#he’s right. ​those memories are his and he lived through that. but millie knows that isn’t and wasn’t her friend. and she’s right too.

[quietwingsinthesky]

actually wait i do have a fucked up millie fact to share for the night. her s4-5 timeline in my head have her becoming best friends with chuck (read: Millie keeps breaking into his house despite his constant protests for her to Stop Doing That. in her defense, the roadhouse burned down and if she goes to bobby’s, her brothers will know within the hour. she has decided this means they’re best friends, and chuck is kind of pathetic and weak and can’t stop her in any meaningful way.)

(in the endverse, millie and dean aren’t on speaking terms. they’ll fight together, millie will follow him most places, but whatever was there is broken beyond repair. that’s probably because she blames him for what happened to sam, and he blames her for blaming him, and it’s a whole cycle. but in the wake of that, she’s latched onto chuck to fill the void left by sam and dean, something that’s not working. but is also the reason that when future!dean says they’re striking out to kill samifer, intent on feeding everyone into the meat grinder to do so, past!dean catches millie and chuck preparing to run in the opposite direction and not look back. i don’t think he tries to stop them.)

the point of all that being that the s5 finale happens, and millie doesn’t see any of chuck’s half of the story. doesn’t get to know what happens to him.

she just finds an empty house. she assumes it got to be too much for him. she looks for a body, and she doesn’t get to have one. she leaves.

years later, his face is staring at her across the rooms of this place that’s supposed to be her home. and millie has spent these years running in the leagues of angels and demons and leviathans, and if she knows only one thing, it’s that that’s chuck’s face. but that’s not him. not anymore. what’s inside it was not her friend. no matter what it says.

[drama-glob]

SPOILERS FOR "GHOSTF**KERS!!!"

OMG!!! So much happened in this episode and just poor Blitz all around. ;_; ;_; ;_; While it's not good that he's running I.M.P. into the ground and binging junk food while watching TV, he's just in such a bad place from his fallout with Stolas and it seems like he's at the depression stage of grief; I guess he tried working through it, if the shorts do take place before this episode, but it didn't work and so he resorted to his new coping method. :/ Millie doing what she can for him is heartwarming as she continues to be his most supportive friend, even though Blitz's desire to be Bethany and try to f*ck some ghosts rather than face his actual problems is obviously just delaying things. :/

I appreciated the blatant "Scooby-Doo" reference, but things taking a very dark turn once Millie and Blitz part ways is beyond messed up. O_O We knew from the trailer that we were going to see the "ghost" mess with him and make him see his mom, but to watch her LITERALLY BURN in front of him in addition to seeing all the horribly injured versions of Millie is twisted, gut wrenching and horrific. O_O

My heart broke when Blitz didn't want Millie to touch him and yelling that he destroys everything, but I love Millie immediately going in to reassure him that he made her life better and it was soooo cool that we got to see how Millie and Blitz met. It was lovely getting to see how I.M.P. came to be and that between the other episodes we got this season, were able to see how overall everyone bettered from Blitz's involvement in their lives.^_^<3<3<3 Millie and Blitz just resting shoulder to shoulder at the end of her speech was just so sweet and felt good after all the crap Blitz just went through. <3<3<3

Big surprise that Rolando was the bad guy and anyone that didn't know that must not have seen the trailer. ;) His powers were so creepy but cool (if I'm being honest) and now we can say we saw an infestor demon in action. ;) Rolando's fight scene was scary but awesome and certainly shows he's been at this game for a while. O_O Even though seeing Tilla burn in front of him was probably still the most horrific part for me, Blitz being forced to see all those painful memories was a close second as well as him begging for Rolando to stop hurting Millie when he controls his body. ;_; ;_; ;_; Millie was right though that Blitz has this and I love that Millie beat the possession out of him. ;) I did laugh pretty hard though at the final move just being Blitz kicking the ghost sucker into the pull, but hey, it did get the ghost so I'd say the product worked...even if it did cost a couple thousand souls. ;)

Millie and Blitz just having a little chat at the end of it all felt really nice and even if Blitz is still depressed about Stolas (which I can't say I blame him), he at least doesn't have to cope as he was doing before, can start to actually heal and has Millie there to lift him up like he did for her.<3<3<3

At least Moxxie got to a happy ending too with getting to enjoy a musical and some ice cream after trying to complete his truly awful task. ;)

Such a great episode overall and that while it did hit in the feels department, I know I spiraled into way worse scenarios this could have gone (as I'm sure many of us did ;) ), so I'm glad the level of anguish was tempered by the strength of Millie and Blitz's friendship to see them through this job. ^_^<3<3<3

[fizzie-frog]

Blitzø: core self, trauma and healing (part two)

This is a continuation of my previous post. Thanks to Tumblr limitations, I had to split it into different parts (trust me, I wish I could've made it just one big post).

PART ONE

This might be long...

He tried to waddle through the trauma of existing as someone as self-loathing as himself.

He denied;

“I didn’t do anything, it was an accident!”

He isolated;

He minimized, often with humour;

“Uh-oh, looks like it sucked all the fun outta you!”

He avoided being vulnerable;

“I DID CARE!”

And felt awkward/uncomfortable when he did end up spilling out his emotions;

“Weeeeeeeell, fuck you!”

Suppressed his emotions;

… Cause they’re blinding and suffocating, and it’s easier to avoid them.

He hated himself and didn’t believe there is anything good about him, despite having changed lives for the better;

And he dipped if he got too close (everything literally burnt down when he tried getting closer, didn’t it);

He often didn’t believe others would hold any endearment for him, even taking it as a joke;

“I destroy everything, everyo— I make everyone’s lives worse!”

And that’s it, really. He believes he’s a pest, a virus, something that can only do harm. While his core self still showed itself from time to time, he was blinded with the trauma of all his wrongdoings. All the people he’s hurt and that, in a self-fulfilling prophecy, made him hurt even more.

Everything he couldn’t look straight in the eye. The death of his mother, caused by him. The hurt of his friend, caused by him. The hurt he’s caused around himself. He couldn’t bear see it, knowing it would break him down. That’s why he avoided it. Thinking about what happened, what he did is suffocating. But that also blinded him from seeing his good deeds too. As usual, we’re more likely to see the negative over the positive.

Blitz picked himself up by the bootstraps as they say, but it didn’t help him, not within himself. So what did help?

I think it started in Oops…

He didn’t wanna be vulnerable, but after so much hurt and things left unsaid, it spilled. It all spilled out and made him into a crying mess right in front of Fizz, cause as much as he tried to act unbothered, he did care (as he said in the episode). He was vulnerable, he explained to Fizz exactly what happened instead of holding it in anymore, he apologized to Fizz. They both learnt what happened.

And the kicker? It paid off! Blitz was finally vulnerable to someone, his former best friend, and Fizz forgave him. He got his dear friend back for this. Not only did he win someone he loves back, but also this came as a punch to those unhealthy beliefs, cause he was vulnerable and it didn’t turn out bad.

We have Ghostfuckers.

After being plagued by his memories, Millie came to his aid. She not only reminded him of a time he actually changed her life for the better, but also confirmed that he indeed cares for Blitz.

Then the moment of truth…

Can’t get anymore raw than the moment when his death was imminent. It’s often in times like this that we people’s raw emotions.

In a moment when even Loona was tearing up at the thought of losing Blitz. When all his friends were already mourning him, crying for him as he was about to lose his life.

And in that moment, when he was sure he was gonna die, he could finally say it…

“I love you, guys”

There was nothing to be lost. He was gonna die and the last thing he knew was that his friends were crying for him, but were safe. He could die happy.

Of course though, he didn’t, as we know. Once he was outside the court room, he was pulled in a sobbing hug by his friends and daughter that were relieved he was okay. Even further proof of being loved. Despite the horrible circumstances, it must be so healing to his heart to have that.

True, unfiltered confirmation of being loved. He is loved. The possibility of someone you love dying shakes you. Loona realized it wasn’t worth pretending anymore - life is so short, especially for low class hellborns.

And probably so did Blitz. He was finally in a happy place. His daughter loved him, his friends loved him. Stolas loved him.

He is loved.

So in the Sinsmas episode, we started seeing so much more of who he once was.

He was goofy,

Attentive,

Listening,

Supportive,

Cheerful,

Encouraging,

Patient,

He looked at potential future,

He was selfless,

Protective,

Kind,

Even romantic.

And he was happy…

That’s not to say he’s completely healed. I think you can never truly heal from something like this, especially the magnitude of what Blitz went through in his life, and his issues can resurface.

But at this point in time, he’s finally in a happy place. He was affirmed, comforted and reassured. He’s content, and that’s the most healed he can be.

His core self is finally seeing the light of day. He is more himself than he’s ever been since that day.

So that was it. I’m sorry if I was a bit messy some places; as mentioned, life is kind of a struggle. Sometimes I feel like my brain is deteriorating or something, lmao, but I wanted to put this together cause I feel like Blitz has such a good, painfully relatable (to me anyway) arc and he’s such a complex character.

My love for Fizz remains the biggest, but I couldn’t deny the love I have for Blitz. He’s just such a good character with such good development. Selfish yet selfless, careful yet careless… So many dimensions.

If you made it this far, thank you! <3

[obigem]

It used to be a joyous affair to visit Cordelia's Secret Cottage, but today all that joy had been sucked out.

Everything looked gray, not just the sky or the moistened rose bushes from the storm rains that had finally ceased.

Cam found himself busying himself before the guests arrived. Adjusting a picture frame here, fluffing a pillow there, adding punch to the bowl so no one would be parched. Anything to keep himself from being reminded of the reason he was there.

The reason that was staring him in the face everywhere he went in the cottage.

His parents.

Both gone.

And what kind of service was he supposed to put on for them—him? If only he didn't have to. But he had to do this for his dad, so he could say goodbye properly this time.

It didn't take long for their guests to gather on the back patio of the house.

The number of their friends and loved ones that were able to make it last minute took Cam aback. So many of them didn't even know Henry well, so the fact that they came, he knew it was for his sake.

He turned to his father's portrait and then took a deep breath.

"Well, dad," He said under his breath, "let's do this one las time, huh?"

With that he turned toward all of his friends and cleared his throat.

A hush traveled across the crowd as everyone brought their attention to Cam.

"I want to thank all of you for joining us today. I know it's probably not what you expected to be doing the day after Harvestfest. And my family certainly didn't expect to lose my dad the day of either."

"But afterwards we have punch and lobstertails, so that makes it worth it, right?" Cam attempted a halfhearted joke that landed very lukewarm. "Sorry." He excused himself. "It's just that Dad never wanted a funeral. He always said when he it was his time to go, he'd embrace it."

"In his mind, when it was his time, he'd be going home like nature intended. So that's why rather than a funeral, he wanted a homegoing ceremony to celebrate his life and the man he was and will continue to be in our minds, hearts, and memories."

"For those of you who didn't know my father well, he had such a grand spirit. When he entered a room, you'd always know it because he'd always be the loudest voice, with the most enthusiasm, the most confidence. He was a very proud man, stubborn too, but he had a genuine heart."

"So genuine that even through everything he did wrong, everything he never quite got right, I loved him. I looked up to him. I wanted to be the kind of man that had his level of pride and confidence and unwavering love for the people in his life."

"I love you, Dad. And I'll miss you. Forever."

Cam took a moment as everything inside him fought his desire to break down.

Dre, Cordie, and Millie looked on at him as they felt the intense pain he was holding back and it made it difficult for them all to be just as strong.

"Sorry," Cam excused himself realizing he let his emotion get the best of him. "In celebration of my father, Henry Radcliffe Fletcher, and his life, we ask you take a moment today to smile a little wider, hug your loved ones a little tighter, and dance like there's no tomorrow."

"If not for yourself, me, or my family. Do it for Dad. Because that's exactly how he lived, and he'd wish that kind of life for all of you too. Thank you." Cam nodded his head as their friends and loved ones settled into a moment of silence in memory of Henry Fletcher.

[hypermoyashi]

Alright! Chapters 25-30 of my Trimax reread! Been a little slow since I've been doing family stuff and writing, but! Man these chapters are so good.

I think one thing I missed from the previous chapters/my previous post was the conversation between Knives and Legato regarding Wolfwood. It's so rare to see Knives praise anyone, but he very specifically comments that Wolfwood is doing a good job with his guard/babysitting duty. It's so interesting how pissed Legato got at Wolfwood, only for that to dissipate into disappointment and shock that Knives went over his head and ordered Wolfwood to do something different from what he'd said. And it makes sense it was Wolfwood--he was someone that Vash had already met, and then it makes sense why Wolfwood was the one to track him down.

Alright, back to the current chapters! Meryl is still stuck and didn't get to do much, but Milly gets to quietly shine instead. I forgot that Wolfwood is operating through this fight temporarily blind, and Milly is covering for him (and Midvalley also comments that Wolfwood shields her, too). They're working together! It's so sweet!

And then. Man. Gauntlet's story is just sad. He lost the one person he cared about, and it seems like Gauntlet and Midvalley have decided to go off-script and try to genuinely kill Vash--Gauntlet for revenge and Midvalley, presumably, because he knows both Vash and Knives are dangerous. Midvalley even seems regretful in a moment when he thinks about Gauntlet only having so many attacks left in him. I wonder if they were friends, or at least fond of each other ;~;

More thoughts under the cut! (Mind the warnings!)

Also RIP Zazie, I know I will be seeing you again, at least lol.

And then. We have Vash remembering July. Right now, it only seems like Gauntlet is seeing Vash's memories, and man... Both of them having to relive that grief all at once, both devastated at July's loss... Man. It's genuinely heartbreaking to see all the people Vash lived with, that he loved, that he was even pulled into a kid's "gang" and helped in the kitchens of the local diner, only to see all those very same people lost in an instant... Really puts in perspective what a tradegy July was, one Vash will likely continue to blame himself for.

And. We also got a new Vash and Knives scene, so. You know the drill by now, and if you don't share my interpretations, that's fine! Please just be respectful of mine!

Warnings for explicit discussions of abusive relationships.

So this encounter covers Vash finding Knives, Knives knocking Vash out so Dr. Conrad could examine him, and then finally the confrontation between Vash and Knives that lead to July's destruction. Knives isn't necessarily doing anything we haven't seen before, but I'll break them down anyway (with the caveat I'm not an expert, these are just personal observations):

Violating Vash's bodily autonomy: Knives didn't really try to talk to Vash at all--the second Vash pointed a gun at him, he knocked him out and then had Dr. Conrad hook Vash's unconscious body up to a bunch of machines. And it's not even for anything medical--they're studying their powers. So entirely unnecessary, and entirely without Vash's permission. Knives didn't even ask. He just did it. And then we have an even bigger instance of this when Knives forces Vash's angel arm to go berserk--presumably, this is something he did while Vash was unconscious, given he starts loosing control as soon as we get to the next scene shown (though there could've been time in between). He tells Vash just to resonate with him to get under control, and Vash never agrees to it--he tells Knives to stop, points his gun at him, desperately holds onto consciousness so Knives can't do what he wants with him--Knives ignores all this and grabs his face, resonating with him anyway.

(Mildly cheering Vash on in this scene--even after he's shown to be no longer fully conscious and Knives is hijacking his body/powers, Vash still ultimately points the weapon at Knives. He never rolls over to just let Knives do as he pleases. He tries his best to stop and/or curb what he's going to do.)

Attempts to isolate Vash from everyone who is not Knives: Yeah this is bog standard for Knives by now. He asks Vash is he hates humans, and interestingly enough, Vash doesn't immediately say no. Knives points out all of Vash's scars, the people he's lost to death and betrayal, and basically just does his best to turn Vash against humanity (a.k.a., everyone who isn't Knives). He also explicitly states that he hates Rem, for instilling a love for humanity within Vash.

Belittling/Infantilizing Vash: This one isn't as bad this chapter, but Knives still refuses to hear Vash out/doesn't let him talk/doesn't try to see things from Vash's perspective. He specifically says that Vash needs to face reality, as if he hasn't been living among humans for a hundred years by this point in the story. Vash is in too much pain/distress to really get a word in edgewise, but Knives certainly gets to say his piece on why he thinks Vash needs to just let go of everything he cares for and just listen to Knives.

And those are the main ones from this chapter--the scenes were relatively short but no less important!

I also found it interesting, during the scene with Dr. Conrad, he comments that Vash has too much power--implying he's dangerous. Knives them asks him what he's going to do about it, if he's going to get rid of them. This is certainly interesting foreshadowing for what is to come!

[smkkbert]

Time for a story - Penance

“Thus died Robin Hood, at Kirklees Nunnery, in fair Yorkshire, with mercy in his heart towards those that had been his undoing; for thus he showed mercy for the erring and pity for the weak though all the time of his living.”

Oliver turned the page of the book although he wasn’t reading from it anyway. He had read the story to his children so often that he could just repeat it from memory by now. Instead, his eyes were taking in Millie and Addie, who had cuddled up to each other under the blanket and had just fallen asleep, and Hawk, who had curled up on the foot of the bed and was snoring softly.

“His yeomen were scattered henceforth,” he continued anyway because there was only paragraph left, and he knew that his children had a supernatural power of always knowing when he didn’t read to the end, “but no great ill befell them thereafter, for a more merciful sheriff and one who knew them not so well succeeding the one that had gone, and they being separated here and there throughout the countryside, they abided in peace and quietness, so that many lived to hand down these tales to their children and their children’s children.”

He closed the book quietly and put it on the nightstand. Turning back to the two sleeping girls, he allowed himself to just look at them for a moment longer. They looked incredibly peaceful. All the events of the last week hadn’t harmed them lastingly. At least it seemed like they had recovered from it mostly.

With a quiet smile on his lips, Oliver kissed first Millie’s and then Addie’s forehead. Petting Hawk’s head briefly, he got up and tiptoed to the door. He didn’t want to wake them up again like he had had when he had finished reading to them without reading the epilogue. When he turned around at the door, the girls as well as Hawk were still peacefully asleep though.

Oliver switched off the light and had already taken a step out of Millie’s room when-

“Daddy?”

It would have been too easy, he thought to himself with an amused smile and turned back. The light from the hallway fell right onto the bed, so he could see Addie’s big eyes on him without switching the light back on again.

“Yes, little wildflower?”

Addie smiled brightly at that. Back in her room at their house, there had been a picture with the words In a field full of roses, she’s a wildflower on it. When Oliver had visited the ruins of their home today, he had found that some rare items had remained maybe not untouched but at least they had appeared savable in the entire wreckage. That picture had been one of those items. It needed to be newly framed, but that was a small price to pay given the meaning that picture had for them.

“Will you be here tomorrow?”

Oliver cocked his head, smiling sadly. Maybe these past events had left more harm on the kids than they were letting on sometimes. They seemed okay most of the times, but the kids had never asked him questions like that because they had always known that he was here. Even when he wasn’t here in person, he was here. They could call him, videocall him, text him, anything. He was present, but he hadn’t been as long as he had been in remand.

As quietly as possible, Oliver stepped back towards the bed and kneeled down at the bedside. He crossed his arms on the edge of the mattress and leaned close to Addie.

“I swear to you,” he whispered solemnly, “that daddy will always do everything that he can to be here.”

“But what if it’s not enough?”

Oliver reached out a hand and moved his fingers through Addie’s blonde hair. She didn’t look scared necessarily, but rather interested. She wanted an honest answer because even at only four years old she had already learned that you could give your best, and it still wasn’t enough. She knew Oliver would always want to come home, and yet he hadn’t been able to come.

“The police is working with us now,” Oliver explained to her, “so we have a giant team and you know what’s good about a team? Everyone has each other’s back when they are on a team.”

Addie didn’t seem quite satisfied with that answer. They had been working in a team already, and he had still been arrested. They had worked with the police, unofficially at least, too. That hadn’t prevented his arrest either.

“I love you,” he whispered, “and whenever I can, I will be here. If I can’t, you can be sure that you, your sisters and your brothers as well as mommy are always in my heart.”

Addie nodded slowly. When she spread her arms, Oliver hugged her as tightly as he could and placed a firm kiss on her cheek. Luckily, when he looked into her face this time, she was smiling. Oliver pushed his nose against hers playfully and kissed her cheek once more before he pulled back.

“Now do me a favor and sleep,” he asked, tugging the blanket tightly around her, “so you can help me making breakfast tomorrow morning.”

“Pancakes!” she screamed in a whisper, shooting a quick look at Millie, who was still fast asleep. “Please!”

Oliver winked at her and nodded. “Tomorrow morning, you will get everything you want for breakfast.”

That prospect seemed to be to Addie’s liking. She turned onto her side, snuggling up to Millie, and closed her eyes. Oliver was sure that she was asleep before he even straightened back up.

When he left the room this time, neither of the kids woke up. They stayed fast asleep. He left the door ajar, so a chink of light would help them to orientate themselves in the room when they woke up. Even after a week at the penthouse, everyone was still waking up confused about where they were.

Rubbing his hands over his face, Oliver made his way towards the bedroom. He and Felicity would have to think about what to do now. They couldn’t stay at the penthouse forever. Life here was comfortable of course, but the penthouse just didn’t offer the domestic atmosphere that they were used to. Even when they decorated everything to their liking, he couldn’t see their family living here for longer.

“Millie and Addie are finally asleep.” Oliver stepped into the master bedroom, already taking off his shirt. “I think we might have to keep an eye on Addie. She was-“

Only now that Oliver looked up, he realized that Felicity was not waiting for him in bed already. Frowning, he looked around like he was expecting Felicity to be somewhere he hadn’t seen her yet, but the room was indeed empty. The door to the bathroom had been left ajar, but the light there was switched off, so he doubted that Felicity was there.

Thinking that she was probably just getting something to drink or maybe checking on Emmy or Tommy, Oliver went into the bathroom and got ready for bed. He brushed his teeth, washed his face and was actually ready to just drop his sweatpants and get into bed. Since Felicity was still not there though, he figured that he should begin to search for her after all.

The penthouse consisted of a lot of different rooms. They didn’t even use all of them, mainly because they had preferred to stay together these past days after they had been separated involuntarily. Apart from seven of the bedrooms, they only used the kitchen, the dining room and the living room. Now they were using one of the storage rooms too as Oliver had put the few things that he had been able to save from their house there.

The latter was where he found her. The light that came from the room was what gave it away. Oliver thought he would find her working on the safe that he had found in the wreckage of their home. He hadn’t been able to open it. Apparently, the fire had caused some defense mechanisms to take effect. Felicity had told him that she’d take care of it. The safe held mostly family photos, so they had kept true treasures in it. Oliver couldn’t even remember how it had started that they had put family photos in there. Now he was glad that they had.

When Oliver opened the door a little more and looked inside the room, he didn’t find Felicity in her element though. Instead, he found her standing there with her head lowered, holding the mobile that had decorated Mia’s crib in her hands. Oliver wasn’t sure why he had decided to take it. One of the sloths had been ripped off, another one singed. Some of the plastic had been smoldered. It wasn’t really usable anymore, especially not in a nursery. He guessed it was the memory it held that had made it savable to him.

Felicity kept her face down, looking at the sloth. Her hair was falling in her face, so he couldn’t see it, but he was almost sure that she had tears in her eyes or was crying already. Her fingers were trembling slightly when they moved over one of the sloths. She took in a deep, trembling breath.

Oliver felt his heart break into a thousand different pieces. After the had reunited, he and Felicity had tried to be optimistic. They were still sad, but they knew that they had a lot of things on their agenda now. They had to take care of a lot of things to reorganize their lives, and they should do so as soon as possible. Their kids needed stability.

It was the crazy thing as a parent. You often had to stand back and do what was best for your children. You didn’t want to worry them, so you tried to offer stability and security even when you were feeling like the ground you were standing on was crumbling away. They leaned on each other, but with a world this shaken, there were moment when even that wasn’t enough.

When Oliver moved closer, Felicity noticed him. She flinched, hurried to put the mobile down and wipe away her tears. She cleared her throat and put on a smile.

“Have Addie and Millie fallen asleep?” she asked. “I checked on Emmy and Tommy. They are fast asleep already. William went to see some friends for his last night here before he leaves tomorrow. I thought we could-“

When Oliver simply approached Felicity and wrapped his arms around her tightly, she stopped talking. For the beat of a second, she tensed. She didn’t want to be hugged. She didn’t want to be held. She was scared that she would break down if she was.

“I miss her too,” Oliver whispered and snuggled his cheek to the top of her head, “every minute of every day.”

Felicity stayed still for a moment. Oliver was sure that she was holding her breath and biting her tongue. She didn’t want to fall apart. Even now that it was just the two of them and she knew that he had seen her crying already, she hesitated to show her feelings to him openly. He placed a comforting kiss to the crown of her head, and that was what finally made her take in a sniffling breath, wrap her arms around his middle and start crying.

Oliver had held Felicity multiple times while she had been crying, and it had broken his heart every time. This time was no different. His heart broke for Felicity, who was feeling so sad. His heart also broke because it had been cracked before. He missed Mia just as much as Felicity did. He tried not to think about the fact that she was not with them anymore too often. Of all the pain he had ever felt, the one of losing a child – even though he knew that she was alive and well – was the worst of them.

When they had taken Mia in, they had always known that this could happen. They had known that Mia’s biological parents or at least family of them could be found and Mia would be taken back. It was why Felicity had been hesitant to take her in at the start. Then she had found out about the fate of Mia’s biological parents – their doppelgängers on some other earth – and that had allowed Felicity to relax and allow her love for Mia to fill her without any worries. It hadn’t even been about the genetic connection they had, but simply about knowing that Mia’s biological family would never ask for her back.

Felicity snuggled herself closer to Oliver’s body, and he felt her breathing growing slower and deeper already. Oliver continued to hold her anyway and rubbed his hands over her back soothingly.

“I talked to Ms. Wheeler today,” she said eventually, her voice still shaking slightly, “about what happened during her vacation. She called when she came back and heard that Mia was taken away from us.”

Oliver’s muscles tightened slightly. When Mia had been taken from them, a complete stranger had been the one picking her up because Ms. Wheeler, the social worker that had been in charge of their case, had been on vacation. Felicity had tried to called her a hundred times, but she had been unavailable.

Realistically, Oliver knew that even when Ms. Wheeler had been here, Mia would have been placed with someone else. The home of a supposed criminal wouldn’t have been right even in her eyes. Ms. Wheeler had been very nice to them though, and she had been very supportive of them becoming Mia’s foster parents. She had even suggested it to him. Maybe together they could have found a way for Mia to still be part of their lives. It was a farfetched hope, but it had been all they had had.

“What did she say?”

Taking in another deep breath, Felicity pulled back slightly. She pusher her hair behind her ears and adjusted her glasses. She rested her hands on his chest then.

“She said we are not getting her back.”

Oliver nodded, unable to speak. They had known that they had no chance of getting her back, but hearing it from Ms. Wheeler let it sound so incredibly irrevocable. That hurt despite knowing it before.

“Of course not,” Oliver whispered, “there are still too many questions unanswered about how the team can continue in its new way. Then it’s still dangerous, not just for us, but the kids too now. Everyone knows who we are and who they are. It’s-“

“Even when we offer the answers to that.” Felicity took in a sniffling breath. “We are not even getting her back then. Ms. Wheeler talked to come of her colleagues because she thinks that Mia’s case is very special. Apparently, most of them think that Mia needs stability. The back and forth of being taken from and then brought back to us wouldn’t be good for her development. She said she could maybe place a different child in our care once everything is settled, but-“

“It’s not the same.” Oliver shook his head. “No.”

Although Oliver thought that it was very honorable of people to take foster children in, he knew that they couldn’t take in another child. Knowing they could feel the pain they were feeling now again would make it impossible. They would live in constant fear. Besides, when the social workers thought that they couldn’t offer stability for Mia, Oliver doubted that they could offer it for any other child.

Felicity took in a breath, about to say something. Her eyes met his for a brief moment, and she looked away and shook her head. A small crease formed between her eyebrows.

“What?” Oliver asked quietly. “What are you thinking?”

“What if we demand a DNA test? It would prove that she is our daughter. It’s how we found out where she came from.”

Oliver brushed his fingers against Felicity’s cheek. It was a desperate attempt, and Oliver was almost sure that Felicity knew it too. The desperation was right there in her eyes, right behind that sparkle of hope.

“And how do you want to explain to them that we put her in a dumpster right in front of one of ours buildings and then found her there in a way that caught the attention of the media and then even took her in?”

The story sounded like out of some terrible TV drama, and Oliver felt like he and Felicity were the bad ones in that one. He had an idea what people would think about them when they told them that. They would think that Oliver and Felicity had tried to use their own child to make themselves saints in the eyes of the city. It would be seen as a terrible attempt at manipulating the city.

“We could tell them the truth,” Felicity said, “about the other earths and the doppelgängers and-“

“Felicity.” Oliver shook his head. “Staring might be ready to accept vigilantes now, but different earths and doppelgängers? Even if they believed in it, it would only create panic. We can’t do that.”

There was a beat of silence. Felicity looked at him intently like she was thinking about a good response, something to change his mind. When she released a long sigh, her shoulders slumped and she shook her head though.

“You’re right.” She rubbed her hands over her face. “I am tried and belong in bed. I can’t think clearly anymore.”

She placed a shallow kiss on Oliver’s chest and went past him towards the bedroom.

Oliver took a brief look at the saved stuff. His fingers stroke over the mobile that he had caught Felicity looking at before. That, dozens of photos and all of their memories were what was left of Mia. They had been a part of her life for a short span in her life. Somehow that had to be enough.

He switched off the light, closed the door and followed Felicity into the bedroom. She was already lying in bed when he stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. Instead of joining her in bed already, Oliver leaned back against the bedroom door and watched Felicity for a moment.

It didn’t take long for her to notice. She cocked her head and frowned, patting the empty side of the bed next to her.

“Come here,” she told him, “or I can’t fall asleep.”

Although she was smiling and trying to make her voice sound light, Oliver could still hear the heaviness of their conversation before coming through. Heaviness and sadness would accompany them for a while, Oliver guessed.

“I think I should schedule an appointment with Dr. Rosario.”

They had made good experience with Dr. Rosario. She had helped them through some troublesome moments. Although she barely said anything now, she sometimes asked a question or helped them redirect their conversation to what was important. They had made incredibly progress in communicating though. They had been quite good at it for a while, but they had become better.

Felicity pushed an arm under her head, so her head was a little propped up and she could look at him more intently. She frowned worriedly.

“Is it your time in prison?” Felicity asked. “Are you having trouble processing it?”

Oliver shook his head. “No. No, it’s not that. It’s… I need to say a few things and I think that professional help could be useful.”

At that Felicity sat up. “I think you need to tell me now, or I won’t sleep again before I know what you need to say.”

He hesitated briefly, but soon had to agree with Felicity. He guessed he had wanted to tell her tonight, but he had wanted to hear if she was ready to hear it. Now he knew that she was.

Oliver left his spot at the door and approached the bed. He sat down at Felicity’s bedside. She grabbed one of his hands and held it between both of hers. She continued to look at him intently, waiting for him to be ready to talk.

“I am sorry.”

Felicity frowned. “For what?”

“For everything.” Oliver let out a long breath. “I’m sorry for everything that I put you through, especially these last days. You had to deal with all of this by yourself. I couldn’t be there for you or for the kids after all the struggle I pulled you in.”

Felicity shook her head and squeezed his hand. She moved her fingers through his stubble, allowed them to move down and settled them over his head eventually. Oliver felt goosebumps follow her touch.

“You have no reason to apologize to me,” she told him firmly, “because we made that choice together. We both decided that you had to turn yourself in, or so many innocents would have died. We had no choice but to give in to Blood Rose at that point.”

How often had Oliver told himself the same thing? How often had he not believed it?

“We have lost our home and our daughter.” Felicity’s voice trembled at the words. “We lost them, but we saved so much more. So many people survived thanks to you turning yourself in. The house, as much as I loved it, is just a house. Mia, as much as I will miss her for the rest of my life, will have a good life by loving foster parents.”

The house he had built for her and their family had held so many precious memories, and it had offered so much safety and comfort. At the end of the day, just like Felicity had said, it was just a house though. Thinking about it, it did not even hold the memories. They did. And maybe the stone, wood and glass that it had been made of wasn’t what had offered the safety and comfort. The people in it had.

Mia was alive and well. They had made sure that she had had a couple of really great months after her troublesome start into life. Now she moved on without them, but she would still grow to be a wonderful human being. If anything hinted to it to be different, Felicity would know it, and they could still decide what to do.

The house and Mia were gone from their lives and that hurt despite all the comforting thoughts.

“We wouldn’t have been able to look ourselves in the eye if we had let that bomb go off,” Felicity said, “and the city would have never trusted us again. So we made the right choice.”

Oliver lowered his eyes to their entangled fingers. His thumb stroked over the back of her hand.

“Still,” he whispered, “if I wasn’t the Green Arrow-“

“I have fallen in love you when you were a vigilante. I was working with you when we got together. I may have not known what I was getting into in all detail, but neither was you. We did what we could to make a happy family and make this place a better place for our children. I think all in all we succeeded.”

Oliver looked into Felicity’s eyes and found no sign there that she didn’t mean what she was saying. She really meant what she said.

What had he ever done to deserve her? Oliver doubted that he would ever understand.

Felicity smiled softly and squeezed his hand once more. She lifted his hand to her lips and placed a kiss to his palm. Her gaze never left her eyes.

“I love you,” Felicity whispered almost solemnly, “and I love us together. I love our family. I love our life together. Not everything worked out the way that we had hoped it would, but I would always decide to be with you again and again and again. I love you.”

Oliver felt his throat getting soar and tears pricking in his eyes. He had never doubted Felicity love for him, but in hard times like these, it meant the world to him that she still would choose him. In a world where people divorced for the smallest reasons, it meant the world to him.

“I love you,” he whispered, “I love you and the kids more than anything in my life.”

Felicity wiped away the tears that fell and pulled his face close, so she could kiss him. The kiss sealed the declaration of love and proved how much every word had been meant exactly like it had been said.

[checkadii]

Holy shit, hi, I wanted to say thank you so much for your tags on your reblog of my fic 💙 I so appreciate it and you're too kind! I was a little nervous at times about the way I was characterizing Vash, so I'm really glad to hear it worked for you! Fics like this can be so hard to get eyes on so I really appreciate you taking the time to reblog and say what you thought!

GRABBING YOU BY THE SHOULDERS for a one shot the way you characterized him said a LOT . To me at least. It might be the hot weather getting to me idk . Characterization is such a doozy though I agree

THERES SOOO many aspects of Vash’s character that I’m so like. Picky abt when it comes to fanfics, I have about a dozen and some tabs opened on chrome rn that I scroll through every day,,, Usually he’s written as whiny, near childish, stubborn, generally babied, etc and that’s canon (to an EXTENT) but holy crap . He’s also angry, pent up and repressive, he’s frustrated, he’s living for an ideal that someone who left him long ago had, what does he have aside from that like ghfjnghn. He was the one who lashed out first in both 98 and trimax, and even if that’s tamer and more restrained, faint and maybe not with the fire it once had now and he’s mournful if anything,, he lost so much, and everything that was lost was meaningful to him,, for something nigh immortal (if he doesn’t drop dead like. 280 or smth idk) with so much time it fucking sucks to know that others close don’t have a fraction of it

the impact he had on the people around him even if he doesn’t know it, the impact the people has on him over the course of centuries,,, the way he felt unsure wether the right to be called uncle was his,,, but times changed. things changed

Another thing is that god. Yea. He would have vague knowledge of LR from wolfwood, and no matter the influence of that he’s still going to be wary I feel like. He should be. Hide it idc but there’s going to be some level of conflicted emotions towards him ghjngmnnnh .

AND MILLY!!! THAT WAS REALLY SAD TO READ BH THE WAY AHJSJD!!! Her becoming the family’s matriarch did put a smile on my face,,, aloof as she is she can be dependable and stubborn I feel like augh,,, and meryl :( her accepting the cane without much fight had me rolling around . IDK YOU JUST. vague hand gestures captured it really well in such short writing??

Living as someone else’s ideal turning into living for someone else entirely just. Myh. There isn’t much he can do, and that just. Leaves that. Carrying their memories. Keeping by their side to stave off their loneliness. Mourn those that passed, will pass, together. It really would be worth living the life he’s always lead

In short I’ll be rereading it along with that dozen and some tabs everyday thankyou for your work actually HOLYYY SHIT IM GIDDY THINKING ABT THE FIC AGAIN GELP 🗣

[ducktapebar]

Love you one arm or two

Clyde x Reader

TWs: PTSD from war, depression, anxiety, trauma

You felt your blood go cold with fear when you heard the news. An airport explosion. Your best friend Clyde, who had been finally allowed to go home after Iraq, had been caught in it. His older brother Jimmy and sister Millie were sick with worry too. No one knew yet Clyde’s condition. Only that he had been rushed to the nearest hospital. The doctors had told you they couldn’t promise he would live. He was in a coma like state and had sustained severe injuries. One to his left arm- the explosion so bad his arm had been blown off. Well his hand. Half his arm now a grizzly bloody stump which would need countless stitches. He had other injuries, some to his legs, his torso, a deep gash in his side. His head had some cuts. You had flown immediately down to where he was hospitalized. Rushing through the hospital halls till you found his room. Slipping inside you gasped softly at his state, all bandaged up. You noticed then his missing hand and forearm. Your heart shattered, you went to his right side and gently took hold of his uninjured hand.

Gently rubbing it as tears rolled down your cheeks “Clyde honey…” you pleaded.

You heard a groan and you looked down quickly “Clyde!” You half yelled half whispered. You let out a small sob and leaned down to pull him close against you.

“Darlin?” He called out weakly.

You gently brushed loose hair from his face “I’m here honey…I’m here” you promised kissing his forehead.

Clyde wrapped his good arm around you and buried his head against your neck “i missed ya so much…” he was in so much pain, memories of Iraq raw in his mind as well. He clung to you weakly.

“I missed you to Clyde, i was so scared I would lose you…” you sniffled. “You’re okay…you’re safe now…the doctors will take good care of you” you said softly as you gently rubbed his good hand.

His large hand gently petted your hair as he comforted you. He glanced down and finally noticed his missing arm. He whimpered almost, he was now one armed. He wouldn’t be able to do all the same stuff as easily now. He also feared you’d leave him, abandon him, he couldn’t handle that now. He has his brother Jimmy and sister Mellie, but they were back home. Not here where he had been brought. “Darlin? Are yer gonna leave me?” He said so softly you almost didn’t hear him.

Your heart broke, Clyde used to be louder and more full of life. Yes he had just sustained severe injuries and trauma but he usually would use those painful memories in a way where he would comfort himself by making it a joke. This time was different, Clyde was scared, in pain, broken. A once louder and funny soul crushed by war. You gently cupped his cheek “no no of course not honey, my sweet Clyde” you comforted. “One arm or two- I’ll always be here and I’ll always love you” you felt his head bury into your arms as his walls broke, he cried softly into your chest.

“I love ya too darlin” he weakly spoke through his cries. He cried till he slumped against you, between the physical pain and emotional, he was beyond exhausted.

-two years later-

You and Clyde had worked through a lot of painful memories. Clyde was still healing. He now worked at Duck Tape Bar as a method to cope and try living like an everyday civilian. It wasn’t easy, some nights he would come absolutely exhausted and drained, some would make fun of him and his prosthetic. Clyde had a soft heart and soul, he wasn’t your typical tough and gruff bartender, but rather a gentle and sensitive soul. It was one of those nights, he got home and slipped off his boots. You two lived together now, you couldn’t be apart from him, too worried he would have a PTSD episode or a depression spell, he had been low lately. He looked so tired as he walked in, eyes almost dull. “Clyde? Oh sweetheart…” you mumbled as you went to him. “Bad day?” You asked knowing the signs of his pain.

He nodded softly and wrapped his right arm around you. You wrapped both arms around him and held him close. You shifted one arm to gently unlatch his prosthetic, carefully setting it down before lovingly massaging his stump, you often did this when you wanted to show him even more love.

He breathed and leaned into you. “Thank ya darlin” he mumbled. He kissed your cheek then took your hand and led you to your shared bedroom. His blood went cold as he heard a crack of thunder.

Storms here were relatively common this time of year, you saw Clyde go pale. He hated thunder, the loud cracks reminding him of those guns and tanks. The screams and horrific sounds of war. You guided him into your room and guided him to sit. “Hey, Clyde, focus on me okay?” You knew how to get him through these panic attacks. His eyes darting around before settling on you, sharp quickened breaths panting out of him. “Breathe with me” you guided his hand to your chest and laid it there “feel my heartbeat? Focus on that okay?” You guided him in the breathing exercises his therapist had told him to do whenever he had one of his panic attacks. Being a veteran, he had been given a therapist for free, especially after what he endured with losing a part of himself physically and mentally. He took shaky breaths which eventually evened out some. “Good job” you soothed. “That’s it…deep breaths Clyde” you comforted as you petted his hair gently. He finally eased against you and breathed normally. You slipped headphones over his ears and turned on music he loved, another method, it would block out the thunder. You slowly felt him drift off to sleep against you. His head resting against your chest. You held him tight and let yourself fall asleep.

The next morning you woke up and felt the heavy warmth of Clyde laying on you. His arm wrapped around you holding you close as he was snuggled into your chest. You smiled softly before seeing his missing left arm, you frowned and sighed, tears pricking at your eyes with pain for him. You had to be strong, even years later seeing that stump- it still broke your heart knowing he would never truly be the same.

“Mm, g’mornin darlin” he hummed out as he opened his eyes. He gazed to you, his honey brown eyes soft and tender, tired, he didn’t sleep a ton or that well when he did. Having you by his side helped though, which is one of many reasons you two now lived together.

“Morning Clyde” you smiled softly “slept well?” You asked hopefully. You knew how tired he often was, and he worked late nights often at the bar, normally not getting home till as early as eleven.

“Alrigh I guess” he shrugged. He sat up and rubbed his eyes with his right hand. He reached for his prosthetic, attaching it to his stump. It was a pretty stiff one, wasn’t useful for much outside bracing something against it or if his customers caused any trouble. Aside that- it wasn’t the most ideal prosthetic but it would do in a pinch. Till he saved up for a better more modern one, one that could be more mobile and that he could actually use.

You nodded “you should rest some today” you suggested. Knowing he worked late, maybe he could rest some before he went in. You kissed his cheek and got up “I’ll make us some breakfast, I’ll burn the bacon like you like it” you smiled gently and winked before heading out of your shared bedroom. You went and began cooking up some breakfast, on the tv news of that big upcoming Cola race at the Nascar speedway. You knew racing was a big deal where you lived, but in all honesty you were indifferent to it. Only having gone to one race but you’d watch the race at home with Clyde, he enjoyed it.

Clyde got dressed and went to join you. His arm wrapped around your waist as he rested his chin atop your shoulder. You smiled feeling his heavy warmth and you gently rubbed his arm as you cooked up breakfast for you both. He kissed your into your hair softly and squeezed you gently with his good arm, before giving you the space you need to cook. “Thanks darlin” he said softly and sweetly.

You smiled and nodded “of course” you soothed and with breakfast made, you plated up the food and brought both plates to the table. You set the plates down before gently squeezing his shoulders. “What if we went somewhere together? A few days to just get away. Maybe it’ll help you” you said softly as you kissed his shoulders. “I’m sure the bar would understand and could find someone to hold things down till you get back” you knew he was well known there- everyone knew Clyde.

“Maybe…I can call up and ask. Where would we go?” He asks curiously. He wasn’t opposed to it. He loved spending time with you, it was the one thing he could fully latch onto along with his siblings.

“Wherever you’d like hun” you smiled and gently rested a hand on his squeezing gently. You knew it would help him destress and maybe feel a bit better. You loved him more then anything and wanted to help rekindle his old playful side he once had before Iraq and coming home with a permanent wound and wounds in his mind- forever to have certain things trigger his PTSD.

He hummed softly as he thought it over, you two settled on a simple date day. A picnic by your favorite lake, you’d take a walk, and would lay under the shade of a tree. This lake was special. Because you two had your first date there, it was a beautiful crystal blue lake, with huge oak trees by it. You laid back against him, your head against his chest and his arm around you. You lay between his legs. His head resting atop yours as you two snuggled and watched birds go by, Clyde just taking in the peaceful silence.

Clyde pressed a soft kiss to your head and murmured “thank ya darlin. I love you” he smiled softly. He felt better- sure he would have more bad days. But- he felt a bit better after a stretch of those. He closed his eyes and just breathed and enjoyed your warmth.

You smiled and kissed his hand “i love you Clyde, and I always will. We’ll get through all of it together” was your promise to him. As you two spent the rest of the day cuddled up together by your favorite nature spot.

[callum-jackson]

[ jesse lee soffer | 41 | cis man | he/him ] Hey, look! It’s [CALLUM JACKSON] at [EAST HAVEN MEMORIAL]. Did you know they [WORK] there as a [CHIEF OF SURGERY]? I guess they’re from [EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND] and have been in town for [28 YEARS], living in [PRIMROSE HEIGHTS]. I also heard they’re a little [UPTIGHT], but also very [OPTIMISTIC] which definitely makes sense.

TWs UNDER THE CUT: cancer tw, childhood cancer tw, amputation tw, disappearance tw, death tw

When Callum Jackson was born in Edinburgh as the second son to the family, there was no way to know what a roller coaster his life would become. He was athletic and rowdy as a child, always running around and wanting to be outside in the dirt. At least until it started to hurt to run and he found himself unable to keep up with his friends. At nine years old he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and his whole life changed. 

With his younger brothers looking up to him as the old model, Callum didn’t feel like he had the right to be scared. So he made jokes and laughed his way through chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He stayed strong and kept his head up even when he was told at eleven that he’d have to have the bottom half of his left leg amputated. Through everything that came his way, Callum kept a smile on his face and never let his brothers see the fear that lived in his heart. 

Moving to America when he was thirtteen and in remission for the second time meant a lot of good things for their family. It meant Callum had access to better doctors, it meant his reputation as the cancer kid could be left in Scotland, and it meant his brothers could start over away from the traumatic memories of watching their older brother almost die. It was good. Callum was happy to start fresh. It also meant that he met Millie Darlington, the true love of his life. 

Cal adapted well to his new life in east haven and he quickly found his place. He was always a bit of a trouble maker, sneaking out at night, partying with the troubled kids and getting picked up by the cops every now and then. He seemed to get away with anything and everything because his parents felt guilty he’d missed so much of his childhood being sick. Millie was the driving factor for everything he did though. If it made her laugh or give him those loving eyes, he’d do it without question. 

No one was shocked when the two got married right after college. Twenty two years old and heading to medical school but Callum knew what he wanted and it was her. It had been from the moment he laid eyes on her. The ceremony was beautiful and so was the honeymoon in Mexico. Ten years later they were still in love, had a baby girl they adored and Callum was a pediatric surgeon saving lives just like someone did for him when he was a kid. He may have lost a leg but he got a whole life out of the deal. 

What was a surprise to everyone was the day Millie vanished. Her car was found off the highway in a ditch, her purse and phone still in it, door open and keys in the ignition. Immediately it looked like foul play, and Callum was devastated. Half the town thought he’d done something to her and the other half felt so bad for him that their pity turned his stomach. He was questioned by the police but eventually found to be cleared. They never found Millie, she was just gone. Five years passed, her case went cold, and eventually she was presumed dead. 

Callum has been raising their daughter Addilyn on his own for the last ten years and recently was promoted to chief of surgery at east haven memorial after working there for nearly fifteen years. 

[eventheodds]

There are people staring and murmuring as she navigates her way in the opposite flow of where most of them are heading. Some halt their gait and turn to look at her as she pushes past them, determined to keep up with the man who had deliberately started walking faster.

In hindsight, given that she knows how Vash’s name is still plastered on every headline on print and broadcast through radio waves, she shouldn’t be using that name in public—much less calling out to him. Patrols are still scouring the deserts for any sign of the Humanoid Typhoon, and with what happened to July, there’s no doubt in her mind that if they do catch him, there will be blood.

But it breaks her heart to know that no one will know how kind Vash actually is. They’ll not stop to think that he’s always gone out of his way to help those he can, and feels deeply for those he can’t get to on time.

His name is poised on her lips, ready to be called out again when the man she’d been following stops. He’s the same height, the same colour blond hair—everything about him is familiar. But it also isn’t.

And yet, even with his hair grown out like that, wearing clothes where the colour is too close to that of the desert—like he means to blend in and disappear—she can picture him with that red jacket and the cerulean hue of his arm made of lost tech. Even the gun hostler strapped to his left thigh is something she can picture with absolute clarity. Seeing him, alive and well, makes the tears she’d been fighting back start to streak down her face, unable to stop their fall.

Through her choked sobs, she can hear his voice and it makes her heart clench when he speaks because it means she’s hearing his voice again. 

That clench soon turns into a break when his words shoot right through her and she nearly stumbles backwards like she’s been electrocuted. 

Do I know you?

Her brow furrows, more than she would like it to, and Meryl can feel the beginnings of a headache starting to form—the kind where she’s been getting them a lot more frequently these days on account of her crying. She knows Milly won’t say a word about it, but she’s aware that Milly has heard her several nights. Those nights when memories take hold and the grief wins out, and she’ll cry herself to sleep, trying to hide her sobbing in her pillow. The places they often find themselves in don’t offer much in terms of great accommodations, but it’s more than adequate to suit their needs. 

A place to stay for the night; come tomorrow, they’re gone.

“C’mon…it’s Meryl. You know me.”

She’s recovered enough of herself to finally address this, her mind telling her that maybe this is his way to stay under the radar. The agency she worked for sent someone with these coordinates to come here. She’s beginning to suspect that the Bernardelli News Agency has got more going on than just being a reliable news source.

Never mind the fact that it’s pretty much the only news source given how they’ve monopolized it.

She approaches steadily, but also slowly, and it’s not because she’s afraid, but because she knows that if she were to approach him normally, Meryl wouldn’t be able to contain herself and launch herself right into his embrace.

Except, he’s not giving her any indication that he recognizes her and this makes Meryl’s blood run cold.

Everyone around them has gone back to the daily minutiae of their lives and it feels so surreal to be surrounded by the ordinary when it feels like her entire world is crumbling all around her.

It’s a nice day out, as far as days in No Man’s Land go. The sun winks at the townspeople of April below as the clouds pass by. Little permutations in his otherwise mundane routine are welcome. 

Walk Lina to the local school in the mornings (even if she claims she doesn’t need the escort, but everyone in town knows she’s been struggling with a particularly stubborn suitor as of late and even Grandma Sheryl feels better for having him with her), get a copy of the latest paper, make note of the latest sales at the local grocer and general stores, pick up any groceries if need be,  and get back in time to help Grandma Sheryl with chores or prepping meals for the week. 

Life is simple, but Eriks suspects it wasn’t always. 

They don’t speak of it often in their little household; the day that Lina found him huddled and haunted against a stack of empty crates by the open alleyway one day on her way home. 

She and Grandma Sheryl stood outside his door, murmuring to themselves on that first night after they thought he’d finally fallen asleep. 

‘He must have been through something horrible.’

The scars on his body, his missing left arm, speak to past horrors he does not remember. Fuzzy images, clinging to the edges of his mind like standing in a dark hallway and jiggling locked doors in the midst of a nightmare. Hoping to find one open, hoping not to find a monster behind it. Oftentimes he did wake from nightmares he could not remember, drenched in a cold sweat and a lingering sense of dread. 

Eriks flips open the day’s paper one-handed as he walks down the main street while sidestepping other townspeople without looking up from the newspread. 

“Hm…Today’s headline is…”

VASH THE STAMPEDE - STILL ALIVE? WHERE IS HE NOW? THE MONSTER OF LOST JULY: SPECIAL INSIDE LOOK

“Still on about this guy, huh.” Eriks tilts his head, studying the portrait splashed across the front page. The face is familiar. He feels like he should know it, despite the odd smile that doesn’t reach the man in the photo’s eyes. There’s something sad about it that makes his chest ache.

Perusing the other pages in the paper, it does not take long before Eriks gets the sense that he is being followed. Footsteps that follow too directly, too closely, except the stranger keeps calling out the name  ‘Vash! Vash!’ through the moving crowd like he ought to know it. 

They are persistent, even after Eriks has hastened his step.

Finally, he turns on his heel to face his pursuer. Blinks at the empty air at eye-level, then tilts his head down. 

“Oh.”

Not what he expects. Eriks is unsure of what to make of this strange woman chasing him doggedly through the streets calling a name that makes everyone stare and whisper when he finally allows her to catch up with him.

“I’m sorry, um. Do I know you? If you really wanted to get a look at the headline for today there’s a newsstand right there.” He points off the side, where the local newsie is wagging copies of newsprint in passerby’s faces in hopes of snagging buyers. “I don’t think you should be using that name out loud so easily.”

[believinghurts]

Their Daughter

Chapter 5

Author’s note: I use Grammarly to fix my mistakes, but there could still be some so sorry for that. Also, I am getting back into writing and am hoping to have a few more works out soon! Please reblog, like, or comment feedback is appreciated.

Word Count: 4,400

Warnings: None? Sirius being a d*ck? Maybe language, but I don’t think so.

Regulus wasn’t sure how much time had passed as he stroked his niece's hair. He was mad at his brother for basically throwing away the only good thing that had ever come from the Black family. Sirius was too blinded by the past to see what was right in front of him. As children, Sirius often told Regulus that he was their family's favorite and that it bothered him, but if he knew what it was like to be less loved then how can he love Harry more than Ali? He understood that Harry was Sirius's Godson, but couldn’t he love Ali and Harry equally? If Sirius made the effort maybe Ali and the other children could even be friends. His heart ached from the emotional battle that Ali was going through right now. Even if Sirius didn’t see it, he and Remus did. Ali’s light was dimmer than before and when she was lighting up again after finding out Sirius never came for her, Sirius just had to go and snuffed it out.

Carefully sliding out from under Ali and placing a pillow under her head Regulus left the room. He shut the door behind him casting a locking spell so she wouldn’t be bothered. He needed to speak with Remus first before doing anything. They needed to decide what to do about Ali. As much as Regulus wanted to spend time with her before she went back to school he didn’t want her to be this upset anymore. He walked into the study to find Remus and Nymphadora sitting near the fireplace.

“How is she?” Nymphadora blurted the question as soon as she saw her cousin. Remus had owled her after Ali had gone to her room. The older sister in her wanted to go up to Sirius and give him a piece of her mind, but she knew that it wouldn’t do any good.

“She’s asleep for now. All the fighting has exhausted her. I honestly don’t know what to do. I want her here, this is her home, but if Sirius doesn’t stop acting like the brut that he is it is going to hurt her more. Speaking of Sirius, where is he? It’s quiet.” Regulus flopped down on the chair across from Remus and Nymphadora raking a hand through his hair. His worry for Ali was causing him a headache. On one hand, he wanted to send Ali to stay at the Malfoy Manor for the remainder of summer, but on the other, he wanted to hold her close and have her stay in her home where she belonged.

“Sirius left with Harry after you went upstairs. He hasn’t been home since. The Weasleys stepped out to Diagon Alley to get the kids stuff for school.” Remus replied. He was secretly thankful that the house was mainly empty. This way at least Ali could come down if she felt like it without the chance of someone bothering her. Remus was having the same thoughts as Regulus about keeping Ali at home virus's sending her to the Manor. He just wanted his niece to be happy. The hope that he had of Sirius and Ali having the father/daughter relationship was gone. If only Remus could get Sirius to open his eyes to the pain he was causing to the girl, but Sirius was nothing if not stubborn.

“I think I am going to write to Cissa and see if she can keep Ali for the rest of summer. If that’s what it takes for her to be happy then so be it. We can see her off at the -“

“I don’t want to leave,” Ali’s voice interrupted. “I want to stay here with you. Please don’t make me leave. I can handle it, I promise.”

Ali knew that she and Regulus were going to have to talk about the fact that she called him dad, but that was a private conversation. Right now she needed to convince the adults in the room that she didn’t need to leave. She could take Sirius. Yes the words that he had said hurt her and the actions he did tonight furthered that hurt in her heart, but she was done. She didn’t owe him anything, and it was clear she knew that he didn’t want to be her father. She had meant what she said to Regulus. He was her father in all the ways that counted. He loved her unconditionally, was always there for her, and protected her.

She went and sat on the couch in between Nymphadora and Remus who wrapped an arm around her pulling her close to his chest. “It might be best if you went and stayed for the rest of the summer at the Manor, Al. This isn’t good for you mentally. We all can see how drained you are.”

“No, this is my home. I can handle it. I have you all plus the older Weasleys and Fleur. You'll protect me and if I need to get away for a little bit I’ll owl Blaise or Draco to go to Diagon Alley or something. I want to spend time with you. Times are hard right now and you never know when you are going to lose someone and I would like to have as much time with each of you just in case.”

Regulus leaned forward taking Ali’s hand in his, “Nothing, and I mean nothing is going to happen to us. I love you more than you could ever imagine and if you want to stay here you can.” Ali smiles brightly at that before Regulus cut her off, “but you have to tell me, Remus, or Severus, if anything happens. And you have to come out of your room. I am not having you locking yourself away again. Got it?”

Ali pounced on Regulus, hugging his neck tight. She was excited to spend some more time with her family. She had meant what she said about never knowing when something was going to happen. Wizards had been disappearing all over London and she was genuinely scared something was going to happen to her loved ones. She was going to make it a point to take plenty of photos and make enough memories to last a lifetime the next couple of weeks.

Regulus held his niece tight, fighting back the tears when she whispered, “Thanks, Dad,” into his ear. He had been called a lot of things in his life, but this was one title he was going to wear proudly.

Remus’s voice interrupted the moment, “wait for a second, why are you going to owl Blaise? We have an agreement, young lady, no boys till you're thirty!”

Ali’s giggle was music to those in the room with her, and for the first time that summer they all saw Ali smile at home the brightest she had since everyone arrived.

————

The rest of the day was eventful which was something that everyone was thankful for. Nymphadora left shortly after spending some time with Ali since she had something to attend to with Moody, so that left Regulus, Ali, and Remus to watch the Star Wars movies in Ali’s room. Kreacher brought them snacks while they made a fort on the floor. Ali was incredibly content laying on the mounds of pillows in between her Uncles. When she was younger they would have movie nights like this once a month until she started Hogwarts. Even then she and her friends carried on the tradition in the boy's dorm since Draco was often present at the ones hosted at home. She wished that she could have Draco over now, but knew that if she brought him here then everyone in the house would throw a fit about it, maybe it was something to bring up to Regulus later.

Molly called them all down for dinner shortly after the second film ended. Leaving the mess on the floor the trio made their way downstairs with Ali trailing behind her Uncles. She could feel her nerves spike the closer she got to the dining room. She thought about excusing herself stating she wasn’t hungry, but the loud growl in her stomach gave her hunger away. Everyone had already sat down beside Harry and Sirius when they got into the room. Regulus pulled the seat out next to him for his niece. Fleur shot her a smile when she sat down by her uncle with Charlie on her other side. At least she was sitting near someone who didn’t hate her.

Chatter and the sounds of forks on plates filled the room as everyone got their fill of Molly’s meatballs and onion sauce. Everyone broke off into separate conversations. Remus, Regulus, and Arthur talking about the Ministry, the younger Weasleys, and Hermione talking about Quidditch, Bill and Fleur about their upcoming wedding, and Charlie and Ali talking about his work in Romania. “What are you planning on doing after you leave Hogwarts?”

Ali shot a glance over at Remus who was doing a terrible job of disguising his eavesdropping on the duo. “I am thinking about becoming a professor. I like creatures obviously so I was thinking something along those lines, but I also like Herbology. So maybe that. I just know I want to teach.”

Charlie shot her a grin. “Have you thought about where? I know Hogwarts has Sprout for Herbology and Hagrid was doing Care of Magical Creatures, but you still have three more years of school so maybe they’ll need someone by the time you're done.”

Ali shrugged her shoulders. In all honesty, she wanted to leave England and travel for a bit but knew that if she brought it up now it would be a fight or something so she bit her tongue. “Maybe.”

The noise came to a halt when the door slammed open in the living room. Everyone hopped to their feet, wands at the ready. It felt like hours had passed before the intruder walked through the door. “Sirius! Harry! Merlin, you scared us all.”

“Sorry, it’s raining hard and we were in a rush to get back home.” Sirius shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. Everyone retook their seats beside Milly who served Harry and Sirius. Ali tried her hardest to keep from looking at the latest duo that entered, not wanting to cause any more trouble or to give Sirius a reason to lash out at her.

Dinner passed rather quickly, conversations flowed in their small groups. Charlie had gone with Fleur and Bill on a scouting mission shortly after eating, while Fred and George worked on new products for their shop. Ali was in her head thinking about asking to go to meet Pansy in the coming days to look at a new book shop. Pansy wasn’t much of a reader but was always looking for an excuse to get out of her house. She was startled when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up Molly was smiling softly at her while handing her a letter in a dark blue envelope. She instantly knew who the letter was from since only one person used that kind of envelope when writing her.

“This came for you, dear, when you were with your uncles. I didn't want to bother you then I almost forgot just now.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Weasley.” Ali smiled at the kind woman. Despite her feelings towards most of the Weasley children, their parents were quite nice.

Molly patted her cheek before walking off. Ali started to rip the top off when she got Regulus’s eye and he winked at her. He knew who the letter was from having met the boy a few times already. Her cheeks flushed and continued to do so while reading it.

Dear Supernova,

I hope you are surviving the dreadfulness that is upon you right now with all the people in your house. Yes, Draco told me what was going on yesterday when I finally threatened to out his crush if he didn’t explain why we hadn’t been seeing you a lot this summer. I have to say I am quite hurt that you didn’t tell me yourself. Best friends I thought. Just joking, but seriously you could have told me about him and I wouldn't have said a word to anyone.

I miss you, Supernova. We’ve only got to see each other once this summer and we both know when school starts you will have a book shoved in front of your face in the first three minutes. Could we get together sometime this week? It has been awful at home and if I have to hear Draco's voice one more time without you there to tell him off for being annoying I may throw myself off the astronomy tower.

Your uncle may not agree, but you could come to stay at mine for a night. Mother agreed to it as long as Regulus does and we have separate rooms. If you can't, maybe I can come to you? I don’t really care what the redheads have to say about me being there so don’t worry about that. We have much to catch up on; like the fact that you got Headgirl and also didn’t write and tell me. I had to find that little tidbit out from Parkinson's. Don’t worry we’ll catch up whether that's soon or on the train.

love,

Zabini

Ali felt a pang of guilt hit her square in the chest. She hadn’t meant to forget to fill Blaise in on her life but it had been so crazy recently she hadn’t got to write anyone much. In all the truth no one knew that she had gotten Headgirl. She had gotten the letter from Flitwich a few days after the Weasley’s arrived and completely forgot. Although she told her Uncles she didn’t want to go anywhere spending some time with Blaise sounded nice. Deciding to just rip the bandaid off she looked up to find Regulus and Remus looking at her with amused smiles on their faces.

“What’s you got there, Ali?” Remus asked, causing her cheeks to flame red. She wasn’t scared to say that she wanted to hang out with a boy. She did it all the time whether it was Blaise, Theo, or Draco; it was more to do with the fact that she was about to ask to spend the night at a boys' house. Even if they were going to be in separate rooms and they had fallen asleep cuddled together weeks prior at the Malfoys, something none of her Uncles knew, it was going to be a little fight to get Remus to agree as he made the ‘no dating till you’re thirty’ rule when she was five and asked for a boyfriend for Christmas.

Looking around she noticed all attention was on her even if the other adults in the room were making it seem like they weren’t listening while the children openly gawked. “Uhm,” she was cut off by Severus stepping into the room. Great, now she had to face all three Uncles. Where were Dora and Cissa when she needed them?

Severus hugged her quickly before taking a place by Regulus. “Who's the letter from Ali?” He asked her letting her know there was no getting out of it and that she was going to have to spill the beans.

“It’s from Blaise,” A look of amusement passed Regulus’s face, making her think that he knew what was in the letter already while Remus looked like he was going to snatch the letter out of her hands and read it himself if she didn’t hurry up.

“And what possibly could it say to have your cheeks looking like the inside of Gryffindor common room?” Regulus teased further.

She coughed trying to get her nerves resealed. “He was saying that we need to catch up before school starts, and invited me to come and stay with him and Mrs. Zabini for a night this week.”

Remus grunted while Regulus smiled. Ali had to hide a giggle as she noticed all the other mouths in the room had dropped to the floor. Ali knew that except for Hermione and Harry the Weasley’s never stayed or had anyone else with them.

“Can I, please? His mother said we would have separate rooms and she will be there as well as the house-elves. We only got to see one another once this summer. He said if I can’t he could come here, but honestly, I think the first option is better. Please?” She pulled out her best puppy eyes and pouty lip. She was not above begging for it but didn’t want to do so with everyone staring at her.

Regulus looked over at Remus. Ali could see the silent conversation going on between them. Regulus’s head inclined slightly toward Ali which she hoped to Merlin was a good thing. Remus looked back at his niece with a look in his eye she couldn’t read. “Rosalynn said you’ll have separate rooms?” Ali nodded her head so fast she almost gave herself whiplash. “And you’ll stay in them?” Once again she nodded, although she knew that they more than likely would be in the family room till late hours in the night. He looked back at Regulus, “you have no problems with her going?”

“No, I already knew about it. Rosalynn wrote about two days ago. If she wants to go, that's fine. You know Rosalynn will look after her as she does Blaise. And the Heavens know that boy would jump in front of the Knight Bus for Ali.” Regulus chuckled at Ali's shocked expression.

“Y-you knew? Why didn’t you say anything?” Ali struggled to get the words out.

“Rosalynn said Blaise wanted to ask you. She was just giving me a heads up, knowing how Remus is with boys and you. You know we talked quite often, Als.” Regulus winked at her.

“You may go,” Remus stated. She was shocked she didn’t have to put up more of a fight.

“WHAT?” Sirius shrieked. He knew that Regulus would let her go to the Death Eaters house, but Remus? He thought he could count on his ‘friend’ to at least say no. “You’re letting her go to the Death Eaters house? AGAIN? Who's also a boy and staying the night? Are you mad?”

Remus looked at Sirius with disdain, “No I am not. She is a good girl and Blaise has been her friend for years. Rosalynn loves her as much as we do and would never let anything happen. And for God's sake quit calling everyone a Death Eater.”

“Outrageous.”

“Sirius, you have no say in what she does. You gave that up last night. Ali is a good girl who makes good choices. Not only that but she also deserves a little something since she got Headgirl this year, don’t you think?” Regulus smirked as he saw the Granger girl's face fall.

“You got Headgirl?” Hermione whispered to Ali with disbelief lacing her voice.

“Yeah, I did. Draco got Headboy I believe, but it may be Theo. I haven’t asked yet.”

“Why do you and Draco get Head of Houses? Why not Hermione and -“ Ali cut her dear Godbrother off.

“And who? You? Ron? Why would any of you get Head of Houses with all the trouble you bring in? Sneaking out, stealing things, picking fights. We do have the highest marks in most classes as well as treat others equally unlike the likes of you.”

If looks could kill Ali would be dead three times over. In all honesty, she kinda felt bad for the younger Weasley boy seeing as all of his older brothers, bar Fred and George had been Headboy. But then she thought about the trouble he and his friends had caused her and her friends as well as others over the years. Harry preached about equality among the houses but she had witnessed many times when younger Slytherins were picked on by Gryiffndors. Hufflepuffs generally didn't have any problems with the other houses so long as everyone was being just. Ravenclaws tended to keep to themselves unless it really involved them. Whereas Slytherins preferred to stand up to those picking on other Slytherins especially the younger ones. Slytherins were always made out to be the bullies when in general if you got to know them people would notice that they are a lot more than what their parents used to be.

Ally had heard the stories of how mean James and Sirius were to those in Slytherin even if they never did anything to them. She believed in harmless fun could be had pulling pranks, but tricking someone into going to a place where a werewolf was was downright cruel. She had no doubts in her mind that James and Sirius were once good people like her Uncle Remus is now, but seeing as Sirius still acts like a child those doubts were becoming known.

“I just think that Slytherins shouldn’t be Head of House when all you will do is favor your own, and treat everyone else like dirt,” Ron stated.

“Ronald Weasley! How dare you say such a thing?!” Molly exclaimed.

“It’s alright Mrs. Weasey. I am used to hearing such things come from them and others in their house,” Ali looked Ron in the eyes, “You seem to forget that I’m a Ravenclaw, not a Slytherin. I do not favor anyone and will not when I start Head Girl duties but know this. I will give you as many detentions as you deserve if you are caught bullying, harassing, belittling, any of the other houses. You may think that Gryiffndors are the bravest of the houses and maybe you are in some ways, but you are cowardly in others. Maybe some Slytherins are as bad as you make them seem, but Harry,” she turned her head slightly to the side, “you seem to forget just which house Peter Pettigrew was in when he was the one who betrayed your parents. And Regulus was in Slytherin but seems to be more loyal to his friends and family than that rat was.”

“It seems that Alianova has given you all something to think about as you're getting ready for bed,” Molly stated looking at all the children present in the room. Her face grew red when she saw that none of them had moved a muscle. “Now.”

Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny, jumped from their seats and booked it to the stairs scared of Mrs. Weasley’s wrath. At some point, Charlie, Fluer, and Bill came back from scouting. Charlie ruffled Ali’s hair causing her to grin. “Good job, kid. You’ll make a great Head Girl.” Bill and Fleur nodded in agreement. “Nothing happened while we were out. We’ll give a full debrief tomorrow, but we will be heading to bed as well. Good night everyone.”

Molly walked to Ali and pulled her up out of her chair before placing both hands on Ali’s pale cheeks. “Don’t you worry, dear, I will be talking with all of them in the morning. You made a lot of valid points, and I for one am proud that you are Head Girl.”

She kissed her forehead before taking her husband to go to bed after waving her wand to get the kitchen clean once again. Arthur offered Ali a small smile before disappearing behind his wife. Sirius scoffed at the behavior which everyone heard but chose to ignore.

Ali turned to her three Uncles, waiting for the answer about going to her friends, and the scene that just played out in the kitchen.

“I am proud of you as well, Alianova. You have done excellent, and I know it is Remus and Regulus' decision about going to Blaises’, but I see no problem with it. I will stay in the guest room. Come get me if you need me. Good night, Ali.” He hugged her tightly, making Ali tear up slightly at the thought of Servus being proud of her. It also made her giddy at the thought of rubbing it in Draco’s face since Severus is his Godfather and never said such a thing to him.

Remus followed after Servus, wrapping his niece in a bear hug around her shoulders. The height difference amusing Regulus to no end seeing as Ali only came about midway in Remus’s chest. “You may go as long as it’s okay with Reg, and you stay in separate rooms. I am a little mad though that you didn’t tell me yourself about getting Head Girl, but I am still incredibly proud of you. No one deserves this more than you do, not even Harry.” The last part was whispered in her ear. He kissed her forehead, before heading to his room.

With the three Blacks being the only ones left in the room. “I don’t think you should go.” Sirius’s voice was venomous as he thought about his only child, his legacy, spending time with Death Eaters.

“It’s a good thing it doesn’t matter what you think isn’t it?” Regulus smirked at his older brother. He was not going to take this away from his child. “Ali, you may go so long as you stay in your separate rooms whenever the two of you decide to go to sleep because I know from having all your mates over it will be late.” He walked to Ali cradling her freckled face in his hands. “I am so proud to call you my daughter. Even after all that you have been through in your life you have still managed to form your own beliefs and thoughts as well as stand up for them. You deserve Head Girl over anyone else, and hopefully, you get to share it with one of your friends.”

Ali dove into her Uncle's chest. Tears welling up into her eyes at the thought that he really did think of her as his own even if she already knew it. It was nice to hear out loud. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I love you, dad.” She kissed his cheek before heading to her room to write Blaise.

Sirius felt his anger sore to new heights when he heard Ali call Regulus dad. He had enough courtesy to wait till she was out of earshot before grounding out, “We need to talk, Regulus.”

[atlafan]

Something New - One Shot

a/n: I’ve been working on this for a couple of weeks, rewrote half of it, and now I feel like it’s good enough to post. I guess you could call this enemies to friends to lovers??? they’re both idiots, honestly lmao, anyways, enjoy biology teacher!Harry (not proofread) reblogs and feedback are helpful!

Warnings: a little bit of angst, fluff, and smut

Words: 20K

Divorced, new home, new town, new job, and a new school district for the kids all within the same year. Y/N had been separated from her husband for a couple of years prior, but when he moved in with his girlfriend, she knew it was officially over. It sucked. She knew she’d look back on it someday and be grateful that they ended things, but right now she wasn’t too happy about it. He got to be a weekend dad with his young girlfriend by his side, and there she was looking like the crazy old hang. It wasn’t her fault for not taking the best care of herself. She was depressed, could you blame her. They lived in one of those towns where everyone knew every little thing about you, so it was time to get out.

Securing the new job was the first on the list. If she could do that then maybe the kids would be more understanding about leaving. Y/N was a database manager for a non-profit organization. She was behind the scenes, and that’s how she liked it. She didn’t have to be the one asking for money or on the front lines vising donors. It was a job she could do anywhere, and she’d get paid well because of the software she knew how to use like the back of her hand.

There was a private school she had seen a job opening for. Normally, she’d be more apt to work for a non-profit, and not just some school for snotty rich kids, but their website made it seem like it wasn’t like that. Their donors gave out scholarships for students all of the time, and staff/faculty could send their kids to the school for free. That was a no brainer. Giving her kids a good education was her dream. The school was a K-12, so that would mean an easy pick up and drop off. After thinking it over, and researching the surrounding towns, she sent in her application.

Two weeks later she got a call for a video interview. She accepted happily. A week after that she was asked on campus for a second interview. Y/N put on her best blazer and nicest blue dress, the school colors were red and blue after all. She even made sure to wear red heels. Y/N spoke eloquently during her interview. She had researched everyone in the development office so she already knew faces and names. They were impressed. She spoke about her experience with The Rasier’s edge, the database management system, and they were awe-struck. She was given a tour of the campus, and it was absolutely gorgeous. The elementary school was a separate building, and the middle school and high school were separate, but connected by two connectors to make one large building. The development office was set up in this cute white house. They shared it with the alumni office, and apparently it was one of the oldest buildings on campus. Although, it was taken of so you’d never know it was old. They even showed her where her potential new office would be. There was a pool and ice rink as well that Y/N got to see. She was impressed. She interviewed the people on the committee too, knowing it was a two way street. She liked what they had to say.

A week or so after that, she was given an offer, a really good offer. Now it was time to talk to her kids. She couldn’t just accept without speaking with them first. Her daughter, Riley, would be going into ninth grade, and her son, Ben, would be going into eighth. Y/N was only thirty-three, she was a young mother, thanks to her ex-husband who was about seven years older than her. A red flag she should have been more wise to, but she was young and naïve, and that’s all that needs to be said about that.

It was a difficult conversation with the kids, but after calming down they had become more open to it. They were upset with their father, and the idea of being a little farther away was sounding really nice. Living in a new home to make new memories in was sounding really nice. Making new friends and having a fresh start was sounding really nice.

So, Y/N accepted the position, and was given a moving allowance. She was able to find a home quickly that was perfect for them. A decent three bedroom about fifteen minutes from campus, so the commute would be easy enough. Riley and Ben took a liking to the uniforms, and since you did all of this over the summer, they’d be able to blend in easily on the first day of school. No awkward ‘walking in halfway through the term’ bullshit.

“When am I supposed to see them?” Your ex had asked you over the phone when you told him you were moving.

“Every other weekend, same as before.”

“So now I have to drive an hour out of my way to-“

“It’s not an hour, it’s forty-five minutes at best. Shouldn’t it be worth it? They’re your kids.”

“You’re taking them from me.”

“You did that to yourself, Joseph. The weekends will stay the same. Be happy our kids are getting a good education. Goodbye.”

She knew she was harsh, but after being cheated on, and left for a younger woman, she thought she earned the right. A week before school started, the kids had gotten their schedules in the mail.

“Who do you have, Riles?” Ben asks her.

“Someone named…Mr. Styles for homeroom, he’s the biology teacher too.”

“Thought you took bio sophomore year.” Y/N says to her.

“Nope, my grades were good, remember? I’m in the honors class.” She smiles.

“What about you, Ben?”

“Um…Mr. Horan. Looks like I’ll have him for pre-algebra.”

“No female teachers for that, huh?” Y/N asks.

“I have a woman for Geometry, Mum, see?” Riley shows her.

“Oh good. Got worried for a second there.” Y/N chuckles.

“Are you nervous to start your new job?” Ben asks her.

“No.” She shakes her head. “I’m actually really excited. The time off has been nice, but I’m eager to get back into it.”

//

Y/N drops off the kids on the first day before going over to the staff lot. The program support assistant, Millie, is waiting for her with a cup of coffee and a warm smile.

“Morning, Y/N.”

“Hi, Millie.”

“Cream no sugar, right?”

“That’s right, thank you so much.”

“Let me lead you upstairs to your office. You have a meeting with the director of development, John, in about half an hour, and then you’ll have a team meeting with the rest of the people on your specific team, the gift processors, customer service. Then at lunch the development team and the alumni team will get together to welcome you.”

“Oh my, well, alright.” She chuckles.

“I put everything on your calendar for you.”

“Thank you.”

Y/N was used to doing everything herself at work, this was already a breath of fresh air. She hoped Riley and Ben had a good morning just the same.

It takes Riley a moment to find her classroom. She stops short when she walks in when she sees Mr. Styles, and another student walks right into her.

“I’m so sorry.” She says to the boy that nearly knocked her over. “Um, I wasn’t sure if this was the right classroom.”

“it’s okay.” He says. “Are you new?”

“Yeah, I’m Riley.”

“I’m Chris.” He smiles. “Wanna sit next to me?”

“Sure!” She says and sits a few rows back with him.

“Where’d you move from?”

“Just form a few towns over. My mom just got a job in the development office here.”

“Oh, cool! My mom works grounds here.”

Riley noticed that Chris had a rainbow pin on his blazer. She smiles at it. He notices her looking at it.

“I…uh…like your pin.”

“Oh, thanks.” He mumbles.

“My best friend back home has a lot of rainbow stuff in her room.”

Chris nods in understanding. More kids come in and claim their seats. The second bell rings, and Mr. Styles closes the door.

“Good morning, everyone.” Riley’s jaw drops at his accent and deep voice.

“Get used to it.” Chris whispers to her. “A lot of the teachers here are from other countries.”

Riley nods and continues to listen to Mr. Styles.

“Welcome to another year at our fabulous school. You’re officially high schoolers!” He grabs the handbook. “Which means there’s even more rules to follow, so let’s get through this together, yeah?”

Mr. Styles was quirky. He cracked jokes and made Riley feel excited to have him for biology. She turned to look at all of the lab benches in the back. She loved science in general, so this was good.

“Lastly, open house for parents will be at the end of the month. They begin at 6PM, so hopefully I’ll be able to meet all your folks. We also have a really fun fall carnival on campus. There’s games, rides, and it also gives a chance for families to see where you go to school. It’s all a part of our homecoming weekend.” The bell rings and everyone stands up. “Riley, could we chat for a second?”

She nods and looks at Chris.

“I can wait outside for you.” He says to her and she feels grateful. Their schedules were just about the same.

“Um, hi.” She says shyly.

“Hi, dear, so I was informed you’re new, is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“Well, if there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask. Usually we have new students stand up and introduce themselves, but I don’t like making people do that. It’s so forced. I can see you’re already making a friend.” He smiles. “Is it just you that’s new to us? Any siblings?”

“My younger brother is in eighth grade. He has Mr. Horan for homeroom.”

“You don’t say? That’s my best mate, believe it or not. He’s in good hands.”

“That’s good to know. I’m sure it’ll give my mom some peace of mind.”

“I don’t want to make you let, just wanted to give you a more friendly introduction.”

“Thank you, Mr. Styles. See you for bio.”

“See you later.”

Riley was making friends right away thanks to Chris. She had people to sit with at lunch, and she made sure Ben did too. He seemed to be sitting at a full table which was great. Her last class of the day was bio, which was perfect so she’d be near her locker.

“Welcome to honors biology.” Mr. Styles says. “This is a mixed class of ninth and tenth graders. Today we’re going to settle on lab partners, and we’re going to get lab safety out of the way. It’s the bane of my existence, but I need to know you all know how to be safe.”

Chris offers to be Riley’s lab partner even though he had other friends in the class. Mr. Styles writes down who is partnered with who. Then he essentially gives a tour of the classroom. He shows them where all of the lab coats and goggles are, the eyewash station, the sanitation shower, and the other equipment they’ll be using throughout the year.

“Now, in biology, we’ll be learning a lot about plants and animals, and we’ll also get into human anatomy. These subjects can be tough at times to grasp, so please, don’t be afraid to ask questions. I want to make sure I’m explaining things properly. I’m always will to meet after school for extra help as well, or put together a study group.” Mr. Styles explains.

Riley was finding that all of the teachers were really nice so far. She meets Ben after school and they walk over to the staff lot where Y/N was. She had asked to save her lunch hour for 2PM so she could scoot the kids home quick. Her supervisor had no problem with it.

“How was it?”

“Mr. Horan is hilarious, and he’s Irish!”

“Mr. Styles is British! And super nice. I think I’m gonna like it here, Mum. I already made a friend, so I had people to sit with at lunch.”

“Me too!”

It warmed Y/N’s heart to hear that the first day went well. It was all she could have hoped for. She gets them home, set up with a snack, and back out the door she goes. She had a couple of hours left of work anyways, so it was a nice break in the day. The lunch she had earlier with her new colleagues was fantastic. Everyone was welcoming and had no problem showing her the ropes.

When she’s walking to the parking lot around 5PM she notices other people making their way as well. She smiles at a few, and she gets some friendly nods back. She’s parked next to a black range rover, and she was hoping to get to her car before the other owner because she had parked a little too close to them on their driver’s side, but it wasn’t her fault. It was the only open spot when she got back.

“Oh, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

Shit, she thinks to herself as she approaches. Not a great first impression to make at all.

“Just crawl in on the other side, H.”

“It’s the principle of the thing! They could have scratched it, or-“

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Y/N yells as she hustles over. “I had to bring my kids home, and this was the only other open spot, and the person previously on the other side of me was parked over the line, so I had to squeeze in, and I know it looks like I’m the asshole, but I swear I’m not.” She panics as she gets her keys out of her purse.

“It’s fine, miss, Harry’s just a jerk when it comes to his fancy car.”

“You sure like riding in my fancy car, so I suggest you shut it.” Harry huffs and looks at Y/N, furrowing his brows. “Look, I’ve had to be nice all day, and I’m exhausted, could you just back out so we can leave?”

“I said I was sorry.” She mumbles. Her eyes widen, though. An Irish accent and a British accent. “Shit, I think you’re my kids’ teachers.” She sighs. “Do the names Riley and Ben ring a bell?”

Harry’s features soften and he runs a hand through his hair.

“You’re Riley’s mum?”

“Yes.”

“Seems like she had a good first day. What department are you working in?”

“I’m the new database manager for the development office.”

“Ben was a delight! Laughed at all my jokes.” Niall says and you smile.

“He said you were funny. Riley liked you too, although now I’m not sure why. Taking a long day out on me. I’m sure the first day is a lot, but it was my first day too, and I’m equally as tired.”

“Maybe you should get home then.” Harry says, and she rolls her eyes.

“Nice meeting you both…well, one of you. I’m sure I’ll see you again, but if not I’ll be at the open house.” She gets into her car and carefully backs out, not scratching Harry’s car.

“You were rude.” Niall says as they both get into the car.

“I paid a lot of money for this car. I park far away for a reason, and someone has to park that close to me?”

“She apologized.”

“Good for her.”

“Harry…”

“Ugh, Francie texted me today, and it just sent me into a fucking spiral, and I had to act like it didn’t all day.”

“What?! When did she text you?”

“After homeroom, she told me to have a good first day. I didn’t even respond.”

“You should just block her number.”

“I haven’t quite reached that point yet, but it’s coming for sure.”

“You still shouldn’t have taken it out on that woman.”

“I’m sure she’ll forget all about it. I’ll be nice next time I see her, alright? Can we please just go get a pint now?”

“You’re the one driving, find a place you wanna go to.”

//

Y/N had successfully avoided the rude Brit that had given her such a tough time on her first day. Riley still raved about him, though. She said he was one of the best teachers she ever had. Ben really enjoyed Mr. Horan as well. He made math fun, which Y/N was grateful for. Ben was never really a good student, but he was doing really well so far.

“I can’t wait for you to go to the open house. Make sure to be super nice.” Riley tells Y/N. “I don’t want my teachers suddenly being mean.”

“It’s not me you have to worry about.” Y/N scoffs.

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing, honey. So, you’ll walk me around to all the classrooms, and you wait outside?”

“Mhm.” She beams.

“Mum, wait until you talk to Mr. Horan. He’s going to tell you the best things about me, I just know it.” Ben says.

“I’m looking forward to it, honey.”

Y/N had a draining day on the day of open house, and she just decided to stay on campus. She ended up taking the kid home at two, and told them she could figure out where the classrooms were herself. She got to have a one on one with Mr. Horan first.

“You can just call me Niall. We don’t need to be so formal.”

“Alright.” She smiles. “You can call me Y/N.”

“Ben’s doing really well so far. I was a little nervous at first, but he’s getting the hang of it.”

“Thank god.” She sighs. “So, he’ll be in ninth grade taking algebra one next year, is that okay?”

“Perfectly okay. A lot of students do that.”

“I just wanted to make sure because my daughter is in geometry.”

“Math isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. I was checking out his other grades, and he’s excelling in history.” She nods.

The conversation goes well. Y/N makes it through all of the meetings, and her last one is with Harry. She hears laughing from inside the classroom. The door swoops open, and a couple walks out chuckling with Harry.

“Ah, Mrs. Davidson, come on in.”

“It’s Miss Y/LN, or just Y/N if you want.” She says as she sits down on the chair near his desk. He sits down on his chair.

“My mistake, Riley’s last name is-“

“Her father’s last name. I’ve changed mine back. We’re divorced, didn’t really feel like keeping it.”

“I’m, um, sorry, I know how rough divorce can be.”

“Yeah? Been through it yourself, Mr. Styles?”

“Just call me Harry, and my parents were divorced, so I know enough about it from a child’s perspective.”

“They’re not too keen on their father right now. Classic situation of him cheating on me with a younger woman, which of course they found out about.”

“That’s weird.” He rests his cheek on his fist. “You seem pretty young yourself.”

She blushes slightly and clears her throat.

“Could say the same to you. I had them young, yeah, things happen. I don’t regret it though.”

“Riley’s been a real pleasure to have in class, and she’s fitting right in. She seems to like biology the best.”

“She loves science.” She smiles. “Think she gets that from me. I was really into math and science as a kid.”

“Guess you being a database manager makes sense then. New job treating you well?”

“Yeah.” She cocks her head to the side with a smirk. “Although, my almost perfect first day was just about sullied by a man you bullied me in the parking lot.”

“Okay, okay, I was an ass.” He sighs. “Thanks for bringing it up by the way.”

“Why were you so nasty to me anyways? I’ve been avoiding you.”

He frowns at that.

“My ex…fiancé texted me and wished me a good first day, so it just ruined my day and I had to keep it all bottled up. You parking that close just brought me over the edge. I apologize.”

“Yikes, I’m sorry. Well, at least you got out of it before you got married. You saved a lot of money and time.”

“It’s alright…” He looks away for a moment. “Are you bringing the kids to the carnival? It’s all part of homecoming weekend.”

“Yes, and they’re really excited. I have to work technically since a lot of donors come back. I mostly just need to be on the ball. Their father is coming too since it’s his weekend with them technically. I guess it’s good for him to see where they’re going to school.”

“If you need a break from him I’ll be working the candy apple booth.” He smiles.

“Good to know.” She yawns. “Jesus, sorry. I gotta say, I’m whipped.”

“Makes sense, it’s past eight.”

“That late?!” She stands up immediately, and so does he. “I need to get home to them. Um, well, this was a much better meeting.” She sticks her hand out for him to shake.

“I agree. Don’t be a stranger this weekend.”

She nods and leaves his classroom. Maybe he wasn’t as big of an asshole as she thought. Y/N’s had her fair share of bad days, he was allowed to have them too.

//

“It’s like a college campus, this place is huge!” Joseph says once they’re at the football field of the school.

“Yeah, and there’s a pool! I’m trying out for the winter swim team soon.” Riley tells her dad, in a better mood since he didn’t bring his girlfriend.

“It’s really all free for them?” He asks Y/N.

“Mhm.” She nods. “Okay, here all your meal tickets. I have to bee-bop around since I’m technically working. Have fun with Dad.” She smiles and they lead Joseph off towards some of the rides and games.

Y/N meets up with her colleagues and mingles with some of the donors she hasn’t been able to meet yet. She meets back up with the kids later to go on a few rides, and then goes to get food with them. She spots Harry at the candied apples tent, and she goes over there.

“I knew you’d find me.” He smirks.

“I’ve got a sweet tooth, what can I say?” She shrugs.

“You know, me too. Major sweet tooth.”

For whatever reason that makes her blush.

“Um, so I can I have it dipped in caramel and chocolate?”

“A woman after my own heart! I like mine the same way.” He picks up one of the apples from its stick and dips it in the chocolate first. “Any sprinkles or anything?”

“No, the sauces are fine, thank you.”

“So, where’s the-“

“Hi, Mr. Styles.” Riley says as she, Ben, and Joseph approach. “This is my dad.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Riley’s homeroom and biology teacher.” Harry hands you the apple once it’s done, and then shakes Joseph’s hand. “She’s a real pleasure to have in class.”

“So I’ve heard! Nice to hear it straight form the source, though.” There’s an awkward silence. “Um, well, kids do you want an apple?”

“Yeah!” Ben says and tells Harry what he wants.

Harry’s eyes catch Y/N biting into her apple, and how she licks around her lips. He looks a little too long because Joseph notices, and he clears his throat to snap Harry out of his trance.

“You two about ready to hit the road after this?” He asks them.

“Sure.” Riley shrugs. “Bye, Mr. Styles.”

“Have a good weekend, see you Monday.”

Y/N hugs both of the kids, and nods at Joseph.

“So…no kids this weekend?” Harry says to her.

“Nope. It’s funny, I always look forward to the little break, but by the time Sunday night hits I miss them.”

“Any plans?”

“Just relaxing. I’ll probably catch up on some sleep tomorrow. How about you?”

“A few of us are going to the pub after this…if you’d like to join, you’re welcome to.”

“Oh!” She says a little surprised. “Well, that would be great, actually. I haven’t really had time to explore some of the night life around here yet.”

“I could drive us from here if you like. I can always bring you back to your car.”

“You actually trust me to get into that fancy car of yours? I’m shocked.” She smirks, and he rolls his eyes.

“I apologized for that, didn’t I? Can we move on? Let me give you a ride later.”

“Alright.” She smiles. “Sounds like fun. It would be nice to get to know more people.”

“Great, I’ll find you later then?”

“Sounds good.” She walks away with her apple in hand, and he smiles.

After schmoozing with more alumni and donors, Y/N felt pooped. Did she really feel like going out and drinking? She could easily go home, draw herself a bath, and have a glass of fine all on her own. She had socially interacted so much today, and the thought of doing more was draining. Maybe she could go out with Harry another time. She tries looking around for him, but she’s not sure she spots him.

“Y/N!” She hears from behind her. “You ready?” Harry asks.

“About that…I think I’ve changed my mind…”

“How come?” He says with a slight frown.

“I was very social today, so I’m feeling a little tired. I don’t think I have enough pep in me for drinks tonight…but maybe another time?” She clasps her hands in front of her waist, feeling a little nervous all of a sudden.

“Oh, yeah, I definitely get that. Um, yeah, another time for sure.”

“Thanks, well, see you around, Harry.”

“See you…”

//

“Mum, we’re home!” Ben says Sunday evening as he and Riley come inside.

“Hey.” She smiles. “How was Dad’s?”

“Annoying.” Riley huffs. “I can’t stand Margaret. She, like, tries too hard to be our friends.”

“Mm, well, that’s what happens when a forty-year-old man decides to date a twenty-five-year-old woman. She probably knows how to babysit and be a pal.”

“Doesn’t it gross you out that he’s with someone so much younger?” Ben asks as he plops down on the couch.

“Of course it does. It won’t last long, unless she’s after his money.” She rolls her eyes. “I don’t know why, it’s not like we were living the high life before.”

“Ew, what if he gets her pregnant.” Riley says with disgust. “I don’t want another little sibling, one is plenty.”

“Yeah, and then we’d have to pretend like we’re happy for him. I’m glad we didn’t have to do two nights over there this weekend.”

“Me too.” Riley sighs. “Did you do anything this weekend?” She asks Y/N.

“I just relaxed. Caught up on some TV, nothing special.” She shrugs. “Did you get all your homework done?”

“Yes.” They say in unison.

“Alright, go get ready for bed then.”

Riley and Chris meet at their lockers the next day at school and talk about their weekends. They chat in homeroom about their upcoming biology test. Chris was feeling a little nervous, but Riley was feeling confident. She studied almost all day Sunday. When it was last period, and Harry gave out the tests, her eyes bugged out. She read all of the questions over, and it wasn’t at all what she thought. She looked up at Harry dumbfounded. He was typing away at his computer, answering emails. She walks up to his desk with the test.

“Done already?” He jokes with a whisper.

“Mr. Styles…I don’t know any of this.”

“What do you mean? I gave you a study guide.”

“I…I know you did, but I left it at my mom’s, and so I was going off memory…I think I studied the wrong chapters by accident or something.” Her eyes were about to well up with tears.

“Alright, step out into the hall with me. Did you take notes while you studied?”

“Yeah.”

“Grab them for me.”

He stands up and goes out to the hallway to wait for her. A few of the kids in class were watching, but they get back to their own tests. She hands him her notes, and he makes a few humming noises.

“Right, yeah, you studied the wrong chapters.”

“Ugh, I knew it! So…does this mean I fail?”

“No.” He sighs. “It was an honest mistake, you’ll have to take a makeup exam after school sometime this week, though.”

“I can do it tomorrow! I would just need tonight to study. I could study in class now.”

“Get the rest of your things, I can give you a pass to the library.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Styles.”

“Don’t mention it.”

They both go back inside and she grabs the rest of her things. He writes her the pass and out the door she goes. Chris makes a motion for her to text him before she slips out, and she nods. Tuesday morning, just as Harry was sitting down at his desk with his coffee, he got an interoffice phone call from Y/N.

“Hello?” He answers, voice still deep from sleep.

“Hi, Harry, it’s Y/N.”

“I know…caller ID and all that.” He chuckles.

“Right, well, I wanted to say thank you for letting Riley take her test later this afternoon. She was a wreck last night when she got home.”

“It was an honest mistake. Plus, when I saw how much studying she did I knew I had to give her a chance to just take it later. Do you think she’s prepared enough for later?”

“Oh, definitely. She feels much better. Do you mind if Ben comes to sit in the classroom with her while she takes it? No sense in me zipping him home if she’s going to stay after.”

“Sure, I don’t mind.”

“You’re a life saver, thanks! Talk to you soon.”

“Bye-“ He’s cut off by the sound of the phone clicking on the other end.

Riley stays after class to take her test. Shortly after Ben shyly walks into the classroom and takes a seat. He does his own homework while she takes her test. Forty minutes later, Riley finishes her test, and hands it to Harry.

“I can grade it now if you like since it was all multiple choice.”

“That’d be great.” She smiles.

He looks at his answer key and checks off all her right answers. He writes 92% in big red ink and circles it.

“Well done. I can’t give it back to you until tomorrow, of course, but at least you can rest easy about it.”

“God, what a relief! Guess I’ll be a pro when we reach the chapters I already studied.”

“I bet you will be.”

“Do you mind if we hang out here until our mum’s done with work? She said she was just gonna pull up out front of the building.”

“Sure, I have some other grading to do anyways. In fact, would you like to help? It’s for another class, I could give you the answer key.”

“Yeah!”

Harry sets her up, and he even plays a little music for all of them.

“Mr. Styles?” A boy named Austin walks in. He was a sophomore in Riley’s class. “Thank god you’re still here.” He sighs.

“What’s up, Austin?”

“I was wondering if you graded my test yet? The football coach needs me to fill this progress report slip out. He’s making all of us do it.”

“Oh! Yeah, let me look. I can just tell you your overall grade. Have a seat, it’ll take me a minute.”

He nods and sits down, glancing at Riley briefly. She gives him a small smile and blushes.

“How come you’re here?” He asks her.

“Oh, I needed to make up the test from yesterday. I accidentally studied the wrong chapters.”

“Happens to the best of us.” He smirks. “You’re new to town, right?”

“Yeah.”

“You should come to the football game Friday, since it’s home.”

“Yeah, um, maybe I will.”

“Cool.”

“Alright, Austen, I’ve got your grade.”

He stands up and goes to Harry’s desk.

“Sick, a C+! That’s way better than I thought.”

“Let’s try to keep it that way, yeah?”

“I’ll do my best, thanks.” He walks out of the room and Riley puffs out some air.

“Don’t tell me you have a crush on that guy?” Ben chuckles.

“He’s so cute, I can’t help it. That’s the most he’s ever spoken to me, and now he wants me to go to the game. I have to go Friday, I need to text Chris.”

“If you go, can I go?”

“Sure.” She shrugs. “The more the merrier.”

Riley and Ben had always been close. They were practically best friends. They got a lot closer when their parents were going through the separation/divorce process, leaning on each other for a lot. Harry hear the sound of heels clacking on the floors outside the classroom, and there Y/N is appearing in the doorway looking lovelier than ever. She had a long coat on, synched at the waist, and her hair was down and wavy.

“Hi, kids, ready?” They both get up, and Harry stands as well. “Thanks for letting them hang out for a bit while I finished up.”

“It was no problem. Riley was pretty helpful to me with some grading.”

“How’d the test go?” She asks her daughter.

“Got a 92!”

“Amazing! I think that calls for takeout tonight.”

“You just don’t feel like cooking.” Ben chuckles.

“I’m sorry, are you complaining about getting Chinese food, or?”

“No! Just making an observation.”

“Mhm, okay, let’s go. Have a good night Mr. Styles.” She says to him.

“Same to you.”

On the ride home, Riley gets a text from Chris saying he’s down for the football game on Friday. She sighs with relief, and looks over her mother.

“So…can Ben and I meet up with Chris on Friday? We’d like to go to the football game.”

“A boy asked her to go!”

“Shut up, or you can’t come with me.”

“Hey!” Y/N says. “A boy asked you to go?”

“Well, sort of. He just said I should go if I wanted. I haven’t been to one yet, it could be fun. Chris said the snack bar is pretty stacked.”

“And you’ll keep an eye on your brother?”

“I’m only a year younger than her.” Ben scoffs.

“You’re in the eighth grade, that’s a big difference right now, even if it doesn’t feel like it. What time does the game start?”

“6:30, I think.”

“Sure, you can go. I think that’ll be good for you kids to go to.”

“Awesome, thanks Mum.”

//

“We’re gonna be there anyways, just ask her to tag along.” Niall says to Harry over lunch on Thursday.

“You make it seem like I wanna date her, I just think she’s cute.”

“Just ask her if she wants to go out with us after, would you?”

“Fine, I’ll give her a call right now.” Harry reaches for his phone, and looks up Y/N’s extension. She picks up on the second ring.

“Hey, Harry.”

“Hi, do you have a minute?”

“Sure! Is everything alright with Riley?”

“Yeah…this isn’t about her. It’s more of a personal matter.”

“Oh…what’s up?”

“Niall and I are chaperoning the football game tomorrow night. All of the faculty take turns doing it. We just walk around and make sure no one’s drinking underage. We were wondering if you’d like to join us. We’d be going to the pub after most likely too.”

“I don’t know if I should. Riley and Ben are going to the game, and I don’t want them to feel like I’m hovering around them, you know?”

Niall gestures for the phone and snatches it from Harry.

“Y/N? It’s Niall. Enough excuses, yeah? You’re coming out with us tomorrow night, and that’s final. You need to get more involved with student life.”

“I’m plenty involved!”

“You import and export donor data all day. I bet your kids won’t care.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Y/N did think about it, and then she asked Riley and Ben how they’d feel if she went. They said as long as she wasn’t up their butts they wouldn’t mind. It made things easier for her to drive them there at least. She watches as they meet up with Chris and essentially run off from her. She sighs and looks around for Niall and Harry, suddenly feeling like a loner.

“Oi, there she is!” Niall shouts, handing her a hot chocolate. “This should warm you up quick. You look cold.”

“I didn’t think it would be chilly enough for gloves.” She chuckles. “Thank you.”

“So, basically we just walk around, but we get to enjoy the game for the most part.” Harry explains.

“Is our team any good?”

“We’re decent, yeah. Think our lacrosse players are better to be honest, but they don’t get as much recognition.”

Y/N nods and takes a careful sip of her warm drink. She walks around with the guys, mostly listening to them talk in their accents. It was sort of fun to see all of the parents, staff, faculty, and students at the game cheering the team on.

“See that one, number 11?” Harry says to her, pointing towards the field. “That’s Austin, he asked Riley to come to the game. They’re in my bio class together. I think she likes him.”

“How can you tell?”

“I catch her looking at him from time to time. I might be wicked and assign them a project to work on together.”

“Teachers actually do that?!”

“Oh, sure.” Niall says. “I switch up the seating chart once a term just so I can pair people up. It’s pretty interesting to see what happens.”

“The students gossip to us all the time too.” Harry laughs. “They have no problem sharing personal information.”

“So…you think he might like Riley back?”

“I have no idea, he sits in front of her, and mostly just takes notes.”

“Is he nice?”

“He’s not a dolt if that’s what you’re asking. Definitely not your classic meathead, not to worry, Y/N.”

Y/N nods, and keeps walking around with the guys. The team wins, and everyone cheers. Riley, Ben, and Chris find her in the crowd of people near the exit.

“Mum, can we bowling?” Riley asks.

“With who?”

“Me, Miss Y/L/N.” Chris says and you raise your eyebrows. “Okay, and some of the cheerleaders and football players, but it’ll be fun! It’s cosmic bowling night. My dad said he could drive.”

“Please, Mum.” Ben pouts, and you roll your eyes.

“Alright.” She sighs, and takes her wallet out of her small sling bag. “Here’s some money, have fun. Home by ten, do you hear me? I’ll be out for a bit myself, just in case you get back before me.”

“Where are you going?” Riley asks.

“I’ve made some friends of my own.” She grins. “Go on, have fun.”

“Thank you!” They all say and head off.

“I can follow you both to the pub.” Y/N tells Niall and Harry, and they all walk to the parking lot.

She feels a little nervous going out with them. She had made a few friends so far, mostly her colleagues that she saw every day. There was this weird divide between faculty and staff, so she had noticed. So, Y/N wasn’t sure how welcomed she would be by the others they were meeting up with. She takes a deep breath before getting out of her car, and meeting Harry and Niall at entrance.

“You’re gonna love this place.” Harry says, putting a hand on her shoulder as they go inside. He leads her to a table where a few people were sitting already. “Oi, everyone, this is Y/N, she works in the development office.”

They all look at her and smile, saying hello. Niall takes his seat, and Harry has you sit between the two of them. Y/N learns the names of some other faculty members. Shane, Lora, and Jess. None of them had Y/N’s kids in class so she could rest easier. She found Harry and Niall to be hilarious, often almost choking on her drinks from laughter. She notices that Harry’s rolled his sleeves up, and can’t help but look at his tattoos. He explains a few of them to her. Around 10:05 she got a text from Riley.

Riley: just got in, thanks again for letting us go, it was amazing! When are you home??

Y/N: soon, baby, thanks for checking in

“Well, I should probably get going.” She says to Harry. “My kids just got home, and I don’t like leaving them alone too long when it’s late.”

“Fair enough, can I walk you to your car?” He says, leaning in a little bit. “Just so I know you left safely.”

“Sure, um, that’d be great.” She throws some bills on the table to take care of her tab. “Thank you all so much, I had a great time.”

“See ya, Y/N!” Niall says with a smile. She misses the wink he gives Harry, and Harry mouths ‘be cool’ at him.

“M’just gonna walk her to her car, I’ll be right back.” Harry says, addressing the group before heading out the door with Y/N. “You’re good to drive, right?” He says as they both walk outside.

“Of course, I only had, like, two drinks. You saw me nursing them.”

“Alright, just wanted to be sure.” He watches her fish for her keys out of her bag. “I’m glad you came out tonight.” He rubs the back of his neck. “You’re a lot of fun to be around.”

“Aw, thanks, you’re fun to be around too.” She smiles, biting her bottom lip. He can’t help but let his eyes drift to it.

“Are you in a rush to get home?”

“Well…I…”

“It’s not like they need you to tuck them in, right?”

“N-no…” She raises an eyebrow at him. “Are you…are you making a pass at me?” She was backed up against her car with him a comfortable foot away from her, but she was starting to feel warm.

“Maybe.” He shrugs, stepping a little closer. “Would you feel uncomfortable if I was?” She shakes her head no and swallows.

“Do you do this with all your students’ mums?” She smirks, gaining some confidence back.

“Well, considering that I was in a four year long relationship up until six months ago, I can confidentially say no.” She opens her mouth and smirks. “And no, I don’t usually do this with colleagues either.”

“So…why with me then?”

“You’re cute.” He grins.

“Harry, I…I’m not really looking for anything serious right now, I’ve just started a new job, I bought my own house, I’m juggling teenagers, I can’t start up a relationship.”

“I don’t think I asked you for that. In fact, I haven’t asked for anything, yet.” He says smugly. “M’not looking for anything serious either.”

“Alright, what do you want from me then?” He shifts his weight to his other hip, and just looks at her. Her eyes widen, and her mouth falls open. She looks around, and steps closer to him, barely any space between them now. “You…you want to have sex with me?”

“Why do you sound so surprised? I think you’ve really got it going on.”

“Seriously?”

“Sure, you really know how to fill out a pair of jeans. Your bum looked awfully cute at homecoming.”

“All this coming from the guy who was about ready to murder me for almost scratching his car.” She scoffs.

“I have apologized for that over and over, but clearly my words mean nothing to you…” He puts his hand on her shoulder. “Maybe there’s something else I could do to make it up to you.”

“You’re my kid’s teacher, Harry.”

“Not after 2PM I’m not. Right now I’m just a guy who wants to fuck you.”

“I can’t go back to your place with you right now.”

“My car’s got tinted windows and a spacious back seat.”

“How…how old are you, anyways? I mean, I’m thirty-three, Harry, and you’re a little baby faced. I’m not one of those people who-“

“I’m twenty-nine. Do you wanna go fuck in my car or not? It’s okay if you don’t, I’m not trying to pressure you, but it’s bloody cold out here and I wouldn’t mind warming up.”

Y/N hadn’t had sex with someone in since the last time her and Joseph had sex, which was a few years ago. She also couldn’t remember the last time she had sex in a car, probably when she was a teenager. Was she really about to do this with some she had just started to become decent friends with? Was this is the only reason he wanted to be friends with her?

“Is the only reason you’ve been wanting to invite me out? To get my pants off?”

“No! I genuinely think you’re nice to be around, but I also wouldn’t mind getting your pants off.” He smirks.

“Okay.” She nods. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

“Really?”

“Quickly, before I change my mind.” He grabs her by the wrist and tugs her towards his car. He unlocks his car and he lets her get in first. He reaches forward to turn the car on so the heat is on and there’s a little music playing. He goes to cup her cheek, and she backs away. “I’m a little nervous.”

“We don’t have to do anything crazy if you don’t want. We could just kiss if you like.”

“I just…it’s been a while for me, you know? Like, a long while, so…I want to, I’m just nervous.”

“How can I help you relax?”

“I guess…um…could I sit on your lap and maybe we could hug for a bit?”

“Sure.” He nods.

She moves to straddle him, and she wraps her arms around his neck. His go around her back, and he rubs her soothingly. He gets a good whiff of her perfume, and it makes him smile.

“Comfortable?” He asks softly. She hums her response and he holds her a little tighter. “I like whatever perfume you’re wearing.” He feels her giggle against him.

“It’s just apple spice.” She mutters into his neck, and moves to look at him. “Nothing special.”

“Well, I like it.” He tucks some hair behind her ear. “Would it be alright If I kissed you now?”

“Yeah.” She smiles.

He licks his lips and presses them to hers. Her eyes flutter closed and she tugs at his hair. His hands squeeze her hips as the kiss deepens. He sucks on her bottom lip, and it makes her whimper. She rolls her hips down on his and he grunts. He kisses sloppily from her mouth, to her jaw, and to her neck. He mouths at her neck, full well knowing he can’t leave a mark, but it doesn’t stop him from licking and sucking a little over the area. She tugs at his hair a little harder and continues grinding against him, feeling his bulge getting harder. His lips move back to hers as his hands roam up her front, hesitating before reaching her breasts. She takes his hands and puts them over her boobs, squeezing his hands over them. He takes over from there, kneading them as best he could over her coat.

She gets frustrated, and get shimmies her coat off. He’s happy to see her nipples peeking through her shirt. He moves to suck on it through the material and she gasps. Her chest was heaving when he came off and looked up at her. Her hands move to unbutton her jeans, and he wastes no time sticking his hand inside. Instead of smirking when he feels how wet she is, he presses his lips back to hers, loving knowing that he was turning her on this much. His fingers move along her folds, and he slips his middle finger inside her gently. He groans when he feels how tight she is.

“Christ, you weren’t kidding. Do you never use anything at home?”

“Who the fuck has the time?!” She huffs as he starts bringing his finger in and out. “M’too exhausted half the time, and even when they’re gone I just do something quick.” A moan leaves her lips when his thumb starts to circle around her clit. Her forehead presses against his, and her eyes pinch closed.

He gets his ring finger inside her as well, and he curls them both up. She moves back and forth on him, riding his fingers. She makes fists with his shirt, and she starts panting. He groans from watching her, and just from the way she feels. He pets against her g-spot, and his thumb works into her clit.

“Oh, oh my god.” She says, biting her bottom lip. “I…I think I’m gonna come.” He doesn’t let up on her, doing his best to get her there. Her whimpers and whines were just egging him on. “Oh, shit, oh, shit!” She cries out as she comes around his fingers. He works her through it, and then retracts his fingers, sucking on them while making eye contact with her.

“Well?” He smirks.

“Do you have any condoms?”

“Yeah, get your pants the rest of the way off.” He lifts her off of him and places her on the seat while he reaches forward into the console, and grabs a condom.

“Aren’t you a little old to be leaving condoms in your car?” She says as he slips her jeans and underwear off.

“Wouldn’t be able to fuck you if I didn’t, would I?” He winks, and undoes his belt and jeans. “Think you’ll be able to ride me reverse, or do you need to go missionary to ease you into it.”

“Don’t be an asshole, I know how to have sex, it’s just bene a while.”

“I wasn’t! I don’t wanna hurt you.” Her eyes widen as he pulls his hard dick from his boxers, rolling the condom on.

“You think you’re the first guy with a larger prick to fuck me? Think I can handle it.”

“Now who’s being the asshole?” He chuckles and grabs her to bring her back to his lap, her back pressed to his chest. He reaches around to rub on her to make sure she’s still wet. “You want this still?”

“Yeah.” She lifts her hips and he lines himself with her, pressing up into center. It’s a tight squeeze, like she thought it would be, but she does her best to relax around him. She nearly shrieks once she’s sat fully on him.

“I’m gonna make you feel so fucking good.” He says into her ear before nibbling on her earlobe.

She hooks an arm around his head while he grips her hips, and her head falls back to his shoulder. He thrusts up into her while rubbing on her clit, and her mouth falls open. She hadn’t felt this good in a long time, this was incredible. She tugs on his hair and helps herself move on him so he doesn’t have to do as much work. He frees up one of his hands to grip and squeeze one of her breasts. She looks up at him and yanks his head down to hers. She licks into his mouth and he moans into her. He sucks on her tongue and her eyes roll back. Between that, his fingers on her slit, and his dick fucking up into her, she was about ready to lose it again. She pants into his mouth as she comes again. He thrusts begin to get sloppy, and then he’s spilling into the condom. They sit there for a moment catching their breaths before she moves off him.

They both get dressed, and Harry throws the condom into a nearby trashcan as he walks her back to her car. Her face was flushed, and she for sure looked like a mess, but she felt good. He cups her cheeks and backs her up against the driver���s side door, kissing her tenderly.

“That was fun.” He says.

“Yeah.” She breathes and looks down at her watch. It was already 11:30. “Shit, I really need to get home. Ben gets worried when I’m out late.”

“Sweet kid.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Well, get home safe and all that.”

“You too.” She smiles and opens her car door. He closes it for her once she’s inside, and she starts the car.

As Y/N drives home it starts to hit her what she just did. She just fucked her child’s biology teacher, who she also happens to technically work with. Never in her life had she done something like this. Maybe in her younger days she would have done something this rebellious, but she had grown up a lot, and she was a professional now. She takes a deep breath before keying into her home. She sighs when she sees the light from the TV coming from the living room. Riley and Ben were passed out on the couch.

“Hey, kids.” She coos. “Wake up, I’m home.”

“Mum?” Ben says sleepily. “Where were you?”

“I…I was out with friends, remember? Um, let’s get you both into bed.”

She turns the TV off as they both slowly make their way upstairs to their bedrooms. Once they’re both in their beds, she goes into her own room, and gasps once she gets a good look at herself in the mirror. Her makeup was smeared, and her hair was a mess.

“Christ, Y/N, what did you do?” She says to herself and sighs.

//

The next day, Y/N was walking around like she had a stick up her ass. Maybe her body wasn’t quite ready for someone of Harry’s size. Nevertheless, she had to get up and start her day. She got some laundry going, did some dusting, and then made some breakfast for the kids. They both come into the kitchen around 10.

“Can you both put your sheets in the laundry room for me? I’m doing a linen load in a bit.” They both nod as she puts two plates of eggs in front of them. “How was bowling?”

“So much fun!” Riley says. “I actually got a strike, I couldn’t believe it.”

“You did?! How’d you manage that?”

“Um…Austin helped me, you know the one in my bio class? He’s really nice.”

“Riley, I’m happy for you and all, but I don’t know if I want you dating yet.”

“I’m not dating anyone! At least I wasn’t the one who stayed out until nearly midnight doing god knows what.”

“I’m an adult, I can do what I want, that’s one. Two, if you and this boy decide you really like each other, I think it’s only fair I get to meet him.”

“Just because he helped me bowl a ball doesn’t mean anything.” She rolls her eyes.

“What about you, did you have fun?” Y/N sighs as she asks Ben.

“Yeah, I hung out in the arcade, it was sick.”

Just as she was sipping on her coffee, Y/N’s phone goes off. It was in front of Riley and Ben, and Riley furrows her brows.

“Who is it?” Y/N asks.

“Um…Mr. Styles. Why is he calling you?”

“I…I have no idea.” She snatches her phone quickly. “H-hello?”

“Hey, Y/N! Just wanted to see how you were.”

“I’m alright, um, I’m in the kitchen with the kids, could you just give me a second?” She leaves the room and goes down the hall to her home office. “Okay…um, how are you?”

“Oh, I’m fine. I just didn’t wanna be a dick and not call.”

“Well, that’s nice of you.” She blinks a few times.

“So…you feel okay about everything?”

“Yeah! Wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t. Little sore, but other than I’m good.” She chuckles slightly and so does he.

“Well, next time I can be a little gentler…if you’d like there to be a next time, that is.”

“You…you don’t want last night to just have been a one-time thing?”

“Not necessarily, I had a good time with you, and I think you had a good time with me.”

“I just…I don’t know how smart it would be to start something up with my kid’s teacher.”

“Well, you already sort of did…”

“Yes, but I think to continue it would be stupid. I don’t want to do anything that could potentially embarrass her. Riley and Ben are really starting to make friends. They were cool about moving here for me, so I want to be-“

“It’s not like we’re dating, Y/N. No one has to know.”

“As if you haven’t told Niall yet.” She scoffs.

“I mean he was curious as to why I didn’t come back to the bar last night, but I didn’t give him the full details. He knows how to keep things to himself.” He pauses for a moment. “Look, I get it, you’re just trying to be a good mum, I can admire that. But after a certain point you need to remember that it’s okay to do things for yourself.”

“Like fuck a guy in a parking lot?”

“Exactly!” He laughs. “You’re still so young, why not let yourself have some fun?

“Harry…”

“All I’m saying is, if you’re ever lonely, or if you can’t sleep…you can call me.”

“I’ll…I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.”

“Well, I’ll let you get back to them. Probably wondering what we’re talking about.”

“Yeah.”

“Have a good rest of your weekend.”

“You too.”

She hangs up, completely shocked by the conversation she just had with Harry. She goes back out to the kitchen where the kids were waiting with raised eyebrows.

“What did Mr. Styles want?” Riley asks.

“Oh, um, someone left their wallet at the restaurant we all went to last night, that’s all. He was trying to figure out who it belongs to.”

“There was no ID in it?” Ben asks.

“Apparently not.” Y/N shrugs.

//

At first, Y/N wasn’t sure if she wanted to take Harry up on his offer. She genuinely didn’t want to make things difficult for Riley. When mid-November rolled around, it was time for parent-teacher conferences. These were the more serious one on one meetings before the holiday season to make sure students would be able to pass all of their classes. More often than not Y/N found herself meeting with Ben’s teachers than with Riley’s, but Y/N wanted to check in with everyone to make sure her kids were acclimating to the new school fine. What she wasn’t expecting was for Joseph to want to come to the conferences as well. She got away with blushing a little when they saw Niall. He didn’t make anything awkward, but it was when they made their way to Harry’s room that she was starting to feel like she wanted to vomit. The door swings open and two people walk out. Harry steps out and looks into the hallway, smiling when he sees you, then frowning when he sees Joseph.

“Mr. Davidson! How nice to see you again, please come in.” Harry says, gesturing to step inside. “Hi, Y/N.”

“Hi, Harry.”

“You can call me Joseph.” Joseph says as he sits down and Harry nods.

Harry and Y/N make eye contact briefly, and then he clears his throat.

“Well, I’m not sure why Riley signed you both up.” Harry chuckles. “She’s doing exceptionally well, and not just in my class. She’s a bright girl.” He takes out a few of her lab reports. “The first semester tends to be easier since we’re learning more about plants and those types of organism. Next semester we get into zoology and human anatomy. I always make it known there’s study groups and after school help. I try to make it as engaging and fun as I can. We even play a few rounds of operation.”

This makes you smile as Joseph furrows his brows at Riley’s lab reports. He nods along with what Harry is saying.

“I’m glad she’s doing so well. She was sort of a big fish in a small pond at her last school.” Joseph says. “I was a little worried she’d feel overwhelmed. This transition for them was really abrupt.”

“They had most of the summer to get used to things.” Y/N says, rolling her eyes. “This isn’t a snotty school either, the teacher’s actually help the students succeed.”

“I’m just saying-“

“Listen.” Harry cuts in. “Seems like you two might have some things to discuss that don’t really involve me. Riley’s doing great, and Niall tells me Ben’s doing just as great. Nothing really more to it.”

Joseph nearly had a decade on Harry, but Harry owned this room. Having Joseph be put in his place definitely did something for Y/N. She can’t help but smirk as Joseph sits up straight.

“Yes, well…thank you. We’ll make sure to relay the message to them.” He says and Harry nods. Joseph stands up, as does Y/N.

“Y/N, did you happen to drive separately? An alum emailed me today, and I have a couple of questions about our donation site.”

“Oh! Sure, I can stay a few moments.” She looks a Joseph. He stands there for a moment, looking between the two of them.

“Goodnight.” He says, and out the door he goes.

“So…what’s your question?”

“I didn’t actually have one.” Harry smirks at her and she blushes.

“Oh.”

“You seemed uncomfortable with him here.”

“I don’t exactly enjoy his company anymore.” She sits slightly on his desk.

“I know, shit like that is just awkward. Francie and I still have some mutual friends, and we’ve had to be at a few of the same parties since the breakup.”

“Can I ask…I mean, you said you were together for four years and engaged…what happened?”

“Why don’t we have this conversation over drinks?” He stands up, grabbing his keys and jacket.

“Harry…it’s a school night.”

“And? It’s only seven. Not like we’re gonna be out all night are we?”

“I have two kids at home.”

“You have two teenagers at home. Come on, just one drink and I’ll tell you everything.”

“And then what?”

“Whatever you want.” He winks and leads you out the door.

//

Y/N texted the kids to let them know she was just grabbing a quick bite, and that she was very proud of their hard work. She followed Harry to a pub, and they grab a booth inside. They each order a drink and munch on some popcorn.

“Alright.” He sighs. “So I was with Francie for four years, and we were engaged for all of five months. It was working out great, we were living together, had a couple of pets, you name it. She works for this tech company, right? So, she got promoted, which was great, but it would have involved her to start traveling a lot, and eventually moving to New York. I didn’t want to move, and she didn’t want to do long distance.”

“Why didn’t you want to move? You could have found another school to work at…”

“It was the principal of the thing! She didn’t even ask, she just expected it, like her job was more important than mine. We started arguing more and more, and when I asked her why we couldn’t just try long distance she said that would make things difficult to start a family, and I said we already had a family, and that opened up a can of worms. She wanted kids and I didn’t. After that we ended it. She took our dog and cat, and left.”

“She took the pets?!”

“Yup! Left me the ring though.” He scoffs.

“Wait…so you don’t want kids?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I love kids, I love babies especially. But…I just don’t see myself being a dad.” He shrugs. “It’s a lot of responsibility, a lot of money too. I don’t know if I could take care of someone else. And maybe…when she said it…I had this thought of if I did want kids I wasn’t sure if wanted her to be the mother of them.”

“It took you that long to have that kind of conversation?”

“What about you? Did you and your ex have a proper discussion about it?”

“No, he knocked me up, proposed later that year, and we got married in a courthouse while I was seven months pregnant.” She finishes her drink. “Just like a fairytale. Then when he promised we could have a real wedding, I got pregnant with Ben, and all that money went to him. S’alright, though, it would have been a waste of money.”

“Can I ask why you got divorced?”

“Well, the age difference was one thing. He’s seven years older than me, which may not seem like much, but it was. I felt like I couldn’t talk to him sometimes. Then he decided to cheat on me with some other young thing, so we went from separated to divorced real quick.”

“I’m so sorry.” He frowns slightly.

“Don’t be, it was a while ago. I think things worked out for the best. We’re all doing better now.”

“I think it’s admirable that you’ve turned your life around the way you have.”

“Thanks.” She smiles and he finishes off his drink. Once they pay their tab they head out. “I think it’s too cold to do what we did last time.”

“And I couldn’t persuade you to come back to my place for a bit?”

She looks down at her watch and sees it’s already 8:30. She sighs, biting her bottom lip.

“I…I want to, and if I didn’t have two kids at home waiting for me I would. Maybe…maybe you should find someone else to be your little fuck buddy. I’m not easy to be with.”

“Maybe that’s what I like about you.” He says, leaning forward so his lips brush yours, kissing you quickly before backing away. “Have a good night, Y/N.”

She groans once she’s in the car. When she gets home both Riley and Ben are in their rooms unwinding. She says hello and goes to her own room to get ready for bed. Y/N wonders what she would have done with Harry at his place. How he would have touched her and kissed her all over. She sighs and gets into bed, aggravated as fuck.

//

It was Thanksgiving weekend when Y/N took her next shot with Harry. The kids spent Thanksgiving day with her, and they had the rest of the weekend to be with Joseph. When Saturday night rolled around she was bored and lonely, so she called him.

“Hi, Harry.”

“Hi, Y/N. Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?”

“I did…although, I have way too many leftovers.”

“You don’t say?”

“Yeah! Um, you wouldn’t happen to be hungry, would you?”

“Starved.”

“Great, well, if you’d like to come over you can.”

“I can be there within the house. Just text me your address.”

He had assumed Riley and Ben weren’t home. He needed to take a quick shower before coming to see her, and she needed to do the same. She wanted to be as fresh as possible for him. When she heard the doorbell, she raced down the stairs to open it.

“So, I can heat up whatever-mph!” He had gripped her cheeks and pulled her into him, kissing her passionately.

“I didn’t actually come here to eat.” He breathes. “Well, I did…but not food.” He smirks and lifts her up. She wraps her legs around his waist and kisses on his neck as he carries her upstairs. “Where’s your bedroom?”

“Last door on the right.” She mumbles into his hot skin.

He gets her in the bedroom, and sets her down. He starts taking his clothes off, and she does the same. He knees onto the bed to hover over her, and he kisses her, sucking on her bottom lip.

“Glad you finally called me for this.” He says as he licks around her nipple.

“You could have called me.”

“Didn’t want to look any more desperate.”

He nips at her stomach as he works his way down, giving her little to no warning before he licks into her. She gasps, gripping onto his hair. She bites her bottom lip as she feels his warm tongue lapping away at her. He sucks on her clit and slips two fingers inside her.

“When was the last time someone made you feel this good, hm? When was the last time someone made you this wet?”

“Wh-whenever the first time we hooked up was.” She whimpers.

“And before that?” He kitten licks at her clit now.

“God, I have no idea!” She moans out as his fingers pet inside her against her g-spot. He struggles to get a third finger in, so he doesn’t bother.

“Tighter than a fucking finger trap you know that?”

“I told you, I don’t make time to-oh!”

He started sucking on her clit again, and pumping his fingers quickly. She was squirming underneath him, panting and moaning loudly. She cries out as she comes, and he pumps his fingers slowly as her hips move along with his motions.

“Condoms?” He asks when he pops up.

“You don’t me to, um…?”

“Another time, I don’t think I’d last very long if you sucked on me.” He had been rutting himself against the mattress. She nods and reaches into her bedside drawer for a condom she toss it to him and watches as he rolls it on. “Roll over.”

She does as he says, and gets on her elbows and knees for him. He grips her hips, and lines himself up with her, pushing inside. It’s a tight squeeze, but he gets in no problem. They both moan out from the feeling. He reaches around to rub her clit, and she collapses onto the bed.

“God, just do what you want with me, Harry.” She grunts, and he moans from behind her.

“You’re so fucking sexy, you have no idea. Come for me, Y/N, come on.”

She cries out into her pillow, and he spills into the condom. Somehow after they both got cleaned up they ended up back in bed together. Harry through his arm around Y/N and pulled her to his chest.

“What are you doing?” She giggles.

“Cuddling you.”

“Why?”

“Because I feel like it.”

She laughs, but doesn’t fight him on it. Then…they fell asleep. It was a total accident, Harry never intended to spend the night. He just wanted to cuddle for a bit before heading out. He was more tired than he thought, and so was she. She nudges him awake.

“Shit, I’m sorry.” He says, knuckling at his eyes.

“It’s okay. Would you like to take a shower with me?”

“I would.” He smiles and gets up with her.

It was the dirtiest shower she had ever taken. He had gotten on his knees to eat her out, and then he lifted her up, fucking her into the bathroom tile wall. She left many scratch marks on his back, and then he came on her stomach. They got cleaned up for real after that, and headed downstairs for some coffee. Just as she was about to offer him some breakfast, she heard the front door open.

“Oh my god!” She whisper screams. “They’re not supposed to be back until later!”

“Be cool, Y/N.” Harry says.

“But-“

“Mum, we’re…Mr. Styles?” Riley says as she comes in with Ben. “What…what’s going on?”

“I should ask you the same. Why’s your father bring you back so soon?”

“We asked if he could.” Ben says. “Can only handle so much of his girlfriend.”

“So…Mr. Styles, um, no offense, but what are you doing here?”

“Well, your mum just so happens to be one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She had all these leftovers and asked me if I’d like any, and I said yes. I may be a Brit, but I love Thanksgiving dishes. So I came right over. Just got here a couple minutes before you did.”

“Yeah, I was just about to pull the food out. Why don’t you two go put your things away?”

Riley furrows her brows, but shrugs it off, and goes with Ben upstairs.

“You’re quick on your feet.”

“Wasn’t a total lie.” Harry says, finishing his coffee. “I better get going.” She walks him to the front door, and he gives her a sneaky kiss along with a bum squeeze. “See you soon, I hope.”

“Definitely.” She smiles. “Bye.” She opens the door for him and out he goes. She sighs happily, and goes into the kitchen to make a little breakfast.

//

Riley was a little suspicious after that morning. She spent most mornings in homeroom analyzing Harry’s features. He was his usual chipper self, but there was certainly an extra pep in his step. Then in biology it was the same thing.

“Riley?” Austin was standing in front of her desk, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Oh, hey.” She smiles. “What’s up?”

“Are you free this Friday?”

“I…I think so.”

“Would you wanna go to the movies?” He runs a hand through his hair and she swallows.

“This is gonna sound really lame, but I need to ask my mom first.”

He chuckles slightly at that.

“No worries, let me know if she says yes.”

“I will.” Austin goes to his seat, and Riley looks at Chris who was giving her a thumbs up.

“Alright, if we could all settle down?” Harry says. “Today we’re going over fungi cells so I need all of your attention on me.”

Harry liked attention in general, probably one of the reasons he wanted to be a teacher in the first place. He just happened to also enjoy biology and he was good at explaining it to the youths. During class Riley felt her phone buzz, and saw she had a text from Ben.

Ben: reminder that I have a doctor’s appointment, so you have to wait after school for Mum to come get you

Riley: okay thanks, I’ll just go to the library to wait for her

“Riley!” She snaps her eyes up at the harsh tone from her teacher. “Is that your phone?”

“Y-yes…I’m sorry, Mr. Styles, my brother-“

“I don’t care.” He shakes his head. “You know the policy.” He gestures for her to give it to him.

“But he was just-“

“Is it an emergency?”

“No.”

“Alright then, give it here.” Everyone was looking at her, and it made her face flush. She gets up and walks towards him to hand over her phone. He takes it puts it in his desk drawer. “You can have it back after class.”

She nods, and goes back to her seat. After class she walks out, completely forgetting she had her phone taken away. She gets settled in the library, and gets some homework done. She was there for over an hour until Y/N showed up in a huff.

“Riley Davidson, I’ve been calling you for fifteen minutes!”

“Mum, be quiet!”

“If your brother hadn’t told me you were in the library I never would have found you. Where the hell is your phone?”

“It’s…oh shit.” She says as she packs up.

“What?”

“I forgot that Mr. Styles took it from me.”

“He what?!”

“Ben texted me while I was in class, and I texted back. He caught me, and took it away from me. It’s the policy.”

“I don’t give a fuck, that’s your property. Come on, hopefully he’s still here.”

He was. When they walk in, he was writing something on the whiteboard, furrowing his eyebrows. Looked like it was a chemistry equation. Y/N clears her throat to get his attention.

“Oh, hello ladies.”

“Where do you get off taking my daughter’s phone?”

“Oh! I completely forgot about that. You left right after class, Riley.” Harry goes into his desk and grabs the phone. “Here you are.”

“Thanks.” She says as she swipes through to check any notifications she may have missed.

“It’s the policy, Y/N.”

“What if I got in a car accident and someone needed to reach her? Then what?”

“Did that happen?” He crosses his arms.

“No, but it could have.”

“But it didn’t. There’s no texting in class, no phone use of any kind, actually.”

“Mum, it’s fine, we can-“

“Excuse me, but that’s her property. If I need to get in touch with her, or if her brother does, then she should be able to send a quick text. It’s not like she was scrolling through Instagram.”

“But she could have been.”

“But she wasn’t!”

“Maybe you should hover over a little less, hm? Kids rely on their phones so much because their parents are constantly trying to see what they’re up to.”

Y/N takes her keys out from her purse, and hands them to Riley.

“I’m parked out front, go start the car for me. I’ll be just be another minute.” Riley nods and leaves quickly, knowing how bad it can be to be scolded by her mother. She certainly didn’t want to watch her favorite teacher get bitched out. “You don’t have kids, so I wouldn’t expect you to understand-“

“I have dozens of kids, actually. Ones that come to see me to talk to me about their problems, I’m also always studying trends of the today’s students, so don’t stand there and-“

“Do not interrupt me when I’m speaking.” She says firmly, and he closes his mouth. “You may speak when I’m finished, Mr. Styles. I’m a single mom doing my best for my kids. I will not be lectured in front of my daughter about being a helicopter parents because I’m not. However, I’m doing the job of two while my ex gets to be a weekend dad, who my kids don’t even want to see. It’s my fault Ben texted her at the time he did, alright? I asked him to remind her that I wouldn’t be picking her up until later because I had to take him to a doctor’s appointment.”

“May I?” She gestures that he can speak. “She didn’t need to text him back right then. It’s the school policy to take a phone away if we see it out, I was just doing my job.”

“Well, you should have remembered you took it so you could have given it back to her! I was sitting in the car for nearly twenty minutes waiting for her, I was starting to get worried.” Y/N pouts, and even though this was a very serious matter, Harry couldn’t help notice the blood starting to flow right to his prick.

“I’m very sorry about that.” He puts his hand on her shoulder, and she glances at it before looking at him. “I take ownership for that mistake. I feel terrible that I even caused an ounce of worry. If there’s anything I can do to make it better, please let me know.” His tone was condescending and seductive all at the same time.

She places her hand on his and removes it from her shoulder.

“Have a nice evening.” She says.

“Same to you.” He smirks.

Y/N makes her way to her car, and sighs heavily once she’s in there with Riley.

“Please don’t tell me you just yelled at him. He’s my favorite teacher, Mum.”

“No, we had a very adult conversation, and he apologized for not giving you back your phone when he should have after class.”

“I guess I could’ve waited to text Ben back. I’m sorry I caused all this.”

“It’s not your fault, honey, it’s fine.” She smiles at her daughter and they make their way home.

“I…I was asked to the movies this Friday, can I go?”

“With who?”

“Austin.”

“I’d like him to come to the house first so I can meet him properly. You’ve been hanging out in groups with him. Would this be one on one?”

“I think so. I can ask him if he minds coming inside first before we go.”

“That would be great.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Are you…are you and Mr. Styles, like, seeing each other?”

“What would ever give you that idea?!”

“I just think it’s weird that he was at our house.”

��We’ve become friends, you know I hang out with him and Mr. Horan sometimes.”

“Yeah, but Mr. Horan wasn’t there. It was just you and Mr. Styles, and you both had wet hair.”

“I had showered before he swung by, he must have done the same.” Y/N shrugs. “We’re just friends, honey, nothing more.”

“Okay.”

Y/N could tell Riley didn’t quite believe her, but she knew her daughter wouldn’t press her on it more for now. Not if she wanted to go to the movies with Austin.

//

“It’s nice to meet you, uh-“

“You can just call me Miss Y/L/N, it’s nice to meet you too, Austin.” Y/N smiles. They were all standing in the front hall. “So…it’s just you two going to the movies?”

“That’s the plan.” He says with an innocent smile.

“Have her home by 10:30, please.”

“Can do.”

“Thanks, Mum.”

“Have fun.” She sighs and turns around to Ben. “What about you? No plans?”

“Not tonight. I was just gonna play video games.”

“Well, if you’d like to have a friend over-“ Her cell phone goes off and she furrows her brows. “One second, sweetie.” She goes into the kitchen for some more privacy. “Harry?”

“Hey, what are you up to tonight?”

“Hanging out with my son…why?”

“Oh, they’re not with their dad this weekend?”

“No, they were with him last weekend.” She sighs.

“Damn.”

“Why?”

“Well, Niall and a few other people were gonna go to this place where you can throw axes, and we thought you’d like to come.”

“That sounds like…fun? Um, but I can’t just leave Ben here alone. I’d feel terrible since Riley’s out.”

“Hey, Mum?”

“Honey, I’m on the phone.”

“I know, sorry, Kyle just texted me and asked me if I wanted to sleep over. I know it’s last minute, but-“

“You can go! You can definitely go, I’ll even drop you off.”

“You’re the best! I’m gonna go pack up my stuff.” Ben races out of the kitchen.

“Guess that just solved itself.” Harry says.

“Guess so.”

“Let me come pick you up. Text me when you get back from dropping him off, yeah?”

“Alright.”

Y/N gets herself ready, and then drives Ben to Kyle’s house for his sleepover.

“Why do you look so nice?” He asks on the way there.

“Well, I made plans with my own friends since you and Riley are out. Is that okay?” She chuckles.

“S’fine.” He shrugs. “Feel like you’ve been going out a lot lately. Are you, like, dating?”

“No, baby, I’m not dating. But I am making good friends, which has been nice. I didn’t have many friends back in our old town. Too many judgey moms.” She pulls up to Kyle’s house. “Have a great time, call me if you need me.”

“I will, thanks!”

She watches Ben go inside, and then she makes her way back home to wait for Harry. She liked his car a lot, and it would be nice to actually go for a drive in it, instead of just riding him in it. Y/N was shocked when she heard the doorbell.

“You didn’t have to come to the door.” She says as she steps outside.

“Sure I did. I may be just trying to fuck, but I’m a gentleman at the end of the day.” He smirks as he opens the car door for her. She rolls her eyes at him, and climbs in.

“This really is a nice car.” She says as she looks around.

“Saved up a long time for it.” He places his hand on her thigh as he backs out of the driveway, and he keeps it there.

“So, an axe throwing place?”

“It’s all the rage right now. You can drink and throw axes, it’s pretty cool. I’ve been once before it’s a hoot.” He chuckles and squeezes her thigh slightly. “I’m glad you were able to get out for a bit.”

“Me too.”

She lets him keep his hand on her leg for the entire ride as they chat over the music. He parks the car, and gets out, jogging around to the other side to open the door for her. She smiles at him, and they both head inside. He even gets them their drinks from the bar. It was starting to feel like a date, especially when she only saw Niall with one other person, some woman she had yet to meet.

“Y/N, this is my girlfriend Anna.” Niall says.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Y/N says to her. Harry comes over and hands her a drink. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. We all set?” He asks Niall.

“Yeah, we all just need to sign the release forms.”

They all sign and are brought over to the axe throwing area. They’re told how to do it, and they get going. Harry and Niall go first, and of course their axes stick. Y/N takes a deep breath, and throws her, but it doesn’t stick.

“That’s alright, give it another go.” Harry encourages her.

“I…I don’t think I threw it quite right.” She says to him.

“Would you like some help?” She nods yes at him and he steps closer to her, putting his hand on her back. “You need to release from this point, okay? Give it all you got.” He steps back and lets her throw it. It sticks and she squeals, turning to hug him. “I knew you could do it!”

Anna hits her target as well. The four of them were having a great time. Once their time is up, they all grab table for food. Y/N checks her phone, it was just about nine. No texts from the kids. She hoped Riley was having a nice time on her date, and that Austin was being respectful during their movie.

“Miss?” The waitress says to her.

“Huh? Oh, I’m sorry. Um…” She looks at the menu and then to Harry. Everyone else had clearly ordered.

“She’ll have the same as me, thanks, love.” Harry hands the waitress the menus and then looks at Y/N. “You like turkey burgers, right?”

“Yeah, sorry about that. My daughter’s on her first date, and I was just checking my phone to see if she had text me or anything.”

“You have a daughter that’s old enough to date?!” Anna says, shocked. “What’s your secret, girl? You look fantastic!” She laughs, and so does everyone else.

“I was a young mum, nothing more than that.” Y/N chuckles. “She’s only fourteen, a freshman out with a sophomore boy from her biology class. It’s cute, really, he’s on the football team and she’s been to a few of his games. They’ve been hanging out in groups, but tonight is the first one on one.” She takes a sip of her drink. “Listen to me, it sounds like I’m recapping an episode of The Bachelor.”

“Do you have any other kids, or just the one?” Anna asks.

“I have a son, Ben, he’s thirteen. Niall’s his teacher actually.”

“Yup, great kid. Harry has Y/N’s daughter in class too.” Niall tells her.

“Is that how you two met?” Anna asks, and you smirk.

“No, actually, the three of us met because I parked too close to Harry’s precious car in the staff lot. I work in our development office.” She sips her drink smirking at Harry who had slumped in the booth. “He yelled at me, it was quite the meet cute.”

“Yikes, I’ve never seen Harry yell before.” Anna says. “You’re usually so calm.”

“I’ve had that car for two years, not a scratch on it, and I’d like to keep it that way.” Harry says. “It’s all water under the bridge now.” He puts his arm around Y/N, smiling down at her.

There’s more talking during the meal. Y/N really liked the turkey burger Harry had ordered for her. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. It was about ten, and Y/N wanted to get home before Riley like a responsible adult. She tells Harry this, and he nods.

“It was really nice meeting you, Anna.” Y/N tells her again.

“Same to you, have a nice night.” They all part ways in the parking lot. “Oh, I like her so much better than Francie already.” She tells Niall.

“Me too.” Niall sighs. “But you know they’re not really dating.”

“I know, I know, but this was a very nice glimpse for them to see what a date could be like. They were so cute with each other.”

“I agree, I just think Harry’s still on the rebound. I also don’t think he’s mature enough to be dating a woman with two teenagers. Little kids maybe, but teenagers? That’s a lot to take on. Besides, what if he wants kids? Y/N’s in her early thirties, she probably wouldn’t want more.”

“Isn’t that what Harry and Francie broke up over? She wanted kids and he didn’t.” Anna shrugs. “Let them figure it out.”

Y/N and Harry were parked in her driveway making out. The damn console was in the way, but he was still able to get his tongue into her mouth. Her hands were in his hair, tugging him closer to her even though she knew she needed to get out of the car.

“Harry.” She breathes as he starts kissing on her neck. “I…I need to go inside. I can’t be out here like this when Riley gets home.” She gasps when she feels his teeth nip at her skin, and then he pulls away, almost glaring at her.

“Man, nothing to kill a hard on more than a mention of a student’s name.” He huffs.

“I told you…this might be easier for you if you wanted to fuck someone without kids.”

“Well, I’m kinda hooked on you now, so I can’t do that.” His thumb brushes her bottom lip as he cups her cheek. He leans in to kiss her again. “Do you think we could get together tomorrow since it seems like we can’t fool around tonight?”

“Sure, I have some errands I need to run anyways, so I can add you to the list.” She winks. “I’ll text you.”

“Alright, sounds good.” He chuckles. “I had a lot of fun tonight.”

“So did I, goodnight.” She smiles and hops out of the car. She quickly gets herself inside.

Harry backs out of the driveway just as Austin pulls up with Riley.

“Whoa, who do you know with a range rover?” Austin asks.

“That’s…Mr. Styles’ car.” She swallows as she watches him drive away. “He’s friends with my mom. She texted me saying she was seeing some friends tonight, I guess he drove her.”

“Cool.” Austin says. “I’ll walk you to your door.” He does so, and they linger there for a moment. They hug each other, and he gives her a kiss on the cheek. “Can we do this again sometime?”

“I’d like that.” She smiles.

“Great, well, have a good night.”

“You too. Thanks again.” Her heart soars as she goes inside. She finds Y/N sitting on the couch watching TV.

“How was the movie?”

“Really funny.” Riley plops down next to her. “Where’s Ben?”

“Sleeping at Kyle’s.”

“Oh, nice. So…where did you go tonight?”

“To this axe throwing place. It was fun, look.” She takes her phone and shows Riley a video of her throwing an axe and it sticking to the wooden target.

“Cool! You went there with Mr. Styles?”

“Mhm, and Mr. Horan and his girlfriend Anna.”

“Oh my god, Mum.” Riley gasps. “You went on a double date!”

“I did not.” Y/N scoffs.

“Did Mr. Styles pay for anything?”

“Well…yeah, he did, but he said it was just easier.” Riley gives her a look. “What?”

“Mum, he definitely was making a move!”

“And what do you know about moves, hm?”

“Apparently more than you. You two should go out one on one and see how it goes.”

“I’ve done that with him before.” Y/N shrugs. “We’re just friends, Riley.”

“He drove you tonight, right? I saw him pulling out of the driveway when I got home.”

“He offered to drive, yeah, and I accepted. He’s got a really nice car, thought it would be fun to go for a ride in it.” Y/N blushes slightly, annoyed at her own innuendo. “I’m not dating your teacher, don’t worry.”

“I wouldn’t hate it.” Riley shrugs. “You deserve to have someone, Mum. Dad’s out there with miss thing living what he perceives as his best life, you should do the same.”

“I don’t want to be in a relationship right now.” Y/N sighs. “I don’t have time for it. If Ben hadn’t gone to Kyle’s I wouldn’t have been able to go out tonight.”

“He can stay at home by himself.”

“But I would have felt bad about it. I like being home when you guys are home.”

“We’re not babies, that’s all I’m saying.” She twiddles her thumbs. “Plus, he’s super cute, so-“

“Riley!” Y/N chuckles and throws a pillow at her. “Don’t talk about your teacher like that.”

“He is! I don’t have a crush on him, but anyone with eyes can see how cute he is, Mum.”

“I’ll agree with that, he’s very cute.” She yawns. “Well, now that you’re home I’m gonna go up to bed. Was Austin respectful and all that tonight?”

“Very.” Riley smiles. “He asked me if I wanted to do it again sometime. I’m excited about him.”

“It’s a nice feeling, huh?”

“Yeah.”

Y/N hoped the feeling would never fade for her daughter because she knew all too well how it felt when it does.

//

The next day, after Ben got dropped off, Y/N told the kids she was going out to run some errands, and asked them to get some chores done while she was gone. She genuinely needed to get some things while she was out, so she did that before going over to Harry’s. It felt odd to be going over to his place in the middle of the day for a dick appointment, as the kids would say, but this was happening. She pulls up to a nice duplex, and she recognizes Niall’s car in the other driveway. She texts Harry that she’s down front, and she sees the front door open on one side. She gets out of her car and greets him.

“Find it alright?” He says to her as he lets her in.

“Mhm, this is a cool place.”

“Thanks, Niall and I bought it together, like, five or so years ago. We fixed up one side and then the other.”

“So he gets one side and you the other?”

“Yup, worked out well. I’ve redecorated recently, for, um, obvious reasons.”

“Right, trust me I know how hard it can be living in the same place where good and bad memories were made.”

“Is that why you came out here?”

“One of the reasons she sighs as she kicks her shoes off. “I needed a fresh start.”

He hums his response as he cups her jaw in his large hands, bringing his lips to hers.

“How long do you have?” He says against her lips.

“An hour at most. I have to go to the grocery store after this.”

“Oh.” He smirks. “You won’t be going to the store after this.”

“Wh-why not?” She swallows.

“Because you’re not gonna be able to walk when I’m done with you.” He bends down and lifts her up over his shoulder and she squeals.

“Harry!” She giggles as he brings upstairs to his room. Fuck, he was strong. “What will I tell my kids when I’m walking funny?”

“Tell them good old Mr. Styles cracked your spine in half, I’m sure that’ll go over well.” He drops her on his bed, and gets his shirt off. She looks up wide eyed at him. “Oh, love, I’m not actually gonna do that.”

“I know, I’ve just never seen your tattoos in the daylight like this. I mean when we showered I sort of did, but…they’re so pretty.”

His features soften and he picks her up again, getting himself on the bed and laying her down. He sucks on her bottom lip as she wraps her arms and legs around him. His hands work to undo her jeans, and he tugs them down past her bum. She kicks them off the rest of the way, and he pets her over her underwear. She moans into his mouth, and his dips his fingers inside, sliding along her slit. She could feel him growing hard against her hip.

“Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you blow me for a bit?”

“Of course! Lay down.”

He gives her a relieved smile and lays back on the bed. She gets between his legs and does his pants. She gets them off and tugs his boxers down. She kisses his tip first, then gives his shaft kisses before licking him up and down. She looks up at him and sees he’s already watching her. She smirks and wraps her lips around his tip, sinking down on him as much as she could.

“Yeah, just like that.” He groans. “Fuck, you feel so good.”

She moans against him and bobs her head up and down. This wasn’t her favorite thing to do in the world, but she didn’t mind do it for it for Harry since he was so attentive with her. She gets him to the brink of coming, and then he pulls her off of him. He gets her naked, and opens her legs up, diving right in. The flat of his tongue sliding up her center to her clit. He sucks both of her lips, one at a time before focusing on her clit again. Two of his fingers slip inside her, and her eyes roll back. He has her crying out moments later, and before she knows it he’s getting a condom on.

“Can I go on top?” She asks.

“Sure.” He shrugs and lays down, his cock stiff and ready for her.

She swings her leg over him, and rubs his tip over her clit before sinking down on his. His hands grip her hips as she moves around in a circle to get comfortable. She moves herself on and off his cock, enjoying the stretch he’s giving her. When she gets a little tired she comes down to him chest to chest, and kisses him. His hands slide to her ass, and he moves her on him. He thrusts in and out of her, and she moans into his neck.

“Like the way I feel like this?” He grunts.

“Yes, fuck.” She mumbles. Her clit was rubbing against him perfectly, and she was trying to concentrate on that. “Don’t stop what you’re doing.” She tugs at his hair and he nearly growls.

He thrusts into her faster and faster, it has her panting and moaning. His tip was hitting her g-spot, so the whole thing was really overwhelming. She moans out his name loudly as she comes, and he fucks her through it. He lifts her off of him, and sets her down on her stomach. He gets behind her and pushes back inside. She gasps, but it feels good. He fucks her from behind until he comes, and collapses on top of her. He holds her for a moment before pulling out and getting rid of the condom. She uses the bathroom, and gets dressed. He throws on a pair of boxers and a sweatshirt.

“Thanks for adding me to your list of errands.” He says to her as they stand in his front hall. She giggles into his chest as he hugs her and kisses the top of her head.

“My legs are working just fine, by the way. But I’m too tired to go grocery shopping now.”

“Well, you only gave me a bloody hour, love, and you made me come really fast.” He pouts. “Can’t seem to last that long with you.”

“Maybe you should jerk off before I come over next time so you can handle it.” She grins and he rolls his eyes.

“You came twice didn’t you?” She nods yes. “Alright then, quit your complaining. Go on, get outta my house.” He pats her bum and kisses her one more time. “Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

“You too.” Y/N drove home with a smile on her face the whole way.

//

Things were like this most weekends, especially when the kids were at Joseph’s. Harry would come over on Friday night instead of Saturday in case he fell asleep. Plus if he stayed the night that meant they could have sex most of the day Saturday, which was really nice. Y/N was having a lot of fun with Harry. Sometimes they’d meet up with Anna and Niall to go bowling, or catch a movie. In a way it felt like dating, but there was absolutely zero pressure. It was the exact companion ship she had hoped for.

When the holidays rolled around, she got the kids for Christmas, and Joseph got them for New Year’s, which meant Y/N could go to the party Harry was having. Apparently it was an annual thing. There were a lot of people from school there so she felt right at home. Y/N hadn’t had a New Year’s kiss in quite some time, so it wasn’t even on her mind until all of the couples migrated towards each other as it got closer to midnight.

Harry was wandering through his home trying to find her. She was in the kitchen refilling her drink. He lets out a sigh of relief. He could hear people starting the countdown.

“Christ, there you are!” He says to her, pulling her into him.

“You were looking for me?”

“Course I was, who else am I gonna kiss, hm?” They hear everyone yell ‘one’ and he plants one on her. She thought it would be a simple peck since there were people around, but no, Harry full on kissed her. “Happy New Year.” He breathes and then kisses her forehead.

“Happy New Year.” She says faintly as he walks away from her to continue being a good host. She was one of the last people there, feeling drained at nearly two in the morning. She was getting her coat, about ready to say goodbye when he looked at her funny. “What?”

“Where do you think you’re going at this hour?”

“Home.”

“Nope, sorry, m’afraid you’re staying with me tonight. Get that coat off, now.” He crosses his arms over his chest.

“Is that so?”

“it is.” He nods, and she smirks at him stepping closer to him.

“Make me.” She grins and his eyebrows raise.

“Right.”

Before she knows it she’s being picked up and carried to his room. They both giggle as he gets her in his room. He gets her jacket and boots off, and he tosses her one of his bed shirts.

“What’s this for?” She asks as she holds the shirt up.

“To sleep? Can’t fuck you right now, I’m knackered.”

“Oh.” She blushes. “Alright, well, thank you. Um…you wouldn’t happen to have a spare toothbrush and a washcloth then would you?”

“Sure, I’ll pull that out of the linen closet for you, one second.” He leaves the bedroom and comes back shortly and gives her what she asked for.

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” He shrugs and starts taking his clothes. “Feel free to use the bathroom first.”

She nods and does so. She liked the way his shirt fit, how it hugged her thighs and just barely covered her bum. She washes up and shyly pads back into the bedroom. He smiles when he sees her, and watches as she crawls onto the bed.

“Well, don’t you look cute.” He pinches her thigh as she settled.

“Oh! Don’t do that.” She swats his hand away and he chuckles, getting up from the bed.

“Back in a tick.”

He shuts the lights off once he’s done in the bathroom, and gets into bed with her. She felt awkward until he yanked her onto his chest.

“You can be pretty forceful sometimes, you know that?”

“Does it bother you?”

“Not really, it’s not like I don’t feel safe.”

“You feel safe with me?” He asks softly.

“I do.” She feels him hold her a little closer.

“I just want what I want when I want it I guess.”

“So I’ve noticed. I like a man that knows what he wants, though, so it’s not like it’s a turn off.

“Aw, so you feel safe with me and you like me. A Happy New Year indeed.” She sucks her teeth at that and it makes him laugh. “What’s wrong, can’t take a bit of teasing?”

“I can, you’re just annoying.” She nudges him and he kisses the top of her head.

“You’re fun, Y/N.” He chuckles.

“Let’s get some sleep so you can fuck me in the morning, yeah?”

“I like the way you think.” He sighs and lets his eyes droop closed.

Y/N and Harry spent most of New Year’s day in his best, and neither of them would have had it any other way.

//

“Y/N?” One of her student workers comes into her office. “Mr. Horan from the math department is here to see you.”

“He is?” She raises an eyebrow. “Um, alright, he can come in.” The girl nods and lets Niall in. He closes the door behind him. “Is everything alright with Ben?”

“Yeah, this isn’t work related.”

“Oh…alright, would you like to have a seat?”

“No, it won’t take long…um…did you know Harry’s birthday is on the first of February?”

“I did not know that, no.”

“Right, well, I’m throwing him a party at this pub he really likes to go to. He’s turning thirty, you know? Wanted it to be a little more special for him.” She nods and he continues. “He’s shy about his birthday, and he’d never come right out and say it, but I know it would be mean the world to him if you came.”

“Well, of course I’ll go. It’s not like I haven’t been to a party with him before.”

“Yes, but instead of casually coming over to his New Year’s party…you’d sort of be showing up as his lady, you know?”

“What are you getting at here?”

“Come on, Y/N.” Niall scoffs. “He’s crazy about you, can’t you see that?”

“Niall…” She says in a hushed tone. “You know very well that he and I are nothing more than-“

“Fuck buddies, yeah, yeah.” He rolls his eyes. “This has been going on for months, you seriously don’t want more with the guy?”

“No.” She swallows. “I’m getting exactly what I need from him. He doesn’t want more either, what we’re doing works for both of us. Has…has he said something to you?”

“Not in so many words, but he talks about you enough. I think it’s silly to not go for it.”

“Look, if I didn’t have two kids maybe things could be different between him and I, but it’s not that simple. I don’t want more…at least not right now.”

“Alright.” He sighs. “I’ll text you the details for the party, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Oh, and keep it a secret. He thinks we’re going on a bar crawl.”

She nods and out the door he goes. She sighs heavily and shakes her head. Now there would be all this pressure for his birthday. Did she need to get him a gift? And what kind of gift should it be?

//

“Mum, you look so good.” Riley says sitting on Y/N’s bed when she comes out in a red dress.

“Thank you, honey.”

“And this is for a friend’s birthday party?”

“Yes.”

“Whose birthday?” Riley grins.

“Harry’s.” Y/N sighs.

“Did you get him anything good?”

“I…I got him, like, well, you know how he likes to wear all those rings? So I saw this ring at the store that I thought he might like.”

“You got him a ring?”

“Is it weird? It’s weird right? I just…I saw it and I thought of him, and I-“

“I bet he’ll love it, Mum.”

“Alright.” She nods. “Listen…you’ll be alright with Ben tonight? I…I could either be home really late, or I might not come back until the morning depending on how much I have to drink.”

“He’s setting up some movies and popcorn for us as we speak. We can handle it.”

“Good, okay, thank you.”

“Where would stay if you don’t come home?”

“Mr. Horan has offered me his guest room if need be.” It was a blatant lie but she couldn’t very well tell her fourteen-year-old that she was most likely going to have birthday sex with her teacher.

“Okay.” Riley shrugs and goes downstairs with Y/N. The doorbell rings. “I’ve got it.” She says as Y/N gets her coat on. “Hi, Mr. Styles.”

“Hello, Riley, is your mum ready to go?”

“Mhm, she’s just getting her coat on. Happy birthday, by the way.”

“Thank you.” He smiles and then uses all his willpower to not let his jaw drop when he sees Y/N. He couldn’t even see her dress, but he could tell she’d be a knockout tonight. “Ready?”

“Yes.” She smiles and turns to Riley and Ben. “Don’t be afraid to call if you need anything. I can be home in a flash. I’ll text you later to let you know what my, um, plans are.” She blushes and pushes Harry outside as the kids wave them off.

“She’s not subtle.” Ben says as he plops onto the couch.

“I know, I wish they’d just admit they’re in love and get on with it.” Riley says and starts the movie.

//

Harry opens the backseat of Niall’s car for her, and then he jogs around to the other side. Niall was driving, and Anna was in the passenger seat. Everyone greets one another and off they go. Harry keeps his hand on Y/N’s knee the whole way, and she puts her hand over his. They smile at each other, but nothing is said. Needless to say he was surprised by there being a party at the pub for him, but he was delighted.

Niall had done really well. Lots of drinks and appetizers going around, good music, and people mingling. There was even a cheesy slideshow of every single one of Harry’s school pictures throughout the years, and Y/N had to fight tears from laughing so hard at some of them. Harry couldn’t have asked for a better birthday, especially with Y/N around. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her all night, and eventually his arm didn’t leave from its place around her waist. No one really paid it any attention. Most people knew there was something going on between the two of them, but it was none of their concern. The single men in the room at the least knew not to hit on her. No one really wanted to get on Harry’s shit list.

There was a table for gifts, but Y/N kept hers in her purse, not wanting it to get lost. She also wanted to give it to him in private in case things got awkward. She had overthought the ring over and over. It was this nice topaz band that she thought he’d like. He said he was always looking for a pop of color in his wardrobe.

“Hey.” He says to her, pulling her into him. “Are you gonna come home with me?”

“Yeah.” She smiles. “Are you having a good time?”

“A great time. Couldn’t have asked to turn thirty with better people.” He tucks some hair behind her ear and she shivers. “Can’t to get you back to my place, though.” He leans in to speak in her ear. “M’gonna mess up all this pretty makeup you’re wearing.” He kisses her cheek and lets her go. She was suddenly counting down the moments until it was time to leave.

When it came time, she helped grab all of the gifts off the table and bring them to Niall’s car. She had texted Riley that she wouldn’t be coming home which she felt slightly guilty about. She didn’t like giving up her weekends with the kids like this. Niall and Anna help get everything inside, and then leave Harry and Y/N alone, drinking water in the kitchen. He comes over to her, putting his hands on her hips, and pulling her forward.

“Have I told you how fucking sexy you look tonight? I’ve had to hold my hand under my jaw all night just to keep it from dropping.”

“Idiot.” She chuckles. “Oh! Wait, I got you something.” She snatches her purse from the counter.

“So it’s not lingerie? Sort of thought you were my gift.” He smirks and she rolls her eyes.

“That wouldn’t be very original, and I don’t find lingerie to be particularly comfortable, sorry, Sport.” She fishes the ring box out of her purse. “Here we are. If it’s weird feel free to just kick me out…I saw it thought you’d like it, nothing more to it than that.”

He takes the box from her, furrowing his brows. His eyes widen as he opens it up. He looks between her and the topaz band several times.

“Are you serious?” He says.

“Y-yeah…do you like it?”

“Are you kidding? I love it! I just can’t decide what finger to put it on.”

“I guessed on the size. You have such fat fingers, so I went with a larger one.”

“Think that’s the first time I’ve heard you complain about my fingers. Better be the last.” He slips the ring onto his middle finger and holds it out. “It’s perfect, thank you so much. You really didn’t have to do this.”

“I know, but I wanted to. Like I said, I saw it and thought you’d like it.”

He hugs her and she hugs him back. He kisses her cheek and works his way to her lips. He sucks on her bottom lip, and she tugs at his shirt. His hands slide down to her ass and he squeezes.

“Fuck, I want you so bad.” He says against her lips, and lifts her up onto the counter.

“Mm-mm, just bring me upstairs, I don’t wanna have sex on the counter again.”

“But it’s my birthday.” He pouts.

“Yeah, and last time we did this my back hurt for, like, three days, so bring me upstairs.”

He sucks his teeth and lifts her back up, carrying her bridal style out to the staircase, and up to his room. He sets her down on the bed and takes her heels off, sliding his hands up her calves and thighs. He pulls her to her feet so he can lift the dress up over her head. He tugs her nylons off along with her underwear, and unclips her bra, leaving her naked in front of him. He licks his lips and kisses her. Running his hands all over her body. She works to get his shirt undone, and pushes it off his shoulders. She undoes his pants and lets them drop to the floor, he steps out of them, and they both fall back on the bed. He grinds his hard dick, still clothes by his boxers, right into her core, and she groans. He continues to grind against her, and she moves her hips along with his to get some extra friction.

“I want you to suck me off while I fuck you with my tongue.”

She nods and they switch positions so he can lay on his back. She gets situated over his face, and she lowers herself on his body. His tongue moves back and forth along her slit before entering her. She gasps just as she’s getting her lips wrapped around him. His hands grip her hips so he can lick into her in just the right way. She moans around his cock as she tries to bob up and down on him. He removes his tongue from her so he can finger her, and he licks up to her other hole, something they’ve done before. She chokes on his dick and pulls off, choosing to pump him instead.

“Shit, Harry, oh my god!”

He moans against her as she comes around his fingers. He pulls his fingers away and laps her up. He rolls her onto her stomach, and he grabs a condom quickly. He rolls it on and spreads her legs wide open. She lifts her hips up as he pushes inside her, and he grabs a pillow to put under her back. He rocks in and out of her as his hands knead her breasts. She wraps her arms around his neck to pull him down to her, and she licks into his mouth. He moans into her as their chests touch and sweat starts to form between their bellies.

“Y/N.” He moans into her ear, and it raises goosebumps all over skin. She wraps her legs around his waist to pull him even closer. He kisses on her neck and she runs her fingers through his hair. “I want you to come at the same time as me, think you can do that?”

“Y-yeah.”

He snakes a hand between them so he can rub her clit and her mouth falls open. They make eye contact the entire time, and they cry out as they come together. He collapses on top of her, and she holds him close, kissing his cheek multiple times. He keeps his head buried in her chest for a few moments. He looks up at her, about to say something, but her phone goes off.

“Shit, it could be the kids…”

“One second.” He pulls out of her with a grunt, and lets her up. She gets up and waddles over to his dresser and grabs her phone.

“Ben?”

“Hi, Mum, I’m sorry it’s so late, but Riley doesn’t feel well. I think it’s her period, but she’s on the floor, like, clutching at her stomach and I don’t know what to do for her…”

“Shit, okay, um, get her a glass of milk and two ibuprofen from the cabinet. I’ll be home soon, I’ll set up a warm compress for her. She gets really bad cramps like me sometimes.”

“Okay, thanks, sorry again.”

“No problem, I’ll see you soon.” She turns to Harry. “I…I’m sorry, I can get an uber or-“

“I’ll drive you, don’t be silly.” He says, already throwing some sweats on. “Do you want something to change into so you don’t have to put all that back on?”

“Yeah, if you don’t mind.”

He gets her a sweatshirt and some sweatpants. Once she’s cleaned herself up they’re out the door and into his car. This time around he holds her hand the whole way, their fingers intertwined and everything. When he turns the car off when he pulls in, she gives him a funny look.

“Don’t look at me like that, I’m coming in, obviously.”

“You don’t need to.”

“I know, now come on.”

They get inside, and poor rile is still laying on the floor sucking milk out of a straw. Ben was sitting on the ground neck to her rubbing her back.

“Mum?”

“Hi, sweetie.” Y/N gets on her knees next to her.

“Feels like someone’s squeezing my insides with a spiked glove.”

“I know, baby, the medicine will work soon, I promise.” She sighs. “Ben, in the bathroom cabinet is where the warm compresses are, could you get one for me please?”

“Yeah.” He stands up and looks at Harry, but doesn’t say anything. Riley sees Harry’s sneakers and turns to look at him.

“Hey, Mr. Styles…”

“Hey.” He smiles. “Not feeling great, huh?”

“Cramps.” She says bluntly.

“Ugh, that’s the worst.” He sits down next to her. “My older sister used to get them really bad, I felt terrible.”

Ben comes back with the warm compress, and Y/N snaps it to get it to warm up, and she presses it to Riley’s lower back. She sighs from the feeling.

“See? Better already.” Y/N says.

“I don’t know what happened. I was fine all night, and then I got up to get some more soda, and I basically fell to the ground.”

“The bad ones can creep up on you unfortunately. I need to get you up to your room.”

“I could carry her…if…if that’s alright with everyone.” Harry says.

“That would be okay.” Riley says. “No one else could do it anyways.”

He helps her up, double and triple checking it’s okay that he’s touching her, and he carries her up. Y.N has Ben clean up the living room before he goes to bed. Y/N goes into Riley’s room after Harry’s places her on her bed.

“All set?” Y/N says to her, brushing some hair away from her face.

“Yeah, thank you.” She yawns. “Goodnight.”

“Night, honey.”

Y/N tugs Harry into her room, and closes the door.

“I’m so sorry, thank you for coming in…I don’t know how I would’ve helped her upstairs, I would have had to make a bed for her on the couch.” Y/N starts tearing up. “There are so many things I can do for them on my own until I’m reminded that there are things that I just can’t.”

“Hey.” He puts his hands on her shoulders. “You’re a great mum and you’re doing what you can. I couldn’t imagine being so young and raising two teenagers. You make it look easy, honestly. You’re amazing, Y/N.”

“You really think so?”

“I do.” He nods.

“Would you…I mean…it’s late, um, would you want to just stay here?”

“It wouldn’t be weird for you?”

“No.” He smiles and starts taking his clothes off. They get into bed together and cuddle all night. He somehow was always exactly what she needed, and it scared her a little. “How do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Put me at ease the way you do?”

“I don’t know.” He smiles down at her. “Didn’t realize I did that for you.”

“Well, you do. And I don’t know how I feel about it.”

“Christ, Y/N, just admit you like me as more than just a guy who fucks you good so we can date already.”

“What?” She sits up and so does he. “That’s not funny.”

“I’m not trying to be. You don’t wanna date? I mean we practically already are when you think about it. I’m not seeing anyone else, are you?”

“With your clingy ass? Who would have the time?!” She laughs.

“Oi, I resent that.”

“You ask me to hang out literally every weekend.”

“Yeah, cause I need to get to you before someone else does.”

“Harry…you realize if you get into a relationship with me you’re getting into a relationship with my kids, right?”

“I do.” He nods. “I know it’ll be a lot, but if it means I get to be with you…I think I could be all in with them. I can’t speak for Ben, but I know Riley likes me. I feel like we could make this work.”

“I don’t want more kids…I’m almost thirty-four, I would hate for you to end up wanting kids of your own. That’s not something I can give you, Harry.”

“You know what I’d really like?”

“What?”

“A dog. I’m great with pets, absolutely great. I miss having a pup around. If we get to a point where we feel like that’s the right move, that would definitely be enough for me.”

“I’ve always wanted a dog.” She bites her bottom lip. “Wow, okay, so…we’re doing this?”

“We fucking better be, I think Niall will explode if we don’t.”

They both giggle, and kiss each other. They settle back down to get some sleep, ready for whatever the morning brings.

a/n: if you liked what you’ve read, and are able/want to support me, please consider buying me a coffee. 

[devintrinidad]

Okay, I’ve been looking at all the meta/analysis posts for Midnight Mass and no one is talking about Serenity? That one prayer that Father John/Paul keeps praying during those AA meetings with Riley?

So, here’s Serenity:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

Throughout the entire series, we see Riley struggling with his addiction, his memories of the accident, and how he’s dealing with things while back on the island. 

He’s a social pariah, a drunkard like poor Joe Collie. 

Like the prodigal daughter Erin or the Muslim Officer Hassan. 

He can’t change the fact that he was drunk. He can’t change the fact that a young girl died because of his negligence. He can’t change the fact that he spent years in prison. He can’t change the fact that he has to live on the island and go to the meetings. 

He knows this. Riley knows this. He can’t change this.

It’s really interesting to watch those AA meetings because, for me, those were some of the most interesting scenes throughout the series. It seems like Riley, for the most part, has accepted that he made a mistake and that he can’t do anything about his past, but move forward and try to be a better person. To beat his addiction, to become useful to his parents and try to live a life on the island. Yet, he can’t move on just yet—he’s still haunted by his past, but with time, he will get there. 

And I think that’s why I was completely bowled over by Riley’s passing. Riley couldn’t change the fact that he was a vampire. He couldn’t change the fact that after all these years of being sober, he is now struggling with this hunger, this addiction to blood. 

He has to refuse to drink from his family and Erin.

But, in doing so, he has the courage enact change and wisdom through others. 

He tells Erin his story. 

He gives her proof. 

He won’t give in to the hunger inside of him—a hunger that has taken over Father John/Paul. 

And so, in Riley’s Serenity, he accepts that he’s going to die while showing that he has both courage and wisdom.

He dies with Dignity and in Serenity. 

(And he dies with the Forgiveness from the life that he had taken). 

Meanwhile, we have Father John/Paul. He can’t change the fact that his sister Alice died when he was young. He can’t change the fact that many years have passed to have any time spent with Millie and Sarah. He can’t change the fact that he’s an old man riddled with dementia.

And yet, he does try to enact change. 

When he finds that “angel” in the cave, he immediately tries to bring that thing back to Crockett. He has courage and faith that he can reverse the clock for both Millie and Sarah. He has courage to return back home and make it so that he can alter the lives of so many of his sheep still in his flock.

He thinks, he acts, and he does it.

Little Leeza can walk again. Annie doesn’t have to use her glasses again. Ed doesn’t have back pain.

And Millie? Millie is young again, she is no longer suffering from dementia. 

And yet… that courage is not the sort of courage associated with Serenity.

That courage was spurred on by the fear of death—a fear that has been present with him since he was a young child. A fear of death that has haunted him all his life so that when God brings him an angel and he is granted a new, resurrected life, Father John/Paul takes that chance. 

(Riley doesn’t. Riley spat in the face of God and throws it all away).

And Father John/Paul now has the courage to pursue his lost youth with the woman he loves and to spend time with his daughter. 

(But that’s spurred on by guilt, by too many years gone by. Regret. Not at all Serene). 

It isn’t until the very end, when he realizes… No. No, he’s got this all wrong. 

After all this time, after turning the townspeople into undead monsters like him, from unwittingly allowing Bev to take charge and become a monster in her own right… He’s wrong.

It wasn’t courage and it wasn’t wisdom that spurred him on.

It was fear. 

(But it’s through Forgiveness from his daughter, his lover, that he finally welcomes death with a sweet embrace.

With Millie holding him close and Sarah resting on their laps). 

He finally has Serenity. 

[grcywtr]

º   .   ♔   ⸻   the  capital  of  king’s  landing  welcomes  MEERA  REED  of  HOUSE  REED,  the  LADY  of  THE  NECK.  news  borne  by  a  raven  sends  word  that  she  bears  a  resemblance  to  MILLIE  BRADY.  the  TWENTY  FIVE  year  old  CIS  WOMAN  is  reputed  to  be  PROTECTIVE  and  CHEERFUL,  but  with  the  eyes  of  court  watching  their  every  move,  they  might  turn  out  to  be  RECKLESS  and  IDEALISTIC.  when  songs  are  sung,  their  verses  speak  of  BOW STRING BRUISES, STORIES AND LAUGHTER SHARED EVEN IN THE DARKEST OF NIGHTS, LEAVES AND TWIGS KNOTTED IN WILD HAIR.  whispers  throughout  the  seven  kingdoms  claim  that  their  allegiance  lies  with  HOUSE  STARK,  where  they  conspire  to  HELP BRAN TOWARDS HIS DESTINY.  but  in  the  end  fealty  means  little  when  you  play  the  game  of  thrones. 

STATS   º   .   /   AESTHETIC   º   .   /   PLAYLIST

you are a beloved child of a forgotten house, so elusive that even your castle cannot be found by outsiders. some people would grow to resent the bogs, but you revel in the moss and the mud and the freedom. even as the eldest, there are not many expectations placed upon your shoulders during childhood, and you live carelessly, getting to know the dangerous paths of the neck like the palm of your hand. greywater watch is an elusive homestead, with no knights or maesters, always floating from one place to the other like it is another living, breathing animal in the swamps. 

your father gives you a spear and a net, and then a bow and arrows, and says you’ve got a knack for it. outsiders may say that crannogmen have no honour, poisoning their arrows and letting the lizard-lions deal with most of their enemies, but you know that is not true. a hunter can be as honourable as any knight, perhaps even more so, and hunting comes as naturally as breathing to you. but you’re not a fighter. for a while, that doesn’t matter. after all, the worst mistake anyone in the neck can make is trying to fight against the bogs instead of working with them. you don’t need to be a fighter. (until, of course, you do.)

here’s what you remember from childhood: green springs spent laughing alongside your brother, trying to catch frogs with bare hands, getting your hair braided by your mother’s dexterous fingers. dark nights where ale and wine are not enough to keep you warm, fireside stories that don’t let you sleep, getting lost in a patch of wilderness on the way home. jojen, with a sickly look on his face, dying. your mother, dead. all the memories bleed into each other now, love and joy almost always cutting through the grief and loneliness. 

your father once said you were just like your mother: callused hands and a soft heart. his voice was fearful but you took that as a badge of pride. you can’t stop yourself from helping people, even though the rest of westeros is not like your home, where lizard lions and treacherous paths are the only things you have to worry about. you don’t want to be a hero like the ones in the stories your father used to tell by the firelight. but even as a little, perhaps insignificant, crannogwoman, you always try to stand tall.

your little brother has enigmatic dreams and sometimes his eyes seem old beyond his years. there are times when it makes you afraid, like destiny is an arrow that could be aimed at you at any point. the moment an arrow is shot there is no stopping it, and jojen’s dreams are sharp and silvery. you never let your fear show or your smile falter, but you spend your nights wondering how you can protect your family from something as heavy as destiny. the obvious answer, written into old stories and tales, is that you can’t. it won’t stop you from trying.

there is something special in winterfell, or at least that’s what your father seems to think when he sends you there. that’s what jojen’s dreams tell him. that’s what you feel fluttering in your chest the moment you see those grey stones. if destiny really is an arrow then you can sense its aim, pointing right to your heart.

TLDR; meera is a bit of a feral kid who is nonetheless very cheerful and always trying to get the people around her to laugh. for plotting reasons she is traveling alongside robb and his party at the moment (though with the sinking feeling that there are more worrying matters going on beyond what meets the eye).

[sunseteyes]

THE BOSS — KAI CHISAKI

—an au where kai is not a killer, but a lover

ㅤㅤ ↪︎ starring: kai chisaki (overhaul)

ㅤㅤ ↪︎ word count: 1.5k words | themes: pre & post world war II. yakuza au. fem!reader. mentions of women discrimination (not that harsh but still). fluff with a bit of angst (if you squint)

ㅤㅤ ↪︎ request: Hi this is my first time asking so i wanted to request a jealous chisaki kai fluff if that’s okay with you...heheh...bai —Anonymous

ㅤㅤ ↪︎ rozé’s voice: this took me awhile but here it is!! since i still have no banner for kai, i decided to do this in my new banner format! what do you guys think?? does it look nice??

the moon was out and the sun was being swallowed by the horizon, saying its goodbye for the meantime as it circles its way only to rise again by tomorrow morning. his eyes glared up on the sky, the orange hues of the sun’s rays reflecting upon them as he waited, the clouds emitting a different shade other than pure white as a result of how the light resonate well with the other contents of the sky.

beneath the comforts of his home, kai found himself drifting into a river of thoughts, wondering where could you have been.

after the world war II, it became difficult to not let the fear inside of kai be eliminated, even if he was sure that you’d be able to make it through the day anyway. after all, you were not just an ordinary yakuza woman.

you were the woman of the group—the boss.

the group was originally your father’s, being the previous boss that ruled everyone and lead them into a success that gave them the ability to be confident to put their trust into him. the boss—your father, he unfortunately passed away and in turn, the responsibility was given to the sole member who carries his very own blood and genes, his only daughter—you.

kai could briefly recall the moment your father had taken him in as part of the group and he eventually met you, who was well-loved by the other members, sooner by him. he believed in your leadership skills and how you coordinated well with others thus, he supported you when you suddenly became a leader in just one day.

during those times, many believed that maybe he should be the one who should be the boss, not a woman. at least even if he was someone from outside, he was a man. however, as soon as he heard of it, he came to you and told you yourself that;

“i believe in you.” kai’s own voice echoes inside of his memory, one that contained a scene where he confronted you one day while you were greeting him like you would every day, whenever you can.

“hm? did you say anything, kai?”

“i believe in your skills in being a good leader.” he faces you then, exactly by the time your face switched into something he couldn’t read. it was one of the things that attracted kai to you—the fascination of being unpredictable. it thrills him; sending jolts in his veins to the tips of his fingers and toes, as if you were a lightning bolt that struck him and kept him impaled with your effect on him.

your smile—it was one of his weaknesses, and in that moment, kai imprinted that image in his mind, tattooing it religiously like a madman.

“thank you kai, i really appreciate you saying that.”

for the first few days of being the boss, kai was glad that you were coping, and that you weren’t letting anyone or anything hinder you from doing your responsibilities. however, that didn’t last much long for the topic of having a husband was brought out by one of the veteran members of the group—those who believed that there should still be a male leader that would keep the stability of the group, as if you weren’t doing that already.

kai only watched from afar as men approached you gradually, statuses from every part of the group coming by with the intention of getting your hand for marriage. as a large group, there was a huge reputation that you should uphold. thus, no one ever approached kai to push him to take you.

he was merely an orphan boy that the boss saved and gave a shelter to. he was nothing more.

when the world war II happened, it was the time you dated another yakuza leader. kai could remember how he felt the crunching in his chest when it happened. the hatred beneath his glares, the hisses in his tone, his temper always setting fire despite being under the rain—he could not stop them,

but since he couldn’t do anything but watch, he lets it be.

it was proved difficult when he saw your exhausted face one day and by that time, he just knew that you weren’t happy with the relationship.

day by day, it was as if your energy was being sucked off by the sun, always robbing you of your smile, the lively glow on your eyes, and the hue of life on your skin. slowly, kai could watched everything unfold.

his chest tightens of the dread of just approaching you, who was currently with your significant other. he needed to give you daily updates since he was basically the one you trusted most out of everyone else in the group, but as he was about to slide open the door to your office, the voices reached his ears.

"you look so tired, don't you think it's time to rest? let me do the paperwork for you."

"no, it's fine. these are my responsibility, you don't have to offer me such a thing." base on your voice alone, kai knew there was something hidden behind it—something only he knows.

so despite the churning on his stomach when he enters the room after being granted entrance, he looks at you on the eye and let the words slip out of his mouth without any other sign of hesitance.

“i think you should take their opinion, boss. it will be best if you rest for awhile if you don’t want to make it worse.”

there was a certain harshness in his tone and he’s quite sure you could sense it, yet despite of it all, you looked at him with the same gentleness that you do every other time, no sign of remorse or irritation that could have told him that something put you off.

it took seconds before you answered—seconds of your significant other glaring daggers at kai, most probably with how he might have ruined a moment that shouldn’t be shared to any other, the sense of their small bubble being popped by a sharp object such as him.

and even without thinking twice, it doesn’t scare kai if he were asked. it actually swells his pride more with how much insecure the other was at his mere presence. and it seems that faith has him on their side as the situation unfolds further.

“maybe you’re right.” you sighed, the noise of the chair dragging onto the wooden floor echoing in the room as you stood up. the person by your side guides you as you walk to the door yet you stopped in front of kai, offering a flustered smile that tells him countless of words that your mouth couldn’t speak of when you say, “thank you, kai. i’m leaving everything to you for now, i apologize. i’ll make it up to you.”

kai then realized that day how stronger the thumping of his heart was than the ache that it felt when he saw you with another person that was not him.

when the relationship broke, kai expected it, and he felt the need to step up when you were being pursued by the same person to get you back to them.

“thank you, kai.” you say to him with the same look that you’d always given him, an exhausted chuckle leaving your lips, “you’ve always looked after me. what can i ever do without you?”

without thinking, the words left his lips without restraint, his mind already set upon the goal no matter how much there was an unlikely others would think it could happen.

“marry me, (y/n).”

he saw how your eyes widen and look straight into his, your entire form frozen and surprised, even the pen that you had between your fingers were up on the air, its ink about to fall down onto the paper if it wasn’t moved away.

kai remained still, his expression firm and serious, his mind already decided and confirmed that he wouldn’t ever regret his question whatever your answer would be. on the outside, his arms were closed into fists, his short nails digging into his own skin from how tight he was gripping his own palm. it was even far worse with how his chest has a pounding heart that rings on his ears and affects the vein on his neck, a line of sweat by his hairline that he was having a difficult time not to raise his hand and get his handkerchief to wipe it off. he had never been this nervous before, nor does he think he will ever do in the future. this moment will remain imprinted on his mind, no chance of ever redeeming it back again.

the touch on his cheek brought him back to reality, his gaze finding yours that looked at him in a way you’ve always did.

“what have you been thinking, love?”

his own hand grasped your own and he sighs, the memories of before slowly fading away as he relishes on the feel of your presence, giving a sense of peace in his chest that surely nothing else could change. nothing should, not now that he has you.

fin

regulars: @kacchanori @chickynn @todominica @brinthie @sparkleswritings @bitchtrynafck @patricia-ceballos @giyuus-wife @kawaiinishii @moonlightaangel @mrs-kuroojinguji @meliorist-midoriya @minibobabottle @deephasoceanmagic @liliannyah @millie-mint

ㅤㅤ ↪︎ do feel free to send an ask/dm if you want to be included or if there is a specific fandom/character you want to be specifically tagged into!

[skullduggery-in-this-house]

I absolutely adore Thing, he's been my favourite character since I first saw the 90s Addams Family when I was like 8. Fic prompt - how do you think Thing would react to having fans/people excitedly greeting him?

Thank you so much for this prompt! I love Thing, too. My original URL was about him before I realised someone had a very similar one. I hope this one-shot does him and your love for him justice!

I had meant this to be ambiguously set between the Sonnenfeld and 60s sitcom universes, but I realised halfway through that I had leaned wayyy into the sitcom canon. I don’t know if you’ve watched the original show, so I’m really, really sorry if this doesn’t make the best sense to you. If you want just a quick contextualiser, you can watch the twenty-minute episode “Morticia Meets Royalty” (DM me if you need a link to a free, Very Non-Suspicious streaming site) to know all you need to know about the version of Thing you see here. No pressure though; props to you if you wanna jump right in.

Either way, do you have AO3? If yes, let me know your username and I’ll gift this to you when I post it there!

The Addams Family and the Paparazzi

(3 853 words)

Most days, Thing kept busy enough to not dwell on the ache his beloved Lady Fingers’s absence left in him. He thought of her every day, of course, but there were bad days when he agonised over the fear of never being with her again, over the pain of not being with her right then. But this day was a good day: his thoughts leaned more towards the good memories he already had. Indeed, he was reminiscing over the first time he had been brave enough to ask to hold her hand when he heard the squeal of tires on asphalt.

“This is it, fellas!”

“Are you sure? Oh-oh-one Cemetery Lane?”

“Get the equipment! Have ya got the equipment?”

Thing cracked open the mailbox and snuck a peek at the front of the Addams house. A small crowd had gathered by Gate, lugging with them cameras of varying size and notepads of varying thickness. Gingerly shutting the mailbox and hurrying back into the main house, Thing wondered what the Addamses had done now to attract the news’s attention.

When Thing relayed the update to his old friend, Gomez seemed just as confused.

“Could it be aliens again?” he thought aloud.

“Oh,” mused Morticia, “but the government does like to keep those concerns quiet.”

“You’re right, querida. Perhaps something to do with the family fortune? Though I had paid extra attention to my stocks this morning…”

Smiling, Morticia patted his cheek. “Yes, darling, you do rather resemble our children unwrapping their birthday presents when a market crash is said to be impending.”

Exasperated, Thing shook his wrist as Gomez grinned and turned to capture his wife’s mouth in a kiss. Mercifully, Lurch arrived in the living room at that moment and groaned.

“Journalist at the door,” he informed them. “Kennington News.”

Morticia frowned. “Kennington? That’s on the other side of the Atlantic.”

Pocketing his cigar, Gomez started in the direction of the front door. “Better not keep them waiting any longer then,” he said. “We’re already four hours behind the UK, you know!”

Thing followed after his friend, although he kept the lid of the box by the door closed; he preferred to only come out when needed—it was much warmer inside his boxes—but he could still hear everything from within.

“Mr. Addams?” greeted an unfamiliar voice. “Is it true that Princess Millicent will soon be tied to this house?”

“Aunt Millie? Well, she knows she’s always welcome here! She was an Addams before she was a von Schlepp, you know.”

“Jot that down, Georgie… But no, what we mean is— Well, her mysterious handmaiden, Lady F. There’s no footage of her to be found, no comment from her to be heard. But we’ve learned Lady F is engaged to be married! We’ve managed to track down the mysterious fiancé to this house, and well— Well— The people want to know more, sir!”

A new voice, younger but just as unfamiliar, spoke up: “Yes, sir, Mister. We’d love to meet the lucky man.”

“Georgie, do shush. Mr. Addams, we’d love to meet the lucky man. Is he an employee of this house?”

“An employee?” said Gomez. “He’s an old family friend, been around since I was a child. But he’s always helping around the house, and you know that, with him, you’re in safe hand.”

“D’ya mean ‘hands’, Mister?”

“Georgie, shush! So, Mr. Addams, you confirm there is a fiancé? Princess Millicent wouldn’t say much; if I didn’t know better, I’d think she’d mentioned the engagement accidentally, but surely not. She knows we’d be hooked on any information about her ever-present but never-sighted handmaiden!”

Thing’s blood ran cold.

Princess Millicent… Had she used his relationship with Lady Fingers as paparazzi fodder? Was that what he meant to her? To Lady Fingers?

Heartbroken, Thing slunk away from the rest of Gomez’s conversation with the reporters and pushed open the box by the peacock chair. He draped himself over the edge and shuddered in despair.

“Thing?” said Morticia, worry crumpling her silken voice. When he didn’t reply, she put down her knitting and looked at him more closely. “Dear, you look like you’ve touched a ghost! What’s happened?”

He finished catching her up on what he learned just as Gomez returned.

“Thing, old friend, you’ll never believe it!” he exclaimed. “Those fellows want to interview you. They’ve just gone to get their filming equipment, but I’ve invited them to come right back and—”

“Oh, Gomez,” interjected Morticia. “Thing heard what they were saying, and he is simply not comfortable talking to them about all this.”

Gomez halted in his tracks, and Morticia filled him in. He hurried to Thing’s side right after, eyes wide.

“It couldn’t be!” he said to his old friend. “Lady Fingers adores you—anybody with or without eyes could see it. Even if she betrayed you, it must have been out of love!”

“And perhaps she didn’t betray you,” added Morticia. “Reporters never do like giving away their true sources. You mustn’t lose hope until you’ve spoken to your fiancée yourself.”

Gomez turned sharply towards his wife. “Querida, what sage advice.” He grabbed her hand and pulled it towards his mouth. “Your shrewd worldliness, your astute mind—it drives me wild.”

Morticia watched him kiss up to her shoulder before she spoke. “Darling, Thing needs some time with his love, not ours.”

With a heavy sigh, Gomez straightened. “Yes, of course… Sorry, old friend.”

Thing waved it off.

After giving him a grateful smile, Gomez reached over and tugged on the noose.

“You rang?” groaned Lurch behind Morticia’s chair.

“Those journalists will be here soon,” he said. “Tell them something came up and they’ll have to come back another time, will you, Lurch? And afterwards, please ask Fester to keep the children occupied so that Thing and Lady Fingers can have this room to themselves.”

Groaning, he shook his head and ambled off.

“We’ll have to get Lady Fingers down here first,” remarked Morticia. “Why don’t you ring Princess Millicent while I go talk to Mamá? We’ll need someone to distract the paparazzi once they start getting antsy.”

Gomez smiled in agreement. “Querida.”

Morticia gifted him with a smile of her own as she stood and left for the kitchen. Thing took the time to grab the telephone for Gomez.

“Thank you, Thing,” he said as he took it from him. Beginning to dial, he arched an eyebrow at him. “You should get started on thinking about what to say to Lady Fingers when she gets here. You have to be prepared to say your piece but ready to hear hers, you know.”

Thing nodded and reentered his box for a bit of privacy. But he didn’t know what he wanted to say, or what he should say, or whether there was any hope of reconciling the two. He just knew that he loved Lady Fingers and he wouldn’t be able to bear it if she didn’t love him like he thought she did.

He hadn’t figured out anything past that when a familiar-sounding set of knuckles rapped on his box.

Thing winced as the light of the living room shone down on him, but his spirits lifted at the sight of Gomez’s grin.

“They should be here soon,” he informed him, and Thing’s fingers danced in immense gratitude.

“Oh, Gomez!” cried Morticia as she swept back into the room. “Mamá refuses to help. She says she’s being overworked in the kitchen and with her spells as it is.”

Gomez pursed his lips in consideration. “The children have been hungrier and hungrier lately,” he conceded. “But I’ll have to talk to her; she’s the one who insists anyone with two or more hands takes up too much control in her kitchen and isn’t allowed to help!”

“But what of right now?” she questioned. “Who will keep that crowd outside distracted? It won’t be long before they start peeking into windows and climbing down the chimney.”

“You know Cousin Itt is awfully territorial of that chimney,” said Gomez. “He’ll keep them out of there at least. As for the rest of us, I think we’ll be just fine if we keep to the house. Nobody outside!”

“And Princess Millicent?” asked Morticia. “How will she and Lady Fingers get inside?”

He grinned. “Don’t worry, cara mia. I told her to come through Pugsley’s tunnel.”

At last, the worried crease in Morticia’s brow smoothed. “Oh, mon cher, you think of everything…”

Gomez’s face lit up as he took her hand and tugged her against him. “Tish, that’s F—”

“Filthy!” came a new, though known, voice. “Absolutely filthy! Asking a princess, an oil tycoon, to crawl through a muddy tunnel…”

They all turned towards Princess Millicent, watching her trudge over and dust herself off. Before Thing could remind Gomez and Morticia to treat the newcomer like royalty, Princess Millicent’s countenance softened.

“As unpleasant as that was, I recognise I’ve promised to help resolve a problem I caused,” she said. “A princess is a woman of her word.”

“An oil tycoon is less so,” offered Gomez helpfully.

“True,” she said, “but regardless, I’m happy to help Lady Fingers. We’ve become quite good friends.”

“Where is your handmaiden, Your Highness?” asked Morticia, eyeing the ornate container the princess placed beside Thing’s box. “It will have to be all hands on deck to help this couple.”

“Unfortunately, there was some trouble with our luggage that she has to iron out,” answered Princess Millicent. “She will be here soon, I’m sure. But now, where is that fiancé of hers?”

Thing waved demurely, and the princess graced him with a small, sincere smile.

“I hope you’ve been well,” she said.

Thing gestured that the feeling was mutual.

“I know we didn’t get off to the best start, but I have been trying to teach myself not to judge anyone so harshly. In your case, it certainly helps that my closest companion is always talking about you, too!”

Thing froze, his knuckles popping rigidly into place.

So it was true. Lady Fingers had been gossiping about him. He had never thought she could be so—so—so underhanded!

Thing didn’t hear the rest of what Princess Millicent said as he sunk further and further back into his box.

“I look forward to your marriage, so that I might get to know all these fine qualities she lists firstha— Hey!”

The lid fell shut as he scurried away from prying eyes. His network of boxes suddenly felt cold and dark, but he would take it.

He just needed to be alone.

Alone.

That’s what he was, wasn’t it? Completely, utterly alone.

He shot out of the mailbox, paying no mind to the pain that lanced up his nerves at the jarring landing on the concrete.

He just needed to be alone.

He ran down the sidewalk as quickly as his fingers could carry him, not caring where he went or who saw him.

He just needed to be alone.

One journalist shrieked as he passed, and another jumped into the arms of the closest other person.

“Georgie, what are you—? Great Scott, what is—?!”

“A hand! A hand! Came right from the house!”

“Are you getting this on camera?”

“Let’s get out of here!”

“And never speak of it again!”

The shouts grew in number and in volume, but Thing tuned them out.

He just needed to be alone.

He just needed—

“Thing?”

His fingertips screeched to a halt. Morse Code? On the sidewalk? But who…?

Then he spotted her, just a metre away.

“Lady Fingers,” he tapped back, managing to not stutter even with his fingers shaking like leaf stems.

“Where are you going?” she asked, switching to American Sign Language now that they were facing each other.

He hesitated before answering in kind. “Away from here. Away from them.”

“The Addamses?”

“The paparazzi.”

“Oh, yes,” she sympathised. “Her Highness Princess Millicent felt so guilty about letting it slip that I was engaged. She must have apologised profusely upon seeing you.”

Thing shook his wrist, and Lady Fingers seemed surprised.

“I suppose she still has her pride to maintain,” she conceded. “She apologised profusely to me at least.”

“You?” said Thing, too shocked to think it through. “It bothered you too?”

“Naturally!” she replied. “I’m a very private woman, you know; I don’t like it when people get too heavy-handed.”

He flopped to the ground at this revelation.

“Thing?” prompted Lady Fingers, approaching him warily. “What’s happened?”

He thought back to what Morticia had said, about prioritising what his beloved had to say over any other impression. And look at him! He’d been ready to run away, to wallow in heartbreak, maybe to break things off entirely without even seeing Lady Fingers for himself! How could he have messed up so badly single-handedly?

Well, he could make up for it single-handedly too!

Thing leaped to his fingers.

“Lady Fingers, marry me.”

She startled. “But Thing, you’ve already proposed to me. I’ve already said yes!”

“No,” he said, hurrying to her side. “Marry me today. Right now.”

He held out his palm to her, and she didn’t hesitate before lacing her fingers through his.

•••

Finding someone willing to officiate elopers was easier than expected; finding someone who kept their wits when they actually saw these particular elopers was the difficult part. At last, Thing—already the luckiest hand alive it felt—had found a pastor who had simply pressed the back of his hand against his forehead and whispered, “Just get it over with, Reggie, and then you can call an emergency MUFON meeting.”

Thing hadn’t known what that meant, but he had stopped caring when Lady Fingers had pulled him towards the altar.

Presently, as they strolled back to the Addams house, Thing couldn’t help but admire the way sunlight glinted off the band on his finger. He was of the same mind as the rest of his household that the Sun could be quite the nuisance, quite the pain, but it was definitely good for some things.

His fiancée—no, his wife—paused, and he dutifully followed suit and tilted his fingertips towards her to show he was listening.

“What are you thinking about, my husband?”

Out of excitement, his fingers wiggled of their own accord. Her husband. Oh, the Universe had truly dealt him a good hand.

“I’m happier than I ever could have imagined,” he told her. “I think I’d even be ready to do an interview with those reporters now.”

Lady Fingers flapped her fingers in laughter. “Too bad we know what those news people are like: they’ve probably already forgotten the whole thing.”

Chuckling, they resumed their walk, but only a few minutes later did they stop again.

“Hey! Hey, you there! You two, on the sidewalk!”

Thing looked around and spotted a young boy, perhaps a few years older than little Pugsley, peeking over a fence. Thing waved, and the boy’s face split in a wide grin.

“You’re so cool,” he said. “I’ve been a fan since I first saw you on the news, like, eighty minutes ago.”

Thing curled his fingers inwards, flattered and not a little bashful at the reminder that the crowd outside the house had gotten him on camera.

The boy pulled himself up even further on the fence, allowing Thing a glimpse of his empty right sleeve. “Is that your girlfriend?” he asked.

Thing flashed his wedding ring, and the boy smiled.

“Oh, your wife,” he said. “That’s so cool too. All the girls at my school think I’m a freak.”

Trusting Lady Fingers to follow if she wished, Thing climbed up the fence and sat down by the boy’s eager face. He held up one finger, and the boy went cross-eyed for a moment before understanding passed over his expression.

“You’re right,” he said. “There is one girl… I don’t wanna marry her, but I guess it’d be nice to have a friend.”

Thing nodded his wrist just as Lady Fingers pulled herself up beside him. The boy’s gaze jumped between them.

“But don’t you get nervous?” he asked. “What if somebody just seems nice from far away, but they’ll call you a freak if you get too close?”

Thing flexed his fingers. You couldn’t know something like that without speaking to a person directly—he’d learned that himself. But before he could think of a way to convey that to the boy, Lady Fingers jumped onto his shoulder.

“Whoa!” he laughed. “This is so, so cool!”

She crawled down to the boy’s wrist, then held on and bent her knuckles a few times. He seemed to catch on and lifted his arm up.

“We’re the same side!” he giggled. “Oh, wow!”

She stretched out her pointer finger, and following her example, Thing hopped up and down on the fence with his index extended upwards. A small smile appeared on the boy’s lips as he mimicked them, pointing to the sky.

“Okay, okay, I get it. I will.”

Thing gave him an enthusiastic thumbs-up as Lady Fingers jumped back onto the fence.

“Thank you,” said the boy.

Thing gestured towards his wife, but the boy fixed him with a steady gaze.

“You both,” he insisted, “thank you. It was very cool to meet you.”

Waving, the newlyweds returned to the sidewalk and continued on their way. The Sun had just begun to tint the sky orange when they arrived at 001 Cemetery Lane.

Thing showed Lady Fingers into the mailbox, but he pushed open the lid of the box by the peacock chair while she came out of her own ornate box beside it.

“Thing!” exclaimed Morticia, dropping her knitting needles into her lap out of shock. “You’re back! And Lady Fingers, you’re with him! And what’s this I see on your fingers? Are those—?”

Her eyes narrowed, but before she could finish her sentence, Gomez came crashing into the living room.

“Did I hear you correctly, cara mia? Oh, Thing, old friend!” he cried. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Morticia nodded. “We’ve been worried sick. Gomez was trying to gather as much of the family fortune as he could to get that Sam Diamond back.”

“Well, he did such a good job last time Thing went missing…”

“And Her Highness was—”

“I was calling in every contact I have in this town,” cut in the princess herself as she strode into the room, her skirt swishing by her legs. “I’m so glad you two have returned home safely.”

Morticia smiled down at Thing. “I knew you’d come back to us.”

He fluttered his fingers at her, but before he could say anything else, Princess Millicent approached him.

“I wish to apologise for the misunderstanding that so upset you,” she said, pressing her palm to her heart. “When I said Lady Fingers told me all about you, I only meant in the way female friends tend to confide in each other regarding the men in their lives. She has never betrayed your confidence.”

He turned to his wife and drooped his fingers, but she only wagged hers back, exasperated but endeared.

“I’m surprised at you, Aunt Millie,” commented Gomez. “As a prominent public figure, you should know delicate situations like this have no place for offhand remarks!”

“Well,” said Morticia, “speaking of ‘offhand’, I think these two have some news for us.”

They all turned to the couple, and this time Lady Fingers flashed her wedding ring.

“Oh!” gasped the princess, her hand now clutching at her heart. “Oh, goodness!”

Gomez grinned at Thing. “Nice going, old friend.”

Morticia gave both her husband and their royal guest a meaningful look before curling the corners of her mouth towards the newlyweds. “Congratulations, you two.”

Thing reached over to his bride, who flushed a lovely shade of pink as she took his hand.

“Yes, of course, congratulations,” said Princess Millicent. “I’ll have to discard all the grand wedding plans I had prepared, but I suppose this is a more…hands-on…approach.”

Gomez shrugged and pulled the cigar out of his mouth. “Well, for Thing, hands-on is the only way he can get things done.”

The princess shook her head. “It’s only that…nobles never rush into these things,” she said, concern rather than conceit tinging her voice. “You two haven’t a living situation planned out at all, you do well to remember!”

Thing squeezed Lady Fingers’s hand, but she didn’t respond to the comfort.

“My travels are unavoidable,” continued Princess Millicent, “and I’ll be so busy on them I can take one and only one assistant. But I’d never dream of keeping you away from your love any longer, dear Lady Fingers.”

The handmaiden let go of Thing to address her employer. “I’m ready to settle down,” she signed. “You’ve given me so much, and you’ll always be one of my closest friends, Your Highness, but I think this is the start of the next chapter in my life.”

There were tears in Princess Millicent’s eyes, but she nodded with a smile. “Then I only worry about how you’ll get by,” she said. “I know you won’t accept charity, but it’s a terrible commonality for newlyweds to have to live from hand to mouth.”

“That won’t be a problem for these two,” reassured Morticia. “They haven’t got any mouths!”

Suddenly, the elder Mrs. Addams stomped into the room. “Well, supper’s ready,” she informed them, grouchier than usual. “But I’ve been slaving away over that pot all day, so somebody else better set the table.”

“But Mamá!” said Gomez. “You always say anyone with two or more hands can’t help.”

“In the kitchen,” she corrected her son, wagging her finger. “Always getting in my way…”

Morticia gasped and stood from her chair. “That’s it, Gomez!”

He turned to her, brow furrowed. “What’s it? That’s what?”

“Mamá, how would you like the help of one—and only one—hand?”

As she caught on, Princess Millicent smiled. “Oh, a kitchen handmaiden!”

Finally understanding, Thing watched in suspense as Eudora frowned at them.

“And where would we find one of those?” she demanded.

Princess Millicent’s smile widened as she ushered Lady Fingers into her box, then closed it and picked it up. “Might I introduce you to Mrs. Thing?”

•••

Later, after all the eating and all the congratulations, after celebrating with music and games in the living room and answering the children’s many questions, Thing showed his wife the box in the house that gave them the best view of the night sky. As the newlyweds held each other and stared up at the stars, Thing’s thoughts wandered to that boy behind the fence.

He let go of Lady Fingers and turned to her.

“I wonder,” he signed, “why that boy hadn’t been scared off like everyone else when they saw me.”

She leaned in closer and brushed her fingertips against his. “It must simply be that not all hope is lost,” she mused. “There are still people who can recognise a good man out there.”

Thing blushed. “Me?”

“Of course: you’ve got it all,” she said. “Kind, selfless, and so very handsome.”

The End