle against yours, toasting to the sentiment of being able to get away with you. 

"To you and me."

As the evening passed and the bottles were emptied, you watched the golden orange hue of the sky bleed into scarlet reds, dark fuschias and periwinkle purples. 

Your shoes cast somewhere to the side and your feet dipped into the cold water below. 

The two of you leaned up against each other as you exchanged hearty laughs and gentle, cola flavored kisses. 

Not bothering to pay attention to biffs and scratches that were laid into your skins.

Forgetting about the ache that the previous hunt left behind.

None of that mattered.

All that mattered to you was watching the watercolor sky as you rested your head on Sam's shoulder, his cheek rested against your head.

All you could think about was how it felt like you were where you were supposed to be.

It was moments like these where you both could both just be yourselves without any form of shame. 

Where no feelings were hidden under a shield of apathy and caution. 

In these moments, there was only love and vulnerability. 

But as the sun settled behind the tree line and the cobalt blue sky was beginning to pepper itself with stars. 

The bottles were long emptied and the warmth of the afternoon faded into the cool evening air. 

You knew it was time to head back. 

And as you slipped your shoes back on and Sam put the empty bottles back in the paper bag, you couldn't help but smile like you were the happiest woman in the world.

Because even though you may not have the normal life he wished for every day, you knew he would always be there for you.

He was your ride or die. 

You didn't need the all American white picket fence dream to be happy.

Because even with this unpredictable life you lived with all the pain, all the anger and all the hardships you were put through.

You still had him.

You still had this. 

And this…

This was enough for you. 

~Fin~

[r0-boat]

Single dad! Solomon part 2

Solomon x child!reader(platonic)

Reader in this case is the child of Solomon whether it be his descendant That was orphaned and he came back to take care of them or his direct child from an unknown partner!

My eyes gaze around the penthouse, a Suite and the most luxurious hotel reserved only for the highest of Tartaros citizens. It is a place where I don't feel like I belong, though it is only temporary since the kings are holding their meeting in Tartaros in the conference room of this very hotel tomorrow.

My child has reached the age to tap into their magical abilities, and I should be elated! But...

"No! Please, child, this isn't for you!" I scream as I rip the knife out of their hand. They must have used their magic to pull it off the counter. Their magical power is... Terrifyingly strong. When I was their age, I could only lift my stuffed toy a few inches off the ground.

But this one... They still have yet to take their first steps, but they're strong enough to use telekinesis to lift things far heavier than a mere stuffed animal.

When I ripped the knife away from their grasping hands, they trembled and screamed as I scolded them. Their magical aura burst forth, exploding the nearby glass around them. My eyes went wide as I scooped them up. I immediately calmed them down before reaching for their pacifier.

"fuck... What am I going to do with you?"

I want to call upon Asmodeus... But I don't want to see that confident, annoying smirk on his face. Nor do I think my hips can handle another night with him.

My sweet baby finally calms as I bring them back to the little play zone I constructed. A soft blanket lay on the floor in a baby pen littered with toys and stuffed animals.

They babble an incoherent sentence as they reach for their stuffed snake, and I smile and respond, "Oh yes, I know! Snakey is excited to see you, too!" My snake familiar, curled up on the other side of the couch, watches with interest and slight horror as they watch my baby grabs and shakes the snake plushie.

Finally a moment of peace as my child begins to settle down and sleep. I let out a sigh as I practically collapse on the devilishly comfortable couch

My head whips around as I hear a knock at the door 'strange? Housekeeping already came by with lunch... ' I'm mutter to myself.

As soon as I open the door Seven chatty and bickering devils barge into the penthouse room. And in an instant my quiet evening was disrupted.

"M-my friends... What are you doing here?" I say with a little less enthusiasm in my voice.

Are you almost choked on my spit as Satan snarls "TIME TO SACRIFICE YOUR CHILD." Leviathan smacks him over the back of the head Satan lets out a growl whipping back to fight back, Beelzebub wheezes.

"Are we not allowed to see the baby human?" Mammon smiles walking in like he owns the place... Because he does.

'baby... human this place isn't a zoo... ' I sigh pinching the bridge of his nose.

I felt my body tense as I watch my less than child safe friends stalk closer to my baby's playpen

(minus Belphegor who is sleeping on the couch and Beelzebub who is lounging next to him playing with the nearest item he picked up.)

It took everything in me to calm my parental instinct screaming at me to rush over to scoop up my child and cradle them protectively against my chest. Especially now as they finally stir from there short-lived nap. I pray to my old friend that they don't wake up grumpy which apparently they haven't heard my calls, for as soon as my sweet babe wakes up You begin to fuss.

"noisy thing aren't they?" Belphegor said propping up his head with his hand.

"probably because of the loud ass Chihuahua currently in the room with us... " Leviathan hissed before his hand reached over the pin to gently interact with you. You made a disapproving noise and smacked his hand away.

Levi with a empty defeated look in his face frozen place holding up his hand inspecting it with a blank look. I swore I never heard Satan life as hard as he did I tried to hold myself back from laughing too.

"It hasn't been that long since I've seen it And it's already grown larger." Lucifer states which I remove the plastic gate with a smile and explain "Oh yes my friend, human children grow quickly. However these years of development are quite important!"

Asmodeus who has been surprisingly and uncharacteristically quiet is now playing with the baby's hands with a tranquil look on his face he picks up the pacifier and gives it to you which you eagerly take. Out of the seven I trust Asmodeus the most so I am not too worried as I continue explaining to Lucifer "I'm expecting for them too take their first steps soon... I'm trying to teach them their first words but I don't think they're interested in listening to me..." I let out a half-hearted chuckle.

Finally Asmodeus does speak up "does that mean I still have time to get this sweet little thing to call me Dada instead?"

"Don't even think about it..." I said firmly, glaring at him. One day... One day, I'll get the courage to punch that man for trying to steal my child.

Lucifer has more to say, and I respond with every question occasionally looking back to the devils interacting with my baby.

Beelzebub has finally moved from the couch trying to play with you with the baby toys and enjoying some of them himself.

Mammon is on that strange screen device talking to himself about more things to spoil you with. As he pulls you into his lap.

Asmodeus is completely enamored, your hand reaches out to touch his hair which he let's you. Satan tries to get your attention with a little noise maker in front of you.

Levi looks on his face sour it looks like he's trying to plan something to steal your attention. I watch as his eyes go wide as he finally things of something. He picks up your snake blush as he gets onto the floor using his hand to puppeteer it making it move and wiggle even making little hissing sounds.

Your face lights up as you squeal and giggle more babbling. Leviathan looks like the happiest devil in the world as he continues what he's doing. The annoyed look on Asmodeus's face was purely priceless. As Satan follows suit... Though a little more violent as he tries to fight the snake with the object in his hand.

I will never forgive that man if he teaches my child to start hitting people.

I only turn my eyes away for a minute as Lucifer gives me advice on how to baby prove certain items after I told him about your budding magical abilities.

When I look back I see that the kings have set up a little puppet stage. You're seated on the blanket floor as you watch The Kings using Your stuffed animals is puppets talking in silly little voices. Of course devil's being... Well devils immediately start puppeteering topics a little too eh... Advanced for a baby to understand.

At least they're not talking about anything sexual or too violent.... Though however I did catch Beelzebub saying "I'll beat you up! This is what you get for Fu-ah! I mean... Stealing my wife!"

I appreciate the effort...

Suddenly All the kings that weren't Lucifer were making the stuffed animals move and talking in silly voices trying to get your attention. Of course Levi who had your beloved snake plushie was getting more attention than the other Kings. Which started an argument... As Leviathan stood up with Your snake plushie gripped in his hand as he got into the argument You reached out your little hands grasping for your plushie. When I started to walk over my eyes went wide.

It was in slow motion when I saw your hand press against your blanket and your feet pushing on the ground. One Foot stepping clumsily in front of the other You grabbed on too Leviathan's shirt for support tugging it as you reach for your stuffy.

Asmodeus was... Pissed. Knowing that he wasn't the one who made you take your first steps I'm sure that my holes will have to hear about it later. But then when you opened your mouth my heart stopped

"Aaaah! Bitch!" You yelled.

My soul left my body as the entire penthouse was silent for the longest 5 seconds I've ever experienced.

I don't think my soul came back as the entire room erupted with uncontrolled laughter.

"THEY CALLED YOU A BITCH! HAHAHA THAT'S THE FUNNIEST SHIT I'VE EVER WITNESSED! "

"NOT THE BABY CALLING YOU A BITCH LEVI!

"They must really not like you huh~? Oh too bad...~"

"I wonder where they heard that word from."

"I've never been so proud!"

And thus the kings were banned from seeing my child for 4 months...

[lelengerine]

Hii! Wanted to make a request for youth lovesome, Anton + serenade, and also love your work it's so cute 💗💗 I'm so excited to see these drabbles!

͙͘͡★ sunbeams and serenades

song prompt. “you’ve been pacing in front of my house for the past ten minutes, mumbling to yourself and looking like you’re about to pass out. i think it’s about time i go down to meet you and ask what you’re trying to do”

pairing. neighbor!anton x reader

tags. plot inspired by serenade [boynextdoor], a lot of yearning and second guessing (mostly by anton), just them being all lovey dovey honestly, no prns used for reader!

wc. 0.9k words

notes. thank u sm for the kind words!! i think anton paired with this song is just so cute aaaaa i had sm fun writing this one and i hope u like it >< likes, reblogs, and feedback are very much welcome!

꒰ m.list | event m.list ꒱

the late afternoon sun spills its honeyed light over the neighborhood, speckling the ground with small shimmers. anton stands at the edge of your driveway, his silhouette framed by the setting sun as he shifts from one foot to the other. his guitar case hangs heavy on his back, but what weighs heavier is the secret he’s been carrying for months now—the feelings he’s too afraid to say out loud.

the house at the end of the pavement feels like a universe away. your house. every step closer feels impossible, like he might stumble into the orbit of something too bright, too warm, and burn before he ever gets the words out. he presses his fingers against the strap of his case, knuckles white, and exhales shakily.

this is stupid. the thought spirals through his mind, looping like the melody of the song he wrote last night. it had seemed so clear then, in the quiet of his room—the chords, the lyrics, the idea of playing it for you, a confession wrapped in melody. but now, standing here, he can’t seem to move. 

he mutters to himself, voice raw and barely audible. “what if she doesn’t…?” he doesn’t even finish the thought. the answer feels too heavy to consider.

he’s about to turn around—just one more day, maybe tomorrow—when the porch door creaks open. the sound cuts through the still air, and his head snaps up, heart pounding in a rhythm so erratic it drowns out everything else.

“anton?”

your voice reaches him like a melody all its own, soft and curious, carrying the warmth that’s haunted his dreams for longer than he’ll admit. you’re standing on the porch, the golden light framing you like something out of a painting. the sight of you—hair slightly frazzled as if you’ve just woken up from a nap—knocks the air from his lungs. he freezes, caught somewhere between wanting to run and wanting to stay rooted forever.

“are you… okay?” you step closer, the tilt of your head both cautious and amused as you watch him. there’s something so tender in your gaze, so unguarded, it makes his chest ache.

he forces a smile, though it feels fragile, like glass held too tightly. “oh, hey.” his voice cracks, and the blush that blooms on his cheeks is immediate, spreading like wildfire. he looks away, running a hand through his hair as if that might somehow make him less transparent.

your lips curve into the smallest smile, and you lean against the porch railing, eyes flicking down to the guitar case on his back. “what are you doing out here?” you ask, voice laced with quiet curiosity. “you’ve been pacing for… a while.”

his grip tightens on the strap of the case. he glances down, the words tangling in his throat before he manages to get them out. “i, uh… i was going to… do something, but now i’m not so sure.”

you step off the porch and closer to him, the distance between you shrinking until it feels like he might suffocate from the nearness of you. “with the guitar?” you ask gently, your gaze lingering on the case.

he nods, barely. his heart is beating so loudly he’s sure you can hear it, but you don’t say anything, just wait with that patient, curious look that always disarms him.

“it’s a song,” he says finally, the words tumbling out in a rush before he loses the courage. his eyes dart to yours, and his voice softens, almost breaking. “for you.”

the world seems to still at those words. your breath catches, your heart stumbling in your chest. “for me?” you repeat, and there’s something in your voice—something quiet and vulnerable—that makes his pulse race even faster.

he nods again, his gaze dropping to the ground. “yeah. i mean, it’s probably… it’s not that great, but i…” he trails off, his hands gripping the case like it’s the only thing keeping him steady.

you take another step closer, close enough now that he can see the faint flush creeping into your cheeks, the way your eyes soften as they search his face. “can i hear it?” you ask, your voice barely above a whisper.

his head snaps up, eyes wide with disbelief. “you… you want to?”

your lips curl into a soft smile, and you nod, your gaze steady on his. “i do.”

for a moment, he just stares at you, as though he’s trying to convince himself this is real. then, slowly, he sets the case on the ground, unzipping it with hands that tremble slightly. you sit down on the porch steps, knees tucked to your chest, watching him with an expression so open, so unguarded, it makes his heart twist.

he settles the guitar into his lap, his fingers brushing over the strings. he doesn’t look at you as he starts to play—he’s too afraid he’ll lose the nerve if he sees the way you’re looking at him. the first chord rings out, hesitant and quiet, but it carries in the stillness of the evening, filling the space between you.

and then he begins to sing.

the words are raw, each one heavy with everything he’s been too afraid to say. the way he notices the little things about you—the curve of your smile, the way your laugh lingers in the air like the echo of a favorite song. the way he feels like he’s on the edge of something vast and terrifying every time you’re near, like falling and flying all at once. the way he’s been quietly, hopelessly in love with you for as long as he can remember.

your breath hitches as the melody washes over you, his voice raw and unpolished but so achingly full of emotion it leaves you reeling. you don’t realize your hands are trembling until you press them against your knees, trying to steady yourself.

when the final note fades, the silence feels electric, charged with everything left unsaid.

he glances up at you, his eyes wide and vulnerable. “was it…” his voice is barely above a whisper. “was it okay?”

you exhale shakily, your chest tight with the weight of everything you feel but can’t quite put into words. “it wasn’t okay,” you say softly, and his face falls, panic flashing in his eyes.

before he can say anything, you reach for him, your fingers brushing against his arm. “it was more than that,” you say, a light chuckle in your tone. “i loved it. everything about it was... so pretty.”

the relief that floods his face is almost enough to undo you. he lets out a shaky laugh, his smile tentative but growing as he meets your gaze.

“can you… play it again?” you ask, your voice so soft it feels like a secret.

his smile widens, the kind of smile that feels like sunshine breaking through the clouds. “for you?” he murmurs, his voice steadying. “i’d play it a thousand times.”

you smile back, the warmth in your chest blooming into something undeniable. and as his fingers find the strings again, it feels like the world has finally shifted—soft, steady, and endlessly yours.

[luveline]

hello my love!! could you maybe show us what bedtime is like in the kbd universe? thank you, you’re incredible <3

kbd —dad!steve and mom!reader get their small family ready for bed. 3k

“She looks so pretty,” Avery whispers. 

Steve struggles to pull the hem of his sock over his ankle, crossing his legs to match her as she snaps an apple slice in half with her fingers, the juice wetting her pyjama top, her torso swaying as his knee bumps into hers. “Who?” Steve asks, blinking. 

“Wren,” Avery says, leaning back to let Steve see the baby where she’s napping in her bouncer. Avery shoves a chunk of apple in her mouth. “She’s pw-ery.” 

“Try not to talk with your mouth full, you might choke.” 

Avery nods, closing her mouth to chew up the rest of her food with chipmunk cheeks. 

Steve draws a little heart into her knee. She has a bruise from falling up the stairs a few days ago like a purple ink blot just under her kneecap, but she hasn’t complained. She didn’t cry when she fell, she just got back up and asked for a Capri-Sun. Steve’s surprised she’s so hardy, but she’s getting older. He’d sort of been hoping she’d want him to kiss it better.

“She’s pretty like her big sister,” he says. 

“I’m glad she’s stopped crying all the time.” 

“Me too.” He takes one of the smaller slices from her plate to eat, wiping juice from her cheek as he does. 

She grins. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome. You all done?” 

“Yep.” 

“Not hungry anymore?” 

“Nope.” She grabs her plate before he can. “I’ll put it in the sink.” 

“Thanks, beautiful.” 

She jumps up with her empty plate and does a spin, saying, “Who, me?” 

Steve laughs like an idiot, still chuckling to himself as the sound of her plate hitting the kitchen sink reaches his ears. Wren, finally out of her sleep regression (for now), doesn’t wake. All good signs of a good night. 

Steve lets his head fall back onto little legs. “What about you?” he asks Dove, the second youngest daughter, where she sits behind him on the couch. 

She hums under her breath, her hands quick to weave into his hair, petting it away from his face. He waits for an answer he doesn’t get, closing his eyes and turning his face into her knee. Her giggles are treacle sweet. “Don’t sleep,” she protests. 

“I’m tired.” 

“It’s not bed time.” 

She’s not gonna like what Steve’s about to tell her, if that’s the case. She had a screaming tantrum last night about bed time where she threw herself on the floor and whacked her hands until her palms turned bright red. He’s not wanting a repeat. 

“It is bed time,” he says gently, though it’s not for another half an hour, “but, I was thinking, because you’ve been so good today you’d stay up extra. Maybe even have hot cocoa before bed.” Steve turns to meet her eyes. “How’s that sound?” 

“Really?” she asks, her eyes blowing wide with excitement. Steve is starting to wonder if she’s not as mini-me as he used to think, growing into sweeter features as she leaves the baby-toddler stage and starts to look like a kid. He loves it. 

“That sound fun or what?” 

She dives at him. He has enough sense to have twisted and catches her before she can break any of his teeth. “You are the best daddy ever!” she declares seriously, almost tipping over his shoulder. 

He lets her dangle for a second, then yanks her back topside. “You’re my best girl, that’s why. Let’s go make the drinks. Actually, we better go see who else wants some.” 

You and Bethie are attempting some last minute crafts at the dining table, and you’re very interested in hot chocolate but Beth doesn’t like it and so, doesn’t want any. She does seem interested in a glass of milk with a couple of chocolate chip cookies, so it’s nearly the same thing. “Careful,” he says, putting the half a pint of milk down in front of her birdhouse cautiously, “you don’t wanna spill that, baby.” 

“Who says she’s gonna spill it?” you ask. 

“Don’t start with me,” Steve warns. 

You smile to yourself. You’ve a spatula for PVA glue in your hand, skins of glue dried to your fingertips flecked with splinters of wood. Lollipop crafts felt like a good idea when he’d suggested it, but then he didn’t actually want to do it, and you’d been kind enough to step in. I’m sick of mess, he’d confided. 

Well, you’d said, somewhere between a quick kiss pressed to his shoulder and your hand rubbing it away, you probably shouldn’t have asked me to have so many kids. 

I love mess, he’d corrected immediately. Love to make more of it someday. 

“We’re nearly done in time for bed,” you assure him now. 

“I told Dove she could have an extra half an hour.” He winks at you clumsily. 

“Oh, really? Well, maybe Beth and Avery should get some extra time too.” 

Beth dunks her cookie into the top of her cup. “No thanks. I’m tired. Can I sleep with Avery again?” she asks, milk dribbling down the sides of the glass to darken the coaster underneath. 

“You’ll have to ask her yourself,” Steve says. “Wait, where is she? I thought she was in here.” Something grabs him by the legs, a sudden clutching that activates a heat in his eyes and spine he can’t explain. He flinches sideways into a cabinet and almost steps on a rather small limb. “What the fuck.” 

“Boo!” Avery says, laughing brightly as Steve rights himself on the counter. 

“Avery! Did I step on you? I’m sorry,” he says, immediately bending down. “What were you thinking? I could’ve really hurt you!” 

“Daaad, I was just pulling a prank,” she says. 

He checks over the arm he was so sure he’d stepped on. “You okay?” 

“She’s fine,” you say. “Yeah?” 

“I’m fine!” She hugs his legs again. “You said a super bad word.” 

He was hoping everybody missed that. “Dove–”

“Dad,” Dove interrupts, kicking her little feet exactly where he left her sitting on the dinner table by your left, “bad words make me cry.” She says it all clunky and clumsy, having heard it enough times. Her Aunt Robin has a potty-mouthed girlfriend, and Steve can’t do damage control quick enough sometimes.

“No, it’s when you say bad words daddy cries,” Avery says. 

“I didn’t say one!” 

“I know! I just mean it’s not when dad says it.” 

“What?” Dove asks. “He did says it.”

You’re grinning. You love when Dove confuses herself, all kids go through it, where half the time they don’t know what they’re saying until you help them along, but you love Dove’s new phase especially because she’s always been so serious. “What Avery is telling you, baby, is that daddy doesn’t get upset when he says bad words because he’s a grown up.” 

“So when we’re older we can cuss too?” Bethie asks. 

Steve’s jaw drops. “No, Beth! No, none of you need to say bad words, and I don’t either, and I’m really sorry. Can we forget about it?” 

Steve makes hot chocolate and helps you clean the sorry mess you’ve made on the table, and, after some light teasing, everybody forgets he’d reacted so violently to Avery’s surprise. Well, almost. Dove is the first to succumb to a case of the sleepies despite being otherwise reluctant to give in, sitting on his thigh, marshmallows still whole in her drink. She’d barely managed four sips. 

Steve cuddles her to his chest, covering her ear where she nuzzles against him from the sounds of your and Avery’s giggling. “He went pale,” you’re saying. 

Beth offers Steve half of one of her cookies. “You didn’t,” she says. 

If he didn’t have his arms full of Dove he’d scoop her up. “Thank you, Beth. I love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

“Alright,” you say, twining your fingers and sliding them behind your head, your neck and back clicking audibly in the quiet of the Harrington house winding down, “I think it’s bedtime. Are you done with your drink?” 

You rinse the cups. Steve ferries Dove upstairs, has her down and tucked in in record time, soon enough to catch you as you and the rest of the girls make your way upstairs. Beth and Avery are beautifully silent, weary of their sensitive baby sister where she’s cradled to your chest. 

You attempt to put her down in her crib in your room, but Steve gets the feeling you aren’t successful when a crackly cry breaks out. 

“Oh, no,” Avery says. 

“It’s fine. Let’s go brush our teeth, okay? Mommy has it.” 

They brush their teeth. Steve wipes their faces down with a damp hand towel and has a moment of gratitude just touching their faces. They both look so loved, the way their eyes crinkle, the way they lift their chins, all too happy for Steve to do it. He loves these moments of being a dad most, he might say, second only to getting to talk to them, especially now they’re both holding conversation. They talk to each other none stop; Beth talks to Avery ten times as much as she does anyone else. 

“Are you having a sleepover again?” Steve asks. 

Beth turns to Avery pleasingly. “Can I? Please, please, please.” 

“Yes!” Avery says, big sister extraordinaire. She wraps her arms around Beth’s shoulders, taller, more aware of herself as she presses her cheek to Beth’s and mumbles, “Of course you can. I love you. I want us to have sleepovers every night.” 

You emerge from the bedroom victorious, heading into the bathroom as he and the girls come out. “I’m just gonna brush my teeth,” you say. 

“Gonna get Beth changed.” 

“Okay, I put her nightie on the foot of her bed earlier.” 

It’s routine but not without enjoyment. He makes sure they’re both comfortable in the night's sleepwear and takes care of their hair, before giving Avery’s room a quick half-clean and shaking out the sheets on her bed. Avery has the second biggest bedroom, though Bethie’s is nothing to turn your nose up at, and it gets Steve thinking as they climb up into Avery’s single bed. 

“I think it’s good for you guys to keep your separate rooms for now,” Steve says tentatively, “but what do you think about sharing?” 

The plan was that Dove and Wren would share, but if Avery and Beth are getting along so well, it might not hurt to ask. 

Beth gasps. “Our bedrooms?” 

“Like, you and Avery could both sleep in here. You have a bunk bed, or we could get you a big one to share, and you could share teddies.” 

“I don’t want to share my teddies,” Avery says. 

“Well, you don’t have to. I’m not gonna make you.” Steve squints at them both. “Bad idea?” 

“I want to share,” Beth says immediately. 

Avery has a better understanding of what that will mean. “Maybe.” 

“You don’t have to,” Steve says. “Your rooms are yours, okay? Maybe we can just get you a bigger bed anyways, Ave. You’re so tall now, in a couple of years you’ll be ten feet tall and we’ll have to bend you in half to get you to school.” 

This is the funniest thing a man could say, apparently —both Beth and Avery burst into girly giggles that ring down the landing. Beth sounds like she might be sick. She laughs so much, falling into Avery’s side as her big sister says, “Dad, that’s silly!” 

“I can show you, if you want. We’ll practise making you into an Avery flavour pretzel, c’mere.” 

She squeals and climbs over Beth’s legs to huddle in the corner of her bed. Steve doesn’t so much as touch her legs and she’s laughing again, panicked, hyper laughter like she can’t decide if she wants to be folded or not. He presses his finger over his smile. “Shh, shh, we can’t wake the babies.” 

“Sorry,” she laughs. 

“My fault. Don’t be sorry.” He gives her leg a squeeze. “How about we start to tuck you in, girls? Do we have everything we need?” 

Beth wants a few things from her own bed, but besides that, they’re ready. Well, they’re supposed to be ready, but Steve wound them up and it’s his own fault, he can’t even complain when they beg him to watch a movie. What’s the harm? he decides, turning on Avery’s TV and pushing their favourite tape into the VHS player. 

“The effect FernGully has on the new generation is amazing,” you say, wiping your eyes. You’ve changed into pyjama pants Steve’s sure you’ve had since you met him and a tank top with straps falling down your shoulders. He wants to pull them back over the curve of your shoulder, but he’s trying to be less smothering.

He fluffs the pillows behind the girls’ backs. “It’s the boy. What’s his name? Dennis? Daniel?” 

“Neither.” You put a fallen teddy back on the bed and turn on Avery’s star-shaped night light before flicking off the big light above. The TV glows green on their legs. 

“Gonna lie down?” Steve says, gentler now, easing them in. 

Avery flops back. Beth curls in on her side, and it reminds Steve of you and him. He can sleep any which way. You’re slightly more particular, but you’re happier curled on to him. He really loves how close they are as sisters, and he has to give Avery some credit, because while Beth is exceedingly easy to love, she’s a clinger, she worships her big sister, which must get heavy from time to time. 

Avery pulls the blankets up over them before Steve can do it himself. He sighs, tucking them both in. Blankets pushed gently under their sides, hair brushed back from their little faces, he says, “Love you, Ave. Love you, Beth,” kissing their foreheads in swift succession. “I’ll see you in the morning, okay?” 

“Love you, daddy,” they say at the same time. 

You touch his arm gently before leaning in for your own kisses. You’re slower than he’d been, turning their faces in your hand one after the other to place identical kisses on their cheeks. “Love you, sweetheart,” you say to Avery, and, “Love you, baby,” you say to Beth. Steve holds your back as you do. “Have good dreams, okay? And don’t mess with the TV. One movie tonight is enough, you’ll wake up with sore eyes.” 

He steals another kiss from both of them and then you’re closing the door behind you, the house much darker and quieter than it had been only ten minutes previous. 

“You want a glass of water?” Steve says. 

You catch his hand. “I got you one.” 

Neither you nor Steve bother with anything but bed. He draws back the blankets and you climb in, only stopping momentarily to make sure that Wren’s alright in her crib. You curl in the middle of the bed and wait for Steve to force his way beneath you, which he does, your face resting on his shoulder, your leg stretched across his. Your hip is a lump in the blankets. He lets his hand fall atop it, whistling a tired breath through his teeth. 

“Mm,” you agree, stretching out, curling in tighter. 

“I know,” he says. Can’t forget his best girl, can’t not think about how much he loves you when it’s you and him alone. Mostly. “You alright?” 

“Fine. Tireder than I thought.” Your eyes close, lashes brushing his chest. “H?” 

“What?”

“You okay?”

“Fine, honey. Was just asking you,” he mumbles. His pillow feels like a cloud beneath his head, the mattress even better, and the sheets are a brushed cotton that’s amazingly soft on his skin. 

He turns his nose down onto you for a not so secret sniff. 

“Feels too good to be true.” 

“My turn tonight,” he says. 

“No, baby, it’s my turn.” 

“That’s fine.” He’s not as tired as you, or at least not half as achy. If Wren wakes up crying (not definitely going to happen) or Dove has a late night startle (even less likely, though not impossible), he’ll take the burden tonight. “I wanted babies and I got ‘em.”

“I want them too,” you say. 

“Of course you do,” he says, rubbing your forehead with the tip of his nose affectionately. “That’s not what I meant.” 

“Less when they wake me up,” you joke. 

Steve feels up your side to your shoulder for a sleepy cuddle. You don’t realise how soft you can be, how warm you are pressed against him like this, how grateful he is to hold you. Maybe you can read his mind, or maybe as just pure evidence of such a feat, you cup his upper arm in your hand and begin to draw shapes over his skin, breaking the pattern with fleeting scratches. “Are you sure?” 

“Yeah, honey. I’m sure. You go to sleep now, okay? It’s Saturday tomorrow,” he whispers tenderly. “You don’t have anywhere to be.” 

“‘Cept here,” you whisper back. 

“Love you.” A brush of his lips to your eyebrow. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” 

“I love you.”

“I love you,” he says. He swears he’s gonna stay up for a bit and count your eyelashes or something, maybe pen you a love poem, write a note about your lips and how they pout when you’re nearly sleeping, but he forgets to when you press your face into the curve of his neck and kiss it clumsily. You fall asleep at the same time, the girls laughing in whispers just a few feet away behind the wall.  

[lavenderspence]

silly poker night reveals | A.H.

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x fem!reader | Word Count: 1.8K

Content warning: basically just funny, or crack, alcohol mention, gambling addiction mention

Summary: A poker night with the silly crime men gets disrupted when a certain someone decides to prove he's not a psychic.

Characters: Aaron Hotchner, Spencer Reid, Patrick Jane, Richard Castle, Seeley Booth, Harvey Specter

A/N: One day, I just really wanted to write a fic with all my favorite silly crime men and have them be snarky to each other, and that’s what I did. This was literally written for the fun, for the vibes, for the hell of it, and then I just could not, not make it about my husband too. So, even if you’ve only watched one of the shows, give this a read, I think it's fun. enjoy🤭

and thank you to @reidsstargirl for beta reading this 🥺💕

masterlist

“You’re late.” You said after you pulled the door open. A rumpled blond was sitting in front of you - a white dress shirt, a black vest, and a gray suit jacket thrown over his shoulder. 

He flashed you a lazy smile, all teeth, “Yeah, well, when have you known me to be punctual?” He pushed past you, stepping into the apartment, with no care in the world.

His eyes ran around the room, finding it empty of any other presence, “You little minx, you lied to me.” He turned around, eyes running through your body. 

You smiled, eyes sparkling, “Yeah, well, I had to get creative if I wanted you to be on time, Jane. You have just enough time for a power nap, go enjoy the couch.” You threw his words back at him, and then waved a hand around, gusting to the emerald couch. 

You made your way to the kitchen, picking up a half-full glass of champagne. Walking around for a second, you looked at the man on the couch and waited for the 15 minutes until 7:30 to pass, so you could welcome your other guests too. 

You were waiting on Aaron and Spencer - they were coming straight from work, deciding to stay around an extra hour after you to finish up. Harvey was flying in from New York, Castle was driving down, and Jane was already snoring on your couch, and Booth was coming after closing a case. 

You arranged these poker games once every two months, depending on how all your schedules aligned. You’d worked with all of these silly assholes at one point in your life. Sometimes, they needed some time to just goof around and play some games, nothing serious. 

A few other of your colleagues joined occasionally - Rossi and Morgan loved the snark, and Emily was a fan of disturbing the testosterone with you from time to time. But all of them were busy, so it was just you and the usuals tonight. 

12 minutes later, you were welcoming everyone in, and Jane was rousing from his nap, looking even more rumpled than before. 

Spencer and Booth took their usual places in front of the TV, where you’d already queued a baseball game, and left them some snacks. The others each took a place at the table. 

You usually played just one game, so you took your place as the dealer and shuffled the cards. 

The conversation was sparse for a few minutes while you dealt the cards. 

“Why’s Clark Kent not playing?” Rick asked all of a sudden, gusting to Booth with his head. Booth usually joined the gathering every few games, still not entirely comfortable coming every time. His addiction wasn’t something that you’d brought up or were looking to bring up during a night like this. He usually stayed away from the table, engrossed in a game of baseball on tv, or bothering Reid for any useless facts and calling him a squint. 

“Let him be Rick, he needs the night out even if he isn’t playing.” Your answer was vague and it would stay that way as long as Booth wanted to be there and stay away from the game. 

“And the kid?” It was Jane’s voice, and he raised a hand and pointed at Spencer. He was usually sitting the games out too, since the last time you and Hotch had played with him he’d hustled you. 

“Go on, tell him.” You prompted Spencer, as he bookmarked the page he was reading. 

“I’m good at poker.” It wasn’t convincing and it wasn’t the truth. 

You shook your head with a laugh, “Nooo, Jane’s good at poker, Castle is good at poker. What are you good at?” You asked, your eyes meeting Aaron’s for a second. 

“I'm good at counting the cards, and banned from several casinos in Las Vegas, Laughlin, and Pahrump.” Aaron’s lips twitched, a barely there grin appearing for just a second before it disappeared again. 

“Can I borrow him for a poker night with my author buddies? Maybe even Kate? I really need a win.” Castle asked. 

“He’s not winning against Kate, Rick. She will sniff him out before he even sits at the table. Now, Ryan and Esposito, on the other hand, you can easily steal some money from.” You told him as you took a sip from your drink. 

Everyone else was having a drink - whiskey was the preferred drink at your table, Booth was having a beer and Spencer was sticking to water. 

“Anything to drink Jane?” You asked again. 

“Chamomile tea, two sugars please.” 

“You do realize this is a poker game, and not an afternoon tea with Her Majesty, right?” Harvey’s usual snark was making a comeback for the first time tonight. 

“But her Majesty’s sitting right there.” Jane's chin jutted towards Rick. It was no secret that out of every man currently in the room, Rick was probably the most pretentious one, closely followed by Harvey.

“Haha, very funny.”

“I didn't lie, did I? I highly doubt that the Ferrari parked downstairs can be bought on a government salary.” Quipped Jane.

“How do you know it's not Harvey's?”

“Because I'm not a pussy driving a bright red Ferrari around New York City, thank you very much.” Harvey threw a few chips in the center of the table. 

“Well, said Ferrari costs anywhere between 70K and 120K. A Special Agent’s salary is around 135K, and 170K a year for Supervisory Special Agents. So realistically, yeah, we can’t afford it.” Spencer shrugged, turning a page in his book, not even phased by the looks everyone was throwing at him.

“I like this kid, he’s such a squint.” Booth laughed and gave Reid’s shoulder a little pat. Spencer tensed for a second but quickly relaxed again. 

“Dammed it, I overpaid 30K for this one.” Castle scoffed, shaking his head. 

Harvey produced a business card from somewhere and slid it toward Rick. 

“In case you need it. Fair warning though, get on my nerves, and I’m giving you to Louis.”

“Aww he has a heart.” Rick pouted.

“Never repeat that, never.” The brunette warned.

“And a lot of snark.” You smiled, looking around. They all might have serious jobs during the day, but they were all extremely silly when they were off of work.

The game continued on for another 15 minutes, conversion flying by until Booth’s voice rang around you.

“Okay Jane, no offense, but I need to know. What’s your shtick? What made the FBI want to hire you as a consultant?” Seeley asked, turning a sobriety chip in his hand. 

“Ugh, offense.” 

“Oh come on,” Booth waved a hand around, “I’m one of the best sharpshooters out there,” you rolled your eyes and so did Rick, “Hotchner’s an ex-ADA, Y/N’s a weapons expert and a linguist. Reid over here is basically Einstein.” 

“Well, actually, Einstein’s IQ is believed to be somewhere between 160 and 180, and mine’s 187, so technically, I surpass Albert Einstein.” Seeley wasn’t happy being interrupted again, but he let it slide, used to being interrupted by his own team.

“So Jane, what makes you such a special asset to the FBI? You're not still pulling the psychic card, are you?” To anyone, it might seem judgmental, the way he asked, but you knew it was anything but. He was curious, but he also valued his job too much not to ask. 

Jane leaned back in his chair, laying his cards face down and his hands on top of them. He looked on over you, head to toe, and then his eyes focused on your left - to Aaron. 

You saw his eyes shine for a second, and shook your head at him, already knowing what was going to come out of his mouth. 

“There is no such thing as psychics. Just a very good eye for reading people. Like for example, all night Hotchner’s been a broody, quiet bastard, safe for any time Y/N talks. His eyes light up and he relaxes back into his chair.” You watched Aaron’s posture too tight and reached a hand under the table to lay over his leg.

You were glaring daggers in Jane's direction, but once he was on a roll, there was no stopping him. “Earlier, when she put his glass down, his fingers on the hand closest to her body, twitched. His cologne is expensive, freshly applied - he probably has a spear bottle in his office.  He's been checking his watch, waiting for the night to end, so we'd all go home. Not him though, he's staying over.”

He played with the edge of his cards as he watched all eyes turn in your direction. 

“Oh, and the murderous look he's been giving Harvey every time he catches him looking at Y/N a bit too closely. Also, the clenching of the jaw - seriously knock it off, you won't have teeth forever.” Jane warned before he leaned back into his chair, looking just a tad too proud of himself.

The silence was defeating for a few moments, no one dared to utter a word.

“I don't think they wanted that to be shared just yet.” Rick muttered

“No shit.” Aaron's fingers wrapped around your own as he gritted out.

“And I didn't want to be lied to, but alas…” Jane added, flashing you a grin.

“Oh, you petty asshole.” A grin was making its way onto your face and you didn't know why.

“Oh, I'm about to become even more of an asshole - full house.” He threw his card in the middle of the table, close to the chips.

“Awww, you really are an asshole.” Rick leaned back in his chair, defeated and pouting.

“Takes one to know one, Dicky.” He smirked.

“Are you okay with this?” You turned around and asked Aaron quietly, for a moment forgetting the room full of men you’d worked with over the years.

“I'm good, although being profiled wasn't my idea of fun for the night.” He admitted just as quietly, reaching to push your hair away.

“I'm sorry.” He went to close the space between you before you heard the scraping of chairs.

“Okay kiddos, mom and dad need us to empty the apartment. Go on, out the door.” Seeley announced. You rolled your eyes at his bullshit before you started giving goodbye hugs. 

“If Hotchner's the dad, who's the daddy?” Harvey asked jokingly as he pulled you into a hug.

“Ask Louis tomorrow.”

“I didn't need the mental picture, thank you.” He shuddered and walked towards the door with the rest.

“Don't ask dumb questions then.” You called out, before you turned towards the good Doctor, “Oh and Spence? Keep this on the down-low, would you?” You asked, still not exactly ready to share this with your team, even after having the whole thing come out this way.

He smiled sheepishly and scratched at the back of his neck, “Yeah…too late.” and just then both your and Aaron's phones went off. 

There was no question about it, there was a fun morning waiting for you tomorrow. 

Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated!

[hoiststowline]

mercy's shore

ratchet x female!reader

originally posted on my ao3 here!

"What is the point of having your number if you never pick up the fragging phone?" Startled, your hold on the device wavers as you yank it away from your ear, his volume loud and displeased. "I've been trying to contact you all damn morning, where have you been?" 

His grouchiness overlays his concern, but it's not as heavy as it normally is, bearable to a wide extent. "Sorry. I got caught up with something, but I have a free minute. What's up?"

Ratchet sputters, and his engine revs theatrically in the background alerting you that he's driving, likely on the way to your house. "Oh, you can spare me a minute?" That may not have been the best sentence to say, even in your delirious state. "And you got 'caught up with something?' y/n, that is probably the poorest excuse I've ever heard, and trust me, I've heard it all." 

Your nose wrinkles, carefully surveying your options in the next reply you dare provide. It would appear no matter what you said unless it was the plain truth, it would not satisfy the doctor. "I...can I try again?" It comes out eventually, meek and stifled with exhaustion alongside a bout of attempted humor. 

"Can you what?!" Wrong choice slapping you profoundly in the face, the phone moves apart from your ear as he shouts. "Did you hit your head? What the scrap is the matter with you?" 

Sighing, you stand off the couch, hesitantly bringing the phone back to your ear, achy joints expecting his anger to flare once more. "It's been a long day," You start, pausing in case he decides to interject. "I was sleeping when you called, I really am sorry."

"It is only two in the afternoon," It's quieter, but still overmuch alarmed. "And sleeping? This isn't like you. I know your schedule very well, you don't take your 'naps' at this time of day." The fact that Ratchet claims to know your schedule is amusing, but you don't have the energy to tease him for the sentiment. 

"I was-" You move around the furniture, heading into the kitchen for a glass of water. "I was tired, Ratch. I didn't get much sleep last night." Part of you questioned if divulging the medic was the best idea, for he would only insist upon checking you over and monitoring your symptoms if he found any. 

"And why is that? Assignments, or work-related activities?" Unable to remember the last time you felt such fatigue, the only thing you wanted at this very moment was to go back to sleep, alone, in a dark room. "It better not have been to watch garbage on television." 

"That doesn't matter." You start, knowing what comes next. 

"It does." Going to argue back, you spin to the window in the kitchen as the tell-tale sound of a truck coming down the road reaches your ears. "Open the garage, now. I'm outside."

Groaning, the line clicks dead, leaving no option available to defend the idea that you were fine. You could hide, and claim you weren't home, but you know he's seen your car in the driveway already, and he wouldn't leave until he saw you. With dread, you watch the red and white ambulance pull onto the pavement, radiating the vibe that you were really in for it this afternoon. 

"Hi Ratchet," Your palm hits the button that opens the garage door, exasperation filling your tone as he pulls inside. "So kind of you to say you were dropping by."

"Hush up, I've just about had it with your nonsense." He doesn't mean it, because he wouldn't be here if he did. "If you run and lock yourself inside like last time, I will throw something at you." 

The idea had crossed your mind, but you knew it was all in vain, even if you did try such an escape. "Yeah, okay. I'll just remember to wash you with paint stripper next time around." 

"That is not funny." His passenger-side door pops open, impatience showing clear as day. "Get in y/n. And it's not a request." 

Your hand squeezes into a fist, but relents, knowing you were at the end of a losing battle. "Fine. Can I go get my bag, at least?"

As if he was anticipating you to quarrel with him, Ratchet begins his sentence without thinking. "I just said-!" When he processes your words, his voice box spatters, followed by an ex-vent. "Very well. But don't try anything, I'll be waiting." 

You disappear back through the interior garage door, back into your kitchen, and out of Ratchet's line of sight. In his initial investigation, your outward appearance seemed normal, with no obvious signs of trauma or injury. Still, you did have an aura of distress and melancholy, even if you were bickering with him habitually. Ratchet reviews his options, mindful of what he understood was the best solution to your long day, and after a few kliks pass, you return to the garage, bag on your shoulder as you close the door over behind you. 

"Told you I'd be right back," Shuffling around the ambulance, you step up into his cabin, sliding into the seat as the door swings shut. 

"I have validation for my wariness." His center console blinks as he speaks. "If you must sleep, go ahead. I'll be quiet."

"I'm good," Head tilting back, you're met with the soft beige of the headrest, and seatbelt clicking over your waist. "I'm sure you'll give me a run for my money when we get back to the base, so I'll sleep after." 

"You're lucky that I don't understand that idiom, or I'd probably leave you on the side of the road." Another jab he has no intention of following through with. "Are you going to discuss then why you are so exhausted? And don't give me the scrap about how you didn't sleep well. I know that. I want to know what was keeping you up."

The urge to scream at him 'You aren't my doctor' is nearly irresistible. You physically have to bite your lip, staring out the window with declination in your body language, but you have to take a step back to confront the larger picture. Ratchet hardly ever left the base, and it appears this journey was made entirely on your behalf, but the reason you felt so coddled and overwhelmed was because he was demonstrating compassion the only way he knew how. Ratchet was a worrier at heart, and him coming out here because he couldn't get ahold of you made guilt settle in the bottom of your stomach. 

"I know you're not ignoring me, y/n." His voice is flat as the seat nudges your back. "You're on such thin ice, I-"

"I'm sorry." It comes out a bit more warble than you intend, watching as his rearview mirror tilts downwards to look at you. "I was up all night overthinking. My brain was going a hundred miles a minute, I-" Your voice hitches, swallowing down a sob that rises in your throat. "You were only trying to help. I'm sorry." 

Ratchet doesn't reply immediately, but the mirror doesn't move from its position. Eventually, he ex-vents, and you can picture him hanging his helm in a defeated manner, unsure of what he could possibly say to make you feel better. 

"I should have just told you." You say quietly, looking back out the window. "It really has been a long day, but I'm okay now, Ratch. I swear, I would never lie to you."

"I know that." It's insistent, but he cannot get the image of you near tears out of his processor. "I would still like to review your vitals back on base, just to make sure you truly are fine."

A soft smile crawls onto your rosy cheeks, nodding twice. "Sure, if it'll give you better piece of mind."

"You're going to be the death of me yet, y/n." Your window rolls down halfway, enjoying the breeze that hits your face. "Would you rest better at the base, or shall I take you back home after the evaluation?" 

"Are you going to take a nap with me?" You blink, silently begging him to say yes. 

"That wasn't an option." He comes to a stop at a red light. "You have two. Pick one."

"You asked where I would sleep better?" Ratchet knows he shouldn't entertain this, but he dares to answer. 

"Yes. Pick one, or I'll pick for you." He makes the left turn as the light switches green. 

"In your arms," A pout overcomes your face as he barks a laugh, obviously unamused. 

"Forget I asked. I'm taking you back home straight after." The pout melds into a scowl, but you relent, leaning back into his seat as the two of you roll down desert roads. You knew you could do better damage at the base, eyelids drooping as a yawn builds in your mouth. Maybe you would be able to better convince him in person, but for now, you take it with stride as the cool afternoon air swipes across your face. 

[sturniolo04]

hi!! could you make a fic where(no Y/N) and chris has a chronic migraines and nick and matt can only film on his good days and in the middle of a car video he starts having one, then he goes and lays down in his bed, and baths/hot showers calm him down so matt starts a shower for him, maybe some other stuff you can add?

bf!chris x gf!reader

A/n:  ofc! I absolutely love these requests I have coming in, you guys are amazing!! I did add a girlfriend aspect momentarily I hope you love it! And remember to leave requests in my inbox! If you don’t like the pre added name in my works you can simply put in your own or don’t read it, it up to you :)-Charli

dividers: @issysh3ll

it wasnt unusual that Chris would randomly get migraines daily. it had become almost apart of a daily routine at this point and you could always tell when they were beginning to kick in. There was never specific time everyday to expect it, it could be in the morning as soon as he wakes up or even late at night when his is trying to sleep from a long exhausting day.

Nick and Matt knew this was always the case for their brother and that there were very select things they could and couldn't do when he was having one of his migraines. Nevertheless, they always tried to make him comfortable and help him through it when he was in those moments.

So when chris finally started dating Ayla, he didn't really disclose that this was chronic issue and simple labeled it as a headache so she wouldn't be too concerned or worried. she genuinely had no clue how bad they could get because he didn't want her to know how bad they were.

And Today was one of those days were they were extremely bad.

"you okay dude"

matt questions his younger brother as he grew silent in the middle of attempting to film a ar video on a random Wednesday afternoon. Chris simply nodded his head In reply it hurt to much to talk.

"you sure we can stop filming for a little if it bothering you too bad"

nick states placing a loving hand on his shoulder from his designated seat in the back of the car. chris shook his 'no' saying they couldn't finish this video so nick had enough time to edit it before friday.

His head was pounding to the point he could hear it in his ears everything genuinely hurt to the point he completely disassociated from the video and conversation itself. Chris shift his head into the palm of his hand leaning against the car window which caused matt and nick to stop mid conversation noticing the simple actions.

"its starting to really hurt isnt it chris be honest"

matt softly speaks out as chris simple nodded his head 'yes.

"lets stop filming then so you can take a nap or something yeah"

nick states as matt grabs the camera shutting it off.

Chris had finally made it to his room after taking a warm shower that matt made him take to see if that helped. Chris almost couldn't even pull himself to do anything else but put on a fresh love hoodie and pajama pants and climb into bed.

"hey bud here is some water can you drink some to see if that helps a little"

nick states coming into the pitch black room sitting on the bed next to chris' body covered with his covers.

"thanks"

chris groans out softly sitting up and taking a small sip from the glass and setting it back down.

"how is it feeling"

nick geuinely question hoping for a positive answer.

"not good at all i feel heavy everywhere"

chris slowly trails off as nick begins to comfortingly rub his back as he lays back down on the bed.

"and on top of that i feel like I'm going to vomit"

chris states honestly. Nick growing a little more concerned. Chris' migraines were bad but never reach the point of the potential felling of vomiting. ever

"im sorry chriss"

nick pouts out to his younger brother

"matt i dont know its bad"

nick states to him after leaving chris' room and making his way to the front room where he was.

"noo"

matt gasps concerned.

"yeah like he says that he is feeling the intense vomiting feel at this point and that as never happened"

nick huffs out sitting down next to him.

"never well do you think we need to get some medicine or something I dont know"

matt suggests begining to look up the best type for migraines specifically.

"maybe do you think we should call ayla maybe I mean she knows about this right"

nick suggests not sure what else could help.

"i mean she knows but i dont think she knows how bad they get for real because chris didn't want her to know"

matt states finding her contact in his phone.

"lets at least call her and maybe she can pick up some advil or something'

nick sighs out as matt dials her number.

"hello matt"

ayla's voice finally cuts through once she answered.

"hey ayla um nick is here too"

matt states as nick state a soft 'hello'

"okay hey nick whats up"

she begins.

"okay so you know how chris gets 'headaches' randomly"

nick states specifically using that word because that's what chris told her.

"oh no is he having one right now"

she quickly exclaims.

"well yeah he is but its really really bad the thing is though this is normal for him he doesn't just get headaches they are legit chronic migraines"

matt trails off as she grows silent on the other ened

"i didnt know that why wouldnt he tell me"

she asks kind of hurt by this big secret.

"i think he didnt want you to worry about him"

nick huffs out.

"just come over i think he might need you and if you can pick up some advil it might help too"

matt sighs as she lets a quick 'see you soon' before hanging up.

immediately after hanging up matt and nick hear what sounded like a door closing causing them to get up and check on chris becoming concerned.

'hey you okay chris"

matt asked through the closed bathroom door that he and nick were standing in front of. Instead of getting a verbal reply they simply hearing the audible sound of vomit spilling into the toilet.

"oh no he's throwing up"

nick quietly gasps to matt covering his mouth.

"hi"

ayla greets being met with matt and nicks face. She hugged them both.

"i broght advil and some pepsi for later"

she continues slightly chuckling.

"okay good you can actually go up now if you want he ended up throwing up for few minutes just before you got here so"

nick sighs out.

"oh no thats not good"

she states pouting slightly.

"yeah let us know if you or he needs anything"

matt states before she made her way up to his room.

Her heart broke at the sight of her boyfriend hiding under the covers in attempt to escape any sliver of light. Ayla carefully made her way over to the bed to sit next to his laying figure.

"chris"

she quietly whispers award his covered back a couple of loving rubs to slowly get his attention. Chris slowly shifted the covers off of his face, it softening when he is finally met with her loving face.

"hi"

ayla coos as he cracks a soft smile completely grateful she showed up knowing matt and nick probably called her. Chris without saying anything lifted the covers up for her to climb into bed with him, her immediately accepting.

"im so glad youre here it has been a really bad day today"

chris mumble nuzzling his face in her neck bringing her closer to his body in the process.

"im sorry i brought your favorite though-- advil and Pepsi"

she lightly and quietly chuckles.

"my absolute favorite"

chris huffs jokingly tightening his grip on her.

Taglist🗂️

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