#hopefully as I learn more about the setting I can round these down even more

[lovelyhan]

Okay, you still have a spot. Great. I thought they'd be filled so, I didn't send anything lmao. Insomnia has its perks.

This is deeply self-indulgent and I'd love more Hao from you. So, hear me out, Minghao with a breeding kink. I feel like it doesn't get enough attention especially given how much that man gravitates towards babies lol. Like he and Reader visit Cheol's and see him with his new baby and, Hao's like oh, wait a minute. I think this is making me feel some type of way.

— terrified ⟢

minghao has a knack for keeping the things you tell him in mind. from your favorite brand of wine to how the idea of bearing children terrifies you—he remembers all of it. so your husband is in a bit of a crisis when he realizes that this newfound desire to start a family kind of clashes with something you trusted him to respect.

★ FEATURING; minghao x f!reader

★ WORD COUNT; 4.4k words

★ TAGS; idolverse, established relationship, hao trying (and failing) to play it cool about the wanting-to-be-a-father thing, brief discussion abt family planning, this is only a little sad bc hao has overthinkeritis, smut (MINORS DNI!)

★ WARNINGS; mentions of pregnancy and childbirth but nothing too graphic

★ NOTES; i scheduled to post this when it hit exactly 12 midnight in rj's timezone just in time for her birthday :> (pls look away if i got the schedule wrong,,,) i'm not really back yet bcs this is a queued post, but happy birthday, beloved. i love you more than i can say directly, so i decided to just write a fic for you instead! hopefully, i can come back and torment you with every other seventeen member BUT cheol soon :3c

★ SMUT TAGS; unprotected sex, breeding kink, creampie, multiple rounds, mating press, hao is just really feral in this yk

★ PERMANENT TAGLIST; @cheolhub - @pretty-trustme - @just-here-to-read-01 - @idkmelkro - @dejavernon - @venusrae - @jyiiscool - @jiniesclub - @junhui-recs - @bldelaine - @featmia - @fruitzcup - @hoeforhao - @candidupped - @billboard-singer - @caratochan - @novalpha - @dahliatopia - @0717luv - @shiveringgaze - @toruro - @mixling-blog - @minnie-mouser22 - @homerunhansol - @mirtaspace - @ti--red - @zzucculent - @woozarts - @rubyreduji - @mozellerra - @lllucere - @cheolzip - @jjjzzzz - @lissiesykes - @dearjeonwonwoo - @meowmeowminnie - @colored-confetti - @partiallyinfluencial - @speaknowlwt - @flwrshwa - @lilylikesthat - @aurorahongg - @whippedforjihoon - @todorokiskitten - @immabecreepin - @98-0603 - @peachhiz

★ MINGHAO TAGLIST; @haoxiaoba - @jeonride - @coffeestay - @hyvnae

In the height of his career as an idol, Xu Minghao filmed a certain piece of content where he was asked a normal question to which he responded with a slightly controversial answer.

"How many kids do you want in the future?"

"Oh, It's not me who'll give birth, so I can't be the one to decide."

It's a response that made waves on the Internet during the week the video was first posted—a reaction from both fans and casual netizens alike that Minghao definitely did not anticipate that he would receive when they packed up the set several months prior.

It's pretty much the logical answer, isn't it? Sure, he'd love to have kids someday, but the quantity isn't something he should decide on without his non-existent partner's input.

Minghao learns further down the road, when he finally meets and eventually gets together with you, that the number of children isn't the only thing that a couple should mutually agree on.

"I don't really want to have kids..."

You tell him this during a spontaneous date he deigned to take you out on. He just came back from a tour packed with a long list of stops and even if he should probably catch up on some sleep, he opted to have a picnic with you at the park because of how much he missed you.

Your cheeks are stuffed with a few bites of pie, thoughtfully chewing as you wait for Minghao's response to your sudden confession. If he didn't know you as well as he does, he wouldn't have sensed the waves of anxiety rolling off of you in waves—as if you're waiting for him to get mad at you for simply being honest.

Mingao heaves a quiet sigh before he pulls you into his chest—a tiny squeak caught in your throat after swallowing your food.

"Hey, that doesn't make me love you any less," he murmurs, pressing his lips on top of your head. "I know bearing children can be terrifying and painful, so I completely understand."

For a moment, your brow dips, a soft frown tugging at your lips. "I-It's not that I'm terrified... Okay, maybe a little. But—"

Minghao promptly silences your protests with a firm kiss on your lips—one that you find yourself easily melting into given the time and distance that's separated you until this moment. He smiles against your mouth, glad that you can be honest with him about things like this.

"No buts, if you don't want to have kids, that's alright," he murmurs before pulling away. "Maybe we can just get a dog. You're already close with Mingyu, aren't you?"

That makes you snicker. "You're so mean."

It's a brief exchange that Minghao doesn't really think about again for several years. After all, his career as an idol was at an all-time high. As much as he wants to settle down with you and start the next phase of his life, he's certain that he shouldn't step out of the limelight just yet.

But it doesn't take long for time to catch up with him.

One by one, his brothers are off to fulfill their mandatory service and the group's activities are at a momentary standstill. Those who were left behind go their separate ways for a while—Joshua expanding his solo promotions in the US and Jun taking up more brand sponsorships in China.

Minghao chose to stay in Seoul mostly for your sake, and the fact that this city is the only common ground between him and the rest of the boys. When Vernon and Seungkwan enlisted together, it was around the time that Seungcheol and Jeonghan came back with overgrown buzzcuts, while Joshua landed in Incheon for the first time in two years.

It was also the time when you and Minghao got married.

The event was celebrated among close friends and family with only a brief news article about the marriage of SEVENTEEN's The8 allowed by the company to circulate for a while. They did a good job at keeping things hush hush, and Minghao thinks it's only because it's been more than a decade since his debut that they're being so lenient.

But even if they weren't, nothing would stop Xu Minghao from making you his wife either way.

It takes a few more years for all thirteen of them to get back together again, but when they do, the first thing that Seungcheol does is invite everybody to his daughter's first birthday.

Minghao has met baby Suri a handful of times in the past. Seungcheol's wife visits them at the company from time to time, wheeling Suri's stroller into the practice room as her uncles all fawn over her until she's crying. For some reason, the only people the infant seems to tolerate are Jun and Seokmin.

It's pretty much the same scene during the party. Seokmin and Jun are the only ones allowed within a one-meter radius from Seungcheol's baby girl to prevent an incurable crying episode in the middle of the celebration. Soonyoung was not happy with the fact that he can't personally give Suri the little tiger plush he got for her, but Minghao thinks it's for the best.

But then, as everyone was finishing up with dinner, he saw you walk up to Seungcheol's wife with a familiar sparkle in your eyes. You're staring at Suri who's all dressed up for her party with a look of endearment—nearly gushing with how animatedly you're speaking with her mother.

Minghao doesn't think much of it. You and her have always gotten along for as long as he can remember.

What does catch him completely off-guard, however, is the fact that Suri is being handed into your arms and you let it all happen without much of a fuss.

Chan was in the middle of telling him about this martial arts move that he'd wanted to choreograph into a dance but as much as he wants to give the younger man advice, his gaze is completely glued to the sight of you with Suri in cradled against your chest.

It's one thing to see a woman holding a baby. It's another to see his wife do the same thing.

"Hao, look!" You quickly call him over when you catch his eyes in the crowd. "Suri thinks I'm worthy! It's been five minutes since her mom handed her over and she's still not crying."

The sight is so adorable that Minghao abruptly excuses himself from his conversation with Chan to rush towards you with clipped strides. His heart thunders inside his chest as you visibly dote on Seungcheol's daughter, and he isn't sure if he wants to give the feeling a name.

It eventually fades into a barely there throb in his chest when he drives back home for the evening. You quickly fill the silence with your attempts at looking at some properties in this newly opened residential area near the freeway and as always, your husband lends a willing ear.

"It's a little far from your company building, but it's much more spacious than our apartment right now," you chuckle, face alight with the glow of your screen as you scroll through the property's details on your phone.

Minghao hums before pulling over at a red light. "Hm? Isn't our place alright as it is? Why would we need the extra space?"

He half-expected you to answer with something along the lines of, so I can have more space to keep my book collection in or so you can have enough room to practice at home if you want to.

But all you do is let out an uneasy laugh, locking your phone before depositing it in the cupholder on the middle console.

"Y-Yeah, you're right. That was a bit silly of me."

The next time Minghao unwittingly makes the connection with you and the prospect of having kids is when Seungkwan's nephews are in Seoul for a couple of weeks.

While he and his sister are off to run errands every now and again, they typically ask Jun to watch over the kids because out of all the members, he's definitely the only one who can be trusted around children. Even more than those who are actual fathers.

But it just so happens that Jun is all the way in Shanghai to shoot for a historical drama, and for some reason, Seungkwan thought it would be a good idea to drop his nephews off at Minghao's doorstep.

"You're pretty decent with kids and your wife can take care of anything," Seungkwan praises while he ushers four year-old Hanjun into the room and eight month-old Jiren into your arms. "We'll be back for them after lunch!"

It's just as Seungkwan said though: Minghao is pretty decent with kids and you can take care of anything.

While waiting for lunch to cook in the kitchen, you both do your part in entertaining the children—Minghao pointing out different shapes and animals in the picture book from Hanjun's backpack while you quietly feed Jiren the baby formula that Seungkwan's sister prepared in advance.

So distracted with the sight of your soft gaze transfixed on the baby in your arms, Minghao barely notices it when the soup he's prepared starts to overflow from the pot. You scold him for being so distracted before he shuffles into the kitchen with his tail between his legs.

As he salvages what's left of the soup, Minghao tries to pull himself together. Sure, it's been a few years since you two tied the knot, but you made it clear years ago that children wasn't on the table when it comes to the two of you.

It's something that you both agreed on even before marriage, and Minghao isn't about to break your trust by saying he suddenly wants kids all because seeing them in your arms makes his brain short-circuit. He has more tact than that.

"Is it just me or are you acting a little weird?"

For some reason, you choose later that evening to corner him in the quiet of your bedroom. Minghao was just getting ready to sleep when you turned to face him with a frown.

"Weird how?" he wonders, praying that you wouldn't single him out like you probably will.

"I don't know, you were looking at me funny when I was giving Jiren his formula," you point out. "You only do that when you want something from me."

Your words make him sigh. Of course his wife would catch onto every nuance of his actions—even from his stare alone.

"And what do you think it is that I want?"

"Xu Minghao, we're already married. Cut the games and just tell me what's on your mind."

God, he really couldn't love you any more than he does now.

It takes several minutes, but you and your husband eventually migrate to the living room—cups of hot chocolate in hand as you patiently wait for Minghao to open up about something he's been keeping to himself for a while now.

He's rightfully nervous—hands clammy around the ceramic of the mug that matches yours. It's Game of Thrones-themed with a dragon's neck acting as a handle. You kept insisting at the souvenir shop that its selling point was the unique design, but Minghao was pretty sure you were excited by the fact that the printed text changes color depending on the drink's temperature.

With that memory suddenly drifting into his mind, the tension ebbs from his shoulders. Though he tends to forget, you're the last person who'll condemn him for what he's about to say to you.

"I've been thinking of starting a family with you," he admits—hitting his point straight to the roots. "But... I always brushed it aside because I know how you feel about kids. I don't want to force you into something you don't want."

It's in times like this where silence is more deafening than actual noise. It rings in Minghao's ears as you watch the steam rise from your mug and your husband lets himself stew in his anticipation, wondering how you'll choose to respond to his honesty.

Will you laugh at him? Will you be angry with him? It's a subject that the two of you rarely broach with each other, so he isn't quite sure how to handle whatever reaction you'll grace him with.

What Minghao never would've expected, however, is for you to crack him a relieved smile.

"Me? I thought you didn't want kids because having one would be detrimental to your career," you chuckle, taking the first few sips from your hot chocolate. "And you always kinda shrugged it off whenever I tried to ease the topic into the conversation."

"I did?" Your husband scowls. "When did I do that?"

"After Suri's birthday party? When I was showing you a couple of new houses?"

Oh. Oh.

"Shit," Minghao mutters, embarrassed. "I almost forgot about that. I'm sorry, love. It didn't occur to me because you said that you didn't want to have kids—"

"One time," you interject with a groan. "That was one time, Hao. God, can't a woman change her mind about wanting kids with her husband?"

He blinks. "But you said you'd be terrified."

"No, you said I'd be terrified. As an educated guess and to some extent, you're right. But it's not the having-a-kid part or the childbirth part that terrifies me, Hao." You let yourself breathe for a couple of seconds and it comes out shaky. Minghao has to resist the urge to reach out to embrace you.

"What terrifies me is becoming a mother."

The silence of the living room thickens when you say the words and Minghao feels his chest flutter with that same feeling from the first time he saw you cradling Seungcheol's daughter in your arms. Despite the questions swimming inside his head, your husband keeps his silence and lets you continue.

"Like, yeah, the pregnancy is going to be hell and god knows whether I'll even be alive after giving birth, but..." You hesitate, refusing to meet Minghao's eyes for reasons that elude him.

"Raising a child so they would grow up to become a good person is even more daunting to me... What if I accidentally teach them something wrong? What if they end up hating me because I can't keep up with whatever trends kids would come up with in a few years? What if they love you more than they love me?"

Minghao laughs airily. "Is that last part really a necessary measure?"

"It is," you insist before breathing out a laugh of your own. "Urgh, you get the point! It's just that... I'm not against having kids, but the responsibility that comes with raising one overwhelms me whenever I think about it."

"You know you're not in it alone, right? I'm your husband. Of course I'll be here to support you however I can," Minghao sighs before finishing the rest of his drink. "Whether you want kids or not, I'll go with either choice because I want what you want, yeah?"

"Yeah. I do know that. I think I've always known, but at the same time, I didn't want to tie you down," you murmur, tracing the handle of your mug with a small pout. "If we have a kid together, they might take up the time meant for your schedules. I never want to burden you like that..."

Your husband sets down his mug on the coffee table, carding his fingers through his hair with a disbelieving sigh. You were starting to fear that you might've annoyed him by accident, but when Minghao leans closer so that your eyes are leveled, you realize that is far from the case.

"Baby, our wedding rings are literally tattoos," he reminds you while reaching for your hand—pressing the inked fingers together. "I'm as tied down as I can be and you've never heard a peep out of me after all this time, yeah? So don't you ever think you or our future kids would be burdens to me."

Playfully, you raise an eyebrow at him. "Kids? Plural?"

"Hey, like I said—"

"Yeah, yeah, you want what I want," you interrupt with a roll of your eyes. "I get it Hao, you're a gentleman. But what if I told you I want you to fuck me on this couch right now and give me your kids?"

The wording is so crass that it could only be seen as a joke, except the reaction it incites from Minghao is leagues more intense than a mere joke would. The mental image injects a rush of corrosive want straight into his bloodstream and Minghao swears it makes him a little lightheaded.

Your husband lets out a shuddering sigh. quickly lunging after you to pluck the mug out of your grasp and safely place it on top of the coffee table. When you look up at him so prettily as he cages you on the couch, the sight makes his cock twitch with anticipation.

"Then I want that, too."

Logically speaking, you and Minghao can't just flip the switch and go into full babymaking mode after a heartfelt conversation and a bunch of impulsive decisions.

For one, you were still on birth control. It would take some time to wean yourself off it and you'd have to ask your doctor if it was safe to stop taking the pills at this point in your life.

Next was that Minghao and the rest of the guys are going to be preoccupied with their latest album—one where all thirteen men are back together after years of being separated. It'll go on for a couple of months and maybe a year if he's going to take their tour schedules into account.

And because he doesn't want to be absent in any milestone during your hypothesized child's life, you and your husband mutually decided not to actively try for a kid just yet.

But that doesn't mean you can't pretend.

"Fuck, baby, your cunt's gripping me so tight," Minghao groans, nearly hissing as he slides his cock against the velvety heat of your walls. "You want my load in you, pretty? You want to me to pump you full until it's dripping out of your pretty pussy?"

With coherence having long left your mind, you arch your back even higher as your husband continues to plough you into the mattress. "Y-Yes, yes yes! Hao, feels s-so fucking good!"

He chortles quietly and even with your cheek pressed against the sheets, you can still picture the smirk plastered on his face. "Pretty baby's in love with my cock. You just can't get enough of me, can you?"

"More," you whimper, the muscles of your pussy tightening around his length as he plunges in and out of your sopping entrance. "W-Want more, Hao. Need you to fuck me harder..."

Your husband is quick to comply with your wishes, gathering your hair with one hand while keeping your hips in place with the other. Minghao slams his hips brutally against yours, making stars dance in the seams of your vision as the head of his fat cock bullies its way into your leaking hole.

He's so deep, you can feel him prying your cervix open with a promise that you'll be filled to the brim if you behave tonight. And with all those years of being a professional dancer under his belt, it's no surprise that he's got enough stamina to wreck you more times than you can handle.

The first orgasm blindsides you completely. He'd just been whispering both sweet and filthy nothings into your ear when it washes over you like a tidal wave—inevitable, inescapable.

(Doing so fucking good for me, love. Taking my cock like a good, good wife. You'll take my cum just as well, won't you? Keep it inside so it'll take and you'll be swollen with my child. Then everybody will know you're mine.)

The second time it happens is mere seconds after Minghao's own orgasm. His thrusts have started to lose their practiced cadence and even if you've been in this situation countless times before, the euphoria that sings in your veins makes it feel like the first time all over again.

Minghao's cock twitches before his cum spurts in thick ropes inside your tight cunt—filling you with a warm sensation that has you biting down his neck to stifle your moans. The motion of his hips slows to a crawl as Minghao feels you clamp down on his length. Your pussy gushes around him with a delicious grip that brings him dangerously close to another orgasm with how good you feel around him.

"Fuck, baby," he swears, voice still hoarse with need despite the fact that he's fucking you into overflowing. "I love you. There's no one else I'd want to have a family with."

"T-There better not be," you say cheekily before Minghao is flipping you around so that you're lying on your back. The sensation of his cum dripping out of your ruined pussy makes your skin tingle with excitement, and the fact that his ravenous gaze is trained on your body isn't lost on you.

"Be a good wife for me and hold your thighs up," he whispers lowly and it takes you mere seconds to comply. "That's my girl."

You preen at his praise—no matter how pathetic it would make you seem. After all, if there's anyone who get reduced you into a cockdrunk mess, it's most certainly your husband.

Minghao doesn't waste any more time, he pumps his cock into full hardness for a few moments—refractory period be damned—before gliding the head of his cock against your slit. Your thighs twitch every time be brushes against your clit, making you cry out with desperation as he gloats at your misery.

"Minghao," you beg, trying your best to hold your thighs up just like he asked all while he's taking his sweet time admiring your pussy. "Fuck me more. Want you to fill me up even more."

"Needy little thing," he chuckles. "You want my kids that badly? If I fuck you too much, you might actually get pregnant, love."

"Don't care," you practically sob. "I want it. I want you. All of you—even your kids."

Fuck. He really, really fucking loves you.

Minghao needs little encouragement after that, gripping his cock tightly as he guides himself back inside you.

The new position makes it easier for your husband to pound into you—the weight of his thrusts pressing you into the bed with enough intensity to make the wooden enforcements of your bed groan from the effort he's exerting. He splits you open on his cock, spreading your folded thighs as far as he can as he drills inside of you with the promise of another load.

"So pretty and pliant for me," he whispers, pressing a soft kiss on your nose all while the squelch of your cunt with each pass of his cock echoes in the bedroom. "My perfect wife. You'll let me breed this pussy once all's said and done, won't you?"

You nod all too eagerly. "Yes, Hao! I'll let you use my pussy however you want. Just please make me come again!"

"So demanding," your husband sighs with a wicked smile as one of his hands trails between your legs. "Hold those thighs nice and open for me, love. You'll feel even better soon."

"W-Wait, I—"

Your protests quickly melt into a hiss of pleasure when Minghao applies ample pressure on your clit—lathering his fingers with your slick before tracing tight circles around the sensitive nub.

He knows you so well, been with you for so long, that Minghao already knows the ins and outs of your body. Your husband claims that making you come undone with his own fingers is a practiced art and that he'll never forget about it until the day he does.

So it's no surprise how quickly Minghao manages to make you unravel at the seams when he couples his intense thrusts with the added stimulus to your clit. You're creaming around his cock in no time—muffling your cries in the crook of your lover's neck as he fucks into you with the intention of filling you up even more.

"I love you," Minghao rasps as he tucks your head beneath his chin, pinpointing the height of his own pleasure. "I'll want no one else but you, baby. No one."

Shakily, through a haze of delirium, you manage to say, "I-I love you too, Hao. I'll always be yours as long as—f-fuck—you'll always be mine."

You twitch violently beneath the weight of Minghao's body and the sight of you so fucked dumb on his cock eventually pushes him over the edge. Your husband comes with a sharp breath, his white hot cum gushing into your pussy until it drips onto the sheets.

It's only when you've come down from that post-coital high that you realize Minghao is looking at you as if you hung up all the stars in the sky. You respond with a weak smack against his chest.

"Don't look at me like that," you grumble weakly. "I might think you're in love with me."

"Y/N, we're already married."

"I don't see how that's a problem."

As Minghao does the honors of cleaning you up after roughing you up all evening, you quickly realize that, really, there's no reason to be terrified at all.

Not when your husband will be by your side every step of the way.

⟢ end notes: i wrote this in a haze so if there are any technical writing errors, i implore you to just ignore them for my sake <3 happy birthday again to my soulmate, rj! i hope you enjoy your day to the fullest and i also hope you like this gift i wrote for you hehe ^\\\^ like hao to the reader, i'll always be w you every step of the way (i'm just a lil busy rn, so i hope you forgive me !!)

[mandy-asimp]

A game for two

Pairing: emily Prentiss x fem! Reader (she/her pronouns)

Warnings: teasing, profanity, smut, fluff(?),

Summary: y/n is the youngest agent with a TikTok account. And after video goes viral, people notice a connection between her and emily.

"Come on Pen! It'll be a quick break. No longer than thirty minutes!" Y/n beamed as she dragged Penelope from her office.

It was a known scene for anyone to see. The youngest member of the BAU pulling someone or a few others with her to teach them a new trend. Posting on a page she ran and deemed the official BAU page, naming it bootylicious_BAUbaddies. Fitting.

"What even is the trend this time? You post like every single day, people are gonna think we don't do our jobs." The blonde grabbed the phone. It was a complex dance with a lot of camera work. "This is what you want to post onto the BAU page? You don't think it's a bit risqué?"

The word made Y/n laugh, "it's an unofficial page under my personal information. I can post whatever I want. Plus, you are the only one who understands camera work." That's when her eyes landed on Matt and JJ walking in. "Omg! Can you guys throw papers and be flashlights?!"

"Y/n...we just got home from a case. It's almost midnight." JJ sighed, putting her stuff down anyways to help out. "Is it another dance?"

"Another? You did one today?" Penelope frowned, had Y/n found someone else to film her?

"It was a rough draft of the dance. So I could critique it and work on it. I only learned it this morning. Spencer filmed...but he doesn't have your magic Penelope," she reassured. "Lights on the sides at all times, Penelope moves forward following me, and it'll be a one take if you do it right."

Emily watched the one take from her office. Amazed by how smoothly someone could move even after a long day of murder. But yet, there was Y/n. Stretching very lightly before getting in position. The faint music from the phone played as Y/n moved in ways that made Emily blush from her office.

"You had all this energy for that dance, but you didn't have enough when running?" JJ teased, putting her phone away as she collected her belongings. "Goodnight to you all, I hopefully won't see you till nine." She left quickly, needing to get home.

Everyone else was close behind as their day came to an end. Another case and dance completed.

What Y/n didn't know, was that dance would be the one to bring her page to light.

By the morning, when Y/n was on her way, she had checked. Laughing a little bit about is the video blew up, but she scrolled and found another little idea to do. It was something simple and sweet, giving a kiss on the cheek to everyone and seeing their reaction.

It truly was harmless since the team was used to her affectionate behavior. She made it known that she cares for everyone on levels they don't even realize. How she had made it a point to spend time with them all individually continuously.

By the time she got to the bureau she could spot almost nobody. Her eyes jumped to the round table room, frowning as they all waved her in.

She set her stuff down and trudged over, "one day serial killers will respect our schedule." She sat before looking at the screen. Her frown instantly becoming laughter as it was her video. "Thats what you all were in here for?"

"Well it's only been up for a few hours and it's already surpassed three million likes." Penelope dropped the tablet with the data pulled up. "You put the BAU as one of the top units now."

"Means we'll have a lot more attention on us, and as the unit chief I have to remind you, just because it's personal, doesn't mean it won't affect you. If something is posted that is not appropriate to share, there will be consequences. Use this freedom wisely Y/n." Emily bowed her head and walked out. Heading to her office, where she would watch the dance over a few times before getting back to work.

And that's how most the day was. Just another paper work day with Y/n going around and gauging reactions from everyone for her next video.

Penelope covered her face and kissed her all over, leaving bright pink lipstick marks and a blushing Y/n. They also recorded the cleaning up and retouching as a separate video.

Luke gave his classic smile, which only earned him an eye roll and a playful laugh as he spun her and dipped her.

JJ smiled and gave a wide smile. The two talked about how sometimes the trends Y/n did brought light to such a dark job. And JJ really appreciated that.

Spencer was taken aback and started spewing facts about germs as Y/n wiped off her lips gloss from his cheek.

Rossi thought the trend was stupid, but still let it happen. Never having a smile on his face, making the viewers think he wasn't a happy old man.

The only one left was Emily. And Y/n couldn't have been happier. She knocked lightly before waltzing in. Setting the phone down on the desk, already recording as Y/n pulled over a chair.

"And what is this trend?" Emily looked at the camera, more watching how Y/n fixed her appearance and reapplied lip gloss. She was so entranced by the young agent.

Her eyes then jumped back to herself, she had silver hair and a few wrinkles. She wasn't as young as she used to be anymore. "You are still beautiful for your age, Prentiss." Her voice broke in. Could she read minds? "No you forget I'm one of the best qualifying new agents in my generation. Of course I can read your mind when you space off."

"Right..." Emily whispered. "So the trend?"

Y/n beamed, "yes the trend! In short because I can't tell you too much, it's quick simple, and everyone else can tell you that if you need another backing source. Even Rossi took part."

Emily pondered over for a second, but overall agreed. "Ok. I'll bite."

And so the younger grabbed Emily's phone, having already pre sent her the audio before walking in. "You know, I'm surprised you even have TikTok on your phone. I figured you would've been apart of the group that thinks it's useless and a waste of time. But then when I got the little notification that you joined, I have to admit, I got a bit excited. I can teach you about it if you ever need. And teach you any trend you want to learn." Y/n rambled on. Not giving Emily a chance to say anything as the sound started.

Soft music began to play as the two sat there and Y/n just so suddenly turned and kissed Emily's cheek. Her lip gloss shining against her pale skin, that soon turned a light pink. Her world went silent as her heart hammered and she looked to Y/n with a stunned smile.

It was silent as the two just stared at each other. But it wasn't a friendly stare it seems, Emily was looking absolutely smitten and Y/n could see it. The thought that her boss could possibly like her making her grow a matching pink.

The sound ended and began to replay, but was lost upon deaf ears. Suddenly the room felt different. Did it suddenly get warm in here?

Y/n was forced to watch as Emily glanced down to her lips. Licking her own in the process. It made her blush even deeper. "Emily..." she barely got out.

The silver fox leaned in closer to her prey. Suddenly eager to get just a taste. Her hand reached up to cup Y/n's soft cheek, feeling truly how warm she was. Smiling down at the stunned agent.

She pulled Y/n closer. Just barely touching their lips. Emily enjoyed the small gasp that escaped as her eyes widen in shock.

However, the knock at the door ruined their moment. Emily grabbed her phone, turning it off to end the song playing on repeat. That's when she noticed the other phone still recording the whole moment. And she flashed a smile to the camera, her canine seeming to twinkle in the light.

"Come in," she recomposed herself. Hands folded on the table.

Y/n on the other hand, had composed herself on the outside. But internally she was a wreck. She never knew Emily would be so capable of making her a mess. Yeah, she's thought about it, but it wasn't anything like what just happened.

JJ poked her head in. "We just got a case....it's bad." The worry on her face being enough for both to snap into work mode.

~

The case was over in a week. A week of sleepless nights and too much coffee. Everyone was exhausted.

"I can not wait to be on that plane," Y/n groaned. "I swear I'm taking tomorrow off. I'm going to sleep all day long."

"Now that does not sound like a bad idea," Luke agreed, along with the others. "A nice little at home day. What do you say Chief?" He turned to Emily.

She took a good look at everyone's exhausted face, and her decision was clear but she took too long to observe and didn't notice Y/n walking over and hugging her.

"If you say no, I will make the world think you actually hate us." Y/n playfully threatened, smiling up to her boss and practically skipping back to her bags. "I mean it." She suddenly had a serious face on.

Emily knew it was just the sleep deprivation that was causing this much attitude. But a little part of her, felt that she really did mean it. "Fine, tomorrow you can all have the day off. It'll be Saturday anyways." She gave in.

They all cheered as they boarded the plane. Spencer spread out on the small couch, JJ across curled up into a chair, Luke and Rossi on the other side sitting horizontally from each other, Matt and Tara in the other seats across from each other. Then there was Emily.

Y/n figured she would've sat across her, keeping a small space, but she wasn't complaining when she sat next to her. "Switching it up on me?" She teased.

"Mm well, I figured last time we were this close we got even closer." She threw back, reminding the agent of their last encounter. "Did you ever post the video?"

Slightly stunned, she shook her head. Her ponytail brushing against the seat and reminding her of her headache. She went to reach for it, eager to pull it out.

"Here," Emily broke in quickly. "Let me," her hands were up by the black rubber band suddenly. Carefully pulling at it and the hair. Dropping the hair tie onto the table and taking it upon herself to scratch the others head. Her nails sending tingles all down Y/n's body.

And y/n couldn't deny it, Emily was good with her hands. She seem to suddenly know how to touch her in ways she didn't even know. She scratched in the right spot and she hummed a moan as her eyes were shut.

The team all looked over to the two of them. Questioning at first but then laughing. "So she finally gets the famous 'Prentiss scratch," Spencer cracks the joke.

"Have you all had one..." Y/n sharply inhaled when she got a new spot. "Ohmygod..." she whispered as her face contorted.

"Enjoy it while it last, you only experience it once. Mine was four years ago." Luke mentioned.

"Mine was for my birthday, I felt like my hair was thirty times lighter." JJ gave her experience. Soon everyone was talking about theirs.

And before she could process any words, Emily's hands were leaving from her head. "No, don't stop!" She protested, earning chuckles from around at the reaction. But her hands left anyways, and Y/n whipped to look at Emily. Her pupils blown wide.

It wasn't a reaction Emily thought she could get. Did her touch really work her agent up that much? A sly smirk crossed her lips as she shook her head and turned away.

"You can't just give us the knowledge of how good your head scratches are and then just rip it away! That's vicious!" She put up a fight. Hoping that it would get Emily to continue her actions. "I thought you liked us..." her eyes suddenly pleading.

"I'm with her on this one, come on Prentiss!" Luke played along. "It's a gift, those hands."

Y/n dropped her head to look at Emily's hands. They were stunning. How only a few rings decorated them, but they all matched perfectly. Matching the bracelet that wrapped her wrist. Then were her arms. Strong and yet so careful. Sculpted by the best.

"Those hands..." Y/n mouthed to herself. Her eyes snapping up to Emily's. Already finding hers staring back. With a huff and blushing cheeks, Y/n turned away.

~

Y/n woke up, but it was colder on the planes than usual. Everyone was asleep, and by best guess they still have four more hours. It was too cold to sleep though, she wanted her sweatshirt.

But she was on the inside, the window seat. It was either over and out or under or just climb over the sleeping woman.

"Do you need something?" Emily's eyes fluttered open. Her head rolling over to stare. Even waking up she was still beautiful.

"It's cold..." she mumbled. Hoping it wasn't to much to ask, "my sweatshirt is in my bag." But instead, Emily slipped out of hers and handed it over. Falling back asleep before any protest could begin.

She sat there with the sweatshirt in hand. Knowing there was nothing to do but put it on. And so she did, along with setting up her phone and grabbing the mic of her headphones.

The video began. "Hey vlog, or whatever...turns out, I read her ," the camera panned over to Emily. "Signs right! She gave me her sweatshirt and the video we made...guys listen I can't even add it in because of how intimate it is. Maybe I'm delusional though. Cause she's literally my boss ...I think I'm being crazy....nah, she definetly likes me. Emily Prentiss, I hope you're ready for what's next." And the video ended. Lasting a little over a minute.

But she didn't fall back asleep, she couldn't. Her mind raced with too much thoughts. For another two hours she had to weighs her pros and cons of going for it.

Eventually she rubbed her eyes and sighed. She leaned back and closed her eyes again. Counting sheep until she drifted off.

A few more hours had passed, leaving only an hour left until the landing. Emily had woken up know. Instantly feeling something on her shoulder. Slowly looking down, she saw Y/n peacefully asleep.

In her moment, she pulled out her phone and took a few pictures. Dropping it quickly as the other stirred awake. Lifting her head and peeling open her eyes.

"That was some good sleep, holy shit." She yawned. Her comment earning tired laughs from everyone else. She leaned over to Emily, "see how they all are followers? Waking up at the same time as me? Wannabes." She joked.

Emily shook her head. "I'm glad you got some sleep." She hummed. Checking her phone now, and when she opened it, the pictures were pulled up. She tried to swiped out of them, but Y/n had seen them.

Blushing madly when the woman met her eyes. It was a hard stare, causing feelings to arise when they shouldn't. Her legs squeezed slightly at the eye contact. "Was that...I'm sorry if I was leaning, I truly didn't mean to." The apology fell with a laugh following. It was genuine and still light. "You're a little weird though, Unit Cheif Prentiss. Taking pictures of your young sleeping agent."

Her comment was full of playfulness. Emily knew that easily. It made her smile slightly. "Can you blame me? When a cute agent as yourself is sleeping, it's no doubt I'd take pictures."

Y/n elbowed her arm and shook her head, looking down to her phone. "Be careful, if someone sees they'll think I'm your sugar baby." The joke fell without second thought.

It caught Emily off guard. How easy the joke was made. She didn't continue playing the game, silently pondering over the joke.

"Seems like someone can't handle being a sugar mommy," Tara teased from across the way. Having watched the entire interaction. "Should make it your lock screen, really sell it. It'll bring you in more sugar babies. Have one for everyday of the week."

Y/n scoffed with a smirk, "who says I wanna share my new found sugar mommy? I like the attention only on me."

The jet laughed. "You make enough to not even need a sugar mommy, plus, sharing is caring." Matt butted in now.

"Even if I don't need financial support, Prentiss is still attractive and also...I don't care." She gave a shrug, looping her arms with the woman next to her and leaning on her. "There's only room for one sugar baby in her life."

Emily couldn't believe the conversation she was hearing. The term they kept using. Sugar mommy. Would Y/n let her spoil her if she asked?

Then there was the physical contact. How she held onto her. Pushing her breast against her arm and holding on so possessively. Who says I wanna share....her words rang in Emily's head. She wouldn't want to have anyone else if she had her.

She took a quick glance down to the other, finding her completely unphased by the conversation. Instead she was scrolling through her phone, looking for a new trend to partake in.

~

It had been a few days now. Everyone was doing paperwork and trying to finish their day. That's when Penelope came rushing in towards Y/n.

"People are noticing!" She squealed as she put the phone onto the desk. There was an edit made between the young agent and her boss. Comments about how they look 'down bad' for each other. "You and Emily are becoming a very popular topic, fifth trending hashtag."

"That's hilarious. How much evidence is built against us now?" She scrolled through a few comments, them all making her smile. She took it upon herself to scroll further on the new hashtag. Over a thousand videos reacting to the edit and a few more edits.

"Just wait till they find out she's your sugar mommy," Tara came and took interest in the phone as well. "Looking at it now, you two do look like you're beating around the bush."

"Well that's cus it's only a one sided bush. Emily Prentiss does not want anything romantic to do with me." Y/n clicked off the phone, handing it back over. "She probably wants someone more wise and shit. I have a TikTok account with the term bootylicious in it."

Both woman looked down in disbelief. That when JJ came in. "I have know Emily for a while now, and I can tell you know, that woman let's you get away with more than she ever would've. There's definitely two sides of the bush."

The woman in question came out, looking over her team and being curious of what the women were all talking about. "What's the conversation?"

Y/n sighed, "we've become a trending hashtag. They're beginning to think we're more than just friends. Then Tara made the joke about when they find out you're my sugar mommy." She explained shortly. Leaving out the bush part.

"Oh? What are they saying?" Emily questioned, almost feeling desperate to hear more of this new information.

Penelope opened the phone and handed it over. The four letting their boss scroll a bit and read. A small smile cracking on her lips. "Yeah...wait till they find out you're my sugar baby." Emily joked as well.

Truly, she was hiding the sudden excitement. Was there a chance? Surely she had made enough moves for the other to figure it...right? She almost did kiss her the other week.

"I have a meeting though, if anything comes through just shoot me a text." She made her exit, the smile really growing as she couldn't stop thinking of the two together. The things that she would do.

But the thoughts got lost over the long day. Papers being filled out and turned in. By the end, everyone was just happy to be free.

Emily had walk out, her bag in hand. Confirming they were actually done.

"We so have to get drinks. We haven't had a day were we finished reasonably on time." Y/n groaned, stretching from her chair. "Plus I wanna do who we all think will be the drunkest."

"If it's a competition I'm so there," Luke agreed. "But you're so going down."

Tara scoffed, "you do not want to play any drinking game with that one. She reigns undefeated on girls nights."

"We don't know how she does it, she's held the title since the first night. We were all set up that night..." Penelope reminisced in the memory. How drunk they all were...

"But you're so welcomed to try, Alvez." She beamed in pride. "I say we all change and meet in an hour?"

They all agreed and began to walk out together. Emily noticed how Y/n walked over to Penelope's car. "I can drive you?" She offered. "I live closer than Pen does to you so she wouldn't have to go out her way."

She glanced to Penelope, her head now facing away from Emily. Giving the blonde a wink before turning back. "Sure, it makes more sense. Though, this is very sugar mommy esc of you, Emily." She joked as she walked over. Looking through her lashes with such an innocent look, "I bet you'll even put your hand on my thigh and help me pick what to wear, won't you?"

Emily stared down, her pupils dilating at the words. Her lips curled into a devious smile. Her mind running with possibilities.

She simply turned, leading back to her car. Opening the door for the other as she slowly rounded the car, the smirk never leaving her lips.

And for the entire drive her hand traced circled on the others thigh. Yet, Emily never got a reaction. Y/n played it cool and just scrolled through her phone.

Although, Y/n could hardly read anything on her screen. The burning sensation being the only thing she could truly think of. But she enjoyed the game, eager to see how much Emily could take before loosing it.

They parked and walked in silence next to each other. The teen in the main lobby giving a second glance at how the two looked. She had seen the edit and couldn't believe her eyes now. Quick to pull out her phone and film the two getting into the elevator. Capturing how Emily's right hand fell to Y/n's lower back and the two shared a look before moving. Disappearing into the silver box.

Y/n gave a small exhale once it was just the two of them. "Someone can't handle their own game?" Emily's words were quick. Her eyes already staring back and full of wonder.

"I don't know what you're getting at, Agent Prentiss" she tried to deny the grin but it was useless once she looked at Emily. The whole situation was just setting in to her.

It set in even faster when the silver fox had her against the elevator wall. Her right hand gripping at her jaw as the other held her close by the waist. "You don't seriously think you'll win, do you?" Her voice was vicious. "Y/n, you're so much smart than that." Her brown eyes scanned over ever feature, lasting the longest on the plush lips.

The elevator dinged, and in a blink Emily was off her. Standing as if nothing happened, but she was stunned when Y/n walked away...unbothered entirely.

Her hands fiddled with her keys before finding the one to unlock her apartment. Laughing lightly as Emily rested her hands on her hips. "You are handsy, I must say." She joked. As the door unlocked, her hips pushed back into the others, causing the hands to slip more forward. A playful gasp came, "maybe even too handsy!"

She broke from the grasp, entering the home and taking a deep breath. "It's nice to be home," she dropped her stuff by the door. Y/n disappeared around a corner, only giving the choice to follow.

When Emily obeyed, she was speechless. The view from the big window was insane. Being able to see over half the city and the bureau. "If you would like to pregame, I have a mean stash of dark."

"Trying to get me drunk already?" The older came closer, leaning against the cool marble counter. Once again, her answer was a mere laugh.

Y/n had this glimmer in her eyes. It's the same one she has every time she's about to say something unexpected. This time being no different.

She came close to her boss, leaning into her and pulling her down by the neck. "I don't need you to be drunk for you to sleep with me. I already have you and you didn't even notice, so much for a profiler." She backed off now, still housing that devious look. "It's a shame the teams waiting for us, would've loved to see where this went..." her voice trailed off as her eyes looked Emily up and down.

Y/n winked, leaving the guest in the living room as she went to her bedroom. At first not hearing foot steps behind her, then they were hot on her trail. Glancing over her shoulder, she couldn't help the rush of excitement at the frustrated Emily. Everything was going to plan.

Emily turned to shut the door, carefully and not slamming it. Spinning on her heal to really lay it down, but Y/n stood by the closet entrance fiddling with the hem of her shirt. Pulling it up slowly, but right when her bra shows, she turns. Entering the closet with a sexy sway in her hips.

She passed through her outfits, trying to find the new dress she ordered. As she was about to push the George Town sweater over, hands wrapped around her waist and a nose was burrowing into her hair.

She let it play out, continuing to search for the dress. Stepping over twice while the woman still held her. Her hand pushed the black formal dress over, finding just what she was looking for. She felt the felt of the hanger under her hand, but forgot everything by a new touch. Soft lips hovered over her neck, letting warm breaths fan over the skin. Skilled hands roaming up to her chest and cupping her boobs through the bra.

The moan was light, quiet. But the groan following from behind was deep, lustful. "Is that all it took? Touching you right?" Emily whispered against her ear.

Y/n wanted to cave in, she was ready to as well, but she knew just one more would win her everything. So, with a steady hand, she grabbed the dress and turned in Emily's arm. "And what would you know about touching me right? Do you fantasize about me? Is that how you know?" Her voice steadier than ever.

Emily let her tongue dart over her lips. "You have no idea..." she thought this was it. That drinks would be forgotten and she could finally have her.

But it's never easy with Y/n. "I can give you a sneak peak if you'd like..." she beamed up to Emily. Not giving her the chance to respond as the younger stood on her tip-toes to be next to her ear. Fake quiet moans falling from her plush lips, "oh...right there...yes Emily...yes.."

Her grip tightened on the other's waist as her breathing became erratic. "Baby, id make you scream." She leaned her lips closer. She was right there, lips practically on hers.

That's when the small laugh came, and Emily had no idea what was so funny. "I always win," was all she got out before breaking away and leaving Emily on the verge on loosing it.

She groaned again, this time in frustration. Her head was shaking as she tried to piece together what the next move could be. The dress, she figured.

Her eyes snapped up when she thought of the outfit. Hands covering her face as she tossed her head back. It hugged onto her so well, showing off enough legs to keep Emily busy for hours. The perfect amount of cleavage could be seen. And the flowy sleeves to give a little arm coverage. It fell right below her ass.

Emily swallowed thickly as she left towards the door. Trying to ignore the sound of laughter that followed her out. "Can't handle a little skin?" She teased as she brushed pass. Locking her door before looping her arm to Emily's and handing over her keys.

The action confused Emily. "Why didn't you bring a purse? I'm sure you had one?" They stood outside the elevator.

"I don't plan to come home tonight," Y/n hummed. She stepped a little closer to the woman, squeezing her arm just a little to bring her eyes down. "That is...if you give up first. Cause I can play this out all night. And personally, I don't think you can last all night."

"You have no idea what I'm capable of, bunny." She gave the new nickname. And it made Y/n's heart beat a little faster and her smile grow a little more. The blush dusting her cheeks as her pupils dilated a little more.

"Bunny? Is that because you're a silver fox?" Y/n joked, feeling excited at the new found name. The elevator opened and the two get on. Just them. Neither one stepping away or saying anything until they hit the eight floor.

The doors opened and in walked a man that seemed unfamiliar. He was fine as he was...until he gave a once over on Y/n, then one on Emily. The difference being the smirk he gave the first, then the disgusted he gave the second.

He seemed closer to Y/n's age, and that's what they assumed was the reason for his comment. "If you ever get tired of the old hag, I can support you." The words fell out and both agents seemed star struck.

"And what is it you do for a living?" Y/n asked, loving how the interacting had Emily pull her closer to her and wrapped her arm around to hold her hips.

"I'm a college professor. Youngest in my building." He flashed his smile. Enjoying the attention, but soon letting his mood fall when the woman shared a look. "And what does she do? Crochet and feed her cats?"

"She's the FBI's section chief....so I think she's got you beat..." Y/n shrugged with a mocking look. Getting a mean look as he got off on the fifth floor. Grumbling as he shook his head. The doors closed a few seconds after. "I told you people think you're my sugar mommy."

Emily scoffed and let the tiny smile spread on her lips. "Maybe you're the one who fantasizes...this whole sugar mommy talk. Would you like me to spoil you rotten? Is that what this whole game is?" Her hand sliding down from the hip to rest right on her lower back.

It was a quick motion suddenly. She pushed Y/n forward and let her arms wrap her up. Her left hand holding onto the left boob and her right hand gripping her right thigh.

Y/n's hips pushed back into Emily. "I don't kn-,"

"I don't know? But bunny, you do know. You know you want to give in and just let me have you." Her hand slid closer to her core. "We could have so much fun if you give in."

It was tempting, but she shook her head. They were at the second floor. Trying to ignore the hand slipping into her panties. How close she was.

The elevator dinged, and Emily was off in no time. Something she was so good at. Disappearing like a ghost. Leaving Y/n cold from her touch.

The doors opened and Y/n relooped their arms. Passing the teen in the lobby once again. Y/n flashing her a friendly smile as they left. Emily's car being right in the front.

~

It was about two in the morning, and the drinking battle was about to begin. With the entire bar watching, Luke and Y/n had ten shots of light, and three dark shots.

Matt stood behind him, cheering him on. Saying how the rumors were fake and she couldn't drink. And Y/n knew they were all drunk and just saying things cause they can.

Emily was behind her. Hands on her hips as she gave them a squeeze. "Put him in his place and make me proud, bunny." Her voice was seductive on all levels.

Y/n met Luke's eyes. Both having hands on the pool table by their first shot. "You're so fucked Alvez," she slurred. She leaned over to him slightly, "I'm gonna make her proud."

"Wait let's film this!" Penelope came up. Setting up one of their phones to capture both of them. Giving a drunk thumbs up as Tara stood on the other end.

She inhaled, "ok, I want it nice and clean. Ready.." the room went silent. "Set..." the two contestants glance at each other one last time. "Go!" Tara shouted.

It was a blur, truly. Shot after shot. They stayed close the entire time, but by the fifth, Luke began to slow by a millisecond. That was all Y/n need for a lead, and she jumped three shots ahead. Making it to the darks before he could get down his sixth. Cheering when she slammed down the last one.

Her arms in the air as the room cheered with her. "I told you Alvez! I make my woman proud!" She gloated around. Reaching and grabbing the two dark shots he never made it to and turned to hand one to Emily. Pleased when she understood and they shared the victory.

JJ laughed at the sight, "do you even have a limit?" She also grabbed an unfinished shot. Passing one to Tara and Penelope. Matt taking the last vodka shot and handing Rossi the dark.

Y/n shook her head with a wide smile. "I was the academies party animal. I had to be able to out drink everyone." She spilled her secrets.

"You're who threw the party that nearly caused a city power outage?" Tara furrowed her brows, enjoying the openness.

Y/n grinned, "that's me! I out drank Captain Johnson that night." She took pride in that achievement.

"Mmm as much as I would love to hear a drunk confession, we are closed. Your drinking battle was the last round I poured." The bartender came over and informed.

And everyone was out within half an hour. The team biding drunken goodbyes as they went their own ways. Everyone too drunk to notice Y/n and Emily leaving together.

Their drive back to the closer apartment being filled with humming and wind blowing through the car. They stopped at a stop sign, and Y/n stopped humming along.

A sudden realization that the night was almost over...and Emily had still yet to make the her move. "What's wrong?" Her voice rang through her head. "You seem upset now..." the worry laced her words, only to be countered with a cute pout.

"You're being stubborn." Y/n grumbled. The effects of how much she drank really getting her in the car. Which was new for Emily to be witnessing.

She figured that the passenger would be more submissive now, but that would be too easy. Y/n was the farthest thing from easy. Always throwing in a curve ball. This was her drunken curve ball.

While the light stayed red, she just acted. Grabbing Emily's jaw with her light pink nails digging just slightly into her soft flesh. She brought the older closer, tight to touching their lips.

"Why won't you give in?" She pouted. Eyes flickering down to her lips, then back up. "Do you not want me? Have you played me Emily?" Her voice was quiet and fragile.

A laugh nearly fell out of Emily's mouth, but she contained it. Grabbing the hand that held her face, "because I want to be able to do whatever I want with you." She pulled the hands away as the light turned green. Y/n huffed and crossed her arms. Looking away and out the window. "Pouting about it won't help your side, bunny. You could give in and we'd be over this game already."

"No," the response was instant. Her eyes wide and back on Emily. "I'll play this game forever until you give in. I know you want me in ways I can't even think of, so you'll be the one suffering. Especially since you can't do anything about it." She yapped. Her mind truly telling her that her plan was going to work.

Emily rolled her eyes as they pulled up to Y/n's apartment. Ignoring the questions of why they were here. She opened the passenger door, sighing at the agent who was acting childish.

"Y/n."

"No."

"Y/n, let's go."

"No."

They got into a staring match. And Emily was just not having it anymore. It was late and she was tired just as much as the other was. So instead, she reached in.

"Wait no, stop!" Y/n tried to protest but the hold Emily had was too strong. She was thrown over the shoulder as she kept trying to get free. "Out me down! My butts gonna show!"

That's when a hand was placed over it. Holding the dress down and making Y/n burn red. As soon as it was there, it was gone and she was set down. Facing the elevator.

"You're no fun." She grumbled. Meeting the brown eyes in the reflection. It earned her a small laugh as the doors opened and she got nudged in.

"And you're drunk. If that's even possible." Emily joked. Her hands found home on the others waist. Holding her swaying body up and from falling. "But you did take thirteen shots in a row. Which I must say, is pretty impressive."

Y/n suddenly switched moods. Turning with a bright smile. "Anything to make you proud." Her eyes being genuine with each word. "Luke never stood a chance anyways."

"That confident from the start, huh?" Her brow arched in question.

Y/n shrugged, "I had you on my side from the start. Well actually I planned it and you fell right into the trap. But shhh that's a secret." Her index finger rose to her lips.

"Your trap?" Emily was full of curiosity now. What plan did she come up with? "Tell me about it?" But she shook her head, spinning to face the silver doors. "Please? What did that pretty head plan?" Still nothing. "Bunny?"

The doors opened and the younger was gone. Swaying while fidgeting with her keys for the right one.

It wasn't until Emily came up and carefully grabbed the keys. Getting the door open in only a few seconds. The accomplishment getting a loud cheer from Y/n, who was being directed into the apartment.

This did not set well with Y/n. And making it easy wasn't gonna happen either.

Before Emily knew it, she was chasing Y/n down the hallway. Scooping her up bridal style. "We do not need to be running around like this. Someone will hear us and file a complaint."

Y/n gave a chuckle, "we're the only ones on the floor," she pointed Emily's chest. Stumbling into the apartment and kicking off her shoes. She found her way to infront the big windows.

Emily moved in the silence to get a glass of water. She figured Y/n would stay by the window...but then again she just chased her down the hall.

Arms wrapped around her and a head hit the back of her dark silk shirt. The action was cute, she'd admit that, but she was also set to get some water in with all the alcohol.

Without thinking much of her actions, she turned and gently gripped the jaw. Tilting her head back and bring the glass to her lips. "Drink." Emily simply commanded. Watching at how easily she complied, tapping twice on her wrist to say she was done. "No. All of it. If you can do thirteen shots you can finish a glass of water."

~

Waking up, Y/n felt like hot garbage. She had to have been drunk last night for the consequences she would face. Especially once her stomach begin to turn. In a blink she was in the bathroom. Letting the night free from herself.

There was a hand holding back her hair and another on her back. And if she wasn't regretting whatever happened, she would've been in defense mode instantly.

"I'll go get you some water," Emily's voice rang in her head. Oh dear god. What happened last night?

She sat back and tried to recall anything. Not getting past roughly ten. She came home with Emily, then went out for drinks, then had said drinks.

The possibilities of what could've happened continue to haunt her. "Here," the voice broke her thoughts. She looked up to Emily, who was giving such a kind look almost always while looking at her and holding out a glass of water.

It made her feel less nervous. "Emily Prentiss, did you sleep with your sugar baby while she was drunk?" She joked about what she thought happened, taking the glass. She wanted to know what happened in the missing hours.

The comment made her boss flush pink, "no! No you were far too out of it for anything of that sorts..." She shook her head, pausing ever so slightly. "I'd want you to remeber screaming my name."

It was Y/n's turn to flush. "Well played." She downed the water and got up. "Unfortunately I don't remember much after ten...and seeing that it is well into the day makes me assume it was a long night?" She prepared to brush her teeth and rid of the lingering taste in her mouth.

Emily laughed at the confession. "So you would say you finally got drunk?" She teased, coming up close to the other. Y/n rolled her eyes and was about to walk away from the bathroom. But Emily grabbed her wrist and spun her back. Holding her firmly at the waist. "You didn't answer my question."

"Wouldn't you enjoy that? Me obeying you so easily?" Y/n was so easy to quip back. Never in the mood to back down. "And even if I did confess that to you, nobody would believe you."

Emily was surprised at the remark. "You think the team wouldn't believe me? And why's that? You have something to counter it?"

"If you as much say a word of me being drunk, you'll never get what you want. And I will make it only hell for you." She got closer, the two being nothing but a whisper apart.

"And what is it I want?"

"Me."

"Confident much?"

Y/n answered with a smirk of many implications. Leaving the grasp to change into a different lounge outfit.

"Do you have any Saturday plans I should be aware of?" Emily sat on the edge of the bed. Watching as Y/n moved to collect a new outfit. Throwing each article onto the bed.

"Why yes, actually! I have a hot date coming over." She flashed a smile over her shoulder. "Wouldn't want to third wheel would you?"

Emily rolled her eyes and looked towards the window, facing away from Y/n. "Your date would be the one third wheeling." She was about to stand, but she was weighed down.

Y/n had made her way over into Emily's lap, straddling her and looking down to her. "You're right. Especially because you're my sugar mommy. If they touched you I think I would've lost it."

"So you admit it?" Emily had a hopefully grin. Hoping that maybe, just maybe, this was it.

"Admit to what exactly?"

"That you would let me spoil you. Be your sugar mommy?"

"Mm...no. I don't need your money. Plus, being a sugar mommy is an arrangement with no feelings involved. And if I wanted to put myself through a literal living hell than I would, but that's not on my bucket list. Not good for my mental state either." She answered truthfully without directly saying her truth.

Emily processed the words, slowly putting them together. Not realizing how Y/n began to form a smile and get up. Her head shaking while she thought in her own world.

"I don't have any Saturday plans. The most is finding some movie that I haven't seen before. Do you have any Saturday plans?" She began to get dress.

Emily was still in her own world with the words. And when she looked back to the now dressed woman, she was full of questions.

"So does that mean...?" Was all she let out, still not knowing if she meant was she meant.

Y/n laughed and came to stand in front of Emily. Hands on her shoulders, and Emily's pulled her closer by the back of her thighs. "You are the worst profiler in the entire unit," Y/n teased, a cocky smirk in her lips.

"But that whole little game you played? You're telling me you meant it?" Emily stared up, confused still by the idea of it.

Someone as young as Y/n having a crush on someone older. Old enough to be her mother almost.

"The idea is not that hard to grasp Emily Prentiss. I like you for you. I don't want you for some arrangement. I want you as my girlfriend." Y/n cupped her cheek, bringing her lips to be just a breath away. "But now that you mentioned my little game, just know I still plan to win."

The younger began to back up, making the mistake of turning her back on Emily. It was the second her back was turned, that Emily was moving. Spinning her around and pinning her between the dresser.

"I am not playing your game anymore. You're not going to tell me all that and then just walk away after a night of teasing." Emily's eyes were dark and swarming with emotions.

Y/n cupped her cheek once more, watching the woman lean into the touch. Turning her head to place a kiss to her palm. From her palm to her fingertips and back, the action caused Y/n to fail at comprehending anything. How delicate Emily's lips were against her skin. To be able to feel her lips pushing against her skin.

"Give in." Y/n whispered, knowing she was only a few seconds off from giving in herself.

"What is winning to you?" Emily kept placing kisses against her skin, trailing up her arm and to her neck.

They met eyes finally, a hair apart as they stared at each other. Y/n licked her lips, "everything." And that's when Emily closed the space. Kissing hungrily but softly. Tasting the fresh mint in a delightful way.

Y/n smiled in the kiss, putting just as much emotion into it as the other, if not more. How her heart was beating to a fast pace tune, her mind was silent with only thoughts of Emily.

The two stayed there for a little before the kiss began to get more heated. Emily dropped to scatter kisses all over the others neck. Taking Y/n by surprise with a bite to her pulse point, eliciting a gasp and a grip in the silver mane.

Y/n tried to push off the dresser, her back still digging into the edge, but it seemed Emily was lost in the moment and almost growled. The sound was deep and her voice came out gravelly. "I could practically eat you, you're so sweet. Letting me have you here."

Her hands slipped under the oversized shirt, feeling how soft and warm Y/n was in contrast to her cold hands. Her rings not helping as the metal touched the skin.

Y/n tried to push off again, growing eager to get to the bed. "Emily...the bed is right behind us." She managed out, eyes glossy as she scanned over the messy duvet. Her hand came up to her chest when she didn't get an answer, pushing her off slightly to break her trance.

Emily's breathing was erratic and her pupils blown wide. Her brows dropped as she was confused by the push. "You got a bit too lost there," Y/n blushed. "Is that really what I do to you?"

"Oh bunny you have no idea," Emily smirked. Throwing a look over her shoulder to the bed. "Are you sure about this?"

Y/n followed and glance over Emily's shoulder, looking at the bed. "Yes. But...I won Emily." She smirked up, watching the dread fill her eyes. "Oh trust me, you'll enjoy me being in charge. I'm full of surprises remember?"

The older groaned and took a step back. "What is it you want me to do?" She sounded almost defeated.

Y/n laughed and pushed her back to the end of the bed. Leaning over her slightly, "you make it seem like I'm going to torture you. You wait here for five minutes, I'll knock and you'll close your eyes and then I'll tell you to open them, m'kay?"

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"Fine." Emily agreed. Sitting for the two minutes on the edge of the bed, taking in every detail in the room. Hoping to see it again. The knock had came and Emily closed her eyes.

Y/n peeked her head in first, making sure they were closed. Before going in to set up her winning. She had changed into a cute lingerie set, one she knew Emily wouldn't be able to resist.

The outfit change taking five minutes. "Ok." She stood right in front of Emily. Entirely on display for her. "You can open your eyes."

And when Emily did, her mouth ran dry. Y/n looked absolutely stunning. "I don't.."

"Ruin me Emily Prentiss." Was all Y/n had to say before she was being pulled in and being covered in kisses.

Emily took her time covering every inch she could get with kisses. Leaving several hickies on her neck before scattering them all across her chest. To anyone else it would look like a whole different story.

Y/n's pants and moans spurred the boss on. She truly would start to believe Emily had fantasize about this for how she just knew where to touch. It made her squirm for more. "Mmm, Emily..."

"I'm going to take my time with you." She was nothing short of stating a fact. "You look so adorable in this set. Have you been saving it?" Her deep brown eyes bored down at Y/n. "Did you order it with that dress from last night? I never told you how good you looked." Her head dipped down and kissed over the hardened nipple. Sending a jolt of electricity through her body. "And then when you beat Alvez," a kiss to the other. "You truly are something special, Y/n."

Her hands slipped behind to unclasp the mesh bra. Freeing the boobs and watching them naturally be. Emily licked her lips once again, ducking to the right nipple first.

Her tongue swirling over it lightly at first, but then adding more pressure. Listening to the sinful sounds that rang in the room.

"Emily...please..." Y/n breathily begged. Not knowing if she was ready for what Emily was planning. But her answer was teeth grazing her chest. Earning a new sound from the woman above.

"Baby, best things come when you wait. I want to work you up so much that it's undeniable that you'll never want anyone else." Emily answered truthfully, continuing her ministrations.

Y/n was lost in the feeling, but it wasn't enough. And it was clear it wasn't going to be enough anytime soon.

And after minutes that felt like timeless hours, Emily began to move down further. Her hair tickling in her previous place. She was back to her loving kisses all across her thighs. Feeling the legs shake slightly.

"You're so easy to work up," Emily hummed against the inner thigh. Her eyes staring up at the beauty above her. Watching as her head shook side to side. "Really?"

"You're just better than what I imagined," Y/n confessed without thinking. Realizing her words too late to even take back, and she knew they fed Emily's ego like a three course meal.

She wanted more though. Emily pulled back and hovered over Y/n, a yearning look hidden behind all the lust. "You've imagine it? So you do admit it. You've thought about me in naughty ways, how perverted of you." A laugh followed out. Making Y/n suddenly feel small at the comment, and not in an enjoyable way.

There was no answer in return and that's when Emily could see through the clouds. She had crossed a line and potentially screwed everything up.

Without realizing, the silver fox backed off entirely. Moving to the end of the bed and rubbing her eyes a bit. "Y/n...I'm sorry if I've crossed a line."

The younger sat up, crawling over to the other. Grabbing her hands and holding them silently at first. Trying to gather the right words for this situation. "...it's ok, but just know you're dealing with a pillow princess in all honesty. I like to be treated highly, like when you call me bunny. I enjoy that very, very, much. Your stone cold demeanor is sexy at work, but I want the real Emily Prentiss. The one who knows what emotions are." She snuck her hand on Emily's cheek and leaned in. Kissing her softly and with unspoken words. "Now don't let this afternoon be ruined." Y/n whispered before slowly moving toward the middle of her bed.

Sitting on her knees with her back arched and pushing her bruised chest forward. Her eyes glistening for Emily to come finish what she's started.

And Emily was not going to miss her chance. She took a deep breath and her eyes were filled with lust again. Exciting Y/n on a new level. She made her way up, standing on her knees as her hands slipped around the smooth waist. Leaning in and claiming the plush lips as her own now, forcing Y/n to bend back as well. Emily sunk down with each kiss until she was eye level.

"Can I undress you?" Y/n fiddled with the shirt. Only now realizing that Emily was in her clothes. The shirt and sweats making her seem so at peace. But as her hardened nipples poked against the fabric, it was hard not to imagine the lack undergarments.

A small smile played on Emily's lips, "of course you can, bunny." The two stood and Y/n took her time. Trying to mentally prepare to see her wild thoughts with her own eyes now.

She played with the hem of the shirt, balling it up before pushing the fabric up. Showing of the freckles that adored her chest. Taking a moment to admire the skin details, eager to ingrain every spot into her brain.

Her eyes then jumped up to Emily, who was staring and focusing on every move. "You're absolutely stunning...." Y/n let the smile take over as she leaned in for a kiss. Their bare chests pressing against each other.

The warmth of Y/n clashing with the coldness of Emily. But together they balanced the other out. Cooling down the burning skin, and warming up the icy touches.

Pulling back only slightly, Y/n slid her hands down. Slipping her hands to push down the shorts. Revealing the simple black underwear.

"Those mine?" Y/n gave a playful laugh, figuring if everything else was.

Emily shook her head though, "no I went home while you were asleep. I had to change from last night's clothes."

Y/n furrowed her brows. "So then why wear my clothes?"

"So that even when you were asleep, I could still be surrounded by you." Emily answered so easily. Gaining blush from the younger.

Emily would've loved to stay in that moment, it was simple and the start of something new, but when Y/n stood there in nothing but lace panties, it was hard to stay there.

"I could be surrounded by you forever," Emily smirked before pushing the other back onto the bed. Not waiting to dive to where they both wanted her. She took a deep breath in, "you smell so sweet, do you taste this sweet?"

Y/n let out a giggle, "you could find out." She propped herself up a bit on her elbows. Finally seeing Emily between her legs, growing impossibly wetter at the sight.

Maybe it was the lighting, but the sparkle in Emily's brown eyes was enough to say she planned to. She littered a few more kisses, leading Y/n to believe that there was more teasing, but with the first swipe of her tongue, both knew how this was going to end.

It was like an instant addiction. One Emily would never get enough of and wouldn't want to try and quit. And maybe she got a little out of hand when she tore the panties right off. Causing a surprised gasp to echo in the room as she dived right back in.

The room being filled with Y/n cursing, panting, moaning, and lewd Emily's that slipped from her mouth. It had to be a crime how good she was.

"Mm..fuck Emily," her name came out broken on Y/n's tongue. Her head rolling into the comforter under her. Emily swirled around her clit, moving so smoothly.

The tightening in her stomach grew suddenly. But right as she thought she would find a release, Emily wasn't working her magic anymore. Instead, she watched as Y/n clenched around nothing before meeting her eyes. "I told you. And with how addicting you are bunny? God we're gonna have a fun time," she smirked. Her hands massaging at the pillowy thighs. "You're beautiful you know that? Anybody would be lucky to have you."

Her hands slid up to her waist. Squeezing it in her hands and humming. "You look amazing in everything as well. It would take an entire country to make you look bad. But even then, you'd still be the most beautiful." She kissed all over her stomach.

Kissing up between her boobs. Where she took notice of how ragged her breathing was. "To be able to share these moments with you, baby. I promise to never let you go. I'll make sure you're safe everyday."

Her lips pressed against her neck. Sinking into the already bruised skin and sucking. Listening to the moan. They drove her into a different dimension, she would swear on that.

Y/n choked on a gasp as two fingers slid into her, catching her once again by surprise. The burn of being stretched was tedious, but it melted into pure pleasure. "You..." she couldn't think as Emily moved her hand. Her mind drawing to a blank as her palm hit her clit as it went.

"Yes baby?"

"You...mmmph...do you mean it?"

"Every word."

Tears pricked in the corner of Y/n's eyes as the feeling drew her close again. She prayed her legs not to give her away, but they work on their own for Emily. It seems all of Y/n worked against her. They began to shake, trying to close around her hand and keep it there, but with Emily in between, it was useless.

"Please," Y/n huffed. Her back arching up off the cover. And when she was just one more thrust away, Emily was gone again. "You so suck." She panted while looking up at the white ceiling.

"Oh, is someone upset they didn't get their way?" Emily faked a pout. Leaning in close and placing a chaste kiss to her lips. "I've told you my plan."

"The working me up?! If that's the case I want to redo my reward." Y/n sat up quickly and crossed her arms.

"Oh yeah?" Emily laughed a bit, "and what is it you want now? Even if you change it all now, you're still all worked up and no release. Now who do you think is gonna give it to you?"

Y/n blinked a few times, really thinking it over. Emily was right. She was worked up twice and knew it wouldn't be the same now that she's had Emily. She pondered a little more before crossing her arms and looking away.

"Are you gonna keep pouting?" Emily tilted her head to the side. Not getting Y/n to look at her. She knew what the other was wanting, it was obvious. "You are one princess you know that?"

Y/n smirked over her shoulder. "I told you I was, remember? Right after you called me a pervert?"

"You gonna hold that over my head?"

"Till you're on your knees begging me, I will sit here and look away." Y/n looked away again. Letting the choice be up to Emily now.

And man did Emily enjoy this more than she thought. The brattiness wasn't over done and Y/n knew what she deserved. She still held more control than she let on. Emily could feel herself give in almost instantly too, but she held down for a few seconds.

Then, she pulled Y/n to the end of the bed and got down in front of her. Hands traveling up her legs and wrapping them around her own head. Emily now sat with her head between Y/n's legs and looking up to her.

She placed caring kisses to the thighs next to her. "Is this better?" Emily glanced through her lashes, meeting the others eyes.

"You're not begging." She had spoke down to her, a devious smirk pulling at her lip. "Why should I let you?"

"That's how you play?" A brief nod. A beat of silence. And a silent sigh of defeat. "Please bunny, I need to taste you again. You've denied me too long. Please, please, please, I need you." Her humorus tone disappears as as she spoke, turning into true desperation as she could smell the effect of her words.

Her hands held her thighs, her grip tightening. Y/n wasn't budging yet. She was holding out on her self just to watch Emily fall apart. "Y/n. Please. I can't wait long. Please."

Y/n gave a look, tilting her nose into the air a bit to look down. Opening her legs to give Emily access and wearing a winning smile. "That's so much better," her tone was cockier than ever. Even her moan as Emily took her first swipe again.

And even for the second time, Y/n still tasted just as addicting. She sounded even angelic with her sinful noises. Everything about her lured Emily further in. Almost loosing herself in the moment. Her mind could think of nothing other than the beauty on the bed.

"God, Y/n...." she hummed lowly. "You're just so delicious. So beautiful. So desirable." Her tongue picked up. Her thoughts of wanting to see the other fall apart becoming heavy. "Just like that baby."

Y/n gasped once more before her breath hitched in her throat. The knot in her stomach snapping without much warning. Her hand flew down to Emily's hair, nails scratching at her scalp as she rode out her high. Profanities running from her like no tomorrow.

Emily once again littered her kisses once more before coming up. Placing a kiss to Y/n's plush lips, but following as it turned into a soft make out.

"Fuck Emily." Y/n laughed. She couldn't help but to think of the moment that just happened. "You definitely had fantasies."

The silver fox shook her head with a smile, laying down and pulling the other into her. "You know how to lure someone in, it's hard not to think of you." She shrugged off her truth. "We still have the rest of the day....can I take you to dinner?"

"Aww, was I not fulfilling for you?" She joked one more time before kissing Emily. "I would very much like dinner with you. But....it looks like I was in a fight and lost..."

Emily sat up and looked down at the other. Scanning over the amount of love bruises that covered her. "That does seem like an issue, you don't have any makeup?" A shake of the head. "Well then I guess we're going on a run to get you makeup and something to cook for the night."

"We're gonna cook? Didn't you almost give someone food poising last time you cooked?" Y/n loved how the idea sounded, she was thrilled. "What'd you have in mind anyways?"

Emily let a nasty smirk take over again, and Y/n could hear the thoughts and laughed. "Something easy. Maybe pasta? Then after....who knows what'll be for desert."

The younger let out another laugh at the implied. "Fine, but I'll make it a deal. We make a video while cooking, and then I'm all yours again. But the video has to get at least 100 likes by the time we finish."

"And if it doesn't?"

Y/n let her smile grow even more, "then you get nothing."

"What?!"

A shrug was her answer, "I don't make the rules." She sighed, glancing to her bathroom. "I could go for a shower, couldn't you?"

Emily looked over to the bathroom as well, taking a second to process what was being implied. "I could, I really could!" The thought to see the woman in her arm dripping with water and soap worked her up all over again.

~

Monday had came again, and the team was back in the bullpen. Enjoying the paper work to the best they could.

Penelope however was walking at a dramatic pace to find Y/n. Eager to know about this weekend that was all over TikTok now. And she came in hot with her phone already being opened. "Y/n! Care to explain?" She shoved the phone in.

Y/n watched the cooking video, smiling at the time they had. "We spent our Saturday together. And maybe our Sunday too but that's all."

Tara laughed enough to let everyone know she was listening. "Cooking doesn't leave a mark on your neck though." She pointed out the hickey right below her ear.

The side eye she received was vicious, "I burnt myself curling my hair."

"Yeah ok," Emily walked in with a knowing smile.

Tara leaned over to JJ, "bet the curling iron was that Prentiss brand."

"All the way up to it seems," the blonde fed the joke. "And what did you cook?"

Y/n sighed, feigning hurt," you don't even follow my account? You've made like a gazillion appearances."

JJ shook her head, "I don't have TikTok. But let me guess, there was a deal within that video that only you two know about?"

Emily came back with her coffee in hand, and another for Y/n. "She didn't win."

Penelope had been standing there shock about how simple they made it seem. "So! What I'm getting is! You two?"

Emily and Y/n shared a secret conversation. Both letting an infectious smile appear, "yeah, us two." They said in union. Too busy getting lost within each other to listen to the blonde jump for joy.

[cha-melodius]

For the hug prompt

17, Loki / Mobius

15, Alex / Henry

(Now taking a little fandom break—thanks for the Lokius prompt! I will circle back to the firstprince one later. This is a little season 2-set moment. read all the hug ficlets)

17: The hug where they have their other hand rubbing circles on your back, kisses littering your hair, words of comfort on the tip of their tongue.

Most loops, Loki doesn’t have time to let the reality of what he’s continuously experiencing sink in. He’s got a job to do and far too much to learn, so no matter how many times he fails, no matter how many times he watches his friends—this small collection of people he’s come to care so much about—simply disintegrate, he keeps his head up and keeps going. There’s no other option, really.

Occasionally, though, the accumulated damage to his psyche that such things inflict catches up with him. Occasionally, Loki time slips somewhere into the past he doesn’t intend to, as if his mind is giving him an enforced break. Once, after a particularly troubling iteration in which he and Mobius somehow ended up in a yelling match before Mobius stubbornly insisted on getting himself spaghettified, his control of the slipping, well, slips and he ends up in the TVA archives at some unknown time.

He was at his wit’s end when he started slipping, and once his body comes to rest he falls to his knees and lets out a frustrated yell, then collapses forward onto his hands, breathing heavily. The release makes him feel marginally better, so that’s something. It doesn’t do much to help the ache in his chest, though, the hole being slowly carved out every time he watches his friends die. Tears still sting in his eyes, and he squeezes them shut hard in an attempt to make himself get a bloody grip.

Another moment, and he’ll time slip more purposefully, to sometime when he’ll be able to be useful. Hopefully.

Before he can collect himself, though, a familiar cadence of footsteps echoes through the empty archives. Loki’s about to slip anytime else, because either this Mobius won’t know him or he’ll be too familiar, and Loki’s not sure he can take either right now. He doesn’t quite manage it before Mobius rounds the corner, his eyes going wide.

“Loki? What are you— Oh, what’s wrong?”

And Loki shatters. It’s too soon, he wasn’t prepared, and he’s hit the end of his rope. Because this Mobius knows him—more than that, he’s got that look on his face, the one that Loki’s been trying to ignore, the one that says that Loki means more than he should to him. The one he’d had on his face when he refused to let Loki venture out into the time loom, the one that rends tears in Loki’s resolve, even though he’s doing all of this for Mobius.

For all of them, of course. But it would be stupid to pretend that Mobius isn’t special, and Loki’s not stupid.

Mobius moves more quickly than he expects, dropping to his knees beside Loki and wordlessly tugging him into a breathlessly tight hug. And Loki goes, lets Mobius wrap his arms around his shoulders and tug him against his chest, lets the emotion wash through him for once instead of burying it deep down where no one can touch it. He’s not sure how long they sit there on the floor of the archives, Mobius rubbing comforting circles between his shoulder blades and murmuring promises that it’ll be ok— promises that he certainly can’t keep—into Loki’s hair.

It doesn’t really matter how long, anyway. For once, Loki lets himself have this moment of comfort, and knows that these minutes in Mobius’ arms will sustain him for a few hundred more attempts, at least.

[m1ckeyb3rry]

── THE GLASS PRINCESS // FOUR

Series Synopsis: You wake up in a strange room with no memories, broken glass at your bedside, and a prince named Zuko as your only chance at figuring out who you really are.

Chapter Synopsis: You go to the zoo with Ty Lee. Later, you and Jia-Li watch a brutal confrontation between Kaho and an underclassman.

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Zuko x Reader

Chapter Word Count: 5.3k

Content Warnings: complicated relationships (strangers to friends to lovers to enemies to strangers to lovers to enemies to lovers), amnesia, alternate universe, lots of secrets and lying and mystery

A/N: big reveal HAHA jia-li is ruon-jian’s sister and kaho is chan’s!! idk if that was what people were expecting or not but i thought it was funny so here we are

To Zuko,

I suppose that, if you really are set on it, it would not hurt me to think of you as my friend. I hope that you are prepared for what that may entail.

I jest. I do not think I am a particularly difficult person to have as a friend, though you might get a more honest review from Ty Lee or Jia-Li. At least in my own opinion (which one might find to be unfairly high), I am agreeable enough to get along with most people — at least those who are agreeable in return (so, not Kaho).

Ty Lee and I went to the zoo. It was entertaining. I am fond of animals, and I found I enjoyed myself more at the zoo than in the academy. At least the birds sound pretty when they screech! The same cannot be said for my dear classmates, who are of the disposition to speak quite incessantly but without anything of substance or value to contribute.

My classes have been going well. I am already at the top of the year, which is partially due to how much I study and partially due to a different factor. I will not call it memory, because it is nothing that that is personal to me, but it is true that at times I will understand something before our teacher has even taught it. I must have been a very learned Fire Nation soldier, indeed.

I had to watch an Agni Kai. One of the girls in the year below us fought Kaho. Of course, she lost. It is such a brutal custom, you know…though of course I understand the cultural significance, it is not a joy to watch. Certainly, I don’t understand how some of the girls were eating snacks and placing bets on the outcome. Luckily, the girl who went against Kaho is alright. Kaho let her off with only a small burn, but it could’ve been much worse.

In better news, Jia-Li has invited me to spend the next break at her house on Ember Island! So I will go there instead of taking up space at the palace. I am excited — I am not sure if I’ve ever been to the ocean or not. It will be exciting to see it for the first time; or, if not for the first time in my life, then for the first time that I will remember. Of course, I will continue to write to you even on vacation, and Jia-Li has already said that I can borrow her clothes and things, so there should be no strain put upon you. If there were, then I would not even suggest it.

The next time I shall see you in person will be after the term is properly over, then. I look forward to it will hopefully be the Fire Nation lady you want me to be by then.

From, Your friend Ursa

P.S. You should not be surprised by what I am about to say: I still don’t remember anything.

“Wow,” Ty Lee said, chewing on a piece of candy as the two of you walked down a gravel pathway together. “I still can’t believe we got free admission!”

“Apparently, all students do,” you said, holding out your hand. She dropped the small, round, fruit-flavored disks in your palm, and you popped it in your mouth, smiling at the burst of flavor. “Though it makes sense they don’t advertise that.”

The Strategy Mistress was sick, so you all had been given leave to spend the afternoon as you pleased. Ty Lee had offered to take you to the zoo with her, remembering that you had mentioned wanting to go when you had woken up in the palace, and you had jumped at the chance to not be in the suffocating dormitory for a little while.

At the moment, you and her were standing in front of the dragon moose enclosure, watching as they grazed. One of the dragon moose had a calf, and it was a sweet looking animal, somehow adorable in its awkward ugliness. As you watched, it had a spurt of energy, jumping and bucking through the pasture, racing along the fence line and only skidding to a stop when it realized it was being ignored. Its ears drooped as it trotted back to its mother’s side, lowering its head to the grass once again.

“These dragon moose look a little different than the ones that pull the carriages,” Ty Lee said.

“Oh, I know why that is,” you said, eager to prove your competence. “Dragon moose are actually only native to one small part of the Fire Nation. The ones that pull our carriages are the offspring of ones that were domesticated many centuries ago. They’ve been selectively bred to best fit our purposes almost since the day our ancestors first tamed them, so they’ve evolved into very different looking animals. The wild dragon moose, such as these ones, never had that push to evolve and optimize to our needs, so they look the same as they have for all of those centuries.”

“You sure do know a lot, Ursa,” Ty Lee said gamely. “Was that school knowledge, book knowledge, or past knowledge?”

“Book knowledge,” you said. “I don’t know if I was that interested in the convergent evolution of domestic and wild dragon moose in my previous life.”

Ever since the first day of your classes, when you had discovered a mysterious aptitude and innate understanding of the rules of etiquette, you and Ty Lee had come up with three categories: school knowledge, book knowledge, and past knowledge. School knowledge referred to the things that you learned in your lessons, the offhand comments and the droning lectures that you remembered better than anyone else in your year. Book knowledge was the summation of the many pages upon pages you had committed to memory, encompassing everything from the political structures of the Fire Nation to the fauna of the Northern Water Tribe. Finally, past knowledge was the most mysterious and ambiguous category, because it meant the random things you just knew in your mind, even though you had no real reason to.

More things than you were really comfortable with fell into that latter category. It really didn’t feel fair — why was it that you could recall the pillars of etiquette and the different battle formations of the Soldiers of Agni, but not anything about who you had been in the past? Why was your identity, which you wanted to know the most, the only thing you could not remember?

In the middle of the zoo was a large, artificial lake. You and Ty Lee stopped at the fence and leaned over to watch the flying dolphin fish leap through the air before diving back into the water with great splashes. A little ways away from you, a child raced up to the fence and gripped it, staring at the flying dolphin fish in awe. One of the fish noticed him and swam over towards him before slamming its tail against the surface of the lake, bowling the child over in a great deluge of salty brine.

You and Ty Lee exchanged looks, neither of you laughing until you saw the other’s face, whereupon you burst into fits of giggles, unable to hold them in any longer.

“Should we go help him?” you gasped out, wiping away the tears gathering in the corners of your eyes. Ty Lee, who was doubled over at this point, shook her head.

“I think — I think his mother’s got him,” she said breathlessly. True to her word, an adult woman was yelling at the boy as he wailed, still face-down and drenched to the bone.

“He should’ve just stayed with the turtle ducks,” you said, shaking your head and pointing at the small flock floating placidly along, far from the mischievous flying dolphin fish. “They’re so cute!”

“From what I remember, there’s a petting zoo area somewhere in the zoo, if you want to try feeding turtle ducks,” Ty Lee said. “I wasn’t able to see it when I came with Azula and Mai, though, because Azula hates turtle ducks.”

“Hates turtle ducks? How could someone hate them? They’re so sweet and guileless,” you said. “Was she wronged by one as a child?”

“You could say that,” Ty Lee said. She didn’t offer further explanation, but considering you had never even met Princess Azula, you didn’t blame her. Whatever her past with the turtle ducks was, it was the princess’s own secret to keep or share at her own discretion.

It took you a while to find the petting zoo, as they had no signs, so you had to ask people to point you in the correct direction. Unfortunately, most of the people that you asked were other visitors, and by the time you finally found a staff member to take you there, you had all but given up on the prospect of going at all.

“Mostly, the people who come to the petting zoo are kids, or at least have some of their own,” the zookeeper said. Ty Lee scowled at her.

“Some of us are young at heart!” she snapped, earning a snort from you and a bewildered look from the zookeeper, who raised her hands in the air and back away.

“I cannot believe that was your response to her,” you said as you reached the counter where a different zookeeper handed you little bags of food to give to the animals.

“I panicked,” Ty Lee admitted. “But really, she had no reason to be judging us! It’s her own job that relies on visitors like us. Who cares about how old we are?”

“Quite right, Ty Lee, and anyways it can be argued that I have about as much life experience as a child, in one way, so she really has no ground to stand on,” you said.

“I wouldn’t say you’re all too childlike,” Ty Lee said. “You act like most anyone else our age would. Maybe more mature, even, but certainly not less, even though you have no memories.”

“Of course, it isn’t as if the effects of my formative experiences on my psyche have been erased just because I can’t remember them,” you said. “They still shaped my spirit, even if I cannot recall how they did so.”

Unfurling your fingers and offering your hand to one of the dragon moose — which was of the domesticated variety, not one of the wild ones from earlier — you used your other hand to rub its forehead.

“Ew! It slobbered all over me!” Ty Lee said as the dragon moose she was feeding swiped its long tongue over her now-empty palm and then across her cheek, ignoring her attempts to shove it off of her.

“That must mean it likes you,” you said. She stopped trying to shove it away, her expression growing contemplative as the dragon moose used its lips to play with her long braid.

“Aw,” she said. “Now I feel kinda bad for being so mean.”

“I don’t think it’s offended, but maybe you should get your braid out of its mouth before it chews it off,” you said. Ty Lee yelped and yanked her braid out of the dragon moose’s grasp, jumping away to stand behind you.

“As soon as we get back to the academy, I’m going to have to shower,” she said, shuddering.

“You do smell somewhat like dragon moose,” you said, sniffing her delicately and then wrinkling your nose. “Wanna go back to the flying dolphin fish? I’m sure they’d be happy to rinse you off.”

“Very funny!” she said.

“It feels like you don’t think it’s that funny,” you said, snickering. “Which is a shame, because I do.”

“Let’s just go see the turtle ducks. They’re the whole reason we came here,” she said, stomping off.

“You don’t want to visit the hippo cow?” you said, pointing at the enormous beast that was allowing toddlers to clamber over it as it dozed with one eye open.

“I don’t even want to think about how things could go wrong if I go near that,” Ty Lee said. “Turtle ducks are nice and safe and little. As I said, let’s go there.”

These turtle ducks were kept in a pond which had no fence, allowing them to wander about as they pleased, swimming amongst the lilies blooming in the water and hiding in the bulrushes on the part of the bank further from the path.

Crouching, you broke off pieces of lettuce and threw them towards the turtle ducks. They paddled over and began to squabble amongst themselves, racing to snag the treats before their companions.

Ty Lee joined you, and for a little bit, the two of you were quiet, tossing lettuce at the turtle ducks and observing them eat. Only once all of your lettuce had run out did Ty Lee speak again.

“I thought turtle ducks ate bread,” she said.

“They do,” you said. “They love it a lot, which is why people give it to them. But it’s bad for them. Makes their stomachs upset.”

“Then why do they love it?” she said. “If it makes them sick, why do they keep eating it?”

“I don’t know,” you said. “It must taste very nice. Sometimes, it’s like that, I guess. You do things that you know are bad for you because you think that they are good.”

Ty Lee glanced at you out of the corner of her eye. “School knowledge or book knowledge?”

“Neither,” you said. “Past knowledge, I think.”

You couldn’t explain it, but then again, when had you ever been able to explain your past knowledge? Ty Lee exhaled but did not question you, which you were grateful for. You doubted you could’ve explained further, anyways.

“There you are!” Jia-Li hissed when you and Ty Lee walked into the dormitory building together. The light mood of the outing had faded after you had fed the turtle ducks, a pensive melancholy settling over you both in place of the earlier humor as the two of you considered your own respective thoughts.

“What’s wrong?” you said.

“Where have you guys been?” she said.

“We were at the zoo,” Ty Lee said.

“Didn’t I tell you before we left? Did something happen? Oh no, did the Strategy Mistress suddenly feel better and decide to hold class after all?” you said. “We have an exam coming up. If I missed a class, then I’m going to have to double down on my studying.”

“Those are words I never want to hear from your mouth again,” Ty Lee said. “How can you ‘double down’ on your studying when you already spend almost every waking moment doing exactly that? I mean, there’s only so many hours in a day, you know!”

“Never mind all of that!” Jia-Li said. “No, the Strategy Mistress is still sick, so you didn’t miss anything — at least, nothing academic.”

“Good,” you said. “I don’t mind missing anything else. Which I’m assuming we did, considering you look near to fainting, Jia-Li.”

“One of those idiots in the class below us has been spending the entire afternoon antagonizing Kaho! I’m afraid she’s going to blow up, and sooner rather than later,” Jia-Li explained.

“That sounds like something I’d like to be far away from,” you said. “We should’ve stayed at the zoo a bit longer, Ty Lee.”

“Mhm,” Ty Lee said emphatically. “I’d take dragon moose slobber any day!”

“I don’t think this girl realizes what she’s getting into,” Jia-Li said. “See, the thing is, whenever you’re around, Ursa, Kaho’s too busy hating you to get annoyed by anyone else. But since you were gone all afternoon, she’s had nowhere to channel her inner anger.”

You made a face. “So? Are you suggesting that I should’ve stayed around and let her be rude to me or something?”

“Not at all,” Jia-Li reassured you. “It’s more that she’s seemed downright gentle recently — or, I guess, gentler. That’s why that girl thinks she has a chance, but the truth is in terms of Firebending, Kaho is probably the most talented student in the entire academy at the present moment. And when you mix that talent together with an ill temper, it’s a bad combination.”

“Has she challenged her yet?” Ty Lee said.

“Not yet,” Jia-Li said.

“It’s only a matter of time,” Ty Lee said, sighing. “Ugh. This is all so ridiculous! We should all just get along.”

“Let’s just avoid them all for as long as we can and hope everything has smoothed over by the time we go down to eat dinner,” you said. “Ty Lee, you can stay in our room, as long as Jia-Li is okay with it.”

“Of course,” Jia-Li said. “I wouldn’t send you into the dragon’s maw like that.”

“I can handle her if it comes down to it,” Ty Lee said. “And I really need to shower — bad run in with a dragon moose’s tongue, Jia-Li, it’s a bit of a long story. But thanks for offering!”

“What can she do against someone like Kaho?” Jia-Li asked you. You shrugged.

“I have no idea, but she is one of Princess Azula’s closest friends, so she must know a thing or two,” you said.

“That’s true,” Jia-Li said. “Let’s stop talking about Kaho and her idiocy now, though. There’s no point in letting her spoil our time together. Did you have fun at the zoo?”

“I did!” you said. “It was nice to see all the animals, and we got to feed some of them at the petting zoo, which was nice. They were all very friendly.”

Jia-Li smiled fondly. “That’s good. I used to love going to the zoo as a kid. My brother and I used to visit together — his favorite exhibit was the flying dolphin fish, but I always liked going to see the koala sheep.”

“Were you and your brother close?” you said, feeling a pang in your stomach. You had no idea if you had a brother or a sister or any siblings at all. What if you did? Would they be missing you right now, or would they have moved on from you already? Would they resemble you, or would you look completely different? Would they have cared for you in your youth, or would you have cared for them in theirs?

“We used to be,” Jia-Li said. “When we were very young, that is. He was my best friend.”

“What happened?” you said.

“We grew up,” she said, undoing the ribbon tying her hair back and beginning to comb through her long locks. “I came here, and he went to the school for boys. Then I suppose we just learnt to have different interests. He preferred hanging out with his other boy friends, and so I was left to find my own entertainment.”

“That’s sad,” you said. She set down the comb and retied her hair.

“It is,” she said. “What I wouldn’t give to go to the zoo with him again, or some other such activity. Actually, I just wish we were children again…but we are grown now, aren’t we? It’s fine. That’s how life is.”

“Is he much older than us?” you said.

“Only by a couple of years,” she said before brightening. “You should come meet him!”

“Uh,” you said. “Where would we do that, exactly? And why?”

“Our next break is soon. My family has a house on Ember Island; you can come stay with us! Unless you have other plans already or something, of course,” she said.

“I don’t have any plans,” you said. “I probably would’ve ended up going to the palace again, but visiting this Ember Island place sounds a little more appealing, in truth. As long as you and your family are alright with it.”

“My family won’t care,” Jia-Li said, waving you off dismissively. “My father will probably be delighted to have the girl sponsored by the royal family staying in his home, and my mother will just be happy that I’m bringing a friend home. As for my brother…nobody cares about his opinion, anyways! If he wants to complain, then he can just run along and stay at his best friend’s house. They’re going to be on Ember Island then, too.”

“Then I would really love to do that,” you said. “Thank you for inviting me, Jia-Li.”

“Sure, you’re a great roommate, so it’s not an issue,” she said. “I was a little sad about having to leave you during break, but now I’m just excited! You’ll love Ember Island, I promise. It’s so beautiful there.”

“I’m excited, too,” you said. “Actually, I was a little scared about the break — I wasn’t sure if I had a place in the palace or not, and either way, there’s something a little intimidating about staying there. It’ll be much more fun to be with you the whole time, in a place that I can feel somewhat wanted.”

“Of course!” Jia-Li said, growing starry-eyed. “And I can take you to the ocean for the first time! Do you know how to swim? Wait, you probably wouldn’t know if you do or don’t. Well, if you don’t, I’ll teach you, and if you do, we can swim together! You can borrow my things, I think we’re probably close in size.”

“Alright,” you said, overwhelmed by the many plans she was already coming with. “I’ll leave all of that to you. Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”

“You can count on me,” Jia-Li said, giving you a thumbs up. “I promise it’ll be the best break ever!”

Since Ty Lee had apparently gone to her room after showering, you and Jia-Li decided to make your way to dinner together in the hopes that you’d find her in the dining hall. Both of you were hungry by that point, though, and you unanimously agreed to just eat, even if she wasn’t there.

“I’m surprised,” you said when you walked in and found no traces of Ty Lee anywhere. “She’s normally so timely when it comes to dinner.”

“Yeah, but remember how long it takes her to wash and dry her hair? She probably won’t be down for a while,” Jia-Li reminded you.

“Right, I forgot about that,” you said. Ty Lee took a lot of pride in her personal appearance — rightfully so, of course, given how lovely she was — so her pre and post-shower routines were quite extensive, to say nothing of the actual shower itself. And especially because she had gotten covered in dragon moose saliva at the zoo, Jia-Li was correct to assume that Ty Lee might not be out for quite some time.

“Uh-oh,” Jia-Li said as you two sat down with your dinners. She nodded at the end of the table, where a girl you vaguely remembered being in the year below you was smirking at Kaho, whose jaw muscles were twitching with every word the girl spoke.

“Someone should stop her,” you said, though you made no move to get up, wanting to stay far away from the disaster zone that was about to emerge. Jia-Li hummed in assent, but she obviously had the same idea, remaining firmly put beside you. “It’s like she has a death wish.”

“She’s just trying to prove her superiority,” Jia-Li said. “There’s a clear hierarchy in this school, and right now, Kaho is at the top. She doesn’t like when people come for her spot, but of course, everyone wants to be there, to be number one, so they’re always trying to best her. It’s why she doesn’t like you — you’re beating her in terms of academics, which she hates, because she’s supposed to be the best. At least with you, though, you’re not a bender, so she can console herself with the fact that you’ll never be able to compete with her in any way that matters on that front. This girl, though, is challenging everything that Kaho is. She wants to be the most respected girl in the academy, but to do that, she needs to prove that Kaho isn’t worthy of that place any longer.”

“Can she do it?” you said.

“No,” Jia-Li said bluntly. “Plenty of people have tried. None of them have succeeded, except for Princess Azula, and she’s a special case in that she already was afforded a different status than the rest of us because of her bloodline.”

“Then she’s a fool,” you said.

“There’s more fools in this world than not,” Jia-Li said.

The girl continued to tease Kaho, who was obviously doing her level best to ignore her, not even affording her the dignity of looking at her. One could argue that it was maturity, but you understood it for what it really was: a way to demean her opponent, to prove that the other’s existence was meaningless to her, that she was so insignificant it was as if she truly did not exist in Kaho’s eyes.

“Honestly,” the girl said, voice lilting impishly, “I feel for you, Kaho. I mean, you used to be the top student, and then a girl with amnesia took your spot! It must’ve been embarrassing, losing to someone who doesn’t even have any memories. And to make matters worse, the prince really does seem to favor that girl, and we all know what he thinks of you…”

“What is she talking about?” you whispered under your breath to Jia-Li. “Why is she bringing me into this? What does Prince Zuko have to do with anything?”

“You’d do well to shut up now,” Kaho said, though it was the wrong thing to do, for her reaction was proof that the girl had struck a nerve.

“It’s like I told you,” Jia-Li whispered back. “Kaho is used to being at the top. When we were younger, before everything with the, ah, banishment, she tried very desperately to befriend the royal family. She was never able to endear herself to Princess Azula, but her sights were always on the prince, anyways, so that mattered little to her. It was marriage she sought; the prospect of being Fire Lady was too appealing.”

“I’m assuming she was unsuccessful,” you said. Jia-Li nodded.

“Extremely. It wasn’t even her fault, really; Prince Zuko was always kind, but unattainable for all of us. He had no interest in dallying with girls that went to school with his sister, so Kaho was never able to gain his approval in the way she wanted. Perhaps it might’ve been different if he hadn’t been…you know. They might have grown closer as they grew older simply due to her sheer persistence, but we’ll never know,” she said.

“For being the supposed best of us, you’re not the best at a lot of things,” the girl said. “I mean, I bet you’re not even that good at Firebending!”

Kaho slammed her fist on the table, standing to face the girl and glaring at her.

“Is that the game you want to play?” she said. “Fine. I’ll go along with it. I challenge you to an Agni Kai!”

“I’m assuming that’s not a good outcome,” you said.

“Nope,” Jia-Li said grimly. “Let’s just say that things have gone from bad to worse. Come on.”

“We’re going to watch?” you said.

“It’s all but mandated. I don’t like it, either, but we kind of have to,” Jia-Li said. “Hopefully, it’s over soon. Sometimes, Kaho can be inventive.”

You and Jia-Li stood in the very back of the crowd, though your view was still perfectly unobstructed. You almost wished there was something blocking your vision, though, something in between you and what was surely going to turn out to be a grotesque sight, one way or another.

“Want some?” the girl in front of you said, turning around and proffering a bag of candy to you and Jia-Li.

“No, thank you,” you said, for you were already queasy and knew that sweets would only worsen the effect.

“I’m okay,” Jia-Li said.

“I’m betting on Kaho,” the girl said, grabbing a handful of candy and dropping it all in her mouth. “Wanna join the pool? One of my friends is running it.”

“Like a betting pool?” you said.

“Yup! It’s how I could afford to buy this candy — I won last time,” the girl explained.

“No way,” you said.

“We’re good,” Jia-Li said when the girl looked offended at your short response.

“I can’t believe they’re betting on something like this!” you said.

“It’s common, believe it or not,” Jia-Li said.

“I believe it, sadly, but I wish I didn’t,” you said. “It’s so heartless.”

“That’s just how things are here,” Jia-Li said. You pursed your lips as the fight between the girl and Kaho began, deciding to keep silent, because your words would be wasted when your argument was not even with Jia-Li in the first place.

Even though the girl was no slouch in terms of Firebending, the fight was over almost as soon as it started. Kaho’s power was too much for her opponent, and she seemed bored as she coated her palm in fire and slapped it against the girl’s bicep.

“I got the first burn,” she said, miming a yawn. “So I guess that means I win. Why are you crying like that? Honestly. Just shut up. Why’d you agree to fight me if you couldn’t accept defeat like an adult?”

The skin on the girl’s arm was red and angry, already beginning to blister, but you could tell even without an explanation from Jia-Li that Kaho had been merciful. She could’ve done worse, but she had chosen to let that girl off with a warning. A reminder to never be so daring again.

There was something odd about it all, though. Despite the fact that her opponent was standing across from her, you noticed that it was not the burnt, sobbing girl that Kaho was scowling at so darkly.

It was you.

Ursa,

I’m glad you were able to make it to the zoo. I know you mentioned wanting to go a while back, so it makes me happy to know that that desire of yours was fulfilled. I wish I could’ve been there. Did you get to feed the turtle ducks? I remember doing that when I went, though of course I only visited once, with my mother, and that was a long time ago, so maybe things have changed and they don’t let people do that anymore.

I wish you hadn’t had to see an Agni Kai. They are definitely a darker part of Fire Nation culture. But, then again, for a nation that values honor so greatly, they are just a natural consequence. I hope you haven’t been frightened too terribly. Mai says that Kaho isn’t always so generous with her opponents, so there’s something to be grateful for: at least it was only a small burn. You’re entirely right — it could’ve been worse.

You shouldn’t worry about taking up space at the palace. It would be my our pleasure to host you once again. But Ember Island is a nice place. You will have fun there, I’m sure. The ocean is very, very beautiful. It’s the bluest thing you’ll ever see, and it goes on for what seems to be forever. The Fire Nation is lucky in that our ocean is warm, and the tides are not so vicious — nothing like the poles, where it is so treacherous and cold.

It is nice to know that you are enjoying yourself so thoroughly. That is what I am really concerned with; it matters little to me if you ever become a proper Fire Nation lady or anything along those lines. I would even prefer it if you didn’t. It’s more important that you are happy.

Yours, Zuko

P.S. Perhaps I am not surprised, but I am still disappointed on your behalf.

[onskepa]

Stxeli: I promise

Hellooooooo~!! Here is a new chapter of my stxeli series! Hope you all like this one! enjoy~!!

Stxeli series

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

“As a tsahik, you are busy every day sa’nok, what time would you have for my baby sister?” Little Neytiri asks as she narrows her eyes, placing her hands on her hips. Mo’at doing the same stance, “and as a warrior in training, you have lessons to attend to ma’ite. Being with your teacher and helping with the clan, what spare time do you have with stxeli?”. 

Eytukan couldnt help but let out a slow chuckle. They are at it again, his mate and child fighting over who can have stxeli for the day. It has become a daily thing, see who wins over stxeli. The baby in question was playing with some toys he carved for her, oblivious that her mother and sister are arguing over her. 

But eytukan decides to take matters in his own hands. He has a rare free day today, why not have a nice father-daughter day? Liking the idea, he grabs stxlie in his arms, and quietly tells his family he will take the baby for the day. But he doesnt think mo’at or neytiri heard him as they continue to argue. 

Walking around with stxeli in his arms, he lets her see their village, something the baby will never get tired of. Many young children say hello to him and his daughter, and he happily greets back. There is a lot they can do, but what exactly? She is fed and cleaned, so for the meantime he won't have to worry about that. 

“Aaaaababababa!!” Stxeli squeals happily, her chubby legs kicking in the air. Lately she has been getting more physically active. She can crawl, but hopefully, she will walk too. “I think I know exactly where to go,” Eytukan says. Stxeli looks up at him with her gummy smile, already showing two little white peaks growing. Her teeth are also coming too. 

They had her for a few months now, and already stxeli is growing up right before their eyes. Putting her on a carrying sling on his back, he sets out to a littler river not too far from the village. A place where children are often taken to learn the basics of fishing. And to enjoy fresh water. 

“Abaaaa?” Stxeli calls out, curious where her father is taking her. Smiling softly, he answers her, “you will have fun where I am taking you, perfect to play around”. 

The waters were calm and it wasn't that deep, perfect for stxeli to dip her little toes. Carefully bending down into the river, where it reaches up to his ankles, eytukan gently puts down his child. Firmly get gently holding her hands up as she laughs and giggles at the texture on her feet. 

Laughter fills the area, the child's innocent giggles eytukan’s ears. Pleased and happy that his daughter was enjoying the water. Splashing water around as she kicks around. Even jumping at times. Her smile is ever so contagious. 

Chuckling, eytukan sways her a bit, “alright lets try it, ready ma’ite?” he asks. Stxeli coos as if to answer her father. So, slowly, eytukan guide her step by step. Making sure the water doesn't slip her stance. “There you go, soon you will learn to walk and run. I am sure you will most likely hide behind our backs and scare us half to death” eytukan says while chuckling at his imaginary future. 

The more steps stxlie took, the more confident she got, taking bigger eager steps. “Easy my child, why in such a hurry?” he wonders while easily keeping up pace. Stxeli only said some baby words to answer him, still gripping tightly on his fingers. 

And to his surprise, stxeli took one big step and letting go of his grip. Was this the moment? 

No, one step and she fell on her bum against a rock. 

Not liking the stinging pain, with trembling lips, stxeli cries. Eytukan was quick to pick her up and rubs her little bum to soothe away the pain. “Sssshhh my young stxeli, no need to cry. It happens my child. Accidents happen and we learn from them” he softly whispers to her little round ear. 

Gently bouncing her on his arm, her little cries died down as she sniffs away her tears. Eytukan wipes away his daughter’s remaining tears and smiles, “see? All better. Want to try again?”. Stxeli was quick to shake her head in protest.  Eytukan accepts her choice and placed her on his lap as he sits near the river. 

Stxeli explores his giant hands, tracing his hand wrinkles and band armor. Her soft coos of wonder bring warmth to his heart. He lets her wonder more and she stumbles upon his songchord. The na’vi remembers how stxeli has taken a liking to mo’ats and neytiri’s songchords. Of course stxeli has her own, but it is safely tucked away back at their home. 

So, he takes out his song chord and swings it gently across stxeli’s face as she giggles, her hands chasing it. “You love my songchord don't you? One day, you will have your own, perhaps longer than mine. Long and beautiful, to sing and tell your story too” he tells her. Stxlie’s giggles are truly something. Her innocence and cheerfulness tug at eytukans heart. Every day he loves his child more and more. 

“Here, this is my story” giving his songchord to stxlie, he begins to tell of his beginning to now.

After a nice lunch of fruit, which is what stxeli seems to only eat. Eytukan takes her further down the river, where it leads to a little pond. Water seems to be an element stxeli has come to enjoy. Eytukan wouldn't be surprised if his child learns to swim before walking. But as they made their way, there were sounds coming from the forage in the forest. Sounds of leaves being moved, twigs break. 

He was quick to notice how silent the forest had become around them. Which can only mean one thing. 

A predator is near. Very near. 

And just like nothing, a growl was heard from his left, eytukan dodged it effortlessly. He grabbed his hunting knife as he held his child tightly. Stxeli began to whimper in fear. 

Taking a good look at what tried to attack him, it was a viper wolf. Not good. They always hunt in packs. Meaning there is more he doesn't see. Not waiting for the viper wolf to make its move, eytukan ran quickly. And like a trigger, many more viper wolves appeared from their hiding 

spots. 

This only made stxeli scream and cries out of fear. He would try to calm her, but right now her safety is his priority. 

If he could just-

Eytukan couldn't go farther as another viper wolf stood in his way. He can't fight with his child in his arms. The animal releases a mocking laughter, ready to lunge at the father. But eytukan was faster. Jumping high, he reaches for a vine and begins to climb. 

Stxeli was crying her little soul out, eyes puffy and cant seem to stop. Once eytukan reached high enough, he found a small nook in a tree. Perfect. Quickly he grabs giant leaves and makes a cushion for stxeli. 

“Ssshhh ma’ite. I'm here, I won't let anything hurt you” eytukan promises. Gently rocking his daughter to soothe her fears. “See? We are safe, come now. I believe it is time for you to nap” he coos. 

Hopefully she sleeps very soon, eytukan knows those viper wolves will find them. He took a wrong turn and now they are farther away from the village. He needs to drive them far away before he could proceed heading back. And there is only so much daylight left. He needs to think fast. 

So he takes his songchord out and sways it in a hypnotizing way. Stxeli follows his songchord, her eyes moving side to side. 

Hearing her fathers soft voice and his melody, stxeli closes her eyes and drifts off to sleep. 

Good. 

Gently he places her in the nook of the tree, adding more leaves for her head, cover and hiding the entrance as a disguise. Looking at his songchord, eytukan places it in stxelis chubby little hand to which she grabs it tightly in her sleep. 

Making sure he closes it well, he whispers a prayer. 

“Great mother Eywa, please do not let the dangers reach my daughter. Protect as I will guide the viper wolves back to you” 

And as if on cue, he can hear the distant mocking laughter of the pack. A plan began to form, moving away from where he hid stxeli, he yanks off a thick branch, and makes a weapon out of it. 

Viper wolves are vicious creatures where numbers are important. Attacking as one, will they get what they want equally. A clear strategy is there and it always works be it attacking a group, or a large prey. 

But clearly they underestimate the mighty olo’eyktan. 

One by one the viper wolves were taken down. Each slayed, and numbers dwindled in the pack. 

Eytukan roared out as he brought the viper wolves back to their great mother. With his makeshift spear, tough woof and a sharp stone in front, he pierces the animals in the vital parts of their body. 

What remained of the pack backed away and left. No longer seeing the worth of losing blood over one man. So they leave, running back to where they came from. And eytukan cries out his victory, raising his spear out to Eywa. 

Falling to his knees, fresh blood paint on his hands and body, he prays to the animals he had to end. And to hope they make a safe travel when they meet with Eywa. 

Atokirina surrounded the little nook where eytukan placed stxeli, quickly climbing to reach her. Mentally slapping himself, who knows how much time has passed, it was dark and he wasnt sure how long he was knocked out. 

However, he was forever grateful to see his precious daughter being protected by the great mother. Removing the leaves that hid her well, he looks inside. 

Stxeli was wide awake, with his songchord in hand and a little atokirina floating playfully around her. Her contagious giggles melted away his worries. Noticing him, stxeli reaches out for him. 

“Aba!” she calls out. Complying to her demand, he grabs her and holds her in his arms. Letting out groans of worry and relief. How close was he to losing another daughter. Gently stroking her soft little head, taking in her scent, its her. Stxeli is with him, alive and well. 

“Thank you great mother, I am forever grateful to you” he says to the atokirina. 

Eytakan was tired but he had to take stxeli back to the village before more danger lurks. So steadily, he makes it back. And does he have a story to tell. It might give mo’at a fightful scare, and probably a lecture. But it will be worth it. Any fight is worth it. All to keep his children safe. 

And so, after arriving safely back to the village. Eytukan was right. Mo’at wouldn't stop lecturing him as she tended to his bloody wounds, shoving medicine in his scares and mouth. And neytiri wasn't too far off either. Giving her piece of mind to him too. 

Yet after all that, he still clinged on to stxeli, who in return didn't want to be apart from him and happily clinged on to him too. Her little head always listening to his heart beat, while chewing on his songchord beads. 

So, in the fit of the moment, he held stxeli up, where they eyes could meet. A little drool escaped the baby’s mouth, but she was happy either way. Cooing at her father, her little fingers tickling his nose. So, placing his forehead against her smaller head, eytukan speaks. 

“As long I am alive ma’stxeli te taksha mo’at ite, I promise you I will protect you. To make sure no harm ever comes to you. So please, smile, laugh, live at your best. Your happiness is my greatest gift. I love you forever. That is my vow. My promise”. 

Aaaaaaaand that is it for this one! Yes I pulled some inspiration from kataru's screen time. Hope you all enjoyed this one! until next time! see ya!

Taglist: @galactict3a , @alastorhazbin , @vivangothic , @spookymomfriendtm , @moonchildxoxx , @thehoneymushroomhealer , @kat-the-kit , @my-skeleton-hats . @hoodiepandaninja16 , @sugurupookie

[bonny-kookoo]

Bonny we love everything you do! If you are up to, what about IT girl has a date and jk open a live coincidently on the same day and time so she cannot go

(Ps: Her date is an asshole and jk knows it)

You guys have really made me wanna write this... Warnings for Jungkook's internal dirty thoughts haha

First part: here

There's no fucking way he will let you go on a date with someone like sangwook. Absolutely not.

You're way too nice to say no to the guy, and he himself knows that the staff member has a certain way with words, knows how to get his way. But Jungkook has also heard the horror stories of the guy getting girls drunk until they're barely conscious, just so he can have his way with them- and he won't just sit here and let that happen to you of all people.

Not if he can do anything about it.

Jungkook and you had honestly had a great time when you eventually came over to eat the re-heated instant noodles together. He learned some stuff about you, about your interest, about who you are apart from just your job. You share a lot more interests with him than initially thought, both of you having a love for gaming and good food. And he especially enjoyed how natural you were, treating him like a normal person, not like the idol he is.

Maybe that's why he just can't let you go now.

He'd heard of the date from Sangwook himself- he'd been chatting with another female staff about you, and how he'll 'find out' if you're 'as innocent' as you apparently act. It made Jungkook feel like throwing up, a guy like that potentially filling you up with alcohol just to eat you like prey- he can't let that happen.

You've told him how you seek love, romance, excitement and something almost childish.

Exactly what he wants, too.

So he goes live, the only way he knows he will keep you there, well aware that you take your job (hopefully) too seriously to go on a date instead. He doesn't know how close you are with him yet- maybe it's a lost cause, maybe Sangwook had been the reason you'd been so hesitant with jungkook in the first place-

But he has to try.

"Hm, hello." He greets the fans, but more so you who he hopes is watching on the other side. "Its quite sudden, isn't it?" He chuckles, holding onto the iced wine in the glass mug in front of him. "Looks like a date? Ah, yes it does, doesn't it?" He grins, acting all shy.

And there it is. An angry smiley- several, even.

It makes him chuckle as he reads the comments and imagines you fuming in your home, but he can take the heat coming his way if he at least prevents that horrible date from happening. Have you already started to get ready? He wonders what you might look like all dolled up. In a short dress maybe, one that hugs your curves just right, with simple delicate straps holding it up over your shoulders. He knows you need no fancy designer shit.

He'd rip it off of you either way.

"Army.." he hums, referring to the fans, but hoping that you get the message most of all. "If you go on dates, late- you be careful, right?" He says, taking a sip of his iced wine, before setting the mug down, and rolling up the sleeves of his shirt. There's another round of emojis flooding in, and he can't help but laugh.

He continues this game for almost an hour, making sure that your date was not happening, before he ends the live.

And not even half an hour later, you're in his apartment, fuming, angry, upset. But you're there, and not with him, so Jungkook can't help but be satisfied.

Especially at the sight of you in a strapless denim-dress. Short, but long enough to cover you comfortably. The fabric stretches a bit over your curves, tits looking so good but a little uncomfortable. He would just have to pull down a little, just a tiny bit, and they'd spill out, he's sure of it. He can't see bra straps.

Are you not wearing one? Interesting.

You're pushing him lightly. "You asshole!" You yell at him. "You knew I had a date! You knew it!" You complain, and he nods, a simple smile on his face, and it only angers you more. "Stop laughing!" You demand, but he just raises his hands as if to show you he's no threat, but you just reach out to push him again-

But instead he pulls your wrists towards him, wraps his arms around you, completely catching you off guard as he holds you close, trying hard to ignore your body's warmth against his.

"I'm glad you didn't go." He says, and it sounds surprisingly serious. "I was worried you might." He tells you, and you hate how good he looks, how good he smells.

"Cause you wouldn't have someone to play around with?" You mumble still angry, and he chuckles.

"I'm not playing with you." He denies, swaying you both from side to side a little. "I really am not." He says as if to make sure his point gets to you.

"And yet you still ruined my date.." you complain.

"Sangwook isn't worth your time." He shakes his head.

"Oh but you are?" You scoff. He chuckles. Again.

"I mean, you're here, are you not?" He states.

You are. And you're not sure why you're here, why you didn't at least change, why you don't want to leave just yet.

"To tell you to stop trying to ruin my love life." You snap back in defense, and he laughs.

"Then stop trying to ruin mine." He says back, making you freeze in his arms before you both detach a little. "I thought we were good? Why did you agree to that date?" He wonders, and you shrug, crossing your arms.

"He asked... nicely, you know?" You say, looking at the floor.

"And you couldn't say no." He sighs. "Because you're too nice yourself." He scolds softly.

"I just.. wanted to, you know, talk to someone. Be social. Spend my evening with something else than animal crossing and icecream.." you try and justify yourself, and Jungkook suddenly opens his arms wide, shaking his head before he hits his chest.

"Am I not right here?" He complains. "Am I just an illusion or something?"

"..no?" You wonder, and he tilts his head in irritation for a moment.

"Then why am I not an option for you?" He asks, a little agitated. "I thought we were fine last time you were here. We had a really good time, talked, fuck I thought we were going somewhere!" He complains.

"I'm just.. scared." You say, and he runs a hand over his face.

"I know." He nods. "Lets just- okay. Do you want to try this?" He asks, motioning between you and him. "Yes or no."

"I don't know-" you start, but he shakes his head.

"Not an answer, try again." He tells you, crossing his arms.

"Jungkook what if we get caught-" You start again, but he denies it again.

"Yes or no. It's pretty easy." He says.

"What's your answer?" You ask, and he throws his head back in agony. "Okay, yeah- yes? But-"

"Good, great, fuck!" He barks out to no one, before he holds your face in his palms. "Just trust me. Please." He begs, eyes sparkling in both the light of the candle on his kitchen table, and the neon colored laser points traveling all around his walls from his moodlight.

"What do you want from me?" You ask, and he smiles.

"Your love." He answers, before he shrugs playfully. "And maybe the occasional fuck on the couch if I'm in the mood-" he starts, and you hit his chest at that, though you laugh.

"So you really do just want to screw me!" You whine, crossing your arms- unaware of how you're pushing up your cleavage.

"No, baby." He shakes his head, tongue running over his lip piercing. "I don't only want to fuck you." He answers.

"Though I won't say no if you're ever offering."

[ethicaltreatmentofcowplants]

ARAMINTA: So here we are!

LILAC: Wait - is that thing getting closer? Will I have to ride it?

ARAMINTA: No, you won’t have to ride her. Duchess is only here because she hasn’t quite maxed out TEMPERAMENT, and Dodo’s getting tense moodlets from his lack of skill building. They’re working together.

LILAC: He’s still a Slob?

ARAMINTA: Anyways. 

LILAC: So he’s still a Slob.

ARAMINTA: Welcome back to the third in our series of gardenside chats, where we will be discussing what’s different about Round One-

LILAC: And whether my sanity will survive the journey.

ARAMINTA: Now this will be the first time when eliminations occur. Once all the households are played, a final points table will be tallied, and we will unfortunately have to bid a sad farewell to three contestants.

LILAC: Oh, I can think of one or two who you wouldn’t be sad about.

ARAMINTA: It’s about who you take to, Lilac, not me. This will also be the first round where a skill building system comes into play. Basically at the end of your household’s rotation, your total sum of skills will be added up, and they will count towards your points along with friendship and romance.

LILAC: And while I obviously can’t be eliminated - although it would make quite a plot twist if I was - my skills have been cheated back down to zero too. Apart from PAINTING and KNITTING since those are tied to already completed aspirations, and WELLNESS since I have a glitch where I won’t run anywhere.

ARAMINTA: Also since this is the first time contestants will be playable for the Watcher, we will learn what they think of you in terms of attraction level.

LILAC: Oh, I have a pretty good indication already. (winks)

ARAMINTA: Attraction level as well as compatibility and sentiments will also remain. As the Watcher is using the time decayed version of First Impressions, those sentiments will eventually fade - with hopefully new ones to replace them.

LILAC: So in sum, a contestant’s score will come from friendship, romance, skill, attraction, compatibility and any positive sentiments?

ARAMINTA: Exactly. Moving on - we have some viewer submitted questions. This one is for Lilac - alright, don’t be concerned with what my feelings may be. 

LILAC: You are a precious blonde pony and we should always be concerned with your feelings.

ARAMINTA: Thank you, but please don’t worry. On Mad About Dodo, did you want me to win?

LILAC: Initially, no. It’s not that I didn’t want you to win, but that I took time to warm to you.

ARAMINTA: (wryly) That I hear a lot.

LILAC: What won me over was the second day, when Dodo made a joke that was uncomfortable for Lyric and you called him out. I thought ‘okay, this girl is genuine. She has principles - she’s not just telling Dodo what he wants to hear. She’s not afraid to risk her place in the competition to do what she thinks is right.’ And maybe he thought as much too.

ARAMINTA: He wouldn’t have meant to make them uncomfortable. But I wanted him to apologise, or at least to not make jokes like that to them ever again.

LILAC: And you weren’t even that close to Lyric, were you?

ARAMINTA: I liked them, and have a lot of admiration and respect for them. However I didn’t bond with them as much as I did some others. Perhaps if we had spent more time together.

LILAC: We’ve seen how saying anything other than someone being your best friend forever can get twisted, but nothing wrong with that. If anything it’s more admirable that you stepped up for someone else when you had a much stronger bond with Dodo at the time.

ARAMINTA: Awww, thank you so much, Lilac! Next question: which contestants are you looking forward to spending more time with the most?

LILAC: Basically anyone who I felt like I still didn’t have a sense of after the introductions, though I get that three hours in front of live cameras isn’t exactly the most natural and authentic setting in the world. Piper - I’ll be looking to see if there’s a spark. We vibed but we had no romance at the end of our time, although it’s very early in the competition still.

ARAMINTA: Exactly. I had no romance with Dodo at the end of his introductory round, as did a lot of other castmates who eventually fared well.

LILAC: Well you had Leo to contend with. If ‘buzzkill’ were a pixel…

ARAMINTA: (laughs) He’s not so bad.

LILAC: Neither is bacteria in small quantities. Another is Sage. I feel like she was a bit… intimidated, maybe? Hopefully she’ll be more at home once we’re together in a household. Okay, question for you now. What advice will you give to the contestants?

ARAMINTA: Make friends. Not out of some kind of strategy - this isn’t Simsvivor - but because this is such an unique experience, and you’ll want to have people through the other side who get it. Also life will just be easier for you and you’ll have less regrets if you do. 

LILAC: Right. Plus I’m only one Sim so you’re gonna need to fill your social meter in other ways. Also being LOYAL traited, I’m looking not just at how someone gets along with me - but how they treat everyone else around them.

ARAMINTA: (silence)

LILAC: I am, Minta - I swear! (laughs) Trust me, I know the difference between what I’m looking for in a partner and someone who may or may not be a good-

ARAMINTA: And sometimes a pixel simply needs a change of scenery to make life changes. One of the most important things I learned from Mad About Dodo is that not everyone comes into their save file with the ideal set of circumstances for them to thrive.

LILAC: Oh, thriving at villainy is still thriving. And another for you: why did you take this gig?

ARAMINTA: While I don’t think it was down to any malice, I felt like the contestants on Mad About Dodo could have - and should have - been better protected.

LILAC: Yeah, you were in the hands of a megalomaniac who viewed you all as dolls from his toy box and had fun with you accordingly.

ARAMINTA: Leo is… impulsive. Not uncaring, but impulsive. And he tends to be more of a ‘big picture’ thinker and not so considerate of the finer details. Anyway, once I learned that a bachelorette would be held in my home world, I wanted to do what I could to ensure that the cast would have a safer experience. With it being in Henford, I felt some kind of… ownership and responsibility, I suppose you could say.

LILAC: Two very foreign concepts to some others.

ARAMINTA: Not being the producer or the director, I won’t have as much pull. As the host, however, I hope that I can be an advocate for the needs of the contestants. Along that note: any concerns so far?

LILAC: The competition has attracted a lot of outdoorsy, country types. Which I get, given- (waves hand at the lot). And they should do well. I’m not concerned about that. But I’m a city girl through and through. There’s something about a place with some… bustle, that makes me come alive in my bones.

ARAMINTA: Normally I’m the anxious one. I think that’s more of a question for the fourth round.

LILAC: I think so too.

ARAMINTA: And if it comes down to that? Well, there’s one residential lot in San Myshuno that isn’t an apartment. Finally: can we deduce anything at all from the introductory round?

LILAC: That you’re a much better host than Leo?

ARAMINTA: (laughs) Oh, too rude!

LILAC: But true! You didn’t completely centre yourself, and you knew when to fade into the background and when to come forward and keep the conversation going. And you didn’t wow-wow with any-

ARAMINTA: And that is all for now! Best of luck to you, Lilac. Just continue to be genuine - and try to have a good time with it. What wasn’t shown so much on screen was that hardships aside, we did also have some fun on the island. This is an adventure and the opportunity of a lifetime, after all.

LILAC: An adventure I can undertake without even leaving my home lot? Perfect for a LAZY sim.

household one: day one should go up at 10 pm* my time

*GMT 10 am |  EST 5 am |  PST 2 am

lyric by @micrathene-w, dodo by @akitasimblr

[saucy-scribbler]

New Year Writing Tag

Thanks so much for the tag, @amoremagnificentbastard !

What's been your biggest learning point this past year? 

That fandom can be a very rewarding thing to participate in, but it’s important to cultivate your experience and how you interact with it. Bg3 is my first fandom basically ever, and there was a steep learning curve for me in finding a way to enjoy it that made me happy and didn’t affect my peace. 

There are a lot of people out there who aren’t going to be good for you or make a fandom a good place to be, so it’s better to find which ways you want to be involved and the people who make you feel good about being in the fandom, and focus on that rather than the broader community. 

How has your writing developed this past year? 

It went from nonexistent to having finished a 285k word fic in six months! Much to my own amazement 🤣

I wasn’t a writer, I didn’t have any particular interest in writing. Then a random dream set to a random song I’d heard had me writing that down to tell my sisters-from-other-misters and before long I was down the rabbit hole!

Good writing habits? 

I’m an editor in my regular life, which helps me a lot in structuring scenes and dialogue as I write them. I’m also extremely organized and my outlining game is so strong it’s almost a superpower. I use Trello to organize everything related to my writing. Between Trello and my outlining skills, it makes my writing process really smooth for me. I was averaging 2-3 chapters per week writing book 1 because I was so organized and my outlines were so thorough (and because I was just plain having fun). 

Bad writing habits? 

Getting into the weeds about the D&D lore-compliance for inane, random shit nobody is going to notice or care about. I end up spending far too much time researching lore and figuring out a lore-compliant way to justify letting them have running water or hot baths, or even dumber stuff than that 😒

Favorite thing you wrote? 

So far it’s just the one book, so It’s Time to Try Living Again wins by default! 😂

Favorite reads? 

I tend to read novels more than fic, so lately I’ve been rereading some of my favorites. Currently The Rook and its sequel Stiletto by Daniel O’Malley. They’re fabulous and I highly recommend them.

Biggest win? 

Finishing book 1 and publishing before the end of the year, which was my goal when I began writing in June. 

Goals for the new year? 

Finish books 2, 3, and 4 in my series!

Your favorite words of the year, aka the words you check each chapter for, making sure you didn't repeat them 788 times? 

It’s the editor-brain in me, but I tend to keep track as I write, so I don’t check for specific words. As I do proofreading rounds then I will catch any words that are used too often in a chapter. I think the most recent one was ‘lovely’. 

What are you excited for in the new year?

Releasing book 1, and hopefully finishing and releasing the rest of the series. I’m excited for people to be able to read this silly, fun, angsty, heartwarming story. 

I’ll tag @anacdoce and @yennefer-of-vengerbergs

[bakingtherapy]

Robby's Baking Therapy #7 Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Hello everybirdie. So today we are going to be making one of my all-time favorite pies. I can only make this pie in the late spring, or earlier summer. But Oh my gosh. Is it SO good!  Today we are going to be following Preppy Kitchen’s Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. And also my go-to pie crust recipe from Betty Crocker. 

So first before even preheating the oven, we are going to make the pie crust. And um… speaking from experience. Even if you have done this recipe thousands of times, there are going to be times when it just doesn’t turn out well. Well, let me rephrase that. Just like anything else, you have to be careful about the humidity and the weather. Because it can change the consistency of your dessert. Like if you don’t put enough water into the pie crust, you will be fighting a crumby (but tasty) pie crust. 

If you prefer store-bought pie crust then feel free to skip this part. 

Both recipes will be down below. With the instructions and the measurements. In order to make the pie crust, you are going to need a large mixing bowl. The ingredients you will need:

Flour

Salt 

Shortening 

And ICE COLD water

You are going to mix together your flour and salt. 

Using a pastry blender or two forks you are going to cut in the shortening until you see a consistency that matches that of small peas. 

Sprinkle the dough with your ice-cold water. 1 tablespoon at a time. Toss it with a fork until all of the flour is moistened. If it is a warm or humid day in your kitchen, you may need a little bit more water than is recommended. So my suggestion to you is to wait for a “normal” weather day and follow the recipe. After a few times making this recipe, you will know the feeling of how the pie crust should be. 

Gather the pastry into a ball. Divide it in half and shape it into 2 rounds on lightly floured surfaces. Wrap flatted rounds in plastic wrap and the refrigerator says to put it in the fridge for 45 minutes. However, what my mom and I do is put it in the freezer for about 15 minutes or until we are done making the pie mixture. 

Now onto the pie filling. The link to the recipe will also be down below. Fill free to check it out. 

You will need:

Strawberries

Rhubarb

Sugar

Cornstarch

Butter

Salt 

Vanilla

Egg yolk (i use the ice cold water from the pie crust and it works perfectly fine)

(optional) coarse sugar for sprinkling on top

Once you get all of your ingredients together, you are going to preheat your oven to 400℉.

This is the step that ALWAYS takes the longest for me. Processing fruits and veggies take so much longer for me. But we are going to wash and cut the strawberries. And then we are going to cut the rhubarb into pieces less than ½ inch. Place both of them into a large bowl. 

Add the sugar, cornstarch, and salt to your fruit. Then mix them to combine, and set it aside. 

While the pie filling is set. We are going to try and work with the pie crust. And hopefully not cry. 

I went into this pie knowing that I was making two pies. ahhh! That is where I messed up. I forgot that I was doubling the recipe. Meaning that I needed to add about 12-16 tablespoons of the water. I was only following the recipe and put in 7-8 tablespoons. Needless to say, it was a PAIN to try and work with. 

Even with saying this, pies are so much fun. And baking is a learning curve. No person is going to make things perfect every time. Even the best baker’s out there have times when they fail. Failing (while not getting hurt) is needed in order to be a better person. 

Sorry, back to the pie crust. You are going to roll your pie crust out and put it into your pie tin. And make sure that you keep your surface and pie crust floured because it is really sad when you think you have the perfect crust and go to roll it up on your rolling pin, and it is not moving. 

Once you placed your bottom crust you are going to evenly distribute your pie filling. 

The top part is where a pie maker can be creative. You can do it in many different ways. 

Put it on top and put small slits in it. 

Try your hand at a pretty lattice. 

Or you can grab yourself a cookie cutter and make a sort of design with it. 

Have fun and create your own design. 

I was so devastated when I was working on my pie crust. I was frustrated and kept looking at the time. Time is sometimes my worst enemy. I will go into the kitchen at about 2 or 3 pm and not come out until 6 or 7 pm. 

But I think it turned out really well. And we had this pie two days in a row and it was really interesting to see how it set when it cooled. 

I hope that you like this recipe. Feel free to check out the description down below. See you in the next recipe. Thank you.

Show the original author some 💖💖💖 Preppy Kitchen

Show the original pie crust, author, some  💖💖💖 Betty Crocker

Here is a printable version of this recipe: on the blog

Printable version of this pie crust recipe: on the blog

Please help me get a phone: by supporting me on Kofi / Patreon 

[writernopal]

2024 Recap Tag!

I got tagged by @void-botanist here, for this one, thank you so much! I thought about doing a formal round up for 2024 but I just didn't get around to it so this is a good chance to do a mini one!

2024 Accomplishments

I finished the first draft of AASOAF 3 and got through editing 60% of it!

I put together the super secret companion material for the release of AASOAF 3. That was lots of fun and pushed me out of my creative comfort zone A LOT. I learned a lot from that project and I can't wait to share it with you guys later this year!

Not really writing related, but I read 26 books!

This one is kind of hard to quantify but I grew so much creatively. My writing got WAY better but also my mindset and approach to writing and specifically my understanding of what Art is and how it relates to people, grew so much. I could go on about it but I'm not sure how much sense it would make and that's not really what this post is about, so to sum it up, it was like finding some kind of long sought inner peace and freedom.

I started untangling a lot of things that I think are going to play a huge role in my life this year, creatively speaking. All of that is going to be a really long (and probably very painful lol) process but I feel like I'm getting closer to understanding what I'm supposed to Do.

I set up my own writing server in a little home lab I created so now all of my writing related stuff is in one place and I'm not paying someone else to store (and do who knows what else) with my data.

2025 Writing Goals

Finish AASOAF 3 and M.O.W. They were my goals from last year but I didn't quite get there due to health issues. But it will happen this year! I'm also not intending on starting any other WIPs this year once I finish them because, well, just keep reading and you'll understand why lol.

Migrate AASOAF 3 to my new writing server setup. This won't happen until I'm done with it because everything related to it is stored in Dabble and moving it now while its in progress would be the equivalent of trying to pick up a puzzle without gluing it down and I don't want to risk losing anything along the way.

I plan on overhauling my website. It's in need of some freshening up even though its pretty new still just because I want to do more with it later on, like hosting my own works there, instead of just linking out to other places for people to read.

Open up writing commissions. I made a post about this earlier in 2024 just to see if people would be interested and it got some pretty good traction so I've been working on commission pricing and TOS in the background of things. Hopefully I will be opening those up soon! (even though I'm terrified to do it lol)

Hone my craft. Until now I've been sort of flying by the seat of my pants, and I'm very proud of that, because there is a lot I instinctively know about storytelling and writing, but I think I'm at a point now where I can feel where my limitations are so I need to take a few steps back and do some formal learning. I'm hoping to join some writing critique groups, read books on writing, and also attend educational panels and talks.

Related to writing commissions and what I mentioned before about learning what I need to Do is freelancing. I haven't talked a ton about it here because I just haven't but it's been something I've been chipping away at and hope to start doing later this year. There are a few small seeds I need to plant first, one of which I started on earlier today so we'll see how it goes!

Get involved with/do more interdisciplinary art projects. I have a few in mind that I'll be collabing with @illjustpretend on and one really big one that I know we're not going to get done this year but that we will no doubt make headway on!

Tagging(gently): @tabswrites @paintedbutton @theroseempress @leahnardo-da-veggie @sarahlizziewrites and anyone else who wants to do this!

[ohwiseswami]

Let’s Talk Riize

TLDR at the bottom if you’re lazy.

So……..SM has something special there. After sitting down to seriously watch their performances and content, I think it is very clear that the members are trying to create as much of an artist-like atmosphere as they can without completely letting go of their idol identity. I don’t think I ever got this vibe from a kpop idol group so early on into their careers.

I want to caveat by saying that there’s nothing wrong with just being an idol group. I personally like some groups that have that vibe. But what makes Riize different in a sea of 4th/early 5th gen boy groups is that I’ve seen them refer to themselves as artists and discuss their passion for making art.

Between Youngwonhee (just learned this one!) all taking very seriously the songwriting, musicianship, and singing aspects of making art; and Shotaro being a trained dancer and enjoying that process; they round out Sungchan, Eunseok (and Seunghan’s) more classic idol-like nature to give this really interesting hybrid vibe.

And, again, I want to be clear to Briize that I know each Riize member has their own thing(s) that they’re great at. I’m just stating that the vibes are like 4/7 lean more into the artist vibe and 3/7 lean into the idol vibe (likely on purpose).

But do I have favorites? YES. Ripping the bandaid off now, as a singer and instrumentalist myself, I love those elements. And as someone with a very strong appreciation for people who can create something from nothing or create something from disparate parts, I love a good songwriter. Lastly, I love someone who is just passionate about what they do and who is grateful for every new experience (this one is not as straightforward—it’s Sungchan).

Beyond my personal affects though, I would love to see what Riize can do when SM is not steering everything. We already get shades of that in their content, but I want to see it more fully and infused with the music.

Now regarding their content, they’re not like balls to the wall ~chaotic like their neo predecessors or anything. And I’ve seen some sentiments that they give off an arrogant vibe. But even so, I feel like it’s only an issue when language barrier stuff happens (since it’s much harder to tell if they actually give offputting reactions or if they just can’t express themselves properly). Still, I don’t expect them to be gods of variety nor do I expect them to fake things just for show. But I at least would hope for a bare minimum of decorum (which they usually show!!).

On that same note, team chemistry is very important for artist groups to work. Idol groups are different because at that point your selling a fantasy anyway. But with artists, you’re really not fluffing anything up so you need to have a more genuine bond that shines through in your work. It’s waaaaaay too early on to tell with them where things lie and it probably won’t matter until the members start getting involved with songwriting, composing, and choreographing (if they ever do), but it’s something for Riize to focus on developing.

The last thing I want to say about Riize in this post is that Riize seem to both try and get away with things that other SM groups can’t/couldn’t at the same stage of their career. For example, at their recent fancon, I noticed Wonbin adding adlibs, Sohee breaking from the choreo, the members putting on a performance that (while clearly very practiced) also gave the performance a bit more personality beyond what we could see on Music Bank, etc. I don’t even think my top kpop group was doing that in Month 8. Hopefully they embrace this more free flowing style of performance going forward so we can see a little more of the members’ personal artistic expression beyond being the stereotypical perfect “idol singers”

TLDR: I was not a Riize believer until Impossible and after watching them perform in a more live setting than usual and seeing them behind the scenes, I GET it now

[wildrangers]

If You're a Bird, I'm a Bird / Ryan Lindgren

Word Count: 4.6K

Enemies(ish) to Friends to Lovers

Warnings: *MINORS DNI* Smut (oral {f receiving}, protected sex, mild dirty talk, praise kink), cursing, drinking, mentions of previous toxic relationship

In the time Hanna finished showing you around her and Adam’s first home together, the housewarming party was in full swing. “It’s beautiful, but really, we both know why I’m here” you replied, grinning at the annoyance in her face.

“Fine, let’s go find Stewie” she replied and you followed as she led you into the main living area.

You spotted Adam caught up in conversation with who you assumed were some of his teammates. A small yip caught your attention as the small puppy you’d been looking for flew towards you.

“Stewie Doo!” you cheered, leaning down to scoop him up. “Watch the makeup, dude” you laughed as he began kissing your face.

“Y/N! I didn’t see you get here, how are you?” Adam asked, giving you a hug. Before you could answer, a man’s voice called out, “I can’t believe you left me dude!”

You glanced up to see a bearded guy smiling at Stewie, who began wiggling in excitement.

“Hey, I just got him” you joked, holding the puppy closer. “I’m Y/N, by the way.”

“Alexis” he grinned, hand outstretched to shake yours. Hanna must have trusted you two would get along because she and Adam left to make their rounds.

“I’m guessing you play with Adam?” you asked, glancing over to the group of guys he’d separated himself from while attempting to steal Stewie back.  

“Yup, how do you know the happy couple?”

Conversation flowed easily between you as you told him funny stories from when you and Hanna had worked together. Turned out Hanna was right in assuming you two would be fast friends.  “Want to meet some of the other guys?”

“Sure” you smiled, grateful for an in with a group since you didn’t know anyone there but Hanna and Adam.

“Guys! This is Y/N. Y/N, this is Key, Ryan, and Braden” he said, pointing to each guy as he said their name.

“Nice to meet you all” you smiled before setting down a newly whining Stewie who bee-lined it for Ryan. “Here I thought Alexis was the competition for Stewie’s affection.”

“Nah, me and Stewie here go way back” he quipped and you laughed. You quickly stopped when he didn’t join you; maybe you’d misread his tone. Awkward silence descended until Alexis, thankfully, started up the conversation again.

Several hours later, your mind wandered back to the party as you drove home. You’d easily gotten along with the guys, except for Ryan, who didn’t say a single word to you following that initial, awkward encounter. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be at too many other gatherings that Hanna and Adam hosted.  

***

“Maybe you can talk to her this time, yeah?” Alexis teased Ryan causing his frown to deepen.

“Oh, fuck off Laf” he grumbled, walking away as his teammate laughed.

“Need anything in here?” Ryan offered as he entered the kitchen.

“Boys giving you a hard time?” Hanna questioned, probably noting his blush reddened cheeks.

“If you and Foxy hadn’t insisted Y/N and I would hit it off, maybe I would have acted half normal when I met her” he sighed.

“We didn’t mean to freak you out! I just thought you two could be a good match but she would absolutely murder me if I even suggested it.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well, when we first met, she’d just gotten out of a really shit relationship, so the timing sucked. And the better I got to know her the more I learned she hated being set up with people. Another coworker tried and she ghosted the guy out of spite.”

Ryan felt his lips quirk up at the anecdote. “So, it falls to me to be sneaky about it?”

“Oh, stop it. You don’t have to be sneaky, I just wanted to plant the seed in that thick skull of yours.”

“Which I warned her was a bad idea” Adam chimed in, entering the kitchen and shooting his girlfriend a look.

“Yes, he did, but he also agreed you’d get along and, of the two of you, you’d be the better one to nudge in the right direction.”

“Which really says more about Y/N than you” Adam teased and Hanna jokingly smacked his shoulder as the doorbell rang.

“Ryan, could you greet whoever that is?” Hanna asked sweetly and he shot her a mock glare before doing as requested.

He pointedly ignored Laf and Key shooting him thumbs ups as he made his way to the front door. He took a deep breath as he pulled it open, revealing you standing on the doorstep.

“Hey, Y/N, right?” he asked, he thought, fairly smoothly.

“Yup, that’s me” you grinned at him and he felt his nerves fully kick in; he was noticing your smile did that to him.

“Hanna sent me to let you in, her and Adam are finishing up in the kitchen” he explained, moving out of the way so you could escape the cold.

“Sorry you got stuck with the task.”

“Well, someone’s got to do it, right?” he joked but you only nervously smiled at him before going to greet Key and Laf.

The rest of the evening passed in much the same way. You joked and laughed easily with everyone but shut down when he tried to join in, to the point that he finally gave up and just stayed quiet. He felt his heart drop as you gave everyone a hug goodbye before simply shooting him a little wave.

***

“Why can’t Laf be Adam’s best friend?” you grumbled as you and Hanna got ready to meet up with them.

“What’s with you? Ryan’s seriously one of the nicest guys.”

“He basically told me I was a burden to interact with last time I saw him!” you scoffed.

“Babe, he has a dry sense of humor, like you do with literally everyone but him” Hanna chastised.

“I tried! When we first met, I joked with him and he looked at me like I had eight heads and all of them offended him” you grumbled. Truth be told, that initial meeting had left a bad enough taste in your mouth that you hadn’t really given him another chance the next time you saw him.

“You’re impossible, that’s just his face” Hanna insisted but you didn’t feel like arguing anymore.

An hour or so later, you were seated at a high-top table with Hanna, Adam, and Ryan; a few other guys had stopped by to greet you but went off with their own partners or friends to celebrate their win. You’d think that a win would put Ryan in a good mood but he still sat there, slightly scowling, while conversation flowed around him. When Hanna’s favorite song came on, she pulled Adam onto the dance floor, leaving you and Ryan in awkward silence.

“Hey, do you think you could grab me another drink?” you asked. “My heels are killing me or else I’d go myself.”

“Sure, vodka cranberry?” he asked and you were shocked he’d noticed your drink of choice.

“Yeah, thanks” you smiled, handing him your debit card.

“No worries, I got it.”

“No, I insist” you said and his lips flattened into a grimace as he took your card and headed to the bar.

You had a wonderfully calm few moments to yourself, taking in the crowd and chuckling at some antics the other guys were getting into when you felt a hand on your shoulder. “Y/N?”

You turned, expecting to see Laf or Ryan but your blood turned cold as your eyes met your ex’s.

“Can I help you with something Kyle?” you asked, trying to keep your voice steady.

“Shit, just wanted to see how you were. No need to be such a bitch” he smirked, knowing how much that would upset you and doing it anyway. You tried hiding your shaking hands in your lap before he saw them.

“Well, I was fine until you showed up. Now can you leave?”

“You’d really treat an old friend like that?”

“She said she’d like you to leave.”

***

Ryan turned from the bar to see a smarmy looking guy with you. He’d planned to hang by the bar for a minute to give you two privacy but changed his mind when he saw your shaky hands beneath the table and remembered Hanna mentioning you had a shitty ex. As he made his way to you, he caught the tail end of the conversation.

“She said she’d like you to leave” he said sternly, settling your drink in front of you on the table before placing himself between you and the man.

“Oh sorry, didn’t realize I was interrupting a date” the guy said, shooting you a look that made Ryan see red.

“You’re not but I’d still suggest you leave.”

“Or what?”

Ryan chuckled, like he did when someone challenged him on the ice. “So, I could easily rock your shit myself but see that guy dancing? Oh and that pair at the bar? We could all meet you outside if you’d like” he replied, sending the dude a menacing grin. The guy tried to hold Ryan’s gaze but quickly turned and fled.

“Are you okay?” Ryan asked quietly, finally turning to face you. His heart sank at the terror in your eyes and how queasy your expression looked. You shook your head, chugging the drink he’d set down. “Let me get Hanna.”

Before you could answer, he went and retrieved her, quickly filling her in as they walked back to the table. Hanna helped you up onto shaky legs as Adam placed a hand on your back to guide you out of the bar, his girlfriend whispering soothing words in your ear the whole way. It wasn’t until he watched your taxi leave that he realized he still had your debit card in his pocket.

***

The next morning was a Sunday, which you were immensely thankful for. Last night was still replaying in your mind when your phone buzzed on your nightstand. Figuring it was Hanna checking in, you grabbed it only to see a text from a number you didn’t recognize.

It’s Ryan, Hanna gave me your number. I have your card. I can drop it off if you want.

You chuckled to yourself, unsurprised that he was such a stale texter. You mulled over his offer. He’d really saved your ass last night and you felt a flood of gratitude fill your chest. You weren’t sure you liked him but he’d certainly helped you in a way he had no obligation to.

Let me come to you, I need to get out of the house anyway. Text me your address and I’ll come by in a couple hours?

All he sent back was a thumbs up emoji followed by his address. You realized it was only a few blocks away and figured the walk there would be good to clear your head. You got out of bed and preheat the oven—baking also steadied your mind and cookies made a nice thank you gift.

The next few hours were spent whipping up chocolate chip cookies and making yourself look somewhat presentable to head out into the world. The crisp air grounded you on the short walk to his apartment building. You sent him a text you were there and the front door immediately buzzed open for you.

You didn’t expect to see him waiting in his doorway, shooing someone back into the apartment behind him. “Hey” you greeted, feeling shy all of a sudden. You hadn’t really thought about how it would feel to be alone with Ryan, especially at his place.

“Hey, sorry, want to stop in for a minute? Jax here loves to run for it whenever he can” he smiled, gesturing behind himself. Confusion flooded your mind as your heart fluttered at his smile and you realized it was the first time you’d ever seen it.

“Sure, I come bearing gifts anyway” you smiled back, holding up the cookies. Ryan moved just enough to let you in while keeping his body between you and the large dog behind him. “Hi there, Jax.”

At the mention of his name, Jax turned his attention from the door to you, his tail wagging eagerly at the attention. You offered the plate to Ryan before leaning down to pet him, surprised to see a smaller dog wander out from another room to join you. “And who are you, cutie?” you cooed.

“That would be Jasper. And you didn’t have to bring me anything” he replied and you glanced up to see his cheeks pinken.

“Jasper, so nice to meet you” you said, giving both dogs a final pet before standing. “I know, but I wanted to thank you. I really appreciated what you did for me yesterday.”

“Y/N, you don’t need to thank me. Are you doing okay today?” he asked, eyes searching your face in a surprisingly gentle way.

“I’ve been better but yeah, I’m alright. He’s a real prick.”

“Yeah, I noticed that much” he quipped. He seemed to be trying to match your tone and joke it away but you noticed the anger that lingered in his eyes.

“I don’t want to keep you though, I just wanted to bring you those and grab my card. I’m sure you have practice or something soon.”

“I’m actually off today and don’t really know what to do with myself” he admitted, laughing quietly to himself. “Would you like a drink? I’m dying to try one of these.”

“Sure, water is good” you replied, quickly grabbing a cookie before he took the plate with him into the kitchen. You took the chance to look around his apartment while his back was to you and you nearly choked on your cookie.

“You okay over there?” he called as you fought for your breath back. You couldn’t quite answer so he returned to check on you, face paling as he noticed what had caught your attention. He grimaced as he handed you the water bottle that he’d gotten for you.

“The Notebook?” you questioned, suppressing a laugh.

“Yeah, it’s my favorite movie” he admitted, avoiding your gaze.

“You’re shitting me.”

“I am not!” he replied defensively and you finally let your laugh out. “Great, the first time I make you laugh and it’s at me not one of my jokes.”

As you caught your breath, you noticed a cat tree in the hallway. “You have cats too? I’d pinned you for a dog guy.”

“What does that mean?”

“I don’t know, you’re just this big, stoic guy I assumed you’d have dogs” you admitted, now feeling embarrassed at your assumption.

“I’ll have you know Lily and Luna are actually my favorites” he countered and you felt your eyebrows shoot up. “I may as well just show you.”

He made his way down the hallway without another word so you followed. He turned left and gestured for you to enter the room. “No fucking way” you breathed out, taking it in.

The entire room was dedicated to his pets. There were shelves strategically built into the wall for the cats, who were snoozing in a window seat, to climb. There were at least half a dozen beds of varying sizes, tons of toys strewn everywhere, and a cabinet full of their food and treats.

“Holy shit, this is amazing” you breathed out, shocked at the love that had clearly been poured into this room.

“You think so?”

“I mean, it shows you’re actually just a big softie despite the tough guy act.”

“I do not have a tough guy act” he argued and you shot him a look. “I can’t help what my resting face looks like and if I recall correctly, you weren’t exactly the warmest person. At least not to me anyways.”

You felt guilt hit you, sharp and painful. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”

He seemed surprised by your admission but just nodded. “I’m sorry too, I know I don’t make great first impressions.”

You two stood in awkward silence before you finally spoke up. “So, I’ve never actually seen The Notebook.”

“Well, we should fix that, don’t you think?”

***

“Birdie, can you grab me the bag of pretzels while you’re in there?” Ryan called from the living room.

You rolled your eyes at the nickname he’d given you that first day you’d spent together. After watching The Notebook, you’d admitted it was a sweet movie but had teased him relentlessly about how obsessed he was with it.

“I can’t believe you don’t love it! I mean, ‘If you’re a bird, I’m a bird?’”

“So, you’re a softie and a secret romantic” you’d goaded and he’d rolled his eyes.

“Whatever, birdie.”

Despite you arguing for months now that it was a dumb nickname, your protests had only made him dig his heels in more. Hanna found it endearing but Adam agreed with you. While the four of you hung out, most of the time it was just you and Ryan at his apartment. You were obsessed with his animals and they quickly grew attached to you, to the point that when Ryan had road games you just crashed in his guest room and took care of them so he didn’t have to get a sitter.

“Dude, you finished the pretzels yesterday, I told you that” you chastised and he groaned in annoyance. You smirked at his bad memory and grabbed a bag of popcorn for him instead.

“Will this do?” you questioned settling in beside him.

“Given what you’re about to put me through, it’s the least you could do” he frowned, digging into his snack as he hit play. It was your turn to pick and Ryan wasn’t pleased that you’d chosen a horror movie.

“Big baby” you teased, knocking your shoulder into his. He proved you right by jumping and swearing every five minutes, finally curling up beneath a blanket. Once it was over, he left to use the restroom and you were playing on your phone when his lit up on the couch. You noted an unfamiliar name had sent the text…who the fuck was Rose?

Jealousy surged into you, unexpected and fierce. You had no claim to him but that didn’t stop your chest from aching. Since your friendship had started off so tensely, you’d tried pushing your growing feelings for Ryan as far down as they’d go—you didn’t want to complicate things.

Ryan returned a moment later and scooped up his phone, smiling at whatever Rose had messaged before typing his response. You heaved a big sigh before getting up to grab your coat.

“What’s wrong with you?” he asked, surprised.

“Nothing, I’m just going to head home” you replied shortly.

“Bullshit, you’re pissed.”

“I’m not mad, just don’t want to interrupt you and Rose” you snapped before you could stop yourself. A long silence filled his apartment.

“Y/N?” Ryan questioned, amusement in his voice.

“What?” you sighed, refusing to turn around.

“Rose is my cousin.”

Jealousy was quickly replaced by embarrassment as you bent down to grab your shoes. “Y/N, stop just look at me” he begged.

You took a deep breath before finally facing him. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”

“You don’t need to be sorry, just don’t leave” he requested quietly.

“Why not?”

“Because if I saw a random dude’s name on your phone, I’d react the same way.”

His admission hung in the air between you before you both surged for each other. Your lips crashed together and his hands quickly removed the coat you’d just put on, your own fingers finding the hem of his shirt and yanking it over his head.

Coherent thoughts left your mind as you pulled him back to you and felt his growing eagerness press into your stomach. You groaned at the sensation, making quick work of removing his jeans.

“No fair” he breathed out raggedly, shaky hands reaching for your shirt to even things out a bit more. You grinned at his comment, removing the sweatpants you’d stolen from him before palming him through his boxers “Fuck” he breathed out unevenly.

“Okay?” you questioned, noting his nerves.

“I’ve wanted this for months” he confessed, eyes boring into yours. The admission stole your breath away and him kissing you again didn’t help you regain it. Your tongues twined deliciously together as he backed you down the hallway. His hands, a bit steadier now, removed your bra somewhere between the living room and his bedroom. He gently nudged you onto the bed, hovering over you, one hand kneading your breast while the other teased the hem of your underwear.

“Please Ryan” you breathed out, bucking your hips up towards him. He smirked, dropping his head to suck on a nipple before placing teasingly gentle kisses along your stomach down to your hipbones. His blue eyes rose to meet yours as he slid your underwear off and you shivered in anticipation.

He spread your thighs, head dipping down to lick a slow, tantalizing strip up your center. You hissed at the contact and his hand pressed your hips down before they could buck up again.

“No patience” he chastised.

“I’ve been patient for months, Ryan, would you just, fuck—” he silenced your complaints by plunging a finger inside you.

“Better birdie?” he teased. You wanted to say something sarcastic back but he quickly added a second finger and dropped his lips to your clit which made forming a sentence impossible, so you just moaned in reply to his question.

He curled his fingers and found your spot quicker than any of your exes ever had. Between the steady pumping of his fingers and him sucking on your clit, you were writhing beneath him within moments. “Oh my god, Ryan” you breathed out, digging your heels into his back. 

“You’re already so wet for me” he breathed out, taking a second to glance up at you. The sheen of your arousal on his mouth made you all the more impatient so you sat up, dragging his face to yours. You moaned again at the taste of yourself on his tongue while his hands dug around in his nightstand for a condom. You flipped yourself on top of him once he was ready for you and sank onto his length.

“Shit, give me a minute” he ground out and it took all your willpower to just kiss him for a moment while he composed himself.

***

Ryan was overwhelmed. He’d wanted you since that first party and his desire had only deepened in the months your friendship had grown. Now, you were wrapped around him and his senses were in overdrive. He nodded into the kiss and you rolled your hips drawing a groan from both your mouths.

You rested your hands on his shoulder as you rocked into him and he opened his eyes to look at you. Your eyes were closed and your face looked more relaxed than he’d ever seen it. Your mouth was parted ever so slightly, your lips kiss swollen, and he finally let himself acknowledge that he was in love with you—that he had been for quite some time.

“God, you’re so beautiful” he breathed out, gently running a thumb over your cheek. Your eyes met his and he swore he saw the same emotion in them as you leaned down to capture his lips again. He wrapped his arms around your waist to pull you closer, your chests flush together as your tongues moved in perfect rhythm together. He noticed your movements were getting sloppier so he snuck a hand between you, finding your clit.

As soon as he ran his thumb over your bud, you pulled away to rest your forehead against his shoulder, your breath becoming more ragged as your speed picked up. “I’m so close Ryan, please don’t stop.”

“I’ve got you, birdie” he replied and to his surprise that nickname, the one you hated, was your undoing. As your walls clenched around him, he squeezed his eyes shut at the sensation. Your whines were driving him crazy and he quickly flipped you so you were beneath him.

***

You had barely caught your breath when Ryan was suddenly on top of you, plunging in even deeper as his hands roughly grabbed your hips. His eyes were shut and his face was twisted with pure pleasure as he set a rough, ruthless pace that quickly had your core tightening again.

“How the fuck are you going to make me cum again?” you breathed out without thinking and he laughed.

“Because you’re taking me so good” he praised and you whined in pleasure at his words. “You like that huh? Like being told what a good girl you are?”

“Fuck, yes, yes” you panted out, hand reaching between you to circle your clit.  You felt yourself tightening, the sound of skin slapping skin intoxicating.

He groaned at your response, his rhythm getting a little sloppy but his speed never letting up. Your eyes met and he dropped his forehead to yours, your breath mingling together. “I can feel how close you are. Cum for me” he demanded, his eyes locked on yours and your second orgasm tore through you at his command.

You fought the desire to close your eyes at the pleasure, even more desperate to see him come undone for you. The intensity of your gaze seemed to push him over the edge and he groaned as he slammed into you a few more times before stilling, buried deep inside you.

“Fuck, Y/N” he breathed shakily, forehead dropping to your shoulder. “That was incredible.”

“Yeah, you weren’t so bad yourself” you replied, trying to catch your breath. You stayed together like that for another moment before he gently pulled out and cleaned you two up. Your eyes remained shut as you slowly came down from your high and settled back into your body.

You felt the bed sink as he returned but you couldn’t make yourself open your eyes yet; you felt so peaceful, so safe, like this with Ryan and you wanted to relish in it.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen” he said quietly, and the sincerity in his voice made your throat tighten.

“You’re just saying that because we had mind-blowing sex” you replied, trying to downplay how much his words impacted you.

“Hey, look at me” he commanded quietly and your eyes drifted to his. “I’m saying that because I’ve thought it since I first saw you at that party.”

“You don’t have to say that, Ryan” you argued softly.

“But I want to, because it’s true. Why do you think I was such a weirdo that night? I was dumb struck.”

You chuckled at his words, finally turning to face him fully. Your thumb gently traced his cheekbone as you replied, “I’m sorry, I’m not very good at taking compliments.”

“You don’t need to be sorry” he insisted, his hand resting on your hip. “I have all the time in the world to show you I mean what I’m saying…if you’ll have me.”

“I want nothing more” you admitted, emotions swelling in your chest. He smiled and it knocked the wind out of you, the love and affection apparent on his face.

“Then I’m yours” he promised and you allowed yourself to believe him. But you also couldn’t help yourself from leaning in slowly, noting the catch in his breath as your lips met his ear.

“If you’re a bird, I’m a bird” you whispered.

“Oh, fuck off” he groaned, jokingly shoving you away as your giggles filled the room.

A/N: I hope y'all enjoyed! I have been wanting to write about grumpy man's obsession with The Notebook for a hot minute so I hope this finds its niche audience.

[rodrigo-esc]

Names & Nudges Who: Rodrigo and Jade ( @jade-escobar ) What: Jade and Rodrigo have a nice talk and get a pleasant surprise!! Where: Rodrigo and Jade's casita When: 6/19/2024; evening.

JADE

Jade was sitting on one of the living room couches, having just finished checking on Pip and Kiwi. She had some unexpected sobbing moments when learning that it wasn't necessarily safe for her to handle her birds while she was pregnant. The most she could do was pass them long treats through the bars of their cage and talk to them from said cage. Miranda seemed to sense her melancholy and hopped onto the couch, nestling next to her thigh. She pressed her face to the side of Jade's growing belly, and then settled like she was preparing for a nice nap.

With a small sigh, Jade turned on the TV but hadn't found anything that was holding her interest. She took out her phone, letting a rerun of *Chopped* serve as background noise while she scrolled through her phone and idly pet Miranda behind her ears. She'd pulled up one of her more frequently visited websites of late and began scrolling where she left off, a small pout unintentionally formed on her bottom lip. Her eyes were on the phone screen though as she slid her thumb up and down the page, momentarily fixed on it more than her surroundings.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo had gone out to get a few things. He wanted to cheer his wife up a bit considering she seemed very upsent upon learning she wouldn't be able to handle their birds while pregnant. He picked up a few muffins and some other goodies that Jade liked along with necessities for the house. Rodrigo was planning on cooking them both dinner tonight. He has already learned so much from Jade and had gotten some recipes from his mother.  Once he arrived at their home, he hung his keys on the hooks beside the door and left the mail he picked up there as well. "Hey, honey!"  Rodrigo placed the groceries on their table.

He noticed that she still looked a little down so he kicked off his sneakers and then plopped himself right next to her, chuckling when Miranda began to nudge his leg with her head. "Hey....awww. Come here..." He let Miranda climb onto his lap but was referring to Jade and so he wrapped his arm aroud her and brought her close to him. "I got a bunch of goodies and I'm going to make dinner tonight. I was thinking tacos!" He kissed the top of her head. "Aaaannnddd I got two baby name books for us to look at." Hopefully looking at names would help.

JADE

Jade had heard Rodrigo come in and briefly looked up from her phone when he called out to her. "Hey," she called out, not meaning to sound so deflated in that one-word greeting. But she was wearing her disappointment on her face too apparently because of her husband's instant attention to her. Jade leaned into him as much as her rounded belly would allow and set her phone on her thigh so she could wrap her arms around him too. "I'm okay, really," Jade assured even though she *was* comforted by Rodrigo. "Tacos are fine for dinner. Can you make some of tortillas flat for tostadas?" She lowered a hand from around her husband to rest her hand on her bump and looked up to his face as she asked, "Are any of the groceries frozen? Do you need any help putting it away?" She smiled a little and reached for her phone to show him the screen--more specifically, the website she'd been on. "I've been looking at some names online, so it looks like we're thinking the same thing."

RODRIGO

Rodrigo hoped she was okay and massaged Jade's hair for a bit. "It's okay to be disappointed though. Just remember, it's not a permanent thing." He cuddled up next to her and gently placed a hand on her growing belly. Rodrigo leaned in to kiss here there and smiled. "Hi, littles. It's your daddy. I just got mommy some yummy treats so you're both going to be so excited." He nodded at Jade's question about the tostadas. "Anything my wife wants. I'll be sure to make a few for you." He looked over to the groceries and the one insulated bag. "I do have a few perishable things. Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it and you yell out what names have been popping at you." Rodrigo kissed her cheek a few times before standing up to jog toward the table to grab the insulated bag. "Okay, give it to me straight..." He grinned and walked toward the fridge to put away some veggies, fruits, milk and other perishable items he had purchased.

JADE

"You're right and I'm trying to make sure I remember that. It's an adjustment, even if it's only temporary," Jade said, rubbing the side of her bump. She watched Rodrigo talk to their babies and smiled. Rodrigo talking to the babies from inside her belly was one of her favorite things while being pregnant. And when he agreed to tostadas, she ran a set of fingers through his hair and leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, honey. Let me know if I can do anything to help, okay?" She had been napping on and off when trips to the bathroom weren't a necessity and was feeling a desire to be productive. When he asked about names, Jade turned her phone to herself and said, "Well, I still really love Ciel and Felix. Those are still my top choices." She scrolled a little on her screen, "I also like Mateo, Miles, and Nico for a boy. And for a girl? Renata, Marilyn and Zora." Sticking her phone in her pocket, Jade picked up Miranda to hold her while scooting off of the couch and getting to her feet. She cradled the young cat and gently rubber her head and back. "And I'd still love to include your mom as a namesake for a girl. Have you thought about names that you love?" Carefully, she set Miranda to the floor and lightly waddled to the sink to wash her hands. "Did you get a chance to look through the book before you bought it?"

RODRIGO

"That's it! I think if you keep repeating that, you'll be okay, honey. As hard as it is." He smiled when she rubbed his hair. He affectionally tapped her belly and whispered a few things to the twins before sitting up again. "Of course. But right now, you're going to be a big help by telling me the names that have caught your interest." He chuckled and once in front of the fridge, he began to put things away.  He washed the fruit before transferring them to their protective tupperwares and then put away any frozen items he had gotten like pregnancy pops to help Jade with her nausea and some ice cream. He had also purchased two frozen pizzas for lazy days when they both wanted to veg out. He listened to the names as he did this, a smile forming on his face that never left. "Well, I really like all of those choices. It's funny because I had my heart set on Felix too! Look at US twinning." He looked over his shoulder to blos her a kiss and then smiled when he saw Jade waddling to him. "Yeah, so as soon my eyes zeroed in on Felix, it was on the top of my list too. And I like Ciel. That's pretty and different. It's like Cielo.  The other names you mentioned are nice. I've always liked Miles too. Renata is very pretty. I like Theodore too and Aurelia too!"

JADE

Jade lightly rolled her eyes at how she could be helpful and said, "Well thank you for putting all of the groceries away, honey. I promise I can be more helpful than that though. I'm feeling pretty good today. I could chop tomatoes or shred the lettuce or something." As she finished sharing the names she liked the most, she smiled at him saying that he was fond of Felix as well. "Does this mean we have a first name for our baby boy?" She washed her hands while listening to her husband and then took a seat on one of the bar stools near the kitchen. "Their meanings are similar. Ciel is French for 'Heaven'. And it just sounds so beautiful and less common than Heaven or Nevaeh. And Felix means 'happy' or 'lucky'. Both have really nice meanings and I can't stop going back to them for names." She watched Rodrigo and glanced at some of the groceries he'd put away, all theile listening to them. Theodore and Aurelia are nice. Aurelia is pretty, and you don't hear Theodore that often anymore." Idly rubbing her rounded stomach, she asked, "Were you wanting to do middle names? Or namesakes?"

RODRIGO

Rodrigo grinned, looking over to Jade as she rolled her eyes and then pressed a kiss against her forehead. "okay, let's get some veggies cut up, chop chop, Escobar!" He teased as he pulled their cutting board from one of the drawers and passed it to his wife. "I think we do! Felix is perfect! Ahh, I love it, honey." Rodrigo smiled as Jade explained the name Ciel and it's meaning. "I do love that. Ciel sounds so pretty and original. It fits our babies!" He nodded at the comment about Theodore. "You're right and I love the name Theo for short but I keep returning to Felix too," Rodrigo smirked at the middle name question. "You're not Mexican if you don't have a million names so yes to the middle names. "Maybe we can honor some important people in our life? Orrrr use one of the names we were considering. Wait, we just decided on two names, babe!" He beamed and turned to face Jade. "This is amazing! Felix and Ciel!"

JADE

When Rodrigo agreed tonher helping out, she smiled sincerely and picked out a knife to use. "You must be referring to yourself witj that hasty talk, *Escobar*," she teased right back. It made her even happier to hear that her husband really liked the two names. Jade chuckled at Rodrigo's middle names comment. "Don't forget, beloved, you're talking to someone who recently dropped one of her *three* middle names." She set the knife with the cutting board and decided to start with the lettuce, rinsing it off in the sink first. His idea of honoring important people in their lives had her thinking but she smiled while tearing off a paper towel to dry the lettuce leaves a bit.  She grinned while sitting on the stool again. "Really? Thise are the names you want to give our babies too?" She was a bit giddy thinking about it, knowing that it could have taken them much longer to decide on what to name their children. Smiling still, she began rolling the lettuce leaves and thought aloud as she began chopping. "What do you think about honoring your mother? Ciel Emiliana? And we could go with Felix Theodore, maybe? Or include Theodore as a second middle name?" Outside of her siblings and Frankie, there wasn't anyone whom she knew before Rodrigo whom she would want to make a namesake to their children. "Ciel Emiliana Aurelia Escobar?" she posed, expertly chopping the last of the lettuce.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo laughed at Jade's teasing and then nodded at her response about the middle names. "Oh Lord, how can I forget?" He chuckled some more and pulled out the steak from the fridge along with the radishes, onions, and limes. He enjoyed cooking with Jade now that he's gotten into it. He was thankful for her and his mom who had taught him a lot over the last couple of months. He was able to fend for himself but being able to cook some cuisines made him happy. He'd be able to help his wife when she needed to rest both pre- and postpartum. "Yes! I love the names and I think it fits us and our future kids. I love the meanings of the names. They're perfect." Rodrigo began chopping up the radishes and smiled at the mention of honoring his mother. He listened intently, chopping away and when Jade said Ciel's future full name out loud, he paused. His smile was wide as ever. "That sounds beautiful. Felix Theordore sounds like he's going to be the best gentleman. Sounds like a Bridgerton character honestly. I love it. And Ciel Emiliana Aurelia Escobar? Are you kidding me? Our kids will be royalty. As they should be." He pointed at Jade with the knife and grinner. "I think we've got ourselves baby names!"

JADE

"I'm sure you'll end up saying all of them to me sometime when I'm in trouble with you, huh?" Jade teased. She watched Rodrigo take out various ingredients and smiled proudly at him and his culinary prowess. Her smile lingered and even brightened from him loving the names for their babies. "You like them both? You don't think that Felix should have a second middle name like his sister, do you?" She wasn't sure if Fletcher would be a namesake that Rodrigo would want, or if his own name would be one he would want. "He could be Felix Theodore Fletcher, or Felix Theodore Rodrigo Escobar?" She mulled them both over in her mind while waiting to hear her husband's thoughts. And after she finished chopping the lettuces into shredded strips, she got off of the stool to get a bowl for it and then move on to the tomatoes. "I do love Ciel's name, completely. And I would love Felix's if he had one middle name or two."

RODRIGO

"You know me too well." He chuckled as he looked for their frying pan to sit to the side. Rodrigo put some seasonings on the side and reached for the Adobo and Sazon. He listened to his wife and began to season the steak. "I do like them both. Rodrigo mused over Jade's question for a bit and the more he thought about it, the more it made sense to give Felix another middle name like Ciel. When Fletcher's name was mentioned it made Rodrigo smile as he imagined the look on his best friend's face when finds out he named his first son after him. Felix Theodore Fletcher does sound very strong, right?" He smiled even wider as he poured some olive oil onto the pan. "Fletcher is going to freak out...Felix...do you hear that mijo? What do you think about that?" He let the steak simmer for a bit before washing his hands thoroughly and turning around to face Jade. "I love their names, honey."

JADE

"I hope so, beloved husband," Jade smiled. She'd then given a second middle name possibility for their son and mused a couple of ideas aloud, even adding a third, "Would it  feel unoriginal to make Emiliano a contender? Felix Theodore Emiliano  Escobar?" She was adding the last bits of lettuce to the bowl and walked over to the sink to rinse the cutting board off while listening to her husband. "Felix Theodore Fletcher Escobar does sound strong." Standing at the counter for a while as she lined up the tomatoes, she chuckled at herself and gave him a guilty smile, "I'm sorry I'm being so indecisive. It's just... it's our babies' *names*." Her cheeks were warm as she said, "Okay! Felix Theodore Fletcher Escobar." She smiled, lowering a hand to her belly as Rodrigo spoke to their son. "How long do you think we can keep their full names a surpr--" Jade cut herself off abruptly and went still. She wasn't sure if she imagined it or if, for the first time, she was feeling kicks on the outside and not just movement from within. "Rodrigo, come here!" she whispered for no sensible reason, setting the knife down and stepping back from the counter. "Let me see your hand," she said, not wanting to move her one hand from the spot where she was feeling one of the babies moving around until she could replace it with Rodrigo's.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo was all smiles as he listened to Jade’s suggestions for names. There was a peace about her that he couldn’t quite convey into words. After everything his wife’s has been through, to see her this happy and full of love made Rodrigo feel like at that moment, there was no better feeling. It was like he wished he could stop time to properly take it all in. “Don’t apologize for that. It’s a big deal …” he watched her with love in his gaze and when she began to pose the next question, Rodrigo already knew his answer but Jade had stopped mid-question. “Hey, are you alright?” He immediately pushed himself off the counter and walked to his wife. At her request, Rodrigo gave her his hand and then placed it over hers. Arching a brow, he positioned himself so that he replaced Jade’s hand and then with his free hand, he held on to the other side of Jade’s belly. He was looking down at first but the moment he felt the little flutter against Jade’s stomach, Rodrigo gasped and looked up at her with a giant smile. “Is that? Is that them??” His voice practically cracked before he let a soft chuckle fall from his lips. “Oh my God…”

JADE

"It is, but.." She chuckled again, "I guess I'm just so used to being more decisive than this." It was one of the  conditioned behaviors of hers, but talking about their son's name had her tossing a few ideas her husband's way. Still, she had felt an abundance of happiness while talking about names with Rodrigo and helping him with dinner. Her question about sharing the names was interrupted by the persistent nudges low on her rounded bump. She was surprised to feel it from the outside, and immediately eager for Rodrigo to feel it too. Nodding quickly to assure him she was alright, she let his hand replace hers and she grinned at his reaction. "Yes! I don't know if it's a hand or a foot...or if it's Felix or Ciel but it's definitely one of them." She laughed a little, looking up to Rodrigo’s face. "Maybe they're celebrating them having names now."

RODRIGO

“I know but it’s cute and endearing and I love how excited you are and how much you’re glowing. You’re already the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You just keep getting more beautiful.” He wasn’t over exaggerating. Rodrigo had instantly felt gravitated towards Jade and it only had grown over time. Seeing her like this, carrying their children, ignited something else in him. Rodrigo was on the brink of tears as he felt the nudges become stronger. “Oh my God!” He couldn’t believe it. They were told they’d feel kicks soon but to actually experience them was a whole other level of amazing. “Maybe that’s Felix’s way of responding to liking his name. You guys… hiiii it’s your daddy. The annoying voice you hear everyday because we all know mommy’s voice is top tier.” Rodrigo smiled at his wife and pressed a kiss against her lips. When he felt yet another kick, his eyes widened like a child in a toy store and he felt his tears fall as he laughed from the excitement. “Oh I love you guys so much. The three of you.” Rodrigo smiled. “You guys having a party in there or something?”

JADE

Jade blushed under Rodrigo's compliments and observations of her. "I've been saying it a lot lately, but I'm so happy. I'm happily married to the best man in the universe, and we have healthy babies growing and getting more and more ready to meet us with each day." Jade had never known love like this or any degree of what love had been expressed to her before Rodrigo. He was her friend, her lover, her advocate, her partner and her husband. And now, he was going to be the father to the two little ones growing inside of her. How could she *not* be radiant when she had someone so amazing by her side? Even as he was feeling the kicks and taking in the moment, she was feeling new waves of love for him wash over her. She tilted her chin up to meet his lips and smiled at him again, and then looked down as Rodrigo spoke to the twins. Shaking her head, she chimed in, "That's not true. We love to hear Daddy's voice, don't we?" Shd rested her hands along the back of her hips until she felt some movement higher up on her bump. Placing one hand there, it felt as though the other baby was stretching from the slow push under her palm. "I think one of them woke the other one up." She grinned and guided Rodrigo's free hand to the second spot on her bump so that he could catch the less active but still obvious pushes from within her womb. And with his hands occupied, Jade reached up to wipe his eyes. "We love you too, honey. Always, always, always."

RODRIGO

"I can tell..." He couldn't help but feel touched by his wife's words. Even if he'd heard the same ones before, it was always nice hearing how happy she was to marry him and think he was the best man in the universe. It gave him a purpose, it gave him something to live up to. He always wanted to be the best man for her.  And now they had so much to live for, so much to feel happy about, and to see Jade feeling all of those positive feelings made him even happier. It only continued to solidify the fact that they belonged together and Rodrigo knew that the moment she walked into his life. Somehow, he knew that Jade would be his future wife. "Ehhh..." He grinned and then his eyes widened some more as Jade explained that there was more movement. " He followed her hand to the second spot and he grinned along with Jade. "I can't believe it. Are you guys telling us you love your names? I bet that's what it is." He smiled  at Jade's gesture of wiping his eyes and still keeping his hands on her belly, he pressed another kiss against her lips. "Thank you for keeping them healthy and happy in there and for all that you do. You're already an incredible mommy."

JADE

Jade was thoroughly jubilant, beaming at Rodrigo. Even when his gave an "Ehhh" reply about her and their children loving his voice, she was still smiling as she lovingly swatted his arm. "It’s true!" she insisted. And while Rodrigo had his hands positioned to feel both babies kicking, she wiped his eyes and then rested her hands along the back of her hips, eyes looking up at her husband's face. "So, we're decided then? Ciel Emiliana Aurelia and Felix Theodore... Fletcher or Emiliano?" She met his lips when he bent to kiss hers, and then she was back to smiling again. "Thank *you* for all of your help with our babies being happy and healthy." She'd traded her runs and jogs for brisk walks, managed to eat more than she normally would during the day while still keeping things healthy (except when cravings took over), rested when she was truly tired, took it easy when her nausea got the better of her, and overall was listening to her body more. Not only was Jade touched by Rodrigo's gratitude but being called 'mommy' very nearly had her tear up a little. "I love you," she told Rodrigo, gazing up into his eyes.

RODRIGO

He chuckled at the swat on his arm. "That's three since the wedding! Keeping count." He grinned teasingly and then kissed Jade again. "We're decided. The babies have said the final word. And..Fletcher. I have a feeling he's going to be a menace just like his uncle anyway." Rodrigo didn't know that but he figured if Felix would grow up to be anything like his brother, he'd be lucky as hell. "I'm doing the bare minimum my love. You're doing all the work and I'm so proud of you. But you are so welcome." He couldn't believe everything that had happened over the last couple of minutes. Rodrigo then gasped softly, remembering the steak and laughing. "This is why you're the chef." he skipped back to the stove and flipped the meat over. "Well done is better anyway for you." he chuckled and waited for the other side to cook before he could cut it up for their tacos and Jade's tostadas. "Felix and Ciel are going to be so loved. I'm going to make sure they know how wanted they are. I promise."

JADE

"And how many before then?" She asked teasingly. She returned Rodrigo's kisses and listened as he finalized their babies' names. His comments about Fletcher made her smile all over again. But she shook her head, "I'm still grateful no matter how little you think you're doing. She couldn't imagine doing it all alone and knew Rodrigo would never put her in that position. But she watched him hurry back to the steak and pulled a face, "Well done is..." She knew he was right so she trailed off but it didn't stop her from showing her displeasure on her face for a moment, returning to the tomatoes to dice. But talking about their babies with names, identities made her grimace dissolve into another smile. "I know you will, honey. We both will make sure they never go a day in their lives without knowing how much we love them, and that they have more family who love them than they'll know what to do with." She picked up the ends of the tomatoes and threw them on the food waste bin, and then took out another bowl for what she had diced up. "Is there anything else I can help with?"

RODRIGO

"Who knows!" He chuckled, teasing his wife because he enjoyed when she played with him like this. "He'll probably go and have another kid just so he can name it after me." Rodrigo smirked at the thought. "Thank you, my love. You deserve it all more and all the good things coming your way." Rodrigo grinned when Jade commented on the steak. "I know, I know. After the babies I'll make sure to give you all the steak." He watched the steak and then used tongs to pull it onto a plate to cut up into strips for their meal. He continued smiling as he listened to his wife agreeing with everything she was saying. "Hmm, Can you cut up some limes?" He added the cut up radishes and onions to the counter and then moves to heat up the tortillas, mindful to keep a couple on longer to make tostadas for Jade. "We should be ready to eat in a couple of minutes! Did you want something else? I can make some rice if you want?"

JADE

Jade giggled at her husband's response and then some more at what he said Fletcher might do. She loved the relationship between Rodrigo and Fletcher, knowing it was truly special. And she blushed from her husband's continued kind acknowledgements to her. Her thoughts on well done steak weren't lost on him, clearly but she chuckled, "You don't have to do that. It's not like I eat steak all the time. But I *would* be very happy to have sushi for my first post-pregnancy meal." While he cut the steak for them, Jade went to get the limes and rinsed them off before settling herself in front of the cutting board again. She eyed the radishes and onions and asked, "Can you sautée the radishes a bit for me, honey? I read online that raw radish isn't good for the babies." Between the books and online articles, there had been an overwhelming amount of information out there, but whether conscious or not, she ended up a little hyperfocused on the content around foods. She quartered the limes into wedges and then moved to get a small bowl to put them in, setting them next to the bowls she'd set the lettuce and tomatoes in, and then took the cutting board and knife to the sink for rinsing off. "Hmm... no, thank you. Rice sounds tempting but you don't have to make some if you're going to make it for me. I know I'll fill up on it."

After putting the items in the dishwasher and dampening the dish cloth to wipe down the unoccupied counter space, she rinsed the cloth, wrang it out and returned it folded and draped between the 2 halves of the sink. "Okay," she blew out with a slightly sheepish smile and touched her husband's shoulder affectionately passing. "Since one of both of our children decided to settle down right on my bladder, I'm going to use the bathroom and then go sit down."

RODRIGO

"I will absolutely remember that. I'll make sure I order it and everything, get you a little platter of all your faves." He smirked and he knew that Jade knew he wasn't lying about that. Rodrigo would be ready with a platter of sushi for his wife once she's settled after giving birth. It's the least he could do for going through it all.  He nodded at her request to sautee the onions and grabbed a small frying pan to do so. "You got it." Once they were flipped over and cooked, he had everything in separate bowls and plates. He figured it would be easier to for them to pick and choose their toppings. Rodrigo enjoyed an onions and radishes with lime taco just as much as a fully loaded. "Um, excuse me? Your husband is a genius. I got some quick rice too. It's really good. I've got cilantro lime and plain white. Which one? it'll be done in like 10 minutes top." He then placed the plates and bowls in front of Jade and kissed her temple.

He chuckled at Jade's words and kissed her quickly again as she waddled toward the bathroom. "Okay, honey! When you return, your tostadas will be ready, nice and crispy." He flipped the now hardened tortilla and waited until his wife returned."

JADE

"Thank you," she said, already looking forward to it even though she still had plenty of time before she could enjoy sushi. She watched Rodrigo sautee the onions and opened her mouth to say something but closed it, deciding not to worry about the radishes since everything was being kept in separate containers. It would also make for easy cleanup later, which she was happy about. She raised both brows at him only to settle her features and smile at him, "You, my love, are brilliant. Cilantro lime then, please? And thank you." She kissed his shoulder after he kissed her temple, already looking forward to the flavorful rice.

"Thank you, we'll be back soon." She made her way to the downstairs half-bath and after using the toilet, washing her hands and pumping some lotion in her hands, she walked back out, rubbing it into her hands and a bit on her wrists too. "My skin has been so dry lately." She walked over to the kitchen again and said, "It smells great in here by the way. Should I fix my plate or go sit down?" she asked, reaching to take a couple of dinner plates out of the cabinet for the two of them.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo smiled at the gratitude. He would be sure to do anything and everything so that Jade could have a smooth pregnancy and delivery. He wanted to spoil her as much as possible post pregnancy too. "Cilantro lime it is." He smiled as Jade went off to the bathroom, remembering to also sautee the radishes. He added a couple to the now clean pan and cooked them for his wife.

When she was back, everything was ready. "Oh yeah? Is that because of the pregnancy? do you need me to pick up some CeraVe? And thank you! Like I said before, I've had an incredible mentor AKA beautiful wife. " He shook his head. "I'll bring everything over and we can make our tacos and tostadas." What do you want to drink?" Rodrigo started to bring the sides to the table as well as the newly cooked rice. He made sure he got everything they needed and took a seat. "Provecho." It was the Spanish version of Bon Appetit.  "Enjoy! You too Ciel and Felix."

JADE

"I think so. But no, no. There's lotion in all of the bathrooms, and my toiletry bag, and my purses. And I have some Vaseline in my toiletry bag and our bathroom. I just..." She bit her lip a little and admitted, "I might need help with my feet soon." It was getting harder to put on socks and shoes as her belly continued to expand. She had already switched fully to wearing crocks at work and wore house slippers with a grip on the soles whenever she wasn't barefoot at home. Rodrigo's compliment to her cooking skills and teaching had her smiling all over again. "You're a natural in the kitchen. Look at all this delicious food that you prepared for us!" Hearing his suggestion, Jade nodded, "That sounds like a great idea. And do we still have some Gatorade?" She set their plates down and then took a seat across from her husband. "*Gracias mi amor*," she replied, smiling and going for the rice first. Hearing the twins' names from Rodrigo some more just made her smile all over again. "Tell us how your day was," she requested, setting the serving spoon back into the rice and then picking up two of the crispy tostadas to prepare for herself.

RODRIGO

"Of course! I'll help with your feet and anything else you need. You don't have to ever worry about any of that, okay?" Rodrigo flashed Jade a smile  as he finished bringing all the bowls and plates. He stopped at her compliment and kissed the top of her head. "Thank you! Gatorade. Got it." Rodrigo reached for two glasses, filled them with ice in case Jade wanted her Gatorade cold, and brought their beverages. He opted for a root beer he had in the fridge.  He placed them on the table and then sat beside his wife. "De nada, querida." He grinned at her Spanish and reached for some steak pieces to build his taco. "Today wasn't so bad. I can't believe how quickly time is going. I'll probably be working two weeks of Summer camp to make some extra money and then take the rest of the summer off into my paternity leave. The babies coming at the tail end of summer couldn't be more perfect. I'll end up missing the first quarter or at least most of it but that's not bad. The school wants me to start working with the sub so that they know how to pick right up. How about your day?" Rodrigo felt satisfied with his bulky taco and took a generous bite.

JADE

"Thank you," Jade told him. She knew Rodrigo would help her if asked or needed it but Jade was still adjusting along the way with the pregnancy and needing help with simple or everyday tasks that she normally had no problem with. But she had absolute gratitude to her husband. While she finished making the tostadas for herself, she thanked Rodrigo for the Gatorade and ice, and listened to him share about his day. "Oh is it a summer day camp at the school or another location?" she wondered while also liking the sound of his plan. "Can you believe Leo, Henry and the twins will be eighth graders? They're sure to miss you in the classroom at the start of the year if they still have you for a teacher. Do you know whomyour students will be yet?" She spooned some rice from her plate and ate it while thinking about how her day had gone. Once her mouth was clear, she answered him. "Mine was good! With things getting set up in our new shop space, it's still a bit challenging to fulfill orders from the old space at the same time. Melissa has been managing a lot there while I've been overseeing things at our new location."

RODRIGO

"Mm..." He wiped his mouth and nodded. "Yep, we're doing summer camp on site but they're going to offer some sleepaway options too as they did in the Spring. So that'll be nice to have the choice." Rodrigo would be able to get some extra pay out of that which would be helpful for all the upcoming life events he and Jade had. "And nope. Don't get me started. I met Leo so young and no he's going to be in 8th grade. The twins have been amazing in middle school and Henry too. They're such a cute group of friends. The good thing is if their parents enroll them in our high school after they graduate next year, the campus is across from ours so I'll still see them and Winter can keep an eye on them all.  I'll still be their English teacher so I'll see them after paternity leave is up. Also, the headmistress wants to talk to me about taking up that Dean position. It's great money and I'll still get to teach and help the kids as well." He smiled. "I got a look at my roster for my 1st and 3rd period class and most of the same, some new kids. Enrollment ends in the summer so I'm sure it'll multiply." Rodrigo then took another bite of his taco, smiling as he watched Jade build her tostada. It was nice watching her eat. He nodded as she spoke and glanced over at her. "Do you need help with anything? I'd be happy to help."

JADE

Jade continued to eat the rice as she listened to Rodrigo. She always liked hearing him talk about his career and his students. The way he talked about them and showed how much he cared for them had been a big sign for Jade that he would make a great father someday. As she set her spoon down and broke off a piece of her tortilla to munch on, she asked him, "Do you want to take the dean position? I know you love to teach, but it sounds like she sees this opportunity as being fitting for you." She ate a little more and took her Gatorade to open, pouring some in the glass of ice. "It also sounds like you're more interested in it now. Is that true?" She smiled a bit, hearing that he would have a lot of the same kids to teach for the upcoming school year, and after a few sips of her drink, she told him, "I hope you don't get any kids who are too challenging. You're well-liked but I know there are some kids who like to push buttons just for the sake of testing boundaries, or getting attention they don't get at home." She had seen it herself back when she was in school, and doubted that much had changed in that regard now. When talking about her own day and Rodrigo asking to help, she hummed a little around the bite of steak in her mouth and then swallowed before answering. "I think we're okay right now but I would like some help with my office when the time comes, which should be in the next week. For right now, I just have the computer and printer set up so that orders and contracts can still be handled. But now that I have a more permanent and official office, I'd like to customize it some more."

RODRIGO

He nodded as he finished off the last of his second taco. "I do. It's a great opportunity. I'll be able to do more outreach to the kids and still get the chance to teach. And the salary is pretty good which would be great for our family." He smiled as he began building another taco. "Yeah, me too. I've had a couple here and there that were not easy but ended up being great kids. A lot of these children are just looking for attention and someone to speak to. They don't get a lot of that at home. Sadly, we don't get too many involved parents since they're all busy with work or their lives. It bothers me a lot. Maybe I can help with parent engagement if I take up the dean position. *when* I take up the dean position." He grinned at the thought. " What do you think? Should I do it?" He nodded as he listened. "Hey, I'd be glad to help but also, you should consider hiring an intern. Maybe a teenager who wants something to do over the summer and want the office experience. It would be a great opportunity for the right kid!" He remembered how taking up the groundskeeping assistant's job had helped him in high school. "Something to consider! And with customization, what are some ideas you have so far?"

JADE

Jade continued to listen and slowly eat her food as she did so. When he echoed what she'd said about some students looking for attention that they didn't get at home, she just nodded and broke off another piece of crispy tortilla. She'd tried that once and never did it again, due to the repercussions that came her way after her mother had been notified and they were back home. And when he asked her what her thoughts were, Jade smiled a little. "I think you already know that I wholeheartedly support you. If you remained a full time teacher, you would still be amazing, but I believe that you could do some great things in a new capacity as a dean. Parent and family engagement is a perfect example of that." Jade then sipped some more Gatorade and took a break from eating and casually rubbed a hand across her rounded stomach. "An intern might not be a bad idea. Or maybe just a summer hire to help on and off while everything is still in transition. My office alone wouldn't be all that labor-intensive--not enough to hire more help. But having someone to help Melissa with boxing and labeling equipment in the old location and unpacking at our new location would be great. And promoting the grand re-opening around town would be great once we're ready for it..." Her mind was turning over other potential tasks while she went to pick up another spoonful of rice to eat. "Thank you for this idea. But for my office, I want to keep the color light and simple. There's a filing cabinet that I need to finish putting together and installed, a desk and two guest chairs that I ordered need to be assembled, and I'd like to make it inviting for any consultations."

RODRIGO

He finished off his third taco, deciding to take a small break and leaned back into his chair. Rodrigo smiled at Jade’s words, glad that she was supportive of him taking on a new role at the school. There were so many benefits that made it a no brainer and having his wife on board made the decision that much easier. “I’ll let you know how my meeting with the headmistress goes. Dean Escobar does have a nice ring to it. Now I just have to make sure that whoever subs for me for September is good for the class.” He was sure they would be but Rodrigo had a tendency of being protective when it came to his classmates.  He was glad that Jade liked the idea of an intern. “At whatever capacity an intern can help, it would be good to have that set up for everyone’s benefit. You, Melissa, etc. and it’ll be one less thing to worry about. You’re welcome, honey.” Rodrigo kissed Jade’s temple and then gathered some rice on his bowl as he continued listening to Jade. “That all sounds nice and I can help you set those things up once they’ve all arrived so don’t worry about that.  Are you full, my love?”

JADE

Jade was slowly eating the toppings/fillings of her tostadas with her spoon and breaking off pieces of the tortilla in between. She smiled at Rodrigo saying 'Dean Escobar' aloud and said, "They'll have to give you a name plate for your desk, or your office door." She knew Rodrigo worked hard and was passionate about his work, which was what made her happy--seeing him happy from merely talking about his career. "You know, I haven't heard you talk about your book in a while. How is it coming along?" She finished the bit of rice that she'd originally put on her plate and then drank some more Gatorade. "I've no doubt that whoever substitutes your classes will be very prepared thanks to you." She smiled and broke off another bit of tortilla, making it her last bit of dinner while listening to her husband. "You're right. It wasn't something I'd considered before since it's just been my team and me. But the added help and providing someone with early work experience really does sound like a great idea. And I always appreciate your help, honey." Her eyes shut while he kissed her temple and when he asked her if she was full, Jade placed a hand across her bump and said, "I think so. It was a really nice dinner, thank you." She looked at her mostly finished plate while thinking about how earlier in her pregnancy, she couldn't always eat much even when she wanted to eat something. But as time went on, her appetite returned and was increasing, even with the occasional bouts of nausea or heartburn. As she scooted her chair back and made to stand, she said, "I'm just going to finish my Gatorade, but I'll get some containers to store the leftovers in." She didn't want Rodrigo to feel rushed and figured she could help out with getting the container and loading the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Jade found smaller containers for the lettuce, tomatoes and radishes, and  a slightly bigger one for the rice, steak and onions to go into. She then began loading the dishwasher.

RODRIGO

He sat up with his chest slightly puffed and a smile on his face. "A name plate? Like a gold one? Oh, that's fancy." The thought made him smiled even more. The question about his book did make him  sigh a bit. "It's...met some sort of dead end," He admitted and frowned a bit. "I mean, it's not that I'm putting it off completely but I'm missing something. Can't figure out what it is yet. I'll revisit soon, I promise." Rodrigo had to fit it into his schedule. The book meant a lot to him and to his mother. And it would be something nice to have for his children and wife. He smiled when she mentioned the help it would be to have an intern. He looked over his shoulder as Jade stood to get some leftovers into containers and he finished off his last taco. "Do you want to watch a movie tonight? Or catch up on a show maybe?" He was glad it was the weekend and they'd both get some downtime with one another. "Maybe Felix and Ciel will give us a few more hellos before bed." He was hopeful, standing up with his plate and whatever was left over on the table so he could help Jade clean the kitchen. He the placed his hands on her shoulders and dropped a kiss on her left one. "Your turn to pick something to watch."

JADE

"Yes, like a gold one with your name and title engraved on it. If they don't give you one, I would certainly like to." Jade was smiling until she saw Rodrigo frown, which in turn made her own face fall. She reached across the table to lovingly hold his wrist. "You don't have to promise that to me. I'm sorry to hear that it's at a halt right now. When you figure out what's missing, I know that you'll have something great to keep you going." When she got up from the table, she kissed the side of his head in passing. "Hmm, a movie sounds nice. I could watch a good historical drama or a biopic." She smiled at Rodrigo again at the mention of their babies kicking around enough for him to feel some more. "I bet they will, especially after their daddy made us such a great dinner tonight." She rinsed off the dishes that were used for cooking and loaded them one-by-one into the dishwasher. His kiss to her shoulder warmer her from the inside. "Hmmm, how about *Belle*? It's a historical drama and a biopic? And has a bit of a love story included."

RODRIGO

“That sounds amazing and you’re the best wife for even thinking about doing that for me.” Rodrigo looked down at Jade holding his wrist and placed one of his hands over hers. Her support meant the world to him. “Thanks, honey. I know the block will lift at some point.” He smiled at her kiss as he helped clean up.  Hearing that the twins may give Jade a little nudge again made him incredibly overjoyed. Rodrigo wiped down the counters all the while listening to Jade and nodded as she spoke. “That sounds like a great choice. I love a good historical drama.” After he cleaned the table, he moved to their living room to prep the firestick and search for the movie. “Don’t worry about anything else ,my love. Come and sit. “ Miranda circled his ankles and he chuckled before picking her up into her arms. “Want to watch a movie with mom and dad?”

JADE

"Well, I love you and I think you should be recognized for your accomplishments--small and big." Jade was happy that Rodrigo wasn't giving up on his book altogether and had faith in him completing it someday. She finished loading the dishes from prep and then went to the table to put the leftovers in containers and add the bowls and plates to the dishwasher too. After putting the leftovers in the fridge and picking up her Gatorade, she guiltily admitted, "I couldn't help it. I didn't want to leave everything out or for you to put away when you cooked for us." She joined him in the living room, holding the plastic bottle in one hand and her bump in another as she eased herself beside Rodrigo and Miranda. Letting out a content sigh from being off her feet, she leaned in to rest against Rodrigo's shoulder. "Have you seen this before?" Jade asked and then casually reached for Rodrigo's hand to place at the front of her bump where one of the babies was stretching a limb against the area.

RODRIGO

Rodrigo was the luckiest man in the world and he knew it to be true.  Having the chance to be married to the loveliest, most nurturing and supportive woman made him so happy. "Thank you, my love. And I feel the same way about you." The way they held each other up in their professional life was important to him. He wanted to support her in her business and her future plans and was proud of how much she has already accomplished especially now without Jeanette getting in the way. He smiled at her admission and shook his head. "Well, thank you for that." He was happy to have his wife join his side and he placed his arm around her shoulder when she rested against his. "I haven't actually so don't spoil it!" He teased and grinned when Jade placed his hand over her belly. "There they are again...incredible." Rodrigo kept his hand there, a giant smile appearing on his face. He looked over to Jade. "This has been one of the best days." He then looked down at her bump. "You guys better let mommy sleep tonight and not party all night." He chuckled softly. "streeetchhh!" Rodrigo was so incredibly happy.

JADE

"You've always been wonderful at supporting me. It's one of the reasons why I fell in love with you in the first place." Whether it was her job, her turmoil with her family--her parents in particular--her eating disorder and relationship with food, her conditioned tendencies around perfection and organization, or any small day-to-day decisions, Rodrigo was always supporting her. She could count on 1 hand the number of people who were in her corner to that degree, and that included her husband. Settled on the couch, she smiled and chuckled, "I won't spoil it, I promise! But I'm excited to see what you end up thinking of it." She glanced up at her husband's face and grinned when he did. "There they are," she echoed and then glanced back down at his hand on her stomach. "I'm trying to keep a journal of my pregnancy. I've definitely got to write about tonight in it." She then softly giggled, "I have a feeling that they're going to be pretty rebellious towards you already. Theyre bound to have several late night parties in there until they're here." She craned her neck and tilted her chin to kiss Rodrigo's jaw, and then she situated herself to watch the movie once he got it started. "I love you," she happily sighed.

RODRIGO

"I love the idea of a journal. Will I be able to take a look someday?" Rodrigo kept his wife close and started the movie for them to enjoy. "I can't believe these two are already plotting against me. Curfew is midnight, kids. That's as far as I go. Don't turn me into a pushover." He smiled at Jade's kiss and then leaned in quickly to kiss her belly before leaving more kisses against her cheek. "I love you more. shhh can't argue with me, the movie is starting." He smirked, rubbing Jade's shoulder as he focused on the movie. In the back of his head, all Rodrigo could really think about was how they had figured out their twin's names and he had felt them move for the first time. Rodrigo loved his life with Jade and now, with the addition of their two children, he couldn't have asked for anything better.

[forensicated]

03x02 - Some You Win, Some You Lose

Ted is keeping an obbo on a building suspected of being used as a drugs den. Of course, he's eating while doing so; he wouldn't be Ted if he wasn't ❤ Roy calls in for an update and Ted feeds back to the waiting officers in CID, CAD, the canteen, a nearby bus and CID car that all seems quiet in the surrounding area. A motorcycle approaches as TSG start to head over but Ted tells them he thinks it's just a man picking up his girlfriend. "I wouldn't touch her, not even with Dashwood's." Dashers laughs. "Thanks Ted."

First appearances of PC Dinesh Patel and PC Ken Melvin as well as it being the first credited appearance of PC Tony Stamp.

Terry, Mike's snout gets in the back of his car and reports that yes, a major delivery is about to go down at the den that night. He's not happy about Jim being involved, however. He tells Mike that, if tonight's operation goes to plan, their main target, Bishop, will likely ring him in the morning to tell him that he wasn't able to collect. Terry will put the squeeze on to try and get details from him to find the main factory creating the drugs. He'll ring Mike at about 10am. "I'm not sure I know what all this is about," admits Jim. "It's best only a few of us know." Mike reasons.

Reg sulks that he's not been told anything about 'a secret operation' "Perhaps no one wants you to know." Bob reasons. "I'm the collater, I ought to know!"

The estate Sun Hill are targeting the supply has been like a no-go area for the police for months with concrete dropped on patrol cars and offers threatened and spat at. Hopefully, this is the start of it getting cleared up.

Bob is fed up of being stuck inside in the new CAD room learning the systems and wants to be out on the streets. Brian reassures him it will mean a better and more streamlined response for the public ones everything is implemented. "More efficient bureaucracy you mean, we're losing touch with people." "You're not changing with the times, Bob. That's part of your trouble." Kite adds.

Under cover of darkness, Sun Hill raids the drug den with Mike crowing that it's going to lead to the nicks biggest result. Jim is adamant that he recognises Terry's face, he just doesn't know where from. Mike tells him that if he tells Jim he doesn't recognise Terry, he doesn't recognise Terry.

Roy and Alec find a massive amount of drugs hidden with the piping of the building but CID!Extra shouts Roy to tell him there's a problem. The suspects are kicking off and the police are struggling to keep control. Roy shouts at Melvin to pull back and radios for back up. "Are there any tension indicators?" Brownlow asks through the radio. "... Tension indicators?" Roy repeats sarcastically. "They're throwing petrol bombs at us!"

Ted and the other backup charge in with Ted almost getting burnt alive with a petrol bomb and a PC obtaining a head wound whilst another gets knocked out cold after having concrete thrown at him. Cars are getting overturned and set alight and the rioters are using anything they can get their hands on as weapons.

Jim is amazed at what is happening as they drive around with Mike asking what he expected once addicts' supplies were threatened. They spot their main target, Bishop's Range Rover. The building itself is starting to be targeted in the hope of burning drugs before the police find them as chaos reigns. "We're rather busy at the moment, 3-0..." Roy replies when Mike keeps asking if he's receiving his messages. Jim watches Bishop return to his car and tells Mike he doesn't look like a dealer. "What did you expect? A sandwich board with 'stop me and buy some'? I wonder how he feels having just lost half a million quids worth of crack." "... Choked?"

TSG starts to push the crowd back which in turn lets Alec, Roy and CID!Extra leave with what they've found so far whilst the other officers fight to regain control.

The next morning, Bob enters CAD to find Tom, Nick and Reg ringing round police stations to find stations with enough room in their cells to take some of their prisoners. They anticipated 20 arrests and ended up with 40.

In the Collators Room, Jim goes through a load of identity cards until he comes across the one he wants with 'Terry's' details on. Upstairs Charles tells Roy he's impressed with the information from Mike's snout. Roy tells him that raid was just a den to stash the gear. The factory is a different kettle of fish and he wants to speak to him. Charles tells him that's not a good idea and it should stick to just Mike as Mike has his confidence. Mike tells Roy that his snout was suss of Jim so anyone else would tip him over and cause him to not give them more information. Little do they know that Jim is threatening that by contacting the collator at West End Nick. He's found out that Terry is really 'Dougie Gardener'

Jim goes to CID to try to tell Ted what he's found out. Ted is too busy dealing with suspects and tells him 'later!'. Mike waits in Roy's office for Terry's call, having given him Roy's direct line to save problems. He gets a meeting set up for 10 minutes time with Roy making him take Jim.

Ken worries that he's lost a prisoner as a result of being told to pull back by Roy. He has to stay in the station on standby just in case and isn't allowed to leave, even for half an hour to try to locate the man.

Roy asks Ted if he's aware of any of Mike's snouts, particularly Scottish - perhaps Glaswegian. Irish Ted shrugs. "They all sound the same to me."

A grumpy Jim and his little Russian Hat come out to meet Mike to head over to visit 'Terry'. "Are you throwing a moody?" Mike sighs.

At the same time, Dinesh and Bob set up a stolen property viewing area in the rec room for people to try and reclaim what they've had stolen. Dinesh laments the lack of postcodes on items to help them trace the owners.

Thankfully for Ken, he doesn't have to worry about going out to find his prisoner. He reports to the station, still with his hands cuffed behind his back.

June comforts the young girl as she starts to violently shake through withdrawal after they've gotten her to the FME's room, needle marks up her arm. Viv on the other hand has no sympathy whatsoever.

Jim finally tells Mike that he knows who his informant is. Mike starts to give him a speech and Jim snaps that loyalty cuts both ways. Jim claims that he's misled everyone including the Chief Superintendent. So far Gardner has gotten them half a million of crack cocaine and Mike thinks it's a good enough result for the risk. Jim tells him that he's a murderer and that in covering up who it's from and claiming he's called Terry Watts, he could end up losing his job.

Brownlow asks Kite and Tom to make an official report on the raid and how difficult it was to police. He keeps talking over Brian who repeats himself until he's able to finish. Brian is concerned how long they're keeping the suspects before they're charged. Brownlow says they're well within the times but Kite insists he doesn't see the justification to keep people who will just go on to be released. Tom is asked for his view and explains some may be charged with serious offenses and they all need interviewing before they can be released. Brownlow thanks him and dismisses him before telling Brian to mind his own business and let the Custody Officer deal with Custody. He tries to school Brownlow over PACE. Brownlow tells him he's well aware and doesn't need him pushing his own interpretation onto the ranks. "This is a matter I feel strongly about. To deprive a man of his liberty is a serious matter." Brownlow reminds him it's his station and they deal with practicalities at Sun Hill, they do not treat things like an idealistic operation from Hendon.

A vicar 'browses' the stolen property, claiming he's simply curious about what people 'mislay'. Bob explains they have a husband and wife burglar team in custody and that this property was found in their garden shed when their home was searched.

A man focuses on an expensive snuff box and, when asked by Dinesh what he's lost, tells him he's there about a silver teapot. Dinesh tells him they have three and to wait there and he'll go and get them. When he returns, the man has gone as has the cigarette case. Alec sulks that he can't get a game of snooker in!

Mike's snout appears later than agreed. He presses Mike for a bigger payment because it's more risky than he'd realised. Mike is unsure but it turns to a definite no when the snout wants paying in half kilo of drugs, claiming no one would ever know. "It depends." "On what." "How much you value your freedom." Mike tells him things stick how they are or he'll nick him and that he has a witness - pointing to Jim - who will swear anything he asks him to. The snout is incensed, telling him they could have done a lot more work together but now this is the last job he'd give Mike. Mike presses for the address.

In the yard, Brownlow briefs the troops by saying he knows they've been on duty all night (this must be approx half 10/11am now) but they're onto the final stage - closing the drugs factory - and it's imperative they stick to the same officers so there can be no leaks of information.

Roy tells them their target is a drug baron with international links to very important people. The factory is located in a squat inside the old council premises.

Dinesh reports to Reg about the man missing man with Reg not having seen him. Bob earns himself a kiss from a woman who is overjoyed to be reunited with a silver tray. She asks about the snuff box which means Dinesh has to come clean to Bob.

There are approximately 10 squatters at the premises that Mike's snout said is the drugs factory and they'll likely have a lookout so the element of surprise is a nonstarter and they'll be going in blind as they don't have enough time to obtain plans.

Sun Hill arrive at the location to hear music pouring from the squat. They send a PC Extra out to try and obtain an answer but no one answers the door. Jim does some rather impressive acrobats to scale a window with bars on and then up onto the roof and then in via a window! (the last one is fun to watch on a loop)

They're spotted by a young girl as the officers break inside. They've been fed duff information. It definitely is not a drug factory - it's just a squat where some young people live!

The old lady who is the real owner of the snuff box is very lovely about it being stolen from the station. Bob tells her to write to the commissioner for compensation and he apologises profusely. "Oh dear, I won't get you into trouble will I?" she smiles.

"Why would he have me over?" Mike fumes about his snout. Why do these officers never learn not to fuck off a snout right before a massive deal? We all know you can't pay him in drugs, but you don't need to tell him that upfront when he knows the address of a drug factory! Mike got the reg of Bishop's car so they circulate it in the hope of being able to trace it to the real drugs factory. Roy has to report back to the Superintendent for a briefing and he orders Jim and Mike to attend as well.

Bob is not best pleased when he reaches custody. Tom asks him what's wrong and he explains that about £4K of snuff box has gone walkies from the station. Both Sgt's burst out into peals of laughter.

Charles isn't as upset about losing the drugs factory as you'd think given the haul from the night before. He authorises CID to have 4 hours of overtime. In Roy's office, he tells Ted and Mike that something smells about the operation. He dials a number and tells Mike to speak to his informant. Mike nervously asks for Terry Watts when a woman answers before Roy snatches the phone from him and asks for Dougie Gardner. The woman asks who is speaking and then claims that she doesn't know any Dougie Gardner, hanging up.

Mike thinks that Jim informed Roy but Roy explains he knows only 6 'jocks' in London who could have knowledge on that scale and someone from Sun Hill has already been making inquiries about one which really narrowed it down. Mike says it was his job, his informant and he didn't want to share the glory. Roy says he knows how to deal with people like Gardner, unlike Mike, and would have had the job sewn up by now. "Villians like Gardner to not sell people like Bishop down the river unless it's for a good reason and that reason would not be a few quid from the informant's fund. Before they can continue, Jim bursts in with a report on Bishop's car. "With some luck we might be able to save this job but, Mike, don't you ever do that to me again!

CID sit in the back of a van, keeping eyes on the car. Underneath Jim is poised for action. Alec and Yorkie are slumped in the front seats of a car watching, neither expecting Bishop to turn up.

Viv and June are told by Tom that the girl they brought in has AIDS. June feels sorry for her but Viv says she's going for a shower and they can stick procedure. June agrees and follows her through. Tom offers to lend a hand lathering up.

"No chance." "Just thought I'd ask, that's all!"

A low loader breakdown wagon approaches Bishop's car before starting to load it onto the back. Ted reports it to Roy and Mike checks the reg of the lowloader. Roy reminds everyone to stay still until they get confirmation on the wagon. It's a legitimate garage. Roy follows it to the garage who tells him that the owner rang in and said he'd broken down and asked him to collect it.

"When was the last time you had a bath, Ted....?" Mike muses, trapped in a car with him. Ted pauses, frowns and starts to sniff himself. The name given to the garage was McCloud. Roy just scoffs and walks off, knowing it was Gardner who rang it in.

A council official rages at Kite for not consulting him before making the raids on public property - namely the former council offices. There'd been no hurry to evict the squatters but he has been in negotiation to sell the land to developers. With the squatters in place, he would have had to obtain a court order to get the bailiffs in and squatters out. Expensive and would take a lot of time. Now it looks as though they could have been in collusion with the police to get them out. It's a dangerous structure and the floor collapsed into the basement so they had to have it bricked up. Brian's ears prick up. The officers hadn't searched a basement as they hadn't known about it.

Roy tells Alec to arrange for the car to be towed back to the nick and then they can book off and head home to sleep. Roy then heads over to Mike and Ted. Kite radios in about the basement and they speed back to the premises. As they get there, it's already being raided by the drugs squad! "You've been well and truly screwed, mate." Ted tells Mike. Bishop had 2 students knock up the drugs for a hundred pounds a week. Gardner took his information to the Drugs Squad to really piss Mike off. Roy tells him they robbed the job from Sun Hill who had done the grunt work. "It's all part of the game Roy, some you win. Some you lose." replies the Drug Squad DI.

[babytarttdoodoo]

Since you're at work, any advice for job applications/interviews?

Oh, that's a bit out of left field! I have sat on interview panels before so this will hopefully be helpful - bear in mind it will be very UK-centric, though!

(Yes, the whole job hunting song and dance is performative bullshit. It helps to know the steps, though.)

Applications

When they ask for a cover letter, CV and/or application form, don't just regurgitate the same information over and over.

Cover letter: Pick out keywords from the job advert and frame those things as skills you have or opportunities for you to develop. Example: "I see my project delivery experience as being a real advantage in this role, and look forward to expanding my skillset with management responsibilities." CV: Keep it brief and for the love of god make sure it's easy to read. Set it out like [Job Title] > [Company] > [Years] > [List of relevant responsibilities and successes]. If you've had a lot of different roles, keep it to the last five or so. Application form: Questions about skills/experience are looking for anecdotal/situational examples of you applying those skills. Take every chance you can to mention professional development or learning opportunities i.e. all that stuff you do that isn't actually in your job description.

If you're asked about salary expectations, I normally round my current salary up and then add 10-15%. For example, if you're making £24,675 then set £27,500 as your minimum level for a new position. If you make £102,825, that becomes £115,000. Make sense?

Interviews

Being super early is almost as inconvenient as being late. 10-15 minutes ahead of your interview is plenty. If you're running behind, don't be afraid to call and let them know - they will appreciate it and might be able to push your slot back.

Take examples of your work if possible. At the interview for my first job, I took along some video projects I'd worked on as a student. In the interview for my current job (six years later), I whipped out a powerpoint summarising my input into the last project I'd worked on. Even if it isn't requested ahead of time, prepping something is worth it.

There's no way to predict everything they're going to ask but if you come with a few strong answers ready to go, things will go smoother. Look at the job description and make a few notes on any correlating projects/experience/achievements you have. Specifics are great and you can absolutely refer to what you've written down as you talk.

Expect to be asked about challenges you've faced professionally or failures you've overcome. It's fine. Frame your answer around what you learned from a situation that went wrong. Make it sound like you saved the day if you have to. They're not looking for you to self-flagellate - they want to know you can handle pressure and problem solving.

Always, always tell the interviewer that you're speaking to other potential employers. It's a good thing to throw in at the end like "Oh, and just so you know, I am interviewing elsewhere so my availability might change". (In my experience, this has resulted in a faster answer on whether an employer is seriously interested.)

Feel free to message me if you want advice on anything more specific! I'll do what I can :)

[kathbunny]

Kyana & Dani - Highschool AU - Studying Together :)

Just a generic high school au - I made Kyana learn math.

I did actual math for this, be proud of me.

 “You’re good at math, right?” Kyana asked, setting her chin down on Dani’s desk, all the way stretched out to reach it without leaving her chair.

 “Yes.” Dani raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

 “Can you help me study for the test?” Kyana smiled at Dani, who just frowned back.

 “No.” Dani replied flatly, pulling her backpack over her chair and starting to put books away.

 “Aw, come on.. Please!” Kyana pleaded.

 “Nope.” Dani said, zipping up her backpack.

-

 “So, do you remember what you’re supposed to do for this kind of problem?” Dani asked with a sigh, pointing at the twelfth problem she had written.

 Kyana read through it with a hum. “For that first part.. that’s the ‘X’ times itself 3 times, right?”

 “Yep.” Dani said, doodling circles on the side of the paper as Kyana kept talking.

 “We’re supposed to be finding the ‘X’?” Kyana asked.

 “Yep.” Dani repeated.

  Kyana leaned over the paper, starting to solve the problem on the paper without asking anything. “Oh, its just 6!” Kyana said, sounding surprised somehow. 

 Dani nodded, still doodling circles. “Good job, let’s try a more complicated problem then. Just skip a few ahead.” Dani didn’t really even look over, very bored. 

 “Okay!” Kyana smiled, skipping three problems ahead. “The one with the ‘X’ on both sides?”

 “Yup.” Dani was already halfway through her cats. 

 Kyana started to solve it, only freeze when she was almost done. “Dani, I ended up with 1, which needs to be divided by 6..?”

 “Just put it as a fraction.” Dani shrugged, surrounding her cats with fire and giving them little eyebrows now, making them look like they caused the flames.

 “My math teacher doesn’t let us use fractions, only decimals.”

 “Do you not remember how to do decimals?”

 Kyana gave a vague shrug. “I always mess up on a it a little.”

 “How do you mess up?” Dani looked up at Kyana, no longer doodling her fire and cats.

 “I put the decimals in the wrong place a lot.”

 “How?” Dani asked.

 Kyana shrugged. “I just don’t think about it too much.”

 “That explains everything about you.” Dani chuckled.

 “Hey! That’s mean!”

 “Just try this one, round it up and stuff.” Dani started twirling her pen. 

 “I can do this kind pretty easily, I won’t mess up on two tiny numbers. I’m just saying for bigger ones.”

 “Okay, that makes more sense.”

-

 “Hey, Dani..” Kyana said, poking at Dani at the end of class at the end of the week.

 “Oh no..” Dani said sarcastically, looking over at Kyana.

 “I passed my test!”

 “Okay? Good job. Do you want a cookie or something?”

 “Wanna go for ice cream with me and my foster dad? He said he’d pay for your ice cream since you helped me study!”

 Dani got noticeably excited, but pushed it down. “I’ll have to ask Uncle Oto first.”

 “Aww..” Kyana pouted.

 Dani gave Kyana an awkward shoulder pat. “He’s unlikely to care. See you later, Kyana.”

 “Hopefully for ice cream!”

 “Hopefully for ice cream.”