#i did start wearing makeup a few years back but i don't think my glittery eyeshadow - no other makeup look is following beauty standards

[iamonlyhereforthefreefood]

I can easily see a version of me that in high school or college decided to lean heavy into trying to follow beauty standards. Waking up at the crack of dawn to put on a full face of makeup and straighten my hair. Buying trendy clothing to fit in with what the popular kids are wearing. I’m glad instead that I went the opposite direction where I cut my hair short and stopped shaving and plucking my eyebrows. 

[wrenreid]

Just Acting

Chapter Twenty-One

Jess ended up spending the night, and you wake up with your head laying on her chest. You sit up and laugh. "Were you comfy, baby girl?" she jokes.

You roll your eyes and head to the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee. Jess plops down on the couch and you follow suit after hearing the coffee start brewing.

"So New Year's Eve party, huh?"

"Yeah. You should come," you smile.

"I would love to, but I have plans."

"Ugh. You're too busy for me," you say, fake pouting.

"Says you. Anyway, you plan on kissing anyone tonight?"

"My pillow. Maybe Aisha,” you grin.

"Is Matthew going to be there?"

"I don't think so. Why?"

She sighs, giving you a wiggle of her eyebrows. "Because you clearly feel something for him."

You contemplate arguing and denying, but instead you say  "How is it that you just know things?"

"I learned how to read minds in college," she winks. "I can tell, Y/n. I've been able to tell from the start."

"Your best friend instincts are so annoying sometimes."

"You love me."

"Bite me."

"Gladly," Jess winks again.

"I'm going to tell him. Eventually."

"Good, or I'll have to beat your ass."

"Want to help me pick an outfit?" You ask.

"Yes," she hops up, leading you to your room. She sits on the bed and watches as you hold up a few outfit choices.

Jess's phone rings and she talks for a moment then hangs up. "Dammit Logan," she sighs. "I've got to go cover a shift. I'll see you later." She kisses your cheek playfully and leaves your apartment.

You're pretty bummed she can't come to the party tonight, but you're happy she'll be with the girl she loves. The party should just be the cast and spouses and a few other friends of AJ's since it's her party. From what Aisha told you, Matthew will still be in Vegas until next week. Which you suppose might be for the best because you can get drunk instead of worrying about him.

The script for the next episode was sent to you yesterday, and you're excited to read it. It'll be great to get back to work and jump into the Criminal Minds world again.

_____

You look into the mirror,  you look pretty good if you do say so yourself. Jess did a good job helping you pick out what to wear.

A black mid-thigh length dress that hugs your curves, black opaque tights, and black boots is what you're wearing. For makeup, you have gold on your eyelids for the holiday and the rest is pretty natural. You curled your hair earlier today, so you just fluff it out now. Before leaving your apartment, you throw on a grey trench coat type jacket.

You drive to AJ's house and are greeted by her and her husband. You smile, happy to see them after a while. Their kids are at AJ's sister's house. Aisha is making drinks in the kitchen.

"Margaritas?"

"You know it," Aisha winks. "It's good to see you, kiddo."

You roll your eyes with a smile. "Make me something strong."

"Yes ma'am,” she grins excitedly.

Paget comes in dancing with a bottle of champagne. She kisses AJ's cheek before coming over to you two.

"You're getting drunk, and you cannot protest," she says, kissing your cheek as well.

"Wouldn't want to defy you,” you say with a smile.

Kirsten comes in later, and you're excited to see her again. More people from set and other friends of AJ's pile inside.

Nathan puts some music on and Aisha grabs your hand, making you dance with her. The moves are messy, but it's hilariously fun.

"You're already drunk and it's 10pm," you laugh.

"Don't judge me, it's New Year's Eve."

The party gets started, and you sip your second margarita while talking with Paget and Kirsten. All of you wear these glasses or head bands that Kirsten brought. They read "2021" (wrote this in 2020 and i don’t see a point in changing the year tbh) and are gold and glittery. Daniel is timing how fast Adam can chug a beer. You shake your head at them acting like college frat boys.

You all watch as the news stations play music and flashbacks of the year on tv. The countdown will start in thirty-seven minutes.

Adam grabs your hand and the two of you drunk-dance. You throw your head back laughing at him. It's amazing to be here with all of your friends. Well, almost all of them. He spins you around, and you see someone come into the front door.

"Matthew! You made it!" AJ's voice says. You've had two margaritas and two shots of tequila at this point so you hardly hear them from your place in the dining room.

You stop dancing with Adam and he smiles at you. "Go talk to him."

"You're drunk, you don't know what you're talking about," you chuckle nervously.

"Oh shush."

You roll your eyes and make you get closer to the door.

"Y/n, I wasn't sure if you'd be here."

"I'm not a total lame-ass when it comes to fun, Gubler." Your say, pulling your riding-up dress down.

He laughs. "You look really good."

"Thank you. I suppose you look alright."

"Suppose?" His eyebrows stitch together.

You smile, shooting him a wink. Tipsy Y/n is a lot more confident. Which scares you because what if you say something weird. You go back to the kitchen and pour a glass of champagne. The countdown is approaching.

You finish your glass in about ten minutes, going to a group of friends that Matthew isn't mingling with.

"I get the sense that you're avoiding me," a voice says after you leave the bathroom to fix your makeup.

"What if I am?" you turn around to face him.

"That's very rude given I helped you with mr reporter," he laughs softly.

"Thank you, by the way."

"No problem. So why are you avoiding me?"

"There could be multiple reasons, pick one." You bite your lip softly.

"I'm hurt," he puts his hand over his heart, tossing his head back lightly. "I thought we were friends or something. Isn't that what we talked about on the phone that day?”

Ouch.  "Yeah. It is..."

"Is there something wrong?"

"Nope. All good here," you say and walk away. Eight minutes and thirty seconds until January first.

A few minutes pass as you and Paget pour everyone another round of champagne. You take a sip of your own glass then feel someone tugging on your arm.

"Can you please tell me what's going on?"

You look Matthew in the eyes. "I lied. I lied when I said we were friends. We were never really friends."

"Ouch."

"No, dammit. What i'm trying to say is, I like you. God, I sound like a middle schooler. I have feelings for you. I haven't figured them out completely, but they're there." He chuckles. "Well, don't laugh at me."

"No, it's just I thought you hated me.”

"Most of the time I do."

Matthew laughs, moving hair out of his face. "I feel the same way. The liking part, not the hating... well, both sometimes."

You smile, blushing. "Well..."

"Four more seconds."

You look at the tv. You can read, why is he telling you the countdown? Before you can ask, he pulls you in by the waist and kisses you as the others cheer for the new year.

"This is so cliche, ew,” you pull away from this kiss.

"Shut up, you like it."

You roll your eyes and pull his neck down to press your lips to his again. The rhythm is soft and slow. When you pull away again, you see your friends looking at you guys with eyes wide. AJ sips her champagne with a smirk on her face, making eye contact with you.

You blush at everyone's eyes on you two. You grab your champagne glass and take a drink.

Matthew takes it from you.

"Hey!"

"You're drunk, Y/n."

"That explains why I kissed you,” you tease.

"Hey," he says, furrowing his eyebrows.

"I'm kidding."

Matthew rolls his eyes and pours your drink out.

Around twelve-forty, Matthew grabs your hand. "You need to get home."

"You're lame."

"You're an ass, but let's go,” he says softly.

"I'm a cute ass," you say with a smile.

"Yeah, yeah." He leads you to your car and drives you back to your apartment.

He helps you get into your place and sit on the couch. "Do you want some water?"

You nod sleepily. "Yes please."

He brings you a cup and sits beside you. "After you finish that, you need to get to bed. Do you need anything before I go?"

"Don't leave."

"You want me to stay?"

"Yeah. Just for company and stuff,” you say, trying to play it cool.

He smiles. "Okay. I'll stay. Go get ready for bed."

You oblige, handing him the empty cup and heading to your room. After changing into a pair of blue flannel pj bottoms and a black tank top, you head back to the living room to find Matthew laying on the couch with his eyes open.

"You don't have to sleep on the couch,” you say, rubbing your eyes as you stand over him.

"I didn't want to overstep," Matthew says.

"I don't really feel like sleeping alone. It's like this weird sad feeling that I get when I'm drunk... sorry that was over sharing."

He smiles. "No, it's okay." He stands up and follows you to your room. You lay down and so does Matthew. He opens his arms so you can lay on him, and you rest your head on his chest.

twenty-two

tags: @pauline5525mgg @theintimatewriter @lilibet261 @greysviolets @jazzymariexoxoc @one-sweet-gubler @thatsonezesty13 @necromaniackat @awhoreforspencerreid @sebs-oxygen  @scarredelirium @bts-sugaplum @awesomeness1679 @preciousbabypeter @yazzyu @cynbx @r3idsp3ncer @1010lizz @tiredbut-here @skulzombiw @lena-1895 @eevee0722 @danis-stuff-is-here @kylakins88 @daydreamingqueen1 @regulus-black-223048 @virginmusicloverr36 @inlovewithcharmers @kylakins88 @f-me-reid @matthew-gray-gubler-lover <3

[staystraykay]

Domino Chapter Seven

The domino effect. How one thing happening can cause a chain reaction. How were you supposed to know a call home made by your cousin would be the tipping domino that sets off the next several years of your life?

WARNINGS: This is not a XReader type story. There will be OCs. Rindou X OC, Ran X OC. Mentions of various Bonten things and events that have only happened in the manga. If you haven't read the manga, and don't anything to be spoiled...DO NOT READ THEN!

MASTER LIST

< Previous Next >

"I'm sorry, what?"

I blinked at the sunshine Anaiya standing in front of my bed, two very skimpy dresses clutched in her hands. The one in her right was black and very tiny and had massive holes in it. The one in her right was a deep blue and looked like mesh fabric...as in the whole thing was see through and had no second layer within it.

"We're going out." She smiled and gestured back to the two dresses in her hands.

I blinked a couple times at her, my brain trying hard to retain what she was saying. "To where? The red light district?"

"Not far from it I guess." She was so naïve it hurt. "We going to one of Ran and Rindou's clubs." She cheered and threw the dressed down on the bed.

"Do you people not sleep?" I groaned, flopping back down on my bed.

I had been out since five that morning listening to Sanzu give orders to his fleet of men, introducing me for whatever reason. After Sanzu was Kakucho and then Ran and Rindou. As soon as I got back to the penthouse I went to bed, just to be woken back up after only a few hours. It was like none of them knew was rest was.

"Sure we do. Now get up." Anaiya rolled her eyes before grabbing my wrists and pulling me up and out of bed. "Now, go shower and shave and wash your hair!"

"Bossy." I muttered under my breath as she shoved me into the bathroom.

After doing as she orders and making sure every inch on myself was as smooth as a newborn, Anaiya lathered honey and coco scented body oil and lotion all over my body...BY FORCE! After she made sure I smelled like the inside of a Bath and Body Works, she forced me to sit as she curled my hair down my back like a red waterfall and sprayed some very glittery coco perfumed substance in it.

"Is that body glitter?" I groaned as she continued to spray the substance over my body.

"Yes. Now sit still." She barked as she concentrated.

After the body glitter was applied to her liking and she finished with my makeup which she made very bronzy and bright, she did her own routine on herself. Her makeup reminded me of Barbie with how dainty and yet glammy she made herself appear. Then she pulled out the dresses, and this is when we started arguing back and forth.

"This is a fishnet, Iya." I said flatly, holding up the mesh and purposely ripped fabric.

She rolled her eyes, her heavy lashes making it more dramatic. "Then maybe you'll catch something in it."

"The flu." I retorted before shoving it back in her hands. "No way in hell."

"Why not!" She cried out like she was four again. Ever the tantrum thrower.

I looked at her flatly and said, "Because I'm not a trophy wife."

"But you could be!" She pouted more, then insult flying ever so high above her pretty blonde head.

"Anaiya," I sighed, "I am not wearing the UTI waiting to happen you call a dress." I turned and picked up a leopard printed leather and very tight looking laced up crop top along with a pear of black pants. "If I wear this will you shut up?"

She looked it over, mulled it over before looking back at me with this a seriousness I did not think anyone could muster over a topic like this. "Wear these boots and yes." She held up these stiletto boots and rolling my eyes I took them.

"Fine." I groaned and started to get dressed.

"I look like Pamela Anderson with red hair." I muttered unamused at my reflection. The top showed the girls ridiculously. "The only thing this shirt hides is my nipples." I groaned and looked over to my cousin. "Great! You look like slutty trophy wife Barbie."

"Really?" She cheered as if I was complimenting her.

Her blonde hair was straightened perfectly, her lighter complected body sprayed down with the body glitter, and her form hugged so tight by her pale pink haltered top mini dress you would think it was painted on. The "key hole" of the dress was rather large, and her breasts were nearly put on as much display as mine were.

"I can't stand you." I groaned and turned on my heels, picking the black clutch up from my bed and walking out of my room.

"Wait for me!" She whined loudly before trailing after me, her own sparkling silver clutch in her hand.

"No." I said flatly, descending the stairs as she rounded the corner out of my room.

I looked down in the living room where I saw Ran in fitted white slacks and a pale pink button down that was billowy and hung on him elegantly; Sanzu in some red leather pants and a grey skin tight shirt with his cotton candy hair tied back in a half up half down; and the Rindou his tight fitted black slacks that showed his very muscular and toned legs and a very fitted black button down he left mostly unbuttoned to show his toned and defined chest.

As I reached the last steps I heard Sanzu whistle and follow with a chuckle. "Jungle Cat on the loos tonight."

I looked him up and down and raised a brow. "This coming from the what? Submissive sex slave? For Tequila sake, Haruchiyo, you look like you're going to a sex club."

"And you look like someone's sex kitten." He shot back.

Grinning I said, "But never yours, Pinky Pie."

"Fuck you." He rolled his eyes and flung himself on the couch beside Rindou.

"You wish, coke head." I sat down on the other side of Rindou, in between him and his brother. I felt Rin's chilled gaze on me as I sat oddly close to him. That made me grin.

"Anaiya's idea?" Ran looked me over once before smirking. "Can't tell her no either, can you." He chuckled as Anaiya sauntered from around the couch, landing her spoiled plump rear on his lip as he lounged back in his seat.

"No one can, baby." She smiled pretty before pecking his lips.

Gaging I looked to the other goons next to me. Sanzu was snorting up a line and Rindou was looking down at his phone boredly. I took this time to notice the thick gold watch sitting on Rindou's wrist and the rings decorating his long fingers.

"See something you like, Jungle girl?" He asked amusingly and taunting. His eyes cut down at me from their corners and a small grin plastered on his face.

Giving his a sweet smile I looked up at him and ran a hand through his long hair before slowly cupping his cheek, a finger brushing over his lip slowly. I leaned forward, getting an inch from his lips and letting a breath pass between us. I tilted my head as if I would go in for a kiss. I slowly leaned in and dodging his lips and instead getting close to his ear.

"Your watch." I breathed huskily in his ear grin a grin plastered on my bronze-red painted lips. I leaned back and stood up, walking towards the door. "Everyone ready? I wanna party." I cheered and sauntered around the couch and towards the elevator.

The room had been still and the tension filling the room palpable. Ran and Anaiya smirked to themselves before getting up to join me while Rindou sat looking forward with a blush dusting his cheeks.

Sanzu, still leaning over his coke mirror, frozen in shock with wide eyes looked at Rindou. "Fuck, that'll make you horny!" He shouted before quickly snorting his last line and shooting up to prance towards us waiting by the elevator.

Rindou finally got up and as we all stood in the elevator I felt his eyes boring holes in my head. By the time we got to the lobby floor and the elevator dinged, Rindou was radiation tension again. Everyone quickly left the metal box, Sanzu being the first like the crack head he was. As I stepped out I felt a warm hand trail up my exposed back before give thick fingers gripped the back of my neck and warm lips pressed up against my ear.

"Game on." Rindou's husky and low voice nearly growled in my ear.

Anaiya wasn't joking when she said the Haitani Club we would be going to was very close to the red light district. However, the club wasn't filthy and filled with whores for pay. No, I felt like I had walked into a mob show when we rolled up in the limo. Guards walked to the doors and opened them, Sanzu, Ran, and Rin exiting the vehicle first as the stood and straightened the attired before Ran turned to lend Anaiya his hand to help her out. I didn't expect it when Rindou offered me his.

As he helped me out of the car, with a sturdy hand he shifted me in front of him and guided me in. Flashing lights around us as we entered were not club lights. They were paparazzi cameras flashing with pictures.

"Great, now my face will be plastered on every magazine and newspaper by morning." I muttered as we entered the building.

Rindou leaned forwards and tauntingly whispered, "Good thing it's a pretty one," in my ear. Shivers ran down my spine I will not lie.

Sanzu was flouncing around happily, his high definitely kicking in. Ran and Rindou guided Anaiya and I too a roped off area I knew could only be meant for those in Bonten. Two massive guards stood on the outside of the ropes looking and watching the area around us, and a girl in a very tight and skimpy cocktail dress approached us with a bar tray in her hand.

"Mr. Haitani and Mr. Haitani, welcome back." She bowed. "Would you like a bottle for your party?"

"No." Ran said boredly. "Two scotches dry, a vodka cranberry, and a tequila cranberry. All top shelf." He looked to Sanzu who was pulling another little baggy from his pocket. "A water for him." Ran said with a tinge of annoyance in his voice.

"Of course, Sir." The girl bowed again and took off towards the bar.

Lounging back once more, Ran and Rindou looked as though they had back at the Penthouse. Calm, bored, and cool. Anaiya smiled brightly from her perch in Ran's lap, her fingers tracing Ran's open palm up hand. He was whispering God only knows what in her ear to make her giggle like that, a cocky smirk on his lips.

"They're always like that." Rindou commented as he noticed me watching the pair in amusement.

I looked at him and smiled. "I think it's cute. Iya deserves to be doted on."

He looked at me and then glanced up at them. He looked at me again, I could feel his eyes on me, but I couldn't the slip of longing that crossed my features. Even though we were young, and we weren't as grabby and X-rated, Keisuke and I had been like Anaiya and Ran once. That's how I knew she was happy. I recognized that happiness.

Rindou looked serious and a bit bored as he looked down at me and said, "You do too."

[waywardfangirl]

For the fantastic @fight-surrender: You are a wonderful person with a brilliant mind and a kind heart, and I am so happy to know you! I really enjoyed the prompts you suggested for the Secret Snowflake exchange this year, so to give you something fluffy and happy for your birthday I combined a few of them into one sweet and silly fic - I hope that you like it! 🖤

A big thank you goes out to @carryonvisinata for her wonderful beta work and for making this fic even better for such an incredible friend 🖤 Purr-fect Strangers

Rated: General Audiences Word Count: 3208 Chapters: 1/1 Simon

"Die Hard? Really?"

I'm struggling to make the Redbox give me my DVD. Video vending machines sounded like a good idea when I couldn't find anywhere to stream my favorite movie, but the obstinate thing in front of me and the condescending voice behind me are now making me reconsider my choices.

"What's wrong with Die Hard?" I demand, momentarily giving up on retrieving my video to take some of my frustration out on the prick watching me.

Unfortunately, when I turn around to scowl at him, I make eye contact with one of the most attractive people I've ever seen. He's tall, with dark hair escaping the bun on top of his head and falling around his face, and a perfectly tailored suit hugging every inch of his body right on down to his shiny Chelsea boots. My brain shorts out, and he sneers at me.

"There’s nothing wrong with it, per se. But you have a near unlimited assortment of cinema to choose from, and you've selected Die Hard?"

(Read the rest on ao3, or keep reading here)

I scoff.

"Look, mate, some of us don't feel the need to watch pretentious films just to feel better than other people. I like Die Hard. I'm going to watch it while eating pizza and relaxing in joggers, and I refuse to feel bad about enjoying that."

He looks a bit startled, and his cheeks take on a slightly pink tinge, but he just arches an eyebrow at me. (And manages to make that look unfairly hot too, the prat.)

"What movie are you renting?" I say it like a challenge, and he pushes past me.

He deftly removes my DVD from the stubborn machine and thrusts it at me, before turning back around to get his own. I loiter behind him, just like he did to me, ready to see what movie he thinks is better than Die Hard.

"Two Weeks Notice?" I exclaim, when I see the poster pop up on the screen. "You're ridiculing Die Hard, but getting a rom-com for yourself? Unbelievable."

He pushes past me and turns up his nose. My blood boils for so many different reasons, and it's work to hold myself still.

"This has Hugh Grant in it. My tastes are superior."

Then he swans off, and I'm left standing on the kerb.

Baz

A year into my time at university, I started treating myself to a monthly visit to Sephora. It was easily excusable then, with parties every weekend to justify each new purchase, but I've kept up the tradition since graduating. (Retail therapy and good skin care never hurt anyone. And a little eyeliner does wonders for one's self esteem.)

This month, I'm browsing for something sparkly. My eyes are grey, but with a dark, glittery liner I think they might stand out a little more. I'm just testing one of the pencils on the back of my hand when I see him.

Blond hair, plain blue eyes, and a constellation of freckles and moles across his skin. The most lovely man I have ever seen, with the worst taste in movies, and (I'm sure) a well-deserved hatred for me.

For all that I try to appear cool and confident, my facade sometimes fails me. When I get flustered, I become cruel. The man renting Die Hard was so pretty that all I could do was insult him and then curse myself for it the entire way home. I couldn't even properly enjoy Hugh Grant, as mired as I was in self-loathing. And now, whatever second chance to impress him I've been granted with has surely been ruined by my actions last time.

I keep my head down and steal glances at him through my eyelashes.

He is entirely out of his element, that much is obvious right away. I watch him ask one of the shop assistants for help, and she points him in the direction of a display. His brow furrows as he picks up different containers, and he’s ridiculously precious and hopeless as he holds a lipstick tube next to a garish eyeshadow palette and closes one eye to look at them. (What is he even doing?)

Finally, his confusion seems to win out, and he turns to look around for help, when he suddenly spots me. I've been caught out; I can't pretend now like I haven't been staring, and he scowls a little as we make eye contact. I arch an eyebrow, watch as his face grows pink in anger, and decide I hate myself enough to try talking to him again.

"That's really not your shade."

"What?" It's a simple word, horribly enunciated, and does nothing to quell the wrinkle between his eyes.

"The purple. I don't think it would flatter you. Furthermore, that lipstick clashes horribly with every color in that palette."

He turns a bright red and starts to splutter. I am hopelessly endeared.

"That's not- I, I don't- it isn't-"

"Oh, calm down, there's nothing wrong with wearing makeup," I say, flashing him the back of my hand with the eyeliner tests on it. "You just need to pick a better shade." I pluck a different palette (for blue eyes) and a lipstick in a true red from the display and hand them over. "Something like this."

He stares at them dumbly for a moment, his mouth hanging open. (Mouth breather.)

"You think I should wear this?"

"I think it would flatter you if you chose to wear makeup. That purple will do you no favors." I sneer at the garish eyeshadow still in his hand.

"It's for my friend!" he finally bursts out.

"Are you mad at her?" It's a reasonable question, that eyeshadow is truly appalling.

"No? It's her birthday next week, and she said that she wanted to have some makeup for date nights and things."

"Are you in love with her?"

"No!" No hesitation at all. "No, no way. Penny is like my sister. She's my best friend. We're not…" he trails off, and I'm strangely reassured. He still probably hates me, but at least there is one woman in the world that he’s not dating, so my odds have improved marginally.

"Don't get your pants in a twist. I just thought you might be, since that eyeshadow would certainly drive away her current boyfriend."

He sticks out his chin and seems to decide something.

"Fine. What should I get for her, then?" The “if you know so much” is left unsaid.

I'm not really an expert, despite my monthly purchases, but I'll take any excuse I can get to linger around this starburst of a boy for a few moments more.

"Does she wear makeup normally?" He shakes his head no. "Then perhaps start with something more subtle for her." I take the offending palette away and hand him a more subdued one, with a faint shimmer. "Do you think this would look nice on her?"

He thinks hard for a moment, then pulls out his phone, swiping at the lock screen and turning it to face me.

"This is her."

His home screen background is a picture of the two of them, cheeks pressed together and grinning like crazy under the summer sun. His curls are being tossed by the wind, and he looks like a bronze Adonis. I think my heart actually skips a beat at the sight.

"That palette will be fine then. This lipstick, too," I add, handing him a plum shade. "Do you need anything else?" I ask, and then cringe when I sound like I'm working instead of flirting.

He shakes his head.

"No, this is brilliant, thanks."

He still looks a bit confused, and he bites his lip as he looks down at the makeup in his hand - the makeup for his friend, and the things I picked out for him.

I don't want to go, but I can't figure out any way to prolong our conversation.

"You should get that one," he says, pointing to one of the lines on my hand. I raise an eyebrow in question. He's right, but what does this mean? Is he flirting? Does he want me to wear eyeliner? Is he just trying to repay me for helping him? "Yeah. Definitely that one."

He raps his knuckles on the counter beside us twice, and then wanders towards the check out.

It's not until I'm trying to fall asleep that I realize - he bought the makeup for himself too.

Simon

One of my foster fathers had a workshop, and I spent a happy summer watching him build a table and matching chairs for the dining room. I didn't get to stay to see it completed, because one of his biological children kept stealing money out of his mom's purse and blaming me, but I still enjoyed the time I had spent watching woodworking. I liked it so much that when Penny and I graduated and got a flat together, I saved up to buy a few tools. I don't make anything major, but I've built small shelves and a side table and a pan organizer for the flat, and I really like it.

Recently, Penny has been complaining about not being able to reach everything in the kitchen, so while she's still at work I stop by the B&Q to pick up some wood for a step stool. I'm heading to the check out when I see him - the mean makeup guy. (Although he was actually quite nice when we were talking about makeup. He was just rude when we were getting our movies.)

He's dressed casually today, in tight dark jeans and a warm grey sweater, with his hair falling in loose waves around his face. He's glaring down at two wrenches, and I hate that he still looks so good when he's glowering.

Before I even register what's happening, my feet have carried me over to him.

"D'ya need help?"

He startles, and turns lovely grey eyes up to look at me. It's work not to gasp. He’s wearing eyeliner. I'm not entirely sure, but I think it may even be the eyeliner I told him to buy.

"The sink in my kitchen is leaking. I watched a tutorial on YouTube, and it should be easy enough to fix, but I don't have the proper tools."

He goes back to glaring at the wrenches, and I lean over to take a look.

“You want that one.”

“Why? How do you know?”

“Well, it’s adjustable. You can change it within reason, so as long as your plumbing isn’t something incredibly out of the ordinary it should fit just fine.”

He looks surprised (and maybe a bit like he wants to attack me, although I try to ignore that).

“How do you know that?”

I laugh.

“Basic home maintenance, mate, I’ve had to fix a leaky sink before too, believe it or not.”

I grin at him until one corner of his mouth tips upward in response.

“Thanks,” he says, his cheeks flushing a little. “I’ll get this one then. Yes. Thank you. Have a nice evening.”

He strides off, once again leaving me feeling a bit dazed.

He looks really good in eyeliner.

Baz

When Fiona discovered I hadn’t left the apartment in a week, she called in the cavalry. Daphne showed up at my door with a casserole and some flowers, and within minutes she had the kitchen feeling like a place that was less utility space and more home.

“Basil, Fiona is worried about you.” I rolled my eyes, despite knowing it wouldn’t get me anywhere. “I’m worried about you, too. You spend so much time by yourself, and you hardly ever go out to see your friends or enjoy the city.”

“I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”

“Basil,” she had said, and that time it was a warning. “It’s not healthy for anyone to spend this much time alone.”

“What, do you expect me to get a cat?”

Daphne smiled, and I knew that I had said the wrong thing.

“Yes, actually. And,” she said, before I could object, “Fiona thought you should too. In fact, she made it a condition of your continued occupancy of this flat. We both think it might be nice for you to have someone else around to talk to.”

I arched an eyebrow.

“And you want me to talk to a cat?”

Daphne just gave me a Mona Lisa smile, handed me a plate filled with food, and told me when she left later that evening that I had forty-eight hours to send her a picture of a cat. (I asked what I should do if I didn’t like any of the cats I saw. Or if they didn’t like me. She said I had to at least prove that I tried.)

So, this morning, I made my way to the nearest RSPCA and talked to strangers for the first time in over a week. I told them that I was looking to adopt a cat, and they immediately led me to a room filled with individual cages and an assortment of felines. They said I could play with any of the cats that I wanted, and now I’m staring into the eyes of a fluffy orange tabby.

The tabby meows at me, and I swear that she’s telling me to get lost. I guess cats can tell when you’re out of your depth.

I stroll down the aisle and read the names given to each cat. It’s been years since I last had a pet and even then, the husky my family had wasn’t my sole responsibility. I was in charge of feeding him, but there was always someone else making sure that I did. And really, we only adopted him when my pediatrician suggested that an animal might help me after my mother died. Daphne is probably trying to do the same thing again now. (Is this how one becomes a crazy cat lady? Depression, anxiety, OCD, and an unwillingness to tolerate therapy?)

I keep walking slowly until I feel a tug on my sleeve. I look down, and a little orange paw ending in one very sharp claw has latched on to me. I unhook it before my sweater can snag, and then look into the kennel. There are two kittens, each only about ten weeks old according to their cards, and the orange one is peering up at me with big blue eyes. Its littermate is asleep in the corner, curled into a fluffy black puffball, but the tabby is ready to play. His tail twitches, and he pounces immediately when I wiggle a finger between the bars. He catches my fingertip in a far more gentle grasp than I would have imagined, then looks at me with what can only be described as pure adoration.

“Excuse me,” I say, moving my finger some more and feeling small claws dig in. Then again, louder, to get the attention of the woman, “Excuse me. Can I see this one?”

The woman comes over and flips the latch, then reaches in and comes out with a handful of fur and knives. The kitten opens its mouth in a fierce imitation of a vampire, then stretches it further as it lapses into a yawn. We spend the better part of an hour in a bright, cheerful room, just the kitten and I. At first it chases a string that I drag along the ground and runs after balls with bells in them, but then it calms down and curls up in my lap to sleep.

I’m petting it and cooing softly to it, trying to ignore the fact that Daphne and Fiona were both right about this whole thing, when the door to the room opens again.

“Oh. It’s you,” says the most beautiful man I have ever seen. My face flushes when I remember our last encounter and I pray he doesn’t remember my ignorance. (Of course he does. I didn’t know how to select a wrench. I am incapable of basic home repair and he knows it.)

“Do you two know each other?” The woman from before is back, this time holding the other kitten from the same cage, and looking between the two of us. “These kittens aren’t technically a bonded pair, but they are siblings, the only two remaining from their litter, and it would be lovely if they could still see each other.”

“Err…” the man says, shifting his weight.

“We’ve met in passing a few times now,” I say, trying to avoid encouraging this line of questioning.

“Great!” she says, clapping her hands brightly after handing the kitten off. “I’ll leave all of you to get better acquainted then!”

For a moment, there’s just awkward silence. Neither of us are looking at each other, both focusing on our respective kittens. Then, his kitten turns into the feline equivalent of a slinky, oozes out of his grasp, and runs over to tap my leg once before running away again. It hides behind his legs, and all I can see is a black tail winding around his ankles.

We both laugh, and the ice is broken.

“I’m Simon,” he says, and smiles at me. It’s the same radiant smile I remember from his lockscreen. It feels like looking into the sun, and I bask in it.

“Basil. Although my friends call me Baz.”

“Are you going to…” he trails off, but gestures to my cat.

“Yes,” I look down and give it a scratch under the chin. “I’m going to adopt it.”

“Same here,” Simon says, and then he blushes. “I mean, unless it rips my face off in the next few minutes, but I think this is the one.”

“Do you know which one you have?” Their names and genders were on the cage, but it didn’t specify who was who.

“No idea. I’m going to rename mine anyway though, I didn’t like either of those names.”

“I was planning on doing the same thing. If I’m going to have a pet, it needs to have a proper name befitting its personality. Not something mundane like Fluffy.” I scowl, and he laughs.

As his kitten comes over to touch its nose to my kitten, Simon clears his throat.

“So, um, like she said, they’d probably be happy to have playdates or whatever. I mean, since we’re getting them. And since we keep running into each other. It might make sense to, you know, exchange numbers?”

“Yes!” I say, far too eagerly. “I mean, that seems reasonable. It would be more convenient than waiting to happen upon you in the Waitrose choosing inferior crisps to set up a future meeting.”

He smiles. “Well, yeah, there’s that. And this way, it’ll be easier for me to ask you out, ”

Then the absolute nightmare sits down beside me and hands me his phone. He texts me immediately once I enter my contact info.

Unknown Number (11:27 AM) This is Simon Snow

Unknown Number (11:27 AM) Your cat is cute.

Unknown Number (11:27 AM) So are you

Unknown Number (11:28 AM) Wanna get dinner sometime? ;)

I blush, and send him a reply.

Baz (11:29 AM) I thought you’d never ask.

[itsadamcole]

graduation day pt. 5

fem!reader x finn balor

it’s reader and Finn’s wedding day, and things don’t go exactly as planned ... “i do”

word count: 6.2k+

warnings: fluff, smut, dirty talking, nsfw, angst, jealousy

— final part ... lots of drama. let’s get it —

masterlist || part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 || request an imagine here

~ 18+ content below - read at your own risk ~

"Y/N," your mother says to you. "Sweetie. Wake up. We have our spa appointments this morning and we have to get our hair and nails done."

You let out a quiet groan and say, "I wanna sleep."

Your mom says, "It's your wedding day, honey. You have to get up."

Your eyes open and see the wedding dress you picked out a few months ago hanging in a bag on the closet door in the bridal suite of the hotel you're staying in.

"It's my wedding day," you say, quickly sitting up.

Laughing, your mother says, "Yes, it's you're wedding day."

It's been just over a year and a half since Finn proposed to you. You would have gotten married sooner. You were supposed to marry at the beginning of the year, but you and Finn welcomed a little bean about six months ago so you both had decided to push off the wedding a few months.

On Valentine's Day, Alania Riley Balor was born. Your daughter. Yours and Finn's daughter. It's been six months and a half months or so since the birth of your daughter and it's now your wedding day. August 25th, 2022.

You roll out of bed, stretching and yawning. Your mom holds out a folded piece of paper and says, "Finn slid this under my room door and it said to give this to you when I saw you today.

After rubbing your eyes and yawning one more time, you take the piece of paper and read it to yourself.

My love, I can't wait to marry you and see you in the dress. I've been looking forward to it since we pushed off the wedding so we could get used to parenthood. I love you. I'll see you later. - Finn

You smile and your mom says, "Alright, let's get going. We're going to be late for our appointment."

You get changed into a white tank top and tight black short shorts. You put flip flops on your feet and you tie your hair up into a messy bun before you leave.

The spa feels nice. You get massages and face masks. Then you and your mom leave to get your hair and nails done for the wedding tonight.

You get your hair curled and half of it is put up. A flower crown is put in your hair. Little white flowers are put in your hair. You get a french manicure. A white tip with a band of silver separated the white tip and light pink polish.

It's about two in the afternoon so you head back to the bridal suite.

The ceremony is taking place by a beach on the hotel property. Palm trees are everywhere, grass under your feet. White rose petals will be the 'aisle' with white chairs on either side of the aisle.

The reception is taking place in the ballroom of the hotel, then you and Finn are going to Ireland. You've wanted to see Finn's home country and it didn't take very long to convince him to honeymoon in Ireland. He's homesick so it really took you about five minutes to get him to say yes.

As your mom does your makeup, your dad FaceTimes your phone. You answer and see that your dad is holding Alania. "Hey," you say. "What's up?"

"Alania is being fussy," your father says. "I think she misses her mom because when I tried to FaceTime Finn, his voice did nothing. I thought maybe if you talked to her then she might react differently to yours."

You think for a second before you say, "Here, let me sing her a lullaby over the phone. Can you put it closer to her?"

After moving the phone closer to your daughter, you sing a little lullaby to her. Her fussiness turns into coos and you smile when you're done.

"Thank you, Y/N," your dad says quietly.

You say, "You're welcome, Dad. Finish getting ready."

He hangs up the phone and your mom finishes up your makeup.

There's a knock on the door of your suite and you go to answer the door, tightening the tie around your waist. You open the door to see Veronica standing in your doorway. She's standing in front of you in a white dress. It's a short white dress with a poofy skirt and tight top with spaghetti strap sleeves. A glittery fabric covers the breast area to the waist.

"Hi, bestie," she says, sarcastically. "Do you like my dress? I wore it especially for you."

You raise your eyebrows and you say, "You look like you're wearing a homecoming dress and you're literally almost forty. Well, you might as well be in high school with the way you're acting."

She glares at you and says, "It's better than that dress you're planning on wearing tonight."

Sighing, you say, "Sure. Whatever you say."

Veronica laughs and says, "Look at the dress. I dare you." You blink at her and walk over to the dress in the bag that hangs by the closet.

You unzip the bag, revealing a stained and cut up wedding dress. Your eyes widen and you say, "Veronica, what the hell? You're really that low to cut up my wedding dress?"

Your mother says, "That's it. Get out." She's talking to Veronica. "Now."

She laughs and says, "Enjoy your day with no dress." She waves at you and smiles before she walks away. Your mother shuts the door.

Panic begins to set in. Your wedding dress was destroyed. You bought it yourself. It was simple and cute but cheap. You were so proud that you could afford it on your own.

It was a beautiful white gown. Form-fitting with a slight flare at the knees. The dress has sheer, off the shoulder sleeves. Plain and simple but cute. Now it's all cut up and stained with who knows what.

You begin to hyperventilate and cry.

There are about two hours before your wedding. You have no idea what you are going to do. You can't walk down the aisle in your robe.

Your mom says, "Hey, Y/N. Relax. We'll run to the dress shop and get you a dress."

"That was my dress," you cry. "I loved that dress. It was the one thing I could afford on my own. Finn paid for everything else so I wanted to pay for my dress. I was so proud of it."

She looks at you and says, "I know. I know you were honey. We can go get you a dress really quick that you'll love. There's a shop right down the street. You do need something to wear tonight down the aisle."

You look at your mother and nod. You know she's right. You do need something to wear tonight. "Okay," you say, sniffing. "Let's go."

***

You have about three hours, maybe less, to find a dress that you love enough to wear down the aisle.

After trying on four dresses at the bridal shop, you start to breakdown in the dressing room. Nothing seems to be going right today. Veronica showed up in a white dress and destroyed your wedding dress. She's playing the jealous girl who would do anything to get the groom.

You're about to give up when your phone starting ringing and you see Finn's contact pop up. He's crying to call you. You clear your throat and answer it. "Hi," you squeak.

"Baby, is everything okay?" Finn asks. You can hear the concern in his voice. "Ver came by my room and said ya were crying."

Anger rises inside you and you say, "She destroyed my dress, Finn. It's all cut up and stained. She was wearing a white dress when she came by my suite. She's ruining the day, Finn. I'm trying to find another dress but I don't know if I can find one in time. There are like two hours until the ceremony starts. My hair is a mess, my makeup is a mess, and my dress is ruined."

Finn says, "It's okay, princess. We can push the ceremony back a little bit until ya find a dress. Nothing has to be ruined, my love."

You pout and look at yourself in the mirror. Your eyes are red and your cheeks are puffy. Hearing Finn's voice has calmed you down enough that you sigh.

"You're right," you say. "I'm sorry to dump all this on you right now."

Finn says on the other line, "I'm supposed to be there for ya, Y/N. Ya don't have to be sorry. I'll leave ya to find your dress. Tell me if I need to push back the ceremony a little bit and I will. I've waited too long to marry ya but I want ya to make sure ya have a dress ya love, princess."

An idea pops into your head when he calls you 'princess'. You say, "You won't have to. I love you. I'll see you in two hours."

"I love ya too," Finn says before you hang up.

You pop your head out of the dressing room. Your mom and the consultant stand outside the small room.

Both of them look at you as you ask, "Do you have any like ball gowns? Like a poofy skirt? Something that makes me look like a princess?"

The consultant says, "I think we have something like that. One second." She disappears.

Your mother asks, "Why something that makes you look like a princess?"

You smile and say, "Finn just called me and he called me a princess. It gave me an idea and it's something I could do to surprise him."

She smiles as the consultant comes back with a dress. You take it and put the dress on.

It's a perfect fit and doesn't need any drastic alterations. The top of the dress is a plain white top with a sweetheart neckline. There are no straps on the dress. There is a sparkly silver belt around your waist and from the waist down is a poofy skirt with layers of tulle. You spin around a bit and look in the mirror.This is the dress. You love it and it makes you look like a princess.

You leave the room in the dress so your mother and consultant can see the dress on you.

When your mother sees you in the dress, she gasps. "You look beautiful, sweetie," she says. The consultant agrees.

"It fits almost perfectly," you say. "I love it."

The consultant says, "It's half off too. Only ninety-five dollars."

You smile and say, "I'll take it."

***

There are thirty minutes until the ceremony begins when you get back to the hotel. Your mother and one of your bridesmaids work together to fix your hair and makeup. It doesn't take too long.

They help you in the dress, zipping you up and fixing the skirt. You put on your heels. Your bridesmaid hands you your bouquet of white and light pink roses as your mother takes off the flower crown and replaces it with a tiara with a veil attached. The veil has a small train.

Ten minutes left. You rush out of the room to the area where the best men and bridesmaids are all lined up.

Finn's best friends, Kevin Owens and AJ Styles, both smile when they see you. Kevin says, "I thought you had another dress."

"I did," you say as you line up behind AJ. "A jealous bitch cut it up and stained it so I went out and bought this."

AJ says, "Well, you look good. Finn's lucky."

Your father walks in holding Alaina and you say, "No, I'm lucky." You smile.

Alania has Finn's beautiful blue eyes but has your Y/H/C colored hair. Her cheeks are a rosey red color and she's in a cute light pink dress, matching the color of your bridesmaids' dresses.

Your father says, "I thought I'd give you the option to hold Nia instead of the bouquet. Actually, Finn told me he'd love to see you walk down the aisle with Nia the other day when we were out drinking. She's fed and burped so she shouldn't be throwing up."

You had never even thought about that. You smile and nod, throwing your bouquet of flowers onto the small couch. Your father hands you your daughter as the music plays for the best men and bridesmaids as they walk down the aisle. You hold your daughter in your left arm as you hook your right arm with your father's.

Alania's head rests on your shoulder as she sleeps peacefully. You start to walk out of the room with your father.

All eyes are on you when you come into view. Finn stands under a white arch decorated with white flowers and branches. A smile lights up his face when he sees you with Alania.

Carefully, you walk down the aisle. Before you know it, you're standing in front of Finn. You hand Alania off to your father when you get to Finn. He sits next to your mother. The crowd sits down.

You meet Finn's eyes as the official says, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to witness the matrimony of Finn Balor and Y/N L/N. If anyone should think that these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Not surprisingly, Veronica stands up and objects. You and Finn both sigh.

She was never invited to the wedding. She came as a plus one, with Seth Rollins.

"This is ridiculous," she says. "She marries her former teacher and I get fired for saying how inappropriate the whole relationship is."

Something in you finally snaps. You look directly at Veronica as you say, "You got fired because you're literally obsessed with Finn. You've stalked him, literally to the point of scaring our child. We've both taken pity on you because you're so lonely that you've gotten to the point where you have to stalk my fiancée. Guess what, sweetheart. He's getting married. Right now. To me. You lost your chance. Grow up, leave us alone, and find someone else because Finn is mine. Forever. Literally."

The crowd cheers as you go off on Veronica. You wait a second before you say, "Oh, and by the way Veronica, Finn and I had sex on your desk in your classroom when you went to lunch one day. Remember when I told you that a student came in and destroyed it? Yeah, that wasn't a student. That was me and Finn when he destroyed my insides. Sorry to my parents and Finn's parents for having to hear that."

Everyone laughs and Finn smiles. "That's my girl," he says.

You look back up at Finn as Veronica stomps away. A few people cheer and clap when she walks off.

The official says, "Alright." He gives a nervous laugh. "Do we have any vows written that you two would like to say to each other?"

Finn nods and says, "Yeah, I do."

Everyone quiets down and he takes your hands.

"Y/N L/N, my princess," he begins. "Our relationship was far from normal. When we met, I was your teacher and ya were my student. We were never meant to end up together but here we are. We are here in front of friends and family, who accept our relationship, and our daughter, who is the only person I love just as much as I love ya. The day Alania came into our lives, I was so happy. I had never experienced such a level of happiness until she was born. I will love and protect both of ya as long as I shall live."

The crowd 'awes' at the same time. You smile and tear up a bit as Finn recites his vows.

It takes everything in you not to kiss him. Not yet.

"Y/N?" the official asks.

You sigh and say, "Mr. Balor." That gets a little laugh out of Finn. "When we met, I was just a college student in my final semester of school. I entered that semester not knowing that my entire life would change. You were my English professor. You were the 'hot' teacher that everyone had a little crush on. I had a crush on you from day one, I won't lie. When we finally were able to be together, I had no idea that we'd end up here. As soon as we were together, I knew that I would never be able to spend another day without you in my life. I'm excited for our future together. I'm excited to spend it with you and Alania. I'll love you forever, Finn. That's a promise I intend to keep."

The crowd sighs and Finn wipes away a makeup stained tear that managed to roll down your cheek. You let out a little giggle and lean into Finn's touch.

The official smiles and says, "The rings, please."

AJ hands the official the rings. He hands you Finn's ring and hands Finn your ring.

The official says, "Do you, Finn Balor, take thee Y/N L/N to be your lawfully wedded wife, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, til death do you part?"

Finn maintains eye contact with you as he says, "I do."

He slides the silver wedding band onto your left ring finger. You watch as he does.

You smile, looking back up at Finn, and the official asks, "Do you, Y/N L/N, take thee Finn Balor to be your lawfully wedded husband, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, til death do you part?"

"I do," you say, fighting back happy tears as you slide Finn's wedding band onto his finger.

The official smiles and says, "By the power invested in me by the state of Florida, I now declare you man and wife. Finn, you may kiss your bride."

It takes less than one second for Finn's lips to attach to yours after that last statement. You throw your arms around Finn's neck as you share your first kiss as husband and wife.

The crowd cheers as Finn pulls back. He smiles and you say, "I love you, Finn Balor."

"And I love ya, Y/B Balor," he says. You smile and lean up, kissing him again.

After a second, you pull back. Finn's parents and your parents walk up with Alania, who's now wide away. You smile as Finn offers her his finger and she takes it.

You hug your parents and Finn's parents. Finn's mom says, "Welcome to the family, Y/N."

You smile and say, "I'm happy to be here."

Finn's holding Alania now and you take in the sight of your new husband holding your daughter. She's playing with the flower in Finn's suit.

All of you walk back to the ballroom to get the reception started.

***

After dinner, it's all dancing. You dance with your father and Finn dances with his mother as other couples dance around you.

When dessert is served, and after you eat it, it's time for yours and Finn's first dance as a married couple.

"I'd like to invite the newlyweds to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife," the DJ says.

Finn takes your hand and the two of you walk to the dance floor. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran starts to play.

As you approach the center of the dance floor by yourself, Finn spins you around. You laugh and smile up at him as he takes you into his arms. His arms wrap around your waist and yours wrap around his neck. You close your eyes and rest your head on his chest.

The suit jacket has come off but he's still wearing his tie and his shirt is tucked into his dress pants.

He says, "Ya look beautiful tonight, baby. Absolutely stunning."

Your face turns red and you smile, looking up at him. "You're obligated to say that because we're married," you say, teasing him."

Finn says, "Oh shoot. Ya are right, because ya never looked beautiful when we were dating or engaged." He smiles. You giggle.

His eyes meet yours as the song and the dance continues.

You suddenly ask, "Would you want more kids one day? When Alania is a little older and doesn't always need our attention?"

Finn nods and says, "Of course. Maybe when Alania starts school then we can try for another baby. That'll give us about three or four years."

You smile and continue swaying with Finn to the music.

You're both quiet for a second before Finn says, "I can't wait to spend forever with ya, Y/N. I've been looking for ya for years and now ya are in my arms."

"You're stuck with me, Finn," you giggle. "You get me for every Thanksgiving, every Christmas, every birthday, and every day in between for the rest of our lives."

He smiles and says, "That sounds so good."

You smile up at him before you lean up, kissing Finn. He continues to smile into the kiss as he kisses you back.

Your fingers slide into his hair as he holds you close to him.

After a minute, the song ends and other people come onto the dance floor. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri comes on next.

"Did ya really have to announce to everyone that we had sex on Ver's desk though?" Finn asks, pulling away from the kiss.

You laugh and say, "Those words came out of my mouth before I could stop them. It's my desk now anyway."

Finn laughs and says, "That's true."

***

After the throwing of the bouquet, which one of your bridesmaids catch, you head off to get changed into something more comfortable for your flight over to Ireland.

You keep with the white theme and put on a short white dress with a plunging v-neck that exposes a lot of your cleavage and an open back. The skirt falls just passed your butt and is very flowy. You wear tan wedge sandals and tie your hair up in a ponytail.

You meet Finn in the lobby of the hotel. Everyone is outside waiting to throw their rice and say goodbye.

Finn's eyes land on you and says, "That dress is gonna look so good when it hits the floor tonight."

Laughing, you say, "It's tomorrow in Ireland."

"Oh, shush," he says, smiling. "Let's go so we can say goodbye to everyone before our flight. Our passports and bags are in the car."

You nod, lacing your fingers with Finn's.

As soon as you walk through the doors, rice is thrown. You and Finn are both laughing as the crowd cheers and claps.

At the end of the crowd are both yours and Finn's parents, and Alania. You take your daughter and your mom says, "She'll be in good hands with us. You go have have lots of fun."

"She'll have lots of fun," Finn says. "I promise." He gently taps your butt and you gasp.

Your parents laugh and you look at Alania.

She coos, "Momma." You smile and fix her dress.

"Momma and dadda will be back soon, Nia," you say softly to her. "Grandmom and grandpop will take care of you."

Part of you has always hoped that Alania will have a broken Irish accent. You still have some hope that she'll have a broken Irish accent because Finn has an Irish accent. Finn's parents will be taking care of her with your parents while you and Finn are honeymooning in Ireland for the next two weeks so she'll still be exposed to the accent. You've even found yourself with a bit of an accent sometimes.

Finn says, "Y/N, we have a flight to catch." He kisses the top of Nia's head and you look up at him, nodding.

Your mom takes Alania back and you say goodbye to your parents before saying goodbye to Finn's.

He helps you into the passenger's seat of the car. You wave out the window at everyone as Finn gets into the car. He waves for a second before driving off.

Things settle down for you as Finn drives to the airport.

"Ya will love Ireland," Finn says. "They have such beautiful weather this time of year. I'm excited to show ya around the country. It's not a very big country and we're staying in the middle of it."

You smile and say, "You better take me to your hometown."

He pulls up to the airport and says, "My parents still live there and I have full permission to stay the night one night in my old room while we're in Ireland."

"Yay," you say, smiling as Finn parks the car.

***

You left Orlando International at eleven at night, making at stop at JFK airport in New York before flying to Dublin. It's about four in the morning when you land in Ireland, and you've been on flights for close to 12 hours. Timezones are weird.

Finn drives from Dublin airport to the Wineport Lodge, which takes about ninety minutes. So it's about six in the morning when you get to the hotel. You're extremely jet lagged and tired.

You and Finn check into the honeymoon suite before making you're way up to the second floor.

The suite is a large room with a large bed facing the wall of windows and a balcony. There's a desk attached to the wall and a cushioned chair against the little wall separating the doors leaving to the balcony and a set of windows. There's a little table and two chairs on the other side of the bed.

The room is in the shape of a large triangle and the walls are a tan color. The rest of the room fits the tan aesthetic of the walls.

The bathroom has a stand up shower with a glass door, a large bathtub, a counter with two sinks, and a toilet.

As soon as you reach the bed, you collapse onto it. Finn laughs. "Ya seem tired," he says.

"I am," you sigh. "Timezones suck and I'm exhausted."

He smiles and says, "Get some sleep, princess. Ya will need it. I'll wake ya in a few hours after I unpack."

You say, "I'll unpack my things first." You take your suitcase and begin to fold clothes and hang them up in the small closet. Finn does the same.

It's seven in the morning when you're finally able to sleep. Finn falls asleep soon after you do.

It seems like you only slept for two minutes when Finn wakes you. It's about four in the afternoon now. He wakes you up with kisses so you're not too mad.

"Wake up, baby," he mumbles against your cheek. "It's dinnertime. I ordered us some room service and it should be here soon. I figured ya would want to stay in tonight."

Your eyes flutter open and you smile when you see Finn. "Staying in sounds nice," you mumble, still half asleep. You yawn and sit up in bed.

Finn smiles and says, "I hope ya slept well. Ya seemed to sleep well."

Yawning, you say, "Like a baby. I haven't slept like that since before Alania."

He laughs and says, "I'm glad ya slept well."

A few moments later, someone knocks on the door. Finn answers it in his loose black and white sport shorts and a white t-shirt. A cart with food is wheeled into the room and the door closes.

"So we have some Irish stew with Irish potatoes and cabbage," Finn says. "This is colcannon and this is soda bread. I promise it tastes better than most of it looks."

You smile as Finn puts some food in a plate for you. You've made your way to the table while he explained the meal. You eat a bit of it and hum. "This is really good," you say. "Especially the potatoes but I'm not surprised there."

Finn laughs and eats at the table with you. "I'm glad ya like it," he says, eating some of the Irish stew. "I've missed Irish style dishes, especially from Ireland. It's some of the best food I've ever eaten."

You nod in agreement. "It's definitely some of the best food I've had," you says finishing up what's on the plate.

Finn smiles and finishes up what's on his plate.

By this time, it's about five. The sun has begun to set and you look out at the view over the lake of the setting sun.

Your new husband walks up behind you and wraps his arms around your shoulders.

The two of you stand at the window and watch the sun set. "Ireland is beautiful," you sigh. "And I've only seen a little bit of it."

Finn kisses your jaw and says, "You're more beautiful than Ireland."

You giggle and look back at Finn. He's looking down at you. "And you're so cliche," you say.

"But ya love me," he says, a smile on his lips.

You peck his lips and say, "I do love you. I wouldn't be here if I didn't."

Finn laughs and says, "That's very true."

He leans in and kisses you softly. You kiss him back, turning in his arms. You grab a fistful of his shirt and pull him closer to you.

You pull back after a second and say, "I have a surprise for you. You have to give me a second to get it ready though. And you have to close your eyes."

Finn smiles and says, "I like surprises."

"You'll definitely like this one," you giggle, slipping away. His back is turned to you so you grab the lingerie and walk into the bathroom.

After stripping out of your dress, you put on the red two piece lingerie. The top is completely see through except for the cups, which push your breasts up. The top ends right past your butt and you wear a pair of red lace panties underneath.

Sighing, you leave the bathroom and walk back into the main room. Finn's still looking out the window so you clear your throats to get his attention.

Your new husband turns around and his eyes widen when he sees you. "Damn, baby," he says.

Slowly and almost seductively, you walk over to him. You run your fingers up his chest and ask, "Like what you see?"

Finn nods and says, "One hundred percent."

"I thought I'd surprise you a little bit," you say. "Give you the wedding night you deserve even though it's not technically our wedding night because timezones are weird."

He licks his bottom lip and he says, "It can be whatever night ya want it to be, baby."

You look up at Finn and say, "Then let's make it a good night.”

Finn's lips crash to yours. The kiss is intense and passionate from the start. Your tongues are already in each other's mouths as you both stumble toward the bed. You pull off Finn's t-shirt and throw it to the floor. He takes off your top and it joins his shirt on the ground.

You're pushed back onto the bed and Finn crawls onto you, hovering over you. He lays between your legs and starts to kiss your neck, leaving a mark or two.

Soft sighs leave your lips as he marks up your neck. Your fingers are in his hair, running through his hair occasionally.

His lips trail down to your breasts, where he pays extra attention to them. More than he has before. He kisses them and sucks on the nipple. A moan escapes your lips, letting Finn know you like what he's doing.

You feel Finn spread your legs out a bit as he kisses down your stomach.

After you gave birth to Alania, you told Finn how self-conscious you felt because of the added baby weight. It's kept you from having sex a few times, but tonight, you almost embrace it.

Finn's told you how much he loves you and your body, no matter how it looked. He said that the baby weight made you look hotter. Those words ring in your head as Finn kisses down your stomach to the waistband of your panties.

It's been a while since you and Finn have been intimate. You both have been taking care of a newborn who likes to cry a lot at night and needs attention during the day.

Finn runs a finger over your clothed core, making you gasp and sigh. You bite your lip as you feel Finn push aside the fabric and start to rub your clit. Soft sighs escape your lips as his fingers are replaced with his tongue. Your eyes flutter closed and your sense of touch takes over.

He sucks on your clit and occasionally swirls his tongue around the sensitive bud.

After a moment of this, Finn literally rips off the panties. Your eyes open and you look down at your husband. "Finn!" you gasp. "Those were expensive!"

"Don't worry, princess," he coos. "I'll buy ya new ones." Then he pushes two fingers inside of you, making you moan softly.

You grasp onto the bedsheets as Finn moves his fingers. Soft moans continue escaping your lips and you bite on your bottom lip. Finn's mouth is back on your clit as he adds a third finger. A knot forms in your stomach and you feel your walls begin to clench around Finn's fingers.

"Finn," you whine. "Baby, I'm about to come."

He smirks before he says, "Come, princess. It won't be the last time I make ya come tonight."

His words are enough to push you over the edge. You release all over his digits. Finn continues moving his fingers, helping you ride out your high. You lay on your back, gasping for air as you come down off your climax.

Finn licks your comes and juices off his fingers before he stands up at the foot of the bed. You watch as he pulls off his shorts and boxers. His hard member slaps his stomach before he crawls back onto you. You cup Finn's face in your hands and kiss him softly. He kisses you back just as soft.

You slide your fingers into his hair and you smile into the kiss. "I love you," you mumble against his lips. "You always know how to make me feel good."

He smiles into the kiss and says, "It's my job as your husband to make ya feel good, baby." He leans down and starts to kiss your neck again. You sigh softly.

"Finn," you sigh. "I need you. Please." You're almost whining.

Your husband smiles against your neck as he begins to run his tip through your soaked folds. You moan softly, leaning your head back against the bed.

Finn slides his erect member into you slowly. You moan a little louder, your mouth forming a little 'o'. He thrusts slowly and shallowly into you.

He buries his face into your neck and you're moaning in his ear. "Faster, Finn," you gasp. "Please."

"As ya wish, princess," he gasps as he begins to move faster and deeper into you. Your moans get louder and you drag your nails down his back, definitely leaving scratch marks.

Finn groans in your ear as he moves even deeper and harder into you. You gasp as his tip grazes your g-spot. "Finn!" you cry out, digging your nails into his back.

Your husband says, "Baby, keep scratching up my back and people will start to get concerned if they see it."

You stop scratching up his back and grip his upper arms instead as he moves harder. You wrap your legs around Finn's waist as he moves, almost digging your heels into his lower back.

Finn kisses you passionately as you both are pulled closer to your orgasms.

Neither of you says anything as the room is filled with your moans and the sound of skin slapping together.

He reaches his climax first, releasing inside of you. You soon follow him, releasing around Finn. You lay on your back and Finn collapses on top of you.

Your mind begins to race, thinking about how you got to this moment.

When you told Finn how you felt on graduation day, you never thought that you would end up here. You never thought that you were going to end up married to Finn with a baby, all within two years. It's been a crazy two years.

Imagine what wouldn't have happened if you never told Finn how you felt before you graduated.

"Finn," you say, looking at your husband.

He looks up at you and says, "Hm?"

You smile and run your fingers through his hair, saying, "I am so in love with you."

Finn smiles up at you, saying, "I am so in love with you too."

The two of you share a kiss and the kiss turns into a night of sex and little makeout sessions. The night of sex and little makeout sessions turns into a lifetime of loving each other and making each other happy.