#he is NOT old that's just what his hair looks like. which makes it even worse. he's so cute.

[silkentine]

Wha--?! Silk finally finished her fem Zoro design after (checks notes) literally 6 months since she made the canvas in procreate?

I'll break down design thoughts and share some fun bonus pics under the cut:

I LOVE long hair on Zoro, I think that was the first change I wanted to implement. Zoro in canon actually has a really interesting relationship with gender dynamics which (if for some reason you're reading this and you haven't watched One Piece) can seem out of left field for the "dumb brute" character. His rivalry with and reverence for Kuina suggests he doesn't adhere to the idea that women are weaker than men. Later on, however, during his confrontation with Monet and Tashigi during Punk Hazard, his hesitation to slash her down reveals that he's subconsciously over-protective of women because he thinks they're inherently weaker. I actually don't have any problem with this character trait, I think it makes him feel more real as a person and he obviously gets shit-talked enough about it in the story itself. But how did I want to reflect these beliefs if Zoro had been born a woman? Easy: internalized misogyny and applying value to herself via her appearance.

My version of Zoro grew up wanting to fight with swords but her only chance of entering the dojo was to work under the proprietress, Lady Shimotsuki to maintain the property, cook meals for the male students, and eventually be a good wife to the current heir, Kuina. She learns that, to get what she wants, she must be the ideal woman, even if she stays up all night training swordsmanship with Kuina when she isn't supposed to. He treats her love for swordplay seriously and treats her like an equal, which sparks a bond between them and eventually leads to Zoro's goal of becoming the world's greatest swordsman after his sudden, accidental death.

After years of intense training (now that Lady Shimotsuki admits that she'll need a new heir and Zoro is the closest thing she has) Zoro's finally old enough to leave and begin her journey. She starts letting go of the idea that she has to look pulled together to be taken seriously because she can just kill anyone who looks down on her. Her clothing falls into disrepair, she wears outfits that help her move in combat, and she starts tossing her hair up into messy, knotted buns under her bandana. Even so, she keeps her hair long like rolling hills of grass. (At least during pre-timeskip. She lops off her hair to prove to Mihawk that she's serious about being trained.)

I've put her in a thin sweater that she stitches (poorly) back together after her first interaction with Mihawk. (I kept one sleeve because I was inspired by the santoryuu Nami that Oda drew that one time.) I also wanted to girl-ify the ubiquitous haramaki so I picked leg warmers for her because I think they're sufficiently "dated" enough to be kinda analogous with his old man belly warmer. I also love gyaru fashion, sue me.

Here is a screenshot of her as a blonde:

And here is a sketch of her post-timeskip where she's fully embraced her butch nature:

Hubba hubba, am I right?

Check out my tag "girl piece original design" to see more of my genderbending art! Next post, I'll put all my East Blue Crew designs together! I can't believe it's taken this long but I AM SO HAPPPPPYYYYY

[babyleostuff]

― BLACK AND BLUE

"glad he didn't overreact", but the one where seokmin, in fact, overreacts after seeing your bruised up arm on a sunday morning.

𝜗𝜚 THEME: reader is (lightly) bruised and seokmin freaks out, comfort (mostly reader comforting him), fluff 𝜗𝜚 PAIRING: idol!dk x fem!reader 𝜗𝜚 WORD COUNT: 828

💌 natalia’s note: this deeefinetly didn’t happen to me like two days ago… [when i catch u skiers]

“what is that?”

the soapy cup you were washing slipped out of your grip and slammed against the marble sink (seokmin decided to replace the old one right before christmas, because in his words - it was an adult thing to do) making the water splash all around, as your heart threatened to stop from the sudden commotion. 

there went your “romanticise your morning by following this easy 50 step routine”. 

“seokmin,” you grumbled, turning off the water. “what the hell?” you reached for the towel to wipe your hands and turned around to face your boyfriend, who, for once, seemed very much awake for such an early hour. “you almost gave me a heart attack.” 

“what,” your boyfriend seemed unbothered by your words and extended his arm to point at you with a sour expression, which again; so unlike him, “what is that?”

if not for the “8 am” displayed on your kitchen clock (the numbers were blinking so faintly you almost couldn’t see them anymore, because apparently changing the batteries was not an adult thing to do), your boyfriend’s massive nest of curly bed hair and his outfit which consisted of a grinch t-shirt that has definitely seen better days and boxers in puppy print, you’d be startled by his panicked expression, but… you couldn’t take him seriously with all of that. 

“what is what?” you asked amused, and leaned your hip on the kitchen counter. 

he blinked twice, his brown eyes groggy from sleep. “the bruises on your arm.” 

ah. 

that makes sense. 

you came back from a skiing trip with your friends the night before and because seokmin didn’t come home until early in the morning because of rehearsals, you didn’t really have time to catch up before… well, now. technically you could’ve told him about your little incident on the phone, but you knew how he’d react; he’d either tell you to set your snowboard on fire and throw it out of the window or he would’ve bought the earliest plane ticket to save you from the dangers of snow and ski lifts. 

“baby, close your mouth and drop your arm or you’re going to have a cramp,” you sighed, shaking your head. despite your gentle tone that you hoped would soothe his worries at least to some extent, seokmin still stood in the middle of the kitchen as stiff as a board, with a scowl on his handsome face. “come here,” you held out your hands for him to grab. 

with no hesitation he quickly made his way across the kitchen, and ignoring your extended hands, engulfed you in a bear hug. “why are you so calm about it?” you could hear the pout in seokmin’s voice, as he pulled him closer to his chest. “your whole arm is black and blue,” he gently ran his fingers along the back of your left arm, ”how did it even happen? what were you doing out there? fighting the yeti?” 

you couldn’t help but giggle. exactly why you decided to keep it a secret. 

“if you consider skiers yeti, then yes,” you propped your chin against his chest and looked up at him, “and i’m glad to inform you that i won.” 

seokmin’s muscles suddenly tensed under your fingertips and he looked even more terrified than a second ago. “what do you mean y-,”

“i was joking, baby. i didn’t fight anyone.” 

“then how did you get those bruises?” 

“just let me finish, yeah?” you said and brushed his bangs away from his forehead. “someone ran into me, that’s all. i got up after strapping the bindings and someone skied into me and, well, that left some bruises.” 

“what an asshole,” seokmin grumbled, his brows drawn together in an angry frown.

“okay there mister, calm down,” you laughed and patted his shoulder. “accidents happen-,”

“yeah, but i’d expect people who ski on red slopes not to crash into others,” his expression stilled and grew serious. 

good thing you didn’t mention you ended up with your chin hitting the icy slope, then. 

“relax, honey.” as much as you found this situation amusing, you knew seokmin was really worried about the bruises, and to be honest he had every right to do so; three big splotches covered the entirety of your left arm and if you noticed something like that on him you’d freak out for sure as well. 

“i know it looks bad, but it doesn’t hurt anymore. and what happened, happened. there’s no point in being angry, yeah?” 

your boyfriend’s eyes seemed to soften, the gentle puppy-like expression gracing his features. 

“there we go,” you smiled, cupping his cheeks. “i’m okay, min, so please stop worrying so much.” 

featherlike laugh lines crinkled around his eyes, as seokmin smiled, nodding his head. “just didn’t expect to see my girlfriend all bruised up after being weeks apart,” he leaned his forehead against yours, his arms protectively wrapped around your waist. “but if you say you’re okay, then i trust you.”

[ylangelegy]

i’m actually obsessed with your jealousy prompts…. what’s better than the most jealous mf around???

seungcheol + “they did that on purpose”

★ seungcheol x celebrity!reader ┆ word count: 970 ┆ part of my closed jealousy drabble game.

ⓘ established relationship, secret relationship, pet name ['baby'], angst [if you squint]. combined with another prompt c/o anon: "i'm going to scream."

"I'm going to file a complaint."

Seungcheol is being dead serious, and yet you laugh at him. You laugh!

"Baby," you start to say, your tone edged with that familiar exasperation you take on whenever you think he's being silly. He's having none of it tonight, though. He knows his theory is one hundred percent correct.

And so he juts his lip out in a pout, crosses his arms over his chest, and whines out his next words like he's some teenager instead of a 29-year-old man. "They did that on purpose!"

That, being the recent announcement of who would be the special hosts of MBC's year-end music show. When Seungcheol first caught wind that a member of SEVENTEEN might have the chance to share a stage with you, he had been ecstatic. While your relationship wasn't public knowledge yet, he was ready to make it glaringly obvious should he be chosen to be your co-host.

He's had whole daydreams about the moment. The hand he'd casually rest on the small of your back. The smile he'd give you that would have Twitter speculating for weeks. Maybe he could even post something vague on Weverse afterwards, some cutesy message of I'm so happy~ ❤️

Alas, all his hopes were dashed when the memo about the hosts went out this morning.

"They put you with Jeonghan on purpose," Seungcheol grumbles.

Jeonghan— the one person Seungcheol wouldn't be able to openly go up against. The company must've known Seungcheol would throw his idol image out of the window, must've known that there was only one person who Seungcheol wouldn't pick a fight with.

The fact that Jeonghan is being extra annoying— relentlessly teasing, calling himself 'Mr. Steal-Yo-Girl'— has only added insult to injury.

You reach out to tug Seungcheol into your side. Even though he's technically supposed to be upset, he can't help himself; the leader leans into your touch, draping himself over you.

Your couch has always been way too small for the two of you, even though Seungcheol insist it's a 'perfect' fit. He considers it perfect because he can always pull you into his lap and bury himself in you, which is exactly what he does now despite his sullen mood.

When your fingers instinctively entangle in his hair, a part of him relaxes. That very part bristles just as quickly when you quip, "Well, Jeonghan is the pretty one in the group."

"I'm going to scream," Seungcheol threatens.

You know your boyfriend enough to understand that he's at least half serious. "Alright, alright," you huff, giving his hair a light, reprimanding tug.

Seungcheol hisses at the sensation. You appease him by pressing your lips to his cheek.

You shift in his hold so your gazes can meet. The look on your face only makes Seungcheol's frown deepen. You're enjoying this. You're amused. You're not taking his predicament seriously.

"If he's so pretty," Seungcheol starts, ignoring the way you begin to roll your eyes as you anticipate what's to come.

"If he's so pretty, why don't you date him, then?" he asks, punctuating his words with a dejected sniffle. Seungcheol looks the part of a wounded puppy.

Eyebrows furrowed? Check. Lips pursed? Check. Boba-like eyes, meant to tug at the heartstrings? Check, check, check.

Unfortunately for him, your long-term relationship has steeled you to his petulance. You take his attempt at moping in stride, opting to press another kiss, this time to the corner of his mouth.

"Because I don't want him," you say patiently. "I want you, baby."

The words still manage to make Seungcheol's heart soar. He tries not to let it show on his face. He's trying to prove a point here. He refuses to be won over by sweet nothings, even if you're so lovely as you say them.

"You're going to be on stage with him instead of me." Seungcheol's arms tighten around your waist, his expression darkening slightly. "People are going to ship you."

A surprised bark of laughter escapes you. "How do you know what shipping is, huh?"

"You're changing the subject."

"Baby—"

The words come out of Seungcheol in a rush, fueled by his gripe with management's decision. "I want people to ship us," he grouses. "I want them to look at us and think, 'They look like they'd be the perfect couple,' because we are!"

Something softens in your expression, then, and Seungcheol knows exactly why. Promises of going public have been made since the beginning, but now it's several years in and there's no relationship announcement in sight for either of you.

Seungcheol's voice is quieter, a little more even, as he buries his face in the crook of your neck.

"I just want everybody to know that I love you," he says, the words muffled against your skin. "And that you love me, too."

You stroke Seungcheol's hair soothingly. He relaxes at the familiar ministration, letting his breaths even out.

"Soon," you mutter. "I promise, baby. We'll get that really soon."

Seungcheol bites back the urge to say that it's been soon for the past three years. This is something beyond both of your control. He's not about to make you feel guilty for something neither of you can change.

He settles for the next best thing. He tilts his head just so, allowing him to catch your lips in a kiss. It's sweet and unhurried. His favorite type.

It's the kind of kiss that makes the endless 'soon's worth it.

When you pull away for air, he wordlessly reaches for his phone. You're a bit out of breath as you watch him angle his screen away from you and type something out.

"What're you doing?" you ask, craning your neck to try and catch a glimpse.

"E-mailing the CEO of MBC," he says matter-of-factly. "To make me your co-host instead of Hannie."

"Choi Seungcheol!"

[lightlycareless]

to celebrate both the new masterlist I made for Toji, and the newyear (and also his birthday??? damn) I decided to write a little something for him :) it was somewhat inspired by these other works that aren't really necessary to read but you can go ahead if you'd like.

warnings: none. domestic fluff. megumi is your son :) also please excuse my oocness with him, I have yet to grow accustomed to writing him 🥺

happy reading!

The bedroom door quietly creeks open, followed by the sound of quick, pitter-patters making their way to your side.

And then, after a few seconds of apparent reluctance, a gentle nudge on your shoulder finally wakes you up.

“Mom, mom.”

“Hm—hmm? What—what is it, sweetie?” you murmur, slowly blinking your eyes open and getting to see your favorite batch of unruly hair, alongside a cute, oh so adorable frowning face staring back at you. “Is everything alright, Gumi?”

“I can’t sleep.” He quietly confesses, gently clenching at your sleeve.

“Oh, that’s not good. What happened?” you lament. “Did you have a nightmare?”

Megumi nods.

“With the wolves?”

He nods once again.

“Can I sleep with you?”

You don’t bother asking him anything else, instead, you simply smile, carefully lifting your blanket and gesturing him to join you, which he does without hesitation soon after, your bed barely budging underneath his weight as Megumi accommodates himself between you and his father, who barely acknowledged his presence given the way he remained soundly asleep.

“Are you ok here?” you ask, pulling the blankets over the two and wrapping your arms around your baby—well, he’s hardly a baby anymore at his 6 years of age, but to you he’ll always be your baby.

“Yes.” Megumi responds, snuggling closer to you and sighing, already feeling his fears vanishing underneath your comforting warmth. “…goodnight, mom.”

“Goodnight, honey” you smile, giving him one quick kiss to the top of his head before closing your eyes and returning to your peaceful slumber…

…

…

…

Amidst Toji’s snores, which your child, poor little Megumi, was not accustomed to—waking up soon after the first round of beastly growls (his words) graced his ears.

“Hmm—! Mom!” Megumi groans, quick to cover his ears in hopes of easing silence, to no avail. “Mom!”

“What is it, Gumi? The same nightmare?” you murmur.

“No! It’s dad and his horrible snores!” he cries back. “How can you even sleep?!”

“Oh, that’s—” you giggle, causing your son to complain once again. “I just got used to it.”

An impossible endeavor that would have him reconsidering if his nightmares were all that bad to begin with, maybe he’d rather deal with them that his old man’s literal growls… unless he were to get a combination of the two.

Now that is a true nightmare.

But contrary to you, he’ll never get used to your and his father’s nightly dynamics, and the longer he goes on awake because of the latter, the grumpier and decisive Megumi becomes.

It’s not Toji’s fault that he has the tendency to reach out for you when asleep, drape his arm over you as if to check you were still there, perhaps afraid that he’d wake up and you’d be gone—but to an exasperated Megumi that was just the needed excuse for his patience to reach his limit, quickly pushing himself off your embrace and towards his father, a prominent scowl on his face as he waits for him to give him another reason.

Just one more snore and then, he smacks him! A sound so loud that it makes you jolt fully awake and instinctively looking over to your son, primarily worried that he might’ve unwittingly hurt himself, before realizing Toji was the one in danger after all. Yes, someone as robust  as your husband could still fall victim to Gumi’s punch; hence the laughter you’re trying so hard to hold back.

“Huh—what?” Toji breathes, half awake, half asleep, but completely in pain. “What was that??”

“Shut up!” He cries back, attempting to hit him again; luckily Toji’s reflexes were quick to kick in, saving himself from another humiliating endeavor. “You’re too loud, I can’t sleep!”

“When did you get here?” Toji asks, holding onto Megumi’s wrist and keeping him from afflicting him again.

“Our little blessing had a nightmare.” You begin to explain, placing your hand over Toji’s grasp and releasing your son. “And wanted to sleep with us, that’s all.”

“Did he?” Toji smirks. “What’s it about? That he smiled for the first time in his life?”

“Toji…”

“What?” He laughs. “You know I’m just teasing.”

“I didn’t want to sleep with you dad, I only wanted mom!” Megumi declares, ready to go back to his rightful place, until Toji decides he’s not gotten enough of making fun of his child, quickly encaging him within his arms and keeping him away from you. “No, you—Mom!”

“Oh, too good for your old man, now?”

“Toji!” you gasp amidst giggles. “Leave our son alone, or we’ll leave!”

“You wouldn’t dare.” Toji responds.

“Try me.”

It’s a mystery how Megumi fell asleep, probably relented himself to his situation and just gave up, but the sight that welcomes him that morning is one that Toji has him smiling: you, cuddled up with his 6-year-old son underneath the warm blankets he hates to leave but must do so because of work.

All to give you the life both deserve; one he never thought he’d be gratuitously given—unless it was with you. Only if it was with you.

Time certainly passes by so quickly, to believe that he once believed himself deserving of nothing but loneliness, he now has this:

A wife that loves him unconditionally, wholly, with all his scars and fears…

And a son that only grows bigger and snarkier each passing day. The similarities between the two are uncanny to say the least, but when he finds you in him, he can’t help but smile. It makes his heart… warm.

For the first time in his life, he looks forward to what the future holds.

[sirxlla]

Non-Emergencies

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

Warnings: Fluff, use of Y/N

Prompt: Your Grandma calls 911 to flirt with the firefighters

Notes: Female reader, italics are actions and thoughts.

-With that said it's all under the cut-

Your grandma needed a little extra help around the house after her hip replacement so you, your mother and father were taking care of her. Currently you were on Grandma duty for the next six hours.

"You should see the firefighters at the station near here, they are just the cutest and the one with the little mark above his eyebrow? Oh, you'd really like him."

You left her alone for five minutes while you got the Uber Eats order and she had already made the call to 911. She put the phone down like she hadn't just commited a crime so of course you expected that maybe she'd called a friend or answered the phone or something, something really benign.

"LAFD, Ma'am are you alright." The 118 had seen your grandmother before, she was a 'frequent flyer' is what they called her. She did often call when she was lonely or couldn't understand how to turn on the tv but she secretly wanted company or to oogle the men.

"Grandma, Why's the fire department here?" You asked with shock and a tad bit of annoyance.

"Is that who I called?" She acted innocent and again like it isnt a crime to call the fire department for nothing.

"That is who you called, Ms. Dotty." Eddie spoke to her and did a check to make sure she's fine cause he has to.

"She's fi-" You started but your grandma interrupted.

"My hearts a little fast but maybe thats just cause of you." The seventy year old flirted with the brunette man.

"Well, arent you a charming showstopper as always, Ms. Dotty." Eddie replied back.

"She doesnt even need anythin-" You start to tell the other man before looking up at him, he had the mark near his eyebrow like she said and god was he beautiful, a killer smile, his hair a bit curly and his eyes were like seas of endles-

"Yeah, we kinda figured but we don't mind checkin up on her." Buck interrupts your thoughts with and you felt weak in your knees as soon as his smile widened.

"Evan Buckley but you can call me Buck if you like, everyone else does." He reached out his hand.

Naturally, due to Buck being insanely charming you were already blushing which caused your grandma to wink at you when Eddie wasn't looking.

"You okay? You seem a little flushed." He retracted his hand and asked you with concern.

"No, I'm good I promise." Trying to hide the blush on your cheeks or the smile of embarrassment that was quickly fighting it's way to your face.

"I heard you boys needed volunteers for the Christmas thing you guys are putting on for the kiddos. I'm sure my granddaughter would love to help out." Your grandma kept trying to play wing-woman for you.

"Well we really do need another woman to help us out and I think she'd be perfect. Can I get your number and I'll just text you the details." Buck said in a slightly flirty tone.

"I wouldnt wanna be a both-"

"Her number is 424-555-7652. Her names Y/N but most people call her Ducky." Your grandma wrote it down and handed it to Evan.

"Awe, Buck and Duck." Eddie starts before their pagers went off with an actual call that wasnt a grandma wanting to flirt with firefighters.

"Well it was lovely to see you, Ms. Dotty!" Eddie packs up the med kit and gets ready to get out of there.

"I'll give you a call, Ducky." Buck says with a blush as he bolts out of there after Eddie.

"I don't know if I should be mad at you or not, Grandma." Still trying to hife the blush or how your eyes had memorized every part of Buck's face.

"I told you he was cute, they both are. If I was younger, I bet the brunette would go for me." Your grandma said with a smirk and a rather large amount of confidence.

"Yeah, I'm sure he would." You laugh a bit, she's always been a little bit of a minx and it was clear that she wasn't going to stop anytime soon.

-> Masterlist <-

[deansbabyangel]

Hi so I've just sped read all of your dean drabbles and your work is incredible and I've had this request for ages and I think you'd write it beautifully I was thinking dean seeing the reader in a bikini for the first time and loosing it and like cute banter with sam teasing him about it and just think this would be cute if you'd want to write it but again love your work absolutely amazing would appreciate it so much if you could but perfectly fine if not 🫶

oh my god, hi sweetheart!! first of all, thank you for reading my drabbles and for your kind words!! this idea is SO cute, and you just KNOW dean would lose his mind. i’d love to write it for you! here’s what i came up with—keeping it playful, flirty, and full of banter for you.

summer heat — a dean winchester drabble summary: dean catches you in a bikini for the first time, and let’s just say, he’s not coping well. includes: fluff, teasing, protective dean, sam being the ultimate third-wheel.

the sun was blazing down on bobby’s backyard, the kind of heat that made even the winchesters decide to take a day off. the old man had insisted you all cool off in his pool, which had apparently been hidden under a tarp for years.

sam was already lounging in the shade, sipping on a beer and scrolling through his phone, while dean had just come outside with a smug grin and a towel slung over his shoulder.

and then he saw you.

you’d just stepped out of the pool, droplets of water glistening on your skin like something straight out of one of those slow-mo beach commercials. your bikini—a soft pink two-piece that perfectly hugged your curves—caught the sunlight in a way that made dean’s brain short-circuit.

his smirk vanished. “holy hell.”

you looked up at him, tilting your head innocently. “something wrong, bossman?”

dean blinked rapidly, trying to snap out of it, but his eyes kept wandering—your bare shoulders, the curve of your waist, your legs. his throat went dry. “uh, no. nothing’s wrong.”

“you sure?” you teased, wringing out your hair as you walked toward him. “you look a little… flustered.”

sam’s laugh broke the tension like a hammer. “oh, come on, dean. you’re acting like you’ve never seen a girl in a bikini before.”

“shut up, sam,” dean shot back, his ears going red.

“seriously, man,” sam continued, thoroughly enjoying himself. “she’s been wearing it all day. you’re just now noticing?”

“i noticed,” dean grumbled, pulling his gaze away from you with great difficulty. “i just didn’t—” he waved vaguely toward you, “—see it up close.”

you bit your lip, fighting back a giggle. “well, do i pass the test, or should i cover up?”

dean’s jaw dropped slightly, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to think of something—anything—to say that wouldn’t make him sound like a complete idiot. finally, he settled on a muttered, “you look good.”

“just good?” you teased, stepping even closer.

“amazing,” dean corrected quickly, his voice a little hoarse. “you look amazing, sweetheart.”

sam groaned dramatically. “okay, this is getting gross. i’m going inside.”

“don’t let the door hit you on the way out,” dean shot back, his confidence slowly returning now that it was just the two of you.

you grinned, leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek, which only made him blush harder. “you’re cute when you’re flustered, you know that?”

“yeah, yeah,” he grumbled, though the soft smile on his face gave him away. “just don’t get used to it, angel.”

a/n: i had SO much fun writing this omg thank you for the request!! i hope you love it as much as i do 🫶

TAGS: @iloveeveryoneyoureamazing (comment to be added to my main taglist!)

[fishfooddude]

Ooo if it’s okay (totally okay if not!) can I please request an angst to fluff Carmy x fem!reader where Y/n and Carmy had been engaged when he was in culinary school in New York, maybe she was going to a University then for elementary education or something, but they had broken up after Carmy got the news about his brother and went back to Chicago and they lost touch. Fast forward and Y/n is visiting Chicago and happens to walk into The Bear to eat (she didn’t know it was Carmy’s restaurant because the last time they talked, “The Bear” was “The Beef”) holding a little girl almost 2 years old who looks strikingly similar to Carmy. I’m sure he’d be upset that she didn’t tell him about her though, but they talk through everything (maybe Carm has gotten some therapy by this point😅)

Carmy getting to know his daughter and overtime rekindling his relationship and getting back together with Y/n?🥹

Second Chances

Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto x Reader

The Bear Master List

My Directory

“Carmen! Will you fuckin’ talk to me!” you yelled as you watched Carmy move across your shared bedroom.

“There’s nothin’ to fuckin’ talk about!” he yelled back, throwing clothes into his suitcase.

“Carm, you can’t just ‘move back to Chicago’! We’re engaged! I’m in school, and you haven’t even put in a two-week notice. We just renewed our fuckin’ lease!” you challenged, throwing your hands up exhaustedly. “Listen, I get it. Grief and mourning is hard-”

“Don’t. Don’t you fuckin’ dare.” Carmy said coldly, stopping in his tracks. You stepped back and watched Carmy push a hand through his hair, “Listen. Y/N. I need to do this. Come, don’t come. I honestly don’t fuckin’ care at this point.”

“You don’t care? Carmy… we’re engaged? We’re engaged, but don’t you care about me? About what I want? How do you-”

“Break up with me then.” Carmy cut you off. His words left you blindsided, and you stared at him as you let the emotions ruminate. 

“What?” 

“This is happening Y/N. I’m moving back to Chicago, and truthfully, I don’t care what you think or how this makes you feel. Mikey left me his restaurant, and I’m gonna make it good. Stay in New York, do whatever. I don’t care.” Carmy said scarily calmly as he zipped his bag. 

“Fuck you, Berzatto.” you scoffed as you tried to pry the engagement ring off of your finger. “I’ve known you for two fuckin’ years. You’ve talked to your sister, like, what, three times in the last two years? You’re brother even less- and now you’re throwing away our life to go run some shitty sandwich shop?”

“You don’t fuckin’ get it, Y/N! Okay. You don’t fuckin’ get it.” Carmy exacerbated as he grabbed his bag. “Just forget about me.”

~~~~

“Momma!” You heard your two-year-old's excited squeal from the other side of the AirBnB the two of you had been staying in. You groaned; it was 5 a.m. and entirely too early to wake up, but Hailey couldn’t tell time yet. As you got out of bed, you heard Hailey’s giggles intensifying. You laughed as you walked out of the bedroom and down the hall into the living room. Haliey had managed to get onto the window seat by the large bay window overlooking the busy Chicago street.

“Do you see a dog?” you cheerfully asked as you came up and lifted her onto your hip. Hailey nodded furiously and pointed across the street, where a man struggled to walk five large dogs. You smiled and bounced Haliey on your hip. “Just like at home, huh, sugar cookie? Chicago is a lot like New York.” Hailey giggled and rested her face on your collarbone, bringing her thumb to her mouth. “Okay, let’s get you some breakfast. Then we’ll get dressed. After that, you can watch some Bluey while Momma gets ready… then I’m gonna drop you off at Uncle Ryan’s house, and you two will have a super fun day- I heard he’s taking you to the zoo.” you explained, Hailey propped up at the mention of ‘the zoo’ which made you laugh. “Yeah, you and Uncle Ryan are gonna see lions, and tigers, and bears-”

“Oh my!” Haliey exactly squealed against her thumb. You laughed and sat her on the couch before going into the kitchen to make the two of you cereal bowls. “Momma!” 

“I’m comin’ Hailey. I’m comin’.” you ensured as you returned to the living room. You placed the bowls on the coffee table and grabbed your phone from your bag. “Okay… Hailey, I’m going to get this job. We are going to move to Chicago permanently… Mommas’ gonna have an amazing job, and you’re gonna be so so so happy.” you said more to reassure yourself as opposed to informing Hailey of your prospective job. “We’re gonna be okay.”

Hailey happily munched on her cereal and babbled on about some elaborate story she’d created while you nervously poked at your bowl. You watched her sandy brown bedhead-ridden hair bounce as she got more invested in telling you her story. Her stories were always the highlight of your day. Hailey was what kept you going when work was a pain in the ass or when everything was overwhelming. The way she lit up over things she loved, the way she laughed and smiled, her imagination… her eyes. The same dazzling blue of her father- you shook your head at the thought of him. 

Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto. James Beard award-winning chef with a highly decorated resume of some of the most prominent, four Michelin Star restaurants across the country- hell across the world. He not only gave up that to run a crappy sandwich shop, he also gave up your shared future. The night he left was one of the worst nights of your life. You almost failed your finals the following month, and then you found out you were pregnant. Finishing school, having Hailey, and doing internships was hard, but the work paid off. Today was the day you were interviewing to be the principal of one of Chicago's most elite private schools. Cushy benefits, a considerable pay bump, being closer to your brother and his long-term girlfriend… the only downside was the potential of running into Carmy. 

~~~

“Yo Y/N- over here!” Danny called, waving his hand to catch your attention just outside some fancy restaurant Suzie had managed to get a reservation at. You waved and saw Hailey smiling in your direction.

“Hey guys- there’s my baby!” you cooed, taking Hailey from his arms. She happily squealed and kicked her feet as you bounced her on your hip. “I missed you, sugar cookie.”

“How’d the interview go?” Suzie excitedly asked. You shrugged as you ran your thumb across Hailey’s cheek. Suzie nodded, “Well, they’d be stupid not to hire you. Com’on The Bear is one of the best new restaurants in the city, and I’ve been dying to try it.”

The four of you had a phenomenal meal, although there was something eerily similar about it. “I swear I’ve had this exact meal before.” you laughed.

Carmy was walking to the hostess stand when he heard your laughter. He stopped dead in his tracks and quickly scanned the dining room before his eyes landed on the back of your head. It had been years since he’d seen you, but your laugh was the dead giveaway he needed to identify you. Carmy turned his attention back to the hostess stand and passed off a clipboard. “Here…” he said before walking back to the kitchen. Before he entered, he looked back into the dining room and saw your side profile. He swallowed softly as he felt memories of the two of you rushing back to him. Carmy paused before quickly walking back into the kitchen and to his station. 

Carmy tried to distract himself for the rest of dinner service, but knowing you were on the other side of those swinging doors was enough to throw him off his game. “I’ll be right back,” he muttered in Syd’s direction before quickly walking into the back office before she could respond. As soon as he’d reached the office, he closed and locked the door behind himself before leaning back against the door and pushing his hands through his hair. “Name all the brown things…” he mumbled as he took a deep breath. Carmy looked around the office, “The couch… the desk…, and those shelves… fuckin’ Jason.” he scoffed, realizing the ‘anxiety tricks’ his therapist had taught him had been beneficial. After another deep breath, Carmy went to sit at his desk. He opened the top drawer to reveal a worn bubble mailer. He stared at it for a second before slamming the drawer closed. He couldn’t think about you right now; he needed to get back into the kitchen.

When he walked out of the kitchen again, he saw your party had left. Carmy cursed under his breath as he quickly walked toward the exit. You coming into his restaurant had to be a sign, right? He looked up and down the street, trying to find you. Panic began to creep up as he realized he may have been too late. “Holy shit… Carmy?” your voice made Carmy’s brain go blank as he turned to face you. He was awestruck by your presence and couldn’t manage to string two words together. “Carmy?” you asked again, laughing awkwardly. 

“He-ey-y bab- Y/N… hey Y/N.” Carmy corrected himself before shoving his hands in his pockets as he rocked on his heels. 

“Hey… what are you doin’ here?” 

“Oh uh- this,” Carmy started before awkwardly gesturing up to The Bear, “It’s my-my restaurant. It used to be The Beef- Mikey’s restaurant, but uhh, we remodeled…” he explained. You nodded and glanced at your watch, wondering where Danny was with the car. “So uh- what, what brought you to Chicago?” 

“Job interview- principal position at Ridgeview Conservatory.” 

“Wow, that’s fancy.” Carmy responded, “You in Chicago much longer?” 

“A couple more days… visiting my brother Danny and his girlfriend.”

“Do you wanna get coffee tomorrow afternoon?” Carmy blurted out, “It’s cool if you can’t- I just… this feels like a- like a sign. Ya know?” 

You nodded, “I-I uh... Yes. I can do that.”

“Cool, cool… there’s this place on 9th called Ginger Snap- wanna meet up at like 3:30?”

“Yeah, that sounds good… see you then?” you confirmed, finally noticing Danny pulling up to the curb, “Bye, Carm..” he nodded and watched you get into the backseat next to the car seat. You glanced down to see Hailey sleeping. You watched her momentarily before the weight of your decision to have coffee with Carmy finally hit you. “Are you workin’ tomorrow, Danny?” 

“Yeah, did you need me to watch Hails?” he eagerly asked as he drove toward your AirBnB. 

“It’s okay. I can just take her with me.” 

“You have another interview?” Suzie brought up, turning her head to face you. You shook your head and thought for a second.

“Just hangin’ out with a friend of mine.” you slyly responded, hoping Danny hadn’t seen you talking to Carmy. Suzie shot you a suspicious look before turning back in her seat. “I’m sure they’ll love to meet Hailey.”

~~

“Carmy. Ready for our appointment?” Jason called. Jason was a clean-cut man. He wasn’t anything special. Carmy couldn’t pick him out if he'd been in a lineup of men. The waiting room was posh, with muted pastel green walls and some simplistic nature art in simple black frames. After a year, Carmy still couldn’t determine whether they were trees or leaves. He got up from his chair and tossed his empty coffee cup in the trash before following the man into an office. Carmy watched him sit in a dark leather armchair before he sat on a grey couch across from him. “So. What’s new?”

“I’m getting with my ex-fiance in about an hour… that’s-that’s new. Um… I don’t know how I feel about that.” Carmy started leaning back on the couch as he folded his arms over his lap and nervously played with the side seam of his jeans. He looked up to meet Jason’s non-chantant face, “I told her to forget about me, and then a couple of months later, she mailed me her engagement ring… I keep it at my desk as like a reminder of everything I gave up for this freakin’ restaurant- and then she has dinner in my restaurant.” Carmy chuckled softly, “She had dinner at my restaurant on a night when I made one of her favorite dishes- that’s a sign, right? She came to Chicago for a job interview- she’s gonna nail it. She’s a fuckin’ genius… badass clinical social worker with an additional master’s degree in early childhood education. She was always at the top of her class, even when she was working and doing multiple internships. She dealt with me being an ass… I don’t know Jason. It feels like a sign, and I know we talked about coincidences like six months ago, and I don’t wanna get all God-y, but I feel like this is God bringing her back to me. Like-like, the world is this big massive black hole of a place, and my life has been filled with all this pain and shit, right? She was the only good thing I had; now she’s back. I could get her back.” Carmy finally took a breath, and Jason shifted in his seat and moved his pen between his fingers like he had done when he was in deep contemplation. 

“Do you remember your first goal when we started seeing each other?” 

Carmy thought momentarily before a laugh escaped his chest. “I said I wanted to feel in control of my life.” Jason nodded and shifted in his seat again. “I sound insane, don’t I? I left this woman high and dry. She doesn’t want me back, but I need to apologize for the last time we saw each other.”

“What if she doesn’t accept your apology? Do you think you can accept that?”

Carmy scoffed at the question, “There’s no way she’s going to accept my apology. I think I can accept that… but can you concede it was, in fact, a sign that all of this is happening right now, right?”

“I believe in coincidences. I want you to tell me the worst-case scenario, the best-case scenario, and the most realistic scenario of what this meeting will result in.” Jason calmly asked while he maintained eye contact with Carmy.

“Okay…” Carmy nodded as he thought for a moment. “Worst case scenario, she either doesn’t show up, or she does show up and makes a scene tellin’ me what a d-bag I am- granted, she wouldn’t use that language. She’d say something WAY harsher, which is one of the many things I love- loved about her. She always spoke her mind… best case scenario, we get coffee. While we’re drinking our coffee, she tells me she’s moving to Chicago, and I ask her out, and we get back together.”

“Idealistic. I like that. What’s the most realistic?” Jason asked with a chuckle.

“We get coffee, we talk. She decides she doesn’t hate me for leaving her, and I don’t know beyond that…” Carmy answered truthfully.

~~

“This is a mistake…” you mumbled to yourself as you adjusted Hailey on your lap. Gingersnap Coffee was a small coffee shop. It was cute, definitely a place Carmy and you would’ve gone to when you two were together in New York. You sighed and went back to watching the door as Hailey flopped her giraffe toy on the table. 

Carmy arrived at the coffee shop on the dot at 3:30. He saw you sitting at the back table and felt a surge of energy overcome him. The two of you made eye contact; Carmy grinned as he approached the table. You stood up awkwardly, resulting in Haliey pausing her giraffe story, “Hey,” you smiled weakly, immediately regretting the fact you brought Hailey. Carmy was about to greet you when Hailey curiously looked up at him. He glanced down at the little girl and felt his heart stop. 

Carmy stared at Hailey. She smiled at him and pushed her giraffe toy in his direction. Unsure of what to do, he looked at you, then back at Hailey, then at you again before finally sputtering, “Yo-you have a kid?” 

You nodded slowly and gestured for him to sit down. Carmy hesitated, but after you sat down, he followed suit. Carmy stared at Hailey. “I shoulda told you.” you passively excused.

“W-wait…” Carmy started, “She’s… is she?”

You nodded at Carmy’s implication, “I can explain-”

Carmy shook his head, “You had my baby and didn’t tell me? Were you ever going to tell me?” 

“You left me,” you said in a hushed, blunt tone, “Carm, you told me to forget about you. I gave you the ring back. I blocked your number. I was trying to forget about you- then I found out I was pregnant. I hadn’t talked to you in weeks, and I figured if you could so easily throw away our engagement-”

“No.” Carmy spoke sternly, “If I knew you were pregnant, I woulda done the right thing.”

The two of you sat in a tense silence interrupted by Hailey sneezing multiple times, “Bess you!” she giggled, making you laugh as you dug a tissue out of your purse to wipe her nose. Carmy leaned back and watched the scene before him, realizing he’d missed two years of her life. “Tank you Momma.” 

Carmy wrung his hands out under the table and nervously glanced at the decorative clock on the wall adjacent to the table the three of you had occupied. “Do you wanna hold her?” your question surprised Carmy. He thought briefly before slowly nodding, “Okay… so Hailey, this is one of Mommy’s friends?” you stopped yourself and sighed. “That’s a lie… this is your Dad…” 

Dad. Camy felt like his chest would explode as you spoke to Hailey. The word echoed in his head as he accepted Hailey in his arms. She looked up at him with curious eyes. “Hi,” she softly greeted him as she reached up to touch Carmy’s face. He smiled at her.

“Hi,” Carmy repeated softly, “Is-is that- do… do you like giraffes?” 

~~

You were supposed to go back to New York the day after tomorrow; you stared up at the ceiling that night. As tired as you were, you couldn’t turn your brain off. Guilt, shame, regret… you should’ve told Carmy you were pregnant. What did he even mean by ‘do the right thing’? Would he have abandoned Mikey’s restaurant and come back to New York? Would the two of you gotten back together? Hailey’s life would’ve been so different if he’d been there from the start. You sighed, reached for your phone from the side table, and quickly scrolled to Carmy’s contact. You paused for a moment; it was almost 2 in the morning. You knew he was probably still awake.

“Hey- you okay?” Carmy answered on the first ring. “Yeah- can’t sleep… I’m due back in New York… I don’t know if I got the principal job… what do we do?” your voice quivered as you softly spoke into the phone. “I don’t know… I know I’ve only met Hailey once, but I love her. I can’t walk away from her.” 

“Are you watching that Italian grandma cooking show?” Carmy chuckled at your question, “Yeah… can’t sleep.” the line was quiet momentarily, “Hailey and I used to watch it when she was colic.” 

“She’s my kid.” Carmy chuckled. You nodded, knowing he couldn’t see you through the phone. You rolled onto your side and watched Hailey sleep. She was sprawled out, taking up most of the bed with her little body. “If I get this job and move out here permanently, do you want to do a shared custody thing? I guess it could start with the three of us, and then you can have more individual time with her…”

“Are you seeing anyone?” Carmy asked, ignoring the custody question entirely. “What do you think? I’m workin’ two jobs and have a two-year-old.” you laughed. Carmy smiled and pushed a hand through his hair, “Okay… guess I just wanted to know if- I know you probably don’t wanna get back together, but I don’t know… I was talkin’ to my therapist earlier. He gave some perspective- I wasn’t the man you deserved. I treated you like fuckin’ shit, and I’ve spent the last two years of my life trying to forget about you and move on with my life and create something Mikey would be proud of… I regret how we ended and hate myself for not being involved in Hailey’s life. When I was holding her and-and she was tellin’ that story about her giraffe… I can’t go back to not being in her life.” Carmy admitted. “Uh- if you get that job and move out here, there’s an empty two-bedroom in my building. This isn’t me sayin’ we should move in together or anything, but um, if we’re in the same building, I can help with Hailey more and make that a little easier on ya and get to know her- what do you think?” 

“Wow… um…” you swallowed as thoughts raced through your head, “No pressure. If you stay in New York, I can visit- maybe… maybe move back? I haven’t really thought about it, but I want to be in Hailey’s life.” Carmy sputtered. “Uh- yeah… yeah. Even if I get the job out here, I still have to go back to New York to put in my two-week notice and talk to my landlord and just- just a lot of stuff…” 

“I didn’t scare you off, did I?” Carmy awkwardly laughed, “No. I mean- we won’t get back together just because we have a kid. But I’m open to you being in Hailey’s life.” 

~~

“You’re fuckin’ crazy.” Richie coldly said as he helped carry boxes upstairs. Carmy rolled his eyes, opting to ignore him. “Carmen, are you even sure she’s your kid?” 

“Will you shut the fuck up? Hailey is my daughter. I don’t need a test to prove it.” Carmy defended as he dropped a box on the floor of your new apartment. You’d gotten the principal position and moved to Chicago. With help from Danny and Richie, today was the day you and Hailey were officially moving out of Danny’s guest room and into the two-bedroom apartment across the hall from Carmy’s place.

“You didn’t say the empty apartment was directly across the hall from you.” you laughed as you entered the apartment. You noticed the tension between Richie and Carmy; your arrival in Chicago surprised the Berzatto family. While you and Carmy were together, you’d never been formally introduced to any of his family. Natalie and Pete welcomed you with open arms. She was happy to be an aunt and to see Carmy happy. Richie and Donna, on the other hand, were apprehensive about your presence in Carmy’s life. 

Carmy shrugged. “It’s not a problem, is it?” He tried to be nonchalant and keep his flirty tone more subdued, but everyone saw through it. Richie rolled his eyes and went back out to the moving van.

“Carm.”

“I just wanna be close by, not the worst thing in the world.” Carmy defended himself. You shook your head and took a box into Hailey’s bedroom. Carmy watched you walk away, swallowing softly when his eyes landed on your butt. He shook his head and walked across the hall. He entered his apartment to see Suzie sitting on the floor with Hailey. 

“Hey.” Suzie smiled when she noticed Carmy standing by the door. Hailey looked up and happily squealed. You and Hailey had been in Chicago for a couple of weeks, and Carmy was really trying to see Hailey as often as he could.

Carmy sat on the floor by Suzie while Hailey pushed herself off the floor to sit on his lap. He smiled and hugged her loosely, saying, “Hi, baby girl.” Hailey cuddled into his chest, making his heart flutter. 

You’d finished wrangling the boxes and wandered out of your apartment and across the hall to Carmy’s. You were going to ask if he was hungry but stopped when you saw Carmy leaning against the couch, cradling a sleeping Hailey, “And then you blanch the greens- that’s when you boil or steam something and immediately dip it in ice water. Your Momma used to hate greens, so one day, I made her this recipe, and she said it was the most delicious thing she’d ever tasted.” 

“I think she’s asleep,” you commented as you approached the couch. Carmy looked up at you and smiled.

“She is… I just wanted to finish reading this recipe to her.” Carmy shrugged, placing the book on the coffee table. You sat next to Carmy on the floor and put your head on Carmy’s shoulder as you watched Hailey’s chest rise and fall. 

“Where’d Suzie go?” you asked, scooting closer to Carmy. You noticed him swallow nervously before explaining she had to go to work. “You’re good with her,” you commented, referring to how Carmy cradled Hailey protectively.

“You think so?” Carmy asked as he shifted his attention to you.

You nodded, “You’re a natural.” 

Carmy scoffed, “I wouldn’t say I’m a natural… I just wanna make up for lost time.” you nodded again and snaked an arm around Carmy’s waist. He tensed at the feeling and sat straighter.

“Well, you’re doin’ great.”

~~

“Daddy!” Hailey happily squealed as Carmy walked into your apartment that morning. He smiled and put the bag he’d been carrying on the counter as he closed the front door with his foot. 

“Hi, baby girl.” he leaned down to pick her up. Hailey hugged him tightly and started explaining a dream she’d had. Carmy smiled and bounced her on his hip. He listened contently as he went into the kitchen. You heard the commotion from your bedroom. You smiled as Carmy’s voice carried through your askew bedroom door. As you finished getting ready for work, you noticed the conversation between Hailey and Carmy. It had been about six months since you’d moved to Chicago, and Carmy was holding on to his promise to be involved in Hailey’s life. Watching your daughter fall in love with him was touching. He was so calm around her and interested in everything she said.

When you left your bedroom, you saw Carmy and Hailey sitting at the table. She was happily munching on a bowl of cereal, and Carmy sat back, drinking a cup of coffee. “Hey Carmy, hi sugar cookie.” you smiled as you leaned in to kiss Hailey’s cheek. She squealed, making you smile before kissing her other cheek.

“Daddy, kiss too!” Hailey demanded, pointing to Carmy. 

“You want Daddy to kiss your cheek, too?” you asked, resting your chin on her head. 

“No! Daddy kiss too!” Hailey demanded again, “Momma, kiss Daddy too!”

You looked at Carmy and saw a blush creeping up his cheeks. “Do you think Daddy wants a kiss, too?”  Hailey squealed and pointed at Carmy again. You nodded and kissed the top of her head before moving over to kiss his cheek. Hailey giggled and went back to eating her cereal. Carmy swallowed softly and quickly finished his coffee before abruptly standing up to rinse out his coffee cup. You waited a second before joining him in the kitchen. “Sorry, was that weird?”

Carmy shook his head, “No, it was okay, but… can Daddy have a real kiss sometime?” 

“I think that can be arranged.” you chimed nonchalantly. 

“Can Daddy take you out sometime?” 

“Only if you stop referring to yourself as Daddy.” you laughed as you playfully pushed his shoulder. 

“Deal.”

[youknowwho-mustnotbenamed]

December 31 - Countdown | word count: 999 | @wolfstarmicrofic

“FIVE!”

The first time Remus thought about kissing Sirius, he had been fifteen years old.

Sirius had just returned from hanging out with the girls. At first glance, it appeared that nothing had changed. Then Sirius walked right up to Remus’ bedside and asked “what do you think?”. So, he found himself searching every part of Sirius’ face. His slightly crooked nose, his stunning grey eyes, the faint freckles dotted across his nose, his stunning grey eyes, his wavy hair which is currently pulled up in a messy bun, his stunning grey eyes… it had taken an embarrassingly long time to notice the subtle black mark lining the edge of Sirius’ eyelids. Just the small touch was enough to make his eyes pop, drawing Remus in as though they were hypnotic.

Remus normally hated the sight of makeup, why did girls have to cake their faces with the stuff trying to make themselves pretty? But on Sirius, Remus thinks he might have to rethink his beliefs, because Sirius was born for makeup.

It had been a fleeting thought, only lasting for a second before he quashed it under his foot. A flash of an image. Him leaning forward to press his lips against Sirius’, but it is quickly replaced by Sirius’ look of disgust. Because Sirius would be disgusted if he knew the thoughts racing through Remus’ head right now. Sirius is straight, and even if he weren’t, they are friends.

“FOUR!”

The first time Sirius thought about kissing Remus, he had been seventeen years old. The thought was immediately followed by heavy regret pooling in his gut and the sharp tang of disgust on his tongue. Would Remus think differently of him? Would he hate that Sirius thought of him in that way? Sirius already knows it is wrong, a few wires tangled in his head, so he buries it deep inside and doesn’t dare bring it up again. Well, that was the plan, but it seems that this box is less seal-tight as the rest.

He'll be going about his day when the image pops into his head, and the thought flits across his mind. Remus is sitting on the windowsill, bathing in the warmth of the sunlight like a cat. The window is popped just a bit to let in the fresh air, but not enough to let in the windy draft. He is chewing slightly on his bottom lip. Sirius would swoop in, pressing a kiss to Remus’ lips, soothing the sting.

But this must be another cruel trick of his mind, so he keeps the thoughts to himself.

“THREE!”

A year after the first thought surfaced, it still has not left, cropping up at the most inconvenient times, slowly but steadily wearing away his resolve. It’s when Remus has to avert his eyes when Sirius walks by without a top, that Sirius crawls into his bed late at night, and confesses.

But not the confession Remus had been hoping for. Instead of confessing his undying love for Remus, he says he thinks he might be gay. And for Remus, that is enough to crush his heart. Because then Sirius goes on about how he keeps looking at boys and wondering if kissing them would feel better than kissing girls, because everybody talks about how it feels like fireworks, but he has never felt that.

Part of Remus tells him to offer himself up. But he ultimately ignores the unhelpful suggestion. As much as Remus wants to kiss him, he won’t be used as an experiment, used while Sirius has need of him, then tossed to the side if—and probably when—things don’t go the way Sirius thought they would. Besides, even if the kiss did help Sirius understand, it wouldn’t make them boyfriends.

“TWO!”

Sirius had never been given gifts he really wanted. His parents always gave him family heirlooms or expensive clothes they expected him to wear or expensive books they expected him to memorize. He had never truly gotten something he really wanted. Sure, his friends got him good gifts—candy, Sleekeazy's, quidditch supplies, art supplies, even some makeup once he showed an interest in it. But the gift Remus got for him, almost has him going against all the promises he made for himself to kiss him.

The newest Queen cassette and his very own cassette player. His heart felt too big for his chest, and the only way he could think of resolving it was a kiss. Since he couldn’t do that, he settled for a hug that strained his muscles.

“ONE!”

They are locked in the closet for “seven minutes in heaven”. Neither of them speak, neither of them move. And yet, the tension is so thick Remus could cut it with a knife. Both of them staring at the other, daring each other to make the final leap. To use this as an excuse to get what they both clearly want so badly.

In the end, Remus is too afraid to risk their friendship and Sirius is too afraid of liking it too much.

They leave the closet still yearning.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

Maybe it’s the exhilaration in the air, maybe it’s the kissing couples around them, maybe it’s the buzz of alcohol in his system, maybe he’s just fed up with dancing around each other. Whatever the reason, Sirius seizes Remus and pulls him into a kiss before he even consciously notices what he is doing. By then, there is nothing that can be done. Their friendship teetering on the balance, ready to plunge into a proper relationship, or fall and shatter.

Remus yanks him away, eyes looking deep into Sirius own. Despite hating direct eye contact, he doesn’t squirm away. He knows this is an important moment for Remus, for them. So, he stays still, pushing as much of his want and desire into his eyes as possible.

It must be enough, because Remus yanks him back into a searing kiss.

Yes, Happy New Year indeed.

[maretinelli]

SWEET NIGHT

Lewis Hamilton X Wife!fem!reader

Summary: When the little Hamilton family has a fun night out with their little girl and Roscoe.

Words: 2.8K+

Warnings: Daddy Lewis, Mommy Y/n, mentions of Italy, daughter, cute and just cute things, maybe a suggestive themed ending.

Author: English is not my first language, sorry for any mistakes there may be. And I love Papa Lewis, I could read everything on this topic😭❤️‍🩹 (You can request stories on my profile!)

MASTERLIST

Y/n was in the kitchen, stirring a pan while the soft sound of Italian music filled the room. She liked to put on podcasts, songs and talk to her daughter in Italian, so that the little girl would have her independence in the language. Since with her father's work, the family had to move to Italy.

Mariah sat near the island, absorbed in her coloring book, her small hands quickly coloring the pictures carefully. While Roscoe, lying next to the girl, seemed to be enjoying the peace of the house, his gaze calm and distant, as if he had surrendered to time.

The oldest one talked about her daughter's writing in Italian, giving her tips and telling her what she could use as a basis to write better.

"Mommy, you've explained to me a thousand times how to do this, I already know," Mariah said, shaking her head, still not letting go of her focus on the image.

Y/n smiled, trying to hide her amusement as she turned her food over. "I know, honey. I just wanted to make sure you understood." She walked past her daughter and placed a quick kiss on the girl's wavy hair.

The little girl let out a dramatic sigh, her brow furrowed as she looked at Roscoe, who had his head down, looking dejected. "Why does Roscoe seem so sad lately?"

"Ah, it's because he's getting old and tired, you know? He doesn't have the same energy to play as you do." Y/n adds seasoning to the food she was preparing.

Mariah still had her eyes on the dog as he snored softly in his sleep.

"How old is he, Mom?"

Y/n let out a sincere smile, amused by the seriousness with which the question was asked.

"Oh, I don't know exactly. But when I started dating Dad, Roscoe was already there. So I can't say for sure." Y/n smiles at her daughter, and she smiles back at him with the same smile as her father. "We can ask Dad as soon as he gets here."

Mariah looks at the dog again: "He really does look old." Then she picks up the colored pencil again and starts coloring again. "He must be as old as daddy!"

Y/n laughed, surprised by the comparison, as she dropped the spoon into the pan. Young Hamilton looked at her mother in amusement.

"Well, when Daddy gets home from work, I'll tell him about it!"

Mariah laughed loudly, enjoying the fun moment with her mother, and Roscoe, as always, didn't care much about the family's jokes.

Y/n continued talking to Mariah as she stirred dinner, the words flowing naturally between them.

Little Mariah Hamilton was a perfect mix of her parents, but the traits of Lewis's genetics stood out more, making Y/n remember her husband every time she looked at her daughter's wavy dark hair or when she smiled.

"Have you thought about what you're going to do for your next birthday, Mariah?" Y/n sets the table with plates, glasses and silverware.

"I don't know..." she says thoughtfully, stopping her drawing for a moment. "I'm in doubt between two themes..."

Y/n smiled, looking at her daughter, as she walked over to the stove, where Mariah was sitting on the front counter.

"It's okay, sweetie. We still have time to think."

Just then, the front door opened. The familiar sound of Lewis's footsteps made Mariah's face light up and Y/n cracked a smile. The house was filled with silent anticipation, the family's routine interrupted only by this small daily ritual.

Roscoe, who until then had been quiet next to Mariah, suddenly stood up, his ears pricked up, as if he had sensed his owner's presence. Before Lewis had even fully entered, Roscoe took off, running excitedly towards the entrance.

The girl gave a cry of surprise and laughter, watching the dog running around the house, wagging its tail excitedly.

"Roscoe, you're too excited right now!" Mariah said, laughing loudly, her identical Lewis smile spreading across her face.

Y/n laughed.

"Girls, I'm home!" Lewis called out from the front door as he hung up his car keys. "Hey, Roscoe, how are you, buddy?" Lewis said, his voice soft and caring, reaching down to pet Roscoe, running his hand through the dog's fur affectionately.

Hamilton smelled the wonderful smell coming from the kitchen, and then decided to follow it, knowing that his girls would probably be there making dinner.

"Look there, my girls!" He smiles when he sees Y/n at the stove finishing dinner and Mariah perched on the stool coloring.

Lewis hugs his daughter from behind and kisses her cheek, making her laugh as her father's beard tickles her. Hamilton smiles as he hears the laughter and then looks at his wife, approaching and hugging her.

"How are you guys?" He asks, after giving the woman a quick kiss on the lips.

"We're fine. We were just talking about Mariah's Italian lessons, weren't we, daughter?" Y/n smiled, placing the pan on the table and walking back, while Lewis snaked his hand down to rest on his wife's waist.

"Oh, really? And how are you?" Lewis asks interestedly, looking at his daughter.

"I think it's going well... Today I managed to understand almost everything the teacher said in class, she even colored it in.

Y/n and Lewis exchange an amused look when they hear the 'almost everything' coming from their daughter.

"That's great, sweetie." Lewis walks over to his daughter, kissing the top of her head.

Y/n smiles. "So Mariah..." she begins, crossing her arms over her chest and looking at her daughter in front of her and her husband. "Aren't you going to tell daddy what you said to mommy just now?" She holds back a laugh and Lewis looks at the two of them curiously.

"What have you been up to, Bub?" He drawls, pinching her nose lightly. Making her giggle.

Mariah shrugs a little and sets the pencil aside, turning to see her father's amused face.

"I told you Roscoe is as old as you." She went back to coloring, while Y/n laughed again and Lewis stood there looking at his daughter, a smile appearing on his face and a false indignation.

"You did what?" He asks playfully, starting to tickle his daughter. "I'm not old, just so you know." Mariah laughed out loud.

"It's okay, it's okay...daddy's not old. Just Roscoe" Mariah shouts laughing, making Lewis stop tickling and smile seeing his daughter's face.

"That's much better" He kisses the top of her head and turns to Y/n laughing.

Mariah looks at her mother and makes a discreet gesture with her finger, as if to say that he was just a 'little' old. Y/n holds back a laugh and rolls her eyes.

Everyone knew what a great jokester Mariah could be. But sometimes she outdid herself in her jokes.

"Okay you two. Old or young, dinner is on the table waiting for you" Y/n says and Lewis walks past her, slapping his wife's ass, making her squeal.

"I'm not old, you know," he whispered into his wife's ear, as she smiled sideways and a shiver ran through her body.

Mariah, for her part, struggled to get down from the high chair.

"Hey, honey. Let me help you." Lewis comes and picks up his daughter, giving her a kiss on the cheek and placing her near the table.

After dinner and cleaning up, the little Hamilton family gathered in the great room, along with Roscoe. In the center of the room, a small toy table was surrounded by a likely circle: Lewis, Y/n and even Roscoe, all sitting on the floor, with their knees bent and their gazes focused.

Mariah was in charge, her little face beaming with joy as she poured imaginary tea into the toy mugs. She wore a sparkling tiara on her head, her princess costume creating an extra sparkle in her eyes.

Around her, her parents were dressed in the makeshift costumes she had chosen herself.

The incredible serious Ferrari driver - Lewis, was unrecognizable with a pink princess tiara on his head and fairy wings spread across his back, trying to maintain a serious expression, but the corners of his mouth betrayed his smile.

He looked at his daughter with a fond gleam in his eyes, knowing she had gotten what she wanted, as she always did, but also feeling grateful for these small, adorable moments.

Y/n, on the other hand, had light makeup done by Mariah, her eyes softly colored with shadows and a bit of glitter that her daughter loved to apply. She wore several scarves around her neck, some awkwardly wrapped and others hanging down, and a pair of childish glasses were stuck on her head, over her hair.

Even poor Roscoe had glasses on his doggy face, not really caring about the game, just laying there for Mariah to play with.

Mariah seemed to have her parents wrapped around her finger, as if they were completely at her beck and call, but at the same time, she treated them with such affection and sweetness that it didn't feel like a command, but a desire to share.

"Daddy, do you want some more tea? Mommy, can I get you some cookies?" he asked softly but confidently, knowing they would never say no.

As Mariah continued to serve tea and tell stories, Lewis allowed himself to relax, forgetting for a moment the hectic life he led. He was there, with his family, on a peaceful night, and that was all he really needed.

He laughed lovingly at the way Yin played with their daughter, as if all the worries in the world could wait while they lived in this moment.

"Daddy, do you need more tea?" Mariah asked again, her expression beaming as she held out the toy mug to Lewis, who, with a smile of pure happiness, pretended to take a sip.

"Of course, my princess," he said, his voice soft and caring, and there, in that simple gesture, he realized that he didn't need anything else beyond that little scene, that unconditional love that seemed to fill every corner of the house.

Mariah, with her sparkling tiara and focused expression, poured another imaginary cup of tea for her father, who greeted it with a smile.

When she turned to hand the imaginary cookie to Y/n, she noticed that the cookie toy was almost empty, with only a few pieces visible on the table. With an expression of slight frustration, she raised her hands and said in her childish, determined voice:

"Just a minute, Mommy, I'll get some more cookies!"

Without waiting for a response, she ran excitedly into the room, her little legs making a happy noise as she walked away.

"Our daughter really is amazing, isn't she?" Lewis said with a tender smile, touching her hand.

Y/n looked at him, her eyes shining with affection, and nodded. "She has a unique way of making everything more fun," she replied softly, feeling her heart warm at the moment.

Lewis then leaned towards Y/n, pulling her close and whispering something sweet in her ear. "I still can't believe you're mine," he said with a fond smile, before pulling his wife into a kiss on the lips, affection spreading between them.

Mariah walked into the room with a new toy in her hands, a small, mischievous smile on her face. She placed the toy on the table, crossed her arms with a serious expression, and approached her father, pulling his head back, making him look at her with a confused look.

"Hey, what are you doing, princess?" Lewis asked, laughing, while Y/n also smiled at the funny scene. Mariah held her father's head back gently.

"You can't kiss. Princess Mommy is promised to another prince."

Y/n let out a laugh, and Lewis widened his eyes, pretending to be shocked.

"Hey, what's this? I came first and I conquered first! Princess Mommy is mine," he said playfully, pulling Yin into an awkward hug, nearly knocking over the toys around them.

"Okay... you can have Princess Mommy... but only because you're my Daddy," She said with a chuckle, before jumping towards the table and throwing herself back on the couch, pretending to be defeated.

Y/n smiled at that unique moment, hugging Lewis back, feeling a warmth in her chest. She couldn't imagine living that sweet dream, with the family they had created, when she met Lewis ten years ago. Life had been full of surprises and twists and turns, and that simple, yet perfect moment, was everything she could have wished for.

"I can't help but love this," Y/n whispered, stroking Mariah's hair as the girl played with her teacup again. "I love you guys! So, so much!"

Lewis kissed Y/n's forehead affectionately, still smiling at the funny and loving moment they had just shared.

"I love you too, princess mommy," he said in a soft, loving voice. "And I will win you forever."

Y/n's gaze met his, and for an instant, the entire world seemed to stop, leaving only that moment of pure happiness and familial love.

The mood only dissipated when little Hamilton asked if anyone wanted a biscuit to go with their imaginary tea.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Tea night had long since ended, the house was silent except for the soft sound of music playing in the background.

Y/n was in the living room, picking up the toys scattered around the small makeshift tea table. Roscoe was lying on the carpet, watching her with his tired eyes, as if he understood the serenity of the moment. She smiled at him.

"You're tired, buddy, but you did a great job today. Mariah loves you, you know? I bet she'll want to take you to ballet tomorrow, but you can sleep in a little longer, okay?"

The dog wagged his tail slightly, as if in agreement.

Lewis comes out of the hallway and appears in the living room, bringing with him a smile and a sparkle in his eyes. He comes closer, leaning against the doorframe for a moment, watching Y/n fondly as she finishes putting away her toys.

"She finally fell asleep," he began, walking over to her. "But before she closed her eyes, she said something that made me laugh."

"What's wrong?" Y/n looked curiously.

"She said she was really tired because, and I quote, 'Being a princess is a hard job, Daddy, but someone's gotta do it.'" He laughed, shaking his head. "I think we have a little leader in our house."

Y/n laughed with him, shaking her head in amusement.

"She's growing up so fast, Lew. It seems like just yesterday she was that tiny baby in our arms. And now, she's so smart and full of personality."

Lewis approached her, wrapped her in a hug from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder, as he always did when he wanted a quiet and close moment. Y/n smiled instantly, feeling that familiar butterflies in her stomach, something he still managed to provoke in her after so many years together.

"She gets her intelligence from her mother," he commented, gently kissing the side of her neck.

"And father's charisma," Y/n replied, tilting her head to lean against him, the smile still on her lips.

For a few moments, they stood there, enjoying the silence and each other's company, until Lewis broke the moment with an unexpected question:

"Have you ever thought about having one more?"

Y/n turned her head to look at him, surprised, but with a curious glint in her eyes. "Another child?"

"Yeah, why not?" He smiled, wrapping his arms around her more tightly. "Mariah would make a great big sister. And I'd love to do it all over again."

Y/n chuckled softly, thinking about the idea.

"I never imagined you would bring this up now. But... it's not a bad idea."

Lewis smiled, clearly pleased with her answer. He gently turned her to face him and pulled her into a hot kiss, full of passion and desire. Y/n melted into his arms, as she always did, and smiled against his lips.

When the kiss ended, he murmured in a playful tone, "So... how about we start now?"

Y/n laughed loudly, pushing him lightly in the chest.

"Lewis!"

Before she could protest further, he quickly picked her up and placed her over his shoulders, eliciting a surprised gasp from her followed by laughter.

"What are you doing?!"

"Taking the queen to her chambers, of course," he replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Y/n laughed as he walked down the hallway, commenting, "You're a freak!"

"Maybe. But I'm your crazy person," he retorted, laughing along with her as they disappeared towards the bedroom, the sound of their laughter filling the house.

Author: My first name is Mariah (actually, without the H) but it's the same thing hahahaha

[syndrossi]

so, if the twins had been entirely identical with the silver hair and purple eyes, what would the dynamic be then?

how would daemon learn to identify them over time?

at one point, does he just instinctively know who’s who?

(funny or tragic enough the broken arm actually worked in identifying Jon at the beginning)

who would the twins play tricks on the most with their identical looks?

is aemond even angrier at the prospect of them being identical?

who’s better at playing the other and yes it’s Rhaegar, i know this, but does Jon ever get any good at it?

would otto even bother to learn who’s who?

do the twins and the cargyll twins laugh and chat about their similarities? do the cargylls give them tips on how to fight together as a duo against a foe that they may not know?

anything else i might’ve missed?

The funny thing is that I feel like Jon would still act in some ways as though he had his old coloring. And get super taken aback when people (like Crayne) are creepy over his hair too.

Would the twins have been treated alike at the Gates of the Moon if they both looked like Daemon? Quite possibly, especially if they were identical! There's no Royce/Redfort-esque coloring to favor.

I think their mannerisms separate them enough that Daemon could figure it out pretty quickly, broken arm or not, and I feel like Jon would still favor shorter hair, especially if people continue to be weird about it. Jon with Baelon hair would be adorable and even more of a mindfuck for Viserys!

The twins would troll the Kingsguard/Princesguard the most, I would guess, though it's very fun to mess with Laenor, so he would be up there. I feel like they'd give it a real try (aka play the game on hard mode) with Daemon to see if they could ever fool him, but Daemon knows how to find their tells, though he doesn't like doing it. (Basically, if he acts a very particular way around Rhaegar, the kid freezes for a second.)

You're right that Rhaegar is naturally the better imposter, but Jon can fake being him for short periods. Like, if you try to make him sing, the game is immediately up, but both of them do that quiet observation thing. Where Jon really struggles is with people he doesn't like; it just...always manages to come through. Jon could not fool Otto or Cole to save his life.

(So I guess the answer is yes, Otto does bother! It's impossible to miss that one of them is always staring at him with an expression ranging from hostility to at least mild disapproval, while the other is a damned cypher.)

For people who don't know the twins super well, it's much easier to succeed at pretending to be the other.

Aemond is very bummed that they're identical because it means Jon definitively looks more like Rhaegar. (Whereas in Resonant, Jon's "impure" coloring is a point in Aemond's favor.)

Now that I think about it, I feel like Jon would be more inclined to accept a Targaryen name from the get-go, since he looks so different (from his POV) to before. Like. It doesn't matter how much he still feels like a wolf, he's very visibly a dragon.

Definitely even more bonding with the Cargyll twins who can tell at twenty paces which twin is which, no speech needed, with 90% accuracy.

[reallife6anoufriev6boy6]

artkita family stimboard when ^^??

-🫀 anon ^_^

artkita family stimboard

im SO happy to finally get to do this… this has been in my drafts. okay listen, i think artyom would hate his family and abuse his malewife as much as the next guy… but i am so incredibly depressed i need to imagine them as a happy couple with children.

also for my headcanons just pretend that artyom and nikita got better, moved to america, and became a happy gay couple…❤️

(im actually writing a fanfic similar to this.)

artyom definitely works as a doctor so theyre a little more well off and he likes to spoil their kid(s) with nice little trips or things here and there. he also likes to spoil nikita with nice things.

because hes a doctor hes not home all the time which leaves nikita to do a lot of the work. i feel like he would be a stay at home dad since he has poor mental health and is working on himself #selfloveking but he takes care of the kid(s) nicely.

artyom is the dad they go to for all the advice and logical stuff while nikita is the dad they go to for comfort and help. artyom never got very good at comforting and nikita never got very good at giving advice, so it works out.

they also go to artyom for any kind of medical things. anytime their kid(s) get sick hes the one to help with it and he’ll also help when they get hurt/cut… he will clean the wound and put a bandaid on it just for them. hehehe.

nikita is usually the one to put their kid(s) to bed because artyom is always so busy working/not home and i think theyd make it into a whole production. nice shower/baths and then he would tuck them into bed, but he would always get stuck there telling them stories and such… he ends up falling asleep with them.

i dont care what anyone says about this, but they need to own cats. at least two of them. it would be so cute.

their kids have definitely seem pictures and videos of them from when they were teenagers/kids and they think they looked so cool. one time they even convinced artyom to grow his hair back out which he did a little bit, so then they played with his hair and styled it.

nikita had also introduced them to purgen and gave them his old hoodie which they wear all the time. the band really grew on them and now they listen to the music together all the time.

nikita and artyom have both pushed their kid(s) to pursue music in some way. artyom has definitely taught their kid(s) how to play guitar while nikita taught them how to use certain music equipment and sound things.

they for sure both taught their kid(s) how to speak russian and they use it frequently in their household. they switch between using english and russian all the time in their sentences.

on that note, their kid(s) also grew up watching and reading russian kids shows and stories.

when the kid(s) are having a bad day and are cuddled up with nikita he will run his fingers through their hair or rub their back while he hums the tunes to some of the old songs he used to sing.

when artyom has off and they have someone to watch the kid(s) then him and nikita will go on little dates and trips to have time for themselves. it doesnt matter where, they just enjoy the break.

artyom and nikita definitely had to go through a lot of therapy and work to even get to where they are now. they both got over their issues and artyom cares for nikita a lot. i think nikita would have to take meds for things and would struggle to even get up a lot, so artyom will remind him to take his pills and stuff. when nikita is absolutely stuck in bed artyom will gladly take care of everything around the house.

artyom has an office at home that he works from sometimes, but when hes working in there a lot of the time their kid(s) will interrupt him and try to bother him as much as possible so nikita always has to come and get them out.

at night though when nikita puts the kids to bed and artyoms still working in his office he will go in there and be with him. it starts with him leaning on the desk, then sitting on the arm of the chair, before sitting in his lap and watching him work. its only a matter of time before hew completely distracted and theyre flirting/loving up on each other.

[e-dubbc11]

A Christmas Wish

Photos are not mine. They are courtesy of Pinterest/Google.

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: Fluff, smooches, mentions of Billy’s shitty childhood and a couple of swear words.

Word Count: 2.1K-ish

Summary: You love decorating the Christmas tree but Billy doesn’t and he tries to put on a smile for you so you try to make it better by giving him a few special gifts.

A/N: Greetings and Happy 2025 to my lovely friends! Hope you are well and I apologize for being quiet lately. I’ve been sick and my entire week off from work was spent trying to recover from whatever lovely cold is going around.

I tried to put this out before Christmas but obviously that didn’t happen and I’ve also been a little bummed about friendly interaction, everyone seems to have disappeared but whatever, I digress.

Oh I’m also thinking about trimming down my tag list again just because I don’t feel like wasting anyone’s time if you’re not interested in reading my fics anymore. I dunno, I’m just feeling sorry for myself. I’m sure it will pass…

As always, thank you for reading!  I appreciate it so much and comments, reblogs are welcome and encouraged. Don’t be shy to tell me your favorite part. 💕💕 💕

Some of them were very delicate.

The ornaments were old, made from very thin glass and passed down to you by your parents, that they received from THEIR parents. There were a handful that said “Baby’s First Christmas” followed by your name written in beautiful script. A pink bulb that was stuffed with “angel hair” was one of your favorites. That’s what your dad used to tell you when you were little which you thought was a cute story.

Billy had taken the ornament tote out of storage so the two of you could decorate the tree together. Mostly, he just sat back and let you decorate the tree. He wasn’t particularly fond of this time of year or any holiday.

A brass ornament with a sleeping baby and the year you were born, a red bauble with your name written in silver glitter on the side, and a bone ornament with your childhood dog’s name on it were a few more of your favorites.

Each ornament had a story like who gave it to you and what year, and if there was a reason they picked that particular one. The dates ranged from the time you were born up until recent years. Some of them were handmade from when you were a child that your father thought you might like to have along with the one he gave you last year with a picture of you and Billy inside for your first Christmas together.

Trimmed to perfection, which was obviously Billy’s doing, the tree stood impressively in front of one of the large windows in the penthouse so it could be seen by others, looking out from the tops of their buildings. The warm white lights shined against the dark green needles, giving off an enticing invitation that made it so you couldn’t help but stare at it.

The branches were full and abundant with plenty of room for all of your ornaments as shades of red, green, and gold bounced off the delicate glow of the white lights.

This time of year brought back so many fond memories for you. Billy couldn’t say the same thing. Growing up without a family, this time of year was just a reminder of all the holidays he spent in the group home, alone.

He didn’t have any ornaments from childhood to hang on the tree.

“The decorations they put up just made me more depressed.” He had told you. “The old pathetic little fake tree, it was all bullshit, and it just made me hate her even more for leaving. They called the group home Ray of Hope but there was nothing hopeful about that place.”

He had a mother, she had been out there somewhere but she didn’t want him. She never did. That shattered your heart, twisted your stomach into knots, and left you wondering how a mother could do that to her own child.

The darkness that comes with the winter months is hard enough so you thought a tree would light up that darkness, make it colorful, and maybe brighten his day just a little bit.

Billy put the tree up for you, because you wanted it and because he loved to see you smile, even though the Christmas season didn’t bring him any happy memories like it did for you.

But you were determined to make it better, he deserved it and you loved him more than anything.

**********

If he had ever wanted to talk about it, Billy would be the first one to tell you that his childhood was shit but he worked hard to make sure children in need would have a better Christmas than he ever did so he helped out collecting Toys for Tots during this time of year.

So he had a lot of long December days where he wouldn’t get home until late.

The lights in the penthouse were dimmed to create a warm and cozy environment for when Billy came home. The presents you had for him were nicely wrapped and sitting on the large coffee table near the couch, you picked up his favorite cookies from the bakery, and had a glass of his favorite bourbon ready and waiting for him.

His keys jingled in the door handle as he walked through the door.

“Another late one, sweet girl. I’m sorry.” Said Billy.

He was always so apologetic when he worked late but you understood.

On cold nights like tonight, you loved to sit in the dark, a fire blazing in the fireplace, relax in comfortable clothes, with nothing but the Christmas tree lights on, and quietly look out at the city skyline. You had been enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and reading your book when Billy walked through the door.

He walked over to the couch to give you a quick kiss and then head to his office but you stopped him.

“Can you sit for a minute, handsome? Please?” You asked.

He desperately wanted to get more work done before really calling it a night plus he liked to find any excuse he could to not be near the Christmas tree.

“Can it wait, baby? I just wanna get a little work done.” He said, firmly.

Normally, you could wait a little while until he was finished but tonight was different, this was for him, and you just really wanted to give him something special.

But you decided to put your foot down.

“No…actually, it can’t wait, Billy.” You said.

Billy hated to disappoint you or make you angry with him so he sat down on the couch, next to you. He noticed the present as he took a sip of bourbon.

“Did you get an early present from someone at work or somethin’?” He asked.

Biting down on your lower lip, you shook your head and tried to keep from smiling. You were excited to give him his presents.

“It’s for you, Billy.” You said, softly.

Billy set his glass down, looked at you and then looked at the box.

“But Christmas isn’t for two weeks, sweet girl.” He said with a slight smile.

You replied, “I know…open it.”

The wrapping paper was all white and you had tied a perfect bow with royal blue ribbon. His long fingers carefully untied the ribbon and set it aside. Billy then tore into the wrapping paper, revealing a large white box. As he removed the top, he stared at the blue tissue paper inside for a minute before digging around for the gifts underneath.

Billy first pulled out his United States Marine Corps ornament. He read the saying on the back out loud for you.

“From the Halls of Montezuma

To the shores of Tripoli

We fight our country’s battles

In the air, on land, and sea;

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title

Of United States Marines.”

Billy looked over at you and started to say, “Baby, this is…”

But you stopped him.

“There’s more, my love. Keep going.” You said, kissing him on the cheek.

He found his Christmas stocking next. It looked like yours except his was red to go along with your green one and his name was embroidered at the top, in the same font to match yours, and a hook to hang it from, over the fireplace. The final gift in the box was a plain red bulb ornament with his name written in silver glitter on it, just like the one you received as a child.

You wanted Billy to have ornaments that were his and his alone for him to hang on the tree. You hoped it would make this time of year a little happier for him.

“Sometimes I forget that this time of year isn’t pleasant for everyone. I was hoping to make it a little better for you, Billy. So I got you ornaments that are just for you.” You said.

He replied, holding the stocking and glitter ornament in his hand, “They’re just like yours.”

“I wish I could take away your bad memories, but I can’t. So I thought maybe if you had new memories…that, um…” You trailed off with a hitch in your voice.

Billy didn’t let you finish. He just leaned in and planted a soft kiss on your lips, the sweet taste of vanilla and a little spicy from the nutmeg on his from the sips of bourbon he had a few minutes ago, and the woodsy scent of his cologne floated past your nose as you kissed him back.

The warm white lights reflected in his onyx colored eyes and his smile traveled from the curl in his lip, up to the lines around his eyes. Billy didn’t have to say how he was feeling, you could see it in his eyes, see it in his smile, and you felt it in the way he kissed you.

“These are just…I don’t…thank you, sweet girl.” Said Billy.

He looked over at the tree for the first time since he arrived home and actually smiled. Billy finally had his own ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree and he looked excited about it.

“Go ahead, baby.” You said with a warm smile.

Billy rolled his shirt sleeves up to his elbows, loosened his tie, stood up while carefully holding his ornaments, walked over to the tree and pondered about where he should place them. You knew the perfectionist in him wanted to pick out the perfect spot for them.

He found your ornament with your name written in silver glitter and he placed his on the branch next to it. Billy then found a branch near the top for his Marines ornament that he needed the stepladder to reach and he hung his stocking on the opposite end of the fireplace from where yours was. He said he had to keep it “symmetrical” which made you chuckle. There’s that perfectionist trait hard at work again.

Billy actually looked content, finding places for his ornaments and hanging his stocking on the fireplace. He finally had the experience that he didn’t get to do when he was young.

Forced to grow up faster than he should have, Billy Russo’s childhood was stolen from him by the person that was supposed to protect him and love him but she didn’t. His mother left him and never looked back so it really wasn’t a mystery of why he didn’t trust anyone, why he never got close to anyone, or why he never had a long term relationship.

You were helping him work through some of that pain and building trust so he would never have to go through any of that hurt ever again.

As he sat down, you let your head gently fall against his chest as he kissed the top of your head. You felt your eyelids getting heavy and it was a relief to close them as you pulled your legs up onto the couch. His body was a warm cradle for yours.

“I love you.” Whispered Billy, kissing the top of your head again.

With your eyes closed still, you smiled and replied, “I love you too, Billy. I just want all your Christmas wishes to come true.”

“You’re all I’ve ever wanted, my love. My only wish is I wish I didn’t have to wait so long for you.” He said in barely more than a whisper.

Tears stung the back of your eyes as your heart began to race and your fingers started to tingle. All Billy had ever wanted was to be loved and something as simple as a Christmas ornament with his name on it, you knew he’d cherish it forever because it came from someone who showed him he deserved to be loved and he was worthy of affection.

You finally understood why Billy always kept you close, why he never let you wander too far from him, and why he had a hand on you at all times. Sometimes he held on a little too tight but it was because he didn’t want what he had to go away or be taken from him like it had all those years ago.

The little toy soldier that was attached to his keys was the first thing you ever gave him and he was constantly reaching into his pocket to make sure it was there. Just like the ornaments, the toy soldier might seem insignificant or small to anyone else, but to him, it was everything.

You gave him back some of the childhood that was taken from him and you will never forget the smile that stretched across his face.

Your parents always said that it was better to give than receive…and giving Billy a happy Christmas memory allowed you to finally experience what they had been talking about.

And they were absolutely right. Making Billy Russo smile really was the best feeling in the world.

Tag List: @wheresthesunshinesblog @idaoftheburningmind @rafaelakelley @snowkestrel @music-indie-tv @kayhi808 @munsonownsmyass @gijos @fictional-hooman @k-marzolf @nutmeg17 @vaguekayla @danzer8705 @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes @aoi-targaryen @mysteriouslydeafeningwerewolf @rachlovesactors @qu1etwolf @sweetserendipity65

Others that might enjoy: @itwasthereaminuteago @fluffyprettykitty @jvanilly @ittybxttykxttytxtty @imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend @mrsbillyrusso @colereads @jediwizardelf @thejanecampaign @milea @folkloreofyennefer @mysweetlittledesire

If you’d like to be added to (or removed from) my tag list for the ever so handsome Billy Russo, just let me know and thank you again for reading! 💕💕💕 If I tagged you but didn’t want to be, just let me know and I’ll never do it again

[wrathofrats]

Yes I am here because you said Zephrit?? 👀

💜💜💜

I got carried away

Have 700 words of zephrit falling in love with each other because I need to be sedated immediately

Ifrit started falling as soon as he was summoned

Long grey and white hair usually thrown up into some haphazard bun that ifrit couldn’t tell if he yearned to fix or make even messier. Along with an air of confidence and stoicness that had him almost yearning to crack. Zephyr was a loner, preferred to stay to themself rather than partake in the bigger groups. Usually in their own room or standing to the side with their cane, ifrit couldn’t help but to slowly gravitate even if he thrived in the rambunctious environments that dew and aether tended to create.

He wasn’t overbearing, simply giving the air ghoul a bit of silent company as a gesture of friendship, to show he cared about them even if they chose to be in their own world.

Outside of the band he would find them in the library with Ivy or omega. Talking about old authors and helping to restock shelves while thumbing through books that looked like they could fall apart at any second. Ifrit thought it was endearing, especially when he got the chance to ask what they were reading and found that zephyr liked to talk more than he thought.

Days asking what kind of tea or coffee they liked so he could bring it to them in the cold since he knew air ghouls were awful at regulating their own temperatures. To the point of memorizing exactly how Zeph asked for their tea (earl grey with milk, sugar and vanilla. They called it a London fog, and ifrit had to research for a while on how the hell to make it. Luckily he could steal vanilla beans from pebble and Ivy)

And that’s how it went for a while. Ifrit taking his time to sit with zephyr in the library or asking them to hang out with him and dew and aether, even if they didn’t want to talk, they all wanted him there.

Ifrit fell slowly, a little more fondness everytime he steeped the tea or looked up how to make homemade vanilla extract (which started a whole baking addiction no one could possibly contain), he grew more and more in love with zephyr.

But zephyr fell harder.

For a minute they were almost certain someone put a spell on his beloved London fog. That one of the quintessence ghouls was messing with them because they could shake the butterflies and blush whenever ifrit asked about what chapter they were on in their book. Surely they were sick, it was getting harder to speak coherently around him without rambling forever. They started purely going to the library just to see him, wait and wait for him to turn up as if it was the highlight of their day.

The library visits turned into asking him to hang out in their room. Telling ifrit about movies that zephyr considered classics that he must see.

They were offended the first time he came up and tried to sit on the floor. A gentleman but that clearly wasn’t what zephyr wanted.

“You can sit on the bed you know,”

“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to intrude”

“Please, besides, it’s cold”

Ifrit chuckled, getting up and making sure to warm the sheets even if they kept more than a couple inches between them.

Zephyr slowly lost consciousness, falling directly onto Ifrits shoulder. And if ifrit woke up with zephyr in his arms for the very first time, then that’s his secret.

But zephyr can’t shake the feeling. The fondness, the ever growing need to be with him and next to him and just everything about ifrit. It drives them mad. Sitting in the kitchen while ifrit bakes, sitting next to him on the couch with their legs touching, watching him talk just to see the way his lips move, hell even blushing like a whore in church when ifrit takes his shirt off to help mountain outside. It’s bad.

I just don’t think they can take it one day. Driving themself mad with want even if they truly believe ifrits just being nice. Has to drag him down to kiss him. Tasting like earl grey and vanilla, like ifrit had been drinking their concoction on his own time.

[snoopledrooplecheesedoodle]

Won't You Join the Dance?

(photo from twisted wiki)

Happy Birthday to the cutest old man around, I'll be writing mostly Lillia and Malleus content for Twisted as they both have birthdays in January (so do a lot of other people I know irl). Happy New Year and may you all enjoy a little fun with this writing piece. Reader is a second year Diasomnia student and a Mock Turtle Beastman (third cow, third turtle, third human). Other little easter eggs can be found throughout this story too.

Tw: Manipulation (bro he's a fae what did you expect), peer pressure, held hostage in your own dorm, hallucinations, reader is not sober, Lillia bites you, huge power imbalance

(Y/N) gently hums a tune as they help with decorations for the coming event. The Diasomnia student was glad to see their dorm excited about honoring their vice dorm leader with a party. It was peaceful monotony with weaving streamers onto the ceiling with magic.

"Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the dance?"

Of course, this peaceful affair was interrupted by the loud mouthed first year responsible for guarding Malleus.

Sebek Zigvolt was booming about how the party setup must be perfect for "Master Lillia" or "young master" will be sad. While not beholden to their dorm leader as majority of (Y/N)'s dormmates, they knew him pouting always led to a rainstorm that lasted for quite a while.

First-years, when did they get so annoying?

Thankfully Silver was awake and chiding Sebek for bossing others around. Honestly the mock turtle wasn't very close to anyone but Silver in their own dorm, finding others too unapproachable or sycophantic for their tastes. (Y/N) decided that Sebek is a two-person job and walk calmly to assist their friend.

"Silver, won't you walk any faster?! Master Lillia will be home at any minute, and we must make sure everything is perfect!" The two second years wince as Sebek's volume increased (didn't know it could be louder). Silver shakes his head and turns towards (Y/N), smiling a bit. "Hello (Y/N) are you helping with father's party?" The beastman grins at how happy Silver looks and nod, excited to see a less lethargic side to their sleepy friend.

"Of course, I even hung little paper bats in the rafters as well." (Y/N) chortles finding the decorations funny, however Sebek took offense. "You find such childish decorations acceptable Mock Turtle?! I will not take your slight against Master Lillia lightly." The student sighs as the crocodile's insults came pouring from his mouth like a river. Silver notices his friend's ears twitch with annoyance and pulls Sebek off them.

"Apologies (Y/N) Sebek is just wants father to have a good time at his own birthday party." (Y/N)'s huffs tails twitching and looks to Silver expectantly. "Do you require anything else for me, perhaps a song to encourage productiveness?" Silver shakes his head at the mock turtle, hooded amethyst eyes showing nothing but gratitude. However, he snaps his fingers and turns back towards the other second year.

"(Y/N) do you mind keeping my father busy and away from Diasomnia, fath-Lillia would enjoy your company." The second year couldn't help but raise a brow. Lillia enjoying their company? (Y/N) barely talked to him and the times they have were either Diasomnia related activities or Silver. Sometimes when they'd have a conversation on things, (Y/N) would have fun as Lillia was funny and spontaneous yet wise and worldly.

They just wish Lillia wouldn't stare at them hungrily with those crimson eyes. Which is why the mock turtle used every excuse to not have to spend time around the older fae. A shudder ran down (Y/N)'s spine just thinking about how predatory his eyes would be with that creepy knowing smile. Unconsciously (Y/N) reached for their pen for protection. Silver noticed his friend's expression and his kind expression became...disappointed. The beastman student hated seeing their silver-haired companion upset. Steeling themselves (Y/N) agreed to distract Lillia.

It's not like he would care that much about a little turtle would he?

Would he?

Humming while strolling campus (Y/N) began their search for their allusive senior. Humming a familiar tune was enough to keep them from running due to jitters that came from actively seeking Lillia.

Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the dance?

Will you, won't you, will you, won't you-"

Won't you join the dance?

A deep voice breaks the mock turtle from their trance as see Lillia hovering upside down mere centimeters from their own face. Lillia chuckles mischievously at (Y/N)'s frightened expression, before joining them on the ground. "Mock Turtle's Song, very popular on Lobster Island, you know the most famous mock turtle was a rather gloomy fellow." (Y/N) seizes up at the mention of their home. Lillia was a seasoned traveler being an ancient fae as he is, however when he spoke of their home his eyes held fire. His fangs poking a bit over his lips.

"Would you like to walk with me?" (Y/N) asked their shorter senior. Lillia's smile widened as his eyes sparked like two rubies. "I would love to little mock turtle, there are many secrets on this campus others don't know..." He links his arm with their own and pulls with an unnatural strength. Diasomnia better hurry up before (Y/N) needed an arm put back in the socket.

The Diasomnia duo returned to their dorm at sunset, tired from all of Lillia's boring interesting stories (Y/N) leaned their weight on the fae with dual colored hair. Lillia stares at his junior with a sincere smile plastered on his face as his blood red orbs capture their (e/c) ones. "You been too kind to an old man like me, my own son wouldn't put up with what I put you through today." (Y/N) nods unable to speak. The vice dorm leader of the strongest dorm was being...vulnerable.

The doors to Diasomnia creak open before (Y/N) could touch them revealing a beautifully decorated main hall. "Happy Birthday Lillia!" Several dormmates pop out of hiding spots startling both students. Lillia reacted on instinct and pushed (Y/N) behind him to protect them from...zealous kids.

"Goodness you can't be scaring an old man like that, I could have a heart attack." Lillia smiles brightly while still clutching on to (Y/N)'s wrist tightly. The beastman tugs to break free but Lillia glares at them causing the struggling to stop. The good-natured Lillia's icy stare confirmed (Y/N)'s long time beliefs that Lillia was more than meets the eyes. The man in question rushes over to his "children" to congratulate them on their hard work.

"You took some time Lillia, I thought you forgot about your own birthday." Malleus teases gently in a deep voice, turning his gaze to meet your own. "Forgive me for my folly but your names slips my mind." The Malleus Draconia was asking for (Y/N)'s name, today was strange to say the least. Lillia pulls (Y/N) so their sides touch as the fae clings to the mock turtle's arm possessively. "Now, now Malleus you aren't trying to steal my favorite junior away, are you?" Malleus' eyes widen causing (Y/N) to try and disappear. Silver ever the saint he is cuts the tension.

"(Y/N) why don't you get Lillia's gift, I know you've been dying to do what you practiced." Right the gift! Cheerily the second year grabs a small inconspicuous painting. Sebek shouts about how pathetic the gift is, before (Y/N) mutters the phrase to activate their unique magic Fainting in Coils. The picture leaps from the canvas and a large dragon soars to the ceiling blowing fire and smoke before exploding into bright lights that spell out "Happy Birthday Lillia".

Silence rung as sweat from exertion and fear formed on the mock turtle's brow. Thunderous cheers applause fills the packed space as the poor artist is swarmed by eager faces all shouting question. Gently answering question after question until Malleus parts the crowd. "Most impressive (Y/N), how long did you practice achieving such results?" The beastman sheepishly denied any complements to which Malleus and Silver piled on more, Sebek admitting the magic was impressive for a non fae.

The joyful chatter did not go unnoticed by a certain fae who clenched his fists angrily. Not matter all good things come to those who wait.

For someone antisocial (Y/N) really metaphorically came out of their shell as they danced and drank and was merry. Fae parties are wonderful why did the elders warn against them? Buzzed on joy and a little too much alcohol, (Y/N) turns when a gloved hand taps them on the shoulder. The man of the hour had a joyful grin on his face. "(Y/N) I wanna dance with you! "Lillia hiccups a bright red hue painting his porcelain face. If the mock turtle was tipsy, the older fae was in the embrace of alcohol.

(Y/N) laughs but feels a twitch in their gut that doesn't feel quite right. What was wrong with this picture? Lillia wanted to dance with you, and you wanted to dance with Lillia, right? Nerves bunch up as the beastman sobers a bit, fae are dangerous and no request was too small. Looking the man in his eyes (Y/N) goes to refuse but gets lost in how pretty the red shade was. Did they always feel so light and carefree around Lillia? Who cares (Y/N) having fun so why should it end? Foolishly influenced by alcohol and thrall the mock turtle placed their gloved hand in the fae's.

Lillia pulls his partner flush to his chest as they begin waltzing clumsy yet elegant at the same time. Guiding the dance (Y/N) whirls the birthday boy around laughing gleefully. Slowly as the pair danced the mock turtle felt a cold unsettling feeling creep higher up their spin until it choked them. Lillia's eyes were much darker and... obsessive than before. Where were the guests?

Bat and turtle float freely in a dark forest with fireflies illuminating their steps. Sensing hesitation the fae takes the reigns and guides the dance deeper into the woods. (Y/N) gapes at the long-haired Lillia donned in a military outfit in front of them. "We're going into the woods too far." The second years fuzzy vision is blurred as the general spins them away before pulling them back in with equal grace.

"It matters not how far we go my dear so long as you keep your hands in mine no trouble shall befall you." Snarls of wild animals and glowing eyes appear, watching the pair swirl closer to their gaping maws. (Y/N) tugged harsher on Lillia's military coat. "We need to go back now; this place isn't safe." The general only chuckles directing the dance to the right. "What do you mean, we never left the dorm?"

For a second the illusion drops, and the grand hall returns the glowing eyes and snarls turn to the eager students screaming for Lillia to go for it. Whatever it is the poor mock turtle didn't want to find out. When (Y/N) blinks the dark forest reappears this time a large dragon is accompanied by a silver stag and a green wolf. These animals stare on with a passivity that was too humanoid to belong to actual animal.

A surge of pain makes the poor student return their gaze to the man-no monster who had gently laid his head in the crook of their neck. Charming to outsiders but to (Y/N) they felt razor sharp teeth cut into their flesh and a long pink tongue catching every pearl of blood. Tears blurred their vision as (Y/N) stumbles tripping into their dance partner's arms. Lillia adapts by simply swaying in place, arms tightening around the second year's taller form. (Y/N) attempts to struggle until they realize they can't move a single part of their body.

"Please let me go." A rather pathetic plea crawled out of (Y/N)'s quivering lips. Lillia tuts this request like a parent chiding a child for doing something naughty. "I'm not holding you captive you chose to give your free will to me when you accepted my offer to dance." (Y/N)'s eyes widen as their heart beats in double time, fear sobering them immediately. "What?"

Lillia sighs into the crook of their neck pressing a light kiss to the nape. "Come now darling turtle don't pretend you don't know what happens when you accept anything from the fae." Their world falls to pieces as Lillia dips them, garnet eyes peering down lovingly at the person in his hold.

No words are exchanged as Lillia presses his lips harshly down upon (Y/N)'s. The screams of delight from the crowd muted as they feel fangs tear at the plush of their lips. Any possible scream is muffled as Lillia deepens the kiss. Sinking, drowning in how scary the situation is (Y/N) looks out to the crowd. A tear falls as they notice Silver avert his gaze with guilt.

After an eternity a harsh gloved hand holds the beastman's jaw in a bruising manner. The bat fae stares satisfied at the mix of emotions in (Y/N)'s eyes, licking his lips. Moving his mouth to their ear he whispers the final blow. "Go to sleep turtle dove, I've got to get our room ready." Body feeling heavy and mind fuzzy (Y/N) hears a familiar melody faintly.

"Will you join the dance?"

"Will you, won't you, will you, won't you..."

"Will you join the dance?"

No proofread I die like a bitch; I'll edit tomorrow if it sucks too hard. Requests for Malleus and Lillia can be platonic or romantic. Don't be distraught if your request isn't done as my motivation fluctuates worse than the ocean. Happy B-day to the bat daddy!

Fainting in Coils - Unique Magic of this version of (Y/N) which allows the mage to imbue their art with magic and use it in different ways. Ex: make a wolf painting come to life and attack the aggressor, imbue a joyful song with healing to help their friends restore mana. Has limitations based on art form (if paper drawing doesn't work in rain, once the mage puts their instrument away the music buff disappears).

[cashhkitty]

jennifer’s body au - bimbo-ish reader x nerd armin. 𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚

𝓈𝓊𝓂𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓎: reader attends highschool. her two main friends, to which she’d call it, “sandbox love”. one friend out of the two she dates, and hasn’t been separated since junior high. reader and her boyfriend—along with the other, attends a highschool party. not long after reader’s friend finds her body behind the house during the party, lifeless. the next day, reader’s friend notices that she is now present at school—with out a scratch. how is she alive? can and will he solve this mystery?

𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈: suggestive themes/mentions of gore+blood/angst/drug use

𝑔𝑒𝓃𝓇𝑒: horror/drama/romance/mystery

CHAPTER 1: Sandbox Love

‘It’s not that I don’t like her anymore. Yeah, she’s my friend—best friend. But, just because she’s dating him doesn’t make me any less. I know she values me, and I do too. It’s okay, sometimes we need time to ourselves. That’s okay.’

armin pov

“she’s what? whoah, armin slow down. i can’t understand you.” annie spoke on the phone, worriedly.

i couldn’t breathe. my head spun as i tried to spit the words out of my mouth, desperately trying to explain what was lying in front of me.

“shit!” my phone had fallen out of my hand, and into the edge of the pooling blood that crept toward my feet.

shakily, i picked up my phone, wiped it off and ran. i didn’t know what was the best thing to do at that time. just seeing her body, lifeless, tore me apart. causing my mind to race nonstop.

what would eren think? his girlfriend is dead. my best friend, is dead.

sooner enough, i made it home. but…why didn’t i call the police? shouldn’t i have alerted somebody who was at the party? would they find her body? my hands never stopped shaking as i opened my bedroom door. guilt washed over me. throwing my glasses to the side, i decided that a shower would ease my mind.

THUD*

my head shot up from the abrupt sound.

“what is that?” i asked nervously.

jumping out of the shower, i quickly dried my skin off and hair before throwing on an old t-shirt and basketball shorts. taking caution when stepping onto each tread. afraid of what might’ve popped out from around the corner.

yn was known for just waltzing up into my house, really because i let her. but why would she tonight, maybe it’s eren?

i grabbed the front door handle and slowly opened it.

there—standing before me, was yn. her body swaying lightly, back and fourth. eyes hooded as she gazed at me, like a predator and its prey.

not a word left her lips, until then, the corners of her mouth rose. baring her blood soaked teeth.

she was smiling at me?

“yn…weren’t you—” this had to be a dream. “what happened?” i scanned her body for any wounds, but none found.

her grin never faltered, not even the staring. everything happened so suddenly when she pushed pass me, darting into my kitchen.

“yn! wait—“

i turned around quickly, barely grabbing her by her jacket. she was so fast that as soon as i reached into the kitchen, she was already stuffing her face. i quickly noticed the grub she had picked out of the fridge, immediately trying to warn her i spoke.

the fridge light illuminated her features, how her eyes looked a bit droopy. the blood on her face now appearing clearly in spots i didn’t notice.

“um, y’know that’s my grandad’s fish. he’ll…he’d be mad if it was gone—“

SCREEECH

i fell back onto the floor in shock. backing up into a wall, my heart pounding at my chest.

yn had let out a powerful shriek at me, almost demonic. it was bone chilling. my head rang when the noise finally ceased.

“yn…” i called out breathlessly.

without warning, yn vomited a vile black substance all over the kitchen floor. my eyes widened in shock, causing me to risen to my feet hurriedly.

it’d felt like forever before the retch finally ceased.

she began to giggle uncontrollably, but then it turned into almost like a sob? was she crying?

yn pov

‘why couldn’t i stop laughing?’

my gazing eyes focused on the ground beneath me.

‘my stomach hurts so much.’

all of a sudden, a pair of feet immediately stomping out of the kitchen grabbed my attention. my head perked up at the sound of armin darting out. i had gotten up almost immediately, dropping the mauled fish behind of me.

armin reached for the house phone as if his intentions were to call 911. but that’s just what it was. in an instant, i slapped the phone away, pushing his body against the wall harshly. smearing my crimson palm across a portrait of him.

my entire body was now pressed against his. chest to chest, face to face. grazing my lips across his neck whilst snaking my nails around his torso. reaching up to his ear slowly, in a hushed tone, i spoke.

“are you scared?”

armin nodded frantically.

taking a hold of his face, i brushed my lips against his. breath hitching and mouth quivering. his cheeks were hot and…another feeling i couldn’t quite put my finger on.

armins body stiffened as i pressed mines into his.

in a flash, i pulled him and shoved him into a wall. cutting his thoughts short.

“…yn!”

armin pov

my back hurts. i pushed my glasses up then scanned the room. she was gone…

or was i…dreaming again?

a/n: my favorite movie turned into a au bcs its been on my mind for soo long. ts wasn’t as long as i wanted it to b, buut kind of a beginner writer anyways so rlly just doing ts for fun chat 💕 happy late new yearr

credits to @cafekitsune for the heart divider 🫶🏾

[hunterofartemis7]

After Odysseus left for war, Penelope kept all his clothes, capes, jewelry etc tucked safely away in the closet for when he returned. She allowed no one touch them, not even herself really, that was until Telemachus found them. She left Telemachus alone with one of the maid, who was Athena in disguise, while she went to handle queen stuff. She came back a few hours later to find her son hiding under one of his fathers capes, and wearing one of his tops that was way to big for the baby. The young princess also somehow managed to get a hold of his father’s jewelry which he was both wearing, and trying to eat.

Penelope was of course confused as to how her infant son even got into a locked closet until she saw Athena trying not to laugh her head off.

“I’m sorry,” the goddess laughed, “he kept trying to get in the closet and I can’t say no to his little wolf eyes.”

Penelope wanted to be angry at her husbands mentor, but couldn’t when she saw how cute her son looked. She smiled and picked him up off the floor. “You’ll grow into them someday my son.”

“I can make small version of Odysseus clothes for Telemachus if you want. Just until he grows into them.” Athena offered, picking some of the random clothes off the floor.

“You just want an excuse to make my son small outfits.”

“Guilty.” The goddess smiled. “But I’m not hearing a no.”

The queen submitted and agreed to let Athena make smaller versions of her husband clothes for her son. She can’t say she didn’t hate it. Penelope liked seeing Telemachus crawling around like a small copy of Odysseus. As years went on, Athena continued to do this for Telemachus, while occasionally clipping a piece of Odysseus jewelry to his shirt or cape. Penelope loved seeing how exited Telemachus would get when his grandmother or aunt said he looked just like his father. He’d run around the place pretending to fight a boar like his father, getting a laugh out of the guards who saw him. Telemachus even convinced his mom to cut his hair like his father for a while. But as 10 years turns to 15, to 20, Telemachus had actually grown into Odysseus clothes and had no reason to have copies made anymore. He did it to feel closer to his father, and hoped he wouldn’t be mad when he came home. The suitors were the first to make a bad comment about it. They teased him from wanting to look like a knock off Odysseus, or for dressing like the man who abandoned him.

One real bad experience with Antonius made him want to stop wearing them all together, but Athena encouraged him to ignore what those other men were saying and wear them anyway. He was honoring his father by wearing the clothes. So he kept at it. When Odysseus was finally home, he didn’t immediately notice his son was wearing his clothes, just that his armor resembled Athena. Actually he barely noticed that until late at night once everyone was asleep and he was replaying the memories in his head. It wasn’t till the next morning after he had taken a bath that Odysseus went to his closet and found all his old clothes had disappeared, minus a few that were to big for him.

“Hey Penelope, did you hide my clothes somewhere?” He asked “I mean I don’t mind walking around nude in front of you, but I’d rather not traumatize our son.”

Penelope had a good idea where they were, but was gonna let her husband figure it out. “No, I always kept them in there.”

“Huh.” Odysseus there confused for a moment before grabbing one of the oversized garments from the his wardrobe. “Well this’ll work for now till I figure this out.”

Penelope held back from laughing, “this is going to be a fun morning.” She thought to herself.

“Well if you’re ready, we should head down to breakfast.” Penelope held her hand out for her husband. “Don’t want to miss your first real meal with your son.”

Meanwhile, Telemachus was getting ready in his chamber. He had snatched on of his father garments, jewelry, belt and sword holster. He’d already be out the door if Athena, (who had been staying with the royal family since his diplomatic mission) would quit fussing with his hair. “Athena knock it off!” He groaned trying to pull his head away.

“Once I get it out of your face I will, now hold still!” She snapped, making him face forward.

“Did you do this to dad?”

“When we were training yes.” She answered, cutting Telemachus hair out of his face. “Until he learned to put it up himself.”

“Okay okay okay!” He got up and shook the hair off him.

“Why do I even try?” Athena signed setting the scissors down. “You should head out now. Your parents are probably waiting for you.”

“Aren’t you coming?” He asked her.

Athena shook her head, “go on ahead without me, I’ll be there in a minute.”

The young prince nodded and ran out to the dining room to meet up with his parents. He ran in there and plopped down beside Odysseus, who had just figured out where all his clothes had gone. “Morning father!” He said brightly.

“Morning.” Odysseus replied looking at his son’s clothes. Penelope was across from Telemachus, trying not to laugh at her husband who was trying to find the right words to address this. Telemachus noticed both the strange smiles on his parents faces and got confused. “What?” He asked.

“Nothing. Just surprised my old wardrobe fits you.”

Telemachus was a bit confused by the comments until he remembered that he was in fact wearing his father’s clothes. The boys face turned bright red with embarrassment and he practically shot out of his seat, apologizing over and over again to his father and saying his go change. Odysseus grabbed his arm and pulled him back into his seat.

“My son you have no reason to apologize.” The old king said patting his son on the back. “Im glad to see you have my same taste in style.” Telemachus buried his face in his hands at his father’s teasing.

“He actually started wearing them to be closer to you.” Penelope told her husband whose face lit up in awe.

“Awwwww really?” Odysseus beamed, putting an arm around his son. “That’s really sweet my boy.” Telemachus buried his head in his father’s hair, his face beat red with embarrassment. It didn’t help when Odyssues made the comment about needing a whole new wardrobe since it seemed a little owl had nicked his. “So is this a new thing or?” Odyssues began to ask.

“No, he’s done this since you left for Troy.” His wife answered, which surprised Odysseus.

“Really?” The king asked, “that long?”

“Yeah. He managed to get a few of your things from your closet, well, Athena unlocked it and let him go nuts.” The Queen explained. “And both her and I made smaller versions of your closet until he grew into your normal ones.”

“Ofc Athena had an hand in this.” Odysseus thought to himself. “Please tell me you kept those, cause I would love to see them.”

“Ofc I did.” She smiled.

“Yes!” Odysseus cheered.

Penelope smiled at her boys. Odysseus who was very excited and Telemachus who was an embarrassed mess. “You two are so cute.”

@platinumink