#hange x pregnant!oc

[antheshewro]

Una mattina - Chapter 5. (final)

It took a cup of tea and a stop on a local café to make Levi learn how Hange, his partner perhaps for life, hid something big from him. Something as big as another person, and a baby, involved. Perhaps going out that day had been a mistake.

✩ Last chapter as promised (and announced)!! Thank you everyoe for liking the story or even just reading it :( it had been months since i wanted to post it and it's my little treasure... my own child almost. the end is very bittersweet, considering what happened during the entire story, but i figured out i wanted something not to sweet and not too sad/sour. be free to write me what you think about it ♡ NDA and even tmi again: this made me bawl my eyes out

After quietly eating her dinner, she sat on the couch and looked out of the big window of her living room. The sun had already settled in the sky, tiny stars timidly appearing around the place. Was Arthur looking at the nightly scenery just like she did? Would he enjoy it? Just the thought of Arthur looking at the stars made Lawrence want to tear up. If she got the opportunity, she would love to show him the nighttime sky during a clear day, maybe sitting on a rock by the shore with Arthur in her arms so she could feel him resting his head on her shoulder. The small, intimate family that she always wanted was all she could think of. She would give anything to be a mom to Arthur and see him grow up, watch him become an amazing human being.

Several minutes later, the feeling of staying alone in that house was suffocating. Lawrence grabbed her coat, wearing it over her long nightgown, and slipped some loafers in. The neighborhood was quiet, besides a group of kids playing around the street. The moment she closed the door of her house, that sound made her stomach drop. Her therapist would say walks would help her to clear her mind. There was nothing to "clear", since everything felt empty. The children laughing made her heart suffer a little less, yet reminded her she didn't know how Arthur's laugh sounded like. Lawrence didn't even know what her own son looked like. Nothing could soothe that pain. Lawrence walked away from her own place, not even greeting any of the neighbors she encountered on her way to the park. She just wanted to be alone, to think and have some time to process her thoughts, her feelings of emptiness after seeing Sam and his dad. Arthur was probably happy without her. Levi was probably a better dad. Lawrence always believed she was a good mother, yet she wasn’t given the chance to prove it. It was too late and her heart would forever be aching with sadness and regret of not getting to cherish Arthur the way she planned to do. As she sat on a bench inside the park, Lawrence brought her knees up against her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. It was nice to see how parents would still bring their kids there, even after dinner time. Some of them even had an ice cream cone in their tiny hands. For the very first time in her entire life, as her eyes closed and took a breath, she prayed. She had never been a religious person, but felt a despair no words could ever explain. Lawrence prayed whoever was able to listen to her, asking for just a chance to see Arthur, to talk to him, to hold her own son in her arms. Asking for the possibility to be a mother.

Her pain and desperation were too much for anyone to bear. It was as if she was mourning Arthur, yet he was and well. She kept praying and praying, until her head began to spin and hurt, feeling nauseous. Maybe Arthur missed Lawrence, maybe he had always loved her and wanted to be with his mother. He would never get the chance of hearing her soft voice and feeling her warm embrace. But those thoughts were mere assumptions, and deep down, she knew they could never be the truth. Arthur didn't know who Lawrence was. He only got to know Levi, and probably was oblivious about thr fact she carried him for nine months and gave birth to him. She was just a stranger for Arthur, that was the harsh truth. Tears rolled down Lawrence’s cheeks as she kept begging for one final chance at motherhood. ____________________________________________________________

A week later after that one day, Lawrence had the time to ponder about what to do and how not to live her life miserably. There was no point in staying in Liberio if her son was never going to know about her existence. Living in that house, with that nursery, was hitting her more than she expected to. In a matter of days, she organised a trip to go back to her home country, in Britain, booked for the following week. To finally leave everything behind and grant herself a little bit of happiness. Lawrence couldn’t wait for the day she would fly away from that house, to escape the pain of knowing Arthur was so close to her yet so far. She thought about not say anything to Levi and just disappear, too, but what would he think? That she was abandoning Arthur? She would rather know he believed such a thing than to know the truth. That she was still mourning her son in a way that was making her sick, both physically and mentally. It felt weird to just fly away, leaving everything behind without a word. She felt like a coward for planning that. Event though Levi was the last person she wanted to see, Lawrence had to let him know about her departure to at least prevent some more accusations. She wouldn't hop on that ship and sail to the U.K. if it wasn't for that situation, yet staying in Liberio was beginning to make her mentally unstable. Not even meds were keeping up with her mental health. A rather chill Wednesday afternoon, she found herself at Levi's front door. Soft knocks echoed around his house as she waited for him to open. It had to be done. Levi opened the door and saw Lawrence waiting in front of it. His face was filled with curiosity, as he knew that Lawrence never visited him until that one day, since Arthur's birth. If she was there, it meant something serious had happened. Lawrence seemed paler than usual, and her face was a bit drawn too. She was either exhausted or depressed, or both. Levi couldn’t say for sure, not asking her about it and just inviting her to enter. “Hello, Lawrence.” Lawrence had to support herself on the wall next to the doorframe in order not to fall. She looked at the door opening but didn't step inside, she had no pleasure to be in a house where her own son, the same she was never going to meet, was living and probably playing in that same moment. Her gaze lifted up and met Levi's, speaking with a voice that was barely above a whisper. “I'll be quick,” She bluntly said, swallowing and letting her glance move from Levi to the ground, several times, before speaking up again. “I'm gonna move back to Britain. Permanently.” Levi didn’t like Lawrence’s tone, knowing it wasn’t a tone of someone who was announcing a simple departure. In fact, it sounded like she was about to cry. Lawrence was always so composed and quiet, yet Levi could tell that she was holding back some sobs.

After Lawrence spoke up, Levi felt a small pang in his heart. It all felt so sudden; first, she appeared at his front door out of the blue. Now, she said she was going to leave Marley forever. Despite everything that happened, something worried him. “You will come back, right?” He asked her, making his voice sound quiet and composed, yet it showed a hint of concern. The fact Levi was acting so clueless, after everything he did and said to her, made Lawrence irritated, as if it never happened and he actually cared about her wellbeing. The hand she had on the wall clenched into a fist, wiping some tears with the other one, trying to calm herself down before responding.

“Back to a city where my own son lives? The same son who doesn't know I'm his mother?” She almost hissed under her breath, tilting her head a little to the side as she uttered those words. “Is that what you mean?” Levi knew that Lawrence was right, that she had every right in the world to feel the way she felt towards Levi. She was right, but Levi didn’t know what to say, as Lawrence had her mind set in stone about her own decision. He couldn’t stand the guilt he felt, and it was making him sick. Her own son. Levi’s own son. They never met and Lawrence would never get back her moments with Arthur. “I’m sorry.” Was all Levi could say in a voice even softer than her own.

Lawrence quietly hit the wall with her fist, trying to calm herself down as she tapped the tip of her heel onto the marble steps of Levi's house. Yet, she had something inside of her that needed to come out. Everything she endured and suppressed in the past three years, everything Levi didn't see about her suffering. “Shove that being sorry up your ass,” She murmured softly, raising her eyebrows as tears spilled from her eyes and down to her cheeks. “Don't even try to act innocent.” Levi felt his heart breaking in front of him. Lawrence’s harsh words stung, even though her feelings were valid and she couldn’t blame her for that at all. He couldn’t help himself and felt anger boiling within him. His voice turned into a low growl; it was too much to hold inside himself.

“You act like I don’t hate myself for what I did. You don’t know how much I regret it every single day, how much I hate myself for taking him away from his own mother.” Lawrence slightly narrowed her eyes at those words, which widened right afterwards as she took notice of Levi's anger. He was the one getting mad over what he did? Over her being rightfully hurt by what he took away from her? Her quiet footsteps soon reached him, and hopping on one step of the front door, she spoke closely to Levi's face. “Don't even try to gaslight me,” She hissed again, feeling her breath fastening as annoyance began to flow through her veins. “You got what you wanted. You're not sorry.” Levi’s teeth grinded together as he saw rage on Lawrence’s face when she stood in front of him. He couldn’t say a word that would make her calm. “You know what? You’re right. I’m not sorry.” His voice was firm and the growl made him sound serious and mad about something Lawrence only knew. His eyes met her own. “And you know what? I’d do it again if it meant protecting Arthur.” Just like his jaw clenched, Lawrence's did the same. Her fist tightly closed until her nails were almost digging into the palm of her hand, and let him step closer as they spoke to each other. It was the aftermath of what they went through. What they've been lodging for three long years and never got said out loud.

“You mean stealing someone's baby, since Arthur is Hange's son?” She asked sternly, yet with a hint of sarcasm and mockery in her tone. “Or you want to impregnate me and steal that baby too?” Lawrence’s question was too much for his gut to handle in this moment, and Levi felt his face grow red with anger. His nostrils flared as he stared at Lawrence for a few seconds before he lost control and let out a growl with loud words. “Don’t you dare put such thoughts in my head!” He shouted, losing his cool at last. How could she ask something like that to him? His mind began to spiral out of control, sending him over the edge. Lawrence exhaled deeply and shook her head. Levi's outburst was everything she needed to know about him and the way he was convinced about being right about what he did. There was no point in arguing anymore, or keeping the conversation going. As she took a step back, her eyes were on Levi, yet their faces were still some inches away from each other. Lawrence's expression was showing nothing but resentment towards him, mixed up with pain and annoyance. That confrontation, however, was pretty much needed. Levi’s breathing started becoming heavier as he tried to calm himself down. His face was red from shouting, but he didn’t regret telling Lawrence how he felt. What needed to be said was said. “You’re leaving. And I’m glad.” Her words hit him like a bucket of freezing water, feeling hurt and angry. His eyes were full of resentment and disdain towards Lawrence as she took a step back. “Don’t come back. I never want to see your face again. Be gone already.” Lawrence kept her gaze locked with Levi's as she moved away from the front door, down until the iron gates to exit his property. As if a cruel coincidence just decided to manifest in front of her own eyes, a fly was bothering her and she waved her hand to make it go away, following it with her eyes. Then she froze. On the first floor of Levi's house, out on the balcony, a child with dark brown hair and curious brown eyes was intently looking at her. Lawrence felt her knees weak. It couldn't be. It was Arthur himself.

Levi, who was about to slam the door in Lawrence’s face, stayed still once he saw her reaction when she noticed Arthur in the balcony. Levi himself couldn’t believe his own eyes and felt like he was hallucinating. He had never let Arthur see her, yet there the kid was, staring straight at Lawrence. Arthur was looking at Lawrence, intrigued and curious, as he watched her closely. He had always wondered about her, who she was and why his father never let him meet her. Yet, he saw her now, and he wanted to approach her.

In that eye contact, Lawrence could see the creature she carried on for nine months inside her womb. She got to see him once, right after his birth, but those were indeed his eyes. It was her son, yet Arthur didn't know she was his mother. He looked at her as if he wanted to know who she was, as if she was a mere stranger. Tears filled her eyes, stinging and making them burn. Her prayers, in the most painful way, were heard. Lawrence finally got to see her own son, even if her heart felt like someone was stomping on it more and more. Levi didn’t know what to do. Seeing Arthur staring at Lawrence filled him with a new kind of anxiety. He had never let Arthur know who she was. Arthur just saw a woman who was staring lovingly back at him, as if the woman was his real mother. Lawrence seemed so overwhelmed that Levi didn’t dare to speak or move. The kid would wonder why she wasn’t his mother, or why she wasn’t with them. Levi could see why Lawrence always kept her heart closed. Arthur was looking right at her with love in his eyes.

It felt like the cruellest joke one could ever imagine. Her own son was just feet away from her but she couldn't interact to him. Arthur was staring at Lawrence like a kid would with everyone, with innocence and joy in his eyes. How could she even walk away knowing her own son was right in front of her. With the corner of her eyes, Levi's reaction was crystal clear. She didn't want him to shout in front of Arthur just to send her away. Lawrence took a step back and opened the gates, yet her eyes never stopped looking at her child and tearing up. Arthur’s eyes widened when he noticed that Lawrence was slowly moving away. He didn’t want to see her leave. He couldn’t. Arthur didn’t understand what was going on in reality, but in his mind he felt like her mother was trying to run away from him. “Mommy?” By the time Arthur uttered that single word, using that soft baby voice, Lawrence swore her heart stopped. Everything that happened afterwards was unrolling in front of her eyes without her getting a grasp of it. She felt her knees so weak to the point she dropped on her knees, and with her upper body lowered a little, loud sobs echoed around Levi's garden. Was it fate to play tricks on her? How could Arthur, who never saw her growing up nor knew who Lawrence really was, call her as his mother? Even though more and more questions plagued her mind, it felt so empty in the meantime. She never recalled crying that hard before, maybe once. Her chest would hurt at each whimper and sniffle she made, not carrying about being heard anymore. Arthur’s eyes went wide in shock when he realized that his mother was crying. As if that wasn’t enough, Arthur was even more confused and sad when Lawrence seemed to want to leave. Arthur, who was just a kid, felt a deep sense of abandonment that only adults could truly understand. Arthur called out to Lawrence again. “Mommy, come back! Don’t leave me alone!” He cried and ran to her, his little arms up in the air, desperate to have her close to him. Levi was shocked at Arthur’s reaction towards Lawrence. The moment Lawrence embraced Arthur in her arms, the deep sense of sorrow she felt in the previous three years vanished for a moment. His tiny arms wrapped around her neck and she hugged her son tightly, crying over his little romper as she sat in the pebbled ground, caressing his soft hair in the meantime. What he said to her was enough to make her feel even worse, how could Arthur even think she was gonna leave him? Yet, that hug made her feel at ease. Lawrence didn't know what was making her cry anymore, but it didn't matter anymore. Someone up there took care of her pain. Arthur was crying so hard as he hugged Lawrence and yelled for her to not leave him. He was too young to understand what was happening, as all he felt right now was the love for his mother. “Don’t leave me! I love you!” He whined, trying to reach higher to hug her better. Levi couldn’t move a single inch. He was shocked at Arthur’s behavior and at his words. How coul Arthur feel such affection for her, if she didn't even know her? That, to him, was impossible and yet, there was evidence of it right in front of him. If Lawrence had to respond to that question, she would've asked herself the same thing. Lawrence couldn't understand how Arthur immediately knew she was his mother, they never met before that moment. She heard how mothers have that unbreakable bond with their biological kids to the point they would recognise each other everywhere. Was it the case?

“I'm never gonna leave you,” She whispered against Arthur's ear, giving her son soft kisses on his soaked, red cheeks as she spoke. “Mommy loves you.”

Arthur was crying even harder as Lawrence embraced him and told him she wouldn’t leave. It was a sweet moment even though it was too much of a coincidence. The boy held his mother tight as he cried all his tears out. It was probably the first time he cried with no shame, feeling loved and at peace in her warm embrace. After what felt like hours, Lawrence got up from the ground, while still holding Arthur, and moved towards the front door, where Levi was still standing against the doorframe. She felt so much relief, after battling with her mental health, to the point where her heart couldn't almost bear it. Her free hand reached for Levi's, placing it on Arthur's back, and gave him a faint smile, with her tear stained face and her red eyes. Then, she spoke up. Lawrence could never separate her son to Levi. He grew up with him, he cared about his wellbeing. The child was his. Those words felt so weird as they came out of her mouth, after what happened in the past years. But they came from a dark corner of her heart, too dark for her to understand it, or how her mind worked, and they felt right. Genuine. “He's your son, too.” Levi finally broke the silence when he heard what Lawrence had to say to him and saw her grabbing his hand. He felt like the world had stopped. “I thought…” He began to say, with tears in his eyes. It was true. Arthur was his son too, maybe not biological, but he had raised the kid with his own hands and he was part of him. “He’s my son?” Levi asked. It was hard for him to come to terms with it. Lawrence nodded and pushed away Levi's hand from her son's back, just to held it tightly as she let her own words sink deep into his mind. Even though that entire ordeal between them was more than horrible and it all started with Arthur being Hange's son, Levi made sure the child was loved and nurtured. He was indeed his father. He would've died for him. “He grew up with you, and you provided him everything he needed,” She said gently, intertwining her fingers with Levi's as she spoke up. “You're rightfully his father.” Lawrence’s words were like a revelation to Levi. Arthur was his kid. Even though he hadn’t created him directly himself, he loved him and cared for him as if Arthur was his own. And now his mother was saying that Arthur was his son too. Levi had never felt more emotional in his life than at that moment.

“He’s… my son.” Levi repeated with a soft smile, his mind racing with thoughts. He was a father, he had a kid. During the past weeks, however, Lawrence came up with another thought she let linger in her mind for days, but always pushed away at some point. Everything started because of Hange's infidelity, and even if she was indeed the side chick, Hange played both Lawrence and Levi. Why still being on a war for someone else's behaviour? “Hange cheated on you and didn't care about me, either,” She pointed out firmly, taking a breath and exhaling through her nose. “We both got wronged. Arthur is our son.” What Lawrence said made Levi think back to the reason why Arthur was born in the first place. She was right. It all began with Hange cheating on him and Lawrence getting mixed in that mess. Levi was still trying to process the revelation that Arthur was his son, and everything that happened until that moment. A smile appeared on his face as he heard Lawrence speaking the truth. Silence fell on the two of them, both Lawrence and Levi finally taking a grasp of what had been under their noses their entire time. There was no point in fighting anymore, and she was tired of it. All she wanted was to be Arthur's mother, and for some twisted reason, she was willing to get over what he had done to her. A shared look made the two of them realize how tiredsome it had been to keep up. It was time to give Arthur the mother he deserved and the father that kept him safe all those years. Their lips curled up a bit, sharing much more complicity they were expecting to feel. “Our son.”

[yourmotherstrashmouth]

It's a boy!

Hange Zöe x Artist! Alexandra (Modern AU)

Summary: Alexandra devised a creative method to reveal baby's gender to Hange.

Warnings: pregnancy, semi-nudity, again Alexandra is not a minor! (She's 27 in this)

15th January, a day to remember for these two moms-to-be (even though Hange identified as non-binary, they agreed to be called "mama" until baby would grow older and learn about it). The rain was pouring gently tapping on the glass of the windows, a few thunders added a little more comfort to the atmosphere that filled the bedroom in which Alexandra sat on her and Hange's shared bed. She was wearing one of Hange's blouse she stole from their closet and a black bandeau top and panties, unluckly her belly was too big to button the blouse. She rocked her body back and forth to cradle the baby though he wasn't born yet. She couldn't wait to hold him into her arms, to sing him to sleep, to feed him to her breast milk. To unbestknowning of Hange, Alexandra went to get her ultrasound by herself; she found out they were having a baby boy. She couldn't think about any name yet, but that didn't bother her for now as long as he was healthy and stuff. She hadn't though about how to tell Hange. She kept caressing her belly as her mind was completely blank until her eyes lied on her art supplies and a white canvas ready to be filled with the colors of her mind. In that moment of staring, a light turned on into her brain: what if she revealed the gender of the baby with a painting of some blue flowers to give it to Hange as a gift? She got up from her chair and sat in front of the easel holding the canvas, squeezed all the shades of blue she owned out of their tubes on a plate and she begun to spread the color on the white background. She was done just in time for Hange's return from work. She walked in the living room with her left cheek, collarbone and even her bump covered in little blue marks. «Welcome back, honey.» She greeted her partner and hugged and kissed them pretending nothing happened though she knew they would notice. «Hi, darling.» Hange greeted back before to give a look at their wife from head to toe. «Looks like you just finished one of your masterpieces.» They assumed. «Yeah...» Alexandra chuckled nervously and tucked a lock of her raven behind her ear. «Speaking of which... I have something I wanna show you.» She motioned them to wait a second, she walked back into the bedroom to grab the painting as Hange shaked sitting on the couch, waiting for her. When Alexandra entered the living room holding a beautiful painting of some blue flowers which covered the view of her baby bump for a reason. «Sweetheart... this is beautiful...» Hange commented as they were amazed by their wife's painting and when Alexandra moved the painting apart, she reveal her baby bump with a "it's a boy" written in baby blue on. «Oh my...» She could clearly see Hange's eyes were feeling with tears of joy as they got up to hug her. «Thank you for this beautiful gift.» They whispered in her ear before to kiss her cheek and then kneel down to kiss her belly.

[world0fmadness]

HONEY AND ROSCOE

lewis hamilton x wife! reader x ( platonic! ) oc daughter

♡ a look into the relationship between winnie and roscoe!

୨୧ just a little expansion adding onto the relationship between winnie and roscoe in honey hamilton! some of this is based on stories my mother told me about me and my childhood dog! you guys deserve this fluff after that filth i posted last night lolol <3

♡ related smau available here, related hc available here and here | view my formula 1 masterlist here

reading music recommendations: hope by daughter - my light heaven by ben babbit

♡ when you were pregnant with winnie, roscoe was so protective of you…

୨୧ whenever someone other than lewis came near you, he’d let out a gruff bark as if he was telling them “ keep your distance ”

♡ you and lewis thought it was SO sweet <3

୨୧ whenever you were sitting down in bed or on the couch, roscoe was right next to you, resting his head on your bump, raising his head everytime winnie would kick as lewis would talk them both

“ feel that roscoe? that’s your baby sister in there! you’re gonna look after her when she comes, aren’t you? ” ( roscoe let out a huff, as if agreeing )

♡ when you guys first brought winnie home from the hospital, roscoe was all over her, sniffing her as you held her down to him whilst lewis held him by the collar, making sure he didn’t hurt her

୨୧ they were inseparable since day one, roscoe would sleep at the foot of her crib like a guard dog, making sure she was safe

♡ there was a short period when winnie was a baby where she just could not stop crying…

୨୧ you and lewis were obviously freaking out, wondering if she was sick or something was seriously wrong

♡ as you’re sitting on the couch, lewis moving to another room to call a doctor and ask what you should do, roscoe approaches winnie as she’s held on your lap

୨୧ as soon as roscoe is in her field of view, the crying stops, as if a flip had been switched!

♡ she starts giggling so loud as he sniffs her slipper covered feet, chubby little hands reaching out to pet his face

୨୧ you immediately call out for lewis, telling him not to call the doctor for now…

♡ he’s confused but as soon as he walks into the living room and sees what’s happening, a huge smile breaks out across his face

“ oh… were you just wanting to see roscoe, honey? ” ( he comes over and sits next to you on the couch, calling roscoe up so he’d be closer to winnie )

୨୧ she doesn’t cry for the rest of the day, always having her eyes on roscoe who stays by her side, nuzzling her every once and a while

♡ when she’s a toddler, she definitely lays on his back, juice cup in hand, watching cartoons, roscoe not minding one bit, sleeping peacefully as she idly pets his head

୨୧ whenever roscoe does something deserving of a treat, lewis always calls winnie over to be the one to give to to him just because he knows how much she loves giving roscoe treats

♡ when winnie is old enough to have her own bed instead of a crib, she refuses to sleep in it without roscoe up there with her <3

୨୧ he sleeps at the bottom stretched out by her feet, head hanging off the edge and snoring the loudest you think is possible for a dog

♡ roscoe ONLY plays fetch with winnie now, he treats you and lewis like chopped liver…

୨୧ if you try to throw him a ball, he’ll watch it fly through the sky and hit the ground but won’t even think about going to fetch it

♡ but when winnie has the ball? he’s running for it before she’s even had the chance to throw it!

୨୧ you guys let her hold roscoe’s leash on walks when she’s old enough, you and lewis on either side of her just in case you need to step in for whatever reason

♡ but it’s like roscoe knows he has to be soft with her, he walks even slower than usual and occasionally stops to look back at her as if checking she’s still okay…

[aakeysmash]

Roommate or boss?

part 2, part 3, part 4

Pairing: f!reader x Katsuki Bakugou.

Warnings: none, really. AND THEY WERE POSSIBLE ROOMMATES, MAYBE?

Context: 3k words. Reader is a barista and she only meets Bakugo at the end of this </3. He’s her boss but she doesn’t know. I don’t delve into this tho, just so you know. They’re both 22.

A/N: never thought I’d write a slow burn but I HATE not giving context. This is just me yapping with zero grammar context whatsoever. The reader is super oc in this one, but all the girl names I thought about were UGLY. Let me know what you think about it!

“No.”

“Come onnnn it’s gonna be just this one time” pleads your best friend from the other end of the phone.

“Ochaco, you know I hate when you pull this shit” you reply, while putting your jacket on.

“I knowww, but listen, me and the cute guy have had NO time for ourselves lately and-“

“And you’re leaving me doing this assignment with who knows who? We’re always partners for physics, you know I can’t do it all alone and you can’t phrase your deductions to save your life. We complete each other. You’re my soulmate. Why are you leaving me for a guy?” you whine, while closing the door of your apartment and walking towards your car.

“It’s gonna be just this one time, I promise! It’s not like we’re gonna fail. I think. I hope…” she mumbles.

You sigh. “If we do fail, you’re getting your ass beaten, I am so for real” you concede after thinking about it. You start your car and put your phone on speaker.

“BABEEE I love youuuu! You know you’re the only one for me! I promise to finally tell you all the details on Saturday” she squeals.

You wince. “Nah, I can’t this Saturday. I have to work, manager is on vacay. Maybe Sunday?” you said, knowing she will start rambling.

“Y/N just leave that place, they don’t even value you as a person, let alone as a worker. Plus, your manager is a bitch” Ochaco says sternly. “I still haven’t got over the fact she makes you work double shifts just because she wants to be in Bali with her new stupid tomboy. Who, by the way, cheats on her. You said so yourself, and I heard him and your colleague going at it that one time I came to visit you last week -not Momo, bless her heart, how is she by the way?- oh and he steals her money. And-“

“I need the money, and I do love to make coffees for the nice old ladies that tip me” you interrupt your more-than-protective best friend, knowing that she could go on complaining for hours if you didn’t stop her. “Also, I just got to the cafe and I’m already running late. I’ll text you when I get off, okay? Love you”.

“Yeah yeah. Don’t overwork yourself too much, love you” and you hang up.

You and Ochaco have been friends since you were babies. Your parents were neighbours back in your hometown, and your moms coincidentally got pregnant in a span of 2 months apart from each other. You have been attached to the hip all of your school years, and fortunately you have been accepted at the same campus at university. You moved to different apartments because you wanted to be independent, but you are still living pretty near each other. You are enrolled in literature, while Ochaco has a passion for astronomy; you had chosen physics as a bonus class for some extra credits since Ochaco said it would be easy and you trusted her, but she didn’t take into consideration that you failed math throughout all of high school, and she had to save your ass multiple times in the past. You’ll never forget her face when she got an 86% on one of the graded tests she did for you: she was so disappointed she made you ask the professor to redo the test, which you barely knew the basics of. She got 100%, and the professor congratulated you (her) for being such an overachiever. You never felt more ashamed of yourself and proud of your best friend at the same time. On the other hand, she made you do her English essays on a monthly basis, so she really wasn’t in the place to complain about doing all the dirty work for you.

You had partnered up with her since she was a genius, but she met this “cute guy” a month ago and was head over heels for him. She still hasn’t said his name to you, all you know is that he is a part of the physics course and he apparently just stole your assignment partner.

You sigh inwardly. Sometimes you wished love could come to you as easily as it comes to Ochaco. She is a lover girl at heart, nicer than anybody could ever hope to be, but she sure could bite if she had to. She has been there for some of the worst moments of your life, and you have done the same for her. You really didn’t know what you would do without her. Maybe you should get her an apology pastry from the cafe’s leftovers to make up for the last two missed Saturdays (“they’re for the girls!” she said, and you meticulously met up every week up until you had gotten a job).

You’re a bit distracted by thinking about her when you get into the place you work at. It’s a cute cafe, a little bit too orange for your taste, but it’s cozy enough to make work pleasurable. Plus, it’s 5 minutes from your apartment (15 if you walk, but you are lazy). They pay on time, the coffee is good and the clientele isn’t too bad. If it wasn’t for-

“You’re 32 seconds late. You’re getting a formal complaint this time” says your manager, waiting for you with her arms crossed.

“Put that on the note that says I worked 8 extra hours a week for the last 5 months. Hello to you too, weren’t you supposed to be in the Philippines or whatever by now?” you say sickening sweet, with the fakest smile you can muster, while you pass next to her to get to the room behind the register.

“Shut your smart mouth up before I get you fired!” she almost screams. Some of the people at the table near her look at her like she’s crazy before going back to their cappuccino.

“My oh my miss Utsushimi, it’s not nice to use that tone before the rush hour” you reply, giving an apologetic look at your regulars next to her.

“Mpfh, whatever. Close up this place when you’re done, the boss will probably be in to ask you for the keys at the end of your shift. I’ll be MIA for the next two weeks, bye” she says to you. Then she turns around and smiles sweetly at the clients who previously looked at her with distaste and lies “pregnancy hormones I hope, me and my man are trying for a baby, I’m sorry for scaring you!”. You know damn well she had an IUD appointment last week, because she made you work instead of working herself. Fake bitch.

Without saying anything else, she leaves the place.

“I hate her ass so much”, says someone next to you.

You snicker. “Who doesn’t, Momo?” you face her with a genuine smile.

“Never leave me alone with her ever again, you know I can’t survive this place without you, work wifey” she kisses your cheek fast, before going back to making coffee for a client at the register.

“Ochaco will be hearing about this and she’ll slap you” you laugh heartily.

“I love her too, she’s my work wifey’s wifey, so she’s basically my wifey” she winks at you.

After a few more laughs here and there, you both go back to work like usual.

A couple of hours pass and it’s closing time. Momo waves you goodbye, clocking out. “I’m so tired I could sleep on the floor right now” she whines.

“Yeah, how about no. Let’s go, babe. We don’t want to drag Y/N’s time” says her boyfriend, Shoto, who shoots you a nod of acknowledgement before placing a hand on her lower back and escorting her out of the cafe. “I remember suffering at closing times, let’s leave her be and go home” he nudges your colleague, smiling down at her. He has been inside the cafe a lot in the years you’ve worked here, sometimes picking Momo up. Momo says he was one of the best bartenders the cafe ever had, but he found a job that payed him more and he decided to leave. You couldn’t blame him.

“See you soon, you two lovebirds!” you reply, waving a hand of your own.

Now all alone since even the waiters have gone home, you clean up the counter before packing up the pastry for Ochaco.

“Damn, I have to wait for the boss to give him the keys” you remember, rubbing your face.

You wait 45 minutes before a redhead makes his way into the cafe. He seems busy on the phone with someone.

“I’m here, let me just get- fuck no I don’t wanna talk to Camie about it, Baku- no, wait- fire? Are you going to take her place and finally come down here like the boss you are? Yes, I know- what? And where would we- what do I have to do with all of this? No, I’m going home- fuck, he hung up” the man sighs, before turning his body towards you.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting, not really manly from me” he smiles, looking sorry.

“Oh don’t worry about it!” your smile was really stretched, and you think he notices, because he says “sorry” again. “The manager said to give you the keys. So you’re the boss?” you say politely, stretching your hand with the keys towards him.

You’ve seen him multiple times, he’s a regular. He always gets the same order (one black coffee and one hot chocolate with extra cinnamon), and he always tips you and Momo well. Today he seems distressed.

“I wouldn’t wish to be the boss, to be fair. You could say I’m his right hand. Where’s Camie? Boss needs to talk to her in private before next week comes” he sighs.

“She said she’ll be gone for two weeks” you reply, confused.

“And who said she could do that?” Kirishima, you think that’s his name since you’ve written it on his order just yesterday, looks at you in disbelief. You shrug. “I don’t ask. The less I know about her, the better I feel about working here”. You start to pack your things up, before going towards the door with the man following behind you closely.

“This is nuts. I hate doing job interviews” he mumbles fast, turning the key in the lock. You raise an eyebrow, what is he even talking about?

“Do you live near? If not, I could give you a ride. I’d hate losing the only barista who makes boss man’s drink good enough to not make him pissy” he says, while pointing to his car.

You laugh. “It’s just a hot chocolate. Tell him he should try it with a few drops of hot sauce in it. Sounds disgusting but it’s actually pretty good. Also don’t worry, I live just down the street”. He nods and you wave each other goodbye.

“It does sound horrible. Thanks again for waiting, see you tomorrow for the same exact order I always make” he grins, then gets in his car and drives away, not after seeing you get in your car as well.

Once at home you call Ochaco, who’s “been worried sick, you never get home this late”.

“Y/N you seriously need a roommate. Did you even eat?” she reprimands.

You sigh. “I have to meet someone tomorrow. But you know, girls tend to look at you weirdly when you say you need them to know how to cook. They feel like you’re looking for a maid. Like, I can’t eat sandwiches every day like I did with the last roommate I had” you explain while opening your fridge. Sausages and smashed potatoes from yesterday will do the job for today.

“The psycho who thought vegetables made her look weak? Freak” you hear your best friend snicker. “At what time are they coming over?”

You groan and say “8 am. It’s a guy this time. Who wakes up before 8 am at uni? He’s already lost 2 points for this” while gulping down your food.

Ochaco’s snicker is now a full laugh. “People who have their lives together, maybe? But pay attention, males scare me” she replies quieting down.

“Yeah yeah. I’m gonna sleep now, text me the deets for Sunday, okay?” you clean your plate and go to the bathroom to wash your teeth.

“Will doooo. Good night, babe” she smooches on the mic before hanging up.

After making sure you locked your apartment door, you go to your bed, where you manage to fall asleep in thirty seconds.

The next morning you’re brutally awakened by the sound of your doorbell. You look at your phone screen: 7:42 am.

“Who the fuck is it now?” you grumble, before going down the stairs and looking through your peephole.

“Shitty hair I swear if this takes me more than 10 minutes… she hasn’t even opened the door. Yeah, she said 8 am, who cares if I’m early? I AM NOT the only one awake on a Saturday morning. Y’all are just lazy fucks” a blonde rudely says into his phone. You can hear him talking loudly from behind the door. You widen your eyes, before screaming “coming! Give me 5 minutes!” and rushing towards your bathroom to make yourself presentable. “Fuck, I forgot about the roommate appointment” you whine, while putting on a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie. At least they are clean.

You open the door to find a broad man staring at you menacingly. He’s kinda tall, kinda (really) fit, kinda underdressed for the winter. Kinda hot, too.

“Hi, how can I help you?” you offer him the nicest smile your still sleepy mind can muster.

He looks you up and down, before focusing on your face and levelling you with an indifferent look.

“You must be Y/N. I’m Katsuki Bakugo, we had to meet at 8 am for the spare room offer. I've been here for 15 minutes” he gruffly declares.

You add “rude” to your list of “kinda”. You don’t like his tone. -1 point.

“Yeah, and it’s 7:48” you bite back, your smile faltering while shaking his outstretched hand. He’s definitely going to the gym with the callouses he has.

“Come in, I’ll let you see what you’re getting yourself into”, you say, opening your door more.

You live in a nice apartment, you think. There’s a nice kitchen with a nice island that also serves as a table in front of it, a blueish couch in front of the tv, and a couple of steps that bring you to a corridor with three doors: your room, the spare one and the bathroom.

You describe everything while he stays in absolute silence next to you. It makes you feel uneasy. -1 point.

You just finished showing him the bathroom and are ready to tell him you don’t think he’s a good suitor when he finally speaks up.

“And how much do you pay for this shit?” he asks. Nice voice, you think. Gravelly and rough enough to not sound annoyingly forced. +1 point.

“500 a month” you reply, while returning to the kitchen.

“Your shower needs some work done, it leaks. Also, mold is starting to show on the bathroom ceiling, might wanna check on that. Your oven looks unusable in the condition it’s in. Small tv. At least you’re clean from what I've seen” he begins to say.

You frown and turn to look at him. Did this bitch talk for the first time in 15 minutes only to complain?

“Do you even know how to cook with said oven?” you say, ignoring everything else he just said, and giving him a nasty look.

He tsks. “Yes. Is this your way of asking me to cook you fucking breakfast? I don’t eat with lazy people who get out of bed at 11 am” he makes sure to say.

You scoff. Men really do find the audacity to say stuff like this nowadays? It seems like you've been out of the loop for too much.

“You showed up early. It’s a sign of disrespect, you know? Also no, I know how to fix myself something. I just don’t want you to burn my kitchen down to a crisp and smell takeout whenever I get home” you say in the rudest way you find possible.

He smirks before saying “might wanna check on that fucking attitude of yours too before I poison your food”, tapping your shoulder to get you out of the way and take out some pans. You showed him where to find them earlier on.

“What the fuck are you doing?” you say in disbelief. “This is still my kitchen. Get out”.

He rolls his eyes. “I’m making you fucking breakfast to say sorry for interrupting your princess sleep. Just make coffee while I come up with something. If you know how to make it, that is” he doesn’t even look at you while getting eggs, milk and bread out of the fridge.

You’re baffled. He’s making himself at home when you didn’t even say he was accepted.

“Wait, you’re still not-“

“I'll give you the money at the start of every month. I’ll paint the walls of the room, I hate that fucking green, but painters are scammers so I’m doing it myself. I’m clean, I’ll just need a spare key in a matter of days to take my shit here. I’ll keep myself in my room if you keep yourself in yours. Any further requests?” he interrupts you, assembling his french toasts on the pan.

You’re even more stunned. But you’ve always been quick with your thoughts, so you come up with something.

“I’ll say yes if those french toasts are good. If they’re not, your ass is out” you say, still not looking at him, while making coffee.

“Might say yes if you know how to make a hot chocolate from scratch instead of the poor coffee that machine will make” he watches you from the corner of his eye. You scoff, you’re a barista nonetheless: who does he think he’s talking to? Meanwhile, he could swear he knew you from somewhere.

“Deal”.

“Deal”.

Neither to say, the french toasts were “not that bad” and your hot chocolate was “barely fucking acceptable”.

[lilghostiequinni]

Not As it Seemed to Be

Main Masterlist Lando Masterlist

Pairing: private(secret)!female oc (Erica) x Lando Norris

Warnings: Fluffy, Established relationship, Pregnancy talk

Summary: Lando has been one to keep his personal life only slightly private and not be able to keep a secret at all, but what happens when the whole world learns of her.

Requested: NO / yes

Erica lays in bed, running her fingers through Lando's hair, lost in thought.

Her fingers stop, even though it's momentarily, "Why'd you stop?"

"Just lost in thought," Erica looks down to Lando, who still has his eyes closed as he rests his head on her very prominent pregnant belly.

"What should we name them?" Lando questions, looking up to at her, head still on her belly.

"Should we go full Star Wars?" Erica jokes with a smile as Lando makes a face at the suggestion. "What, you don't like it?"

Lando just looks at her.

"Alright, I was thinking we make a list, pick the ones we like, and get it down to a first and middle name," Erica says, and Lando nods into her side as there's movement, then a kick to the face.

Erica starts laughing as Lando looks offended at her belly, rubbing his cheek, even if it didn't really do anything.

"Up, I've got to pee," Erica says, patting Lando on the forehead.

Lando sits up and Erica calls out as she reaches the bathroom, "You should start to get ready, we've only got an hour until you need to be at the track."

Lando looks over to the clock and realizes she's right. He gives one final sigh and gets out of bed.

It doesn't take long before they leave the hotel; they are both trying to hurry and leave the hotel on time.

Lando walks into the paddock with Erica on his arm and her pregnant belly prominent in the outfit she wore to show it off.

"Lando, this a friend of yours?" Carlos asked; he was the first of the drivers to get to them.

"No, she's my girlfriend," Lando says to him as he puts his arm around Erica's shoulder, his hand hanging over her shoulder for her to grab hold of with her free hand.

"For how long?" Carlos questions, having been his former teammate and never heard of her, he didn't know how long this was going on, though he does remember seeing her around the paddock, even more in the last year.

"Since we were 17, so almost ten years," Lando says as Erica looks around.

"I'm sorry, baby, but I really need the bathroom," Erica tells Lando, who lets go over her as she waddles over to the restrooms she had seen.

"You didn't mention her before," Carlos points out, rather confused.

"Yeah, when we met, she was busy, so never around the paddock, and most people thought she was just a friend, not my girlfriend, and I just never corrected them because she didn't need the attention for it," Lando says, a shrug of his shoulders as he looks toward where Erica went to.

Oscar walked into the paddock, saw Lando with Carlos, and approached them as Erica returned from the bathroom.

Hey Erica," Oscar says as he stops next to her and they continue together back to Lando and Carlos.

Which is when Carlos asked if Oscar knew about Erica, "I know her as Lando's best friend, why?"

"Because she's my very pregnant girlfriend that I didn't announce publicly and have announced," Lando says as Erica tucks back under his arm.

"We enjoyed the privacy, especially now," Erica says as she rubs her belly, and Lando moves his hand over to hers, smiling down at her.

Oscar watched them and realized that he had noticed their relationship before but never thought much of it.

It was later that day that fans started to notice that Erica was pregnant and Lando was acting as more than a friend and more like a soon-to-be father and a boyfriend.

Fans then started to put their predictions online, and eventually, Erica found an edit made within hours of all the times that people noticed that she and Lando were more than friends.

For the most part, the response to your "secret" relationship was relatively positive.

After the race, in the media pen it was the first question got that asked about Erica, "So you came in today with Erica, a long-time friend, but she's pregnant, and you seemed more like a boyfriend or father than a friend."

"What's the question?" Lando asks, not hearing a question in all of what the interviewer said.

"My question is, what's going on? Is she your friend, your girlfriend?"

"Erica is my girlfriend and has been for the better part of the last ten years. Erica was my girlfriend when I started Formula One when there were rumors of me with one of her friends. She's been with me through my ups and downs; she was there for my win in Miami last year, and she was there for Barcelona. She's my rock," Lando says to the interviewer, the smile and adoration in his eyes growing with each word he says.

"And she's pregnant?"

"Yes, we are having twins," Lando says, nodding along with his statement.

"Just one last question about this before we get on to race questions is, why have you never said anything about her, Erica being your girlfriend?"

"When I started racing in Formula One, she didn't need the extra attention on her as she was starting college, and with me constantly moving and her having to stay on campus, it was hard enough. The media and fans weren't needed in our relationship dynamic. Then afterward, especially in this last year, I just never corrected people because I loved the bliss of having this little piece of me out of the media," Lando says as he grows more serious in his explication.

"Alright, then. Now, how does it feel to win today with the world and fans knowing that Erica is your girlfriend and you will soon have two kids who are going to be so proud of their dad for winning?"

"Amazing," Lando is then directed to a different interviewer with a smile on his face as he leaves.

Lando knows that his children will be proud of him because they are not just part of him but also part of Erica, and she's always proud of Lando and always there when he needs her.

To the public things were not as they seemed, but that is never what mattered to Lando and Erica.

A/N: Only been working on this one for about three weeks.

Tags: @poppyflower-22 @samantha-chicago @barcelonaloverf1life @tallrock35 @ellen3101 @hellothere9597

If you want to be removed from a tag list, let me know so I don't keep tagging you. If you are striked through, I don't know if you want to be tagged, but just let me know if you want me to continue or stop

[raya-hunter01]

Not My Sister's Keeper Pt. 11

Not My Sister’s Keeper

Roman X OC(Kara)

Jey Uso X OC (Tia)

Rating: 18+

Warning: Smut; sex, fluff, couple arguing, Jealousy, infidelity, pregnancy

Roamn’s wife recently left medical school and returned home to save her marriage. Upon her return, she finds out things are not what they seem. Her sister is pregnant by her best friend Jey Uso, who is also Roman’s cousin, and her husband is acting suspicious.

What happens when a conversation overhead on a baby monitor blows her world apart?

Pensacola, FL

Kara’s POV

After my requested Jey didn’t say anything. I could tell he was not expecting that, but I needed to tell my dad what was going on. He deserved to know and not by a phone call or seeing it on the news.

“Are you sure?”

“Not really, but I know it’s what I need to do.”

“Then I’ll take you.”

The next thing I knew, we were back on the highway heading to my parents.

I felt overwhelmed, as so many things I had long buried, flooded back to the surface.

“I remembered my mother having that man in my dads house,” I said so quietly that Jey almost didn’t catch it.

“What? While you were there?” Jey asked in disbelief as I nodded almost playing everything over in my mind.

“He was so devastated, and angry when he found out Tia was his. In remembering it now, all I can think about is how almost the same thing almost happened to us, Jey.”

“But it didn’t lau pele, you found out before it was too late.” Jey said kissing my hand.

I didn’t say anything else, my mind was too busy trying to play catch up, and wondering how I was going to react when I saw my mother.

I wanted to be calm, but I felt my anger rising as we pulled into my childhood home, remembering all the lies.

The realization that the hell I went through with Tia all my life, my mother allowed her to do it because she needed Tia to keep her secret.  It all made sense as to why she defended her always.

 Tia knew about Terry and could blow her world upside down, but hurricane Kara was coming.

----

Kara’s Parent’s House

Jey’s POV

It knew this was going to be bad….Fuck, I knew it was and I couldn’t stop it. I promised I wouldn’t say anything and to only get involved if things went too far. I followed closely behind Kara as she knocks on the front door getting no answer.

“Maybe we should just come back in the morning? It is late baby.”

“The hell we are,” Kara said using her key to open the door and walking inside. “Dad! Where are you?!”

 Yea….This was gon’ be bad.

“What is wrong with you coming up in here screamin’?” Rebecca said coming downstairs as Kara stormed into the living room.

“Your what’s wrong, Dad!” Kara yelled as her mother tried to shush her. “Be quiet he’s upstairs trying to unwind, what’s got you all upset stormin’ through here like a tornado?”

“Terry Kendall, the bastard you had layin’ up in my daddy’s bed…. You know Tia’s daddy… Dad!!!” Kara screamed walking away from Rebecca who stumbled back a few steps in shock.

“Wait..Wait don’t do this Kara, don’t hurt him. Kara, please.” Rebecca cried as Kara waved her off unfazed by her tears.

“Like you’ve been hurting him?” Kara asked picking up and throwing their family portrait that had been hanging over the mantel. “What the hell are you doing?!” Rebecca screamed dodging the flying portrait before it landed at her feet.

“Lies…Just lies..All of this shit is lies!” Kara yelled turning back to the mantel knocking every framed picture off the mantel. Grunting in anger and frustration as one by one they crashed to the floor, glass shattering everywhere.

“Kara! Calm down and let me explain. Don’t tell him, please,” Rebecca begged as I saw Bill at the top of the stairs.

“What the hell ya’ll got going on down here?” Bill asked jogging down the stairs as Rebecca blocked Kara from walking towards him by grabbing her arm.

“Get yo’ hands off me,” Kara hissed as I jumped in between them. I knew what was about to come next if I didn’t get Kara. Rebecca was about to meet a different side of her daughter.

“Aye, she came to talk to her dad. Now let her talk and don’t touch her,” I warned as she took a step back.

“Talk to me about what?…….What’s wrong baby?” Bill asked as Rebecca grabbed his hand, pulling him into a hug as Kara looked at me not believing the gall of her mother.

“It’s nothing baby go back upstairs, and I’ll be up in a minute. Kara’s still upset about tonight and I was trying to calm her down.” Rebecca said, as Kara scoffed.

Oh, she really gon’ hold on to the lie until the very end. Yea, Tia gets it honestly.

“Tell him mama, and I mean all of it.” Kara demanded as Bill pulled away from Rebecca as she tried to hold on to him for dear life.

“Don’t do this Kara, just leave with Josh, go home.” Her mother pleaded.

“I ain’t doing nothing! I’m actually giving you a chance to tell him the truth because Tia decided to let her therapist in on your little secret and they reported it!” Kara yelled as Rebecca gasped shaking her head.

“Told what secret? Anybody gon’ tell me what the hell going on?”

“No, Tia didn’t…She wouldn’t.”

“Oh, yes, she did and I’m sure by the end of the week it will be all over the news. So, you betta get to talking.”

“Since she won’t tell me, you tell me,” Bill said gently pulling Kara towards him.

“Dad-”

“Bill don’t do listen, it’s nothing baby,” Rebecca said trying to pull Bill back towards the stairs.

“I tried to talk to you, but you obvious hidin’ something so now I’m talkin’ to my daughter,” Bill hissed snatching away from Rebecca as she tried to stop Kara from revealing her secret.

“The judge that was in charge of the trial is Tia’s biological father. Mama has been lying to you all these years, Tia isn’t your daughter,” Kara blurted out as Rebecca reached over to slap her, but I stepped in front of her catching her hand.

“Jey, let her do it! I been on pause, cause she my mama but she can get it, let her go! Let her do it!” Kara screamed as I grabbed her, trying to create some distance between them.

“Aye, you ain’t fightin’ and you betta keep yo’ hand to yourself before I let her go.” I warned Rebecca.

“She had no right, Josh!” Rebecca screamed as Bill seemed to be in shock. I couldn’t blame him, everything he has known to be true was a lie.

“I had no right?! You really trying to make me the bad guy in your bullshit!”

“You had no right Kara!”

“No! You had no right lyin’ to us all these years. You had no right sleepin’ wit that man in the bed you shared with your husband.”

“Ah, shit,” I mumbled knowing it was about to get worse.

 “And you damn sure had no right going to him to get the charges against Tia reduced.” Kara said unfazed by her mother’s hysterics.”

“Wait? You had this motherfucker in this house, layin’ in my bed?!” Bill’s voice boomed as Rebecca continued to sob, not believing everything was crashing down around her.

“I-I-”

 “Stop stuttering and tell me!”  Bill shouted making Rebecca jump back in fear.

“Yea, mama, tell him…. Tell him how you wouldn’t let me and Tia in the house when he would come around so ya’ll could have sex.” Kara said casually as her mother paled at the revelation.

“Kara,” I warned seeing the look of anger on her dad’s face growing. He was about to lose his shit and I couldn’t blame him.

“Rebecca! Talk damn it!” Bill yelled as Rebecca collapsed to her knees grabbing his leg.

“Ok! Ok! I admit it! Everything she said is true!” She sobbed as Bill looked down at her in disgust.

Kara’s POV

I told her and I feel bad for causing my dad pain, but he needed to know. He needed to know, there were too many damn secrets around here. No wonder we were all so fucked up.

“I loved ya’ll so much, and didn’t want to lose you Bill,” my mother cried as I rubbed my temples.

“You really did me like this Becks…Me…. Tell me this a joke,” My dad whispered looking at me for answers.

“Dad, they have a DNA results and records of mama taking money from him. It’s real, Mr. Reiner called and told me.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes, she’s been lying to you and whatever you do with that information is on your choice, but I had to tell you.”

“Bill, I’m so sorry, Tia’s still your daughter. You raised her and she loves you, please understand,” my mother pleaded.

“I guess it’s finally your time to reap what you sowed, huh.” My dad said. His anger boiling at the surface.

“Bill-”

“Tia round here leaving chaos in her wake, leaving you with a child to help raise cause’ she has no mama. Donavan never comes to visit, Kara almost died!! Our daughter almost died at the hands of her sister, who is now in Jail!”

“I love you so much bill and our kids. I’m so sorry-”

“No, you don’t, you had plenty of time to tell me about Tia, but you didn’t. Then you went and ask his bitch ass to help Tia after she almost killed my child….My CHILD! Not yours, MINE!”

“She’s our child Bill, they both are. I swear I never meant to hurt ya’ll. I just couldn’t let her tell anyone!”

"Whatever was necessary to keep your secret, right? Get up off the floor beggin’ like a dog……. Your just as evil as Tia is, matter fact you worse,” my dad said calmy walking towards the stairs as my mother picked herself up off the floor running behind him.

“Don’t walk away from me!” she screamed, jumping in front of him, pulling on his shirt trying to stop him from walking away.

“Get your fucking hands off me!” My dad yelled pulling away from her. “Woman, you gon’ make me hurt you! Is that what you want me to do!” his hands suddenly wrapped around her throat.

 “Dad, No!” I screamed as Jey rushed over to them, pulling my mother behind him as she caught her breath.

“Aye! Calm down, go get your stuff. Bill it ain’t worth it,” Jey said walking with my dad upstairs.

“Bill, where are you going?!”

 “Away from you before I hurt you, and I end up in jail. Sitting up here defending Tia and she really pulled a you on Kara, Roman, and Jey. You make me sick!”

"Dad-"

“I’mma make sure he straight before we leave, don't worry,” Jey said as I headed towards the front door to wait for him in shock. I can’t believe he choked her, but at the same time couldn’t blame him.

Hell, I wouldn’t mind a round or too myself, but I know she’s my mom.

“So, your just gonna leave……I’m still your mother Kara, and I love you.” Her desperate voice almost broke me, but I refused to look at her or give in.

“I love you too, that’s why this hurts so bad mama.” Finally embracing the hurt I allowed my unshed tears to fall.

“We can fix it baby…Just let me, I can’t lose you too.”

“You know what’s so sad mama? You’ve already lost me, and I don’t think we can ever find our way back.” I whispered as Jey and my father came back downstairs.

“You’ll hear from my attorney,” my father said not giving my mother a second glance storming out the house.

“Will you be alright?” Jey asked my mother as she sighed.

 “I ain’t got no choice but to be?” And with that she went upstairs as Jey put his arms around me.

In that moment, I knew I still loved her. She was my mother, but I couldn’t just forgive her, too much damage had been done.

“Let’s go home lau pele .”

“Ok.”

Maybe time would heal some wounds and we could try to move forward, but for right now I was going to focus on my own life.  

------

Three Weeks Later

Hilton Garden Inn, Atlanta, Ga

Jey’s POV

I hated I had to leave Kara and come back to work but she insisted. I tried to call her earlier and we talked a little. She had gone to court today and told me they interviewed her as she left.

Pulling out my iPad I went to the Boston news station’s website.

The headlines were everywhere about the corrupt judge that wanted to save the daughter he never knew. Well, that was the narrative Terry was painting in order to protect Rebecca who had still been trying to contact Kara, but the line of communication was radio silent.

“Damn finally,” I muttered finding the video.

“This is WCVB Channel five news and we’re outside the courtroom where last week not only was corruption exposed but deep family secrets. Local judge Terry Kendall resigned last week after it was brought to light, he showed bias in a court case in which his love child committed a crime against her own sister and said sister’s ex-husband. Terry Kendal’s heart felt apology to Kara Morris was one that moved the courtroom to tears.”

“Should have had jail time too, corrupt ass,” I hissed.

“Judge Kendall, though resigning from his position of power last week was informed today he would be disbarred. Mr. Kendall stated in court today he worked alone and did it on his own accord. The case will now be appointed a new judge and Tia Morris with be resentenced. The new resentencing date can be anywhere up to a year from now, but the defendant will receive credit for time served.  Let’s see if we can get a word with Ms. Morris.”

“A'ight, you had better kept they ass in line Reiner.” I mumbled looking at him and Kara coming down the courthouse steps.

 “Ok, my client will answer a few questions and we ask after this that you respect her privacy.”

“Ms. Morris how are you feeling after today’s outcome?”

“I am grateful that Mr. Kendall stepped up and took responsibility for his actions. I hope he finds peace and his family is ok. I know first-hand what secrets can do to a family.”

I felt proud watching her stand on her own and answer their questions without hesitation.

“Speaking of that, how do you feel knowing your sister’s resentencing and the finding of a new judge could take up to a year?”

 “Uh, knowing that a new judge will be appointed, and the resentencing will happen, I am thankful. I will be patient and respect the process.  Thank you to the city of Boston for ensuring me justice will indeed be served.”

I knew that voice anywhere, it was her customer service annoyed voice. Chuckling, I continued to watch.

“Have you spoked to your mother since you found out that you and your sister don’t share the same father?”  The forced smile on her face making me angry. They just had to fucking go there but before she could respond Riener stepped in.

“No comment, my client has been through enough and has answered your questions pertaining to this case. Her personal life is off limits and with that we bid you all good day,” Mr. Reiner said walking Kara through the crowd of paparazzi.

“Assholes, I can’t believe they ass,” I grumbled. I don’t ask for much, but the one thing I hoped was Kara wouldn’t have to wait a year for justice to be served. If we had to wait, we would but I hoped it would be sooner.

Pulling out my phone I tried to call her but got no answer seeing the time I knew she probably fell asleep, especially after today.

“Hey, just wanted to hear your voice, you did so good during your interview. I love you and I’ll call you in the mor-.”

A sudden knock at the door startled me as I ended my voicemail. Who the hell is it at one in the morning?

“Who is it?!”

“Room service, I have your champagne,” a high pitch voice said as I rolled my eyes walking to the door.

“Aye, I ain’t ordered no room service, plus it closes at ten. So, you can gon’ on shawty and take your champagne wit you.” I said as the person on the other side of the door chuckled.

“Ok, I can just go get a return flight back to Boston then, sir.”

“Kara? ” I asked opening the door as she laughed at me. “Yes, Kara,” she said holding up a bottle of champagne.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, scooping her up in my arms and closing the door.

 “I wanted to tell you in person how proud of you I am, and how much I missed you,” she whispered against my lips.

 “I missed you too,” I whispered feeling the stress of the last few days melting away.

 “You seem so down, what’s wrong?” Kara asked. I hated to tell her I actually didn’t make the finals of the King of the ring tournament.

“I love you for supporting me baby, but they decided to go another way with the tournament,” I said as she caressed my face.

“Well, you won in my book and your fans think the same thing too.  Just hang in there doody and trust the journey.” she said making me smile. She hadn’t called me that since we were kids.

“I’m tryin’ baby, I’m really trying,” I said trying to remain positive. “Just be your amazing self and everything will fall in place.”

“I can’t believe you’re here.” I smiled against her neck holding her close, almost afraid she’d disappear.

“It’s no other place I’d rather be.”

The frustrations of work are long forgotten, Tia, Rebecca, and all the other drama, just a distant memory.

All that existed was us and that was all I needed. Kara was right, my time would come, and I should enjoy the journey.

Matter of fact we were going to enjoy this journey together.

----

One Year Later

Kara’s House

Kara’s POV

“Kara did you get any sleep? You tossed and turned all night.”

“I got a little, I’ll sleep when this over today.”

“Least we can rest after court, mama said she was going to cook for us tonight,” Jey said as I nodded erasing the line I just typed.

I was trying to finish my victim statement to read in court today, but I just felt like it wasn’t coming together.

“Bae, you heard me? Jey asked as I popped my fingers and yawned.

“Ugh, this is so dumb, who comes up with this shit.  I can’t think and I’m just over it. I might not even give a statement.” I ranted as Jey leaned over and kissed me gently on the lips before taking my laptop.

“Let me see what’s got so far, you stressin’.  I told you last night I would help.”

“I didn’t want to bother you with this, you had the show and got in late,” I said as he read what I had written so far.

“Bae, I already know the problem. You trying to sugar coat this shit instead of being you and telling the ugly truth. Tell them and Tia how you feel.”

“If I do that, I will be up there talking all damn day, Jey.”

“So, what, it’s your truth and you need to talk about it.”

“Joshua is right sweetheart,” Mama Fatu said coming into the kitchen and sitting beside me.

“Did you sleep good Ma?” I asked as she smiled holding my hand.

“Like a log, I needed that after the long flight but enough about me. How are you?” she asked as I shrugged my shoulders.

 “I’m fine,” I whispered as Jey kissed his teeth, somewhat annoyed at my dismissal of my feelings.

“She’s tired and stressed out over this victim statement.”

“Kara, you shouldn’t type it, just go in there today and just speak from the heart.”

“I didn’t want to miss anything, so I wanted to type it up and print it Ma.”

“Kara, trust yourself, you got it,” Jey assured me as I tried to shake my nerves.

“Well court is in two hours, so I kind of have no choice now,” I said starting to finally eat.

“Did you talk to your dad?” Jey asked as I smiled.

“Yea, I was on the phone with him while he was at the doctor’s yesterday. The splint is healing fine, but he can’t travel right now.”

“I’m glad he’s doing better, and I know he will be doing even better when he gets this good news today.” Mama Fatu said putting her arms around me in a comforting hug, speaking positivity into the atmosphere.

“Thanks, Ma.”

 Ugh, I knew I needed to get started, but I dreaded today because I knew today was going to be a long ass day.

You got this Kara…. Today all of this ends, go in there and do what you gotta do.

----

A Few Hours Later

Boston Municipal Courthouse.

Rebecca’s POV

I had to be here today for Kara and Tia both. Maybe I could finally talk to Kara and try to get us back on the right track or at least start talking again.

“I could say I'm shocked you're showing your face here, but then again I know you so I’m not surprised, Rebecca.”

What the hell is Josh’s mom doing here? Still trying to swoop in on my baby, I see. She ain’t gon’ rest till my baby is a Fatu and callin’ her Mama.

“Tani don’t start, I saw you swarming around my daughter in there, probably got her calling you Ma n shit too. Just acting like I don’t exist, Josh, up in there acting like her bodygu-”

“Keep my son’s name out your mouth and news flash Rebecca, she has always called me Ma! Where did you think she was going when she would storm outta your house upset damn near four times a week? My house, that’s where.”

“What am I supposed to be impressed because I’m not Tani.”

“No, you’re supposed to care and realize that you were a piece of shit parent and try to make it right.”

“You bitch.” I hissed as Tani chuckled.

“Now let’s not call each other names you gutta snipe.”

“Ugh, look, I ain’t here to fight, I’m just here trying to make it right and be here for Kara. Show her that I am trying, I’m not even gonna bother her.”

“All I know is you better not make today hard for Kara or you’re going to have a problem with me.”

“You know what? Bye, Tani…It was good to remember why I don’t talk to you.” I said pissed off at the fact she even approached me.

“You hurt Kara and I’mma reintroduce myself to you like I did all those years ago.” Tani gloated.

“Ugh, whatever,” I hissed leaving her in the bathroom alone.

I needed to get back inside the courtroom, Kara was giving her statement.

Jey’s POV

Kara was doing great speaking to the court even at times looking at Tia who was having a hard time looking Kara in the eye. Feeling my mother’s hand on my shoulder, I moved to let get her by so she could sit down.

“My sister shot me in the back and tried to kill me. Tia, you hated me that much, you went from wanting to be me, to killing me.”

I cringed at her use of her words, but she was right. I can still see her lying there lifeless and being scared to death as the EMT worked on her.

I am forever indebted to him because he never gave up and he brought her back to me.

 “I say killing me because I stopped breathing…..I stop breathing Tia….. I died as you laughed and taunted Josh to hurt him.” Her voice full of pain as the nodded, somewhat dazing out.

“My lord Joshua.”

“Mama, it’s ok,” I told her as looked at Tia in shock.

“Ms. Morris do you need a moment?” Judge Carlton asked, picking up on the change in her demeanor.

“No, I’m fine.” Clearing her throat, and glancing back at me. “You got this,” I mouthed pointing at her as she nodded before turning back to face the judge.

 “Listening to the joy in your voice as I received medical attention is disgusting and it really drove home two important things for me. You have no concept of consequences or empathy. And your actions have left unforgivable scars, and a beautiful child without a mother.”

“Uh-huh, tell her bout herself,” I muttered filled with pride. She had found her voice and was finally telling Tia and everyone how she felt.

“Your father has owned up to his wrongdoings and took the consequences, which was him being disbarred. Now it’s your turn and I pray justice is swift and befitting of the crimes you committed against Me, Jey, Roman, Trin, and most importantly Logan because she didn’t ask to be here or to be a pawn in your games.”

“Real swift at that, needs life in prison if you ask me,” Trin whispered as I looked back at Rebecca who was in tears.

“Tia, I hope you find peace because I have, and I forgive you. I just can’t forget that because of you I almost lost my life, I lost my mother, and I lost you, my sister.”

Rebecca, sobbing in the back of the courtroom was irking me to no end.

“I know that it doesn’t matter either way to you, so I’m ending this by letting you know that I wish you well, but it’s my time to take back control of my life.”

She had done it.... She spoke from her heart and conquered her fear.

“That woman got the nerve to sit on this side of the courtroom after all she’s done. She’s just as guilty as her daughter, now back there fake crying,” my mother hissed lowly glancing back Rebecca.

“Order in the court please we don’t need any whispers, I know it's been a long day but we are almost done,” Judge Carlton said as my mother zipped her lip and held up her finger.

“Not you confessing it was you with the church finger, Ma. That judge didn’t even know who did it. I got to teach you betta,” Trin chuckled as I joined in.

I love my folks, we gon’ clown at the craziest time.

“Chill ya’ll,” Roman whispered as my mother scoffed. “Boy, I’m grown and since we talkin’ you shoulda’ kept your lil peta in ya’ pants. Still pisses me off that you did that to Kara and you lucky she’s being cordial to you.”

“You did so good baby,” I told Kara giving her a hug.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Thank you, Ms. Morris, for sharing. This case, though not easy, should have never gotten this bad but I pray you all find peace as justice is served. Will that being said will the defendant please rise.”

Kara’s POV

It was like everything was moving in slow motion as the judge reviewed the charges and talked about the video evidence, he had reviewed. We had traveled this road before, but I knew a better outcome was on the horizon this time.

“Tia Morris I am hereby sentencing you to thirty-five years at the Boston’s Women’s prison with the possibility of parole in twenty-five years. Your no contact order with your sister Kara Morris will also still be in place.

“Thank god,” I sighed, happy it was finally over as my mother and Tia’s cries filled the courtroom.

“No….No, it can’t be!” Tia cried as Judge Carlton banged on his gavel.

“Order in this court room! Young lady, I already find your behavior sickening as is and I’m not going to deal with your clown behavior. Get yourself together and I mean now.”

“My client is just a little upset your honor,” her lawyer said as Judge Carlton rolled shook his head. “Well, it’s about time your client realizes actions have consequences.”

“I’m sorry for that your honor,” Tia said as her lawyer shook his head in embarrassment.

“He told her ass off,” Jimmy said with a smirk as Ma Fatu hit him on the knee. “Why you talkin’ so loud, and watch your mouth,” she scolded as Trin shook her head.

“Ma, you just did the same thing.”

“We as parents have to wake up and teach our children right from wrong. Correct them, and don’t put ourselves in situations that can alter not only their lives but those they come in contact with.”

“You said a word then,” I said agreeing with the judge from firsthand experience.

“Your secrets become their secrets. Their hurt from your secrets is projected upon others, ensuring chaos to follow. What is done in the dark will always come to light. So, take responsibility, be a parent and think before indulging in your desires. This court is adjourned.”

“That’s it?” I asked looking at Jey as he smiled. “That’s it baby.” His confirmation releasing a huge weight off of my shoulders as I saw my mother walk towards Tia but stopped herself and walked out the courtroom.

“Well, that was interesting,” Trin said as I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know what it was, but I ain’t got time for it Trin. I’m just tired.”

It was over….It was finally over, and I could finally breathe.

Whatever my mama had going on it didn’t concern me, it’s my time to live my life now.

Next step…. Graduation and deciding where I’m going to do my residency.

Rebecca’s POV

“Tia, I’m sorry sweetie.”

“It’s fine, we’ll just go with the plan, in trying to get me transferred to Pensacola so you won’t have to travel far, and maybe I can see Logan.” Tia said as I looked at her in shock.

Now she wanted to see Logan…What was bringing on this new attitude?

“It’s a good possibility your attorney can get it done under compassionate reasons. Hopefully, he can get it approved and get you back to Florida.

"That’s all I want mama, to be close to you and Logan. You and Logan are all I have left. I will sign over my rights to Roman if he agrees to let you bring Logan to see me. The prison in Pensacola has a family center inside and it looks very welcoming so Logan wouldn’t be scared to come visit.”

“Well, I am glad you are finally getting it together baby. I will get with your lawyer and see what we can get done.”

“Thanks, mama…I promise I won’t mess this one up.”

I wanted to believe her, but I had a nagging feeling this was going to end bad.

“I know you won’t baby…Just hold on and we’ll get you back to Pensacola.”

I hope this doesn't blow up in my damn face.

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[roostersbby69]

Back to you

Summary: After having a son and graduating top gun, you get a call to come back. This may be a new opportunity for reconnection, and maybe for love.

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x OC

OC name: Victoria

The drive to the Hard Deck was making my anxiety sky rocket. As soon as I turned the car off I could see through the window, a crowd of people wearing khaki uniforms were conversing and had drinks in their hands. It's been so long since i've seen them.

I got out of my truck and opened the back door to get Dallas, my son, out. Penny, who’s been there for me ever since I found out I was pregnant, was going to watch Dallas while we were in town.

I grabbed his bag and got him out of his car seat, he was previously asleep and waking him up wasn’t usually a good idea.

"Where we going mama?" He asked me rubbing his eyes.

"Miss. Penny is going to watch you remember?" I situated him on my hip comfortably. "You like Miss Penny."

"Yeah she gives me blue lemonade."

"Is that so?" I gasped. "I want some."

He giggled as I locked my truck and walked to the door taking a deep breath.

I adjusted his book bag on my shoulder and opened the door. The sound of chattering, glass clinking, and laughter filled my ears. Many people in uniform, just like me, shot pool and sat at the bar flirting with the bartenders.

Nobody noticed me yet, so I walked over to the bar to set his bag down by Pennys purse. She was nowhere to be seen. Great, just great.

"Let's go sit, yeah?" I asked Dallas.

Once we sat down at an empty spot at the bar I got out his cup and toy dinosaur and let him play and eat his snack. I looked around watching my people drink and laugh and have a good time. Sometimes I wondered what it was like. No priorities, no care in the world. I love my son to death and would do anything for him, but mama needs a break.

    Penny came into my view in front of us as her beautiful pearly white smile greeted us. "Miss Penny!" Dallas smiled. "Hi buddy!" her energy was equal to his as she smiled at him and ruffled his hair. "What's going on Tori?" she asked me as I was still staring into space at the other aviators.

    "Nothing much, just came here you know, business stuff." I blankly said.

"Why don't you go hang out? You know I've got him." She said, "Go have some fun." she poked my arm. "I don't know Penny." She shushed me and shooed me off with her hand. "I've got him, you go do your business. If you need me I'll be right here." I smiled at her and took a deep breath before walking over to one of my good friends, Phoenix.

    "Tori!" She pulled me in for a big hug as she laughed. "Oh my gosh it's been so long!" She squealed. "I know! I've missed you so much." I held onto her arms as I looked at her.

    "Well, well, well" a voice came from behind me, "if it isn't Tiny herself." I looked back to see a familiar face walking towards me. Hangman. His superstar face smiled big as he stopped right by me and Phoenix.

    "Miss me?" I asked him cocking an eyebrow.

    "Always, sweetheart." He smiled down at me slinging an arm around my shoulders.

"Want to introduce me to your friends?" I asked them.

    "Mickey Garcia, callsign Fanboy."

"Nice to meet you, Victoria Austine, callsign Tiny."

    "Tiny?" one of them asked me.

    "You can see where she gets that from." Hangman laughed.

I rolled my eyes and smiled. He was right, standing at 5ft I weigh no more than 110. Most of the women were five foot seven, eleven, etcetera etcetera.

    A little bit later I turned my head to check on Dallas when a certain someone caught my eye, just walking into the room.

    "Hey fellas!" he shouted, taking off his sunglasses. He hung them on his floral shirt as he walked over shaking hands with several of the guys.

    I stood back a little bit to hide myself but, too late. He spotted me.

"My, my Miss Tori." He spoke just for us to hear.

    "Hello Rooster." I greeted him. "Long time no see."

    "You ain't lying." He laughed as he gave me a side hug. I returned one back to him.

    "How've you been?" I asked him.

    "You know, here and there." He said as we pulled apart.

    "I don't know how to feel about that." I laughed.

    He laughed with me. "I've been good. How have you been? It's been a w-" he started to say but something tugged on my khaki pants. I looked down to see Dallas' fingers wrapped around the fabric tugging.

    No, not now. "Uhm, Dallas this is my good friend mister Bradley. Can you say hello?" I grabbed his hand gently.

    "Hello mister Bradley." He spoke to him.

    "Hello Dallas." Bradley spoke. He looked at me, "Is this your brother?" he asked me.

    "Uhm, son actually." I corrected him softly.

    "Oh! Oh, I didn't know you had one, uh kid." He stuttered. "I didn't know you were married." He said.

    I sucked in a breath, "Dallas, honey, why don't you go help miss penny. I'll be right there baby." I said as I looked down at him.

    "Okay mama." He said. I kissed his head as he ran off.

    "Uhm, I'm not. Married." I rubbed my arm.

    "Oh." He said rather loudly, surprised.

    "Yeah." I whispered. There was a long pause.

    "How old is he?" He asked me, changing the subject.

    "He just turned five." I smiled.

    "Wow." he whispered watching Dallas run off. "You're a mama." he looked back down to me.

    "I'm a mama." I smiled.

    "So who's the lucky guy?" He asked.

I hated that question. Because there was no lucky guy. I was young and thought I was in love with this guy. Got pregnant and a year after I had Dallas I found out he cheated on me with my cousin. Yep, word gets around fast in a small town.

    "It's been so long since I've seen you." I said. "Used to be best friends." I looked down.

    "We still are."

    I looked up at him and smiled a small smile.

    "You got any other little ones running around anywhere?" he asked me.

    "Nope, it's just Dallas" I looked over at him, "just me and Dallas."

I looked back up to Rooster who was looking down at me with a frown. I rubbed my hands together and took a deep breath. "So, you want me to buy you a drink or something?" I asked him.

"Are you trying to get me drunk, Tori?" He smirked at me.

"I'm trying to be nice, Rooster." I frowned and cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Bradshaw, as they live and breathe." Hangman came up to us holding a few beers. He handed one to Bradley and tried to hand me one.

"No thank you, I'm driving tonight." I politely declined him.

"Hangman, you look...good." Bradley said.

"Well, I'm very good, Rooster." He took a pool stick from a nearby guy. "I am very good. In fact, I am too good to be true."

Me and Rooster made eye contact and I rolled my eyes. Maybe our friendship is still there somewhere.

"Does anyone have any idea what this special detachment is about?" Payback asked.

"A mission is a mission. They don't confront me." Hangman said walking away to go play pool. "What I want to know, whos going to be the team leader?" He bent down to line the stick up. "And who's gonna have the guts to follow me."

"Hangman, the only place you'll lead anyone is an early grave." Rooster said from beside me. I forgot he was there.

"Well, anyone who follows you is gonna run out of fuel." He stood up with a shit eating grin. "I love this song." he said as he dropped the pool stick and walked off.

"He hasn't changed, not one bit." I said with folded arms to Rooster and Phoenix.

"Nope, not one bit." Phoenix said.

Me, Rooster, Hangman, and Phoenix all went to Top Gun together. Good times. We were like teenagers, dumb, ruthless, and unstoppable.

    I heard a piano playing and a specific voice that snapped my head into its direction.

"You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain!" he sang as his fingers danced along the piano.

"Too much love drives a man insane! You broke my will, oh what a thrill. Goodness gracious great balls of fire!" Everyone in the room yelled.

    It's good to be back.

—————————————————————

Authors note: It’s good to be back.

[trickphotography2]

'tis the damn season | Epilogue

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Julie/Cece (OC, no physical description)

Word count: 4.9k

Synopsis: After six years away from home, Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin was finally going to make his parents happy and surprise his family by spending Christmas in Magnolia, Texas. Introducing his pregnant fiancee to his family is a culture clash, with rural Texas meeting California influencer. Though unhappy in his relationship, Jake knows he has to buckle down and do the right thing with a baby on the way.

The last person he expected to run into was his high school sweetheart and the one that got away, Julie.

The holidays are already going to be hard enough for Julie. Her home baking business, which had started as a fun side project, exploded after a few TikToks went viral. Just when she was getting the hang of juggling her job and business, tragedy struck. Facing her first Christmas as an orphan, the last thing Julie expected was to hear that once familiar nickname - Cece.

After almost a decade apart, Jake and Julie can't help but feel that old familiar spark. Even with the realities of their lives pressing in, they can't help but wonder what might have happened if just one of them had fought for their relationship all those years ago.

Chapter 10 | Master List | Ao3

---------------------------------------

Epilogue

Jake rolled over and quickly silenced the alarm. The house was quiet, and he half expected Cece to be sleeping. She’d been exhausted over the last few weeks and took every opportunity to nap. But she was awake, thumbnail caught between her teeth as she stared at the ceiling. “C’mere, honey,” he rasped, tugging her so she rolled and rested her head on his chest. 

His parents had finally upgraded the bed in his room to a full-sized one, and Jake was surprised he missed the twin. There was a certain nostalgia for coming home and crawling into a small bed, limbs twining together to ensure no one fell off. 

Of course, back then, his parents hadn’t known that he was sneaking Cece into the room. 

Pressing his lips to the crown of her head, Jake gently pulled her nail from her mouth and rested her hand on his chest. “You sleep at all?” he asked. 

“Maybe an hour. Your snoring kept me up.” Her gentle teasing made him feel slightly better. 

“Shoulda kicked me.”

“I did.” Her head bounced on his chest when he chuckled, her cold fingers twirling in his chest hair. “We should get moving before your parents get up.” 

“Alright,” he grunted, glancing at the time and seeing they’d have to get up soon for chores. “First thing first, though.” He brushed the hair from her face when she hummed, turning so her chin rested on his pec. “Merry Christmas, Cupcake.” 

“Merry Christmas, Farm Boy.” Jake smiled tiredly when she moved closer and kissed him. Curling his hand around her cheek, he kissed the tip of her nose before pecking her lips again. 

“No matter what,” he said when she started to pull away. “Everything’s gonna be okay.” In the dim light, he could see tears welling in her eyes and kissed her again. 

“Promise?”

“Promise.” With a nod, she climbed over him and stepped onto the cold floor, her arms wrapping tightly around herself. The temperature had been dropping steadily overnight, and when he tugged back the curtains, Jake wasn’t surprised to see that a couple of inches of snow had fallen with no sign of stopping. The rustling of a plastic bag had him flicking back the covers. “What me to come with you?”

“No, not for this part. I’ll… I’ll be back in a minute.” 

“Alright. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” The floorboards creaked as Cece tiptoed out of the room, and Jake collapsed onto the bed. Sleep tugged at him, but he refused to let his eyes close. 

A few minutes later, Cece crept back into the room and pushed the door shut, leaning back against it. “All good?” 

“Pretty hard to screw up peeing on a stick,” she replied, tapping the capped white sticks against her thigh. They’d had to drive two towns over to buy them, using the guise of last-minute Christmas shopping.

Even after being gone from Magnolia for two years, they knew the gossip mill would love nothing more than to talk about Jake and Julie Seresin buying pregnancy tests. 

While Cece was slightly panicking about possibly having a baby, Jake secretly hoped they had a little one on the way. They had been moving slowly, carefully rebuilding their relationship, and now that they were married, he was ready for the next steps. 

After deciding to move to San Diego, it took Cece another two months to get everything wrapped up. Reluctant to sell the house, she’d decided to rent it out and make the decision later. Many of their marathon video calls involved her cleaning the house. It hurt to watch her cry while sorting through her parents' things, trying to decide what to keep and what to donate. Complicating things was her decision to rent a room with someone rather than have her own space, further limiting what she could keep. As much as Jake assured her that they would have plenty of room between the farm and his own place, she wanted to make sure she did things on her own terms. She’d even turned down his offer to rent her a storage locker but later decided to get one and pay for it herself. 

From the night she’d told him about the move, Cece was determined to do everything on her terms. Including them getting back together. “We’re gonna date,” she’d told him. “I know my Farm Boy, but I need to find out who Hangman is.” 

So they’d taken it slow. His offer to fly out and drive back with her had been kindly declined, as Cece wanted to do the two-day drive solo. Instead, Jake was at her apartment when she drove in from Magnolia, pulling a trailer behind her SUV. He met her roommate, someone Cece had met while working at the hotel, and helped her unpack. While waiting for her business to grow, she returned to working at the hotel as an assistant pastry chef.

But Jake made sure she knew his intentions. Not a day went by when Cece didn’t hear “I can’t wait to marry you” or “When we’re married…” 

Between their work schedules, it was hard to find time together. It was torture, knowing that she was so close - in the same damn city - without being able to spend every minute together and waking up without her in his arms every morning. The first time he’d grumbled about it, Cece had kissed him before reminding him that she was trying to establish herself in a new place, and that took time. So he tried to be patient. He kept an overnight bag in his truck to stay at her place and invited her to stay at his whenever she wanted. His spare apartment key was quickly handed over. And when she started baking again, he offered to go with her on deliveries. 

Throughout it all, Cece kept posting. She was careful not to catch him on camera, scouring her videos for glimpses of him before posting. Her followers peppered her with questions about their relationship, but she didn’t respond. But one of her fans commented on her video, outing them when they spotted him behind the wheel when Cece dropped off an order. 

It wasn’t all work, though. While Cece wanted to explore her new home and find her own spots with the help of friends she made at work, Jake introduced her to some of his. He brought her to some of his favorite restaurants and haunts. And, instead of sitting at home on those nights alone, he forced himself to go out with the Daggers, repairing the friendships he’d neglected while with his ex. He still battled moments of jealousy when they left him in the office to fly. When he was forced to stay at his desk or listen to the cocky new recruits in his lectures without being a part of the team to humble them in the air. Slowly, he was allowed to join them in the gym, and their teasing of how weak he was after taking months off was all the encouragement he needed to push harder.

When the flight surgeon finally cleared him to fly, Cece was his first call. It took all of his willpower not to drop to his knees and propose again when he came home to find her there, having let herself in with the key he’d given her. Leaning against the wall, he watched her dance around his kitchen, headphones in as she cooked his favorite meal. Sneaking up behind her, he glanced at a plate of cookies decorated to look like his jet and his gold wings on the island. She jumped when he wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her from the stove and removing one of her headphones. He ducked his head to press his lips to his favorite spot on the curve of her neck. Felt her relax against him when he murmured against her skin, “Hey, baby.” 

“Hey, Hangman,” she replied, resting her hand on his arm and letting her head fall back onto his shoulder. Jake chuckled, running the tip of his tongue over her pulse point and enjoying her shaky inhale.

“It’s Farm Boy to you, Cupcake.” The music started again when he put her headphones on, and he chuckled at hearing a twangy song about a woman approaching a cowboy in a bar. After glancing at the stove to ensure nothing would burn, Jake took another step back and turned her, guiding one arm over his shoulder and holding the other, hips pressing together as he led her in a quick two-step. Cece laughed, eyes sparkling as she sang along.

“Excuse me, you look like you love me. You look like you want me to want you to come on home. And baby, I don't blame you for lookin' me up and down across this room. I'm drunk and I'm ready to leave, and you look like you love me.” 

After dinner, Cece met the Daggers for a celebratory drink at the Hard Deck. She was nervous, and Jake fought against her taking his cookies to the bar, but her kiss and promise to make him more somewhat made up for it. 

Unsurprisingly, the Daggers loved Cece. They especially loved when he’d snapped back at something Rooster had said, and she’d smacked his chest and scowled, “Be nice, Farm Boy.” 

“‘Farm Boy’?” Nat echoed.

“Nope, no one calls me that but her,” Jake said quickly, wrapping an arm around Cece’s waist and pulling her into his chest to kiss her temple. It was worth the teasing about being soft for his girl the next day because it was absolutely true.

“How long is it supposed to take?” Jake murmured as they sat on the floor beside the bed, backs against the mattress. 

“Five minutes.” His groan made her chuckle nervously. 

“That’s forever.” Cece moved the tests from where they rested on her thigh to the floor, crawling into his lap and burying her face in his neck. His hands slipped under the back of her shirt, holding her tightly. “Talk to me, baby.” 

“I’m just nervous. The store opens in a few months, and what if I can’t fill the orders because I’m huge and feel sick all the time?”

“Then we’ll deal with it. You’ve got staff that’ll help.” And she did. Along with a friend from the hotel, Cece was finally taking the plunge and opening her bakery, with her friend also using the space as a coffee shop. Her home bakery company grew quickly - especially after word got around that she offered a discount for first responders, military, and veterans - so much so that Cece had to become more selective with her orders. 

The last year had been a whirlwind. With both of their rental leases ending, Jake and Cece had agreed to move in together and had started looking at houses to buy rather than rent. Keeping her business in mind, they’d tried to find a big kitchen before deciding to find a fixer-upper and renovate. 

And, after a long, tearful discussion, Cece decided to sell her house in Magnolia. The couple renting it had let her know they were interested in buying, especially with their growing family. So they went home for a week to sign the papers, and Jake felt helpless when Cece sobbed after driving away from the house for the last time.

But that evening, when they’d gone out for a horse ride after dinner and ended up under his favorite tree to watch the sunset, she’d told him it was the right thing to do - her daddy had encouraged her to sell it, and, as much as she wanted to hold onto her childhood home, she knew that she couldn’t move back into that house again. The likelihood of her ever moving back to Magnolia became slimmer with every day she spent in California. 

Jake had been absentmindedly playing with her fingers as she talked, his thumb grazing her ring finger. “Hey, Farm Boy?” she sighed, lifting her head from his shoulder. He hummed, turning to brush his lips to her temple. “Wanna get married while we’re home?” 

Few things surprised him, but her proposal was one of them. Jake just stared at her for a long moment, mouth opening and closing without uttering a word. Finally, he choked out, “I don’t have your ring.” Smiling, Cece reached into the neck of her shirt and pulled out the chain, revealing her old engagement ring. 

“I have it. And yours is in my suitcase.” 

“Honey…I… I…” Shaking his head, Jake scrambled to his feet and pulled Cece up. She laughed when he spun her, fingers quickly undoing the necklace clasp and lifting the chain over her head. Sliding the ring into his palm, he spun her back around and sank to one knee, holding her left hand in his. “I thought I’d have more time to figure out what I wanted to say - ”

“We can wait,” Cece grinned, gently pulling her hand away. Jake tightened his grip, not allowing her to move an inch.

“Not a chance, Cupcake. Just gimme…gimme one second.” Staring up at her, he swallowed hard against the lump in his throat, blinking away tears. Her smile softened, and she lifted her free hand to run her fingers through his hair. His eyes fluttered closed as he leaned into her touch. “I love you, Julie Louise,” he rasped. 

Movement forced his eyes open, and Jake watched as Cece knelt before him, cupping his cheek and drawing him closer. Her lips brushed his before curving into a smile. “Yes.” Tears clung to her lashes, her chin wobbling before she cleared her throat. “I don’t need a fancy speech or promises. We did that before. Just promise me I’ll have you forever.”

“I promise,” he breathed. After slipping the ring back onto her finger, Jake tugged her into his lap and kissed her hard, slowly lowering her onto the ground. 

Plans came together quickly. Given that he was in the military, they were able to waive the 72-hour waiting period. But what they imagined as a trip to the county clerk's office was derailed when word of their engagement spread across Magnolia like wildfire. Jake and Cece couldn’t go into town without someone stopping and congratulating them on finally working things out. Even Betty Roberts offered them her blessing, saying that Julie’s parents were surely working some magic upstairs to get them back together again.

Cece had only smiled graciously at that, her fingers squeezing Jake’s hard enough that he had to keep himself from flinching. 

Mama and Lucy spearheaded throwing the wedding together in three days. Determined to make sure that they were celebrated appropriately, the two women quickly promised Cece that the only thing she needed to worry about was finding her dress and baking the cake when she tried to stop the fuss. Jake, meanwhile, was roped into renting a hall in town for a small reception after he was stopped a few too many times by firefighters who had worked with Cece’s daddy, none too subtly implying that he needed to do right by Cece and it’s what her daddy would have wanted. 

But the biggest surprise was when Ally and Will missed family dinner the Friday night before the wedding. Mama and Pops had gone upstairs to try and get Tyler down for bed, leaving Jake and Cece alone to finish their wedding cake. Jake was more of a hindrance than a help as he crowded into her space and continuously snuck tastes of the frosting and cake shavings. It was just past eleven when lights flashed in the yard, followed by loud voices. Distracted by licking the frosting from Cece’s neck as she piped thin strands of frosting and figured out where she’d put flowers in the morning, he didn’t hear it until she pushed him away and went to investigate. “Jake,” she breathed, eyes wide when she turned away from the window to look back at him. “Go get the door.”

His parents stood on the stairs, barely suppressed smiles on their faces. Flicking on the porch light, Jake opened the door and felt his jaw drop when he saw the Dagger squad piling out of a fleet of cars. “Didn’t think you were gonna get married without us, did you?” Coyote laughed, pulling him into a hug.

Which was why, after a morning of watching the idiots struggle with basic chores and almost getting kicked by the cows, Jake drove the truck out to his tree with his buddies in the bed. They set up chairs while Cece and the women worked on the hall. Once everything was set up, Jake retreated to Will’s house to shower and change while Cece got ready at the main house. Rather than wear his uniform, Jake pressed his button-up shirt and jeans before cleaning his boots. The casual clothes earned him some teasing from his friends as they put on their dress whites, but he didn’t care. They would die in the Texas heat in all that Navy Twill while he married the girl of his dreams. 

The ceremony was short, and Jake would be hard-pressed to remember their vows. But the image of Cece walking up the makeshift aisle on Pop’s arm, a bouquet of grocery-store flowers in her hand, and wearing a simple white sundress with her own pair of boots was something he’d never forget. The judge, a friend of her daddy’s, was happy to give up his Saturday afternoon to officiate. Other than a goodnatured jab - “I now - finally - pronounce you man and wife” - there was no comment on how long it had taken them to get to this moment. 

While everyone else picked up the chairs, Jake and Cece escaped. They had a stop to make on their way to the reception - they needed to pay their respects to her parents. The cemetery was just outside town, and after laying flowers on their grave, Jake sat and pulled Cece into his lap. “I wish they were here today,” she said softly.

“Me too. Your mama would have been gloating along with mine.” 

“Daddy would’ve asked me if I wanted to make a quick getaway.” When he squeezed her sides, she giggled before kissing him. “I woulda turned him down.”

“Good. Cause I woulda come after you, Mrs. Seresin.” Cece scrunched her nose.

“I’m gonna have to get used to that. Makes me think your Mama’s around.” 

“That right, Mrs. Seresin?” Jake smirked, pressing his lips to the curve of her neck. “I can work with that.”

After another few minutes, Cece pushed to her feet and reached down to help him up. “We should get going. They can’t start the party without us.” Jake let her lead him to the rental car, turning and making a silent promise to her parents that he’d take care of her. 

“That’s gotta be five minutes,” Jake murmured. Cece tensed, refusing to lift her head from his shoulder. “Want me to look?” At her continued silence, he sighed. “Honey.”

“I know.” Slowly, she lifted her head, tears glistening on her cheeks. Cupping her face, he ran his thumbs under her eyes and guided her forehead to rest against his. 

“We’re gonna be okay, no matter what.” 

“I know. I just... I wish my Mama and Daddy were here.” His arms wrapped around her waist, crushing her to his chest. “It feels… different this time.” 

His heart swooped as his stomach dropped. Jake hated that Cece had gone through two pregnancy scares without him and knew that she missed her parents at significant moments. But the idea that this time was different made him feel a little hope that their family of two might grow in a few months. “I know, baby. I wish they were here, too.” And as much as he was itching to pick up those tests, he was happy to wait until his wife was ready. 

Eventually, she pulled away and wiped at her face. “Alright.” Crawling off his lap, Cece flicked on the bedside lamp and settled beside Jake. Reaching over him, she grabbed both pregnancy tests and handed him one with the results face down. “On the count of three?” At his nod, she took a deep breath. “One… two… three.”

Pregnant

Jake grinned. He turned and looked at the test in her hand, showing she was pregnant. Tears streamed down her face, and she brought a hand up to stifle a sob. “Julie, we’re gonna have a baby.” Nodding, she flung herself into his arms and cried. “Hey,” he cooed, rubbing her back. “We’re gonna be okay, honey. I promise.” 

“I-I’m happy, I s-wear,” she gasped. Pulling away, Cece smiled down at his blinding grin. “We’re g-gonna be p-parents.” 

“You’re gonna be a mama.” The words made her gasp, and Jake managed to get them back into bed, holding her tightly as she sobbed. “It’s alright, honey.” And as much as he wanted to touch her stomach, to feel where their little one was growing, Jake didn’t want to push it. So he held his wife - the mother of his child - until her tears turned into hiccups. When the alarm went off the second time, he reluctantly let her go and tapped the phone to silence it. Cece sniffled, tucking herself closer to him. “How’re you feeling, sweetheart?” 

“‘M okay… tired.” Nodding, he brushed a kiss to her forehead and squeezed her tightly.

“Why don’t you take it easy this morning? Sleep in for a bit.”

“Gotta make breakfast.” Even as she said it, her eyes remained closed. 

“Mama can put the casserole in, and you made the scones last night. Relax. Take care of yourself and our little one.” A hint of a smile tugged at her mouth, and Jake felt himself relax at the sight. When her hand drifted down to rest on her stomach lightly, he took that as permission to do the same. 

“‘M scared but ‘m happy,” she whispered again. 

“Me too.” Slowly, her eyes opened and met his, and he couldn’t help but grin. “Best Christmas present ever.” A tired smile graced her lips, and she shook her head. 

“Can we keep it just between us for now?” 

“Yeah,” he agreed quickly, as much as he wanted to shout the news from the rooftop.

Getting Cece to stay in bed only took a little more convincing. Jake felt her eyes on him as he dressed, and he climbed back in to kiss her, one hand resting on her stomach. Only the sound of his parents' footsteps in the hall and the call to “get a move on, son” forced him out of the room.

Even the bite of the cold and the sting of snowflakes pelting his face couldn’t dampen Jake’s happiness. And as soon as the last cow was put back into the barn to shelter from the snow, he was hurrying back inside to check on Cece. He found her in the living room, Tyler sleeping curled on her chest as she dozed on the couch. The sight of the toddler in his wife’s arms, his towhead tucked under her chin and his thumb in his mouth, made him ache. “Ally said she’d help Mama if I watched him,” she said softly. 

“I’m surprised he’s still sleeping and didn’t check to see if S-A-N-T-A came,” he chuckled, glancing over at the presents stacked under the tree. But she pushed against his chest and wrinkled her nose when he leaned down to kiss her.

“Would you…uh… mind showering first?” Laughing, he kissed his fingertips before pressing them to her forehead.

“Gonna get you under the mistletoe for a do-over, Cupcake.”

“Count on it, Farm Boy,” she smirked. “Once you don’t smell like a cow.” 

Less than an hour later, they stood in the kitchen, Cece leaning back against Jake as he leaned against the counter. She held their shared plate of French toast casserole and the orange cranberry scones while his arm wrapped around her waist, thumb tucked into her sweatpants and lightly pressing against her stomach. Jake watched Will and Ally at the table, trying to get Ty to eat breakfast now that he’d spotted the presents. Every time the kid looked toward the living room, his brother cupped his cheek and blew a raspberry, turning his head back to his mother. Tyler shrieked with laughter, face a mess of syrup and half-eaten bread, while Ally huffed and tried not to smile.

Jake thought that could be them in a year, pulling his wife closer. 

As soon as Pops came downstairs from his shower, he clapped his hands. “Whose ready for presents?” he boomed. Tyler squealed, throwing up his dirty hands toward his grandpop, who scooped him out of his chair. Mama quickly cleaned Tyler’s hands and face, wiping some syrup from Pops’ face as well. 

Jake and Cece sat on the couch, watching Tyler open his gifts as they sipped their coffee. They made the appropriate noises with each gift as the adults unwrapped theirs.

When it came time for them, Jake was surprised when Mama handed them each a light package and told them to open them at the same time. At first, he was confused about why she would have knitted him a light blue sweater until he realized it was a little blanket. Cece had a pink one, her wide eyes flitting to meet his. The blankets were pretty and clearly took a lot of time to make. “Getting a bit ahead of yourself, aren’t you?” Jake asked, forcing a laugh. 

Mama just shrugged and gave them a knowing smile. “Had a dream a couple of months ago. Pops and I were visiting you in California with Julie’s folks, and her mama and I were getting ready for a first birthday party.” 

“Got somethin’ to share with the family?” Will asked, his eyes darting between the two. He and Ally had been gifted a blanket a couple of months before letting the family know Tyler was on the way - and, unbeknownst to them, another baby blanket was sitting under the tree, waiting to be unwrapped. 

“Nope,” Cece croaked before clearing her throat and blinking back tears. The idea of her Mama and Daddy being at a party for their baby made it hard to speak. “Nothing yet. And besides, as pretty as this one is, you know we’d end up using this one.” Reaching out, she lightly stroked the blue blanket - after all, everyone knew the Seresins had boys. There hadn’t been a girl in generations.

“You never know - the odds are 50/50,” Ally quipped. “Maybe Mama’s hedging her bets.”

“Maybe,” Mama smirked. 

Seven short months later, Jake smiled down at his son while walking around the hospital room. Just a few hours old, he looked like a grumpy little man, nose scrunched like his mama’s. He looked so tiny in his arms, and Jake swallowed hard.

A grunting noise made him turn in time to see Cece reaching into the bassinet. She grimaced slightly at the movement, and he quickly strode over. “Here, take him. I’ll get her.” 

“I can do it,” she huffed. 

“Lemme take care of my girls.” Shaking her head, Cece relaxed back against the pillows and held her son, sighing when he started to root against her breast. “Looks like he’s hungry.” 

“I’m sure she will be in a second.” 

“Well, Daddy’ll distract her while you take care of brother,” Jake grinned, lifting his daughter from the bassinet. She’d gotten her pink hat off while sleeping, revealing wispy hair that looked just like her mama’s. Unable to stop himself, he pulled his phone from his back pocket and snapped a picture of his little girl - it probably looked just like the other fifty he’d taken of her in the last couple of hours, but it didn’t matter. 

Despite his best attempts, she started crying and wouldn’t be soothed by her daddy cooing at her. Jake carried her back to Cece. “He’s not done yet,” she said, glancing between the babies. Her free breast ached at the sound of her daughter’s screeching, and milk beaded on her nipple. Too tired to figure out the logistics of feeding the twins alone, they called for a nurse who helped Cece get the babies situated on a nursing pillow. Once both babies were latched, she quietly slipped out of the room.

“Damn,” Jake breathed, carefully sitting on the bed next to her, afraid to jostle anyone. 

“Make one joke about cows, I dare you,” Cece said, dropping her head back onto the pillows and fighting the urge to shift away from the uncomfortable tugging sensation in her breasts. 

“Never crossed my mind,” he assured her. Dropping his arm across her shoulders, Jake leaned over to kiss his wife. “I love you so damn much, Cupcake,” he murmured against her lips. 

“Love you too, Farm Boy.” 

For just this moment, Jake was able to ignore his buzzing phone demanding updates. He didn’t hear the voices in the hallway or worry that they’d left the house a mess when Cece had woken him in the middle of the night when her water broke. That he needed to make sure his paternity leave was submitted. That they needed to make sure her business partner knew her maternity leave was officially started. 

All that mattered to Jake was that his whole world was safe in his arms.

His perfect family of four.

And that was enough.

---------------------------------------

Author's Note: This chapter was very bittersweet to write. I didn't expect for this fic to take so long to write, but I've loved every moment of it - from the brainstorming with May after seeing set picks from Twisters, to actually writing, to seeing your reactions to it.

There are parts that I didn't get to include, like Pops giving Jake and Cece the part of the property with his tree, so they'd always have roots in Magnolia. And Jake and Cece coming home with the twins over the summer to help paint the house when they're a bit older, and four Seresin kiddos chasing fireflies in the field (Ally and Will had another boy). I didn't include the names for the twins, but their middle names are Cece's parents.

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I appreciate you so much. And I'm always happy to revisit these two if you ever want to see more of them.

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[friendly-neighborhood-boricua]

[1] Parent-Teacher Conferences

Summary: James meets his favorite student's mother for the first time.

Notes: Marauders modern elementary school AU, kindergarten teacher!James Potter x nurse!reader, mom!reader x son!OC (Liam), inspired by this post by @ravishinglavishingluvr

Next Part: Seeing Each Other Around Town Series Masterlist here

teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james teacher!james te—

specifically james as a kindergarten teacher

(see inspiration post)

(just kindergarten instead of preschool)

(yaknow, for the plot)

Okok lets get started :D:D:D

You’ve got a sweet baby boy of a son (I’m sorry if you don’t!! I also don’t but idk my stepmom is pregnant with a boy and I’m super excited and this mess is what came out so here you go)

And he’s five and in James’ kindergarten class

Baby boy is just the sweetest little thing

James loves him to death

He’s smart and nice and helpful and just an absolute gem

Like seriously tho James goes to the library during his lunch break to hang out with school librarian!Remus and school secretary!Sirius and just can’t shut up about how much he loves your son like James just talks about him the whole lunch period

And Remus and Sirius are like

“That’s great, James 😐"

But James doesn’t care he’s just too excited to have such a bright young boy in his class

And also (because James is nosy af) he’s super curious to see what kind of parents this kid has

So parent-teacher conferences roll around and he’s like “What kind of geniuses are raising this kid?? Let’s see em????”

And then nurse!reader rolls up to the 7:30 PM meeting, still in her hospital scrubs and profusely apologizing for being like three minutes late

And James is like

What.

Not at ALLLLLL what he was expecting

(not that he’s complaining, you’re fucking adorable and a great break from all the stuffy parents he’s had to deal with all day)

So you and him sit down and talk about your son’s work at school

And James just gushes about him to you practically the whole time

Like legit James fell for him before he even met you

Meanwhile you’re like

1) damn i didn’t know my kid’s teacher was so pretty

(Not like that’s important ofc because you have priorities and your son always comes first.)

And 2) but like can my son read?? Can he do math?? Are you teaching him science sir????

And James is like “yeah but he’s NICE and KIND and EMPATHETIC

“DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO GET FIVE YEAR OLDS TO SAY THEY’RE SORRY

“AND HE JUST DOES IT”

And you’re like

“……yeah…… bc that’s an important part of learning to be a good person … ofc I showed him how to be kind?? Like what????”

And James

(poor baby’s bar is on the floor from all the Karens who’s kids he teaches)

He’s just so enamored about how you’re just like naturally kind and caring??

And you imparted that onto your kid????

Your conference time is the last one on James’ schedule, and he absolutely irritates the fuck out of Remus and Sirius as he drives them back to their flat

Like he can’t shut up about you

And your kid

Like he just loves your son

And has a little puppy-love crush on you

Remus pretends to be annoyed and Sirius teases him

But when James drops them off they’re already planning your wedding

(Remus: “You know, we haven’t actually even met her …” Sirius: “So? Have you ever seen James this smitten??? It’ll happen, love. Trust the process.”

Next Part: Seeing Each Other Around Town

[thewritingofspencerrose]

Crumbling Down

carlos sainz x Piquet!wife oc & secret family

this is meant with no real negativity to cs55's girlfriend rebecca, and only discusses her in a slight poor light due to plot reasons.

Private Account

verity.sainz a perfect break with my whole world before flying is restricted once more by baby #4 🤍

carlossainz55 mi corazon ❤️

f1wags and we're back to race week with the first public appearance of Carlos Sainz's new girlfriend!

fan1 WHY DOES HE HAVE HIS EYES OPEN WHEN THEY KISS?

"Carlo," I can't help the crack in my voice when I say his name, "You said you would say no to them. You said you wouldn't abuse our desire to keep our private life private like this."

"Mi amor," The pet name hurts, something that used to make my body buzz with joy making me want to cry harder as I wrap my arm around my rounded stomach. "They were insistent, I've never had a woman come to the paddock outside my family and they say I needed to change that."

"You haven't gone with a woman because we decided to remain private! We didn't want to pressures of the world! So we got married, and then we had Carlos and Junie and then they were each too young to go, and just as we were about to announce the family, I got pregnant with Flora and now with Tilly-"

"Tilly? As in Matilda?" He asks, interrupting my emotional rate with a tone that is too close to joy. "You found out the baby's gender?"

We had picked out names. This wasn't how he was supposed to find out.

"Yes, she's a little girl," I admit, "The kids and I had a whole plan how to announce it once you got home."

"I can't wait to see what you have planned," Is his answer, the sounds of the garage around him getting slowly quieter as I can only assume he moves towards his drivers room.

The idea of him coming home after kissing her to kiss me, to kiss our children's foreheads, makes me want to be sick.

"At the moment Carlos, I can't promise the kids and I will be here when you get home," I whisper, the truth slipping out like razorblades. "I think we're going to go see my parents."

"Vera, you're not meant to be flying. We were cutting it close with out trip as it is," He answers, voice strong and commanding.

"That's what's upsetting you? The fact that I will be traveling and not that I've just told you that your wife and children won't be home to greet you when you return because you're parading around another woman? Because when Carlos and Junie put on the race to see their father they'll see her name with yours underneath?"

"Verity, you know that's not what I want-"

"Then why did you agree? Why did you agree after I cried to you about how the idea of you with another woman made me ill?"

"It was for a good reason," His answer is hesitant, and you can tell he doesn't mean it.

"I hope the reason was enough for you, Carlos, because I can't keep letting you love us in the dark. We'll be with a friend since you're so concerned about me traveling." He did have a good point on that matter, but I can't help but say it before hanging up, not giving him a moment to respond as I waddle my way to the living room, dropping myself on the couch.

"Mamá?" Carlos III's voice calls, his head of hair like his fathers sticking out from behind the hallway wall, "Que occure? (What happened?)"

"Oh my baby, nothing happened," I try to assure, attempting to get all the tears off my cheeks before he can really notice.

"Mamá," He prompts this time, sounding entirely fed up with my response as he moves into the room, such a serious look for a seven year old. "I heard you on the phone with Papá. What has he done?"

"Something that you do not need to worry yourself about mi mundo (my world)," I assure, pulling him into my side as he gets close. He curls into my side, hand resting on my stomach as he's done with his other sisters.

"Hola Tilly," He greets her, placing a quick kiss to where he feels her kick before looking up to me, his father's spitting image. "We're going to stay with Grandma and Grandpa?"

"No, you're father made the point that I can't travel anymore, so we're going to go see if tia Kelly and prima Penelope are up for some visitors, yeah?"

"I'll go get my suitcase and start packing," He agrees, giving me a small smile as he moves to get up. I know I'll have to repack his suitcase later, but as he runs off, all I can be is grateful for this little angel who blessed us when we were young and unprepared, much to my fathers chagrin. But my kids are who keep me together as I dial my sister's number, tears coming to my eyes when I hear her voice.

"Vera? Honey are you crying?"

"Kel, can the kids and I come visit?"

"Always. P will prep her toys and I will prep the guest rooms."

"What the fuck were you thinking," The angered Red Bull driver shouts across the paddock, storming towards the Ferrari drivers who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Max, what's-"

"This doesn't involve you, Charlie," The Dutchman silences, eyes blazes of fire as they move to the Spaniard who's practically his brother-in-law. "You brought your girlfriend to a race and expected that to go well with your wife? The mother of your four children?"

"Tell me you did not," Charles chimes in, unable to keep the words from slipping out of his mouth at news. He had seen Carlos with a woman earlier, but had only assumed her to be a new member of his media team.

"It is none of your concern, Verstappen. What happens between my wife and I is just that."

"And I'll respect that when your actions aren't broadcasted to the entire world and having Vera call Kelly sobbing saying she's packing up the kids and leaving," Max fumes, Carlos's expression dropping at the knowledge. He had known that she was upset, that she had threatened to leave, but he thought it was just that, a threat. Not that she would actually leave the home they had designed together in Nice.

"After this race you better fix your fucking mess, because I will enforce whatever Verity wants, whether that is keeping you away from her and the kids or not."

And the Dutchman storms off, not waiting for a response.

"Kelly, I am only here to see my family."

"Carlos, you've been in our family for nine years, by law seven, but I can promise you that if Vera doesn't want you here, you will not be entering this apartment," The elder Piquet daughter warns, eyes angered by the mans simple presence.

"Kel, can I come in?" Max questions, not wanting to answer her more but also hoping to embrace her and Penelope, any week without them feeling too long.

She smiles at him, having missed him as well but her expression quickly steels. "Not if you are bringing him in with you."

"Kelly," I finally interrupt, having enough of seeing her scold my husband through the door as I breastfeed Flora. "You can just let them in, but please warn Max that I'm feeding Flora," I request, hating the idea of making the man uncomfortable in his home.

"You're okay, Ver," Max offers, his eyes immediately meeting my own and not leaving as Kelly opens the door, him and Carlos entering. "Kelly and I are actually going to go say hi to the kids, I've missed P and all of them," he says, kissing my sisters lips in a quick peck.

"Is Flora done? We could take her with us?" And it's like Flor could understand her aunt's question, because she's unlatching on cue, allowing me to pull up the piece of my top to cover myself and nod to Kel.

"Would you please? She just needs to be-"

"Burped," Max finished, taking my current youngest into his arms, kissing her head as he moves her to his shoulder. "Between P and my nephews, we've got this covered. Just let us know when you're done," He offers, kissing the side of my head.

"Thank you."

"Anything for family," He just smiles, the expression falling when he turns to Carlos who has been frozen in place. "Say the wrong things and your ass will be on the street before you can say forza ferrari."

"Sí- I mean, yes, of course," His eyes meeting mine before his next words leave his mouth. "I just want to talk apologize my wife."

"Right then, let's go say his to the kids," Kelly prompts, the two walking out with Flora in hand, the cheers of the kids upon seeing their uncle and P seeing her father figure making my heart warm.

"Mi amor, you have no idea how sorry I am for agree to the teams request for even a moment," Carlo apologizes, his body moving towards mine, taking the spot beside me and my hands into his own. "I went back to the team, they've posted an announcement saying that Rebecca and I are not together, and I gave them a photo of us from our wedding."

My heart beat fastens, his eyes meeting mine as his fingers start to fiddle with my wedding band. "Why would you do that?"

"I am having it announced that before my start in formula one I have been madly in love with you. That over those years we have married and created a family in private that I love," He explains, a hand coming to cup my cheek, running his calloused thumb to wipe away the tears that have begun slowly running from my eyes. "I no longer want to hide you. We can keep the kids to ourselves until they're older, but now everyone knows I am taken by the love of my life."

"Carlo," I can't help but whimper, flinging myself at him in a hug. "Te amaré hasta que ya no respire (i will love you until i am no longer breathing)."

"And I, you, mi amor," He assures, kissing the top of my head. "I am more sorry than I could ever put into words."

"You've fixed the situation, Carlo, we can work from this," I smile, little giggles alerting us to our observers.

And wrapped around the corner, piled on top of each other, our children's heads and niece's head are stacked, Junie's under her brothers and Penelope's in between. It's only a moment later thought that Flora appears to be floating on top of Carlos III, Max and Kelly's heads slowly appearing as well.

"Estan bien mamá y papá? (Are you okay mama and papa?)" Juniper questions us, Carlos III placing his hand on her shoulder.

"Sí," Carlos Jr answers, pulling us into a sitting position. "Ven aquí nuestros amores (Come here our loves)." Their little feet carry them strong and fast towards us, gently climbing on top of us, minding my stomach as Kelly approaches us, now holding Flora and resting her gently against my chest with a smile. "We are okay, Papa made a mistake but he has started fixing it and I will be working to so for a time."

"As you should," Carlos III digs, making me smile slightly.

"We love you all," I remind, kissing eaches head, including Penelope. "And we love each other. No matter what, things will work out and we will love you all," my little girl giggling brightly.

"Nosotros tambien te amamos mama (we love you too mama)."

[antheshewro]

Una mattina - Chapter 3.

It took a cup of tea and a stop on a local café to make Levi learn how Hange, his partner perhaps for life, hid something big from him. Something as big as another person, and a baby, involved. Perhaps going out that day had been a mistake.

✩✩ There I am again!! sorry for the late update but life is a thing and shit happens i guess... i have the entire story ready so lmk if you want another chapter this week! xoxo ✩✩ PS: thanks so much to everyone who read it, liked it and even sent me a message, it means a lot especially bc english is not my first language and it's the first ff i post!! y'all are amazing ♡

Lawrence didn't respond, nor looked at him. She knew, from the very beginning of their conversation about Hange and the minute they met in that café, probably. She still couldn't blame him, but his words were cutting deep. She was the one to carry on with a pregnancy alone. Not Levi.

Several minutes passed, and with them, the nightly sky took the place of the sunset. The living area was dark, no lights on to illuminate the place. Lawrence hoped Levi would leave her alone, once for all. He was still sitting on the sofa, not moving or budging. But Levi didn’t need lights to see. He always moved around in darkness. His eye adjusted itself with relative ease.

Lawrence’s words still rang in his ears. She was carrying the baby of the woman he loved. Her choice over him. Why her? Why not him? He still felt anger coursing through his veins. So much so that he decided to take a step closer. He stood up and moved towards Lawrence. He wanted to leave, to be left alone, to not hear her voice. But he couldn’t just leave like that.

Lawrence, however, didn't move. Her grip around her legs tightened, and just for a moment, she could feel the baby giving her a subtle kick. It wasn't the first time she'd catch it, yet she didn't feel the same happiness she shared during the very first time it happened. Now her pregnancy felt like a weight on her shoulders. Her eyes closed just for a second, and let a quiet breath out of her lips. The living room was completely dark now, the moonlight being the only source of light from outside. The entire house was so silent, it felt like it was empty.

Levi leaned down in front of Lawrence, taking one of her hands in his. He wanted to see if he could feel the baby kicking as well. His eyes stared straight at her, a silent look telling her that he’d been hurt by this. Even if the baby wasn’t his, he felt like it should’ve been and couldn’t help but think about what his and Hange’s child would’ve turned out to be like.

He still felt hurt, angry.

“I hate you.” He said again. “I hate you.”

Lawrence felt her hand being lifted up, yet she didn't bother to look up at his face, nor she acknowledged his proximity, even if she could feel and hear his breath being very close to her. Her gaze was still looking at the starry night through the window. It made her feel like she was just existing in that chair. The burden of having someone dear to her passing away, carrying their legacy along with her, yet enduring such treatment. Levi's words were like dust in the wind for Lawrence.

“It should’ve been me.” Levi said, loud enough for Lawrence to hear. A small hint of desperation in his voice that seemed to catch his own attention, before it all turned back into his regular and plain tone. “But no, it had to be you, right? The woman she chose,” He spat out suddenly. “And why couldn’t it have been me?” He growled the last question.

Lawrence, at that point, snapped her head back towards Levi and yanked her hand away from his grip. As if something switched inside of her mind, she got up and took a step towards him, with a scowl appearing in her face. “All she talked about was you. Levi here, Levi there,” She hissed, raising her voice as she continued speaking. “And I was the woman who got to be the side chick while she never mentioned me to any of her friends. Not even you.”

Her index finger pointed at herself, pressing on her chest as she spoke. Lawrence's voice was close to a yell. “There was no space for me, ever. Only you.”

Levi took a step back from her with wide eyes, a bit surprised with her sudden change in tone. He felt his anger building up inside of him again, although he quickly regained his composure to hear Lawrence out, and once he did, he stayed quiet, thinking about what she had to say and her words hurt him more than he could’ve ever imagined.

“So you blame me for it?” Levi whispered softly, as if he felt ashamed of himself for letting this happen to Lawrence. As though it was his fault. “Is that it?”

Lawrence looked up and down at him as he spoke, shaking her head just so slightly before she took a small step back, staring at him with the same scowl she had before and a stern gaze in her eyes. Her hands were clutching the fabric of her dress, before one of them got lifted up and pointed at the door.

“Leave.” She said simply, without giving any further explanation to that simple word. Her heart felt like it was ready to jump out of her chest in a matter of seconds. “I'm done with your behaviour.”

“You’re asking me to leave?” Levi asked calmly, his eyes watching Lawrence carefully. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly as he saw her pointing towards the door. “Now you want me to leave?”

He took a small step towards Lawrence as his gaze remained fixed on her face. “After you dragged me into this mess, told me about the child you and Hange were expecting, and blamed me for everything afterwards?” He paused, then took another step towards her. “After you were the one who let me stay in this house?”

Lawrence took a step closer to Levi, their proximity making their foreheads almost touching in he process. Both their warm breaths kept hitting on each other's faces, making their skin a little red because of it. Her arm lowered and went back to the side of her body, looking into his eye with the same insistence he had in his gaze.

“I don't blame you,” She whispered, her hand still clutching the soft fabric of her lounge dress, fidgeting with it. “The baby was unplanned. And I told you Hange never knew about it because I found out after she died.”

Leaning in close towards Lawrence, that look in her eyes made his heart skip more than a beat. He couldn’t take his eyes away from her, even if he knew this was most likely a bad decision. Before she could say anything else, Levi placed his hand softly on her bare thigh and stepped closer still, his head getting as close to her belly as he could.

“Let me hear the heartbeat.” He said softly and with a look in in his eyes that nobody other than Hange had ever seen. Lawrence grabbed Levi's hand and placed it on top of her swollen stomach, while her free hand gently pressed on one side of her belly, as to make the baby move. It didn't take long before it moved, and after a couple of minutes it kicked right next to Levi's hand.

“I told you about the baby because you deserved to know,” She quietly said, feeling the baby going on with its subtle kicks inside of her womb. “I was just a fling who got pregnant. You were always Hange's first choice.”

Levi’s eyes widened at the sudden baby movement inside of Lawrence’s womb, a smile creeping onto his face at the soft kick he could feel. A kick from the child he would’ve had with Hange. He pressed his cheek and his ear against Lawrence’s belly, wanting to feel the moment too. His eyes were closed tight, though, as if it were some kind of dream.

“Let me hear it again.” He whispered gently, looking back at Lawrence.

Lawrence gently caressed her belly once again, massaging it in certain spots where she knew the baby would feel it the most. Like clockwork, it began to kick again and move around her womb, as to tell the two of them it was awake.

Even though Levi's reaction was nothing but pure happiness, her own words made her heart heavy. Lawrence was just a side woman for Hange, that unborn baby was just her offsprings. She was never important in the first place.

Levi smiled as soon as the kicks came again and placed his hand, his palm flat on Lawrence’s belly, where he could feel the baby moving around. He then looked right into Lawrence’s eyes.

“I should’ve been here with Hange,” He said with a sigh, as if he wanted to be upset that Lawrence had stolen his moment with Hange. “Not you.” But he wasn’t upset, even if he told himself that he was. His other hand was placed at her waist, pulling Lawrence close to him.

Levi probably didn't realise how his words kept hitting Lawrence as a knife stabbing her repeatedly, yet he continued to reiterate the same thought over and over again.

Lawrence felt her heart aching as time passed, which made the baby move a bit more. As if it knew his own mother was feeling sad. Her lips pursed, one hand gently caressing her swollen stomach as she looked down at it. The more she felt uneasy, the more the baby would kick Lawrence. A small gesture that made her feel less alone. Levi saw how his words affected Lawrence and wanted to keep going. He wanted to see her feeling terrible like that again and again.

“It shouldn’t be you.” He whispered at her, his body now touching Lawrence’s in more places than before. He felt her breathing in his ear and was breathing out softly himself, feeling her warm breath hit his neck.

“You were a one night thing.”

Lawrence's free hand went back to clutch her dress so tightly, her knuckles became white. She wouldn't have been upset on a regulae day but Levi's words, combined with her hormones, gave her a feeling she experienced a very few times in her life.

Her lips began to tremble and quickly pushed Levi's hand away from her body. Lawrence walked towards the stairs of her house, sitting down on the last step, breathing in and out as she covered her mouth in the process. A faint gulping sound escaped her throat, trying to calm herself down.

Levi watched as Lawrence walked away, her shoulders shaking slightly, as if she was going to cry or break down. He looked away for a few seconds and took a deep breath. He then followed her down the stairs and sat down close to her, his breath hitting her neck and cheek as he spoke.

“Why should you get to be a mother and I’m not?” He whispered harshly, looking right into her eyes. “Why should you get to love someone when I couldn’t?”

Lawrence could feel hot tears spilling from her eyes, running down her face and cheeks. The baby kept kicking and she had to caress her belly to make it calm down, breathing in and out to relax herself. Levi's proximity to her body was making it almost impossible. His words, however, made her furrow her brows.

“You wanted to bear a child?” She repeated his own words, as if she was trying to make some sort of sense out of it. “Then get a womb and a vagina.”

Levi took the arm that caressing her stomach and leaned it to her side. It could’ve been his arm caressing her womb, feeling her kicking baby inside. “I wanted to be with Hange,” He whispered softly, his warm breath hitting her face. “Have something between me and Hange made. A family.”

Silence engulfed the already silent house before Levi spoke again.

“We were meant to spend the rest of our lives together.”

And he wanted no one else to be there but him, no one else in Hange’s life but himself.

Lawrence got up again, and abruptly walked down the stairs, leaning on the iron railing as she tried to calm herself down in the process. All the kicking was making her nauseous, but never as much as Levi's behaviour. Yet, she still couldn't get properly mad since stress was gonna affect her pregnancy.

“I'm gonna have this baby and you're gonna keep it,” She spat out at some point, turning her face and glancing up where Levi still sat. “And you'll have your son or daughter.”

He sighed and walked back up the stairs, his eyes on Lawrence as he walked up to her and grabbed her arm. His face was stern as he leaned her against the wall, looking her right in the eyes and forcing her to listen to what he had to say. “But you won’t be the mother.”

He went on harshly, his hand now holding Lawrence’s stomach as the kicks from the baby could be felt again. “I will be. You’re just the woman that Hange chose to get knocked up.”

Lawrence nodded and wiped her tears, with a loud exhale, sniffling up a little as she moved towards the front door and opened it fully, standing on its side as she looked right into Levi's eye with a stern, yet hurt glance.

“Now leave,” She repeated what she previously said, although her tone had a more warning note on it. “I need to rest.”

Levi stared Lawrence down for a few seconds, as if he was expecting her to change her mind in the last second. But when no more words came out her mouth or when her expression remained the same, he had nothing else to say. He wanted to be the one telling Lawrence to leave, but his silence was just that.

He watched as she opened the front door and took her place beside it. Levi then took a few steps backwards, staring at her before walking out of the house, his words and tone stern.

“I will still be the one raising the baby.”

[starogeorgina]

𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

Warnings: Violence

Pairings: Jacaerys Velaryon x oc

1.15

When you enter the dimly lit throne room, you see your mother sitting on the throne. It’s not until you get closer to her that you realize what she’s holding onto so tightly—a toy that was one of Lucery's favorites, which he gave to Gaemon to play with when he was older.

“Mother?”

Meeting your gaze, she stands tall; her eyes are glassy with unshed tears. She places the toys on the throne, then twists the rings in her fingers. “I am the queen of the seven kingdoms,” she says to herself more than you. “I suppose that will be the last time I ever sit upon this throne, as you are the new princess of Dragonstone.”

“And Jacaerys, its prince.”

Your mother's gaze is full of adoration as she leans down to press a kiss to your forehead. “It belongs to both of you, sweet girl. Not only is Jacaerys the realm's future king, but you're its queen.”

“Not for some time,” you squeeze her hand. “We have much to learn from you and Daemon. You have a long reign ahead of my queen.”

“I’m Vaoreznuni,” she whispers. “I should never have allowed you to be married to Aegon.”

“Don’t—”

“We don’t know what the gods hold in store for us in the future; I need to say this in case I don’t get the chance to.”

Your lower lip trembles at the thought of losing her.

“Once upon a time, me and Alicent were good friends, and I was foolish to think a marriage between our children would help mend the bridges and solidify an alliance between two halves of the same family. But if I had known how cruelly they would have treated you, I would never have allowed it.”

“Aegon is your half brother; you had no reason to suspect he would have turned into the person he is.”

“It was foolish for me to think Alicent wouldn’t pour honey into my siblings' ears. It should have always been Jacaerys.” In the moonlight, her fallen tears glisten. “I ask for your forgiveness, daughter, for subjecting you to years of torment at the hands of the greens.”

“No, I will not give you forgiveness, mother, because you do require it. None of the things that were done to me were in your hands; the only people who need to pay are the usurper and the dowager queen.”

“And pay they shall, sweet girl.”

—

“Soon as the war is over, we can bring our children home.” Jacaerys fingers tremble as he braids your hair in preparation for battle. One of your ladies could have done it but he insisted. It had taken Jace a couple of attempts to make sure your hair was tight enough that it wouldn’t fall out, but he had now gotten the hang of it. Nervously, he says, “Perhaps our daughters will let me braid their hair.”

It hurts to be away from your sweet babies.

“We will see them soon,” you reassure him. “The green army thinks of me as nothing other than a silly girl; they will fall right into our trap.”

Jace presses a kiss to the back of your shoulder and says, “They couldn’t be more wrong. One day they will sing songs of your beauty and bravery.”

You tilt your head to meet his gaze and smile. “Careful husband, any more compliments, and we may end up creating a sixth child instead of defeating our enemies.”

“Daemon will be our last babe for some time; I will not allow you to become sick again by falling pregnant again so soon.”

You toy with the ring on your fingers. Your new quarters had no trace of Targaryen or Velaryon heritage yet, and no evidence of your five children. “I wonder how big he has grown. I’ve written to Clara to ask how she and the children are, but I’ve not heard back yet.”

“She will have her hands full running around after our brood.”

Usually, you’d sing in high valyrian to your newborns, and it left a void knowing that you were missing out on such precious moments. Daemon wouldn’t even recognise the sound of your voice when you returned to Winterfell.

Jace finishes off the braid and steps back.

Seeing Jacaerys dressed for battle made your heart flutter. He looks so handsome—a warrior, a dragon rider, a true Targaryen prince. You’re so caught up in staring into his dark eyes that it takes you a moment to hear the commotion going on outside the bedchamber.

He offers you his hand and says, “We should go.”

—

Soaring above the green’s army base, Viserion screeches loudly, alerting them to the immediate danger of a dragon. You watch as the men scurry to grab hold of weapons as Viserion lowers to the ground, not too far from where the camp is based.

It doesn’t take long for Ser Criston to come galloping out of the tree line on the back of his horse, both wearing armor covered by green fabric with a golden three-headed dragon sigil.

Disgusting.

Ten knights follow closely behind, but you suspect they are deliberately staying out of your line of sight. You climb down and walk towards the knight, he seems surprised by your actions.

“Lyarra.”

“Criston.”

Viserion roars loudly, causing some of the knights to hesitantly raise their swords. The bite of steel is sharp against your arm, and a trickle of blood spills from where the sword has nipped your skin. “Why my arm and not my throat, kingmaker?”

Criston narrows his eyes. “The king has ordered for you to be kept alive and your face to remain unmarked.”

“Hmm.”

“You were a fool to come alone.”

In the blink of an eye, the smell of smoke fills the air, and the ground vibrates as a large part of the Green’s Army retreats on horseback. Criston lowers his swords and spins around, watching the men he was leading abandon him. Among the smoke and ash, Vermax appears, his olive scales and pale orange wing membranes darkened with soot.

“I’m no fool, Ser Criston, and not alone.” The two dragons roar and breathe fire at the same time, burning the tents and supplies of the green army. “I once said if you ever touched me again, I’d feed you to Viserion.”

Criston turns and gives you a murderous glare.

“But I’ve since changed my mind. I wouldn’t feed something so poisonous to my beloved dragon.”

You back away as a shadow begins to overtake the spot where you just stood as the ill-tempered dragon looms closer. Jacaerys holds his head high. “Dracarys, Vermax.”

The kingmaker is engulfed in flames.

Screams fill the air of men trying to flee and put as much distance between themselves and the dragons as possible.

Viserion lowers himself so you can mount him, and when he stands tall again, you are able to fully view Jacaerys. He had been struck with three arrows; his armor had protected him from two, but one of them had struck him in the thigh.

He attempts to soothe your fear. “I am fine, dear wife; now let’s go join our mother in taking the king's landing back.”

Prince Daemon and your mother had flown over the capital and were circling above Aegon’s high hill. Syrax would only land when it was safe to do so. Your grandsire’s fleet would be arriving at the east end of Blackwater Bay. While the dragon twins held fort at Dragonstone, where your youngest siblings remain, Lady Baela would keep watch of the island on the back of Moondancer, while Lady Rhaena would run the council inside.

Vermax and Viserion take to the sky, breathing fire as they fly in the direction of the red keep.

Sorry — Vaoreznuni

[cetaitlaverite]

Why All This Music? - MASTERLIST

Masters of the Air - Rosie Rosenthal x OC

"To be alive: not just the carcass But the spark. That's crudely put, but… If we're not supposed to dance, Why all this music?" - To Be Alive by Gregory Orr

You can also read on AO3 here!

01. Hotshot Wireless Operators

02. You Were Going to Fall

03. Tell Me About Vienna

04. To Look After Pilots

05. Throw the Guy A Rope

06. Down in Flames

07. Out of Luck

08. Street Race in A Tank

09. Up for A Vote

10. Lost Puppies

11. The Idea of Romance

12. A Drop in the Ocean

13. Pyjamas and All

14. Kind of Hoping

15. Best and Worst

16. Lots of Things

17. What Other Reason

18. Nothing to Write Home About

19. The Magic of Tonight

BONUS CHAPTER: 19.5. What, exactly, went down in the plane?

DELETED SCENE: Freddie and Rosie return to the club

20. All My Life

21. The Very Least of It

22. The One Left Behind

23. Aren't We Protective?

24. Familiarity and Nostalgia

25. The Same Pain

BONUS CHAPTER: 25.5. What did Freddie and Rosie get up to in the kitchen?

26. Bärchen

27. An End to That Debate

28. Just As Much As You Are

29. A Head Start

30. One Day

BONUS CHAPTER: 30.25. So what happened in London?

31. The Hard Part

32. God and the Law

33. Different

34. Two Swans in A Pond

35. The Simple Pleasure

BONUS CHAPTER: 35.25. Keeping Quiet

36. All the Way Back

BONUS CHAPTER: 36.5. What happened that night?

37. Hanging on the Phone

DELETED SCENE: Rosie returns to Thorpe Abbotts alone

38. Make Us Fly

39. Their Fair Share

40. A Life to Start

41. How to Exist

42. Epilogue

A Final Note from Your Author

BONUS CHAPTER: Freddie Arrives in New York

DELETED SCENE: Freddie and Rosie's First Meeting From Rosie's POV

Exclusive Extras

AU: What if Daniel never died?

Freddie and Rosie between chapters 19 and 20

NSFW: Freddie wears Rosie’s jacket

Rosie gets jealous

Freddie gets jealous (during the war edition)

Post-War:

Freddie gets jealous

NSFW: Freddie tries on lingerie for Rosie

Freddie gets in trouble

Freddie and Rosie’s second wedding

NSFW: Freddie writes a song for Rosie

Freddie is pregnant and has sickening cravings

Freddie and Rosie’s first baby meets Meatball

WATM: Millie and Brady's Version

Millie and Brady’s Cut

Call It What You Want: The Three Times They Lied to Each Other and the One Time They Told the Truth

Into the Dark: The Last Time They Saw Each Other for A Long, Long Time

[hayleylatour]

Finding Peace 🕊️

content warnings- none really, cocky Noah, talks of sex but none as of right now.

Summary- Mia is a 24 year old new bookstore owner who got pregnant by a one night stand with Bad Omens front man Noah Sebastian. Deciding to stay friends and raise their daughter together. What hardships and challenges will they face?

Parings- Baby daddy! Noah Sebastian x OC Mia

Chapter five ~ Mia’s pov

~ 3 days later~

Noah never had to call the guys, with the tour canceled they were able to come home. Jolly called the next morning to tell us they were coming home and to ask how I was and how the baby was. Noah and I decided to take the opportunity of the guys being out to lunch to set up the reveal. We were telling them that we’re having a girl, Ophelia. Noah was hanging a pink banner above the fireplace pink balloons scattered around the living room. the white cake sitting on the kitchen island. they should be here soon and are going to walk into a pink wonderland

“I think it’s enough angel, they’re going to get the surprise. Theres a giant pink banner that says it’s a girl” Noah says stepping down from the ladder.

“Everything has to be perfect. We’re telling them her name tonight too right? Or should we wait till shes born?” I Fidget with the hem of my shirt. Running my hand along my belly tapping my fingers as I go. Ophelia kicks in response. Shes already so loved, she has a whole family that cares about her so much and she doesn’t even know it. I’ve stayed in Noah’s room since the accident. He is still on edge that something is wrong with her, even though my doctor assured him she’s fine and is right on track for a 20 week pregnancy.

“Whatever you decide, I’m sure that they will love her name. It may keep them from calling her a little bean” Noah says pulling me to a hug.

When the guys arrive the excitement is clear on their faces. A choir of voices can be heard throughout the house. This is what family feels like.

“So Mia, do you guys have a name picked out?” Jolly asks sitting down next to me on the couch. I’ve been thinking all night if we tell them her name now or wait till her birth.

“We do but I think we’re going to wait to tell everyone for just a little bit. One surprise at a time.” I laugh as jolly nods. I make eye contact with Noah from the kitchen. Smiling he grabs my cup and makes his way to the living room.

~10 weeks later~

Everything hurts or is starting to hurt. My clothes no longer fit, living in oversized shirts and sweatpants is completely horrible and it doesn’t make me feel any better, as sweet as Noah is to me it continues to piss me off. He doesn’t quite understand that I can do things for myself. He doesn’t understand that his daughter is kicking me in the ribs and bladder at the same time. I can’t look in the mirror without seeing a different person. None of my clothes fit so I look like a slob most of the time. And god dammit I’m frustrated, sexually speaking but emotionally speaking too.

“Noah I really need you to stop fussing over me. I am fine please let me be.” I sigh pulling the glass of water from him and setting it on the counter. He huffs. “I’m grown I can get up and make myself a glass of water and my own lunch. I can walk upstairs without you right behind me, I’m not a child I need you to stop babying me! Christ Noah I’m pregnant I’m not dying!” Tears welling in my eyes.

“Alright what is your fucking problem lately? You’re really starting to piss me off!” Noah says pulling at his roots.

“You wanna know what my fucking problem is? Huh! My problem is I’m so frustrated and tired. My feet are swollen my hips are killing me. I’ve got a foot in my ribs and your daughter is head butting my damn bladder! I can’t see my feet anymore! I’ve got stretch marks in place i didn’t know I could get them! I’m horny beyond belief, and I can’t just ask you to fuck me because god know that you can’t find this attractive anymore! None of my clothes fit right and maternity clothes look like they were made for old people! God Noah I’m not trying to be a bitch but i don’t feel like myself anymore! I cant look in the mirror anymore. I mean fuck man!” I say tears now streaming down my face Noah’s features soften

“I’d still have sex with you, i just didn’t wanna hurt her or you. I find you incredibly attractive. Angel I will have sex with you. Will that make you be nicer to me, you need me to make that attitude change with some dick?” He says stepping into my space as his hand cup my face sliding one hand into my hard. His lips so close I can taste to mint on his breath. Whimpering I close the space enveloping his lips. His tongue swipes across my bottom lip and I immediately grant him access. I don’t fight him for dominance, at this point id gladly give it up for him.

Pulling away he smirks “that’s all it took for you to be slightly nicer. Huh? I’ll have sex with you angel all you have to do is ask baby. I still find you sexy as hell Mia.” He says before lowering his lips to mine once more.

“Upstairs, please Noah” I whisper as I step away pulling him to the staircase. Laughing he scoops me up bridal style taking the steps two at a time before kicking the door shut and laying me on the bed.

[the-starprince]

This is some very indulgent Eddsworld x OC art. I'm in love with Matt and got him pregnant. I love annoying the piss out of Tord, drinking with Tom, and hanging with Edd. We're just one big happy family of sorts...

Except Tord... Fuck Tord.

[skellymom]

"Vagabonds" Chapter 19

"HEART OF THE MATTER"

Ongoing fanfic Hunter x Reader/Fem Reader/OC

Hunter meets a smuggler Nomaadi Star Woman with a powerful force sensitive teen who changes the trajectory of CF-99's lives...as they ALL try to escape from The Empire together.

To read Chapter 18 - "THE FORCE"

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/759480275949486080/vagabonds-chapter-18-the-force?source=share

Word Count: 1.9K

Background: Hunter has a heart to heart convo with LOVE. LOVE has a heart to heart covo with Mad. Sweet and emotional with a reveal (No fear dear reader: Things WILL pick up in Chapter 20!)

For anyone new to this series: "LOVE" is the nonbinary/genderfluid neurodivergent/nonverbal Force sensitive kid of the main OC of this series "Mad". For more background on LOVE, check out the introduction and past chapters leading up to this one. LOVE'S father is also mentioned in past chapters in a flashback...giving a clue as to how and why LOVE has the power they do!

Warning: Commentary of body issues, age, relationships. Mention of body parts.

(Credit: Cool dividers by @4ngelic-wh1spers @plum98 @strangergraphics-archive)

Mad emerged from the refresher, toweled off, then playfully tossed it over Tiggy.  Tig rolled around inside the towel, drying her fur, then took it between her teeth and shook it.  The towel slapped the sides of her head.  She’d drop it, growl, bite and shake it again. 

From the back of her wardrobe, Mad pulled out a black linen maxi dress.  A patchwork of small multicolored fabric swatches was sewn all over it randomly.  Remnants of fabric snipped from the clothing of Nomaadi family and friends.  People who helped Mad escape Dathomir, deliver LOVE, and occasionally assist Mad to raise them during the rare moments the Nomaadi could gather together.  Some still alive...some...had perished long ago.  For the Nomaadi this was their portable family album. There was a bittersweet melancholy attached to this garment.  A nostalgia so deep with this dress Mad could NEVER part with it. 

She hadn’t worn it since being pregnant with LOVE and a few months after their birth...before losing some of the baby weight. 

Mad glanced up and caught the vision of her naked self in the mirror.   

Her breasts were getting heavier with the start of milk production...and tender.  Before that they weren’t as perky as they had been in Mad’s 20’s or 30’s... now hovering just shy of 50.   

She had a mature woman’s body before this “medical condition.”  A spare tire around her lower midsection, just under the belly button.  Leftover from carrying LOVE that never went away.  And shiny stretchmarks from the original pregnancy weight loss.   

There were some varicose and spider veins on Mad’s legs, mostly covered by extensive tattoos.  But still visible.  The occasional scar from fights, near misses, scrapes, and falls while evading enemies peppered her body. 

Mad sighed.  She wore a rough roadmap of life...with more to come. 

Memories of Hunter worshipping every inch of her body came flooding back.  The extra, marred flesh didn’t seem to bother him at all.  Sure, he had plenty of scars...from battle.  Those scarred parts of his anatomy were seen as glorification of enduring a war and surviving.  No sense of shame came with them.   

Motherhood on the other hand...not generally seen that way. 

The softening of the body, especially as an older woman...aging.  Mad sighed.  Most societies in the galaxy tended to view this as a woman past her prime, less valued, sometimes invisible, mostly a vessel to produce a younger, more useful being and nothing else. 

Would Hunter STILL find her attractive?  And see past the outer meat sack to the spirit of the person within?  Would he still want to hang around after whatever Mad carried within her grew to fruition and left it.  Maul surely didn’t. 

Men usually became suddenly fickle when the body exceeded certain...parameters of “established” body standards... 

Would her body still be in full working order after all of this was over?  Would she lose her independence?  What would happen to LOVE if Mad was rendered incapable?  Surely the Nomaadi would help care for her... 

...IF there were any of her people left after the Empire scoured and colonized the galaxy... 

She suddenly grew VERY wary and tired.  Tiggy whined pitifully, as though she could read Mad’s thoughts. 

Mad sighed and took the dress off the hangar, pulling it over her head, and let it settle over her body.   

It felt comfortable.  Like home.  Smoothed out and covered the lumps, bumps, scars, mars... 

Forgiving and embracing like a well-worn lover. 

Mad ignored the wet towel on the floor and crawled into bed, hiding under the covers.  She didn’t want to think about ANYTHING else for awhile.  Just wanting to exist in this warm peaceful place.  

Tiggy leapt up and snuggled in next to her. 

Hunter rifled through his pockets, pulling out items as he thew his clothes into the washer. 

The Marauder had a tiny machine, only large enough for the Batcher’s thin blacks.  But the Beldame had a full-sized washer/dryer with a folding counter in one of the ships alcoves.  Perfect for washing civilian clothing the Batchers had acquired since leaving the Empire. 

LOVE quietly drifted by in the shadows behind him, having grabbed snacks for Omega and Sil.  If it had been anyone else, they would have silently drifted by in levitation with no one the wiser... 

But this was Hunter. 

“That’s an interesting skill you have.” He mused as he closed the lid and watched the clothes agitate in the washer window. 

LOVE stopped and levitated in place, shocked that Hunter could sense them. 

“You HAD to know I would eventually figure it out.” Clothes agitating...” Do you eavesdrop on everyone often?” 

NO!  They Force Spoke. 

“Guess I have to believe you” Hunter turned to stare into LOVE’S eyes.  He leaned against the wall next to the washer and put his hand on his hip. 

No pressure... 

We live on this ship constantly...usually with lots of other people.  Privacy is hard to find...but...SOMETIMES...every once in a while...I do it for safety reasons. 

“Oh?” Hunter raised an eyebrow. 

I DON’T want to know other people's PERSONAL business...eww.  But...I worry about Mom.  She’s been with me my whole life.  More than anyone else... 

LOVE trailed off and Hunter guessed this comment was telling about how little this teen’s father was present in their life. 

“What are you worried about?” Hunter softened his look and tone. 

I... don’t want to lose her...  LOVE clutched the bags of snacks against their chest, a panicked look upon their face.  I’m scared. 

Hunter understood this completely.  He had seen Omega worry as a small child.  So many situations where she would stress about things she had little to no control over. 

“Ever tell your mother about this?” Hunter offered. 

No...  LOVE stared at the floor 

“Listen...I know I’m NOT your father...” Hunter fidgeted a bit.  He wasn’t sure if he was drifting into dangerous territory with Mad’s teen. 

But you COULD be!  LOVE glanced up hopefully at Hunter. 

Hunter was pleasantly surprised to find himself smiling a bit.  He initially expected LOVE to be defensive and argumentative.  However, he remembered Mad’s explanation of the Nomaadi.  Family is not specific for them.  It was NOT necessarily comprised of a closed group of familiar blood individuals.  ANYONE could be adopted into the galaxy-wide ever-growing community of the Nomaadi family experience. 

You ONLY had to be genuine and committed to belong.   

“Don’t you think she should know?”  Hunter advocated. 

LOVE heavily considered his words. 

“Talk to her, LOVE.  She NEEDS to hear from you right now.  She needs your support.”  Hunter urged.  “I think you need hers too.” 

I... don’t want to be a burden.  Mom has enough to worry about. 

“You aren’t.  Would NEVER think that.”  Hunter emoted “She loves you so much.” 

LOVE nodded and turned to levitate away towards Mad’s stateroom.  Then stopped and glanced over their shoulder. 

Hunter? 

“Yeah?” 

I mean it...you COULD be my father. 

“Heh...thanks Kid.  That means A LOT coming from you.” Hunter beamed. 

Mom?  LOVE reached out with The Force while standing outside of Mad’s stateroom door.   

Come in. The door slid open to reveal Mad curled up in bed with Tiggy leaning against her. 

Mad had rolled over to greet Love...as they WALKED into the room... 

LOVE barely EVER walked anywhere.  Usually, levitating was the default to avoid the tactile feeling of anything against their feet, hands, body.  They even shunned touch from everyone around them, including loved ones.  LOVE slowly wandered into the room, looking small, lost...a bit unsure. 

Hey?  Mad probed LOVE’S mind gently. Speaking in the intimate way they both have since LOVE'S birth.  What’s bothering you? 

LOVE slowly crawled onto the bed then asked a question Mad hadn’t heard since LOVE was a toddler... 

Can I hug you? 

Oh...OF COURSE!  With outstretched arms, Mad beckoning her child. 

LOVE slid in and embraced Mad, gently closing Tiggy in between them.  The dog rolled onto her back and let all four legs dangle down like a person resting on the mattress.  A contented groan escaped her snout. 

Mad warmly wrapped her arms around LOVE, closed her eyes, and drank in the sensation of how her child felt in her arms.  It had been SO LONG since she felt this.  Mad held back strong emotional tears. 

It felt WONDERFUL! 

Mad waited patiently for LOVE to speak. 

Finally...  I’m...scared. 

You heard the conversation earlier, didn’t you?  With your “Force Ears?” 

LOVE nodded silently. 

I know you can do that.  Don’t always know when you do it... 

Not often.  Promise. 

Hmm.  Hunter and I were going to tell you, Omega and Sil soon.  We just needed to process...EVERYTHING.  

Hunter told me to come clean and talk to you.  Sooner than later. 

He did, did he? Mad grinned 

Can we adopt him?  And Omega...and their brothers? 

I’ll think about it. Mad smirked, then sighed.  About the... Mad motioned to her very swollen belly.  Symbiont...or WHATEVER is in THERE...I think I’m going to live.  Don’t think the doctor...intentionally...implanted anything evil or dangerous.  But I wasn’t prepared for what Hunter had to say.  We're going to get this straightened away tomorrow at the extraction point.  I CAN’T wait though...it’s sitting on my bladder!  Sorry... 

Mad extracted herself from Love, Tiggy, and the bed quickly.  Got up and hurried to the bathroom. 

LOVE waited for Mad’s return and glanced down at Tiggy, who continued to lay on her back.   

You KNOW something.  You sense it.  That’s why you’re cuddling with Mom so much. 

Tiggy glanced up at LOVE, wagging her tail in the affirmative. 

What do YOU know that we don’t??? 

Tiggy smiled in the way dogs do, still wagging her tail, but giving up NONE of her secrets. 

Mad returned to her bed and snuggled in with LOVE.  They lay there for quite a while, each in their own headspace and silent. 

Hey... Mad whispered with the Force. 

Huh? LOVE murmured back. 

I love you with everything I’ve got.  And, I’ve NEVER regretted having you.  No matter what happens...don’t you EVER forget it. Mad squeezed LOVE. 

LOVE was extremely touched and emotionally unable to speak...even with the Force.  However, Mad could FEEL the depth of their emotions.  No words needed to be spoken; the feelings were enough. 

Eventually, both LOVE and Mad drifted off to sleep...with Tiggy sandwiched between them. 

 

While Mad slept.... 

LOVE dreamed. 

A shapeless, formless darkness.  Nothing concerning or terrifying.  On the contrary, a peaceful, watery darkness...with the constant sound of a warm heartbeat.  There were others with them in the darkness.  Small forms fluttering around LOVE.  Sliding by and acknowledging their presence like it was as natural as belonging to this place.  This watery, salty home...like the dark, warm depths of an ocean.  They communicated wordlessly, soundlessly in kinship.  No malice or otherness.  They belonged here for the time being, while LOVE was just visiting temporarily.  They accepted LOVE occupying space among them in these depths.  Swimming up to them in greeting.  Regarding LOVE with interest... 

LOVE startled awake with their head resting against Mad’s swollen belly.  During the nap, LOVE had slid down and curled around their mother.  Mad continued to snore softly. 

LOVE glanced down at Tiggy.  My brothers and sisters are in there...you were trying to tell us... 

Tiggy wiggled in excitement. 

...and Hunter’s their daddy. 

Tiggy rolled over and licked LOVE’S face enthusiastically. 

LOVE was elated...but then realized that they COULDN’T part with these babies.  For SO many years Mad and LOVE ferried people...mostly children across the galaxy to safe houses and families on other planets.  Some living with other Nomaadi when there were no other viable options.  They were unable to keep any of them in their daily lives. 

But THESE children...they personally BELONGED to THEM.   

LOVE gently woke Mad up and gave her the news. 

I...DON’T understand.  HOW?  Mad rubbed the sleep from her eyes. 

Tech might know.  He’ll explain the logical part.  I can do the rest.  LOVE offered. 

LOVE got up from the bed and levitated out of the stateroom to find the rest of the crew. 

To read Chapter 20 - "DIFFICULT CHOICES":

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/761407251706707968/vagabonds-chapter-20?source=share

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