#i guess i should go check on the newlyweds huh

[hexpea]

Ch. 13 - Promise ⚠️NSFW BELOW⚠️

As the night came to a close, you and Satoru bid your goodbyes to your guests. Once outside of the grand hall and into the waiting limousine, the weight of what needed to be done that night weighed on both of your shoulders. The quiet ride to your hotel in the back of the long vehicle, its RGB lights and starlight headliner glowing along the ceiling, didn't make things easier -- especially as you began to sober up from the champagne.

You could feel the heat from his body as the two of you sat against the back portion of the unneeded limo. You kept your legs tight together to avoid your knee from bumping his, his lanky legs nearly taking up the entire area. The ride itself was entirely quiet, no speaking whatsoever. This continued even as the limo pulled in front of your hotel for the night. In the morning, it would take you to the airport for your 'honeymoon.' 

The driver got out and opened the backdoor to the limo, allowing the two of you out. From there you stood sheepishly behind Satoru while he checked in. You were covered in strangers' eyes, still in your reception attire -- very clearly newlyweds.

"Got the card," he turned to you with a now weak smile, it was an expression unlike anything you'd ever seen from him before. He was holding the key card between two fingers before the two of you departed for the elevator.

"Right," you muttered to yourself, mind racing with thoughts of what was to come, what was expected of you.

You followed him up to one of the top floors and down the hall until you reached a corner room. Immediately you were greeted with floor-to-ceiling windows, the city twinkling below you. If it weren't for the circumstances, staying in a place like this would have been a real treat. 

The bellhops dropped off your bags and left you to your own devices. Without knowing what to do, you followed Satoru toward the bedroom to check out its space. As you stepped inside, you were greeted with what looked to be a California king sprinkled with rose petals. Candles adorned many of the surfaces -- the nightstands, the dressers, and even a few delicately scattered on the floor nearby. 

"This is...something," you mumbled, as you looked about at the romantic touches. Your glance eventually fell to Satoru who was also looking around. You were looking to him for guidance, expecting him to take the lead. 

When his bare eye caught yours he quickly cleared his throat. For the first time ever, you saw his cheeks flush bright red. "Well," he began, his voice strained with discomfort, "I guess we should...go through with it, huh?"

You stared at him for a while before answering, hoping his question would somehow change. You really didn't think he'd actually want to go through with it, he wasn't usually one for listening to those in charge, especially if it were something so dramatic. But...as your childhood best friend, there was some sort of sense of camaraderie that made you want to give it a shot. And in this strange, strange world, duty was duty. Hesitantly, you nodded. "I suppose so..."

Satoru swallowed hard as he motioned for you to turn around. You listened, already knowing what he was going to do -- holding your hair away from your back. You felt as his fingers delicately undid the back of your dress. You hoped that he couldn't hear the increased beat of your loud heart. You slowly turned back to him as you snaked your way out of it, the delicate fabric billowing toward the floor to reveal your bridal lingerie. It was something you regretfully had to pick out yourself -- going with something simple yet elegant considering the circumstances. Despite this not being something you wanted, you still didn't want to be seen in your day-to-day underwear by someone like Satoru. The thought of him seeing you in your mismatched bra and panties made you shudder.

Satoru blinked hard at the sight of you in your delicates, they amplified your features in all of the right ways, hugging each bit of you he'd like to touch. But he'd never say despite the increased amount of saliva accumulating behind his lips. He continued to stare as he let his suit jacket fall to the floor and began unbuttoning his shirt. You waited impatiently for him to say something as he became half-naked before you.  

"I've never felt like I was any good at these things," he confessed with a single, awkward chuckle as he slowly walked toward you and placed his hands softly on your upper arm. The two of you were hardly twenty, inexperienced -- you more so than Satoru. You looked up at him, intimidated by his height. "I know this isn't what either of us wanted."

Your mouth felt incredibly dry but you were at least comforted with the knowledge that you were on the same page. "It's not," you confirmed slowly with a nod, looking away from him for a break from his stare. "But it's expected of us, and...I don't want to cause any more problems with our families." 

He sighed, and a glimmer of sadness flickered in his eyes. You could tell he had some thoughts brewing behind those blue eyes but he chose to keep them tucked away. "I understand." 

He then took the lead, using his index and thumb to tilt your chin to his. Just like the ceremony earlier, he placed a gentle kiss on your lips. Your heart raced from stimulated nerves as goosebumps rose on your skin. For a second, you swore you felt a bit nauseous. You had never done anything of the sort, you were a virgin. The kiss you shared was a bit deeper and more intimate than that at the ceremony. You felt your face heat up as your lips parted and met over and over until Satoru felt there was a good stopping point. You swallowed hard and gave him a doe-eyed stare the minute he pulled away.

"I promise, tonight, we'll do what's necessary to fulfill our obligations, and then we can figure out how to make the best of our situation," he spoke lowly when he pulled away. "I promise, I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do. I'll listen to you. If at any point you want to stop, you say so, immediately." 

His sincerity and vulnerability touched you, and you nodded in response. Your eyes flickering toward his every movement, like prey frozen in front of a predator.

"Alright," he took a step backward and politely motioned toward the bed with one hand. You felt like your knees were about to cave in as he instructed. "Let's just get it over with."

You walked to the side of the bed and awkwardly got on, leaning against the pillows and watched as he undid his pants and let them fall with the rest of your clothes. You hadn't realized how sculpted he had gotten. The last time you saw him this undressed was when you were preteens at the pool and he was in his swim trunks. This situation was so much different, it felt like you both could hardly recognize each other. In any case, the tension in the air was thick and you had no idea what to do with yourself. Based on Satoru's movements, he didn't either.

He knelt onto the edge of the bed and slowly crawled atop you, holding your gaze as he came closer and closer. It was incredibly intimidating. The dimly lit room cast soft shadows on your skin. Despite the awkwardness, there was a sense of shared determination to get through this moment. He held himself above you and looked deeply into your eyes as if waiting for a confirmation.  You looked between his blue stare, hands already gripping the sheets. This wasn't how you expected to lose it, but you knew that this was your duty, and the burden weighted on both of you equally. And, hey, you knew you could trust Satoru...even if you'd grown apart over the years.

Despite the turmoil within you, the ambient glow of the room's lights created a tranquil atmosphere. Eventually, you gave a single nod, eyelashes flickering nervously with your blinks as you did. 

In that quiet room, Satoru leaned forward and began to kiss your neck, the feeling making your hair stand on end. His kisses began to trail down your chest, small marks of his saliva left to the cold air as he traveled south from your breast to your stomach.

"S-Satoru," you muttered nervously as soon as he reached your panties, one of his fingers curled beneath the seam and ready to pull downward.

He looked up at you innocently, waiting for anything else you had to tell him. It was clear, the confusion on your face from the unexpected foreplay. So innocent. "I have to make you ready," he explained lowly, in a near whisper, "otherwise it will hurt." He stared at you again as if to wait for your okay to continue, or your rejection to halt everything.

Surprising yourself, you nodded shakily, "g-got it." 

Your hands gripped the sheets even harder and you squinted your eyes shut as you felt him remove your panties and discard them. In another moment, you were surprised by the warm feeling of his tongue. Its smooth texture engulfed you just as his lips did, the muscle sliding within you along with one of his digits. You gasped at the sudden filling feeling, eyes snapping open to look up at the ceiling. You felt your legs spread a little further without your instruction, your body was enjoying this. There was a slight pain from insertion of his finger, but overall waves of pleasure washed over you as calm as the tide.  

You were so incredibly nervous that you didn't dare look down, though you were entirely too curious. As his tongue danced upon you, filling your body with sparkling, brand new sensations, your curiosity got the better of you and you glanced down to see him. He looked almost angelic, eyes delicately closed, white eyelashes twitching, as he lapped away at your sex. His free hand was delicately holding the side of your thigh while the other was between your legs, curling and pulsing against the soft ridges of your insides. His white hair dangled in his face, out of his control and out of his care as he prioritized your sensations. 

After some time, he had determined that you were ready enough and pulled away. He licked his lips, sucking on the end of his finger to clean himself of you before standing on his knees. Kneeling on the bed, he revealed himself with no hesitation, letting his boxer briefs fall to his knees. In the same moment, your wide eyes watching carefully, he grasped himself and let a trail of thick spit fall onto his shaft where he gently began pumping to coat himself in it. Meanwhile, your nerves had started to return, as well as a longing and suddenly empty feeling between your legs. You felt entirely too exposed.

His head was low as he worked himself to hardness, as if he meant strictly business. He knew that the minute he laid eyes on you as you waited for him he wouldn't be able to continue. You had meant so much to him. You were the little girl who played in the sandbox creating makeshift castles with him as toddlers, the same kid who helped him figure out how his infinity worked for the first time while playing Frisbee in the park, the one girl who stood by him when he nearly defied his parents by applying to a different high school... But now here you were in his bridal bed, nearly naked before him. While he knew since his teen years that there were harbored, unspoken feelings, there were a few steps missing that your parents had taken from you. 

When he was ready, he came back on top of you, letting his nose brush against yours as he looked down to position himself with your body. You cautiously invited him in by spreading your legs apart to allow his pelvis toward you. You held back a squeak as soon as you felt the warm softness of his tip against your slick vulva. As he pressed himself into you with a single, gentle thrust he let out the softest of sighs against the shell of your ear. You vocalized and inhaled within the same moment, feeling a sudden tearing sensation as his thickness tore into you. 

He stayed steady for just a moment, coming up to look you in the eye as if to check on you. Your body slowly adjusted to the sensation as you made contact with him. Your hands had finally left the sheets, palms damp from being nearly clasped shut. They came up to his neck, holding him for a bit of self-confidence and a reminder that what was happening to you was real. 

"I'm fine," you managed to whisper out as he continued looking to you.

Satoru nodded slightly, and with great care, he began to move, slowly and deliberately. This act, once considered an intimate expression of love, was now a duty, a contractual obligation. The primary purpose was to continue the family line, produce an heir. Such a duty guided your actions and added a certain layer of gravity to the situation. As the moments passed, the initial awkwardness gave way to a sense of resignation. It wasn't about passion or desire, but about fulfilling expectations. As the initial discomfort faded into acceptance, you couldn't help but feel the sense of cooperation in this strange endeavor. It wasn't the way you would have chosen to come together, but it was a chapter in your lives that you had to face, one step at a time. 

As you and Satoru moved through this duty-bound act, his thrusts soft and careful as to not hurt you any further than he felt he already had, the minutes stretched on and the room remained filled with a palpable tension. Your fingers tangled into his hair with quite a grip as your body was overcome. In the silence, broken only by hushed breaths, you both moved with precision, aware of the expectation hanging over you.

While your body felt pleasing sensations with each push of Satoru's hips, you were too in your mind to reach any sort of high out of the situation. Satoru's body, too, was acting purely on instinct. The 'high' he was beginning to feel was simply a biological response. Though, deep down, he wanted to feel more for you, the specific scenario you had found yourselves in made it impossible to reach a high purely based on love alone. The connection that was longed for wasn't exactly there as his husky breaths turned more vocal and unsteady. Despite the lack of build, there was still a type of bond forming. Though it wasn't an expression of love, per se, it was impossible to deny the raw and genuine connection that was forming from the shared burden. Your heart began skipping beats as you knew he was close, your fate preparing to seal with each smooth movement of his pelvis. The consummation neared its end as Satoru's arms began to grow weak from the feeling between you. 

"Hhaa~," he let out a single, rough vocalization as he spilled into you. His warmth flooded your lower abdomen as he released and a flood of relief overcame you. "Y/N..." his voice was soft as he came back to give you a lingering look. 

This act had irrevocably changed the nature of your relationship, once an innocent childhood friendship, to an arranged partnership, to one now bound by an even more peculiar bond. As the act came to an end, you were left with a mixture of emotions -- both oxymoronically panic and relief, and a newfound sense of closeness. There was a sense of hesitation in your gazes, as if both of you were contemplating the profound implications of the experience. 

Satoru pulled away silently, looking at you as you rested a hand on your lower abdomen. The weight of what you'd done now resting on your conscience. There was a look of concern on Satoru's face before he turned away to dress. You watched as he dressed, the usual cocky demeanor replaced by a thoughtful and pensive expression. He, too, understood the significance of what just transpired. It was a moment that went beyond personal emotions and desires, tied to the future of the Gojo clan. 

Unfortunately, or fortunately in your mind, a mere four weeks later, your first and only pregnancy test turned up negative with your period following not long after. From that point on, after consideration, the two of you decided that it would be best to not do that again. Any feelings that had developed were swallowed deep down with promises of an open relationship. The plan, keep Satoru's father satisfied with falsified 'attempts' until his inevitable passing -- however long that would take. 

[boobo13cambridge]

Honeymoon | Kylian Mbappé

Warning: A whole lotta smut so if you're a minor DNI.

Pairing: Kylian Mbappé x f.Reader

Faceplanting on the soft bed, you let a groan. “Voyons, bébé, je t’ai même pas encore toucher.” You heard Kylian say teasingly as you turned your head to glare at him. The cheeky bastard had the nerve to laugh after making you go through the worst 48 hours of your life after what was supposed to be the best day of your life. Admittedly, you couldn't blame him entirely for the absolute lack of organization and institutional racism still prevalent at American airports for anyone darker than snow but as he was the only one in the room, he was unfortunately the target of your ire. 

To add a little bit of context to the story, Kylian and you had gotten married less than 72 hours prior in a beautiful ceremony in Paris with all your family and friends. You had been together for two years when you decided to tie the knot and spend the rest of your life together, happy ever after and all that. Looking back, you couldn't believe how a vacation to Paris with the intention of living your hot girl summer dreams turned into you meeting your future husband and a beautiful ring on your finger. 

That’s a story for another time.

Flash forward, the two of you were ready to leave for The Grenadines as Kylian arranged for you guys to fly out immediately after the reception ended. You were against the idea of leaving right after because you would still be in your wedding dress with a full face of makeup but Kylian assured you that you would be able to change in the airplane. 

Little did you know you never should have listened to him. 

As the chauffeur reached Charles de Gaulle airport, you were doing a quick check to make sure you had all of your travel documents. You feel Kylian leaning into you and kissing your cheek. “Je suis tellement content de passer le reste de ma vie avec toi, mon amour.”, he says rubbing his nose on your cheek. You turn to face him, looking lovingly into his soft brown eyes and cupping his cheek. “Moi aussi, Kyky.”, you reply kissing him deeply. He returns your kiss placing his hand on the back of your head, and slipping his tongue into your mouth. You feel the wetness pooling into your panties when you hear an awkward cough coming from the front of the limo. “Excusez-moi, monsieur et madame Mbappe, nous sommes arrivés à l’aeroport.”

Quickly you let go of your husband, your face burning hot in embarrassment.  “Euh, oui… désolé. Merci, monsieur.” Kylian replies apologetically to the driver as you both get out of the vehicle to head inside to check your bags in. Stepping into the warm Paris night, you closed your eyes as you felt a slight breeze ruffle your hair causing a strange sense of unease to unfold in the pit of your stomach. You shook your head ignoring it blaming it on the nerves of spending your first-ever trip as a married woman with the man who stole your heart at a cabaret show in the heart of Paris.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, this is where everything turned wrong for the newlyweds. As this is only a request, I won’t get into too much detail but let's just say it involved an expired passport, canceled flights, a bunch of rude airport staff, and being stuck in a dingy motel for 12 hours in Florida with a bunch of college students.

Kylian came and sat beside you on the bed. There was a glass door facing your bed that led out to the balcony with an excellent view of the crystal-clear water. He carded his hand through your hair, the soothing motion making you lean into his touch. “I’m sorry for putting you through all that, bébé.”, he softly apologized, “I guess I’m not winning husband of the year anytime soon, huh?”. You felt guilt eating away at your conscience. You felt bad for snapping at him so many times throughout the journey here when he was only trying his best. Sighing, you got up and crawled into his lap, wrapping your arms around his neck. Kissing his lips, you reassured him “No, bébé. Don’t ever say that, you’re the best husband anyone could ever ask for.” You rubbed your hands down his toned chest, placing a soft kiss on his nose. “I’m sorry for losing my cool with you. I know you were only trying your best.”, you said looking at him apologetically. 

He tangled his hands in your hair and brought your face close to his. “I guess you’re going to have to make it up to me, princesse.” You felt his lips ghosting over yours before he kissed you deeply. You felt her chest tighten as you returned his kiss with the same passion. Now, that you were married, the kiss felt much more intimate. Every day, you felt grateful for having met him. You didn’t how you ever lived without his love and kindness. Kylian, on the hand, couldn't believe how lucky he was to have found you. He was thankful to have you in his life, and he couldn't wait to spend the rest of it with you by his side. And maybe a few extra additions. 

The thought made his cock harden as he slipped his tongue in your mouth slowly caressing yours. The idea of your stomach round with his child made him go absolutely feral. Breaking the kiss to take a breath, he trailed his lips down your neck, his hands traveling up your soft thighs and tugging at the pretty little dress you had on. Getting the hint, you quickly took your dress off, leaving you in your white lace two-piece set you had saved for your honeymoon. Kylian felt his mouth dry. “Putain, bébé. You’re so fucking beautiful”

You felt a little shy seeing the way Kylian devoured your body with his lust-filled eyes. Not wanting to be the only one practically naked, you tugged at his white shirt so he could take it off. “Someone’s impatient.”, he smirked pulling his shirt off. You would never get used to the site of seeing him shirtless. Mouth salivating as you saw the way his silver chain dangled against his toned pecks. “Like what you see, bébé?” Kylian teased seeing the way you couldn’t keep your eyes off of him. 

Biting your lips, you took control and pushed him onto the bed, trailing kisses down his stomach till you reached his prominent bulge. You softly palmed his through his shorts placing kisses on the soft material. You could hear Kylian moaning your name as you took him out, his cock already swollen, the tip wet and sticky with beads of precum. Wanting to get back at him for all the teasing, you immediately took him deep in your mouth while sucking in your cheeks. Kylian let a deep groan, arching his back at the sudden feeling of your warm wet mouth around his length which forced him deeper in your throat. “Fuck, bébé. That feels so good”, he whimpered seeing you choke on his big cock. He could see the slight bulge in your throat as you kept sucking him off. He felt his balls tighten as you continued to swallow around his dick. Not wanting to come down your throat, he mustered all his strength to pull you off his aching cock. “I need to be inside that tight pussy when I cum, bébé”, he said seeing your pout. 

He turned both of you around so you were on back. Both of you were getting quite desperate and took the remaining of your clothes off quickly. Kylian settled above you, his chain dangling in your face as he took his cock in his hand and gently guided it toward your wet core. Feeling the tip of his cock nudge your hole you whimpered, wrapping your legs around his waist. You both moaned as he slowly slid his big cock inside of you. No matter how often you took him, the stretch always pained you first. Bottoming out, Kylian entwined your fingers together, ordering you to open your eyes. The first few thrust made it difficult to keep your eyes from rolling back. “Fuck, Ky… you’re so big.”, you whimpered in his ear.

“You can take it, bébé.,” he says increasing his pace. The wet sounds of his cock thrusting in your pussy fill the room alongside your moans and groans. Kylian whispers absolute filth in your ear making you squeeze around his length as your wetness trails down his balls. The sensation of his chain hitting your face heightens the pleasure. “Ky, I’m… I’m going to cum…shit…” you let out breathlessly, trembling in his hold. He slips a finger to rub your clit “I got you, bébé, cum for me”. His deep and fast thrust combined with his finger on your clit makes you explode as you scream his name. Kylian doesn't stop, fucking you through your orgasm. “Ky…too much…” you cry out, scratching his back, your thighs shaking uncontrollably. “Just a little bit more bébé. Fuck, I need to cum inside you. I want you full with my cum. Shit. I wanna fuck a baby in you, princesse.” His confession doesn’t really register in your mind as he cums inside you triggering another orgasm as your pussy clamps down on his cock, milking every last drop. 

Kylian pulls out and collapses beside you, as you both try to catch your breath. “You want to have a baby, Kyks?”, you turn to ask him. You see a light blush spread across his cheeks as he bites his lips nervously. “Not now, obviously, mon amour, but I would like to start trying.” He looks at you with a little hope, “and you know if it happens it happens.” You chuckle finding him absolutely adorable. To be fair, you have been thinking about starting a family with him for quite some time. Seeing him interact with his nephews and nieces made her heart melt. You wanted to wait till the both of you were married, and right now you couldn't think of a better time to start. Besides, having a little version of you and Kylian running around filled you with warmth.

“Well, cumming in me just once isnt going to work is it?”, you said cheekily. Laughing, Kylian quickly got back on top of you. 

Let’s just say, at the next World Cup, if you looked closely, there was definitely another mini Mbappé cheering in the stands encouraging our favorite number 10 to win it again for his country.

[frienderbender]

i do have this out of context screenshot from yesterday. this was the day before the wedding i think. idk what’s happening but it made me laugh so

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS MORE, MORE BLOOD Vol. 7 Sakamaki Subaru Stellaworth Tokuten: “Monopolizing Her”

Original title: 彼が貴女を独り占めするCD

Source: Diabolik Lovers More, More Blood Vol. 7 Sakamaki Subaru Stellaworth Tokuten CD [CD not owned by me]

Audio: N/A

Seiyuu: Takashi Kondou

Translator’s note: Someone passed me their Google Drive with all of the MMB Tokutens (both the Animate and the Stellaworth one) so I’ll slowly be working my way through these. uwu Unfortunately, no audio for now because they didn’t want me to share the link and I respect that since this person obviously spent a lot of money to collect the complete set. Of course, I had to start with my favorite boy. :p I bought the Animate edition but this CD was definitely super cute as well. ;w; I’m a sucker for domestic fluff. 

→  LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

*Shatter*

“Ugh...Kuh...Argh!”

*Shatter*

You enter the room.

“Haah, haah...”

*Cling*

You rush over to his side, worried about him.

“...Ah? Oh, it’s you. It’s nothin’, really. I just needed to vent off some steam after those jerks pissed me off with their annoyin’ behavior. ...Che. I made quite the mess, huh? Oh well, I’m sure Reiji will take care of it.”

You look around the kitchen and suddenly shriek, startling Subaru. 

*Rustle*

“...!? The fuck you shoutin’ for all of a sudden...!?”

*Cling cling*

“Ahー That was your mug? It’s shattered to pieces now...”

You frown.

“Ah...It was still quite new, huh? ...M...My bad...Oh well, don’t sweat it! You can always just buy another one, right?”

You sigh.

“Oi...Are you upset?”

You shake your head. 

“...’Not really’? It’s obvious you’re pretty bummed out tho...Aah, fuck! Fine! I’ll buy you a new one, so don’t look so sad.”

You insist that it’s okay. 

“I’m sayin’ it’s fine. ...But I wouldn’t know which one to pick, so we’re goin’ shopping together.”

You nod.

“Hahaha...Nice response. You suddenly got your mojo back, huh? ...Let’s not waste any more time then. Off we go.”

*TIMESKIP*

The scene shifts to the department store.

“Haah...A goodies store, huh? I feel like I might accidentally break somethin’ just from movin’ ‘round.”

You ask if he’s okay.

“It’s nothin’...Just hurry up and go pick one. ...Huh? Oi. Don’t you think we should look over there?”

They walk towards a different shelf.

“...Ah? The fuck’s this ‘Newlywed Life’ event ‘bout?”

You explain.

“Aah...So that’s why there’s a bunch of toasters and tea cups and such out on display. ...Newlywed life, huh? Are you...interested in this sorta thing?”

You nod.

“I see...I should have figured you would be.”

*Thud*

“This bear ornament seems totally your thing. ...I’d consider myself a minimalist but if the two of us were to move in together, I guess I wouldn’t mind havin’ somethin’ like this ‘round the house.”

You ponder if he would like to live together.

“Yeah...I wouldn’t mind living in a world were you’d be down with that. ...W-Well, the thought just crossed my mind, that’s all!”

*Rustle*

“Anyway, check out these aprons! They come in a set of two, one for a guy and one for a girl.”

You explain.

“Heeh...So this is what you’d consider ‘matching’...”

*Rustle rustle*

“...Wha...!? What are you sayin’...!? If we start usin’ matchin’ mugs, Ayato and Laito will never let me live it down!”

You nod in defeat.

“...What? You’re givin’ up on the idea already?”

You tilt your head to the side and remind him that he seemed opposed to it earlier. 

“I mean, I’m not thrilled ‘bout it but...I’m also the one who broke your mug so...When you take that into account...I guess I don’t mind doin’ as you wish for once...”

Your eyes widen in surprise.

“I’m givin’ you green light so hurry up and make your choice...! The mugs are...Over here, right? Oi, which ones do you like?”

*Thud*

“...Haah? Why is it covered in darn hearts?  Do you really think I’d use that shit?”

You note that it’s cute.

“I mean, it’d be cute if you’re the one drinking from it but... ...Ugh. Nevermind. Anyway, choose another one!”

*Thud*

“These? When you put them side-to-side, it creates a picture of two bunnies kissin’...? ...Isn’t that just plain embarrassin’?”

You ask Subaru to pick. 

“...M-Me!? Che...Fine then!”

*Cling cling*

“Right...Oi. How ‘bout somethin’ like this?”

*Thud*

“When you allign them, the handles connect like they’re holdin’ hands. Just look how close they seem!”

You ask him if he doesn’t feel embarrassed about it.

“I mean, it’s still embarrassin’ but...I kind of like how it conveys that message of never leavin’ each other...”

You smile and tell Subaru you like them as well.

“I see...You like them too? Let’s buy these then!”

You agree.

“We found the perfect set of mugs for us, huh? ...Well, once we’re back home, we should try them out right away. I want to try drinkin’ from it.”

*TIMESKIP*

You enter Subaru’s room.

*Thud*

“Ah...It’s you. What’s up?”

You ask him for your hair accessory. 

“Your hair pin? I haven’t seen it but...It’s probably somewhere inside my coffin,  no? It might have fallen out when we slept together the other day.”

They walk over to the coffin to check.

*Rustle rustle* 

“Aah, where is it...? Oi! Have you found it?”

*Cling*

“Ah! That’s...! ...I-I wasn’t tryin’ to hide it or anythin’ but...Just as I thought, I got teased by Ayato and Laito for drinkin’ out of that mug so...I’ve decided to only use it in my own room.”

You look at the mug. 

“Yeah...I mean, I get you probably don’t like that but...”

You shake your head.

“What? You’re not upset?”

You tell him you’re glad he hasn’t thrown it away.

“Haah...? The fuck you sayin’? What makes you think I’d throw it away? If I were to do that...Your mug would be left behind all alone.”

You giggle. 

“I know it might sound delusional to say this ‘bout just some mugs but...It just doesn’t sit right with me. So don’t you dare get rid of it either, ‘kay? These are like a symbol of our eternal bond after all...”

You smile and nod. 

ーー THE END ーー

[solartranslations]

AF2 Pace Chapter 13: Fated Love Blooms

As long as you’re alive, there is a path you can take. All you have to do is search for it…

~*Scene: Harbor*~

Dante: I can’t believe them…why would the Chief Executive’s presence be required for a simple cargo inspection…

Felicita: Dante! Are you working?

Dante: Oh, Ojou-san and Pace! On a walk? I see you’re doing well

Pace: Ahaha, if we’re carrying all this it can’t be just a walk

Dante: Oh? That sure is a lot of luggage. Are you going somewhere?

>Our honeymoon

(+30 Amore)

>Somewhere for study

(No Amore)

Dante: Oh, apologies. That should have been obvious for newlyweds

Pace: It’s a little embarrassing to hear us referred to as newlyweds

Felicita: Yeah…

Dante: Where are you going?

Pace: We decided on Nordia

Dante: I would have taken the chance to go somewhere further…not that I can order you around

Pace: We want to show everyone in Nordia how happy we are

Pace: It’s our right as newlyweds!

Felicita: “Right”…?

Dante: Study? …For being the lord? I didn’t think there was a place specific for that

Dante: Where exactly are you going?

Pace: Nordia. It was Alberto’s idea. He said I’d learn a lot there

Dante: I see. Alberto has been studying for a long time, so he must know his stuff

Pace: You really have different priorities once you’ve got a wife

Felicita: It’s still embarrassing to be called that…

Dante: Hahaha! Make sure you work hard and live up to Ojou-san’s expectations!

Pace: Of course!

Dante: But, Nordia again? You’ve really taken a liking to it

Felicita: We were on a mission back then

Orso: Dante-san! We need you to check this shipment

Dante: Hm, I should get back to work. Have a safe trip, you two

Felicita: Thanks, Dante

Felicita: We didn’t tell him why we’re really going to Nordia

Pace: I think that’s fine. We wouldn’t want Dante to worry

Felicita: We’re only going because of me anyway…

~*Flashback: Pace’s Room*~

Pace: It feels weird sharing a room like this now

Pace: But it’s not that different from when we were just dating…

Felicita: It doesn’t feel like we’re married?

Pace: Hm sometimes it doesn’t. But sometimes it does

Pace: Like when I realize you don’t have to go back to your own room after saying goodnight

Felicita: Didn’t I try the day before?

Pace: Ahaha. Habits die hard. But now, I can have you next to me for the whole night

Pace: I’m glad we got married!

Felicita: Really…

Felicita: Pace, let’s be serious for a second…I want to go to Nordia

Pace: Again? The almond flowers won’t bloom for a while

Felicita: …To see Vir

Pace: Vir again? To do what?

Felicita: …

Pace: …Is it for me?

Felicita: Now that we’ve started living together like this, I really do wish it could continue forever

Felicita: Even if it’s just one minute or one second more, I want you to live longer!

Felicita: The three cards we have left, and our stigmata…

Felicita: Just looking at them reminds me, about Vir…and how you don’t have much longer

Pace: I wanted to make you happy enough that you’d forget, but I guess you wouldn’t

Pace: But making it so that you can’t forget might be Vir’s strategy in the first place

Pace: To make you unhappy…

Pace: If it is, then Vir sure has a lot of time to kill

Felicita: Vir has to know a way to get your lifespan back

Felicita: …He’s testing me. And playing me. I can’t stand it

Felicita: Instead of feeling like this for years, I want to settle it now. I have to get your lifespan back

Felicita: I won’t give up hope until the end!

Pace: …Hope, huh

Pace: I’m happy just being with you, but you’re looking further into the future

Pace: It’s a bit like how I decided I would become the next lord

Felicita: I…

Felicita: I don’t…want to give up on you, Pace

Pace: Yeah…alright then. I’ll go with you

~*End Flashback*~

Pace: Fel, the ship’s here

Felicita: Let’s go, Pace

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Meeting Room*~

Agata: We meet again. I didn’t expect to see you so soon

Felicita: Sorry for the sudden visit

Agata: Don’t worry about that. …I did suspect you might

Pace: !? Agata, you knew we would visit…?

Agata: I don’t know the details. I just had a feeling

Agata: And Vir looked like he was waiting for something

Agata: But the two of you don’t look all that cheerful. …What happened?

~*Fade*~

Agata: I see…that’s how it is…

Pace: I want to use all the time I have left to make Ojou smile

Pace: But as long as she’s still worried about this, her smile won’t be genuine

Pace: So we came here to see if there was even the slightest chance

Felicita: So, Agata…

>Does Vir know a way?

(+10 Amore)

>I want to know what you think

(+20 Amore)

>Can Pace be saved?

(No Amore)

Felicita: Have you heard anything?

Pace: Vir knows a lot about the Tarocco, right?

Pace: So it’s likely that he knows something we wouldn’t have thought of

Agata: Goodness…I’m sorry, but I can’t help you

Felicita: You’re a role model to me, after all

Agata: I’m not involved, so it’s not my place to meddle

Pace: But you did help me before, right Agata?

Pace: I still remember what you told me back then

Pace: Don’t keep quiet if you know something! Please!

Agata: Pace…I would never have taken on a disciple as rude as you

Agata: That I don’t know

Pace: Don’t be sad, Ojou

Agata: I believe that is up to you two

Agata: However, I also can’t send you home without at least some advice

Agata: …Can I tell you a little about myself?

Felicita: Sure

Agata: It’s about my son, Theodore

Agata: Teo died in an accident when he was twelve. Or, he should have…

Pace: Wait, your twin sons were named Serafino and Theodore, right?

Felicita: Sera and Teo…

Felicita: Wait, they’re twins…?

Agata: Yes. Vir used his powers to make Teo immortal

Agata: I didn’t want to lose my son. That’s why Teo is how he is now

Felicita: Teo’s still alive, so why do you look so sad?

Agata: Because it went against the laws of nature. Which comes at a price

Pace: A price…

Agata: Humans don’t live forever. But that’s why we shine the brightest

Pace: We grow up, find the one we love, then grow old and die

Pace: You said that’s how humans are supposed to live

Agata: Yes. But now Teo can never have that

Agata: Even if he does meet his match, they are sure to die before him and leave Teo behind. And he will be left with only sadness

Pace: So Teo’s traveling with Vir who is the same, because he knows that?

Felicita: So that’s what Teo meant before…

Agata: I couldn’t bear the grief of losing Teo, and didn’t fully consider the effect on his future. Now this is the result

Agata: I gave my beloved son eternal pain. Perhaps it was inevitable as a mother

Agata: Teo does visit occasionally, but he can tell that I have complicated feelings

Pace: If I were Teo, I wouldn’t be able to stand my mother holding on to her pain like this

Pace: This happened because you both love each other!/p>

Felicita: Do you regret it, Agata…?

Agata: …I don’t want to admit it that I was wrong. I just can’t

Agata: I am the governor of Nordia. In my position, I can’t afford to make mistakes

Felicita: Your position…

Agata: …I’ll tell you what I think is right

Agata: You should get Vir to tell you how to restore Pace’s lifespan. And achieve it no matter what the cost

Felicita: You have a contract with Vir. Should you be saying that?

Agata: I am not the same Agata that he was familiar with in the past

Agata: And it’s time for Vir’s relationship with “Agata” to end

Agata: It must change

Agata: No, it will change with me

Felicita: Agata…

Agata: What happened with Teo is in the past. It can’t be changed. I’ve come to terms with that. But Pace is different

Agata: Because right now, Pace is a living breathing human—

Felicita: Yeah… Pace is right here beside me

Felicita: If I squeeze his hand, he’ll squeeze right back

Pace: That’s one way to make Ojou smile after all

Pace: All human lives come to an end. The only difference is whether it’s long or short

Agata: And you’re never wrong for fighting for a little more time

Pace: Yeah, and we’ll fight as hard as we can

Pace: Because that’s what the one I love wants!

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Bedroom*~

Vir: You’re earlier than expected. Ready to give up your lives?

Felicita: Obviously not

Pace: We’re on a honeymoon for our future

Vir: Oh. And here I thought you were both ready to pass on after despairing for your future. It would have been easier

Vir: I’ve seen it happen many times. But I suppose you two are not that weak-willed

Felicita: Tell me how to recover all of Pace’s lifespan from La Forza

Vir: Hm…I see you’ve learned to choose your words wisely

Vir: But there’s nothing in it for me. Didn’t I tell you? I can’t have him living for too long

Felicita: You want an equivalent exchange? Then how about these cards?

Vir: I don’t need those anymore. That’s why I left them behind

Felicita: Won’t your stone be incomplete without these three?

Vir: The cards are just a vessel. I can remake them as long as I have the stone. And unless the stone is destroyed by Vascello Fantasma’s flame, I can do that as many times as needed

Felicita: What…!

Pace: That’s why you let us destroy the Tarocco…

Vir: Now you’ve learned something important about the Tarocco. Take it and leave

Felicita: You didn’t answer my question

Vir: So stubborn

Felicita: I want Pace’s lifespan back. So…

>Please help me

(+20 Amore)

>I’ll stop at nothing

(No Amore)

>I’ll do anything

(+10 Amore)

Vir: Your pleas are useless

Felicita: Even you have human emotions, don’t you?

Vir: Are you going to cry? …It won’t work

Felicita: You’re awful

Vir: And now you’re angry about not getting what you want—

Vir: And here I thought we could talk this out…how uncivilized

Felicita: I don’t want this either!

(*whish)

Vir: Hmph. You really thought that would work…

Vir: Anything? Then will you end Pace’s life now with your own hands?

Felicita: Don’t joke with me!

Vir: You said anything. You really are all talk

Vir: You’re like a spoiled child. You should learn that the world won’t treat you so kindly

Felicita: There’s always a way to get through to someone! I won’t give up!

Vir: Are you serious about fighting me?

Pace: Fel, that’s reckless even for you…

Felicita: Pace…I have you save you, Pace!

Vir: Seeing you struggle using brute force reminds me of how foolish I was in the past…

Vir: If you are truly confident in your abilities, then try to convince La Forza herself

Pace: Convince?

Felicita: We can do that?

Vir: Hm, let’s try summoning La Forza into Neve’s body. She’s capable of that

Felicta: Really!? You’ll help us!?

Vir: You get one chance. If it doesn’t work, he will die

Pace: We’ll see if it comes to that. It’s Ojou deciding if I live or die, so I couldn’t be happier either way!

Vir: Oh, if you die I’ll just bring you back. Just like Teo

Pace: Sorry, but no thanks

Pace: Because I want to live alongside Ojou

Felicita: We will succeed!

Vir: I can see you’re determined at least. …It will take some time to prepare. Come again tomorrow

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Balcony*~

Pace: It’s night now

Felicita: Yeah

Pace: It should be in Regalo too

Felicita: Yeah

Pace: I wonder how far it goes?

Felicita: How far?

Pace: It’s day on the other side of the world, so I wonder how much is night right now

Felicita: Want to go see?

Pace: I do, but…

Felicita: You’re worried?

Felicita: About…whether you have enough time left to make it?

Pace: …Ojou, I have a confession

Pace: I’m scared of dying

Felicita: You told me already

Pace: What! When?

Felicita: You said it in your sleep

Pace: Ahh, that’s embarrassing! I was trying hard to keep it in

Felicita: How’s it embarrassing?

Pace: I didn’t want you to see me like that!

Felicita: I don’t mind…

Pace: Yeah, but I want to always look cool in front of you

Felicita: You still look cool to me, Pace

Pace: Huh, I do?

Felicita: …Because, you weren’t swept away by your fate

Felicita: You looked sad accepting your fate, but were still stronger than anyone

Felicita: It’s just that you were strong in a sad way

Pace: …I’m sorry, Ojou

Felicita: …I’m still worried that what I’m doing now is selfish

Pace: It’s not. I’m happy that you’re trying to save my life

Felicita: Really?

Pace: I can’t bear to see the one I love look sad after all

Pace: At this rate, I know you won’t keep smiling once I’m gone

Felicita: …

Pace: I’ve always tried hard so everyone around me would smile

Pace: But right now, I want to put myself first

Felicita: Put yourself…

Pace: So I’ll ask you again

Pace: Will you…save me?

Felicita: Yes…!

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Bedroom*~

Neve: I’m ready, Vir-sama

Felicita: I’m ready too

Vir: Do remember that this may be the last you see of him

Vir: I summon you into Neve, La Forza…

Neve: …Ahh!

Vir: Now, show me how strong your will is

~*Scene: Felicita’s Old House Illusion*~

La Forza: ……

La Forza: …What?

Felicita: Neve? …No, La Forza?

La Forza: You’ve dragged me into this vessel by force… Whose body is this?

Felicita: La Forza, please. I want you to return—

La Forza: I know what you want, host of Gli Amanti. The return of his lifespan, yes?

La Forza: —I can’t believe you would summon me just to ask for something so ridiculous

Felicita: I thought I could get through to you if we talked…so, please

La Forza: I will not hear any of this!

(*whish)

(*dodge)

Felicita: You’re really not going to listen…!

La Forza: I will not

La Forza: So, Gli Amanti. Just try forcing me to yield, if you can!

Felicita: Gli Amanti…this will be my last request of you. So lend me your power

Felicita: And Fortuna…please give me the power to face La Forza…

Felicita: Gli Amanti in my right knife, and Fortuna in my left…

(*whish) Felicita: Haah…!

Attack!

>Hit

(+10 Amore)

>Miss

(-10 Amore)

(*hit) La Forza: !!

(*dodge) La Forza: Hmph

La Forza: Now, show me what you’re made of

Dodge!

>Hit

(+10 Amore)

>Miss

(-10 Amore)

Felicita: *dodge*

(*whack) Felicita: Ahh!

La Forza: What a bore…

(Skip to Loss dialogue box)

(*slide)

Felicita: I will make Pace happy

Felicita: Hah!!

Attack!

>Hit

(+10 Amore)

>Miss

(-10 Amore)

Felicita: I said, don’t take Pace away from me!

(*slash)

(*dodge) La Forza: That’s all?

(Skip to Loss dialogue box)

Felicita: Gli Amanti…Fortuna…

Felicita: And Pace are with me!

This is my “Strength”!!

>Hit

(+50 Amore)

>Miss

(-50 Amore)

(*whack) La Forza: You…really beat me in a test of strength…

(*dodge) Felicita: Ah…

(Skip to Loss dialogue box)

>Win

>Loss

La Forza: …! To think I would lose…

Felicita: Do you understand now?

La Forza: I’ve never met someone who cared for their beloved as you do—I like you

La Forza: But, of course I would…Gli Amanti and I do have similar tastes

La Forza: The reason I couldn’t have the host I preferred, was because my powers couldn’t compare to Gli Amanti’s. Our battle proves it

La Forza: …And among all my hosts, Pace has been the most favorable. I suppose I could release him considering that

Felicita: Then…!

La Forza: Yes. I will return the excess compensation

Felicita: Really…! Thank you!

La Forza: I’ve…seen your smile many times through Pace’s eyes. And it’s made me want to see it more as well

La Forza: Those are my own feelings, not Pace’s

La Forza: Though perhaps wanting to see my partner smile is something my host has influenced me into feeling

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Bedroom*~

Felicita: The cards…

Neve: …Ah

Vir: You did well, Neve. And it was nice seeing another side of you as well

Neve: Vir-sama?

Vir: Well, that’s it. You’ve completely sealed the Tarocco

Felicita: Neve, Vir, thank you. It’s because of you—

Vir: Shouldn’t you be celebrating with someone else?

Pace: …Fel

Felicita: Pace!!

Felicita: This time, I really have saved you

Felicita: Now I can be with you forever and ever!

Pace: Fel, thank you

Pace: I heard how you wanted to make me happy…

Pace: And how you didn’t want her to “take me away”

Felicita: Oh…

Pace: You really love me that much?

Felicita: …Yeah

Pace: Then, let me tell you just how thankful I am

Pace: I…love you too

(Continue to Pace ED 1)

La Forza: It’s my victory

Felicita: Wait…!

La Forza: I will do as I please with my host

Felicita: No!

La Forza: …Do you truly care about him so much?

Felicita: Please don’t take Pace’s life…

La Forza: Then, how about this?

La Forza: You please me as a host as well. So I want to grant your wish

La Forza: I will make Pace “live” for eternity

Felicita: !?

La Forza: And, I will destroy all the Tarocco and end this for good

~*Scene: Governor’s Mansion Bedroom*~

Vir: …La Forza, I didn’t expect this from you…

Neve: V-Vir-sama…?

Vir: The Tarocco and the stone have both been destroyed

Felicita: Pace, where’s Pace!?

(Continue to Pace ED 2)

~*End of Scene*~

(Back to Directory)

[fanmoose12]

Prompt:, What would it feel like, to marry the love of your life?

One of the lovely pair of the 104th cadets are getting married and Hange was invited to do a speech during their reception. Though Hange immediately agreed due to her soft spot for them, she’s finds herself clueless as to what really say.

She admits that she could talk endlessly about her experiments. But talking in a wedding is a completely different league. Seeing how distressed she is, Levi decided to gave gave her an unexpected encouragement before she goes on stage.

He thought, maybe she’ll find an inspiration on what he’s about to do. So he pulled the ascot from his neck and placed it gently on Hange’s head like a veil. In place of a real bouquet, Levi gave her the flower pinned from his suit.

He then asked her, if she were to be a bride someday, what would she like to express to the person she’s marrying? And how would she like to tell that person about love?

When hange came on stage, everybody’s cheering. Apparently, the microphone on her clothes were “on”the whole time. And their whole conversation was heard. After her speech, the bride gave Hange her veil and bouquet as a thanks. Levi complemented Hange and told her that a real veil and bouquet would really suit her, and he’s looking forward for that day to come.

"Everyone is waiting for you." Levi spoke from his place against the doorway, scowling at Hange with his hands crossed. "What's taking so long, four-eyes?"

"Just a minute more..." Hange muttered absentmindedly, bent over a small piece of paper in her hands.

"Are you still going at it?" Levi grunted. "The stupid speech?"

"I don't know what to say!" Hange exclaimed, running a hand through her hair. Levi tsked and went to fix the mess she created. He worked so hard to make a presentable human being out of her this morning. He will not let Hange's frustration ruin all of his efforts.

"You talk more than any person I know, four-eyes," he remained, moving a part of her hair behind her ear. "You never think what shit comes out from your mouth. What's the difference now?"

"I don't know..." Hange shook her head. "Why did they even ask me to do the speech?"

Levi sighed and crouched before Hange.

"Because as bizarre as it sounds, the brats like you."

"I still don't know what to say... What would they want to hear?"

"How should I know?" Levi grumbled, shifting his gaze to the side. "It's not like I was ever married."

"Or planning to get married," Hange teased with a grin.

"Yeah," Levi murmured, glancing fleetingly at Hange. "It's not like I'm planning to get married."

"C'mon," after a few seconds of silence, he helped Hange to her feet. "I have an idea."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, take this," he thrusted her a flower from his suit. "And now stand still and lower your goddamn head a little," with a look of confusion Hange obeyed. Softly Levi put his ascot on top of her head, careful not to disturb her hair.

"Levi?" Hange asked tentatively, her head still bowed. "What is the meaning of this?"

"You're a bride now," Levi shrugged. "Imagine what you would want to hear on the day of your wedding."

"Hm, it's a good idea," she hummed. "But I'm lacking the most important thing."

"Huh?"

Hange smiled crookedly. "A groom."

"For fuck's sake..." Levi sighed, coming to stand on Hange's side.

She wrapped her hand around his arm, still wearing that same bright smile.

Levi gave her a side glance. Even in simple tuxedo and ponytail, Hange looked absolutely radiant. He couldn't help but wonder how beautiful she would look at the day of her wedding.

"So," he nudged her. "Decided what you want to say?"

"I... guess so." Hange said, nodding to herself. She took a step back, letting go of Levi's arm. "Thank you, Levi. You made a pretty convincing groom."

"Whatever," he looked to the side in a poor attempt at hiding his blush. "Can we go down and join the others now?"

"Sure, but Levi..."

He rolled his eyes. "What else do you need?"

"Can you go with me? On a s-stage, when I'll be doing a speech? It'll make less nervous."

"Won't that be weird?" he frowned. "Everyone would think we're their parents or something."

"Levi," Hange chuckled. "Everyone already thinks that."

"Good grief..." Levi muttered, leading Hange out of the room.

***

"Hange-san!" Sasha gave her a tight hug. "Your speech was so moving! I knew you were a right person to do it!"

"Captain, you weren't so bad too," Connie smirked, clasping Levi's shoulder in a fit of sudden fearlessness. Captain wasn't kill him on his wedding night, after all. Probably.

"Yes!" Sasha squealed. "You looked just like newlyweds!"

"Em..." Hange cleared her throat, not knowing what to say. Her face was burning. She was sure Levi's face was the same. She was too embarrassed to look at him and check, though.

"Here," Sasha thrusted a bouquet in Hange's hands. "It's an old tradition..."

"The person, who receives the bride's bouquet, will get married next." Connie finished, clasping Levi's shoulder once again. "Can't wait to have fun on your wedding!"

"It's going to be great!" Sasha agreed enthusiastically.

The bride and groom left before Hange and Levi could utter a single word.

"Well..." Hange chuckled. "I want a summer wedding. What about you?"

"Whatever suits you, four-eyes," Levi smirked, extending his hand. "You up for a dance?"

"Lead the way, fiance."

[bffsoobin]

⇾soobin

⇾4 shuffles

masterlist

From the other room, you can hear the bustle of people mingling; chatting while they try to find their seats in the throngs of people occupying the decorated tables. A pit of nerves had balled up in your stomach, persistent and annoying as you check yourself over for what was probably the 50th time. Honestly, you had nothing to worry about. Every hair was laid perfectly in place and your makeup had been packed with so many layers of powder and setting spray that you thought even a hurricane would have trouble moving it.

But here you were, still worrying the cuticles of your manicured fingers as your closest friends milled around the bedroom-turned-dressing room. 

“Come on, YN! This is a big day, why do you look so down?” One questioned, coming into your field of vision suddenly. 

“Oh, I just. I don’t know.” You frowned, feeling bad that you couldn’t offer a good explanation as you thumbed the silky fabric of your dress.

“That’s okay, just have a good time at the reception!” She cheered, pushing at your arm playfully. You supposed she was right. At least you could eat something and down some champagne with no one to question you. 

Dutifully, you followed the gaggle of friends out of the room and back to the venue’s large ballroom. The DJ announced your entrance and the room filled with hoots and claps as you sat down at the table designated for you. Your eyes skated over the crowd, catching on several familiar faces and the sight of the photographer snapping pictures that you smiled for. Slowly, you began to feel more at ease with the help of your first glass of effervescent champagne. The food you filled your stomach with hit the empty spot inside you just right, and you somehow managed to keep anything from staining the delicate fabric of the dress that danced around your ankles with every movement. Your friends had been right, there was nothing to fret over after all. 

A particularly good song came on after all of the speeches and ceremonial happenings had ended, and you were easily coerced into the center of the dance floor to sway to the beat and laugh through all of the words to the song. Your heels clicked against the tiled floor and for a second you considered ditched them entirely. They made you feel so obvious but you felt even weirder about taking them off after being on your feet for just a single song. 

Just as you became comfortable enough to throw your hands in the air along with all of your friends, your back collided right into a firm chest. 

“Oh my god,” you whirled around, stumbling a bit on those damn heels in the process. “I’m so sorry!” You were yelling to compensate for the music pumping through the speakers, but your throat constricted at the sight of who you’d run into. Choi Soobin, old flame and long term boyfriend stood right in front of you, dressed to the nines in the suit you remember helping him pick out. “Wow, you look great!” You exclaimed, champagne exasperating the first thing that came to mind. The two of you had broken up mutually, almost five years ago, but you still wondered where he was from time to time. 

“So do you!” He was blushing, probably unsure of what to do in the situation. You should have known he would be here, at the wedding of one of your best friends who he had also befriended during college. Suddenly, you thought of how different things could have been if you hadn’t decided to break up when you left to study abroad. In another world, he could have been your date to this exact event; holding your hand as you passed through crowds slyly asking “When will it be you two?” 

But instead you were here, standing still in the group of dancing bodies. 

“Do you want to?” He cocked his head to the side to indicate moving off the dance floor, and you nodded without hesitation. Somewhere inside of you, you longed to talk to him for hours like you used to. Arriving at the much quieter bar, you asked for another glass of champagne as Soobin leaned casually on the counter. He had grown into his features; matured even more than you always remembered him to have been when you dated. 

You downed the drink in one go and Soobin laughed heartily, a sparkle laying in his brown eyes. 

“Guess some things never change, huh?”

“Nope. Always could out drink you, Choi.” A smile bloomed on your lips, delighted by the ease of the conversation. For a second the both of you simply watched the coming and going of the wedding in front of you. 

“You know, when I got the invitation for this, I wondered if you’d be here.” He admitted, refusing to make eye contact even though you had turned to face him. “But I wasn’t sure if you were still friends with her.” 

“Oh, yeah! I honestly wasn’t expecting to be a bridesmaid but she asked me and I just couldn’t say no.” You carefully studied the mole just to the side of his nose that you always used to peck with kisses.

“Right.” He gave a small grin as he nodded his head, as if building up the courage to say something. Your heart skipped a beat at the thought. “And then I thought...it should’ve been us. Ya know? If we hadn’t broken up then this could have been, I dunno, our wedding or something.” He ended it with a chuckle as if to dismiss the thought, but you nodded seriously. 

“No, I get it. I wonder sometimes too, Soobin. Maybe we just missed it. Our perfect timing.” You offered, unable to place the feelings that were swirling in your chest. Maybe it was just the champagne. Soobin finally turned to face you, allowing you the pleasure of seeing his features in full again. You realized how much you really had missed him all these years.

“It would be a mess though, us planning something this big. Remember that time we tried to throw a graduation party for Yeonjun? We almost had that fire-”

“Hey, that fire was on you! I left you unattended with the food for 10 minutes and you almost brought down the whole dorm building! It’s not my fault you’re crazy when you get stressed.” 

“Oh please,” he grinned, leaning down just a bit closer to you. “We were both crazy. But you gotta admit it was pretty amazing. The two of us, I mean.” 

“Yeah.” You smiled fondly. “Would have been a perfect storm if this were our wedding.” You spotted the newlyweds, dancing chest to chest in the center of the dance floor as the mood lighting twinkled. “I guess we’ll never know for sure.” The words felt bitter on your tongue, a reminder of the worst thing that could have come from seeing him again. 

“No, I guess we won’t,” Soobin agreed, straightening back up before impulsively reaching for the silver band wrapped around his left ring finger. The movement made a spotlight highlight the jewelry just right, and your heart clenched painfully. “I’ll...talk to you later, Y/N. It was good to catch up.”

[himikiyo]

night go slow // himikiyo week day 2

Himikiyo Week Day 2: First Date + Wedding

“Himiko-chan, we all thought you’d be the next to get married. You and Kiyo have been together the longest out of any of us.”

Himiko and Korekiyo go to a wedding.

Read on AO3, DRA, or under the cut. CW for abuse in the context of Kiyo’s past.

Marriage ceremonies and other similar rites were a near universal phenomenon, occurring in wildly different societies all over the world. The precise details differed, but many different kinds of humans placed value on committed relationships, whether for the joy of love and romance or as a more practical arrangement for child rearing. It was fascinating to study.

As a great anthropologist, Korekiyo valued it from an academic point of view. Love, relationships, it was all so beautifully complex. Few things unlocked such a vast range of behavior and emotions, from gorgeous to downright ugly. Ugliness could be beautiful too, so it was a win-win. They had to believe that. If there was no value in human ugliness, then what meaning could be derived from—?

No, best not to think too much. There was beauty in it. Sister valued beauty too. She was fearsome, yes, but nothing if not concerned with appearances. She taught them well. They had no doubt that marriage was best left as a theoretical field of study for them.

She was supposed to get married once. There was a boy she went to school with, before she grew too ill to continue. Haruto stayed in touch, calling her often and visiting her in the hospital. He sent flowers and teddy bears. He pitied her, of course. Kiyo was young then, but they understood that much. Sister didn’t have long to live, and she was too fragile to follow the normal progression of going out on dates and developing a relationship with someone. That was why she—

No.

He figured it out, Haruto did. After enough times of catching glimpses of rumpled clothes and lipstick marks, or hearing roughly whispered warnings, he grew suspicious.

“Is something going on?” he asked, cornering Kiyo in the kitchen. They backed up reflexively, feeling the edge of the countertop digging into them. They didn’t like it when people got too close.

“What do you mean?”

“With Sumire-san...with your sister. I know we don’t know each other too well...” He crouched down a bit then, even though Kiyo was already tall for twelve. How annoying. “...But if there’s anything bad going on...if she’s hurting you or...you know...”

“No,” Kiyo said, feeling their heart crawling up into their throat. “Nothing’s wrong. She’d never do anything bad.”

Haruto looked uncomfortable, carding a hand through his hair. He glanced away, seeming to consider his next words carefully.

“It’s not your fault if she did. You can tell me. We’ll talk to the cops or something, okay? Someone who can help you.”

Unfortunately, that was a good day for Sister, one when she had enough strength to walk around. It was at that moment that she entered the kitchen.

“Haruto-kun? What has my brother been saying to you?” There was danger in her gaze, icy enough to turn their blood to slush. Haruto seemed to feel it too if the way he froze was any indication. “He’s such a troublemaker. You really shouldn’t pay any attention to his lies, that just encourages him.”

“He didn’t have to tell me anything. I have eyes, Sumire. And I’m not going to be keeping this to myself.”

“I’d think twice about that if I were you.”

Korekiyo fled the room, but it didn’t matter. They could still hear the two of them arguing no matter where they went. Haruto was lucky. He got to leave. It was Kiyo who took over the role of absorbing their sister’s wrath when he was gone, insisting over and over that they didn’t say anything, that they’d never do anything to hurt her.

Haruto never came back. It wasn’t until some time later that Kiyo found out about the bribe their parents offered to keep him quiet. It made sense. Their sister always got her way.

“It’s not your fault.” Those words always stuck with them, echoing again and again in their head. If it wasn’t their fault, then why were they constantly being punished? If he wanted to help them, how could he fold so easily at the promise of hush money from their parents?

Marriage — how could something so transactional veiled as love bring anything but pain? Haruto and their sister, their parents...marriage never worked out. It tainted everything it touched.

He was months away from being considered family. After enough time passed that they were able to realize their sister was wrong, the foremost thought on their mind was simple.

Why didn’t he save them?

---

For the second time in the past year and a half, Himiko found herself at a wedding reception.

“Everything looks really pretty, huh?” she murmured, nudging against Kiyo as they walked. “Shuichi’s aesthetic sense isn’t half bad. Maybe that’s part of being a detective...observational skills and all.”

“Yes, it’s quite beautiful. Kaede and Tenko’s was lovely as well, despite Tenko being her usual self. Our friends all know how to put on excellent receptions, it seems. It’s fascinating to see people we’ve spent so many years with taking this step in their lives.”

“Yeah,” Himiko echoed softly. “Fascinating.” There were plenty of other guests around, some familiar and some not. It wasn’t the right time to bring up how she truly felt about seeing Shuichi and Kiibo getting married. She was happy for her friends, of course, but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t yearning for the day she’d be the one having a beautiful wedding.

She was well aware of the reasons behind Kiyo’s views on marriage, and she knew it didn’t have anything to do with how much they loved her, but it still grated on her sometimes. Was it just society’s influence telling her it mattered?

With everyone thronging around the newlyweds, it was the perfect time to slip away to their table. Neither one of them were too big on being in the middle of crowds — observation suited them better. Of course, it didn’t take long before they had company.

“The whole gang’s together as usual, huh?” Maki said, glancing up and down the length of the table, set for sixteen. “Well, I guess that’s not bad.”

“Our hosts are truly thoughtful,” Kiyo replied, the conversation gradually dragging Himiko out of her reverie. “And I suspect you’re happier with the arrangement than you choose to let on too, Maki-san.”

She scoffed, shaking her head and tugging at her hair.

“All these years and you still haven’t figured out that it’s not your place to psychoanalyze me. Not sure why I expect anything else.”

Himiko just smiled, squeezing Kiyo’s hand. At one time, Maki’s distaste for them was very much real, but there was no need to be worried anymore. It was the same stubborn sort of banter she engaged in with everyone else.

“If that’s how you wish to put it, I psychoanalyze everyone. You’re no different in that respect.”

“Weirdo,” Maki grumbled, which was essentially her version of a peace offering.

Gradually, more and more of their friends made their way over, some more quietly than others. For those who were more inclined to party, a wedding was one of the best possible reasons to let loose. Leaning a little closer to Kiyo, mumbling an excuse about being chilly just so she could snuggle up to them, Himiko’s eyes tracked Miu across the room. Predictably, she was one of the loudest people in the venue, dancing with strangers and making her typical raunchy comments.

It wasn’t until Kaede and Tenko joined them that Himiko’s attention was forcibly pulled back to the table.

“Tenko guesses even degenerate weddings can be nice,” Tenko pronounced with a heavy sigh. “She still doesn't get why anyone wouldn’t want a wife though.” At that moment, as she paused to take a sip of her drink, Himiko knew exactly what was coming. It wouldn’t be the first time, after all. She knew what would be said and yet she was powerless to stop it, just as one might watch two cars about to crash.

“Himiko-chan, we all thought you’d be the next to get married. You and Kiyo have been together the longest out of any of us.” The visibly disgusted expression she made when saying their name already wasn’t doing her any favors, but Tenko had never been one to know when to stop. “What Tenko means is... if you were having second thoughts about them, that’d be totally understandable, but if not, what’s the hold up?”

“That’s not any of your business,” she replied through gritted teeth. “Speed isn’t everything, you know.”

“What’s the big deal? Tenko’s only concerned about your happiness, and if Kiyo’s not making you happy, then maybe you should—”

“Don’t talk about them like that. Ever.” She knew it was childish to flee, but in that moment, her legs had a mind of their own. She hurried out of the reception hall, making a beeline for the outdoor gardens. At least there she could get a moment’s quiet to cool down. As she left, she could hear Kaede scolding her wife’s insensitivity, but nothing from Kiyo. How selfish was she, not bothering to check if they were okay?

Sinking down onto a bench, she closed her eyes. Telling herself to take deep breaths could only do so much, and yet she felt powerless to take any other action. All she could do was sit there, listening to the distant sounds of the party and the barely perceptible signs of someone approaching.

“Himiko...”

She opened her eyes again, immediately scanning their face in an attempt to make sense of their emotional state. They weren’t visibly distressed, but when it came to Kiyo, that didn’t always mean much. Unsure what to say, she simply moved over at first, making room for them to join her on the bench.

“It was really rude of Tenko to say all that,” she began eventually, letting her hand rest on their leg. “It’s none of her business whether we’re getting married or not.”

“That may be true, but I’m less concerned about my own feelings than I am about yours. She was attempting to give me an ultimatum, but in the process, she made you uncomfortable.”

“Well, yes, but...it’s not a burden for me to stand up for you. That’s what being in a relationship is all about, isn’t it? Supporting each other? I know your reasons, and...my love for you is way more important than a ceremony or a piece of paper.” A little embarrassed, she looked down, face reddening in the evening air.

“Is that so? You’re perfectly content with continuing on this way indefinitely, never taking what most would consider to be the logical next step in our relationship?”

“I mean...I do wish we could, but...” Even if she disagreed with their reasons — the two of them wouldn’t suddenly fall apart just because of a change in title — she never wanted to pressure them into doing something they didn’t want. Their journey toward healing from their childhood trauma had been a long one.

“But you’re concerned for my feelings,” they finished. “You don’t need to be. I’ve actually been giving the matter some thought even before today.” Kiyo grasped her hand, fingers wrapping warmly around her own. “I love you, Himiko. You’re the love of my life. Of that I have no doubt. I know you would never intentionally hurt me nor turn against me. If anything, sometimes you hurt yourself instead. If I wouldn’t take a leap of faith for you, then how could I possibly claim to be worthy of all you’ve given me?”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” The noise of the party indoors, the twinkling of the stars, even the soft rustling of the breeze, all of it was burned into her memory. She knew it was a moment she’d want to go back to again and again.

“I am. Though I believe it’s considered a bit rude to propose at someone else’s wedding, so we’ll save the official engagement for later, shall we?”

What better way to say yes than with a kiss?

[monotonous-minutia]

was trying to compose some Reality Checks and I wrote this instead. Don’t ask me what it is because I have no idea. But I thought it was funny so I wanted to share. 

Enjoy. Or don’t. We’ll see I guess.

Figaro: Five, ten, twenty, thirty, thirty-six, forty-three…you know this would be a lot easier to measure if it was all in multiples of five.

Susanna: Isn’t my hat so pretty? I made it myself.

Figaro: Yes, yes, dear, it’s wonderful.

Susanna: You didn’t even look at it.

Figaro: You’re doing such a great job describing it I don’t have to.

Susanna: What are you measuring, anyway?

Figaro: I’m figuring out where our bed’s going to go in this room.

Susanna: What, this room?

Figaro: …yes?

Susanna: Why this room?

Figaro: It’s so close to the master bedroom. All they have to do is ring the bell—ding, ding; don, don—and we’ll be there in a hop, skip and a jump to serve our respective masters.

Susanna: Yes, and because we’re so close, it’d be easy for Signore Count to sneak in while you’re away—ding ding; don, don.

Figaro: …

Susanna: You do know what I mean by “don, don,” right?

Figaro: I thought we were talking bells.

Susanna: It’s subtext.

Figaro: Oh shit! What are you saying?

Susanna: Well, the Count hasn’t exactly been subtle in his advances lately. Apparently he’s grown tired of the Countess, even though she really isn’t as old as people make her out to be most of the time. So he’s seeking out new conquests, and one of them is me. You do know what I mean by “conquests,” right?

Figaro: Yes, yes, subtext.

Susanna: So he’s going to call on this thing called his “feudal right” which is this really weird tradition that means he gets to sleep with any newlywed he pleases.

Figaro: I thought he got rid of that.

Susanna: Apparently I’m special.

Figaro: Well, we’ve got to do something about this.

Susanna: I’m sure we’ll figure something out; we’ve got the brain cells in this place. Take care, my love, I hear my Lady calling.

Figaro: Farewell, my sweet. We’ll get through this together.

(Susanna leaves)

Figaro: Now, Signore Count, this is a fine kettle of fish. I thought we were friends! After everything we’ve been through together? I can’t believe this. Well, if you’re going to pull this kind of dance, I’m happy to oblige. In fact, I’ll lead the dance myself. You won’t know what hit you. (exit)

(Marcellina and Bartolo enter)

Marcellina: I’ll marry Figaro if it’s the last thing I do!

Bartolo: I still think that’s a little weird, given you’re old enough to be his mom.

Marcellina: Don’t you know it’s improper to talk to a lady about her age? Besides, what do you care? I’m paying you good money to crush this guy. I hired the best lawyer in Seville. Though all this time I though the Dr. in your name was the medical type.

Bartolo: After Rosina left me, I had a lot of extra time on my hands so I went back to school and added a few letters to my name. Now, let’s work on getting back at Figaro. I’ll never forgive him for stealing my girl. Although I really don’t have a desire to pursue Rosina romantically anymore. It’s just the principle of the thing. I’m going to squash him like a bug with all the legal jargon I can come up with.

Marcellina: You know, when you talk shop, it kinda turns me on.

Bartolo: …okay. See you later. (exit.)

(Susanna comes in)

Marcellina: Oh, look, it’s Susanna.

Susanna: Oh, look, it’s that old harpy.

Marcellina: Well, I never! If you weren’t the Count’s favorite and a little simp, I might say something derogatory or suggestive about you.

Susanna: You just did.

Marcellina: My bad.

Susanna: Cougar!

Marcellina: Suck-up!

Susanna: Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!

(Marcellina leaves in a huff)

Susanna: Good riddance! I swear she can be so catty sometimes. I feel sorry for anyone who had to call her “mother.”

(Cherubino comes in)

Cherubino: Hey, Susanna!

Susanna: Hey, Cherubino, what mischief did you get yourself into today?

Cherubino: Who says I got myself into any mischief?

Susanna: Oh, you didn’t? What a pleasant surprise.

Cherubino: Okay, so I got into some mischief. I was hanging out with Barbarina—

Susanna: “Hanging out”?

Cherubino: I don’t like what you’re insinuating. Anyway, we were just chilling and suddenly the Count comes in. You know, people should really be more concerned about what a guy several years older than her was doing looking for her than what I was doing in there, given she and I are basically the same age. Anyway, so I hid because, you know, he hates me, but he found me, and because apparently hanging out with my friend is a crime, he fired me, and now I have to leave.

Susanna: Oh, poor kid.

Cherubino: Unless the Countess vouches for me, I’m sunk.

Susanna: What makes you think she will?

Cherubino: She’s so nice and fair! And also really pretty. You are so lucky you get to work with her every day. I only get to see her at dinner. What’s that you’ve got there?

Susanna: It’s a ribbon from your lovely lady.

Cherubino: Can I have it?

Susanna: …why?

Cherubino: Because. (he grabs the ribbon)

Susanna: What do you think you’re doing?

Cherubino: Come on, I’ll trade you for this song I wrote.

Susanna: What am I going to do with it?

Cherubino: Sing it to all the ladies in the palace!

Susanna: Since it looks like this song is about loving women, I don’t know what you’re suggesting about me.

Cherubino: Who am I to say what you are? I don’t even know who I am anymore! I have all these hormones running through my veins but I have no idea what they’re called because sex ed doesn’t exist in my time so I’m just very confused and probably making some ill-advised choices but who cares! I’m in love with everybody!

Susanna: Okay, settle down, Romeo.

Cherubino: Oh H-E-double hockey sticks! The Count is here!

Susanna: He really just makes a habit of walking in on people whenever he wants, huh? Here, Cherubino, hide behind this chair.

(Cherubino hides behind the chair.)

(The Count walks in.)

Count: Hello there, Susanna, how are you today?

Susanna: Oh, you know. Well, it was great catching up with you. See you later.

Count: Come on, is that all I get? Don’t you know how I feel about you?

Susanna: …you make it pretty obvious.

Count: Well then, why not meet me alone in the garden tonight? I’ll give you this ring.

Susanna: That’s just really gross and demeaning, sir.

Count: What can I say? I’m a guy. Wait, who’s that talking right outside the door?

Susanna: Oh, biscuits and gravy, it’s Basilio.

Count: I should hide!

Susanna: Or you could just leave!

Count: Only guilty people run. I’ll hide behind this chair.

Susanna: WAIT NOT THE CHAIR

(Luckily Cherubino goes around the chair and climbs onto it before the Count sees him. The Count hides behind the chair. Susanna throws a blanket over Cherubino to hide him.)

Susanna: I don’t get paid enough for this shit.

(Basilio comes in)

Basilio: Hello there, Susanna, what are you up to?

Susanna: I don’t know if you all just forgot, but I do actually work here.

Basilio: Sure, sure. Well, do you want to hear all the hot goss?

Susanna: Not really.

Basilio: I’ll tell you anyway. Apparently Figaro has some new beef with the Count, which isn’t surprising given they’re both such hotheads. Also, I’ve heard wind that Cherubino has a crush on the Countess. Isn’t that hilarious?

Susanna: Basilio! How can you say these things?

Basilio: Hey, don’t kill the messenger. I’m just saying what everyone else is saying.

(The Count jumps out from hiding.)

Count: And what exactly are people saying?

Basilio: Well, they’ll sure have plenty to say after this!

Susanna: Oh, gods, just strike me down here where I’m standing.

Count: So, Cherubino’s been hitting on my wife, eh? That’s it, he’s spent his last days in this palace. He’s got to go!

Susanna: Come on, he’s just a kid!

Count: No, I’ve had enough. Why, just this morning I caught him fooling around with Barbarina. Don’t ask me what I was doing creeping around Barbarina’s place. Cherubino was hiding under the table and I pulled the tablecloth up like this. (He demonstrates by pulling the blanket off the chair, revealing Cherubino.) WAIT WHAT IS THIS

Basilio: This just keeps getting better!

Susanna: This just keeps getting worse!

Count: Was he here this entire time?

Susanna: …yes.

Count: But I was sitting in that chair!

Cherubino: I hid behind it first.

Count: Shut up, the grownups are talking. What about when I hid behind the chair?

Cherubino: I ran around to sit on it.

Count: So, wait, he heard everything we said?

Cherubino: I tried not to--

Count: How dare you eavesdrop! Well, if you like sitting in chairs so much, you can stay sitting until I throw you out. Pack your bags, you miscreant.

Cherubino: How am I supposed to pack my bags if I’m sitting here?

Count: Don’t be cheeky! Now, Susanna, how do you think Figaro will react when he finds out you’ve been hanging out alone with Cherubino?

Susanna: His reaction probably won’t be as bad as when he finds out you tried to pay me for sex.

Count: I--

(At this moment Figaro enters with a bunch of other servants.)

Figaro: Hello everyone! I’ve come with basically the entire palace for an impromptu wedding. That way we have a bunch of witnesses so the Count can’t pull anything funny. Who needs all the pomp and circumstance of a full ceremony anyway? Here’s Susanna’s veil; now, Signore Count, if you’ll just say the word so my fiancée and I here can be wed.

Count: Oh, come on, you think I’ll let you get married like this? No sir! We’re going to make a big bash out of it.

Figaro: But—

Count: No buts about it. (If I stall long enough, I can get Marcellina to help me ruin this thing altogether. If Susanna won’t have me, she sure as heck won’t have Figaro either.) Now, friends, be on your way! We have festivities to prepare for.

(All the other servants leave singing.)

Figaro: Well, that didn’t exactly go the way I planned.

Susanna: It’s okay, we’ll work it out. We always think of something.

Figaro: But why does Cherubino look so glum?

Susanna: He got fired.

Figaro: Again?

Count: Well, I mean it this time.

Cherubino: What if I promise never to do anything bad ever again?

Count: Nope, I don’t trust you.

Cherubino: What if I promise never to tell anyone what I heard when I was hiding behind the chair?

Count: SHUT UP! Okay fine, I’ll let you off on a warning. Even better, I’ll bestow upon you the highest honor. There’s an opening for an officer in my regiment. You can enlist.

Cherubino: WHAT?

Susanna: Can you at least wait until after the wedding?

Count: Nope, they’re leaving for Seville today so he has to go.

Cherubino: …as you wish, sir.

Count: That’s more like it.

Figaro: Hey, chin up, Cherubino! It won’t be so bad. I mean, sure, you’ll probably be the prettiest one there and everyone will pick on you and you’ll have to deal with deafening cannons and marching through mud and having no money and leaving all your friends (and girlfriends) behind and not having any fun anymore ever, but it’s a glorious life being a soldier!

Cherubino: I think I’m going to cry.

[shedreamsofstars]

our union is a secret i’m hoping, dreaming, lying to keep - chapter two

you’ve all heard of ‘pretending to be married when you’re not’, now get ready for 'actually married but pretending you’re not’

When Tohru and Kyo accidentally find themselves married, they must keep their new union a secret from their friends and family. That’s easier said than done when you’re both newlywed dorks who just want to spend some quality time with one another whilst said friends and family are always one step away from discovering the truth.

Start from the beginning | Next chapter

"Tohru Sohma huh …" Kyo said, testing the words in his mouth as he glanced over at his new wife. The pair were currently seated on a picnic bench in a park close by to the festival, the papers from the lady at the shrine spread out in front of them in an organised disarray.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked again for what seemed like the hundredth time since they'd accidentally found themselves married. "Because you don't need to change it if you don't want to. I won't be offended or anything if you want to keep Honda."

Tohru looked up at him with those doe-like eyes he had no clue how to resist. "No, I'm sure about this. Everything else was a little unexpected, so at least this part of our future will be traditional."

"You're completely sure?" Kyo twisted the pen in his fingers. "Alright, alright … here." He said, giving in as she levelled him with a stubborn glance. He pushed the papers towards her. "You just have to sign at the bottom and then I guess it'll be official. You'll be Mrs Tohru Sohma."

"Mrs Tohru Kyo Sohma," Tohru corrected as she took the pen from him. "There really are a lot of Sohma men, so I'd like for everyone to know which one is the most important to me."

Kyo chuckled in response, reaching to ruffle her hair playfully.

"Hey, my ribbons …" she protested with a giggle, swatting his hands away and grabbing them to hold herself instead.

"If you're done with those, I'll go drop them off," Kyo said, nodding at the papers. "I saw a post office on the way over and it's not too far."

"Yes, I'm all done," she said with a smile before noticing his phrasing. "Wait, shouldn't I come with you?"

Panic shot through Kyo like bursts of flames. "No, don't worry about it," he said, hoping she couldn't sense the tightness in his tone. He needed for her to stay here, at least for long enough for him to do what he needed. "You should stay here and rest, it's been … a day," he finished quietly.

Tohru seemed like she wanted to keep arguing her point, but she bit her bottom lip and nodded. "Yeah, okay. Stay safe."

"I'll be back soon. Don't worry."

He turned to leave but stopped at a sharp tug on his arm. He turned and Tohru pulled him down long enough to press a kiss to his cheek. "For the road," she said warmly before sitting back at the table and pulling out a book.

Kyo couldn't stop his smile as he began to walk back to the post office he'd spotted earlier. Although his mind was a little more preoccupied with the store he'd seen opposite it. He shook the thought away, reminding himself to deal with one thing at a time.

He'd woken up this morning excited to be spending some time with his girlfriend and now he'd return home with his wife. This day truly was stranger than fiction. How would he ever be able to explain any of this to anyone without sounding like a total idiot.

Did he even deserve someone like Tohru? She was so kind and precious, whilst he couldn't even read a stupid sheet of paper before signing it. How could he ever protect her from anything more serious in the future?

Kyo shook the negative thought away. No. Whether he deserved her or not, Kyo couldn't bring himself to regret the fact that the two of them were together now. She had him, and he had her. Well and truly.

He had the right to be happy about that at the very least he thought distractedly as he handed over the deeds to change a name and the marriage certificate to the clerk at the counter.

"These are perfectly in order Sir. I'll have to keep these to copy and send to the Registrar's office, but I'll have them mailed back to you very soon. I just need your address," the boy said, pushing over a notebook.

"Yeah, sure," Kyo said, scribbling down the address without much thought.

"Thank you Sir, good day to you."

"You too," he said before taking his leave. As his feet hit the concrete on the street outside, Kyo stared at the jewellery store he'd seen earlier. Instead of heading straight back to the park, he crossed the street and made a quick detour inside.

It didn't take him long to find what he needed, but just as he stepped out of the store, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He answered without looking and held it to his ear.

"Hey Tohru, is everything okay?"

"Yes Kyo my love … everything is as perfect as your naked body on a hot summer's day," a voice deadpanned down the line. Kyo balked as he recognised the voice and mentally kicked himself for not checking the caller ID before answering.

"Haru," he growled in anger. "What the hell was that?!"

"You thought I was Honda and I played along. Sheesh. And here I thought you'd matured enough to take a joke." Hatsuharu replied, his voice still as monotonous as ever.

"I can take a-" he started before taking a deep calming breath and deciding the fight wasn't worth it. "Whatever. Why are you calling me anyway?" he said deflated.

"Oh yeah, that. Put me on speaker for a second."

"Why?"

There was a murmur from someone else before Haru's voice returned. "It's important."

"Okay …" Kyo said sceptically, hitting the button to amplify his cousins voice.

"Honda! It's Haru. You there Honda? Honda," Haru called out, dragging out Tohru's name for emphasis.

Kyo's face turned bright red as people passing by began to glare at him in annoyance as he struggled to turn off the speakerphone. "What the heck Haru!" he yelled as he finally found the right button. "What is wrong with you?"

"Well, my shoulder does hurt a little today."

"I don't care! Why are you yelling for Tohru?"

"Is Honda there?"

"You can't call her that anymore," he yelled back angrily before realising his mistake.

He was met with silence down the line. And then, "Why can't I call her Honda. Is that not her name anymore? Did she change it or something?"

He couldn't tell his cousin that he and Tohru were married and that she was as much as Sohma as they were. That was exactly the type of disaster he was hoping to avoid.

"It's not important … just … what do you want her for?" he said with a sigh, hoping Haru wouldn't push the issue. The boy was more perceptive than people gave him credit for, so he was going to need to come up with a cover story quickly.

"Rin wants to talk to her."

"Then why doesn't she call her," Kyo grumbled, wondering why the pair had even bothered calling him when Tohru had a mobile phone of her own.

"I tried already," Rin's voice came, sounding as if she was far away from the receiver. "That's why I asked Haru to call you. Isn't she with you?"

"I'm not with her right now," Kyo said slowly. "She's not picking up?" he asked, suddenly worried.

"No."

"I'm going to look for her," he said quickly, cutting the call before either Haru or Rin had a chance to respond. Why wasn't she picking up? Was she okay? Did he make a mistake in leaving her behind?

So many thoughts tumbled through his mind as he broke into a run back towards the park, his feet slamming the ground hard with every step. When the bench he'd left her at was in sight, Kyo was alarmed to find it empty.

Tohru's bag was still there, her book laying open on the table with a fallen leaf holding her place, but she herself was nowhere to be found. He forced himself to remain calm, ignoring the twinge of worry at her absence as he approached the area. Surely she had to be nearby he thought, glancing around for any signs of her. She wouldn't have left her belongings unattended like that for no reason.

There were people milling around the park, so if something bad had happened to her then they would have seen something. Although they did seem busy doing their own things and from what he could tell, there wasn't a pretty brunette with ribbons in her hair in sight.

He reached for his phone instinctively, hoping that wherever she'd gone she'd not been careless enough to leave her phone behind. Perhaps she'd just not heard Rin's call earlier and was just distracted by something else.

He swiped it open and found her contact, but just as he was about to hit call, he heard the light tones of an unmistakeable giggle coming from just beyond the trees behind him. He headed towards the sound without another thought, slipping the phone back into his pocket as he pushed back some overgrown branches.

He found Tohru sat on the bank of the river beyond, several little ducklings quacking excitedly around her. She giggled again as one of the smaller ones hopped into her lap, following her hand with its beak as it no doubt searched out morsels of food.

"Tohru?"

"Kyo-kun, you're back!" Tohru called happily as she spotted him hovering. "I fed some left-overs to the ducks and now they all think I'm hiding more food somewhere." She stroked the little creature in her lap as she spoke, a warm smile on her face.

Kyo shook his head gently as he approached, wondering why he hadn't already expected her to be doing something like this. "I was a little worried when you weren't where I left you, but of course you'd be out here feeding these little things," he said as he dropped to the ground beside her.

The ducklings sidled over to Tohru, giving him a wide berth in their search for food and Kyo couldn't help but grimace at the side effect of having once been host to the cat spirit. If she cared at all, she didn't let it show as she picked up the duckling in her lap and placed it in his instead.

The little creature seemed worried for a second, but the moment Kyo stroked its tiny head it relaxed and seemed to let go of all its fear. "I think he likes you," Tohru whispered, her eyes wide in amazement as the baby duckling curled up and puffed its tiny feathers out to relax.

"Only because you showed it how," he replied softly as he met her gaze. He wanted to reach out to touch her so badly, but he didn't have the heart to move the little duckling in his lap until he absolutely needed to.

"You were gone for a while, did everything at the post office go well?" Tohru asked after a moment.

"Oh, yeah. It was all fine, they'll send us the documents back soon but it's technically official. From now on, you are Mrs Tohru Sohma."

Kyo surprised himself at his own daydreamy tone and suddenly his right pocket felt like it was on fire as his recent purchase demanded to see the light of day. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. It was now or never.

"You ready to head home?" he asked, his voice slightly strained.

Tohru hummed in response and Kyo scooped up the little ducking in his lap, placing it gently on the water before taking Tohru's hand and helping her up. Whilst she was brushing the dirt off her dress, Kyo dropped back down to the floor on one knee.

"Did you drop something?" Tohru asked as she noticed him on the ground. "We can look – oh …" she trailed off with a gasp. A bewildered expression crossed her face as Kyo smiled up at her, a gold ring nestled in his hands.

"I know this was supposed to happen before we were actually married but, given the circumstances …" Kyo blushed wildly as he struggled to finish his sentence. He wanted to look away, but he knew he'd miss Tohru's reaction and regret it if he did. "It's not much to look at but … if we're married then I'd like for you to wear a proper ring at least."

"Kyo-kun, it's beautiful," Tohru said, her eyes shining with happiness. "This is why you wanted to go alone earlier?"

He nodded. His face felt like it was on fire, and for a second he found himself considering how much harder this would have been if the woman before him was not already his wife and he wasn't already sure of her answer.

"I know we messed things up a little, but I want to spend the rest of my life making it up to you. So, how about it? Will you do me the honour of accepting this ring as my wife?"

"Of course I will Kyo-kun," she cried, surprising him by dropping to the ground too. Her eyes were bright with joy and lined with tears as she let him slip the ring on her finger. He kissed her knuckles once before letting her hand drop and helping her to her feet again.

Her arms circled around him the moment he was stood up. "Kyo-kun," she mumbled, voice muffled by his clothes. "I can't believe we're actually married."

"Me neither," he admitted softly as he held onto her. "But about that … can we keep quiet about this, for a while at least. I'm sorry to ask you but it would just be until we figure out how to tell everyone properly."

His mind flashed back to his earlier conversation and how he had narrowly avoided revealing the truth to him then. If he knew Haru, then the boy had caught onto something even if he didn't quite know what.

"That's okay. It can be our little secret for now," Tohru said, her smile blinding as she finally let go of him and reached to entwine her fingers with his larger ones.

"You're rubbish at keeping secrets," Kyo deadpanned as he led her back out towards the bench.

"Not this time I won't be!" she said with a determined air. "Just you watch Kyo-kun, I'll be so good at keeping this secret no one will ever know anything has changed between us."

"Yeah, we'll see about that," he said with a chuckle. "Hey, you did bring your phone with you when you wandered off right."

Tohru was suspiciously silent and Kyo let out a world-weary sigh. From talking to Rin and Haru, Kyo already knew what her answer would be, but he wanted to check regardless.

"Tohru," he sighed.

"I know, I'm sorry. I'll be more careful next time, I promise."

"You dummy, what am I gonna do with you," Kyo muttered, knocking the back of her head gently with his knuckles as he pushed back the branches to let her pass.

"You could kiss me," she mumbled back with blazing cheeks, not looking at him as she released his hand and made a beeline for the picnic bench.

Kyo rolled his eyes at her bashfulness, jogging to catch up with her. He caught her by the hand and spun her back towards him, catching her against his chest. "For the record, that's not a punishment," he said, quirking an eyebrow. "At all."

"I know."

"Good. Just checking," he said, right before fulfilling her original request.

...xxx...

thank you so much for reading. i can’t wait to share how things turn out for these two adorable idiots as the story progresses. if you fancy talking kyoru and fruits basket with other fans, join us in the kyoru discord server, we'd love to see you there! 

[ussjellyfish]

fic: Work-Life Balance pt 6 | AoS | Philinda | mature

Interdisciplinary Seminar 304 - working in teams                         

Summary: Melinda and Phil have time to talk, then they tell Mack and Yoyo about the baby.

read on Ao3

"What did you get at the library?" She checks the titles of his small pile of books as she clears the table. Melinda smiles a little and sets the historical ones aside. Phil's always been into the quiet corners of SHIELD history. The more cobwebs the more he enjoys it. It's the last book, small, unassuming, with a simple green cover, that makes her pause. 

"This one?" 

Phil leaves the counter to meet her in the dining room. He dries his hands and throws the dish towel on his shoulder. "Oh yeah, well, I don't know much about our new project."

She sets the pregnancy book down on the shelf and smiles. "Project?" 

"Do you have another name?"

Melinda sighs, looking at her hands before looking back at him. "Baobao." 

His rush of affection washes over her like the smell of her father's cooking, with all the same warmth. 

"That's adorable."

"Shut up."

"Hey, the best I could come up with was next year's research project." He touches her arm and that brings with it all his love and gratitude. "I still can't believe it."

Melinda slips into his arms, wrapping hers around his back. "I took a pregnancy test every day for a week because the line was so faint at first."

"Did that help?"

"I dropped the first dark one in the toilet and had to fish it out." 

Phil laughs, lifting her hands and kissing them. "Oh dear."

"I was so afraid it would wash out, somehow."

"I don't think that's how they work."

"It's not how they work." She leans in, resting her head on his chest, listening to his steady, sure, heartbeat. "I was so nervous."

"You haven't been clumsy since the first year at the Academy." 

"I know."

He beams, too happy for words, and she has to blink because she's too close to crying again. "That's pretty cute."

"Cute?"

"Melinda, you never think things are going to work out."

"They don't!" She lifts her head, glaring at him. "Things do not work out for us. We kiss and it's not me, we go on vacation together and you die." 

"Sorry."

"You came back." She kisses him to ease that stab of regret. "I'll get over it in a few years."

Phil holds her face, studying her eyes like she's priceless. "Take your time."

"You certainly did." She grabs the dish towel from his shoulder and playfully snaps it towards his arm. 

Laughing, he holds up his hands in surrender. "I know."

"You're worse than Turtle Man."

Phil kisses her cheek, taking the dish towel back and escaping to the kitchen. "We need to tell them."

"Mack and Yoyo?"

"And Daisy." 

Melinda sets plates on the table, then glasses and takes a breath. Telling Phil was hard enough and didn't make it any more real, or easier to talk about. Baobao has just been hers for more than a month, and forming the words is still alien. 

"They're going to be thrilled," he says over the sounds of him moving things in the kitchen. He hasn't said what he's making, but it seems complicated. 

"How do we...?" she trails off and heads to the kitchen. "What do we say?" 

"Surprise!"

She steals another towel off the stove to toss at him. "Sure." 

"When are you due?"

"Like a library book?"

"That's the word!" He half hides behind the fridge. "Babies are like books." 

"You love books."

Phil hands her onions, an eggplant, some container of something, and spinach from the fridge. "I love this." 

"Ricotta?"

"Baobao."

She wasn't ready for him to use the nickname, or for him to look at her like that, and it's really unfair that she can tear up in a heartbeat. 

"Hey, these onions aren't even sliced yet," he says, all softness as he brushes her tears away. "It's okay."

"Phil--"

"Can you chop them? Thin slices, even." 

He hands her a knife and moves to fret over the noodles boiling on the stove. "It's lasagna."

"I guessed."

"The eggplant needs to be thin too, so it'll cook evenly, and you need to pull the stems out of the spinach."

"I need too?"

"You're a great sous chef."

"Is that the chef who chops things?"

"You know you're deadly with a knife." 

"Onions are already dead." 

"Not these ones, they're Hydra, or LMDs or something."

"Very funny."

He holds her hips for a moment, then kisses her cheek, resting his head on her shoulder. "I keep remembering doing this in Tahiti."

"It was too hot to cook in Tahiti!" Melinda pats his face. "But you wanted to cook as much as possible before you--"

His hand brushes across her stomach, and her thoughts of death fade. He's here, he's alive, and they have this life to think about. 

"That was nice. This is better." 

"Because of the-"

"This isn't expiring," he interrupts. 

Turning in his arms, Melinda reaches for his shoulders. "One of us will die eventually."

"Dark."

"Realistic."

"Give us forty to fifty years and we can talk about it." Phil kisses her cheek, then turns her chin to kiss her properly. "You didn't say when you were due." 

"October." 

He rests his forehead on hers, and his eyes shine this time. "Okay."

"Okay?"

"I love Halloween, we can dress up little Baobao."

She sets the knife down rather than risk cutting herself with her eyes so clouded. Melinda could blame the onions, but both of them know better. "I didn't think you'd be here," she says, finally when he's stopped fussing with the noodles to look at her. 

"I'm sorry."

"No, it's- I'm okay. I would have been okay, just, this is better."

He kisses her cheek, then hugs her, careful to keep his hands off her shirt. "Hey, you're always okay, you're amazing like that." 

Swaying with him in the kitchen, trying not to get parts of lasagna everywhere is hardly amazing, yet it's everything. He's here, flesh and blood, with his bad jokes, the incredible way he smells, and the way he holds her.

Phil couldn't hold her enough in Tahiti. He's going to be the same way with the baby, when they get here and she kisses him, hard. Kissing's easier than talking, warmer, more immediate because she doesn't know how to keep talking about how much it means that he's here. 

He breaks the kiss, still trying to keep his hands out of her hair. "We're not going to get dinner made this way."

Resting her hands on his chest, she traces his shirt collar, trying not to think about how firm his chest is against hers. "How much time does dinner need?"

"Fifteen minutes."

"Can you make it ten?"

"Do you want your lasagna uneven?"

Melinda reaches up and undoes the top button of his shirt. "I'm not that hungry." She reaches for the second button and he shivers. 

"You're going to be hungry."

"There's pizza in the freezer." 

"May-"

"I'm sure I have MREs somewhere." 

Phil laughs, then kisses her hard enough to make her gasp, pressing her back against the counter. "Ten minutes. Use your patience. Chop faster." 

She throws the top of the onion in his direction, and the eggplant stem for good measure. He tosses the stem back, almost knocking over her water. When Melinda reaches for it toss it back, she knocks the glass, spilling water all over her shirt. 

"Oops," she says, as innocently as she can. Phil's eyes watch her like lasers as she unbuttons her blouse and hangs it on the back of a chair. Her camisole is wet too so she eases that up over her head. Her breasts hang swollen, heavy, and thanks to hormones, her simple white bra is almost too small. 

Leaning over the cutting board, she finishes with the vegetables he wanted and walks over to him by the stove. Phil stares, open mouthed, and takes them without a word. 

"How long now?" she asks, looking over his work, brushing her breasts against his arm. "Still ten minutes?"

He's never assembled a lasagna that fast in his life, and he'll complain it's imperfect in an hour when they're eating, but it'll taste wonderful and there are slightly more important things that they could be doing with this time. 

Washing his hands, he drops a towel onto the floor for the water she spilled. "So, hormones make you clumsy, huh?"

"So clumsy." Melinda shakes her head. "Don't know what happened to me." 

Phil has his shirt off a moment after the lasagna's tucked into the oven, then they kiss, like newlyweds on the way to the bedroom. He stops, pressing her against the wall near the bookcase, teasing. "We should stay where I can hear the timer." 

"Here?"

He glances around. "We're not near the windows." 

Stripping off his jeans and her trousers is so quick it's barely foreplay. He presses her against the wall, kissing her breasts as he undoes her bra. It falls to the floor and he palms her breasts. They're so sensitive that he barely has to touch them and she moans. 

Phil turns her to face the wall, bracing her hands on the smooth paint as he parts her legs, stroking up her inner thigh. His warm fingers open her up while he moves her hair and kisses the back of her neck. It feels naughty, having sex in the dining room, while the sun is still tracing along the floor. His fingers slip into her first, teasing, followed by the sweet girth of him a moment later. Pressing back into him, she deepens the angle, guides him in, but his hands on on both of her breasts and his mouth's on her back.

He murmurs about how good she feels and she doesn't have words to reply. She needed this, more than food, more than teasing, this makes it easy. 

She orgasms so quickly that she's laughing against the wall a moment later, he pauses, ready to pull out and wait. Of course he is. 

"Don't," she insists, keeping him inside as her body tenses around him. "Keep going."

He thrusts again, gently, almost too much so and she lets her control slip so he can feel her affection, her surrender, her need, and maybe it's the last that gets him. She wants in ways she didn't- couldn't- before. Maybe it's just hormones but hormones are a gift she's going to enjoy every minute of. She's still panting when he orgasms, dragging his teeth along her shoulder. She wriggles around while he slumps against her, pinning her against the wall. 

"Wow," he says, catching his breath. 

"Told you I wasn't hungry."

"Except, now you are."

Can he feel that? Did she share? Is he just teasing because he knows her? Melinda kisses him once more. "Good thing you made dinner first."

"Told you."

She shoves off the wall and collects their clothes, sated for the moment. They end up eating dinner in pajamas, by candlelight. The soft glow hides the imperfections of his entirely delicious dinner, and she's on her second piece when he reminds them both that they need to share this with their family. 

"Maybe not all of it."

"Yoyo likes a few little details."

"You didn't."

"Maybe."

"After Tahiti?"

Melinda licks sauce from her fork. "It's possible."

He shakes his head. "I need wine."

"All yours, honey." 

Phil leaves his seat, returning with a glass of wine. "There's a kaiseki restaurant Randolph was telling me about that could work. Mack and Yoyo love interesting food."

"Randolph is just as much of a foodie as you."

"He's been on earth thousands of years, he enjoys it."

"He usually has good taste in restaurants," she concedes, holding out her plate for more. 

"Really?"

"Had a good workout today, hard up against the wall."

Phil smirks over his wine. "That you did."

"Okay, fancy restaurant for Mack and Yoyo, done," she pauses, taking another bite. She'd eat less of it if it wasn't so damn good.

While she's chewing, he takes over the thought.  "How do we tell Daisy, and FitzSimmons?"

"FitzSimmons don't travel much now, we'll have to just call." 

Phil nods, brushing his mouth with his napkin. His lips are still bright from earlier and part of her can't wait to devour them again. "And Daisy?"

"Her deep space deployments are long sometimes, several weeks. I'd really like to tell her in person, if we can, but we can call if we have too. We have this communicator tings that reach that far."

"But you'd rather see her."

Melinda sets down her fork, staring at her plate. "That's sentimental, isn't it?"

"Not at all, it's big news."

"I thought I'd only have to tell her if it worked, and it wasn't going to work-"

"Of course not," Phil interrupts, rolling his eyes. 

"And then I thought I'd just tell her the next time she was back on Earth, but I don't know when that's going to be and I don't want her to think we--"

Phil reaches across the table, squeezing her hand. "She'd never think that."

"Okay."

"Maybe Mack will have a better idea of when she'll be back."

She nods, but her thoughts are already drifting. How is Daisy and her team? Are they coalescing into a little family like her old team? Is she happy out there? 

"Do you remember our long deployments?"

"Being out on mission for weeks, months at a time?" Phil leans back in his chair, sipping his wine. "Oh yeah."

"It was fun then. Now-" she pauses, chuckling. "Going to conferences and leaving my comfortable bed sounds exhausting."

"It's a nice bed." 

"It's better with you. Even if we don't make it all of the time." She gives him a look, trying to make him blush and succeeding is about as delicious as the lasagna. 

"There's still plenty of places in the apartment to try out." Phil teases back over his wine. "Like the shower."

"Is that a request?"

"You want me to file a form?"

"In triplicate, please."

"There's the red tape you love." 

Laughing, she stands up and blows out the candles. Phil starts to collect the plates and she shakes her head. 

"Leave them."

"Oh?"

"I'm requisitioning you for something better."

"Without a form that likes kidnapping."

Melinda wraps her arms around his waist, tugging him close. "You'd be thrilled to be kidnapped by me."

"That's- Phil pauses, licking his lips. "That's absolutely true." 

Throwing her arms around his neck, she stands on her tiptoes in her bare feet to kiss him. He tastes just a little like wine and he kisses back hungrily. Phil touches her back, then lifts her up. 

"This time bed."

"Just this once." 

 Mack and Yoyo are late this time. If it wasn't for Phil, they would have been late too but he's good at watching the time. She hasn't worn nice earrings in a few days and the weight of them keeps making her pause when she moves her head. These are her mother's gift, so more ostentatious than she'd usually wear, but Phil loves them because they're antique. He probably knows the story better than Melinda does, definitely appreciates it more. 

Sometimes she forgets and makes dinner reservations with a cover name. She hasn't done it for some time, but Mack and Elena have met her several times as the Martin party, and as Phil holds her purse, she wonders if she did it on purpose without him, clinging to any reminder of him because she missed him so much. 

Now he lingers behind her, moving her hair over her shoulder. The intimacy of it aches, so does the sweetness of his smile and the watercolor wash of his love. His feelings rise over the rest of the room, the colonist within the symphony of people in the restaurant. She shuts her eyes, listening to his emotions hum with affection and warmth. If she concentrates enough, she can feel Mack and Yoyo arrive. Mack's always steady, like the purr of an engine at altitude and Yoyo's quick and firm, like a motorcycle opening up on a clear road. 

Phil touches her hand, rubbing his thumb over the back of hers. "They're here?"

"At the door." 

The restaurant has cozy, intimate rooms where they sit on the floor, and it's a little awkward in her black dress but the skirt's full and there's something comforting about it. and though Melinda's Japanese is rudimentary, the characters on the menu are beautiful and familiar enough and they have very good green tea. 

"See, I told you they'd make me sit on the floor and that I should wear pants," Yoyo says, hitting Mack on the arm. "You don't know how awkward it is to get up and down in a dress." Her jumpsuit is very practical and beautiful, deep blue, and Melinda's a little jealous but she'd have to take it off eight times to pee so maybe the dress is fine. 

Mack leans down to kiss her cheek. "You look great."

"Thanks."

Yoyo hugs her before she sits, and her eyes linger on Melinda's cleavage. "Yeah, having Coulson back really suits you." 

"Very funny."

"She wore more boring things when you were gone. Less-" Yoyo pauses, framing her own breasts with her hands for a moment, "-fun."

Melinda can't remember what she wore out to dinner with them, most of the time she was just so thrilled to see them that it didn't matter where they went. Fancy dinners just started happening when Mack's promotion became official and it felt like they needed to celebrate. 

The first course arrives, delicately prepared sea urchin, plated like a work of art and Phil and Mack start debating on how it should be prepared and Yoyo digs in, shaking her head at them. 

"You wouldn't believe the cooking shows he finds to watch in his office." 

Melinda smiles, glancing at Phil then at her cup. He refills her tea without a word, continuing to debate with Mack about some part of helicarrier paperwork while Yoyo reaches for the sake. 

"Phil used to leave nature documentaries on in the background when he was really stressed."

Yoyo smirks at that. "Really?"

"He loves kangaroos." 

"Turtle man here just wants to watch the fanciest, most ridiculous preparations of mac and cheese."

"That was cool," Mack interrupts, pointing at her with his cup. "They made their own noodles, and then this incredible cheese sauce."

"Mac and cheese comes from a box."

"That's why elevating it to cuisine is important!"

Yoyo sets aside her plate. "I think we could just have steak, and it would be fine."

Phil thinks for a moment. "There's a churrasco place we can try next time."

"Is that on Massachusetts?" Mack knows it, of course he does. Melinda could swear half of what he and Phil talk about is where to eat. 

"Close to headquarters."

"Cutting down your commute?" 

"You know how those meetings are," Mack says, reaching for more sake and sighing. "I'm tempted to do what you did and become persona non grata just to stop needing to talk to Congress."

Phil laughs and nods with him. "I recommend it." 

Melinda gets to her feet slowly, taking her time usually keeps her head from spinning, but maybe she's been sitting too long, or it's warm. She's had a good run of not being dizzy and maybe that's why she slams right into it like a sudden bout of turbulence. She wavers and the wall's right there but Yoyo grabs her before she's even really aware of how dark her vision got. 

"Hey."

"Sorry."

"Sorry? You okay?"

Phil's half up off the floor and Mack's on his knees and she loves them both. 

"I'm fine."

The weight of what hasn't been said hangs in the room, and all she can look at is Phil's face. He smiles, nods a little. She can find words for this. She nods back and his flash of acceptance is bright as a flare in the back of her mind. He'll tell Mack, then it's out. She can do this.

"Here, I'll come with you."

"I'm-"

"Oh fine, totally fine, I just, you know, sake, and I might need help with all these buttons," Yoyo jokes, pointing at her jumpsuit. "Come on." Yoyo's hand finds her back and stays there all the way to the bathroom. 

Yoyo disappears into the stall next to her and it's quiet, peaceful in the bathroom. Telling Yoyo is easier than telling Daisy, or her parents. You's already out, washing her hands when Melinda emerges from the stall. The soap smells like citrus on her hands. 

"So you're not bleeding."

"No."

"I half expected to find some kind of hidden injury."

Melinda rolls her eyes. "My blood pressure's been off."

"So, you're dying then?" Yoyo leans on the counter, watching her wash her hands. 

"Dying?"

"Heart failure? I was going to guess cancer but that seems really boring compared to everything we've lived through." 

"You think I have cancer?"

"I know you're not saying something, and if you need help telling Daisy and FitzSimmons, you know we're here for you, Turtle Man and I--"

Melinda's not sure if she's being sarcastic, and there's something, but Yoyo's all sincere, concerned, warm and worried when she touches her bare arm. 

"It's so much easier for Phil to say it." Melinda finishes washing her hands and Yoyo hands her a towel. Concentrating on the fabric and the warmth against her fingers is easier than thinking. 

"Coulson loves talking." 

"I-" Melinda takes a breath. "We're-" Maybe it's easier that way. "I'm pregnant."

"¡Carajo! " Yoyo squeezes her arm, her eyes widen, then she starts to smile, really smile. "Way better than cancer."

"Yeah." She's not going to cry. She has it together until Yoyo hugs her, hard, and fast, because she's always fast. 

"But he just got back, how did you--"

"Frozen."

Yoyo pulls back to look at her, thinking about that without questioning it. "You okay?"

"Blood pressure's off."

"That happens. My sister-in-law blacked out a couple times. I wasn't fast enough to catch her then. Now I'm all over it." Yoyo touches her belly, softly, barely even making contact. "Coulson?"

"Surprised."

"Yeah, I can see that. Back from the dead and hey, by the way--"

"He's happy."

"Of course he is, guy's been dying to be a daddy."

"Really?

"You see those jeans? He wears dad jeans, ask Mack." Yoyo chuckles. "Is he telling Mack because I want to see his face." 

"I think so."

"That was the look."

"Yeah, that was the look."

"You guys are so married it's ridiculous."  Yoyo takes her hand, tugging her out of the bathroom and back to the table. Joy radiates out from her intensely enough for Melinda to laugh, and then Mack starts to stand when they return to their table and he's so fast, warm and happy. Lifting her up, he hugs her, spinning around once with her feet totally off the floor. 

"Oh my god, May."

Phil gives Yoyo details, IVF and October and eight weeks and how surprised he was and Mack just holds her, hands on her shoulders. 

"This is great."

"Thanks." 

"You feeling okay?"

"Could sleep forever."

"Yeah, take naps. Make Coulson talk to the cadets for you." 

"That's not a bad idea."

"Do that." Mack runs his hands down her arms. Warm and concerned, and so happy. "Come, eat."

The next artistic course of food sits waiting for them and her dress flows around her feet as she sits on the tatami floor. Phil sits closer now, his hand on her thigh. 

"Well at least now you're not wasting any more time," Yoyo says over her sashimi. "October will be here before you know it." 

Melinda reaches for his hand, squeezing his fingers. 

"It'll be great."

Mack lifts up his glass. "You need anything, you call us, okay? Middle of the night, we're there, okay?" 

"You can send Mack out for ice cream, he's got people who will go get it." 

"That's true. You have cadets, make them get things for you." 

Melinda rests her head on Phil's shoulder, smiling at them. "I'll keep that in mind." 

[kittensjonsa]

Final chapter. Fluffy smut. That's it, folks! Thanks for being here! Lol Xx

Summary: Sansa and Jon move forward with a step that would change their lives forever. Jon's especially. But he is more than willing, and ready. Now that Sansa had made her feelings known. Rated E.

Chapters 1 to 9

Otherwise, Engaged

I'm so sore,” Sansa whined, splashing water at Jon.

“Aww..I'm sorry baby. Don't hate me but..you were asking for it.” Jon smirked, wiping away the droplets with a washcloth.

“Hmm.. I did, didn't I?” Sansa recounted how she screamed for Jon to pound harder with each stroke he gave her.

Jon leaned forward and gave Sansa a deep kiss. One of many he had given her the night before. He regretted the bites however, now seeing the small dark marks turning up on Sansa's unblemished skin.

“Do you want some more warm water? Maybe it helps?”

Sansa shook her head and looked at the clock on the wall. She couldn't help but chuckle, it was already eleven and they had missed breakfast. No one had called for them, except for a text message that dinged, from Lisa to “keep it down in there” at two in the morning. Obviously, now everyone knew why they didn't turn up for breakfast. Sansa didn't think she could look them in the eye either, so just as well.

Her body ached a bit but nothing compared to the tenderness between her thighs. Maybe it was three years of unresolved, pent up attraction between them or just Jon having superhuman stamina, he had really given to her good. Too good, that Sansa couldn't remember much except screaming his name every half an hour. Just like her, the bed had been given a good pounding too, what with Jon driving her down the mattress and if the noises were any indication, it was probably time for a new frame.

They had only slept a few hours but empty stomachs after the sex marathon drove them out of bed. Thank god for texting.

Lisa, I'm sorry to ask but could you bring some breakfast up for Jon and I? We're really hungry but too tired.

Yeah and I know why. Goodness, what's gotten into you two? Thank god your parents and brothers are on the other side of this very large house. Lucky!

Hehe. I.. have nothing to say to that. You're the best, Lisa! Thanks!

LOL.. I'll put it outside your door. But you can't hide in the room forever. You said yes to a wedding remember?? You need a dress!

“Lisa's bringing the breakfast up. And Gramp's birthday party is this afternoon.” Sansa reminded as she got up to leave the bath.

“And..? You're forgetting something. Our wedding.”

“Damn it, you weren't supposed to remember that,” Sansa groaned, reaching for a towel and wrapping herself with it.

Jon smiled to himself, admiring the view before him as Sansa started her morning beauty routine. “It was unexpected, I'll give you that. But hey, what have we got to lose? We're already engaged.”

Sansa snorted, narrowing her eyes at Jon. “Yeah, a lot of 'unexpected' things popped up last night. I guess.. since we've already.. come this far. Imagine meeting the officer next week, huh?”

Jon winced. He almost forgot about the visa bit. But, he didn't need to pretend anymore. That was one thing off the list.

“We'll sort it out next week then.” It was time to get out the bath and check on his emails. He had been busy playing newlyweds that work hadn't cross his mind.

“Hey, Jon,” Sansa looked at him from the mirror. Jon responded with his arms wrapped around her from behind. “You do know, we have to talk.. about work? How this.. is going to change all that.”

Jon rested his chin on her shoulder and deliberated for a moment. He'd hate to lose her as an assistant but 'wife' was a much better gain. He had promised her Aliser's job once this was all over and maybe it would be frowned upon, but a deal's a deal. He would try at least. The plan was supposed to be easy. Go in, act a little and get out. He didn't count for things to turn out the way they did. Still, he couldn't imagine it any different. This was so much better. Whatever comes, Jon had Sansa, and, that was everything. He thought he had it all, but how foolish he was in thinking that. He'd give her everything, whatever she wanted.

“We will. But for now, we need to get out of this room. And air it… god, it smells of sex.” Jon gave a giggling Sansa a hard peck on the cheek as they both got ready for the day.

It was nice, having breakfast by the fireplace, with Sansa lounging on him reading a manuscript and him, with his arm around her and trying to read work emails. Admittedly, it was hard, his cock especially, seeing how amazing she looked in his arms. This scenario would look good at his house as well. Also, the office with no one around.

The Starks had left them both alone, thanks to Lisa who told everyone they needed to prep for the wedding, when actually it was really Sansa who needed time to recuperate a little. Lisa understood perfectly, after what Jon presumed was a short girl talk by the door when their breakfast tray was dropped off.

“So, I have to try on a wedding dress in a bit so you can't see me in it. And I think Dad will take you out for a fitting as well, I think.”

“Sounds like fun. Though I don't like the not seeing you bit.” Jon shifted his arm nearer to the waistband of her shorts.

Sansa peeked from the booklet, seeing what Jon's wayward hand was up to. She had to admit, how Jon expressing his insatiable need for her turned her on just as much as him touching her.

“Well, it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride and all that.”

“What time are you meeting Lisa then?” Jon whispered, stealing a glance at his watch and adjusting his growing cock at the same time.

“After lunch. Two, I think. Why?”

Jon pushed away his laptop and grabbed Sansa's waist. There was no time to lose. Sansa gave a playful shriek as she came face to face with him.

“That means.. we have time.. to do this.” Jon pressed his lips onto Sansa's neck as his hands frantically undid the buttons of her denim shorts. Sansa sighed as she reciprocated, her hands unbuttoning his Levi's and squealed when she realised he wasn't wearing any underwear. The soft, rock hard flesh spilled out into her waiting hands.

“Ohh.. I do love it when you do that,” Jon groaned as Sansa gave his cock a firm squeeze. She was full from her share of scrambled eggs and toast, but she'd never refuse Jon's cock in her mouth at anytime.

Jon let out a soft moan as Sansa's lips pecked at his erection. The warmth of her mouth as Sansa swallowed him whole - was enough to render him unconscious.

“I have created a monster,” Jon hissed, his lips curling into a smile, gazing at how deftly Sansa moved her tongue around his girth. Jon threw his head back, shuddering from pleasure.

I'm a lucky bastard, Jon kept repeating in his head, reaching round to grab her round bottom. Peeling off her already moist underwear, Jon slid a finger into her wet and waiting cunt. As always, primed and ready for the taking. Sansa hummed her approval and the vibration on his cock was enough to do the job. He had to have her.

“Go slow this time.. Jon, please,” Sansa pleaded playfully as Jon crawled onto his knees and had his fiancée spread eagled before him. Jon did notice a slightly angrier shade of pink greeting him, more so than before but the glistening folds were just as welcoming.

“As my Lady commands,” Jon obliged as his mouth clamped down on her folds. Sansa groaned at the contact, sucking in a breath. She loved his mouth and the talent he had with it. He could do this all day every day, screw the wedding. How she was still up for another round was a question she hoped she didn't have an answer for.

Another finger slid in and Jon wiggled his thumb on her clit. Sansa bit down so hard on her lip she could almost taste her own blood.

“Gods... You are beautiful,” Jon cooed, watching Sansa thrash and quiver, releasing herself to the blissful wave. Skin flushed pink and plump, her hooded beautiful blue eyes and her naked body clothed with mind blowing eroticism - Sansa was a painting. He didn't mind watching her like this all the time. In his apartment, at her place.. in his office. His couch was big enough. It had more space than the one they were on.

“Come fuck me then,” Sansa whimpered, pulling him to her, trembling as Jon's cock took over.

“Oh..wow.”

Sansa's heat was electrifying. Jon took great care as he made his way in, tingling all over as the view proved enough to send him over the edge again. Mesmerised by her folds that clung onto him and Sansa's breathy whimpers - a heady combination that inched him closer and closer to releasing himself in her again. Sansa's ragged breathing and the growing tightness around his length had him barely holding on, as they both inched closer to the edge. Jon grabbed at Sansa's sides, from under her, her legs grazing his cheeks as he pushed on, knowing he'd reach the edge sooner than he wished.

“Fuck gentle.. I want you,” Sansa seized the top of his thighs and shoved him further inside. He howled, as his swollen tip pressed against a hot wall, and the slightest friction was all it took.

This time, it was silent, save for a breath or two. A great height they both had soared to, where no howl or scream could match.

It was magnificent. How he melted into Sansa, emptying every bit of himself in her, in that moment right into the deepest parts of her, where all of time had stopped - and everything was perfect, just as it should be. It was a moment that marked Jon for life.

Panting and gasping for air, he laid down on her feverish body, her breaths matching his own. Perfection. Absolute perfection.

“I.. love you too.” Sansa finally answered back, as she kissed the top of his head, her hands tenderly brushing his sweaty curls away. He didn't need her to say it back, he didn't think she even heard him say those words - oh, but how they made his heart leap in unspeakable joy.

Jon looked up at Sansa as he rested his chin on her chest. This is it. The thing that people try to write about but never quite succeeded. Or perhaps, he never really understood. Till now. With her, he could conquer anything. A master of his own universe, with her by his side. They could conquer anything, whatever life brings.

The One. She is.

“Well.. Let's get married then.”

---

The End.

[ramblinganthropologist]

Writober 2020 - 18 (photograph)

Extra, extra, read all about it: someone’s about to fucking die. As they should, because who the hell honestly believes that Commander Shepard and Commander Shepard are straight anyway?

(ME1)

---

“Do you think either of them know they were seen yet?”

“Doubt it. Definitely explains the last name thing, though. How long do you think it's been?”

“Can't have been more than 5 years, they both did N7...”

Alistair was starting to get tired of people whispering. Didn't they know it was rude?

Ok, maybe his nerves were still a little frayed from the whole touch the Prothean beacon, figure out Saren is trying to kill everyone, become the first human Spectre thing. Nobody could blame him that he was a little cranky that morning as he left his office to get the Normandy where it needed to go. The fact it was actually his ship definitely didn't help either. After years of being enlisted or an officer, having free reign was... deeply uncomfortable.

He'd probably get over it, but... yeah it felt weird.

Still, even in his terrible mood it was impossible to miss the stares and the whispers from the crew whenever he walked by. Part of him had wondered if it was them gossiping about how he'd gotten the Normandy off Admiral Anderson, but... it didn't feel right. Professional whispering from the ranks was one thing, but this felt... oily. Salacious, maybe. Definitely something personal, which just amped up the gossip even more.

Now, had he been in a better mood, Alistair probably would have ignored it. The thing was, he wasn't. So he would have to be forgiven if he took a right when he should've gone straight and walked straight behind the two gossiping crew-mates. Neither of them noticed him, of course. He was quiet like that.

“What was that about N7?”

He shouldn't have enjoyed just how much air the two men cleared when they jumped out of their skins, but forgive him if he wasn't feeling just a little petty that morning. They were both 3 shades lighter as they turned to face him, and the sweat was really starting to pour down their faces. On his scale, he'd call that shit terrified.

Good.

“C-Commander Shepard, sir! W-we didn't see you there!”

He smiled, but there was nothing friendly about it. “Yes, that tends to happen when someone comes up from behind you. Now, to reiterate. What was that about N7? Have either of you been asked to join the training program? My congratulations if so, it's an honor even to be asked.”

He would know – he had it tattooed above his ass. And he definitely knew nobody on his ship was in active training at the moment. It was one of the perks that came with being the Normandy's CO. The other was getting to see moment like this transpire before him.

The larger of the two was sweating bullets as he tried to figure out what to say. “N-no... nothing like that, sir.”

“Just...” the words failed the smaller one. His face screwed up as he seemingly gave up whatever he was holding back. “How long have you been married to XO Shepard?”

…

Alistair blinked slowly. “What?”

If he hadn't known better... someone had just asked if he was married to his XO. His XO, Commander Bo Peep Shepard. His XO, Commander Bo Peep Shepard, his best friend and probably the closest thing he had left to family.

What the entire fuck?

Big one rubbed the back of his neck as his face began to take color again. “It... was on the extranet a few days ago. Pictures of you two together. It implied that you two were married. We thought it would explain the shared last name and all...”

Alistair let a sigh leak from between his teeth as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “A tabloid with nothing better to do, I assume.”

He let the pinch go, shaking his head. “Mind sending that site to me? I think I need to do some correction next time we dock at the Citadel.”

The two were already racing for their omni-tools, but he could tell the question still loomed in both their eyes. After all, he could just be trying to quash the story to keep his so-called marriage quiet. These crew, lovely as they were, didn't know he or his XO well enough yet.

Maybe that was why he rolled up his sleeve to expose his tattoo. “And by the way, I think this should clarify your questions.”

He tapped the wing colored in the gay pride flag for emphasis. The other, shaded in trans pride, went without saying. Years later, he was still glad he had gotten it during pride, even if it had been somewhat of a spur of the moment choice. Ironically enough, he had gotten it with Bo – she had the lesbian colors around her ankle.

You know, because she was a fucking lesbian and he was gay as hell.

“O-oh... yeah I guess it would.” Someone's face was turning red. “Sorry, Commander...”

“Just don't spread it around anymore.” Down went his sleeve. “Now, I'm going to go see where this website is hosted...”

With that he left them, the details blooming to life on his omni-tool screen. Once they got back to the Citadel, he and Bo were going to have to take a little trip...

---

“I'm going to murder them when I get my hands on them.”

“Don't worry, I won't stop you.”

The port hissed as Bo and Alistair left the Normandy's decontamination lock and entered the Citadel docking bay. It had been a few days since the discovery on ship, and now they were at the heart of the matter. Someone was about to get their clock cleaned, and it wasn't going to be mechanically.

'Don't forget ,you two, you don't have to testify against each other in court since you're married and all~!'

Al shot a glare back at the Normandy as he pressed the communicator in his ear. “Joker-”

'Just kidding, commanders. I know what teams you two play for. I guess we'll know you found them when we see the blood spurting.'

“You better fucking believe it.” Bo's eyes were practically glowing with hostility as she stomped down the walkway that connected their ship to the dock. Around them hummed the activity of the Citadel proper. Ships sailed above their heads, people went about their business... and somewhere, a tabloid was about to get the unholy shit kicked out of it.

Alistair checked the details on his omni-tool as they began to walk. “I traced the website's ISP to a building in the Wards. Chances are, they're there.”

“If not, they're going to tell us where the fuck they are.” Her knuckles were white as she slammed them together. “Damn straights and their height kink. How the hell could anyone think I was straight?”

Yeah, that was his question – she was built like a tank and had pink hair. How the hell could anyone read that as straight?

“I mean, they thought I was straight somehow, so they don't have a great judge of character.” Alistair tapped at his omni-tool. “It would be faster if we got a taxi, but walking is an option too. Up to you honestly.”

Bo didn't answer him. He realized why once he figured out he had lost his handy patch of shade. The other Spectre had left him in order to go storm over to a nearby newsstand where people were whispering. Given a few were running...

Well, he ran over to make sure nobody died.

“I can't fucking believe this!”

She pounded her fist on the counter, and Alistair felt like doing the same once he saw it. A new story had popped up, front cover with a picture that definitely wasn't photoshopped. Bo was front and center, chatting with a rather lovely lady. Anyone who could read body language could guess the two were probably flirting, which is probably why someone had been so quick to take it. Above the photo, a bold headline proclaimed “Commander Shepard: Newlywed in Bisexual Affair?”

Oh boy... whoever took that was a dead man.

Bo rounded on him, fire in her eyes. “Taxi. Now.”

Alistair didn't need to be told twice – they were soon in the back of a cab, headed towards the Wards. To say a burning silence fell over the back was putting it mildly. Bo was gearing up to kill someone, and he... well he didn't want to be next in the tabloid.

The cab driver unfortunately didn't have the sense God gave to rocks as he surveyed the two. “Trouble in paradise, huh? Well, there's always divorce court.”

Alistair grabbed for Bo before she could crash the cab. “We're actually going to clear up we're not married!”

“Ah, that's a shame. You two make a cute couple, being the first two Spectres and all. You could've made some wicked strong biotic kids.”

“Sir when I tell you I'm the only thing keeping you alive right now, please believe me and keep driving.”

By the time they were dropped off in the Wards, Alistair was pretty sure he had lost 10 pounds keeping the cab driver alive. His arms were killing him as they stepped out onto the sidewalk in front of a nondescript office building. It had a listing on the side, telling the different businesses inside. Their next stop was on the fourth floor... so if anyone got tossed out of a window, they would probably live.

“Alright, so let's figure out what we're-”

He didn't get to finish his statement. Bo was already walking in like a woman on a mission, leaving him in the dust. All he could do was chase after her, eventually catching up on the stairs to the second floor. All the while, a receptionist chased after them.

“Excuse me, you can't just-”

Bo turned back to face her dead on. “Spectre business.”

Their tail shook a little, but... Al was pretty sure it was because she was kind of into that. She was definitely blushing a little as she backed up. “R-right... fourth floor is what you're looking for, ma'am.”

Alistair sighed as he held up his hand in an apologetic gesture. “Sorry, we'll be done quickly. Thank you for your information.”

And then he was chasing after Bo again as she took the stairs two at a time. Before long, they were standing on the fourth floor's landing. There was only one door here, labeled with a sign that called themselves Citadel Daily. They were one of many tabloids that supplied the Presidium and Wards with the lack of news people loved, and no doubt they were one of the more popular ones. After all, they were creating quite the buzz about humanity's first two Spectres.

A buzz that was about to be repaid with a lot of violence if he didn't mediate.

He managed to grab her wrist before they went in. “Let's just... try talking first.”

“It's not you they're calling a cheat, Al.” She tugged her arm away. “I'm handling this my way.”

And then she pushed the door open, probably burying the knob in the wall. All motion stopped on the other side as she stormed into the room, coming to a stop at the heart of it. All Alistair could do was enter after her pulling the door out of the wall as he did. Yep... the handle went straight through. That was going to require a patch.

Bo glared at the room filled with desks and people. Someone was reaching for a camera, a device that abruptly died as her eyes glowed red. She might not have been good with technology, but she knew how to break it just fine. No more devices came out after that – they were smart.

“I'm only going to say this one, who the fuck is John Jacobs and when are they getting the fuck out?”

Nobody moved at first. Alistair could hardly blame them as he scanned the room. Mostly, he just saw shocked wanna-be journalists and gossip columnists who had never expected this kind of treatment. After all, they weren't printing anything particularly hard hitting. Of course, their mistake had been printing about the Shepards... which was a bad idea to say the least.

He spotted someone twitching in the corner of the room. Rather than alert Bo, he began to pick his way over. Nobody would look at him, but that was fine. He had his eye on the man trying to hide behind his desktop, looking at though he might piss himself.

And as he should – from the looks of things, he was working on his latest article.

“'Commander Shepard spotted coming out of a bar with-'” He shook his head, sighing. “Mr. Jacobs, if you were even half a journalist you would know I can't drink on my medication. That's just sloppy work right there.”

The man definitely pissed himself as he backed up in his seat. “C-Commander Shepard!”

“One of them, anyway.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Bo, found him.”

Maybe that was mean, but the photoshop job on that picture had been particularly atrocious. So maybe he didn't feel bad that hell on wheels was storming over, ready to put her fist straight through this guy's head. At least he'd stop it if it came to murder...

Maybe.

Bo came to a stop in front of the desk. His desktop fizzed and died as she loomed over him. Alistair definitely smelled piss and something else as the full weight of his crimes fell upon him. And of course, nobody was dumb enough to take pictures. After all, they were Spectres and about ready to prove what happened if you tried to smear them.

Though... was it actually a smear if they did make this guy's life a living hell?

“John Jacobs?”

His answer came out shaky. “Y-Yes, that's me. I didn't expect the story to get so big, b-but-”

Too late. He was already out of his seat by the collar of his garish shirt. Bo had him at eye level, and Al was there to avoid the pants region as he watched the carnage unfold. Someone nearby had a camera up  - a blue-eyed gaze quickly put a stop to that. Bo wasn't the only one who knew how to break technology.

“What the fuck was going through your demented little fucking head?” She brought him closer. “You got some kind of height kink, you nasty fuck?”

John was sweating bullets. “N-no! I just... a lot of people think you two are married! It's the same last names!”

Yeah, Alistair was doubting the lack of height kink, but at least he was trying to be honest. He was still probably going to get the shit beaten out of him, though. He kind of deserved it, what with insinuating they were not only married but... ugh...  straight.

Really, how the hell did anyone think that of them?

Bo's eyes said murder and her fists were willing to comply. “Let me put it to you this way, that receptionist down there is more my type than this manlet will ever be.”

“Hey, I'm a maligned party too, don't take out your frustration on me.” Alistair rubbed the back of his neck anyway – talking about his height was a sensitive subject. “Anyway, we're very clearly not married.”

“Or straight.”

He nodded. “Or straight, yes that's kind of important. So maybe you should print a retraction on those articles and apologize so you don't get thrown out a window. You'd probably survive, but it would sure hurt a lot regardless.”

Judging by the grip on his collar, he wasn't going to get out of this without some form of damage... but maybe they could keep him from getting tossed out a window. Besides, if he pissed himself anymore he was going to start leaking on the floor. Talk about gross.

John's eyes traveled from Shepard to Shepard. “T-this is cen-”

“Oh come the fuck on, she's ready to murder you do you really wanna complain about censorship? Read the room, man.”

Normally, Alistair didn't swear. However, this man clearly didn't have sense in his head, so maybe shock methods were needed. At least he shut his mouth that time as he thought the offer over. Maybe he should think a little faster.

Bo started to move to the window. “Well, he had his chance.”

“No, wait, stop!” Both his fists couldn't fit around her wrist. “I'll print the retraction!”

She stopped a few feet from the open window. “And you'll stop writing about us. No more Shepard stories, understood?”

He started to look like he wanted to argue, but... that window was pretty damn close. Sweat dripped down his forehead as he considered his options. Then he got inched a little closer, and the decision was clearly made.

“U-Understood... I won't print anymore.”

And then he was dropped to the floor in a sad, soggy heap. Bo wheeled around and glared at the entire room. Alistair stepped forward as well, feeling much more pleasant as he surveyed the terrified reporters sitting before him.

“I hope you all understand, that goes for anyone here. Nobody gets a free pass out of defenestration, understood?”

And then his eyes glowed as another camera died. “No story about this either, by the way. I've added you guys to my omni-tool news feed, so don't think just because we're off saving people that we won't hear about it.”

Given everyone else looked like they might need a change of underwear once they left, that was another pact sealed. With any luck, they wouldn't get too stupid about their stories. Of course, if they did... it wasn't like they were going to move buildings.

“Good talk.” Bo was already throwing the door open. “Let's get the fuck out of here, it smells like piss.”

Alistair was already following her out, sighing in relief as the door shut behind them. At least nobody had died, or even been really bodily harmed in the process. As far as missions went, this was one of their more successful ones.

Then again, Bo hadn't gotten to work her frustration out, so...

“Want to hit up the Alliance training course to work out that energy before we go see Anderson?”

“Fuck yes.” Bo was already heading in that direction. “I still should've thrown him out the window. Damn your sensibilities.”

Eh he could take her being mad at him if it meant nobody died. Dissatisfaction was part of being a commanding officer.

---

Retraction on previous stories concerning Commander Bo Peep Shepard and Commander Alistair Shepard

The Citadel Daily would like to publish a retraction towards two stories it printed. Along with this, we extend a heartfelt apology to-

“Well, I guess they got the message.”

Joker was chuckling as the message read over Alistair's omni-tool. All three were gathered in the cockpit a few days later, after a successful mission on a nearby planet. The news had come in as they were on the shuttle, and he had been waiting to listen.

Bo nodded as the message finished. “They fucking better... still don't know who took those damn pictures. They're lucky I didn't find them...”

Alistair nodded as he killed the feed. “Oh, speaking of. Turns out they're a freelancer. I think I have a beat on them-”

No doubt he was starting another hunt for some poor sap, but... well, again, he didn't feel bad. After all, they had thought he was straight. Someone had to pay for that grievous misstep. And with any luck, maybe this one wouldn't wind up out a window either.

You know, maybe being the CO wasn't so bad after all. He got to schedule time for defenestration duties. Talk about a perk of running the show...

[i-will-be-forever-yours]

Trust Issues

A/N This is my first writing...that has actually been posted so it might be pretty rough. anyway... feedback is welcome! thanks for reading

Warning: Angst, some language...umm idk what else

Summary: Shawn and Y/n have been married for a year and a half and he seems to be drifting. Will trust put this marriage at risk?

Word Count: 1.8k

posted 11-18-19

Don’t know who made this gif but if u did hmu so I can give you credit

Y/n breathed a sigh of relief when she walked into their two-story condo. The paparazzi decided that they would not leave her alone since the news of her marriage to Shawn Mendes, even eighteen months after the fact. For them it was like being a kid in a candy shop.

They had dated for just over two years when she found herself in front of a kneeling Shawn, velvet box in one hand. She was happy, to say the least, and let the tears flow as she nodded, being at a loss for words. However, prior to dating they had been friends since they were both young, and they couldn’t be happier. Their wedding was a romantic day one with only close friends and family. It was a special day, filled with laughter and tears of joy shared between the couple.

However, at just a year and six months of marriage, it was already hard. Of course, the first year was pure bliss, and they were very much newlyweds. However recently Shawn had been more distant and Y/n didn’t like it. For the better part of the last five years, they had been inseparable, but he seems to be drifting. Longer nights at the studio, early morning at the gym. Even when he was home, his mind wasn’t, and a part of Y/n felt like they were falling. She wasn’t sure where they were falling. Whether it be out of love, or falling deeper into confusion, she had no idea, but she knew that something needed to change.

Shawn was getting ready to go on tour again, but that was nothing new. They had been through a couple of his tours while they were friends and even while dating. However, something seemed off with this upcoming one.

Y/n tried to brush off the uneasy feeling that settled in her stomach when she thought of her husband, but it just wouldn’t go away. To take her mind off things she decided to scroll through her twitter feed. The first thing to pop up was a picture of her husband and Camila, with the caption saying “Shawn’s new lover?”. She knew not to believe rumors and tabloids and had even grown accustomed to these stories. However, with Shawn’s recent behavior, she wasn’t so sure. Her mind told her to just stop but nevertheless, she clicked on the link that was provided.

She didn’t expect to find a picture of her husband’s face nuzzling into the neck of Camila, while she laughed and smiled. There were a handful of pictures of the two holding hands and laughing. It reminded her of when they first started dating. Young and in love, only having eyes for each other. 

Pain and numbness spread throughout her chest at the thought that her husband no longer loved her. These thoughts were interrupted however by the sudden urge to throw up.

Jumping off the bed, she made a quick dash to the connected bathroom. She emptied the contents of her stomach and sat there on the bathroom floor. Her breathing was ragged and she kept dry heaving into the toilet, while trying to suppress the urge to cry.

She looked like a mess, with her hair in disarray and makeup running down her face from her shed tears. Her brain couldn’t form coherent thoughts, and she felt the sudden desire to sleep for hours. However, she picked herself off the floor to examine herself in the mirror. Wiping off the makeup and putting her hair in a messy bun she decided to get back on her phone. They had plans to go to dinner tonight, so y/n decided to call Shawn.

However, before the second ring, the call was denied. Deciding then to text him, she texted, “Hey honey, are we still on for dinner?” As she waited for his response she decided to check her calendar for her upcoming appointments and plans. While looking through it she realized something was missing. She had not had her period in two months, almost three.

She sat there on her bed in a nervous panic. What if she were pregnant? She hadn’t had sex with Shawn recently due to his busy schedule at that time, but based on the last time they had it would make sense. They were always so careful. This couldn’t be happening. Maybe it was just her body being irregular like it sometimes tended to be. The logical part of her brain denied these excuses though, because that’s what they were, excuses. 

She immediately put on some shoes and a hoodie and drove to the nearest drugstore to pick up some tests. She was lucky to make the trip there and back without anyone snapping any pictures. The downside to having a famous husband was the unwanted pictures, but she loved him, so she made it work.

Once back safely inside the master bathroom, she undid all three tests and took them. She waited the time and when her phone alarm went off she froze. What if she were pregnant and Shawn didn’t love her anymore?

No time to think about that. She had to be positive, maybe this was the jumpstart her marriage needed. Taking a deep breath she grabbed the tests. They all read POSITIVE. She sat there for nearly  five minutes before the waterworks started. Tears were streaming down her face, but there were so many emotions going on. She was ecstatic, scared, and angry. Ecstatic because she already felt so much love for this baby, but also scared to be a mom. However, she was angry at Shawn, angry that he didn’t reply and angry that he wasn’t here to share her joy. 

She moved back to their room and hid the tests in the closet in some old shoes. As she made it back into her room she saw a message from Shawn saying, “sorry love, can I cancel tonight? I’m just really busy here at the studio.”

She let out a sigh because she was hoping to talk to Shawn over dinner. It seems she’ll just be eating alone again as she has for the past couple weeks.

Y/n is lying in bed when she hears the slam of the door. Looking at the clock she read that it’s midnight. She waits until she hears the heavy footsteps of her husband before she decides to get up. However just as she’s about to she hears his hushed voice saying “No i don’t know how i will tell her. Well, she will just have to deal with it. I know, it’s just that she is so fucking clingy sometimes, always calling or asking to go to dinner or do this and that.” ... “yeah i will, okay goodnight.”

She decides to pretend to be asleep when he walks in. Usually Shawn takes care not to make noise, but tonight he is taking no care to be quiet. She can hear him move about the room until he finally goes into the connected bathroom to shower. Not until the water turns on does she let out her emotions. Tears yet again stream down her face as she thinks about what her husband was saying about her. In her misery, she doesn’t even hear the water turn off nor does she hear as Shawn comes back into the room until she hears his soft voice.

“Y/n, what’s wrong love? Why are you crying?” he asks while reaching out for her.

She turns around to see the concerned eyes of her husband. She almost gives in until she remembers the pictures and his earlier conversation. Instead she looks away and answers “I am fine Shawn, just go to bed.”

“No, tell me what’s the matter! Why are you crying y/n?”

She looks up at him and bluntly asks, “Do you still love me?”

He is a little taken back by her question but is quick to reassure her. “Of course I do, why are you asking?”

She has to scoff at this. “What do you expect me to believe when I see pictures of you and Camila laughing and looking in love? And that conversation earlier? hmm...I think your exact words were she’s so fucking clingy!” she spit out at him.

His confusion quickly slips into anger. “What do you mean “looking in love”? I kissed her cheek, y/n! That’s is! You should know how close we are by now and yes I said you were clingy because sometimes I just need some alone time...ever think about that huh! I thought relationships were supposed to be built on trust. I guess you don’t trust me. Is that what I’m hearing?” He yells.

Y/n is now backed up to the headboard is fear and shock. Not once in their years together has he blown up on her like this. Her hands immediately reach for her stomach, even though she isn’t showing. It is almost a comfort, even just finding out. A way to protect the unborn being that rest within her, relying on her to keep them safe.

“I don’t know what to believe! You don’t talk to me anymore! I love you, Shawn, please just talk to me.” She sobs in a defeated voice.

However, his anger just seems to build. “I need to get away from you sometimes! You never give me a break, and you always want to talk or cuddle or whatever shit it is.”

She is crying now and just wants this nightmare to be over. However, it has reached its climax. “Get the fuck out of my face y/n. I cannot handle this anymore. Just go stay somewhere else.”

In a state of shock, she sits there. Until she makes eye contact with Shawn and that’s when she knows he means it. She rushes out the door with her car keys in hand. Once she is driving away she finally breaks once again. With a hand on her still flat stomach, she drives. She has nowhere to go because all her family and friends are in the states. They had moved to Canada to be close to his side of the family and his hometown.

However, being distracted while driving is not good. Especially when she’s been on the road for over an hour and emotionally exhausted. She looks down to see a message from Shawn saying “sorry love, please come back home...we can talk when you get back” As she is reading this she doesn’t see the car that ran a red light and barrels into her car, causing her car to roll multiple times before coming to a halt when it came into contact it a pole..

All she can hear is the sound of her phone ringing with the picture of Shawn filling her screen. She soon hears sirens before she slips into the comfort of darkness that is pulling her deeper into the abyss.

[smokinholsters]

A Decision at the Crossroads

 A Heartland AU - Chapter 1

Back up to speed after passing yet another work zone and those ridiculous signs touting that this delay was brought to you by a slew of politicians ‘rebuilding’ Alberta and then he smiled as a new song hit the speakers and he happily joined in.

“On a dark desert highway

Cool wind in my hair

Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air

Up ahead in the distance

I saw a shimmering light

Head grew heavy and my sight grew dim

Had to stop for the night

There she stood in the doorway

Heard the mission bell

I was thinking to myself, ‘This could be heaven or this could be hell

Then she lit up a candle

She showed me the way

There were voices down the corridor

Thought I heard them say

Welcome to the Hotel California

Such a lovely place

(Such a lovely place)

Such a lovely face

Plenty of room at the Hotel California

Any time of year

(Any time of year)

You can find it here

“Call from Amy. To answer…..”

“Hey sweetheart.”

“Hi Poppa, it’s Lyndy.”

“Hi honey, does momma know you have her phone ?”

“Of course, I’m helping.” Of course was Lyndy’s new catch phrase, neither he nor Amy had any idea where it came from.

“And how are you helping ?”

“Momma wants to know if you’ll be home by dinner.”

“I don’t think so sweetheart, I can’t go very fast with these horses, can I talk to momma ?”

“Of course but she’s helping JT in the bathroom so you’ll have to wait, are you singing with the radio ?”

“I sure am.”

“I like when you sing with momma.”

He heard Lyndy talking off the phone for a second before an obvious phone transfer, “Hello my love.”

“Hey sweetheart, what’s up with Jackson ?”

“Oh it was nothing, we were finger painting new pictures for the fridge to welcome you home, just some serious hand and face washing. No hope for dinner huh ?”

“No and they’re fixing the roads so there are detours with the trailer and the horses are still a bit skittish so I’m stopping to settle them often.”

“Well take your time and watch yourself with them.”

“Never mind me, how are you feeling ?”

“You mean aside from really missing you ?”

“That bad huh ? I love it when your pregnant.”

“Oh stop, it’s kind of fun.”

“More than kind of fun, anyway, I don’t think I’ll be that late but don’t wait up, you need your sleep.”

“Ok, we’ll see, Lisa’s making dinner, maybe I can catch a nap.”

“A nap would be great.”

“I promise to try, you stay safe.”

“I will, love you !!”

“We love you too sweetheart.”

There was no really direct route from Northern Alberta to the South so from Cold Lake down, with the idea of keeping the trailer on the most sound roads possible the rescues were transported in a weirdly circuitous path around large cities but at the same time keeping to at least paved roads as opposed to what sometimes passed as a numbered and posted road in Alberta, nothing more than dirt that two cars could pass together.

There was also the stopping, sometimes a quick pit stop for food, water or to use a rest room and sometimes just to see the horses and have them see him, check on feed, water and a gently pat and offer a calm word to settle them. They were mostly better from the medical problems stemming from their abandonment and lack of nutrition but mentally they were distrusting, skittish and somewhat unpredictable. Ordinarily they would have left the kids for a few days at the ranch with family and Amy would have come along but with her pregnant  and the unsurety of a trailer and transport they decided against it. Besides Amy wasn’t sleeping well and out of her first trimester they had decided that this was best, home at the ranch. It was a lonely drive but there was the scenery and the radio.

“You who are on the road

Must have a code that you can live by

And so become yourself

Because the past is just a good-bye.

Teach your children well,

Their father's hell did slowly go by,

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picks, the one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you will cry,

So just look at them and sigh

And know they love you.

And you, of tender years,

Can't know the fears that your elders grew by,

And so please help them with your youth,

They seek the truth before they can die.

Teach your parents well,

Their children's hell will slowly go by,

And feed them on your dreams

The one they picks, the one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you will cry,

So just look at them and sigh and know they love you.”

Traffic was slowing again up ahead and the truck slowed and finally came to a stop. 30 minutes later following the other cars and trucks inching along he was exited onto yet another of the endless detours that seemed to plague this trip. Turning twice it seemed the detour included a terrible pot hole filled road that was mostly dirt at this point.

35 minutes later after brushing the dirt from his knees and wiping his brow with his sleeve he reached for his phone and dialed.

“Hey, you Ok ?”

“Cracked rocker arm on the truck I think, damned potholes, I was so focused on the trailer I must have missed it. The horses are fine but I’m going to have to get this trailer towed somewhere I can keep these horses overnight and get the truck picked up. Maybe I’ll luck out and there’s a Dodge dealership close that has the rocker in stock.”

“So what’s the plan ?”

“I guess I’ll call the local vet first and see if they can recommend someplace that can isolate these three. Maybe even a garage that can deal with an emergency and we’ll see where we are first thing. I’d hate for someone to have to drive up.”

“We’ll hope for the best, but we’ll all miss not having you back tonight.”

“I know, kiss the kids for me, I’ll call later once I have some idea of what’s going on.”

“and for goodnights.”

“And for good nights. Love you.”

“So much in love with you.”

Once the horses were picketed out between the woods and the trailer, hay spread and water supplied he checked his phone and dialed.

“Nelson Lake Veterinary Clinic, your call is important to us, please hold.”

“Nelson Lake, this is Dr. Burton can I help you ?”

It took a few minutes for introductions and to run  the sad tale by Dr. Burton who understood immediately.

“How about this, stay put and I’ll call my tech and get him on board and then let the sheriff know you’re out there. Once that’s done we’ll see about the truck, I’d like those horses off the road.”

“I’m all for that, you have my number ?”

“Yup, just fine, call you back in 10.”

The Police cruiser pulled past the trailer and truck and onto the side of the road a respectful distance from the horses so as not to spook them and walked over to introduce himself.

Immediately after greetings and introductions the phone rang.

“Go ahead, that’s probably Kelsey, uh Dr. Burton” the officer who had introduced himself as Matthew Connolly told him “Alright if I say hello to these three ?”

Answering the phone he nodded at the officer and then covered the phone “tread lightly they’re rescues.”

The plan wasn’t that complicated, the clinic’s vet tech would come in the clinic truck with the wrecker who would disconnect the truck from the trailer, hook the clinic truck to the trailer and then follow the trailer back to the stables that would house the horses. In the morning they would get the truck off the ground and see what was up and move on from there.

“Should be 20 minutes or so, you don’t have to wait.”

“I’m going to turn around and park behind you, I don’t like the horses open like that, they see my cruiser they won’t do something stupid like pull an air horn.”

“I hate to take your time but I do appreciate it.”

“I’m fine so where you hail from ?”

“We have a small ranch down near Hudson.”

“Hudson ? Whereabouts is that ?

“Let’s see Okotoks?”

“Oh sure, you’ve got a herd ?”

“Two actually, White Face, my wife’s family has a herd we’re partners in, they’re just down the road, and we’ve got a herd at our place, best beef in Alberta.”

“And the rescues ?”

“My wife’s business is horses, training, rehab, you name it.”

“Kids ?”

“Two, girl and a boy and one on the way.”

He swiped his finger over the screen and handed the phone to Officer Connolly.

“Nice looking family, that’s your spread behind you, looks inviting.”

“I love it and them, pretty idyllic if you ask me, our family almost sold it a few years ago, don’t know what we were thinking.”

“Young and stupid like the rest of us.”

Two chairs were pulled from a side storage locker on the trailer and there was an almost fresh thermos of coffee the young officer offered.

“Always wanted to be a sheriff, police work ?”

“Oh yeah, my Uncle Pete was a Mountie, that was awesome.”

“No serge for you though ?”

“Bum knee from hockey, fine for a sheriff but not a Mountie. No complaints, I live with the people I serve and I like it. I guess you’ve always wanted to be a rancher.”

“Early on for sure and now I wouldn’t trade it for anything but I did a stint in the Army and when I came home was off to the oil fields but I met my wife.”

“Guys go off to the field and back to the army and have wives.”

“Not me, marriage is a commitment, you don’t mess with that. Small trips and the like fine but 4 month commitments away, doesn’t seem right. Besides I don’t think I could be away from her, the kids or the ranch for that long.”

“That’s nice though, you know, the way it should be.”

“Before the kids and sometimes if we get volunteers for the kids we do trips like this together, it’s why we bought this thing. How about you, married ?”

“Soon enough, engaged, can’t wait, we have a down payment on a small place with a bit of property, she’s a teacher but we both wanted some land, maybe get a couple horses.”

“Some nice country for riding around here, not a bad way to spend time for newlyweds.”

They stopped and got up leaving their empty cups when the pickup pulled behind the cruiser and the wrecker pulled up in front of the trailer rig.

“Matt, how’s everything ?” The younger man asked walking up and then a second later the second, an older man also walked over. “Matt, Ty” he said smiling.

“Dwayne Coolidge, Ty Borden” this is Mitch uhmm.”

“Cutty, Mitch Cutty, thanks to both of you for coming out.”

“It’s what we do” Dwayne said, “Ok, let’s crank down the trailer and see if we get lucky and it frees the truck.”

“Mitch, you have papers for these guys I can see ?” Ty asked “Sorry but the cops are here so, you know.” He finished with a smile at Mitch and the officer.

“We’ll start on the trailer.” Matt said walking around the truck to the jack handle assembly on the other side of the rig.”

Ty leaned against the trailer as Mitch reached in to grab the leather folder where he kept the important papers for the trip. A minute later he handed Ty the three stapled sets of papers and the vet reports.

“Well they’re clear medically, and let’s see Saddle Road Ranch Corporation, Hudson, AB. I know that area a little from years ago, can’t say I know the name, is it new ?”

“I’m 4th generation.”

“Guess not then,” Ty said filling out a form off the papers.

“How’s this going to work ?”

“Ok, well, once the trailer’s free and the truck’s out of the way we’ll hook it up the vet truck, load up the horses and head over to my place. The clinic has a four stall isolation barn there. I also run a small bike shop, mostly vintage repairs and restorations so in the morning we can look at your truck and figure something out. You can sleep in the house or hook up outside the barn, looks like a comfortable ride. Up to you.”

“I’m fine in the trailer and all set up actually if you’ve got a hose and a plug.”

“There’s actually a trailer hookup out there, I stayed in one while we got the house fixed up.”

“We ? Married Ty ?”

“Not yet anyway, we is Kelsey, or the clinic and I, we share ownership and I’m paying it off so eventually it’ll be mine. I’m finishing vet school next year so we have an agreement. By the way she’ll be stopping by in case you want to give them something to calm down after all of this.”

“No worries, I have some herbs that’ll do the trick, we try to steer clear of the drugs if we can, keep ‘em healthy and they stay that way.”

“Can’t argue with that philosophy I guess, consider the option though, one’s sure fired and one’s not.”

Mitch sat in his fold out chair in front of a small fire he had started in the fire pit. Dr. Burton had stopped by and took a quick look at the horses. She was satisfied that Mitch

was confident in his herbs and wished both he and Ty goodnight. Ty offered to share a take out order with Mitch declaring he’d have done it anyway and they settled on pizza which was delivered.

They ate and sipped a couple beers that Mitch supplied.

“If you don’t mind my asking, aren’t a bit old to be in vet school, take a break ?”

“Got sidetracked a few years ago and took a break in college, worked out Ok I guess between the bike work and vet work I’m doing well. You ?”

“After high school I did a stint in the military and went to school at the same time, electrical engineering mostly power line work. After I came back ,my folks were talking about selling the ranch and I had the idea of doing some oil work, change of pace kind of thing.”

“And ?”

“And, I met a woman, fell madly in love, kept the ranch.”

“Kids ?”

“Two, one on the way.” Mitch said finishing his beer. “I’m out.” He said placing the empty on the small table.

“I’ll grab a couple from the house” Ty said getting up as Mitch’s phone rang.

“Just in time” Ty said standing and turning as Mitch answered.

Ty caught the first of Mitch’s conversation, stopped for a second, shrugged and moved on.

“Hey Lyndy, you and JT call for goodnights ?”

[solartranslations]

AF2 Liberta Chapter 1 (12/4): Heartthrob’s Stroll

The Family’s work never ends. Intelligence seems busy as ever today too…

~*Scene: Harbor*~

Liberta: Ciao, Ojou! Are you done with patrol?

Liberta: Perfect timing. I just finished my work with Intelligence too

Felicita: You too, Liberta?

Liberta: *yawn*…Ah, sorry, I’m kind of sleepy

Felicita: Busy day at work?

Liberta: We were checking the cargo of some foreign ships. I’m not really good at that stuff

Liberta: It was all really expensive goods. They were so sparkly, it was hard to look at

Liberta: I would have been motivated if we were checking masks though

Felicita: But it’s an important job, so you should take it seriously

Liberta: Yeah, you’re right. Dante also said I should try to enjoy doing any job I’m given

Liberta: Ahh…okay! I’ll try harder!

Liberta: Intelligence hasn’t gone on any long voyages lately, so I’ve been feeling sluggish…

Liberta: The more relaxing days we have, the more I want to go out to sea

Liberta: It’s fun imagining what kind of island we’ll visit next!

Felicita: Intelligence really is your dream job, huh?

Liberta: Hehe, yup. I’m a sailor at heart, and where I belong is at sea!

Liberta: Ah, but, you should come along next time we sail

(*smile) Felicita: Okay

Orso: You two sure are getting along

Nino: I want to blush just looking at you

Felicita: Ah…

(*blush) Liberta: Orso and Nino!? …Quit teasing us!

Nino: You two never change. It’s hard to believe you just started dating

Nino: Guess it’ll be a while before you get married

Liberta: Huh? Married…?

Orso: Well you’re around that age. Haven’t you thought about it?

~*Flashback: Dining Room*~

Liberta: Ah…that was great. Eating breakfast really gives you the energy to start the day!

Felicita: Yeah, it does

Liberta: Hm…Ojou, you have crumbs on your face

Felicita: Huh…

Liberta: I’ll wipe it off so stay still…okay, got it

Felicita: Liberta…

(*blush) Liberta: …Huh? Wah!? Ah my hand just moved on its own…um…

Sumire: *laugh* They sure get along, almost like newlyweds. Don’t they, Mondo?

Liberta: N-newlyweds…

Mondo: H-how dare you wipe my daughters face…I’ve never even…

Sumire: Mondo…

Mondo: S-sorry…but, you two really do get along. I’m almost jealous

Sumire: Have you two thought about marriage yet?

(*badump) Liberta: M-marriage!?

Felicita: Mama!?

Sumire: Oh, why so surprised? You two are around the age for marriage

(*blush)

~*End Flashback*~

Liberta: Wh-wh-wh-what do you mean! It’s way too early for that! Right, Ojou?

Felicita: …Yeah

Nino: Come on now. Aren’t you a man, Liberta?

Liberta: Huh? A man…

Orso: If you’re a Regalo man, you’ve got to get it together

Liberta: Of course I know that! But, um, I just don’t know if I’m ready yet…

Liberta: I love Ojou and I want to protect her, I just don’t know if I can do a good job…

Felicita: Huh…

Liberta: …Wait, what did I just say!?

Nino: Haha, you sure have it rough

Orso: Well, giving it some thought is important right now too

Liberta: A-anyway, enough about us

(*grab) Liberta: Ojou, let’s go

(*dash) (*running)

Orso: They really are such kids

Nino: It really will be a while until they get married at this rate

~*Scene: Popolarita Street*~

(*lets go) Liberta: Wah! Sorry, Ojou! I just…grabbed on to your hand

Liberta: And ran off without warning…

Felicita: No, it’s okay

Liberta: It’s just, when they make fun of me like that, I have no idea how to answer…

Felicita: Yeah…

Liberta: Ah, but! That doesn’t mean I don’t want to get married to you!

Liberta: I know what I said before…but it’s not that I can’t see us like that…

>Don’t force yourself

(No Amore)

>We can go at our own pace

(+30 Amore)

>I’ll wait as long as it takes

(+20 Amore)

Liberta: Huh!? No, I’m not

Liberta: I’m sorry, Ojou! It’s really not that I can’t see us getting married!

Liberta: …Right. At our own pace…

Liberta: You don’t get married because the people around you tell you to. You do it because you like each other

Liberta: I’m glad you said that. Thank you

Liberta: …Thanks, Ojou

Liberta: I still want to get married to you

Liberta: I’ll work hard so I can be someone worthy of you. Then I’ll be ready to ask…

Liberta: I’ll think really hard about what to say to propose to you…so please wait for me!

Felicita: Okay

Liberta: …!

Felicita: Liberta, are you okay!?

Liberta: Ow…oh, my head just…

Liberta: But it’s gone now, so I’m fine. Sorry for worrying you

(*wind)

Felicita: Ah! You have a bruise on your forehead…

Liberta: A bruise? Did I hit my head somewhere…?

Liberta: It’s nothing to worry about! It’ll go away pretty quick

>I’m still worried…

(+10 Amore)

>Are you tired at all?

(No Amore)

>You’re being too optimistic

(-10 Amore)

(*pat) Liberta: Cheer up, Ojou. I’m sure I’ll be fine

(*smack) Liberta: See! Nothing to it! …That did hurt though

Felicita: …Haha, of course it would

Liberta: Yup, just like that, Ojou! It really is best when you’re smiling

Liberta: Hmm, I guess my head has been hurting a lot lately…but I’m probably just not getting enough sleep

Liberta: So it’s nothing you need to worry about

Liberta: I’ll make sure to rest if it gets to be too much

Felicita: Okay…

Liberta: Ah Ojou, you sound like Dante

Felicita: But you don’t seem to remember hitting your head…

Liberta: Yeah, I really don’t remember…when would it have happened?

Liberta: Well, it’ll be gone before you know it

Felicita: I guess so

Liberta: We’ve been talking for a while now. Is Luca going to get mad at us?

Liberta: Ahh…I remember the last time he got mad

Felicita: The last time? You mean when we took the ship to that island?

Liberta: Yeah. We were a little late getting back, right? So he was all…

Liberta: “How dare you keep Ojou-sama out so late! There will be no dolce for you tonight!”

Liberta: He was fuming at the ears. So after that…I decided I better not get on his bad side

Felicita: *laugh* Then we should hurry back

Liberta: Yup! Let’s get going, then

(*smile) Felicita: Yeah

~*End of Scene*~

(Continue to Common Event December 7)

(Back to Directory)