#i love you salads with mint

[bitofaditz]

if mint has 1000 supporters i am one of them.

if mint has 100 supporters i am one of them.

if mint has 10 supporters i am one of them.

if mint has zero supporters, then i am dead. share to show your support for mint, the best herb

[divortion]

I ❤️ mint

[brownsugarwrites]

☀︎ chicken salad sandwiches ☀︎

pairings: dad!leon x mom!reader x dad!carlos

warnings/content: smut. porn with minimal plot , threesome (mmf) , milf chasin, dilf chasin, creampie, oral (both m & f receiving) , mentions of masturbation, cumplay (??) , carlos is a MUNCH , reader is kinda a shy slut (you'll see) , p in v (x2 hehhehe) , abundance of pet names. carlos is a goofball. both very sweet and kind lovers . slight pinning, squriting

word count: 2.9k (my word help me)

also the name will make sense just read!!! I am actually so nervous about this lol!!! I hope you all love it as much as I do

Sighing you finished making the fruit salad before adding mint leaves to them. You were making snacks for your two hot neighbors working on a car.

You moved into the neighborhood recently and your neighbors across the way were nice to look at. You had a perfect view of their houses from yours where you could see them mowing the lawn early in the morning or leaving their house to get their kiddos to school

One of the neighbors, Carlos, actually came to introduce himself first to you. About a day after you moved in he came knocking. Opening up the door you smiled trying not to gawk at the man in front of the door

Introducing himself he shook your hand and held a slight conversation with you. Honestly, you weren't listening to shit he was saying. You were more focused on his big arms and chest and how he towered over you from being tall

“Well I hope to see you around neighbor,” he said winking at you before leaving your porch 

As for your neighbor Leon, you met him through Carlos. You stopped by his [carlos] house to bring him a slice of pound cake 

“Thanks, sunshine! oh and this is Leon he lives about 2 houses down from me with his boys” he said introducing you and wrapping an arm around you 

“It's nice to meet you, I would've brought another slice if I knew you were going to be here as well,” you said nervously 

“Oh, it's fine darling no need to worry. It's nice meeting you ” he says smiling down at you 

Quite frankly you wanted both of them but was that even possible? You could only imagine.

Your daughter was gone with your mom for the weekend so you didn't have anything to do but when you saw the two men working on one of Carlos's cars. It was a sight to look at, the two well-trained men with the compression shirts on highlighting their muscles with the sweat rolling down their faces 

You swear you felt a heartbeat in between your legs 

Being the good neighbor you were, you decided to make sandwiches and snacks to help cool them off. 

Grabbing your sun hat you pulled it over your braids before grabbing the two bottles of water and making your way across the street 

You began to grow slightly nervous. Were you seducing them with food right now? Shaking your head you made your way onto the driveway 

“Hi, boys! I saw you working and decided to bring some water to cool you two down” you said arms extending out 

“Ah thanks, sweetheart,” Carlos said taking the bottle away from you

As Leon gave you a simple nod he took his and began to drink the crisp water

You were stuck with the way they drank the water like it was their last day. The way their Adam’s apple bobbed with each sip they took had you going blank. Forgetting that you made food for them

“I also made some snacks!!!!” you said rather quickly

“Wait, slow down angel, and say it again,” Leon said wiping the sweat off his forehead

What was wrong with you? Why were all of a sudden going dumb from this? 

“I made sandwiches and a fruit salad. I left it in my house I didn't want it to get warm” you said before looking away “You can just come to my house when you’re hungry” 

Turning on your heels you walked away quickly 

“Dude she was checking me out just now,” Carlos said excitedly 

Leon just stared at his friend rolling his eyes 

“shes have been staring at you like that for months now idiot”

“I thought she was more interested in you” Carlos responded putting his hands up

they both had a teensey (huge) crush on you. You were so sweet and pliant towards them they couldnt help but yo fall for you

“let's just go get the food she made,” Leon said making his way to your house 

Hearing a knock on your door your feet scooted on the floor as you gave a soft “coming!”

“hi,” you said timidly before inviting the two men into your home and shuffling back into the kitchen

they both watched you as your sundress clung to your body as you moved through the house 

“yall could take a seat at the table” you offered as you went to the fridge to pull out the food

bending over to get the sandwiches from the fridge the two of them held back a grunt after looking at your ass

you had to be teasing them at this point. all Carlos could think about was the backshots he would give you while Leon on the other hand dreamed about how soft you were 

they were both knocked out of their thoughts by you placing the sandwich platter and fruit bowl down 

“Thanks, sweetheart,” Leon said with a smile 

smiling back you went to go grab sodas and water for the two 

“so how is it? I tried something new with the chicken salad” you said nervously teetering on your feet 

“It's delicious sunshine thanks,” Carlos said with a mouthful of food 

your heart began to flutter. The pet names always made you giddy inside especially coming from them. You didn't miss the way they tend to flirt with you and the lingering stares. you were glad to know they found you attractive 

“wheres your little angel at?” Carlos asks

“oh she’s with her grandmother for the weekend,” you said grabbing a bag of chips to eat from. 

you scrolled through your phone mindlessly as the two finished their food until you felt a presence beside you “shit you scared me” you said giving a breathy nervous giggle. Feeling his warm hand on your chin your eyes widen slightly 

what the actual hell was he doing right now??!?! 

you were freaking out and you tried not to show it. meeting the pair of blue eyes the two of you smiled at each other 

“Let us thank you for the food sweetheart,” Leon said lowly in your ear 

Feeling your arousal pool in between your legs you sighed before opening your mouth 

“No need to thank me, guys…” you said before feeling someone behind you pressing kisses into your neck 

“Just relax love. Let us thank you for our meal by tasting our dessert”

“Carlos seriously?” Leon said while you giggled

It was corny but cute. All you could think about was being pressed between their two bodies both of their scent taking over all the judgment you had left. Going back to attack your neck you whimpered as you felt Leon kiss you gently 

His hand came to your cheek you felt his thumb smooth over it as he pulled you off of his lips. Your lips were slightly swollen and in a slight pout as a little bit of saliva dribbled down your chin 

“So fucking pretty” was all you heard as you felt him caress your face and Carlos clutching your waist continuing to kiss your neck 

Oh, shit was this really happening right now??? Did your plan to seduce them with the chicken salad sandwiches work?

“Tell us you want this sweetheart. We want you to be comfortable” Carlos whispered 

Oh fuck here it was shivers went down your spine in nervousness. Of course, you wanted this but they were making it hard for you to answer 

“Need to hear your answer, pretty girl,” Leon said along the shell of your ear

Your mind went hazy with lust. You were done for truly all you needed to do was for them to take the reigns. The ache in between the legs was growing stronger you needed them both now 

“Yeah, just need the two of you” you would whisper meekly before whimpering at the sensation of Carlos's fingers reaching under your dress to rub his finger over your wet pussy. 

Oh, this was nice feeling the teasing kisses and the toying of your clothed pussy. 

“L-lets go upstairs” you moaned out 

Feeling yourself getting scooped up you guided the men to the room

placing you on the bed gently you quickly moved onto your knees with your hands in your lap. you looked up at the two men standing in front of you. you felt yourself dripping even more at just the mere sight of them. 

it was Carlos’s turn to kiss you deeply as he teasingly played with your nipples through your dress. you reached over to play with Leon's boner through his pants before unbuckling and pulling them down with his assistance  

Leon was absolutely struck by the one-handed movement you pulled on him while you were still kissing Carlos. Leon quickly pulled down his underwear as his hardening cock popped out of his pants. you gave it a few squeezes before you started to stroke his dick.

you felt like you were in a cheap porno scene starring you as the milf next door fucking her two neighbors 

finally pulling you away from his lips you continued to stroke Leon's dick as began to palm Carlos through his pants. 

Leon's precum dripped down your hand as you started to stroke him faster hearing his moans and groans. you scooched over to take his length into your mouth your hand still never left Carlos’s dick and you tugged on the pants to signal him to take them off

the view of you lightly gagging on Leon’s dick and still being able to manage to jerk Carlos off had them both ready to cum 

who knew you were this much of a slut under that innocent persona 

“shit sweetheart keep doing that” Leon moaned as you looked up at him through your eyelashes. He wanted to cum in your mouth so bad just by the way you looked at him 

“I'm gonna cum if you keep looking at me like that” he groaned 

you moved a hand down to his balls and started to fondle them gently as you felt him buck into your mouth. quickly pulling out of your hot mouth he released his seed onto your chest 

you sat there with a small smile on your face pulling Carlos in front of you to do the same. he didn't last very long though. One look into your pretty eyes had him accidentally cumming into your mouth. you let your spit mixed with his cum dribble down your chin. both of their eyes went wide at the action.

you had no idea what you were doing to them 

“What a messy girl you are let's see what's under this dress” was all Leon could say before slipping your dress over your head 

the air from your cool room hit your hard nipples causing you to shiver as your legs squeezed together 

“no bra or panties angel? if I known better I would've thought you planned for us to fuck you” Carlos said caressing your face

well…he wasn't lying

Leon moved so that his back was flat against the headboard.  you crawled towards him to seat yourself in between his legs and Carlos quickly hooked his arms over your plush thighs 

Carlos was in heaven between your legs giving you quick kitten licks. He dreamed about this moment. Whenever he saw your thighs trying to peek out your outfits his mind would go blank wondering how good you tasted down there 

Flattening his tongue on your sweet pussy your back arched feeling the sensation on your body it didn't help that Leon was playing with your nipples as well. Leon attacked your neck as he played with them and listened to the whimpers that were escaping you. 

Carlos placed sweet kisses on your thighs before coming back up to suck on your clit. Your pretty moans could be heard throughout the room and your hand went into his hair. Feeling yourself clench you told them that you were close to cumming. Releasing a loud shriek you came all over Carlos’s face legs shaking from the shock. Coming to your face he gave you another kiss as you felt some of your wetness on his beard. 

“You ready sunshine?” he asked replacing Leon’s spot on the bed and bringing you onto his lap him lining himself up at your entrance 

You couldn't lie to yourself. He was thick and kinda long. You hope he didn't break you before Leon could have his way with you.

You quickly got a hold of his dick and sat on it. Hissing as he stretched your poor pussy out 

“Shit- oh my word” you moaned out 

“You can take it all cant you sunshine? I know you can do it” he praised you feeling you clench down on him from his words 

Releasing a sigh when you felt yourself reach the base of his dick you pressed your manicured hands on his chest before bouncing up and down on him as your face twisted in pleasure as Carlos took one of your breasts in his mouth sucking and teasing your nipple with his teeth

Releasing it with a pop he moved your braid out the way before saying “Come on, let me see that pretty face while you ride me” He groaned before grabbing a chunk of your ass teasingly 

Hearing another set of moans out of your peripheral you could hear Leon stroking himself to Carlos fucking you almost stupid. Your whines became louder as you continued to bounce on Carlos. He soon took over by wrapping his big arms around you and started to bounce you himself.

Strings of curse words fell out of both of your mouths at the pleasure. You didn't even give Carlos a warning you were about to cum until you felt the pleasure rush through you rather quickly as you felt him shoot thick ropes inside of you 

Leaning on his chest you took the moment to catch your breath. 

“That was so hot,” he said before kissing your forehead. Taking you off his lap he watched as the cum mixture spilled out of you and groaned at the sight

Sitting up you saw Leon bringing a bottle of water close to your lips.

“How sweet,” you thought allowing yourself to drink the cold water

“Can't have you passing out on me” he joked 

Asking if you were ready to begin you gave him the green light. Laying you back on the bed he moved a stray braid before kissing you gently and pushing into you.

While Carlos was mostly thick Leon was longer than him and he had a little curve to him. 

Your nails pressed into his back as he bottomed out into you 

“Need you to move baby please” you whined

Obeying your wishes he started to move in and out of you at an agonizingly slow pace. Becoming frustrated at his action (well lack thereof) you told him to go faster. He didn't but he pulled out of you and slammed back into you feeling your nails dig into his back. Repeating the same action your mind went completely blank from the stimulation. 

“Open those eyes pretty girl let me see them,” he said in your ear sweetly as he kept fucking you into the mattress. 

In a feeble attempt of opening your eyes, he smiled sweetly 

“There she is, there's my pretty angel” 

If you weren't gonna die by them fucking you you were definitely dead from the praise. 

Rubbing your puffy clit you made the cutest little squeak from the stimulation.

Laughing lowly he thought the noises you made were cute. Feeling you clamp down on him he knew you were close 

“Babe- feels like I gotta pee slow down” you would beg 

He smirked to himself knowing what was coming next.

“S-slow down leon- oh shit!” you moaned out spraying your juices all over his abs 

Did you just fucking squirt??? you were seeing stars at this point. These men were doing things to your body you didn't even know you could do. 

Fucking you faster your eyes teared up from the overstimulation

“I know baby dont cry I'm almost there,” he said kissing the tears on your water line. 

Nearly cumming again for the fourth time that afternoon you moaned feeling Leon’s cum spill inside of you. Closing your eyes you caught your breath again. Your throat was raw, pussy was swollen, and plenty of hickies decorated your skin as you laid like a doll 

“Hey, sweetheart. Let me clean you up come on” you heard one of their voices 

Feeling the warm rag clean between your legs you hummed in approval 

“Feels good?” Carlos asked laughing a little 

Weakly nodding your head you managed to sit up asking him to take you to the bathroom. Coming over with another warm towel you felt him cleaning your face so gently making sure to follow with kisses 

“Thanks love,” you said smiling 

His heart fluttered at your sleepy state. You were really cute like this. Hearing footsteps come closer to you Leon pulled a shirt over your head. Giving him a thank you as well you managed to get off the toilet to wash your hands and get back to the bed 

The two men looked at each other. They both wanted to stay here with you but still wanted to respect your boundaries 

“Need anything else sunshine?” Carlos asked putting his shirt back on 

“Come lay with me for a little while” you offered 

The two got on each side of you and you sighed in bliss. This was your idea heaven 

“I dont think its fair you squirted for Leon and not me sunshine” Carlos joked

“Dont be jealous Oliveria,” Leon said smirking 

“Hey dont start bickering I’m trying to sleep,” you said meekly 

Glaring at each other you gave them a kiss before drifting off to sleep

This was all thanks to those chicken salad sandwiches

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tags!: @makeacryfoundation @kxlnow @theirkenfiles @pvpsi @tosuckmyweenis @s0nia246 @fatalenvoy @thesilverbeats @geekgirlofarchangels @rubygade @mantiddysimp007 @mothcelestial @cosmcqt @d4rlingang3l @m-rayne @billysfavoriteboy @ashwasherelol @gremlingottoosilly @gavinshorns @jond63 @bloosinthere @sukunasgff @deepestballoonllama-fandoms @haitanislilangel @its-too-cold-in-maine @hongsxn @47kay1 @bl00dr3gin @ayaseelidesu-blog @bbunnygirl @furiousloverlight @bloodycorpseboy @ytp0 @suchaslutforjack @ballorawan740 @itty-bitty-baby-face @refiwrites @mingitrash @a-mouldy-sock @pey-hey555 @-darlinglover- @phantomly27 @twilg

[kurishiri]

THE CHARA CAFE × Ikemen Villains menu translation

(src) this translation may not be 100% accurate or contain creative liberties. You can click on the image for better quality. Please reblog, not respost!

which ones would you order? ✨✨

To my precious robin and from the self-righteous king, a most sinful love: a frozen strawberry drink (William)

strawberry ice cream

strawberries

milk

strawberry sauce

whipped cream

I encaged the scenery I saw with you inside this glass: a blue ocean drink (Elbert)

blue raspberry syrup

lemon water

lemon slice

gold leaf

Drink this if ya want. I ain’t drinkin’ it though: a ruthless butterfly pea soda (Jude)

butterfly pea syrup

carbonated water

lemon syrup

violet jelly

I want your greatest happiness: a berry tea of happiness (Ellis)

berry tea

blackcurrant jam

For you, the sinful one who wandered into a den of evil: the death god’s hot chocolate (Victor)

cocoa

whipped cream

coffee sauce

Blooming in the dark night, a violet cream soda

cider

purple melon syrup

vanilla ice cream

cherry

wafer cake with bean jam (monaka)

I swear a most sinful love to you on this wedding mocktail

pink grapefruit syrup

peach cheese

carbonated water

edible flower

“So that you, the one I love, may smile, I cast a magic spell on this”: the Cheshire Cat’s fresh fruit salad (Liam)

salad mix

smoked salmon

raisins

grapefruit

diced nuts

lemon dressing

black pepper

edible flower

wafer cake with bean jam (monaka)

“Nothing like meat for a reward, don’t you agree, lil lady?”: the egoist’s roast beef plate (Roger)

roast beef

rice

rock salt

baby leaves

parsley

mini tomatoes

camembert cheese

steak sauce

The Crown members’ favorite! The head chef’s special tomato sauce pasta

pasta

tomato sauce

bacon

consommé soup

parsley

crouton

“Hey, wanna split this half and half with me?”: a chocolate mint parfait of the Lying Fox’s charm (Harrison)

bavarois

mint jelly

chocolate corn flakes

whipped cream

mint chocolate ice cream

chocolate sauce

mint

brownie

“Aha! It’s my creation, as someone with a steel stomach”: a special scone set made by Alfons

scone

vanilla ice cream

blue raspberry syrup

whipped cream

chervil

biscuit

silver dragee

A vow to fall deeper into your sinful love: a wedding berry cake set

berry cake

macaron

cookie

whipped cream

mint

cotton candy

rock salt

wafer cake with bean jam (monaka)

Dessert of the robin on a moment’s break: a fresh fruit cocktail

cider

orange (mandarin)

yellow peach

cherry

strawberry

three-colored agar agar

heart-shaped gummy

popping candy

if you order something from the food or dessert menu, you’ll be gifted a 2L photocard (top), and if you order a drink, you get a coaster (bottom).

[lelalutka]

STUFF THAT ACTUALLY HELPED ME (Dont report just block plz)

also! Sorry if some of the stuff i say is a bit confusing, its like 1:52 am and im super tired but i thought i’d make this anyway lol. Okay! no dilly dallying lets get straight into this.

__________________________________________________

1) Make your own motovation audio

Basically, what i did was i went to my notes app and typed away literally every harsh motivation that ive ever heard that REALLY motivates me. They could be quotes that help u r3strict or they could be tips that u have heard on here.

I typed out literally all the quotes and all the tips that motivate me to r3strict, ALL into ONE note. Next, i copy pasted all that i typed into a text to speech and screen recorded the audio so i could listen to it whenever i feel unmotivated to workout or even while i work out.

2) Sparkling water

Okay, WE ALL KNOW that water should be our #1 drink throughout our WL journey but obviously it can get a little boring and after while it just doesnt keep u full for that long.. which is why i recommend 0 sugar sparkling waters! Theres so many flavours like grape, lychee, apple, raspberry, You name it!

Sparkling waters keep u FULLLL!!!! And i mean it. Not only do they taste good but u literally wont even think about food after drinking a can!

3) fruits

Fruits! Such a blessing arent they? Personally my favourite has been mandarins! You know why? Firstly, they’re only 47-50 c4lor1es!! And boy, do they keep u FULL! Pair a mandarin and a can of sparkling water and you’ll be full for hours! I also really love watermelon too! Its super high volume and sweet.. 1 slice could keep me full for a long time!

4) seasonings

Now, i understand that when trying to eat healthier foods like cucumbers or salads can be kinda boring.. which is why i loveeeeee seasonings!!! They can make something plain taste 10x better for such little c4lor1es!

My favourite go-to’s have to be mint, paprika, curry powder, beef flavouring and garlic powder :D

__________________________________________________

Okay Its getting late now and i really should be in bed lol! I Hope some of these tips help those whoever are struggling! If u have any tips of your own feel free to comment them :) goodnightttttt <3

[gothamite-rambler]

"I hurt people like you to make him love me," Harley admitted. (Batfamily Chronicles Microfiction Series)

Harley Quinn and Jason Todd wind up stuck in an elevator that malfunctioned while the other search for the crook they're after. (this is connected to my headcanon where Harley is the nicest to Jason and wants to redeem herself to him especially).

Harley (pressing the intercom button): Hey lady, is the elevator gonna be working soon?

Intercom lady: The repairman arrived a minutes ago, he said to give it five or ten.

Harley and Jason waited for a response.

Harley (talking to the lady): Minutes, hours?

I.L. (checked out mentally): Maybe twenty.

Jason (muffling as he rests his head on his knees): Makes sense to me.

Harley (left eye twitching): Ya said that... An hour ago!

I.L.: The guy got held up. He's here now, give him the required time while I eat my salad.

Harley: Oh okay, great. Enjoy the salad!

Harley removed her finger from the button, fuming.

Harley (grumbling): Hope ya choke on it.

Harley looked at Jason as the man sat on the floor, knees to his chest as he rested his head and held his gun in one hand. Harley frowned and sat next to Jason.

Harley: Ya okay, Jacey?

Jason (lifting his head up and rubbing his tired eyes): I'm fine, just tired. Stayed up late preparing for this mission.

Harley: Hey, if anything is wrong I am here to listen. No clipboard or pen, but I can still listen. I imagine being stuck in a confined space like this ain't the best feelin'. If ya worried, I will keep ya entertained. I can make animal sounds.

Jason (reassuringly): A space like this isn't what I would hate. I can move around in here. I'm not scared if you were you worried I was?

Harley: Eh, more concerned. I had a patient who was a big germaphobe, every time he would come in for a visit he'd come prepared with a can of Lysol, gloves, and a face mask.

Jason (chuckling): He'd spray everything?

Harley: Bingo. He'd rub hand sanitizer on his hands while wearing gloves, but he was nice. I never got help him so I make sure trauma victims are calm in stressful situations.

Jason: Why didn't you?

Harley (hugging her body): I got a job transfer to Arkham.

Jason (serious): Oh... Crap.

Harley: Mm, enough about me. I take the blame for falling for Joker's manipulation tactics for the last couple of decades-

Jason (sincere): Harley? Are you sure you're okay?

Harley (strained smile): I'm fine, Jacey. I've been stuck in confined dark spaces like this numerous times. Most times it was Joker using me as a pawn for Batman... other times it was because I made him mad. But... I'm not freaked out.

Jason: Yeah, well if you were freaked out, what would you as a former psychiatrist or therapist recommend?

Harley: Hm... chewing somethin' can distract your mind from stress. I have some...

Harley dug in her pocket and pulled out a pack of opened gum and some mints.

Harley: Bubble gum and wintergreen mints. They're safe. I bought them at the 7/11 last week.

Jason (smiling): Thanks.

He took a stick of gum. Harley took a stick as well then put the treats back in her pocket.

Jason (chewing gum): I'm not afraid of the dark anymore either, it's comforting sitting in the dark at times. I'll light a little candle and read when there's a blackout in town.

Harley: That's so old-timey, I like it. Bane said something about the dark, but he can be weird when talkin' about it. I always saw that when ya born in the darkness, awaken in it, ya more used to it... When ya woke back up does that count?

Jason (shrugging): Technically. All I remember is waking up in a strange liquid and it was pretty dark and being around Ra's... yeah that was dark, and some of the trainers I had were messed up... one locked me in a coffin one time to test if I could withstand it. Not fun.

Jason chuckled dryly. Harley scooched closer to him and patted his shoulder.

Jason (cont'd): If you don't mind me asking, you and the Joker aren't ever going to... You won't fall for his bullshit again will you?

Harley (plaintive smile): You know four years ago I would've debated on that question. Sayin' lies to myself like 'Puddin' might change someday.' I would shank someone to get him to love me... I hate to admit it but I loved this image of him I had in my rewired brain, but would I return to him? Not even if he shoved me in that joker toxin again. I'm tryin' to make some type of amends and cuttin' a man who never gave two shits about me was a start.

Jason: Hm, that's actually reassuring to hear. Seems you thought about it a lot.

Harley: I stay thinkin' about that and while I can't go back in time to fix my bad decisions that doesn't mean I have to stay there. Neither of us did.

Harley smiled softly at Jason who nodded while chewing his gum.

Harley (cont'd): Sorry I'm therapizing ya, can't turn it off and I know my opinion doesn't matter to ya... I'm glad that even with the years lost you became a better man. Ya aren't insane like me, that does come in handy when men try to flirt with me. I've got foaming at the mouth locked down. I mean this though, ya doin' well for yaself and that smile of yours could light up a room.

Jason smiled surprised.

Harley: There's the smile, not the cocky one.

Jason covered his mouth while chuckling.

Jason: You're not too bad at the whole therapy talk, sorry for... saying you slept with teachers to pass.

Harley: It's not a problem, ya realized it was a lie at least. I'm smart and insane and I kind of still like helpin' people. It's how I got Ivy and it's how I'll be friends with you.

Jason: Teammates.

Harley: Best friends.

Jason: Colleagues.

Harley (laughing): I'll take it!

Jason: Because it's one step closer to friends in your brain?

Harley: Exactly. Hey, want to see a trick?

Jason shrugged.

Harley popped the foil-wrapped piece of gum in her mouth and chewed for a few seconds. She stuck out her tongue eagerly.

Harley: Ta-da, the foil stuff is gone.

Jason shook his head while laughing.

Jason: All you did was chew the foil with the gum, that can't taste good.

Harley: Joker Toxin seeping through your veins changes ya tastebuds as well. This just feels like gum with glitter in it.

Jason: I want to disagree, but I do enjoy salt water now.

Harley (joking): Green goop is not something to fall into is it?

Jason rolled his eyes with a smile just as the lights in the elevator turned on and it worked again.

Harley: All right! Ready?

Jason: Yup, I'm glad you decided to hijack this mission.

Harley: Because we had a heart to heart?

Jason: That and you can wield a mallet.

Harley (smirked grabbing her weapon): You damn right.

The elevator door opened, Jason and Harley ran out, ready to fight.

[vangelini]

🌙 Boyfriend For The Night (Finale) | Spencer Reid x Reader

Part 1, Part 2

Summary: Your first date with Doctor Spencer Reid didn’t go as planned; but when has anything ever? In your disappointment, he makes it up to you…

Tags: Cavity-inducing fluff, Bau! Reader, Fem! Reader, idiots in love…

Warnings: ‼️emetophobia warning‼️ (reader gets sick in first half)

Words: 2.2k~

|

“Just breathe, okay?” Spencer soothed your back, one hand holding your hair away from your face.

“How was I supposed to know that dish had shellfish in it?” You retched into the toilet, hands on either the side of the bowl.

“They didn’t even label it for allergens,” Spencer scoffed, a little annoyed at the restaurant you two were just at. “How did they pass their health code inspection?”

You groaned. “That’s awfully-” *burp* “Shellfish of them-” You threw up once more. Spencer smirked at your joke, but kept rubbing your back gently.

This wasn’t how you expected your first date with Doctor Spencer Reid to look. It was supposed to be a romantic dinner, or a coffee shop rendezvous, not you hunched over a gas station toilet with your hair pulled back. The cold tile pushed against your knees, heels long discarded to the side of the small handicap stall. Spencer’s hand soothed up and down your back gently, as he continuously mumbled small ‘it’s okay’s and ‘just breathe’s as you continued to heave into the toilet.

“Shellfish allergies are the most common allergies among adults, and among the most common for children, I don’t see how they can get away with not labeling it on the menu,” Spencer sighed, adjusting himself on the cold tile.

“Maybe-” *burp* “Maybe I just missed it,” your voice echoed in the porcelain.

“That’s not possible, I have an eidetic memory,” Spencer’s lip curled up. “The ingredients listed in your salad were romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, quinoa, beets, chickpeas, and ginger dressing,” he pressed his lips together. “Not even a mention of a protein.”

“It’s so cute when you remember stuff like that-” another gag. Spencer laughed, readjusting his grip on your hair. “You can appreciate me all you want when your diaphragm and abdominal muscles stop contracting,” his hand smoothed down your sweater gently, hair tickling your neck a little.

“The more you kno-ow-” *gag*… This might take a while.

—

Spencer held open the bathroom door, his arm looming over you as you walked into the fluorescent lights. He looked at you with a mix of pity and concern. His lips were pressed together, one end quirked up in a worried smile.

“I’m going to get you a ginger ale and some crackers,” Spencer put his hands in his pockets, leaning back and forth on his feet.

“Spence, you don’t need to do that-“

“It’s what my mom used to get me when i was sick,” he smiled. “And now you’re on an empty stomach,” he shrugged, moving a piece of long hair behind his ear.

Your heart skipped a beat at the sentiment, and he grabbed your hand gently. “And some mints, too,” you smiled, dropping his hand, high heel shoes swaying in your other. “I plan on kissing you later, and I don’t want to taste like shrimp salad.”

Spencer was slack-jawed, face reddening a little.

He followed you across the gas station, grabbing a bottle of ginger ale and some saltine crackers. Needless to say, he was mesmerized by you. Sure, you were fatigued, wrapped in a sweater that smelled like fish and toilet, petechiae speckled across your under eyes, but to him, the casual state you were in, the sway of your hips as he watched you saunter down the linoleum aisles was the most attractive thing he had ever seen.

Though, he wasn’t hard on the eyes either, the way his casual striped shirt was rolled just over his forearms, revealing the veins that crawled their way up his skin. And it was hard to ignore how his hips moved in the new brown pants you noticed, or the way he flexed his jaw when you got close enough to him.

“Four dollars for crackers is a little insane,” your hands swayed back and forth, a couple lights illuminating your walk back to Spencer’s Volvo Amazon.

“Spence, you’re the one who insisted on name-brand,” you giggled, stomach still a little upturned. “I told you, generic is just as good and half the price.”

He pulled his keys from his pocket, clicking the doors open.

“Inflation is actually up one percent from last year,” his loafers scraped on the ground. He was really pretty like this, face illuminated by the cool night sky and a couple of Texaco street lights. “It was caused by a combination of poor judgement of lenders, giving out mortgages to subprime borrowers, financial deregulation, and the housing market collapse,” he chuckled to himself. “It’s uh, quite fascinating, other than the fact that crackers now cost four dollars,” he motioned to the bag in his hand. “And name-brand saltines DO taste better,” he pulled open the door to the passenger’s seat, motioning for you to enter. You couldn’t help but giggle a little at his insistence on chivalry.

His car reflected his personality to the nth degree— it was clean, well maintained, and smelled fresh. A small yankee candle air freshener that JJ got him dangled from the rearview mirror. It was scented like Christmas cookies, which, knowing Spencer, made sense. He climbed into the driver’s side, placing the bag of groceries on your lap, twisting the keys in the ignition.

You discarded your shoes beneath you, trying to ignore the nausea still bubbling up in your abdomen. Looking at Spencer’s nonchalant visage as he browsed radio channels seemed to do the trick. He turned it to the jazz station, likely his regular taste in music.

You tried sorting through the bag, pulling out the soda and crackers, but you felt a little pang of something in your chest. Maybe it was anxiety, or typical first date jitters. But, whatever it was, Spencer noticed.

“Is something wrong?” He reached over the console, placing a hand on your knee. You suddenly felt hyper-aware of how your cardigan smelled like vomit, shrugging it off, annoyed.

“I’m okay…” You tossed it into the back seat, throwing a couple mints in your mouth. You mulled them over between your tongue and teeth, trying not to make eye contact with the man beside you, partially knowing that it would only make you feel guiltier.

“Research published indicates that nearly 60% of people downplay their stress or emotional pain when talking to friends or family, often responding with ‘I’m fine’ despite experiencing significant distress,” his lip tinged up into a smile. “And you just assaulted your sweater.” He somehow always found a way to make you smile. You craned your neck up to him, his loose curls framing his face. You sighed.

“I just…” The ginger ale cracked open with a gurgle in your hands. “I kinda feel like I ruined our first date, a little…” You took a long sip of the drink.

“Try to sip on that,” Spencer’s hand moved from your knee up to the bottle, pulling it away from your lips. “After vomiting, the stomach lining is often irritated and sensitive. Sipping fluids slowly is less likely to trigger further nausea and vomiting compared to drinking large amounts at once,” his big, brown eyes were tinged with a little concern, but you complied. “And there’s no way you could have ruined this date,” he smirked.

“I just didn’t imagine it going like this, y’know?” You returned his small smile. “I thought we would… go to a nice restaurant, or a café, one that properly labels their allergens, might I add!” He smiled at that, hand moving to steady your wagging finger. “Then we would… go back to your place, watch a movie, or read books, or something…” You tapped your fingers on the bottle that was slowly collecting condensation. “Then we would kiss goodnight, and I wouldn’t taste or smell like vomit,” You scoffed, motioning to the sweater in the back seat. “It could have been perfect,” you looked up at him, expecting him to be upset, or concerned, somewhat, but he just smiled.

“Honestly…” he looked out the window thoughtfully. “This is kind of exactly how I imagined it going…”

“How?!” You hit him playfully on the arm.

“I mean, not you getting sick, which was the restaurant’s fault, by the way-” He smiled. “It’s just that, ever since the first day you walked into the BAU, I could tell that there was something different about everything you did.”

You thought back to the day he was referring to. The first time you laid eyes on Doctor Spencer Reid, part of you already knew you would become quick friends. He had a copy of The Metamorphosis in original German tucked under his arm, a book mark already two thirds the way through the pages. When you inquired about it, his eyes lit up a little, sparks flying immediately. You two spent the next hour talking about classic literature, favorite stories, earning your patented matching nickname from Morgan: Pretty Girl. The rest was history, for the most part.

“Nothing we ever did together was perfect, y’know?” He went on. “Like when we accidentally fell into that lake apprehending the unsub…” You laughed, the memory flashing in your head, the image of the two of you covered in duckweed, soaked head to toe coming to life in your brain. “Or when that book shelf got pushed on top of you in the university library while questioning a suspect…”

“Or when the mother of that victim tried to get us to join the circus,” you started to smile, laughing with Spencer. His smile twinkled in the moonlight, making you swoon a little.

“See?” He tilted his head, chestnut curls accentuating his jawline and smile. “Naturally, following that trend, our first date wouldn’t go as planned either,” he reached over the console, putting a hand reassuringly on your thigh. “You didn’t ‘ruin’ anything…” His train of thought tickled you a little, his reasoning going straight to statistics.

You picked at the box of saltines, sighing a little.

“You still feel bad,” he put it plainly, hand rubbing small shapes into the skin of your thigh.

“How’d you figure that, Boy Genius?” You smirked, popping a cracker into your mouth. “I know I didn’t…” you swallowed. “Ruin it, per se,” a shrug lifted your shoulders slightly. “I just feel like it could have been more romantic than… well, how it is right now…” you looked down at your lap, a bag of groceries on top of your now-wrinkled skirt.

Spencer smiled sympathetically, gears turning in that genius brain of his.

“What can I do to make tonight perfect, then?” He tilted his head down to look you in the eyes. You smiled. The radio lulled softly, a shallow tune buzzing out…

‘Who loves you, ask yourself a question…” Billie Holiday churned gently from the radio, mellow tune making you smile a little. Of course this is Spencer’s taste in music, what else?

‘Who loves you sweetheart, and tell me…”

An idea pricked itself into your brain, and you looked up at Spencer, his eyes dark, drunk on you.

“Dance with me…” Your voice came out barely a whisper, smile plastering your lips. He laughed a little, nervous, maybe.

“I-I can’t really dance-“

“It isn’t hard… Just…” you shrugged. “Dance with me.” Before he could respond, your car door was open, walking around to the driver’s side. The door tugged open, Spencer clearly amused and flustered, at the same time. “I-“ he sighed. “You can’t take no for an answer, huh?” You shook you head vigorously, smiling. He laughed, reaching to turn up the radio, stepping out of the car. He pulled a sweater from the backseat of his car, one that didn’t smell odd, wrapping it haphazardly around your shoulders. The cold concrete glazed over your feet, heels still shed in the car’s floorboard. His hands rested awkwardly around your shoulders.

“I’ve uh, never danced before…”

“There’s no skill involved in slow dancing…” you smiled. “I say that, of course, only having been to one prom with an actual date,” your arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer, as his hands migrated to your hips, locking you in.

‘Who needs you, needs you every minute? Who fell for you from the start?…’

The car’s radio pushed out a gentle melody, filling the empty parking lot. Somehow, in the dinginess of the situation, the street lights felt like stars, and the lot a stage. Spencer’s eyes twinkled down at you, warmth radiating from underneath his patterned dress shirt. You two swayed under the moonlight, for some time, his large hands moving up and down your hips gently, eyes fixated on your face.

“Does this fix it?” He asked.

“Hm?”

“The date,” he reached a hand up to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. “Does this make it just as romantic as you dreamed it?” You smiled, head leaning into his hand. Looking around a little, you thought. This was the beginning of a relationship with THE Spencer Reid, the man you had been ‘down-bad’ for (Morgan’s words, not yours) since the day you first met. You were giddy. And, by the look on his face, he was too.

“…It does,” a smile creeped up your cheeks, which made him return the gesture. You sighed. “Our first real date…”

He laughed.

“Yeah, I think we’ve got the fake one beat,” he reminisced, mind wandering to your outing with the team about a week ago.

“So,” his voice came out shakily, cracking a little. He cleared his throat, making you giggle a little. “Is it uh… safe to say I’m you boyfriend?” He smiled wide, moving his forehead down to touch yours. The closeness made you grin. “Because that’s what I told my mom.”

You laughed. “Yes, Spence,” you looked up into his big, brown eyes, reflections of yourself staring back.

“Not just for the night, this time?”

A warm, genuine grin bloomed up your face.

“Not just for the night.”

(INFINITE THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PUSHED ME TO KEEP WRITING MORE PARTS 💕💕 YOU’RE ALL ENCOURAGED TO REQUEST MORE)

P.S…. If you ever want anything else in written in this universe, just request your prompt with “BFTN! Reader”‼️

[louthesawgirl]

What each Saw character would get as a Tesco meal deal (scientifically accurate)

Hello everyone, I decided as my debut long Saw shitpost, I thought I would decide what meal deals different Saw characters would opt for if they stumbled into a Tesco and were a bit peckish after setting up a few traps.

If you’re not from the U.K. or Ireland and are not familiar with the British & Irish institutions of a meal deal, it’s basically a packaged sandwich, pasta pot, salad, bit of sushi maybe alongside a snack item and a drink for a fixed price (it used to be around £3/ €4 but the shops are taking the piss now). Meal deals are considered a treasured institution here and are an indication of your personality. People judge your character based on what you get between two slices of cheap bread.

Here’s what different Saw characters would get for a Tesco meal deal:

Adam (Faulkner) Stanheight

1. Southern fried chicken chipotle mayo sub

2. Doritos cheese flavour

3. Vimto still drink

Judging on how we know Adam is quite an unorganised adult struggling to adult most days, I would assume he opts for high energy foods to keep his tastebuds happy. Cheese, spiced chicken and fruity drinks seem up his street. Plus, Vimto is a very Mancunian thing and if Saw was set in the U.K., there’s no way Adam would not be from Manchester.

Dr Lawrence (Larry) Gordon

1. Eat Your Greens Feta Salad

2. Apple & Grape snack pot

3. Chilled Iced Latte

I feel like because Larry is a doctor, he prioritises convenience but also eats healthily. I also imagine him to be meat free/ vegetarian so that explains the feta & greens salad (I don’t think he’d be vegan though, he seems like he loves proper cheese too much). Larry seems like he’d always be carrying breath mints or tictacs to minimise the cheese or coffee breath- nobody needs a waft of that when being told they’ve got 6 months left to live.

Amanda Young

1. BLT sandwich

2. Walkers Thai Sweet Chilli Sensations Crisps

3. Monster Energy drink (chosen based on packaging colours to match mood)

Amanda is a busy lady planning traps and building contraptions designed to almost certainly kill people. She seems like she enjoys a bit of spice along with classic comfort combinations.

John Kramer

- Chicken & bacon sandwich

- Egg snack pot

- Green smoothie

John seems like he’s mindful of what he puts into his body considering he’s consistently a salt & vinegar crisp away from death with the cancer and all. He’s also a very smart man so he would know the best value for money combination with a meal deal is getting an overpriced fruit smoothie for a drink.

Mark Hoffman

- All Day Breakfast sandwich (triple)

- Walkers Max Salt & Vinegar crisps

- Red Bull

Mark seems like he can’t get enough of bacon & sausage, even though it’s cold and not exactly very fresh. Maybe he’d even have a bit of HP brown sauce with it. Mark would also probably make immature jibes towards vegans and vegetarians because he’s that kind of man. Considering Mark works overtime setting up traps and evading capture, all he’d be drinking by the events of Saw 7 would be energy drinks.

Jill Tuck

- Egg & Cress sandwich

- Arla strawberry protein yogurt

- Bottle of water

Jill is a bit… bland. I’m sorry but I just have to say it. Egg & cress perfectly summarises Jill’s personality as seen in movies 4-7 between two pieces of bread.

Peter Strahm

- Deli style cheese & pickle sandwich

- Smoked salmon sushi pack

- Pepsi Max

Strahm made some good decisions, some regrettable ones and one very very dumb decision during his time in the Saw universe. Just like his track record with making poor decisions, I’d guess Peter would get some supermarket sushi as a snack with his meal deal- not very fresh nor authentic and will leave you wondering why you couldn’t have got a pack of reliable crisps or a chocolate bar instead.

Lindsey Perez

- Feta & sundried tomato pasta

- Propercorn sweet & salty popcorn

- Fanta orange

Perez is a great character and so she would get a meal deal to reflect that. Why do I also imagine Lindsey being veggie?

Eric Matthews

- Meatball marinara sub

- Walkers Monster Munch Pickled Onion crisps

- Red Bull

I feel like this choice accurately reflects Eric. It’s a combination that’s maybe reflective of an immature palette, maybe even a sort of guilty pleasure combination. I wonder if he’d put the monster munch hands (or feet) on his fingers and eat them like that.

Hope you enjoyed my incredibly British saw shitpost x

[dark-frosted-heart]

Ikepri 4th anniversary The Chara Cafe collab menu

Menu items under cut

FOOD

Keith: Twice as delicious! Fruit salad

- Contains: salad mix, mango, mozzarella cheese, cherry tomato, strawberry, caesar dressing, radicchio, cured ham, lemon dressing

Licht and Nokto: Spaghetti napolitan with carrots for the twins to conquer their least favorite food

- Contains: pasta (spaghetti), onion, napolitan sauce, bell pepper, sausage, carrot

Azel: Butter chicken ~with god's protection~

- Contains: saffron rice, caesar dressing, chicken, parsley, cherry tomatoes, cheese, salad mix, butter chicken

Chevalier: Undisputed champion's omurice oozing with elegance

- Contains: omurice, bacon, bechamel sauce, parsley, spinach

Clavis special!: Rabbit cake that looks exactly like my lovely accomplice ~ Love's Proposition (Curse of Love) version. Decorated with clay figures ~

- Contains: roll cake, edible paper, mint, strawberry whipped cream, blueberry sauce, cake pick, milk, mixed berries, chocolate candy (biscuit?), silver dragee

Kagari: Perfect dorayaki plate for princess

- Contains: dorayaki, sakura condensed milk, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, strawberry, chervil, strawberry sauce, mixed berries, feuilletine

Gilbert: Trampling beast’s cheesecake plate ~ I’ll go “ahh” for you ~

- Contains: no-bake cheesecake, ganache squares, cocoa cookie, chervil, whipped cream, edible gold, blueberry sauce

Rio: I'll go "ahh" for you! Adoring doggy's orange parfait

- Contains: orange jelly, vanilla ice cream, granola, dried orange, whipped cream, mint, orange sauce

DRINKS

Leon: King of the beasts' red drink

- Contains: wildberry syrup, mixed berries, watermelon juice, rose petals

Yves: Tsundere cat's lemon drink

- Contains: pink lemonade syrup, whipped cream, lactic acid drink, gummy

Jin: Naughty adult's coffee float with candy

- Contains: black coffee, gomme syrup, vanilla ice cream, candy, mint

Matias: I want to warm your body and heart...let's look the window at the snowy landscape while drinking milk tea together

- Contains: black sugar syrup, whipped cream, milk tea, silver dragee

Sariel: The devil is always watching violet drink

- Contains: violet syrup, whipped cream, violet jelly, monaka wafer, muscat-flavored water

Luke: Mr. Bear's special honey sangria

- white grape juice, orange slice, honey lemon juice, mixed berries, mint, honey

Silvio: Tyrant's jangling ocean float

- blue raspberry syrup, ramune ice cream, cider, edible gold

[cupcakefactory]

Things mc would do for their depressed partner...aka all the rfa! or just saeyoung/saeran :D

Thank you so much for this!! i had a lot of fun writing it for you, i hope you enjoy. Our M/FLs need some love sometimes they can't always be strong!

Wordcount: 1637

Spoilers for Mystic Messenger below.

ZEN: 

It would be very rare for ZEN to get depressed, he was a positive person by nature and even when things got hard a simple run was normally enough to shake those feelings. The only time you could recall seeing ZEN depressed was when he hurt his leg and couldn’t rehearse; and the following actions from Echo girl after. Even then, he cheered up quickly, with help from yourself and Jumin Han.

That being that, it would be rare ZEN was depressed enough to need any assistance from you, but after being rejected from 3 jobs he had auditioned for he was starting to feel down in the dumps.

Cheering ZEN up is simple in some ways and complicated in others. First you need to actually discover he's feeling bad - he is an actor by trade. He doesn’t want to worry his partner with something that he feels is superficial but once you know how he's feeling you can start working on cheering him up. First thing first, you went to the convenience store to pick up his favourite drink and a snack - he normally gravitated towards salads but you brought him something sugary instead. Everyone craves sugar when depressed and Hyun Ryu wasn't the exception. Once you’d shared the treats you went for a run with him - if running isn’t your thing don’t worry, he would go slow for you to help you keep up. Maybe even just walking around your local park if that's all you can manage - he wouldn’t mind or complain. He could see how hard you're trying to cheer him up and that in itself works magic. 

By the time you both get home and collapse on the sofa all his worries are forgotten; another job would come before long. Thanks to your efforts today he learnt that he was the luckiest man alive because he got to have you by his side.

Yoosung Kim: 

Since dating Yoosung you had noticed he had a tendency to worry over things and try to be a hero always. He wouldn’t let you know if he was struggling - just like when he was attacked in mint eye and injured his eye! You had no idea it had happened until the party and you were almost impressed at how easily he hid it. 

Once you spent enough time together you learnt easily how to know when Yoosung was struggling, he had a habit of isolating himself a little and that was the case recently. He was so close to finishing college; and Jumin had told him if he passed with his expected grades he would personally help him open a vet clinic in Rika and Sally's honour. He was stressed and working himself to the bone to prove that he could do it. 

You felt his anxiety from afar when you visited his dorm; you got concerned with Luciel mentioned in passing that he hadn’t been on LOLOL recently - you knew why he was working so hard but it was important to take breaks too! When you arrived, you pulled him away from his work despite his protests and made him share the take out you had brought with you. A simple meal would do him some good, and after that you were able to convince him to play some games with you. 

By the time you both fell asleep next to each other on the sofa, he felt lighter and happier. The exams didn’t feel as looming with you by his side; and if he didn’t get the grades? You would be by his side and that's enough.

Jaehee Kang: 

Jaehee was a strong woman; no one would argue that - ever since she found her step and was able to leave C&R and ask you to be her partner she hadn’t had a reason to feel blue. You were her main help, you made her days better and working by your side was more than a dream come true. 

However, running a new business is hard work. Jaehee was a very talented lady, emails and numbers came easily to her thanks to her years of experience as Jumins assistant. The Cafe normally ran like clockwork; nothing went wrong except for the few times a delivery was late.. Until, multiple employees called in sick and Jaehee came home stressed and tired. She had worked herself to the bone and the only thanks she got was confrontation from the customers. 

You made her a drink when she got in, settling easily next to her on the couch where you let her head fall onto your shoulder. She stayed like that for a while before you stood - walking to the DVD collection in the corner and picking up one of her favourites. Zen's musicals always helped Jaehee after a hard day when she worked for Jumin, she could recount every word from her favourite ones now. Why wouldn’t it be any different working by herself?

After all - she had the best partner she could ask for. Who knew how to help her stay calm and knew what her favourite musical was after all.

Jumin Han: 

Jumin was taught from his childhood that his emotions didn’t matter. People worked tirelessly to try and impress him and get his praise, no one did anything for him simply because they wanted too until you came along. You came to his aid just because you wanted to make things easier for him and to help him smile again. 

That's what he loved about you; how you gave him a reason to feel again. You made his emotions feel more real than ever before. He felt he could be honest with you about all the struggles in his life. Work stress was something he simply shook off but after meeting you? He didn’t bother too anymore - you were his dear partner. He returned home that day tired, his eye bags heavy as he didnt even both greet Elizabeth before collapsing onto the sofa. He didn’t want to worry you but he was tired; more so than he realised. Once you had gave him some time to collect his thoughts you sat by his side, giving him a glass of wine and taking one for yourself if that's what you wished. Jumin would tell you his struggles in time - but right now he appreciated the quiet by your side. 

Your quiet breathing as he lay his head on your chest was more than enough noise to calm his racing mind, make him feel better and make everything make sense. He had never felt so lucky before.

Saeyoung Choi:

Saeyoung hid his depression behind laughter and jokes - you had worked that out quickly in the chatroom; and that had been proven when he came to your aid in the apartment. His jokey demeanour was gone; the sadness in his eyes obvious as he worked and even more so when his brother appeared.

Once everything setted and he had his family back, Saeyoung became more and more like Luciel. He joked all the time, teased everyone around him and this time it wasn’t to cover the hurt in his heart - it was to be himself for the first time in his life. Saeyoung had never been happier - but the rare times he did struggle with depression it wasn’t hard not to spot. He went quiet, isolated in his room until someone; normally you; came to check on him. He didn’t know how to tell you how he felt, he didn’t need to. You’d always be there to give him a drink and a shoulder to cry on. He didn’t want to talk about how he felt, the memories of his past destroying his future. He would simply cry on your shoulder and you'd stay there for him; for ever.

He knew how lucky he was, to get his family back for one but also to get to have you by his side. Someone who understood, who didn’t push too hard when things got hard and someone that would come to his side without a moment's warning. He didn’t need to ask you for help because you would offer it without even thinking - That was one of the things he loved most about you after all. 

Saeran Choi:

Saeran had all but escaped hell by the time he had a moment to process his own feelings. He didn’t really know what it felt like to be depressed because he had never been truly happy not until you came into his life and taught him it was okay to be him, to be human and to feel. 

He struggled with feeling, too caught up in the new found joy life had gifted him by having you at one side and his brother at the other. He had no reason to be depressed - but sometimes at night when everything got quiet and everyone was asleep he couldn’t stop his mind racing through everything in his life. Everything that had happened and everything that could happen. You heard him, every time he woke in a cold sweat and scared; he claimed your love cured him but you knew it couldn’t, this was no fairytale. You wanted to reach out and touch him, gently caress his hair to make him feel better but you wouldn’t not unless he asked for that as you knew your touch could be triggering. Instead, you hummed a gentle melody off you tongue which was able to ground him and make him feel better without the strain physical touch would cause. 

He knew how lucky he was to have picked you as his game tester, he knew that now more than ever - the gentle melody on your lips calming him and luring him back into sleep and away from the horrors his mind created.

If you enjoyed this please check out my masterlist! My requests are always open :D

[strongheartneteyam]

Our honeymoon. Say you want me too. Dark blue.

Pairing: Neteyam Sully x female!human reader

CW: oral sex (male receiving), size kink, cum fetish, established relationship, p in v, exophilia, monsterfucker, praise kink. I guess I covered everything ??

People asked me to drop this work as only smut, not part of another story, so, here it is 😂 Enjoy

Neteyam is aged up.

⋆·˚ ༘ *

You were laying in your mat at night in your cozy home with your newly wed husband Neteyam. You felt safe and sheltered, hearing the sounds of the small Pandora creatures out there but protected from the big and more dangerous ones.

"Will you suck me, baby? Please" Neteyam said suddenly, eyes on your face

"Teyam, do you think I can do it? My mouth is small compared to..."

"Please, baby." Neteyam interrupted "I want my babygirl's mouth on my cock. Don't you wanna taste me, hm?" A wet, long kiss on your cheek "Don't you wanna know how your mate's precum tastes like? 'Cause I'm hard for you just thinking about you sucking me. You have a fucking power over me."

Looking at you with those big yellow and bright eyes, it was like he was putting a spell on you. Invoking Eywa's power or something. He got you right where he wanted.

You gazed at him, tension in your face, and went between his slender legs.

Neteyam was lying on his back with one leg straight and the other folded, his foot resting on the mat. You just thought he looked so sensual like that, seeming relaxed and legs open, leaving his cock to be easily seen. Tonight the weather was specially hot so he was gonna sleep naked. The na'vi were way more comfortable with nudity than the human race. But Great Mother, the thoughts Neteyam caused you... He turned you into a sex craving little creature.

Meanwhile, the Omatikaya was looking down at you, smile on his lips. He loved seeing his mate like this, between his legs. The few times you two had sex (as you both had mated not that many moons ago, there hadn't been that many opportunities yet) he did most of the work. Now he wanted to tell you what to do a bit too. Wanted his precious human to please him. Fucking small mouth would probably gag on his cock. Right when he thought that, you grabbed his huge member. The feeling your small hand gave him plus his dirty thoughts made him moan at your touch.

You looked at him, shy smile on your face "Only a touch and you feel that good?"

"It's not any touch. It's my human girl's touch. It's your small delicate hand on my cock." It also helped that you guys were still on the honeymoon period, you thought

You smiled proudly and felt less nervous. That didn't last long cause you were looking at Neteyam's cock really close for the first time. Eywa, he was really too big. How the hell were you gonna fit it in your mouth? Was Neteyam crazy to ask that of you? His length... Oh dear Eywa.

Neteyam noticed you were looking at his cock and said "Relax, my sweetheart. I know you can't take it all in such a small human mouth." He teased "But I'm happy with whatever you can do. Just suck me, please. I'm dying here." He looked at you with puppy eyes

You felt like you were melting and did as he said.

When Neteyam felt your warm wet tongue on his tip he moaned again. "Great Mother, how could just that feel so good?", he thought.

You started using your lips too, sucking his big tip that had a slightly darker blue shade than the rest of his body. You tasted his precum for the first time. It was salty and fresh at the same time, if it made any sense. Like someone put salt on a salad and added some mint leaves to it. Or like someone put salt in a mint and chocolate ice cream. But it wasn't sweet, just creamy, salty and refreshing. It was also not cold, of course. It was warm, deliciously warm. Like a cup of warm mint tea. Were you what the humans called a "whore" for admitting you loved the way Neteyam tasted? You did not care.

"Hmmm, babyyy..." The Omatikaya cooed

You sucked more on his cock, getting more of his length on your mouth, not without struggle. He looked at you in adoration. His human mate was so good to him, he thought. So perfect. His girl. Only his. Sucking his cock. Perfection.

You were wet and your jaw started to hurt the more you sucked him. His girth was insane, so thick, one or two veins full of blood because of how much you turned him on, making his blood pump like crazy, cock rock hard.

You used your tongue to lick all of his centimeters, from just above his balls to his tip. He really was big and fuck, you loved it.

"Aaah, love." He groaned "My sweet girl with such a skilled little mouth..."

You started sucking him again, going up and down, taking all you could inside your mouth. It was really hard though because he was very, very thick. It was like your jaw was pulsating in pain.

Neteyam cooed and moaned and you felt a knot in your lower belly, your pussy getting more wet. He just seemed so vulnerable, giving himself to you, surrendering completely. That was incredibly sexy. You needed him inside you.

"Teyam, fuck me." You pleaded

He quickly took you in his arms and rolled you both to the side, so he could be on top.

He opened your legs and said "I'm gonna cum inside this pussy. You got me so close just with your sweet warm mouth. You got me crazy, my human girl."

He pushed his cock in and started moving fast but you were soaking wet so it did not hurt, even him being so big and your pussy so tiny in comparison.

"You're so tight. Ah, fuck" He struggled to form the words

[adviceformefromme]

Hi! Thank you for the health advice! I would love to quit or significantly reduce carbs, I also feel like it's heavy on my body, but so many meals revolve around grains (sourdough bread mostly) and I guess there's a craving aspect to it too... Could you give advice on what you're eating instead?? I have lots of eggs, fish, occasional meat, plenty of fruit, just enough veg haha but i find it hard to imagine going without carbs (or grains more specifically cos I have no prob with vege carbs). Especially in winter 😋 Thank you for any help 🙏🙏

I feel like society has normalised feeling heavy and lethargic after meals, but its amazing you have noticed this and want to change!

You may want to cut carbs gradually (no starches - breads, grains, rice, pasta, potatoes).

I would recommend looking into GI index to see what foods are high glucose, following Hormone Balancing recipes, juices etc (usually very low carb and support women's health). Listening to podcasts on microbiome, or even a tiktok search.

Introducing pre/ probiotics: I make sauerkraut (which is basically cabbage / onions in water and salt left to ferment for a few days - lots of variations on this), also just made my first batch of Kefir (I stay away from store bought Kefir as its pasturised and all the good stuff has been killed off during this process). I mention these as a healthy gut is going to support you as you remove carbs and introduce more wholesome foods.

Breakfasts:

Omlette (spinach / onion / parsley )

Scrambled eggs w/ coconut oil

Buckwheat porridge w/ blueberries (buckwheat is a seed not a grain so low glucose index)

Avocado salad (seeds, olives, rocket, tomatoes, cucumber) +tahini

Snacks:

Nuts, olives, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon

Main meals:

Veg + Protein (Broccli, kale, butternut squash, courgette, carrots, asparagus, cabagge, peppers). I do different variations of veg to mix things up, sometimes i do Chinese style stir fry, I try to add garlic and ginger as much as possible into the veg. Protein is usually grass fed steak, whole fish - seabream, sea bass, mackerel, cod fillet, wild salmon fillet, or turkey breast fillet. I make chimichurri sauce to add some extra flavour to the fish.

Protein + lentil / chicpeas dish. I have a stew a few days a week to break up the veggies because they do get boring after a while.

Bone broth. I boil the bones, and have as a little side dish with veggies but this isn't really filling enough for a main meal.

I make beetroot juice, and also watermelon juice, tumeric + ginger shots throughout the week. I try to throw in flaxseed and chia seeds where possible.

I cut coffee/ decaf all that and now only drinking fresh mint tea, slice of lemon + hot water, fresh juices (within the hour of making), and water ensuring 2l per day.

Number one thing that had to go was oats. So if you are having a morning crash I suggest cutting the carbs first thing. I know there are suggestions (glucose goddess) that fat with carbs or when you eat them (having carbs after veg can help) but personally i think its best to cut them.

I hope this helps! Its a full lifestyle change that has honestly helped so much! It's a commitments, but investing in feeling good and your health will make you feel so good and wholesome! xoxoxo

*I used the free 1 month trial of MyFitnessPal app to track my calories/ meals to ensure I was getting enough food - for some this might be extreme but super helpful to see what’s going on.

[addsalwayssick]

Marauders era characters and their favorite foods

Lily Evans: She LOVES strawberry’s. She will have anything strawberry flavored and that what she says.

Marlene Mckinnon: Marlene would love steak. Just well seasoned steak and she’d be perfectly fine.

Mary Macdonald: thin mints. i will not elaborate.

Sirius Black: Cassoulet. He was so used to eating fancy foods and Effie made this for him when he ran away.

Remus Lupin: anything chocolate. if it contains chocolate he’ll eat it right up munch much chomp chomp

James Potter: He starts crying when people ask him to choose between Chicken Korma and salmon.

Peter pettigrew: he LOVESSSS salads. He loves literally any kind of salad.

Dorcas Meadowes: She really likes grapes but her favorite dish is Tacos.

Pandora Rosier/Lovegood: she found out about fairy bread and tried it, had a mental breakdown over how good it was and now eats it for breakfast every day. and cinnamon rolls.

Regulus Black: he absolutely adores mac and cheese with hot dogs and that’s that

Barty Crouch Jr.: THIS MAN LIVE LAUGH LOVES GARLIC BREAD HE JUST LOVES IT

Evan Rosier: if you give him some well seasoned chicken wings he’ll be happy

[theheathenousfish]

professor Neil doing things for his husband because I said so (also Neil getting flustered)

it’s November 4, Andrew’s birthday. Aaron’s to Neil thinks. However he’s not married to Aaron therefore he doesn’t care. Anyway, it’s currently 5am and Neil is making Andrew breakfast. Chocolate French toast with mint chocolate ice cream and turmeric honey tea (because coffee early in the morning hurts his tummy). Neil had just finished his culinary masterpiece when Andrew walks into the kitchen and wraps his arms around Neil’s waist. “Hello sweetheart , happy birthday.” Neil whispers. Andrew absolutely does not melt when he gets called sweetheart. He doesn’t. “Mmph” is Andrew’s response. “How does it feel to be 30?” Neil asks “fucking awful. Statistically I’ve walked past 13 murderers so far” “poor baby” “not your baby” “ no, I’m yours” Neil grins “shut up junkie” andrew grabs the sides of Neil’s head and tilts it back and kisses the top of it and goes to eat his birthday breakfast.

Andrew is making his class watch Voltron because it’s his birthday and he’s the professor. After a couple of episodes he pauses it and asks for opinions and observations about the characters. Once a couple of students have spoken he resumes the show. Andrew is trying his hardest not to smile. He fuckin loves voltron.

around 1pm Neil decided to go to Andrew’s favourite cafe and get him some lunch. He choses a strawberry whip cream croissant, chicken Cesar salad, and a butterscotch apple latte. Neil loves his husband, but he can’t let Andrew live on sugar; hence the chicken Cesar salad.

The curtain of Andrew’s classroom door wasn’t closed so Neil could see Andrew’s projector screen from where he was standing. “Oh my god. He’s making them watch Voltron” Neil laughs

Neil opens the door just as an episode is ending “ hey, drew. I brought you lunch.” “What is it?” Andrew questions. Neil grins “take a look. I think you’ll like it” “ just because Its my birthday doesn’t mean you have to feed me” Andrew states. Neil looks aghast at that “you don’t let me help with cooking, when else can I feed you” Neil complains. “ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY?!” A student screeches. “Yes. Why do you think we’re watching Voltron?” Andrew replies.

Andrew turns to Neil and raises his eyebrow looking over his glasses “anything else junkie?”

Andrew has “hot professor” glasses according to Neil. They are black, roundish square half frames with silver accents. Neil thinks they are dead sexy

“No. Nope. Nothing else. Everything is fine. I have to go.” Neil stumbles over his words. “Hmm. Are you sure?” Andrew drawls, a slight smirk on his face. “ yup. I’m good. I’ll leave now.”

Neil pulls out his phone and opens Alison’s contact “ally,I need help. Andrew is trying to kill me.” “Good god Neil. What the hell did he do?” Alison sounds like she’s trying not to laugh “he did the glasses thing! And he flirted as he did it!” Neil whines. “Oh buddy, You’re so fucked. Have fun getting dicked down tonight!” Then she hangs up. Neil looks at his phone “well shit.”

at home, Neil is reading in bed even though it’s only 6ish. Andrew walks into the bedroom an hour later and pins Neil with a very familiar look.

2.5 hours later Andrew says “thank you for today.” “Of course, love”

they fall asleep and ignore the texts from Aaron

[omentranslates]

Trigun Maximum Chugai Grace Cafe Collaboration - I Translated the Website :3

Hi I saw someone on twt wanting this to be translated and that's literally all it takes to get me moving anymore so!

Anyways I translated all the food and drinks, I found the references they chose really cute except for the evil one lmao and I also included the unbelievably small print drink ingredients if you wanna try mixing them yourself!! 🫶

Also also, if you know how to use a proxy, there is actually some stuff here that overseas fans can get our hands on!! Under the cut to keep the dash clean!! Hope it helps!!!!!

Edit my dumbass forgot the original announcement link sjshsk IT’S HERE!!!

So, the menu

Going from left to right we've got

"Battle Sausage Spaghetti"

"As Many Salmon Sandwiches You Want"

"Love&Peace Donuts"

"Banana Sundae"

and on the bottom row

"The Perfect Meal Plate: Vash's Handmade Fried Rice and Salad" ((´༎ຶོω༎ຶོ`) o k )

"Particularly Wonderful Udon"

"Mille-feuille with Ceylon Tea" (i believe the first part specifies gateau mille-feuille but I went to episode one and checked the subs for what they had her say officially and they left the gateau off so I did too)

"Latte with a random character art"

Character Drinks!!!

The Bride Soda, which comes with a double-sided postcard of the sworn friends (very common nickname for Vash and Wolfwood in JP fandom and ig official uses it too)

So the soda is their proprietary thing, it doesn't say what flavor it is or if it has one, but the shotglasses come with a little bit of smoked oak syrup and black ceylon tea and you're meant to fill the rest of the glass with soda and drink it that way. And then the rest of the text is just information and disclaimers for customers that plan on taking the bottle home (I guess it breaks really easily that’s So. lmao).

Vash's Drink <3

strawberry syrup

carbonated water and lemon juice

yellow candied cherries (drained cherries) and ice

Wolfwood's Drink

crushed coffee jelly and cafe ice (ice made and flavored with concentrated coffee and fruit juice)

brewed iced coffee and gum syrup

blue curaçao syrup and carbonated water

experimental ampules filled with blue soda

the cigarette is full of light brown sugar you're meant to mix in before drinking

Knives's Drink

apple juice and round sliced apples

mint and ice (it looks like mint leaves but full disclosure they have blurred that kanji to all hell I have no idea)

Legato's Drink

blue curaçao syrup

grapefruit juice

carbonated water and a mint cherry

a lemon and ice

Collab Merch

(Overseas pay attention here!!!!!! ChugaiOnline is opening these to online orders so we can get them with a proxy, I'll leave their link at the end of this section!!!!!!)

I've also listed all the prices in yen here so you can convert them to your currency, and all of these are the prices including the listed Japanese sales tax. If you want to see the price without it, it’s just the other number on the image!

So they've got

Two way acrylic figure stands (the main stand comes with a ball chain, you can reference these on Amiami for what this kind of product looks like I'm prettyyyyy sure like they're called different but it looks like they go together the same way). Anyways this is a set of 6 and 1650 yen each, it looks like you get to choose which one you want but they don't have a deal listed for getting all of them.

Next to it are the buttons (also called can badges idk which one is more common over here), set of 12 (6 are regular and 6 are glittery variety). They are 550 yen per button AT RANDOM, THEY WILL GIVE YOU A RANDOM ONE, or a box with one of each all 12 for 6600 yen.

Below that is the polaroid collection, it's also a 12 piece set and you can get A RANDOM ONE, THEY DO NOT LET YOU PICK for 330 yen each or a box with all of them for 3960 yen.

The same exact deal with the plastic (like a vinyl material) postcards underneath, they're double-sided and come one for 660 yen each at random or the whole set for 7920 yen.

The calendar is for 2025 and is 1980 yen probably obvious but y'know

I would be so shocked if a proxy actually let you ship the Kuroneko sama cookie discs lmao but hey wtf they're 1080 yen.

The Bride soda is listed here because this is the same merch that will be sold in the shop but they specify elsewhere that it's not available for online order even in Japan you have to go to the cafe ;-;

Also this is just personal experience but a lot of proxies will not let you get like blind or random stuff like the buttons they don't let you pick which one, some of them will only let you get it if you're getting the whole box.

Annnnnnd online order special gifts!!

For every 3000 yen spent in merch (including tax) you will get a random postcard from this set!! There are 15 to collect, they are NOT divided into halves of the event, you can get any of them at any time or all at once!! However, you can't combine orders made at different times/by different people to get more and if they run out that's it. Altho fwiw I have never seen an event run out of these lol

The online order period will be from Friday, May 24th at 11 am to Sunday, June 16th at 11:59 pm (both JST) and items will begin to arrive (within Japan, proxies will have to handle our own shipping ofc) from August 2024 on a first ordered first shipped basis.

CHUGAIONLINE STORE (JAPAN)

Ok, this last bit is relevant to the in-person cafe experience so it's just for if you're curious about other cool things going on or you have a hobby of watching JP mercari like a hawk and wanna know what to expect!

Guests who reserve places at the cafe online will get copies of some of Nightow sensei's most prized sketch pages, they'll get 3 random ones! Like with the special gift postcards, there are a limited amount and this event will end when they're all gone.

And these are the coasters, guests will get one with every item they order off the food or drink menu at random (while supplies last)! The variety you can get is split between the former and latter halves of the event so there's something new to come back for even if you've already been once! (The first 12 days is on top and the last 12 days is on bottom)

They're also doing a wallscroll campaign!

They'll have these decorating the venue, and when the event is over a raffle will be held where the winners get to pick out a scroll of their choice!

OK I THINK THAT'S EVERYTHING RELEVANT HAPPY TRIGUN MANGA CAFE EVENT!!!!!

[wardenparker]

Down the Rabbit Hole - ch 10

Jack ‘Whiskey’ Daniels x female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst​

When Jack accidentally shoots a civilian on a mission he takes on not only the guilt of the man’s death, but inherits his soulmate as well. To you, it’s a dream job with more perks than you can imagine - but for Jack it’s a nightmarish complication. Even more so when he starts to develop feelings.    

Rating: E for Explicit! 18+ Word Count: 17.9k Warnings: *Blanket warnings - mentions of deceased spouse, a lot of food and alcohol consumption, family recipes, age gap, cursing.* Fluffy Jack being old fashioned, low key voice kink, reference to food play, panty ripping because we are shameless, fingering, vaginal sex, unprotected sex, unexpected exhibitionist/voyeur kink Summary: You and Jack take a step forward on the last night of your family’s stay in Louisville, and Tex returns home with his newly minted soulmate just in time for Bobby’s going away party. Notes: I love getting to a sex scene and being surprised to find a character has a kink that I didn’t expect 😂 As always, the chosen gif has no reflection on the reader’s appearance. It’s the emotion that counts.

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 3 ~ Ch 4 ~ Ch 5 ~ Ch 6 ~ Ch 7 ~ Ch 8 ~ Ch 9 ~ Ch 10 ~ Ch 11 ~ Ch 12 ~ Ch 13 ~ Ch 14 ~ Ch 15 ~ Epilogue

On the last day of your family's stay in Louisville, an adventure to the Louisville Slugger factory and museum ended with personalized souvenir bats for everyone and extremely good moods all around. Tomorrow morning your siblings will go their respective ways to return home and your parents will go on to spend a few days at Dollywood, and you and Jack will take another step toward your new normal. The first therapy session went well, and you have another scheduled for next week, so really...it's remarkable how settled you feel considering it was only a few days ago that you were a literal captive in an abattoir in New York City. It seems an entire lifetime away, except for the nightmares, which even seem to dissipate when you wake up from them in Jack's arms in Jack's bed.

“How about we grill tonight?” Jack suggests to you, scratching his head. It’s been a trial trying to keep you from working too hard to play hostess to your family. He can see how much you love it, but you are still recovering.

"Are you thinking burgers, or something more elaborate?" Hanging out in the backyard has been everyone's favorite place to be anyway. A little backyard barbecue for their last night in Louisville might be a fun idea. You won't point out - this time - that he's chosen a method of cooking that he excels at instead of you.

“Maybe a little bit of both?” Jack offers. “Hamburgers for the kiddos and I can introduce your family to Kentucky barbecue. Just gotta start the smoker.”

"We can do that." Sitting on the porch swing with him while your brother-in-law plays with the kids, you tip your head back to lean on his shoulder. "I can get my sister to help me with cornbread and coleslaw. Since I know you'll watch me like a hawk if I try to do it myself."

“You are supposed to be resting and I caught you in the kitchen first thing this morning.” Jack huffs at you, narrowing his eyes playfully. He doesn’t want you to feel smothered but this time is good for you to rest.

"I am resting, honey." The mere minutes of time it took you to put together a tray of things for bagels and some fruit salad compared to what you would normally do is laughable, but you know Jack is just trying to take care of you. "I didn't even start baking for Bobby’s party tomorrow. I had like six different things planned but I promise I’ve narrowed it down to only things I can do tomorrow morning."

“I swear, you don’t know the meaning of rest.” Jack grumbles. “I’m going to have to whisk you away to a private island where the only thing you can do is drink whiskey and lay in the sun.”

"Sounds like a very nice vacation." You grin, having grown to love the difference in Jack's affectionate grumbles versus when he is actually upset. When it's affectionate, it means you can tease him. "I don't think I've taken a vacation since I was still in high school."

“That’s a damn shame.” He huffs at you, watching you stick your tongue out at him. He reaches out and taps the tip of your tongue with his finger.

"Never had the time or the money." Shrugging makes it seem like it's not a big deal, especially because you don't want to get bogged down in anything too serious when Jack has been in such a good mood today. "No rest - or vacations - for the wicked."

“Then once you get the restaurant rollin’ we’ll have to go somewhere.” Jack decides. “You’ll tell me where you’ve always wanted to go and that’s what we’ll do.”

There are so many places you've dreamed of going. Places you've dreamed of seeing and food you've dreamed of eating, that you shrug your shoulders and sigh wistfully. "Japan, Australia, Morocco, France, Scotland, Thailand, Mexico, Egypt... we could go anywhere and I'd enjoy it. Just...as long as we do it together."

Jack chuckles, opening his arms and inviting you in for a hug. Those have become second nature for the two of you now. “So one big world tour.”

"Maybe." The sound and vibration of his laugh warms through you like summer sun. "Maybe we'll choose a different place every year for as long as we want."

“I like that.” He knows you would want to try the food. Spend time in each location and really learn them. “We could do that easily.”

"Then that's what we'll do." Curled into his arms, with your head on his shoulder and breath mingling together, it's easy to think of the future in such wide open terms. Like anything is possible. With him, it really feels like it is. "Maybe one day we'll find a favorite, but we'll try as many different places as we want."

“So you okay with me cookin’ tonight?” Jack asks you softly. “Catering to you for once?”

"As long as you don't stop me from helping just a little." When he frowns you put on a pronounced pout, being playful if nothing else. "I hate having nothing to do Jack, you know that. I promise to have help and to keep it to a minimum."

“Just the sides.” He tells you pointedly. “You won’t touch the grill or the smoker.”

"Deal." One hand held out to him to seal the deal, the other is twined through his at your shoulder. Anyone who could see the two of you now would be astonished to hear that you were ever at odds - all they would see is a couple that is completely enchanted with each other.

He grins and winks at you. “Now you get to experience some of my cookin’ and I expect you to be truthful.” He warns you. “No tryin’ to baby my feelin’s.”

"I promise to be honest." You give him a mock salute with a very serious face. "But I believe in you. You have too good of a palette to be a terrible cook."

“I make my own sauce and rubs.” He boasts, smirking slightly and winking at you.

"Oh yeah?" He's like a peacock almost instantly, chest puffed up and chin tilted to put his nose proudly in the air, and you can't help but giggle when he's playful like this. "You planning on showing off for me? Give me a run for my money so we're the ones all our friends want a dinner invitation from?"

"Absolutely." Jack teases. "They will want to come over when I'm cookin' for free and come to haunt your restaurant and pay dearly."

"Just think of what we'll be able to achieve when we join forces." Placing a kiss on both of his cheeks, you drop one more on his forehead before sitting back in his arms again. "This house seems made for summer parties. It's going to be fun."

"I think that was the point." Jack admits as he looks around the house that had quickly come to feel more like a home with you and your family invading every nook and cranny.

"If summer comes and I haven't driven you totally crazy, we'll have to throw a party." Even though you know he has a summer birthday, you would never bring it up now that you know why he doesn't celebrate the day. It would just be a nice summer get together for friends, nowhere near that day in August.

"Whenever you want, sugar." Jack drops a kiss on your nose and smirks. "Now....let me go get everything ready for you to have the best barbecue you've ever had." He promises.

"Yes, sir." You shift away from him and stretch, tossing him a wink before you skip down the porch steps to join your siblings in sunbathing near what will soon be the vegetable garden. As soon as you have the time and the supplies to make it one. "You guys sick of me yet?" You laugh, knowing that the three of you rarely got tired of each other's company. "Ready to go home tomorrow?"

"I've decided I'm going to move here." Your sister is kidding, but she smiles lazily over at you as she lounges in the deck chair that she has claimed as her own for the entire trip. "There is something about this place that I can't quite clock, but it's the safest I've ever felt anywhere."

"Now you see why I fell in love with it so fast." Nothing would be happier than for Eliza and Ed and the kids to move down to Louisville, but you know they're happy where they are. Only a new job would get them to even consider it, and Statesman isn't exactly hiring doctors at the moment. "One day here and I knew it was going to be the right decision."

Your parents are down at the distillery again, your father falling in love with Statesman all over again and your mother shamelessly indulging him while you are here. Eliza looks around and then stares at you seriously. "Is that why you came running to New York looking heartbroken?"

"It's..." You blow out a breath, falling back on the lawn chair beside her. "It's a complicated story."

"And?" She senses that it's not exactly something that you want to talk about right now, so she decides not to press. "You're sure you are happy here?"

“Jack and I had trouble in the beginning, you know that.” Your sister, above anyone else, knows that you struggled with where your heart lay when you first arrived at Statesman. She was on the receiving end of every phone call. “We…we had a fight. That’s why I went to the city. We had a screaming match and I got overwhelmed. It was just supposed to be a couple of days fucking around New York with Matt to take my mind off things and…” When you shrug, it’s half so you can avoid talking about being kidnapped and half to keep up the front that what you were involved in is an ongoing investigation. “Things got out of hand. But we’re talking now. And Jack and I are making things work. So…I actually am happy. It just took a little while to get here.”

“I still don’t understand why he was so resistant to another soulmate.” Eliza huffs, still not completely trusting that this is the whole story. More like your mother than she’s ever willing to admit.

“He loved Abigail a lot. Isn’t that understandable?” Since Jack had said he was okay with giving your family the old story of what happened to his first wife and unborn child - what he had thought was the truth for so long - so don’t worry about talking to them about it. Your brother and sister do their best to be understanding and sympathetic people in general. “He felt like it was being disloyal to her memory to have another. And considering second soulmates are supposed to be a myth anyway? I get it.”

“I guess.” She frowns and sighs. “I just love you, you know that right? That’s the only reason I’m worrying.”

“I know.” You loop your arm around her and hug her tight. “I love you too. And you’re entitled to kick his ass if he ever makes me sad again, how about that?”

“You know I will.” That is a promise. You are too loving to have your heart stomped on by some – albeit hot – cowboy.

“But either way, he’s making dinner for us tonight.” The promise of good food will perk up anyone in your family, and you laugh when both of your siblings immediately sit up. “I’m taking volunteers to help with sides.”

“I’ll help you.” Your brother and sister both immediately volunteer. The way you have been napping has them both aware that something has happened to cause their normally tireless sister to be a little slower.

“With three sets of hands we might even manage to make some dessert without Jack worrying.” You flash them both a smile. “I know you’ll be back for the opening in barely a couple of weeks, but I’m so glad you guys came to visit.”

“Of course we were coming.” Eliza looks almost offended that you would even think that they wouldn’t come. “We were worried sick until your co-worker called us to tell us you were okay. Mom almost came through the phone at her.”

“I’m sorry you were worried.” It sits like a lump in your throat, the heaviness of what really happened, but for once you’re glad you can’t tell them the truth. If they knew what had really happened to you last weekend they would never let you out of their sight again. Just like Jack is doing. “Everything is okay now. That’s what matters.”

“Yeah but you know them.” Your brother rolls his eyes like he wasn’t the one who had filed the report. “They like to worry.”

“Sure, Matty. It was all them.” You shake your head and pinch his side. “I’ll thank mom and dad for contacting the police, then.”

“Shut up.” He grumbles at you, giving you a pout of brotherly affection. Of course he had been worried. You had come to him so upset and on the verge of shutting down and then disappeared.

"Love you too, big brother." It might be said with teasing, but you reach over to give him a hug and pull your siblings up with you to head into the kitchen.

Jack, for his part, takes the role of providing your meal very seriously. He had Champ keep the brisket over at his house to marinate last night and it’s not too long before it’s put on the smoker to fill the back yard with its mouth watering scent.

When your parents eventually wander back from their last distillery tour and tasting, the sides are ready, dessert is done, and Jack very nearly has the brisket finished. Better timing couldn't have been achieved if he had timed it all out with care.

"I don't know what to tell you, kiddo," your mother grins, pressing a kiss to the top of your head when she hugs you. "But it smells like your soulmate has a talent for the only cooking skill you never worked on."

“She doesn’t know how to grill?” Jack asks as he pops back into the kitchen to get a pan. “I’m surprised about that.”

“It’s less doesn’t know how and more that the work never went into mastering it.” Your father shrugs, leaning back against the counter when Jack comes in. “Not a lot of barbecue in classical French cuisine, I guess.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that she isn’t lacking for barbecue when she’s got a hankerin’ for it.” Jack tells him, knowing that he would keep the smoker running if you wanted him to.

“There was…maybe a year or so? When she was a teenager.” He looks to your mother for clarification, who nods. “Where she would always request it. Dinners, special occasions, everything. Any time we were eating as a family she wanted to go for barbecue.” Your father chuckles at the memory, obviously a fond one now. “Turned out she had a crush on one of the people who owned the one barbecue place in our little town.”

Jack chuckles and shakes his head, totally able to see it. “I don’t blame her if that’s the case. I’d eat a lot of anything she makes to spend more time with her.”

“I think,” your father intones, crossing his arms and glancing at his wife - his own soulmate - before turning back to Jack. “That maybe it’s prudent for all of us to have a chat before we leave?”

For a moment, the small, indulgent smile on Jack’s face slips. Worried that your parents might not approve of the relationship after all. Despite being polite, that doesn’t mean that they had any intention of allowing Jack with their daughter. “Why don’t you follow me outside.” He glances towards the kitchen where you and your siblings are laughing. “More privacy.”

The smack on the arm your mother gives her husband before he turns to follow Jack outside is pointed, and she hangs back to sit with her grandchildren before they need their nap. This conversation is not her idea, and she doesn’t think it’s necessary.

When Jack finds just your father following him, he turns back towards the outdoor kitchen. “Beer? Or does the conversation warrant something stronger?” He asks over his shoulder.

“Beer is good.” He’s not trying to scare the younger man, after all. Not trying, but if Jack does happen to shake in his boots a little, Jeff won’t be upset about that.

“Sounds good.” Jack moves over to the small fridge and pulls out two beers. Popping the cap off the tops and handing one to your father. Waiting for the other man to start the conversation as he takes a pull of the beer.

A sip of his drink comes first, but Jeff doesn't get in Jack's way as he moves around the grill area to tend to dinner. "Look," he leans back against the porch railing. "You're not kids. I'm not trying to intimidate you or dictate your actions, or anything like that. But she's my little girl and I'd be remiss if I didn't at least talk to you about her."

“I understand where you are coming from.” Jack does, he really does. He probably would have the same conversation if he was the father of a daughter. “What would you like to know?”

"It's less what I want to know and more of what I want to make sure that you know." He admits, taking another sip of his beer before he puts the bottle down beside him. "She was never the little girl that played princess first, or wrote her boyfriend's name out on her notebooks, or planned out her wedding with her friends. Not that we ever saw. But her baby sister...when Eliza wanted to do those things, it would make her sister just light up. It was like..." he sighs, taking another sip and looking for the words. "Like she was waiting for permission to dream. I know we raised her to be quick and smart and self-sufficient, but I'd hate to think that she's gone into adulthood with that same hesitancy. Just...just make sure she talks to you, Jack. That she opens up about what she wants. Because the only answer she ever used to give was that she wanted her own restaurant, and I know there's got to be more than that."

“I will.” Jack nods, frowning slightly as he stares at his bottle, the heat already making the condensation slide down the sides. “I’ve not been a good soulmate so far.” It might not be the best idea to be this honest, but he feels like he needs to be. “I was a pretty rotten one, and I hurt her. But–” he sighs. “I want nothing more than to make her happy. To give her the world if I can. To travel to all the places she wants to go, do the things that she wants to do. I want to make a life with her.”

"You'll make it up to her." Your father doesn't even make it a suggestion, it's more like an order. "Or else she won't have anything to do with you. I learned that when she was a teenager."

“Everyday.” Jack promises easily, taking another swig of his beer as he tries to dispel the image of your limp body in the back of that SUV. “Lucky for me, she’s got an amazing capacity for forgiveness.”

"Gets that from her mother." He huffs an awkward kind of chuckle in return. "I hold a grudge like a motherfucker. But those women? Angels. Who knows how they manage it." Both men are silent for a moment, letting the thought linger between them. "Are there plans?" He asks after the quiet lingers a little too long and becomes awkward. "You and her, have you made plans for that life you want to build?"

“I imagine there will be soon.” Jack frowns slightly, not sure how much you’ve told your father. “I’ve been married before. My soulmate. She was– she was killed while pregnant.” Jack explains quietly. “But I do remember asking her daddy for permission to marry her.” His eyes met your father’s. “When we are ready for that, I expect I’ll be makin’ a trip up to see you.”

“Honestly a little surprised you’re not asking right now,” your father admits, holding Jack’s gaze. “But I’m not going to rush you.”

“I want her to be comfortable with the idea.” Jack admits softly. “And I want to make sure that my past doesn’t haunt her.”

“Most people wouldn’t wait for the adjustment period.” As much as Jeff thinks of it as his job to protect his three kids, he knows you and your siblings are all grown. The oldest has been married and divorced and the youngest has a husband and two kids of her own. You have always been the question mark in the family, right up until he saw you with Jack. There’s no question in his mind now that this is the person you’ve been waiting for - second soulmate or otherwise. “I tell you what, Jack.” He sighs, glancing back over his shoulder at the house to make sure you’re not nearby. “When you’re ready, I have her grandmother’s ring in the safe at home. It’s nothing too flashy, but her grandma Jane meant the world to her and I know she’d be happy to wear it.”

“Thank you.” Jack flashes your father a grin and sighs in relief. “I have a feeling that time will come sooner than I imagine, but we’ll see.” He chuckles.

“Whenever the two of you decide is best.” Is it the life he imagined for you from the time you were just a little peanut in his arms? Maybe not. But you’re not the woman he imagined all those years ago, either. You’re better — you’re you.

Jack nods, grateful that it’s not a different kind of conversation but that’s not a bad thing. “I have talked to her about moving in.” He offers your father. “So maybe I should ask you for your permission.” He ponders.

The other man chuckles quietly, feeling like he’s listening to Jack ponder out loud. “Should I bring the ring down when we come back for the opening?”

“I think that would be very appropriate.” Jack agrees, frowning slightly as he wonders if you would feel overwhelmed if he proposed to you after the opening of your restaurant or if it would just add happiness to the occasion. “So let me formally ask you.” Jack sets his bottle down and straightens his shoulders. “Your daughter is my soulmate, and I love her. I want to protect her and cherish her with everything that I am. May I have your blessing to ask her to marry me?”

“Keep making her happy. And keep her talking to you.” Your father puts down his own bottle and straightens up, putting his hand out to Jack. “And for the love of god, don’t elope. Her mother would be broken-hearted.”

“Never.” Jack can promise that. He didn’t do it with Abigail and he wouldn’t take that away from you. Even if it was something small and intimate, he wants you to have the wedding you want.

“Then you have my blessing, for whatever kind of life you want to build together.” You would huff and call them both old-fashioned for this, but the truth is that this is just two people trying their best to take care of you. “Be good to her, Jack.”

He hadn’t been. He knows this. However, he planned on making sure that you were never distressed or upset because of him again. “Yes sir.” He nods solemnly, the seriousness of the moment not lost on him. “Thank you.”

“There you two are.” It hadn’t taken an extreme amount of effort to find them, but the table is set and everything is ready except for the meat. “Do you need another set of hands to help, babe?”

“Nawww, I should have it.” Jack immediately turns towards you with a slow, sugary smile. A little emotional from the conversation and he pulls you close for a quick kiss. “About to pull everything off.”

“Whatever you two were talking about, keep it up,” you tease, not the least bit embarrassed to steal a second kiss with your father right there. Jack is so soft right now that you wouldn’t sacrifice it for anything.

******

Dinner turned out to be a complete success, everyone raving over Jack’s barbecue. Making him smirk at you and volunteering his services whenever you wanted some for a special at your restaurant when it opens. Now with everyone’s bellies full and the evening winding down, Jack sends you ahead to bed to get ready while he finishes cleaning up the kitchen, figuring you might like to shower or soak in a bath.

Sometimes you swear you would have accepted the invitation to move in with Jack based on the master bathroom alone. The powerful shower with seemingly unlimited hot water is the best you’ve ever experienced, and the tub is definitely big enough for two people to lounge in. He had insisted that you bring over your bathrobe when you brought a few things from your house for the week, so now it’s hanging from the rack beside the marble countertop for when you step out. Smelling like him is a small bonus, considering Jack’s soap and shampoo smell like they were made for a lumberjack who stands on top of mountains in the crisp, cold morning to watch sunrise, and you end up just luxuriating in the hot water until you hear him come into the bedroom. That’s when you shut off the water and step out, wrapping yourself up in the terry cloth robe like a warm hug.

Walking into the bedroom finds it empty and Jack smirks as he looks towards the bathroom, knowing you are in there. He needs to shower, since he smells like a smoker, but he can wait until you are out. Instead, he's standing around looking at the small changes that you have made to his once cold bedroom. Things that are almost overlooked but it's very obvious to a man who has been a bachelor for nearly twenty years. The small notebook on the side of the bed you had claimed, where you write recipe ideas when they come to you. The way your general items are scattered on the dresser. He likes it.

“Hey handsome.” It doesn’t matter how ridiculous you look, dripping wet in a bath towel and fuzzy slippers, you open the bathroom door to let him in if he wants to share some while you brush your hair and teeth. “I know I’ve already said it, but dinner was amazing.”

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." He smirks at you and comes up to hold onto your waist, wrapping around you to kiss your ear. You hum as you load your toothbrush up and tilt your head to allow him more access to you. "You’re lookin' fresh faced and pretty tonight."

“And smelling very manly,” you joke, turning your head to kiss him properly in between his exploration of your neck and before you start brushing your teeth. Before or after is fine. During would be a bit messy.

“I like the way you smell.” His scent on your body drives him crazy and there has been more than one time where he’s had to take care of the nagging lust that always lives right under the surface since he's given into being near you.

You smile coyly at him in the mirror, raising one eyebrow. “I smell like you,” you point out before starting to brush your teeth. Not that you mind at all. Not even a little, actually.

“Yeah, sugar.” Jack’s voice dips down and he brushes another kiss over your skin. “Like I’ve wrapped myself around you and rubbed myself all over your body.”

The most articulate sound you can manage right now is a groan as you process that image - the therapist had said you were both clear headed enough for sex if it was what you both wanted, but you haven’t taken that step. So far you’ve been too tired from your recovery, so it’s been slow nights of drowning in each other’s kisses in bed - with Jack’s hands down your panties if things got rambunctious.

He chuckles against your skin, feeling himself start to harden. “But right now sugar? I need to clean up. Get the smell of smoke off me.”

"What if I like the smell of smoke?" You pose, spitting out excess toothpaste long enough to pout at him and then grin when he meets your eyes in the mirror. "Go clean up, baby. I'm going to get in bed and read."

Jack grunts, aware that his cock is twitching against your ass and he pulls his hips back. He doesn’t want to push you even if he knows you want to.

You've lost track of time, by the time Jack comes out of the bathroom, and look up over the top of your book when you spy him striding into the room. Squeaky clean but still damp from just toweling off, that towel is now wrapped around his waist when he comes into the bedroom to fish for a pair of boxers to sleep in. Fuck he looks good like that...you might be staring, but you don't care.

Jack knows you are looking and it feeds into his ego like nothing else. No one night stand cooing and lovin’ on him has the effect of his soulmate staring discreetly. He smirks at himself as he turns towards the drawer and ‘accidentally’ drops his towel.

"Whoops." It comes with a half-snort because you know damn well that he didn't do it by accident, and you set your bookmark back in your book to put it on the side table. "I'm sure that was very clumsy of you. And fully unintentional."

Jack throws a look over his shoulder with a grin. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” He draws playfully. “Ain’t you supposed to be makin’ recipes? Or readin’?”

“Nice try.” Even if you hadn’t read it before, no book is more interesting than your bare assed naked soulmate. Especially when he’s previously been very careful about modesty to keep the both of you under control.

His chuckle accompanies him reaching into the drawer to pull out a pair of boxers. “Something you like on display, sugar? Didn’t think you liked tiny asses.”

It earns him another little laugh, and you pull the blankets back on his side of the bed. “I don’t keep my hand in your back pocket when we walk around because my fingers are cold, baby.”

“And here I was thinkin’ that you were trying to warm ‘em up.” Jack puts on a thicker accent for you right now, knowing how much it seems to affect you.

“Get in bed, cowboy.” It’s practically an order, but edged with enough begging to stroke Jack’s ego like he’s stroking your voice kink by playing with his accent.

“Yes ma’am.” Jack pretends to tilt an imaginary hat as he closes the drawer and turns around to stride cockily towards the bed.

There’s something to be said for the domesticity of such a moment. The easy way he slides into bed beside you and bundles you up in his arms, and the comfort of clean bodies cuddled up in the light of your bedside lamps like you had been doing this your whole lives. Now that you’re letting yourselves, it’s so easy to be together. “So…” you hum, snuggling up to him. “I saw my dad pull you outside tonight.”

“Yes.” Jack won’t deny that. Especially because you saw it. “He did.” He rubs his hand up and down your back.

“Anything I should know about?” It’s hard to imagine they needed to have a private conversation about whiskey or the grill, but who knows.

“Your father wanted to know my intentions.” Jack admits easily. “To tell me that I need to listen to you, help you dream.”

“He worries too much.” An exasperated sigh passes your lips and you place a kiss on Jack’s chest. “I already have my dreams.”

“I know.” Jack says teasingly. “Your tea room.” He knows you mean more than that, but he’s grinning as he needles you.

“And my soulmate.” There might be other things that you bluster about, but the love of the person you’re meant to be with and your dream job are the two things you’ve always been honest about wanting.

“And your soulmate.” Jack quietly repeats. He knows how important it is to you. To him honestly, now that he’s opened that possibility up again. Your happiness is the most important thing to him.

“So there’s nothing else to worry about.” The questions of marriage or kids or anything else are all secondary to just having him in your life.

He hums and thinks about things for a moment. "Would you...want to go home with me?" He asks softly. "To Montana? See the ranch. You don't have to."

“I absolutely will if you want me to.” At dinner, your parents had invited him to come up to New Hampshire with you any time, and this seemed like a natural extension of that invitation to you. But you do lean back a little to look him in the eye. “I would love to see where you’re from, honey. But if it’s going to hurt too much…reminding you of Abigail and the baby and all that…then we don’t have to.”

"It's been a long time since I've been home." Since he had left, if he were honest, but he wasn't going to bring that up. "Might be good to go see it...introduce you to 'em." He ventures, wondering if you will think it macabre or ghoulish to visit his former soulmate's grave.

“Do you still have family out there?” It’s not hard to tell when Jack has his mind set to something, and this seems like it’s quickly becoming an important idea to him. “Or is there maybe an event that you used to like going to? That we could go back for?”

"No family left." His father had died the year before Abigail. Heart attack, or he would wonder if Rollins had any hand in it now. "Just me."

“No cousins or anything?” That surprises you, but you smooth your furrowed brow so he doesn’t get the impression that you’re judging him for something he has no control over. “Who’s running the ranch?”

"I hired a board of directors to handle things for me." Jack huffs. "Or....Champ did." Champ had taken care of that task to where Jack only had to handle the yearly reports and even then it was more of a cursory glance. He had honestly anticipated the fuckin' thing going to the Statesman conglomerate when he died.

“We should go.” There’s a wistfulness and a worry in his expression that is begging to be soothed, and you run your hand gently up and down his side. “We can see the ranch, you can show me where you grew up, and we can visit Abigail and your son. Would that…would that be a good trip for you?” Of course you’re curious to see where he came from, but the last thing you want to do is hurt him with memories.

Jack bites his lip, swallowing harshly when you are the one that brings up his wife. "I– I would l-like that." He manages, his voice cracking slightly in surprise and so much gratitude. His hold on you tightens. "I would like that a lot." It feels like Jack has a sense of closure now that Abigail's death has been explained. It wasn't some random act of violence that he couldn't rationalize. It was targeted. She was targeted. It had helped to know that more than he ever thought it would.

“We’ll bring flowers.” That’s what you do whenever you visit your own family’s graves, and in some ways you suppose Jack’s lost loved ones are a part of your family now. In an extended and loving memory sort of way. “Whenever you want to go, honey.”

“We need to get through your opening and at least the first few months, I think.” Jack looks to you. “Right?”

“Maybe we could go at the end of the summer or beginning of fall?” The land would still be in bloom and going during the heat of summer might be too close to their death date for him. Considering he doesn’t celebrate his birthday you doubt he wants that big of a reminder. “I would think that…earlier in August might be…a lot harder.”

"That would work." Jack nods, considering it. "There's nothing like fall on the ranch." He admits wistfully. "Especially when the trees start changing colors up in the mountains."

“Fall, then.” Placing a kiss over his heart, you offer Jack a soft smile. “I’m honored that you want to share that part of yourself with me.”

"Just...." Jack picks up your hand and kisses it softly. "Be patient with me when we go?" He asks, knowing that he might have to go quite a few therapy sessions before taking you, so he doesn't lash out or do something stupid.

“Honey, of course.” It seems like you shouldn’t be able to get any closer, but you nudge that much nearer to him and brush some damp hair from his forehead. “And if you decide to put the trip off until spring or even next fall, that’s just fine. The ranch isn’t going anywhere and neither am I.”

"Hmmm, thank you." He squeezes your back gently and his hand starts to drift down towards your ass as a natural progression. Having you in his bed has made it hard to keep his hands to himself on the best days and he was still in a playful mood.

“Serious conversation and then an ass grab, huh?” Sure you might be teasing him a little less, but you’re still you. It’s still fun. “Still in a good mood, Mr. Daniels?”

"Sugar, I'm finding that I've been in a good mood since that first nap with you." He tells you seriously. "Especially when I get to see that gorgeous smile on your face."

“Hmm…” He’s being so damn sweet and sincere tonight, and you’re just soaking it all in like sunbeams. “I wonder why that could be?”

"I don't know." He teases back. "Might be because your parents and siblings haven't strung me up for makin' you cry. Or because I'm currently in bed with a very sexy woman."

“If anybody would’ve gotten out the noose it would have been my sister, and it would have been immediate.” And since you would have done the same to defend her if she needed it, you can’t blame her in the least. But your little sister had listened when you told her that Jack was actively fixing things and making an effort. “I’m thinking it probably has a tiny bit more to do with having a half-undressed woman in your bed.”

"Yes." Jack's voice dips slightly, taking on a smokier sound. "That. That is a big reason why I've been in such a good mood." Despite not having sex, he's more relaxed with you here and he doesn't want you to leave when your family goes home tomorrow.

“I’ve been thinking…” Some might not consider three days a whole lot of time to think, but getting to spend so much uninterrupted time with him has been good for you. When Jack doesn’t have his guard up, he is as sweet and as appealing as apple pie with all the charm of the most attentive Southern gentleman. “And I think…” Finding his eyes in you, you fluster a little and bury your face in his shoulder. “It’d be a shame to go back to my own place.”

"I think you're right." Jack agrees softly, relieved that you seem to be on the same page as he is. "Wasted opportunities to hold you. When you go back to work, I know you aren't going to be able to be under my wing the entire day."

“I’ll text you when I get downtime,” you promise him, stretching to kiss the nearest bit of his skin you can manage - which right now is the slope of his chest just below his neck. “So you don’t worry.”

“Just wear your bracelet for me, sugar.” He requests, remembering how his heart had dropped when he had seen it on your counter.

“Always.” You pick up your hand that had been tucked in beside him to show the delicate chain with its innocent looking charm to show him that you’re wearing it even now. “I only take it off to shower now.”

“Okay.” He knows it’s a little bit of paranoia, since you will be on Statesman property, but Ginger is still going through all the personnel files to make sure another intruder hasn’t slipped through the cracks.

“It’s okay.” It’s an understatement to say that you understand now. “From now, I’m coming home to you at night.”

"Yeah?" Jack smirks slightly and bites his lips at the prospect of having you in his bed every single night. "I like the sound of that, sugar. Hand to God, I do."

“I do, too.” There’s barely any more space to move in, but you reach up and place a kiss on his lips and sigh softly. The kiss starts off soft, but need and hunger makes Jack reach up and grip the back of your neck as he deeps it with the slide of his tongue against your lips. Groaning when you eagerly open for him.

Every night has been like this. Sliding into bed together and having a little pillow talk before you indulge a little in each other without ever pushing the boundary that you’ve set for yourselves. It’s been a blissful few days, if you’re honest, and even though you know the second he signals being ready you’ll be throwing your own clothes off the side of the bed in a big goddamn rush.

That need, the underlying hunger that seems to invade every single touch and kiss is working overtime tonight. Making Jack grip your hips and urge you on top of him, wanting to feel your warmth and weight. The heat of your damp panties pressing against the rapidly expanding tent in his boxers.

The heat grows faster tonight than it usually does, something in the breath you share feeling more addictive or maybe just hungrier. You find yourself grinding your hips down on him without thinking and moaning when his hands slip under your shirt. “Fuck sugar.” Jack groans, kissing down your throat as you roll your hips back and make him choke on his own breath. “You’re so fucking…sweet.”

“Sweet?” You might giggle if you weren’t busy moaning, but you tilt your head completely out of the way to let him lick and nip and suck every bit of skin he wants. “Tonight feels—” you gasp when he swipes his thumbs across your pebbled nipples in unison. “Fuck— definitely hotter.”

“Never eaten melted chocolate?” Jack groans, smirking slightly as you push your tits against his fingers a little more. Begging for him to repeat the move. “Sweet and hot.”

“I will go get the fudge sauce out of your kitchen so fucking fast.” It would be a nice follow up to yesterday when you had caramel sauce all over your hands making yourself a fancy latte before your family woke up and Jack had very carefully licked it off every digit.

Jack chuckles quietly and shakes his head. “No food play with your parents here.” He chides playfully.

Your pout is playful and your circle your hips in his lap again before reaching to pull your t-shirt over your head. There’s been enough modesty this week for two people planning on living together - you’re itching to take a bigger step forward. Jack has seen you naked. You’ve changed in front of him with no modesty, a move that made him grin. Now he groans, eyes feasting on your tits and he drags you down to his chest to feel them pressed against his chest.

He’s throbbing hard beneath you and the barriers of his boxers and your panties are performative at best. At this point you know damn well that he can feel how soaked your panties are, he can feel the difference in the neediness of every kiss.

Diving back into your mouth is like the anchor he needs to keep himself from keeling over. Groaning your name quietly, he manages to break away to look into your eyes. “What do you want, sugar?” He demands roughly.

“I—” You know the answer. What you’re aching for. But if he isn’t ready you won’t push him. “I want you,” you admit, looking everywhere but his eyes to avoid seeing disappointment. “But not if you’re not ready.”

Jack inhales roughly, expecting that answer but still being shocked when he hears it. “With your family here?” He asks, sliding his hands down your sides to grip your hips. “Tonight, sugar?”

“I can keep my voice down.” Another roll of your hips is a figure eight this time, and your eyes nearly roll back in your head when you feel him pulse underneath you. “Can you?”

It takes Jack a moment to be able to remember what you are talking about, let alone his own name when you grind against him like that. His fingers digging into your flesh and pulling you against him again. "I- y-yeah." He groans out brokenly. "Y-you sure?" He closes his eyes and tries to control himself before he looks back up at you seriously. This is a big step for the two of you and he wants you to not regret it.

“I’m sure, baby.” The seriousness of the moment isn’t lost on you, and you stop moving to leave a soft, sincere kiss on his lips. “I love you, Jack.”

He knows you are ready, the two of you have been ready physically since the day you met. It's the mental and emotional barriers that he had created that caused this delay. Now, Jack rolls you onto your back and smirks down at you, his eyes dark and flashing with need. "I love you too, sugar. Now I'm gonna show you how you ride a real cowboy."

If you were feeling pedantic, you might quibble about position and how you had just been in the perfect place to ride him - but honestly you’re too foggy from desire and the burning in your blood to do anything more than surge up to kiss him. The measly barriers of underwear were symbols of restraint more than anything, and you are extremely ready to pull his away so you can experience every inch of him.

Jack groans, enjoying the pure desire that is fueled by your kiss, his hands sliding down to the band of your panties and he smirks into your mouth before he shreds them easily.

Oh that should not make you moan so wantonly, but it’s a good thing you were kissing him when he did it otherwise your promise to keep the volume down would have been shot to hell immediately. “Fuck, baby.”

He chuckles quietly and moves the material away so he can slide his fingers against your wet slit. "You like that, sugar?"

“Show off,” you accuse him playfully, knowing that you’ve told him in the past that shows of physical strength are a turn on for you. “I’m already always soaking wet around you.”

He hums, sliding his fingers down to press into you. Something that he has done before but now he knows that you are going to feel more than just his fingers inside you. Wanting to make sure that you cum before he slides inside you.

“Fu—fuck.” One hand shoots out to clutch his shoulder and the other twines into the soft bed sheets as your hips roll down to meet his hand as deeply as you possibly can. Yes, you’ve enjoyed exploring with him, but you’ve wanted him since the day you met and you’re aching for him now that the chance is here.

Jack's hands are clever, quick. They have to be with the type of rope and pistol work that he does. Now, his trigger finger curls up inside you. seeking the spongy spot that makes your back arch and your gasps turn desperate. Ready to drink down the sounds like a man dying of thirst while he kisses you and pushes you towards the edge.

You squirm but open up for him like a spring flower, legs spread open as wide as you can manage to give him ample room to explore. All you’ve wanted for months is to drown in him and now you’re clinging to him like a life preserver as he rockets you out over an ocean of pleasure.

“That’s it, sugar.” Jack coos in your ear, butterflying kisses along your jaw while the wet heat of your cunt surrounds his fingers. “Give it to me. Let me feel your sweetness.”

He’s well practiced at this - with plenty of partners before you, yes, but also just from the last few days together. He knows exactly the right way to quirk his wrist and exactly the right way to curl his fingers, making you gasp and chase the sensation of his fingers filling you every time he pulls them out only to thrust them back into you with more dexterity than before. He plays you like an instrument until you bow and threaten to break, with one hand clamped over your mouth so you don’t cry his name for the whole house to hear as you fall apart at the seams and flood his hand with your sticky release.

It is only because of your family down the hall that he doesn't let you cry out. When they leave, he will. Letting your sweet sounds fill the bedroom, hell, the house. Wanting to hear it. Now he just groans, his lips pressed against your hand, as if trying to kiss you through the barrier. "Good girl." He murmurs. "Good girl, sugar."

The way he coos at you is borderline criminal but combines somewhere in the back of your head with riding him and you swear you’d let this unhinged cowboy put a damn bit and bridle on you if it turned out to be some wild kink of his. The thought flies out of your head as soon as it enters, blissfully blanking out with white hot pleasure. Only when you’re sure you won’t shout do you move your hand away, pouring a moan into his mouth instead.

Only when your body can't give him any more does he still his fingers. Watching as you relax into the bed and the sugary smile of pleasure graces your face. "Was it good for you?" He asks, smug in your eventual response when you can catch your breath.

“You’re so fucking cocky,” you drawl in reply, giggling under your breath when you surge up to kiss him. “I’d be shoving you on your back to stroke your cock except I need you to fuck me.”

"Confident, sugar." Jack chuckles, kissing your lips again before he shuffles off of you so he can push his boxers down. "Confident."

“Because you know I’ve been ready to jump you since the day we met.” It’s not even judgmental or self-deprecating, just a fact as you smirk up at him. He’s so fucking handsome and the butterflies in your stomach erupt all over again. This is actually happening.

Jack peels down his boxers and stands straight, showing off the hard length that is heavily bobbing as he lets you peruse his body. "You should know I've been havin' to hide this since the day we met." He growls.

“Don’t know how you hide it anywhere.” With as tight as he wears his jeans, it should be impossible to keep the thickest cock you’ve ever seen in your life under wraps, but somehow he manages it.

He smirks and waggles his brows at you playfully. "It's all in the way you keep your jacket buttoned."

“Show off.” Though you roll your eyes dramatically, you lean forward to snag his arm and urge him to come back to you. “Get back in bed and show off here instead.”

It's the easiest order that he will probably ever receive as he kneels on the bed. "With pleasure, sugar."

As easily as you ever fit together in any other part of life, the way your bodies seem to move and mold together is instinctive. There’s no guiding or nudging, just fluid motion as he finds the cradle of your thighs and slides one arm underneath your back to keep you as close to him as possible as he devours you in a burning kiss. Jack has never been shy about sex. Not even that first time with Abigail where he was worried that he would last all of ten seconds, only to be surprised and pleased he had lasted thirty. His cock pulses against your mound and he hums into your mouth, enjoying the way you fit against him, soft in all the right places and welcoming him to slide into you.

This tension that’s been building for months has somehow intensified during the last week. No touch has been enough, although you’ve pretended it was, and every moment of intimacy has just made you burn for more. Now, with his weight bearing down on you and the heat of him threatening to consume you, you’re squirming for any kind of friction. The easy roll of his hips comes natural, grinding against your and feeling the way your gasp presses into his throat when the head of his cock catches on your swollen, soaked lips. "Easy girl," he coos gently, keeping his hips angled so that when he shifts down, it presses against your entrance. "Nice and easy."

The smirk drawn tight across your face curls at the edges when you look up at him. “If you have a horse fetish, Jack Daniels, now would be the time to tell me.”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “Nah, sugar.” He reaches down to grip your hip. “No horse fetish, but I do want you to hang on.”

Even the smallest moment of laughter seems to break the spell of apprehension that had been blanketing the two of you, and when you giggle along with him it’s like music. “Good,” you tease, hitching your leg high up on his hip. “Because I’m feeling more like save a horse, ride a cowboy tonight.”

Once you say that, Jack leans in and presses his lips to yours and slowly starts to push forward. Breaking you open with a smooth roll of his hips and a groan when he slips inside you.

Your mouth drops open as his hips roll forward, that deep moan that originates somewhere in your toes barely stifled when you clamp your mouth shut and bite your lip to keep it contained. Instead Jack gets an enthusiastic whimper while he fills your needy pussy slowly but surely. Every shuddering breath is encouragement, and you are definitely not here to discourage him.

Jack's own moan is quietly, barely breathed out but it's there. Mouth dropping open and his eyes fluttering closed at the tight, hot clutch of your cunt surrounds him. Stealing his ability to make a pithy comment, every thought of how fucking good you feel, how perfect you are, is all that he can manage until his hips nudge yours and he is buried to the hilt in your body.

All the space in your mind seems to be gone along with that space that he filled up in your body, leaving you dumbstruck in a way you’ve never felt before as your body adjusts to the weight and girth of him inside you. It isn’t like the two of you to be speechless, but the moment is consumed in drowning kisses rather than witty barbs and you can’t even say that you care. He doesn't know exactly when your fingers became entwined, curled together as your leg shifts higher on his hip and your lips tilt away from his. Breaking to give you both the space to pant softly. "Shit, sugar." He groans quietly.

“Jack—” You gasp his name softly, rolling your hips against his to seek out even the smallest movements. “You—you’re so fuckin perfect. Fuck.”

“You know how good you feel?” He groans quietly, twitching inside you when your walls contract around him.

The huff that earns him is only because your mind is too wound up in pleasure to be clever, and you draw your nails up his back to urge him on. “Might go crazy if you don’t move, baby.”

“So impatient.” He chides, leaning in and biting your chin before he draws his hips back.

“Maybe.” You might have snarked back at him if he hadn’t snapped his hips forward at that exact moment, pushing the air out of your lungs and making you have to bite back a sharp cry of his name to a bare whimper. He’s a menace and he knows what the hell he’s doing.

His grin borders on devilish and he wraps his arms around your shoulders. “You were sayin’, sugar?” He grunts as he thrusts into you again. Making sure that he forces more air out of your lungs.

“Fuck.” He said he wanted you to hold on - and he truly seems to have meant it. You cling to him as he sets a deep, steady pace that has both of you groaning into each other’s skin. The rest of the world has dissolved away so quickly that you can’t even focus on the room beyond him, eyes half-shut and fluttering every time his cock pulses inside your tight channel.

“I am, sugar.” Jack pants. “But you want it harder, I’m guessin’.” He’s teasing, but he wants to make sure you know exactly what he’s capable of in bed so he sets his knees and his pace speeds up.

It’s a miracle you don’t cry out. One hand leaves its safe place on his shoulder to dive into his hair to let your fingers scrape his scalp and pull on his hair just enough to add that hint of pain to the pleasure. “Shit.” Jack’s pace fumbles for half a thrust before he is slamming into you. Grateful for the solid poster bed to keep the headboard from banging through the wall and alerting everyone in the house to what you are doing.

“We can both play rough, cowboy.” You promise him, nipping at the sensitive skin beneath his ear and moaning vocally in his ear when he bottoms out inside you again.

If it weren’t for your experience being so fresh, Jack would have you tied to the bed. Instead he grabs your hip, hitching it up higher and groaning as he shuffles to his knees. The shift has you bouncing, head nearly hitting the headboard of the bed, and you reach up to brace yourself. The effect is that you’re stretched out in the bed below him, tits bouncing with every thrust and mouth alternately hanging open on a silent cry or pressed tightly shut to stifle the need to call his name into the night.

Huffing and puffing as he rides you hard, Jack grins down at you. Moving so he can lick his thumb and press it to your clit.

"Jesus–fuck!" You yelp when he presses his thumb to your swollen nub, eyes shooting open from where they had fallen blissfully shut to let the moment wash over you. There's a line of sweat rolling down Jack's neck that you don't hesitate to lick away, discovering tonight to be delightfully needy when you had unfoundedly assumed that things would tend toward lovemaking.

“Shhhhhh sugar.” Jack teases as he makes tight, sure circles over your clit. “Don’t want your daddy busting’ in here, do ya?” He smirks and snaps his hips a little harder.

"Fuck why is that sexier?" The pout on your lips at enjoying the idea of enjoying the forbidden or taboo is temporary, taken over by the shaking shivering pleasure from Jack knowing exactly how you like your clit rubbed.

Chucking, Jack decides to change the pace, keeping his fingers moving over your clit but his cock draaaaaags through your walls slowly. “Don’t know, you tell me.”

Biting your lip yet again to keep from moaning too loudly, the abrupt change in rhythm means you feel every ridge and vein of his cock as he rocks backward. The slow feeling of emptiness is torture that almost makes you sob with pleasure. “Might hav—have to fuck you in a bunch of different —fuck — places to see who catches us.”

“Hmmm.” Jack ducks his head down and nips at your ear, breathing heavily. “Maybe I’ll fuck you in your kitchen. Let your staff walk in on us.”

“Shit.” That thought rockets through you like wildfire and has you grasping at his skin for any kind of mark or impression you could possibly leave on his perpetually tan skin. “Or your office.”

“My office.” Jack groans, pushing deep and grinding into you. “Spread out on my desk, my tongue buried in your cunt when someone walks in?”

Every image seems better than the last, building you up steadily along with his thrusts and the tight circles he's drawing on your clit so that you're on the edge of bursting. "Fuck yes," you're panting and swallowing your own whines beneath him. "So fucking good, baby, h–holy shit." With as tight as your body is clamping down on him in every way, your nails in his arms just might draw blood as you fall apart on a pitiful moan. It's too fast and too sharp to warn him, but the pleasure comes in wave after wave.

Watching your orgasm rip through you might be the sexiest thing that he has ever seen. Eyes clouding over and back arching up when your broken moan fills his ears. The hot grip of your walls making his already throbbing cock ache and he grits his teeth to keep from cumming as he rocks his hips to work you through the peak.

It's almost ruthless, the way he doesn't let up and just pushes you through to the other side without hesitation, but at the same time you love the seemingly endless aftershocks of such a powerful orgasm. "Come on, baby." You gasp out, holding onto his gaze with hazy eyes. "Cum for me."

“Gunna.” Jack hisses through his teeth, jaw stretched out and the muscles in his neck straining as he pushes towards his own pleasure. The way you tremble around him has him groaning your name, hips stuttering as his pace becomes sloppy and thrusts uneven.

His whole body tenses just a second before you feel it - his hips slamming forward to grind into you as deeply as he can before hot jets of his seed fill you with every pulse of his cock. It has you whimpering even as you slip your arms around him to offer him that place of comfort to come down to.

When he’s emptied himself into you, an experience that nears nirvana, he slides down into your embrace. Tucking his head against your neck and groaning your name quietly. “That..” he pants quietly. “Was worth the wait.”

Your breathing evens a little and you press a kiss to the top of his head, wrapping your arms around him tightly to just savor the moment for everything it's worth. "You were worth the wait."

His hold on you flexes, tightens as if he is afraid you would slip out of his grasp. As if you aren’t pinned beneath the bulk of his weight and still impaled on his softening cock. “Soulmates.” He murmurs softly.

“Soulmates.” You hum, quietly agreeing to what you know was not always the easiest thing for him to grasp or accept. Your hands journey up and down his back, soothing his overheated skin. “I love you.”

“I love you.” He sighs, kissing along your neck and across your shoulder gently. Not ready to move unless you need him to. It’s been a long time since Jack felt like he was home and that’s exactly what you feel like to him right now.

“Can we sleep like this?” Having him wrapped in your arms and pressing you down into the mattress might be the most comfortable you’ve ever been and you would hate to give it up too soon.

His chuckle is quiet and he settles so that he’s not just dead weight on you. “Comfortable, sugar?” He murmurs softly. “I don’t know if I can move right now.” He’s joking and he knows you know that from your huff.

There’s something to be said for feeling both safe and cherished, and your arms tighten around him briefly. “I think this is the most comfortable I’ve ever been.”

“Then go to sleep, sugar.” He nudges his hips forward slightly to make sure he doesn’t slip out of you. “I’ve gotcha.”

“Sweet dreams, love.” A soft kiss lingers between you before you close your eyes, happy to let blissful sleep take over.

******

“Sugar, I think four desserts is enough, don’t you?” It’s amusing to watch you rush around your kitchens and fret, but he knows that you only want to make your contribution to the going away party perfect. “You’ve made the kid’s favorites.”

“Everything has to be perfect.” Without knowing that you’re echoing his thought, you do register the affectionate grin on his face and pause in your movements to shrug sheepishly. “Bobby’s my friend, and so is his mother. This is a big day and I want them to be happy with it.”

“I know.” Jack had come by to peel you out of the kitchen, knowing if he left you for too long, you’d think of another dessert to whip up quickly. “Do we need to pack coolers or can everything go in the back of the Bronco?”

"Everything can go in the Bronco." He had let you out of his sight this morning long enough to bring your family back to the airstrip and get some clean clothes from your cabin, and you had gone into a sort of baking tizzy immediately after. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, red berry scones, pecan pie squares, and a huge batch of coconut cupcakes are all ready to go.

“Okay,” he grunts as he picks up the two large bakery boxes with the cookies and scones. “I’ve got the backseat laid down, so we should have plenty of room.”

"Thank you, baby." You follow him out with the rest of the pastries in your arms, setting them in the back of the Bronco before hopping into the front seat to snuggle up to Jack. "And...thank you for this week. Getting to spend the time with my family was...pretty perfect."

“Recovering from something like that is always better when you have people who love you around.” Jack turns and kisses your forehead. “When we are officially livin’ together, they are welcome anytime, sugar.”

"Only two more weeks until the opening." And that, in and of itself, is as terrifying as it is exciting. "Maybe tomorrow I'll come back here and pack up some of my stuff? It's not like I have a lot to do. The furniture all came with the cabin and I haven't gotten that many new things since moving down here."

“Whenever you want to do that, sugar.” Jack isn’t trying to rush you into any moves until you are ready for that. “You let me know and I’ll be your work mule for any heavy liftin’.”

"First thing's first." You lean over and snag another kiss, giddy to be beside him again after only a couple of hours apart. "Bobby's party."

“Bobby’s party.” Jack agrees, smirking over at you softly and reaching for your hand. The word about you being Jack’s soulmate has spread like wildfire amongst all the Statesman employees and this is the first official outing as a couple. “Word has it, Champ’s opened more than a few bottles of Reserve and Diana’s got all the ingredients for a full cocktail bar set up. Including some bubbly.”

"I expect nothing less of her." If it were your son being sent overseas like this without you knowing when you were going to see him again, you would definitely be sending him off in a big way as well. "Good thing we live right next door so we can just crash when we get tired."

His lips curl into a grin when he hears ‘we’. Proudly straightening up slightly as he marvels over how much his thinking has changed over the past two weeks. “I can see you gigglin’ drunkenly in the bathtub.” He teases.

"It would not be the first time at all." The grin you flash at him when he turns the engine over is unabashed. "My brother's thirtieth birthday was a hell of a party."

“Oh lord.” Jack rolls his eyes playfully and snorts. “I have a feelin’ I’m gunna be carryin’ you home over my shoulder.”

"Nooooo." Although the mental image does make you giggle. "I wouldn't embarrass you like that."

“Who says it’s because you’ve embarrassed me?” He grins lecherously and waggles his eyebrows. It’s not a long drive from your kitchen to the house, so he doesn’t have long to flirt before you will switch back into chef mode.

"You gonna throw me over your shoulder and carry me into the house to have your wicked way with me?" The two of you had woken up this morning still tangled in each other and shared a shower - which made it take far longer than if you had gotten ready separately. It was a beautiful way to spend the earliest hours of the day.

“Might.” Jack admits, reaching over and sliding his hand up your pretty sundress. “Too pretty to keep my hands off of.”

"Mmm, I think we might have unleashed the beast," you joke, not bothering for one second to stop his hand from wandering. The entire reason for wearing a little sundress today instead of a simple pair of shorts and a shirt is so that he would want to touch you.

Chuckling, he makes sure his fingers brush your panties. “Don’t think you’re complainin’.”

"Not even a little." There isn't enough time to make the car ride playful, but you relish the feeling of his fingers against your core for even just a second.

“That’s what I thought.” A small, playful pinch to your thigh is quickly smoothed over with his fingers and he grins at you. “Don’t have to be quiet tonight.”

"Thank god." You huff dramatically, like it was the biggest effort in the world to keep quiet last night. Which, in some ways, it was. At least it wasn't easy. It doesn't matter though, all that matters is that you're taking steps forward at a pace that is good for both of you. Jack parks in his driveway so he doesn't take up any room at Champ and Diana's house, and the two of you easily carry all the treats you made across the yard to the tables that Diana has left bare for your contributions. She had predicted you would overdo it after not being allowed to cook for the better part of a week, and she was right.

“Whole damn table for your desserts.” Jack sounds like he is grumbling but the grin on his face shows that he completely belies that. He’s already planning on stealing one of the cupcakes.

"Might be just enough room." There are all sorts of serving platters out for you to choose from, and you start arranging them carefully to put things at different heights and with different shapes beside each other to make the table interesting and easy to grab from. "But only because I stopped short of making the key lime tarts..."

“Now you’re just bein’ mean.” Jack groans quietly. “I ever tell you Key Lime is one of my favorites?”

"You did not." The pout on his lips is adorable, and you grin before kissing it away. "I'll make one for us this week. How about that?"

“Yessssss.” Jack pumps his fist, grinning as he imagines the tangy tartness of the dessert. It was the perfect balance of nearly too sweet and sour.

"What are we celebratin' out here?" Diana had seen you walking up to the house but was in the middle of taking something out of the oven. Now that she can come and say hello, she's ready to throw a second party altogether for how damn happy you and Jack seem.

“Key lime pie.” Jack doesn’t explain any further than that. Aware that Diana is familiar with his love of anything Key Lime. The only thing that truly beats it is chocolate.

"You're gonna love having a chef for a soulmate," she laughs lightly, embracing both of you in turn. "How are you feelin', sweetheart? Better?"

"I'm good, Di." You hug her back fiercely. "A couple of days of rest with my family is what I needed."

“We’ve got another session with the doc and then she’s got some solo meetings.” Jack hadn’t backed down on his insistence you see the staff therapist. Wanting you to cope with things better than he ever has.

"Good." That meets Diana's approval, and she nods as she looks the two of you over. "Positively glowing," she pronounces, having a feeling that she knows why. "Happiness suits you both."

Jack knows that it is mainly his fault, all his fault really. He ducks his head slightly and wraps his arm around your back to pull you into his side. “She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?”

"I always thought so." Diana gives you a playful wink before squeezing Jack's shoulder, glad to see him looking proud instead of apprehensive. "Come inside when you're done setting up here. Bar's set up in the kitchen and people should be arriving any minute."

"Do you need anything else, sugar?" Jack asks as he takes the last box from you. He has to admit that all your desserts look amazing and he hums. "Are you plannin' on having a display case in your tea room? Desserts to take home?"

"We're going to do a case for cakes." With the menu nailed down, you know that the only thing that still might expand is the take-away aspect of the bakery, but you're starting small. "The case was put in yesterday, actually. It was the last thing to go in."

"That case is going to be bare by the end of the first night." Jack predicts, knowing that plenty of people will want to take your goods home. Your kitchen staff will have to make sure to keep the cases full.

"You have such faith in me." You lean back in his arms and press a kiss to his cheek, satisfied with the way the table works and basking in the earnest compliment. "Let's go grab a drink, honey. Before the kitchen gets swamped."

Jack follows you willingly, carrying the discarded boxes from the goods as he trails after you. Admiring the way your hips sway in that dress and he smirks to himself.

"Di, I think you might have overdone it just a little bit," you laugh to yourself when you see the way the kitchen is laid out. The enormous tray of her son's favorite mac and cheese that she just took out of the oven is off to one side but a whole half of the counter is devoted to being a self-serve bar.

"Never." Diana huffs, grinning as he whips off the oven mitts and looks over the array of food. "Okay, maybe a little." She admits with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "But my Bobby is leavin' and we are going to celebrate." She swallows. "And then I'll cry tonight when he's on that plane."

"He's not leaving forever, Di." She knows that, of course, but you feel like it's your duty as her friend to remind her. "And you know he'll come home for every holiday he can. Bobby would never stay away that long."

"Shit." Diana rolls her eyes and tosses you a knowing look. "You know as well as I do that boy is itching to get out from under his daddy's watchful eye and gallivant."

"Sure." You nod, stepping up with Jack to pour yourself drinks when she motions to the counter. "But Christmas without his momma? Even a boy Bobby's age isn't eager for that."

"That's just because the darn fool still likes to see what's in his stocking." Diana jokes, laughing with you and relaxing slightly. She's nervous and excited for him, knowing that he will do good things. "How are you anticipating Tex's arrival?" She asks, glancing over at Jack.

"Honestly?" The two of you have your heads bowed as she makes you matching bright pink cocktails. "I hope it will be okay. I miss my friend, ya know? And I know Jack does, too. But...what do we know about this girl? His soulmate?" You're happy for him. You really are. But you also want to make sure that he's actually happy.

"She's a Kingsman agent. One of the few women that they have accepted, so she has to be a damn fine spy." Diana had been told what Champ knows and has no issue with passing it along. "Tall, feisty and mouthier than most Brits."

"Oh." You nearly cackle at the description, shooting Diana an amused grin. "So she'll fit right in here."

"I have a feelin' it's gonna be real interesting around here." Champ adds as he walks into the kitchen and makes a beeline for his wife to steal a kiss.

"We like interesting." You give Champ a hug when he tears himself away from Diana's side, glad to see him relaxed and smiling and not in his suit jacket for once. "Interesting keeps us on our toes."

"When's Tex comin' in again?" Jack asks, not sure how the boy will act when he gets back.

"Plane's landing in about an hour." Champ reports, snagging a beer from the fridge beside his wife. "Said he wanted to come straight over when I mentioned it to him, but I expect Sophia - that's his lady - will want to at least drop their things at the house first."

"Speakin' of houses." Jack glances over at you quickly before he looks back at his friend and boss. "Sugar's gonna be movin' in with me. Should have it empty pretty quick."

"Well look at that." Champ smirks, chuckling with a pleased note in it. "Didn't take you two long at all once you stopped trying to tear each other's throats out. Fantastic."

"Fuck off." Jack's huff is purely bluster and he rolls his eyes to accompany his sentiment before he grins at Champ.

"Charming." You smirk at your soulmate and hug him tight. "You survived five days with my entire family, babe. You deserve to have a live-in cook as a reward."

Chuckling, he can't deny that. He tugs you closer and kisses your forehead. "I will love every second of it too."

"Uncle Jack!" Bobby swings down the main staircase with a broad smile on his face and lights up at the sight of his father's closest friend. "Did you get a load of the smoker yet? Dad's outdone himself."

"Both of your parents have pulled out all stops on this shindig, kid." He lets go of you to stride forward and pull the kid into a bone crushing hug.

"I'm glad you're here." The younger man admits quietly. The idea of leaving without being able to say goodbye had made his stomach turn.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Jack murmurs back, always thinking of the kid like his own. A lot of times he had wondered if his little boy and Bobby would have been best friends.

"Sucks that we never got to run a mission together." There's a hint of regret in Bobby's voice but he smiles, glancing back over at you as you talk to his parents. "You'll be back in the field soon though, right? Never know what can happen."

"As soon as I can get my guns polished." Jack promises with a grin, slapping his back fondly. "I'll make my way over to merry 'ol England and remind you how to use your ropes."

The first flood of guests to arrive includes Ginger and Gabriella and their kids, and before you know it there is music pumping through the outdoor speakers and drinks flowing, with people playing lawn games and dancing and enjoying the sunny spring day for everything it's worth.

Jack stands with Champ over at the smoker, a place of pride as the two men share a drink. His eyes straying over to you as you laugh with Diana and he smiles softly at the scene. Unsure of why he had felt like you wouldn't fit in. That you wouldn't work here in this part of his life, or in his life at all. You've taken to Statesman and everyone he cares about like a duck to water.

“Having fun, love?” When your drink ran dry you headed across the lawn to refresh and stopped on the deck to give Jack a kiss.

"Of course." Jack smirks and lifts his glass up. "I've got some of the best Kentucky mash in existence, a smoker working overtime and the prettiest gal at the party comin' to kiss me."

“Suck up,” you tease, but there’s no bite in it. Instead it just earns him another kiss and a flustered smile from you. “Diana makes dangerous cocktails, I might have to mix something slightly less potent for myself otherwise you’re actually going to have to carry me home like you threatened.”

Champ chuckles and shakes his head. "My girl always did have a heavy hand when pouring drinks." His own eyes find his soulmate and he softens, smiling gently at the older woman across the way as she bullies Astrid into taking another scoop of the mac and cheese, knowing how much the Statesman tech loves it.

“Astrid and Gabi invited us over for dinner tomorrow,” you tell Jack, stealing one more squeeze of a hug before you remind yourself that you’re too old to be hanging all over your soulmate like a groupie. “Is it okay if I tell them yes?”

"If you are wanting to go, sugar, you tell 'em." Jack agrees, knowing that if you want to go to dinner with your friends, he will show up with a smile. "As long as you don't work too hard tomorrow since it will be your first full day back."

“My first day back is the perfect day to have someone else cook dinner, don’t you think?” It’s certainly not a bad idea by any means, and you shoot him a grin. “I’ll be good. I promise.”

"What if I don't want you to be good?" Jack poses playfully. "Go tell them that you will only bring one dessert." He orders, smirking at your immediate pout.

“Only bringing one dessert is being good!” His teasing earns him a stuck-out tongue and you hustle into the house to get another drink before he can retaliate. You’re still giggling to yourself happily just seconds later as you pour yourself a slightly less powerful cocktail, but the sound of the front door opening and boots in the foyer drags your mind to the present. “Come on back!” You call to the new arrival, having heard Diana greet guests the same way an hour ago. “Party’s outside but the bar’s in here.”

"Well hey." Tex rushes up to hug you before he stops short, unsure of how exactly to approach you now that the truth is out there and Sophia is right beside him. He gives you a sheepish smile when you turn around to face him. "Looks like you are right at home, knew you would be."

“You’re home!” The way you both flinch when you obviously want to be excited to see friends makes you shove your hands in your pockets for just a moment before you decide not to care. Friends can hug each other, dammit. If this Kingsman agent soulmate of his has a problem with it, she’s never going to be comfortable at Statesman. “It’s so good to see you,” you tell him honestly, reaching forward to offer him that hug.

As soon as you open your arms, Tex breaths out a sigh of relief and Sophia knocks into him from behind. "Hug her, you ass!" She hisses at her soulmate in reproach before she shoves him again. Rolling her eyes at the hesitancy he's displaying when she knows exactly who you are and what you have done with Tex.

The laugh you let out in surprise becomes a snort, and you hug the life out of the 6’1” Texan before turning to the statuesque woman beside him - stunningly gorgeous even in her jeans and sweater. “You must be Sophia.”

Sophia can't help but grin, immediately liking you. "That I am." She isn't like most British, she's a hugger and she comes in to greet you as if you were an old friend. Which, in a twisted kind of way, you are. "You're the heartbreaker." She teases as she squeezes you and pulls back and looks over at Tex when he huffs and shuffles beside her. "Ohhhh piss off." She huffs at him goodnaturedly. "Not everyday you get to have a friend who's seen your soulmate's cock." Her grin is wicked when she turns back to you and winks. "And she and I are going to be best mates, ay?"

“You really have no choice in the matter.” You inform Tex, grinning like a mad woman when Sophia keeps one arm around you and you can’t help but feel like this woman glows from the inside out. “I love her. I’m keeping her. You and Jack need to have a good gruff grumble at each other so we can all get back to normal around here.” Turning to Sophia, you flash her a grin and nod toward the counter. “Fix you a drink?”

"God yes." Sophia huffs, rolling her eyes. "We had to fly commercial, dealt with an absolute cunt of a ticket agent." She groans, "they didn't even have a proper cuppa on that trash heap they called a jet!" She tends to be told that she's abrasive and mouthy, but she doesn't care. Thrilled to be here with her soulmate and eager to make friends with those that know him best.

“Come by the kitchen any time. I had some of our teas imported so the real thing is just a short walk from your office.” The bottle of rum is already in your hand when you look back at her. “Did Tex tell you what I do when he told you…the other stuff?”

"He said you were the best damn baker on this side of the ocean." She tilts her head and leans in conspiratorially. "Which isn't hard when you compare it to British pastries." She giggles before she reaches out and touches your arm. "Don't worry, Tex might have told me about the incident between you, but that was before we even knew we were soulmates. And I don't care who was wrapped around his cock before me. All that matters is now."

“British pastries are amazing, don’t you dare test me on that. My tea room is opening in just a couple of weeks and you’ll have access to as much tea as you can manage.” Eyeballing the right amount of each liquor for the daiquiri you had started making her, you grin when Tex just shakes his head and steps around you to grab an ice cold beer from the fridge. Warm beer just never sat well with him in any of the pubs he tried out. “What happened between us is in the past, but I’ve really missed my friend.” You tell her honestly. “I’m really glad that you’re not the type to judge before you meet someone.”

"Though I want to punch that soulmate of yours." Sophia's grin turns into a frown and she looks you over curiously. "But it seems like you are doing surprisingly well, considering Tex said you were grieving when he left." There's a question in her comment, one that would be easily ignored if you didn't want to talk about it and the opening if you did.

“Jack and I are doing a lot better.” You hold a fixed glass out to her when you turn around. “Actually? We’re doing great. It was a bumpy ride but we’re on track now. Just like…it seems like you and Tex are doing well?”

"We are." Sophia can't stop the grin if she tries as she lifts the cocktail up to take a drink. "We both have always wanted to find our soulmates and it's just– it's exhilarating. You know?" She asks, making a face of delight when she tastes the drink you had mixed up. "Ohhhh this is good." She moans. "I'm going to love it here."

“I hope you like whiskey because around here it’s a religion.” Looping your arm through hers, you tap your glass against hers and grin. “Come outside and meet everyone.”

Jack looks up to find you and another woman with your arms intertwined and your heads pressed together, a cheery grin on both of your faces. Tilting his head and wondering who the woman is, his question is answered a second later when Tequila follows you and her out of the house, a very uncomfortable set to the boy's shoulders that immediately has Jack grinning out of spite. "Hot damn." He chuckles. "Trouble's blown back into town." He calls out over the yard.

"Tex!" Diana's delighted gasp from halfway across the yard is echoed almost immediately by a wave of other cheers and greetings, and you pull Sophia to the side with you just a few inches so you don't get run over by the ever-boisterous Bobby Rogers who comes careening up to the porch to say hello with an aggressive hug.

"Is everyone as enthusiastic around here?" Sophia bursts out laughing as the obviously grown man nearly tackles her soulmate in a hug that might have killed a lesser man.

"Pretty much," you laugh, nodding a little as Tex and Bobby share something that can only be classified as a bear hug. "I give it until the end of the party until you're getting hugs that big, too. Part of it is just...everybody loves Tex. And they're so excited to meet you."

"I heard he was something of a partier while he was here." Sophia finds it vastly amusing that the stereotypical cowboys around here act like they are all one big group of teddy bears. Most of them wrapped around their soulmates or coming over to greet Tex.

"Just a little." Throwing her a conspiratorial wink, you take it on yourself to introduce the newest arrival to Jack, since her soulmate is currently in the center of a group hug that would put any sorority to shame. "Honey," you reach out to touch Jack's shoulder and get his attention. "This is Sophia. Soph– this is Jack." The grin that unfurls on your face is unstoppable. "My soulmate."

"Well, fuck me." Sophia grins, shaking her head and reaching out to shake his hand. Unsure if this one was a hugger and she wants to needle him some. "Do they breed them all like fucking Gods here?"

You snort again, louder this time, and almost double over laughing at the comment. "Holy shit." It's going to take you a lot longer than just one or two seconds to regain your composure, especially with how amused Jack looks. "I fucking love this girl," you pronounce absolutely to anyone who could possibly be listening. "And yes. They do. At least, Statesman recruits all the godlike ones."

"I should have come over to America sooner." Sophia huffs, grinning towards her soulmate. "Tried a few of these cowboys on for size before I found Tex."

"Naw, you already got the second best the country has to offer." Your eyes slide over to Jack and you smile again, feeling that familiar fluttering in your chest that you always get when you look at him. "I'm afraid I already nabbed the best for myself."

Jack chuckles and reaches for you, relieved that the entire situation isn't awkward. Sophia looks like she is a woman who will keep Tex on his toes. "All yours, sugar." He promises. "All yours."

When Tex finally manages to extricate himself from the mountain of greetings, you ambles back over to Sophia with a sheepish grin on his face. "Didn't I tell ya we liked big hellos around here, baby?" He practically blushes, running his hand down her arm to thread their fingers together before looking up at you and his best friend. Or, at least, the man who had been his best friend. He's just hoping that he didn't fuck that up too badly. "Jack." He flusters before holding out his hand to say hello.

Jack stares at the boy's hand for a moment before he slaps it away. The sharp inhale of the entire group barely able to register before Jack busts out into a chuckle and grabs Tex, pulling him in for another rib bustin' hug. "Son of a bitch!" He growls. "The fuck took you so long? I've been miserable with just Champ for company."

The air goes out of all of you all at once, and Tex practically crumples into hugging his best fucking friend. "Jackass," he huffs, though the relief is clear in his voice. "You know that's why your daddy named you Jack, right? Knew from birth that you'd be a jackass."

"Better than Tex." Jack huffs, slapping the taller man's back harshly. It would sound like he's hitting. him, but it's just the affection being pounded back into him like men do. "Can't hit for shit, Tex." Jack's own relief at Tex's return and forgiveness for his actions are palpable. A weight off his shoulders.

"Gonna have to get back in the practice ring." Tex chuckles, shaking his head at Jack before he wraps his arm around Sophia and flashes the softest smile in the world at her. "It's good to be home." He has to admit that. Fully and wholeheartedly.

It's satisfying, seeing the boy wear a besotted smile that he's only seen one other time. This time he's got an even bigger sparkle in his eyes and it's reserved for Sophia. "Good to have you home." Jack promises, nodding at the other agent meaningfully. "You made it in time for the grand openin' too."

"I heard!" And he's not going to lie and claim that he didn't hurry back to be here in time. "Gotta admit I'm a little bummed to have missed out on all the menu tastings, but..." he clears his throat and looks down at Sophia who gives him an encouraging nod. "Champ says...y'all are gonna be doing weddings soon?"

"Oh my god..." You're wide-eyed when you realize what he's asking, and immediately look down at Sophia's hand to see a meteor-sized emerald on her finger. It's unique and bold, exactly like she is. "Are you serious? That's so exciting!"

"Goddamn." Jack whistles, not missing the split second flash of something on your face. It wasn't necessarily envy but it's more like a yearning. He thinks about the conversation he had with your father and knows that he will be sliding that ring on your finger just as soon as he can get you alone after the opening. He'll have to text your dad for a picture of the ring, get another band to compliment it. Something specifically from him for his soulmate. "Congratulations." He offers seriously.

"He wanted to wait until we got over here to have the thing." Sophia absolutely beams, looking between you and Jack. "Something utterly unEnglish. No little village church, no dour aunties over breakfast, no pall mall on the lawn." She snorts as though the idea of it is completely ridiculous.

"You'll both help, won't you?" Tex had talked about you both constantly once he was more comfortable doing so. They had opened up to each other so quickly that his hesitancy to talk about you and Jack had been the biggest clue that the two of you are important to him.

"Whatever you need from me." Jack agrees instantly, knowing that he will do anything to help the couple have the event they are dreaming of. Wanting them to be happy here, he wants Tex to be happy. Wants him to be happy with his soulmate. Just like he is now with you.

"Absolutely anything." And if you happen to have a few stray thoughts about your own wedding, it won't be your fault. But you would never bring it up to Jack.

"So you mean to tell me that the first weddin' you and Diana are gunna plan is Tex's?" Jack can't help but chuckle at the irony of it.

"Looks like it." You have a sip of your drink and note with a clear conscience that the only jealousy you feel is for being able to get married, not for the specific man. That would have been a whole extra therapy session right there.

"Looks like I owe my wife twenty bucks and a spa day," Champ chuckles from a few feet away, eyeing his two agents with amusement. "I'd sworn it woulda been Jack and his Sugar, here."

Tex’s eyes widen and he glances at you and then Jack. Just now realizing that things are a bit more friendly than when he left. “Seriously?” He asks, a slow grin breaking out on his face. “You two?”

"We're not engaged or anything," you quickly throw that conversation off the rails before it can get traction, not wanting to make Jack uncomfortable. Instead you choose to focus on the very real and very positive step toward a solid relationship that you actually are taking. "But, um...I'm moving...to Jack's place." For Sophia's benefit, you point at the side of the large house across two yards. "Right next door."

“Really?” Sophia hums and her calculating gaze turns towards Jack. “That’s a mighty big house to not be married in and fill with babies.” She points out practically.

"Ain't it, though?" Tex adjusts his arm around Sophia and grins. "Seems an awful shame not to have that place full of life."

"Oookay." Too nervous to even look at Jack, you give his hand a squeeze and remind yourself to smile. "I'm gonna go tell Gabi that we're on for dinner tomorrow before I forget," you murmur, excusing yourself as fast as gracefully possible.

Jack huffs, narrowing his eyes at the happy couple, although he isn’t upset. “Let me propose to the girl before you have her knocked up and pushin’ out babies.” His heart skips a beat at that thought but he closes his eyes and reminds himself that he diced Rollins into easy to handle pieces.

"Well she's not running because she's afraid of it." Sophia observes, sipping her drink. "She looks at you like you...what's the phrase?" One glance up at Tex and she remembers it. "Like you hung the stars in the sky."

“She’s gotta– gotta heal first.” Jack murmurs quietly. Taking another sip of his drink and watching you talk with Gabi and Astrid.

"Heal?" Tex's face flashes anger immediately but since Jack looks upset rather than angry it dissipates immediately. "What the hell happened? She looks fine."

“She– uh, she was kidnapped a week ago.” Jack tells Tequila brokenly. “Someone– it was… the same person who killed my Abigail and baby boy. Took her and tortured her.”

The way Tequila absorbs that information is the instant and yet simultaneously thorough turning of gears that marks him as an intelligence agent. Has he heard the words and absorbed their meaning? Absolutely. But is he still processing their full implication? That could take an extra moment. "Tell me you took care of it," he hisses, trying to even imagine half of what he would do to someone who hurt Sophia, let alone two of his soulmates. "Tell me you took care of it or we're leaving in the Silver Pony right now."

“They are in tiny pieces.” Jack confirms. “Never gunna hurt her again. I made sure of it.” His satisfaction is grim and he’s never told you that he’s got a video file of what he had done to Rollins, captured through his glasses, on his phone for when he needs a reminder the bastard is dead.

"Good." Both the agents in front of him - Tequila and Isolde - nod seriously. "So what she needs is to take her mind off things?" Sophia raises an eyebrow at both men. "Or should I be aiming her right at wedding thoughts to have her giddy to be proposed to?"

“I’m gunna propose after her grand openin’.” He admits quietly. “Her daddy’s bringing me her grandmother's ring. Gonna give her that and a ring to go with it from me.”

"So get her excited, then." That seems to delight Sophia, who has a mischievous streak several kilometers long. "Cheers."

“She’ll try to ignore being excited.” Jack predicts. “But remind her that it’s okay to dream. To want things.” A lot of this is because of the way he treated you, and he knows it will take time to completely fix things.

“Consider it done.” An intrigue, her mother would have called it, and Sophia has always loved a good intrigue.

“But, doesn’t mean I don’t want her to focus on your weddin’.” Jack promises. “Ain’t lookin’ to steal your thunder.”

“Jack, I, uh—” Readjusting his stance and wiping his palms on his jeans, Tex is the very picture of nerves. “I wanted to ask you to be my best man, if you weren’t still pissed at me.”

Jack looks seriously at Tex, knowing that the boy is still unsure of their standing despite the greeting. He swallows, emotional and soft at the idea. “I’d be honored.” He answers honestly, reaching out and pulling him in for another hug. “Fuckin’ honored.”

“Good.” It’s as heartfelt a moment as could be between the two men, and Sophia smiles as she rubs a hand gently on her soulmate’s back. “He was bloody terrified to ask on the way over in case you were still mad.”

“Why would I be mad?” Jack asks, making sure that the boy holds his gaze. “I was wrong.” He admits. “I owe you an apology. I shoulda made sure you knew the score. I’m sorry.”

“And I shouldn’t’ve overreacted.” Tex isn’t fool enough to think he didn’t go overboard by hauling off and laying Jack out flat. But clearing the air is what they both need. “I’m glad it’s behind us.”

“Water under the bridge.” Jack waves it away, aware that he shouldn’t have hit him, but Jack was being a jackass. “Let’s just leave that in the past.”

“Right.” Tex nods, glad to have it all aired out, and looks over at Sophia with a grin. “I’m gonna go show off my lady,” he announces unrepentantly. “Can we sit and eat with you guys later on? Catch up?”

“Go on.” Jack nods and waves them away. “Gotta make sure Champ doesn’t ruin the brisket.”

“I would not!” Champ looks scandalized at that the way only a Texas man can, and all three men laugh before Tex bundles Sophia up against him and goes out into the yard to say hello to old friends.

Jack chuckles and nudges Champ with his shoulder. “Guess things are lookin’ good. ‘Cept I know you’ll miss the kid.”

“I will.” Champ is not too proud a man to admit that he’ll miss his only child. “But every boy’s gotta leave home to grow, don’t they?”

“They do.” Jack admits, knowing his life would have been much different if he hadn’t left the ranch. Even under those circumstances. He honestly wonders what the world would be like if Jack Daniels had never become Agent Whiskey. It’s a sobering thought. “Good thing the kid knows that he’s welcome home whenever he needs a soft place to land.”

“Yeah.” Champ huffs a laugh as he inspects the progress the meat is making in the smoker. “Your house.” He doesn’t grouse about it, though, he only chuckles. “I know he’ll do well. It’s just hard to see him go.”

“I know, but the kid is a helluva agent.” Jack beams with pride, since he had helped train the kid. “You and Di did a fine job.”

“Give it a little time, Jack.” There’s confidence in Champ’s tone. It’s soft, but it’s there. “Yours will be just as headstrong and determined as you and their mama.”

“It scares the hell out of me.” Jack confesses, looking over at where you are talking with Rye, flown in from New York. You had given him a hug and there were some tears, but you had waved him off from coming over. “What if I lose her? Another baby?” He chokes out. “It’ll kill me.”

“The man who took your family - who tried to take this one - is dead.” Champ reminds him quietly, abandoning the smoker to focus entirely on his friend. “I know it’s hard to remember, but I’ll remind ya every day if you’re needin’ it. What else could hurt her - birth? Not with Ginger hoverin’ over her the whole time. Ain’t no disease we can’t tackle. No danger that Statesman can’t pull her back from. And shit,” Champ clicks his tongue. “With how well she did under pressure? Leavin’ you her bracelet as a clue an all? Keepin’ her secrets like she did? Even if there were other people out there who might wanna make a target out of a Statesman agent’s wife, I’d be more afraid for them then I am for her.”

“She’s a goddamn goddess, isn’t she?” Quiet pride fills him as he stares at you in a way that has his eyes watering slightly. Just drinking in the sight of his soulmate happy and healthy. “I never believed in second soulmates, never wanted one.” He knows that Champ is completely aware of that. “But I’m goddamn proud that this is who the universe chose for me.”

“She loves the hell out of you.” The older man claps Jack on the back in a friendly, playful gesture. “Can’t for the life of me figure out why, but you’re goddamn lucky.”

“Don’t I know it.” It’s a far cry from his viewpoint a month ago, but it’s amazing what can happen when you let the fear go.

______ Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @katheriner1999 @littlemousedroid @harriedandharassed @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @hardc0rehaylz @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri @adancedivasmom @madiebear @tanzthompson @emilianamason @bigsdinger @xocalliexo @pedr0swh0r3 @avaleineandafryingpan @charlyrmv @avidreader73 @iceclaw101 @loveslide​ @elegantduckturtle  ​

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