#hi i know i just went on a semi-hiatus but i uh

[twohundredpower]

He'd prepared himself for this day, over and over again-- a gentle reminder in the back of his head that his life here could change, despite how much he hoped it could be this way forever. Lloyd had watched both friends and family come and go to the island more times than he could count; the time spent together never forgotten, but also never enough. If he could have his most selfish wishes granted, he'd want them to stay, to never leave his side again; even though he knew they all had important things to do back at home. Promises to keep, goals to achieve, lives to live to their fullest.

Kratos was never an exception to that.

And yet, no amount of preparation would be enough to ease the ache in his heart. To still the shock that struck him so fiercely, so coldly that it left him breathless; unable to form any coherent thought as his phone hit the floor of the forge, ripping through the door and out into the Mistwood.

It couldn't be true. Even if the others had left.. Colette, Genis, Emil, Dirk, Anna.. he'd just gotten Kratos back. The years spent together in Spirale were more than he could have ever asked for, but they would never amount to the lifetime Lloyd spent without his father at his side. This was their second chance, wasn't it? Why would it be taken from them so quickly?

But as the brunette reached the cottage, tearing through the entrance without so much as a warning--

The dark interior was enough to keep him silent. Cold shadows on the wall, engulfing the space he once knew to feel so warm. A desperate call then died on the tip of his tongue, as brown eyes stared into the abyss before him.

Hesitantly, he took a step. Looking around corners, peering into his father's bedroom. But all that was left in the house were things he knew that belonged to Martel-- there was not a single trace of Kratos Aurion in this place, as if he had never been there at all.

"..."

But he had been.

But he was.

And nothing could erase that. Not his absence here, not the Stars-- nothing would ever be powerful enough to take Lloyd's memories of their time together here. So long as he stayed, so long as his life continued in this world away from his own.. Lloyd would hold onto that. Close to his heart, to the center of his very being. He would always.. always be..

Grateful. For one more chance to be with him.

Proud. That Kratos got to see him grow, to experience moments of his life that Lloyd would have always wanted him to.

Happy. No matter the strife they experienced together, no matter the trials they were forced to face.. at the end of the day, they were always there for one another. Just like family should be. Like they always had been.

.. but still..

He knew Kratos wouldn't want him to feel this way. It.. was always so painful for the man to see him like this, wasn't it? But despite that, in that moment.. as Lloyd clutched at the front of his jacket, curling into himself--

He felt heartbroken. Shattered, as he eventually allowed himself down on his knees; ducking his head close to his chest.

He couldn't cry. Kratos had always been strong for Lloyd.. so he could be strong for him too, couldn't he? But it was impossible for him to utter any hopeful words like he normally did when someone left; to assure Kratos, even if he wasn't here anymore, that they would meet again one day. That he was happy to have just had a little more time with him, to thank him for all that he'd done.. and promise to remain strong.

No.. he wouldn't cry. But for that one, small moment.. Lloyd would allow himself to be engulfed in his heartbreak; shutting his eyes as he breathed out one, quiet sigh.

"Dad.."

I won't die. I'll live on, for as long as I'm able.

In this world, or in Aselia.. I promise I'll keep living.

Until I can see you again.

Until.. I can see you again.

".. I'm sorry.. I didn't get to say goodbye."

[aihoshiino]

hello!!! you have no idea how hard it is (for me at least haha) to find a blog that talks about ai even semi consistently let alone analyze her this closely so i enjoy ur blog very much! thank you for feeding my ai brainrot :D

anyways any thoughts on ai and hikaru’s relationship? or just speculation since theres not much on it rn? its pretty fascinating to me, they were both children who were abused and exploited as a whole (that and their own respective fucked up relationship and idea of sexual intimacy which might be one of the catalysts for them jumping to sex so quickly despite both (i think?) being aware of the consequences with them being relatively active in the entertainment industry and what not) so its not too hard to imagine them potentially bonding even if it never quite reached genuine love romantic or otherwise

HAPPY TO PROVIDE, ANON! <3 I fully admit that my ramblings are mostly for my own benefit because if I don't talk about Hoshino Ai at least twice a day I will turn into the Oshi no Joker but it's always so nice to hear folks are glad to be along for the ride.

Hikaru and Ai's relationship has always been really fascinating to me, though! It's kind of an interesting subversion on some of our and Aqua's ingrained assumptions about the kind of person the twins' father would be – there's this sort of implicit, unspoken understanding based on the way Aqua focuses primarily on men who were already adults when Ai got pregnant that Ai was victimized in some way which resulted in the twins. Finding out who Hikaru is and the fact that he and Ai were peers immediately casts all of Ai's decisions regarding him in a hugely different light and raises a lot of questions about things that we otherwise assumed went without saying.

That said, given that we know so little about both their relationship and Hikari himself as a person, it's kind of hard to make solid guesses! I sort of have a rough shape of what I imagine it was like in my head just based on Hikaru's emotional function in the story VS what we know about him specifically as a person – Hikaru is very clearly intended to be a sort of bad end/dark mirror of Aqua, so I like to think that his and Ai's relationship probably contained echoes of the two main Aqua romances we see play out in the present. I had like a huge and honestly kind of incomprehensible ramble here originally while I tried to define what I meant by that but then I realized the series itself already lays it out...

In Hikaru, Ai found someone she thought would finally understand and accept her.

In Ai, Hikaru saw light.

Ai is tied to stars and light constantly through the series while also being tied to Kana pretty strongly as well, so I think it makes sense for her to be the Kana/light equivalent in this relationship. Uh, of course, I think I have accidentally implied that this means Akane is paralleling Hikari, so let's move on................................

It's also interesting to take into account 45510 when trying to pick up some info about how this relationship went. The stream at the center of this story is dated just after Ai came back from her hiatus following the birth of the twins, so around when she was 16/17 years old -- closer to the latter and so likely two or three years after her relationship with Hikaru fell apart. With that in mind, Ai's words here feel kind of... I guess, accidentally revealing? In some interesting ways.

When asked to describe her ideal type for a lover, Ai says: ""I guess I'd like to be with someone who doesn't lose their cool with me when I mess things up, ‘cause that happens a lot! Someone who gets all worked up over every little thing would probably get tired of me pretty quick. It’d be unfair for them, so I'd rather be with someone who's not like that.""

And unprompted, she continues from there with this: ""Love is all about trust, isn't it? They call it... 'recipricity', I think? Like, if someone showed me they love me, I'd feel the same way about them. But, I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat. It's tough for me to really believe in words like 'love' and 'like.' I've never actually fallen in love with someone before, so I'm not even sure what it means, you know?""

This is FASCINATING knowing this is Ai on the other side of her relationship with Hikaru. We know that this is Ai's true feelings because even the 45510 narrator, who calls her a liar every time she so much as breathes, admits that she knows Ai is probably telling the truth here. If this is the case, then this basically confirms that however intense the HikaAi relationship was, she didn't feel as though she loved him, which matches with the snippets we've gotten from the DVD and the movie where Ai's parting/break up with Hikaru was centered on Ai admitting that she couldn't love him.

Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean that their bond wasn't genuine or that they didn't have real feelings for each other – I totally agree with your take that they probably gravitated towards each other as victims of abuse generally and CSA specifically and found a sort of comfort and solidarity in recognizing and licking each others' wounds. But obviously, things didn't work out and I think we have a lot of clues already what this fundamental misunderstanding was.

When Ai tells Hikaru "I can't love you" this is an apology, an admission of weakness and self-blame. What Ai is saying is I can't love you, because I'm broken and I can't love anyone.

What Hikaru likely hears is I can't love you because you're broken and nobody could.

That sense of rejection, combined with the trauma he already carried from his abuse would have been bad enough but that Ai got pregnant and broke up with him was likely hugely retraumatizing for him, ripping open the scars of his abuse at Airi Himekawa's hands. He may have even misconstrued Ai's actions as an act of abuse similar to Airi's and everything went spiralling from there.

I don't have any really solid shots to call, unfortunately! So much about Hikaru is up in the air right now, but I think he's a super interesting character and his and Ai's relationship is something I really, really want to eventually see more of.

[staretes]

hi tumblr ive been quiet

so uh ik i was on hiatus for a while and i stopped to post like... 3 fics and then went on unofficial hiatus and now im announcing official hiatus

i just... don't feel anything while writing anymore . i don't like the characters i wrote for as much as i used to. also the fact that my fics dont get as many notes like they used to also kind of doesn't help.

maybe it's because im no longer hyper fixated on writing, maybe it's because im burnt out, maybe it's because my mental health seriously isnt doing too well right now, maybe it's all of the above

i really don't know if my being gone will affect anyone. i'll still be semi-online and ill still interact with my mutuals but for an unforseen amount of time i wont be writing

[armatization-a]

Okay I'm on my train home as I start this. I am utterly exhausted. Let's talk con!

So yesterday was me and bf. it was his first con. He wore a Spider-Man suit he bought off Amazon and you know what? He had fun. He bought some merch (a Simpsons print of all things despite me being the fanatic) and had a great time talking to people. Lots of little kids wanted photos. One was a Venom cosplayer and his big brother was like "scuse me 🥺 can my brother have a photo with you" which MELTED me. That and the deaf kid that excitedly signed for Spider-Man and at his mum. Cutest shit ever

We got back. He was like "oh we'll go out in a minute for dinner". We uh. We passed out LOL but that was that. Spent the night at the hotel, he went home in the morning

Taking my con supplies and probably keys with him AAAAAAAAAA but it's fine. We're fine

Today, I was solo. It was alright! I got to the FE meet late and the Byleth I met in May yelled CONSTANCE!!!! and hugged me. They help run the lightsaber event so I got a cheeky photo with lightsabers they're gonna send me c: thank you Byleth

Actually I spent a while with them. I was glad to have them really tho they didn't wanna sit down so my legs are d o n e

There was also a stand for P5 where I got me a cheeky badge and a photo. I also bought a little potion jar thing (acidic wit on the label and it glows in the dark) which is just?? The cutest thing. I also bought a silly Breaking Bad meme sticker set that I have not stopped laughing at

Con was great! Had a blast. Never cosplayed solo so I wasn't sure what to expect but it was a lot of fun. I don't know about going in May; we'll see. Right now I'm just glad to be going home

Not very glad for the walk tho

I have some photos if people wanna see?? Maybe?? I dunno I thought Coco looked sick. She got a lot of compliments. I realised I gestured a lot bc gloves. They made me feel weirdly powerful. Gloves, man

I'd say back to normal but it's nano soon so semi/full hiatus inbound

[drethanramslay]

Voicemails (part 1)

Pairing: Ethan x mc

Word count: 5.5 K words (damn that's the most I have written

Masterlist

Warning: ANGST

Taglist: @miyakokurono @trappedinfandoms @openheart12 @sekizincimektup @junggoku @ethandaddyramsey @edith-eggs1 @ethanramseysgirl @samihatuli @loveellamae @x-kyne-x @paulfwesley @zeniamiii @binny1985 @an-urban-witch-ig @ramseyegerton @noboundariesplease @mrsdr-ethan-ramsey @newcolonies @theodorepjames4 @unluckygs @choices-love-affair @kaavyaethanramsey  @caseyvalentineramsey @ohramsey @virtualrain202 @squishywizardhq  @junehiratas @lilyvalentine @nooruleman @itsgoingnuts @cordonianbleu @agent-breakdance @jamespotterthefirst @choicesfanaf @temptress-of-death-and-desire @ac27dj @rookiefromedenbrook @gaiusimp @theeccentricbibliophile @oofchoices @hatescapsicum @sanchita012 @edgiestwinter (if you want to be added to the taglist, let me know ☺️)

Author's note: Well I know I said I was going on semi hiatus but, my studies are going great so I decided to post 🤪 also, shout out to @kittykatchoices for helping me in bouncing ideas( she is amazing)

also I went full out and posted screenshots and dividers sike

Songs: Callin by Alec Bailey is my main muse but I made a playlist too

Forgive me if there are any errors

Day 1

Ethan was jolted awake from his slumber as the flight touched down. It continued to speed down the runaway when it eventually reduced to a slow crawl and he saw the glass facade of the airport, glinting in the afternoon sun.

AEROPORTO INTERNACIONAL DE MANAUS EDUARDO GOMES. The banner read and Ethan let the reality sink in that he actually was in the state of Amazonas, South America.

"Welcome to Manaus International Airport. The weather here is partly sunny with 98% chance of precipitation. The temperature is..."

Ethan zoned out. His back was killing him and the need to stretch was becoming unbearable. Even though the WHO team of doctors had settled in comfortably in the plush seats of the private jet, it was a very boring flight.

There is a certain restrictions to the number of boring and wasteful romantic comedies you could watch in a 40 hour flight.

They did have 2 stops for refueling but they weren't allowed to step out of the plane.

God I want to go on a run so bad. He thought mentally as he massaged his spasming neck.

The doctors kicked back and relaxed, ocassionally discussing the cholera epidemic break out in Tefé, a small city on the riverside. It was very productive and they did manage to make a dent in the treatment plan but, when everybody was asleep and it was just him and his thoughts.

And his thoughts mostly revolved around the reason why he volunteered to join these prestigious doctors to battle the epidemic.

It wasn't out of selflessness, or the need to save humanity or for some mindless award.

It was an opportunity.

An opportunity to run from the girl who has invaded his head and heart, and resided there. 

Leah.

You are doing this for her own good. You are doing this for her professional development. You are doing this for her success. Feelings are fleeting, they will fade away. Ethan repeated those sentences like mantra, trying to ingrain it in his mind that he was doing the right thing leaving her behind.

No call, no text. A clean break.

But no matter how much you lie to your brain, you can't lie to your heart.

Ethan you know you are running away from her because she confessed that she loved you, stop lying to yourself. The snarky inside voice spoke up.

But, if he paid attention to it closely, it sounded just like Leah, calling him out in his bullshit.

He shook his head, trying to erase all the thoughts in his head as the aero-bridge connected to the door and they were opened. Standing up, he stretched his sore muscles and took out his duffle bag.

When he reached the exit, the air hostess with a face caked with makeup, gave him a polite smile. "Hope you had a pleasant flight doctor."

Pleasant my ass...

As he walked through the corridors towards the baggage claim area, he switched on his phone.

As he stood there waiting, he saw an influx of messages from Naveen and his dad.

But that was not what caught his eye.

Leah🌞

(3) missed calls (1) voicemail -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was midnight here and around 1 am in Boston.

Ethan walked out of the bathroom, exhausted to the bone. It had been a long day for him. The moment they had landed they had been rushed to Tefé, where they dived straight into work. The hospital was already flooding and there was so much pain and suffering all around.

Ethan has the emotions of a block of granite but, seeing so much misery and sadness, made his energies drop low.

And it did not help that the pocket in which his phone was kept, was weighing him down.

(1) voicemail from Leah🌞.

He wanted to delete it immediately but every time his finger hovered above the delete button, he just could not. So, he let it lay there in his inbox as a heavy reminder.

The moment Ethan's back hit the mattress a huge sigh of relief escaped his lips. He was weary and his body ached.

But, sleep didn't come to him.

He just lay there staring at the ceiling, seeing the different shadows casted by the moonlight. He saw the shadows of the trees swaying and the reflection of the Amazon.

His eyes landed on his phone on the bedside table and he stared at it for a long time, contemplating if listening to the voicemail was worth it or not.

You don't have to respond...

But, then my resolve will weaken...

His logic and conscience went back and forth but there wasn't any clear winner.

If this is what having feelings for someone is like, I don't want it...

But, you would take a 100 leap of faiths for Leah, won't you?

"ARGH!" Ethan threw the comforter off and got up. He started pacing around the room, trying to work off his restlessness. He walked around the room, his eyes trained on the phone as if it was a bomb. He clenched his jaw and tried to not let one insignificant notification affect him, but it was getting harder with every passing minute.

"Ah fuck it." Ethan said as he picked up the phone to listen to the voicemail. Leah's uncertain and raw voice flooded which forced him to lie down because of the emotions which bubbled to the surface.

"Umm.. hey Ethan, Leah here. I..uh heard that you went to the Amazon to fight the cholera epidemic from Naveen today... And I am proud of you but, I know that is not the reason why you ran, is it?

It's because I said 'I love you' three days ago, isn't it?"

Leah's voice cracked as she took a deep breath, before continuing.

"Are those three words that scary?

I had prepared myself that you would ignore my very existence and shut out all the feelings and that would have been painful but bearable, but... You literally ran to another fucking continent?!"

She bitterly chuckled and Ethan's heart squeezed.

"I don't even know what to do at this point. Don't they say that you should confess your feelings the moment you realize them, otherwise you will regret it? But... I can't help but feel regret... Why do I even try? I should have just shut the fuck up and get on with my day but NO! I had to open my mouth and here I am here talking to your answering machine.

I just can't help but feel that I let you slip away from me...

Anyways, it's okay.. I will wait. I promised you I would always wait.

Just...come back to me..okay? Bye."

The phone beeped, signalling the end of the voicemail. Ethan lowered his hand to stare at his phone's screen.

"I love you Ethan. And it's okay if you don't say it back. I know you need time and I will be here waiting for you..."

That's what she had said three days ago. And as much as they lifted him, it pained him. He was confused and just couldn't think straight. He needed some space.

But, he could feel his resolution weakening. The itch to dial that number and talk to her was irresistible.

You made a promise to yourself Ethan. You can't go back on that now.

He let out a deep sigh and ran his hand through his brown locks. His eyes landed on the table on which there was the complementary stationary provided by the b&b. An idea slowly bloomed in his head and he nodded to himself.

Sure I can't call her. But atleast I can write down my reply so that it won't keep on being a burden on my shoulder.

With that being said, Ethan sat down on the desk and poured his heart out on the loose sheets of papers.

DAY 10

For the next ten days, Ethan would keep an eye on the phone for any notification.

And by any notification, it meant a voicemail or a message from that one particular woman who had him in the palm of her hand.

He would get excited whenever his phone would ping but, his hopes would immediately crash when it would just be a message from the telecom company telling him about his telephone bill.

After he got his seventh 'Bem-vindo à Amazônia'(welcome to the Amazons,) he just let out a sigh of disappointment and turned his phone off and got on with his day.

I am such a moron... Look at where the mighty have fallen. The person who hated texting looks forward to a text. Ethan chastised himself as he entered the local hospital for a busy day.

Around noon when he headed to the cafeteria down the street, he turned his phone on to find a notification that made his heart beat faster.

(1) voicemail from Leah🌞

He pressed the button and brought the phone to his ear.

"Hey Ethan, just wanted to update you on the hospital and your patients. Everything is running smoothly and all your patients are alive. Chief Naveen and someone named Dr. Hirata are managing them. Mrs. Rodriguez went home today and she left you some cookies which I may or may not have stolen because well... they might catch fungi and that's sure would be a tragedy. Also, you don't even like anything sweet and would have given it to me anyways."

Ethan could imagine her shrugging as she stuffed her face with a cookie. That mental image was way too cute and Ethan couldn't help but melt a little. He sat down on his designated seat in the cafeteria and Leah continued.

"Also, Mr. Agarwal from room 456 was taken in by Harper for emergency brain surgery. He had an aneurysm and is in recovery. So far, he is showing great scope of a full recovery.

In short, everything is fine and smoothly running in your absence.

To be honest, I don't miss you that much. It just feel like a normal day when you are in one side of the hospital and I am in the opposite side. But... When I cross your office before clocking out, instead of seeing you working on your desk or lounging on the couch in your office, I just see emptiness.

And then that reminds me of the emptiness in my chest... But fuck that, who cares?!

Seriously, I don't miss you at all. But... That doesn't mean it's an invitation to stay in the Amazons indefinitely.

I would very much like it if you come back to me...okay? Bye."

A grin decorated his face and it made him so happy that his cheekbones were hurting. He shook his head as he put his phone down on the wooden table.

I don't miss you at all...

Who are you trying to convince sunshine?

Those words may be biting but he also knew his sunshine pretty well. He knew that she also missed him the way he did but, both of them were stubborn and had their heads all the way up their asses.

Neither of them were going to cave in and confess.

It's a tiring game and Ethan often wondered how long is he going to last.

So with his head full of thoughts, he took out the hotel stationary and began writing his response.

DAY 19

"Put the patients in bed number 4 and 25 in the recovery ward and ask if they are willing to provide blood for plasma therapy. Bed number 20 is going downhill so increase the dosage of the narrow spectrum antibiotics from 100mg to 250 mg every two hours. And..."

Ethan turned around and let his eyes run over the different patients. He was covered from head to toe in scrubs and goggles donned his face. The mask muffled his speech.

"Bed number 40 should move to another ward because it isn't too severe in her case. And can you update me on the patients in the gymnasium?" Ethan asked as he looked up from the clipboard.

"Most of them are infected sir. We have been segregating them from the healthy ones. We made the banquet hall the centre of testing and if anyone tests positive we are either sending that person to the hospital or to the gym. We have even initiated lockdown to prevent the spread of the disease." The doctor spoke with a heavy Portuguese accent.

"Good. Keep me informed about the patients in bed 12, 39, and 26 throughout the night."

"Yes Dr. Ramsey. Boa noite!"

"Good night."

Ethan walked out of the isolation ward and headed into the locker room where he could sterilize himself. Getting out of the numerous layers of scrubs was a task in itself and he felt so suffocated in them.

As he pealed out the layers off his sweaty body and removed the mask he stepped into the shower cubicle and turned the tap on.

He sighed in relief as the cold water washed over him, washing away the day's dirt, grime and sadness. Working in the isolation ward was never easy. It was always filled with fear and despair. Ethan would try his best to make them comfortable but, he never had a knack of people's skills.

If Leah was here she would have them laughing in no time. The thought rushed through his mind.

Leah.

Ethan was missing her terribly. The first few days were easy to handle the absence but now? Good lord, he craved her.

She was his sunshine and she always knew how to lift his spirits up when he had a rough day be it by cracking awful dad jokes, her infamous puns or her just being around him.

He missed those hazel eyes which would fill up with concern the moment she noticed his discomfort. He missed the way she would reach out for his hand and squeeze it twice when they were in broad daylight. He missed the way she would wrap her arms around his waist and lean her head against his chest when it was just them.

He stepped out of the cubicle, water dripping down his toned abs. He slipped on a fresh pair of jeans and a plain tshirt. He was about to pick up his messenger bag when he saw the screen of his phone light up with a notification.

Leah🌞

(1) missed call (1) voicemail

Ethan gave a small smile before pressing the button to hear the message.

"So apparently now I am Jenner's emergency contact, huh?"

Amusement laced her voice and Ethan groaned, hiding his face with hand. He hoped that Leah would never have to know but now the secret is out and all he wanted to do was curl up and hide.

She chuckled before continuing. "Don't be embarassed Ethan. I think that it is cute and I am so glad that you can trust me with your girl. Look at you, growing up and trusting people."

Ethan chuckled and Leah's tinkling laugh joined his.

"Basically, Jenner's dog sitter had to go out on an emergency so she called me to go to your apartment and feed her. Not going to lie but... I am scared."

She sighed before continuing.

"It's just that once I cross the threshold and see the cold empty penthouse shrouded in darkness... It would confirm that you are actually gone and that I can not continue living in the state of denial.

So, if you are getting calls from your neighbours that there is a hobo muttering to herself and pacing in front of your door, that's me."

Nervous laughter resounded on the line followed by another sigh.

"...you know what, fuck it. It's just a door."

Jingling of keys was heard on the line and it was shortly followed by excited barks.

"Oomph!" Leah was cut off by Jenner tackling her. A crash was heard, which might probably be the phone falling down on the ground.

Ethan smiled. He liked seeing his girls interacting.

Leah's coos were heard along with barks and whines from Jenner. Leah's voice sounded faraway as she spoke to Jenner in a baby voice.

"Oh girl... Don't be sad. I know he hurt you by leaving you here all alone. But you are not alone. Well, he hurt me too. So, don't worry we are on the same boat girl."

Those words were like a sucker punch in the gut and Ethan could not help but sit down on the bench as an after effect.

Don't worry... He hurt me too... Those words continue to echo through his head. He knew that Leah didn't say those words intentionally but, it just made him realise just how much of a facade she had put up, to hide her pain.

God, sunshine...

Leah's voice continued. "Well Jenner misses you too. We are okay, aren't we?" An excited bark sounded throught the phone and Leah chuckled.

"Sorry to disturb you. Go back to do your job of saving lives. You are doing a service to humanity Ethan, and I am super proud. You are so brave."

There was a pause before Leah blurted out.

"I- I miss you Ethan. A lot. And it hurts not seeing you here. But don't worry about me, I am a strong cookie and I will stay strong... For you. I just have one request though..

Come back to me soon...okay? Bye."

You have reached the end of the voicemail. If you want to hear agai-

Ethan immediately pressed the button and he heard her voice through the speaker of his phone. As she spoke, Ethan hauled a taxi to take him to his b&b.

You are doing a service to humanity... You are so brave..

Oh sunshine, if only you knew... it wasn't bravery.

I miss you a lot...

I miss you too sunshine...

Ethan sat and stared out of the window of his cab, a turmoil of emotions just running wildly in him as the words of the woman he loved, ran in his mind.

DAY 28

It was 12 am in Tefé and Ethan sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone's screen with narrowed gaze.

C'mon Ethan, don't be a pussy. It's just a message.

And that one message will be the breaking point for all of my will power and resolve. Might as well catch a flight home and personally wish her.

You are blowing things out of proportion... His inner voice reasoned.

"Shut the fuck up." Ethan exhaled, clenching his jaw, the muscle ticking as his eyes again landed on the blinking cursor, mocking him.

It was the 29th of April.

His sunshine's birthday.

And Ethan sat, twiddling his thumbs, contemplating what to type and send.

His thoughts went to last year when they were so at ease and could stay up and talk for hours but now, here he was, not able to formulate a single text message for the girl he had feelings for.

What have we come to?

Ethan couldn't help but feel guilty all of a sudden. Doubt clouded his mind and he wondered if running to the Amazon was really a good idea or not.

I needed space to think and figure out this 'love' thing... Right?

Shaking his head, he cleared all those lingering doubts and looked down at his phone again and wrote what came to his mind.

When did the great Ethan Ramsey get so cheesy? His inner voice snickered.

As he continued to read and re-read the message again and again, he started hating what he wrote.

"This is utter garbage. Who in their right mind uses emojis? Fuck this." Ethan muttered as he erased the entire message. He locked his phone and placed it on the bedside table before getting comfortable in the sheets and slipping into a deep slumber.

11:57 am Ethan had finished his rounds and was just taking a five minute break before he headed into the conference room where the team of doctors would discuss their approach.

The condition did improve a bit here on Tefé, but it was a massive outbreak and things were getting harder to control. It was a stress fest 24/7 and Ethan could feel his brown locks greying by the second.

In this five minute break, instead of grabbing something to eat and regroup his thoughts, he stood in the hallway, looking down at his phone. He had typed another message with lesser mixed signals.

Well... This sounds robotic... No wonder Leah called me Dr. Terminator the first time. Ethan snorted as he shook his head, disappointed.

He was about to type more when he heard his name being called by one of his colleagues.

"Dr. Ramsey, we are good to go."

Ethan looked up and curtly nodded. "Yes, I'm coming." He locked his phone and slipped into the pocket of his denim jeans, diving into work again.

7:16 pm Ethan was sat down on the bench outside the hospital and let out a breath of relief. He had been on his feet since the last 5 hours, running between the gymnasium, the hospital and the banquet hall.

The mask and goggles he had worn, had left bruises on his face and he just needed a fresh breath of air. Ethan took big gulps of the humid air which had hints of rain.

The thing about Tefé was that it rained everyday, without doubt. He enjoyed the rain but hated the humidity which was an inconvenient side effect. Though it was relatively cool at night, Ethan's shirt stuck to his chiseled body due to the excessive sweat.

Ethan took his phone out of the pocket and opened the messaging app again. "Short and sweet is better." Ethan mumbled as he started typing again.

He was half way through the message when his phone died due to the low battery. Ethan just looked up at the sky with defeat.

Was this the time to come at me karma?

He was about to head to the locker room to put his phone on charging when he heard panicked voices calling him. "Dr. Ramsey!"

"Yes?" He got up and started jogging to the entrance.

"Five patients in isolation ward CC-23 are deteriorating and they need help ASAP. We are short-handed and-"

"Say no more. We have lives to save."

12:00 am It was a stressful evening to say the least.

The patients kept on flat lining and Ethan and the staff tried bringing them back to life by injecting them with adrenaline. After a giving quite a few scares, they were finally stable and moved to the ICU.

Ethan dropped his duffle bag on to the sofa in his b&b and stretched his arms above his head, cracking his neck to release the tension in his shoulders. He fished his phone out of his pocket and immediately connected it to the charging port.

His screen lit up after sometime and he saw a notification which made his heart sink.

Leah🌞 (1) voicemail

I could not wish her...

Ethan opened his notifications and pressed on the voicemail she left, preparing himself to face the music.

"Uh..hi Ethan. I hope things are going as smooth as they can over there. I have been reading the news and keeping up with the situation there. I ain't worried about that because well... You are Ethan freaking Ramsey, the best diagnostician of your generation!"

Nervous laughter flitted through the phone speaker before it turned into a sigh.

"I know you are busy with the epidemic and all but... You missed my birthday. And- and I don't want to sound like those middle school teenager crying over an unwished birthday but... It hurts when the love of your life doesn't do it.

I have been trying to reason with myself that you could have forgotten but, I know you. I know that you never forget... And I didn't expect an elaborate gesture or anything! Even a small 'happy birthday Leah' message could have made my day... And I know you are caught up in your work but... How long does it take to type three words?"

Leah's voice cracked and Ethan felt regret gripping at his throat.

"Ethan- I am running out of reasons to convince myself. I am running out of those optimistic reinforcing shit. I am running out of the the number of benefits of doubts to give you. I am running out of faith that you feel the same way as me.

The longer I am spending time without any communication from you, the more I am loosing myself into the vicious cycle of doubt and self loathing.

I am angry at you and I hate you so much right now. I want to burn down your sweater in my closet and throw away the sun pendant you gave me. Just forget that you existed and go back to being the old happy me."

Ethan gasped, feeling breathless all of a sudden. The heavy burden of her pain and his self loathing was crushing his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe.

In a soft, broken voice Leah spoke.

"But I won't. I don't have the strength to yank the necklace off me. Even though it burns me and is a reminder of the person who left me, I still wear it. Even though your name hurts me, I still want to hear it...

...I love you Ethan, so damn much that it hurts me. I need you Ethan, I really do and I know it's selfish of me but...

Just come back to me... Please. Bye."

Ethan leaned his elbows on his knees and let out a breath which rattled through his body. He put his head in his hands and let out another breath, trying to breathe through the heart shattering pain.

I am so sorry sunshine...

So fucking sorry...

DAY 36

It had been eight days since the last voicemail and Ethan had been tormented, swimming in gut wrenching guilt.

Most of the times he found himself reaching for the phone to call her, but he would just clench his fist and resume his work. All the words left unsaid, he would just pour it out on to the loose sheets of paper. That was the only thing that prevented him from slipping into insanity.

He was never one to understand the sentimental reason behind having a diary or journal. From a scientific perspective, he knew that it has long lasting effects in mental health and helps get rid of the anxiety.

But now, whenever he felt like he was going to get crushed under the guilt, he often found himself writing.

If he wasn't writing, he would be working. He started staying at the hospital longer and worked for longer hours so that he could tire himself out. That way, when he went to sleep, he would immediately fall asleep.

But still, no matter how much he tried, his thoughts would always go back to her.

Funny how one person could make or break your life.

It was 4:45 am and Ethan was in the lab, checking in on the newest vaccine that they had worked on. The doctors had been utilising the plasma of the recovered patients to formulate vaccines using the antibodies created in defense. And so far, it had been helping them. They were already vaccinating the asymptomatic people and it made a huge impact.

But still, there was a long way to go.

"Dr. Ramsey, why are you still here?" Dr. Batra, a 50 year old woman from India asked, her voice laced with inquisitiveness.

"Just working on the vaccine strains, Dr. Batra."

"You and I both know that those strains are highly effective." She said as she leaned against the door frame.

"Never hurt to be perfect." He shrugged as he leaned back from the microscope.

"But it does hurt when you over work yourself."

Ethan sighed as he took his glasses off. He rubbed his face.

"How long have you been awake Ethan?" Dr. Batra asked, the maternal concern evident in her tone.

Silence.

"Ethan..." She gave him a stern look.

"Yeah, yeah I will go now. After some ti-"

"You do know that avoiding your problems won't make them go away, right?"

Ethan's eyes snapped to her and immediately looked away not able to hold her gaze. She reminded him of Naveen and how he could never hide anything for him.

I wonder how he is doing...

"But I am delaying the inevitable, as most doctors must do."

"Ethan... I have known you for a very short duration but, I know for a fact that you are not a man who gives excuses."

Ethan sighed. "It's complicated."

"As must all the things in this universe."

"It's just... There is this girl, and she confessed her feelings for me. And the intensity of the feelings scared me. So here I am, taking a break. But... There is this small pain in my chest whenever I think about her. She fills me up with euphoria but can also break me down. When I reflect back on all the happy moments, I get light headed, as if I am on drugs. That is why I am here, to analyse and figure out my feelings whilst helping with the epidemic."

"Well... I think you know the answer but, you are just living in a state of denial."

Ethan sighed as he looked down at his hands. "Don't I know that?"

"Well, if you know the answer then what's stopping you?"

"I-" they were interrupted by the shrill ring of Ethan's phone. He saw the name 'Leah🌞' and pressed the silent button immediately.

"You won't take that?" she asked eyeing the phone.

"I don't think I am strong enough to do that."

"Love is for the brave Ethan. Remember that." She got up and patted his shoulder before stepping out. The sun rays filtered through the gigantic windows of the lab, slowly illuminating the clinical set up with its golden rays. Ethan picked up the phone and saw that Leah had left another voicemail.

Picking up the phone, he stood in front of the window, letting the warmth of the sun wash over him. Be brought the phone to his ear and he heard her.

"Hey. Its 6 am here and I was bored so I decided to call you. Or leave a voicemail because you never pick up my call. I was just feeling lonely so here I am! Kinda ironic but meh.”

Ethan could hear her shrug though the phone.

“I have been taking double shifts all week and it's been so productive. The cool cases I have done and solved, the lives I have saved... they have been giving me my quota of serotonin.

Literally nothing interests or makes me happy now. So my job is the only thing which I look forward to. The things I used to enjoy doing, seems like a chore.

Everything seems like a chore.

Sleeping, eating, breathing, everything seems like an exhausting task. I don't even like sleeping anymore. Because whenever I sleep I dream fo you and when I dream of you, it's like I am being stabbed in the heart.

I don't even want to go home, because whenever I am home, I see your sweater and then my mind goes back to the numerous night outs we had, working on our cases.

The hospital is okay but, every corner I turn I think I see you which, I am going to blame on my sleep deprivation. Don't worry, I am not going into self destruct mode. I still force myself to eat three square meals a day and I get around 4 hours of sleep for every 48 hours I am awake.

So it's okay... I am okay.

I maybe a ticking time bomb BUT, I am not a working hazard. I am alert at all times and all my patients are in tip top condition. I think I should give credit to the two energy drinks I downed along with a cup of coffee.

Don't worry, my heartbeat is under the safe limit of 180 BPM.

In short, don't worry. I am golden.

I hope you are taking care of yourself too! I just hope that you come back to me.

Bye. Love you."

"FUCK!" Ethan exclaimed as he threw he phone with a thud on the table. He placed his palms on the cool granite countertop, breathing heavily.

Shit, shit, shit.

He started pacing in the lab, playing with his beard, his mind racing with worry and concern.

This was not supposed to happen.

Ethan stood and gripped the counter again closing his eyes, trying to centre his breathing but it was futile.

I need to do something, anything! His conscience egged him.

He opened his eyes and it landed on his phone.

Well, I guess it's time to make a call.

well, I hope you guys liked it!

do you think Ethan finally caved in and called her?

like, comment, reblog and let me know what do you think :))

[pochapal]

You don't gotta answer this publicly, but what on earth happened/is happening RE: Dogpiling?

this is long but there’s a lot to cover and i don’t know how much information is pre-known going into this.

basically breadtuber sarah z made a 2 hour fandom postmortem video on homestuck. instead of being a genuine look into what made the comic and the fandom so massive and so relevant for so long, she kind of glosses over all that in the first thirty minutes, then spends the rest of the video discussing homestuck’s two major controversies in the least tactful way imaginable. 

the first one she talks about is the hiveswap development hell fiasco, which on paper is an interesting thing to bring up in relation to a lack of content contributing to fandom decline, but sarah’s primary source for all this is a pseudo-anonymous blog run by giovan_h, someone who is notorious for treating dangerous and baseless accusation as fact and for obsessively stalking current and former whatpumpkin staff members to obtain information for said blog. she supposedly tries to bring a balanced argument on what exactly happened in the three year dark period between hiveswap’s supposed release date and when act 1 actually came out by pitting ipgd’s tumblr post (the one that made the odd gentlemen embezzlement claims vis a vis king’s quest) against giovan’s blog (claiming through anonymous and unverified sources that hussie deliberately dicked around and failed to meet a single deadline, then broke contract terms by using the kickstarter money to commission the odd gentlemen to animate act 7 instead of working on hiveswap. there are a lot of other unsavoury claims about hussie and certain other wp members among these blog posts, but that’s the primary relevant gist). 

neither account can actually be verified (ipgd’s post claims their information is spotty because they’re talking around a pretty strict settlement nda and giovan’s sources and accounts are deliberately vague and unverifiable to “protect various parties from retaliation from hussie/wp”) but sarah ultimately comes down and says that she’s inclined to take giovan’s blog as more truthful for. reasons. this is obviously bad because within minutes of the video dropping several wp team members reveal sarah never once tried to get in contact with them, which has led to attacks on the team members because a lot of zealous people looking for an excuse to keep being mad at homestuck in the wake of hs^2′s semi-permanent hiatus were emboldened by a video essayist treating the ugliest speculation as hard fact. as of right now, the hiveswap kickstarter has released a statement clarifying the development situation as best they can (from what i’ve read it does point to them legally being unable to point to/discuss certain things) which has had all the impact of dropping a match onto an oil spill. the anti homestuck zealots firmly believe every word of that post to be bullshit and are accusing the wp team of covering for hussie and his super heinous evil crimes (keep in mind we are still not privy to the internal workings of wp because why the fuck would we be) so the wp team in turn are putting these people on blast for this dangerous harassment (it doesn’t need to be said that as a professional being publicly accused of covering up fraud is a very bad thing) and then as a counter counter response the angry fans are now accusing the wp staff of abusing their power to direct mass harassment towards specific individuals (this amounting to people getting into wp members’ private discord servers and publicly posting mean things they have said about giovan et al which imo only serves to bolster the stalking claims) and the whole thing went very ugly very fast.

the second controversy that sarah brings up is everything involved in post canon homestuck (epilogues, pesterquest, hs^2). here she reverts to more of a passively pro-fandom stance, asserting time and time again how horrible and evil the epilogues and everything else were because of how they took the characters and stories everyone knows and loves and warped them into something unrecognisably terrible, that post-canon homestuck was universally reviled. in a very bad and awkward placement of information she then segues into a kind of hand-wavey discussion of the intense backlash towards certain post-canon trans interpretations (of vriska, june, and roxy) in a very I Am A Cis Woman So I’m Not Qualified To Make Any Statements Here Other Than Transphobes Fuck Off <3 But Also This Is Indicative Of A Growing Fandom Resentment way, which honestly begs the question of why she needed to include this at all. another bad thing here is how she super glosses over the “controversies” surrounding “the advocates for june egbert” and “the writer for vriska’s pesterquest route” - she is obviously referring to former creative director kate here (she kind of confirms this on twitter by saying she didn’t want to mention kate by name in order to not stir up further drama which uh... yeah) and the inexcusably terrible chain of events which led to every single out trans woman working on homestuck to resign to protect themselves from further mass harassment and dogpiling from the fandom.

she instead, for some reason decides to focus on how post-canon homestuck has been a total commercial and creative failure, that homestuck^2 basically shouldn’t have even happened after the fandom’s distaste for the epilogues and that it was not only controversial but also was a low quality mess everyone agreed sucked. she then goes on to compare the hs^2 team to the wp hiveswap dev team, and passively applies the same giovan-esque assertions to the internal workings of hs^2, kind of but not really implying the reasons given for the shutting down of hs^2 were bullshit. this is super bad for the fact that the post canon homestuck team is the most openly marginalised group of people working for hs is in an official capacity, and we have seen time and time again what drawing undue, speculative negative attention towards these people has done. again, reminder sarah did not reach out to a single person who worked/is working on homestuck for what is essentially a drama video disguised as a fandom postmortem. the upshot here is that her post-canon section served to embolden yet another wp-hostile section of the fanbase - those who adamantly believe that only the fandom itself can create worthwhile homestuck projects, and that all writers are evil people who want their queer fans dead (only a partial exaggeration) and produce spite projects which are driven by the steadfast belief that their work is inherently superior to official content by virtue of their fan status. among this group were a lot of people who latched onto any accusation against a team member as fuel to push them out of “ruining” such a beloved franchise so sarah’s video serves as proof that all the hs^2 writers were morally corrupt monsters ruining a fandom space that was meant for minors and queer people (this is all very anti/anti-anti carousel of bullshit nonsense that i have no time for) and thus they’re confident to once again tear down the remaining public facing staff members, ignoring how all this crusade has done so far is drive a handful of trans women and people of colour off of official homestuck projects for their own safety.

then she ends the video with a “oh btw this video is proudly sponsored by audible <3″ bit and it’s just. beyond unbelievably awfully stupid that she deliberately reignited this aggression which has caused untold material harm on marginalised people (that happened less than a year ago!!!) just for the sake of quick clicks and ad revenue. she consolidated the most dogshit takes as fact within the general fandom consensus, sided with some of the worst people to engage with homestuck, potentially detonated the last shreds of stability of this independent marginalised media project, and wrapped it all up with a sponsorship from an amazon subsidiary company of all fucking things. this is obviously a case of an incredibly short sighted decision to cash in on a very complicated and unwieldy fandom history but still the potential consequences here are unfathomable.

[storiesbymads]

PANTIES ( sweet pea . )

Sweet Pea decides to have a little fun with his girlfriend. 

warnings: swearing, pwp, smut, oral (female receiving), fingering, praise kink, overstimulation, unprotected sex

A/N: semi-return from hiatus (?),, also this is very reminiscent of april showers oops (way way filthier though,,,,,,,,, like the filthiest i’ve ever written). 

wc: 2.1k

You were stirred awake by the gentle movements of your boyfriend from behind you on the couch. It’d been a rather relaxed day, only having gotten up from your spots on the couch to change movies or go to the bathroom. So, when you felt Sweet Pea’s hands begin to trail up and down your sides, ever so close to getting a little more than innocent, you were pulled out of your light sleep.

“Pea, what are you doing?” you said groggily. He shushed you softly and moved his other hand to place over your mouth.

“Let me do this for you,” you nodded against him as his fingertips dipped beneath the waistband of your leggings, over the cotton covering your core. You felt heat rush to your head as he teased you through the dampening cloth. His movements were slow. The minimal pleasure from his hands was magnified by all the things he was whispering into your ear.

“You’re such a good girl, aren’t you,” he moved your panties to the side to allow one of his fingers to penetrate your entrance. “So so good.”

“Sweets.”

“Shh, baby. I know, you’re doing so well.”

“Feels so good,” he inserted two more fingers, curling them.

“I know, baby. Taking my fingers so well.” He went on for about a minute or so longer before abruptly pulling his fingers out and moving out from behind you. A small ‘hmph’ escaped your lips, pulling your bottom one between your teeth, as Sweet Pea moved to sit at the foot of the couch. Pulling your leggings down your legs, he tossed them near the coffee table and spread your legs open. The thin cotton was left covering your womanhood as Sweet Pea placed open-mouthed kisses up your leg from your ankle to your inner thigh.

“Oh my God, Pea,” you groaned out. He had begun to kitten lick your clit through the white fabric; the cloth was soaked through but that ultimately just increased your pleasure. He bit down on the fabric and let it snap back down. You were ready to scream. His hair seemed to be the only place to put your hands and you heard and felt him audibly growl against you when you harshly tugged at his dark locks. This was nothing like what Sweet Pea usually did during oral.

“So pretty, so so pretty. Are you going to be the good girl I know you are and let me eat you out? Let me eat you out through your flimsy panties?” The lewd comments slipping from his lips made you shiver with anticipation. His tongue began prodding your entrance before licking a stripe up to your clit. One hand slid up and pushed the T-shirt you were wearing halfway up your torso prior to fiddling with the thin straps on your underwear.

“I’m gonna cum,” you moaned, the coil in your stomach winding ever tighter.

“Cum, baby. I know you can do it. I know you have it in you.”

“Fuck,” you mumbled your high falling over you and passing all to quickly. You sighed as you tried to grab your leggings off of the floor.

“Uh-uh, I’m not done with you yet,” he grumbled and pressed your hips down with both of his hands and immediately began licking at your sensitive entrance once again, still through your panties.

“You’ve absolutely destroyed these, sweetheart.”

“I think that was more you than me, Pea,” you moaned. Before you knew it, you could feel your climax building once again.

“C’mon I know it’ll feel so good if you let it go again. You’ve got one more in you, baby girl. I know you do,” he said against you. “Such a pretty girl.”

Your body was rolling with pleasure, bucking into Sweet Pea’s mouth as you came for the second time in the past fifteen minutes.

“Sweet Jesus,” you were panting when he came up to press a kiss against your lips.

“You think you got a few more in you?”

“I don’t know Swe-”

“Yes you do, baby. I know you’ve got at least two more,” he mumbled. He changed positions once again, this time having the two of you sit up with your still clothed core on his thigh.

“Pea-”

“We both know how much you love riding my thigh,” he taunted, sending you a wink whilst his hands dug bruises into your hips. A shaky gasp fell from your lips as he ground you against him. Your knee brushed up against his hard-on and a low moan came from him.

“Pea, you need release, too.”

“This is about you, princess,” he placed his face into your neck and began to kiss across the neckline of your T-shirt.

“I’m cumming,” your orgasm brought you to the brink of tears this time. You didn’t think you could go for another whole orgasm.

“One more. You’re doing so good. You’re such a good girl,” he mumbled before licking over the hickey he’d just left. Repositioning once again, he laid you down on your back before finally pulling off your ruined undergarments. You tried to help him remove his clothes but the events that had taken place just prior had left you utterly exhausted.

“I know you’ve got just one more in you, pretty girl.”

“Mhmm,” you mumbled as Sweet Pea placed his tip at your entrance. He slowly entered you, going balls deep, before pulling out almost completely and repeating the process almost verbatim. Shaky groans were leaving him and you could tell he was holding back from just fucking you as hard as he could. He didn’t want to overwork you too much.

“Faster, Sweets. I can handle it, promise,” you nodded and Sweet Pea immediately began slamming into you. Only a few seconds later, your fourth orgasm washed over you and this one did bring tears to your eyes. A few fell down your face as he came inside of you. His warm fluid mixed with yours seeped out of you as he pulled out. He looked up at your face with a smirk only to see remnants of tears.

“Oh God, baby girl. Please tell me I didn’t hurt you.”

“No, Sweets. I was overwhelmed ‘sall,” you let out a small yawn as he moved the two of you once more to where he was spooning you on the couch.

“I’m so proud of you.” You smiled slightly before going back to enjoy that nap you were having earlier.

[spiderrpcrkerwrites]

La Vie En Rose

a/n: Fell into the trap and finally wrote a bucky fic. I’m still on hiatus, just wrote this one night and thought I’d upload it. This is based on the film ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ and this is some self-indulgent floofy shit. Thanks to @thebookwormslytherin and @bucket-barn for beta reading it

This version of the song was my inspo for this (The other songs used are Almost (sweet) music by Hozier and That’s Amore by Dean Lewis

"Pullll me close and hold me fast, this magic spell you caaaaast…" the entire backseat droned on as Sam thought to join in before he saw Anne's face and decided not to.

"Sorry, this song just has a special meaning for our group." He said sheepishly, as Nat, Peggy, and Steve finished with a flourish. 

"Yes, that's why we're being treated to it since 5th Avenue."

"Told you guys, she's very funny." Sam turned around to face his friends before his eyes went to the road again. 

They had been traveling for a good 30 minutes, off to pick up some friends of, well, her semi-boyfriend's. When she'd initially met the other three, all of whom were his uni mates, Anne had liked them well enough. Now that all three were determined to raise Edith Pilaf from her grave, she felt ready to jump out of the window.

~

She strode away from Sam, trailing after Steve and Peggy who were walking hand in hand. Sam stopped to lock the car as Nat watched on.

"What?"

"When is your flight taking off?"

"Huh?"

"Sam, baby, when are you telling her?" 

"Telling who what?"

"You know, 'I wouldn't know where to start...'" Natasha sung in her worst baritone as he rolled his eyes.

"Look, we're taking it slow."

"Yes, very slow. Bring a pilot on her day off to an airport. You're such a dumbass." She smacked him on the shoulder.

They caught up to the other three, who sat outside the entrance. Anne was tapping at her phone angrily.

"Why are we outside?" He asked Steve.

"There's a bomb threat, apparently. And also their flight is late."

"Fuck me." Anne now looked up. "We'll have to stay out here?"

"Don't you like airports?" Peggy asked her, a single eyebrow raised. 

"Nope. Hate em."

"I love airports." Natasha sat down next to Anne. "Every goodbye here is full of stories."

"How nice. I hate stories. Especially those that end at airports." She frowned.

"Well, I've got a great story for you. And we don't have much to do anyway. There's some very bad weather on their side."

"Ugh, my battery is about to die. Go on then, this tale of yours. If it's boring I'll tell you though."

"I swear you won't. Okay then, how shall I start?"

"Tell her about the trip!" Steve sat up straight.

"Oh, let me start properly." Nat stretched her arms. "Sam, go get some snacks. This is a long story. Now, our story starts with Bucky and Y/N..."

~

"Any plans for what you're going to do after?" Nat asked Y/N as the latter stretched towards a taco. Frowning at Nat, she picked it up and sighed. 

"Nope. Probably going to waste my time going around on stupid outings like this." She gasped as Bucky took the taco out of her hand, biting into it, eyebrows raise. She smacked him on the shoulder and reached for another. 

"You two could always get married." Sam quipped, eyeing Steve as he said so, who turned away, suddenly fascinated with a wall clock.

"For the last time, no. Bucky snores in his sleep. Also, I'm sure his girlfriend would mind very much."

"Wait. Girlfriend?" Peggy sat up. "Seriously?"

"We've been on just two dates, guys. It's nothing serious."

"Pretty sure she'll have a problem with your other girlfriend, Buck." At this Y/N rolled her eyes. 

"Well, when are we meeting her?" At Nat saying this, the others joined in, teasing and threatening Bucky.

"I've asked her to come along on the skiing trip, you could meet her then." He got up. "I'm off. Doll, you coming?"

"Eww, they're dating?" 

"No, no. That's what everyone thought. They had been friends since childhood when Y/N had beat his ass with a barbie. Now, don't interrupt me."

~

The trip was supposed to be their last hurrah before they all took the world by storm. Or were supposed to, at least. Y/N didn't think it was a great time to introduce Bucky's girlfriend, Alyssa, who had met her and had asked her twice if she really was just his friend. 'Why else was she calling him at 3 A.M.?' Was her justification for the Spanish Inquisition.

Y/N sighed for the 50th time since coming back from the first day of skiing.

"You do that a lot these days?" Peggy sat down beside her, blowing a kiss at Steve, who sat a few feet away.

"Eugh. It's seeing all you lovey dovey people that's giving me a headache." Y/N had accidentally walked in on them making out after a party at Sam's apartment, who had grasped her by the shoulders and gently guided her out. He had explained the two had apparently fallen for each other over the course of describing their ideal partners to each other.

"Well, Sam's always available. Nat, I suspect, is off talking to Sharon so she might not be."

"Please, no. Now, tell Steve to get you hot cocoa I can steal off of you later."

"I'm sensing some unrequited love here." Anne was the one sighing now. It was interesting, yes, but she was not about to eat her words. Steve and Peggy returned from their jaunt to see when the flight would be landing, so far it didn't show any signs.

"Mmm, maybe. We were all sure they were the only ones who didn't realize how much they acted like a couple. Bucky and Alyssa kept dating, though. You had to practically keep them off each other like magnets."

"And Y/N? Didn't she say anything to Bucky?"

"I think she was happy at him being happy too. She cared about that more than anything else."

~

The bonfire spat and threw sparks into the air as the group sat in front, freezing cold. Alyssa was not present there, quoting a family urgency. Some sick part of Y/N felt great about it.  She kept quiet as she snuggled up next to Bucky, who put an arm around her. She looked up as Steve hummed quietly.

"Please, no singing." Sam woke up from his apparent sleep. Steve started singing loudly, leading everyone to start groaning.

"When the moon hits your eye…"

"No, God no!" Sam sat up straight as Nat hooted with laughter at him sticking his glove laced fingers in his ears.

"Okay, then, Sammy, what song would you sing if you fell in love?"

"Hmm. What about…" He played the opening lines of Almost Sweet Music on the guitar that had mostly been left alone the whole night. Y/N smiled and started clapping as Sam started to sing and later everyone joined in.

"What would you sing, James?" Peggy turned to Bucky now.

"Hmm. That's a secret."

"Come on." Y/N punched his arm. "Give us a demo."

"Noooo."

"Come onnnn!"

"Ugh fine. Probably La Vie En Rose." 

"Did you sing that to Alyssa yet?" Natasha turned to him as Sam gave Y/N a single raised eyebrow.

"We're not in love. But if it happens…"

"You should practice for that!" Y/N cheered as Sam handed her the guitar. "Come on, I'll play."

Bucky smiled, closed his eyes and began to sing. His phone glowed once or twice, but someone put it on silent. Meanwhile, a mile or so away, Alyssa slammed her phone down. 

"Uh oh. Trouble in paradise?"

"Like you couldn't imagine." Peggy smiled. "Those two really were idiots. And they would get more and more ridiculous as time went on."

~

After the trip, it seemed like Bucky and Alyssa couldn't even stand to talk to each other. She unceremoniously dumped him and came over once to give him his stuff. Noticing Y/N coming out of the washroom, she glared at her and left.

Were they really just friends if so many people seemed to suggest the opposite? Bucky wondered as Y/N put on a movie and crashed on the couch, snuggling up to him as usual. He didn't put his arm around her, opting to put it on the back of the sofa. She frowned and put it on her shoulders, seemingly paying no heed.

And then she went and decided to date Brock Rumlow.

"What the fuck?" Anne was visibly shocked. Sam handed her a Dorito as she gasped at Natasha, who simply shrugged. 

"That was our exact reaction, too."

"Seriously? Rumlow? Doll, you have several options!"

"Bucky, you know him! He's Uncle Noah's son; he's nice. And it's just a movie."

"Correction: he used to be nice. Then he keyed a car and stole things and bullied the hell out of everyone."

"I didn't say anything about Alyssa, okay? Lemme live, jesus."

"Are they pining yet? Is the pining happening yet?"

"Patience, Annie dearest. It's barely begun. But yes, to answer your question, the pining had begun."

"I just don't know what she sees in him. I could find her a better guy." Bucky complained to Nat one night as they sat in her room, him angry over Y/N canceling plans over Brock thinking she and Bucky were too close.

"Then do it. Is there anyone out there who could meet your standards for the best guy for her?"

"I-I know Rumlow, okay? He's the worst." Maybe it wasn't about him. Maybe it was the fact that he had begun to see how well he and Y/N went together or how much he loathed to see her with anyone else.

"Aha! It's finally mutual! So,happy ending? They confess and Y/N and Brock broke up?"

"Hmm. Yes and no."

She did break up with Rumlow, when he started pointing too much at her and Bucky's friendship. Feelings annoyed her to hell.

She announced to everyone that she was off doing a three-year course in Los Angeles. Everyone felt she needed the break, but they also felt concerned at seeing Bucky and Y/N, who couldn't even go to the corner store without telling each other, would go without seeing each other for three whole years.

"Oh God, is this where the airport part comes in?"

"Bingo, baby!"

After they'd seen her off, Nat was driving them home. She saw Bucky in the passenger seat, incessantly texting someone. She hummed as he looked up.

"What."

"You should've told her. Its practically reeking off you two."

"The only thing worse than long distance friendship is a relationship, Nat."

"And the one thing worse than that is having mutual feelings but never conforming them. I'm pulling over,you call her right now."

"And then?"

"Then what, he called, we cheered. As soon as she picked up, he sang that stupid song of his, through a storm of tears. Judging by him jumping up and down, she probably accepted."

"And then?" Anne sat on the edge of her seat.

"Well, we drove straight to the airport to have a ticket done for him for three weeks later. They didn't get that epic cinematic kiss at the airport, because well, security, but they did send a disgusting one in a picture later."

"Hey! The flight's landed!" Sam announced as he jogged over to where they were sitting. The others cheered and stood up to go greet their friends as Anne remained sitting.

"What? You don't want to see the stars of the story?" He sat down beside her. She hung her head down and smiled at the ground, and started singing in the lowest of voices, "Came in from the outside..." as she looked up at him. Sam grinned and swept her into his arms.

~

"Oh ew, are they kissing?"

"Thank God, I couldn't stop through another Y/N-Bucky esque drama. One is quite enough."

"Speaking of, there they are!" Peggy waved at them as Natasha and Steve looked towards arrivals

Later, when Bucky and Y/N were informed it was Sam's now-girlfriend that had been told their story to pass the time, they tried to figure which was more confusing. The fact that a stranger knew about them or the fact that said stranger was now Sam's girlfriend.

They both gave up eventually.

[justkending]

Knock, Knock. Epilogue.

Series Summary: You are a really good friend of the Padalecki family. Your apartment gets infested with all kinds of problems, so you have to move in with your friends for a couples of days. Little did you know who you would run into while staying there.

Pairing: (single) Jensen x Reader

Word Count: 3600+

A/N: And just like that, the series is over. Thank you so much for the love and support on this story. It was one of my most liked ones, and I feel the same towards it. I hope I did the end justice, and I hope you all enjoy. Much love to you all:)

Series Masterlist

Epilogue

A little over 8 months had passed. Which means that is was Jensen’s and yours 1 year anniversary. And oh what the year had been filled with. 

For one, Jared and Gen ended up having their little bundle of joy just about 2 weeks ago. When she had told you she was pregnant she was already pushing past 1 month. And just like Gen hoped, it was a baby girl. They named her Odette, and she had all the fire and spark as Gen did even at a young age. Tom, Shep, and Jared were and are all wrapped around her finger, and give her the world. 

Jensen was now back for a month or so while they take a hiatus for the mid series in Supernatural. You’re relationship has bloomed even more bringing you closer to each other, and it was as if you two were still in the honeymoon stage of it still. 

You had been to a few conventions now with him, and WOWZA was that an experience you wouldn’t mind having just as much as him. 

The fans seem to really like you, and a lot were asking for pictures with you as well as Jensen. Much to your surprise, they liked you so much that they even made you fan art and wrote letters to you. They were apart of the sweetest fandom that you had ever met. 

Today was the last day of the Dallas Comic Con, and since it was summer break, you were able to join Jensen for all of it this time. And thanks to his help, you surprised your sister and dad to come to the convention with all kinds of VIP tickets so they could meet whoever they wanted. Every once in awhile, they would hang out with you and some of the cast of Supernatural, but they also branched out and went on their own tours. Jensen was kind enough to get your mom, Charlie, and Sadie plane tickets to come as well, but they were sightseeing Dallas instead of staying at the convention. You were just glad that they were all having fun, and experiencing a little of what you get to.

“Hey sweetheart?” Jensen asked from the bathroom of your shared hotel suite. “Have you seen my hat?”

“Which one?” you asked putting on the last bit of your mascara.

“The ball cap I got from Aspen Hatter’s?” he shouted. 

“Is that the all black one?”

“Yeah!”

“It’s was on the chair in here last I saw. I may be under some of your clothes.” you said pulling back and giving yourself a once over. 

You were wearing high waisted jeans with a simple off the shoulder black long sleeve shirt tucked in. Your now much longer hair, was straight and parted down the middle.

“Where-?” Jensen said coming out of the bathroom and stopping just as he saw you. He let out a low whistle, and you turned seeing him eye you up and down. 

“Oh stop.” you laughed waving him off. 

“How can I? I’m dating that.” he pointed at you before coming up and giving you a quick kiss and going to the chair. “You know, you’re going to steal all the attention from my fans if you keep looking like that.” he joked as he moved clothes off the chair to find his hat. “Got it!”

“I doubt they’re looking at me when-” you moved over grabbing the cap he put on and twisting it to where it was backwards. “You look like this. Very Dean Winchester today with the flannel, hmm?” you hummed.

“Yeah, cause I know you like it.” he said in a more sultry voice. 

“You’re not wrong.” you said leaning up to give him a kiss, but just before you you made contact you pulled a way and gave him a teasing look. “And I know how much you love me teasing you.”

“Not true.” he growled his eye blowing up in lust. 

“Well, sad day for you cause we are late, and don’t have time to mess around.” you said pulling back while his hold your waist lingered as you got closer to the door. 

Just as you were about to open it, his hand grabbed your wrist, and spun you around.

“That was mean.” he whispered inches from your face. 

“What are you going to do about it?” you whispered back with a smirk written across your face showing mischief.

“Well…” he started leaning in, and grabbed your waist pulling your flush to his. His hand snaked behind your neck pulling your face closer to his, and a certain heat grew in you. Just mere centimeters from your lips he stopped, and looked back up in your eyes. “You’ll have to see later. I’m late.” he winked before letting go and opening the door behind you and walking out. 

“You little!” you shouted towards him in the hall, and he turned shooting you finger guns, and another wink as he walked proudly to the elevator. “I’m so gonna-” you took a deep breath laughing at him, and ran back to grab your purse before running to catch up with him. 

“It’s not fun being teased is it?” he said in a sing song voice once it was just you two in the elevator. 

“I’d watch yourself Ackles. You may have just declared war.” you said slyly crossing your arms, and leaning in the opposite corner of the small room. 

“Well I think I have a fighting chance. You can’t hold yourself back for too long.” he said watching the numbers get smaller, and with a wide smile on his face.

“We’ll see about that.” you said turning and sending him your best game face.

Something about it made him shiver a little. You looked determined, and now he was kinda scared that you were really going to give him hell. His smile fell, and he was about to ask if you were serious when the doors opened showing Jared and Clint on the other side.

“Y/N, you don’t mean-” he started.

“Clint, Jared!” you said shifting to a whole other personality. “You guys ready?”

“Yes ma’am!” Clint smiled motioning for you to take the lead.

“Thank you sir.” you smiled placing a soft touch on his shoulder and marching ahead of them knowing exactly where to go by now. There was a sway in your hip and you knew Jensen was watching every swift motion you gave them. 

“Something seems off.” Jared said as they both started following after you.

“She teased me so I teased her back.” he let out a long sigh as he ran a hand down his face. “I think I started a war.”

“Ooo man. Bad move. The women always win that one.” Jared chuckled slapping his friends back. 

“Yeah I know. I haven’t won this game ever.”

___

“My question is for Jensen!” a young girl in the crowd asked.

You were off to the side of the stage watching the panel with Gen who had baby Odette cradled in a carrier on her chest. She had decided to come to this one since it was semi-close to home. The boys were at their grandma’s house, and just baby O was there since she was so young. 

You were watching Jared and Jensen being the dorks they were. They were about 10 questions in so far. A lot of them about the show, and certain episodes, and a couple of Jared and the new baby.

“Sure thing sweetheart. Lay it on me.” Jensen smiled, turning to the teenager asking the question.

“We heard Y/N is here, in your hometown, and that you guys are celebrating your 1 year anniversary. Do you guys have anything special planned?” she smiled brightly.

You both knew it was your anniversary, but you planned on celebrating it tomorrow since you were headed home then. With the convention, it was too much of a hassle to plan around it.

“Uh, actually, I have something planned, but she doesn’t know that I do.” he answered.

You turned your head at that, and looked over at Gen who was bouncing up and down with O, and she just sent you a shrug.

“Well, now she does cause she’s right over there and just heard me say it.” he laughed pointing over to you.

Instantly, everyone who hadn’t seen you before, which was a good chunk of the room, started going ballistic. You waved at them and smiled.

“There she is folks by my lovely wife!” Jared shouted, and Gen waved beside you. 

“They hate when we do that don’t they?” Jensen asked turning to Jared. 

“Eh, I think Gen likes the spotlight.” Jared joked getting a glare from Gen. “See? Look at that beautiful scowl. Aweeeee.” he said getting the crowd to join in with him. “Ok, ok. Jensen I interrupted your question.” he said patting his back.

“Yeah dude. Come on!” Jay exaggerated. “Was that all you got for me sweetheart?” 

“Well, is there any hints you can give us or her about what you plan on doing?” she continued to ask.

You were curious yourself so when you made eye contact with him you quirked a brow and tilted your head as you crossed your arms. 

“Oh no. Look what you did. I’m getting a scowl as well.” he said shaking his head. “I hope that’s a loving scowl Y/N/N.” you didn’t move. “I honestly have no idea if I’m safe after this panel.” he said getting a laugh from the crowd. “No, but uh-” he went back to the question. “I can give you the hint that it’s romantic, but I can’t say much more. The crowded let out a said awe, and Jensen laughed. “Sorry folks, but it’s a surprise.”

A surprise indeed. Later that night, he had Gen come and help you pick out an outfit for the night out on the town before you left tomorrow. You weren’t sure exactly what his plan was, but Gen told you a simple dress would do the trick. 

You picked a simple black dress with gold stars all over it. You grabbed some hoop earrings, and a pair of comfortable heels, and swung your purse over your shoulder.

“And you’re sure this isn’t too much for tonight?” you asked smoothing out the dress.

“Promise. You look great.” she said swaying Odette in her arms. “I wish I could have a night out soon, but we may be waiting a few weeks before that happens.” she laughed looking down at her daughter.

“Oh let me see her.” you gushed moving toward her. 

“She just ate. I don’t want her to spit up on you.” Gen said easing her into your arms as you started swaying her in your spot.

“Nonsense. Give me the burp rag, and I’ll be fine.”

“Ok, whatever you say.”

You looked down at the little girl in your arms, and couldn’t believe how much like her mom and brothers she was starting looking like. You were lost in the baby thoughts until your friend snapped you out of it. 

“Can you see yourself here in a couple of years?” she said grinning at you.

“I’m not sure when, but I for sure want it.” you said never breaking your stare from Odette. 

“Awe, you and Jensen making little Ackles. How sweet!” She jumped in her seat. “I’m waiting for it.”

“Calm your tits. We need to get married first.” you laughed making Odette giggle. “Wait a minute. Did she just-”

“Laugh?” Gen said jumping up and running to look down at her. “She did! That was her first laugh!”

“Is me getting married funny to you?” you said peppering kissing on Odette's face only making her laugh more. “You little turd!”

“And what’s going on in here?” you heard Jensen coming in with Jared close behind.

“Jar! Y/N just made Odette laugh for the first time!” Gen shouted pointing down at the baby in your arms. 

“What? Do it again!” he shouted coming to your other side as you all looked down at her. 

“I don’t know how. I was just talking.” you laughed. 

“Well talk!” Jared smiled.

“Hey O, what did you think was so funny?” you smiled at her. Only getting a grin. “I think I know what got her.” you said leaning down and kissing her all over again. Sure enough the giggling started and she made a loud laugh.

“Awe, O! Look at you go!” Jared said taking her and swaying with her himself. 

“You’re something else with kids aren’t you?” Jensen said behind you making you turn to see him in a nice button up, and a pair of his nicer jeans.

“What can I say? It’s a gift.” you shrugged. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah, but uh do you want to bring the throw up rag with you?” he said pointing to your shoulder.

“Right. Probably not the most romantic accessory.” you winked taking it off and putting it by Gen who was gushing over her kid with her husband. “Hey, we’ll see you guys later ok?”

“Hmm mmm. See you in a bit.” they said never looking up at you.

“They really are in trouble, aren't they?” Jensen said wrapping an arm around your waist. 

“That’s putting it lightly.” you laughed. “Ok,-” you turned to him. “Show the way Ackles.”

“After you Y/L/N.” he motioned for the door.

You went to the lobby and into the car that Clint let you and Jensen drive for the evening. 

“So where are we going?” you asked propping your arm on the console, and resting your chin on your hand as you looked at him. 

“Can’t tell you. That’s the point of a surprise.” he said side eyeing you and laughing.

“Not even a hint?”

“I gave you a hint. Romantic remember?”

“You’re awful.” you huffed upset you couldn’t get him to spill. 

“You love it.”

“Not right now.” you said sagging in your seat.

“Hey,-” he said grabbing your hand. “You look really beautiful tonight.” he said turning for a second to give you sweet eyes before turning back to the road. 

“Nice save.” you said squeezing his hand. 

He ended up taking you to an old restaurant that he claimed he went to all the time as a teenager, and then ice cream after. The last stop was the stop that mattered the most. He said this was where he went when he came home from work, or LA and would stay to clear his head. Not many people knew about it other than his parents and siblings. 

About a 10 minutes drive later, you showed up to a nice little park. It was vacant for the most part, and looked over a pond with ducks and geese.

Jensen came around to your side of the car, and opened the door ever the gentleman.

“Thank you kind sir.” you said playfully taking his hand he extended to you.

“Anything for a princess.” he winked interlacing your hands and shutting the door behind you. 

You turned to the view and saw that the sun was setting just behind the pond. It was stunning, and the perfect time to be there.

“Wow. Look at that view.” you let out in a breath captivated by the beauty.

“I know. It’s something isn’t it?” he said softly.

You turned seeing that he wasn’t watching the sun, but was studying you instead.

“I was talking about the sunset.” you giggled with a laugh.

“And I was talking about you.” he winked pulling you closer as he started walking along the hike path. “Sunset’s not bad either.” he shrugged.

“You’re a dork.” you laughed on his shoulder. 

“And I take pride in it.” he nodded. 

You both walked for about a block in comfortable silence taking in your surroundings. There were beautiful trees, and flowers sprouted along the path, and you weren’t surprised that this is where he would come to clear his mind. It was calming, stunning, and very humbling.

“So in about 25 yards is where I would come to sit and think. It’s kinda hidden, and you really have to be looking for it to find it.” Jensen said pointing to a little opening in the woods.

“Should I be worried that you brought me out here to kill me?”

“No!” he laughed making his body vibrate.

“I don’t know…” you dragged out. “You could have just fed me my last meal, and now you’re dragging me out into the woods. Sounds sketchy to me.” you said nudging his hip.

“Ok, no more horror movies for you… or supernatural.” he said nudging you back and going to grab your hand again. “Come on it’s right here.”

He moved a few branches, and dangling vines out of the way, and you started to see a subtle warm light from behind them.

“Jay what’s-” you stopped mid sentence seeing a swarm of Edison light bulbs strung all around you in this little meadow nook. It was as if the trees had created a dome, and the only light besides the Edison bulbs was the last bits of the pink and red colors of the sunset leaking through. “Oh my…” you said taking it in and walking in further as Jensen stayed behind watching you look at his hiding spot. “Jensen this is stunning.” you breathed out slowly turning in your spot. 

Just as you came back to face Jensen, you saw he was no longer standing, but was instead on one knee only a few feet away from you.

Your hands came up involuntarily, and covered your mouth. This wasn’t happening was it? You wanted to say something, but nothing came out. You were in shock.

Jensen was grinning up at you, and that’s when you saw the little velvet box in his hand. A single tear escaped your eye, and you let out a nervous chuckle.

“Jay-”

“Y/N. Since the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were something else.” he said cutting you off. You sniffled and let out a laugh as you let him continue. “Even hungover, in clothes two times your size, you caught my eye in an instant.”

“I was a mess.” you laughed. 

“A mess that was still as gorgeous as a goddess.” he said smiling at you still. “Then when you said you needed a home, I didn’t think twice about bringing you into my life that way. It was rash and not thought through, but it was the best risk I ever took. Because of that one little risk… It led to so many others. Rooming with someone I knew I had feelings for, going to your family’s for Christmas, confessing those feelings in hope you reciprocated them, and tons more.”

You sniffled at his confessions, and wiped away your tears with one hand as he grabbed the other in his.

“And with each risk, I learned that I love taking them with you because you always go with them and don’t second guess them. Because of that.” he opened the box, and grabbed your hand again. “I want to take another. Will you marry me?”

You let out a laugh at how shocked you were. You definitely didn’t see your evening turning out like this. 

“YES! Absolutely YES!” you jumped as he stood up and placed the ring on your finger.

He laughed as you both went to kiss each other passionately. So much love was put behind the gesture. You would have had a full on make out session, but the cheer of other people pulled you away from each other. Still wrapped around his neck you turned your head to see Jensen’s family, Gen and Jared, your family, and most of the cast from supernatural coming out of the trees they were hiding in.

“Oh my God! What in the world?” you shouted, turning to them with Jensen still holding onto you.

“Congrats!” they all shouted. Gen and Sadie being the first to run to you and give you a giant hug. 

“How did you-”

“Jensen’s had this mapped out for months.” Gen explained. “We helped him set up while you guys were eating, and stayed in the background to watch it happen!” 

“You guys!” you smiled holding back more tears, and giving them more hugs. 

After about 15 minutes of thanking everyone for helping and coming, you came back to Jensen who was glowing just as much as you. 

“You did all this?”

“I’ve been kinda mapping it out since we started dating.” he shrugged, pulling your waist to his. 

“Seriously?”

“I knew you were the one pretty fast. Thought I might as well get a head start on it.” he shrugged like it was no big deal.

“Well, you did amazing.” you turned motioning to your mingling friends and family and your surroundings. “I couldn’t have asked for a better way for this to happen.”

“I’m glad. Now all that’s left is to plan the wedding.” he said kissing you.

“Yeah, but that’s just a small detail.” you joked kissing him back. 

You pulled back and rested your foreheads on each others. 

“I love you a lot.” you whispered. 

“I love you so much more.” he said. 

And like that… You were on your way to being Mrs. Ackles.

Masterlist for Series

My lovelies:

@shamelesslydean @sleepless-sin  @sandlee44 @gripmetight-raisemefromperdition @supersleepygoat @justanotherwaywardsister @spnwoman @ravengirl94 @carryonmywaywardcaptain @ezilyamuzed @thosekidswhohuntmonsters @anise-d-castle6 @tailsoflightning @spookycowz @eve05glee @snffbeebee @angelessquirrel @deans-baby-momma @natura1phenomenon @tftumblin @gh0stgurl @screechingartisancashbailiff @herscrunchiehairtie @dreaminemz @staradorned @monkeymcpoopoo@a-girl-who-loves-disney @andthatsmyworld @greenarrowhead @savio-the-depressed-moose @awesome-badass-cafeteria-sauce @greyeyedsmile14 @adoptdontshop-blog @casper57 @traceyaudette @rainflowermoonlibrary @luciathewinchestergirl @almostelegantfire @thefaithfulwriter @the-is13 @kaz11283 @jerkbitchidjitassbutt @squirrelgirl67 @jackles-15 @lauravic   @deansgirls-1968  @a–1–1–3

[91whiskeygirl]

It’s 430pm, the air thick since it just rained. The sky cloudy and full of moisture. He took out his luggage from the trunk and walked over the driveway with a crooked grin on his face, his snug black shirt and jeans hugging his most firm features. Checking the time on his watch while he waited for you to be surprised at the knock on your door, how early he arrived back home unexpectedly. Jensen flew twelve hours straight just to get home to you; you’d thought he’d spend the weekend celebrating with the crew; which you didn’t mind since you still had to clean yourself up, but once you landed eyes on the tall figure behind the glass door while you walked through the foyer, you shouldn’t be surprised, after all, you’re his girl. He reminded you of that countless times.

The SPN hiatus finally begun, and you were so excited to have your boyfriend back for some well long awaited quality time.

“Jay!”, you squealed, quickly hugging him like a five year old girl that just got her first prize at the carnival.

“Hey baby girl”, he towered over you with that smirk of his, putting his luggage inside and grabbing you by the waist, your feet barely touching the floor now. Gosh he knew how to take your breath away every single time.

“Why didn’t you stay the weekend? We’re you that desperate to see me in my pizza pajama pants?”, looking up into his candy apple eyes. “Of course sweetheart, those pjs make your ass look just as juicy as it is without them”, his intense stare made you lose your train of thought for a retort as he snaked his hands around your bottom, lifting you up to where you could feel how hard he already was for you. You couldn’t help but smile ear to ear, feeling wanted wasn’t what you were used to, but with Jensen it was a perfect response.

Laying your hands on the sides of his neck you kissed his jawline and took his hand, leading him to the kitchen. You grab a couple of beers for you both. “I haven’t even had time to make dinner, I didn’t know I would have company”. He popped the cap with his keys and sat down on one of the chairs, leaning his elbows on the island while looking at you with those pretty boy lashes of his. He replied, “it’s no big deal, we can always order in.”.

A bit more of slow kisses on his lips you hopped on to his lap and hugged him tight, your chin on his shoulder. Gosh, how could you miss his scent so much? You engulfed your nose of his presence and didn’t want to let go of him, fearing he was just an illusion. You hadn’t slept well for a couple of weeks. Your job had you at overtime for a wedding gig, and because of the Thanksgiving holiday, you were booked three weeks straight. You didn’t celebrate thanksgiving, but you didn’t mind spending it with someone who loved food as much as you do. Of course, you didn’t want to admit it as much, you weren’t like most women like what “Dean” went for. but he didn’t care that you were the total opposite. You were a curvy woman, your y/h/c hair just passing your shoulders, but not tame able enough to style it how you wanted it all the time, your belly just about hugging your waist, your constant battle to finding a great pair of jeans felt inevitable. You weren’t the perfect vision in your own eyes. But when Jensen walked into your life you started to not mind your size as much. He appreciated every curve and dimple, every flaw you saw in yourself was perfection to him. “How the hell did I catch this handsome guy in my life when I look like this?” Was always your daily mantra until things got serious between you two a few months back. Now he called your home his, he even had his own closet.

You took all your strength to move away from him answering back, “How about we do some pre - feasting? We can order some fried chicken, wedges, couple of pies for dessert,and why the hell not; maybe even a salad just because I’m feeling healthy today.” Thanksgiving was never your favorite holiday, your family ruined it for everyone even though they’d host the party. You felt no better when they’d make remarks at your for how you look, going for your passion instead of being a nurse, and never settling down with whoever they approved. You moving out at 19 and taking a risk to fly to Canada randomly was a blessing in disguise. You worked your ass off with internships, most unpaid, surviving on coffee, ramen, and sriracha packets. The fact that you jumped on applying for a job while SPN was filming in the area, you never thought you’d end up with a hunk like Jensen falling for you. You giggled as he gripped your hips tighter, his chin lifting up and looking into your y/e/c eyes. “I love it when you talk pie to me”. You rolled your eyes thinking “Shut up Dean”.

He scoffed a laugh and put you down gently and headed to your bedroom, plopped his luggage down next to the foot of the bed and made his way to the bathroom. He took off his shirt and instantly grimaced at how gross he felt thanks to the long flights he just made. One of his favorite places in the house was definitely the shower. He helped you out a bit since you hated the original structure of the bathroom. “I’m too fat to fit in a tub meant for a water goddess”, was what you told him, saying it lightly enough to be taken as a joke, but he knew your insecurities in and out. So he offered to get his contractor in and upgrade it. The floor was a soft rose gold marble, walls matching, a tub the size so wide and deep you could actually cover your whole body and and an extra person, gold trim accenting everywhere. A bit feminine but not enough for him to not use this masterpiece of a bathroom.

A separate shower next to it so big he caught you a few times dancing in it while you showered after coming home from work, de stressing the day away with his new album playing on your blue tooth speaker. You were so proud of him when it finally released. He’d caught you one too many times humming “All Our Own” in the house. You always sang off key but he loved hearing you no matter what. It was one of the things that showed your were content and happy.

He thought back to when you couldn’t even take a compliment on your outfit. You had just gotten the AKF hoodie in the mail and drank some coffee on set while waiting for Jared on his way to get a touch up on his hair and makeup. “Hey, loving the jacket on you y/n, you’re looking beautiful”, Jensen complimented her, keeping his stare on your face, struggling not to look anywhere else he wanted so badly to. You were just his makeup artist then. “Oh- uh thanks Jay, I’m just glad it fits...you know the sizes never seem to be a perfect fit whenever it comes to me. I actually bought a couple more in case but luckily I have friends that are way smaller than me, so I gave the ones I didn’t fit to them.” You looked down into your cup of caramel coffee, trying to avert your eyes from him. His eye contact always made your heart race, no matter what came out of his mouth. “Well,” he slowly walked inching closer to you “you’re perfect to me.” Shooting you that movie star smile he gave to fans. And that’s what did you in. A gorgeous man just told you that you were perfect without a snark comment or a snicker after finishing that sentence. THE Jensen Ackles just complimented on your appearance, and you felt the wave of confidence, standing a little straighter and fluffing your hair to the side while you drank your coffee and having your eyes twinkle up at him. Next thing you both knew, you were on your first date, and then your first make out session in the park You, Gen, and Jared used to jog in the mornings before starting work, and then everything built up to him moving in to your home.

Steam started to build up in the shower as Jensen put his head underneath the shower nozzle. Rubbing the hair product out of his hair made him feel a little less grimy. He wished you stayed with SPN before the last season finished, your expertise with lightweight products were a god send to the boys; but you got tired of the traveling back and forth with airports and cabs, sleeping in hotel rooms, you wanted to stay close to home. You started your own side business free - lancing again like the old times, but now with a reputation you were busy with every occasion you could think of. Hair and makeup gigs never came to you so fast when you landed back home.

“Dinner just got here!” You yelled from the hallway. “I’m just about done” he retorted back, washing away the last remnants of what traveling he just did. He didn’t notice you leaning on the doorway admiring him toweling off until he turned towards your way and you got a full view of him as he wrapped his towel around his waist. Your throat got dry enough where you subconsciously had a soft moan escape from you, and he noticed, smiling. Were you in trouble now.

Walking over to you with his semi wet hedgehog hair and steam coming off his shoulders from his shower, he closed any space between you two.

“I think the dinner can wait sweetheart”, he said, his hand at the back of your head and leaning down to grab a kiss from you. “Breath y/n, for fucks sake this isn’t the first time you both got heated.” Your thought ran through your brain. You hadn’t realized you closed your eyes until he released his lips from yours. You were dumb founded. It was like you were in a trance. He was so god like in every form, and you were a bumble of a mess every time he even so much as grazed you with his fingertips.

He led you to the bedroom and he threw his towel off into the laundry basket. “I want dessert first,” he already was helping you take off your shirt, your breasts hovering then dropping like heavy gum drops. You made your way to get your bottoms discarded and thrown wherever, you didn’t give a fuck, you were focused on Jensen too much to care. You sucked in your stomach like always like it was first instinct, and he noticed. You started to get tense until he started kissing you hard, his tongue teasing your bottom lip to invite him in. His arms around your back making its way down to your hips, he gently pushed you on to the bed, your back lying on all the silky pillows you had, just because it looked nice aesthetically. You always ended up only sleeping with one particular one to support your neck and back.

He starts to kiss your shoulders, then nipping his way down to your breasts. His mouth devours one side, licking and sucking, making your hips lift because of the slight pain and absolute pleasure. “Jeez Jensen I don’t know why you always go for the boobs first” you tease. “You knew from the start I was a boob guys, one of the many reasons I asked you out.”, teasing back. You bit your lips and tugged the back of his head full of hair in your hand when he started to pull your nipple gently with his teeth. Your breathing started to stutter, his hands caressing your back, your hips, your thighs. He opened up your legs and cradled your ass cheeks. His elbows supporting his position of what he was about to do next.

“Perfect as always baby,” he told you, kissing the insides of your thighs, going lower with each kiss. You gave up feeling like he would hate seeing you naked after the first few times you both messed around in the beginning of the relationship. He told you to stare at him while he devoured your pussy and for the first few times you hesitated ,but did as you were told. You locked eyes with him, but you eventually would lay back down. You were so scared of the angle of what he’d see. Instead of a flat tummy there was a mountain of a roll in the way if you ever lifted up, and your chin wasn’t your friend either. But tonight was different. He didn’t even ask and you saw his eyes locked on you while he licked you gently, then a bit harder,knowing building you up to the amazing orgasm you always have with him.

Your hips started to writhe when he started to suck your bud, and lick up whatever wetness you had, the warmth in your core creating a wave of pleasure soon. You could feel his stubble burning on your inner thighs, accepting the sensation it gave you. He moaned into you when you reached to hold his hands. How you imagined having your pussy eaten out never came to until Jensen introduced it to you, and he never skipped it when things got hot in the bedroom. He always paid attention to you first even though you were persistent at times that you wanted his cock in your mouth first. Your breathing became more shallow and erratic, the coil in you about to break, Jensen licked a bit faster but not harder, he knew it was never in the interest of a woman when you just rushed the process of her dam breaking. Your back started to arch and he dove in deeper, putting two of his fingers in you and curling it right on t your spot. You closed your eyes and placed your hands on your mouth. You realized your windows were open even though the curtains were closed, your bedroom windows faced the neighbors where your pool also was, and you didn’t need sneering looks from them in the morning when you got the newspaper. “Cum all over my mouth baby, I want to taste all of you” he said, gripping your hips now, he felt your pussy clench, dripping with wetness all over his lips and stubble. He pumped you a few more times then eagerly got above you, his cock already pleading at your tender entrance.

“Please Jay, I want you to fill me up baby”, you shined under him, your high slowly dissipating. He inches into you and you gasped at every inch he got deeper. Your body leaned into the mattress even more when he was fully seated in you. “Fuck Jensen! “ you screamed, too late for avoiding sneering looks I guess. “You’re so beautiful under me y/n, taking all of my cock inside of you, I missed you so much, I missed all of you. “ he leaned down making a mark on your left breast and then grabbing the right one with his left hand. If you thought you couldn’t cross your eyes, you probably just did. Your coil started to tighten again, and he wasn’t even thrusting in you repeatedly yet. He saw how desperate you were becoming. “You ready for me sweetheart?” He asked you softly. “Always.” Was the only thing you could answer back. With that he thrusted in one go into you, and you could feel him reaching at your g spot again. How the hell can he feel this good every time? You were baffled, every time.

“I can never get tired of this pussy y/n, you’re always so tight and warm for me. “ he grunted through. His neck and shoulders tensing, his biceps bulging when he grabs your thighs to pull them apart wider, going deeper. Your short of breath now and can only reply with whimpers, you want to let go so bad and cum on him. Feel him while you wrap tightly around him. “Jay I’m so fucking close, please!” You beg, your eyes closing tightly shut, trying to control your orgasm until Jensen is ready.

A few more thrusts and Jensen is starting to ride you unevenly, you thank the heavens he’s about done, I’m sure he’s hungry, but you’re starving, for him to fill you up to the rim and also for that fried chicken dinner waiting downstairs. He lifts your leg over his shoulder and kisses it tenderly, his hand moving from your calf to your knee, and ending up caressing your thigh, and then grabbing your ass to pull you in as he starts to fuck the lights out of you. You cry with pleasure, the coil bursting and you clench his cock, he’s not slowing down at all. “I’m gonna finish baby, you want me to cum in you? Fill you the fuck up? Have you leaking me out of you?” Gosh he knows you love dominant dirty talk. You smile wickedly and grab his hips. For a curvy woman you have the flexibility of a cheerleader. “Fill me the fuck up baby” you tell him confidently, staring into his eyes as he comes undone. He grabs the leg on his shoulder tightly, thrusting shallow as his high is coming down, and he makes his way sitting up after kissing you a bit more before pulling himself out.

“Fuck I missed you y/n”, he softly said while you were both cleaning up after the blissful session. “I missed you too Jay, you make me feel so loved and safe, you don’t expect anything less of me”. He cups your face with his hands and you gently kiss one of his wrists “Baby, You’re perfect.”. With that you smiled and kissed him deeply, his plush lips hugging yours perfectly. You took his hands and looked up at your lover. With that sparkle in your eye, you say “I love you.”

He never thought you’d say that to him. He never expected you to say it, he didn’t need it. The corners of his eyes crinkled from his smile; “I love you, y/n.” There’s butterflies in his stomach, and then, a loud gurgle of a growl came from his and yours stomach. He thought you’d be embarrassed enough to forget what awesome thing just happened between you two an hour ago and run to hide somewhere in the bathroom. Instead, you laughed loudly and snorted a bit too, his concerned face softened and he took your favorite shirt you stole from him on one of your sleepovers at his place, and dressed you. He placed a kiss on your hand , “come on , we’re both hungry after that session” you beamed a smile at him and giggled on your way out to the hallway, he smacks your ass a couple times and you jump and squeal before running to the kitchen, him running after you.

After dinner you still had room for actual dessert, the pumpkin pie and vanilla ice cream with dark chocolate shavings on top really hit the spot. You both are cuddled up on the sofa watching the fireplace crackle and warming your bodies up again. You relish the moment, Jensen’s chest going up and down slowly, knowing he fell asleep right after dessert. You turn and angle yourself where you can lie down more and place your head near his belly and on his lap, he automatically adjusts and starts playing with your hair. He rubs his eyes and sees you staring at him intently, a small grin on your face. “Whatcha smiling about now y/n?” He keeps playing with your hair. “Nothing, just that tonight was perfect, thank you for surprising me.” He replies with a kiss on your forehead as you both fall asleep from the pre -feast coma you both just gave yourselves.

**Happy Thanksgiving everyone!**

It’s a bit random but I wanted something to post for the holiday, I’m gonna try my best to do one shots for the Xmas holiday:) hope y’all enjoyed!

[fanfic-inator795]

RotTMNT/Baron Jitsu fanfiction: Dating… With Children - Chapter Nine

(Also on AO3 if you want to leave a comment or kudos)

Plot:  Benjamin Draxum hardly considered himself a man of high social standing. Not because he was uncouth or unworthy of it, mind you, but simply because he didn’t have much of a social life. Hard to have one when he usually spent his days at work, cooped up in a lab for so long that he often had his lunches in there, and his nights at home reading or doing research for more personal projects. But perhaps meeting handsome semi-retired movie star - as well as his four young sons - could change all that…

((Shoutout to @halloweennut and her kind words (as well as her own drabble based on this AU) for inspiring me to get back to this story for a bit, heh ^v^ I've written two other chapters along with this one, just to make up for both the hiatus before this aaaand the hiatus after this (I still have my TMNT Big Bang fic to finish up, and this fic is kind of a 'when I'm in the mood for it' project anyway. Hope this big content drop makes up for it though. Enjoy! ^v^))

“He's definitely got his own lab! He's a scientist, he has to!”

“Oh yeah! Totally!”

“Do you think he's got his own library room too? Smart people always have libraries in their homes.”

“Yeah, but he knows how to fight like Pop does, so maybe he's got a gym too? Or maybe a whole ring! That would be really cool!”

“He's a scientist, Raphie, not a wrestler!”

“He can both if he wants to be!”

“What are you boys talking about back there?” Lou asked, stopping to look over his shoulder at his sons while also taking a moment to shift the small bag of food to his other arm.

“Nothing!” The four boys quickly shouted, all of them flashing an innocent smile for good measure.

Lou hummed, his expression a mix of suspicious and endeared. “...Just remember, we are guests in Ben’s apartment. So remember to behave yourselves, alright?”

“We will!” “Mmhm!” “Yep!” “Promise!” Satisfied, Lou continued leading the way up to his boyfriend’s Manhattan apartment.

While Lou certainly didn't mind Draxum coming over to his house all the time, Draxum still insisted that their next visit be at his place, figuring it would only be fair. And, similar to their first shared meal, Lou and his sons would be bringing dessert while Draxum would take care of supper. Although, thanks to his youngest’s insistence, he was also bringing something else to share with Draxum in both food and experience. He just hoped his boyfriend didn't mind too much.

Finally, they arrived and Lou knocked on the door. His boys gathered tightly around his legs, all of them eager to see what could possibly inside the apartment. After a few seconds - though it had seemed like an eternity - Draxum opened the door. “Glad you all could make it,” he told them, giving the family of five a small smile.

“Same to you,” Lou smirked, closing the distance between them for a quick peck on the lips that was happily returned.

Once Draxum stepped to the side, the boys didn't even wait for an invitation and just rushed in. Though, that speed didn't last very long unfortunately. From the plain walls and hardwood floors to the closed curtains and the simple bookshelf next to it (nowhere near enough to be a library), it was plain to see that Draxum’s apartment was, well… Just an apartment.

“...Well this place is boring,” Leo stated.

Lou frowned. “Leonardo, manners,” he lightly scolded.

“Oh, uh, I mean, your apartment is… Super cool?” Leo corrected, sheepishly smiling up at his dad’s boyfriend who thankfully didn't look too offended.

Deciding to be a bit more honest, Donnie added, “We thought you would have a lab here, since you're a scientist.”

“Yeah!” Mikey chirped, with Raph nodding along with him, “Just like the smart people on tv!”

“Well,” Draxum replied, chuckling slightly, “I don't think my landlord would be too thrilled with a home lab. It's easier to keep my projects at my office anyway. Although, I was able to set up a small exercise space in my spare room.” Raph grinned at that. Not a gym or wrestling ring, but close enough to feel like his guess had been right.

As for Donnie, while he was disappointed at the lack of a lab or sci-fi decor, the collection of books did catch his attention. He moved to pull one out, but stopped when he heard his dad - who was still keeping an eye on them, even after he and Draxum had moved to the kitchenette - clear his throat. “Oops. Uh, may I PLEASE look at your books, Dr. Draxum?”

“You may,” Draxum nodded, “thank you for asking.” Donnie smiled, and quickly began his search through the small collection, wanting to see for himself what stories and subjects the doctor was into even if he didn't get a chance to read any of it that night.

“An’ can I open up the curtains?” Mikey asked, pointing at the hidden window.

That request Draxum had to actually consider a bit. He did like his privacy, after all… Though one open set of curtains wouldn't be too bad, he supposed. “You may,” he repeated.

“Thanks!” Mikey grinned, running over to the window. His brothers in red and blue joined him, and once they got them open all three of them looked at the fantastic view with awe. “Wowwwwww! The city looks so pretty from your home, Draxum!”

“Yeah!” Raph agreed, “Hey Pop, it's sorta like the time you took us to the top of the Empire State Building, only all the lights are way closer!”

“Heh, yep, it looks like a great view,” Lou smiled, enjoying it himself before looking back at Draxum, “So, Doc, what are we having?” Whatever it was, it smelled great.

“Just some roasted chicken and potatoes,” Draxum answered, “I didn't want to make something your boys didn't want to eat, so I just kept it simple.”

Lou laughed a bit at that. “Trust me, they are not picky eaters. But chicken sounds great, and I may have another side dish for us, if you are interested.” Setting his bag down, he first took out the family-sized tiramisu he had bought, wanting to get it in the fridge as soon as possible. That definitely surprised Draxum a bit, not expecting kids under ten to enjoy something like tiramisu.

But what was even more surprising was when Lou pulled out a bag of rice, a small package of seaweed, and a jar of pickled plums. “Rice balls?”

“Mikey’s idea,” Lou explained, his smile softening a bit, “Making them was one of our first ‘family night’ things that we did…” He could remember it well, all the trial and error they went through along with all the laughs, finally culminating in a place of rice balls that they were all pretty proud of, not caring about all the stray bits of rice that they would have to clean afterwards. “I tried telling him that we were only supposed to bring dessert, but he was insistent that he wanted to teach you. Though, I’d understand if you wanted to do it another time, onigiri making can get pretty messy.”

“Well, no messier than any other type of cooking, I would think,” Draxum lightly retorted. Really, the idea itself he could pass on. But the fact that it was Mikey’s idea, and no doubt something all the kids would enjoy doing together… Gah, when did he become such a softie? It was aggravating in a way, yet also something he knew he wouldn’t care much about in the moment. “We’ve got another half an hour until supper’s done anyway, so why not?” After all, it was just shaping steamed rice, how hard could it be?

...Apparently, much harder than he thought.

“Are you SURE you wet your hands enough?” Leo asked, once again leaning over Draxum’s arm.

“Yes,” Draxum huffed. It wasn't his hands that were the problem, it was the rice that refused to stay together! The more he tried to form it, the more rice that would just fall off or stick to his hand. Wasn’t it supposed to be ‘sticky’ with itself? He narrowed his eyes as he noticed more of his rice falling off his ‘ball’ (really it was more like a misshapen lump).  

Lou tried to hide his smile, sympathizing with Draxum but also being way too amused. “It doesn’t have to be perfect,” he told him, repeating the words he had first used with his kids nearly three years ago, “Rice tastes like rice no matter how together it is.”

“I know,” Draxum mumbled, his eyes refusing to leave the rice as he continued trying to work it into the proper shape.

“Don’t worry about squishin’ it,” Raph suggested, “It’s already soft, so you can’t really ruin it, so just squeeze it together as tight as you can!” He demonstrated this by squishing his rice ball between his hands like he was squishing a ball of playdoh.

“I still say you should just go wash your hands again,” Leo commented

Draxum huffed again. “Honestly, maybe that wouldn’t be a bad idea,” he said as he glared at the rice sticking to his palms and fingers.

Across the coffee table from him (Draxum didn’t have nearly enough chairs for everyone, so they settled for sitting in the living room on the floor), Donnie made a face. “Yeah, I hate the feeling of rice on my hands too. That’s why it’s just better to use a wet spoon,” he told him, using his tool of choice to finish off his triangle-shaped treat. Leo suddenly coughed, unsubtly hiding the word ‘cheater’ in it. Donnie lightly elbowed his twin, and Leo returned the action, sticking his tongue out.

While he had no problems with Donnie using a ‘cheat’, Draxum’s pride still made him want to make onigiri the proper way, even if it was easier said than done. “Well I think it looks really good,” he heard Mikey say, the boy in orange sitting up a bit straighter as he tried to get a better view at it. Mikey’s own rice balls were practically perfect, and Draxum had a feeling that once he was tall enough to safely use the stove and oven, Mikey would no doubt become the chef of the Jitsu family.  “Even if it’s kinda small, it’ll still be yummy! And you’re still having fun, right?”

Finally breaking eye contact with his frustrating, very much imperfect creation, Draxum looked at Mikey’s hopeful face. “...Well, it’s not as easy as I thought it would be, but… I guess it is fun, in a way,” he answered after some thought. Mikey grinned, leaning on him in place of a hug, not wanting to put his own sticky hands on Draxum’s shirt and ruin it.

Looking back at his rice ball with a silent sigh, Draxum picked up a piece of seaweed around the lump, effectively finishing it and placing it on the plate. After a moment of thought, he turned to Mikey. “Would you like to help me with the next one?”

“YEAH!” Mikey shouted, jumping to his feet immediately, “I’ll help you make the best rice ball ever!” he told him as he raced back over to the sink to wet his hands.

Despite his rice fail, the youngest Jitsu’s excitement still managed to bring a small smile to Draxum’s face. “I’m sure you will,” he said as he followed Mikey to the kitchen. As they prepared to get started, Draxum intently listening while Mikey eagerly explained his own tricks to getting the rice ball to keep its shape, Lou’s smile only grew. There was no denying now that his orange son had the right idea about sharing this piece of their family nights with the man that was quickly becoming family too.

By the end of it all, Draxum’s statement about the onigiri making being its ‘own sort of fun’ had become a bit more true. (Weirdly enough, it was easier to relax and not focus so much on perfection when a child was taking the lead.) Still, he was glad to wash his hands for the final time as they all worked together to clean off the leftover rice and set the coffee table for their supper, finishing the making of their rice balls just seconds before the timer went off.

As Lou had promised, the kids quickly dug into their food without complaint, though Draxum decided to try the rice before the main course. After all the effort put into making the damn things, he wasn’t going to let himself get too full to even eat them. “...I’m not sure about the plum, but the rice and seaweed itself is pretty good,” he said after a couple bites.

“We usually put fish or whatever in ‘em,” Raph told him, “But I still kinda like the plum.”

“Althoughhhh…” Getting an idea, Leo reached for a rice ball. Opening it up a bit, he then stuck a piece of his chicken into it. “There! Chicken and rice goes great!”

“It doesn’t really go with plum though,” Donnie commented.

“Maybe potato would work better?” Mikey asked, already sticking a piece of herb covered potato into his rice ball. Curious, his brothers all did the same.

“Oh yeah, kinda!” “Weird mix, but it does taste alright!” “Sorta like puttin’ cranberries on your potatoes at Thanksgiving.”

Knowing he couldn’t really discourage their food experimenting, Lou just chuckled slightly as his kids pretty much tore apart their hard work to try and mix it with the other food on their plate. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that leftover rice.”

“I suppose not,” Draxum smirked back before taking another bite of his onigiri.

Conversation remained light and enjoyable as they ate, sometimes with the boys discussing something on their own while Lou and Draxum had their own conversation, and other times they’d all be on the same subject. And, like most things Draxum had come to expect from the Jitsu family, it was a bit unusual and a little loud yet still very much comfortable, with the hot homemade food in his stomach only adding to his warmth.

When their plates were cleared and boredom already starting to settle in, Lou figured they would just turn on the tv and settle for whatever primetime movie or show was on. But, as it turned out, Draxum had a surprise of his own…

“Trivial Pursuit for Family?” he read off the clearly newly-bought box, raising an eyebrow. His kids, excited to play, were already setting up the game over the coffee table, setting their pieces of tiramisu to the side for the moment.

“Yes, well, your family seemed like the type that would enjoy game nights,” Draxum explained, “And well, I figured-”

“That this would be a good board game that was both entertaining for the kids and NOT completely torturous for us to play?” Lou grinned, knowing very well what sort of obnoxious board games were on the shelves of toy stores. (He loved his boys with all his heart but he was NEVER AGAIN buying something like Toilet Trouble or anything similar.)

“Got it in one,” Draxum flatly told him, not even trying to deny it. Lou laughed and returned to his seat on the floor. Sure he wasn’t the biggest fan of trivia, but Lou figured it would still be a pretty fun time.

The boys ended up splitting themselves into teams, with Mikey and Leo on one and Donnie and Raph on the other, just to make it a bit more fair to someone like Mikey who wasn’t as far in school as his brothers were. This also kept things from getting too competitive, since all of them had at least one subject they were well versed in and now had a partner they could discuss the answers they didn’t know with, which kept one team from completely dominating over the other.

As for Draxum and Lou, they were on their own. A seemingly fair idea for the adults… In theory.

“...Oh come on, seriously?” Lou scowled, “That is the question?”

“You heard me,” Draxum told him, “‘Who led the first expedition to the North Pole’?”

“How am I supposed to know something like that?!”

“Pretty sure the answer’s Santa Claus,” Leo half-whispered to Mikey, who nodded firmly in agreement.

“Actually, it was Robert Peary,” Draxum told them, having already flipped the card over. Lou scoffed, passing the dice to his left. Lousy history questions. Why couldn’t he land on ‘Entertainment’ or ‘Sports’? At least those he somewhat knew.

His sons had much better luck, answering their Kids Questions at a steady pace. Donnie naturally always aced the science questions while Raph helped with sports. Even at age five, Mikey surprisingly knew a lot about art from the various picture books he had looked through on the subject, and Leo knew quite a bit of history. They all knew most of the entertainment questions related to kids media, but not having a good grasp on the geography outside of their home city meant that landing on a blue space would always get a loud groan from the duo unlucky enough to land on it.

Soon enough it was Draxum’s turn once again, and Lou drew a card from the Adult card holder, thankful that his boyfriend hadn’t landed on a green space at least. He didn’t seem like an artsy guy, so maybe an Art and Culture question would trip him up some. “‘Which is not a vocal part in an all-male barbershop quartet’?” Lou read, “‘Baritone, lead or al-’?”

“Alto,” Draxum answered, “Can’t exactly have a high part in singing that’s meant to be low.”

“So what, you’re a music expert now?” Lou asked, nearly tossing the card aside. He could hear his sons trying to hide their giggling while Draxum coolly picked up a purple wedge.

“Getting a little competitive, are we, Lou?”

“Shittakaburi.” Draxum just chuckled, not needing to understand him in order to still be amused by his boyfriend’s pouting. Of course, not even Draxum was smart enough to get EVERY question right, so Lou was still able to get his light-hearted digs in whenever Draxum did get something wrong.

Still, neither of them ended up winning the game in the end, and they both gladly clapped for Mikey and Leo’s team when Leo got the final question of the game right. “I was guessing on that one,” he admitted, “But still, I’m awesome!”

Donnie and Raph rolled their eyes, though with such a close game with was hard to really be mad. Besides, all four of them were too tired for a rematch, and their father and his date could clearly see that. Lou picked up Mikey and let him rest his head on his shoulder while he took Raph’s hand, and Draxum did the same with the twins. Without much resistance - and thankfully, without any tripping either - the boys were all led back down to the parking lot and to Lou’s car.

“Thanks for a fun time,” Lou said after he buckled in his sleepy sons, his voice quiet but just as sincere as ever, “I mean, I always have a fun time with you, but… I really do appreciate the things you do for my boys, Ben. Making onigiri and playing games, helping when they were sick and playing in the yard…”

Draxum hummed, thinking back on those moments - moments that, before meeting Lou and his family, he probably would’ve refused otherwise out of awkwardness or not wanting to deal with what seemed like such a hassle. It was still hard to believe how quickly he had gotten attached to the boys, how quickly their childish antics and youthful excitement and unwavering admiration towards him made Draxum want to make them smile too. “I do those things because I want to,” he told him firmly, not wanting his boyfriend to think that he was only doing it out of any sort of obligation or simply because he knew being nice to boys would please Lou. No, his actions were just as genuine as his affection, Draxum made sure of it.

“Heh, yeah, I know… Still, I know it means a lot to them, just as much as it means a lot to me.” With a small smile, he leaned forward and met Draxum’s lips once more.

Again, Draxum returned the gesture, holding Lou close. The wind was picking up, the autumn season slowly but surely becoming winter, but Draxum could hardly even feel it.

“You’re a really sweet guy,” Lou told him once their kiss broke.

“Even if I beat you in trivia?” Draxum asked.

Lou hmph’d before smirking back at him. “Fine, fine, yes. Even then.”

“Heh, good to know.” They shared another kiss, holding each other for just a bit longer before finally parting for the night. Draxum watched until the headlights of the gold colored car were lost in the sea of Manhattan traffic, and then went back upstairs. As Lou had promised, there weren’t any leftovers, and Draxum lazily decided that washing dishes and putting away the game could wait until morning.

But, as he moved to close the curtains, he hesitated. “...It is a pretty nice view,” he mumbled to himself, his hand letting go of the drawstring.

He was still a man of privacy, no doubt about that. But even so, perhaps a bit of extra light in his life couldn’t hurt...

[silverdragon-imagines-blog]

A Glitched Death - Chapter 7 - The Question

Read it on AO3 here

Semi-important announcement: I'm not putting this story on a hiatus, but I can't guarantee that the next chapter will be out on time. School is sort of kicking my butt, though the main reason is that my muse (i think that's what its called?) has been moving further away from Undertale. I still want to finish this fic, but I don't have a ton of ideas for what should happen before it gets to the end, not to mention the fact that beyond this chapter, I have no more finished chapters. I don't want to force myself to write this fic, so I won't. I hope you guys understand ^-^

TLDR: The next chapter might be late, and I'm not gonna force myself to write it. I'm not as into Undertale as I was, but I want to finish this fic.

[And now the actual chapter]

Reaper could feel his phone vibrating in his pocket, but it only took a glance at the ID for him to ignore the call. Again. Ever since he had that breakdown in the Save Screen, Geno has been more insistent on checking in on him, despite the fact that he had texted him that he’s fine and that he should stop worrying. Of course, Geno didn’t listen, stubborn jerk that he was, and continued to try to call Reaper at least once a day, with texts twice or more per day. He couldn’t say that he was annoyed though, in fact, he was grateful that he had someone like Geno, even though it upset him that it wasn’t his Geno, even more than it used to bother him.

He sighed as the call went to voicemail, knowing that he was in for yet another text not long from now. He looked away from the phone, choosing instead to try and focus on the world he was in, seeing if he could find a “death date”. It had been, what, a few weeks since he had gotten this new job from Ink? He still hadn’t had much success finding a way to see an entire world’s expiration time, but he had certainly put in the effort, not to mention his brother, Respite’s overtime to try and help him out. 

Reaper had never actually managed to get his ability to work to a degree where he could see an entire world’s death date, not even when he was traveling through the void to get from AU to AU. However, he had gotten to the point where he could see, or rather, feel when a large number of people were dying. It was definitely a useful ability for the main part of his job.

He was just about to leave for a new AU, deciding that he wasn’t going to get anywhere if he lingered here when he felt several thousands of humans and monsters die all at once. Smiling at his luck, he shortcutted out of his location to find the AU currently being destroyed. It certainly didn’t take as long for him to find as it used to, and upon stepping out of the void, he was greeted with a sea of blue strings and dust.

He recoiled for only a moment, needing to shake himself of the momentary shock of the carnage that had greeted him, and summoned his scythe to cut through strings in order to find their originator. That too didn’t take long, as the monster in question was facing off against the resident fallen human and Flowey, a seemingly blank look on his face.

“Why the hell are you attacking us?! We didn’t do anything wrong!” the Flowey screeched, ducking in and out of the ground while throwing weak pellet attacks. Error didn’t respond, only dodging the attacks from both flower and human to aim his own attacks at them.

Reaper could only watch for so long before the world started to deteriorate, a wall of white nothingness coming from all sides to meet in the middle. He quickly shortcutted behind Error and swung his scythe at him. The blow didn’t connect with the other’s skull, which was intended, instead the other had formed a glitchy black bone in his hand to block with. Reaper quickly noticed that the blank look that had been on the other’s face was fading, switching between confusion and seemingly growing horror.

“Y-yOu!” Error exclaimed, throwing his weight against the bone in his hand towards the other’s blade, successfully throwing Reaper a short distance away.

“Hey, human,” the god called out, keeping his gaze fixed firmly on the glitch in front of him, “start thinking about getting out of here. You aren’t gonna be able to fix this mess, so the sooner you get the Protector the better.”

He didn’t wait for a reply, once more aiming for damaging the Destroyer as much as possible with both magic and his scythe, the latter dodging each attempt with barely concealed fear. 

“S-StOp!” he dodged again, this time summoning strings to his hands and launching them at Reaper, “I DoN’t WaNt ThIs!”

“Do you think they wanted this?” 

The retort was met with a grimace, the strings from his hand being thrown and guided, despite Reaper’s attempts to avoid getting caught, even as they flew ever closer. Until one of the strings latched securely onto Reaper’s wrist.

Reaper flinched at first contact, but then looked in confusion as the supposed harmful intent was not present. He glanced back up at the Destroyer, frozen in his movements while black glitches filled his sockets. He seemed to be shaking, though his expression was unreadable. Reaper began tearing at the tether, hoping to not be attached to the other any longer than he needed to be, especially considering his inaction.

The magic quickly fell away, and Reaper only looked up long enough to see Error escaping into a portal. He reacted slowly, the fading magic felt familiar, almost nostalgic in a way for some reason, and he attempted to force through the other’s portal, only to be rejected. 

“Reaper, don’t bother with him,” a voice yelled from behind, “we need to get these two out of here!”

Reaper turned to see Ink holding the fallen human’s hand, with Flowey wrapped snugly around their arm. He nodded and shortcutted to the ink puddle they were near, jumping into it after them, as the world collapsed behind them.

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

Reaper had fully expected to find the inky portal unpleasant, which in a way it was since he couldn’t see anything, but it was a quick trip. When he wound up in the Doodle Sphere, he wasn’t as in awe as he thought he would be upon seeing the Protector’s home.

It was like the void, vast and mostly empty, but where the Void was dark and empty, the Doodle Sphere was bright with pages upon pages of doodles seemingly hanging in the air. He knew what they were, it was obvious from the way the page they were now in front of glitched and then vanished. The kid that was attached to Ink’s side whimpered at the empty space that once held their AU, but Ink didn’t seem to react. He only guided them up a path to a small cottage, and Reaper followed behind.

Upon entering, a small grayscale child stood by the door and looked straight at the human Ink had.

“I can take them from here, Ink.” they smiled, holding out a hand for the human, “I know a place where you can be safe, and there are many others like you.”

Reaper could tell that, although nervous, the rescued human was curious, and held onto the offered hand. The grayscale child nodded once to Ink before both they and the duo they had saved vanished. Once they had gone, Ink sighed loudly and walked further into the cottage to flop face down onto the couch that was near the door.

“So, uh, what now?” Reaper questioned.

“I take it things didn’t go well,” Dream’s voice sounded from further inside.

Reaper nodded, closing the door behind him and walked further into the house to find Dream sitting at a table in what resembled a kitchen/dining room. 

“I saw Error,” Reaper said, taking a seat across from the other “and we fought a bit. Though… it was strange.”

“How so?”

“Well, he never seemed to want to fight me, for some reason. Then, he landed an attack, one of his strings, and just… stopped.” he explained, Dream considering his words.

“Did anything else happen? That’s… definitely not something I or Ink has ever experienced.”

“When the attack got dispelled it felt… familiar.” Reaper sighed, rubbing at the spot the string has connected to, “I don’t think I’ve ever met the guy, but then why did I know his magic? Why was it so familiar?”

Dream looked unsure, glancing at the now snoring Ink on the couch before looking back to Reaper.

“I don’t have an answer for you, but if you’d like, I can try to find out.” Dream offered, uncertainty still lingering, “I can’t guarantee that I’ll find anything.”

“Any answers you find would be helpful. Thank you.”

[hclles-blog]

hey guys ! this has been sitting in drafts for at least a day now, but trust me when i say i’m as excited as i was when typing this fucking monster of an intro SDKFGJKFD but i’m jules, kard and clc supremacist and a struggling student about to apply to the english faculty of my uni ! like i said, this is a super long intro, so get settled as i introduce asteria’s resident skating brat halle, a bitch who overworks and doesn’t know how to chill long-term !! stats page is HERE for your reading pleasure, extensive plots and an extra list of options are linked accordingly !

jeon somin, cis female, she/her. — have you seen ( hyunmi “halle” chae ) around ( hecate ) ? they’re a ( twenty-two ) year old ( senior ) who’s majoring in ( kinesiology. ) i know they’re busy with ( dance club, women’s volleyball, and kappa delta sorority ), but you should tell them to check their latest starred rating ! ( jules, 21, she/her, gmt-3:30. )

honestly she is.. fucked sgjfsgdkl

this is mostly a carbon copy of an intro i’ve made for her in the past, so while some random points seem a Little dated or repetitive, they’re valid enough to stay here sfdlgkdg

i’ve had inspo for her after the olympics and rly wanted to use her somewhere, so if some things here seem a little.. idk, farfetched for your taste, we’ll pin it on that sfdgkdfj

this is her as popular vines

so chae hyunmi aka halle, ulsan born, raised in seoul and relocated to toronto, canada with her parents, little sis and partner to train bc..

she’s a figure skater, good enough to win ( .. junior ig ) titles when she was in her early teens, so it was only inevitable for her to leave for toronto to train with the Best eventually

she’s competed in international competitions, as part of a pair, and made her olympic debut in sochi by the skin of her teeth; her highest placement was third place ( not at sochi pls sgjkld she prob ranked in the top ten at best ), so she’s got a medal or two to her name

ultimately it was after sochi that she saw her coach and ( ex ) partner intervene with her.. unhealthy practicing habits

she’s a perfectionist through and through, so of course she’d spend hours on the ice at just seventeen/eighteen years old, even younger tbh, to get a routine right. but she pushed herself harder and harder, where small missteps would lead her to fall hard and recover for days on end, even spraining her ankle just before competition season was to begin

so when her coach insisted she take a break, her parents following suit, it was with good reason — one that she didn’t fucking see fsdkgkl

even so, them pushing her to prioritize education for a bit, to get ahead of the skaters who would prob only be able to do so upon retirement in a good few years’ time, and hanging up her skates until she saw it as.. less than something she needed to abuse herself to feel comfortable with, for as long as they would do so led to her resolve shattering and her applying for universities in canada, the us and sk ( the sly brat reasoned that it’d be nice to be reconnect with her roots.. for the sake of having something going for her beyond just competing in pyeongchang ! )

but the latter wound up being a bust bc she opted for asteria u, close to some of the popular yet secluded skate clubs the greats went to during their off-season training.. and before tr*mp got elected bc she would’ve cancelled everything, demanded her money and scholarships back, had she arrived after that LSDFGJFKLD

should be noted that her grades were good, she had a super brief volunteering stint and she’s a rising star ( well, was.. the bitch wouldn’t be competing again anytime soon to keep herself where she was within the skating circuit ) in her favoured sport, so she deemed all of this inevitable sfkljfdgk

though the school didn’t and still doesn’t offer its own skate club so, that was a slight drawback for the invested bitch

the transition wasn’t too hard ofc; she got comfortable with the campus and was back on the ice in no time, joining one of those aforementioned skate clubs under her parents’ noses and making the most of it as comeback/olympics prep

she saw herself as poised to be added to the roster once again, now a singles prospect after a major falling out with her longtime partner for one too many dumb bitch moves, and was desperate for it; however the stars didn’t align back in 2017 during her sophomore year, when she just missed obtaining qualification while now on canada’s roster on a technicality, and nothing could’ve compared to the agony that was missing her chance in something she invested sm practice, time and compliance with the people around her to pull through and get to pyeongchang

she’s still distraught over it, it’s been a couple of years since that happened and she gets emo real quick, misty-eyed if you bring it up ( she uh, has issues with moving on from things if you can’t tell )

suffice to say she resents her coach for his minor contribution in fucking her and himself over, dropped him out of anger ( a move she.. does feels bad abt on a personal level but professionally ?? pft ) and linked up with one back in toronto who she’ll begin seeing when she’s “ prepared ” to give it a shot again

meaning she’s currently on hiatus from the sport, but she knows a good few people think her career is Over now — and it pisses her the Fuck off

studying kinesiology despite wanting to be a skating coach when she retires as a competitor, bc she rly loves being active and thinks she’d be a resource in the field down the line ok ??

anyways, she’s found new things to invest her time in, such as the sorority, dance club and volleyball

dance helps with the choreo for her routines.... or Did, but we all know she’s still doing Some amount of skating on the side so

and it helps in areas where muscle memory and years of flexibility can’t quite do so

volleyball’s a great second option for her as a sport, mostly bc she can exert as much of her frequent frustration as possible into a game and act like it’s just her being into it. though she really can be That competitive, as you can see, rather than bratty

so, moving onto other things —

personality and other shit

she is.. a mess rly

inflexible, independent, charismatic, etc

most of her actual personality is further down oops dsfgjklfg

kinda detached ?? like she doesn’t want too many distractions and she deems relationships as the fucking Worst for it.. she’s had some pals from skating with potential go downhill when they got too deep with certain partners or just with too many side hobbies, social obligations, so she’s trying to be level-headed while not destroying her social life ?

idk it’s hard to explain, she’s an enigma even to me in that area

only dated once or twice. the first time being when she was like nine. with her first pairs partner that she quickly ditched.

not.. super sexually active either ( rip ?? )

but she’s been Involved with people so fdskng

on the ice, or just in whatever she’s applying herself to, she’s domineering and blunt, v strict on herself though she’s slacked off a bit over the years.. so imagine how self-disciplined — in the worst of ways — she was when she was younger

with a rigorous work ethic like hers, her being a leader among those at the local skating club implies that she’d be strict too with what little power she has.. but she’s kinda chill overall ?? tho you still have to get your twizzles right before the end of the day, don’t care that the hockey players will be out in two ! let’s go !

uh.. her attitude carries over with a Lot of things. she especially has no time for people who are Committed to their sport but show poor performances bc of laziness, distractions, etc. so brace your kids for hurricane halle ??

call her ice queen. try it. try it. GKFDJKGDSF she hates that nickname 95% of the time, usually bc she assumes people are basing it off of her initial/professional demeanour first and her passion second

she rly just has a hard shell where it matters, aka her career and stuff, but is a semi-precious gem overall

or, for a better way to describe it though it sounds like i’m just repeating myself: she gives off Proper head bitch vibes ( subtract the Need to feel powerful in being a piece of shit to anyone who walks past you ) but she’s really just a blunt and serious brat with a super dry and at times menacing sense of humour

she won’t hesitate to call you out on your shit or make it clear that she doesn’t like you, though, even if she appears cordial on the surface

as a result, hockey players HATE her !

bc she rips into them the most for frequently poor experiences with her fellow ice people. most of which are them hogging her reserved practice time, and being thirsty and pretentious dicks about it within and outside of the arena

kind of dramatic and a meme ngl, curses quite a bit, whips out korean or her conversational-level french far too often — especially if she’s shit-talking bc you made an ugly choice but is trying to be a Supportive Friend

english name came from halle berry bc hyunmi thought she was rly pretty on all the red carpets her mom would have on growing up sfgdkjflk

unwinds with the usual netflix and wine

oH also prob still hurts herself by overworking, especially after That Lost Opportunity, i hate

she’s pan but..... girls disappoint her far less than guys so she has a preference djfgskgdkf

all of that being said, it clearly plays into how she’s perceived by others, so —

her view and reception on starred

she..... probably doesn’t do too hot tbh

well. maybe she Does if starred's social ladder resembled most high school/college shows, movies.... rps, but it doesn't really so —

in all fairness, she probably does do better than i'm assuming rn bc.. she Is a character of sorts, who knows gskfksl but MOVING ON !

her blunt and kinda snarky attitude is partially Why she hates this point system, bc people tend to kiss ass just so they aren’t given a low rating whereas she can only hold back about 5% of her unfiltered opinion — but that’s IT !

tbh she relies heavily on her involvement in extracurriculars, and especially her public image from her glory days, more so than she herself to keep her head above water

so she looks entitled from that alone

given the way i’ve played her in the past, ik she might come across as a hbic type: thinks she’s the best ( which.. she kinda does sjkfgd ), savours the power she tries to or does in fact exert, doesn’t come across as particularly sympathetic or nice, etc

but she’s just a shit disturber with thick skin and a slight kink for receiving admiration and respect, puts herself first a little too much

in fact, she doesn’t really Care to hold people by a leash, but yeah, it can come across much differently since her tone never really Shifts if she doesn’t know you well, doesn’t trust you, knows you’re naive with such things, doesn’t like you, is just fucking around or in a sour mood.... the list goes on

so if your character focuses on who’s the nicest or most cheerful when giving high ratings, makes a v quick judgment on their character from a first impression, she’s gonna be near the bottom of their list dfsghkfgj

and like i said, she doesn’t care for the system Enough to change any of this, so she gets by

KDFJGSKFL uh, let’s end it there bc this is painfully long — congratulations if you’ve made it to the end of this intro from hell ! if anyone wants to plot, like this or im me !! ( ps, if you prefer d*scord like yours truly, just ask for it or send me yours ! )

[tracklist-fic]

Tracklist Fic | 0 / Prelude

Title: Tracklist | An original, mature, Ed Sheeran fanfic CO-AUTHORED BY: @tea-and-toblerones and @sippin-on-red-wine Rating: Mature (SMUTS my dahhhling, SMUTS)

Note: ARE YOU GUYS FREAKING OUT????!!! CAUSE WE ARE! This will be a full-fledged Chapter fic. We are DYING to know what you think so please comment/reblog/inbox/anon and spill the beans!

"You nervous Jac? Today's the big day. The first client you'll handle yourself. Now this is a big step but I have faith you'll do just fine."

I took a deep breath in an attempt to hide my nerves. This was the first day I was at the controls. I had been looking forward to this day for weeks. As soon a Mark had brought up that he'd be comfortable letting me handle stuff solo or as he described it guidance from afar, I felt the butterflies hit. It's what I've been working so hard towards. Now that it was finally happening I couldn't believe it. He paused outside the recording room, his hand on the door knob.

"Now, I've put you with our easiest client. They're laid back, not harsh, not overly critical. They're patient and are completely understanding." They must be the closest thing to training wheels I get. "They're also very hands on with the whole process so you'll be working pretty long days elbow to elbow with them." His voice grew a little sterner, "Now I will be checking over your work to make sure it's up to snuff and will sit in on a few sessions just to make sure you're doing everything correctly."  His face broke into a smile, all previous sternness gone. "Now, are you ready to see who you're going to be working with?"

I nod, taking another deep breath, my excitement levels creeping up to near maximum. This is it. My dream is finally coming true. This is my first big step in the music world.

Mark opens the door, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with who's ever on the other side of the door. He turns back to me, motioning for me to come in. My eyes grow wide in shock when I'm staring Ed Sheeran in the face. I thought I had caught a glimpse of surprise flash behind his eyes but whatever I saw was quickly replaced with a warm and friendly smile.

Oh no.

"Jac, I'd like you to meet Ed." Mark smiles, practically bouncing with excitement. Oh no, no... "Ed, this is my intern and apprentice Jaclyn."

Ed offered out his hand, which I took, the shock still evident on my face. Ed smiled as he grasped my hand "It's a pleasure to meet you. Jaclyn. I have a feeling we're going to get along just fine."

This can't be happening.

Mark laughed, clapping his hands together, the sudden loud noise making me flinch. "I knew you'd be surprised that it's such a huge powerhouse in the music world. It was worth keeping it all a surprise from you just to see your reaction!  Not only is he huge, this is his big album after coming back from a year's hiatus!" He was still beaming, "We won't start anything serious until tomorrow so I'll leave you two to figure out scheduling and whatever else might need ironed out." He shook Ed's hand one more time before walking out the door.

As soon as Mark left I sank down into the couch, grinding the heels of my hands into my eyes. I hear Ed’s footsteps growing closer to me. I expected to feel the couch sag beside me but the soft shuffle told me he had decided to perch himself on the table instead. I raised my head to see him staring at me with a smug look on his face, his arms coming up, crossing his chest.

"Fancy meeting you here, Jac."

This is a nightmare.

THE NIGHT BEFORE…..

It was just a typical Wednesday night at Copperstill, the bourbon bar I worked at part-time to help pad my lowly intern-salary. It had that 'modern rustic’ vibe that’s so on-trend, which basically means it's filled with expensive new pieces that are made to look old and scuffed up. Whatever. It was more than supplemental to my income, and that's what mattered. It wasn't uncommon to see well-known or well-off patrons in the bar, which meant Big Tips. That's what I'm about.

Unfortunately one of the regular customers is my skeezy ex-boyfriend, Dylan, and his little posse of frat-boy idiot friends. They drink cheap beer, shoot pool, call each other by their last names only.. and oh, they don't tip well.

When Dylan (Newman, to his 'bros’) and I broke up, he actually tried to 'claim’ this bar as his, saying it's the main hangout for his 'crew’. Even though I’ve worked here for years. Asshat. Obviously I'm not quitting the job that pays most of my bills, so here we are, unwillingly spending a lot of time sharing the same oxygen.

I wasn't proud to admit that it hadn't exactly been a clean break, if you know what I mean. There's a fair bit of alcohol DRINKING involved with being the person doing the alcohol SERVING, what a novel idea. Anyway, that usually meant that by the end of the night, I was buzzed and a little horny. Dylan was an asshat, sure, but he still had a six pack. What can I say, your girl's got needs. And he can be really great, sometimes. I hadn't really gotten closure from our messy break-up.

But Dylan was in rare form tonight, hitting on a particularly fake-looking blonde in the bar. Fun times.

At least it was pretty steady, plenty of patrons coming in and out. I was slinging drinks left and right and time had been flying. Until I noticed a certain ginger-haired celebrity quietly slip in and take a seat at the bar.

His signature tattoos were covered by the long sleeves of a plaid flannel shirt, buttons agape, hanging open, a plain white tee peeking out underneath. He was semi-incognito in a black baseball cap, but his coppery-red hair was untidy and stuck out in tufts under his hat. I took his order and hearing the British accent made it official: Ed Sheeran was in my bar… alone.

We often had lesser-known or less recognizable celebrities here, not quite anyone of his caliber. I mean, there's only one #1 streamed artist in the world and… yup, he’s it. But between my experience at the bar, and the handful of popular musicians I had worked with so far in my internship, I wasn't too badly starstruck. In the beginning it had surprised me how these people were just… people. They talked about the weather or news and ate the same things I did and overall, just wanted to be treated normally. And so I got Ed Sheeran a cold pint and went about my job.

“Yo! Jac! Round of Snakebites for the boys?” Dylan just shouted clear across the bar, instead of coming up and ordering something like a decent human being. I pretended not to hear him. I'm a bartender, not a medieval beer wench.

I was at the end of the bar refilling the beer cooler when I noticed Ed trying to flag me down, so I wiped my hands on my jean shorts and made my way over to where he was perched up on his barstool.

“Hi again. Do you have food here?” He asked, rather politely. I reached back next to the till and grabbed a menu.

“Not a huge selection, but everything we have is great. Here, have a look,” and I casually handed him the one-sheet menu. He glances at it quickly.

“Alright, I'll have the loaded fries, please. But could you do salsa on the side? And maybe skip the bacon, oh and and I don’t like the onions. Actually, no jalapenos either, please, I got wicked heartburn last time I had them.”

“So… you want cheese fries?”

“Well, we call it ‘chips & cheese’ in England but.. erm, yeah, I guess I do.”

“No problem, I'll put that in for you. Shouldn't take too long… cause, y’know.. No toppings.”

He snorted, apparently able to laugh at his own expense. I appreciated that about him.

“Say, is this satellite TV?” He asked, pointing up to the neat row of flatscreens mounted above the bar. I nodded. “Could you turn the football game on?”

“Uh, yeah, it’s Wednesday, there’s no football on tonight.” I grimaced internally, realizing that I actually knew the days of the week that NFL games were played. Another awesome thing I gained from my relationship with Douchey Dylan.

“No, love, football. Footie? Soccer?” First of all, who ya calling ‘love’, buddy? Second, he was flailing his hands all around as he talked. Kinda weird.

“Oh, yeah, I gotcha. You’ve been away from America too long, evidently.”

“It’s my first week back, actually, I’ve been--”

“Away. Out of the spotlight for a while.” I finished for him, matter-of-factly. I caught a glimpse of the macho men behind Ed’s shoulder doing some kind of secret bro handshake.

“How’d you…?”

“Who doesn’t know? Wasn’t born yesterday, man. Shit, do people ever really pretend not to know who you are? You don’t exactly blend into a crowd, no offense.”

“Cheers to that,” He held up his pint glass to toast me.

“Oh, I’m not drinking tonight.”

Just then, one of Dylan’s friends moseyed up onto the bar. He was wearing a light-wash denim jeans, the kind that are distressed before you buy them, and a super tight black tee shirt. It looked like it came from Baby Gap.

“Where are the Snakebites?” he asked.

“Uh, no one ordered any?” I retorted.

“Didn’t you hear Newman before?”

I rolled my eyes and went to work making a tray of the disgusting shots. The sour, gold liquid sloshed out of the shot glasses on the tray when I slid it back in front of one of the gorilla guys. “Thirty eight dollars.” The guy threw down two crumpled twenty dollar bills, took the tray and left.

“You’re right, I have been away from America a long time. Do people talk to you like that all time?” Ed asked.

“No, they’re just a special kind of stupid.” I shrugged, tilting my head over to the group of guys.

I cashed out the shots order at the register and then decided to pour myself a cocktail after all. The bar had cleared out a little bit, and to be honest, I needed a little something to take the edge off. Especially if I was going to have to watch Dylan subtly flexing his muscles in front of the blonde bimbo he was trying to impress.

I mixed myself a double and stuck a straw in, taking a long sip.

“Changed your mind about that drink?” Ed Sheeran piped in again. Probably shouldn’t have come to the bar alone if you’re in a chatty mood, pal.

“Turns out I’m gonna need it.”

“What’s that you’re drinking?”

“I call it a Painkiller. Vodka, tequila and grapefruit juice.”

“I’ll take one of those next, please.”

Ed ……..

She seemed like a really cool girl. Something feisty about her, too. ‘Spose you need that to be a bartender, especially since douche-bag fuckboys tended to travel in packs. Watching her work had won my attention over the footie match. She was polite to other patrons, but not overly peppy or talkative. All about business. I cracked up when one of the Ed Hardy jean-wearing guys put on some kind of EDM song on the TouchTunes, and she promptly switched it off and replaced it with a Jimi Hendrix tune, Watchtower.

I couldn’t help but admire her long, toned legs, her skin tanned from the California sun. She was wearing these high-waisted denim shorts that fit her body like a glove, and this pretty white tanktop that was all made up of rope and straps in the back, her tan skin peeking through the whole way down. But the shirt was modest in the front and she had finished off the outfit with a pair of teal blue chucks. Her sandy-blonde hair was pulled up into a ponytail high on her head, the long waves spilling out and running down her neck. Her eyes were green, I think. I wanted to get a closer look.

She was gorgeous, no argument there.

I watched her pull out a tube of chapstick and apply some to her lips, which looked full and soft and were a pale raspberry color. I found myself first wondering what they would taste like…. And as she tucked the little tube back down into the denim of her shorts, fitted so snugly on her tight hips, I couldn't help but wonder what she would taste like in other places, too...

Jac……..

A couple hours had passed. Dylan was open-mouthed kissing the blonde in front of the dart board while several of his ‘bros’ cheered him on. I’d had enough Painkillers that I knew I would most definitely have a headache at work in the morning. And Ed Sheeran just seemed to get chattier and chattier the more he drank. Which is great, unless you’re a miserable, sarcastic bitch, like myself. Blonde Bimbo was all giggles and lip bites and pouty faces. All that stuff was so not me. No wonder you’re going home alone, J.

“... so yeah, it’s at this really cool old theatre, ‘The Time’, have you heard of it?” Oh, was Ed still talking?

“Sorry, what?” You asked, not bothering to hide the fact that you totally weren’t paying attention.

He laughed. “You seem distracted.”

“Sorry,” I wasn't sure what to say. Sorry, my ex-boyfriend-still-lover has practically unlatched his jaw to suck face with a Barbie-doll lookalike right in front of me? Sorry, you're a Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter and even *that* can't snap me out of the downward spiral I'm in?

“Do you want to hang out sometime? Maybe get a proper drink when you're off work, catch a movie or something?”

Wait, what?

“Are you seriously asking me out?” I asked, incredulously. “Uh, you don't even know my name.”

“Well, yeah, I guess I am innit?” He flashed a dopey grin my way.

“Hey, I’m flattered, I’m just not really… looking...”

“Have you got a boyfriend?” He asked.

“Nope.”

“Girlfriend?”

I could feel my face getting flushed. Was Ed Sheeran seriously asking me on a date? He shifted his posture and ran a hand through his hair, fluffing it up again. I couldn't help but wonder how it would feel to do that to him...

I snapped back to reality.

“Nope. Just not really looking to, ah, date, right now.”

“Does that mean you're open to other… activities?” Ed shrugged off the flannel shirt, exposing the rainbow designs splashed all up and down his arms. Was he suddenly warm, or trying to illustrate a point?

Either way, it got my attention.

“I hadn't pegged you as a hit-it-and-quit-it kinda guy,” I replied, straightening my posture a bit. I was suddenly a little more aware of my physical presence, clad in short denim cutoffs that bordered on the line of distasteful, but kept the tip jar flowing.

“No -- I’m, that's not what I meant --” he stammered.

I glanced up at the clock. “Well, my shift is ending in about twenty minutes.” I said, matter-of-factly.

His jaw hung open a bit. “Okay. I'm do--, okay, yeah.”

“My place.”

“Okay. Are you going to tell me your name, now?”

“I don't really think you need my name, just for… activities.”

I had told Ed to meet outside by my car while I punched out. I slipped out the backdoor of the bar and sure enough, there he was, leaning up against my car with a sly grin painted across his face.

Okay, Jac, here's your last chance. Is this really a good idea? No? But he looks so… fucking sexy.

I crossed the small parking lot to where he was standing. I reached out to touch him, apprehensive at first, but then he pulled my face into his and his lips were on mine and they were pillow soft, but still rough and pressing on mine. All apprehension flew out the window at that moment.

The kiss breathed life into me, and I grasped his shoulders and pressed his back flat up against the side of my little SUV, letting my tongue implore his mouth, finally breaking that barrier. He was a really, really great kisser. His hands explored my body while our tongues explored each other's mouths. I really wanted to touch his silky mop of ginger hair, so I reached out and removed his ball cap, placing it backwards on my own head instead. He took advantage of my slight distraction and flipped me up against the car, his palms rubbing down my sides and onto my hips as I dug into that wild mess of red curls, threading my fingers through it, it's even better than I expected... He pressed the full length of his body against mine, and I was surprised to feel his cock already hardening through his jeans. Fucking hot.

I broke our connection, both of us coming up for air from that long and heady kiss. He pulled away from my body and I pouted instantly, I wanted him back, the pressure of his body felt so good, so right…

“How far is your place?” He breathed.

“Twenty minutes or so?” I was already panting.

“...Fuck.” Yeah, man, me too. Me. Too. Twenty minutes suddenly seemed like an eternity.

I grabbed the handle to the rear passenger door and swung it open. “In.” It wasn't a question.

He slipped into the warm, black leather backseat and I climbed up in after him, straddling his lap.

I could finally reach his mouth again and ravaged it with enthusiasm, the kiss turning more and more frenzied as my hips bucked around over the top of his pelvis.

He was the one to break away this time.“Damn… you are so beautiful… let me see you?” And he tugged up at the hem of my top, yanking it up and over my head.

My tank was sort of backless, so I hadn't worn a bra.

But Ed was all over me, his flattened hands running over my belly, my ribcage, my lower back, his mouth on my neck, and decolletage, then shoulder...

He stopped just short of my breasts, his hands pulling away from my body. “Please, just tell me your name?”

I deflected, burying my face into his neck and sucking on his sweet skin, relishing the feel of my nipples dragging across the soft fabric of his teeth shirt, the way my legs settled on either side of his lap.

His hands ran down my back now, instead, tracing my spine, his fingertips dancing over my skin. I took a little nip at the spot just below and behind his earlobe, and he moaned out into the backseat of my Jeep.

Even through both of our jeans I could feel the outline of his dick, straining at his zipper, wanting to break free.

“God damnit,” I cursed under my breath.

“What's wrong?” His voice was so sweet. You can drop the good-guy act, dude, we're about to fuck and never see each other again.

“I need to drive. Us. To my apartment. Right now.”

“You're going to need a shirt, then.”

He followed directly behind me on the stairs up to my apartment, I can only imagine he was staring at my ass as I climbed each step. I stopped in front of my door and pulled my keys out, Ed wrapped up my body from behind, his mouth on my neck, his hands sliding down my stomach, his erection pressed up against me. I finally found the right key and inserted it in the deadbolt.

As soon as the door swung open, it was game over. He slammed it shut behind us, locking the deadbolt again. His eyes were hungry, his lips painted a pretty kiss-stung shade of pink. He came at me, pulling my face up into his, those pretty lips crashing into my own as he walked me backwards until we were pressed up against the refrigerator in my tiny kitchen. Thankfully I had left the light on above the sink.

He quickly pulled off my tanktop again, this time going straight for my breasts. He took a nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue over the little pink bud, sucking in. “Fuck,” I spat out, the sensation taking me by surprise. He replaced his mouth with two fingers, rolling my left nipple between them while his mouth moved to my other breast, repeating the same swirling and sucking while I gasped for air.

The door handle of the fridge was digging into my back, but I didn't even care, everywhere he was touching me was just buzzing. I wanted more.

“Bedroom,” I gasped out.

He removed his mouth, taking a step back. He looked 100% fuckable in that moment, the dim glow from the kitchen sink light illuminating all of his edges; the wiry scruff of his facial hair, his biceps clearly visible beneath the short sleeve of his white t-shirt.

I grabbed him by the hand and led him through my small apartment, into my small, cozy bedroom. The curtains were open, starlight pouring in through the window pane.

Ed closed my bedroom door behind us, and it was my turn to de-clothe him. I pulled his t-shirt up and over his head in one swift motion. The belt buckle was next, but my hands were trembling with urgency and I couldn't quite get it unclasped. He reached forward and did it for me, unbuttoning his jeans as soon as the belt buckle was freed. I took over from there, crouching down to yank his jeans and boxers down, watching in awe as his cute, fuzzy thighs appeared right before me. He picked up each foot in turn, letting me clear away the pile of fabric at each ankle.

I straightened back up and turned him around, walking him backwards toward my bed, then pushed him down onto it. He adjusted himself, dragging his body up the bed a bit until his head hit the pillows.

I shucked off my denim shorts, and the thong I wore underneath that was now soaked through with my arousal.

I crawled onto the bed, toward the headboard, and reached down to my nightstand to pull the little drawer open. I rummaged through it, reaching toward the back and found the little foil packet I was after.

I straddled Ed, clutching the little condom wrapper like it was my own personal Golden Ticket. His hands settled on my hips instantly, and I leaned into his neck again to suck and kiss and tease him, a strong little vein popping forward as he tilted his head back to release a soft groan.

Holy shit, his whole chest is tatted, I realized, as I shimmied down his body. The starlight was bright enough only to show me the mix of colors running over every inch of his chest, I couldn't make out what any of the designs were. Oh well.

Just a short trip down his belly and I found a soft trail of little coppery hairs leading to my prize: his cock, thick and rock-hard, curving up slightly toward his stomach. I tentatively wrapped my fingers around it and wow, was he ready to go. His cock literally pulsed in my hand as I tightened my grip. I had just intended to slip the condom on him but in that moment, fuck it, I just had to have a taste.

I let my lips fall open, tongue flattening as I lowered my mouth on his shaft. I flicked my tongue over his slit, then took his plump head in my mouth, lubricating it with my saliva. I let my tongue trace the outline of his ridge while my hand still grasped the base of his cock, pumping it softly. He was moaning again, his hips pushing up into my mouth.

I took his whole length into my mouth, and his hands crept up to my head, his hand gently grasping my ponytail. I bobbed up and down on his length a few times, taking his length deeper into my mouth on each pass.

I left a sloppy kiss over his head and eased off, sitting back on my heels. I ripped open the little foil packet and pulled the condom out, grasping the base of his cock as I rolled the little latex barrier down over his erection. “God, you look so sexy doing that…” his voice trailed off.

Once the condom was snugly covering his cock, I crawled forward, suspending my body over his. I leaned in for a quick kiss, biting his bottom lip as I pulled away.

I raised up my hips, gripping his shaft as I lined up my opening with his tip. I sank down slowly onto his cock, easing myself onto him inch by inch. His sex was so wide, so thick - he filled me up to the max, it was crazy hot. Ed apparently thought so too, as he took on a sharp breath and sputtered “...so tight, damn it…”

Once I had taken his full length into me, I took a deep breath and started to rock up and down on his cock, pressing my hands to his chest for leverage. The tip of his penis stroked my very back wall, dragging across it over and over again as I rode him in my bed, our bodies illuminated by the night sky outside.

I leaned over his chest, grabbing fistfuls of his hair as his tongue explored my mouth, his strong hands gripping my hips as I bounced up and down on his thick cock.

This kiss was sloppy, swapping saliva as we took turns groaning into each other's mouths. The new angle had my clit grinding against his pubic bone and it felt so fucking good. It had been a long, LONG time since I had climaxed during sex.

I broke away from his mouth, burying my face in his neck again as I grabbed at his hair, probably pulling enough for it to hurt. If it did, he didn't say anything.

“That's right, baby, grind your pretty little clit on me…” He muttered in my ear, his hands rocking me over and over him.

I was whimpering, I couldn't help it, the mix of sensations overwhelming me as he thrust into me over and over, my clit delighting in the pressure of our bodies coming together.

“I'm -- I’m --” I gasped out.

“Yeah? You gonna come all over my cock? Let me have it,” his voice shifted, low and growly in his throat and I was putty in his hands, I had no option but to obey and I cried out as my orgasm took over, my walls tightening around him as I held my breath and clenched my thighs around him and held my grip on his damp curls.

He flipped us both over, his erection fit snugly inside me the whole way. He adjusted the pillow beneath my head and left a kiss on my jaw. “You okay to keep going, love? Do you want me to stop?”

“No, no, more -- I want more,” I muttered, still trying to catch my breath.

He took my words to heart as he leaned forward, resting all of his bodyweight on his forearms, and withdrew his cock from me super slowly, then thrust into me again, hard, the sound of skin hitting skin reverberating around the room.

“Yes, just like that,” I cried out.

He sped up, sinking his rigid shaft into me in perfect rhythm, his eyes trained on our connection. I watched him as he watched his own cock sink into my pink flesh.

“D’you like what you see?” I asked, calling him out for his intentful stare.

He glanced up at me, a smirk plastered across his face. “Caught me..” he said, tucking his bottom lip into his mouth as he went back to watching as he fucked me slowly. His beautiful blue eyes shifted back up to mine. “You’re just so gorgeous, every inch of you… I want to taste you…” and before I knew it, he pulled out of me and was flat on his tummy, pushing my knees up, burying his head between my legs.

His mouth was on me in an instant, his tongue dipping into my folds. He licked and sucked on every inch of my slit before finally zeroing in on my clit. He hummed, the vibrations spilling over my sensitive little bud and I couldn't help but buck my hips up into his face, grabbing fistfuls of sheets on either side of me.

“Fuck -- do that again,” All manners were out the window at this point.

He obliged, humming again over my clit as he tongue stroked and flicked and then he one-upped himself, slipping a finger in my wet entrance, adding another layer of pleasure.

I groaned, wriggling my hips under his face, admiring his golden-copper hair fluffed up between my legs. “Don't stop,” I breathed, which apparently only served to egg him on more. He sank a second finger into me, stroking forward on my front wall as he went to town on my clit.

He hummed one last time and it was like he struck a match in just the exactly perfect way to make it light up in flames. White hot fire spread through my veins, branching out in all directions from my core as I tried to stifle my shouts. My heart thudded in my chest as I released my grip on the sheets and, once again, threaded my fingers through his hair, wanting to pull his beautiful mouth away from my sensitive clit.

He moved up my body and I pulled his mouth into mine, tasting myself on his tongue, kissing him open-mouthed so I could try to catch my breath again. That orgasm had absolutely wrecked me. I never had expected him to be such a skilled lover

“Want you.. to come.. for me now,” I said, breathlessly, inhaling on each pause.

He brushed the stray flyaway hairs off my face, staring up into my eyes. “Can I take you from behind? Is that okay?”

I leaned forward, pushing him up off of me, and flipped onto my hands and knees in front of him, which I imagine was a better visual than just saying, “Yes.”

He lined up with my entrance again and pushed in, filling me back up with his girthy shaft. I moaned, everything was so sensitive down there and the angle from behind was so different than before. Once he was buried in me, his hands found my waist and pulled me back into him, my hips meeting each thrust as he fucked me.

There's no way I could come a third time but holy shit did that feel good, so satisfying, just feeling his hips thrust into me as he pulled my body back onto him and I knew, I knew without looking that his stare was fixed down on my ass, watching as he buried his cock in me, probably admiring the way my ass swayed with each thrust, increasingly harder on each pass.

“Yes, fuck me, fill me up,” I choked out, pausing each time he entered me.

“Gonna -- come -” he warned, his breath hitched, his grip on my waist tightening.

Five or six strokes later and he pulled me into him one last time, holding me there, groans tumbling from his mouth as he emptied himself into the little latex barrier. I found myself wishing he hadn't worn the condom, the thought was just there in my head before I could make sense of it. Don't be stupid, Jac.

He held us still for a moment, probably collecting himself, before pulling out of me. I was so exhausted from my orgasms that I collapsed down onto the bed, rolling to lie on my side as he crawled out of my bed.

“There's tissues there, on my desk, wastebasket below it,” I panted. I watched as he crossed over to my little writing desk, cleaning up and disposing then used condom.

I expected him to slide back into his boxers and jeans but he came back to the bed, instead, sidling in next to me.

“That was really nice,” he said, a kind of daydream-like quality to his voice.

“Yeah, it was,” I agreed, wondering when he was going to leave.

“Do you mind if I stay the night?”

Oh.

“I've actually got work pretty early in the morning…” It was a lame excuse, sure. But we had been clear about this being a one-night thing.

“Please? I can leave early in the morning. I just.. I don't want to sleep alone tonight…”

“Okay, fine. That's fine.”

He slipped under the covers and I flipped around to my other side, my back facing him. Before long, we were both asleep.

My head was throbbing as my alarm rang out (“Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel).

Ed was closer to my nightstand, so he grabbed my cell and handed it over to me to turn the alarm off. He slipped out of bed, finding his underwear in the pile of clothes on the floor and swiftly pulled them on. He dressed himself in last night's clothes as I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, sitting up in bed with the sheets pulled over my naked breasts. Can't believe I let him sleep here.. NAKED. Fuck. Such a big day at work. Why did I have to go *there* last night? I'm supposed to be an adult. Ugh.

“I want to ask for your name, again, but I have a feeling you'll turn me down. Can I at least leave you my number?”

What does this guy not understand about a one night stand?

“Look, that's really sweet and all. But please don't. You're nice, and you're good in bed. But this was a one-time thing. I’m sure you won't be in town for long anyway. Sorry. I've got to jump in the shower so I can get to work on time…” I had avoided eye contact with him throughout my little speech.

“I understand. I'll head out then. It was nice meeting you, mystery girl.” He leaned down and left a peck on my forehead, then let himself out of my room. I breathed a sigh of relief and tried to give myself a pep talk. I really needed to get up and moving so I could make it to the studio before Mark got in.

A moment later I heard the deadbolt open and my front door open and shut. I had forgotten to listen for that when he left my bedroom. I got up to re-lock the door and saw a note on the my coffee table as I walked naked through my living room.

It was his phone number, etched out in slanty chicken scratch, his name signed below it.

Thanks for reading!

[aesjae]

Walk You Home | Chen Le

hiatus special scenario this is a special scenario for @markcherrybaksu, as a mini birthday gift :-)

Summary: "Let me walk you home."

Style/ Genre: Scenario/ Fluff maybe

Word Count: 2,569

Date Posted: 17 Oct 2017

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to (Y/N), happy birthday to you~” Your group of friends who were surrounding you chorused harmoniously, a light and cheery mood dancing in the air.

You looked at the cake that your friends had brought in. It was a simple, yet wholeheartedly decorated cake. It was a plain, white frosted round cake, the surface of the cake having been evened out smoothly. On the side of the cake, a strip of elegant lace twirled around the circumference of the confectionary, a mini red ribbon bow holding the two ends of the lace together. In neatly spelt out velvet coloured frosting, the top of the cake read ‘Blessed birthday (Y/N)’. 

You stared at the cake, enamoured of its simplistic beauty. A hand was automatically brought up to cover your gaping mouth, your friends’ sincere efforts rendering you speechless as gratefulness spilt over the walls of your heart. 

“I-I... This is wonderful guys... I can’t express how I feel right now. Thank you all so much.”

You glanced around at your circle of friends, only to be greeted by their wide grins. 

These friends were all from your tuition class. Since most of them did not attend the same school as you did, you were never really that close to any of them. Hence, you never thought that they would know your birthday, what more plan a birthday celebration for you. Throughout the whole 2 hours of tuition lesson, your tuition mates were all nonchalant to and did not show any signs to the significance of the date. When a group of them abruptly suggested to hang out at the new cafe nearby after lessons, you didn’t think much about it and just went along with the plans. 

“Hehe, I hope you enjoyed your surprise,” Yoon Hye who was standing beside me giggled. You looked at my best friend. You were lucky that your best friend was in the same tuition class as you were, as when you first started attending the tuition class, it was not as awkward for you to blend in since Yoon Hye was practically a social butterfly. Wherever she went, you followed. Gradually, you managed to become friends or at least good acquaintances with everyone in our tuition class.

“Did you suggest this?” Your voice thinned with playful accusation, you frowned and pursed your lips in sceptic.

“Oh, well, it wasn’t me actually,” Yoon Hye said with an enormous grin on her face. What’s with that expression? “It was Chen Le who suggested this surprise.” 

Chen Le?

Suddenly, the significance behind Yoon Hye’s huge smile struck you. Being your best friend in school and in tuition class, Yoon Hye was well aware that you had a tiny crush on Zhong Chen Le, who was initially only your tuition mate before he unexpectedly transferred into your school this year. 

Your eyes skimmed across your circle of friends.

Jeno... Jaemin... Taehee... Mark... Daehwi... Minjae... And lastly, Chen Le.

Your eyes locked with Chen Le’s, and you witnessed Chen Le rub the nape of his neck, clearly embarrassed after Yoon Hye’s revelation. 

“Yeah, Chen Le suggested this about a week ago, that was how most of us got to know your birthday.” Jaemin perked.

“Haha... Erm, yeah, I did. I hope you enjoyed what we planned for you.” Chen Le glanced up at you, an awkward chuckle escaping his lips.

You felt the tips of your cheeks warming up and you unconsciously fiddled with the ends of your fingers under the table.

“Yes, I really liked this. Thank you, Chen Le. Thank you, everyone.”

Everybody gleamed brightly, satisfied with their successful birthday plan. But amongst everybody’s glistening smiles, only the Chinese boy’s shimmered with the most vibrant glow.

“Goodbye, guys, and happy birthday once again (Y/N)!” Daehwi exclaimed, his arms waving frantically at the rest of us as he ran for his coming bus. 

“My parents are here too! Bye guys, see you next week!” Taehee waved a simple goodbye before she crossed the street. Soon, one by one, your tuition mates went their separate ways, and only Yoon Hye, you and Chen Le were left.

“Oh shit! (Y/N), I hate to break this to you but, I forgot that my family is receiving guests today at our house. I can’t go for a movie with you,” Yoon Hye turned towards you abruptly, holding the sides of both of your arms as her face displayed an apologetic expression.

“Aish, you’re so forgetful, but it’s fine! I know how your mum is always cranky about being punctual when your family is receiving guests. We can always watch the movie another time.” You smiled amiably at your best friend.

“Oh my gosh, thank you (Y/N)! I love you so much,” Yoon Hye hugged you tightly before she realised that Chen Le was looking at both of you with a semi-amused expression on his face. Yoon Hye pulled back and her eyes diverted between you and Chen Le. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow in school then (Y/N), you too, Chen Le!” 

“Yep, see you Yoon Hye.” Chen Le replied.

“Text me later,” Yoon Hye leaned in and whispered into your ear, taking off and running into the direction of her street almost instantly afterwards.

You looked distantly at your best friend’s silhouette, shaking your head in teasing disapproval. Suddenly, you remembered about Chen Le’s presence, and you immediately stopped, turning your body ever so slightly to glance at the boy beside you. Chen Le noticed your actions and looked back at you, his eyebrows lifted in a questioning manner.

“A-Aren’t you going home too, Chen Le?” Your voice sounded soft and timid but with the tranquil silence surrounding both of you, your voice was audible enough for the boy standing a metre away from you to hear.

The Chinese boy paused for a while, his gaze never leaving yours.

“Mmhm, yea, I am. Where do you live, (Y/N)?”

You were taken aback.

“Erm, not far from here. Just about a few blocks down, merely a walking distance away. Why do you ask?”

“I see.”

As the evening approached as the sky dimmed ever so slightly, the boy’s dark brown orbs sparkled under the streetlamps that had just been switched on.

“Let me walk you home.”

You choked. With your saliva threatening to enter your windpipe and block all access of oxygen into your body, your body bent forward as you coughed heavily. Almost instantly, you felt a pair of warm hands rested on your skin. One was gripping around your forearm, supporting you, and the other was patting lightly onto your back.

“You okay there?” Chen Le asked, his voice laced with concern when you lifted your upper body back up.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I almost thought you said you wanted to walk me home and I got choked up. Embarrassing, really.” You casually waved off Chen Le’s expression of concern, feeling ridiculous for even hallucinating Chen Le saying something like that.

“I did.” 

You looked at Chen Le, confused. “Sorry?”

Chen Le’s face now held a mixture of determination and slight traces of anxiousness. 

“I did say that. I want to walk you home.”

This time, you knew you didn’t hear wrongly, but with the loud sound of your heart beating against your ribcage and the strong pulsating movements of blood flowing into your ears, you couldn’t help but doubt yourself again.

Instead, you stared at Chen Le with wide eyes, but Chen Le’s expression did not alter a bit, and suddenly you found yourself thrown into the truth of reality: Chen Le offered to walk you home.

For the first two minutes, an awkward silence hung between Chen Le and you. Who would have thought that one day you would be standing beside your crush, walking side by side, and being walked home by the glory himself? Well, definitely not you that is. Those 2 minutes was not a long time, but with raging waves crashing the walls of your internals, and the systematic ticking of Chen Le’s watch, you couldn’t help but feel nervousness creep further up your spine by the seconds. Out of anxiety, your legs willed you to unconsciously pick up your pace.

All of a sudden, you felt a gentle tug pulling you back.

Surprised, you turned back to look at Chen Le, who has slight disappointment written on his face. You looked down at your right hand, which was being held back by Chen Le’s left. 

“Don’t walk so fast, I want to spend more time together with you.” Chen Le murmured, just audible enough for you to hear. You glanced back up at Chen Le; his head slightly bowed, eyes tracing along your held hands. You processed the boy’s timid words, feeling your cheeks warm up again. You didn’t know how to respond. However, looking at the Chinese boy in front you being bold of his actions, yet being shy to express them openly, you couldn’t help but feel your heart melt. Instead, you quietly backtracked your steps, standing beside Chen Le once again. Chen Le looked up at your face for a few seconds, eyes slightly wider than usual, and then he smiled warmly, showing his straight white teeth. You couldn’t help but grin back at him.

Walking side by side, you were suddenly aware of the warmness your right hand was feeling. Only realising that your hand was still in Chen Le’s, you stiffened. 

“U-Uh, Chen Le?”

“Hmm?” Chen Le hummed, bliss lingering in his tune.

“You’re still holding my hand..”

Chen Le turned to you, his eyes wavering slightly like a puppy’s.

“You don’t like me holding your hand?”

“hUh wHaT nO nO i didn’t mean to imply that- I- Uh-” You fumbled over your words, them spilling out almost incoherently as you flustered. 

“Heh, it’s fine. I get it,” Chen Le turned back to the walkway ahead, only this time, the smile on his face was brighter and ever more radiant than before. “You’re cute when you’re flustered, I like that.”

You dipped your head down in embarrassment, but a shy grin couldn’t help but waltz its way onto your face. 

Feeling a gentle and assuring squeeze on your hand, you squeezed back, hoping to deliver the same amount of comfort, happiness and warmth through your intertwined hands.

“And Yoon Hye was so dumb and clumsy, she tripped and fell into the arms of the young teacher she eye-candied!” You exclaimed, your facial features lighting up in amusement as you recounted the hilarious incident from 2 years back. 

Chen Le’s cheerful laughter resonated across the quiet street, it gradually diminishing down into a low chuckle. “Yoon Hye did that? I can’t imagine what happened afterwards.” 

“Well, I can’t remember what exactly happened after, but I can tell you, those are the kind of moments when I confirm that this girl is definitely my best friend.”

Other than a few families and couples walking along the narrow street, it was almost deserted. Despite your house only being a 15-minutes walk away, the lively interaction between Chen Le and you made the prospect of going back home suddenly a dull and dreaded one, and Chen Le and you easily took your time to literally take it ‘one step at a time’. Both of you had such amazing chemistry, you wondered how Chen Le and you had barely talked to school or in tuition class, but you were absolutely thanked the Gods for giving you this opportunity to now. Along the way, both of you talked about various topics, discussing and joking about everything from A to Z, and the atmosphere that danced around the both of you was one that was very relaxed and not a single bit awkward at all. With every word and sentence exchanged, and every glance of Chen Le’s twinkling eyes and vibrant smile, you felt your heart grow fonder, and you had never felt so at ease and comfortable around someone. Even with Yoon Hye, you had some walls of insecurities up, but with Chen Le, it was as if he effortlessly broke your walls down, providing you with his 4 walls that felt like ‘Home’.

Almost like an unspoken agreement, both Chen Le and you strolled towards the park that was just around the corner of your house. Walking into the direction of the deserted playground, both of you sat on individual swings, your handholding link finally being broken apart. You tilted your head up to the sky, admiring the sky that was now azure, feeling yourself being intoxicated with the beauty of the stars shimmering in the night sky. 

“Gorgeous, right?” You heard a voice emitted from your side. Without moving your head and your line of vision never straying away from the beautiful scenery above you, you replied, “Yeah, it’s simply dazzling.” The sky was a film of its own, providing different sights, different colours, different hues, different emotions at every second. The sky is always ever changing, and you felt that people do not seem to appreciate the sky enough. The way the stars bedazzled was a kind of luminosity that anyone would envy.

“I really like you.” 

Instead of snapping your head at the comment, your mind savoured the words, relishing in the abruptness and straightforwardness of them. Slowly, you faced the boy that was now closer towards your swing, his upper body leaning against his thighs on his forearms. You gazed into the eyes of the boy once again, this time actually realising how brilliant his eyes were. You thought: the world had one more thing to be envious of.

You gave a soft, tender smile, whispering your heartfelt words breathily, letting the wind deliver the light and airy words to the boy’s ears.

“I really like you too.”

Finally arriving at the front of your house, you turned to face Chen Le for the last time that day. Disappointment and dread clouded both of your eyes, and by the way both of you held onto each other’s hands so tenderly yet so firmly, it was evident that neither of you wanted to leave. 

Finally, you breathed, “Thank you for walking me home Chen Le. It was short, but I sincerely enjoyed every second with you.” 

A soft smile tugged at the ends of his lips. “I’m sorry I didn’t manage to get you a birthday present in the end, I had something on last minute.”

“Don’t worry about it. You sending me home today was more than enough.” It was sufficient for you -- Chen Le walking you home that day -- for you felt the sincerity behind his actions.

Both of you just stood there silently for a few minutes, as if waiting for either one of you to say your goodbyes, even though both of you knew neither of you wanted to.

Chen Le took a step forward closer to you. As if on instinct, your eyes fluttered shut as you felt a pair of lips pressed softly along your hairline. It was a gentle peck, but such a small force triggered tsunamis in your heart. 

“Goodnight, (Y/N). See you tomorrow.” One last glance.

“Goodnight Chen Le, get home safe.” You turned around, finally taking light steps into your house, the familiarity of the place enveloping you in an assuring embrace.

It was a birthday you would never forget. 

[forgetmenotsandroses]

Your Eyes Burning at The Back on my Mind

A/N: SO. This is a late birthday present for the lovely!!!! @queen-of-pigeons , 

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !!

MY FRIEND AND AN ARTIST AMONG OTHER THINGS! CHECK HER OUT! SHE’S AMAZING HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAYYYYYYYYY!! UR OLD NOW....

(Side note: this is possibly the longest thing I’ve written yet. 2.8k O_O)

(Side side note: I’m not abandoning my other fandoms or anything. Dw, my few followers. Although I’m on a semi hiatus lol.)

(Side side side note: Special Thanks to @slightlystalesushirolls , the best beta anyone could ask for!)

TONY

They meet on the battlefield, and Tony can't look away. At all. 

Which is either very fortunate, or very unfortunate. Fortunate, because this is important, the type of deal that could make or break his business (not that it isn't already made). Tony can't afford to look away, to lose focus, even for a second. Hydraulics manufacturers are serious business. It's unfortunate though, because he can't rip his eyes off of the man across from him long enough to pay attention to what's actually going on. For the rest of the meeting, he runs on autopilot and relies on natural charm. He's not entirely sure what just went on, and whether or not he's been completely taken advantage of. But Tony knows what hydraulics company he wants for his next venture. The one with the blue-eyed negotiator. STEVE After the meeting, Steve stops to take a break. They had, of course, briefed him beforehand. They told him about Tony Stark, ruthless CEO, who got what he wanted far too often. Always informed, with an insatiable urge to be at the top. But they didn't tell him about the dry wit and sharp banter, or his ass in Armani slacks, or the scent of expensive cologne that permeated the air. Steve stares off into space and inhales deeply, partly to calm himself, partly to try and get another breath of that cologne.

TONY

It's a few months after they meet, and he's home late. Again.

As he enters, he nearly trips over Peter, the six-year-old lump in spider-themed pyjamas sprawled practically in the doorframe. Damnit.

Five seconds later, Jarvis materializes.

“Hey, Jarvis.”

"He insisted on waiting up, Sir. I tried to convince him you would be happier if he waited in bed, but he refused quite adamantly."

"It's alright. C'mon, let's get you to bed."

He carries the boy back to bed. As he gently sets him down, Peter stirs awake. Just what Tony needs.

"Daddy? You're home late again."

"I know. It was a long day."

“Did you talk to Mr. Rogers again?”

He's mentioned the blue-eyed negotiator, whom he's learned is named Steve Rogers, a few times (or more) to Peter, but he never realized it had gotten to the point where his son remembered the name.

“Not today.”

He flashes back to endless agonizing over whether he's going to buy an entire company. Not over Steve Rogers. Buying companies is, also, serious business. The type that involves countless headaches and mountains of paperwork and negotiations galore (the only good part).

He does need hydraulics manufacturing if he's going to work on heavy vehicles, but if he's losing time with his son, perhaps this is going a bit far.

“Tell you what, I'll make it up to you by having take your kid to work day tomorrow!”

“But I have school!”

“You're so smart that you don't need school!”

Peter laughs. “You just say that ‘cause you’re my dad!”

“Well I am your dad, and you know what I say, Bug? I say you have to go sleep.”

“Can't I stay up a bit?”

“Nope. You've already stayed up late enough.”

Tony smiles, Peter scowls, and that's that. “Fine.” STEVE

"Seriously! You two give 'heated negotiations' a new meaning! The rest of us are just waiting for the sexual tension to end!"

Steve groans. The new techie ended up staying for the whole meeting, chatting with the Stark Industries secretary after coming to check on a faulty projector. Her name is… Wanda? Or something. Pretty sure she has a brother in the engineering department.

And she hasn't stopped talking about him and… Tony? Mr. Stark? The CEO of Stark Industries.

According to her (and apparently, the rest of the tech department) they have good chemistry.

There certainly is some kind of spark when they're in an intense back and forth. Like holding a match to an oil slick, dangerous and ready to ignite.

He hopes it might lead to something more. But Tony (Mr. Stark?) is so above him, he might as well wish for the moon.

TONY

Even though he's made an impromptu take-your-kid-to-work day, it doesn't mean any less work, which is a problem. He can't take Jarvis with him (the butler/babysitter probably needs a break anyways), and Bruce (head of engineering) flat out refused, citing a short temper and lack of child-minding skills despite possibly being the most gentle person Tony knows.

This is how he ends up with Peter in his office, babbling nonsensically.

•••

“Daddy?”

“Yeah, Bug?”

“I'm bored.”

There's a pause, as Tony attempts to fill out yet more forms and the phone rings.

“Tony Stark speaking. Who is this and why the hell are you bothering me? … I see. When is it due? … Fuck. I'll be there in five minutes.”

Peter looks up.

“Bug, something important just came up. I need to go up.”

“Can I come?”

“Not this time. Here, why don't you go down to the vending machine and get some snacks? Then come back here to wait for me. I'll be right back.”

Peter takes the twenty dollar bill and nods wordlessly. Tony walks out of the office, but not before registering the disappointment on his son’s face.

STEVE

He's on break wandering through the building when he noticed the kid. Pretty cute, actually. (Steve’s been always susceptible to cute kids.) He knows Tony has a son, so this is probably him. What other child would be on the engineering floor sitting beside the entrance to Mr. CEO’s personal workshop with a bag of chips?

As he gets closer, he realizes that the boy is struggling to hold back tears.

“What's your name?”

“Daddy calls me Bug, but my real name is Peter.” he sniffles.

“So, Peter, what are you doing out here?”

He imagines the enigmatic Tony Stark losing his temper and throwing the child out, but can't really picture him doing it.

“I got locked out.”

This time, he's actually starting to cry, and the tears that pooled in his eyes are running down his cheeks. In no time, he's sobbing, almost wailing into the floor.

Steve does the reasonable thing to do when confronted with a crying child. Panicking internally and forcing his face into (hopefully) a happy expression.

“Well, until he comes back, I can stay here with you!”

Peter gulps, and his breathing slows, if only slightly.

“O-okay.”

There's an awkward pause in the conversation. Peter quickly fills it.

“Do you know my dad?”

“Is this his office we’re outside of?”

“Yup!”

“Then yes, I do know him. In fact, I work with him!”

Peter smiles, and it's as brilliantly blinding as only a happy child’s can be. Completely adorable.

“Wait, Mister, what’s your name?”

Steve realizes with some horror that he never introduced himself. He just walked up to a random kid in the hallway and starting talking. Not creepy at all.

“I'm Steve. But you can call me Mr. Rogers if you want.”

Peter's eyes light up in recognition.

“Oh! I know you! Daddy talks about you all the time!”

“Oh?”

Steve’s heart skips a beat. He's pretty sure there's a blush spreading across his face. What if it's something bad, though? Like how Bucky (his roommate and best friend) talks about his coworker T’Challa constantly. As in fuckin’ T’Challa finished the contract before me. Again. And he’s team leader for the Vibranium Project. Or fuckin’ T’Challa brought gluten-free scones to staff social night again. Why can't he just get regular scones like a normal-fuckin’-person? Of course, he's met T’Challa and the man seems kind, technologically minded, and clever. Gluten-free scones aside. Still, what might the great CEO, Tony Stark, say about him?

“Mhmm. He usually says a lot of bad words when he thinks I'm not listening! And he thinks your butt is nice. And you have pretty eyes. And he says you're suuuper haaandsoo--”

“Peter Benjamin Parker-Stark!”

“Uh-oh.” Peter’s eyes widen, a grimace appears. But not before Steve watches a self-satisfied grin flit across his face.

“That’s enough of that! Into my office!”

Steve looks up, at the flustered, exasperated, and very, very red CEO of Stark Industries.

“Uh.” Steve gulps, acutely aware of his precarious position.

Then Mr. Stark (Tony?) clears his throat. “Oh, you know. Kids like to babble and exaggerate. My apologies, Mr. Rogers.” He half mutters, half says (but still in that forceful way of his).

“Apology accepted. And please, call me Steve.”

“In that case, Mr. Ro--Steve, call me Tony.”

TONY

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. This was not how Steve Rogers was supposed to find out. Tony was going to dazzle him and awe him and make him so love-struck that Steve would be falling at his feet. Not that anyone wouldn't fall at his feet, Tony assures himself. He is the irresistible Tony Stark. Now to explain some very crucial details to his son.

“Peter…”

“Yes Daddy?”

Peter gives him a wide-eyed, innocent look. Where’d he learn that? (Tony then realizes that it’s the same look he gives Pepper after he’s dismantled the photocopier for the millionth time.)

“If someone asks what someone else thinks of them, we don’t say if one likes the other.”

“But you do have a crush on himmm. Don’t you want me to tell the truth?”

Tony almost shrieks, before catching himself. “It’s not a crush.” he says firmly. (It is in fact a crush, now that Tony thinks about it. But he refuses anything ‘cutesy’. That’s just not in the Stark code of conduct.)

Peter groans. “But you liiiiiiike him.”

Tony sighs. This is going to take a while.

STEVE

So. Tony Stark. Gorgeous, witty, fucking CEO of Stark Industries, likes him. Maybe. Probably. What the fuck is he going to do now?

Besides panic. He's got that covered. What if it's just innocent child babble?

Or what if Peter overheard Tony (it's nice to know what to call him) talking about Pepper Potts, the almost freakishly competent secretary? Or Diana Prince, the charming, kickass personal relations manager?

What will he do then? And why does this information matter so much anyways?

Then he remembers; somewhere along the line, he's called head over heels, completely in love.

He needs help. Professional help. He needs to talk to someone.

•••

“Bucky. Stop laughing! Please.”

“I-I’m sorry, Steve, really.” Bucky manages to huff out, before collapsing into another fit of laughter.

“Mhmm.”

“It's just so funny…”

“Right. My personal relationship crisis is funny. You know, I listen to you rant about T’Challa and the scones.”

“O-o-okay slow down. Those issues are totally different! One is the tiny, little son of your boss or whatever telling you that Stark thinks you're hot--”

“--he's not my boss. Negotiations for the company are practically at a standstill.” Steve is bright, bright red. The red you'd find on ripe tomatoes and fire trucks.

“Sure, try to add the technical talk in there. The issue still stands; not-boss thinks you're hot. On the other hand, we have a job-stealer, and more importantly, gluten free scones. Do you understand how bad they are? Do you understand? They look like normal scones, but it's like eating fuckin’ glue!”

“Bucky…”

“Fine. I can be serious. Honestly? Tell him you've fallen madly in love with him and maybe he'll take you in.”

“Bucky!”

•••

Well. That conversation went nowhere. Maybe he needs a different angle.

•••

Natasha isn't laughing as hard as Bucky, but she's still cackling.

“Ha! Clint needs to pay up! I told him that Tony would come through first!”

“What?”

“The office has a pool. Diana, Pietro, Bruce, and Sam all think Tony’s too much of a chicken to make the first move. Me, Clint, Wanda, and Pepper, are all team Tony ‘cause we think he's got more nerve than you! There are different bets going, though, for the details.”

“I--”

Steve takes a moment to clear his head, and consider his next statement.

“That's not relevant to the question though. Natasha, please.”

“Alright. I know the face of a man in pain.”

He sighs in relief.

“Do you really want my honest opinion? I don't know if you'll like it...”

“I'm desperate. I'll take it.”

It's her turn to sigh, then take a deep breath. “I think that you should tell him. You two would be good for each other! You’d balance him out, y’know?”

“I guess…”

•••

Damn. This wasn't what he was hoping for. He was hoping someone would tell him that he didn't have a chance. It would be a lot easier than actually telling Tony that he reciprocates these (possible) feelings. But what if he’s wrong?

TONY

Lately, it feels as though there's something between him and Steve. Not just the slightly heated tension from before. Just… Tension. Like how sometimes, Steve will start to say something, flush (attractively, everything he does is attractive, from the little gestures he makes when he's talking, to the way of his voice when he's talking about something he cares about) then start talking about finances. Or tie colours. Or anything remotely uninteresting.

Tony’s not an idiot. He knows what it is.

Peter may have meant well, but he’s put up an awkward sort of wall. Not that it’s really Peter’s fault. Tony should've made a move sooner. But what if Steve had said no? It's a foreign thing, this fear or rejection. Tony has been charming and disarming for as long as he can remember. He's always gotten what he wants. Until now. This is different. Maybe, just maybe, it's some form of love? Whatever that is.

STEVE

October turns to December, fall to winter, and he's still done nothing. Nothing. At. All. He hates this. But he's too much of a coward to do anything. That's going to change tonight, probably.

TONY

It's the office party for Tony’s near and dear (besides Peter, who is hopefully asleep and away from all the stupid, inebriated people here). This includes certain people from the hydraulics manufacturing company, with whom he's works so close with for the year. Even after deciding not to buy it at the end of November. It's a sort of last hurrah. He's completely drunk.

Steve shows up, cute in an ugly Christmas-themed sweater. Tony’s opted for a casual suit, which he hopes looks good. Well, he did. He's too far gone to care right now. Besides the top-notch assortment of alcohol, there is also a buffet. The canapés are amazing.

Steve walks up to him. Tony almost swoons. But not quite. He can hold his liquor.

They meander over to a doorway.

“Tony Stark? Drunk at this hour? Why am I not surprised?” Steve smirks, smile made of light and teasing and mischief.

Tony notes the change in his manner instantly. It's less formal, much more intimate than usual.

“I’m not. Just, less coherent. Have I mentioned you look fabulous tonight?”

“Are you hitting on me, Mr. Stark?”

“It's Tony, and so what if I am?”

What is coming out of his mouth? Apparently he has no filter now. Might as well come out and say it.

“Your ass looks fucking fantastic in those jeans, by-the-way.”

Aaand he’s said it. It's done. Steve is the colour of an adorable beetroot. Everyone is staring. All conversation has stopped. Must've been loud.

Chatter eventually resumes. But some things are different. First of all, conversation is stilted and charged. There’s a buzz in the air, and it's not just the alcohol. Second, the rest of the party seems to be holding its breath.

Someone from the crowd yells; “Just kiss already!”

He realizes that they're standing under mistletoe (what a fucking cliché) and decides to throw all caution into the wind. Except Steve’s already done that.

They're kissing, really kissing. Lips and tongue and teeth mesh together and time stands still.

STEVE

Someone in the crowd (Natasha?) shouts out. And he doesn't think anymore.

TONY

Before Steve, love was a string of one night stands and extravagant gifts, empty promises and bottles of vodka. He knows better now. Because this, right here in Steve’s arms, is where he belongs.

STEVE

He wakes up beside Tony. It's… warm. And soft. And better than anything he dared to hope it would be. Slowly, reluctantly, he gets out of bed. If only to open the blinds for the view from the penthouse apartment.

Tony grumbles. “Why are the blinds open? Jarvis? Turn on a heater. It's fucking cold--”

He looks up.

“Oh. Come back.”

Once they're snuggled back together, Tony pipes up again.

“I'm going to have a hell of a time explaining this to Peter.”

Steve smiles. “I think he's already figured it out.

“Tony?”

“Mhmm.”

“I think I might be in love with you.”

“I know.”

END

Closing A/N: This is just to say that I know that Diana is DC. (She’s Wonder Woman for goodness’ sake. Geez.) But I love her so much... 

Deleted Scene:

“Yup. I'm adopted.” He rolls each syllable of the word around in his mouth like a pebble.

“But Daddy says don't worry about stuff like that when I have school!”

“That does sound like your dad.”

“Well duh! He said it