#got reminded that i have a dad oc THANKS SMILES

[pluviatrix]

happy father's day from this crotchety old dad to yours <3

[justagirlwholikesadam]

Best Friend's Little Sister

Remus Lupin x Muggle! Evans! Reader

Summary: Lily Evans takes the Marauders to her muggle sister's football game where she is captain of the cheerleading squad.

Warning: The Marauders and Lily not understanding football. Sirius and James want lockers in Hogwarts. SFW, drinking, smoking, OC

A/N: I know nothing of sports or cheering so please be warn if there's a mistake. In HS, I was the one smoking pot under the bleachers lol. please like or comment below. Enjoy - L || Border Credit: @cafekitsune

Word Count: 7.4K

Unlike Petunia, you were proud of Lily. Never making her feel bad for being different. Lily had lost count on how many times you have told her that she is special to be a witch and she should be proud of it. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of letters have been exchanged between Lily and you when she started Hogwarts. You would ask her about her time in Hogwarts, asking her about how her classes were and her friends. Lily did the same, asking you how life is back home and about your wellbeing. Today Lily received a letter and she was so excited to read it since you told her last week about trying out for a new position in the cheer team at your school. Quickly, opening it she had drawn the attention of the boys around her who were talking and laughing about a prank they recently did. James looks over at Lily when she lets out a gasp and covers her mouth. Lily felt James’ place a hand on her back. He asked her if she's alright.

The boys stopped talking and looked at Lily who gave James a bright smile and nodded. “Yes, it’s my sister. She told me she was made captain and is so excited. She wanted me to go to the last game of the term. She wrote here that I can invite you guys. If you are up for it.”

Lily gave James a picture you had sent along with the letter. Sirius and Peter quickly went over to James and looked over his shoulders. Sirius let out a whistle while Peter's eyes grew wide. The photo was a regular muggle photo of you.

“Evans, where have you been hiding this lovely girl!?” Lily rolled her eyes at Sirius then took the photo from James.

“Don't even think about it!” Lily said before handling it to Remus who remained in his seat in front of Lily.

He grabbed the photo and noticed why Sirius whistled. Remus had met you before, Lily had introduced you to him. He always visited Lily whenever they were on break. Remus knew you were very different from Lily’s older sister. Petunia always gave him a harsh look and would shut the door on his face whenever he came over.

“Don’t be a daft cow.” He hears you behind the door before opening it.

“Rem Rem.” You shouted as you hugged him. Remus always smiles at the nickname and hugs you back.

“She’s captain of what?” Peter asked walking back to his seat to continue on with his breakfast.

“She’s captain of the cheerleading team at her school. She has been wanting that spot for so long.” Lily said with a proud smile.

Remus continued to stare at the photo. His eyes looking at every detail, oh how he wished the photo could move. You had a red and gold uniform with black lining on the hem. Your hair was in a ponytail and he saw the glitter around your eyes, making them pop out even more. You looked beautiful, he says to himself. You had two big red pom-poms in each hand. The smile on your face was big and it reminded him of the smiles you always gave him.

“That’s exciting.” James commented as Lily took out the tickets from the envelope.

“If you guys are up for it.” Lily said, waving the tickets in her hands. Sirius and James looked at each other with a grin, any chance they got to see the muggle world, they took it. Peter nodded before letting them know he would have to ask his parents first.

“Moony?” Sirius said, placing an arm over his friend’s shoulder. Remus looks away from the picture and nods at Lily.

The Marauders stood in front of the school as Lily thanked her dad for giving them a ride.

“It’s a bit small.” Peter commented. “Well, it’s not a castle.” Sirius said, looking at the school. They jumped when a group of guys came walking beside them. James’ eyes widened when he saw they were shirtless with red and gold paint over their chest including their faces.

“Are we safe here?” Peter asked them and Lily came behind them. “Of course, it’s a high school football game.”

“Think of how fans are for quidditch. They are the same for football.” Remus told Peter and gave him a pat on his shoulder.

“What’s football?” Sirius asked, putting his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket. Lily glanced over at Remus who shrugged his shoulders.

“Like quidditch but running.” Lily said not really knowing how to explain it better. Walking up to the front of the school Lily soon realized she didn't know where she was going. She hasn't been to a public school in years.

“Are you Lily?” The Marauders looked over at a tall boy with blonde hair and he wore a red and gold cheer uniform just like the one you wore in the picture.

“Who’s asking?” James said, stepping in front of Lily. James puffed his chest out trying to intimidate the boy who was taller than him. Lily rolled her eyes at James and pushed him behind her before greeting the boy. The boy gave them a smile and shook her hand, ignoring the small dramatic gasp from James and Sirius.

“I’m Chris, I'm in the squad. Your sister wanted to make sure you guys won’t get lost. Follow me.” Chris told them as he opened the front door of the school for them. He explained to them, it's easier to go this way so they wouldn't have to wait in line. Remus thanked him as Peter and Sirius looked at Chris with a shady look but soon it went away when they noticed the inside of the school. As they walked they looked inside the classrooms and looked at the papers stapled in the bulletin board.

“Wow.” Sirius said as they walked down the hallway.

“James! Sirius!” Lily called out when she noticed they were not following her. Remus looked over his shoulder and frowned when he saw James and Sirius in front of a wall of lockers.

“What's this contraception?” Sirius said, knocking on the red locker. James twisted the lock and pointed at the numbers.

“It’s a locker.” Remus told them and Peter walked over to look at it. James and Sirius look over at Remus with a curious look. “What is it for?”

Remus fought the urge to laugh. James, Sirius and Peter were pureblood, they had no idea what this was. Pushing James and Sirius back to follow Lily, he answered them. “It’s where students put their coats, books and bags while they attend classes. They use the lock to put their code to open it and lock it so nobody steals their belongings.”

“We should ask Dumbledore for lockers!” Sirius said with a nod thinking how cool it will be to have one. He always forgets his books in his room.

“Where do you guys go to school, again?” They froze when Chris asked them. Lily looks over at them with a stern face before dropping it to answer Chris.

“I’m sure, my sister told you. We go to a boarding school.” Lily said. Remus nods at the tall boy.

“We have dorms so we don't use lockers.” He added convincing Chris who looked over at Peter who was twisting the lock of a nearby locker.

“She probably did.” Chris said, shaking his head. “You guys want to see mine?” Chris asked, pointing over his shoulder at the lockers.

“Yes!” James and Sirius shouted and quickly followed Chris with Peter behind them. After 10 minutes of Chris showing them how to open a locker, they finally made it to the football field after providing the tickets to Chris. Remus stayed in the back making sure all the guys were following Lily. The stands were filled with people and students already. Chris waved bye at them and told them he’ll let you know they are here.

“It’s like a quidditch field.” James said as he looked around excited. Remus sat next to Lily as James sat on the other side with Peter. Sirius sat next to Remus in the middle of the stand getting a good view at the field.

“I haven't seen her in so long.” Lily said as she got comfortable on the metal bleachers. “Has your older sister seen her cheer before?” James asked and Lily shook her. “Petunia says cheering is for sluts.”

“I swear, Evans, your older sister hates everything.” Peter said, making her nod.

“She does but at least Y/n doesn't hate me.” Lily said with a soft tone as she stared at the field. Remus hooks Lily’s arm around with his and James snuggles close to her grabbing a hold of her hand. They knew about Lily's family and how her oldest sister always made her out to be a freak. The Marauders were happy she had you for a sister.

The game started and The Marauders jumped at the sound of the horn playing through the intercom. The people around them stood up and shouted, waving and pumping their arms in the air.

“They look so huge.” Peter shouted as the football team came running out of the field pumping their arms in the air, exciting the crowd even more.

“Oh my! She’s there.” Lily shouted standing up as the crowd hollered at the sight of cheerleaders running out. Remus stood up as well and watched a few girls do a flip as they ran in front of the bleachers.

Sirius smirks to see his tall lanky friend staring at the cheerleaders knowing who he was trying to find. Remus told Sirius on their way to Lily’s town after they left Hogwarts for break. Sirius found Remus shaving his face in the bathroom of the train.

“Oi! Who are you trying to impress, mate?” Sirius asked as he went inside the bathroom and shut the door. Sirius couldn't help but laugh at Remus who was trying to come up with a lie. Remus couldn't lie to Sirius for shit. That’s when Remus told Sirius he had a crush on you and wanted to look good for you.

“Is this why you never go out with the girls at school? And is this why, every time Lily gets a letter you get so happy when you find out it’s from her? Have you tried anything with her yet?” Remus turns red in the face and looks away from his friend. He gets nervous and Sirius can see his hand holding the razor shakes.

Sirius lets out a sigh when Remus didn’t say anything. He tells Remus to sit his ass down on the toilet seat so he can help him shave. Pushing his legs apart, Sirius gets to work and shaves the other side of Remus’ face.

“I’m just gonna say this once mate because you’re my best friend and I love you so much but you can be thick sometimes.” Remus tenses up as Sirius wipes the excess shaving cream off his cheekbone with a paper towel.

Sirius continues, “You should tell her how you feel. I’m hoping you’re not letting Moony get in between her and you because I’m pretty sure she will understand just like Lily did and if her sister is anything like her, she would love you and Moony just like we do."

“She is like Lily. Kind and smart. Dare I say more beautiful than her.” Remus said without a second thought to Sirius.

“Don’t say that in front of James.” Sirius warned jokily before heading back to his seat.

Sirius grabbed Remus by the hand when he noticed everyone sat down when the cheerleaders started to get in their position in front of the bleachers. Remus was pulled down forcibly and was about to snap at Sirius when he leaned against him and pointed ahead. Remus followed his hand and saw you walking in the front of the group. Remus hears Lily squeal beside him at the sight of you. His cheeks grew pink at the sight of you. You had a red skirt showing your legs off, Remus felt his mouth go dry at the sight of your bare thighs and legs. The sleeveless top you had on had the school logo printed on it and you wore a red long sleeve shirt it. It was tight and short showing just a bit of the skin of your stomach. Your hair is in a ponytail tied in a red scrunchie.

“I think I'm in love.” Peter said as the cheerleaders started to dance, his eyes stared at a blonde who stood next to you. James laughed, bumping his shoulder at his friend as they watched the show.

Remus saw you raising your hands in the air above your head and shouting the school name before clapping three times. It wasn't the sound of the music playing or the people around him cheering that had him mesmerized but it was the way you move your hips along with the rest of the girls to the beat of the song.

“LETS GO BABY!!” Remus hears a guy scream from the top of the bleacher as they continue to cheer.

Remus watched as Chris came behind you as the girls walked towards the rest of the guys. You came in front of Chris and he turned you around and lifted you in the air. The crowd went wild as the rest of the girls did the same. They began to clap when you turned to the side and grab your leg with both hands pulling the foot behind your head holding the position all while Chris held you up in the air. Remus grew worry when he saw you were going to come down but Chris caught you with ease, it was part of the show.

“How did they do that without magic?” Sirius asked, looking at Lily when the game began to start. Remus was too busy looking at you to listen to Lily's answer. He noticed you were talking and laughing with the team as the players started the game. Peter and James were watching in awe as the players tackled the other team pushing them to the ground with a harsh force. Lily and Remus were looking at the players running back and forth not understanding anything, they wince when one of the players tackled one while holding the ball. Half way through the game Sirius had his head against Remus’ shoulder as he took a nap with a half empty bucket of popcorn on his lap, he begged Lily to buy it for him since they don’t accept galleons.

The horn rang out loud again making Sirius yelp as he woke up spilling his popcorn on the floor.

“Did she win?” He asked in a sleepy tone to Remus, making him chuckle. “She is not the one playing, Padfoot.” James answered as the game went into halftime.

“Who’s winning?” Lily looked at the giant screen showing the count. “This school is.”

“Yay! It means she is winning.” Sirius said, picking up the bucket from the ground with Remus’ help. James and Peter were dancing around when a catchy song started to play through the intercom. Remus watched ahead at you as the girls started to shout out phrases making the crowd cheer.

“LET’S GO! LET’S GO! WE ARE THE BEST! WE CAN'T BE BEAT!”

Remus saw your eyes widen when you saw Lily. You waved at her as you continued to shout. Lily let out a squeal as she waved back at you. You were doing the usual routine, clapping your hands and turning around to shake your hips when you saw your sister. Your heart grew at the sight of your sister, she came to see you. You missed her so much. Looking to her left, your mouth dropped when you saw him. It was Remus Lupin, your sister’s best friend who you had a crush on since you were little. Quickly closing your mouth you continued with the routine but didn’t look away from him. Remus gave you a smile and you gave him one as well. You met Remus when Lily got back home after her first year in Hogwarts. He was tall for his age and nervous. He had scars on his face and you noticed he had it on his arms as well. You didn't ask him about it, you just told him if he wanted to play in the backyard. As the years passed the three of you would play around and walk around town. He always came to visit every year. Remus has always been kind and treated you respectfully. Giving you his cozy sweater or cardigan whenever you were cold or he would grab something from the top shelf for you when you couldn’t. He would let you grab a hold of his arm when walking around town knowing he walked faster since he had long legs.

You didn't know when the feelings for Remus began. You think you always liked him and the moment you realize when you really did was when Remus noticed one of your shoes had become untied while taking him to the bookstore as Lily stayed home with her parents helping them get started with dinner. He told you to lean against the nearest building and you obey. He knelt down in front of you on one leg and helped you place your foot on his knee. You couldn't help but tense up when you felt his hand on your leg. His long fingers work on your shoe laces; he looks up at you when he's done. He gives you a smile making your cheeks flare up.

“Thanks Rem Rem.” You said removing your foot from his knee. Remus doesn't move from his spot when you get closer to him. He’s too busy looking at you to notice your hand coming up to his face. He feels your fingers run through his sandy curls, something you were dying to do when he began to grow his hair out.

Before both of you could say anything, someone had cleared their throat and stood in front of them. “Excuse me.”

The older woman with a cart passed by , walking down the side walk ignoring Remus and your apologies.

That was two summers ago. You couldn't see Remus' last break since you went to cheer camp. You had written to Lily asking about him and how he was doing. You wanted to write to him. You really did but you were nervous he wouldn’t reply back. You wonder if he had a girlfriend. You didn't ask Lily about it, you were far too embarrassed. You didn't think he would ever want to be with a “Muggle.” Lily told you the term when she told you about Hogwarts and her magic. You continued to hold your stare at Remus. You couldn't look away, he looked so handsome. Lily notices your smile and your blushing face, she looks over at Remus who had a smile on his face.

“You were so eye fucking him.” One of your friends said after the routine was done and the football players started to head back to the field.

“No, I wasn’t.” You said turning around looking seriously at the field. The rest of the girls giggled before one spoke. “He got a lot of scars on his face.”

“He was in an accident.” You lied to them before looking over at your shoulder at your sister and her friends. You have only met Remus but you've heard of the rest and known their names. Your sister had told you about Remus and his wolf problem. You didn't believe it at first but you knew Lily wasn’t the type to make shit up. You were okay with it, Remus never changed, he was still the nice guy you knew and you came to term that the guy you liked became a werewolf once in a full moon. You were glad, Remus had his friends helping him during those times. You never told Remus you knew, not even that day when he so kindly knelt down to tie your shoe or when he gifted you a book.

“The guy next to him with long dark hair is pretty cute.” You just smiled at the girls gushed at your sister's friend. Lily and the Marauders stood by the parking lot of the school waiting for you to come out. James noticed how nervous Lily was as she kept looking for you over the mass of people.

“She’ll be here, dear.” James said, rubbing Lily’s back as they waited for you.

“Yeah, Lils.” Sirius said getting near her. He looks over at Remus who was looking for you as well.

“Oi! There she is.” Peter shouted out and pointed at the exit of the school. Remus watched as you walked out with a duffel bag, hanging on your shoulder as you spoke with someone. Remus smile dropped when he saw it was one of the football players. He wore a jersey with the number 6 and had his own bag over his broad shoulder. Remus can't help but notice how the player looked. The guy was taller then him, had muscles and another thing that made Remus' heart sink was the guy had no scars on his face.

He wouldn't be surprised to find out that he was your boyfriend. Cheerleaders go out with football players, that's the normal thing, Remus thought.

Lily yells your name as she waved her hands in the air. Remus saw you quickly look at them and placed a hand on the guy’s arm before running towards Lily. Remus couldn't help but smile as you threw your bag at the ground and hugged Lily. Shoving his hands in the pocket of his cardigan, he looks over at the sisters embracing each other.

“I missed you so much.” You cried in Lily’s neck. “Me too.” Lily said, pulling away to kiss your cheek.

“I brought the boys.” Lily said, looking over at her shoulder. Remus saw you smile bright at the sight of him.

“REM REM.” You called out, speed walking to Remus. Sirius and James shared a look when you wrapped your arms around Remus’ body. Remus did the same hugging you by the shoulders with both arms. Remus couldn't help but run his fingers through your hair as you looked up at him. You had taken the scrunchie out, he noticed you wore it on your wrist.

You gave Sirius and Peter a hug, greeting them. Lily introduced you to James and you immediately frowned.

“Should I kick your ass now or later?” James' mouth dropped out and was about to say something when Lily and you started to burst out in laughter.

“She told me you were a little shit.” Sirius and Peter laughed.

“How can you say that about me, Lils?” James said with a gasp not understanding it was a joke. You knew about James Potter and knew your sister liked him before she even realized it herself. You have read pages of Lily, telling you about James Potter. She wrote how ridiculous and rude he was but at the end of the letters Lily always wrote that James' hair looked cute.

“She was joking, dear.” You nodded at him as Lily gave him a kiss on his cheek.

“That's right. I'm just joking. She said far worse things.” You said making Lily shout your name. “I’m joking.” You told him before looking over at Sirius, Peter and Remus shaking your head making them laugh.

“My brother in law isn’t a little shit.” You said as you hugged James who grew red like Lily’s hair when you called him brother in law.

“Keep messing with him, Y/n. He’ll turn you into a toad.” Lily said, making you gasp then looked at James.

“Can you really do that?! Can you make me into a tiger instead?” You asked frantically as you looked at James who laughed at your enthusiasm.

“Oh my god, can you turn this guy’s hair red for me?” You asked James. “Remember, we have rules. We can’t use magic outside of the school grounds.” You sighed at her.

“That’s so dumb.” You said as Sirius walked towards you. He placed an arm over your shoulder and agreed with you.

“Wait for next year. We got you. What color tiger do you want to be?” Sirius asked, wiggling his eyebrows at you. Remus watched as you smiled at Sirius before tapping your chin as you thought of an answer. You were about to answer when he heard your name being called out.

Remus watched as the same football player came running towards you. Sirius noticed Remus’ face and tugged you closer to him. He wasn’t going to let some beefy guy with a helmet who runs over people for fun get a hold of his best friend’s girl.

“Lincoln is throwing a house party to celebrate our win. Are you coming?” You looked over at Lily and looked back at him.

“Can my sisters and her friends come too?” He quickly nodded as a green jeep drove up by them.

“Yo! Evans! Are you coming to the party?!” The driver asks you. “Yeah! She is going to bring some people.” The football player told the driver.

“You guys want to come?” You turned to them. James looks over at Lily.

“You haven’t been to a house party before, Lily. This can be a good experience for you.” Peter and Sirius agreed while James waited for Lily to answer.

“Rem Rem?” You asked as you walked towards Remus.

“I guess we can stop by for a few hours.” Remus said as you grabbed a hold of his hand. Remus looks over at Lily and tilts his head at her.

“Let's go.” You let out a squeal and kiss her cheek. “Mike, can we hitch a ride with you?” You asked the driver.

“Sure thing, love. Seb, I’ll follow you.” Mike said, looking out the window at the football player.

“Alright, I’ll be back.” Seb said as Mike parked his car in front of them.

“What about dad?” Lily asked as James and Peter got inside the car. Sirius grabs your bag from the ground, throwing it in the back of the car.

“Don’t worry. I’ll call dad when we are there.” Sirius helped Lily up in the jeep car.

“One of you guys can come in the front.” Mike said as he waiting for them to get in. Sirius looks at Remus and you, both of you are still holding hands.

“Moony! Go to the back with Little Evans.” Sirius said as he walked to the passenger seat. Mike looks at Sirius who sat beside him and shut the door.

“Moony?” Mike asked as he looked over at Sirius who sat down and shut the car door. “It’s just a nickname. Name is Sirius but you can call me, Padfoot.” Sirius said as Lily told him to put on his seatbelt but Sirius was too in enthrall looking at Mike to even listen to her.

“Nice to meet you, Padfoot. I’m Mike.” Sirius leaned back in his seat when Mike got close to him. Sirius blushes when Mike got close to him. Mike had short black hair showing his pierced ears and his eyes were light brown.

“Seat belts are important.” Mike said in a soft tone as he grabbed it for Sirius. Mike gives him a smile when he clicks it, making sure it was correctly in place and leans back in his seat.

“Rem Rem, would you mind if I sit on your lap?” Remus looks over to see Lily sitting on James lap as Peter sat in the middle.

When Remus didn’t answer, you whispered to him. “It’s alright, if you mind. I can catch a ride with someone else.”

Remus still didn’t answer and with a heavy heart you were about to shut the door when he grabbed a hold of your arm.

“Yes, you can sit down. Please do.” James snorts a laugh behind Lily’s hair as Remus practically tugs you inside the car. Remus shuts the door as you settle down in his lab. He spreads his legs to make room for your legs. Remus can smell the light scent of your body spray, he’s so close to you. The car started to move and there was a bump in the road. You were about to fall forward when he wrapped his arms around your stomach, pulling you to his chest.

“You okay?” Remus asked behind you. Your cheeks grew hot when you felt his breath behind your ear.

“Yeah.” You whispered as you grabbed his arm. Your fingers began to play with the fabric of his cardigan. He feels so warm behind you. So comfortable, you feel the roughness of his jeans against your bare legs. You hear Lily and James talking to Mike about their “boarding school.”

Remus was thinking hard as he shut his eyes. He thought of vomit, James vomiting, Peter vomiting, Sirius vomiting on Peter and James. He thought of it as he felt your ass against his crotch.

“Gross thoughts. Gross thoughts.” He tells himself.

He felt you lean back and look at him. “I did miss you, Remus.” You whispered as the window of the car rolled down.

Remus looks at you and holds you close as Mike makes a left.

“I missed you too.” Remus admits. He always waited for Lily to receive your letter so he could find out how you were. He was devastated when Lily told him you were going to cheer camp last summer. He didn’t see you that summer and he felt bad for lying to Lily whenever she asked him why he had a long face.

“You know maybe next time, I can write-.” Peter's wow cuts them off when Mike parked in front of a large house.

Remus stood behind you as everyone made their way into the house. Sirius and Peter stood close as they walked inside looking at the other students on the couch, or dancing in the living room. Some where in the corner smoking while others were in the back yard playing something Remus told them was called Beer Pong.

“Holy shit! If it isn’t the captain in the flesh.” A girl came at you, hugging you. She was a bit taller and wore the same cheerleading uniform as you.

“When Seb told me you were coming. I couldn’t believe it. He went out to get more beer for you.” You tsk at her before shaking her head.

“Christina, he didn’t have too. I’m not planning on drinking. I just wanted to show my sister and her friends who just came to visit me the party.” You said looking over Lily and the guys. Peter's eyes were wide as he saw it was the blonde he was fawning over earlier. Peter thought he was going to have a stroke when the blonde introduced herself to everyone and gave each of them a kiss on the cheek.

“Please tell your sister to relax.” Christina said, looking over at Lily.

“She never comes to our house party. Our captain is a good girl but finally she is at her first party. She needs to have a drink.”

“Peter, why don’t you help her get some drinks for us.” Peter looks over at you with a face. You gave him a wink and signaled your head to Christina. It was painfully obvious that he liked her.

“Oh yes, come with me.” Christina said, holding out her hand for Peter. Everyone smiled as Peter without a single thought, grabbed a hold of her hand and let Christina drag him to the kitchen.

“She’s harmless. I swear.” You said looking over at the kitchen again.

“Is it true then?” Sirius asked with a smirk. “You’re a good girl? You never drink?”

“Of course, she is. She’s just like me.” Lily said, walking over to you making you chuckle.

You tried your best to not look Remus. A bit embarrassed that your friends had outed you and told your sister and her friends that you were a prude and a good girl who doesn’t do anything bad.

“Yo!” Remus watched the same football player you were talking come behind you.

“Christina said you’re drinking.” Lily's eyes widened at the sight of the football player towering over them. He had a case of beer over his shoulder, showing his muscles.

“Only one, Seb. By the way, this is my sister and these are her friends.” Remus felt like he needed to drink something before lashing out when he saw Seb placing a hand on your shoulder after handing them the cans of beer.

“I want you guys to meet my boyfriend. BABY!” Remus looks up from his beer at the guy. Wait boyfriend, Remus and Sirius glance at each other as Chris from earlier comes towards them with a smile.

James saw Chris come over and give a kiss to Chris before looking over at them. “You met my boyfriend, Seb.”

Remus chuckles to himself. Seb wasn't your boyfriend. Remus liked how you interacted with them. He liked seeing you smiling and talking. He didn’t know you were quite popular. He felt childish whenever he got a little bit jealous when a guy came over to talk to you. He couldn’t help it though you were so beautiful. Of course, guys are going to come up to you. He was glad that you didn’t leave them to talk to someone else. You had introduced them to practically everyone.

Lily and James were dancing while Peter and Christina were in the kitchen, getting their seventh drink of the night. Remus can’t help but smirk when he sees Sirius and Mike leaning close together against the wall. Sirius was showing Mike, his silver rings on his fingers. Remus looks away when he sees you walking back to him with two more beers. He made room for you on the couch and thanked you when you handed him one.

“Are you having a good time?” Remus looks over at you. Your cheeks were a bit flushed and your eyes were glossy, you had more than one beer. You had a smile on your face as you played with the tab of the can. Remus bumps his knee with yours.

“I am. You?” You nod at him as he takes a sip. Remus notices as a couple walking in front of you and sat across from him and you. The girl recognized you as well as the guy she was with. The girl had bright red hair while the guy had his hair neon green. The couple were from your art class, you told him. You were talking with them when you accidently placed your hand on top of his. Remus blushed when you grabbed a hold of his hand as you laughed at them.

"Did you hear them?" Remus smiles and nods at you. He haven't heard a thing, he was freaking out on inside that you were holding his hand. He didn’t let go, he didn’t want you to let go

“To be honest, I’m surprised you’re here. You’re usually reading or in the library. Always reading that weird brown book.” Remus looks up at the girl's words.

“What?” He asked and looked over at you who was blushing really hard.

“She always has this brown book. A fairytale about these four people. They are witches or something.” She said before looking over at her boyfriend.

“Yeah, what is it again? Dude is a lion and one is a snake.” Remus frowns as they continue to speak. “You looked inside of it?” Remus felt you sit up straight.

“Only for a second, we just wanted to know what it was. You're always reading it.”

“Oh shit! I remember! They were wizards and they made this school or something.” Remus' heart dropped when she said that.

You still had the book he gifted you a while back. It was a gift he had given you for your birthday. He remembered he had bought it in Hogsmeade and wrapped it in a paper bag. He remembers the face you make when he sat beside you as you open the book. It was filled with colorful photos and all information about Hogwarts and the four founding members. You had given him a kiss on the cheek when you turned a page and saw the photos were moving.

“They have an orgy at the end?” The guy asks you with a laugh and Remus notices the awkward look on your face.

“They all die.” Remus answered a bit harshly.

“I’m going out for some air.” You said quickly getting up from the couch, letting go of his hand and walking out the back door.

You didn’t realize Remus was following you. He excuses himself to your friends and follows you. He placed his beer on the kitchen counter as he went through the back door where you went. Making your way further to the backyard, you threw your beer on the ground. You sighed to yourself, you felt embarrassed and worry. You were sure that Remus was angry at you for letting someone look in the book that he had gifted you. It would be best if no one got a hold of it, he had told you and made you promise to never show it to anyone. That book was the only thing from Remus and you had carried it everywhere with you. You had read countless times front to back. You read all the stories about the houses and the professors in it. You had daydreamed about going to Hogwarts to see your sister and Remus.

Remus calls your name out when he sees you leaning against a tree. Looking over your shoulder, he saw you were going to cry. He quickly goes to you.

“What’s wrong?” He asked as he wrapped an arm around you.

“I’m sorry. They saw the book. I know I promise you no one would look at it. Please don’t be mad at me.” Remus shakes his head as he drops his arm around you.

“It’s okay. I’m not mad at you.” You look up at a Remus with tears welled up in your eyes. Remus quickly wipe the single tear that managed to escape your eye.

“You kept the book.” Remus said as his hand cupped your cheek then slowly dropped down at your neck. His fingers touched the neckline of your uniform. You lean against him before looking down at the ground all shy.

“Of course, you gave it to me as a gift. I love it.” You didn’t say anything else when Remus brought his hand under your chin.

“It’s been years and you still read it?” You nod at him when he made you look up at him.

“Why?” He asked, looking down at your face.

“It reminds me of Lily.” Remus was going to pull away at your answer. Perhaps he thought wrong, he thinks to himself. Maybe you didn’t feel anything for him.

“I think of you too, Remus.” He comes to a halt. "I imagine what it would be like to go to school with you."

"I imagine that too." Remus admitted. "I would walk you to your classes. I'll take you to the Black Lake and to the Astronomy Tower. Then at the weekends, I'll take you out to Hogsmeade."

"I would have love that." You tell him. "Lily told me that the Astronomy Tower is usually where people go to.." You don't finish your sentence, there was no need because Remus knew. People go up there when feeling frisky.

He chuckles and rub the back of his neck avoid eye contact with you. You knew it was now or never when Remus began to stutter, trying to come up with something.

“I want to tell you something. It might seem dumb to you because I'm your best friend's little sister. I like you and before you say anything. I’m sure there are pretty witches at your school and you might have someone already but I like you, Remus. I like you a lot.” Remus felt you about to back away when he didn’t say anything.

He quickly leans down to kiss your lips, give you a peck. Sirius’ words echoed in his mind about telling you the truth.

“Remus..” You said his name softly.

“I like you too.” Remus shyly said as he pulled you into his chest.

“I like you so much that I don’t even look at the witches in school. I don’t care that you’re a muggle.” Remus said easing your insecurities.

When it was time to leave, Remus didn’t want to go. There was one last week until starting a new school year. He had begged his parents to let him stay for a few more weeks after the house party. Your relationship with him blossomed after that night. When he stayed over at the Evans, he slept on the couch. Every night he stayed, he waited up for you to quietly go down the stairs. He would bite his bottom lip to not make a noise when you straddle him to kiss him. Making out until dawn and talking in hushed whispers about his interests and yours, talking about books and movies.

When it was time to go, Lily’s father was nice enough to take me to the train station. Remus and you were behind the house away from everyone, he towered over you as he kissed you.

“Write to me. Promise me you’ll write to me.” He begs as he nuzzles into your neck.

“I will. I promise it. Once a week.” Remus shakes his head. “Everyday.” You looked at him with wide eyes and repeated it in a shocking tone.

“Your owl will get tired.” Remus shakes his head once more.

“I’ll give him treats and feed him more.” Remus said with a smile before sighing.

“I’m going to miss you.” Remus told you sadly.

“One more year and you’re out.” You whispered to him as you kissed him. You pulled away at the sound of Lily calling for him and you.

Remus wants to tell you about Moony. He really did it every time he was going to bring it out, something or someone will get in the way. He was sure that you were going to break up with him once you found out. It was crazy enough that he was a wizard but he’s a werewolf as well. Remus was deep in thought as he gave Mr. Evans his luggage so he could put it in the trunk of his car.

“Bye, Moony!” Remus' head shot up and saw you waving at him by the front door. Lily comes out behind you and waves bye at Remus.

It was a week back in school and Remus was eating breakfast when the mail started to fly in. One by one owls came flying though and dropped letters and mail to the students. Remus knew you wouldn’t write back. You knew his nickname. Moony, he was pretty sure you were smart enough to figure it out. He didn’t mention it to Lily about it. Afraid to ruin his friendship with her but he told Sirius it.

“Oh! Moony!” Sirius shouted as he watched the white envelope slowly falling down in front of Remus.

Remus looks up from his plate and stands up, reaching to grab the letter. Sirius looks over as Remus quickly opens it. Sirius can’t help but smile at the sight of his best mate looking happy as he read the letter from you.

"She knows." Remus said looking at Sirius. "And?" Sirius asked worry as Remus went back to read the letter.

"If you think being one will make me like you less. You are wrong, Remus Lupin." They shared a smile and Remus pulls out a red scrunchie from inside the envelope. Remus pulls his sleeves up so he can put it around his wrist.

Sirius turns back to his plate and raises a brow when he notices a letter next to him. Opening it up, he can’t fight the urge to smile wide when he sees it was from Mike.

[cheriecelestial]

Ocean Eyes Pt.I

disclaimer *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ mild angst(?), not proofread

pairing *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ Percy Jackson x Gojo fem!OC

synopsis *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ In which, fate leads an aspiring jujutsu sorcercer to discover her destiny as a half god in a camp for demigods.

a/n *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ Revamping an old series on a whim. And as my previous a/n read “based on this one dream i had and also cuz pjo was my first comfort series and jjk is my current one (only s1)” And as always

Comment, Like and Reblog ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა

Pt.II

Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood.

If you're reading this because you think you might be one, my advice is: close this book right now. Believe whatever lie your mom or dad told you about your birth and try to lead a normal life. Being a half-blood is dangerous. It's scary. Most of the time, it gets you killed in painful, nasty ways.

If you're a normal kid, reading this because you think it's fiction, great. Read on. I envy you for being able to believe that none of this ever happened. But if you recognize yourself in these pages - if you feel something stirring inside - stop reading immediately. You might be one of us. And once you know that it's only a matter of time before they sense it too, and they'll come for you.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

My name is Gojo Kanao—or Kanao Gojo, following Western naming conventions. I’m fourteen years old and raised in Tokyo, Japan. As the youngest member of the Gojo clan, niece of Gojo Satoru, and an aspiring sorcerer, my life was unfolding just as it should. Days were spent training and studying jujutsu, while nights were dedicated to assisting on missions—though only under supervision, since my uncle deemed me too young to go on missions alone but too old to remain entirely inexperienced with curses.

Everything was going smoothly until three weeks ago when my uncle received a call from an “old family friend”. Before I knew it, I was packing my bags to enroll in a so-called “summer camp” for “kids like me.” The irony of that statement isn’t lost on me—because aside from my uncle, I’m pretty much one of a kind. It’s not like every other generation produces a Six Eyes user blessed with Limitless. My existence is what many call an “anomaly in the world's power balance,” sparking endless debates among the higher-ups. Not that it bothers me anymore—especially since Uncle Satoru has no qualms about threatening to obliterate anyone who so much as looks at me the wrong way.

He took me in after my father passed away when I was four, and he was just eighteen. With my father gone, the Gojo clan was essentially reduced to just my uncle and me, as little was known about my birth mother. In fact, the first time my uncle even learned that he had both a sister-in-law and a niece—thanks to his absentee older brother—was when the so-called family friend showed up at the Gojo Clan’s doorstep, dragging along a drooling four-year-old with white pigtails.

As shocking as it must have been to suddenly become a single parent, my uncle—or as I call him, Satoru nii-san—adapted to the role with surprising ease. His reasoning? “The baby looks like a mini-me, and I vibe with that.” And, of course, in typical Satoru fashion, he never missed a chance to remind me and my also-adopted siblings, Megumi and Tsumiki Fushiguro, that “having you kids just adds to my dilf appeal.” This was inevitably followed by Megumi deadpanning, Tsumiki offering an awkward smile, and me audibly gagging. Needless to say, he’s nowhere near as beloved—or as tolerable—as he seems to think he is.

“How could you do this to me?” I mumbled, my eyes following the blurred silhouettes of trees rushing past the car window. The only response I got was a string of barely audible curses— pathetic, really.

After countless fights, screaming matches, tears, scratches, and even a few failed escape attempts, I had ultimately been forced to attend this so-called camp. My uncle’s whimsical descriptions—strawberry fields, flying horses, Greek gods, and half-goat people—were enough for Megumi to call absolute bullshit. But as much as I hated to admit it, I knew it was real. After all, it was where I had spent the first four years of my life.

“Nyao-chan, this is the 30th time you’ve said that in the past fifteen hours of flight time. Do better.”

I didn’t even need to look—I could feel nii-san rolling his eyes from the front seat.

“Toru-nii, don’t call me that,” I hissed, turning away with a dramatic hmph, hoping—just maybe—that a shred of guilt would creep into his conscience.

I remembered that place well, and it wasn’t exactly unpleasant. Under different circumstances, I might have even enjoyed visiting. But he refused to acknowledge how much this would derail my progress as a sorcerer. Instead, he’d brushed off my concerns with, “Your development as a demigod is just as fundamental to your growth as your development as a sorcerer. Take it as a learning experience. Have fun. And for the love of god, make some friends that aren’t the Fushiguros or your creepy pet snake.”

Yeah. Like that would end well.

The last time I tried socializing, some boy called me a brat, and I instinctively activated my cursed technique—for the first time ever—in an attempt to kill him. A stunning breakthrough, sure, but not exactly a great first impression. Fortunately for them, the whole incident was ultimately brushed off with an ‘all’s well that ends well’ verdict.

I, on the other hand, walked away from that disaster with a solid 2-star rating. Would not recommend.

“I mean, considering how much you love small spaces, scratching, and hissing, you might as well be one,” he teased. “But hey, cheer up! You’re going to see your Chiron-sensei and Dino oji-san again. Won’t that be fun? All those childhood memories flooding back. Plus, I hear summer camps are really fun.” The exaggerated emphasis on those names made me cringe internally.

It wasn’t until much later that I realized my so-called Dino-oji-san was actually Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. I could only imagine what he must have felt, holding a toddler in his lap while she gleefully butchered his name to suit her convenience. The sheer secondhand embarrassment of the memory made me even less willing to go.

“What kind of summer camp runs in November ?” I shot back, earning an exasperated sigh from him.

Our satyr chauffeur casually mentioned that we were fifteen minutes away from camp. At that point, turning back wasn’t even an option. As the car sped along the winding road, I sank deeper into my seat, arms crossed, scowling at the window like a kid being dragged to school. My fingers drummed against my knee—an unconscious habit I had picked up from nii-san, though I’d rather die than admit it.

"You’re pouting," he pointed out, amusement lacing his voice.

"I’m brooding," I corrected, turning to glare at him. "There’s a difference."

He only grinned. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that, Nyao-chan."

I clenched my fists. "Stop. Calling. Me. That."

Before I knew it, the car came to a screeching halt in the middle of the road. There was nothing ahead but an empty stretch of asphalt, surrounded by dense vegetation on either side. “What happened ?” I asked, leaning forward.

The satyr turned to me and blinked. That’s when I realized I had spoken in Japanese instead of English. With the exception of my struggles with dyslexia, English had been fairly easy to learn—I credited Satoru-nii’s obsession with Friends and Britney Spears for that. But learning in general had always come naturally to me. I never had to try too hard to pick up a skill, something that both puzzled and frustrated others. Even I didn’t fully understand it. Apparently, it was a trait of a true Gojo—being godly perfect. That applied to everything except my cursed energy technique. At some point, I had hit a plateau, no matter what method I tried. My growth had stalled. Maybe that’s why he was sending me here.

“She meant, why did we stop?” Nii-san asked, his tone laced with amusement.

“We’re here,” the satyr replied simply. 

I glanced around in confusion. I saw nothing. Then, without a hint of urgency, the satyr stepped out of the car, gesturing for us to follow. With luggage in hand and no better options, we did. As we walked, the dense vegetation seemed to part before us, revealing a familiar yet distant world. My stomach twisted as a rush of forgotten memories threatened to surface—the scent of strawberries in the air, the distant sound of laughter, a warm voice calling my name.

I shook my head. No. That was then. This is now.

I let out a slow breath, steeling myself. Nii-san, of course, was already opening the door, stepping out with his usual carefree swagger. I had no doubt he was about to make a grand spectacle of my arrival, much to my horror. 

“Alright, kiddo,” he said, stretching. “Time to make some demigod friends!”

I scowled. “ I’d rather be cursed.”

He smirked. “That can be arranged.”

I swallowed hard. This is really happening.

After a short hike through the woods, we arrived at a large stone arch. It was a mix of weathered wood and ancient stone, covered in cracks and patches of moss. Greek symbols were carved into the top, their edges worn with age. I stared at the inscription, and to my surprise, the letters began to shift. At first, I thought my dyslexia was acting up, but then I realized—the symbols were rearranging themselves, forming words in English. Within seconds, the inscription clearly read: CAMP HALFBLOOD

“You look surprised. What do you see, Kana ?” Nii-san asked, his eyes on me. I described what had just happened, and he smirked, muttering something under his breath. Curious, I reached out and extended my hand toward the arch. Much like a jujutsu curtain, my fingers passed effortlessly through the barrier, which emitted a faint blue glow upon contact.

“Nii-san, you try it,” I gestured for him to do the same.

He reached out, but the moment his hand touched the barrier, it resisted, pulsing as if rejecting him. A flicker of amusement crossed his face before he pulled back.

“This barrier is stronger than I expected,”he remarked to the satyr, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I'm impressed.” The satyr puffed up slightly at the praise, his hooves shifting in the dirt. “Well, of course. It keeps out unwanted guests,” he said pointedly, glancing at Nii-san, who only grinned in response.

“Nii-san, if you really wanted to break through, how long would it take?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. If you asked anyone to describe Gojo Satoru in a single word, it would undoubtedly be ‘strongest’. There wasn’t a barrier he couldn’t break or a curse he couldn’t exorcise—as long as he put in the effort. He tilted his head, considering it. “Hmmm… it’s strong, I’ll give it that. But we wouldn’t want to put an entire camp full of kids in danger, right?”

I shrugged, accepting that as a fair enough reason despite him not giving me a straight forward answer.

“From here on out, it's just her. No one else can go inside,” the satyr said. “Yeah, we got that,” Satoru-nii replied, clapping his hands with a bright smile. “Just give us two minutes, okay? You know I need a moment to say goodbye to my precious baby.” The satyr blinked, then silently stepped away, out of earshot. Satoru-nii cupped my face in his hands, his voice soft and trembling as if he were about to cry. I rolled my eyes at his theatrics. “You didn’t feel any guilt over the past few days, and now you’re crying?”

“It’s not that simple!” he protested, his lower lip quivering. “I know I have to let my baby bird leave the nest because it’s what’s best for you, but I—” His voice broke, and a pang of guilt hit me. I sighed and hugged him. “I’ll miss you too. But I’ll be fine.”

“Call me every day, you hear me? And make sure you eat well and get enough sleep. Oh my god, I sound like an old woman!” Gojo Satoru had a talent for completely ignoring the fact that Megumi, Tsumiki, and I technically had mothers —albeit either an absent or dead one—and acted like he was the one who’d carried us for nine months and given birth. But hey, who doesn’t appreciate a little extra coddling now and then?

“I can't believe you're leaving already.”

He chuckled, quickly shifting his tone to cover up the emotion in his voice. “What, you thought I’d stick around? I’d love to play the doting guardian, but this camp doesn’t exactly cater to ‘normal’ people like me.” He winked. “Besides, I’ve got my own life, you know.”

I scowled. “Debatable.”

The satyr cleared his throat. “We should get moving, Kanao. Chiron’s waiting.”

I rolled my eyes at the satyr before looking back at Nii-san. “But in any case, I’ll be just fine. Don’t worry.”

“I know. You'll be fine. Always. You'll be better than me, I know it.” Satoru nii-san’s voice softened, dropping into a low, almost wistful whisper. “Even though you're the best there is?” I asked, offering him a gentle smile. To that, he said something I didn’t expect. “You've inherited only my powers, I don't want you to inherit my tragedies too.”

His words left a bitter taste in my mouth. People often assumed that because he was the strongest, his life was easy. But it was people like him who suffered the most—so much so that sometimes, it made you wish you didn’t have power at all.

“And lastly,” he continued, as if the previous conversation had never happened, “don’t kill anyone. But if you do, get rid of the witnesses and call Nii-san first. Nii-san will take care of it.”

I raised an eyebrow in disbelief. First of all, shouldn’t he be teaching his kid to be nice to people? And second, why was he referring to himself in the third person?

“Shouldn't you be saying ‘don’t bully people and be nice’ or something?” I asked, though his advice wasn’t the first of its kind. My brother Megumi had a reputation for beating up people at school, but Nii-san never saw an issue with it. The people Megumi fought were rarely innocent, and besides, he never lost a fight—so no shame was brought to the family name.

“If there's anyone you think shouldn’t be alive, then they shouldn’t be. Just remember, the world’s your playground. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” he replied with complete conviction. One thing everyone knew about Gojo Satoru was that he was a firm believer in Gojo family supremacy—and he wasn’t wrong.

“Then what about those sleazy higher-ups?” I quipped, knowing full well what he was trying to do. I was aware of his grand plan to tear down the old order and build a new jujutsu world, which was the real reason he’d become a teacher. It was a vision I’d bought into the moment he showed me the dream of it. But for that dream to become a reality, I had to grow stronger. I needed to become more, become unstoppable. So, I’d gladly accept any wisdom the Greeks had to offer. By the time I was done here, I’d make sure I was the strongest demigod they’d ever laid their eyes on.

“All in due time Kana-chan.”

A/n: comment to be added into the taglist :)

[moonsgemini]

american heartbreak - iii

summary: hangovers and early mornings don’t mix. The early farmer’s market is looking like June’s Everest but surprise visits and unexpected coffee rendezvous with Rafe makes it all worth it.

warnings: cowboy!rafe x oc, fem reader, she/her, mentions of possible break in, so much fluff, a little self depreciation, some sexual stuff-ish not smut tho, rafe being an absolute sweetheart

an: y’all I fell in love with this series again. I have no idea where it’s going but I like it so far! also idk who wants to be tagged in this anymore so that’s why I didn’t tag anyone

series masterlist - previous part

-

June Summers vowed to never drink again as she slumped in the foldable chair behind the buckets of flowers. She was glad Amber hadn’t woken up hungover so that she could take over most of the hospitality. If she talks too much she’s convinced she’ll puke again.

At least the cold was helping with the hangover, and she wasn’t entirely too mad about the previous night out. But then she remembered she threw up in front of Rafe and wants to crawl out of her skin. Embarrassment prickled at her spine thinking about how she wouldn’t be surprised if he never wants to hangout with her again.

“That poor boy is so love struck he watched you puke all over your boots and on his! and he really didn’t say a thing,” Amber laughed once some customers walked away.

June groaned pulling her brown carhartt jacket closer, it used to belong to her dad so it was oversized and well loved.

She didn’t need a reminder of the bad parts of last night. She had already been replaying it in her head, “He was just being nice. God he’s probably never going to want to see me again.” She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples trying to relieve the headache. She really wished she had some coffee right now.

“Uhhh I really highly doubt that,” Amber laughed beside her.

June looked up at her only to find her friend pointing in the direction of someone. When she looked over her heart dropped. Not sure if she was excited or not yet. Rafe held a cup holder of coffees and a grin on his perfect face as he walked towards the booth. His eyes never leaving June once he found her. Who was currently wanting to crawl out of her skin.

June ran her fingers through her hair to at least look somewhat put together. She crawled out of bed at the last minute and barely did anything to get ready.

She was seeing a lot more of Rafe than usual. It was causing her to have permanently sweaty palms and a rapid heart beat.

“Good mornin ladies,” Rafe nodded his head at the two women behind the endless bundles of flowers.

Amber smiled almost too widely, “Well good mornin Rafe. Now what brings you to the market?”

He chuckled, “Well I know you ladies had a long night. So I figured I’d bring some coffee,” He held one of the cups up and looked over at June, “Got your favorite June bug.”

The butterflies in her stomach fluttered, “T-thanks Rafe, you really didn’t have to,” She stood and walked around to meet him in front of the flowers, “Especially after last night.”

He watched her sip her coffee. Pride bloomed in his chest at her small smile and content sigh, “I had a feeling you’d need extra coffee today.”

“This is actually our first of the day,” Amber sighed dramatically while sipping her own coffee.

“Really?” Rafe questioned with raised brows, “I’m assuming you haven’t eaten either?”

June nodded, “We sorta woke up late.”

His brows furrowed in concern, “I’ll go get y’all food otherwise that hangover will never cure,” He was about to walk away to go to the diner for food when Amber stopped him.

“Rafe take June out, I can handle it from here,” Amber smirked knowing her friend wants to murder her but knows June will thank her later.

June started getting nervous, “Uh are you sure Amber? But you need food too.”

She shrugged, “I’ll call James to bring me something. Plus you drank more than I did so you need some bacon in your system.”

“You heard the woman. Come on June bug, breakfast on me,” He smiled at her.

June’s face felt hot and the nausea she had been feeling was coming back ten fold. She’d never spent that much alone time with him and the thought of it was making her sick. At the same time she was feeling giddy that he was so willing to take her out. It was all so confusing. His charm and kindness not helping her feelings.

June stood up and grabbed her purse, “Okay well if things start to get crazy call me Amber.”

“Mhmmm sure,” Amber smirked as she waved them off.

-

June sat across from Rafe in Mickey’s Diner. It was everyone’s favorite breakfast spot in town, they had the best waffles. Which was what June was currently working on in front of her. The toast and bacon she already had helped her feel like herself again.

Rafe noticed the color returning to her cheeks. He was starting to really enjoy taking care of her. He knows she’s fully capable of doing it herself which is why it felt good that she was letting him do this.

They had talked about anything and everything. Once he had the conversation going her nerves calmed but the butterflies still fluttered every now and then. They reminisced on old elementary school days, when they used to play soccer together, and ride horses. June came to realize that Rafe was so easy to talk to because he always listened and gave his full attention.

“Juney I think you and I need to hangout more,” Rafe said with a lopsided grin before taking the last bite of his omelette.

She let out a breathy laugh looking down at her suddenly much more interesting waffles, “You don’t mean that.”

His brows furrowed in confusion, “You should know by now I never say anything I don’t mean.”

Their waitress, Tamara, walked over saving June from Rafe’s intense words, “Everything good y’all? Need more coffee miss summers?”

She shook her head, “Yes please Tammy.” She nodded her head smiling and began refilling the vintage blue mug. The three of them had gone to high school together. Tamara worked at the diner in high school and eventually bought it out and fixed it up.

“I’ll leave the check here for you but no rush. You take all the time you need,” She winked at the pair before sauntering off.

Everyone knew about Rafe and June, they weren’t blind. They saw the way June got flustered when she was around him and all the longing stares she sent his way. At first no one saw it in Rafe but his all consuming crush became well all consuming. He couldn’t hide how his eyes lit up and he stood up a little straighter when June was around anymore.

“So what do you have planned for the rest of the day?” He asked as he swallowed his last bite of hash browns, “The shop isn’t open today right?”

She shook her head, “‘No it’s just the farmer’s market we do on Sunday’s and well I guess I’m off for today,” She laughed softly. If she thought about how she was having breakfast with Rafe after puking her guts out in front of him she’d start to feel light headed. Having his attention was addicting and overwhelming.

“You deserve a day off, especially after last night.”

She groaned, “Don’t remind me, it’s so embarrassing.” The heat of embarrassment traveled up her neck and to her cheeks.

He shook his head with a playful smile, “Don’t be. It happens to the best of us. Can I tell you a secret?” He began to whisper as he leaned in slightly. She nodded her head curiously.

“I’ve been in that same position myself maybe once of twice,” He shrugged, “or more than a few times.”

She laughed sitting up straight, “I don’t think that’s much of a secret Rafe.”

He shrugged again a smirk playing on his lips, “But it made you feel better right?”

She nodded. His story didn’t exactly make her feel better, more like his small effort to not let her feel embarrassed.

“Back to what’s important, what are your plans today?”

She thought for a second about what her plans were. June was going to spend her afternoon watching cheesy rom coms with popcorn and order greasy pizza for dinner. Probably home alone because James and Amber usually spent the evenings together. But things have changed, “Uh no I was just going to watch movies all afternoon.”

He nodded and hummed, “Hmmm so that means we’re spending the day together.”

She nearly choked on the last sip of coffee, “Oh, we are?”

He smiled, “We are June bug. When was the last time you came over?”

June couldn’t believe this conversation was happening. Rafe wanted to spend the entire day together. Things like that don’t happen to June Summers.

“Umm probably not since Sarah’s graduation party. She always comes to ours when she’s in town.”

“It really has been that long,” He realized he hadn’t heard the echo of her laugh coming down the hallway in years. He loved when Sarah invited her over. He cleared his throat as he pulled out his wallet, “Then today is the day you go back and I’ll show you around the Ranch. We’ve got some new cows and horses I want to introduce you to.”

She laughed, “Whatever you want Rafe. Oh I can pay for mine that’s okay,” she reached for her purse but Rafe’s loud scoff stopped her.

“I’d never make a pretty girl pay for a meal. Your company is payment enough bug.”

Her cheeks were going to melt off her face if he kept making her feel this hot and mushy.

-

Rafe felt like he was in one of his daydreams. Sunday’s were his days to relax and rest. On those days he’d spend them on the back porch day dreaming of June. Walking with her through the pasture to the big willow tree that was at the end of their land. He’d be holding her hand, pulling her towards him every few minutes to plant a kiss on her lips. She’d laugh and blush as she hugged him or playfully pushed him. But then Ward would come outside and sit next to him. He’d start talking about Rafe’s upcoming ride and that daydream would be nothing but a dream.

Now his dreams were coming to fruition as he and June walked towards the willow tree. Except he couldn’t pull her in for a kiss or wrap his arms around her. At least not yet.

After breakfast Rafe drove them to his house. June was greeted by his border collie Ranger as she stepped inside the familiar home. He led her outback and showed her the two new cows they got. As well as the baby chicks that just hatched.

He watched her swoon over the cute animals and it made his heart swoon. How gently she held the baby chick and spoke it as if it were a real baby. God he was royally screwed. This crush he thought he could hide and suppress throughout the years was impossible to tame these days.

Now he was walking them towards the willow tree. The soft breeze of the afternoon making the smell of her shampoo float his way. She had also taken off her jacket and hoodie leaving her in a black tank top and jeans that made her ass look fantastic.

Rafe was struggling to keep his eyes from wandering. It was hard when her tank top would ride up a little and reveal a sliver of her stomach. Her skin looking so soft and smooth he wanted to lick it. The tank top also revealed a good bit of cleavage that had him practically drooling.

June was trying her absolute best not to combust. It felt like she was seven running around the Cameron ranch with Sarah as Rafe tried to tag one of them. Except this time Sarah wasn’t there and they’re not playing tag. Rafe isn’t a nine year old boy but a grown man, a very handsome grown man. One with big arms and facial hair.

Once they reached the willow tree Rafe spread out the blanket he had brought. June sat down and closed her eyes enjoying the breeze and the warm sun that peeked through the willow tree. Rafe sat beside her leaning back on his hands. He watched her as the wind blew the little pieces of hair that framed her face. The sun making her skin look glowy and kissable.

“I don’t care what anybody says, I could never leave this town,” She said turning to him. She was surprised to find him looking at her already.

He nodded, “This place is beautiful but you never want that big city life?”

She laughed shaking her head, “I don’t think it’s for me. I like being close to everyone I care about and I love my job here.”

“Some days I wanna leave,” Rafe admits as he turns to watch the cows feeding behind the fence a few yards away.

June’s brows furrowed, “Really?”

He nodded, “The people can get a bit too much. All the gossip, and being away from my dad kinda sounds nice some days.”

She tucked her hair behind her ear as she picked at some tufts of grass, “You do get gossiped about a lot huh?”

“About how I do on rides, who I’m sleeping with, what am I gonna do when I can’t do this anymore. It’s just a lot sometimes but I’ve got a couple reason’s to stay,” He shrugged looking over at her with a smirk.

A spark of confidence ignited in her, “Good, I’d miss seeing you around.”

He looked over at her with a hint of a smug smirk, “Yeah?”

She nodded her head, “Who else would still want to be my friend after watching me puke.”

He laughed, “I’d still be your friend even if you puked on me. You can never get rid of me June bug.”

Her face heated up. Even if she never got to have Rafe the way she imagined at night before she fell asleep then she’d settle for his friendship.

-

Rafe and June sat under that willow tree and talked for hours. Until the sky turned to pink and purple hues, then Rafe drove her home and walked her to her door. It felt like a date. She wished he’d kiss her on the porch and ask her out again, but it didn’t happen.

He waited until he heard her lock the door from the inside and then headed back to his truck. A small smile on his lips, it was the best day he’d had in a really long time.

No bull ride, no trophy, no adrenaline rush was as good as spending time with June.

-

A few days later June was sat at home after a long day of getting a wedding order ready. She had changed into her cute pajamas and put on her comfort movie, how to lose a guy in 10 days, and was eating ice cream out of the carton. Amber was spending the night at James’ so she bad the house all to herself.

She figures this is what her life is going to look like when Amber moves in with James. It’s not happening yet but you had a feeling it would soon. She didn’t mind being alone, sometimes it was pretty nice after the chaos of a long day. There was no need to worry about her every move and be polite to everyone she could just be.

The only downside was that she had way too much time to think about Rafe and his big hands and broad shoulders. She could drool just thinking about his handsome face. Spending the day with him had only intensified her crush. It was far more than a crush now. June was convinced she’d never be in a relationship because the only man she wants is him. Yet it doesn’t feel like the only woman he wants is her.

The opinions she had of herself were causing her to go into a spiral of overthinking. What if Rafe just liked being friends with her because he wasn’t attracted to her and liked just being friends. He probably never means for it to go anywhere. He’s had all this time if he wanted June so why would he just act on it now.

June felt like she wasn’t as pretty as the other girls she typically saw around Rafe. They were all bombshells with much more to offer than her. She was soft and comfortable, something she doesn’t think Rafe is looking for.

Her self deprecating thoughts came to a halt as she heard rustling on her front porch. It sounded like someone was walking around. Then June swears she heard the door knob jiggle, like someone trying to open it.

In that moment she regretted telling James they didn’t need a camera. After a minute silence June turned around on the couch and tried to peak through the blinds but she couldn’t see anything. Plus if there were an intruder she didn’t want to open the blinds all the way and give herself away.

Her palms began to sweat at the thought of someone coming in while she slept. She grabbed her phone off the coffee table and debated on who to call.

She didn’t want to interrupt James and Ambers night over something that was probably silly. Also calling the sheriff felt a little embarrassing if it ended up being a raccoon.

Her thumb hovered over the first person she thought of but wasn’t sure if she should bother him. Then the footsteps on the porch sounded heavier as they walked around probably trying to peak through the windows.

“Oh god,” June mumbled in fear, “just do it.” She groaned to herself as she pressed call.

After two rings he answered, “Hey sweetheart.” He said and she could tell he was smiling. If she wasn’t frozen in fear her heart would have swelled.

“Rafe,” She whispered, “I think someone is trying to break in.”

Rafe was also on his couch doing nothing. He had been debating on heading down to the bar. James was out with Amber and that was really his only friend despite everyone claiming to be his friend.

He was on high alert now sitting up straight, “What? Where are you?” Now he was standing putting his shoes on and grabbing his keys

“I’m home alone, it sounds like someone is walking around the house,” She said in a hushed tone.

June heard Rafe’s front door slam closed and the crunch of gravel as he basically ran to his truck, “I’ll be there in ten. Just stay on the phone with me.”

She nodded but realized he couldn’t see her, “Okay.”

“Where are you right now?” He asked as he drive down the dirt road leaving his ranch.

June had tucked herself into the corner of their sectional under her big fuzzy blanket, “Uh on the couch. I’m too scared to move.”

“That’s okay bug,” A side of his mouth quirked at the thought of her all cozied up on the couch.

She sighed, “Maybe I should have that camera installed huh?” She joked.

“I’ll set one up tomorrow.”

“It’s okay Rafe I can d-“

“I know you can June bug but I want to,” He cut her off, “I don’t like you being there alone with no type of security.”

She was glad he couldn’t see the blush that rose to her cheeks, “I live with Amber though so I’m not always alone.”

“Well both of you need it. Plus Amber and James have been having way too many date nights lately so you’re alone more often than not,” He argued.

“That’s true,” June hadn’t really noticed that Amber has been gone a lot lately.

A pit in her stomach formed at the thought of not living with her best friend. Of course she was happy for her but it was bitter sweet.

The sound of a car in the drive way pulled her out of her thoughts, “I’m pulling up, I’ll knock on the door after I’ve looked around okay?”

“Okay,” She mumbled and then he hung up. Knowing Rafe was outside brought her out of her frozen fear and she got up to pace the living room. Biting her nails as she awaited his knock. June heard more rustling outside but she was sure it was Rafe now.

A few minutes later he knocked on the door and called her name. She rushed over unlocking and opening it to reveal the 6’2 cowboy. He was wearing a backwards hat that had her throat tightening. He smiled at her and opened his mouth about to say something when he took in what she was wearing.

Rafe was sure she was trying to torture him.

Her small pajama set had his jeans feeling tight in the front. The small black tight shorts and the small lilac tank top she had on were leaving very little to the imagination. To top it all off she wasn’t wearing a bra and the cool summer air was making her nipples pebble just begging to be touched by him.

He cleared his throat and looked back up at her. June had noticed her lack of clothing and crosses her arms over her chest. Which didn’t really help Rafe it just pushed her boobs up and made her shirt ride up so the soft skin of her stomach was showing.

He swallowed harshly, “Uh there’s nothing to be worried about sweetheart. If there was someone here they’re gone, it could have been a raccoon.”

She nodded, “Okay, thank you Rafe for coming. I just didn’t know who else to call.”

He leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed, “You can call me whenever you need me. I’ll be there.” June was going to have a permanent blush because of him.

“Can you stay with me?” She asked abruptly.

His eyes widened slightly. Not because he didn’t want to but because he’s so surprised she asked first. He was already trying to find a way to coax her to hangout with him.

She took his silence as rejected and her word vomiting started, “It’s okay if you don’t. I’m sure everything’s fine and you probably have plans. Like with your friends or like a date or something.”

Rafe shook his head with a soft smile, “Nope no plans other than hanging out with you.” He stepped in and shut the door behind him.

She followed him back to the living room with a small smile on her face. He was not helping the crush that was blooming into something way more.

It’s always been something more. It’s always been that scary word that she’s never felt like admitting to anyone. It was easy to keep the feelings down and minimize it to an infatuation level but lately those feelings have been fighting to be let out. Rafe’s kindness was too much for her.

He plopped down on the couch right in the middle, “What are we watching?”

She squeezed herself back into the corner of the couch. Her bare legs touching his jean clad ones. Their shoulders brushing against each other. Were the walls suddenly closing in on her?

“I was watching how to lose a guy in 10 days but we can watch something else since it’s almost over,” She shrugged.

He looked over at her with a mischievous smirk, “How about a scary movie?”

“After all of that? No thank you.” She huffed.

He laughed, “Come on I’m here now to protect you June bug.”

She sighed dramatically, “Fine, but you pick.”

-

They were on the third movie of the Scream franchise when her eyelids started getting heavier. It was hard to fight sleep when she was so cozy tucked into the couch with her blanket she was sharing with Rafe.

At some point, during a jump scare, her head ended up on his shoulder. After the scene was over she didn’t bother to move it and Rafe didn’t seem to mind.

The movie was over when Rafe heard her small snores beside him. He smiled as he looked down at her. Lips pouty and a small furrow between her brows. He didn’t want to wake her so he gently moved his arm so her head was now on his chest. She snuggled closer up to him.

Rafe was in heaven. He wished time could stop and it could just be this forever. He did his best to maneuver her to pick June up bridal style to take her up to her room.

As he started walking up the stairs she stirred in his arms, “Mmph Rafe?” She mumbled.

“It’s okay baby just go back to sleep,” He murmured trying to ignore the fact that that was the first time he’d ever used that pet name for her.

She mumbled, “Stay.”

“Huh?” He asked as he gently kicked the door to her room open. It smelled like June in there and Rafe was ready to drown in it.

“Stay with me,” She mumbled as he set her down on the soft bed, “What if ghost face gets me.”

June would blame her boldness on the fact that she was half asleep, but she wasn’t regretting a single word.

He chuckled softly, “I’ll stay. But uh,” he scratched the back of his head, “I just need to take my clothes off.” He wasn’t usually shy so he doesn’t know where this bashfulness was coming from.

June nodded and mumbled, “Perfect.”

He laughed and took his shoes, shirt, and jeans off. Leaving him in just his boxers and hat. He tossed the hat onto her dresser before gently pushing her over so he could slide in. She was already asleep again but the dip in the bed woke her up a bit. Enough to have her inching towards him to lay her head on his chest. He really hoped she wouldn’t feel how hard he is and freak her out. He’s not even horny he’s just excited to be so close to her.

Rafe was sure this was heaven.

[chmpgneprblem]

SNOWFALL OF HEARTS ; CORIOLANUS SNOW

pairing: coriolanus snow x tribue!oc part: three summar: coriolanus is torn between his harsh pursuit of victory and the growing warmth in his heart for erykah, his tribute from district 9 warnings: ooc coriolanus, murder/death (arachne), violence a/n: sorry this is a late update, been busy cause of thanksgiving! i also may or may not have watched tbosas in theaters for a second time... previous parts: one, two word count: 1.6k join taglist!!

Erykah sat behind the zoo’s bars as she waited for Coriolanus to show up. She looked around and saw many of the other mentors conversing with their tributes, most didn’t seem happy to be there. Coriolanus isn’t like that. He doesn’t act like the other mentors do.

Her thoughts began to spiral as she wondered about his real motive. What’s different about him than the rest of them? He probably only cares about the reward.

Before she could make more assumptions, she saw the blonde walking up to her. She got up from the mossy tree she sat under to walk over to him.

He held a navy blue napkin in his hands that contained a sandwich cut into two halves and two cookies. Erykah’s mouth watered at the sight of it. “This for me?” She asked him eagerly, her stomach growling at the thought. Coriolanus nodded warmly in response to her hunger and gave the napkin to her. She took it from him with a grateful smile.

She turned her body to the left to see a mentor taunting her tribute with a bottle of pink liquid that Erykah couldn't recognize. “One thing I learned from living in the districts is that hunger is a weapon. Your friend over there seems to know that already.” She spoke to Coriolanus in a slightly disgruntled tone. “She's anything but a friend, trust me.” He reassured her.

His voice quieted slightly as he leaned in closer, though the bars prevented him from getting as close as he wanted to. “I might have a chance to help you from out here. I’ve made some suggestions to the game makers and their talking about having the audience send gifts, like food and water.” Maybe he does care about me, Erykah thought as he explained to her.

“You just need to get their attention. Maybe you could try singing like you told the interviewer yesterday?” He brought up the idea cautiously, not knowing if the idea sat well with her. She pondered for a second. “Do you have a guitar? I usually play that back in nine.” That was her only reason for hesitation. “I’m sure I can ask around.” He said with a reassuring nod.

Erykah nodded back at him before taking a bite of the sandwich. She hadn’t had a real sandwich since before her dad passed, that had been six years ago. “Thank you, Coriolanus.”

She thanked him as she swallowed her bite. She looked up at him as he stared at the food in her hands. His eyes moved up to hers as she caught him. “Just call me Corio.” He changed the subject, hoping you couldn’t tell. “Well Corio, you can have some if you want.” Erykah offered him some of the food as she tested the new nickname out. “No it’s for you.” He kindly insisted. “I saw you staring…” Coriolanus got nervous from her comment as he gave in and took the cookie from her hand.

“I always thought that there was plenty of food in the Capitol.” Erykah told him as she went to sit down. “Not in my case.” He responded with a nonchalant shrug.

She turned around to see one of the younger tributes resting her head on her district partner’s shoulder. The girl didn’t want to be here, then again who would? “That little one. She’s just so young, so sweet… She reminds me of my little sister, Magnolia. Can’t stand to think how she’s doing without me.” She told Coriolanus sadly. All he could muster up was, “I’m sorry,”

There was a moment of silence between the two before Erykah spoke up again. “You seem like a good man Corio. Wish I met you differently…” She told him with a sad smile. “Maybe you could’ve come to one of my shows. Had a drink, maybe a dance or two.” As she spoke, Coriolanus’ eyes didn’t leave hers. He was hanging onto every word she said. “Yeah… that would’ve been nice.” He agreed with the same sad smile she wore.

Their conversation ended abruptly as the tribute from earlier finally got the bottle from her mentor. She pulled the pig-tailed girl in closer, so her neck was poking through the bars. The redheaded tribute smashed the bottle on the bars of the enclosure and drove the bottle into the mentor’s throat.

Erykah watched as Coriolanus ran over to the mentor and grabbed her body, holding her in his arms as she choked out blood. He called out for help as he sat there helplessly. Erykah hid while peacekeepers shot at the tribute. She could hear the girl's body collapse as the peacekeepers stopped their shooting, now moving over to drag Coriolanus away from the mentor’s body.

Erykah sat up after the chaos. She saw that most of the other tributes in the cage didn’t want to leave their hiding places, fearing that there were peacekeepers waiting for a chance to shoot at them.

She was scared. If the tributes don’t have a problem killing their own mentors, then they’ll have no trouble killing me. Who could she trust? She didn’t have any allies. She supposed Panlo counted, but they had only talked a couple of times. Likewise, she would be alone in that arena. Let’s hope I don’t die alone.

Erykah sat on a bench with her left hand chained down waiting for a short man, who she assumed was Coriolanus’ teacher, to finish talking.

“Dr Gaul wishes you all to preview the arena this afternoon with your tribute. Later this evening there will be a televised presentation of each tribute. You'll have an hour to discuss strategy.” The man walked off and took a small vial out of his pocket, gulping it down. Coriolanus sat down with a tense look on his face.

“I'm sorry about your classmate.” She uttered apologetically. “It's fine. Are you doing okay?” He attempted to change the subject. “The dress is my mom's, it's the only thing keeping me calm right now. Reminds me that I still have them waiting for me at home.” Erykah choked out. She sounded as if she were going to burst into tears any second.

“My mother used to smell like roses. She died in childbirth, I would’ve had a little sister.” Coriolanus smiled sadly at the memory of his mother. “I'm sorry Corio.” Erykah attempted to move her hand to hold his, the cuff attaching her to the table prevented her from doing so. He moved his to hers instead after seeing her try.

“What about you Erykah, how’s your family?” He changed the subject, gripping her hand slightly. Nobody around them, tributes nor mentors, seemed to notice the gesture. Erykah did. Her heart fluttered at the contact.

“Well… My dad passed away when I was twelve… so it’s just been me, my mom and my sister since then.” A look of grief as she told him. “I’ve been providing Maggy since then.”

“What about your mom?” Coriolanus asked her with a concerned look on his face. “She left us after it happened… she’s back now but I just… I can’t look at her the same.” She got a tighter grip on Coriolanus’ hand as she talked more about it. “I’m just worried that if I don’t make it back she’s going to leave like last time. I can’t leave my sister Corio.” Her voice shook as tears threatened to spill out.

“Good thing you’re not going to. I'm going to get you out of that arena, Erykah. I don't care what I have to do. I'm going to get you back to your sister.” He looked into her sad eyes and rubbed his thumb over her hand in hopes it would make her feel better. Her lip quivered as she tried to give him a smile.

“Well I’ve heard there were some interviews that the tributes had to do. I’m going to sing.” She changed the subject, sniffling as she spoke. He nodded at her, “You’ll do great, I know it.”

“Snow, Dovecote.” His teacher interrupted their conversation. Coriolanus squeezed her hand one last time before getting up. Another mentor with long black hair, who Erykah assumed was “Dovecote”, followed after him.

Not long after their exit, the tributes were instructed to enter the same car that had brought them to the zoo; it would now take them to the arena. A majority of her time at the Capitol has been taken up by moving around. This is where she either died or beat the odds.

Erykah stood in line waiting for entry to the arena. She fidgeted with her hands while she waited to go in. She heard footsteps across from her, Corio. He showed up by her side and gave a comforting nod as they began to walk in. 

The red lights of the entryway did not help with the uneasy feeling she had. “Enjoy the show!” An upbeat voice sounded as they walked through the turnstiles.

In a nervous reflex, she slowly moved her hand into Coriolanus’. He tightened his hand around hers. They continued to walk slowly and let go of each other at the sight of cameras. 

They walked around nervously as one of the mentors forced the camera on his tribute. “Hey, you! Get that camera on her!” Erykah scowled at him as you glanced around the arena. Where can I hide? It’s all open.

The sound of the doors closing startled her out of her anxiety. She looked up at Coriolanus who seemed to be just as confused as her. The loud windows of the arena started to open as the rest of the mentors and tributes were snapped out of conversation. Everyone looked up as the dark arena was brightened.

“I know you said you would get me back to my family, but I don’t know if I’m going to make it,” Erykah whispered to Coriolanus just before the arena exploded.

tags: @specialk6802 @freyafriggafrey @clementinechatsshit @crackheadhours @mushrooms-moon @ebsmind @lovinghimwasted @iovemoonyy @kkmikayla @ennycutie

if there is a dash through your user than it didn't tag. (send your users again or put them in the comments!!)

[bl00dst41ned]

*.·:·.✦ my little secret (jude bellingham ‘series’ pt.4) ✦.·:·.*

pairing: jude bellingham x female oc (Mariah)

summary: in which it’s time for Jude to learn a bit more about babies

author's note: part 4’s finally out, sorry i'm late. not proofread at ALL !! also i have a Jude imagine sometimes next week (and I loveeee it). taglist: @everlyjay, @barcagirly, @alwaysclassyeagle @urmotheris, @fashphotolife

series masterlist

word count: 848

The door opened in front of Jude, who was met with Mariah.

“Hey, come in” She gave him a small smile, stepping to the side to let him in.

Jude slowly walked in her apartment. He was instantly hit with the warm and familial atmosphere of her home.

“Tami’s in her room, you can come”

They had decided to spend the evening together with their daughter.

He followed behind her to the nursery. Tamara sat in her swing seat, calm as ever

“Hey baby, look who’s there” Mariah cooed to her daughter with a smile.

The baby looked where her mother was pointing and noticed Jude, a smile appearing on her face.

Mariah handed Tami to her dad. She placed her upright on his shoulder, putting his right hand behind her neck. She went to open the blinds, the room’s decoration revealed by the daylight.

The light blue color reminded Jude how much she despised pink for baby girls and promised to do a blue one just to piss people off.

“You did a good job with the room” He broke the silence.

“Thank you” She briefly responded before leaving the room, Jude and Tami at her trail.

They exchanged these few words before going back to silent. A comfortable one.

“How did your parents react to the news?”

Mariah had not seen or talk to them since the break up. They might hate her, or even think she’s lying for money.

“My mom slapped the bloody hell out of me, asked me to apologise and they ordered me to be there for you and Tamara”

She chuckled a bit, recognizing his mom’s personality. Nevertheless, she was glad they weren’t mad at her.

She sat at the table while watching Jude handle the little baby carefully and get more comfortable. He sat on the couch and laid her on his stomach.

His hand caressed her face, pulling back each time she tried to put it in her mouth. He listened to her whines everytime she didn’t get what she wanted.

“Stop being bratty, you ate already”

Mariah and Jude chuckled at her antics.

“Um, Mariah” Jude called hesitantly. “What’s her exact date of birth ?”

Asking this question embarrassed him more than anything. How could he take care of a child he knew nothing about.

“September 23rd, at 2:17AM”

Jude could only respond a small ‘oh’ while printing the information in his head.

“Wait ?! she was born on Jobe’s birthday?”

Mariah nodded with a smile since she had waited for him to catch on that detail.

“He’ll be buzzing when he’ll hear that”

He made a mental note to text his brother about it focusing back on the little human on his chest. The young woman could sense how it affected him not knowing anything about his daughter, not even her birthday.

“ She weighted 2,9 kg and measured 48cm. She’s pretty calm but can get bratty as you can see. She’s really social and loves to see other people….Oh and she loves Frank Ocean’s voice to sleep” She emphasized her last sentence, ranting things he needed to know.

Jude listened to each word, glad he didn’t have to feel embarrassed to ask about her.

His thoughts were interrupted by an unusual smell, his nose instantly scrunching.

“Oop- looks like baby need to be changed”

Jude was ready to hand Tamara to Mariah but was instantly stopped.

“How do you want to learn if you don’t practice”

They headed to the bathroom, Jude gently laying Tamara on the changing table. Mariah got a basket with the products while he opened her used diaper. He stepped back, disgusted by the sight.

“Stop being childish and clean her up” Mariah laughed off giving him baby wipes.

Jude slowly complied himself under Mariah’s instructions. With a little help, he managed to change her. He put her back in his arms, and they both left to the living room.

“I see you’re getting comfortable” Mariah smiled at them rubbing their daughter’s hair as they sat next to each other.

They watched her eyelids getting heavier. They could tell Tami tried to fight sleep, her eyes popping open every once in a while. But she could not resist to her mother’s caresses on her face, soon dozing off.

“Is that some type of cheat code ?” Jude remembered seeing Mariah do the same thing on her IG story.

“It works when I do it at least”

They fell in a comfortable silence, only sound being little baby whimpers. Jude felt like he had found his place. He had a beautiful little girl to take care. He found balance and was slowly growing back a friendly bond with Mariah. Everything he did wrong was turning right.

Mariah also felt like this. Not telling him about Tamara was her biggest mistake and she regretted it daily. But the solution came by itself and she had the opportunity to right her wrongs. Despite failing their relationship, she knew they could succeed in being a family. He gave her his word.

“Thank you for keeping your promise”

and scene !! this is the end of this little series. hope you liked reading it as much as I liked writing it.

like and repost for support

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[its-time-to-write]

Hi!! I hope you’re well! This ask is a little diff from the norm BUT it’s with Jamie and Bea (his daughter OC you created I don’t remember her name exactly I’m so sorry) but basically it’s her like dealing with a stupid boy who reminds her father a lot of himself and he helps her understand that she’s worth the world!! She eventually finds herself an amazing guy and tells Jamie sm like “I wouldn’t let myself settle for anything less than the example you set”? Anywho I’m always here for Jamie in his dad era so if you’re inspired TY ILY YOURE AMAZING KEEP SLAYING I REREAD YOUR FICS LIKE EVERY NIGHT🫶🫶🫶

wow, two posts in one day?😱 the mission to clean out my inbox continues! this fic is a little out of my wheelhouse, but I did my best. the title is from “betty” bc teens are dumb and also great. here are the other fics in this universe:

you’re losing me

i’ll still be right next to you my dear

today’s a day like any other

lyrical smile, indigo eyes

thanks for requesting!!🩵

i don’t know anything

“It’s just for school, Jamie,” you say.

“Yeah, it’s just for school, dad,” Bea says. 

You point to her from the kitchen. “Stay out of this, kid.”

She puts her hands in the air and backs away. “And hang up your bag!” you call.

Jamie hovers over your shoulder. He’s supposed to be helping with dinner, as he’s taken up cooking more since his retirement from football. 

“Look,” you say as you slice vegetables, “you said nothing when Theo had a girl over last week. Why are you so fucking weird about Bea having a boy over?”

“Because- she- he- it’s different,” he sputters.

You hand him a head of lettuce with the command, “Shred.” He starts tearing it into pieces, letting it fall into a bowl.

“And how, Jamie Tartt, is that different?”

“Theo is fucking twelve. He’s a kid. Bea’s fifteen and a dead knockout. She got both our looks and your brains. Any knob’d be fucking lucky to have her.”

“Yeah, okay,” you replay. “He’s still going to be here in five minutes. And you’re going to be nice. She likes this boy, Jaim. So we’re going to be supporting and fucking grateful that she’s not sneaking around, got it?”

“Fuck’s sake,” Jamie grumbles. “This is what I get for being a prick as a kid. Bet you and Keeley think this is fuckin’ hilarious.”

The doorbell saves you from replying. Bea yells, “I’ve got it!” as she thunders down the stairs.

She appears a moment later with a boy dressed in the same school uniform as her. 

“This is Isaiah,” she says. Isaiah snorts and looks away, so you put a hand on Jamie’s arm to stop him from doing anything.

“It’s nice to meet you, Isaiah. Can we get you anything? Water, a snack?”

He shrugs and says “Nah.”

There’s an awkward pause before Bea says, “Right! We’ll just be in the living room.”

They leave and Jamie turns to you. “I don’t like that kid,” he whispers. You don’t either, but you’re not going to tell him just yet. You’ll give the kid a chance because you have a weird soft spot for absolute assholes.

You squint at him for a moment then say, “You know, if we’re quiet, we can listen in.”

Jamie grabs your head with both hands and kisses you. “This. This is why I married you. Fucking brilliant.” You smile and pat his cheek.

Their voices float in the kitchen and you can’t quite catch what Bea’s saying, but it’s definitely a question. Isaiah’s response is… not exactly kind.

Jamie mouths, the fuck? and you frown. He has a look in his eyes that you haven’t seen since the days he used to brawl with Roy. You’re considering a brawl of your own.

Give him a minute, you mouth back.

You half-heartedly continue chopping while straining to hear as much as you can. It’s not good. He’s not being explicitly mean, but he sure as shit isn’t kind.

You and Jamie are so intent on trying to listen that you don’t hear Theo come in the room. “What are you doing?”

The two of you jump and swear. “Jesus feck, kid, don’t sneak up on your mum like that.”

“You’re the one who jumped the highest dad,” Theo points out. “Mum, can I have a snack?”

You say, “Sure,” and absentmindedly point to the fridge.

“Fuckin hell, did Bea eat the last of the cake?”

“Fucking hell,” echoes your youngest, Georgie. She’s seven, and like Theo’s shadow.

“Don’t say ‘fuck,’” you and admonish in unison.

“Can you be fucking quiet??” Bea whisper-growls from the doorway. “We’re trying to study.”

The four of you make your apologies as she leaves.

—

Two hours later, Isaiah’s left and Bea’s on the phone with her best mate. You can hear her saying something in a favourable tone.

“Why the fuck did you let that little prick into our house?” Jamie seethes. “Fucking tosser. He’s not good enough for her, and I don’t give a shit what you have to say about it.”

You shoot him a Look and he apologizes. “Sorry babe, it ain’t about you. I do care what you have to say. Just- I fucking hated that prick.”

“Give her a week,” you say. “If you tell her never to speak to him again, she’ll do the exact opposite, yeah?”

“Yeah, alright,” he grumbles.

—

It’s formal season. Bea’s sixteen and over the moon, talking about the boy who asked her out. 

“He’ll be here any minute. Dad, you’re still driving us, yeah?”

Jamie smiles and wipes lipstick out of the corner of her mouth. “Whatever you want, love.”

Bea smiles back and fiddles with her necklace. “I hope he likes this dress,” she frets.

Jamie grabs her hand. “Oi, any kid would be fucking lucky to be in the same room as you, let alone at a formal. Isaiah better fucking behave.”

“Don’t say fuck,” Bea says automatically, then she frowns. “I’m not going with Isaiah.”

Jamie’s face twists into confusion. “Why the fuck not?”

“He’s a prick,” Theo calls from the next room, followed by, “Ow, mum, my ear!”

“He is a prick,” Bea says.

“I’m a prick,” Jamie points out.

Bea scrunches her nose. “You were a prick, Dad, like, three decades ago when you were my age. Now you’re just an old softie.”

Jamie shakes his head. “Don’t know how old you think I am, love, but you’ve got your maths all wrong.”

There doorbell rings and you call, “I’ve got it!” as Bea panics with a last-minute hair adjustment.

“Oi,” Jamie says gently, “you look beautiful, love. Just like your mum. Glad you dumped that prick.”

Bea shrugs. “I had to, dad. Couldn’t be with him when I have a dad like you.”

Bea’s date, Thomas, walks into the room all smiles. He shakes Jamie hand then shyly slides a corsage onto her wrist. He is a far cry from who Jamie was at that age. This kid doesn’t seem so sure of himself, like he’s trying very, very hard not to mess things up. He and Bea whisper about something as you sidle up to Jamie.

“We did good with that one,” you whisper in his ear. He smiles. Thank god she doesn’t have her mum’s taste in men.

[earthtoharlow]

Flashing Lights

18) Easy

Jack Harlow x Singer!OC

series masterlist

“I’m kinda nervous.” Jack said as he and Maryse walked up the sidewalk towards Maryse’s childhood home. He was meeting her parents for the first time and he was nervous as hell.

Maryse squeezed his hand and looked up towards him. “You shouldn’t be, seriously!” Maryse knew that her parents were going to love him, everyone loved him. There’s not a person on this earth that Jack couldn’t charm.

When they walked in her mom gave both of them a huge hug. Her laughter filled the entry way as she pulled Jack into a tight embrace. “I’ve heard so much about you!” She said, her eyes twinkling with mischief just like Maryse’s would. “You must be the one who stole my daughter’s heart!”

Jack grinned in response, his charm winning over her mom in an instant. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Monet!”

“Oh honey, that makes me feel old! Call me Margot.”

As they settled in the living room, Jack immediately stood when her father walked in the room. This was the moment he had been dreading the most. As they shook hands Jack couldn’t help but feel a pang of nerves. His nerves became worse when Maryse's father asked him to step outside with him.

“Dad!”

“I’ll be nice, I promise.” Maryse’s father said with a wink

Once outside, the two men were silent for a moment, enjoying the cool breeze blowing in the air. Maryse’s dad's gaze towards Jack softened with a knowing look. “I can tell just by how you look at my daughter that you love her,” he said, his voice filled with understanding.

Jack’s heart skipped a beat. He knew that his feelings for Maryse ran deep, but hearing her father acknowledge them so openly filled him with a sense of validation and reassurance.

Jack met the older gentleman’s eyes with sincerity, “Yes, sir,” he replied, his voice steady with conviction. “I love her more than words can express. She’s the most incredible person I’ve ever known, and I’m grateful every day to have her in my life.”

A small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Good,” he said gently but firmly. “Loving each other is easy. It’s the simplest thing in the world, really. But sometimes, we have a way of making it harder than it needs to be.”

Jack nodded listening intently, feeling the weight of his words.

“And my daughter,” her dad continued, his voice softening with affection, “She’s a special one. She’s got a heart of gold, but it’s also fragile, you know? So I’m asking you to be gentle with it. Love can feel like a stranger to her because of how she’s been hurt in the past,” he said, his words carrying the weight of understanding.

Jack’s heart began to ache when he thought back to everything Maryse dealt with, with Nate. He knew she carried some of those scars.

“I understand, sir. I’ll do everything I can to show M that love doesn’t have to hurt or be toxic. It can be gentle and kind.”

A smile of approval spread across her dads face. “I believe you, just remember to be patient with her. Treat her with care and she’ll love you back fiercely in return.”

Maryse was slightly shocked when they walked back in the room with a smile on their face. Her dad’s stern demeanor softened as he announced to the room. “I like this one.” Clapping Jack on his back with a smile. “You’re alright, kid.”

“Thanks sir.”

“You can call me Murphy.”

“You didn’t threaten him did you?” Maryse quipped, half joking.

He chucked, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. “Oh, you know me, sweetheart,” he replied with a grin. “I just gave him a friendly reminder of what’s at stake if he ever breaks your heart.”

Maryse rolled her eyes at her overbearing father, happy that he cared about her well being and happiness. Jack chuckled and made his way back over to the couch and enveloped Maryse in his arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I love you.” He whispered softly.

A sense of contentment washed over Maryse. She knew that she had found someone special. Jack has successfully won over the most important people in her life. She couldn’t wait to spend the rest of her life with him.

Maryse slowly opened her eyes and turned her head to the side, and quickly became disappointed that Jack wasn’t next to her. That dream had left her heart heavy. She couldn’t shake the sadness that lingered after.

With a heavy sigh, she wiped away her tears and tried to push the memories of her dream aside, knowing that dwelling on the past would only bring more pain. Maryse longed for the days when they were happy together, when their love felt effortless. Emptiness consumed her as she continued to face the reality of the breakup.

As she laid in the dark staring up at the ceiling couldn’t help but wonder if she would ever find a way to move on from the pain of their breakup, it had only been a month and she felt like she would forever be haunted by the memories of what could have been.

***

BREAKING: Jack Harlow And Maryse Monet Break up!!

In a shocking turn of events, the much-adored celebrity couple, Maryse Monet and Jack Harlow have reportedly called it quits! Sources say they broke up about a month ago and have been trying to hide it from everyone. Including friends and family. The two have unfollowed each other on social media.

Reports suggest that Maryse has been struggling to deal with the breakup, with eyewitnesses claiming to have seen her in tears during her recent concert performances when singing songs she wrote about the rapper.

While neither Maryse nor Jack have officially addressed the breakup, the news has sent shockwaves through their fan base. Many have taken to social media to express their disbelief and sadness over the apparent end of their fairytale romance.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.

Jack’s heart sank as he read the article announcing their breakup. He was shocked that it took this long for the press to find out. Jack had to stop Neelam from putting it out there immediately.

Navigating his crazy tour schedule, he found himself engulfed in a relentless cycle of performances, interviews, and appearances. The demands of his career left him with little time to process the breakup.

The shows each night were a temporary escape. But the quiet moments between performances, the weight of his grief constantly threatened to suffocate him. Alone in his hotel room at night, surrounded by the silence of his thoughts.

His chest tightened as he scrolled further and watched the video of Maryse crying on stage, pain evident on her face. A surge of guilt washed over him. He longed to reach out to her to offer her comfort and reassurance, but a nagging fear held him back.

Jack knew that Maryse needed space to heal, to confront her own demons and work through her issues. And as much as he wanted to be there for her, he also knew that she needed to reach out first – that she needed to take the first step towards reconciliation.

The thought of her suffering alone tore at his heart, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of helplessness wash over him. He wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms and tell her that everything would be okay, but he knew that it wasn’t his place – not yet, anyway.

He had heard from Urban the day prior that they finally announced she was playing Princess Belle. Jack had clenched his fists in frustration, cursing the timing of their breakup and the distance that now separated them. He hated the fact that he couldn’t be there to celebrate Maryse’s achievement in person, to share in her joy and shower her with the love and support she deserved.

The more Jack thought about her the more upset he got. Overwhelmed by a flood of emotions, he felt tears welling up in his eyes, the ache of missing Maryse was becoming unbearable. He closed his eyes, willing the tears to stop, but they continued to flow unchecked down his cheeks.

Jack had his head in his hands when Urban unexpectedly walked into the hotel room with a grin on his face but it quickly faded when caught sight of Jack sitting on the edge of the bed with trembling shoulders.

“Hey, man, you okay?” Urban asked, concern lacing his voice as he moved closer.

Jack quickly wiped his eyes and put on a fake smile. He wasn’t ready to talk about it yet, not even to Urban. “Yeah, man, I’m fine,” he insisted, his voice wavering slightly. “Just… you know, tour stuff.”

Urban raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced by the deflection. But before he could press further Jack quickly hopped up from the bed and made his way to the bathroom, “I’ll be right down, I’m just going to use the restroom.” And closed the door behind him before Urban could even respond.

Jack leaned against the sink, his hands trembling slightly as he splashed cold water on his face. As he stared at his reflection in the mirror, the raw pain etched in his features, was a stark reminder of the heartbreak he had been trying so hard to bury.

He knew he couldn’t run away from the pain for much longer but he was going to stretch it for as long as he could.

***

CoCo stood in front of the doorway of the hotel room, her arms crossed and a look of determination on her face. “Alright, enough is enough,” she declared, her voice firm. “You’ve been moping around in bed for a month now when not performing, and it’s time to snap out of it.”

Maryse stayed curled up under the covers with tear stained cheeks, she groaned in protest. “I don’t feel like celebrating,” she muttered, her voice muffled by the pillow.

CoCo rolled her eyes, refusing to be swayed by her gloomy attitude. “Well, tough luck,” she retorted, marching over to the bed and yanking the covers off with a swift motion. “You’ve just been announced as the lead in a live action Beauty and the Beast and you’re going to act like it.”

Maryse let out a frustrated sigh as she reluctantly sat up, rubbing her eyes tiredly. “I can’t just pretend like everything’s okay,” she protested, her voice tinged with sadness.

CoCo softened her voice, kneeling down in front of her with a sympathetic expression. “I know it’s hard, Maryse”, she said gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “But you can’t let this breakup consume you. You’re stronger than that, and you have a career to focus on.”

She nodded reluctantly, as she stared down at her trembling hands. “I just miss him so much,” Maryse admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I know you miss him,” CoCo said softly, “but you’re never going to get him back if you don’t take care of yourself and heal from past trauma.”

Maryse knew deep down that she couldn’t continue to wallow in her pain and expect things to magically fall back into place with Jack. She needed to prioritize her own well-being and address the unresolved issues that had been weighing her down for far too long. “It’s like I’m scared of letting myself be happy.”

CoCo nodded in understanding, her expression filled with empathy. “You want a healthy relationship until one is sitting in front of you, then you don’t know what to do with it so you sabotage it,” she explained, her voice gentle yet firm.

It was true – she had spent so long yearning for real love after her breakup with Nate and when it finally presented itself to her, she had struggled to fully embrace it. Instead, she had allowed her insecurities and fears to drive a wedge between her and Jack sabotaging their relationship in the process.

Tears welled up in Maryse’s eyes, she had pushed away the one person who had truly cared for her, all because she didn’t know how to handle the intensity of her own emotions. “I don’t know why I do it,” she admitted, her voice trembling with emotion.

Her manager reached out and gently squeezed her hand, offering her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Maryse,” she said softly. “We all have our demons to face. But you have to remember that you deserve to be happy, and you deserve to have love in your life.”

Maryse sighed heavily knowing she was right. “What should I do now?” she asked. “I feel helpless.”

“You’ve gotta pick yourself back up, Maryse,” she said gently. “Become a better version of yourself, and put all your emotions into your music. Let it be your therapy, and your outlet for healing.”

She nodded, she knew that she needed to channel her pain into something constructive.

“And as for your broken relationship,” CoCo continued, her tone filled with wisdom, “it’ll fix itself when it’s ready. Love has a funny way of finding its way back to us when we least expect it. But in the meantime, focus on yourself and your music. That’s where your strength lies.”

Maryse nodded knowing CoCo was right but that didn’t make the breakup hurt any less. The sting of heartbreak was still fresh and overwhelming, but she was going to do what CoCo said because she wasn’t sure how much longer she was going to be able to handle the ache in her chest.

***

AN: I can’t handle this 🤧 tell your thoughts thank you for reading!!

Tag List:

(message me if you'd like to be added or removed)

@heavyhitterheaux @hoodharlow @neon-lights-and-glitter @babiefries @snows-blog-of-fiction @dstark-0706 @harlowsbby @itsyagirljaz @leftapricotprofessorlover @toocriticalharlow @minkookie95 @harlowcomehome @jackharloww @jaydaaasworld @kkrenae @hufflewhore128 @w1ldthoughts @jackiehollanderr @katiaw2 @halfmoondaze @babybardi2 @vinniehackersbaee @daphnescorner

[apompkwrites]

the ashengrotto's friend || azul ashengrotto

masterlist characters: azul (platonic), ocs :D genre: fluff (just a regular lore part) contains: very quick chapter to establish something, azul's dad (mentioned once), oc introduction (can't wait to talk about them more :D) summary: a single spell can lead to a new adventure. notes: oh wow hi again I'm not dead :). um just fell out of writing for a good while but guess who's starting their second college term in like 3 weeks :D wooo. anyway, just a quick chapter so I can introduce someone :)) parts: [og post] | [previous] | [next]

the voice was soft and airy, akin to your brother's when he was first waking up in the morning or your mother's when she wasn't in her work mode (which was very rare at this point). when you looked up, you were greeted with another cecaelia.

their skin was dark, almost pitch black. their tentacles had bright blue tips that seemed to glow in the water. however, as opposed to your tentacles, theirs were connected with thin webbing. their hair was a rusty red color, their curls bobbing in the water and covering their right eye. the one eye you could see was crystal blue, wide and full of curiosity just like your brother. two fins stuck out from their curls, drooping a bit to their sea floor.

"how'd you do that?" they repeated, pointing at the water that swirled in towards the paper.

you couldn't say anything at first. be it because you were afraid of interaction or because you genuinely had no idea what you just did, you weren't sure. but, no matter the cause, your silence seemed to only stoke the flames of the cecaelia's curiosity.

"i've never seen magic like that..." they muttered, drifting down to the seafloor in front of you. they settled down, their tentacles resting on the sand. "what was it?"

"um..." you managed to utter, your hand shakily reaching out to grab your pen. "i-i don't... um..."

"can you do it again?" they asked, seemingly unphased by your stammering. they stared at you, their single blue eye that you could see wide with amazement. "please?"

you could only nod and grab another spare piece of paper. you flipped it over, brushing it off as a simple contract draft your mother had written in her spare time, and began scribbling on the paper again. you made the same sigil, an s surrounded by arrows and a single, large circle.

immediately, the same reaction occurred. a vortex formed, swirling about and dragging the water and seaweed closer to the paper. the cecaelia beamed from fin to fin, clapping their hands excitedly like a child.

"your magic is so cool!" they cheered, their eye seemingly sparkling as they stared at you.

"th...thank you..." you mutter under your breath. the cecaelia smiled softly at you, finally noticing your nervousness.

"i'm hemming." they introduced, holding out their hand. "it's nice to meet you!"

"...(name)." you whispered, slowly and shakily taking their hand in yours. "nice to... meet you, too..."

hemming was nice. and curious. you liked that about them. with your brother slowly drifting away from you in favor of his magical studies and the tweels, hemming somehow filled his place in your heart. they reminded you of azul with their wide-eyed fascination for all things in the world.

hemming's visits motivated you to work harder, as well. it seems both you and azul got your hard-working diligence from your mother. each time hemming swam their way over to you, you would have a new sigil to show them. and, no matter how small and mundane the spell was, hemming rewarded you with amazed cheers and genuine cries of awe.

however, you did wonder where exactly hemming came from. you had seen plenty of merpeople come and go, but you never knew where they went when the time for two to part came.

"hemming." you called to them one day. "where do you live? is it far?"

"mm, a bit..." hemming hummed, their voice trailing off near the end. "...promise you won't freak out?"

"i promise."

hemming paused once more. they were nervous, maybe just as nervous as you were when you first met them. they took a quick glance around as if making sure no one was listening.

they looked back at you.

then took one more glance around.

"...the abyss." hemming whispers. the moment that name leaves their lips, a chill runs down through your tentacles.

your mother had only mentioned the abyss once. it was where your father would move to once the divorce was finalized.

hemming fidgeted under your gaze. and the longer you stared, the more they trembled.

"i'm sorry... i... i'll go--"

"no!" you don't know what compelled you to cry out or to grab their wrist. but you did. and hemming stared back at you with wide eyes. and the next words that fell from your lips shocked you more than they did hemming.

"can i visit?"

hemming swam home that night pleasantly surprised. they had tried to make friends before, but never once did they find one that was willing to go to the abyss. they were certain that the moment the question of where they lived came up, they were bound to lose a friend again.

but not this time.

and so, as they swam home, their thoughts had a single cecaelia floating about. a single, magical cecaelia.

"hemming?" ah, they hadn't realized they were home already.

their brother stood above them, towering over them as he always did. his thin and frail-looking tentacles floated beneath him, dragging across the endless floor of black. their hair fell in front of their face in long strands, framing their frail face.

"what's got your head in the seas today?" his brother asked quietly.

"oh, nothing." hemming grinned. "i just... made a really good friend."

taglist: @brokenncrown @help-meplz @destinationdesignation @rainys-personal-garden @kalims @sxftiebee @luxaryllis @auld-a @the-dumber-scaramouche @ayra2452008 @tinywho-man @spadecentral @justeclem44 @bajifairyy @mulandi @sadimon @stormyovent0aster @sn00zl4x @f1fty-f1fty @bloomed-night-flower @madusas-girlfriend @b0nkers-papaya @arandomeroacher @randonamedcl @potabletable @meerpea @luvcalico @chlousp @prettyinblack231 @dindarasuum @elizaboba @ravenlking @reveristmain @lasignoramybeloved @poto-de-michi @sherryuki-callmeyuki @cadit-in-aestus-sidereum @valeriele3 @munchkinkazooie @venusdandy

[searchingsomewhere]

All Too Well: Cursed Narrative, 1

{"Your silhouette is burned in my memory. Rubble left from the moment that you left me."}

Rating: M (CW will be at the start of each chapter)

Here it is! Thank you, everyone, for reading the sequel to All too Well. For new readers, you don't technically need to read All too Well, but it will definitely help with context. Enjoy!

poly!Gojo x OC x Geto

@reiluvr @lalavender-sama @dei-lijla ilysm, thank you so much for reading!

Summers in Japan were known to be hot and humid. For school-aged children and teenagers, it was the time of year to play with friends, to go out and shop and spend days watching the clouds roll by. For Jujustu Sorcerers, it was the least busy season of the year.

In an apartment building in Tokyo, a young woman stood at the kitchen sink with a blue flip phone tucked between her ear and shoulder. Long, dark hair fell past her shoulders, green eyes darting around the sink as she washed dishes. The v neck of her blouse teased a glimpse of a scar running down her chest. A slender black cane was propped against the cabinet next to her.

"...It's complicated, dad," she said, switching from Japanese to English, "He comes from a very old family, so stuff like that isn't like how it is in the States."

"You've been together for five years, Miho, how complicated could it be?" Her father's tone was surprisingly light, "Don't you think it's odd to adopt before you're even married?"

"It's not really adoption. And we're not 'together'."

"That must be why he comes over every year for the holidays."

Miho rolled her eyes. "He's my best friend, and he doesn't like his family, so that's why-"

"Well, no matter what you kids call it, I don't care as long as you're happy," his voice trails off, as if he were leaning away from the phone. "I have to go, sweetheart. I love you."

"I love you, too. Be safe."

"I will. Say hi to Suguru for me."

Miho paused, hands stilling under the sudsy water. That name echoed in her head. Her bracelet glittered in the sunlight. Brown, green, and blue. She swallowed thickly, resuming her scrubbing.

"Satoru, Dad."

"Oh, jeez, what did I call him?" His embarrassed chuckle made her smile. "Don't mind your old man."

After the conversation was over, Miho dried her hands off on the towel by the sink. She watched the neighborhood children ride their bikes down the street. It was exceptionally sunny and beautiful out. The sky was crystal blue. It reminded her of someone.

Slow hands gripped her waist from behind, sliding around to pull her back against a broad chest. Miho sighed and leaned her head back. Satoru's white hair tickled her cheek as he nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck. He inhaled deeply, breathing out a slow content hum.

"You smell good," he said close to her ear.

"You're here early," she said, turning to face him. Her hands instinctively slid up to loop around the back of his neck.

The white haired man smiled down at her. He was almost a head taller than her, surprisingly soft features framed by a mop of white hair. His eyes were a fantastic shade of light, light blue. Miho hadn't noticed in the years they'd known each other just how much he'd grown from a cute teenage boy. At twenty-three years old, Satoru Gojo was an incredibly attractive young man.

"I just got a call from the adoption agency," he said, his smile breaking into a grin.

"And?" Miho gasped, hands flying to her mouth.

"As of today, I have full legal guardianship over the kids," he announced, "The Zenin can't do shit to Megumi."

Miho squealed and threw her hands around his neck, pulling him into a hug. He laughed, kissing the side of her head.

"That's incredible! How did you do it? I thought you had to be twenty-five," she said, pulling away.

Satoru rolled his eyes, "Yeah, but I just kinda talked them into it. Perks of being a Gojo."

Miho gave him a deadpan look. She knew better than that. He only grinned harder and distracted her with peppered kisses down her neck. Miho laughed and struggled against him.

"You mean 'threatened'?" she said between giggles.

"I would never," he gasped, feigning hurt. "But forget about that. Let's go get the kids!"

His hand fit perfectly in hers. Miho grabbed her cane while he grabbed her purse from the couch.

They had successfully played this game of pretend the last five years. At first, the two had tried dating. It wasn't long until the higher administration heard about that, and the drama that ensued caused them to separate. As soon as everyone caught wind that the only heir to one of the most powerful clans in Japan was interested in pursuing someone, Satoru was hounded with questions about getting married and having children. That didn't stop them from seeing each other in private.

Miho smiled at the back of his head. Part of her mourned the relationship they should have been able to have. The other was just glad to have him by her side after all these years.

-----

A woman was rushing through the crowded street. She tightly gripped the arm of a little girl, pulling her along. The dark haired ten year old could barely keep up. She kept tripping over her legs. The woman huffed and yanked her forward still.

"Where are we going?" the little girl demanded.

"Quiet, Daiki," the woman hissed, "There's a monk here who will heal you of your affliction."

"I'm not-"

"Shut up. If your mother knew any better, she would have had you sent away a long time ago."

Daiki closed her mouth abruptly, averting her gaze to the ground. The grip on her arm was painful and sure to leave bruises later.

The two approached a temple. Its pristine, bright white marble pillars reflected the sunlight. Daiki squinted and held up her hand to block the sun.

"Be quiet when Mr. Geto speaks. Let me talk," the woman insisted. "Let's go."

Part 2

[sofasoap]

 Lastochka - Little Swallow

Pairing : Nikolai x F!Reader ( OC/Mini MacTavish)

Summary: Nikolai taking interest in a little swallow in Taskforce 141. to the dismay of Daddy Price and all her adoptive and real brothers.

Semi Crackish. Just for fun :)

Part I , Part II, Interlude,Part III,Part IV,Part V,Epilogue, Night, Epilogue II, Espionage

A/N: Ok take two!! For @homicidal-slvt, this time it is really Nikolai reader fic LOL.

My usual thanking @saltofmercury, mother of Mini, for lending me the character :) Please go and check out her fics!

“masterlist” for Mini MacTavish expanded verse.

“Oh hello! Who have we got here?” Flashing a big smile as he pushes his sunglasses up to have a good look at you. You immediately shrink yourself and hide behind Gaz. Underneath the swagger and flirtatious attitude, you can feel he is judging you, sussing you out.

“Nik. Stop gawking at our medic.” Gaz warned. “Otherwise you will have to deal with her overprotective brothers and dad.”

“ Ah Come on, I am sure our little  ласточка wouldn’t mind. ”

“ Las..last.. ??”

“Lastochka, Little swallow.” He corrected your pronunciation. You tilted your head in confusion. “That’s right, because I am going to take you up high in the sky, for a good ride.”  You are not missing the innuendo behind his words there. You grabbed onto Gaz’s vest tighter.

“Nikolai.” Price growled as he came up towards the three of you. 

“Oh. Here comes the dad.” Smirking, Gaz was ready to see the drama unfold. 

“I didn’t know you had a kid this old Price.”

“She’s not my kid.”

“She might as well be the way you treat us all.” Gaz mumbled.

“Ah, so you are her brother then.”

“Well, I am not the brother you should be worried about, her real brother will be hunting you down like a mad dog, then we will have a real problem at hand.” 

Price sighed. “Come on. We have an important mission here. Buckle up.”

You have to admit Nikolai is one damn good pilot. All the impressive mid air manoeuvres, the near misses, had your heart jumping out from your throat. 

“Gaz, remind me why I am here!!”

“.. I seriously don’t know. There’s no way out now!”  Gaz shouted over the noise.

“ Incoming!! Hold on tight!!” 

The helicopter shook on impact of the launcher hitting the landing gear, narrowly missing the body.

You let out a scream when you realise you were tumbling sideways, towards the door, on your way out into the bright blue sky.

Quick thinking and reflex from both Price and Gaz , they manage to pull you back just in time as they grab onto your safety cord.

“You alright Mini.”

Not trusting your voice to talk, you nodded your head furiously, after Price gave you a once over to check you are alright, he pushed you gently towards the cockpit area.  “Go, stay there, be a lot safer.”

You scramble towards the front, grabbing onto the back of the pilot seat for your dear life.

“Sorry about that Lastochka, otherwise all of us would have been blown to pieces!” he laughed. “I promise you I will get you to your destination safely.” He reached over and patted your hand. 

You stayed there for the rest of the flight, with Nikolai’s occasional reassurances to try to calm you down. 

“Well, next time when I take you flying, Lastochka, It will be in a more pleasant circumstances.” He held onto your hand, which is still shaking visibly from the adrenaline rush. You blushed with embarrassment, There is no next time, you thought. At least not in a helicopter.

Quietly thanking him after letting out a shaky breath, standing up and picking up your gears after Price and Gaz shouted to you to urge you to move on. 

Reaching down to your pocket to put on your sunglasses before stepping out, you couldn’t find it in your usual pocket. Patting around checking everywhere, you must have lost it when you were rolling out.

“Missing something?”

“ … Lost my sunglasses.” 

Take his sunglasses off, and put it on top of your head, “ Here, have mine.”

“But.. “

“I got plenty of spares. Plus.” flashing you a big smile again, “you can return it to me if you decide to take up my offer of leisure flight next time. I will also throw in a good old Russian hospitality and drink in there if you are up for it.”

Oh this man is definitely a big flirt, and he isn’t giving up.

“Mini, where did you get those sunglasses from?” 

“That looks awfully like Nikolai’s..”

Nikolai could feel four pairs of eyes staring at him like hounds going after their prey after he got out of the helicopter.

Things get even more chaotic when Nikolai shows up at the end of the mission, offering you, and only you, a ride back to the base. 

Laswell had to come to your rescue and growl at all the boys, including Price for making a scene.

And you know it’s going to be a bumpy ride in the future when Nikolai sneakily slides his phone number into your hand before being pushed away by a very angry Soap and Ghost. 

[ash5monster01]

Getaway Camp : Epilogue

Pairing: Charlie Dalton x OC!Fem

Warnings: language, new beginnings, slight frustration, embarrassment, acceptance, fluff

Summary: It’s move in day at school and Charlie finally feels like his life was going the way it was meant to be even if there was some things he wanted to change.

word count: 2.5k

Masterlist

Twenty ←

August 26th 1961

What’s shockingly the most comfortable to Charlie is the chaos of move in day at college. Yes it’s all strangers and hundreds of them, triple the amount of any other schools he had gone to in his life. It should be unnerving, almost a little overwhelming, but it’s the only thing that allows the boy the breathe as he tries to find his dorm. It feels just like the start of every school year at Welton, familiar and something Charlie was a pro at. Yet maybe it was because this feeling always led to meeting up with Neil in a dorm.

A week ago when he was finally able to get in his car and drive away from camp he decided to go home. A shock to everyone, especially his parents, but something had changed in him this summer. Maybe it was Ezra, or Valerie, or just himself but he didn’t think it would be worth it to waste money on a hotel for a week when he could try and start having a real relationship with his family. When he left this morning it was the first time his Dad had ever wished him luck and hugged him goodbye. The first person he wanted to tell was Ezra.

Now he was alone at this big school in a big city but for some reason his heart eased. He had worked for this his entire life, it may not be all of his dream but his efforts are what got him here. He deserved this and he hoped wherever Valerie was right now she was as happy as him, embracing the next chapter of each of their lives even if they’re apart. She was probably crushing college already, running the show like the rockstar she was. He had no reason to dwell, he could trust all was good in her world.

“Oh shit” a kid stumbles in front of him, luggage flopping on the ground and popping open. Charlie chuckles as the clumsiness reminds him of Spaz.

“Hey man” Charlie says as he sets his own bag down and bends to help him throw some displaced clothes back in the case.

“Hey thank you” the guy smiles, clearly needing a friendly face and accepting Charlie’s. When the case is locked close once again they stand together.

“If you’re looking for room assignments you can tag along with me, kind of a zoo around here?” Charlie offers and real grin appears on his face. He’s a bit shorter than Charlie which is surprising considering Charlie wasn’t all that tall. He had jet black hair and green eyes, he almost looked elfish and Charlie was banking on making his first friend here. Clumsy or not.

“Hey thanks, I’m Lenny” and Charlie almost wants to snort at how perfect the name fits the guy before him. Smiling he nods his head.

“Nice to meet you Lenny, I’m Charlie” and the guy beams as if Charlie is somehow the first friend he had ever made. Charlie actually wouldn’t be all that surprised if he was.

Charlie starts walking first, following the vague directions to student dorms he had been given. Lenny follows like a lost puppy behind him but this time his anxious look had been replaced with one of excitement. Usually it was Neil who adopted new kids to hangout with, apparently he had rubbed off on Charlie. It’s not long until they’re faced with one of the massive buildings on the campus, swarms of students and families loading moving bags. They were definitely in the right place.

“Did you hear we have unisex dorms? Apparently female admission tripled since the last year and they had no other option” Charlie freezes in his tracks at Lenny’s words, eyeing how there was male and female students carrying their belongings inside.

“I didn’t, that’s kind of cool” sixteen year old Charlie would’ve been over the moon. Eighteen year old love struck Charlie feared falling for another girl. Yet he made no hopes because he knew exactly how that worked out for him last time. Damn lifeguards.

“I’ve never even talked to a girl, now I could live across the hall from one” Lenny excitedly whispers and Charlie chuckles and shakes his head at the boy.

“Maybe we’ll even score you a date” Charlie encourages him and the boy looks at him as if he hung the moon and stars. Charlie just smiles before pushing through the doors of the dorm building.

“Really?” Lenny eagerly asks as he chases behind him but Charlie never answers as a bubbly blonde with a clipboard approaches them both. She’s wearing a million watt smile and Charlie’s right back at camp, checking in with Josie on his first day.

“Welcome new students, have you been assigned a dorm yet?” she asks cheerfully and Charlie matches her smile to greet her kindly.

“No we haven’t, if possible I’d like to room with this guy right here” he points his thumb over his shoulder and if Lenny didn’t worship him before he really did now.

“Great! I see we’re already making friends. Well I have a room on the second floor available…. Dorm 216!” she grins, passing over two sets of keys to Charlie before clicking her pen. “Can I have the names?”

Charlie repeats both quickly for her and then she happily gives them directions to the staircase. Charlie’s just glad he wouldn’t have to climb five flights of stairs within this chaos. Arguing parents, annoyed kids his age, and younger siblings fill the building with a sound decimal that made Charlie crave the quiet night ahead of him. It’s a maze weaving around people on the stairs and in the halls. When they finally reach the second level Charlie breaths a sigh of relief, passing each door. 201, 202, 203, and so on. Of course he’d be at the end of the hall.

Just with his luck the key struggles to open the door, jamming and getting caught with each turn. It frustrates him like no other being so close yet so far from the end of this journey. His moves become more aggressive as he tries harder while wiggling the knob. Lenny attempts to step in but clearly Charlie isn’t looking for help, he just wants the damn door to open. Mumbled swears fall from his lips as he slaps a hand at the door and tries both of the keys. He did not want to visit with Josie’s long lost twin to find another key that probably didn’t exist. It surely had to be jammed, there was no other option. When Lenny bumps into him he’s damn near ready to snap.

“Whoops, sorry boys. Just trying to sneak by” an unfamiliar voice indicates it hadn’t been Lenny’s fault and Charlie gives up as he turns to look. First it’s the legs, long and tan and a mile high as his eyes crawl to a small plaid skirt. He knew this body, these mannerisms, almost as well as his own. When his eyes finally lift to meet hazel he’s met with the most gorgeous sight and three large men behind her like body guards.

“Valerie?” his voice is higher than normal, confusion and happiness filling him. Unable to keep his balance, trying to find his thoughts, he leans back against the door. It’s this moment it finally gives and in seconds Charlie is falling backward into the dorm room with a loud thud. A giggle escapes past Valerie’s lips and he can’t even be annoyed when he hears the sound he never thought he would again.

“Easy there Ace, you look like you’ve seen a ghost” she grins as one of the men move to help Charlie up. His arm is damn near ripped from his socket as he’s lifted from the ground with ease.

“Apparently I have” he says, brushing dirt from his clothes as he continues to try and process what’s happening in front of him.

“You never said you were attending Columbia” she states, arms crossing over her chest and Charlie tries not to look at the way her breasts lift. Especially since these three men had to be her brothers and Father.

“You didn’t either” he clarifies and she rolls her eyes, realizing just what idiots they both were. They really needed to work on their communication skills better.

“Dad, Victor, Vince, this is Charlie Dalton. One of Adler’s West Lake Lodge’s finest employees” Lenny gives Charlie a look at the long name and he shrugs at him as he prepares to meet the protectors of a girl he had violated, with her permission, many times before.

“Nice to meet you all, Valerie was a lifesaver this summer. Literally” her brothers chuckle at the lifeguard joke but her father still stands uncertain of the boy as he firmly shakes each of their hands.

“She’s kind of a control freak so that doesn’t surprise me” one of the boys say, both nearly identical and very close sounding names. Made it impossible for Charlie to try and determine who was who.

“Shut up Vince!” Valerie seethes as she tries to hit him but he backs away from his little sister’s wrath. Victor, the one to lift him up, protecting his brother.

“I hope you’re not a trouble maker Charlie. I’m already not very fond of these unisex living quarters and I don’t need anyone corrupting my little girl” oh if only he knew. That doesn’t stop Charlie from turning pale and stiffening where he stands. Valerie hides a smile behind her hand as he tries to impress the guy. That’s when all those years of training kick on.

“I promise I’ll be no trouble sir. I come from a long line of hard workers and have attended an all boys prep school my whole life. I’ve been taught the proper way to treat all women and am solely here for my studies and the opportunity to take over my father’s business” what a load of shit. That doesn’t stop the impressed look that Valerie gives him and he’s dying to kiss her. She truly couldn’t be real.

“That’s what I like to hear, now you boys get settled while we say goodbye to my little girl here” and Charlie nods, not looking to argue as he shuffles inside the dorm with Lenny and shuts the betraying door behind them. He felt like such a fool for falling on his ass in front of them.

“Who was that? She was beautiful!” Lenny beams as Charlie throws one of his suitcases on his bed. Charlie chuckles as Lenny does the same with his own.

“Valerie, she’s kinda my girlfriend” Lenny looks on wide eyed, so many questions filling his head at the thought of Charlie casually dating one of the prettiest girls he had ever seen.

“What do you mean kinda?” Lenny asks but Charlie doesn’t have the time to explain this humiliating story of how he fell for the girl of his dreams but never actually told her what college he was going to. His day was suddenly better and as of this moment he really knew she was meant to be. The camp had been a stroke of luck, pure coincidence they met and had cabins beside one another. This was fate, a sign from the universe telling him this is exactly the way it should be. That they were meant to be together.

Charlie isn’t given the opportunity to answer when the once stubborn door swings open with ease and the girl of his dreams comes barreling inside. He’s wrapped in her arms in seconds and he wastes no time pressing his mouth against her own in a dizzying kiss and lifting her up. Lenny doesn’t need confirmation anymore as he sees the girls legs wrap around his waist and hold onto Charlie like he was an angel sent from heaven.

“God I could slap the shit out of you right now” she says breathily as she pulls away from him, not yet letting him go. He had to be a figment of her imagination.

“You never mentioned Columbia either, just that English degree” he points out and she rolls her eyes at them both. How stupid they were to never actually ask each other their full plans.

“All that talk about our futures and you think it would’ve came up” she jokes and Charlie shrugs, smirking at her and unable to believe she was finally in his arms. What a lucky bastard he was.

“I don’t know, how else do you think I ended up volunteering at camp? Adler’s is known for Columbia volunteers” and she scoffs, playfully hitting his shoulder before deciding she has no time to be frustrated. Instead kissing him deeply again because she couldn’t believe he was actually here.

“I’m really happy you’re here by the way” she says after pulling back, neither acknowledging Lenny who felt like he was intruding on something he shouldn’t be.

“Yeah, why’s that?” Charlie asks and Valerie grins like the devil, over the moon excited about this next part of her life.

“Because I knew we’d find out way back to each other and I have a private dorm” Charlie’s face goes serious as he finally turns to Lenny and sets Valerie on her feet, hand interlocking with her own.

“Yeah see you later man” and Charlie drags the girl out of his dorm, her giggling behind him as he crossed the hall into room 216 where there sat only one bed like a gift from God himself. The door shutting behind them and confirming everything was the way it was supposed to be.

“It’s like a dream come true” Valerie says, hands more suggestively landing on his body and Charlie smiles at her, so many questions but too much excitement to organize them.

“Already have me breaking the first promise I made to your father” he mutters and Valerie grins, aware of how ready he was for her already. A week without each other was already torture, at least it wasn’t a lifetime like they thought.

“Yeah but now you can look forward to a lifetime of making more to him” Valerie says, arms coiling around his neck and Charlie smiles as he wraps his own around her waist.

“Now I can look forward to sharing a lifetime with you” Charlie corrects and that earns him a kiss, their first shared as official boyfriend and girlfriend and hopefully spouses one day. Nothing standing in their way this time, no deadline or clock ticking away the minutes. They had forever now.

“Oh also, who the heck is that guy?” Valerie asks, pointing back in the direction of Charlie’s dorm and he shrugs.

“I don’t know, some guy I met on the way to dorm assignments. He seemed cool so I offered to room with him” and Valerie just shakes her head at the simple boy who already picked out his first friend. She truly couldn’t wait for these next four years.

“You’re something special Ace” that brings a wide grin to Charlie’s face as he kisses her gently once more.

“And you’re everything I ever wanted V”

a/n: aghhhh guys I can’t believe this fic is actually over. It feels like forever ago since I started writing this but it was truly one of my favorites. 22 chapters later and here we are at the end of Charlie and Valerie’s story I had planned all along. Now they can spend the rest of their lives together and happy, and clearly communicating from now on. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did and thank you for reading 🤍

Taglist: @eden-punk @octaviasdread @pursuedbyamemoryy @poetsinnyc @linmichea1

[lostfirefly]

I will dry your eyes, I will fight your fight, I will hold you tight and I won't let go

This story came to my mind on the anniversary of the death of my loved one. English is not my native language, errors may occur. As always, feel free to share your thoughts :)

Masterlist is here

Description: Catherine has a dream where she introduces Buggy to her parents (who are long dead)

Warnings: Sadness.

Words: 6.837

Buggy x OC from my “You’ve Got the Same Dream as Me” series.

The title is taken from "I won't let go" by Rascal Flatts.

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"I’m so happy you will meet him!" Catherine clenched her hands and squealed.

"I haven't seen you smile so much in a long time. Buggy must be a great guy." 

"He's the best, mom!" Catherine kissed the short, dark-haired woman on the cheek. 

"You talk so much about him." Evelyn stroked Catherine’s hair. "But you didn't show any photos." 

"He is not a big fan of having his photo taken. What…?" Catherine sniffed. "What are you baking? It smells so good!" She leaned over and tried to peer through the oven door. 

"Pecan pie. We're having a special guest tonight." Evelyn leaned down next to her daughter and smiled. "Help me cut the sandwiches, Cathie. Dad will be home from work soon." 

"Yeah, sure!" Catherine kissed her mom again and started cutting peanut butter sandwiches. "I'm so glad you invited him. It means a lot to me."

"I want to get to know my daughter's boyfriend, who made her so happy." Evelyn smiled. 

"Plus, I've been staying at his place more often. I want you to get to know him and not worry about me." Catherine stuck her fingers into the peanut butter jar. "Jules won't come. She has a work shift. But we agreed to meet her tomorrow after work." 

"Where did you meet with Buggy, remind me?" Evelyn was putting the plates on the table.

"Me and Buggy? We met at a bar when I was out with friends. Larnie and I were waiting for our company. Buggy was sitting near the bar counter, sipping a beer. I smiled at him first and said hi. He was so surprised." Catherine giggled. "We started talking. Then I went over for drinks a couple more times. We started talking again. Then when all my friends left, I stayed sitting at the bar. Buggy came up to me. We started talking again and laughed a lot. And then he asked me out on a date. He was so shy. And then he asked me out on another date. And on another date. And then..." 

"And then you realized you were in love?" Evelyn walked over to the table and patted Catherine on the head. 

"Not just in love, mom." Catherine smiled. "He blew my mind. Buggy's amazing. He makes me smile. He makes me laugh. He's kind. Caring. You know, this morning he made me a cup of coffee, and sandwiches, and then escorted me to work."

"Did you have a good time yesterday?" 

"Yeah. We watched stupid shows, ate pizza and laughed a lot. And then went to bed and talked a lot. I just wanted to support Buggy before dinner tonight. He's actually a little shy about today." 

"Who's a little shy?" asked a short, overweight man walking into the kitchen. 

"Daddy!!!" Catherine smiled widely and ran up to her father. "Hi!! I'm so glad you came on time." She kissed him on the cheek. 

"How could I be late on a day like this? My daughter is bringing me to meet her crush." ​​He hugged her tightly. 

"Yes, Dylan. You see, someone stole your daughter's heart from you." Evelyn laughed. 

"Oh my god, did someone knock me off my pedestal?" Dylan theatrically clutched his heart ruffled Catherine's hair. "It was bound to happen sometime, I guess. Oh, by the way. This is for you, Cathie." He handed her a pyramid figurine. "I was passing by a souvenir shop and saw this. We'll definitely go to Egypt together, see the pyramids and read old inscriptions. We'll feel like real archaeologists!"

"Wow! Thanks, dad!" Catherine twirled the figurine in her hands. "It's amazing!" 

"And," Dylan walked up to Evelyn and handed her a bouquet of lilacs. "This's for you, my lovely wife."

"Oh, my love! Thank you!" Evelyn kissed Dylan on his cheek. "So beautiful." She sniffed her flowers.

"And I bought beer for your boyfriend, Cathie." Dylan pointed at the table.

"Oh!" Catherine looked at the large package. "His favorite!" 

"You mentioned this brand once, I saw it and bought it." Dylan shrugged. "By the way, Evelyn! Should we call the police? There's a weird guy walking around outside our house. He's got a red nose, and he's holding flowers." 

"It's not a weird guy, dad! It's Buggy! I'm going to go meet him!" Catherine gave her parents another peck on the cheek and ran out of the kitchen squealing.

"Buggy. This is the most frequently spoken name in our house over the past few months." Dylan laughed, sitting down at the table. 

"By the way, Dylan, promise me you won't pester Catherine's boyfriend with questions."  Evelyn said a little sternly. 

"Okay. I won’t. But can I do this?" He crossed his arms and made a stern face.

"What's this?" Evelyn imitated husband’s facial expression and pose. 

"This's my "an angry dad" face. I just give Buggy a silent warning that if he breaks Cathie’s heart like Flynnie, I'll dig him out of the ground and teach him a lesson. My heart aches every time I think about what that bastard did to her. I thought we had lost our giggling daughter forever." 

"Oh, my love." Evelyn smiled, setting a cup of coffee down on the table. "Don’t worry. Our daughter is a smart girl. She wouldn't get involved with some jerk. Flynnie was a mistake. Every girl should have her own mistake. Besides, we talked about Buggy in the evenings with her. I think he's a normal guy." 

"Yes, Cathie told me a lot about her boyfriend too." Dylan sipped his coffee. "We went to lunch with her recently and she kept talking and talking about him. And yesterday she came to me at work with sandwiches and chatted incessantly about today. And then she kissed me on the cheek and ran off on a date with her boyfriend." He exhaled.

"Oh, come on!" Evelyn kissed husband’s head. "I talked a lot about you with my parents, too."

Catherine ran out onto the porch and saw Buggy pacing around the path. "My little bear!!" She ran to greet him, throwing her arms above her head. "Hi!" Smack. "Hi!" Smack. "Hi! Hi! Hi!" Smack. Smack. Smack. "Wow! You look so handsome today!" She looked Buggy up and down. 

He was standing in front of her in a black jeans, a black t-shirt, and a black jacket. His hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and he was holding a huge bouquet of purple roses. 

"These flowers are so beautiful!" Catherine examined the flowers.

"For you." Buggy handed her a bouquet. "Shit! No!" He jerked his hand back. "For your mom. Shit, I forgot to buy you flowers. I should buy you flowers, right? I can run and buy flowers right now." Buggy was getting redder by the second. 

"You're so cute when you’re nervous." Catherine smiled. 

"I’m not nervous. I’m not. No, no, no. Flowers." 

"Yes, you’re." She hugged Buggy. "You've already said the words "buy" and "flowers" several times." Catherine giggled, stroking his back. "Don't worry, please! Better take me out to eat my favorite cake later!" Catherine took Buggy's hand. "Are you ready?" 

"Na-ah!" Buggy shook his head. 

"Don't be nervous. I promise I'll always be here for you!"

Catherine dragged Buggy into the house, and as soon as they entered the living room, the first thing that caught Buggy's eye was the large number of photographs on the shelves and walls. Each frame told a story, a frozen moment in time capturing smiles, laughter, and love shared with family and friends. Buggy couldn't help but feel the warmth emanating from those images, a testament to the life lived within these walls. Soft pillows adorned the sofa and chairs, inviting anyone who entered to sink into their embrace. The overall atmosphere of the room wrapped around Buggy like a favorite blanket, promising comfort and relaxation after a long day.

From the kitchen came the mouthwatering smell of pecan pie, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the savory scents of sandwiches and fried potatoes wafting through the air. It was a delightful symphony of aromas that danced together, awakening every sense and drawing Buggy deeper into the heart of the home. The inviting sounds of sizzling and clattering from the kitchen blended with soft laughter and conversation, creating a harmonious backdrop that made Buggy feel instantly at ease. This place was not just a house; it was a sanctuary filled with warmth, love, and the promise of shared moments over delicious meals.

"Mom! Dad!" Catherine said loudly. "We're here." She took Buggy's hand and held him to the kitchen. 

"Hi!" Catherine smiled widely. "Mom, dad! This's my Buggy!"

Evelyn and Dylan were silent for a second when they saw a tall man with a big red nose and clown’s makeup on his face.

"Oh, hi, Buggy! Welcome to our home!" Evelyn said, punching her husband in the shoulder. "Say something! " She said quietly.

"Oh, yeah! Welcome." Dylan extended his hand to Buggy. "My name is Dylan. And that wonderful woman is Evelyn." 

"Dylan, I think the man your daughter has been dating for months knows our names." Evelyn smiled, taking a pie out of the oven.

Buggy took Dylan’s hand and shook it.

"Say your name ." Catherine whispered.

"What? " Buggy asked in response. 

"That’s manners. Say you name. " 

"Right! Buggy." He said as confidently as he could while continuing to shake Catherine's father's hand. 

"Why are you standing there? Come in and sit down." Evelyn invited them with her hand. 

Catherine tugged on Buggy's hand and sat down next to him at the table. 

"Flowers, Buggy. " She whispered. 

"What? " 

"Give mom the bouquet. " 

"Oh, yes, Miss.. Mrs. Evelyn. These flowers are for you." Buggy held out the bouquet with a shaking hand. 

"Thank you, Buggy!" Evelyn took the bouquet and sniffed it. "So beautiful." She put them in the vase. "So, mister the Clown, Catherine told us that you are a street performer."

"Not just a performer, mom!" Catherine said with excitement in her voice. "Buggy has a small troupe. It's like a little street circus. But I’m sure one day this little circus will be the biggest and the most successful circus in the world!" 

"I hope so. A couple of days ago, a new person joined the troupe." Buggy tried to sound confident. 

"Sounds amazing." Evelyn said, cutting off a piece of pie. "Where do you usually perform?" 

"In different places of the city, Miss.. Mrs. Evelyn. But since recently, often in the central square." Buggy said uncertainly. 

"Yes, there was a wonderful show yesterday. Fire, acrobats, jugglers." Catherine put potatoes on her plate and Buggy's.

"And we were in the center square yesterday."  Evelyn said, placing a plate of pie in front of Buggy "The show must have ended by then. We'll be glad to see it."

"Oh, there's another show in two days. Let's go to see it together! I’ll show you everything." Catherine said happily. 

"I would love to!" Dylan ate a piece of cake. "Yummy!" 

"You know," Catherine ate potatoes, "Yummy! My favorite part of the show is when I'm standing in the front row of the crowd, listening to everyone clapping and talking about the whole troupe and the captain of course, and then I run and hug this blue-haired guy, while girls from the crowd dream about him." Catherine kissed Buggy on his cheek. 

"And who are your parents, Buggy?" Dylan asked, eating a potato, and watching as Buggy blushed with every second after Catherine's kiss.

"Well." Buggy scratched his head. "Dad has his own little wood shop. You know.. Souvenirs, cutting boards and stuff like that. And mom's a housewife. Sometimes she helps my father in the shop."

"Wow! Little wood shop?" Dylan pulled two bottles of beer out of the box and pushed one towards himself and one towards Buggy. "It's kinda cool." 

"Shit! I forgot to wash my hands. Where can I wash my hands? " Buggy asked Catherine quietly.

"What? "

"You always nag at me for not washing my hands when I come home. Your parents are here after all. " Buggy nodded gently towards Catherine's parents. "Where's the bathroom?"

"I'll show you! Come on! " Catherine took his hand and dragged him out of the room. "We’ll be back!" 

"Well, he seems nice. Just not very talkative." Dylan took a sip of beer.

"Oh, come on! He's just nervous." Evelyn poured wine into her glass.

"He's got an interesting face." Dylan clinked the bottle against Evelyn's glass. "Nose, blue hair, make up. What do you think?" 

"If our daughter isn't embarrassed," Evelyn stroked husband’s shoulder, "Why should it embarrass us?" 

"That's right!" Dylan pulled a notebook out of his pocket. 

"Oh, no!" Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Not your notebook with the ducks! Put it away!" 

"But why? I want to write something down about Buggy and check it later." 

"You're not gonna check anything about our daughter's boyfriend! Give me the notebook!" Evelyn took the small book from her husband's hands and put it in the drawer. "We know everything we should know. He’s 26. He's a street performer, his parents run a store. He's a normal guy! Catherine told us all this, why are you asking him these questions again? If our daughter wants, she will tell us more. Cathie trusts us, you know that perfectly." 

"Are you okay?" Catherine asked, handing over a towel to Buggy.

"I don't know. I think yes." He answered, sitting on the edge of the bath. "I think your parents were a little shocked."

"Don't say that." Catherine wrapped her arms around his neck. "My parents aren't the type to judge people by their appearance. Dad may seem strict, but he's not. He's just worried about me after that incident with Flynnie." 

"But I would never do that to you." Buggy hugged her. 

"I know, my blue-haired love." Catherine kissed him on the cheek. "You're doing great, and I'm so proud of you. If you're ready, let's go back to the kitchen. And then I want to show you my room. Who knows.. Maybe I’ll let you kiss me there."

"Oh! You're such a naughty girl, Catherine Mitchell!" Buggy said mockingly. "You will let me kiss you in your room? Let's not wait, we can do this terrible thing here!" He tried to kiss her.

"What are you doing?! No!" She gently pushed his head away. "We are in the house where my parents are now. I will not kiss you here." 

"But five minutes ago, you suggested doing this in your bedroom!" 

"You're such a fool." Catherine pecked him on his nose. "Okay, let's go!" She took Buggy's hand.

"Wait!" He squeezed her hand.

"What?" Catherine said quietly.

"Will you.. Will you stay with me today? I mean, in my place." 

"Sure, if you really want to." Catherine kissed Buggy on his nose. "But if you don't mind, I'll spend the evening with my parents tomorrow, okay? I want to spend time with my mom and dad, I don't want them to think that I forgot about them."

"Deal." 

"Love you so, so much, my Buggy Bear. Okay, let's go back to my parents." 

Catherine pulled Buggy down the stairs and held his hand tightly as she walked into the kitchen with a big smile.

"We're back!"

"Great! We missed you. We got wine and beer, potatoes, steaks, salads, sandwiches." Evelyn watched out of the corner of her eye as Catherine began to stroke Buggy's hand with her finger and smiled. "Don't stand there. Cathie said you like hot dogs, Buggy. So I made you some." She set a big plate of delicious hot dogs on the table. "I hope you like them."

"Thank you!" Buggy looked shocked.

"Tell us more about yourself." Evelyn said, sipping her wine. "Have you studied somewhere? I mean circus art."

"Well," Buggy scratched his head. "I went to circus school for a couple of semesters, but I got bored and the idea of ​​starting my own street troupe just came to me. I teamed up with a couple of friends from my year, and we started putting on shows. And then more people joined us."

"I always told Buggy that his charisma attracts people." Catherine smiled. "You can't walk past him and not be charmed by his charm. One day you'll get a dancing lion, and you'll reach a whole new level." Catherine stroked Buggy’s palm. "Oh! Pour me some white wine, please."

Catherine put a couple of hot dogs on Buggy’s plate. " Please don't be shy. I'm right here. " She whispered in his ear.

Buggy poured her a glass of wine and took a bite of the hot dog. "Fuck! This is delicious, Mr. Evelyn!"

"Thank you! Call me Evelyn, without Miss or Mrs, please." She smiled. "It would be very interesting to watch your performance. And maybe later you will invite us to the opening show at the circus."

"It may be stupid, but yes. Opening my own circus is my dream, Mrs.. Sorry.. Evelyn." Buggy said and took a sip of his beer.

"Actually," Dylan said, eating a hot dog. "It's great to have a dream. And it's great that you go for it. Dreams are illusory until the dreamers take the helm. I promised Cathie that we would go to Egypt one day."

"Yes, she told me a lot about your conversations and this trip. It sounds cool, actually." 

Catherine felt a warm glow of happiness in her heart as she watched Buggy interact with her parents. Despite his shy demeanor, he was a good boy at heart, and his genuine kindness shone through every time he awkwardly responded to their enthusiastic questions. As they sat around the dinner table, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and lighthearted chatter. Catherine’s parents, excited to get to know Buggy, asked him about everything from his favorite movies to his hobbies. His bashful smiles and hesitant replies only made their curiosity grow, and soon enough, the room was alive with joyous exchanges.

The highlight of the evening came when Catherine’s father began to recount some of his classic, silly stories about her childhood. Each tale was laced with laughter, and Catherine couldn’t help but feel a mixture of amusement and embarrassment as she listened. The stories made her laugh heartily, but they also caused her cheeks to flush with warmth. Seeing Buggy chuckle at her dad’s antics made her heart swell with affection for both him and her parents. In that moment, surrounded by love and laughter, Catherine felt a strong connection forming, not just between herself and Buggy, but among the entire family, solidifying a bond that she hoped would grow stronger with each passing day.

"Oh! I want to show Buggy our albums. We'll go to the living room, you come too." Catherine took the glasses from the table. "Buggy! Take the wine, please."

Buggy nodded, took the bottle and Catherine dragged him into the living room.

"Buggy seems like a nice guy." Evelyn said, taking beer out of the fridge.

"Yeah. He’s a bit modest. Cathie described him as quite different." Dylan crossed his arms. 

"I think he is just a little bit nervous. You bombarded him with questions and looked at him very sternly." 

"I didn't look at him sternly. I just wanted to tell him that I won't let my daughter be hurt."

"You're such a protective dad." Evelyn hugged Dylan from behind. "Do you remember that night when Cathie came running to us and told us that Buggy had confessed his love to her?" 

"Yes. It was after his performance, right?" Dylan took Evelyn’s hand. 

"Yes, she said that when they packed their things, she hugged him, and he told her that he loved her."

"Cathie was so happy that night. She was squealing and clenching her fists. Yeah." Dylan exhaled. "We see her less and less every month."

"Oh, come on." Evelyn kissed her husband on his cheek. "She spends time with us. Just a little less."

"And she sometimes disappears."

"She stays with him." Evelyn stroked husband’s back. "You know that he has his own small apartment." 

"You see. God knows what they do there." 

"She's 24, Dylan. You know exactly what they do there. Let me show you something." Evelyn dragged Dylan to the doorway. "Look." She pointed at Catherine and Buggy. "See how Buggy is looking at Cathie right now? And did you notice how he kept a close eye on her every time she got up to bring something to the table? He reminded me of you when you came to meet my parents. Just as young and just as nervous. And look at your daughter, Dylan. Have you heard her laugh so loudly and cheerfully in a long time?"

"No." Dylan said quietly. "She’s happy." 

"I know you have a special bond with her." Evelyn started stroking husband’s back. "But even if Cathie moves in with Buggy, she'll still come visit us. Loguetown isn't a big town, and Cathie isn't one to forget about her family. Give them some time. It's normal. They are young, in love. Their relationship is still very new. They want to spend more time together."

"You're right. It's just... I didn't think about it. I mean, if things continue like this, Buggy really will invite Cathie to move in with him. They will live together. What if something happens to them, what will they do?"

"We also started living together when we were young." Evelyn place her chin on Dylan’s shoulder. "There were difficulties, but we managed. And they will have difficulties. They will quarrel and make up. Maybe sometimes they will not have enough money for something until his circus starts to bring in income. But if they really love each other, they will cope with it. Are you worried about something?"

"Yes. No. I don't know. It's just hard to think about my little Cathie leaving this house." Dylan stared at Catherine, who was smiling widely, showing Buggy pictures and occasionally stroking his head.

"You're just jealous that your second daughter is being taken away from you." Evelyn said giggling. "But you've gotten over Jules having someone. Catherine and Buggy will be fine. I'm sure that in 10 years, when our daughter is 34 and even more beautiful, she and Buggy will come visit us. For Thanksgiving or Christmas. And the house will be filled with her laughter again. I see us baking gingerbread cookies with her, and you and Buggy sitting in the living room, sipping beer and watching the sports channel. You, by the way, will have more gray hair and wrinkles. And then we'll come over with treats and mulled wine, and Cathie will tell us about the most successful circus in the world. And maybe she will have a beautiful ring on her ring finger."

"And what if we're gone in 10 years?"

"We'll still keep an eye on her. She'll be fine, I promise. I'm sure Buggy will take care of her."

"Mom, dad!! Come to us!" Catherine waved her hand. "I'm showing our photos to Buggy!" 

"Okay, let's go to them." Evyn took Dylan’s hand. "We still have some pie and some good beer. And I will never believe that you will miss the opportunity to tell some embarrassing stories about your daughter."

"Oh, I have at least five stories." Dylan laughed. "We’re coming, Cathie! Well, Buggy, I’m gonna tell you a story about your girlfriend!" 

"Mom. Dad." Catherine opened her eyes. "Fuck!" She looked at the sleeping Buggy and wiped her eyes. "Good. Sleeping." Catherine picked up her phone and opened one of the last photos they'd taken together. "I miss you. Especially now." Tears rolled down her cheeks and she barely managed to hold back a sniffle.

"Hey!" Buggy's raspy voice came from behind her. "Cotton candy.."

"What, my love?" Catherine quickly wiped her eyes and took three deep breaths.

"Nothing. I heard weird noises and woke up." Buggy’s voice was laced with a hint of confusion, the remnants of sleep still clinging to him like the warm blanket he had just escaped. 

"You snore like a chainsaw, I'm surprised you heard anything." Catherine giggled. 

"Are you ok?" Buggy reached out and gently placed his hand on Catherine's shoulder. His touch was comforting, a silent promise that he was there for her. 

"Yeah." Catherine inhaled deeply, her breath shaky as she sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'll go get some water. Do you want something?"

"No." Buggy replied, watching as she stood up with a sense of urgency.

"Okay. I’ll be back soon." Catherine hurriedly left the bedroom, leaving Buggy feeling an odd unease settle in his chest. 

He had grown accustomed to her playful jabs and sleepy nudges in the middle of the night, she always kissed his nose; her quiet demeanor felt foreign and alarming. Struggling against the cocoon of warmth, Buggy rolled out from under the blanket and followed her. He quietly walked to the kitchen door and looked in. Catherine was standing by the window, drinking water and wiping her eyes.

"I love you very much." She whispered. "But plea—"

"Hey!" Buggy entered the kitchen and turned on the light.

"Oh, my God! You scared me. I could have a heart attack like that."

"What's wrong with you?"

"Everything's fine."

"Yeah, tell me." Buggy crossed his arms. "You're standing in the kitchen in the middle of the night, wiping your eyes. Did I do something wrong?"

"What's with your habit of always blaming yourself for everything? You're not the cause of all the problems in the world, Buggy!!" Catherine slammed her glass down on the table and went into the bedroom. "You’re pissing me off with your incessant whining!"

"Oh, well, I'm sorry, miss "I'm crying in the middle of the night and I won't tell you why"!" Buggy shouted back.

"Please shut up, fucking clown, or I'll cut you into pieces."  Catherine snapped back, her anger cutting through the air sharper than any knife. "You won't be able to put yourself back together again until the morning, because there are plenty of drawers at home!" 

Buggy couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea of himself being meticulously stored away in a drawer, a carnival of loose parts waiting for morning to piece him together again. "Good luck with that!" 

"Fuck you, honestly!" Catherine barked and went to the bedroom. 

Buggy stood in the kitchen, confused.

"Fuck you. Bla-bla. You won't be able to put yourself back together again. Bla-bla. You're pissing me off with your incessant whining. Bla-bla. Who else is pissing who off? Fuck!" Buggy rolled his eyes and groaned. "Life was easier when I was alone. Why the hell did I ever get into a relationship? Damn, it's so hard to be in this shit." He muttered to himself and trudged into the bedroom. 

Catherine was lying under the covers, hugging a stuffed octopus. Buggy flopped under the covers, he decoupled himself from the argument, vowing to escape the reality of their conflict through sleep — only to find the sound of Catherine's muffled sobs seeping through the fabric of their shared life.

"What the hell, Catherine!" Buggy exclaimed, flicking the light back on like a referee waving a flag, demanding clarity amid this chaotic emotional relay. He perched at the edge of the bed, emotions tipping precariously between irritation and concern. "I did something. And you don't want to upset me. I'm a grown man, tell me what I did!"

"You didn't do anything!" Catherine snapped back.

"Of course I did! You're crying in the middle of the night!"

"Damn you!! I dreamed about my parents!! Happy now?" She said angrily. 

"What?"

"I dreamed about my parents!!" Catherine repeated quietly. "They met you in a dream." She turned to Buggy. "I don't know what's wrong with me, Buggy." Catherine burst into tears. "I've been over their deaths for a long time, but I miss them especially now. It all started after the second adventure. And then all this sadness started to roll over me like a snowball." She cannot stop crying. 

"After the second adventure? Why didn't you tell me this?" 

"I don't know!" Catherine burst into tears even more. "I’m sorry. I should have told you. I don't know why I’m sad. Maybe because I want to sit with my mom in the kitchen and tell her that I finally met the love of my life? Even if it's in a completely strange way. They saw Jules' boyfriend, they saw that she was happy. But they don't know that I'm happy. And I know that it will never meet you, and it kills me."

"*Fuck!*" Buggy was confused for a few seconds because it was the first time he saw Catherine in such a state. "*What should I do? Hug her! Definitely hug her!!*" Buggy quickly wrapped his arms around her waist and carefully pulled her closer to him. 

"I’m sorry, please." Catherine snuggled closer to Buggy. "I should have told you. I didn't mean to worry you."

"Hey! Don't be sorry. Everything is ok." Buggy hugged Catherine tightly, covering her with a blanket. "Thanks for sharing." 

"Damn! The Earth will definitely start spinning on its axis. Buggy the Clown sometimes says the words "thank you" and "I love you." Catherine laughed through the tears.

"You're such an ass, woman!" 

"Forgive me for what I said in the kitchen. I didn't mean to say that." She kissed Buggy on the nose with her tear-stained face. "I don't want to chop you into pieces. Sometimes, of course, I want to, but not today."

"I don't know what you are talking about. I didn't hear anything, baby." Buggy wiped her eyes and hugged her tightly. 

"Liar. You know," Catherine pressed her head to his chest, "I dreamed that we met 10 years ago. You were a street performer."

"A street performer?"

"Yeah! You had your own little troupe, and you dreamed of a famous circus. And I took you to meet my parents. We ate pecan pie and sandwiches that you liked - with peanut butter and banana."

"My favorite!" 

"I know it’s stupid to be sad." 

"No, it’s not, cotton candy. It’s ok to be sad about your past life." Buggy kissed her head. "Besides, you were close with your parents. Better tell me what else did you dream about?"

"What else?..." Catherine started running her fingers over Buggy's chest. 

"You said I was a street performer." Buggy started stroking her back. "Was I cool? Were there any pretty girls in my troupe?"

"Yeah! The coolest street performer! Pretty girls? Yeah. But they had no chance to be with you because I was your girlfriend. Oh, oh!" Catherine gently slapped his hand. "And you always came out to bow to me first. As you do now at your performances. You were so young and handsome."

"Was? What about now? I’m still young!" Buggy placed his chin on her head. 

"No! Now you're old and grumpy." Catherine giggled.

"Ass!"

"And you also had parents. They had their own small shop. They sold wooden products. See? You weren't alone." 

"God," Buggy chuckled, "You paint such a sad picture of my past. No matter what happened there. Say something nice to her! The main thing is that I'm not alone now either. I have you. What could a fool like me want?"

"I remember how one fool wanted to leave me in the desert." Catherine smiled.

"Fuck! I didn't leave you!!" 

"Are you really happy that you met me?"

"Don't make me say the obvious things, little shit." Buggy exhaled. "Fine. Do you want me to confess something?"

"Confess? In what?"

"When I.. When I saw you for the first time, I thought.. I thought.. I thought you were very pretty."

"Really??" Catherine looked at Buggy.

"Yeah." Buggy kissed her in the forehead. "Even though you were grumbling at me. Of course, I didn't expect anything."

"I remember that morning and how I saw you for the first time. You were naughty and grumpy. And then you started making your dirty flying dragon jokes and I thought you were disgusting. It's so funny that even in a dream, we met in a bar. Oh! Let's go there tomorrow. I wanna spend the evening at our place." Catherine exhaled. 

"I will never refuse a drink. She’s sad. I hate to see her sad face. I wanna see my Cathie’s smile. What to do? What to do? Oh, I know! Hey, Cathie-pie!"

"What?"

Buggy split into pieces and jumped out of bed.

"What are you doing?" Catherine wiped her eyes and smiled. "Come back to me!" 

"Shush, woman!" Buggy gathered himself back, stood in front of the closet and examined it. "On! Great. It should work! Look!" With enthusiasm bubbling over, he began to craft whimsical shapes with his fingers, transforming the air around them into a canvas of imagination.

"What is this?" Catherine laughed, her curiosity piqued as she pointed at something that resembled nothing of the sort. She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with laughter, captivated by Buggy's antics.

"Miss Mitchell. Welcome to your personal "I wanna see a smile on your pretty face" theater! And this is a cat." Buggy declared with exaggerated flair, attempting to mold a feline's face with the awkward angles of his fingers.

"This's not a cat, Buggy. It looks like," Catherine tilted her head, "Like a cloud." Her laughter filled the room, brightening the dim corners with a warmth only she could conjure.

"No! This's a cat. Use your imagination!" Buggy struck a pose, fingers contorted in a way that he believed captured the essence of his creations. "And this's a dog."

"This's not a dog. You are a lousy magician, Buggy the Clown." Catherine retorted, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. Flopping onto her stomach on the bed, Catherine began to kick her legs in glee.

"Well, fine. Since you don't like shadow beasts, I'll do-o-o..." Buggy looked around. "Oh, there they are!" He picked up three tangerines from his table. "There will be few of these, and I apologize in advance." 

As Buggy began to juggle, the sight quickly morphed from a playful performance to an inadvertent display of chaos. The tangerines danced in the air momentarily before plummeting to the ground, their bright skins contrasting starkly with the wooden floor. Each fumbled attempt elicited peals of laughter from Catherine, who continued watching with a mixture of amusement and affection. 

"You can't even juggle." Catherine giggled. "God, who did I fall in love with?"

After wiping away her earlier tears, Buggy couldn’t help but feel his spirit lift just a little. Her laughter was a soothing balm to his bumbling efforts, making him forget the embarrassment of his amateur juggling act. Catherine’s vibrant energy was contagious, and as she sank to her knees, her clapping seemed to summon the magic of the moment. 

"How did you even start a circus?" She urged, her enthusiasm bubbling over. 

Buggy stared at her incredulously for a moment, a grin spreading across his face. Despite his juggling woes, he felt a surge of motivation wash over him. Perhaps he wasn’t a master juggler, but right then, he could be whatever she wanted him to be — an aspiring clown, an artist in the making, or maybe just the person who could make Catherine smile in that sad moment surrounded by the scent of tangerines and the promise of laughter.

"Okay! If you don't like me juggling…Here." Buggy threw tangerines into her hands. "I’ll try to do this." He opened a drawer and pulled out a couple of balloons. "Who's on your pants today?"

"These are platypuses, my love." Catherine said happily, eating a fruit. 

"I have no idea how to make platypuses. I'll make what I can." Buggy fiddled with the balloon for a long time, trying to make a balloon dog. "Here. For you."

"Who is this?" Catherine laughed loudly, twirling something crooked in her hands. 

"This's a dog."

"Do you even know what a dog looks like?"

Buggy chuckled, scratching his head as he examined the twisted creation in Catherine's hands. "Well, in my defense, it's a balloon dog from a very abstract art perspective," he replied, puffing out his chest with mock pride. Buggy squatted down beside Catherine. "I’m pretty sure platypuses are even harder to make, so it’s probably for the best," he added, his eyes twinkling.

Catherine, still laughing, held the balloon dog up for inspection. "This looks more like a squashed potato than a puppy," she teased, her voice light and airy. 

Buggy feigned indignation, crossing his arms dramatically while glancing at the other balloons, vibrant and full of promise, all waiting to come to life. "Alright, how about I give it another shot? But you’ll have to guide me on the proper way to make a dog."

"Deal!" Catherine exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

"Alright!" Buggy took another balloon. His hands fumbled with the latex while Catherine provided a running commentary on dog features. 

"You need larger ears, and don’t forget the tail!" She advised, giggling at the frustration bubbling up in Buggy as he tried to form something recognizable.

"Done! Here!" He again held out something incomprehensible into Catherine's hands, peering closely at her face.

"This is the most beautiful unknown balloon animal. I'll put it in the living room. And it will stand there until it dies." Catherine noticed Buggy's lingering on her, curiosity and admiration dancing in his eyes. "Why are you looking at me like that? Stop embarrassing me, clown." She covered his eyes, unable to suppress the blush creeping up her cheeks.

"No! Let me look at you! You're smiling and wrinkling your nose. I love when you do this. Where's my red-haired pie?" His playful insistence made her heart flutter with warmth, and she couldn’t help but reveal herself momentarily.

Catherine peeked through her fingers. "Hi! Here I’m!" She chimed, and Buggy’s face broke into a wide grin.

"Hi! Here you are!" He echoed with delight, his laughter filling the room, an infectious sound that made her feel light and carefree. Buggy carefully took Catherine’s hand and kissed it several times. 

"Come here." Catherine beckoned gently, intertwining her fingers with his and pulling Buggy closer until he climbed onto the bed beside her. 

Catherine took his face in her hands, her touch gentle yet firm, as if she wanted to anchor Buggy to that moment, to the warmth of their connection. 

"You're shirtless." She said with a teasing smile, her gaze admiring the warmth of his skin.

"And?" Buggy replied cheekily, raising an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the attention.

"You're too hot without a t-shirt." Catherine shot back playfully.

"I'm even hotter without pants." Buggy smirked, a glimmer of mischief lighting up his eyes.

Catherine laughed, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "I hate you. You're a real killer of moments, Buggy the Clown!" Her lips found his forehead in a sweet kiss, and as she settled into his embrace, she held him tightly, whispering, "You’re the best. You're the most handsome, funny and wonderful guy I've ever met. Remember that, please," she said, her eyes searching for his reassurance. 

Buggy looked into Catherine's eyes, the warmth of her gaze melting away his insecurities.

He poked her in her nose with his finger, a gesture filled with warmth and affection. "Thank you, princess!" he whispered, his voice barely above a breath, yet it carried the weight of profound gratitude. 

"Still a princess? When will I become a queen, Buggy?"

"I don't know." With a soft chuckle, Buggy settled back under the covers, pulling Catherine closer as if he could shield her from the uncertainties of the world. "How are you? Feel better now?" he inquired, resting his chin atop her head.

"Yeah." Catherine replied, feeling an undeniable sense of security enveloping her. "You made me laugh, and I’m in the safest place in the world right now. Thank you, my blue-haired love."

"Do you want something? Tea? Cookies? I can bring you anything."

"No, don't go, please. Let's lie like this for a little while longer." Catherine leaned in closer, her voice almost pleading. 

"Fine. Are you sure you're ok?" 

"Yeah. I’ll be fine. Because I have you. I’m so happy I have you. I'm sure that if my parents look at me now, they're probably smiling. I have someone to protect me, someone who cares about me. We'll get to know them, but only later. In ma-a-any, ma-a-any years."

"Does it mean that I have at least 60 years to prepare and make a good impression on them?" Buggy teased, eliciting a giggle from Catherine.

"Kind of." She giggled back, her laughter brightening the room.

"Love you, my cotton candy." 

"Love you too, I love you so, so much, my Buggy Bear. My love?" Catherine said quietly, her voice broke the comfortable silence once more.

"Hm?" Buggy replied slightly. 

"Can you make me your mac with sausages?"

[cowgurrrl]

Love the writing! Could I get one where Joel is on your and the twins are still really tiny and oc!actress is having a really hard time and has to go home, I don’t know something really angsty and also just fluff at the end of him being a girl dad and loving his 2 little beans.

Love You

Pairing: rockstar!joel miller x actress!reader

Author’s note: sorry this took so long!!

Summary: Combining these two asks!! [1.5k]

Warnings: weird Hollywood questions, brief brief brief talks of body image, PPA if you squint, people on twitter being The Worst, Joel being The Best, I think that’s it!!

You weren't supposed to be working. Then again, you were still supposed to be pregnant. You normally wouldn't pick up new projects or anything super intensive until the twins were at least two years old, but you signed on for this interview two months ago when you didn't think you'd go into labor quite so early. But now you've got one-month-old twins at home and a mandatory event. Sierra would've happily called out of it on your behalf, but Joel told you it was okay if you wanted to go. You hadn't done much except focus on the twins since they were born, and he knew how much you loved to talk about your work— especially since this interview was for the anniversary of one of your first and most well-loved projects, Sweet Water. Carolina will be there too, and it’ll last two hours at most. 

"Go. I can handle this." Joel reassured you. Still, when you went to leave, you cried and repeated instructions for the umpteenth time, even though Joel knows their schedules and habits as well as you. You got kisses from Sam and Joel before walking out the door and doing your best not to turn right around and come back. It's only a few hours, you remind yourself. Nothing catastrophic will happen in a few hours.

You fight your anxiety to constantly check your phone for an update from Joel as Alexa does your makeup. She asks how you're feeling post-partum, how the kids are, and makes a point to tell you how good you look for just having twins. You're not sure if she's laying it on thick because she can clearly see you're frantic, but you appreciate the compliments, nevertheless. As you're walking to set, your phone buzzes with a picture of Sam snuggling up to the girls with a long text about how many ounces the girls drank and what Sammy had for lunch. 

Now, we're watching Frozen 2 for the thirtieth time.

Thank you. Hopefully, I'll be home before the rock giants.

No rush, Mama. We'll see you whenever you get home.

I love you.

Love you too.

Reluctantly, you slide your phone into your pocket as PAs rush around to get everything set up, and the interviewer enters the room. He's an older guy you recognize from many other documentary-style interviews, and you smile as you shake his hand and introduce yourself.  

"It's so nice to meet you. I've heard so many good things." He says, and you laugh. "I've also heard you just had twins."

"Oh, yes. Twin girls about a month ago." You say.

"Congratulations," the reporter says. "Who's watching them today?" He asks. The question takes you back a little bit. Who the fuck does he think is watching your kids?

"My husband, Joel. He's at home with our toddler and the twins."

"Oh, poor dad! Stuck babysitting." He laments, and you scoff, glancing around to see if anybody else is hearing what you're hearing.

"I don't know if it's babysitting when they're also his children, but he was very excited about spending time with them." You say, plastering a smile on your face despite the annoyance bubbling under the surface of your skin. 

"Right. Of course." He says, but his tone makes it sound more like if you say so. You try to brush it off as just old, stupid ideas about parenting and the role fathers take when caring for their kids, but once the cameras start rolling and the questions start coming, all the questions are around the same lines. How did you physically prepare for the role of the young nurse you played in Sweet Water? What were your thoughts when you read about Alex and Griffin's relationship? How old were you when you played Alex? What was it like filming the scenes where you were exposed before the time of intimacy coordinators? 

The questions made your head spin. None of them had anything to do with Alex's character development, what she meant to you, and how her relationships with other women helped you form life-long friendships. They're all bathed in misogynistic prying and thoughts about your twenty-four-year-old body. You smile and redirect where you can, but the whole thing makes you feel gross and invalidated. The second you're done, you meet up with Carolina in the hallway to warn her, and she rolls her eyes before going in. 

As you walk out to your car, you open your phone to text Joel that you're on your way home when a headline from Twitter catches your eye. Your name is in the title, followed by "seen out working one month after giving birth to premature twins. Sparks debate about parenting." Normally, you're not one to doom scroll on the internet, but you can't look away from the thousands of people judging you for leaving your kids at home. Two hours. You were gone for two hours while your husband and the father of your children watched them, but to strangers, you're a vile, evil person who doesn't deserve those sweet babies. Many tweets focus on the fact that the twins were premature. They were if you're looking at typical, singleton pregnancies, but for twins, they were right on time. 

You know it's all stupid and untrue, but you also haven't slept more than four hours a night since Sam was born, and you just went through one of the worst interview experiences of your life, and you miss your kids. You cry the whole way home, your therapized brain and your anxiety brain battling it out the entire drive. Joel doesn't think you're a terrible mom. These past few months, he's done nothing but care for you, and remind you that you're doing amazing and he loves you. So, why can't you focus on that instead of strangers on the internet? You go through the gambit of emotions, and you're completely exhausted when you pull into your driveway.

As soundlessly as possible, you unlock your front door, and Daisy greets you as you step over the threshold. It’s surprisingly quiet. You crouch down and scratch behind her ears, making her close her eyes in contentment, and you laugh. You look behind her, half-expecting Sammy to be barreling right toward you like he always does when you get home but see nothing. "Where is everybody?" You ask her as you kiss her big head and walk into the living room. 

There, spread across the huge couch, is your family. Joel has the girls snuggled to his chest and Sam tucked under his arm as Frozen 2 plays softly on the TV. All three of them are sleeping, but Joel, ever the watchful dad, is awake. Barely, but he's awake. He's wearing his glasses and a half-buttoned-up shirt. You'd be surprised if he even looked at a hairbrush today, let alone used one considering how messy his hair is. He smiles when he catches you staring and beckons you over with a jut of his chin, careful not to wake any sleeping babies. You take a shaky breath as you walk over. Joel's brows knit together when he sees your flushed face up close. "What happened?" He whispers as you kiss him. You don't answer immediately. Instead, you lean down and kiss the girls and Sammy's head before perching on the edge of the couch near Joel's socked feet. 

"Bad day." You mumble. His hand twitches to reach for you but Sophia shifts in protest. He sends you a sympathetic look and points his foot at you.

"I can't hold your hand, but you can hold this." 

"Joel, I love you, but I'm not holding your nasty ass foot."

"Rude." He says, and you smile. "Do you wanna talk bout your bad day?" 

"When there aren't three sleeping time bombs attached to your body." You say, reaching out to run your fingers through Sammy's hair. He sighs in his sleep and cuddles into Joel, making your heart jump. When you look closer at how they're tangled up, you almost start crying again. Sam is tucked between Joel and a pillow, but his right hand holds Sophia's foot, and Violet and Sophia hold hands as they sleep peacefully under Joel's chin— a perfect Miller cuddle. 

"Is there anythin' I can do to help?" He asks quietly, and you shake your head. Your entire day melts away as you stare at your precious family, and even though he had no way of knowing about your day, Joel gave you the gift of coming home to your favorite sight. 

"This is perfect." You say, and he smiles. You cuddle up on the opposite end of the couch, somehow intertwining your legs, and catch the last ten minutes of Frozen before falling asleep too. Later, Joel will cook you dinner, and you'll do bathtime and get the kids to bed as a team. You'll check in with Sarah and Ellie and tell him about your horrible day. He'll hold you close and reassure you, and you'll feel better. But right now, a nap is the perfect thing you need to regulate your emotions, and you fall deeper in love with him for letting you sleep. Because as the years go by and your marriage changes, as do both of you, he still finds a way to read you better than you could ever read yourself.

And you can't imagine a better person to share your life with.

[rayslittlekitten]

Tender, Love and Care

“Dad Will” Masterlist

A/N: Hey y'all! I know it's been a hot minute. My inspiration for writing hasn't been really there and I miss writing. I have been writing though but nothing complete. Just ideas and stuff. This short one though is inspired by me recently breaking my leg (10/10 do not recommend).

Rating: G

Word Count: 436

Pairings: Dad!Will "Ironhead" Miller x Wife F!Reader; Dad!Will & Daughter OC (Lucy); Daughter OC (Lucy) & Wife F! Reader

Plot: Lucy wants to take care of you while you're down.

Contains: silliness, bantering, sweet moments

“Nooo!! I wanna sthtay with mommy!” Lucy reaches out for you as Will tries to pull her away to bring her back to her room to tuck her in.

“Mommy’sth sthick.”

Will sighs as she slips away from his grip and scrambles back over to you where you're lying back on your queen-sized bed with a casted foot propped up on a stack of pillows.

“Baby, we talked about this. While mommy’s leg is still sick, you can’t sleep here with us,” you remind her.

“But I want to help,” she responds, slipping back into a cuddling position under your arm.

“I know, baby but I’ll be fine. You can help take care of me tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay,” She finally nods.

“Good night, Lucy.” You spread your arms wide and she crawls over to give you a big hug and kiss on your cheek. "I love you."

“Good night, mommy. I love you, too.”

“Come on, off to bed you go,” Will tells Lucy.

She scoots down the bed and places a gentle peck on your injured leg.

"MWAH! All better?" she asks you.

"Yes, it feels so much better. Thank you," you smile at her.

Lucy then shimmies over to Will and he scoops her up to put her to bed.

When Will returns, he has a stuffed bunny in tow. You look at him curiously.

"Lucy said she wanted you to have Mr. Floppy to keep you company," Will explains.

"He's one of her favorites," you exclaim.

"Yeah," he nods in agreement and hands you the stuffie as he slides into bed beside you.

"Aww, that's so sweet of her." You take Mr. Floppy from him and admire it.

"She also said she wanted to read you a bedtime story, but I told her she can do it tomorrow," he adds.

"How did we raise such an adorable kid?" you ask rhetorically.

"I don't know. I know I'm her favorite parent, but she cares a lot about you too," Will jokes.

You roll your eyes and playfully hit him in the face with Mr. Floppy. Will laughs as you settle into bed.

"Hey, she's never offered a favorite toy to me before for comfort. You got one up on that," he comments while helping you tuck in.

"I don't know. I think you're her favorite toy," you chuckle. "She has you wrapped around her little finger so tightly, you probably don't even know when you're being played with."

"I'm happy to be her finger puppet," he says as he reaches over to help you shut your bedside lamp off and kisses you good night.

[lumiolivier]

So is the Life of a Pirate (5/?)

Series: One Piece

Chapter: 5/?

Word Count: 3512

Rating: T

Pairing(s): Sanji x OC (Reader)

A dalliance six years ago has a funny way of catching up to Sanji when the Straw Hats stop to restock the ship.

a/n: Hi! Welcome back. You want to take a little detour? A little side something, something? Here.

[1] [2][3] [4]

And the rush continued.  Table after table ordered their meals and the orders started to stack up.  Both Nora and Cordelia got nervous.  And yet, Sanji kept at it, perfectly content in his happy place.  Despite the odds of Sanji not working himself into the ground, the little bell at the window went ding.

“Order!”

“No way,” Cordelia gasped, watching as order after order started funneling through the window.  Including, but not limited to, Luffy’s request of one of everything.  And Cordelia simply smiled.  I really should know better, shouldn’t I?  I know Zeff ran the Baratie, but I think you were running it under the table, “Sanji?”

“Yes, darling?” Sanji poked his head out of the window, “Is something missing?  Pretty sure I sent everything.”

“You did,” Cordelia assured him, “But…You’re incredible.”

“It’s amazing what happens when you try your best,” Sanji kissed her cheek, “Go on.  Get me something else to do.”

For the rest of the morning rush, Cordelia ran back and forth between the kitchen and the front, taking care of many a hungover customer from the night before or anyone just passing through or regulars, locals from around Beniville Bay.  And with rave reviews from anyone who ate there.  Buzz about the new chef at the tavern spread like wildfire and of course, it only meant more work for all involved.  Just another regular day at the tavern.  Once everyone had cleared out from breakfast, Cordelia sat down at the bar.

“You’re still on the clock, hon,” Nora reminded her, “I’m not serving you.  Not yet anyway.”

“And my son is still sitting by the window,” Cordelia retaliated, beyond exhausted, “I’m not ordering a drink.  Might think about ordering a snack, though.”

“Did I say you wanted a snack?” Sanji popped out of the kitchen and leaned over the bar.  He looked Cordelia over.  Tired, ragged Cordelia, “Look at that.  I seemed to have found one.”

“Flirt with her on your own time,” Nora chided him.

“After I give you mine?” Sanji poked at her a little more, “Fine.  Sorry, Nora.  Your waitress is cute.  I can’t help myself.”

“You sound like half the men who come in here when I’m working on a Saturday night,” Cordelia giggled to herself, “Only you’re not smacking my ass on the way through.”

“Only if you asked me nicely.”

“It’s good to know the spark is still alive,” Nora teased them, “But in all seriousness, thank you, Sanji.  I greatly appreciate it.”

“Not a problem,” Sanji brushed her off, “We were taking a couple days off anyway.  I needed something to fill my time.  And it’s been a while since I’ve been able to cook for a crowd like that.”

“When was the last time?” Nora wondered.

“When I still worked at the Baratie,” Sanji thought back, “When Zeff would work my ass to the bone and barely give me a thank you.”

“When who?” Nora gasped, “You’re not talking about…Red Foot Zeff, are you?”

“The one and only,” Sanji nodded, “He was practically the dad I never had.  Why?  You know him?”

Nora hid her face, “I need to go get something out of the freezer.  I’ll be right back.”

And she disappeared without a trace.  And it had Cordelia scratching her head, “That’s weird.”

“Super weird,” Sanji agreed, “What do you think that was all about?”

“Not sure,” Cordelia shrugged, “I’ve never heard her talk about Zeff before.  Maybe we should ask him when we get to the Baratie.”

“Or,” Sanji suggested, “Maybe we let sleeping dogs lie on this one.”

“Or…” Cordelia smirked, “I get either Zeff or Nora the right amount of drunk and see if I can pry it out of them.”

“Cordelia, no,” Sanji shot her down, “Don’t do that.  That’s their business.”

“Alright, alright.” I will find out before I leave today.  Cordelia got up from her spot at the bar and pulled up a chair next to the table full of miscreant pirates.  And her baby, “If there was any problem with your meal today, you can direct all complaints to our new chef.  That I kind of stole from you guys.”

“I thought that was Sanji’s cooking,” Luffy sat back, pleasantly stuffed, “It tasted just like it.”

“You can tell who made your food just by the taste?” Usopp looked at him strangely, not entirely believing him.

“Yep!  And that was definitely something that could’ve come out of our kitchen.”

“But it didn’t,” Cordelia flattened out on the table, “It came out of ours instead.  I’m so glad I didn’t have to cook today.”

“Do you cook here, too?” Usopp asked.

“Mmhm,” Cordelia nodded, “Depends on what it is.  But for a lot of things, I’m the one cooking.  But if I don’t have to tonight, I’ll be quite happy.”

“It’s a good thing I rolled into the village when I did then, isn’t it?” Sanji rested his head on her shoulder.

“Seriously?” Cordelia gasped, “Sanji, no.  After everything you did this morning and even before you got here, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“I’ll have to when I get back to the ship anyway,” Sanji shrugged, “Why not?  Besides, you made dinner for all of us last night.  It’s the least I can do.”

Cordelia held her face in her hands, beyond argument and reasoning, “Alright.  If you say so.”

“Wonderful,” Sanji pulled up a chair, “You know, it’s the strangest thing.  I would’ve thought Zoro would’ve been here by now.  He did say he was just napping his hangover off.”

“And Zoro’s lucky to find the bright side,” Nami pointed out, “We’re in a village we haven’t been to in years.  What makes you think he’d be able to find us now?”

Ding!

“Kitchen’s closed!” Cordelia called out.

“So were my eyes until about half an hour ago,” Zoro came stumbling in and pulled up a chair, “Are you sure I can’t get anything?”

“I’m sure if we get Nora out of the freezer,” Cordelia figured, “She might think about making something for you.”

“Isn’t she a sweetheart?” Zoro rubbed his eyes, “And how much longer are we on shore leave, Captain?”

“That’s a question for Cordelia,” Luffy told him, “When are we leaving, Cordelia?”

“Tomorrow morning, if I can swing it,” Cordelia hoped, “But someone needs to come out of the freezer first.”

“Should someone go check on Nora?” Sanji worried.

“Don’t everyone get up at once,” Cordelia got up and started heading back toward the kitchen, “Sanji, can you take care of the bar please?”

“Sure.”

“Thank you!” Cordelia headed back into the kitchen and rounded the corner. The door to the walk-in freezer had the padlock in front of it.  Cordelia rolled her eyes, knowing exactly who that was for, and knocked on the door, “Uh…Nora?”

“Hi, Cordelia,” Nora had pulled herself together just enough to function again, “I’m sorry.  I had a little flashback to the early days.  Don’t worry about me.  I’m fine.”

“Alright,” Cordelia couldn’t let it go.  She knew she told Sanji she would, but she couldn’t do it, “What the hell happened with you and Zeff?”

“I know Zeff,” Nora shrugged her off, “We met a long time ago.  And we had a night or two together.  It was a lot like you and Sanji, actually.  Only difference is he pulled out.”

“Nora!” Cordelia cringed, “I have to go see this man with my baby and that baby’s father!  That happens to be Zeff’s pseudo son!  I don’t need that mental image in my head.”

“It’s true,” Nora giggled under her breath, “Honestly, Cordelia, I didn’t take you for such a prude.”

“I’m not a prude,” Cordelia scoffed, “But I do have my limits.  And Zeff is a hard line in the sand for me.”

“Alright, alright,” Nora backed off, “You asked, honey.  I just answered.  You didn’t have to push.”

“And now, I’m kind of regretting it, yeah.”

“But regardless,” Nora went on, “It didn’t go anywhere.  I was hoping he would stay, but he said he had to move on.  And I see he did.  I’m glad he’s doing well.  Truly, I am.  And I’m glad you have him in your life in some capacity, Cordelia.  You’re lucky to have Zeff.  Hell, you’re lucky to have Sanji, too.  And damn lucky he came back.”

“He didn’t exactly come back for me, Nora,” Cordelia clarified, “He came back because Nami steered the ship this way.  He came back because they needed to restock the ship.”

“Or,” Nora added, “We can close our eyes and pretend Sanji came back for you.”

“I think fate has a funny way of making this play out,” Cordelia cracked a smile, “But it’s nice that it threw a win my way.”

“I’m glad it threw a win your way,” Nora rested her head on Cordelia’s shoulder, “You needed a win like this.”

“And to add to that win,” Cordelia went in for the kill, “I would love to get my time off.  I’m sure the trainee will do just fine.”

“I’m hoping so,” Nora sighed out, “Because granted, no one’s going to compare to you, but you have one tradition, Cordelia.  And you finally get to have the whole family in on it.”

“I do,” Cordelia felt her breathing hitch.  I do, don’t I? 

“You’re good,” Nora assured her, “You’re cleared for the next month.  When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

“Stop by here before you leave,” Nora demanded, “I’ll have something for you.”

“Thank you,” Cordelia awed, “But you don’t have to give me anything.  I’m sure the ship is already restocked.  And not for nothing and I love him to death, but Sanji’s kind of a picky bitch about what goes on the ship, supply wise.”

“I never said this was going to be for Sanji,” Nora shoved her finger in Cordelia’s shoulder, “This is for you.  And maybe a little something, something for the little one.”

“I’m going to be gone for a month, Nora,” Cordelia reminded her, the two walking out of the freezer together, “It’s not like I’m going away forever.”

“You say that now,” Nora scoffed, “A lot can happen in a month.  Next thing you know, you’ll come back and say, ‘I got married, Nora!  I’m only back around Beniville Bay to say my goodbyes!’.  And then, I’ll have to sit here and be sad.”

“I don’t think that’s in the cards any time soon,” Cordelia promised, “Don’t worry, Nora.  I will be back.  That is a God’s honest promise.  Besides, we’re too wired in here.  I can’t uproot Ash like that.”

“Again, you say that now,” Nora smiled, grabbing the kitchen door, “But love can make you do some crazy things.”

“I know it can,” Cordelia agreed, “But some of us have a decent head on our shoulders and don’t have to think with our libido.”

“If you say so…”

“Is everything alright, Nora?” Sanji finished wiping off the last table.

“Everything’s fine, sweetie,” Nora took a quick look around the sparkling clean tavern, “What did you do?”

“I didn’t know how long you were going to be in the freezer,” Sanji shrugged, “And I know you’re going to open back up around four, so…”

“Sanji,” Nora hugged him tight, “Thank you so much.  This place isn’t even this clean on health inspection day.”

“And I don’t think I’m hungry anymore,” Zoro cringed, his head on the table.

“I’m surprised you have any appetite,” Nora gave Zoro a little swat to the shoulder, “Especially since you damn near drank me dry last night!  No.  That’s on me.  I should know better when you all come around.  I should’ve known the second I knew pirates had docked in the harbor.  I wouldn’t have much left.  And then…Imagine my surprise to realize notorious bounty hunter and even more notorious lush Roranoa Zoro comes rolling through.  And all of a sudden, I have no more sake.  I’m lucky to have any whiskey left.  And I’m two beer kegs short.”

“What’s a lush, Mama?” Ash wondered.

“Zoro in a nutshell,” Nami giggled.

“Love you, too, Nami,” Zoro flipped her off.

“Someone who likes to drink a little too much,” Cordelia put a hand on Zoro’s shoulder, “Still not feeling too hot, huh, Zoro?”

“No.”

“I got him covered, Nora,” Cordelia told her, “If it’s alright with you.”

“Fine by me,” Nora allowed, “But nothing too big.”

“I got it,” Cordelia nodded, “You want anything specific, Zoro?”

“Anything to kill my headache?” Zoro asked.

“Eating will help,” she promised, “Hey, pretty boy.  Come with me.”

“Me?” Sanji perked up.

“No,” Cordelia rolled her eyes, “The other pretty boy.”

“Alright,” Sanji followed her back to the kitchen, “No need to get snappy at me.”

“Well,” Cordelia made sure the doors were shut before she jumped up and wrapped her legs around Sanji’s waist, “I wanted us to have a little time alone with the good news before I start making Zoro breakfast.”

“The good news?” Sanji wondered.  Only for his stomach to flip in the next second, “Cordelia, I hardly touched you last night.  You can’t tell me you’re pregnant again.”

“No,” Cordelia assured him, “I am not pregnant.  I got my sabbatical.  We can leave tomorrow morning.”

“Cordelia!” Sanji hugged her tight, “That’s wonderful!”

“I thought so, too,” she cuddled into Sanji’s neck, “I can’t wait for us to get to the Baratie.”

“That’s…what…” Sanji thought for a moment or two, “At least a week’s worth of sailing?”

“Roughly, depending on what kind of wind we’re working with,” Cordelia nodded, “But…I need to tell you something.”

“What?” Sanji set her down on the counter, “What is it?”

“I know what happened with Nora and Zeff.”

“Cordelia!” Sanji squeaked, “I told you to leave it alone!”

“I know,” Cordelia winced, “But I couldn’t help it.”

“I’m not angry with you,” he sighed out, “But I am a little disappointed.”

“So,” Cordelia started digging pans out, “Does this mean you want me to share?”

Sanji cracked a little smile, his teeth sinking into his tongue, “Is it bad I want to say yes?”

“See?” Cordelia squealed, “I’m not the only one.  I just had the balls to ask her.”

“That’s because you know Nora better than I do,” Sanji pulled up a stool, “That wasn’t for me to ask her.”

“You could’ve, too,” Cordelia took a mixing bowl and cracked a couple eggs in it, violently beating them into a singular, yellow glob, “So, do you want to know or not?”

“Yes, please.”

“Are you sure?” Cordelia grabbed the flour, “Because once you know, there is no going back.”

“Tell me!” Sanji begged, “Please?”

“Alright, alright,” Cordelia kept mixing, “I’ll tell you.  But like I said, once you know, you can’t unknow it.”

“Just tell me, Cordelia,” Sanji whined, “I can handle it.”

“Zeff and Nora boned.”

“Eww…” Sanji cringed, “I didn’t need to know that.”

“Apparently, you did,” Cordelia giggled, “You were the one that wanted to know so bad.  You begged me to tell you.  And I tried to warn you.  You don’t want to know, Sanji.  Keep your innocence.  Don’t know what I know.  It’s the worst.  It’s going to sear at your brain, but what did you do?”

“I know,” Sanji pulled up a metal stool, “And now, I live with all the regret.”

“But,” Cordelia went on, “That’s why Nora likes you so much.  Why she likes you coming around.”

“Because I remind her of her times doing unholy things with Zeff?” Sanji gagged a bit.

“No,” Cordelia started pouring batter on the flat top, “That’s not it at all.  It’s because seeing us together reminds us of the way she was with Zeff.  And I cannot wait to get to the Baratie and give Zeff so much shit about Nora.”

“You think they’d ever hook back up?” Sanji asked.

“Honestly?” Cordelia leaned against the counter, “No.  Nora’s days of her dalliances are over.  She just wants to stay around Beniville Bay.  I’ve asked her if she’s wanted to come to the Baratie with Ash and me before, but she always says no.  Now, I know why.  But like I said, I’m going to give Zeff so much shit about him and Nora.”

“Don’t,” Sanji settled her, his arms draped over her shoulders, “Just let them be.  Because there’s one big difference between you and me and Zeff and Nora.”

“What’s that, Sanji?” Cordelia started flipping Zoro’s pancakes.

“One of us came back,” Sanji kissed her cheek.

“And one of us got me pregnant,” Cordelia added, “Your ass better have come back.”

“I did!” Sanji squealed, “See?  Promise.”

“I noticed,” Cordelia poured on some more pancake batter and watched as the bubbles came up, “And now, where are we going?”

“The Baratie, last I checked.”

“And right now,” Cordelia finished off the pancake batter and plated them, “I’m going to go bring Zoro his pancakes.  Because I don’t want to have to clean up puke from the tavern floor.  Or worse, deal with someone who realizes our kitchen equipment is still on and tries to come in and order.  Zoro’s an exception.  He’s family.  And he knows the girl in the kitchen.”

“Hey!”

“I wasn’t talking about you.”

“Oh,” Sanji started to relax, “We’re not leaving for the Baratie until tomorrow morning, right?”

“Bright and early,” Cordelia nodded, grabbing a cup of coffee on the way through.

“Good luck getting half the crew up for that,” Sanji chuckled to himself, “Cordelia, you’re lucky to get Luffy to move in the morning.  The same goes for Usopp and Zoro.  They’re disasters.”

“I know,” Cordelia walked out to the dining room and put a fresh stack of pancakes in front of Zoro, “Here, sweetie.”

“This is why you’re my favorite, Cordelia,” Zoro swooned, “I really appreciate it.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” Cordelia kissed his cheek.

“I need to get out of here,” Sanji leaned against the booth, “I could stand a smoke.  And I need to get to the marketplace.”

“For what?” Cordelia looked at him strangely.

“We’re a little short on supplies in our kitchen,” Sanji pointed out, “So, I’m going to do a little shopping, if that’s alright with you.  We have two guests aboard tonight.  Because they were so kind to host us last night.  And it’s our last night in Beniville Bay.  Why not cap it off with a nice meal?  If you’re not busy for the afternoon, I could stand a little company in the kitchen.”

“I’d be happy to,” Cordelia smiled, “Ash, you want to go hang out on the ship with us?”

“Yeah!” Ash’s eyes lit up.  The prospects of being on an actual pirate ship (aside from his mother’s) tickled him.

“Wait a sec, Ash,” Luffy pouted, “I thought you, me, and Usopp were playing today.”

“Well…” Ash looked over at Cordelia, torn between playing on the ship’s deck and playing with the actual pirates. 

“It’s alright, baby,” Cordelia allowed, “If you want to go play with Luffy and Usopp, it’s fine.  As long as they swear to me that they’ll bring you back just the way they got you.”

“They will, Mama!” Ash swore, “Honest!”

“I know they will,” Cordelia awed, shooting a sweet, but unsettling glare in their direction, “And they will like their lives depend on it.  Won’t you, boys?”

“I think they will, Cordelia,” Sanji agreed, “Because their lives do depend on it…And I am making dinner tonight, am I not?  I know a few different poisons that are completely tasteless, odorless, and potent.”

“We got him, Sanji,” Luffy promised, “Honest.  We’ll make sure nothing happens to him.”

“What would you be so concerned about Ash for?” Usopp wondered.

Both Sanji and Cordelia froze.  This wasn’t a conversation that was meant to be had lightly.  Certainly not because of an offhanded comment made by Usopp.  Fortunately for both of them, Ash wasn’t thinking much about it.  He was still too excited for the prospects of playing with pirates.  And even more so, they had Zoro.

“He’s his girlfriend’s kid,” Zoro finished off his pancakes, “Of course, he’s going to take her side.  Anything to get in her-”

“Zoro!” Cordelia snapped.

“Alright, alright,” Zoro kept his mouth shut, realizing his mistake.  Yeah,  the kid’s right here.  He doesn’t need to hear that.  Hopefully, that’s not a way he takes after his day, “Sorry.”

“Thank you,” Cordelia relaxed, wrapping herself around Sanji’s arm, “So, does that mean you’re going to show me the kitchen?”

“I’d be happy to,” Sanji smiled a bit, “But first, you, young lady, need to show me the marketplace.”

“With pleasure,” Cordelia let Ash jump into her arms.  Because his big hugs would never ever get old, “Be careful.  Behave yourself.  Don’t make things too hard on Luffy and Usopp.  Ok?”

“Ok, Mama,” Ash kissed her cheek, “Love you.”

“I love you, too, baby,” Cordelia put him back on the floor.  She shot a quick look to Nami and Zoro, who would definitely be the ones watching over Ash more than Luffy and Usopp.