#honestly this one is lots of cute family fluff and that's basically it

[daysofyellowroses]

chocolate

carmen berzatto x reader | 2.8k | 99% pure fluff nonsense | tw: pregnancy, very much implied smut, language

Being pregnant is stressful, a lot of the time. It's a natural feeling, it's not easy growing a literal human in your body.

However, you had thought that because you'd done the whole pregnancy/labor thing before, the second time around would be a breeze.

Honestly you didn't know what you were thinking, if anything the second time was even more stressful, mainly due to circumstances beyond your control.

Funnily enough, the second time was actually planned, well..in a way it was.

But to get to the second time, there has to be a first time, and that first time was..a lot. Certainly not planned. Not unwanted, but not planned. Kind of like your relationship.

You'd known Carmy for a long time, longer than you could really remember. He was just someone you knew, not necessarily a friend but not a stranger. Just someone who drifted in the same orbit as you.

It was only when he took over at the Beef that you got to know him properly. You had been working there for almost two years at that point, mainly working the counter with Richie, developing a sibling-like relationship with him. It wasn't the best job in the world, and you often felt yourself looking out the window and wondering if there was something more out there or if the grass was greener on the other side.

Then Carmy came back into your orbit, and at first it was curiosity that kept you there, wondering what he would do with the place. You didn't speak to him more or less than anyone else, but it was pretty basic chat or professional, depending.

Syd always says she saw a spark right away, and you like to believe it. You had always thought he was cute, and seeing him in his element, doing his thing..it did make him more attractive.

You weren't sure how a relationship even developed, there were always other people around, you didn't exactly flirt, and you weren't openly advertising your single status. But..things happen for a reason, right?

One night, you had to take a call after work, when you came back inside everyone but Carmy had left. You had offered to help him finish cleaning, he had insisted you didn't need to, but you could if you wanted.

Taking it as an invitation, you rolled up your sleeves and grabbed a sponge. God only knows what you had talked about, if you had talked at all, but you enjoyed his company. After that, it became common practice that you would stay after work to help clean. More and more you would sit on a counter and tell Carmy stories from your past while he cleaned, or as you later realized, pretended to keep cleaning if he finished before your story ended.

It took a while before you could get Carmy to tell you stories, he wasn't one to brag about himself or his accomplishments. Still, you managed to get the stories out of him slowly, and found yourself increasingly attracted to him. You noticed he didn't mention much about his family or friends, and you didn't push the matter.

Then, one night he mentioned Mikey in a story, then stopped himself like he'd said something wrong. You had encouraged him to keep talking, sharing some of your own memories of Mikey. He laughed when you told one story, and you desperately wanted to kiss him.

It took another two weeks before you finally plucked up the courage, figuring the worst thing that could happen was he wouldn't kiss you back, you would hand in your notice and forget the whole ordeal.

But it turned out your attraction was not one sided, as you found yourself pressed up against the fridge with Carmy's hands holding your arms up above your head as he gave you a kiss you still feel when you think about it.

After that, you tried to keep things on the down low, which lasted for approximately two days, when Richie walked in on you sitting on Carmy's desk, legs wrapped around the chef's waist as you made out like teenagers. It was a new record for gossip spreading, and despite some initial teasing everyone was happy for you both.

It wasn't the smoothest of sailing in the early weeks, or months, when the renovations started. Everyone was stressed, particularly Carmy and Syd. You understood that the weight was on their shoulders, and did what you could to be a support. If some of that support included being a taster for the chefs new dishes, that was just a bonus.

There were, of course, other ways you could relieve some of Carmy's stress. It makes you laugh now that you were trying to take away stress and pressure and gave yourselves even more, because of course you did.

It wasn't like you were going at it constantly, you were both often exhausted or crabby or fed up which didn't create the best atmosphere but when you were both in the mood..it was the best sex of your relationship, it could be in the car, against a half built wall in the restaurant, or occasionally, actually in your own bed.

You liked to think that was where your daughter was conceived, in her parents bed and not in the bathroom stall of some dingy bar (the beer was supposed to be the thing that blew off steam, but when you'd been washing your hands in the bathroom and spotted Carm in the mirror standing behind you with a slight smirk you'd pulled him into a stall and that was that)

It was inevitable really, with the stress of the restaurant making you forget to do basic shit like taking your contraception, and a partner constantly on the verge of a heart/panic attack at any moment wasn't exactly great at remembering to remind you.

So, after a couple of mornings of being unable to get out of bed from feeling so violently sick, you gave in and went to the doctor. It shouldn't have been a shock, but it was. It was something that you had thought about occasionally, had casually discussed with Carmy, but in a kind of ‘in the future, maybe’ way.

You didn't tell him right away. The restaurant was about to open, that needed to be properly celebrated. When the opening night finally came, it turned out to be exactly the right time.

Carmy getting locked in the walk-in had not been what you'd expected, but you just had to laugh at how absurd it was. When you were driving home, your head on his shoulder and his hand on your thigh, you told him. It came out before you could stop yourself, hanging in the air for a moment.

“You're serious?”

Not the response you'd expected.

“Of course I'm serious.”

“Okay.”

The rest of the ride home was in silence, one that felt suffocating.

When you woke up the next morning, it was to Carmy's hand on your stomach.

“We're gonna be parents. Like..there's gonna be a kid running around and it's going to be ours.”

“Yeah,” You'd nodded, placing your hand on his and meeting his eyes. “Pretty fucking terrifying, right?”

“Absolutely.”

He'd broken into a grin after a moment, and you felt a relief flood you.

That all seems so long ago now.

Your daughter, Gracie Natalie Berzatto, was already three, you couldn't believe it when you were picking out her birthday card. Her current obsession was Bluey, which had become a bit of an obsession for you and Carm too, it was so weirdly relaxing. Sometimes the two of you watched episodes after work, someone's head in the other's lap.

Sometimes it hit you, like standing in the supermarket with ten million different Bluey birthday cards in front of you and just trying to find one with a ‘3’ on it, that you had come so far from sitting in the car in suffocating silence.

From the moment she was born, Gracie and Carmy were inseparable. He was a natural at being a father, even if he always worried he was doing it wrong.

You always brought her to the restaurant after kindergarten when Carm had had a panic about forgetting the fruit in her lunch or not being able to plait her hair. Everyone doted on her, she would be glued to Tina’s hip while Richie made her laugh and Marcus got a special donut just for her.

You would have a coffee with Syd and watch hope Carmy could see what really mattered.

It was at, well..after Gracie’s 3rd birthday party that the whole thing would be set in motion again. The day had been amazing, much to your relief. Of course, the food was incredible, and you had cried when Marcus showed you the birthday cake, a perfect replica of Bluey in cake form. Of course, there were too many presents, but you were touched that people made such a fuss. When Jimmy had turned up with the biggest Barbie dream house you'd ever seen, you'd told him it was his fault if Gracie turned into a spoilt brat, giving him a tight hug.

When it was all over, and it was you and Carm laying on the couch surrounded by wrapping paper, crinkled paper plates and half full trash bags, you had felt a surge of love in your chest.

“We're alright at this, right?”

“Yeah, we're alright.”

You had turned to rest your head on his chest, looking up at him and knowing you couldn't imagine a better life. You didn't know what he was thinking, you never could read his mind. Whatever was in that bear cave, it caused him to smile and slowly tilt your head up for a kiss.

At first it was just a comfortable, lazy makeout session, hands slowly wandering. Then at some point it was like an unspoken question. You were taking a break from your current pill, looking into new options. There were condoms upstairs in the nightstand but neither of you went to get them.

So it wasn't a shock to discover it was round two.

Gracie seemed to understand what was happening when you explained it to her, excited that she would have her own Bingo to play with.

The pregnancy itself was relatively smooth, it had been much harder with Gracie. But then, labor with her has been weirdly smooth. Uncomfortable as hell but then they gave you the good stuff and next thing you knew there was a baby being placed in your arms.

It was the opposite with the second labor. You should have known, the pregnancy had been too smooth sailing. It was all planned, you had your due date, your hospital bag, an amazing midwife, it would be done properly.

Ah, the days when you still believed, even after having already had a baby, that labor could be perfect.

God bless delusion.

It was a week before your due date that everything went to shit.

Carmy had gone to sort out something or other for the restaurant, now that you were on maternity leave you had blocked out restaurant chat unless you were actually in the restaurant to see the staff/stuff your face. You had dropped by the Bear for a catch up, Gracie was at your mom's house and you were just having some time to yourself. It was a couple of hours before opening, a time you always enjoyed.

You were chatting to Syd and snacking on some carrot sticks she was cutting and sliding over to you when you felt a sharp pain in your stomach, brushing it off.

When it happened again, your stomach dropped as you looked down to the floor, a clear puddle pooling around your feet.

“That's..that's not hygienic,” Syd muttered, her eyes going wide as she looked back up at you. “Wait, shit, is this happening now?!”

You went to reply, letting out a groan as a contraction hit you, grabbing the side of the bench.

“Okay, we can do this,” Syd took your arm and led you into the office, helping you into the chair. “We can totally do this, we can do this.”

You took some deep breaths, gripping the arm of the chair. From outside you could hear Richie shouting something before he let out a yell.

“Fuck! I slipped in fucking piss!”

There was a burst of laughter and you gripped the chair harder, looking up and watching Syd pace back and forth, one hand on her forehead, the other on her waist.

“Richie, get in here!” You called, trying to stand up and being unable to. “Anyone, get in here, please!”

A moment later, Tina and a disgruntled Richie appeared at the door.

“Okay,” You breathed, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. “Can one of you help Syd calm down, and one of you..fuck!” You clutched your stomach, leaning forward. Tina rushed over to you, while Richie patted Syd on the back.

“Someone call Carm, please,” You muttered, taking Tina's hand. “And maybe an ambulance.”

There was a flurry of activity, and you found yourself alone in the office, wanting to cry.

“Hey, have you seen..”

You looked up as you heard Fak’s voice, wanting to cry with relief as he walked into the office with a confused look.

“Why does it smell like piss in here?”

Because life is ridiculous, it decided to conspire against you on that day. Richie couldn't get through to Carmy, the ambulance was going to be delayed because of a major collision, and your baby was starting to crown on the floor in the office in the fucking Bear.

You had managed to maneuver your way onto the floor with Fak's help, his panicked ramblings feeling oddly comforting. Syd had managed to calm down and came to hold your hand. Between her and Fak rambling about how everything was going to be fine, you wanted to believe.

Outside the office seemed to be just as chaotic, thanks to Richie leaving endless panicked voicemails for Carm, Tina yelling orders at everyone, and your broken waters just lingering on the floor.

“Okay,” Richie appeared in the doorway. “Cousin is either dead or his phone is, still no ambulance, and my suit is ruined.”

“Big picture, Richie,” Sydney gestured to you. “I don't think we have time for an ambulance..”

“How do you know? Did you..look?” Richie asked.

“Of course not,” Sydney frowned. “But..I presume. You've got a kid, you look.”

“I'm not looking, she's family,” Richie protested. “Tina, come check if the baby's coming out!”

“Oh my god,” You cried. “Will someone please just put their head between my fucking legs?”

There was a silence for a moment before laughter filled the air, yours included. It felt like everything would be okay in that moment, even when it was all going to shit.

Tina checked, and confirmed that it wasn't coming out, but it was close.

Closer than expected, it wasn't long after you were screaming and probably breaking Syd and Fak’s hands. By some stroke of luck, Carm got back to the restaurant just as your baby was coming out, which was a lot to process.

You didn't actually know who wrapped the baby in a towel and handed him to you but you didn't care, he was out.

You got the hospital eventually, everything was a blur once you had a baby in your arms. Vague memories of people coming in and out of the room, fussing over you and the baby.

The clearest memory is Carm bringing Gracie in to meet her brother. She didn't say much, just watched him with fascination. Carm asked her if the baby should be named Bingo, tickling her.

She laughed and shook her head, and you felt another surge of deep love.

When the time did come to sign the birth certificate, you put the suggestion out there, gently, to name your son after his uncle. You could tell Carm was touched but it felt too raw.

So you consulted the head of the family for her opinion, and Mackenzie Michael Berzatto it was.

“I can't believe you gave birth in the restaurant,” Carmen murmured softly, laying beside you on the bed, Gracie asleep on his chest, Mackenzie asleep on yours. “On the floor. Dirty hippy.”

“I can't believe you basically missed the birth of your first son. Call yourself Italian do you?”

“Did cousin really slip on your piss?”

“It was not piss,” You rolled your eyes with a grin, gently stroking Mackensie's head. “It was amniotic fluid.”

“Oh,” Carmen nodded. “Why..why does that sound more gross?”

“Because scientific terms are gross,” You yawned, leaning back on the pillow and looking over to Carmy. “I really love you, Carm.”

“I know,” Carmy nodded, looking over to you with a smile. “I really love you too. You've given me all this.”

“You helped, a little,” You smiled, sitting up a little and letting out a content sign when he leaned in to give you a kiss, pulling back with a smile.

“Now what?”

“Now..we don't fuck it up.”

“Yes chef.”

—

a couple of notes I had in my mind while writing this but didn't actually put into the story:

- Gracie is actually called Grace, but she will forever and always be called Gracie

- She also has everyone wrapped around her little finger

- Eva is basically her big sister

- Sugar was incredibly moved by the choice of middle name, insisted you didn't have to but loved it

- Syd and Tina are Gracie's godmothers. Tina had cried when you asked, Syd wasn't sure at first like..what does a godmother even do? But she loves it. Neither you or Carm are super religious but it just felt like a nice thing to do. Richie and Fak were chosen as godfathers. Yes, they were insufferable

- Sugar cried when you told her Mackensie's middle name, you told her it was Carm's choice, which you knew it was

- You're still working on who Mackensie's godparents should be, Richie and Fak are already fighting about being the only godfather. You and Carmy are leaning towards Marcus and Pete.

[kookslastbutton]

Too Late to Dream ༓ jjk (m)┃ch. IV

✑ Summary: You did it. You married your college professor. You even bought a house together. Against all odds, everything had fallen into place. But after two years of marriage, you begin feeling something was missing. You want a baby but your husband can’t say the same.

Pairing: economics professor!jungkook x fem!artist!reader

AU/Genre: angst, smut, fluff, marriage au, age gap, series

Rating: M, 18+

Word Count: 4,174

Warnings: 8-year age gap, professor-student relationship (oc was a Masters student), jungkook snaps, lots of family drama, mommy issues, oc being accommodating, fighting, pent-up issues/desires, jk has daddy issues but trying to be good hubby, jk gives oc more hope!

Now Playing: Make It Right, Tryna Be, Infinity, It Will Rain, Heaven+

A/N: this week's flashback hint–nothing like a little dilf rivalry! Also, this chapter gives more of a reason why jk is adverse to parenthood 😶 My closing notes offer some explanations. Let's go! 💞

<< ch. III ༓ ch. V >> | series masterlist

For the first 22 years of your life, you had zero partners.

Most people labeled you as being jaded, stuck up, or having too high of standards for it. But fuck it. Why couldn’t anyone accept that you weren’t about to settle down with the first interested guy just 'cause of peer pressure?

Of course, you'd likely end up with someone eventually. You have gone out on a couple of dates before. Yet they were never that promising. The men, or excuse you, boys roughly your age did nothing to woo you. They just wanted a late-night fuck at 1 a.m. or a nice, cute girl to take home to their mom.

Not that you gave a hell what others were into or anything, but you had other agendas. Getting married and birthing children before kick-starting your adult life was not in your playbook. Neither was jumping into bed with random guys every week.

So you haven't had much luck in the romance department. Good riddance to it!

What you were waiting for was a gentleman. Someone that was responsible, mature, and experienced. Bonus points if they were into the arts. But it was rare to find a suitor of such quality–who wasn't ridiculously off-limits that is. Obviously, some other strong-willed man or woman sunk their claws in before you got the chance. Drats.

4 years ago

“I can’t believe you,” your best friend giggles. “You’re going to that fancy new art exhibit downtown just to run into Dr. Kim! You’re so shameless __.”

You roll your eyes and stick your plate in the dishwasher. You’re best friend Na-Rae has been one of your closest friends since your second year of undergrad. Now into your third year of friendship, you consider her as close as a sister.

Unlike you, Na-Rae is utterly fascinated with all things STEM-related. She’s currently in med school aiming to become a surgeon, which is one of the many reasons why you and her are currently roommates.

“I’m telling you one more time, I’m not going for him. I actually want to see the paintings which should come as no surprise to you. Dr. Kim just happens to be going too.”

Na-Rae leans against the kitchen island, tongue in cheek. “If that’s what you wanna tell yourself, babe. But how, may I ask, did you know he’d be there? Are you stalking him online now?”

“Of course not. I’m not a creep Na-Rae.” You throw her a dirty look. Honestly, she really thinks you’re some obsessed fangirl. Like yes, Dr. Kim is really hot for an older guy, and the fact that he’s basically the second dean of the art department? He may or may not visit you in your dreams. Especially after studying for Dr. Jeon’s fifteen million econ exams.

Now there’s a guy who definitely knows how to stick it to you.

“Besides,” you continue. “Dr. Kim doesn’t have social media.” You don’t notice how contradictory that statement sounds until your best friend lets out a sinister cackle.

“Looked him up did you?” She hits your arm, wiggling her eyebrows tauntingly. “I knew it! I knew you were stalking him!”

“I–I am not! Stop that!” You ignore her looks, seeing it best to avoid eye contact altogether.

"Iovmererdhimalkingintheallway."

"C'mon, you know I can't understand that. You did what?"

"I over…heardhimalkingintheallway," you repeat, skirting most of the sentence again.

"For the love of might __! Why are you being so–"

"I overheard him talking in the hallway!" Once you blurt the words out you scurry out of the kitchen. "Gotta get my laundry, bye!"

"Uh-__!" Na-Rae races to catch up to you. "Explain to me how that's not being stalkerish!"

You grab your laundry basket and set it next to the dryer. "It wasn't intentional alright? I happened to be passing by at the right moment." You pop the door open, stuffing your clothes in the basket. Na-Rae casually watches you from the doorway.

"Right," she says. "Just happened to overhear Dr. Kim's whereabouts on a Friday night and just happen to be going to the same place. But definitely not planned because the dress you're currently trying to hide from me isn't meant for him to coincidentally see. Oops, my bad."

You release said dress from your hand aggressively. "Dr. Kim is at least a decade older than me and he's a high-level faculty member of the university. I'm not seriously trying to present myself to him in any romantic sense. That would be so inappropriate! And as far as the dress goes, it's the grand opening tonight. Everyone's wearing these kinds of things. So no, you're wrong."

"Very well, if the lady persists," Na-Rae shrugs, checking her phone. "Shoot, I gotta get to work in fifteen but I expect a full report later!" You watch as she hustles to her room.

.

The exhibit's doors open at 7 pm sharp. The line to the entrance runs about three blocks which is far longer than you were expecting. Most people came in groups or pairs, making you wish Na-Rae didn't have to work tonight.

But you're right about this being a formal affair. Everyone is dressed to kill. Some lean more towards black tie while others choose to show off their highly expressive, avant-garde nature.

You look down at yourself, suddenly feeling quite underdressed. You're wearing a simple black dress that's cinched at the waist. If one were to look close enough they'd see hints of gold throughout but no one would get that close.

The artwork itself is stunning. Varying from abstraction to impressionism, you get a sense of pleasure in taking in others’ inspiration. Many of these works are from locals in the area which is one of the main reasons for the number of interested guests. You wonder if anyone here knows the artists directly.

You make your way to the next set of pieces, studying the first in line. You immediately recognize the particular style as post-impressionism. It's clear the artist has great influence by Van Gogh evident from the similar large yet controlled strokes.

As you continue observing the work you feel a second body, looming close beside you. Naturally, you shift your eyes over to see the source. His hair brushes past his face as he leans closer to the painting.

After about three seconds you quickly dart your eyes away, careful not to stare. The man appears to be equally as focused on the work in front of him, as you were. It'd be a bit embarrassing if he noticed your gaze and snapped at you for it.

The man next to you slowly straightens his bent-over posture. He moves to the other side of you, viewing the next painting on your right. You barely catch the slight glance he gives you in the process, now able to see his full face.

It's not Dr. Kim–it's Dr. Jeon.

This isn't weird, you try convincing yourself. It's perfectly normal for you to see your professor in public. Besides, who knows if he actually recognized you yet. No need to make this awkward if you simply pretend not to notice him.

You think about whether to sneakily slip away or continue to feign ignorance until…

"Are we going to keep side-eyeing each other or can I say hi?" Dr. Jeon lightly smiles at you with playful eyes. His glasses are different today–thinner design. And oh, is that a...lip ring? Is that new or has he always had it? You don't remember seeing it before. "If you keep staring at my lips like that I might get shy."

"Ahha, Dr. Jeon!" You fight the stirring of your nerves. "Hi! Sorry, I didn't mean to stare or anything. I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"Please, __. Outside of class, Jungkook is fine. Though I understand if that's a little out of place for you."

A little?! You've been calling Dr. Jeon, well, Dr. Jeon for the past two weeks. It's unlikely that will change. "If it's alright with you," you start, hands restless. "I'd like to stick with the usual."

Jungkook nods, giving you a brief once-over before replying. "Sure, no problem. I'm hoping you'll warm up to the idea though. Dr. Jeon makes me feel old." He lets out a throaty chuckle. "I'd ask what brings you to this art exhibit but I think I have the answer, given the amount of sketches I see you doing while I'm lecturing."

Oh god. Your professor calling you out for both gawking at his lips and doodling in class under the span of five minutes? You've never wanted to disappear more. The sketches you do aren't meant to look like a distraction and honestly, you didn't mean to gawk at the tiny ring, it was just there!

"Sorry," he continues. "That wasn't intended to be passive-aggressive. I really don't mind as long as they don't hinder your learning. Dr. Kim does the same thing whenever I'm talking to him too. I've summed it up to an itch all you artists have. I've come here in support of him actually." He gestures to the collection of paintings next to you; the post-impressionism ones you were intent on studying earlier.

"Oh wow," you gasp stupidly, following his gesture. You didn't even clue in to read the artist's name.

Stigma by Kim Taehyung.

"I had no idea Dr. Kim had some of his work displayed here. I feel so foolish. I was viewing his pieces for I don't know how long just a few minutes ago."

You were sure Dr. Kim was attending the exhibit for the same reasons as you. But while it was partially right, you obviously missed the biggest point.

"Don't fret," a deep, honey-coated voice comes from nowhere. "Any admirer of my work is a friend of mine." He strolls up to your left, Jungkook still on your right. "I don't believe we've met yet. Dr. Kim Taehyung." He tosses a hand out for you to shake.

Oh no, no no no. You hope to death you won't start sweating. You've never been this close to Kim Taehyung before and he wants you to hold his hand! "Pleasure to meet you Dr. Kim. I'm __," you say, struggling not to burst inside.

Okay, so it's not exactly holding hands but it's close enough. His fingers are so long and elegant. You can't wipe the grin off your face.

You're squeezing it now, stop stop stop. You mentally slap yourself and retract your hand as naturally as you can. Thank fuck no one can read your mind.

"I'm sorry your name is __?" Dr. Kim freezes as if suddenly needing to remember something. When you think he's recalled whatever it is he needs, he flicks his head over to Jungkook with a twinkle in his eye. "__," he repeats aloud.

"Uhm, yes..." You're definitely missing something. You look between the two men, apparently both intent on keeping you in omnious silence. What's so facinating about your name?

Taehyung whips his head back to face you, flashing a blinding grin. "You're the little artist in Jungkook's class aren't you?"

That's what this is about? He looks far too proud of himself for connecting those dots.

"Yeah I take ECON 602 with Dr. Jeon." You make the mistake of looking at Jungkook mid-sentence. For some odd reason, his previous mirthful expression has changed to one of bitter distaste.

"She isn't little," Jungkook intrudes, nearly snapping at the older man. "Little is what you call a child and it's inappropriate for you to call her that."

What the hell....? How is Dr. Kim calling you little bothering your professor more than you?

"My apologies," Taehyung says. "But she's your student, right? The one drawing during your lectures? I think she drew you once. Exquisite may I add. You captured his pissed-off look so well." He gives you a pleased look but you're too sheepish to form a reply.

"Yes, I wasn't having the best day. Can I talk to you a moment Dr. Kim? We'll be right back __, just a second." Jungkook grabs the older's arm, yanking him out of your earshot.

"What the hell are you doing, Taehyung?" Jungkook spits. "You're making my student uncomfortable."

"Aha, so she is the artist. Look I admit that using the term little was a misstep but I think she's alright. I apologized didn't I?"

"Yeah sure, but she's not alright." He makes air quotes. "Since you've also made it seem like anything she does in my class, I spill to you! Don't you see how uneasy that would make someone feel? Especially me being her professor. She could be thinking I tell you weird things too! See what you've done?!"

"But Jungkook," Taehyung drawls, face scrunching. He's not sure what's gotten Jungkook so worked up. "You do in fact regurgitate everything to me. You've been talking about her for the last week just to one-up me that she's an artist. Now I get to have a face to the name. I'm kinda tickled about it but also, what weird things are you referring to?" Taehyung pauses, eyes going as big as a saucer. "Oh my god, bro. Are you–"

Jungkook grunts firmly, shutting the man up at once. "Absolutely not Tae. Whatever you were about to say, it couldn't be a bigger no. All I'm asking is for you to keep the private things private. I don't want you blubbering everything to her."

"Very well," Taehyung hums, stealing a glance at you behind Jungkook's shoulder. From where he stood, he had an easy view of you moving down the line of paintings. You stop in front of each one, curiously examining them the best you can. "However, she's quite intriguing. I can't make any promises that I'll hold myself back."

"You better be talking about her mutual interest in art. She's my student and we have an obligation through the university not to fraternize with any–"

"Yes yes, your student. I don't need a reminder of where my boundaries are, but perhaps you do....bringing up fraternizing and all." Taehyung moves past Jungkook, striding back over to you. "Whatever else can there be besides professional or academic affairs? Of course, we're keeping our witts about us Kookie."

Behind him, Jungkook huffs and follows his lead. Then wipe that stupid smirk off your face, he thinks.

Present

Dinner is rough.

Jungkook's parents showing up unannounced and uninvited throws you both in a very quick, downward spiral. How can two people have so much time on their hands? Retirement, that's how.

You try your hardest to keep the conversation light throughout dinner, but it's obvious the air has grown thick between your husband and his mother.

"Why didn't you come to the reunion last year?" your mother-in-law presses for the second time tonight. She clutches the napkin in her hand, anxious for his response.

Jungkook sits across the table. His posture stiffens at the question. "I'm sorry, I had a lot to do. The reunion is always so close to when I have to go back to the university that I just didn't have the time."

A loud, impatient sigh comes from back across the table. "You didn't have the time or didn't make it? Honesty Jungkook, you expect me to believe that?"

When Jungkook doesn't answer, you and your father-in-law exchange troublesome looks. "Honey," Mr. Jeon speaks up, placing a hand on her shaky one. "You know how full the school year is for Jungkook. Don't blame him. Maybe he can come this year if we reschedule for a more convenient time." He pleads with his son, hopeful eyes.

"Stop helping him." She looks at Mr. Jeon and then back to Jungkook. "I don't think I'm asking for a lot. I just want you there, you and __."

At that, you find yourself gripping your husband's arm from under the table. Jungkook shifts in his seat and stares dead straight into his mother's eyes. "Funny you say that," he seethes. You tug on his arm in desperation to calm him. "Seeing that you keep dropping by at random times throughout the year, I'd say you expect a great deal from us."

Mrs. Jeon immediately snatches her hand from your father-in-law's. "Maybe I wouldn't have to if you'd come to the reunion. Or called, texted, or even emailed at this point. If it weren't for my efforts, I wouldn't hear from you at all."

"Please," Mr. Jeon pleads again, this time to both parties. "We're having dinner. Let's continue this later." He reaches for the bowl in the middle of the table but he's quickly ignored.

"You're right." Jungkook cuts. "Maybe I should come. Because it's one more way you can get what you want, isn't it? All those years of hard work so you can show me off to everyone."

"Don't you talk to me like that," Mrs. Jeon grits. "If I wanted to show you off it'll be when you give me a grandchild! I'm lucky to even have a daughter-in-law by now."

Chair legs scrape against the hardwood floor and your arm snakes out from Jungkook's arm. Your husband stands at the table, Mr. Jeon follows suit. "Okay, okay, let's just–"

"Dad," Jungkook interrupts. "Can you please take Mom home for the night?"

"Are you okay?" you pop the question once your in-laws leave for the night, a queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach. Mrs. Jeon looked completely bewildered, whereas Mr. Jeon looked deeply troubled; conflicted between wife and son. You have a feeling he has a better understanding of what happened than you do right now.

"I wish she hadn't come today," Jungkook plops on the bed. You sit beside him. "I'm sorry about what she said about you....I knew she was here for something."

You won't lie. When Mrs. Jeon mentioned being lucky to finally have a daughter-in-law, it stung. You detest being seen as an achievement. "I'm sure she didn't mean it like that since she said it out of impulse. It was a tense moment," you say. "As far as what she was getting at though, it was for you to go to the reunion."

"No." He shakes his head and then glances at you. "It's not about the reunion. She only wants me to go so she can show everyone how smart and successful her son has become–all her doing of course. It's been like that since high school. And she wants you to go for a similar reason."

"I knew your mom had a bit of a thing for status but I thought that mostly revolved around her profession. Also, when she was talking earlier about you not keeping in touch she seemed more hurt and sad than mad. I think she really just wants you there."

"If she seemed hurt it's because she didn't get her way," Jungkook says, nonchalant.

"Jungkook."

"I'm sorry but it's true" He adjusts his position, angling himself to face you. "Mom's used to calling the shots– at work, at home, even with our neighbors growing up. You've seen how dad is around her. Yeah, he pushes back a little but at the end of the day, he does what's asked of him."

Frightened to ask the next question, you swallow hard. "What aren't you telling me Jungkook?"

He gently takes your hand from your lap, rubbing small circles on the knuckles. "Growing up, she was hardly around or involved in my brother and I's life. Most weeks, she and Dad would be at work, and we'd be with a babysitter or nanny. Dad did what he could to take care of us but Mom? All she would do is prune us to be just like her...smart, successful, and a dash more to make up for all the achievements she couldn't make."

"Jungkook...I don't know what to say," you murmur, trying to take everything in. "But your PhD–"

"My decision but her influence. Though she wasn't pleased when I said I'd be relocating ten hours away."

You remember him telling you this part before. His mother had a hard time coping with his reluctance to stay nearby. Maybe she did want him to follow in her footsteps. "Your brother didn't have as much pressure on him did he?"

"He did, but he still bends to her will. Except for the grandchildren part." Jungkook grimaces, averting eye contact. "I guess we have that in common."

"Hey," you urge him to lift his head. "Please don't feel bad about telling me any of this. If your picture of parents has largely been their absence and desire for self-fulfillment, then I understand your grounds for not wanting children. And as far as tonight with your mom, I'm so sorry. I feel like it's partially my fault for agreeing to host them for two days."

A pair of soft eyes rest on you in the dim room. The sun was near set now and all the light previously shining into the room had come from the window. If this wasn't a serious moment you might take a candid shot of your husband.

"You're the best thing that's happened to me __," Jungkook coos. "Don't ever think your kindness is a fault." He pauses then continues. "I still want both my parents in my life but I need to draw boundaries or I will completely snap and that's not something I want to happen. Especially since we have a possible baby to make one day."

"Hu–huh?" It's the repetition of the last sentence that makes you utterly dumbfounded.

Baby? Baby with Jungkook. One day?

Your husband draws his hand up to barely caress your cheek. "Why does that always seem to stop your heart?"

You catch his wrist mid-movement and throw yourself into him. Your arms link around his neck, chest flat against his. "It doesn't stop my heart," you say, playing with his hair. "It makes it beat faster."

"Wow." Your husband hugs you closer. "So cheesy." He leans back after, pressing a soft kiss to yours.

The two of you continue making out like teenagers again; Jungkook tumbling on his back.

"Kook." You lay on top of him, straddling his sides. "Have you ever thought about seriously talking to your mom about you know, everything you told me?"

Jungkook hums, before answering. "Somewhat but, I'm not sure how that'll go."

"It might be worth it instead of having little pieces slip out when you get into conflict...like tonight for instance."

"I suppose it's not a far-fetched idea. I'll consider it but it might take some more time. For now, I think I'll start by calling her tomorrow. I'm still mad but I don't wanna leave things the way they are now. Plus, I'm sure they don't have plans to go back home early. I'd hate for them to stay in the hotel the rest of these two days."

"Sounds like a plan," you say, snuggling into the crook of his neck.

"Mom." Jungkook holds the phone to his ear. "What are you and Dad doing today?"

"Oh, I–," his mom stutters from the other end. "We're not up to too much. I think your dad wants to swing by some bookstore around town. Uh, what about you?"

"__ at work and I'm home by myself. Are you hungry? I thought maybe we could go out for brunch."

Jungkook hears his mom's tone lift. "Are you sure? I mean that would be lovely but if there are things you need to do then we don't want to...impose."

Mrs. Jeon's sudden willingness to check in is unexpected. Jungkook still senses traces of guilt but at least she's making somewhat of an effort.

"It's my treat," he assures, a little shaky. "I'm sorry about yesterday, mom. Maybe we can talk about it more in person."

"I think that would be good," she agrees simply. "Where and what time do you want to meet up?"

"Drive over here in twenty minutes. We can pile in my car and head over."

Once finally agreed, Jungkook ends the call. He opens his messages and shoots you a text.

Jungkook: Well I did it  😬 [sent at 10:42 a.m]

__: Proud of you ❤️ if anything happens, call me. [sent at 10:44 a.m]

Jungkook: I will. Also, sorry to bring it up but I gotta give Yoongi hyung an answer by tomorrow. Are we babysitting his twins Saturday? [sent at 10:47 a.m]

__: Ahm, it'll likely be the evening, right? [sent at 10:48 a.m]

Jungkook: Probably [sent at 10:49 a.m]

__: I guess, sure. We're going to need to put some stuff away though 😅 And get something fun for them to do! [sent by 10:51 a.m]

Jungkook: Noted but I'm sure they'll bring lots to do. Yoongi hyung is a big sofie for his girls. He buys them everything–literally 🫠 [sent at 10:52 a.m]

__: True. I have to get back to work now but love you xoxo [sent at 10:53 a.m]

A/N: Surprise! jk has mommy issues and they've has been triggered. Was hoping how he talked, thought, & acted towards her in the last chapter gave hints. On the brighter side, jungkook is another step closer to babyville! And next flashback will be something exciting! Lmk if you wanna be tagged or have thoughts in comments or asks! 💞

Masterlist

Taglist:

@frieschan @oldermenluverrr @tatamicc @kookswifesblog @llallaaa @sunnybyeol @namtaeh @exactlygreatcoffee @whipwhoops @yoongisducky @ktnj91 @junecat18 @thvlover7 @yoongiworshiper @ellesalazar @monbebe234-blog @parkinglot-nights @borahaexoxo @hobiswhore @kimseokjinbangtan @jjk97091 @mk-id @blueberry711 @givemethemaknaes16 @iammartian07 @jjkluver7 @itsdingdong @jiminshi20 @sweet-sourhotcoco @lovingkoalaface @starsinsky1999 @rockstarrgyu @chaconnelatte @lubtou

no reposting, copying, or translating my work– © kookslastbutton

[insomniwillow]

Hello! Pairing: pissa Prompt: domestic fluff and lots of hugs/kisses because they miss each other so much

Thanks for the prompt! sorry it took so long, work has been kicking my ass. This is also about three times longer than i'd intended, but uh. it's fine, don't worry about it!

Read on Ao3 here!

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

Phil and Missa kept missing each other, and it was honestly starting to drive Phil a little crazy.

He understood the importance of Missa's job, of course- it was the same one he'd done before he'd been gifted the life he had now, hard-core and thinly-tethered to the mortal plane. Escorting the souls of the dead and scattered was important, and most notably extremely hectic, so Phil couldn't and wouldn't begrudge Missa for being pulled away from this mortal plane as often as he was. But if Phil had to wake up to another lovingly painted picture of their family, or one of his kids telling him that he just missed apa Missa, dad, he was right here!

Well. He wasn't a hundred percent sure what exactly he would do, but it was getting to the point where he needed to do something.

Being a father to two rambunctious kids, no matter how well behaved they were, was exhausting for anyone, and he often found himself falling asleep in his chair during the middle of a bedtime story or song for the kids, the two of them tucked safely right alongside Missa's still-sleeping body. He was stressed from... basically everything on the island, and then the nightmares that followed purgatory, and the bunnies or whatever the fuck new government system was standing in for the Federation now- it was safe to say there were a lot of things pulling at whatever energy he had left, leaving sleep quick to come and just as easy to lose most nights.

It was a coincidence that none of his sleepless nights had coincided with Missa's waking up, but that didn't make it any fucking easier to deal with.

He hated tea and coffee, but he found himself making a mug of the stuff anyway, of both kinds, just in case. He busied himself with light repair work around the house as soon as his kids were settled, trying to keep himself awake by being up and on his feet. Lullah's little birdhouse needed a new roof, the clock was a minute too slow, the stove needed the soot build-up scrubbed away. The night outside grew darker as the hours slowly eeked away, and he was left with little more than a slightly more put together house and burning eyes, ready to resign himself to another near miss.

He folded his arms over his chest as he glanced towards the bed, the little lumps of his kids and the alluring thickness of the quilts strewn across the mattress. The still-sleeping body of his husband, sans mask, the barest glow of moonlight lighting up his features.

His grip on his arms tightened as his chest did, a squeezing burst of longing that sat thick in his throat, before he made himself turn away.

Going through the motions of getting ready for bed were familiar- getting changed out of his clothes, brushing his teeth, tying his hair off into a braid, making sure the furnace and the torches were put out. Their house had turned into a cacophony of bird calls and wind chimes, but night time was about as quiet as it would probably ever get. He sat himself down on the bed with a soft sigh, though a smile lifted his lips as he leaned over Missa's still form to tuck the kids' blankets closer around them, their cute little growling snorts making him giggle quietly to himself.

"Philza... ?" A voice came from right below him, making him jump a bit in surprise, looking down to see Missa's wide eyes looking back up at him. Phil's heart squeezed in his chest again, this time for an entirely new reason.

"Missa!" He whispered, just barely catching himself as he glanced over to the kids, still sound asleep, reaching to press a hand to Missa's shoulder. He could feel his elation rising above his exhaustion, and he smiled again, shoulders slumping a bit. "Heya mate."

"Que paso, Philza?" Missa murmured, his voice hoarse and worried as he sat himself up in bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He caught sight of Chayanne first, their son's little head pressed against his hip. "It's late, no? Did something happen?"

"No, no." Phil reassured him with a quick wave, reaching to take Missa's hand in his, and Missa flushed a bit, eyes wide again. "I just- wanted to see you. That's all."

"Oh." Missa said, voice a little high and Phil couldn't help but laugh at him- even after the prison and everything else, and Missa was still so easily flustered by a simple touch and sentiment. It was honestly cute, and it struck Phil then and there that he'd even missed something as small as that. "I missed you too!"

"It's been like, what, a month or two since the prison thing?" Phil said, giving Missa's hand a little squeeze. "I got all your paintings, but we just kept missing each other."

"Yep, yep." Missa agreed, though a little ruefully as he rubbed anxiously at the back of his neck, glancing away as he gently returned Phil's squeeze. "But um, I'm a little thirsty, so- sorry, I just-"

"Oh fuck me mate, you don't have to apologized for that." Phil scoffed, standing as he let Missa's hand drop to the bed again, turning back to the kitchen to grab a water bottle and handing it to him. He pulled some toast out of his inventory as well, noting how gaunt Missa looked, swamped with blankets and hair all messy as it hung around his face. "I'm glad I caught you though, I was just about to go to bed..."

"oh, of course! Debes estar tan cansado- ah, I'll let you sleep." Missa was quick to stutter out, reaching to throw his blankets off, but Phil caught his hand again with a snort.

"Oh, no you don't, mate." he playfully scolded, and Missa froze. "You think I haven't heard of the shit you've been doing trying to keep a distance from us? You're staying right here."

"But- Philza-" Missa fussed nervously, and Phil couldn't help his endearment at that too, even if it was tempered by exasperation. But at the same time, if Missa needed a little more reassurance, then Phil was more than happy to provide.

He dropped Missa's hand to cup his face again, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he pressed a kiss to Missa's lips, who froze again. His lips were soft against Phil's chapped ones, his face and hair soft against Phil's palm as he brushed a thumb along Missa's jawline before he leaned in a little closer, and Missa shyly pressed back, his hands reaching up to fist in the loose fabric of Phil's sleep pants as if to anchor himself in place.

Missa was flushed again when they finally parted, and Phil couldn't help but giggle at him, and then louder when Missa's hand came up to Phil's face to press a loud kiss to his cheek, with a 'mwah' to emphasis it. And then again to his jaw, then his neck, the sensation of it ticklish enough to make Phil laugh even harder, though he pressed a hand over his mouth to suppress the noise.

"Jesus, mate, you miss me that fucking much, huh?" Phil murmured in the space between them, using his hand on Missa's cheek to guide him up enough to press another kiss to his mouth, lingering a little as Missa melted into the touch. It was a little gratifying, right alongside Missa's clear eagerness, and usually Phil would be embarrassed by being showered in so much affection, but Missa had a way of making it funny, and thus more bearable. Easier to handle, physically and mentally.

It certainly helped that Missa was a good kisser when he was actually trying and, well, it'd been a while for Phil. He'd forgotten just how thrilling something as simple as a kiss could be.

"...Yeah?" Missa murmured, his voice pitched up and shy and Phil brought up a hand to cradle the back of Missa's head, pulling him closer and pressing a kiss to his temple, hopelessly endeared. "But... necesitas dormir, amor, you need to sleep-"

"M'ere," Phil muttered, rocking them both to the side to lay down on their bed, facing each other even as Missa gave a little yelp from the sudden motion. "There, better now mate?"

"Mmm..." Missa hummed in mock contemplation, brushing his messy hair out of his face to meet Philza's eyes, his own that familiar pretty brown. "I think your eyes need to be closed if you're supposed to be sleeping, Philza."

Even that sounded so nice, as his eyes burned with the effort of keeping them open for so long. He thought he could just barely make out the lightening on the horizon indicating early morning, but it was still dark enough that he, theoretically at least, wouldn't have any issue sleeping. Whether or not he stayed asleep was a different story entirely. Not to mention the irrational fear sitting in his chest as he stared at Missa, awake and beautiful and full of life as thin as Phil's own.

It was hard, and already his chest ached at the thought of waking up to a sleeping husband again, but at least he had this now, a quiet moment between the two of them.

He tightened his hold around Missa's body, pressing close and tucking his head to rest against Missa's collar bones, some stupid part of his brain soothed by the perceived safety of Missa's hold on him in return. Missa worked a hand through Phil's hair, scratching slowly across his scalp and Phil couldn't help but relax even further, eyelids fluttering a bit at the pleasant sensation. He could feel himself slowly falling asleep, could distantly feel the sensation of lips pressed against the top of his head, the words, "buenas noches, amor." ringing in his ear.

He couldn't remember a time he'd fallen asleep so fast, or slept so soundly, safe in his husband's arms.

[anonymous-existences]

Chapter 11 : Orange Streaks and Turquoise Skies

Fluff :33 and Comfort { and a lil bit of foreshadowing}

[𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 13 , 8:45 𝐀𝐌 , 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞'𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭]

Dante was cooking in the kitchen as Jason Helps Danny Dye his hair Partly in the Bathroom, Jason was being tedious and Gentle with it. "So Danny— why Orange?" Jason finally asks as Danny stared in the mirror with eyes full of intent and excitement.

"My sister... Well.. our Sister. Jasmine, She had orange hair." Danny smiles at Jason through his Reflection and Jason Nodded, "mmm I see! Where is she now?" Jason asks without a second thought, "The Afterlife." Danny says and it made Jason Flinch. "Oh sorry for asking— dammit—" Jason cursed under his breathe but he heard Danny laugh.

"it's okay! You didn't know... You wouldn't have known unless you asked Dante, maybe then he'll cry in your arms—" Danny joked. "It's that bad?" Jason says , "Yep! But I want to be positive! Because that's what jazz would've wanted me to be... She would want me to be happy and me to feel loved and etc." Danny says emphasizing the 'P' `with a Pop.

"Can you tell me more about her?" Jason asked curiously making Danny Light up significantly as he nodded. "Jazz is our older sister, she loved us a lot, she took care of us, she was there for us in our hardest times .. our parents wasn't so... Attentive... She's practically my mom, her smile is comforting and warm! Her eyes are like the aquatic seas! Her hair was orange as I've said and she always looked like the sun... She always wore a headband that's also the same color as her eyes.... I miss her... But I do everything I can to remember her, because she was my parent... She was.. basically my mom!" Danny says with teary eyes.

Jason pats his back, "You're doing well kid. Your Older Sister-Mother Esque Figure would be happy..." Jason comforted Danny and Danny just nods wiping the tears off his face. Jason continued to dye Danny's hair until the door bell rang.

"I'm getting it!" Ellie said enthusiastically. "Punch em if they hurt you." Dante says as he kept cooking them their lunch. Ellie peeked through the door, "hello! Why are you wearing a latex suit??" Ellie questioned. "Hey There! Is Jason Here?" The Man asked.

"You wear weird stuff! Just like robin! Uncle Jason! Someone In a black and Blue latex suit is here for you!!" Ellie called out to Jason. Dante came to Ellie and opened the door and stared at the man. "Nightwing." Dante said sternly.

"Oh my—" Nightwing was taken aback by Dante's Height. Being taller than Jason and Bruce. Honestly. Terrifying. "H-hello— is Jason here—" Nightwing stuttered and Dante nodded. "Ellie let him in and make him wait in the couch. Jason is busy dyeing my brother's hair so you have to wait... Understood?" Dante still had a serious deep tone. He's not very fond of the bats too much, maybe robin is fine, Batman sort of. The little ones maybe but the other adults, not at all.

"Come! Come!" Ellie held his hand and practically dragged him inside and made him sit in the couch. "Can I do your hair?" Ellie asks him politely and he just nods completely melting because of her cuteness.

Jason finished dyeing Danny's hair and walked out of the Bathroom to let it dry in the living room.

Jason froze and both he and Nightwing stared at each other.

"Oh, it's your brother." Danny blurted out and Jason looks at him, "do you like... Just know all of our identities?" Jason asks genuinely confused. "Appearances change, souls doesn't." Danny shrugged as if that's a normal thing to say. "Yep!" Ellie agrees.

"Jaylad you have a weird second family—" Dick/Nightwing blurted out. "SHUT! What are you doing here? Is B here too? Hopefully fucking not." Jason just grabbed Dick and made him stand up but before Jason could throw him out Dante called them.

"Jay don't throw your brother out the window, C'mon. Let's eat. Atleast let him change too I do not want to see a grown man in a hero costume today. And besides they already know me and they know I know them, why the fuck wear a costume." Dante rolled his eyes. "Damn." Danny blurted out.

"Why do I feel awfully calm about this whole ... These possible non civilian smth aliens or not aliens know my identity—" Dick just says in defeat. "Well... That's just how we go! Some say we have very calming presences!" Ellie giggled and Jason defeatedly let Dick change clothes.

"I knew you were freaky but not like this Jace!" Dick says teasingly, "If not for Dante I'd have thrown you out the window by now." Jason says and throwing glares at Dick as they headed to the Dining Room.

Dante stared at Dick wary eyes. Danny just tilts his head to look at Dick, "your hair still has pink bows and ribbons." Danny tells him and snorted, Ellie giggled loudly and Dante holding back a laugh.

Jason sneaks a pic of Dick, "Blackmail Material—" Jason laughed "Touché I deserved that—" Dick looks offended jokingly. "Come now, let's eat." Dante says with a smile as Jason forces Dick to sit beside Danny and Jason beside Dante.

"You look like a normal person now!" Ellie giggled and pointed at Dick who's out of costume.

Dick thought that maybe this isn't too bad, atleast Jason seems happy even tho Dante is a Presumed Dangerous and Should Not Be Provoked enemy.... Dick sneaks a pic of Dante and Jason being sweet and side by side. ' totally blackmail material' he thought.

Danny was Happy that everything for now is going well but he knows it won't always be like this, he just hopes Maddie and Jack doesn't find them.

He hopes the GIW doesn't find them...

Please don't let those people find them...

Please....

[the-roo-too]

você escreve para o blackpink? se você fizer isso, posso solicitar o alfabeto rosé fluff

candy -> park chaeyoung ver

aka the fluff alphabet

admiration (what does she absolutely adore about you)- how much you trust her <33 she finds it so incredible that you know you can tell her anything and that you share everything with her 🫶

body (what’s her favourite body part of yours)- because rosie dyes her hair so much, she’s got a lot of hair damage. therefore, she adores your hair! buys you all them expensive conditioners 💯 also i feel like matching hairstyles with rosie is a must

cuddling (how she likes to cuddle)- it’s not about the position, it’s about w a r m t h. rosie needs you both to be warm and comfy while cuddling, no exceptions

dates (what’s her ideal date)- somewhere quiet, preferably away from others. honestly, you can take her to the middle of nowhere and go stargazing, she’ll never forget that <33 will bite you if you forget blankets tho

emotions (how does she express her emotions around you)- being honest with each other is a fundamental part of a healthy relationship 👹 rosé lives by that rule, so you usually know what’s on her mind (usually)

family (does she want one)- yessss 🙏 rosie deffo wants a mini me, especially with the love of her life (you)!

holding hands (does she like to hold hands)- yess! especially in public settings, when she’s busy on her phone or something, she makes sure to be holding your hand <33

injuries (what would she do if you got hurt)- rosie would c r y and panic </3 you’d think she’s the one who got injured

jokes (does she like to joke around)- ye 🦧 rosie is a prankster not a single serious bone in that body

kisses (how does she like to kiss you)- softly <33 you’re her baby! she’s a very gentle soul nonetheless, but for you? with you she’s a little cuddlebear

love (what’s her love language)- spending late nights together. rosie as a idol unfortunately often misses some dates, or needs to get out of bed way before you and you don’t see her in the morning :(( because of that, she makes sure to always be with you at night!

memory (what’s her favourite memory together)- when you first came to her practice and she introduced you to her members 🤭🤭 she’s so grateful for the fact that they like you too

nighttime (how does sleeping with her look like)- like i said, rosie always spends nights with you, but for none of you matters what you do together <33 sometimes she just holds you in her arms while you sleep, other nights you wake up when she arrives and you watch a movie together

oddity (what’s a quirky thing about her)- what isn’t quirky about her? but hear me out, she sometimes dedicates covers to you. when she uploads a video of her singing and/or playing, there are your initials hidden at the end frame

pet names (what does she like to call you)- darling, pretty girl, cutie! all them cute things she can think up on the spot basically. your contact name in her phone is little princess because she’s your rosé <33

quality time (how does she like to spend time with you)- rosie is a sucker for those lil couple activities, like going pottery together or something! she also loves when you’re with her in the studio, especially while recording after a long, tiring day

rush (does she rush into things)- kinda? not in the sense that she wants to get married three days after confessing, but she definitely starts planning things like that long in advance

secrets (how open is she with you)- open with emotions, open with other stuff! tho that pancakes she makes on the weekends? you’ll never get the recipe.

time (how long did it take for her to confess)- a long while 😭 poor baby was so scared! her members were so fed up with it they almost confessed for her lmao

upset (what’s her reaction when you’re upset)- immediately tries to find the cause? was it her? was it someone online? will comfort you to the best of her abilities! i feel like she sings to you to calm you down too <33

visibility (is she afraid of the public opinion)- out of all the bp members, rosie is the chillest when it comes to coming out to public. her fan base is especially fruity and she isn’t that afraid of the people’s opinion. and if anything would happen, miss rosé will fight for you! 🫶

warrior (how often do you fight)- depends on the season, really. if you’re busy with your work and rosé has a comeback coming up, it’s normal that you’re both more on edge. but when life is peaceful, you don’t really fight. she hates rising her voice at you :((

x-ray (is she able to read you)- d u h. she does it better than you do. especially when it comes to being sick! it’s like she knows two days in advance before you start coughing and having a fever

yes (how would she propose to you)- definitely would do it in a overly sweet and a bit cringey way, like dropping to her knees in the middle of the restaurant and kinda making it obvious for everyone (don’t worry, the restaurant owner will probably give u a free cake or smth)

zen (what makes her feel calm)- huggies! when you’re both fighting and rosie doesn’t know what to say anymore, she kind of deflates and walks up to you to envelop you in a hug. a couple minutes in silence, you both apologise and talk it out like responsible adults

part of [the fluff series]

[invisiblegarters]

Micro (or not) BL Reviews

It's that time again. Seeing as how a couple of things have ended recently and I let my obsession with a certain drama sort of take over everything else of late, I dedicated this week to catching up on all the things I've been missing and doing a quick round up (or not so quick, as it's me).

So let's get started, shall we?

Recently Completed

Stay By My Side - Oh Taiwan. I just love you. I think we had like eighteen "fall into you" moments in the first three episodes alone. The premise was fun - it reminded me a lot of Master's Sun, but the execution of course is totally different. The leads were cute. The chemistry was chemistrying. I loved the sister and that basketball boys. It was mostly fluff, which I am not complaining about because I love me some fluff. That said, I don't think it did anything particularly revolutionary and it never really did manage to grab me.  7.5/10

Wedding Plan - A MAME offering, but…not bad? I mean, not great either, although I will put up with a lot for the premise because I eat shit like that up, but I've seen way worse from MAME. However, it's not going to become a guilty pleasure show like LITA or an unexpected comfort show despite myself (at least the AePete parts) like Love by Chance. It was fine.

Things I really did like:  Nuea's family and his workmates (I loved how fiercely both sets of people stood by and supported him through everything from his huge mistake in sleeping with the groom to running back home to deal with it to basically adopting Lom into the group when they worked it out ("we have a new brother in law"). The lesbians - I could have used a bit more heat but I'll take it for now. Let's work on normalizing GL in our BL (frankly I'd love it if we started doing more of that and less of the token straight couple or three)! Was a little annoyed by how they had to fix everything but I won't pretend that the bits with them in episode 6 didn't get to me - I may have teared up a little when Marine was being treated so horribly by Yiwa's mother - that whole thing was so upsetting on a number of levels. And I was happy for them that they could afford to run away to their own happy ending. Also the gag of Lom pretending to be devastated when he was anything but was kinda funny, I will give the show that. And I did like the way that Lom's mom came around - realizing with time that losing her son the same way Yiwa's mother lost her could be a very real result if she kept being rigid. I also liked that she didn't just suddenly become a PFLAG member (or whatever the equivalent would be here) but simply told her son that she would work on it, because that felt more realistic.

The show also got me with how fucking lonely it must have been for both Lom and Yiwa, to know that they were gay and that they could never say anything, and how overwhelming and relieving it must have been to find someone who understood in each other. No fucking wonder they'd do anything for each other. I would have too, if I'd had someone like that growing up.

So yeah. It was fine. I mostly had a good time, even if I got a little bored once or twice. Frankly when it comes to MAME, being a little bored is preferable to feeling like the top of my head is about to come off because I'm so annoyed. Final verdict 7/10

Jun & Jun - Korea keeps making office BLs and I will continue watching them until the end of time. Especially if they keep on serving good kiss while they do it. And this one had bonus scent kink! I honestly don't know what's gotten into Korea lately but I am very much here for it.

This was a fun little office BL.  I liked how flirty it was from the get go, the way that both Juns danced around each other with the full knowledge that they were flirting. The intern group was fun, too. I really enjoyed the boyfriend episode at the end.

Everyone was very cute in this, but Simeon was my utter favorite. He totally stole the show for me. Him and Young. Young especially was a surprise, since she drove me bonkers when she first showed up. But she grew on me. I liked how fast she decided to embrace Lee Jun, and her and Choi Jun's friendship was cute.

I shipped Simeon and Hyung Hyun Jae too. Hard.

All in all this was cute, even if it didn’t manage to grip me as hard as I hoped. Like I said before, I'm not sure what's gotten into Korea lately but I hope it continues. 8/10.

Laws of Attraction - When I first saw the trailer for this, I decided to skip it. The leads were attractive enough but to be honest it seemed kinda poorly made and like it didn't know what it was going to do with itself. And I was feeling surly and judgmental and decided that it just wasn't for me. Also it was on iQIYI and I had no interest in signing up for another subscription.

But then I saw someone had stuck it on youtube and I was bored one Saturday an there were a few eps already out, so I thought, eh, why not?

And I've not regretted it for a moment.  I loved this show so much my god. Even when OF started (and you all know how much I obsess about OF) this was still the thing I looked forward to most on Saturdays. I adored Charn and his shark smile from moment one, and that adoration did not cease throughout the entirety of the show's run. His character development was by far the best on the show, and I loved the slow, stumbling way he regained the person he used to be, while still keeping the ruthlessness of the man he allowed anger and bitterness to let him become (up to a point). I loved that the show began and ended with his shark smile, but for very different reasons. And he and Tinn were adorable.

I appreciated them banging the marriage equality drum, too, and especially Charn's very pragmatic reasons for wanting it to be legal (as a lawyer, he would think like that, and I appreciate that the show kept him in character even when he was sappy). I also loved his wedding jacket I want four.

I also loved Tinn, and I have to give credit to Jam for the way he portrayed him. While Film totally ate as Charn I do think that in some ways a character like Tinn is harder to portray, because it would be very very easy for him to become preachy because of his morality and rigid sense of justice. But Jam played him with enough nuance that he never slid into that for me - he was willing to occasionally be at least slightly underhanded when the situation called for it, and while he expected Charn to be better (and read him to filth when he caught him out lying to and manipulating him), he thankfully also seemed to understand the fine art of compromise. Plus he's really pretty. Both of them are really pretty.

But the thing that I never expected was just how hard I turned around on Thaenthai. He drove me absolutely bonkers for the first few eps, and I was loudly annoyed by the fact that after about ep three (if not sooner), it became clear that he was not the one who had hit Tonkhao but that he was being made to take the blame. It felt to me like the show wanted me to excuse how vile he was (acting like Tonkhao's death was nothing, beating the crap out of Tinn when he was already tied up and helpless, just generally acting like a spoiled, entitled, horrible shitstain of a human being) because his father beat him. And while that was horrifying and I wanted him to get the hell out of there as soon as possible I still felt that a worm is a worm is a worm, even if the worm's father happens to be worse.

But then the show went and did something I did not expect it to do: it didn't just tell us that Thaenthai was lashing out because he was caught in a desperate limbo of wanting to run away from his and wanting to please him, but it went and did the work to show it. I started turning around on him after he found out about the gardener his father used as a scapegoat once things started getting heated, because we finally got to catch him before he had time to put on his mask. And it just kept coming, because now we knew what to look for. He's still an ass for beating the shit out of Tinn when he was tied up though, lol.

Another thing I really loved that this sow did with him was show him loving his dad in spite of everything. This man beat him, nearly drowned him, let him take the blame for a murder he did, tried to kill the only person Thaenthai felt was really on his side (because I do think that the intent was always to kill Thee - I'm just not entirely sure why it didn't happen as soon as Thaenthai got on that plane. I guess because we needed a happier ending. I am not complaining), and told him to his face that he could never love him because he killed his mother, and yet Thaenthai still loved him, still wanted his attention and his respect and his love in return. And it just rang very painfully true to me. You don't stop loving your parents because they're shit, and humans for some reason tend to be wired to try harder for love that is hard to receive (or impossible, in this case).  It did not surprise me that Thaentha tried to visit his father in prison, or that he was sad when he died. But neither did it surprise me that something in him seemed looser in those scenes as well, because even though he loved his dad there's a part of him that's glad he's gone.

I love stuff like this, because it's so complicated and realistic and it hurts in a way that only something that resonates with reality can. I ate it up.

Shout out as well to Not Vorarit, because he really did a good job with Thatthep. The way he slowly unraveled as the show went on was pitch perfect, every little nuance from his first intro as the shady but possibly not *that* shady "concerned" parent right up until that last scene with Charn where he's just a cackling monster. Kudos, you created an excellently detestable character. Watching him get his comeuppance was certainly a highlight of the show for me.

I was also really into the way that Tonkhao was very much a main character despite the fact that she died so early. One of the best strengths of this show was the way that it never let us forget what started this whole thing, it showed Tinn and Grandma grieving for their little girl, talking about her, missing her. Being reminded of her around every corner. They kept her in the forefront of our minds exactly the way that they should have, and I was delighted by it.

Other fun notables are himbo ex Nawin and Rose and Maya, our GL couple that I wish had gotten a little more screen time *as* a couple but either way were fabulous. I will love this show forever for introducing Nawin in the final hour and making him such a great combination of ridiculous and ruthless. And the way they let him breathe as a character - they really just stood back and were like "look at this ridiculous man stealing the show" and it was amazing. And Rose was just - she was such a good friend to Charn the whole way through, and both her and Maya's utter delight for him when he found Tinn (and them welcoming not only him but grandma into their little family so readily) warmed my cynical heart. And I will watch Sylvie Pavida in pretty much anything, I think.

All this raving and yet I still have to go with a final score of 9/10. I recommend this show, it's way better than I thought it would be, but there are some questionable choices made, the CGI and the fight scenes are laughable (the fire at Charn's office made me laugh so hard I had to pause), and they pulled out a guitar and sang not once, but twice. And they don't even have the excuse that one of them is supposed to be a singer. Also frankly nowadays every Thai show I watch I have to ask myself "did I enjoy this more than Moonlight Chicken?" which I only gave a 9.5, and for this one, the answer was no. So 9 it is, but a highly recommended 9. This was so much fun and it will be very missed on Saturdays.

Currently Watching

Be Mine Superstar - I really do  not get why they have decided to give the doom eleventh episode to this drama. It makes such little sense from this couple, who are the least dramatic pairing possible. They should have just left the angst to Muang and the doc.

Speaking of which, I have been disappointed with that storyline. I feel like we went from nothing to boyfriends with no real development, and now that they're not boyfriends again we're supposed to care, and I just don't.

Also Title is really out here doing the most. My dude, can't you just bow the fuck out gracefully? Blergh him and the manger stuff is still really annoying. Kevin was a delight though. Even though that's one too many dudes thirsty for Ashi for my personal taste (although he is very pretty so I totally get it).

Hidden Agenda - I actually kind of loved how ridiculous the conflict between Joke and Zo wound up being. Oh sure, Pat helping Joke along was a betrayal of trust or whatever, but it just felt perfect for the kind of drama this is. I get the idea that it felt like a betrayal of trust, but I also don't really get how it was too much different from what Zo was trying to do with Nita. Whatever, I love my low stakes drama on Sundays, keep it coming Hidden Agenda.

Kiseki: Dear to Me - This show is doing what I wanted from Only Friends and giving me all the cameos. The way I yelled when I saw the two from history: make Our Days Count. I think my favorite is Ai Di - poor little ball of adoration and pettiness and jealousy. I adore him. Oh, and that scene in the spa was great - I loved how everyone was looking at everyone else while the episode's guest stars (HI, Be Loved in House I Do guys! Good to see you) side eyed the lot of 'em. Me too, my friends. Me too. They're all messy and in love with everyone else and I am here for this weird quadrangle.

The main couple has less of a chokehold on me, but I like our uptight, traumatized doctor to be. And okay, yes, it got me with his unwilling return to a solitary life after Ze Rui disappeared on him. My guess is we're gonna speed run to the imprisonment and amnesia in the synopsis, and I'm good with that. I hope the cameos continue, but even if they don't I'm really enjoying this.

Taikan Yoho / My Personal Weatherman - I saw this called live action yaoi and at first didn’t really believe it, but no. No, it really is. And I am *here* for it. I can't say it's my favorite thing airing right now but I'm enjoying it.

The Jungle - (not a BL, so I'm cheating here, ah well) I don't know who thought that what we needed was four entire episodes of Pine's manpain, but they were very wrong. At least for my money. On the bright side, August is gorgeous and Pat is killing it. The series has been uneven for me and I'm a little annoyed they apparently want to wrap up Pine's BS, Nathee and Florence, *and* address Hunter's backstory in just two eps. But eh, whatever, I was only ever really watching for the women and Mix and thankfully Hack and Irin gave me all the mess that was promised (and not really delivered on, unfortunately. Not that I wanted a bunch of assholes womanizing, but aside from freaking Pine everyone's stories wrapped up in a couple of episodes of mostly no mess at all). 

Looking Forward To

23.5 - Come on GMMTV get this thing out already I want it. I have been patient but come oooooon. I had three highly anticipated dramas for this line up and this is the only one that hasn't been released yet and I want it. Gimme my GL.

Absolute Zero (Sep 27, iQiYI)- this is gonna hurt but at least I know it going in?

The Box (Sep 22, not sure about where) - Not a BL, but looks like a good time. Plus I'm interested to see Prem in a thriller - I think he'll do well.

I am also wondering what will replace the Monday/Tuesday hole The Jungle will leave when it stops airing or if they plan to do reruns.

And apparently we're getting the GMMTV 2024 lineup in Oct this year, which seems really early but maybe I'm wrong. I didn’t actually pay attention to the 2023 lineup until way after it came out so I can’t be trusted. *whispers* please let Midnight Museum have a season two, please let Midnight Museum have a season two.

[dazzle-writes]

Can I have a romantic genshin male matchup plz

Gender: cis female

Pronouns: she/her

Sexuality: heterosexual ally

Zodiac: Capricorn

Appearance: 5’2 African American hourglass body (although I’m more top heavy if you know what i mean) black curly wavy hair blackish brown eyes chubby cheeks wears glasses sometimes (im far sighted so it’s usually when driving in class or at the theater)

Mbti: infj

Enneagram: 2w1

Personality: kind smart funny motherly responsible empathetic anxious emotional moody perfectionist helpful people pleaser caring compassionate nerdy curious protective polite respectful indecisive fearful nervous introvert shy awkward clumsy low self esteem low confidence (more pertaining to my talents or personality then my looks) sassy sarcastic (I’m mainly these things with people i feel comfortable with like friends or family) soft spoken cute (my friends think im cute because i can be pretty innocent plus I’m small physically)

Likes: animals books reading writing fantasy magic sci fi anime music video games friends alone time learning personality quizzes sweets and bread helping being a part of something bigger than myself

Dislikes: spiders loud sounds people who harm others people who don’t take others into consideration (like make insensitive jokes or don’t consider the comfort of others or are mean just cause they can) people i care about not caring for themselves (im a hypocrite on this i take care of everyone else but not me) not being listened to weird holes and patterns math and tests (I’m being tested for a math disability and i have test anxiety)

Love language:

Giving: acts of service gift giving and physical affection (if they’re ok with it)

Receiving: words of affirmation and physical affection (although i can be shy about it)

Extra: i pace a lot i sing when im alone i talk to myself im a picky eater (mainly with textures) i have a cat i have minor ehlers danalos (a hyper mobility disorder) but it doesn’t hurt me like it does my sisters i get abdominal migraines which is basically like a migraine but instead of headaches it’s nausea

Is it possible to have a headcanon and a scenario (fluff) if not then I’ll just take a headcanon plz

Thank you

UWA HELLO FRIEND!!! I so sorry this is like......mega uber late OREFWFEWB I started college and two jobs!!!

ANYWAYS

You seem like a very cute and soft person to be around!! I think there are many Genshin dudes you would fit with, but in particular I can see you with Alhaitham!!! Even though he is blunt and can sometimes be manipulative (I.E. his quest SOBS), I think he would be a really good fit for you!!

-I think you help him break out of his laziness a bit!! He can be a bit of a drag sometimes if he doesn't need to do something.

-Reading dates reading dATES

-The kinda man to see you eyeing a book at a bookstore and sneakily buy it for you

-I think Alhaitham's love language is like.....being a sugar daddy BUT LIKE IN A PLATONIC KINDA WAY LMFAO. Like he lets Kaveh live there at his place and charges him rent to teach him responsibility, but he would honestly get whatever Kaveh needed. He makes a shit ton of money but only uses and portion of it and just banks the rest so he's like......why would I not use it on other people.

-I hc that dendro characters are naturally good with flora so he keeps peppermint plants around y'alls room to repel spiders for you

-This man is like the biggest haver of the Tism and has so many different texture problems so he understands being picky

-Will make jokes about you both being "top heavy" with a smirk knowing that if you ever tried to say that Alhaitham, scribe of the akademiya, made a joke about his man titties no one would ever believe you

-He is really affectionate in silent ways with you!! Also a physical touch person and he has no problems in just grabbing you up and carrying you to bed to cuddle and read in silence.

-Will rub your stomach to try and help with your abdominal migraines!

-Lowkey loves when you get him gifts and stuff bc he knows you much thought you put into it, keeps everything you give him!!!

-Enjoys watching you bake. Cannot bake himself. Cooking he is amazing at but baking? Homie just can't get it

-Kaveh is your fellow sweet tooth enjoyer, and see as he lives with Alhaitham he's like.....a bonus to your relationship

One day you came home feeling a little insecure, walking into the house with a quiet sigh. Your friends had said that they had never heard Alhaitham call you cute before like they always did, and it had begun to eat away at you. You quickly found Alhaitham, reading away at his desk.

"Um......Do you think I'm cute?" You asked, cheeks red with embarrassment at asking such a silly question. You almost were about to tell him never mind when he responded.

"Of course I do. I just don't infantilize you about it." He said, not even looking up from his book. He stood and held his book in one hand, and wrapped his other around you. "You are very attractive to me."

"Oh.....Okay. You just never say it....I'm sorry, it was dumb and I-" He cut you off with a small kiss to your lips.

His taller frame felt good as he hugged you close, and he leaned back to gently brush your cheek with his fingers as he closed his book. His gaze was always rather neutral, but he had the softest smile on his face as he looked at you.

"Do you need me to say it more? I don't mind." He said, nodding when you told him yes. "Of course. I think you are very cute, love. I love when you gasp with excitement when you read books. And I really love the way your cheeks flush when I compliment you in public. And when you get excited when you give me a gift. And when-"

He kept going, listing out everything about your personality that made you cute and lovable to him. He wrapped his other arm around you as he listen them off, only stopping when Kaveh banged on the wall in the room next to you.

"He's just jealous of me." Alhaitham said bluntly, kissing your forehead. "I'm financially stable and have an amazing girlfriend."

FGFUW I HOPE U ENJOY MY FRIEND AWAWA

[ohkaranetsmkor-blog]

The Little Mermaid Ramble w Spoilers Below

Loved loved loved like 8.5/10 loved and I am a picky gal. Got a couple of spoilery thoughts so only read if you have seen the film. There are spoilers to this film even though you basically know what happens so just read this when you’ve seen it ok!!!!

- The opening with the waves was stunning, gorgeous, omg like out of a David Attenborough documentary or something it got me straight in.

- Wanted to see what happened to Ariel’s mum low key... show don’t tell ya know. Same with Eric, I wish we got to see him as a baby or something I just would have liked to have seen IT rather than a monologue.

- In terms of Halle and Jonah’s chemistry I AM SOLD on the romance but just wish they had a couple more scenes together, especially at the end cause they kiss once and then *cut* they married. Even that final shot, I wanted just a little more.

- New songs are great and all the reprises of POYW are heartbreaking oml Halle you really are an Angel/Mermaid with a siren call that voice is impeccable.

- Scuttlebutt was a lot better in context I must admit, but eh I wouldn’t say I love loved it but glad that it fit with the rest of the songs. 

- Wild Uncharted Waters I like as a song but was I the only one who felt Jonah was overacting just a *tadddd*. Like dude was hunched over and running up and down WHICH IS FINE before you haters come for me, but it just sometimes felt a bit overdone and didn’t match with the lip syncing. Speaking of lip syncing, couple times where Jonah was so obviously lip syncing and it just didn’t fit. But ehh it’s minor so I’ll let it pass.

- The whole scene when Ariel first sees Prince Eric and finds out how similar they are/facing the same problems. To me it just showed how much they’re meant to be together. The whole shipwreck scene in general was AMAZING, probably my favourite moment of the film. The part that sold me was when Ariel helped Max get on the lifeboat what a perfect addition and just shows how loving Ariel’s heart is.

- I really loved the plot change that Ursula put a spell on Ariel so she wouldn’t remember the three days to get a kiss requirement. Thought it was super inventive and made for some great scenes where Ariel and Eric could just be together without Ariel being burdened with trying to kiss him. It meant their scenes and the chemistry felt so organic and less forced. 

- The whole Kiss the Girl sequence and Eric finding out Ariel’s name was soo cute ahhhhh. It was perfect!!! Not to mention their library meet cute that whole scene was adorable. Give these two a sequel for the love of god pls so I can see them together again!!!

- And Grimsby you Cupid matchmaker I see what you doin kicking that ring away and I fully support it

- Jodi Benson’s little cameo on the beach was perfect. So so sooo cute

- Ik I’m going back and forth but I loved Ariel’s interactions with her older sisters. They actually felt like older sisters because of it and Ariel is totally the youngest its giving youngest sib in the family.

- The best change they made was Ariel saving the day though. It honestly makes no sense in the original that Eric kills Ursula. Having Ariel do it was so much more gratifying cause you see all she’s learned from watching Eric and being on land. Ya Princess Ariel is a SMART CAPABLE BOSS of a Princess in the best way and I’m here for it. Not a Mary Sue, just some good writing okk

- Eric coming back to shore and letting Ariel’s blue dress go was all the feels. Wish it was just a bit longer rather than a cut to black, just felt a bit off or as if it needed a scene where the two can visually see how separate their worlds are. Kinda wish there were more moments were Eric saw Ariel as a mermaid, it just would have driven that longing and theme of a forbidden romance a bit harder.

- But... Max coming back with Ariel *chefs kiss*. So romantic and so cute. Again wish it was longer so FANFICTION WRITERS I NEED YALL TO SAVE ME WITH SOME FLUFF OK???

- The send off with Triton and all the mermaids coming ashore was so touching, a perfect ending. I just wish the final shot was a little better done, perhaps a shot of Ariel and Eric’s faces sailing into the sunset of a new adventure rather than a wide shot of them rolling on the waves. Don’t get me wrong it was fine, nothing bad, just wish it was a lil different you know.

- My final note is not a note on the film but more so a theory... since they never showed us how Ariel’s mum passed away but HEAVILY implied it had something to do with humans, is it in the slightest bit possible Ariel’s mum saved Eric from a shipwreck when he was a baby? Like how does a helpless orphaned baby survive a shipwreck without someone saving him? Idk, I could be going down a desperate rabbit whole here but maybe sequel in the future? I’d be down... but for now imma say this for the billionth time I BEG AND PRAY FOR FANFICTION PLS.

[adolin]

Out of curiosity, what are some babyfics that you've enjoyed? I'm working on something now that is technically a babyfic but mainly it's about codependency, running from the eugenics police, intense internal conflict, and a little nativity parallel as a treat. But still, it's a trope that I don't normally like either so I'm looking for some well done ones to read as inspiration

Ok honestly my mind went totally blank except for this FMA Roy/Riza (very cute, secret relationship, accidental pregnancy) I think the reason I like it is the POV, who's a character who isn't the kid or either of her parents, and the child OC is allowed to have an individual personality that isn't just "cutesy" without taking over the fic. It's very much an ensemble even if it's fluffy

Other kidfic tropes I like are "A accidentally ends up with a child, taking care of them brings them close to B" (Suits Harvey/Mike was good for this!); "child character is somewhat older and traumatised, and in taking care of them A realises things about themselves" with a side of generational trauma; fics that are mostly plot. I haven't read it in a few years, but I remember fondly this Captive Prince White Collar AU where the kid character was a witness in a crime case (mind the warnings!)

Basically, I like OC kids in fics when their role in the plot is to hit some fraught emotional notes for the main characters, not just fluff or one-note angst. For kid fics that are about canon characters (like, idk, "in TLT "what if Pyrrha had taken Gideon from the Ninth" sort of fic) I'm a lot pickier wrt characterisation, just because a lot of found family / "Parental Character A" style fic end up making the characters too one-note to fit specific family roles.

[1d1195]

✨part two✨

Okay sooo finally got to read the Honey and Most updates and I’m going insane!!! Idk where to begin lol

I’m most definitely NOT mad the way this last part of honey ended or even turned out! If anything this made those most sense for them! I was so devastated when she started to tell how she ended up being a nanny 💔 also CODY?!? Never trust a guy named that 😭 anyways fuck him 😊 how could he basically try to manipulate her into finding that “family” need somewhere else when all she wanted to do was have one of her own and then HIM FUCKING CHEATING ON HER AND STARTING A FAMILY WITH ANOTHER WOMAN?!? HELLO?!???? I love when we get a good backstory for your characters especially when they are so devastating 💔 though it of course makes so much sense as to why she’s like that obviously! And ugh I wish she was able to pursue her own dreams(I’m sure she will) but also that undertone of her not seeing herself being able to have her dream career and home life is so💔💔 the sperm donor part TRAGIC BC SHE IS SO LOVED! Though there is absolutely nothing wrong if people choose that route! (I’ve thought about that too!) and tbh I didn’t expect Harry to immediately beg her to give him a chance bc he is also kinda emotionally unavailable lol but I’m so excited to see how they will play out because I know you’ll never fail me!!!!! Loved it of course!

Now the most extra… I NEED HIM BAD😩😩😩 he’s so omg bestie you don’t even know! When I was younger I loved firefighters so him being just so perfect is so😭 he’s so down bad and I love when that happens! And I loved how we got a glimpse of the MC being so vulnerable when expressing how much she missed him😭 that detail of never sleeping alone 😭 and THEM TALLING ABOIT MARRIAGE😭😭😭 I will die when or if we get to read that😭😭 loved this so much like you do fluff and just sweet romantic stuff so much😭😭!!

Oh Sam you don’t even know how I was weak in the knees when I saw him😭 the motivation I got for that class actually went up lol

Anyways I’ve missed you lots Sam!! Was a really busy week but hopefully now it won’t be too bad! Hope grocery shopping went well! And I hope this past week treated you well too! Have you done anything fun recently? Hope this weekend is a bit relaxing! Love you lots!!!-💜

I am seriously running out of names but I've never met anyone that likes Cody. Idk how they exist. Tragically, I love the name Josh and Ben but I fear those are also red flag names. I really wasn't intending to make her background so tragic but I was struggling to put something down for this part and I was like "FUCK IT MAKE HER SAD" I tell my bf all the time if he died (lol) or we broke up I would refrain from another relationship. I would most likely just do the sperm donor route. I thought Harry caved kinda easily too, but I had someone message me about a prequel if you will for Honey and it's literally such a good idea, I can't wait to thank them profusely when I write it. I think it will be the first extra and it will kinda make sense why he caves so quickly after the fact. I am glad this part was okay. I'm still a bit nervous about the last two parts, but we shall see!

Honestly, I'm lowkey sick of writing about weddings 😂 almost all of my couples I've been writing about are married, I think. Or at least, they all act married. So idk if I'll write about their wedding. I think it would probs be similar to my Zipper wedding. I think she would be to nervous to do the whole thing in front of everyone--especially out of her guilt for leaving for a few years. I think she would feel like everyone is judging her. But I don't think Harry would care either way. He's so in love with her he would probably agree to getting married in the middle of a tornado if she asked. I also love firefighters. I think they're cute af (like personality, not physically, although they're good at that too). It's like someone just put a bunch of golden retrievers in one space and told them to literally put out fires. It's cute 🥰

Have I done anything fun? Hmm... no not really. I read my book last week and I've been spending money I shouldn't. But other than that, not really. I've been trying to lesson plan but my brain is not focusing. I've got my sweet treat and everything and nothing is working. 😭 I still have till like Wednesday to get some stuff done but I'm an early bird when it comes to due dates so this is cutting it close for me tbh 😭 We're planning a game night and a trip to Salem this month. I'm so amped that it's fall. It's making me think more and more about My Friend's Toyota. May have to revisit them next! I'm hoping to write a bit more but yeah. Nothing crazy!

LOVE YOU! Hope you are having a good weekend! 💕 Also, do you have classes every day? I know you commute and you're not crazy far, but do you only go on certain days or do you have a full 5-day schedule?

xoxo



[readerofoddities]

More warriors OCs because I'm finding love in them again

Meet Firestrike, finally! Amberheart's mate, Jadepaw's dad and the final member of the original friend group!

His family was from the mountains, where he was born, so he's pretty massive. When he was about apprentice-age, he left the mountains and joined the Clans. There, he met and fell in love with Amberheart, then Amberpaw. He and Fallenbranch were pretty close, due to Fallen's mountain heretiage, but he was always by Amberheart's side

He was ecstatic to find out he would be having kits and couldn't be happier to meet his four daughters. He died when they were still young, but formed a close bond with Jadepaw because of her ghost sight

Also, isn't his lil pink nose so cute? I decided I just had to let him keep it

Violetstorm is Fallenbranch's step-mom. She had a mate before Coralsong named Vinetail, but he died before her kits were born. She's used to tragedy unfortunately, because her parents died when she was young, her sister died shortly after her kits were born and one of her kits just couldn't keep going. So she has come to terms with death very well.

She's a very strong warrior and is happy to be standing beside her current mate to defend their Clan. She's proud watching her daughters and adopted daughter grow up and is happy to have more kits thanks to her step-kids.

Violetstorm's ears have always been kind of weird but I LOVE them. So I added them in so she can carry them on. Too bad the kit who died was the only one of hers that inherited her ears

Featherwing is a sweet guy, if a bit reckless

As a kit, he was almost carried off by an eagle with his brother. While he was saved, his brother was not (although a rogue saw his brother in the eagle's talons and saved him, but that's another story). After that experience, he got his first scars (the ones on his belly). He's gotten into a lot of fights and scary situations (especially one cold winter that resulted in the loss of his tail) to compensate for his trauma

Due to his scars, he assumed he would be forever alone, but surprising him, he has a mate currently! Her name is Grassfur and he loves her very much

His design honestly didn't change much from the original, but i did add ear spots because his head just looked naked without it

Silverstripe is Whitestar's older sister and one of the best warriors in the Clan. She's basically a second deputy, but Whitestar would never fall into the nepotism trap

She's had a complicated relationship with the rest of her family. Her mother pressured Silver into being a sort of protector for her younger sisters and it really messed her up. She basically tortured herself until she finally found it in herself to stand up to her mom and now she feels better about herself. She and Whitestar are very close and talk about everything

Silver didn't get much changes aside from getting the new cheek fluff I gave Whitestar. They actually have the same shade of white as a base color too in order to show how close they are

[rodolfoparras]

Honestly I love the look of my clothes obviously and i feel hot asf in them but then after wearing it for a few minutes I'm like hmm no I want my pyjamas back😭 I have like one outfit that I can wear all day without getting uncomfortable and it makes me look emo💪(that's what I'm going for)

Also cute little thing about William and Talia that's kinda smutty also ! so sometimes when Talia gets really surprised, his wings spread and fluff out a lot, a lot of the time knocking things over yk? Well he also does that when overwhelmed and basically first time having sex, William made Talia cum so hard his wings suddenly spread out and knocked a bunch of things off of the nightstand😭 he was so embarrassed but William actually found it really funny and actually chuckled!! (he never really laughs or smiles, is either like :| or >:| all the time. )

And I had to make Virgil have at least a little bit of comfort, even if it's minor. William did one time let Virgil sleep in after he had a huge breakdown the night before also. That's the nicest thing he's ever done to Virgil

For Deer boy, when working for Ciel, his name is Oliver but his actual name is Opal ! Changed to Oliver to blend in more since it's more common of a name.

Oliver also like will go on and on when someone is complaining over something really minor😭 like the guy with the tea? If Oliver wasn't dragged away by Sebastian he would've probably said something like. "Oh boo hoo your tea isn't perfect, why don't you go cry to your mommy about it like the big baby you are. Grow the fuck up, you're 42 crying about tea, maybe do something useful with your life" And much more.

also one time Ciel asked another kid his age how they couldn't read and with zero hesitation, Oliver was like "probably because their family is poor and can't afford education, you rich asshole" like he doesn't even hold back from his mini boss😭 Sebastian is the only one spared because he's pretty🙄

-🌱

I am very much the same if I could I’d live in my gray sweats and soft t’s why can’t pajamas / sleeping clothes be fashionable id make headlines here 😞

Well hello that sounds both cute and hot bc imagine overstimulating someone and watching their wings twitch rapidly 🧎🏻‍♂️

I love that everyone’s giving him a bit of love I think everyone deserves it 🥹

Deer boy has such a pretty name!!! Idk why but I think of pearls when I hear it? I love it!! Please I wouldn’t stand a chance if deer boy would cuss me out why is he hitting all the sore spots 😭

[itfitsitshipsart]

💞🙈👀 jjk!! <3

Thanks!

💞: Aside from with your f/o, who else would you commonly be shipped with? Why?

I could could definitely see her shipped with Suda, and really anyone else in Suguru's 'family'. But out of all of them, it would be Suda. Mainly cause she's the basically Suguru's secretary, so they're around each other a lot.

But I'd also see (maybe even more) people shipping her with Shoko in those AUs which Sugu doesn't leave the school. She naturally would be a teacher in that AU (It just makes sense) and also being one who uses reverse curse techniques, they'd have a bit in common. Plus, then we have the gay couple and the lesbian couple, which Fandom could NEVER say no to XD (and naturally the polycule she'd possibly be added into).

🙈: Why would your ship be thought of as cute/fluffy? Why would your ship be considered problematic?

Half and half, since technically, it'll be two ships. On one hand, people would fluff the heck out of it! Man who loves his kids, and woman who would be defined as a mom character. It would be adorable!

On the other hand, anime-only people would only see her with 'stitches Geto', and that can only be seen as abusive and problematic.

👀: How does your ship with your f/o influence both of your characterisations and the world? Would there be any interesting metas written about your dynamic?

She would really help show and drive home how different Sugu and Stitches are. From her interactions with Suguru in Vol. 0, then how visibly changed she is in the mainline manga/anime. A bit of an extra show that things aren't right. Honestly tho, not much else I can think of for this.

[phantasticworks]

If You Don’t Love Me, Pretend - Chapter Nine

Hi everyone!! Thank you so much for all the lovely comments on the last chapter, it literally makes me so happy to see everyone enjoying this story so far! <3 I hope you all are staying safe and taking care of yourselves in quarantine!!

read on ao3

Words: 10.7k

Summary: The twins have their first day of school and Dan and Phil find out some new information about their family. 

Warnings for this chapter: Swearing, mentions of past trauma (but very subtle)

Surprisingly, Dan manages to get through a few hours of work without any serious incidents reported to him, but every chance he gets, he checks his phone for any new messages. Eventually, he opens it to find something he constitutes as a mild emergency and decides to take a break to give it his full attention.

Phil: So I have a tiny headache the twins will be fine if I go have a lie down for a bit yeah?

Dan: are you feeling dizzy?

Phil: Not really? Just tired and my eyes hurt.

Dan: take your contacts out and go have a nap

Phil: Yeah?

Dan: yeah they should be fine i hope you feel better

Phil: :)

He doesn’t text Phil back, his stomach twisting with nerves at the thought that Phil is there alone with the kids with a headache. He wasn’t so worried about him not being able to take care of the kids, but he was very concerned about the migraine. Phil’s doctor had already warned him to not overwork himself. Suddenly Dan starts wondering if he’s been putting too much of his own work on Phil.

Dan worries himself about this for the next half hour or so, but when his phone dings, he welcomes the distraction.

Phil: The kids are literally playing so loud. Like they’re perfectly fine but they’re in their room and they’re like SCREAMING

Dan: just put in some headphones and drown them

Dan: OUT drown them OUT

Dan: Do not drown our children.

Phil: LMAO

Phil: Stop making me laugh it’s making my head hurt more.

Dan: :( im sorry love. I’ll be home soon to take care of you

Phil: Don’t be silly, I’m a grown man, I can take care of myself.

Dan: im going to pretend you didnt just try and pass up my servitude

Dan: dont be noble or whatever you know i dont mind taking care of you

Phil: I know. Thank you.

Dan: if you feel like getting up take some medicine and maybe put a movie on upstairs for the kids? I should be home in an hour

Phil: Alright. See you later.

Dan: <3

Dan hurries to finish the document he’s working on, and he’s out of the office within half an hour. He stops at a shop and grabs some chocolate and a pack of little marshmallows that Phil likes, mainly just to cheer him up, since it wasn’t a cure for a migraine by a longshot. He considers getting takeaway, but he knows they’ve already agreed to stop doing that so much, for the kids’ sake.

When he gets home, the flat is mostly quiet, only the soft sound of the TV drifting down the stairs. He toes his shoes off quietly before making his way to his bedroom, the door left slightly ajar. The light is off, but there’s a lump under the duvet in the form of his best friend. He can tell from his breathing and the tense set of his shoulders that he’s not asleep, as hard as he’s probably trying to do just that.

“Phil?” Dan murmurs, walking over to sit on the edge of the bed.

Phil rolls over, his eyes finding Dan in the darkness of the room. “Hey,” he rasps out. Dan studies him, frowning when he notes how red Phil’s eyes look.

“Did you take your contacts out?” He asks, his voice bordering on accusing.

“Yes.”

“Have you… Were you crying?” Dan asks softly.

Phil hesitates before shrugging, wincing a little at the movement. “My head just really hurts,” he breathes.

Dan’s heart squeezes painfully seeing the pain Phil is going through. “Oh, love,” he sighs. He stands up, moving towards the bathroom. “Hold on, let me get something.” He runs a cloth under hot water, squeezing the water out to use it as a hot compress. They really needed to invest in some of those, honestly. “Here,” he says softly, brushing Phil’s hair off his forehead and playing the towel gently over his forehead. “Wait right here, I’m going to get you some coffee.”

“I don’t really-”

“I know, babe, but you know it helps. You don’t have to drink all of it, yeah?”

He watches Phil’s Adam’s apple bob as he swallows. “Okay,” he whispers, his eyes closing.

Dan hurries to the kitchen and quickly makes Phil a cup of coffee, racking his brain for anything else that might help him. He comes up short, so when the coffee is ready, he takes it back to their bedroom. “Sit up for me?” Phil follows his instructions and reaches out for the mug, his hands shaking more than usual. “I’ll hold it,” Dan mumbles.

After Phil’s sipped all he can handle, Dan allows him to lay back down. “I’m going to go check on the kids and I’ll be right back, okay?”

Surprising him, Phil shakes his head a little. “No, I just- I need to sleep,” he says pleadingly.

Dan hesitates, but nods uncertainly. “Okay. I’ll shut the door, then… But you have to text me if you need anything.”

“I will,” Phil agrees.

Nodding, Dan moves to leave the room, pausing when he hears Phil’s voice again. “Hm?”

“I said thank you.”

His heart melting, Dan walks back over and presses a kiss to Phil’s cheek. “Of course,” he murmurs. “Get some sleep, yeah?”

Phil only nods, his eyes closing again, his eyelashes fluttering. Dan hopes sleep finds him easily this time, and he really hopes he has the best dreams.

Dan finds his way upstairs and spends some time with the twins, who are very worried about Phil apparently. He assures them that he’s fine, and they watch a movie quietly before Dan heads back downstairs to start dinner and check on Phil. He stops in their room first, quietly opening the door and slipping inside.

“Phil?” He calls softly.

Phil doesn’t stir, and Dan quietly tiptoes over, finding the towel discarded on the floor. He notices that Phil’s coffee cup is a little emptier, which he takes as a good sign. He smiles a little, but what really warms him is when he studies Phil. He’s not on his own side of the bed this time. Instead, he’s migrated over to Dan’s and he’s got Dan’s pillow wrapped in his arms, his nose buried in the fabric. A tiny part of Dan wonders if feeling closer to him helped Phil sleep. He finds that he likes that idea quite a lot. However, it’s a stupid thought, and he discards it quickly.

He presses his hand gently to Phil’s forehead to check for a temperature. Luckily, he feels fine, maybe even a bit chilly. Dan tugs the duvet over him, making sure he doesn’t get cold. With another lingering look, he tiptoes out of the room to go make dinner for everyone, a secret grin on his lips.

~~~

The night before the first day of school was rough. For Dan, at least. The kids were surprisingly excited to be starting at such a good school, and Phil was excited that they were excited. Dan, however, was a bit of a nervous wreck. He knew there was no reason for him to be particularly nervous, but those first-day-of-school jitters had never left him for some reason, and even now that it wasn’t his first day at a new school, he still felt anxiety swelling up in his chest the night before.

“Could you turn your volume down a bit, love?” Phil mumbles from his spot on the bed beside Dan.

Dan startles a bit, not realizing that Phil was still awake and could hear the music he was playing on his phone. “Sorry,” he whispers back, turning the volume down a couple notches.

Phil hums and there’s a moment of quiet before there’s a shifting on the mattress, accompanied by a weight pressing down on Dan’s waist, in the form of Phil’s arm. “Are you going to sleep tonight?” Phil murmurs against the shell of Dan’s ear.

Shivering lightly at the brush of his lips, Dan shrugs. “Maybe. Can’t sleep right now. Too anxious.”

“Yeah?” Phil responds. “Wanna talk about it?”

Dan mulls it over before shrugging, unconsciously allowing his hand to fall to Phil’s arm, where he begins stroking gently. “I don’t want the kids to get bullied. I’m afraid that if anyone asks about their parents or their home life, they’ll tell them they’re living with us.”

Phil seems to pause to take this in. “And you don’t want anyone knowing that they live with us?” He sounds confused, and he has every right to, because Dan’s not quite sure that’s it, but he’s even less sure about how he wants to describe it.

“No, it’s not that, I just… I don’t want them to get made fun of, for us. Like, for having two dads? I know we aren’t- I don’t really know how to describe it.” Dan lets out a frustrated huff, his anxiety about the whole thing making it even harder to formulate a cohesive thought about it.

“I think I get it, Dan. You don’t want the kids to have to deal with those little homophobic twats that they’ll inevitably encounter. But, we can’t do anything about someone else’s kids and their homophobia, Dan. What we can do is raise ours to be compassionate and accepting, you know?” Phil strokes his thumb against Dan’s hipbone, lightly raking his t-shirt up with every stroke.

Completely without his permission, tears spring to Dan’s eyes, and he knows that he’s likely going to start sobbing if Phil doesn’t change the subject soon. Something else prickles at the back of his mind then, and he can’t help but stop the movement of his hand against Phil’s arm in contemplation. “You say “ours” an awful lot now,” he comments.

Phil stiffens, and his movement against Dan’s skin slows to a stop. “Is that a problem?” he asks cautiously.

Dan can feel his face heating up, and he ducks his head, pretending to be focused on his phone, where the Spotify app is still quietly playing music. “No… I like it. It makes me feel like we’re really a family.” The words are whispered, and Dan almost wishes he’d muffled them against his arm.

There’s a breath of quiet laughter then, followed by the feeling of Phil fully relaxing against Dan’s back. “We are.”

Dan turns off his Spotify playlist and locks his phone, tossing it onto his nightstand for the night. There’s a brief flare of uncertainty that Phil might not appreciate the closeness, but Dan pushes that thought away and presses himself back, snuggling into Phil’s warmth.

Phil hums, a content noise that resonates through Dan’s body in their closeness, and Dan smiles in response. “Night,” he whispers, closing his eyes.

“Night, bear.” There’s definitely a kiss pressed to the back of his head, but for once Dan doesn’t feel like he should pretend he didn’t notice. He doesn’t call him out on it, but when he feels Phil’s breathing evening up behind him, he tugs the hand Phil had settled on his waist, lifting it gently to press a kiss to his palm.

It’s nothing, he reminds himself firmly as he allows himself to drift to sleep. It was just a little selfish moment. Everyone is a little selfish once in awhile.

~~~

“Bear? It’s time to get up, come on, I made breakfast.” The voice was too close to Dan’s ear, and it made him whine in protest, squeezing his eyes shut tighter.

“Don’t wanna,” he mumbles, rolling over to speak into his pillow.

Phil laughs, and a second later Dan feels Phil’s hands carding through his hair. “Daniel,” he says firmly.

Dan groans, tilting his head enough to open one eye. Phil’s face is close, and there’s a soft sort of smile on his face. “Don’t use your dad voice on me.”

“My what?” Phil says through a laugh.

Rolling his eyes, Dan rolls over onto his back, tossing his head over to the side and pressing his forehead against Phil’s thigh. “You know. Your dad voice. That’s exactly how you talk to the kids when you’re pretending to be stern.” His voice is slightly muffled into Phil’s pajama pants, and he ignores the way that feels slightly inclined to press his lips to the flannel.

“I do not!” Phil protests, tugging on Dan’s curls.

“Ow,” Dan whines. “You do, but I’ll let you keep thinking that you don’t.”

Phil huffs loudly. “Whatever. It’s time to get up, the kids are already eating their breakfast, and you need to get up.”

“Ugh, fine.” Despite his half-assed agreement, Dan makes no move to get out of the bed. He thinks he’s gotten away with this when he feels the bed shifting with Phil’s weight, and he snuggles back into the blankets, allowing his eyes to drift shut.

“I’ve gotten the kids’ lunch- Dan!” Phil’s voice pitches up an octave, as he apparently realizes that Dan has yet to get out of bed.

“What? I’m going, I’m going,” He whines, rolling over to face the opposite way. “I just need… a few more minutes…”

“Daniel James, if you aren’t out of that bed in one minute, there will be consequences.” Phil’s voice is hard, and Dan can tell he’s likely getting annoyed, and maybe not in a joking way.

Grumbling under his breath, Dan rolls out of bed, coming to stand in front of Phil. “I’m up, don’t get your knickers in a wad.” He crosses his arms over his chest, which probably just proves how childish he’s being.

Phil tilts his head, a soft look in his eyes. “You’re…” He stops himself, and Dan arches an eyebrow.

“I’m what?”

Without so much as another word, Phil steps forward, wrapping an arm around Dan’s waist and pressing his lips to his forehead sweetly. “You’re being a brat, but I know you’re tired, so I’ll let you be grumpy. Pancakes are on the table.”

Dan doesn’t even have a moment to reply before Phil is stepping away, out the bedroom door as if he hadn’t spoken at all.

Shaking his head slowly, Dan makes his way over to the bathroom. After a quick wee, he washes his hands and makes his way to the kitchen, the scent of pancakes leading him in. He needs to shower, but pancakes are far more important to him right now, and he knows he should eat first anyway. The sound of voices makes him smile, especially when he recognizes Phil’s, telling the kids that they can go wild with the toppings.

“Don’t get them jacked up on sugar, Phil, we don’t want their poor teachers to have breakdowns on the first day of school,” Dan says, rolling his eyes as he enters the kitchen, bumping Phil’s hip as he goes over to the coffee pot.

Phil glances over at him, shrugging innocently. “I did nothing. I’m just an innocent bystander, honestly.”

Dan quirks a brow at him as he pours himself a cup of coffee, his gaze sliding over to the twins, who are both hiding smiles as they pile treats atop their pancakes. He shoots Phil a pointed look, and the older man’s face flushes. “Mhm,” Dan hums disbelievingly.

“Come on, Dan! It’s the first day of school! They deserve to have a good breakfast for that,” Phil protests, holding his hands together as if he’s praying. He puts on his best pitiful expression, clearly begging for mercy with his breakfast shenanigans.

Rolling his eyes at the ridiculous expression on his best friend’s face, Dan pushes past him, going to sit at the table. “Fine, but you have to do the dishes when we’re done.” At Phil’s answering pout, Dan shakes his head. “Nope, not gonna work. They’re going to be all sticky, and you’ve created this mess, bub.”

“Fine,” Phil sighs petulantly, dropping into the chair beside Dan. “I guess I can do the dishes.”

Dan smiles sweetly. “I guess you can too. Now, let me see those marshmallows.”

After eating too much of a too-sweet breakfast, Dan sends the kids to get ready for school, calling after them to remember to brush their teeth and wash the syrup off their faces. He takes one glance at the state of the dining table and decides to take pity on Phil. Sighing, he begins gathering up all of their condiments and moving to go place them in the cupboards where they belong.

“Did you change your mind about the dishes by any chance?” Phil asks sweetly, smiling with his tongue poking between his teeth.

Dan rolls his eyes at the suggestion. “Nope. But if I don’t put these up, you’ll probably eat them as soon as I turn my back.”

Phil mumbles something that’s probably a protest, but Dan dutifully ignores him. “Can we do a family picture with the kids before they leave?” He asks suddenly, turning away from where he’d begun washing their dishes.

“Uh, yeah, sure,” Dan replies slowly. “What made you think of that?” He asks softly, moving to place some of the sweets in a cupboard beside Phil. He stays there even after he’s closed the door, leaning his back against the counter and facing Phil, his arms crossed.

“I don’t know, I just…” Phil shrugs helplessly then, looking a little lost for whatever reason. “I want to remember those kinds of things, you know? Like, this is our first assignment, and I want to have memories of them when they go back home, or… wherever,” Phil’s voice drops off, and Dan can tell the idea bothers him just as much.

Pulse suddenly racing, Dan steps behind him, cautiously looping his arms around Phil’s waist and setting his chin on the older man’s shoulder. “I know it’s tough to think about them going home,” he whispers.

Inconveniently, his heart rate picks up further, jackhammering into the other man’s shoulder blades.

There’s a hand in his hair then, fingers threading through the curls. “It’s their first day of school with us,” Phil says helplessly. “I’m so excited for them, but...” His voice sounds froggy and snotty, and Dan has never related more.

“Yeah,” Dan breathes out softly.

Dan doesn’t let the hug linger. He extricates himself from Phil’s personal bubble and fusses with his hair instead of pulling him closer, holding him longer. Phil’s gaze darts to him for a moment, but he drops it back to the dishes in the sink. A glance at the clock confirms that he needs to hurry up and shower if he’s going to make it to work on time. “I have to shower, sorry.” He’s not sure what he’s apologizing for, other than for the firm set of Phil’s mouth as he putters with the dishware.

When he finishes showering, he hurries to get dressed so he can go put together lunch for himself and the kids, running through a mental list in his head of all the things he needed to remember to grab before he left. He’s a little more stressed than he’d anticipated, but he’s sure that when they’re in the car he’ll feel less nervous. He just needed to get everything together first, and then he’d be fine.

He stumbles into the kitchen as he tugs on a black sock, not paying attention to his surroundings. When he trips over his own foot, he’s fully prepared to go crashing to the floor and probably die or something, but before he can, he feels himself being caught.

“You need to slow down or you’re going to kill yourself,” Phil laughs, steadying him by his shoulders. It’s a completely different Phil than the one he had left in the kitchen twenty minutes before.

“I’m in a hurry!” Dan pulls the sock on with one final tug and hops deftly out of Phil’s lingering touch, headed for the twins’ lunchboxes.

Except they’ve vanished.

He stops, squinting at the empty space on the counter. He knew for a fact that he’d left them right there, and now they were just… gone. What the hell?

He whirls around, his eyes flittering around the room as he struggles to locate them.

“Looking for something?” Phil asks.

“Yeah, the fucking-“ Dan pauses as he glances over at Phil, something in his voice striking his interest.

Phil rolls his eyes before shooting a pointed glance over at the edge of the table, where the lunchboxes were sitting neatly with the twins’ backpacks and Dan’s laptop bag.

“Oh,” Dan says slowly, a little confused. “Did you-?” He hesitates, looking over to Phil with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah, I packed lunch. Yours too.” Phil nods back to the table then, and Dan’s gaze catches on the extra lunchbox on the table.

Dan’s inconvenient heart is warm. “Oh,” he repeats, sort of lost now that he has nothing to do. “Thank you.”

Phil grins at him. “I told you there were things I could do.”

Dan rolls his eyes at this, crossing his arms as Phil moves away from the refrigerator. “I never said you couldn’t,” Dan reminds him helpfully.

“Yeah, well,” Phil shrugs then. “Your mum,” he mutters, quite predictably.

Dan giggles, but before he can bant back, they hear the sound of feet running toward the kitchen. “No running in the house, guys!” Dan calls, smirking when the sound of the stampede quiets immediately. Phil rolls his eyes at this, but smiles broadly at the kids when they walk in. “Everyone ready for school?” He asks brightly, his optimism infectious.

The twins nod excitedly, and Amelia quickly moves to put her backpack on. “I’m ready to go!” She says excitedly.

“Hold on just a second, Mia, Dan and I want to get some pictures of you and your brother on your first day of school,” he says, gesturing for her to put her backpack back on the table.

“Where do you want them to stand?” Dan asks, moving to stand closer to Phil and handing him his phone that had been on the edge of the table.

“Hmm… Balcony, maybe? That would be a nice background,” Phil suggests, nodding to the patio behind them.

Dan nods, gesturing for the kids to go ahead of him. “Go stand beside the plant out there, that’ll look nice.” He ushers them over to it and positions them in front of it, straightening Jaiden’s little tie as he does. “There we go. Mia, did you brush your hair this morning?”

Amelia nods, running a hand through it to prove that it’s tangle-free. “Yes!”

“Good, I’ll spray some hairspray in it before we go- are they good, Phil?” Dan interrupts himself to ask, stepping back and studying their poses with a curious eye.

Phil nods, tugging on Dan’s shirt. “Yeah, now get out of the way a little,” he teases as he brings the phone up to snap some photos. “Alright, say school!”

The kids grin and say the word simultaneously, and Dan’s heart is filled with warmth at how genuinely excited they seem, though his stomach churned at the idea that their school experience might turn out like his. He reminds himself that things are different, times have changed and schools must be better. Hopefully he’s right.

“Alright, selfie time!” Phil announces, tugging on Dan’s arm to drag him over beside the children.

“What?” He asks, trying to hold his laughter in.

“I want pictures of all of us, too!” He rolls his eyes as if it’s the most obvious thing, but doesn’t give Dan any more time to protest, as he’s crouching down and holding the phone out. “Well come on, Dan we don’t have all day,” he says, gesturing for Dan to copy his pose.

A warm feeling floods his chest at the idea of this, these family pictures that really don’t even begin to showcase all that they had to go through to be in these children’s lives. He smiles for the camera, but he can feel the emotion welling up in his chest as he waits for Phil to give them another arbitrary word to say for the picture.

As soon as they’re finished with the pictures, Dan sends the kids to get their backpacks and lunchboxes, turning to look at Phil, who’s scrolling through the pictures with a smile. “Send me those?” He requests softly. Phil glances up at him, his lips falling into a smaller, more affectionate smile.

“Of course,” he replies. “C’mere.”

Before Dan can protest, Phil latches onto his shirt and tugs him closer, opening his camera app and holding his phone out. “What-” Dan starts, glancing between Phil and the phone.

“I wanted a selfie of just us,” Phil says in lieu of an explanation.

Dan is staring at the side of his head, ruining any chance of a good selfie probably, as he considers how genuinely sweet his best friend is. Uncomfortably aware of the camera on him, Dan leans forward, pressing his lips to Phil’s cheek. He hears the shutter of the camera, but he doesn’t even care, tilting his head to smile and flick out a peace sign at it for a proper selfie.

There’s another click before Phil drops his arm, tapping the photos to get a better look at them. A smile tugs at his lips as Dan watches his face. “These are good,” he says softly. He lingers on the first one a little longer than the second but locks his phone and clears his throat after a moment, locking eyes with Dan. “C’mon, time for school.” He leads the way back inside, disappearing down the hallway to allow Dan some space to get his things together.

A few moments later and Dan’s ready to go, and he walks down the hall to find the kids waiting beside the door, listening to Phil, who’s crouched in front of them and speaking quietly. Dan can’t catch his words at first, but when he gets closer he realizes that Phil is telling them what he packed for their lunch and what to do if they don’t understand something in class. “You can raise your hand if you don’t understand, or just wait and ask me or Dan when you get home, and we’ll try to explain, okay? Make sure to use good manners with all your teachers and find good kids to be friends with.”

Dan smiles at Phil as he stops to listen to him, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms as he watches the twins react to his words. Amelia nods eagerly, but Jaiden’s eyes flicker away from Phil and over to Dan mid-lecture, a little grin making its way onto his face. Phil seems to pick up on this, and he tosses a quick glance over his shoulder at Dan, an apologetic look on his face. “Don’t let me interrupt you,” Dan gestures for him to continue. “You’re giving them some solid advice, I’ll be quiet until you’re finished.”

Phil shakes his head and stands, bringing a hand up to the back of his neck and looking a little awkward. “No, I was finished, actually. Got your keys and your phone?” He asks, turning around to face Dan.

“Yeah, Dad, I’ve got all my stuff,” Dan rolls his eyes, giving the kids a cheeky grin as he speaks.

Phil gives Dan an unamused stare. “Alright, Smarty Pants,” he grumbles. “Have a good day at work, be careful driving.”

Dan nods in response and goes to open the door. “C’mon, kiddos, time for school.”

Jaiden turns to follow Dan, but Amelia immediately moves towards Phil. Dan almost calls her back before he realizes what she’s doing.

Phil looks up at Dan in shock as Amelia wraps her arms around his waist in a hug. “Bye, Phil, I hope you have a lovely day,” she says sweetly.

An odd look covers Phil’s face as he looks down at her, and Dan almost worries that he might start crying. But then he’s grinning and petting her hair affectionately. “I’ll be fine, Mia, I’ve got to go to work later too, you know.”

Amelia nods at this and lets go of him, and Dan watches in mild surprise as Jaiden takes her place. He’d seemed the less affectionate of the two of them. Still, Jaiden seems completely comfortable going over to give Phil a hug in the same manner as his sister had, squeezing Phil tightly with a small smile. “Bye Phil, see you later.”

“Bye guys, love you, have a good day,” Phil calls after them as they move past Dan and out the door, his eyes catching Dan’s gaze. His face appears a little pinker, and Dan wonders if it has anything to do with the likely incredibly fond look that he’s shooting him right now. “What?” He says defensively, the color on his cheeks darkening when Dan only smirks.

“Nothing,” Dan sings, shaking his head as he moves out the door. “You’re just being a good dad and I’m proud of you,” he admits more quietly, the grin on his face softening into a genuine smile.

Phil rolls his eyes at this, but Dan can tell he’s fighting a smile. “Go, before you’re late.” He shoves Dan’s shoulder gently, moving him out the door faster.

“I’m going, I’m going. See you later.”

“Text me when you get to work,” is the last thing Phil says before closing the door behind Dan.

The twins are standing patiently, and Amelia has a toothy grin on her face. “What?” He asks her somewhat defensively, a little embarrassed at the playful scene they’d just witnessed.

Amelia only shrugs then, holding her hand out for Dan to take like he normally does to lead them to the garage. “You’re bein’ a good dad too,” she says simply, holding her other hand out for Jaiden, although he just shoves it away. Amelia frowns and moves to grab his hand anyway, and he slaps her hand this time.

“Jai, don’t hit your sister,” Dan says half-heartedly, his heart still jumping at the sweet thing she’d just said to him.

Jaiden reluctantly takes his sister’s hand, and a smile lights up her face as they move into the elevator. Dan allows her to press the button for the garage, watching with amusement at the relief that floods Jaiden’s face when she drops his hand. Sneakily, he moves around to Dan’s other side, tucking his hands into his pockets. He shoots a glance up at Dan and gives him a sheepish look, but Dan only winks at him. He understood the need for personal space, and honestly they were big enough not to need to hold his hand walking from the elevator to the car in a secluded parking garage, anyway.

The drive to the school is full of excited chatter from the backseat, and Dan tunes out of their conversation for the most part, spending most of his mental energy on running through a mental list of things he needed to do when he got to work, as well as thinking about where he needed to take the twins when he got them to their building. It seems like the drive was way too short by the time they get to the primary school, and Dan’s stomach churns with nerves for the children as he sees all the other parents leading their kids in. He hopes and prays that they’re okay today, and he hopes his wishes are heard by someone, somewhere.

“Are you two going to be embarrassed if I walk you inside?” Dan asks, hoping they say no.

Luck must be on his side, because both of them shake their heads before insisting they want him to walk them inside. This time, he makes both of them take one of his hands to walk them inside, talking quietly about how much fun they’re going to have and how he can’t wait to hear all about their day when they get home. “And I’ll be here waiting for you guys as soon as school’s over, okay? And you can tell me all about your day and what you did, alright?”

The twins both nod and mumble their affirmatives, but Dan can tell they’re getting antsy and ready to go. Out of the corner of his eye, Dan sees Esme, the counselor of the primary school. He smiles at her, and she responds with a wave as she makes her way over.

“Dan Howell! I thought that was you, but I wasn’t so sure. I almost forgot that you had two little ones in school this year!” She says pleasantly, smiling broadly at the twins.

“Yep, this is Amelia and Jaiden,” he tells her, nodding to each of them as he says their names.

Esme crouches down and smiles at them. “I’m Miss Esme. I’m the counselor here, and an old friend of Mr. Howell’s.” She winks at Dan then, and he tries to hide a grimace as his stomach churns uncomfortably. He’d almost forgotten the reason he didn’t care much for her, but there it was, the blatant flirtation, despite the fact that she was at work.

The twins move slightly closer to Dan, a little shy about a new person he was sure. He tries to smile apologetically at Esme. “They’re just a little shy at first. They’re very excited to meet their teachers, though,” He informs her, squeezing their little hands reassuringly. He hopes they know that they’re safe here, and he really hopes he’s not wrong about assuming that.

“Oh, I bet! Well, I can take them, if you’re off to work?” She says helpfully, standing up and smiling at Dan. Without giving him a chance to respond, she reaches up and runs a hand down his arm, leaning in a little closer. “I know you’ve probably got a lot to do.”

Dan forces a smile onto his face. “No, thank you.”

“No, really! It’s no problem, I’m sure you don’t have time to go get their schedules and find their classrooms and everything. Believe me, I get it, single parenting and everything, and the first day of school is always just the worst,” Esme smiles knowingly, probably assuming that she’s doing him a favor. She holds her hands out as if to take the twins’ hands, but they shrink back closer to him. If she notices this, she doesn’t respond to it.

“No, actually-“ Dan realizes something then as he replays her wording over in his head again. She must have no idea that he’s not a single parent. The idea that she’s just assuming he’s still single is for some reason hilarious to him even though technically, secretly, it’s true. “My fiancé and I got their schedules and everything early and we’ve actually already memorized them, so I think we’re good, actually.” He tries not to sound smug, he really does.

Esme’s face falls at his words, and Dan watches in amusement as she seems to process what exactly this means. “Oh, your… Oh.” She says, deflating.

“Yeah, so if you don’t mind, I’m going to go ahead and take them to their class, but it was great to catch up with you!” Dan nods to her as he begins leading the twins away. “See you later!” He calls as he leads them down the corridor.

“Does she like you?” Amelia asks almost as soon as they’re out of earshot of the woman.

Dan shushes her gently before shrugging. “I don’t know,” He lies. He did know, she’d been flirting with him for years, and had asked him out more than once. He’d always politely declined. There was nothing wrong with her, of course, she was a beautiful, smart woman. Dan just never felt anything for her, and he didn’t want to lead her on or anything. A small part of him is relieved that now he has a valid excuse to get her to go away now, but an even bigger part of him is just weirdly pleased that he gets to claim Phil somehow, even though he knows it isn’t real.

“I think she likes you,” Jaiden chimes in, looking up at Dan with a funny look on his face. “Do you like her too?”

Dan’s mouth drops open at the question, more than a little surprised by it. “What? No, I don’t- I’m engaged to Phil, guys. Do you know what that means?” Amelia shrugs after a moment of consideration, and Jaiden shakes his head. Dan swallows down the bitter taste in his mouth at the lie he’s about to spin to these children. “It means someday we’re going to get married.” His throat burns with the lie, but he chokes it out in spite of himself. “So, no, I don’t like Esme.”

“You like Phil?” Amelia asks, as if she’s just double checking.

Dan nods, hoping this conversation comes to an end soon. “Yep. Just Phil.”

“Huh,” Amelia hums. “Can we go to the park after school?” She asks when they reach the classroom door, completely changing the subject.

Dan lets out a loud laugh at this, not surprised that her child attention-span didn’t want to linger on the whole Phil situation. He wasn’t sure how much more convincingly he could lie about that. “We’ll see, okay? You guys be good today for your teachers, and be nice to the other kids, okay? I know you will, so I don’t even have to say it, but I want you guys to have a good day and tell me all about it after school.” Both of them give him a hug then, and he doesn’t bother hiding his grin. “I love you guys, I’ll see you in just a few hours, yeah?”

“Bye!” Amelia chirps as she skips into the classroom, much more of a social butterfly than her brother.

Jaiden pauses, looking a little more apprehensive. Dan crouches down beside him, laying a hand on his shoulder. “You’re going to be fine, little man. Your sister is going to be right there with you today, yeah? Everything’s okay.” He speaks softly, hoping that none of the kids passing by can hear their conversation. Kids weren’t all bad, but some of them were evil little shits that could practically smell fear, and he didn’t want them to use that against Jaiden.

“Okay,” Jaiden says softly, tugging his backpack strap further up his shoulder. “And you’ll be here when we’re done with school later?” He asks, turning his big brown eyes up at Dan, looking hopeful.

“Yes sir, I’ll be waiting right outside with the other mummies and daddies, okay?”

Jaiden nods and quickly steps closer to Dan, throwing his arms around his neck and giving him a big hug. “Bye, Dan.”

“Love you, bub.” Dan can’t help how choked up he sounds, and he just hopes that Jaiden doesn’t notice.

Stepping away with a wave, Jaiden goes to find his sister in the sea of children already in the classroom.

As Dan walks back to his car, he tugs his phone out of his pocket to send a text to Phil.

Dan: im really loving the whole dad thing rn we’ve got good kids

Phil: The best :)

Dan: is it pretentious to say I think we’re doing a good job

Phil: Nah we’re killing it

Dan: yh we are

Phil: Quit texting and driving Howell

Dan: not

Phil: Lies and slander. Be careful pls

Dan puts his phone into his pocket and the key into the ignition.

He waits until he’s actually in his own office to respond to the text, and he can’t quit smiling at the feeling filling up his chest. Not that he had been specifically miserable or anything lately, but this feeling was great, and he wanted to relish in it.

Dan: k dad im at work now u can quit having a fit about my texting and driving

Phil: Good. I hope you have a good day

Phil: Oh! Check your lunchbox! ;)

Dan falters a little at the winky emoji, something they didn’t often use in their chats, at least not unironically. He’s a little nervous to open the little container, but he does anyway, cautious in case it’s a prank thing.

Instead, he’s surprised to see a little post-it note on the lid of the container. He pulls it off to get a better look and his heart feels fuller as he grins down at the ridiculous doodle Phil had drawn. It’s an (admittedly horrible) doodle of a rat, and above it in Phil’s horrible handwriting, he’s written Dan a little note.

Have a g(r)e(at) day! Xx

Dan can’t help the giggles that fall out at the stupidity of it, but he can’t help but grin. It’s such a Phil thing to do. He tucks it into his top desk drawer, cleaning out a little corner for it before pulling out his phone to text Phil again.

Dan: r u kidding

Phil: Did you like it?

Dan: it’s horrible

Dan: i love it

Phil: :)

Dan: Did you do one for the twins too?

Phil: Yes!

Phil: Well, theirs are nicer, I drew Jai a pigeon and Mia a mermaid

Dan: you’re an actual twelve year old

Phil: In that case, you should probably be arrested

Dan: shut up, im working

Phil: No you aren’t you’re texting me

Dan: go awayyy

Phil: :)

~~~

The first day of school was a success, if the twins’ excited chattering on the way home is anything to go by. Amelia talks incessantly about how Louise’s oldest daughter Darcy is in the same class as them and Jaiden contributes with his own stories about how he sits next to a boy who likes the same dinosaurs as him. He’s sure to inform Dan that he knows more about them than the other boy, but he promises to teach him everything he knows about them.

“So, did you guys like your teacher?” He asks when they’ve pulled into the parking garage of the apartment.

“Yeah!” Amelia nods eagerly. “Mrs. Evans is really nice!”

“Yeah? That’s great!” Dan smiles as he glances back at them through the rearview mirror. “Jai-bird? What do you think about her?”

Jaiden shrugs. “She’s nice but she asked everyone to go ‘round and share something about ourselves with the class and I didn’t like it.”

Dan bites his lip to hide his smirk. He’s honestly still a little shocked at how similar Jaiden is to himself and Phil, and it honestly just makes his heart swell with a weird sense of pride. He isn’t biologically theirs, but he might as well be, considering how similar he is to them. “Yeah? What’d you guys share?” He asks curiously, turning the car off and getting out.

Jaiden, who had been sat behind him, tumbles out of the car, hiking his backpack up on his shoulders as they walk around to Amelia’s side. “I told them I liked pigeons, and then I told them that sometimes we feed them after dinner.”

Dan’s heart flutters at this, and the part of him that’s still overly concerned with homophobic little kids wonders if Jaiden had said anything about the whole “two dads” thing. He sort of hopes he hadn’t, because he knew how mean kids could be. Instead, he just glances down at him with a smile. “Yeah?”

Jaiden nods, then gestures vaguely to Amelia. “Mia said something stupid for hers.”

Amelia pouts at this. “Did not!” She argues.

“Did too!”

“Did not!”

“Did-“

“That’s enough,” Dan says over them, leading them into the elevator and holding Amelia back so Jaiden could press the button this time. “What did you share, Mia?”

“I told them I wanted to be a mermaid princess when I grow up,” She announces proudly, sticking her tongue out at Jaiden when he rolls his eyes at her.

“Well that’s not stupid!” Dan tries to say encouragingly. “Mermaids are pretty cool, and princesses are just like queens!”

Amelia looks up at him with a pitying smile on her face. “No, they aren’t, Dan. Queens have to do all this work, but princesses just get to have fun and be rich.”

Dan can’t help the snort that falls from his nose at this information, although he does try to cover it up with a cough. They’re at the door to the flat now, so Dan releases her hand to unlock the door. “Oh, sorry. I don’t know a lot about princesses I guess.”

The six-year-old only pats his hand sweetly. “It’s okay, you’re only a boy, you don’t get to know everything.” She gives him a charming smile as she dances past him and into the flat, kicking her shoes off and dumping her backpack by the shoe rack.

Dan stares at her for a moment before his gaze darts to Jaiden. Jaiden doesn’t even look surprised, and he only shrugs at him before following his sister. “It’s okay, Dan. Even grown-ups don’t know all the stuff,” he says reassuringly, leaving Dan alone to just stare in shock at the both of them.

He doesn’t even have a comeback, following them in and locking the door behind himself. He shakes his head incredulously, laughing softly to himself as he shoves his trainers off, straightening them up on the shoe rack neatly. “Do you guys have homework?” He calls to where they’ve disappeared into their room.

“No,” they call back in almost unison.

Dan rolls his eyes as he picks their backpacks up off the floor, hanging them on their little hooks neatly. He’d lecture them about that another day. He grabs their lunchboxes and takes them into the kitchen with his own, dropping them onto the counter to sort through the things they hadn’t eaten. Both lunchboxes are nearly empty, although Amelia still had a pack of fruit gummies and a pack of crackers, while Jaiden only left the crackers. That had been a shot in the dark, honestly, but Dan smiles to himself when he realizes that neither of them must like that kind.

After emptying them of any wrappers and the crackers, Dan sets them back on the counter where he’d left them last night to be repacked in the morning. “Do you guys want any snacks?” He calls, moving to the cupboard to grab a glass for some water. After filling it up, he realizes he hasn’t heard a response. “Guys?” He asks. Again, no response.

He sets the glass down before moving down the hall to where their room is, slowing his steps when he hears what sounds like a quiet argument. He doesn’t intend to eavesdrop, really, he doesn’t, but when he hears the name Levi pop up once again, he can’t help but stop to listen.

“Of course, he wasn’t at our school, idiot! He’s in secondary school,” Dan hears Amelia hiss. He frowns, trying to figure out who this Levi person is to them.

“Then maybe he’s at the other school!” Jaiden argues back.

“Who cares?” Amelia responds, and Dan hears the sound of the mattress squeaking as she climbs onto her bed. “We won’t see him anymore, Jai.”

Jaiden makes a huffing noise, and Dan hears what sounds like something hitting the wall. Mia responds with an indignant yelp, and Dan hopes he hadn’t just thrown something at his sister. “It’s not his fault, you know,” Jaiden’s voice is quieter this time, and Dan finds himself inching closer to catch his words.

“I don’t care,” Amelia snaps. “If he hadn’t called those people, we’d still be with mummy and daddy!”

Dan’s heart begins beating rapidly then, and he suddenly has a feeling that this Levi person must be close to them, if he’s apparently the reason they were separated from their family. Dan swallows hard at the memory of Hazel giving him what little information she could about why they were taken away. Drugs and an unstable financial situation: that was basically all that Dan had been privy to. Hazel herself hadn’t been very educated on the case, considering it had been transferred to her from a separate fostering organization.

“They don’t care about us!” Jaiden yells back at his sister.

She shushes him loudly at his words, and then denies it. “That’s not true!”

“Yes, it is, Amelia. Levi was trying to help! Mummy and Daddy were mean to him!”

Dan doesn’t have to see her face to tell that Amelia is in tears when she responds. “No. No, no. They- Mummy was sick!”

Jaiden huffs again. “No. Levi told us she wasn’t really sick.”

“He left us!” Amelia raises her voice. “He left us, and then those people took us away.”

Whatever Jaiden’s response was going to be, Dan doesn’t figure out, because then his phone is ringing in his pocket, and the kids go silent. Dan startles at the noise himself before moving back down the hall a little and acting like he was walking out of his bedroom as he pulls his phone out of his pocket. “Do you guys still want to go to the park?” He calls, trying to keep his voice from wavering.

The twins respond with an affirmative, and he silences his phone when he sees that it’s his mum. He could call her back later, when he had more time and wasn’t on parenting duty. It had been awkward talking to her since he started fostering the twins, but when he’d asked Phil if he was experiencing the same with his mum, he’d denied it. Apparently since Kath was under the impression that they were actually together, she was a lot less bothered by the idea that they were basically raising a family together.

Dan tries not to feel queasy at the implications that has.

Just as they walk out the door, Dan’s phone buzzes with a new message. He wrestles the phone out of his skintight jeans, smiling down at it when he sees the message there.

Phil: I saw a video of a baby bear eating trash today.

Dan: okay?

Phil: It reminded me of you :) <3

Dan: I hate you

Phil: Rude!

Dan: you know im kidding

Phil: I know <3

Dan: quit being gross

Phil: :( Fine I’ll take my affection to my other fake fiancé.

Dan: ouch

Dan: also more on the levi thing

Phil: oh shit was I right?? It’s a ghost isn’t it?

Dan: no you spoon

Phil: then??

Dan: I’ll tell you tonight. It’s important.

Phil: K. see you later

~~~

“I’m home!” Phil calls from downstairs about half an hour after they’ve come home from the park. The twins perk up, and Dan glances at them before grinning, shrugging when they look at him questioningly. That’s apparently all the permission they need to run downstairs to greet Phil. Dan stays on the sofa, listening with a smile as they greet him.

“Phil!” Amelia screeches. She especially got on well with him and was always excited to see him when he got home. Dan wondered if maybe he reminded her of her own dad. The thought makes his stomach churn nervously, but he brushes it away.

“Hi, guys! Oh!” Dan doesn’t have to be watching to know that they likely just jumped on him, and he smirks. “Hello, Mia. You shouldn’t jump off the stairs like that, it’s dangerous,” he chastises gently. She mumbles something Dan can’t hear, and then he hears him speaking to Jaiden. “Hey, little man,” he says affectionately, and Dan can picture him ruffling his hair. “How was school?” Phil asks, and Dan can hear him walking up the stairs now.

The children begin chattering excitedly, and Dan can’t really decipher what they’re telling him between both of them speaking so quickly. He puts his laptop on the coffee table, tossing his arm over the back of the sofa and leaning back as he watches Phil come up the stairs carrying Amelia, Jaiden right behind them. Phil’s eyes dart around the room, a smile stretching his lips when his gaze meets Dan’s.

“Hey,” Phil greets him softly, shifting Amelia in his arms a little.

“Hi,” Dan grins up at him. He nods to Amelia with a knowing smile. “That one might have missed you,” he teases, relishing in the way Phil’s cheeks turn a little pink. He still wasn’t completely convinced that he was good with the kids, although Dan had tried more than once to convince him that he was doing just fine.

“I guess she was the only one,” Phil teases back easily, pouting when Dan rolls his eyes at his childish behavior.

“Oh, I missed you alright,” Dan says, hiding his smirk when Phil sets Amelia down before sitting on the sofa beside Dan. Subtly, he grabs one of the pillows that had been tucked under his left arm. “But I’m sure I won’t at this distance.”

He barely has a moment to take in Phil’s confused expression before he’s swinging the pillow, smacking Phil in the face with a thump.

“Dan!” Phil yells through his poorly concealed laughter.

“What?” Dan asks sweetly, tugging the pillow out of his reach and tucking it under his arm before Phil has the chance to retaliate. Phil notices this, and with narrowed eyes he lunges forward, grabbing for the pillow while grabbing one of Dan’s wrists in the other hand, pinning his hand to the sofa. “No!” Dan screams, rolling over onto his side to try and cover up the pillow. He vaguely hears the kids giggling somewhere behind them, but he’s not even paying attention to that when Phil gets a mischievous look on his face. He doesn’t even have to say it before Dan realizes what he’s going to do. “No, Phil, please don’t- Oh my god!”

Phil snickers as he begins tickling Dan’s side, his laughter bouncing around the room over Dan’s screeches. “You deserve this!” He yells gleefully, dropping Dan’s wrist to attack his other side.

Dan thrashes beneath him, struggling to catch his breath over all his screaming. “No, no, please! Stop! I’ll- I’ll- I’ll behave!” Dan shrieks, feebly trying to shove Phil’s hands away.

“You promise you’ll be nice?” Phil asks teasingly. Something in his voice has Dan blushing, and he draws his legs up, effectively pushing Phil away a little.

“Promise!” He says loudly, breathing heavily when Phil finally stops his attacking. His breathing is labored, and his sides hurt from laughing so much. “Bloody hell, mate,” he wheezes. “I’m too old for this shit,” he mutters under his breath, hoping the kids didn’t hear him.

Phil quirks an eyebrow at him but smiles anyway. “Sorry, I got a little carried away. Are you okay?” He asks sweetly, dropping a hand to Dan’s back and stroking gently.

Dan nods, smiling up at him. “I’m fine, yeah.” His heart is suddenly bursting with something warm as he looks up at his best friend, and he barely realizes it when he reaches up and tucks a piece of hair back into Phil’s quiff, flattening it back gently. Phil’s gaze darts up to Dan’s hand, but they settle back on Dan’s face as his lips fall into a softer smile.

Before Dan has a chance to get too caught up in the moment, whatever it was, he hears a giggle from above him. He glances up to find Amelia and Jaiden hovering over the arm of the sofa where his head is resting. “Can I help you?” He teases.

“Were you two about to kiss?” Amelia asks, smirking at him.

He can feel the blush on his cheeks from the question, and he tries to stutter out an explanation. Luckily, Phil beats him to it.

“Nosy Nancy, why don’t you come over here? I have a surprise for you,” Phil grins, lifting the hand that isn’t on Dan’s back and wiggling his fingers at her.

She squeals before darting behind the couch, Jaiden following close behind.

“Hide and seek, guys, so try not to run everywhere!” Phil calls to them before he glances down at Dan with an apologetic look, but Dan only rolls his eyes before shoving him away.

“Go, go chase them, it’s your turn to play Fun Dad.”

Phil grins before ruffling Dan’s hair and standing from the couch to go play with the twins. “Dinner?” Phil asks inquisitively, pausing before commencing the chase.

Dan rolls to his feet, shoving Phil’s shoulder as he passes him. “I’ll start dinner, go. They want to play, and I wouldn’t put it past them to attack you if they don’t get what they want.”

Rolling his eyes, Phil moves to the stairs to find the kids, who Dan can hear giggling downstairs somewhere. “Right, because they’re so vicious.” The sarcasm is palpable. “Still need to talk later?” he asks softly as they walk downstairs.

“Yeah,” Dan nods. “We can talk when we go to bed?”

Phil nods at this. “Okay.” Then, louder so the kids can hear him, “Ready or not, here I come!”

~~~

After eating dinner and sending the kids to bed, they finally find themselves in their bedroom getting ready for bed themselves. Dan has long since gotten over feeling awkward changing in front of Phil, and he carelessly tugs his jeans off and throws them into the laundry hamper before doing the same with his shirt, replacing it with a t-shirt. He isn’t entirely sure who the shirt belongs to at this point, but honestly most of the things they have are interchangeable, so it really doesn’t even matter. Phil does the annoying thing he always does and leaves his jeans and shirt in a heap on the floor, and Dan dutifully goes behind him and collects them to throw in the hamper.

“They already asleep?” Phil asks from the bathroom when he sees Dan moving around the bedroom.

“Yeah, they were pretty tired after the first day of school I reckon,” he replies, tugging the band off his left hand and setting it on the nightstand. He runs a hand through his hair as he steps into the bathroom, cringing when he feels how greasy his hair is. He’d been running his hands through it a lot today, stress mostly, and it showed.

Phil, who’s brushing his teeth, squints at Dan’s reflection in the mirror. “Alright?” He asks around the foam in his mouth.

Dan nods but crinkles his nose at him, prompting Phil to spit before rinsing his toothbrush off. “Hand me the toothpaste,” he says as he grabs his own toothbrush from the cup. Phil hands the tube over and then studies Dan’s reflection as he begins brushing his teeth.

“Your hair’s getting long,” he comments, bringing a hand up to card through Dan’s curls. Dan unintentionally cringes away, not wanting Phil to mess with his already dirty hair. “Sorry,” he mumbles, dropping his hand.

“‘S fine, just need to wash it,” Dan responds. He finishes brushing his teeth in silence, splashing cold water on his face when he’s done. “Did you take your contacts out?” He asks Phil, turning around to face him.

Phil nods, quirking an eyebrow. “Done in here?” He asks, his hand hovering over the light switch. In response, Dan only nods as he heads back into their bedroom, going straight for the bed.

“I’m exhausted,” he mumbles into the pillow after he’s crawled under the duvet.

“Same,” Phil sighs, and Dan feels the shifting of the mattress as he settles under the covers on his side. There’s the sound of metal clinking against wood, and Dan assumes he’s taken his ring off. “Lights off?” He asks softly, his hand coming to rest on Dan’s shoulder.

“Mhm, please.”

There’s a click of the lamp being turned off, and Dan sighs into his pillow. “Levi?” Phil says softly, reminding Dan that they still needed to talk.

Dan sighs but rolls over onto his back. “They talked about him again today. They didn’t know I could hear them I guess.”

“Yeah?” Phil prompts when he falls silent. Dan watches out of the corner of his eye as Phil hesitates a little before reaching his hand out and gently pushing Dan’s curls off his forehead. Dan quirks an eyebrow at him, but Phil only shrugs.

“I think he’s their brother,” Dan admits finally, staring up at the ceiling as Phil gently pets his hair. It’s soothing in all the right ways, and he knows he’ll likely fall asleep with him doing it if he doesn’t stop soon.

Phil’s hand pauses in its movement as he seems to process Dan’s words, but when Dan opens one eye to look at him, he quickly continues. “Oh. Are you sure?” He looks conflicted, as if he isn’t sure what his reaction needs to be.

Dan shrugs. “No, but it sounded like it could be.”

“What did they say?”

After recounting the conversation he’d overheard, Dan falls silent, closing his eyes as he allows Phil a few minutes to process the new information. It takes him a few moments, but eventually he speaks. “What do you think we should do? I mean, obviously Levi got taken away too, but where is he now?” He sounds confused, and also hurt. Dan can understand why; the whole situation was beyond fucked up, and his heart hurt to think about the fact that there was another kid involved in this situation, one who didn’t even have a sibling to keep him company like the twins did.

“I don’t know. I think we should call Hazel and ask about him, probably,” Dan whispers, silently hoping that Phil agrees.

Phil hums in consideration. “Do you think they’ll let us take him?” He asks, sounding hesitant.

Dan’s eyes snap open to gauge Phil’s reaction. Phil glances down at him, his lips pressed into a straight line. “It wouldn’t hurt to try,” Dan says softly, reaching a hand up to stop the movement of Phil’s hand in his hair, intertwining their fingers instead. It wasn’t something he did often, especially with no audience, but he felt that they both needed the grounding contact right now.

“I don’t know, Dan…” Phil’s voice is full of concern, and he’s got a guarded look on his face.

“He’s their brother, Phil,” Dan insists quietly. “Sure, we’re doing our best to be their temporary family, but he might be the only family they’ve got left after all of it is said and done.”

Phil sighs, squeezing Dan’s hand before pulling his hand free and moving to lay down. Dan hates the way his hand feels empty without the contact, so he rolls over to face the opposite way and shoves his hands under his pillow. “We need to think about it some more, okay?”

“Whatever,” Dan mumbles, allowing his eyes to drift shut again.

There’s a moment of silence before Phil speaks again. “Are you upset with me?” He asks, his voice soft.

“No, I’m just thinking.”

“Daniel,” Phil reprimands his facetiousness.

Dan groans and rolls over to glare at him. “No, okay? I’m not mad. I just…” he trails off, squeezing his eyes shut and rolling back over. “I’m just tired, honestly. All of this is really overwhelming.”

Phil seems to consider this, and Dan can almost feel the hesitancy in the air before Phil reaches a hand out to rest on Dan’s side. “I know. But you can still talk to me, you know. I’m your best friend.”

“I know,” Dan chokes out.

There’s a moment where neither of them speak and Dan hears Phil sigh deeply before his hand falls away. Dan frowns, feeling the distance between them more tonight than he usually does.

Quietly, so that Phil doesn’t realize how truly affected he is by the conversation and the lack of conclusion, Dan speaks. “You can… I’m not mad. I’m really not.”

The room is quiet for a moment before Phil responds. “Do you want me to?” He doesn’t have to specify, because both of them know what they’re talking about at this point.

Softly, Dan says, “Yeah.”

The mattress shifts as Phil moves closer to Dan, throwing an arm around his waist and snuggling against his back. Dan relaxes into the touch, moving one of his hands down to grip Phil’s wrist to hold him in place. Phil squeezes him gently and Dan shivers as he feels his breath fan across his neck.

“Cold?” Phil whispers.

Dan shakes his head. “No.” He hesitates before speaking again. “Are you upset with me?”

“No,” Phil assures him. “I just don’t know what to do about this. I need more time to think about it, okay?”

“Okay. We’re okay?”

Phil laughs softly, and Dan knows he doesn’t imagine it when Phil presses his lips to the nape of his neck. “We’re okay.”

[yurababy]

your touch, my lullaby; c.sc

synopsis all the members fall asleep when you come over for a movie night except seungcheol. four a.m. is quiet, dark and lit up with stars. the two of you confide in each other in the quiet.

notes reader x seventeen idolverse au, kinda like the movie thing mentioned in jeonghan’s, 3.8k, smut fluff angst ig, a lot of non-smut writing sorry, it’s for plot for jeonghan too, title from Ease by Troye Sivan, reference to To You by Seventeen, and Beautiful by Seventeen, make receiving oral, basically thigh riding, reader is referred to as “girl”, sex in a flashback. thank you for waiting

part of the don’t listen in secret series.

@zen003xx @seung-sungs @angelwonie @rubyreduji @vvsmydiamonds127 @shualicious @whyokoa @dreamhannies @313hwa @minnie-mouser22 @knucklesdeepmingi @lenireads @oolanderr @bestboysvt @misssugarlips @whereisgyu @kodzukein @i4kt @wonushuasworld  @aurumness @bibinnieposts @venusprada​ @ikissvernon  @listxn​ @starlight-nightz​ @svtrbi​ 

༺♡༻

seungcheol totally related to cher horowitz.

at the end of the day, she was just trying to help everyone around her. if paul rudd thought all she did was for personal gain, how was that her problem?

the movie was stupid anyways. it’s taking too long for them to get together, poor cher has gone through so much, and nobody cares. nobody is paying attention to cher and seungcheol hates it.

he isn’t even talking about the movie anymore. nobody in the room is paying attention to cher.

well, besides two.

it was extremely rare for everyone to fall asleep, but his members were out. their limbs layer upon one another’s, pillows and blankets covering the living room. you didn’t usually participate in seventeen activities like movie night, but seungkwan told everyone how you were the “number 1 clueless fan!” looping you into the arrangement for a night. so, there you sat on the couch, next to (but not close enough to) cheol.

as the movie progressed, the two of you were comfortabley quiet. you and cheol had been close friends since you met seventeen for the first time, going out for dinners together regularly, but you didn’t usually go any further than making out with him. messy kisses were fun with seungcheol, but honestly rare. you weren’t complaining, though; he engulfed you the same everytime you shared space, like a quilt on the 21st of december. even so, he was usually the one supposed to be recieving the hug, but the size difference just meant he couldn’t not take you into his arms, deep dimples acting as brackets for his cherry lips. 

“what’s the ending like?”

your eyes fell from the tv to seungcheol’s, that being the first invitation for a conversation since the members fell asleep.

(”even... even jihoon? and chan?” you whispered, trying to observe the delicate faces around you for signs of activity.

“jihoon has been working a shit ton later than usual, so i guess movie night was just an excuse for him to sleep. chan...” cheol ran a hand through his hair and your lips involuntarily parted. “he was trying to prove that he could pull all-nighters.”

the both of you softly giggled, soonyoung’s head suddenly flopping onto mingyu’s thigh and making seungcheol cover his mouth with his hands. effortlessly cute.

you reached for the remote, turning the volume down slightly. “at least you’re still awake. let’s keep watching, it’s ending soon!”)

you exhaled through your nose, corners of your mouth lifting as your eyes shifted back to the movie. “happy. you’ll see.”

“how could it possibly be happy? the guy is such a dick and tai is on thin ice. poor girl,” he had to stop himself from getting louder in the middle of his sentence. serenity never really suited him, but he tried to bring it out for the calmer you. it was too late in the night, or, sadly in the morning, for him to disturb his sleeping family. even with his aggressiveness, you could see the smile tugging on his lips and it got a grin out of you, too.

you gave him a soft punch on the shoulder, the distance between the two of you allowing for that much. “impatient,” you tutted. “look, they’re sitting next to each other. keep watching.”

“we’re sitting next to each other, that doesn’t mean anything’s gonna happen!”

you raised an eyebrow towards his direction, shaking your head and going back to the movie.

josh, not the one passed out on wonwoo’s lap, is in the middle of calling cher beautiful when you get an idea, smirk playing on your face. you sit up a bit, tugging on cheol’s shirt to get his attention. suddenly immersed in the film, lips in pout and eyebrows knitted together, he only gives you a hum in response, but you know he’s listening. it’s almost a skill he’s picked up from leading thirteen young boys— at first he was too shy to scream “shut up!” so he resorted to hearing them all out. at once.

you calculated the timing of your actions to the movie’s in your head before going for it. “punch my shoulder, cheol.”

his eyes that were trained on the screen squinted at yours when your words matched the movie’s, him doing a double-take at the kiss scene that he almost missed. the second he saw it, he decided he could care so much less, fist nudging your shoulder and pursed lips breaking into a smile. with that, you leaned in and planted a kiss to his mouth, seungcheol responding immediately with a hand on your neck. the exchange was cut short when you lightly pushed him back. (your eyes lingered on his closed ones for a little too long, deep exhales from his ruby lips just barely illuminated by the tv in the dark room. how he managed to look like he had the most blissful fuck after one kiss was beyond you.)

he didn’t chase after you, rather he nonchalantly leaned back against the arm of the couch. cheol didn’t play games, he was more black-and-white, or, “if you want it, come and get it.” he didn’t like being messed with, and maybe it was his experiences that shaped him like that.

you put a pillow under seungkwan’s head after watching it off of minghao’s shifted knee. glancing away from the mess of sleeping members, you found the eldest’s hand and entangled your fingers. “we can hang out in your room while they sleep.”

he giggled again, fucking giggled. as the two of you rose from the couch, shoulders pressed together (or, cheol making sure he’s as close to you as possible) as you trek past the rest of the boys. what he did appreciate was intimacy, warmth, and communication. he would never done any kind of friends-with-benefits arrangement if it wasn’t someone like you, someone he knew would still be his ride-or-die, someone he could break in front of when he had to stay strong for everyone including jeonghan, someone he could find physical comfort in emotionally rather than just pleasure from sex.

the two of you made it into his room, your fingers unraveling from the grip on seungcheol’s sleeve. (you didn’t remember when that happened, considering the short time it took to get to his room.)

“fairy lights,” that’s new, you thought out loud as he shut the door, him raising a brow as your eyes met. you realized as you said it— it came out a bit awed, to which he let out a light chuckle. warm twinkles surrounded the perimeter of his walls in a neat, continuous line. that definitely wasn’t there before.

what has always been there were the real stars, the glimmers against a night sky even at dawn. those were the sparkles in seungcheol’s eyes: when he looked at the members he had watched mature into who they are now, when he scans the faces of carats at every meeting, when he can make out diamonds and hearts from the shapes of the clouds. when he looked at you now in his quaint, illuminated shelter.

the appearance of a dimple brought you back to reality, the boy breaking into a shy grin. “sure. i think they’re cute, right? lamps are a bit annoying, small area coverage and all.” he paused for a moment, glancing around the room with his hands shoved into his hoodie pocket. you had begun looking at other antiques and additions to his room, observing pictures he hung around his desk.

you weren’t facing him, but he softly shook his head as if dismissing a thought and settled by your side. you were now peering over his desk, trying to recognize faces in film photos.

your eyes crinkled at a particular image of him and the hiphop team members. “so cute. polaroids, i mean. really kind of…” you searched your mind for synonyms that could seem more appropriate, but none suited the topic well enough.

“endearing,” you finished, biting your lip at the loveliness of the word. “fairy lights, too. very cute of my manly-man seungcheollie.”

he beamed at the tease and you couldn’t stop yourself from returning the expression. “i don’t get many chances to be cute. the members think i’m cute nowadays, but back then, i couldn’t be.” cheol’s head hung low, stopping himself from looking at the pictures. “i think it’s relaxing, having reminders of where we came from. small things like polaroids to keep the good memories... and string lights, because, why not?” 

he exhaled almost dramatically but kept the smile on his face. “i feel like i’m on cloud nine. it’s so hard, every second of my life, you know?” you nodded as he spoke. of course you knew, for him and for you. “but the minimalism is like what fucking meditation and tea is to myungho.”

you both let out humored exhales at that, cheol exclaiming ever-so-softly, i’m serious! “it keeps me stable. after a.. swirling day. i need something this peaceful. i usually hate that shit, the quiet. it’s still not my favorite, it’s just not that bad.”

seungcheol had been pressing his palms against his desk, having found interest in the wood. the polaroids were long forgotten, one of your hands reaching up to play with the ends of his hair as he spoke. you noticed the way his breath hitched between words, the handful of gulps he had taken in the duration of the vent.

so, as you confirmed he was finished for today, you tugged one of his arms to the side, slipping your body into the free space and captured his torso within your arms. 

he reacted as soon as the touch came, melting into the embrace as his arms similarly wrapped around your shoulders.

“cheol…”

he shushed your with a large hand pressed on your head, stroking your hair and making you whine. “my fault for spilling everything on my mind. no need to say anything, doll.”

“but- stop that!” seungcheol let out a low laugh at your protests to his fingers carding through your locks, teasing your skin. the corners of your lips lifted at the contact as you gave him a gentle push and settled atop his desk. “but, i want to. can’t i?”

“not today, baby.” you pouted a bit, but understood. it was late, cheol feared the topic would make him cry too easily, already being in a vulnerable state.

he took two steps forward, hands finding your waist and a smile on his face. it was a bit of a confusing expression— his dimples weren’t deep enough, his eyes were waning gibbous. it made you sigh, but you figured it would be best to not dote on the conversation. after all, he probably just remembered everything that he doesn’t have time to think about. he knows he has reassurance at any time, he just sought your presence as a non-member when it came to these kinds of things.

“don’t be so sad, it’ll make me sad. you know what’ll make the both of us happy?

seungcheol’s head was tilted, dangerously close to your forehead. you knew where this was going based on his lopsided attempt at a smile. 

you planted your palms onto his shoulders, slipping your fingers past the neck of his shirt to massage his skin. your lips twitched at cheol’s shudder that followed your movements. “i think i do, cheollie.” a pause for thought, you contemplating what’s appropriate to say in the blank. “it’s been a while.”

“i guess it has, hasn’t it?” a rhetorical question. you weren’t sure why it felt awkward.

maybe seungcheol was trying to distract from his emotions, didn’t want to overhear you with seungkwan in the kitchen asking has seungcheol seemed sad recently? maybe he thought he had let his burdensome self slip for a moment.

of course, that would never be the case.

you lifted a bit up to your tip-toes, cheol catching on and lowering his head. you pressed your lips to his jaw, kissing and mumbling the bone. “i miss you.” he was right there. “i like us like today.”

“you’re too good to me. i need you. now.” suspicions of your position together simply being a distraction crumbled at this. if it was joshua, he’d say i want you. cheol is a bit more dependent, instinctive, scared. he means it. a hand cupped your cheek, lifting your face from his jaw. “always?”

you weren’t sure if it was supposed to be a question, the lilt in his voice ever-so subtle. you answered anyways. if he questioned it, he would just have to assume you were repeating him. it was safe.

“always.”

seungcheol was a happy virus. every reveal of his dimpled smile spread to you. you wanted to say it was just because he was that cute, but in reality, something in you longed so badly to make him happy. you had known him for so long, since he was just a kid in the lime backrooms of pledis, desperately trying to make some kind of connection with more kids even younger than he was. 

so you smiled back, bright but just for a moment before connecting your lips. he quickly placed a firm hand on your back and one on the desk as you leaned against it. you took his face into your hands to deepen the kiss, muffled noises of pleasure interrupting the silence of the dorms. 

it was cheol who broke away first, flicking a tongue over his previously-occupied lips while trying to find your hand through his half-lidded eyes. having been in a better state, you found his first and allowed him to drag you to the edge of his bed. he sat down, hand still gripping yours, and you waited for him to speak. with seungcheol, you could withstand patience— he was too much of an overthinker, so the times he could make decisions fast were always valuable.

you swung your hand a little, playful, watching him poke his cheek with his tongue before his dimples broke through. “you look sleepy.”

“just a little bit,” you laughed, light.

he raised his eyebrow, smile drooping into a smirk. “that’s okay. you don’t need to do too much work today. on your knees, baby.”

“what are we doing?” you asked, flush painting your cheeks at his words as you crouched down. in truth, it wasn’t actually his words, more the way his already deep voice seemed to have dropped an octave. in the midst of the night and the solitary of his room, you realize just how much you missed him.

—

2017.

“cheol-cheollie!” you panted, hair covering your face (which was pressed into the mattress anyways, so the majority of your sight would be covered even if you tried pushing it out of the way). 

said boy simply chuckled, watching your ass shake with every pound of his dick. “take it so good. too good for me.” (some things never change.) “having fun, y/n-ah? tell me- shit, tell me if you are.”

“like it, cheol! i-” the name you had known for the past couple of years faded into incoherant syllables as a big palm made contact with your ass.

“just like? damn, i thought i was a bit better than that.”

a moan immedietly escaped your lips, coming out more as a whine. “no! mmh- love it! love it so much, cheollie.... seung...”

“shh, y/n,” you heard above you, although quiet. it dawned on you that he had been speaking so calmly the entire time in contrast to your loud moans. “thank you, darling. you know what to do if it gets too much.”

of course you did— seungcheol didn’t even let you take off his shirt until you gave clear consent to what the two of you were going to do. you lifted your head a bit, craning it to the side to look at him through the wisps of your hair. “wanna... please- wanna cum!” 

cheol tucked your hair behind your ears, flashing his gums at your fucked-out state. “of course, baby. think you can wait a minute, though?”

—

present day.

a hand making contact with your hair brought you out of your reminiscence.

he tilted his head down at you, “you’re pretty. can i fuck your mouth?”

“so blunt,” you murmured, hands already reaching for his drawstring.

his hands engulfed your hair, crafting a makeshift ponytail with his index and thumb acting as the tie. “you like it better when i’m shy? like the first time?”

when you finally undid the knot (you wondered what his technique to tying bows was, so unnecessarily secure) he lifted his hips for you to pull the trackpant low. “liar. you weren’t shy.. i could barely walk the next day.”

“and now i’m gonna make sure you can’t speak tomorrow.”

once his pants were low enough, he took ahold of his dick before you could. giving it a few pumps, seungcheol held it by the base, a somewhat elated grin on his face. “open up, baby.”

and you did— flattening your tongue a bit for show while making eye contact with seungcheol. his cock was then shoved against your tongue, the culprit’s eyes narrowing above you. with your tongue on his underside, you licked a stripe up, holding the point of your tongue to the tip of his shaft. with a little boost of confidence from the sharp breath the boy offered, your lips wrapped around his tip, slowly starting to take him inch by inch.

a bit more pressure was applied against your head, sending you closer to his base in a swift motion. you whined a bit around his length, but seungcheol only chuckled.

“you’re a bit annoying sometimes. why can’t you be my good girl? just this once?”

you began to slide off his cock to protest, reassure, argue, something, but cheol only bucked his hips further into your mouth, your nose brushing against his skin.

he built up a bit of a rhythm, pushing your head up and down his dick at his own speed. and that speed was fast, your mouth not even moving around him. you figured it was worth it, worth hearing his deep grunts and pleasured moans, but you had better ideas.

you reached up and grabbing his arm, his movements halting immedietly. sensing his furrowed brows even if you no longer held eye contact, you didn’t let give him time to inquire your actions before you pushed off his cock and brought it back in. he hit so deep in your mouth, brushing against the back of your throat, you felt hot wetness streaming your cheeks as you tried not to gag. the discomfort disappeared as soon as it came as seungcheol released another, much louder, moan.

you hollowed your cheeks and continued to suck: up and down his cock, kitten licks and kisses around the diameter, mewls and hums vibrating down his length. it seemed to do the trick just fine, one hand previously having been gripping your hair abandoned to tangle the sheets and the other impressively strong on your scalp. 

his breathing was getting heavier, and you had already predicted his next words. “close, baby... m’ gonna cum soon,” he warned.

you made no effort to move, though, making sure he knew where his cum would go. on your lips. under your tongue. down your throat.

so, when he released with the prettiest sound, you held it in your mouth until his eyes fluttered open. (you always wondered if he had ever tried wearing mascara or something.) once sure his eyes were back on you, you gulped as visibly as possible and stuck out your tongue for him to see. 

see? i am a good girl. your good girl. i’ve always liked you, a bit more than the rest. don’t we have our own connection? i would do anything for you, i think. thank you for everything.

he offered a smile and pat his thigh, signalling for you to replace yourself on his lap. you did just that, tipping your head back as his mouth latched onto your earlobe. “i was lying, you know?” he spoke against your skin. “you’re always the best. a brat, but i love it.”

and you felt like this was a safe place, a place for honesty and love and comfort. so, regardless of knowing how he would take it, you spoke your mind.

“i’d do anything for you.”

it wasn’t your preferred reaction (you actually didn’t know how you wanted him to react or even what you expected from him, just not this) but it was still music to your ears, the dark chuckles that seemed to be his favorite way of expression today. “right back at you.”

a pause for him to suck your neck.

“i’m so happy. so happy i have you.”

and it was true. no matter what you were, you had each other.

“love you, cheollie.”

that much you could say without problems. he knew it was true. you knew it was the same for him, right?

“love you too, my y/n.”

of course it was, why did you doubt him? how could you think he would shake his head or lie when he said it so quickly, like it was the only thing he studied for on the entire test? why did you not believe him for a second? why do you care? what do you want from him?

“let me make you feel good. grind on my lap, i know you’re wet.”

of course he did, he knew everything about you. he knew all the times you’ve cried, he knows your favorite color. he knows what breed pet you want in a few years, he knows your favorite seventeen song, he knows which members you’re with at all times for safety. why did you trust him so much?

your daze didn’t stop you from complying, rolling your hips on his lap and shamelessly moaning into his neck to chase your high.

of course, it was because he was one of your closest friends. he meant the world to you. you were so grateful to have him.

one day, someone else will have him, you reminded yourself. have the perfect boyfriend, husband, leader, best friend, choi seungcheol in their mouth like you did a bit ago. have him in their arms like you always find yourself begging for. and they’ll be in his heart, on his mind, in his life as his.

and of course, you had no right to be bitter. you were still a mess on top of his thigh, his hand still occupied your folds in this moment and you still pulled him in for a kiss. you still came on his hand, he still licked your cum off his fingers. he still pulled you beside him in his bed, under the covers. you still had him, for now.

you thought again: did you actually want something with seungcheol, or is he so close that it’s just too easy to imagine? would you actually ruin everything for seungcheol?

“you’ll always have me. i hope it’s the same vice versa,” seungcheol’s arms tightened around your shoulders.

“of course it is. go to sleep, my forever-boy.”

you could say that much tonight.

[zosociologist]

"Dating Eddie Munson Would Be Like..."

[Eddie Munson x Black!Reader Headcannon]

(A/N: I came out of my writing hiatus for this🥴 I underestimated just how lengthy this was gonna get and I don't think Tumblr mobile has the text break feature anymore, so there's a lot, lmao! And YES, we all know about how everything goes down in Stranger Things and Hawkins and all that jazz.....but consider that as a loose reference for this!)

Warnings: Nothing really, Fluff, maybe a little fooling around but that's about it(:

P.S: 🤎WwaBRiM🤎 but everyone is welcome to read☺; Likes & comments are appreciated and reblogs are highly encouraged👌🏾

YOU TWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!😆💫💞

Okay so here's a long ass backstory to how your friendship began: 🍃SPRING OF 1980🍃, the air was crisp outside, middleschool was finally over, you were taking that big leap into highschool in the fall, you finally got over Bon Scott's death, your family got you a bike for graduation, and one of your older cousins became a keyholder at THEE BEST record shop in Hawkins that ALSO had a comic book shop on the 2nd floor. So it's safe to say you knew where you were gonna spend most of your summer.

You'd be chilling around the shop most days, hanging out with your cousin and talking to the other teens that would work there. You'd even help put out records and play them in the store.

You're an audiophile and you take pride in your vast music taste, probably influenced by the fact that you came from a musical family....BUT THAT'S NEITHER HERE NOR THERE.

You and Eddie met because that ENTIRE summer he'd swoop in at the same time every other day at approximately 4:45 PM, and make a B-line for the Rock section.

It always seemed like he'd be walking up to the counter to FINALLY buy something, but if you were behind it he'd chicken out and make a sharp turn for the stairs to go up to the comics.

It was a routine, and you had it down to a T. You kinda enjoyed his presence even though you two hadn't properly met yet. You had to admit he was kinda cute😌

His hair was doing it's own little thing, it was shoulder length and feathered, and on this day in particular, he had on a Black Sabbath ringer tee with denim bell bottoms and sneakers...and he was peaking over the prog section shelf at you...barely even hiding it.

He paced around to other shelves as well, he stopped in the Funk and Soul section and picked up a few records which, honestly, kinda surprised you.

It was finally time for him to choke at the check-out counter, but this time was different~

He rested his 5 records down on the counter and let out a shaky breath that equaled that of someone about to have an asthma attack.

Your heart went out, so you thought you'd break the ice somehow, picking up AC/DC's new "Back in Black" album on top of his stack, "Is this a badass comeback or what!"

Mission accomplished, he immediately loosened up, "Hell Yeah! It's album of the year for sure because Brian Johnson FUCKS!" (okay maybe a little too loose)

You both quickly hit it off from there, it turns out Eddie also was an avid music listener himself. His other items that day included Saxon's "Strong Arm Of The Law", Steel Pulse's "Tribute To The Martyrs", Van Halen's "Women and Children First", and Bette Davis' "Nasty Gal".

From there on out you two instantly became close💫

If you guys weren't at the record shop then you'd be at the movies, if you weren't at the movies, then you'd be at his home blasting music while he played along on his guitar, if it was too late to blast music at his place then he'd be trying to teach you the basics of Dungeons & Dragons (emphasis on trying), if his complicated lessons failed, then you'd both be on the roof at your house reading comics until the sun came up, then you'd go downstairs to eat Count Choculas and watch Saturday Morning Cartoons until you passed out from lack of sleep.

Eddie proposed that you two should get friendship bracelets, but of course, you were both broke after spending what little money you had on music and nerd memorabilia😅

So you went looking through his stuff and pulled out 2 guitar picks. One for each of you. He thought it was cute and immediately had his uncle make them into necklaces for you both.

Freshmen year of highschool started for you two, and it was really a trial and error period as far as cliques go.

Everyone was judgy, and Eddie didn't like how certain groups would be okay with one of you joining but not the other when you both were into the same things.

You were floaters, but YOU more than Eddie. You were nice and social enough to be friends with at least one or more people in every clique. But that didn't mean there wouldn't be hecklers every now and again.

Once, a Jock thought it would be funny to yank on your Afro-puffs "as a joke", and you begged Eddie to drop it, but he hauled off and punched the guy right in the dick!

He got suspended, and when you talked to him about it that night on your roof, he tried to cover his tracks by saying he was "having problems grieving John Bonham's death".

You knew he was lying, he knew he was lying, but he was so scared to tell you how he felt. He thought it would've ruined what you had going on.

Sophomore year was oddly both better, and all the same. But at least Hawkins High finally got a D & D club, obviously Eddie hopped on it the moment he found out, and he wanted you to join too but you were just so damn CONFUSED, and he respected that.

You were more on the Arts Clubs side of the spectrum, and he absolutely loved that for you. He liked that you weren't afraid to put yourself out there.

Definitely your hypeman whenever you had class presentations. You both sat in the back so he'd get this poster board and write "🔥🔥🔥Hell Yeah y/n!!!🔥🔥🔥" on it, and if you had a presentation in a class you didn't share with him, he'd steal the hall pass to sneak in the back of the room and listen☺

Junior year is when the dynamic shifted for sure, and it was so random too?! You were becoming a talented Jack of all trades, and Eddie was starting to perfect his sense of style. His hair was growing out more and you'd be lying if you said he didn't look fine😩

On top of all that, your cousin graduated from college and got a new car as a gift, so it was only fair that you got her old one. And it...was...FUCKING...AMAZING.

You and Eddie started going for joyrides, it didn't matter where or when. Sometimes all you had to do was give eachother a look, and the car keys would basically appear out of thin air.

Anyway on one fine night, reefer may or may not have been involved, and it was somebody's bright idea to play Sade...

You were in a pretty safe yet secluded area, sitting on the hood of the car, stargazing and talking about hopes and dreams, and the future and where you saw yourself in 10 years..................

and Mr. Munson looked you dead in the eyes and said "Hopefully with you."

..........................you kissed him. You kissed the fuck outta him. And he let you, he actually invited it, he leaned into it, he embraced it.

He'd been praying for it, from the very moment he first laid eyes on you in the record shop, to the moment you were headbanging to the "Kill 'Em All" record so hard you fell off of his bed, even down to the moments when you would stare through him while you zoned out as he explained his character lore. Yes, he had prayed on his knees for this exact moment many nights...and he's not even religious.

It got heavy really quick, you put your hand on the windshield to brace you both and he caressed your face, "Can I?" he asked between kisses, waiting for your approval before he slowly moved his hands to your hair.

You got lost there for a little bit, but he had to be the bigger person and snap you both out of it, mostly due to the fact that the munchies had finally set in.

You two spent that night, cooped up on the same side of a booth at a Waffle House, eating All-Star Specials, and talking about any and everything, basking in the peace of your new relationship😌💓

That summer leading up to senior year was truly something else, there were a lot of wholesome learning periods that Eddie had to go through.

He FINALLY got to experience one of your infamous "Wash Days", and he wanted to help so he got to lather up your hair with the shampoo and he handed you the right products so you could deep condition your hair. He got so invested that he ended up washing his hair too, so now you both were just walking around your house with towel turbans on😂

He was one wiff away from going feral one time after he watched you apply shea butter after a shower, THAT was an experience🥴

You had to teach him how to do the electric slide AGAIN because you'd "be damned if your boyfriend had two left feet at the family function"💀

Senior year itself was pretty tough. The relationship was stronger than ever, but academically Eddie was falling behind. He'd get so caught up in the moment and everything around him that he'd push a lot of his school responsibilities to the side.

You'd have him over a lot more solely for the purpose of studying, but it would always end up with him not doing anythinggggg and you hated it because you wanted him to succeed but he's just so damn quick-witted and strong willed!

You'd try to scold him about distractions, and all he has to do is sweet-talk you, next thing you know your straddling him on your bedroom floor in the midst of a feverish makeout session. You just couldn't win😩.

I think the gravity of everything truly set in when graduation was around the corner, and you told him that if he wasn't graduating then you weren't. It broke his heart a little. Especially after he saw all the acceptance letters you got, that you tried hiding from him.

He knew you deserved every one of those letters, and he wouldn't be able to live with it if he knew that you didn't take those opportunities because of him.

Graduation came....he was there for the ceremony and left right after you got your diploma. When the ceremony was over you drove to his place, sat on the porch with him, put your cap on his head and cried on his shoulders.

He cried too, but he didn't let you see it.

That summer was bittersweet, you two did what you had been doing for the past four years, but it was all the more sentimental because by the time fall came around, you knew you'd see eachother less.

Eddie got a camcorder for you to document college life, and of course you used it to document your summer with him.

On the bright side, college is a lot of fun and you and Eddie talk about it on the phone A LOT and how you can't wait for him to get there, and whenever you have a break in the semesters you are on the first plane back to Hawkins to see him.

Highschool ultimately ended up working for him too in his own way, his grades may still be hot ass, and his principal told him he'd have to do senior year over again BUT at least he's the Dungeon Master of Hawkins' D & D club which he rebranded, "🔥The Hellfire Club🔥"

💫When he told you the news, you drew up a cool logo and had your roommate that works at a shirt shop make a bunch of shirts in various sizes, and had a large box commercially shipped to him💫

When you were on the phone with him the night he got the boxes he let out such a horrid scream, it was a slasher movie grade scream. HE LOVED IT SO MUCH!

He caught a flight that weekend which was convenient because family and friends weekend WAS that weekend😂

When '86 came around, you told Eddie during one of your designated wash day phone calls that it was gonna be his year, and yeeaahhh you tell him that EVERY YEAR as words of encouragement but you knew that this was it, and he finally internalized it.

You even hyped him up for college and have been telling him about study methods you could try when he got there, and you joked about bribing your roommate to move out so you could be roomies with him when he got there that fall!

And he said FUCK YEAH to all of it because he loves your positivity, he loves your mind, he loves your efforts, and he loves you!

But you two are BEYOND CUTE together omg😭💞