#i mean like my wife said 'why change a winning team'

[wisteriasymphony]

alexa play Meant To Be Yours i mean play Where Is The Justice i mean alexa play Yü-Gung (Fütter mein ego) i mean play uhh i don't have a song picked out for ghostdrien

[cheoliehansolie]

Green Mangoes

Summary: When Chan catches you eating green mangoes, he can't help but spiral.

Word Count: ~ 2.3k

Pairing: Lee Chan x fem reader

Warnings: mentions of pregnancy

an: This was something that I mainly wrote for myself because I found it funny in my head so if it's not funny or entertaining, that's why. As always, if you liked reading this, please reblog or leave a comment. If you have any suggestions or you just want to talk, send me an ask and we can be friends 💕

To read more, check out my masterlist.

---

You had been up for a few hours enjoying the little alone time you get since you moved in with your boyfriend. You and Chan recently moved in together and while you love spending time with him, sometimes you miss living on your own which is why you find comfort in the silent mornings.

Chan got home pretty late last night from practice which is why he was in bed at 10:30 in the morning. It was a win-win situation, you got your morning alone and Chan got to make up for the sleep he missed out on.

You had spent your morning making breakfast and reading once you finished eating, and now you were sitting on your couch nursing a cup of tea and watching an Indian comedy show. Normally when you and Chan watch TV together, you steer clear of those types of shows since Chan won’t be able to understand them. 

But now with Chan sound asleep in your bedroom, you’re giggling quietly to yourself as you watch the different skits unfold on screen. To your surprise, less than five minutes later, you hear the door of your shared bedroom open and out walks your sleepy boyfriend, hair adorably messy.

“Good morning, babe.” you say from your seat on the couch.

“Morning.” he says tiredly as he makes his way to the couch to join you.

“I didn’t wake you, right?” you ask, concern lacing your voice as you card your fingers through his disheveled hair. 

Chan melts into your touch and responds, “No, I didn’t feel like staying in bed any longer. I also wanted to cuddle with you but you weren’t there any more.” he whines.

“Aww, well I’m here now so we can cuddle. Let me just get situated” you say.

You put your empty tea mug on the coffee table in front of you and lift the blanket on your lap gesturing for him to join you. Chan wastes no time getting comfy under the blanket and wrapping his arms around your waist.

“Do you want me to change the channel?” you ask, drawing attention to the comedy show playing on the TV.

“No, it’s fine. I’m not really paying attention to it anyways.” he says and you feel him drawing small shapes on your body.

“Suit yourself.” you say as you bring your attention back to the show.

A few minutes later, you’re still snuggled into Chan’s arms and you find yourself letting out a soft scandalized gasp at the conversation unfolding on screen.

“What happened?” Chan asks, instantly curious as he peers up at your face through his lashes.

“Basically, those two people on stage are husband and wife and they’re talking about an argument they had. See that guy standing to the side?” you ask, pointing to the screen.

“Yeah, what about him?”

“He said something along the lines of ‘stop giving her reasons to argue with you and instead give her a reason to eat green mangoes’ to the husband.”

“What does that mean?” Chan asks, enjoying listening to you explain things to him.

“Apparently women crave sour foods when they’re pregnant so the other guy is basically telling the husband to get his wife pregnant.”

Your boyfriend chuckles slightly and he doesn’t think much of the conversation as he continues snuggling into your side. But a few days later, he’s instantly reminded of that moment as he stands in the entryway of your shared living room.

Chan had spent the entire day in the studio working with Sonnyoung and the other Performance Team members to think of choreography for their upcoming comeback, but they had hit a wall. Soonyoung decided to let the guys go sooner than expected because everyone was getting frustrated.

Chan was excited that he’s able to leave earlier so he can spend more time with you. He didn’t tell you he was coming home sooner so he could surprise you but when he comes in, he sees you scrolling on your phone, mid snack.

Normally he would be happy that you were remembering to take breaks to rest and eat, but standing there in the door frame of your living room, he feels like he can’t breathe. There you are sitting peacefully on the couch with a small glass bowl next to you, phone in one hand, fork in the other. Skewered on the fork is none other than a piece of green mango.

As you bring the fork to your mouth, you realize that your boyfriend is silently standing a few feet away from you.

“Oh my god, babe! Why are you just standing there? You scared me!” you complain.

Shocked by your sudden outburst, Chan’s broken out of his spiraling thoughts and brought back to the present moment.

“Sorry, I was zoning out.” Chan feebly explains as he makes his way to the couch.

“Why’re you home so early? I thought practice wasn’t supposed to end until later?”

“It was supposed to end later, but we hit a wall and nothing was getting done so Hoshi hyung let us leave early.” 

“Ahh, I see. I still have a little work left to do, so I’m gonna go finish that. I should be done soon and we can spend time together after.”

“Okay, I’ll be here. Don’t overwork yourself, it’s not good for you.” Chan says with a small smile on his face as you get up and make your way to your desk.

Once you leave, Chan can’t help but wonder why you didn’t say anything about being pregnant. Were you not planning on telling him yet? He did come home earlier than anticipated today. Maybe you were eating the mango because you thought he wouldn’t be here to see you.

Chan spends the next two hours obsessively googling about how to support your partner through pregnancy. After reading a bunch of different articles, Chan decides that he won’t bring up the pregnancy unless you do. You have the right to tell him whenever you feel comfortable, and he figures that maybe you’re still trying to come to terms with it yourself and he doesn’t want to add more pressure to that. 

A few minutes later, you return to the living room ready to spend time with your boyfriend after a long day.

“Hey babe.” Chan says when he sees you. “Do you need anything?”

“No, I’m fine. I just finished work so now we can make dinner together.”

“You want to make dinner? Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Chan asks, immediately worried that you could be overworking yourself.

“Okay I know I’m not as good at cooking as Mingyu, but my food isn’t that bad!” you whine, softly hitting Chan’s shoulder.

“Babe, that’s not what I meant.” Chan whines. “I just thought you’ve been working a lot lately and you should take a break. I’ll make dinner for us tonight, you should rest.”

“Ooookay.” you say, feeling suspicious as to what Chan’s doing.

“What do you want for dinner? Are you craving anything?” Chan asks.

“Hmm, not really. Why don’t you surprise me?”

“Okay, one surprise coming right up!” Chan exclaims dramatically as he saunters off into the kitchen, enticing a few giggles from you.

You couldn’t help but feel a little weird that Chan was being a bit too nice, but you decide to overlook it and enjoy your time alone on the couch. A little less than an hour later, your boyfriend returns to the living room announcing that dinner is ready.

Before you can get up to go to the kitchen to grab your plate, Chan places a plate of hot food in front of you.

“You made my favorite!” you exclaim as you toss your phone to the side to take the plate from Chan’s hands.

“I tried my best, but I don’t know if it tastes as good as when you make it.” he says sheepishly as he rubs the back of his neck.

“Well, it smells great and even if it does taste bad – which I doubt it does – I’ll still eat it since you made it for me.” you say with a reassuring smile on your face.

Taking a bite of the food in front of you, you can’t help it when your eyes widen at the taste.

“What? Does it not taste good?” Chan asks.

“Babe, it tastes really good. I love it.” you say with a bright smile as you continue eating.

“I’m glad.” Chan says softly. He couldn’t help but feel proud of himself.

The rest of the meal is filled with the two of you laughing at each other’s jokes and talking about your respective days. Before you know it, the plates in front of you are empty.

When you’re about to get up to do the dishes and clean the kitchen, Chan stops you.

“What’re you doing?” Chan asks you.

“I’m going to wash the dishes and clean the kitchen?” you say, confused as to why he finds this strange.

Normally when one of you cooks, the other person cleans. Since Chan cooked for the both of you today, it seemed obvious to you that you would be on clean up duty today.

“Let me clean, you sit and rest.” Chan says as he tries to take the plate from your hand.

“Rest from what, Chan? I’ve been sitting on this couch for the past 2 hours doing nothing but resting. What’s gotten into you today?” you ask as you firmly hold the plate in your hand, refusing to let him take it from you.

“I just thought you could use the extra rest, given your condition and all.” Chan says.

“‘Given my condition’? What’s that supposed to mean? I’m totally fine.” you say, slightly agitated.

Chan mentally facepalms himself. He told himself that he wouldn’t bring up the pregnancy unless you did and now here he was, bringing up the pregnancy.

“You know what, never mind.” Chan says, trying to brush it off.

You weren’t gonna let him off that easily.

“What do you mean never mind? You just insinuated that there’s something wrong with me and I need to rest, but now when I ask you about it you won’t say anything? What’s up with that?” you ask him.

“Well, I just didn’t want to pressure you into talking about it if you weren’t ready. I didn’t know if you wanted to share it with me or not.” Chan says.

“Pressure me into talking about what? Chan, you’re going to have to explain yourself a little more clearly because I’m completely lost.” you say, becoming less angry and more confused.

“The pregnancy!” Chan exclaims. “I know that you’re pregnant but I didn’t want to bring it up in case you didn’t want to talk about it yet. A bunch of articles online said not to bring it up unless you brought up the topic yourself and I didn’t want to pressure you into telling me you’re pregnant.”

There’s a few beats of silence as you try to process the words that just came out of your boyfriend’s mouth.

“Pregnant? Babe, I’m not pregnant. Who told you I’m pregnant?”

“Wait, you’re not pregnant?” Chan asks. Now it was his turn to be confused.

“No, and if I was pregnant, you would be the first person I would tell. I wouldn’t keep that from you. But why’d you think I’m pregnant?”

“I don’t wanna tell you, you’re gonna laugh at me.” Chan whines, hiding his face in his hands.

“Babe, I promise I won’t laugh at you. Can you please, please, please tell me why you thought I was pregnant? If you don't, I'm just gonna assume that you think I’ve gained weight.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just,” Chan pauses and takes a deep breath, “you were eating a green mango when I got home earlier and I remember you telling me a few days ago that women crave sour foods when they’re pregnant so I just kinda assumed. Ugh, it sounds so stupid when I say it out loud.”

You can’t help the laugh that bubbles out of your chest. You were trying so hard not to laugh at your boyfriend, but you couldn’t help it. You just found it so funny that he would jump to conclusions like that.

“Hey, you said you wouldn’t laugh at me.” Chan whines as he lifts his face from his hands.

“I’m sorry, I just can’t help it. It’s a little funny, you have to admit.” you say as you lean closer to give him a comforting hug.

“Okay, maybe it is a little funny.” Chan says as he lets out a small giggle.

“See! You can’t blame me!” you say as you burst into another fit of giggles.

Once the two of you have finally calmed down, you’re both reminded of the small mess in front of you and the bigger mess in the kitchen.

“So, since I know you’re not pregnant, do you wanna clean the kitchen for me?” Chan asks.

“What happened to ‘I’ll clean, you should rest on the couch’?” you ask, teasing him.

“Fine, I guess since I offered, I’ll follow through. I am a man of my word.” Chan says, determination heavy in his voice.

“I’m just kidding, of course I’ll clean up.” you say.

“Fine, but at least let me help.” Chan says.

“If you want to help, I’m not gonna stop you.” you say as the two of you make your way into the kitchen.

When you get to the entryway of the kitchen, you can’t help but just stand there with your eyes wide.

“Lee Jung Chan! Look at the mess you made! I can’t believe you! You dirtied every dish in this house!” you exclaim as you scold him.

Chan silently wishes that he didn’t take up the offer to help you clean. The entire time the two of you spent cleaning the kitchen was filled with you nagging him about the mess he made. But he knows he wouldn’t have it any other way.

[willowsnook]

Hi! Can you do Josh Allen x Wife!reader

She goes to one of his games and he shows off by pulling a 40-0 win.

Thank you

Josh Allen x wife!reader (Big Win)

You loved Buffalo in the fall just before it got too cold. As you made your way Highmark Stadium, the sight of trees changing colors made you smile. Josh's sister Makenna was sitting in your passenger seat filling you in on her first summer post-grad.

"Am I going to get a niece or nephew any time soon?" She asked out of the blue. You whipped your head around and stared at her in disbelief.

"What?"

"I mean he's not getting any younger," she said nonchalantly.

"He's 27," you protested. "And I'm only 25." She shrugged.

"Just wondering." Comfortable silence filled the car as you pulled into the stadium. Yes, you wanted kids with Josh but why now? He was busy and away for games all the time and you didn't want to give up your career if you didn't have to. Your thoughts came to a stop as you pulled into your spot, jumping out of the car with Makenna. The two of you headed inside and towards a grand room where the team catered brunch for the families. You grabbed a plate and went through the line before finding a seat next to some other WAGs you were friends with.

"Are you guys traveling to London next month for the game?" One of them asked. The group was split with some nodding and others shaking their heads.

"I would rather die than wrangle my two kids on that long ass flight by myself," someone said and you laughed.

"What about you y/n? Are you going?"

"Yeah, I've never been to London. It seems like a good excuse to explore," you said smiling.

"I'm going too, what day is your flight?" Your friend Emily asked and you two started making plans on what to see while the boys were busy.

When it was a little closer to gametime and the boys were warming up you headed down to the field to say hi to Josh before you settled in.

"Hi Mrs. Allen," he said smiling as he came over to you.

"Hi, Mr. Allen," you replied laughing. You wrapped your arms around his waist and he kissed the top of your head. "Nervous?"

"Never baby," he said. You knew he was lying though, no matter how amazing was, he was always a little on edge before gametime.

"Let's make a little wager then hmm," you said with a glint in your eye. He looked down at you expectantly.

"Four touchdown passes and you can come home to me in just your jersey and nothing else." His face reddened as he blushed making you smile wider.

"What if I lose?" He mumbled. You brought your finger to your chin thinking.

"Hmmm, then I'll get to go on a shopping spree with your card in London," you replied and he rolled his eyes.

"Not like you weren't going to do that before," he said. He leaned down and gave you one last soft kiss before trotting off to join the rest of the guys.

You headed up to your seats and settled in. Kickoff came and went and by the time the second quarter rolled around Josh had already thrown three touchdown passes.

"This is crazy!" Makenna exclaimed. "He's on fire."

You blushed thinking about your earlier conversation and took another sip of your drink. The Bills were driving down and after Josh threw a 40 yard bomb to Stefon you knew it was only a matter of time.

Sure enough on the next play you watched as Beasley caught your husband's pass for another Bill TD. You cheered loudly with his sister and the rest of the fans in your section. Josh trotted over to the sidelines with the biggest grin you'd seen on his face all game. He found you in the stands and gave you a wink.

The final score ended up being 40-0 and your husband ended the day with 5 touchdowns and 400 passing yards. On the field you waited for him with Makenna who rushed to give him a big hug.

"You were amazing! 5 touchdowns, it's like you couldn't be stopped," she exclaimed. He looked over at you.

"I had some good motivation," he replied making you blush. You were in for a long night.

[chunkzdeluluwife]

𝙂𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚

YN and AJ play the game of life and AJ gets very competitive 

Warnings: very minor sexual comment ‼️

YN and AJ were relaxing on the couch after AJ had a long day at work and YN spent her day out with friends.

Feeling a little bored, YN thought of an idea for them to do. She looked at AJ and piped up, “AJ, since we’re both home, why don’t we play a board game?”

“That sounds like a great idea! What game do you have in mind?” AJ asked.

“Hmm, let’s see,” she said, looking through their cabinet. “How about The Game of Life?”

“Alright, let’s play The Game of Life,” AJ said, grabbing the box and setting it up on the table.

AJ carefully rolled the die and moved his little car around the board. He landed on the “attend college” square and paid the required fee, adding a diploma token to his game piece. He then glanced at YN’s life path, trying to see if he was ahead or behind.

YN decided to go straight into a career, arguing that all the fun jobs weren’t in the college path. She was ahead of AJ since she chose to start working right away.

AJ scoffed playfully at YN’s choice. “Well, I’m not surprised you took the easy route. College gives you a higher-paying career.”

“So what?” YN shrugged.

“So, I’m going to be earning more money than you!” AJ declared with a grin, playfully poking YN’s side.

“Well, think about real life,” YN said. “I went to college and finished, and now I’m just your housewife. You didn’t go, and now you’re basically almost a millionaire.”

“That’s just because I work smarter, not harder,” AJ retorted with a smug grin. “You spent all that time and money on college, and look where it got you… just a housewife!”

“Not just a housewife—your wife and soon-to-be stay-at-home mother,” YN corrected.

AJ’s smug grin softened. He reached out, took YN’s hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m just messing with you, you know that. You’re much more than just a housewife, and I’m grateful for everything you do. I can’t wait to see you as a mother. We’re a team, no matter what.”

“And you know what…”

“What’s that?” AJ asked, curious about her sudden change in tone.

“Your turn is taking forever,” YN laughed.

AJ rolled his eyes playfully. “Sorry, I was having an emotional moment. Time to get back to the game!” He quickly moved his piece and landed on a spot that said “have a baby.” He paid the fee and added a baby token to his car, chuckling to himself.

“Look at that,” he said with a grin. “A baby in the family. I’m already winning, even though you were ahead of me earlier.”

“That’s fine,” YN laughed. “It’s about who has the most money in the end.”

“Well, I’m sure that’ll be me,” AJ said confidently, his eyes darting across the board, trying to plan his next move.

AJ’s competitive nature began to show as he calculated his moves, determined to out-earn YN on the game board. Meanwhile, YN was focusing on deciding how many kids she wanted and what kind of house she’d choose, finding the game cute and wholesome.

AJ glanced at YN, both amused and a little envious of her laid-back approach to the game.

As they continued playing, AJ became more focused, his competitive streak taking over. He wanted to win by any means necessary.

“Oh no! I grabbed a card where I have to get my car repaired and pay $10k. That sucks,” YN said.

AJ smirked at her misfortune. “Aww, look at that. Someone’s losing money,” he teased.

YN chuckled at AJ’s attitude. “Yeah, I am.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll catch up soon. Or… maybe you won’t,” he taunted, trying to keep a nonchalant tone, but inside he was thrilled at the prospect of winning.

As the game progressed, AJ’s focus sharpened, analyzing every move YN made in hopes of gaining an advantage. Whenever she stumbled, he made a teasing comment or gave her a smug look, adding salt to the wound.

AJ’s smirk grew as his pile of money grew. He made a show of counting it, making sure YN saw his growing fortune. “You might want to reconsider your strategy,” he taunted, pretending to be helpful but clearly being sarcastic.

“What strategy?” YN laughed. “This game is basically all chance.”

“Well, maybe you should try being luckier,” AJ smirked. “I’m just saying, things are looking pretty good for me. But don’t worry, I’ll help you out later when you’re broke.”

“You would?” she asked, giggling.

“Oh, of course! I’m very generous like that,” AJ said, patting her hand mock-comfortingly. “I’ll just be over here with all my money, laughing as you struggle.”

“Alright, we’ll see.”

As the game continued, AJ grew more confident. He was leading in terms of money, and an overwhelming sense of victory started to sink in. He gave YN advice, pretending to be helpful, while secretly hoping for her downfall.

Eventually, AJ reached the finish line first, with YN not far behind.

AJ grinned smugly as he counted his money. “Ha! Told you I’d win, didn’t I? My strategy was just better.”

“Wait, did you count your money? How much do you have?” YN asked.

“Oh, did I forget to tell you? I got $250k! You know, just a small amount…” AJ said, eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Guess what… I got $540k,” YN laughed.

“WHAT?!” AJ yelped, shocked. “No way, that can’t be right…” He quickly recounted her money, but there it was: $540k. He looked up at YN in disbelief. “You… won? How?!”

“Well, AJ, you thought I had less money because I had fewer bills, right? But I was holding all the big bills the whole time,” she laughed. “You had all the smaller ones, just a bunch of them.” She burst into laughter.

AJ’s jaw dropped as he realized he had underestimated her. The whole time he had been bragging, not noticing she was collecting the larger bills. He felt a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

“It’s okay, baby, we both did great,” YN said, crawling over to him, side-hugging him and kissing his cheek.

AJ’s frustration melted away as she pressed a kiss to his cheek. He knew she was just teasing, and he couldn’t stay mad at her. He wrapped his arm around her, chuckling softly. “You played me good, didn’t you?”

“I think I did. Maybe that’ll teach you not to boast.”

AJ laughed, still a little embarrassed but amused. “Yeah, yeah, you got me this time. But mark my words, I’ll get you back next time we play,” he teased, poking her side.

“Oh really?”

“Yep, really,” AJ said confidently. “I’m not about to let you win twice in a row. Next time, I’ll make sure to pay attention to those details. Small bills, big bills… whatever. It won’t matter next time because I’m winning.”

“You know what? You always win… my heart,” YN said, laughing at her own cheesy comment.

AJ rolled his eyes but chuckled in agreement. “I guess I do always win, don’t I?” He nudged her side playfully. “But seriously, you played really well. I didn’t see that coming. You’ve got some sneakiness in you. But just wait till next time—then we’ll see who’s really on top.”

“Right… AJ always tops,” YN laughed.

AJ burst out laughing, his face turning red. “Oh, shut up!” he said, playfully shoving her arm. He couldn’t deny he was a little proud of the joke, even though she was teasing him.

He pulled her in closer, a smirk on his face. “Well, you won’t hear me complaining about that…”

“Okay, let’s clean up this game, you goof,” she said, laughing.

“Okay, okay,” AJ chuckled, gathering up the game pieces.

As they cleaned up, AJ found himself stealing glances at YN. She was still laughing at his expense, but he couldn’t hold it against her—not when she looked so good doing it.

AJ couldn’t help but admire YN’s laughter, watching her giggle over winning. It made his heart skip a beat, seeing how gorgeous she was, especially when she was happy like that.

After they finished cleaning up, AJ looked over at YN, smiling. He admired her, taking in her beautiful face, the way her hair fell into her eyes, her cute nose, and her soft lips.

“You’re gorgeous, you know that, right?” he blurted out, caught up in the moment.

“Thank you. I would hope you think your wife is gorgeous,” she laughed.

AJ chuckled and gave her a wink. “Well, of course, I do. You’re beautiful, smart, funny… I could go on. Plus, you just beat me at a board game.” He smirked, nudging her side playfully.

“I did! I’m just that cool,” she said jokingly, making her way to bed.

“You definitely are,” he replied with a soft smile as he followed her. He climbs under the covers with her. As they settle in, AJ thinks back on the game they just played and the way she beat him. He’s still a little sour about it, but more than anything, he’s proud of her for her smart strategy.

As they lie in bed, AJ wraps his arm around YN, pulling her in close, feeling a warmth in his chest.

“You know, I didn’t expect you to beat me like that. I mean, I knew you’d do well, but not $540k,” he chuckles. “What’s your secret?” he asks, half-jokingly.

“My secret…” she mumbles sleepily. “A good night’s sleep. Good night, love.”

AJ stifles an amused laugh at her drowsy response. “Ah, of course. Sleep is the key to victory,” he agrees, kissing the top of her head. “Good night, love. Sweet dreams.”

[snowbryneich]

2 and 11 for ten nights and nine parts!

Lol I'm going to add future as per your message <3

2. How did you come up with the idea?

Ten Nights

Honestly Ten Nights started as I will write a threesome if you don't leave me alone to the purity anon when they kept hassling me that Jace was cheating on Baela by basically existing (and or having been held hostage in Lys or dragged to a brothel against his will) and it originally was meant to be like a parallel to your lovely and painful - for you were lonely (you were like me) but as I was writing it's turned out pretty different - not least that the feelings have kicked in before the sex when the outline did not have that happening.

Nine Parts

We were talking about gender swap fic (I do not recall how we got on that I admit) and I said I bet Baelon, son of Daemon would appreciate his dad sponsored brothel visits and then really enjoy scandalising his proper betrothed/wife and then Baelon appeared fully formed like yes I would like that WRITE it immediately and there is no getting away from him when he shows up. (Other than [redacted])

Future

Well this as the first one when the HOTD and Jacaela hyperfixation kicked in and it was literally like i want Jace to live but I don't want to erase the Gullet (which I have done in subsequent fics obviously) how can he live and also not change the war too much so I don't have to rewrite it and then I was like oh Lys. He could be a hostage like Vis. and then everyone thinks he's dead and oh won't that cause complications for everyone and of course being an adult hostage in Lys is very different to a child (I mean not that different to canon given when Vis and Lara have kids GRR) but Future Vis is younger than canon Vis. So it add the Baela mourned him. Jace has survivors guilt. They both have SA trauma. How can they work past that and then off we went.

11. What was the most challenging aspect of writing it?

Ten Nights

lol [redacted]

No I think the challenge is having Jace's (and Rhaena's) stubborness go on as long as it does and be realistic and true to them - I mean I think it is and I think it makes sense because the stakes are SO high if this goes wrong and it's why it eventually is going to go the way it does (that you know about an no-one else does) because neither of them would put the status quo at risk when this famiily is all they have.

Nine Parts

Lol honestly those two crazy kids largely write themselves once they get going, its my occassional worry that I'm having Jacaera's plots go too well but largely I'm like I should just stick a Team Black win tag on and go for it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Having to write Daemon and Rhaenyra also rather than killing them off haha. They're tough.

Future

The backstory and trauma and how it affects them (and poor Egg) and also the revelations about Lys and the Usurper and making sure I'm handling them respectfully while writing from the POV of traumatised teenagers from a society that does not understand trauma or acknowledge men can be SA by women and trying to handle that realistically is a tricky balance.

[yourlocalqreator]

A New Driver

Paring: Sergio Perez X Flora Castellanos (OC)

While Sergio and Max are talking about the season along with stuff, A new driver then goes to the 2 red bull drivers which made Sergio Checo Perez Mendoza change his love life. Warning: Fluff

His mind was thinking about so much, The race, His marriage wasn't working out for him and his wife,. He was looking for a new love but that was never working, "Hey, Uhh Checo, You good man," Max asked as Sergio got back in reality and nodded, "Uhh you sure cause-" he cut himself off as his eyes got wide, he couldn't believe it, He had been talking about this for so long and he had never seen his friend so upset. He looked up to see Max's eyes were wide as well, his mind had gotten away from him, Max looked like he was going to cry, but he didn't, and instead, Sergio smiled and said, "I'm sorry Max, I didn't mean to upset you, it's just I have a lot to deal with right now, and my marriage isn't going so well." Max smiled as he looked at him in a brotherly way. "I know"

Who would want to be with a 31-year-old divorced man? He thought to himself as he looked into the distance. He saw Max's girlfriend Kelly in the distance talking to a .. New driver?

Sergio thought to himself "Hey Max, Who is that kelly's talking to?" Sergio looked at the blond female driver "Oh, that's the new driver, ". She was short and cute and her hair was in a dutch braid bun which made Sergio find someone. She then looked at Sergio who was looking at him also. She then smiled and walked at the two men.

Oh shit, she's coming.

Sergio started to get flustered but acted cool as the women started to walk up to them. "Hey, are you the driver?" she asked Sergio with a smile on her face. "Yes we are, I'm Sergio Perez and my partner here is Max Verstappen." She then came closer to him and put her hand out, "Hi I'm Flora Castellanos." "Nice to meet you, Flora, I'm Sergio and this is my best friend Max." The woman smiled as she took his hand in hers and shook it, "Well hi there, Nice to meet you guys as well." Her hands felt soft and warm, and her grip was firm. She then let go of his hand and smiled, "So what brings you to our team?" Max asked Flora. "Well, Your boss christain horner, and I talked because he said that I have what it takes to join the team," said Flora. "What does that mean?" Max asked curiously. Flora then replied to Max, "You know how Red Bull always wins the races, well your boss told me to come over here and get my chance, He said that there is an opening now and I should grab it." Max smiled, "That's great news Flora, but why do you think you can make it?" "Because I'm a fast driver," Flora answered confidently. "I've won all sorts of races before and I'm very good at driving and being quick but I don't think of myself as a winner cause, hah you know." "Yeah, I know, It's hard to win these days, but I'm sure you will make it." Sergio said happily. "Thanks, Sergio, I appreciate it." Max was chuckling "Hey, I think my Mexican mate has a little-"

"No, I don't" Sergio started to laugh at him

"But hey Flora, if you're interested, maybe we could go out sometime and get some food or something." "Sure, I'd love to," said Flora. As Flora was getting ready to leave, Sergio suddenly remembered something and asked her, "By the way Flora, where did you use to drive?" "Like anyone from Formula 4 to F2," said Flora. "And then?" Max asked. "I drove for some teams through my Formula Racing Career," Flora answered. "Can't remember since it's been a long time," she chuckled. "Yeah, I'm glad that Christian chose you as an official 3rd driver. Your Really Cu- I mean" Sergio was about to say something but "You're really fun to hang out with" He started to get flustered by looking at her. "Oh. Thank you, you too,"

she giggled. Flora started to notice how he was feeling so she started to let her hand down close to his. He started to feel her hand next to his, To tease her his fingers started to grab her pinkie and that's when Flora started to blush a little. Sergio looked at Flora's hand on his before his hand moved to her whole hand and started to hold onto her hand.

That's when Flora started to look at Sergio. "Oh sorry, just got a little too comfortable," he said before letting go scratching his head. "Nah it's okay" Both chuckled and laughed looking at each other. "Oh uhm, speaking of what you just did, do you have a wife or something?" Asked flora. "I used to but we're now divorced," He said

"Wait why?"

"Some problems," he said. "Damn, how you feelin now?" asked Flora, "Free" being honestly true," he smiled. "That's cool, So you wanna like get to know each other before getting on that Bahrain track?" Asked Flora.

"Of course, I can Amiga"

[finndoesntwantthis]

So, this is just my honest opinion on everything. You can answer it if you want. But if you don't, then that's okay too. Here goes.

While it's certainly okay and justified to dislike CM Punk, I'm not with the idea that we should also hate FTR or anyone else Punk is friends with from AEW and WWE. Especially if they have nothing to do with situation, or have never said anything about it. And the same goes for his wife, AJ Lee. And frankly, I feel bad that she continues to get dragged into this by fans, even though she's done the most to stay out of it and has kept to herself.

I don't always agree with FTR's takes on certain things, but just like The Young Bucks, they share the same love and passion for tag team wrestling and wrestling in general. And they shouldn't be punished just because of who they're friends with. And this idea they're going with the narrative that it was FTR's fault just sounds silly, because again, they had no involvement and weren't present when all this happened with Punk and Jack. So, to me, it just sounds like they want to punish FTR for being guilty by association. Which isn't right or fair either.

I've always been on The Elite's side, and what happened last night doesn't change that. My stance remains the same. My only concern is that unfortunately, it may not make a difference for other people, since I see people still defending Punk. And this is only gonna give fans who already don't like AEW to begin with even more ammunition. So, sadly, I don't see people moving on from this.

So for me personally, I don’t dislike FTR as wrestlers and as performers, they always give good matches. When I made my post it was in response to their promo and more aimed at Certain Fans of a Certain Person who like to repeat the same "why are they still talking about this" bullshit. I think FTR have shown that they believe in what the company stands for and therefore don't want to harm it, but want to make it better.

I love that the Bucks have once again taken things that weirdos who hate them have said, and are turning it into storyline. I think that's what smart modern wrestlers should do, because it's so easy, and it means fans are already invested. If you're not sure yet, then let it play out and enjoy the ride! It's not a punishment for FTR at all, it's a great way to get people behind seeing Bucks vs FTR again, since most people wanted different teams to win the tournament. The whole thing is very smart!

And no, people won't stop talking, they never do. Some people are miserable and cannot do anything but focus on things they hate, rather than things that are fun and bring them joy. Nothing we can do about that. But it brings me joy to watch the Bucks do everything they can to take all negatives and turn them into positives/entertainment.

[rei-ismyname]

Oh boy there is so much going on here. The start of the rehabilitation of Xavier's 'dream,' the erasure of anything Cyclops achieved, the polite fiction that the whole 'endangered species' thing didn't have Magneto and Xavier deferring to Cyclops, Logan proven right in the Schism bc the narrative kept the genocidal threats away, nobody mentioning that Logan was trying to kill Hope, or that he was the Avengers' expert on The Phoenix for some reason. You know that bird that killed the creepy perfect crush he named the school after, but when Tony Stark's arrogance puts Scott in the same position he's a villain.

The idea that 'we' failed 'him' as if Xavier hadn't spent most of the last 5 years as a pariah for very good reasons. Whatever 'did it our own way' means, as if that isn't one of Logan's defining characteristics.

IT'S NOT A SIMPLE THING. It's straight up delusional to claim so. It *should* be but people are shitbags. 'Chuck only saw one path' as if that's something to be proud of. 'Protecting those who hated and feared us til they stopped' said with a straight face as if it's a rational strategy. As if bigotry has ever been solved through the permission of the oppressor. As if decades of the strategy have led anywhere but ruin. There were less than 200 mutants left in the world until very recently, yet that mission never stopped. It maybe wasn't as effective as usual, on account of every threat being a genocidal one. Logan's class there would have been the last, but Hope and the Phoenix changed that. Good thing he didn't kill her. Almost as if Cyclops was Right and the Avengers messed everything up, kept poking the bear, then villainised the guy possessed by a cosmic entity against his will. Their fantastic idea of training Hope's body, mind, and spirit felt a little familiar. Oh yeah, that's what Scott was doing. We need to convince you he's a villain so we're telling you he was wrong and the guy who committed suicide by Phoenix was a saint.

Keep in mind Cyclops is in a maximum security solitary confinement and about to be moved to a for profit prison to be shanked. Held by a government that has sentinels and has never stopped building them. Chuck 'died without seeing his dream come true' is something that will always be true. It's not actionable. It's emotionally manipulative. Why is this man telling children this? Mutants have just started being born again - that's a win.

Look at the book it takes place in, too. Uncanny Avengers, the token, b-grade team that is too little too late, if it's even helpful. Why aren't there more mutants in the Avengers? That would make more of a difference than creating a remedial team for the non-humans. Scott and Alex's conversation gets cut off but Scott makes good points. I got you.

My dude didn't summon the Phoenix. It's the first thing he'd say. He didn't ask to be possessed, that was Tony Stark. Chuck and Mags both explicitly passed the torch to Scott as an evolution of their obsolete methods. 'Btw your dead wife is still dead.' What a dick.

That's not what happened. Xavier was on Magneto Island too. Alex has been one of the most unreliable X-Men ever. It's not something he wanted to be doing. He's bailed on the dream countless times, if he ever believed in it. He doesn't have a leg to stand on criticising Scott like this. I wonder if he enjoyed cleaning up after the 'dream' when their other brother resurfaced. Dead dad, space war, billions dead. Brainwashing traumatized teenagers woo. Clearly they don't teach The Socratic Method at Xavier's.

He's being blatantly tortured and is muzzled by the narrative because his response would break the premise. At worst, there should be shared accountability for the disastrous events following The Phoenix's visit. I don't buy The Avengers as the good guys in the event. If I'm being charitable they're control freaks. If I'm not they're the antagonists of a story who got away with their mistakes by scapegoating one guy for his actions while possessed by a cosmic abstraction.

At least they gave his dud brother a job though, right?

The Funeral of Charles Xavier

Uncanny Avengers #1 - “New Union” (2012) written by Rick Remender art by John Cassaday & Laura Martin

[significant-narratives]

Ok but consider: the splash bros as a narrative foil to austonmitchy ... nearly 10 years of losing in the most heartbreakingly almost fashion and yet you still choose to stay and go back home to each other vs. being undisputably the best and coming back from the dead time after time after years of waiting and longing and reminding the world that you're unstoppable together even if the clock seems to have other plans.

That and klay is the most recent victim of mitchsogyny which is when uber-entitled fans of a team with a Best Guy Ever want to kick said Guy's work wife off of the only one he's ever known because of (1) bad playoff performance that somehow overshadows several good ones !! Men are watching sports for the wrong reasons just enjoy the gay love story and be grateful ugh !!! Ok sorry for ranting ive just been thinking abt both of them a lot and luv ur blog and need them all to stay married forever or i will do something Drastic etc ok that's all bye have a lovely day <333

oh my god anon... your mind... i had never connected those two dots but yes absolutely!! as always i am prone to rambling so i'm sticking the rest of my reply under the cut.

i think you nailed it re: how despite the different trajectory each pairing has taken (years of coming close but not close enough vs literal dynastic success) the enduring love is still there!

i also think the way these two pairings came to be is interesting to compare. auston and mitch written in the stars (auston shattering the glass of the rink off a mitch assist in their first practice together, fast friends since they were rookies etc) vs steph and klay having a slower burn and only really bonding a couple years in (the barcelona trip).

and then, like. auston and mitch sitting in the locker room together, united in their grief and heartbreak in the amazon doc... the effervescent joy that klay and steph take in succeeding together but also watching each other succeed, even all these years later!! both pairs always speaking highly of one another, understanding that they make each other better, and most importantly wanting to climb the metaphorical mountain together. and needing each other in order to do so.

less important but amusing to me: one half getting married and settling down (steph, mitch) and the other still (presumably) happily living that bachelor life (klay, auston)

have to take a quick second to highlight this part of your ask because it made me feel so weepy in wake of Recent Events (which i will circle back to):

being undisputably the best and coming back from the dead time after time after years of waiting and longing and reminding the world that you're unstoppable together even if the clock seems to have other plans

LIKE.... LET'S TALK ABOUT IT FOR REAL... steph is a generational talent, an all time great, changed the way the game is played etc etc BUT. everything he has won at an nba level has been with klay by his side. the warriors were a lottery team for two seasons, everyone said they'd never win again in the 1130 era... and then klay came back and they won again! when steph was out last season, klay played a huge part in keeping the time afloat! i repeat that through the power of true love all things are possible and i think that's beautiful.

and of course, klay as the most recent victim of mitchsogyny is just incredible scholarship, truly. i've been avoiding all warriors-related news/spaces this offseason because people are being so fucking miserable, it's painful to see.

like, with the faction of leafs fans who want mitch gone, i can almost understand why they feel that way (note: that doesn't mean i approve or agree lol). and that's because in the same way that winning cures all, losing poisons everything.

but with warriors fans and klay, it's like? was four championships and coming back from two potentially career-ending injuries not enough for you people? did you guys forget a decade plus of incredible performances that quickly? where is your sense of loyalty! <- this circles back to your point abt how the average sportsfan engages with team sports. they care about the logo, the team as a concept, and maybeee one or two superstar players. but for me personally, and i think for many people on sports tumblr, what good is rooting for a team if the team is completely unrecognizable? i don't want to see nameless players win a title, i want to watch my guys win! i want to get invested in their journeys and their accomplishments and watch them grow together! sports are just stories about people at the end of the day!

please don't apologize anon, i too have been in the trenches with the news that klay is likely to leave as a FA and just... everything... about the mitch situation. i think the most important thing to remember is that no matter what happens, the love will always be there. and when we look back, their names will always be said together.

[jaywritesrps]

Did Ash ever really love Ali, or was it all an act? She seems like she’s morphed into a completely different person than she was 5 or 6 years ago. The marriage didn’t last- whatever- people get divorced all the time. But the way Ashlyn acted towards Ali the last 6 months they were together just seemed so out of character. She was intentionally mean and cruel and I just don’t get that. Especially when you’ve moved on with someone else. It’s like she had to hammer Ali in the process.

Only Ashlyn can answer that, my friend. To me, I think that she did love Ali, but not the real Ali, it was mostly the version of Ali that she had in her head and once they got married and started to having a daily life with routine and all that, she lost the interest in having that white picket fence dream after having kids and noticing Ali didn't have the same devotion she had.

She looks to me someone that needs big gestures of love all the time, and Ali isn't that person. Ali is a pratical person, she said in Foudy's podcast that she is not from talking too much, she shows. While Ashlyn looks like someone that you need to constantly tell her you like her. You can see that at how she follows Sophia around like a lovesick puppy and how she totally changed her style to fit in with Sophia and her friends, it's completely different than six months ago too, this shows a lot as how her interior is.

"It's like she had to hammer Ali in the process"

One of the persons I have talked to about this while I was trying to know better what was going on told me that you could see during the the trainings in Gotham that it was different with them. It looked like they were competing with each other, rather than working together as a team, which was very different than from when they played for NT or for Pride. It's why I believe there's a some sort of ressentment from Ashlyn's part toward Ali, cause she really thought Ali was going to choose her over soccer, cause they had an agreement in retiring together and Ali broke it so she could have her last dance, which she (ali) is not wrong, soccer is her big love, it's not her fault Ashlyn's injury tht ended her career, so why couldn't she have her last shot to win NWSL Trophy? But Ashlyn is not wrong either, what would you if you realize that you are at most the 3rd important thing in your wife's life and that soccer will always comes first than you? I totally understand her reasons, but this doesn't give her the right to act like she did with Ali, by playing on with another woman behind her back.

What I wish people understood is that the only reason that it didn't have cheating it was cause of Sophia didn't want to have a relationship with someone still married, but if it was another person with a different set of values, the cheating would happened, because Ashlyn was up to that, since she didn't want to stay married anymore, and in her head, this wasn't cheating.

[honeybeedewdrops]

Softball | B.Bradshaw

Summary: When you first told Rooster you were joining a softball league he was unsure but after one game he changes his mind.

A/N: This is from Anonymous but I couldn't find the message so if you requested this i'm sorry I couldn't find the request but enjoy.

___________________________________________________________

"A softball team you're kidding right?" he asks as you two get into bed. "Yes a softball team besides it's for charity. You like Charity" "Y/N I don't think i've ever seen you touch a bat let alone a softball" he says "well i'll have you know i'm pretty decent but please come support us" you beg. "For you always besides like you said it's charity" and he kisses your forehead and you two fall asleep.

It had been a couple weeks and it was the game today. Your team was huddled on the pitch when you heard someone calling your name. "Y/N. Y/N." Rooster yells you look over seeing him he even brought some of his co workers/friends you wave and go back to talking to the team.

"Welcome everybody first I'd like to thank you all for coming my name is Y/N Bradshaw and this is a charity event to raise money for epilepsy. To kick things off we have a short softball game and then feel free to talk to the booths around, enjoy food drinks, and some fun friendly competition" You say and everyone cheers. "Thank you" you turn off the microphone and set it down heading to your team as the national anthem plays

"Ok team it doesn't matter if we win or lose all we care about is raising money for Epilepsy" You shout you team was up to bat first. "Woooooo" The cheers of the crowd were heard.

For majority of the game your team was doing pretty good and you were up to bat. "YEAH GO Y/N" you heard Rooster shout. You look over at him and they were all hooting and hollering. You chuckle at Roosters crazy antics before getting back to what was at hand.

You step up to the plate and get ready. The first pitch comes and you swing but miss. The next pitch comes but once again you miss. As the last pitch came you swing and with a loud crack the ball goes soaring and you take off watching as it flies over the fence.

You run the bases hearing Roosters shouts "THAT'S MY WIFE, YASSS" You chuckle and finish clearing the bases.

The game didn't last much longer and you walked off the pitch shaking hands with the other players. You spot Rooster and his friends and run over to him jumping in his arms kissing him. You pull away. "See I told you I was good" "hey I never said anything" "mmm hmm sure" You say as he sets you down.

"Hey Y/N that hit was amazing" Phoenix says "Why thank you however I think that is my first and last home run I will hit" You say "Ah come on you can't be a one hit wonder" Maverick says "I don't know" you chuckle "but hey guys thanks for coming out it means a lot. For sure enjoy some food, games, there might even be some beer" you say taking Rooster's hand. "Of course anything for Rooster and of course you" Bob says "Thanks Bob."

"So Y/N." "yes Hangman?" "you want to introduce me to that cute second base girl" You roll your eyes "Nope, Now come one Roo i'm going to kick you ass in Basketball" you say "I don't think so." and you take off to to the little arcade set up they had Rooster right behind you.

"oh he is so whipped" Hangman says.

"you were amazing babe" "thanks I was for sure thinking I was going to strike out" Rooster nods "nah I never doubted you" "Not even for a second?" You asks "yep" "Lies" you joke "what? when?" "the day I told you I was on a team" "Ok yes but I wasn't serious" you roll your eyes. "of course you were. Now it's on" you say shooting the basketball and making it. "Looser buys dinner" He says and it was on.

It's safe to say you lost but Rooster didn't let you pay even if you did loose.

[danpuff-ao3]

Headcanons: The Half-Blood History

So I have in my head a pretty firm headcanon for the Prince family, and Eileen (due to my Severus Snape obsession) that I've always wanted to work into a story. But...well...I'm starting to doubt I can work it in anywhere. Currently it's just useless background knowledge in my head so why not put it to use and share it with you guys??

Part I: Virgil and Desdemona

So! Eileen's parents: who are they?

Her father I have named Virgil Prince.

Her mother...her mother originally had a very badass and fitting name, but it's lost in my brain somewhere. So for now, I'm calling her Desdemona.

Now this is the fun part. Desdemona was the older sister of Cantankerous Nott. You know, the guy who came up with the Sacred Twenty-Eight? Yeah. Him. Desdemona was from a proud pureblood family who really wanted to marry her off. Only...no takers. There were plenty of witches more beautiful, more charming, more wealthy than her. Her brothers got married off. Her pretty younger sister got married off. Desdemona started getting up there in age (as in, like, her mid twenties, the horror) and her father worried that he'd be stuck with her forever.

Enter: Virgil Prince.

The Prince family was very important, once upon a time. They had mountains of gold, priceless artifacts, plenty of land. More importantly, they boasted of pureblood and powerful magic. The Prince family had a long, rich history. They bred alchemists, and spellcrafters, soothsayers, and a politician or two. Then, eventually, gamblers and spendthrifts. And as their coffers grew emptier, they began to breed thieves. Until eventually the Prince name was tarnished and their wealth was eroded. All that remained of their legacy was one modest manor and a handful of heirlooms.

Despite their fall from grace, the name "Prince" still retained bits of color and intrigue. And when the hermit Virgil Prince began looking for a bride, to Pertinax Nott he was the best of bad options. He threw his daughter into Virgil's arms and wiped his hands clean of her.

(Pertinax means "persistent and stubborn" so trust me, Severus 100% is related to some guy named Pertinax. My mind will not be changed.)

Desdemona was not overly impressed by her new home or her new husband, but she made the best of her situation. She was very practical and no-nonsense and, as it happened, quite intelligent and skilled. She mended the faulty wards on the grounds, she cleaned up the garden, and (because her rotten excuse for a father didn't include a house elf with her dowry) she learned how to cook.

Better yet, Desdemona knew many languages, and was well-studied in religion, philosophy, and history.

Virgil had married Desdemona hoping to better his circumstances. Marrying a Nott felt like winning the jackpot, only to find a small dowry and in-laws with no desire to lend a helping hand. No money, no connections, nothing but a wife.

But if Desdemona had little else to recommend her, she had quite the mind, and Virgil was pleased. They found mutual respect, if not love, over deep conversations about magical theory and mythology and a number of other subjects.

Eventually they had to produce an heir. It would be a waste of their pureblood not to, even if neither was particularly interested in childrearing.

What peace and happiness they found died when their firstborn, Alaric, was born. It was well and truly buried by the birth of Ingrid. And gone without a trace by the birth of Eileen.

Shortly after Eileen's birth, Cantankerous Nott released his Sacred Twenty-Eight list. It was not a comprehensive list of all pureblood families. The Potters were omitted, due to their common Muggle name. The Princes were also omitted, a deliberate snub to his sister.

Virgil and Desdemona's bitterness grew. But if little else could be said for the Princes, they had become a team in their early years. They ranted together about Cantankerous' audacity and Pertinax's selfishness. They survived the horrors of parenthood side by side. They worked together to find good matches for their children.

And it was each other they turned to when their youngest daughter ran off with a Muggle.

Part II: Eileen Prince

Eileen Prince was raised a proper pureblood girl. Her parents were strict, and not overly affectionate. What little care they could muster went to her brother Alaric, as the oldest and the son.

Life wasn't happy, but it was life. She learned cooking and gardening from her mother. Chess from her father. Eileen kept busy by going into town. She spent her days at the library, and she joined local clubs. Gobstones became a favorite. She spent her allowance on new marbles and special boxes and bags to keep them in.

At Hogwarts, Eileen was sorted into Slytherin, to her pleasure and surprise. The Sorting Hat saw more cunning and resourcefulness in Eileen than she knew she had. Her parents were pleased, and urged Eileen to make connections while in school.

The Prince children were not very popular. Not good looking or pleasant. They weren't wealthy. They had no status. They weren't especially powerful or smart. Alaric spent his time sucking up to his peers. Ingrid kept her head down. Eileen followed her own whims. She joined the Gobstones team, the chess club, and choir. In her letters to her parents, Eileen outlined vague plans of "making alliances", which her parents cared about more than her winning competitions.

In truth, Eileen had a handful of casual friends. Other loners and oddballs like herself. Sybill Trelawney was one.

After Hogwarts, Alaric was married to an Abbott. (Sacred Twenty-Eight, their parents boasted.) Ingrid married a Flint.

For Eileen's graduation, Virgil and Desdemona gifted her a betrothal to Abaddon Carrow. They were quite pleased with their finds. They had not matched with Blacks or Malfoys, but they had chosen well for their children. Their efforts to continue the Prince line, and to improve their standing, would be slow going, but steady progress. The Prince name would achieve greatness once more.

As for Eileen...she had been somewhat aware of her parents' expectations. But it had never mattered much until, suddenly, faced with a grim future. To be married to a man older than her, who she barely knew. Expected to provide connections and resources to her brother. Expected to provide Carrow heirs.

It was not Eileen's intent to run. For all of their dysfunction, they were still family. Eileen wanted her parent's approval. She wanted what was best for her family. Duty was heavy on her shoulders. She allowed herself to be courted by Abaddon. She sat through wedding plans.

And when there was time, Eileen slipped out as she did as a child. Finding solace and freedom away from home and family.

Part III: Tobias and Eileen

On one such outing, Eileen met a Muggle named Tobias Snape.

He was a musician. He played the guitar and sang to an uncaring audience, but Eileen was struck. She stayed later than she meant to, to listen to his songs. And on the walk back to her Apparition point, Eileen sang the songs to herself.

It was overhearing this that brought Tobias to her. So few people cared about his music, after all, and he had music in his soul. Tobias asked her questions: what was her name, where was she from...So unused to attention was Eileen, she practically fled.

But returned the next day.

Tobias was not handsome, but his charm more than made up for it. He flirted with waitresses, and barmaids, and other men's dates. And though prettier women caught his fancy, he always stopped to chase Eileen instead. She was shy, but enjoyed his attentions. And Tobias appreciated Eileen's curiosity, and her musical tastes.

When Tobias performed, he played his songs just for Eileen. He took her out dancing. He walked her "home" each night (to her Apparition point, where she would Confund him.) He knew of her engagement, and was unfazed. It wasn't really serious, for either of them.

Until they realized it was.

After only a few weeks, when Eileen let slip her wedding was fast approaching, Tobias begged her to stay. He asked her to marry him in the heat of the moment. Both were shocked. But Eileen did not believe him serious, even if she wished it were true, and she told him to propose with a ring and flowers, next time.

The next time they met, Tobias had his grandmother's ring and daisies picked from the park.

Eileen never went home. She eloped with Tobias and wrote letters to her parents and to Abaddon. They sent Howlers back. Eileen had to Obliviate Tobias.

Happy and in love as they were, they were little prepared for married life. Eileen moved in with Tobias and his disapproving parents until he could afford them a home of their own. He had to quit his job as a grocer for the mines, to make ends meet. He found a small house in Cokeworth. It was small and dreary and in a bad area, but it was theirs.

Eileen cared for the house. She kept a garden. She embroidered. She sneaked out when she could to partake in Gobstones tournaments at nearby Wizarding villages. She had the occasional tea with old acquaintances. Occasional days spent walking Diagon Alley. A taste of magic, a taste of nostalgia.

But Tobias was home now. They were adjusting to life. Tobias wished he had more time to go out, and to play his music. But when he could, he would sing for Eileen and dance her around their living room. He picked flowers for her on his way home sometimes. He praised her cooking. And he called her "beautiful" when she got dolled up for him.

It wasn't perfect, but life was good. Until, of course, Tobias asked her for children.

Part IV: The Snapes

Eileen never put enough thought into anything. Of course her husband would want children. And their children had a great likelihood of being magical. And Tobias did not yet know his wife was a witch.

Eileen had little desire to be a mother, or to be outed, but even the best contraceptive potions are imperfect.

Pregnancy was miserable, but Tobias was thrilled. He worked extra hours. He spent what free time he had pampering her, and helping make room for the baby. And when Eileen insisted on giving their child an old family name (Severus for a boy, Pulcheria for a girl), Tobias agreed, however strange they were. Even Tobias' parents, Wilbur and Dorothy, were enthusiastic and helpful.

When Eileen gave birth, it was in the bitter cold darkness of winter, quite early in the morning. If Eileen could give him little else of her heritage, she gave him a name: Severus. A shared ancestor of both the Princes and the Notts. One of the many colorful characters her father once told her about. His middle name was Tobias, for his father.

Parenthood wasn't all either hoped it would be. Tobias was grouchy from the baby disturbing his sleep. And grouchy that Eileen was too tired to cook special meals or dress herself up. He had to continue working long hours to support his new child. There was less time for leisure or romance than ever. But Tobias bragged when he could about his little family. He kept photos in his wallet to show coworkers and shopkeepers. Each night he would hold Severus for a while and sing him lullabies. On his days off, he would take naps with Severus on his chest, to give Eileen extra time to cook and clean and breathe.

Some days, Tobias remembered to be grateful. Remembered that all of his hard work and sacrifices were worth it.

Until one day...there was magic.

There were signs of magic earlier on, that were easy to ignore. Little zaps (static) and tickles (just an itch) or other strange sensations (just a draft, or a spider's web.) Ignorant Tobias could come up with a number of excuses, while Eileen turned a blind eye. But when Severus was a toddler, Tobias played with him one afternoon. And when Tobias spooked Severus, Severus cried and was encased in a protective bubble that Tobias could not penetrate.

Eileen rushed to comfort Severus as Tobias stared in shock. And were it not bound to happen again and again, Eileen would have Obliviated him. Instead, she calmly explained about magic. Tobias said not a word and left. He returned days later, wary and reserved, but they didn't speak of it.

Tobias' betrayal and fury were exposed in bits and pieces over time. Ugly names for his wife and child. Snapping over the littlest of things. Cringing back when Severus reached out for him. Critique for Eileen's cooking and housework and garden. He spent money they didn't have for pub nights with his friends. Eileen took odd jobs to bring in more money. Mending garments, babysitting, housecleaning. She sold a great number of her Gobstones and traded the gold for Muggle currency.

The good life was over. Tobias had given up his hobbies and his free time and his music to work a physically demanding job. And for what? An evil witch, who lied and tricked him and gave him a demon for a son.

As for Eileen, she couldn't help but resent her son. He had stolen her body, and her time, and her energy. And worst of all, he'd killed Tobias' love for her. And when Tobias began to drink more and more, and taking his anger out on her, that was Severus' fault, too.

Part V: Severus Snape

Severus had a few good memories in life. Moments when troubles were forgotten, and his parents were in love and happy. Those moments were much too rare. And they never lasted long enough.

There was never much money, or food. Or affection. Now and again, his father would sing. And when his father was away, his mother would tell him stories or show him magic.

They visited his paternal grandparents once a year. They were kind, but awkward; they found Severus strange compared to their other, more average grandchildren.

Fewer still were visits to his maternal grandparents. Only at her most desperate, Eileen would plead for help, and she would surrender herself to dinner with the Princes, to be belittled and derided by her whole family. Worse still their treatment of Severus, the half-blood. Virgil and Desdemona would brag of their proper pureblooded grandchildren. Tarquin Prince, son of Alaric. Agatha and Beatrice, Ingrid's daughters. They told Eileen how well Abaddon Carrow was doing. About his pretty pureblood wife and their pureblood children.

Severus dreaded and longed for visits to Prince Manor. It was the only exposure he had to magic when young. He envied his cousins. He explored the manor and its objects. He sneaked away to read books, when he could. He thirsted for knowledge. For power. He wanted badly to prove himself to the family who turned down their noses at him.

Best of all, for all the ridicule Eileen let him suffer, she was always more loving, after. She would stroke his hair, and buy him a small treat. She reminded him, vehemently, that he was a Prince. She was more generous with her stories, those days. Family history. Magical theory.

Like his mother before him, Severus stayed away from his home and ventured out into Cokeworth. He spent long hours in the library. He learned to steal small objects from the grocer's. He hid in the woods and tried to call forth his magic. He sneaked his mother's Gobstones in his pockets to play by himself.

Severus had his mother's curious, explorative spirit. And his father's romantic heart, and intense nature. Worst still, he was bright. Too bright. In school, his classmates envied him for his excellent grades. His teachers hated his bad attitude, and how bored he was with his lessons. They looked down on him for his ratty clothes, and his strange behavior. They whispered about his drunk, adulterous father. They gossiped about the fights he got in, and his treatment of his wife. They talked louder still when Tobias lost his job.

Home life was worse. Neither Tobias nor Eileen knew how to handle a son so much brighter than they were. Neither ever cared much for academics. They were confused and ashamed in the face of his intelligence. This only earned him more of his father's ire and his mother's bitterness.

Life was lonely. Severus had very little, but he clung to what he had: his intelligence, his magic, his potential, his family history, his pride. He learned to lie from his mother, and fight from his father. He held his head high when he could, and hunched his shoulders when he couldn't.

At nine, he was in for a real treat: a Muggle girl with magic.

Lily was fierce and bright and powerful. For the first time, Severus felt a true connection with another person. Lily was kind to him, and genuine. And Severus counted her among the gifts he clung to.

Part VI: The Half-Blood Prince

All of Severus' hopes were pinned on Hogwarts. And Hogwarts let him down.

Being Sorted into Slytherin was a blessing and a curse. He hated to be separated from Lily, but was proud at following his family's footsteps. His cousins pretended not to know him. His peers looked down on him for his Muggle blood and his Muggle name. But Slytherins at least banded together and looked after their own. They were displeased with outsiders attacking Severus; but they didn't dare stand in the Marauder's way, either.

Severus was smart, and skilled, but it mattered little when other people more attractive and more charming were gifted, too. The teachers had their pets. And as ever, Severus was overlooked due to others' preconceived notions.

Lily was his only true friend. But Severus made others over time. He was not popular in Slytherin, but he was part of them. Slytherin House had a strong sense of fraternity. It was like having family, in a way. (For the dysfunctional sense of family Severus already had.) When his housemates saw use for him, Severus allowed himself to be used. It felt like approval, like acceptance.

Severus honed his mind and his power in secret. And in secret he owned the name he was not allowed to claim aloud: Prince. The Half-Blood Prince. It was rebellion and pride at once. Severus quickly finished homework to continue learning on his own. He made potions and spells. He experimented, and invented. He was going to prove his worth in the end. He was born for greatness, as all Princes were.

Part VII: The End of the Line

For love of magic; for the want of knowledge and power; for pride, for revenge; for all of the values he learned from the Princes and from Slytherin, Severus joined the Dark Lord's cause. And when faced with the horrible reality of the cause he'd joined, Severus changed his mind, changed his course.

Eileen raged at him when she learned the truth. But at Severus' urging, she and Tobias left Cokeworth.

The Prince name never again regained status. But all of the potential of their blood bred true in Severus. For his lowly birth, his tainted blood; for all of his mistakes, his infamy; the lack of status, wealth, charm, and looks; it was Severus who respected and understood magic as the Princes of old had. It was Severus who was dedicated to the craft, and ingenious enough to push magic forward, when it had stagnated for so long. Few wizards in modern times create new spells and potions. Many of Wizarding blood take magic for granted, and rest on their laurels, thinking there is little else to find or improve.

It was Severus who learned many skills. Severus, who honed his power. Severus who made connections, for good and for ill. Severus who was strong enough to have his mind changed, and own up to his mistakes. Severus, who was brave enough to look danger in the eye day after day. Severus who atoned for his sins, in the classroom and on the battlefield.

Severus, who died a hero.

(Sorry we're talking headcanons and I refuse to believe he's dead, okay.)

[midgardianweasley]

Your grace! Bless us with a Natasha x reader where the team is invited to a wedding by a close friend of Tony’s. Then when the bridal bouquet is thrown, the bride throws it too hard where reader accidentally catches it and the team is just going “Oooooh!” And reader is like “I’m not even in a relationship!” But the team know in secret that reader and Natasha have feelings for each other but are too dumb to know. Just funniness and fluff! 🥰😍 (Your writing is brilliant btw!)

I loved this request!! I hope i did it justice <3

it’s a wedding thing

Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

^idk Nat, you tell me^

Summary: When the Avengers get invited to a close friend of Tony's wedding, what hidden feelings will surface? What relationships will bloom? Who will be the next bride?

Warnings: none!

word count: 4.1k

Message/ask if you want to be added to the taglist!

requests are open loves

“Alright gang, this one’s for all of us, we all listening?”

A cluster of ‘yes’ ‘go on’ ‘come on Tony’ filled the room, everyone eager to hear what the fancy envelope held inside. It was amusing to watch Tony take advantage of everyone’s excitement, slowly peeling the envelope, gasping when he pulled the letter out of the casing slightly, not letting anyone else see what was written on it.

You, Natasha and Wanda all seemed to share a look of amusement at the dramatics and the almost visible frustration coming off of everyone. It was like watching children try to wait patiently for sweets in a shop, almost completely off of their seats. It wasn’t until Tony noticed that Pepper was giving him a warning look, that he, begrudgingly, hurried up and announced what was written on the letter.

“Wow. Caleb’s getting married.” He spoke, eyebrows raised in surprise. “And he’s invited the team.”

“Well, I’m not going.” A voice spoke from the corner of the room, clearly un-amused by what was currently going on.

“Luckily for you, I don’t see ‘reindeer games’ anywhere on the invitation. So you’re off the hook.” He replied with a tight lipped smile, Thor had been visiting recently to see Jane and pay the avengers a visit and wanted to bring Loki to meet her.

‘A pleasant trip’ Thor said.

‘A living hell’ Tony corrected.

It got a laugh out of the team though. Nat and I especially. We’d spent the last couple of nights in each other’s bedrooms, making a list about our favourite moments through the day where Tony and Loki clashed, making stupid insults towards the other. I think it’s safe to say that we went through multiple bags of popcorn over the nights, though you were both thankful it was there, it was the only thing muffling the laughter, if it hadn't, you’re almost certain the entire compound would have woken up at the sound of our laughter.

You nudged Natasha’s side gently, the bicker between the two men still continuing.

“Hey, Nat.” She turned and tilted her head questioningly.

“So we know how a physical fight between those two worked out. But, if they had to compete in a rap battle, who do you think would win?”

Her face immediately lit up, eyes sparkling which only enhanced their beauty, you could almost feel the cogs turning in her head, trying to go through every logical option.

“Well. Loki seems pretty well spoken, so vocabulary wise, I think he’d be strong. But Tony is sarcastic which can help with quick quips. But then again, Loki-”

“Hey lovebirds, Romanoff, Y/L/N” Tony clicked his fingers, earning himself a pair of eyerolls at the term he’d used. “Anything you wanna share with the team, or can we move on?”

“Actually-”

“Overridden. Moving on.”

You looked towards Natasha, snickering slightly at how blunt he’s being, Loki having found his way under his skin again. A part of you felt bad for the man, but that feeling is soon replaced by amusement. It was obvious Nat felt the same way, her sharing the same expression as you, although, you could hide yours much better. She had to physically put her hand over her mouth in the hopes the man wouldn’t notice her.

“So, the wedding is next week, a little short notice but when do we ever have enough notice, who’s in?”

Looking around the room, there were a handful of nods, each looking to see who else was going to go. You looked towards Nat again to see if she was planning on attending, only to find her already staring at you.

“So Y/L/N, up for a wedding?”

“It would be a nice change of pace. Are you going?”

“Only if you are” You blushed slightly at the response.

“Better get your nicest dress on Romanoff.” You winked, her turn to blush and focus back on what the rest of the group was saying.

“It’s probably easy if I list couples first on the RSVP and then the singles.” Tony took a glance around the table, mentally taking note of those who had shown signs of agreement. “So there’ll be Wanda and Vision, Legolas and his wife, Romanoff and Y/L/N, Thor and Jane-” You felt your face morph into one of confusion.

“Woah woah, Tony, back up, what did you say?”

“Thor and Jane, they’re-”

“Before that.”

“I’ve said this before Y/N, Legolas isn’t actually real. I meant Clint.”

“Very funny.” He held a proud smirk. “Romanoff and I aren’t a couple”

You wish.

“That’s not what Rogers said when he saw you both cuddling up on the sofa last night.” Before you had a chance to look in Steve’s direction, you could practically feel the daggers Nat was sending him, making his face cringe slightly and his back straighten.

“That’s what Rogers said, is it?” She spoke, tilting her head in question. You knew she was partly joking, but you’d still decided to intervene before anyone lost any limbs.

“My head fell onto her shoulder when I dozed off during our movie. It wasn’t ‘cuddling’ , thank you very much.” You laughed, internally wishing that Steve’s words were true.

“See? So cut it out.” Steve put his hands up in surrender, despite having a cheeky grin on his face.

“Okay okay. Fine!” The billionaire said, writing something on the envelope. “I’ll just put ‘couple pending’” He muttered

“Stark!”

__________________________

You and the girls had just come back from dress shopping, all three of you had spent the whole day in and out of different shops, hours in dressing rooms and your voices were almost completely gone with how often you were telling each other, ‘that looks stunning’ ‘that’s the one!’ and the most common one by the end of the trip; ‘please just pick a dress so we can go home and nap’. That one was from our very own black widow, her patience wore a little thin after 8 hours of staring at dresses.

You had gone through all the colours and styles while you were out, ranging from classy jumpsuits to figure hugging dresses that felt like a second skin. Wanda and Natasha had chosen their dresses and were eager to find you one, and what a mission that was.

“I promise you, we’re not going home until we find this dress, okay?”

“Wanda’s right. We’ll stay out until they all shut if we have to. But, let’s make that a last resort.” Natasha eyed you both warily.

You’d been walking around for hours now. Each dress you tried on had potential, but there was always something that didn’t sit right with you. It was either too baggy, too tight, the cut wasn’t appealing, the length wasn’t ideal, it was starting to feel hopeless. You’d even suggested just going in your pyjamas, but Wanda’s death glare had made it clear that wasn’t an option.

You and Natasha were both dragging your feet, Wanda still having a slight spring in her step as you walked into the final shop and picking up a couple of dresses before then going into the dressing room to try them on.

The first two were okay, but you weren’t a fan. Then there was the third one. The third one was a gorgeous Y/F/C dress that fell just past your knees, it had thin straps and the skirt was simple and loose so that when you spun around in it, you felt like a princess. You looked in the mirror and you adored the reflection, you still wanted the others opinions though, though you didn’t doubt that they’d feel the same way.

Pulling the curtain back and gaining their attention from where they were looking elsewhere, you smiled when you saw their reaction, more specifically, Natasha’s. Wanda was complimentary, walking up and feeling the fabric, gushing about how beautiful you looked, but you barely heard it, too focused on the redhead sitting in front of you, her eyes glazed over and her jaw almost on the floor, completely zoned out on you.

“This dress is it, Y/N, you have to get it! Nat? What do you think?” Her head shook, bringing herself back to reality and briefly meeting your eyes, only to quickly dart between You, Wanda and your dress in an attempt to compose herself.

“Yeah, I mean, wow, you look- wow.” Her hands flailed in your direction. You’d knocked the assassin speechless. Wanda rolled her eyes playfully at the interaction. She’d known about you and Nat’s feelings for each other for a month or two now, silently cursing the both of you when there was an opportunity to confess, yet never did. It was obvious to the rest of the team, why were neither of you picking up on it?

Keeping quiet, she ushered you back into the changing room, much to Natasha’s relief, both because she wanted to head back to the compound and she wasn’t sure how much longer she would’ve lasted seeing you standing there looking literally flawless. She always thought you looked amazing, but there was something about the way you looked in front of her just then that made her brain feel like a haze.

It was pretty safe to say,

You bought the dress.

Collapsing on your bed, dropping your bags to the side and letting out a loud sigh, you heard your door shut and someone fall into the chair by the window. You already knew who it was.

“I’m exhausted.” The woman groaned, rubbing her hands up and down her face to attempt to physically remove the tiredness from her body.

“Sorry for dragging you around for so long, I just-”

“Hey, no, don’t apologise for that. We all said we’d find the perfect dress, and it was worth the wait.” Heat rose to your cheeks at her words.

“You really think I looked good?”

Natasha could sense your underlying tone of doubt, unsure as to why you would doubt her opinion, she’d always been honest with you. Nonetheless, she heaved herself out of her seat and made her way to the end of the bed, kneeling down so that your now sat up figure could look down into her eyes, with her hands on each side of your face to focus you on her and her alone.

“I wouldn’t lie to you, okay? You looked incredible and I'm sure you’ll look even better at this wedding on Saturday, if that’s even possible.” You let out a small chuckle at her words as a smile made its way onto her face.

“You’ll be the prettiest one there.”

“Better not tell the Bride you said that, Nat.” She laughed, looking down for only a few seconds before looking at you again.

“We’ll make that our secret.” You nodded in silent agreement, grateful that she’d made you feel so reassured.

“Thank you, Tasha.”

“You’re more than welcome, sweetheart.” She replied.

You were so lost in her words, you hadn’t realised how close her face had gotten to yours, and how her eyes swapped between your eyes and your lips. You didn’t realise how she subconsciously had kept edging towards you, hands trembling a little with every inch closer she gets.

She wanted to kiss you. Every nerve in her body was almost electrified with the temptation to just move her lips over yours and become one. Her pulse raced, almost to prepare her for doing so. Which is why she wanted to kick herself with a pair of her highest heels when she uttered her next words.

“We should get some sleep.”

You broke out of your trance, jumping backwards slightly when noticing limited space between you both. You awkwardly coughed as she stood, heading back over to her chair to grab her bag and return to her room.

“Yeah, yeah of course. Big today, rest is probably a good idea.” You both nodded, she was already one foot out of the door when she gave you a small ‘goodnight’ and left, not waiting to hear you say it back.

Just like you hadn’t realised her actions early, you were oblivious to her hitting her head off of the wall in the corridor just outside of your room, wondering why she’d backed away. Where was Thor’s hammer when you needed to knock some sense into yourself? She thought before dragging herself back to her room where she would fall asleep, unable to get you out of her head.

_________________________

“Right! Headcount before we go in! And I want us all on our best behaviour Avengers, this is a wedding” Steve had completely lost you after ‘Headcount’. Not only are most of you fully grown adults, sorry Peter, but he seems to be oblivious to the fact that some of you were wearing high heels, and patience in high heels had an expiry date.

“Y’know, if he doesn’t let us in soon, I’m not afraid to threaten him with his own shield.” You heard a whisper just behind your ear, smirking at the comment.

“I’ll join you.” You answered, Bruce and Clint sharing a knowing look from afar when watching the two of you have your own quiet conversation, though short lived when they saw Natasha’s head move in their direction, their gaze coming to a halt so as to avoid any conflict with their teammate.

You guys could try to hide it all you want, but your entire team knows better than that, they just had to wait it out until you both finally admitted it to the other.

______________________

You and the Avenger’s were currently sitting at a guest table, now in the reception part of the evening. The ceremony was beautiful, the bride wore a crisp white ball gown with her makeup and hair done to perfection, the groom looking like a prince in his black tux and a look full of adoration towards his wife to be painted on his face.

Their looks weren’t the best part of it though. The clothes and the accessories were lovely, of course. But all you could focus on was the love shared between them as they shared their vows telling the other how they believed they were each other's soulmate, and that they promised to always be the other’s rock. You’d found yourself with tears in your eyes, barely able to appreciate the sight with how blurry your vision was now. They finally fell when they said their ‘I do’s’, feeling only happiness for the newlyweds.

Although marriage hadn’t been something you always thought about, you’d hoped that you would meet your special someone and settle down, retire from the missions, the battles, the superhero lifestyle and just be with your soulmate for the rest of your days.

Despite not being a couple, whenever you thought of the person you wanted to spend the rest of your time with, there was only one person that came to mind. And she stood right in front of you throughout the ceremony, comforting a sobbing demi-god while he was also trying to explain to Vision why he was in floods of tears.

Music filled the room, upbeat, but calm enough for the couples on the dancefloor to sway gently to the beat, soft lights occasionally shining on them as they danced, the bride and groom being one of them. You smiled gently at the sight, feeling dreadfully single with all of the love in the room, but grateful that you could see so many people look so content and in love with their significant other.

An elbow could suddenly be felt in your side, pulling you from your thoughts to instead be met with gorgeous green eyes and a bold red smirk.

“Penny for your thoughts?” She leaned in, curiosity clouding her mind.

“Nothing much up there really.” You glanced back at the dance floor quickly. “I’m just happy to see everyone so happy.”

Natasha followed your direction of where you were looking, an idea soon popped into her head. She was going to ask you to dance.

Her mouth opened to speak, but as if it was done on purpose, a ‘screech’ echoed in the ballroom, catching everyone’s attention, including taking yours away from hers.

“We’re taking a break from dancing for a minute folks, It’s time for the bride to throw the bouquet!” He announced, soon followed by shrieks and the sound of feet padding on the wooden floor, women all gathering in a small bunch, huddled together as if their lives depended on it as the men all returned to their seats, shaking their heads at the commotion.

Not really wanting to take part, you turned back around again.

“Sorry Nat, what were you-”

“Y/N!” Your head fell as you were interrupted by a very excited Maximoff.

“Y/N! C’mon! We need to do the bouquet toss!” She started to pull you up, refusing to listen to any excuse you could possibly conjure up to avoid having to take part.

Giving the team a desperate look, hoping someone will help you escape, you’re instead met with encouraging and amused faces, including Natasha’s a clear indication that not a single person was going to help you. Traitor’s.

With a half serious eye roll, you quickly grabbed your glass of champagne and kicked off your heels, heading towards the group of screaming women basically crawling on top of one another when the bride was barely up on the ‘stage’ yet. You let Wanda wander off into the group but remained towards the back, sipping from your glass and sending the occasional sneaky glare towards your table.

“You guys ready?” The bride yelled, only to be met with more screams and a faint chorus of ‘yes’ heard among it as they all threw their hands higher. Wanda saw you were just stood there, and subtly used her powers to raise your hand, earning loud laughs and cheers from the Avengers, taking great joy in the scene unfolding in front of them.

“Okay! Three...Two..”

You kept your arm up, pretending to be enthusiastic about the toss, when you realistically didn’t really expect much from these kinds of traditions. What you definitely hadn’t expected, was for your figure to stumble backwards as you suddenly felt petals and stems in your palm, a faint feeling of silk brushing against your thumb as your fingers wrapped around the item.

You almost spat out your champagne, eyes widening in shock as you looked to see the arrangement of flowers in your grip, looking up to see women both disheartened and elated at your catch. How the hell had you managed that? You were literally the farthest person away, and on your own! You must’ve been set up. Okay, a bit of a stretch, but still!

“WOOO, Y/L/N IS GETTING MARRIED!”

“WHO’S THE LUCKY SOMEONE Y/N?”

“Y/N CAUGHT THE FLOWERS, Y/N CAUGHT THE FLOWERS.”

The bride noticeably laughed at your friend’s cheers, she hadn’t meant to throw it that far back, her arm just kinda went full force, but seeing the reaction it caused, she didn’t regret it. She didn’t even regret it when she saw the look of embarrassment on your face, as it was soon replaced with a contagious beam as you walked towards them again, a very proud Wanda in tow,

“Guys! Guys! I’m not even in a relationship! I highly doubt i’m the next woman in this room to get married.” You joked

“Well, I wouldn’t be so sure.” Sam laughed “Romanoff, you got an engagement ring handy?” He yelped as a peanut from the centre of the table was thrown at him, and of course with being a trained assassin, Nat had hit him right in the centre of his forehead, earning a dramatic noise of pain to leave his mouth.

These guys will be the death of you.

__________________

After some teasing, the room had filled once again with happy couples dancing, now including some you were very familiar with, one being a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist and his CEO wife, and another being an Asgardian with his Midgardian girlfriend, both gently moving side to side in time with the music.

Letting out a content sigh, you were met once again with the flowers, however, this time, they weren’t on the table, but were held by a gorgeous woman in a flawless navy dress.

“So, I know we aren’t a couple, but, would the future bride like to dance?” She asked, you let out a content sigh, pretending to think it over for a minute.

“Y’know what, I would, thank you for your kind offer.” You took the hand she’d held out for you and led you to the dance floor. While her hands went to your waist, gently tugging you closer, your arms went around her neck, hands interlocking behind her as you, like the others you’d admired all even, swayed.

You’re unsure when it happened, much like a time before, but your head had made its way onto your dance partner's shoulder, your body following suit as it left no room between the two of you, though you weren’t complaining. Neither was the fellow Avenger.

It was peaceful for a period of time, the only sound being the slow music and a quiet chatter of people across the floor. It wasn’t long before you heard the red head above you whisper in your ear once again.

“You really do look amazing tonight, Y/N.” You raised your head so it was directly opposite hers, sending her an appreciative gaze.

“That future fiance of yours is lucky.” She winked.

“Hilarious” You scoffed, fully aware of her humorous tone.

“I know, sometimes I amaze even myself with my jokes.”

“Well, it really is funny, because I honestly don’t see myself getting married anytime soon.” Nat’s eyebrows raised in what could almost be described as confusion.

“And why is that? Do you not want to get married?” Her hands started grazing up and down your waist, like she was comforting you, but really she was bracing herself for what was incoming.

“No, no it’s not that. I just..”

“Just?”

“I don’t think the person i’m interested in, is necessarily interested in me.” Her heart dropped. So you did have someone of interest. She pushed the sinking feeling to the side quickly so that she could respond.

“Right, and why is that?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen them make a move. I thought it’d be obvious. I think it has been to some others.” Your eyes wandered, lingering for longer than what was probably appropriate, on Natasha’s plump lips, wondering if you’d ever get to experience what it’d be like to feel them on yours.

This time, Natasha didn’t miss it. She would’ve blamed it on alcohol, saying that she must’ve just imagined it, but she had only consumed a few drops all evening, being too entranced by you didn’t leave much room for hydration. She hadn’t been more thankful, because it made a light bulb go off in her head as the pieces came together in her head of who you were referring to. She didn’t make a move the other night. It was obvious to the team. How could she have been so blind?

You didn’t see it coming, even when your chin was held in her grasp and you saw her face leaning in towards yours, the reality only hitting you when you finally felt what you’d been wanting to feel for the last months, right now. Your surroundings had just disappeared, the only thing that was running through your head, was the way her lips were moving against yours, and the way her lips tasted faintly of vanilla, and how she smelled like her floral perfume she wore for special occasions.

Whooping and cheering brought you both back from your bubble with just the two of you, your head falling just below her chin, her hand stroking your back as you could feel her chuckle bubbling where your head lay. Well, hid. Her arms had muffled their comments, but you had an idea of what they were, probably a mixture of ‘finally!’, ‘i knew it!’ and you’re almost certain you heard a ‘You owe me 20 bucks.’, that one making you shake your head.

Remaining in your hiding spot, that wasn’t very well hidden, but was keeping your bright red face to yourself, a pair of familiar lips lingered right beside your head.

“So, about that bouquet..”

You weren’t getting married, but by the end of the night, you definitely didn’t feel so dreadfully single as you had earlier.

taglist: @the-dumbass-that-throws-knives

[sappy-and-sapphic]

My thoughts on Gap the series, episode 1, in no particular order. It's kinda long, oops

The dome shots in this show are so pretty. Dome shots, my beloved.

On that same note, the cinematography is very good for this show. The colors, the styling, the sets and the lighting are brilliant. It's so colorful and beautiful.

It's very telling that Mon always have some pink in her outfits so far meanwhile Sam always have black in her outfits.

Mon is in love already so the pink. And her first outfit was mainly white, showing her innocence.

Black has many meanings. It's elegant and classy, a nod to Sam's high position.

It's also a color associated with evil and darkness which can be a nod to Sam 's reputation in the company and also her bleak life, devoid of colors.

The first time we see Sam in white is after Mon 's introduction to her life which could mean things. White isn't in Sam 's color palette before that dress despite how well it goes with her usual black.

The styling team is doing a tremendous job all in all. I love Mon 's earrings, I want all of them. I want Sam 's white top/cloak/dress. That's the most gorgeous piece of clothing that I ever saw.

Sam's heels in her introduction were so gorgeous too. I don't like heels and I still want those.

The whole dream dance scene was so good. I melted when dream Sam put dream Mon 's hand on her own neck. This is what I live for.

Baby Mon is so fucking cute. The cutest kid ever.

Mon adopted Sam's pet then? Omg that's a great trope. It means more shots of the cute doggo, right? Right?

Meeting your soulmate when they saved your life might be cliched but I love it.

I really should have seen the parallel coming.

Sam saving Mon when Mon wondered if Sam has changed too much was chef's kiss. That was dramatic irony done well.

The writing is so good so far. I am so happy.

Freen and Becky look so good. They're such pretty women. We're really winning today.

I am really liking the rest of the supporting cast so far. They're all fun to watch.

Yuki is a good friend. Even I would pull Mon 's cheeks at the first opportunity. Mon is so cute.

Mon 's parents are so cute together. It shouldn't have taken me this long to figure out that he was her stepfather but this is on me.

Sam 's grandmother is really horrible. God, that ultimatum was awful.

So that company is basically Sam 's only ticket to freedom 😭

Is Sam the thirdborn? I really wanna know the full deets about what happened to her siblings.

Kirk is really nice for a forced fiancee. I wasn't expecting to like him this much.

Sam's entrance to the office really gives me Devil wears Prada vibes and I love it.

Tbh Mon shouldn't have just stood there while everyone was rushing but then again how else would Sam get a good first look at her future wife then.

Not me clinging to Sam asking if Mon is okay when they fell on the stairs. See the ice queen cares!

Was that bracelet a gift? It costs 5 million baht and 50 million baht seems to be the goal for Sam's deal with grandmother. So was that just an arbitrary number that they decided on? Sam doesn't actually needs that money?

Poor Mon is really disappointed that her idol is not like what she thought.

Mon, you are really gone for Sam. She really said I don't want to be in this country if things don't work out with Sam.

Very gay of her tbh, I say this as a queer woman in love with another woman who would totally change countries for my gf.

When we see Sam pinning for Mon, then what? How will I survive that.

I loved the humor so far in the show. HR lady saying she didn't wanna go job searching again, the dinner scene with Mon 's parents, Sam cracking a joke and the reaction 😂

Sam, you could have just put Mon 's purse away or moved around. Why do I feel like you are just trying to talk to Mon? And then being rude to hide it.

The next office scene: Yup, called it.

Sam and Kirk 's friendship looks so precious. I hope it remains this way.

Sam really likes candles, doesn't she? Gift her candle when the time comes, Mon.

Grandma's house has servants but Sam's doesn't. Hmmm. Interesting.

Sam's signature color is black so far but her car is yellow which is very eye catching. That's an interesting combo of colors.

[graykageyama]

dream come true.

synopsis: when you fall in love, you fall in love deep. they become your world, while you became theirs. they’re your dream, and you are theirs. but all it takes is a change of heart to change the courses of your dreams, and maybe only one dream can come true. 

pairing: Suna x reader

genre: angst

word count: 3k +

Part 2: but you were my dream, too

“And then Atsumu never saw it coming. So he was running from his fangirls right? He ran like he was running away from an apocalypse. As stupid as he is, he never saw it coming. He ran straight to the gym and when he opened the door, he triggered the trap. Dude, got the whole floor wet.” Suna laughed hard as he tells you about his day - well trying as he can barely get the words out.

You glance towards his direction and you just cannot believe that this man is your boyfriend - he looks so ethereal under the glow of the street lamps lighting your way home before the dusk completely envelops both of you. With his gym bag slung over his shoulder and his other hand warming yours, his head tilted back as he tried to catch his breath, this was another rare moment where Suna -your Suna Rintarou- is completely carefree, defenseless and well, just him. His piercing, slanted eyes which usually intimidates most people, are now closed. Even with his awkward hair style still damp from practice, and hunched-over posture, you still think of him as your Mr. Perfect.

You’ve been  together since the start of your third year in high school, and honestly, this is so far your best year. Being friends with him and the twins since first year of highschool, you can’t help but to just fall for him. Despite his usually cold persona, he is always so sweet to you. He makes sure to walk you home everyday, since he always asks you to watch him at practice. It’s amazing really, how he can transform to this scary, intimidating middle blocker into an adorable fox always seeking for your affections. He loves it when you hand his towel, or maybe dry his hair with your gentle touches. You know he secretly loves how you cheer for him even in practice games. You also know to yourself that you would want to do these things for him even in the far future. Even if it would mean you would have to sacrifice your dreams to become Suna’s perfect wife, you know that you’re going to stay with him for the rest of your life. To become Suna’s number one fangirl is now your dream.

“Y/N?” Suna calls out, interrupting your thoughts. “Watch this. Ain’t he stupid?”He laughs again as he shows you the video clip of Atsumu being drenched with water, and his face flat on the floor. “Yeah, he is. He falls for it every time. Smart athlete on the court, but in reality, he’s pretty stupid. Kita-san and the other alumni must have had a hard time in handling you three. ”  You laugh along at his story. “He misses Kita-san though, the dude cries when he remembers how Kita-san took care of him when he got sick.”

“Well, Tsumu can be a baby sometimes, that’s why we love him” He faintly slows down his pace as he asks, “Come to think of it Y/N, I’ve never seen you cry. I mean, I wouldn’t want to make you cry or anything, but even when we were still friends, you never cried.”

Pinching his side, you giggle “I cry too, dumbass. I’m human too.I don’t know though, I just don’t cry easily I guess.” You shrug. “What about you? I rarely see you in tears, too.” You tease as you poke your tongue out. He smirks as he looks over at you,”I don’t easily get affected by my emotions and honestly I don’t need too, sweetcheeks. There’s no reason too. I always win.” He lets out another hearty laugh, as you think. That’s true. No one can really beat and outwit Suna. Maybe only the french fry from Karasuno, but I guess no one can easily faze him.  

Suna lets go of your hand as you both stopped in front of your house. He clasps your hands together with his one hand as he places the other on the top of your head, “I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah? Rest well, Miss I-don’t-easily-cry.” Placing a tender kiss on your forehead, you shut your eyes. This had been your routine with your boyfriend ever since you got together, but you would never wish for anything else to replace these moments.

---

As you both graduated from Inarizaki, you decide to follow your dream - your Suna - and support him as he aspires to be a professional Volleyball player. You go to a University near where he is training so that it would be more convenient for him to fetch you. Life goes by quickly. Your boyfriend trains hard day and night and hones his skills and game sense. You study a business course to help you land a good job, a job that can still be pretty flexible to work with according to Suna’s. You rarely see your boyfriend nowadays, but no doubts cross your mind as you are assured that you were Suna’s one and only, his love of his life. Whenever you think otherwise, you try to remember these evidence of his love and assurance.

----

You closed the door as you said your goodbyes to your mom. It pains you to see her get cheated on by your dad, but you couldn’t do anything about it. You sat on the couch and hugged your knees together. Forcing your eyes shut to keep you from crying and sharing her pain, but alas - your tears betrayed you as it streamed down your face.

How can the guy you loved for so many years, easily replace you?

Suna saw your broken state as he gave you a warm hug. He didn’t say anything, but you’re comforted by his silence and the small circles he rubbed on your back. You looked up at his eyes and cried, “It’s so scary, Rin. How one day you’re hopelessly in love with your best friend for so many years, but then they suddenly act like you are just trash - disposable, replaceable, and no longer wanted. They were so perfect in my eyes, you know? But why did he cheat on her? He just gave up in the middle of solving their problem. Why? I’m scared, Rin. Will that happen to us?”

Suna tilted your head to maintain the eye contact you had initiated. With his soft voice, he said “No matter what happens, I will never hurt you, leave you, and will never make you cry intentionally.” He wiped away your tears, then placed his hand on top of your head. Kissing your temple softly, he assured you. “I will never go away, no matter how rough it may become. Every single day for the rest of my life, I will be by your side.”

---

You both try to make your relationship work, spending all of your free time together. He is still the Suna you loved. Always affectionate to you alone, and always caring about you.

Things are going great to the both of you. You are now in your last months in university, and Suna gets scouted to play for the EJP Raijins, a V. League Division 1 team. You are so proud of your boyfriend. He is finally reaching his dreams, and your dream of seeing him so successful is also coming true. You understand how he puts more effort in his training, with him usually coming home to dim lights. But you try your hardest as his girlfriend to warm up the dinner you have prepared for him earlier. With only the kitchen lights lit, you always wait for your boyfriend to come home, to greet him with a kiss even if it is past 11pm. This is just the life of a professional athlete, and you, as his partner, should adopt this life too.

“Y/N baby, no need to wait for me. I’m not coming home tonight. Coach offered to let me sleep at his place since we’re just really fatigued from the hard training we had today.”

This slowly becomes a habit, and you are getting frustrated over the lack of attention you’ve been receiving. You understand this was his job, and he needs to work hard with the season coming up soon. But does he have to be away for almost every day of the week? You rarely get to see him now, with most encounters only at night. He’d usually go home at 1 am, and when you’re lucky, you get to feel your lover’s intimate touches again. But before dawn cracks up, he's out on his training again, and who knows when he’s coming home.

“Hey, Rinnie. I miss you so much babe, and I know you’ve been training really hard, but I’d like to spend some time with you.” You approached your boyfriend as you saw him packing his things up for training. “Maybe I could go by your gym and visit you! I could make some packed lunches for you and your teammates too, and maybe I can finally meet them.”

“I’ll try Y/N, I can’t say much now with our new training schedule.” He utters out rather coldly, while shoving his equipment down his gym bag.

“Ohhh okay. But are you able to come home early on Wednesday? Just for one night, pretty please? You’re rarely home these days and I--”

“Well, I just can’t laze around right? I’d have to work hard in order to feed the both of us. Can you stop being clingy, and act like a more understanding girlfriend. It’s getting pathetic how you’re acting like I’m not doing this for the both of us.” He zipped up his bag and slings it over his shoulder. He went up to your frozen state, and gave a light kiss to your temple. “Look, I don’t really want to fight. I’m sorry. But please be an understanding girlfriend for me, and stop being extra clingy.” He walked up to the door, and left - leaving you to blame yourself for being another burden to your partner. Although he said some hurtful things, he says he’s sorry right?

---

You love routines, and it makes you feel your life has a structure it has to follow. But this new routine was not one you would wish to have, to be honest, you did not know when did your old routines fall out. Suna’s rarely home, if he used to go home once a week, now, he only goes home to pick some of his clothes, makes love to you if you ask him to, and leaves the next day. His texts are getting drier each day, even taking hours to reply to yours. You’re scared. Even his words don’t seem to assure you now, he feels so far away. He’s slipping through your fingers, and you know you need to do something to keep your relationship together.

“Rin love, can you go home tonight? I just really miss you terribly, and honestly, I’ve been craving your touch for so long. Come home tonight, love.” (Sent, 2:51 PM)

“Ok.” (Received, 4:30 PM)

You’re ecstatic. You’re finally going to spend time with your boyfriend after such a long time. You prepare his favorite dinner, and you choose to wear his favorite nightgown for you. As you hear his steps outside the apartment, you greet him with your sweetest smile.

“Hi, Rinnie. I’m glad you’re home” You give him a tight hug, as you offer to take his gym bag.

“Let’s get this over with, Y/N. Go now to the room, I’ll just wash up.” He mutters as he steps out of his shoes. You stand frozen, as you suppress the tears forming in your eyes. “I made dinner, Rinnie. Your favorite, actually. Come eat with me? ” You try to invite him again, holding his hands as you try to lead him to the kitchen.

“Ï’m a busy man, Y/N. What more can you ask from me? You said you wanted my touches and love, right? That’s why I’m here. I need to go back to the dorms immediately, and honestly I just want to have it over with.”

“Rin,” you called out. “Can you at least spare me some time and attention that  you have been refusing to give me over these past months? All I’m asking is to spend time with you. I’m even trying my best to make time for you. Why are you like this?”

The eyes. The eyes you never had thought would frighten you as much as it did to the other players in the court, pins you down. Suna glares as he seethes through his teeth, “Make time for me? You don’t even have a job yet after graduating a few months ago. You stay here, enjoying your life as I worked hard to keep this up. You are demanding too much from me, Y/N. And now you are asking me for my share in this relationship? Well aren’t you one selfish woman.”

You cower away from his gaze, but you still try to express your frustrations. “I never asked for an expensive life. I just wished to be with you, Rin! To support you with your dreams.” You lift your head to meet his gaze.  “I’ll always try to take care of you, Rin. You are my dream. Seeing you pursue yours, makes me feel as if I’m accomplishing my dream too. But all I’m asking is for you to still treat me as your favorite girl, your partner, and I can give back ten times more than what you can give me, just please give me the small attention and love I have been craving for.”

“Well, sorry to disappoint you Y/N, but you’re the least of my priorities now. And aren’t you pathetic? Sacrificing your dream to support mine? You’re just lazy to pursue yours, and you’re just leeching off of me. I’m so disappointed in you, Y/N. You’re getting more pathetic each day.”

“I wanted to go and look for a job, but how could I when I don't know how you are lately? How is our relationship lately? It’s like it’s hanging by the thread now, Rinnie.”

“Well, just cut the damn thread, then!” He forcefully slams the counter as his eyes snap backs to yours. “Ï can’t deal with this right now. If you keep on acting up Y/N, just stop. Have some pity over yourself.” Suna picks up his things, and leaves. Shutting the door as hard as he could, the loud bang conceals the sound of your shattered heart.

---

Weeks go by slowly as you patiently wait for your boyfriend’s return. He wouldn’t leave me right? He promised .He promised.. Scrolling up to your text messages, you reviewed the texts you’ve sent him.

“Hey Rinnie, I’m sorry for the things I’ve said. I hope you’re taking care of yourself, babe.” (Sent. April 13, 8:53 AM.)

“Hey baby! Please don't skip your meals, and drink lots of water too! Drink your water, bitch!” (Sent. April 14, 10:14 AM.) You slightly smiled as you reminisced how both of you loved to tell that to each other after hearing it from a famous personality, finding it amusing and adding it to your routine.  

“Call me whenever your free, okay? Don’t forget to rest in between, Rinnie. I miss you.” (Sent. April 14, 8:42 PM.)

The text messages go on for two weeks, still with no replies from your Rinnie. As you are cleaning the apartment, you hear the awaited notification tone ring. You immediately grabbed your phone and checked out the notification. But it was not from Rin, it was from your friend from university calling you up.

“Hey, Y/N-san. Congratulations to Suna and his team for winning the pre-seasonal tournament. It’s all over the news right now.” Akaashi exclaimed over the phone. Your heart leaps upon hearing your boyfriend’s name. Rushing over to see the news for yourself, your heart flutters as you see your perfect man - in his wet jersey while holding the medal wrapped around his neck as the reporter angled the microphone in front of him. Your perfect man responds casually and smug, as usual.

I’m so proud of you baby. Always had, and always will. I knew you could do it, Rin.

But your thoughts are interrupted as the reporter asks, “Is there any special someone you would want to celebrate this victory with, Mr. Suna?”

Suna looks over at the camera and he smiles bright. Brighter than the ones you’ve seen when you were with him during these past months. “Yeah, actually I do.” He replies as he smiles back at the reporter. “She’s just the best and I’ve been training really hard for her, you know? Gotta make my baby proud.”

The spark of hope ignites within your heart upon hearing those words. Even when doubts clouded your mind, you still never fail to have faith in him. You always believe that everything will be perfectly fine, and your Rin will always stay by your side. He said he’ll never go away, and you know that you’re here to stay.  “I will never go away, no matter how rough it may become. Every single day for the rest of my life, I will be by your side.”

But what you see next finally wakes you up from your own self-deception. Suna Rintarou. Your Rin. Has his arms around another girl as he smiles back again to the reporter. “She’s the girl I’m talking about.” As if it wasn’t enough, Suna placed his hand on top of her head and placed a tender kiss on her temple.

I’m supposed to be that girl, that should have been me.  I should be the one greeting you back from your training. I should be the one with you as you receive your recognition. That should be me. That used to be me.

Even though it hurts, you stare at the couple in front of you and see how Rin was just casually cool and okay, as though he wasn’t the cause of your heart breaking.

All this time. While you have been fixing your own shattered heart, someone else is mending his - no, there was nothing to fix as it has been replaced. It’s so unfair, how can you be so fine? All the fights we’ve gone through, I even deceived myself that I was being a burden to you. Convincing myself to no longer bother you as it may faze you and your performance, too. It takes so much for me to just go through the day, and live for you, for us. But I guess you’re my dream, right? You win again, Rin. You always did.

Dreams do come true, they said. But it seems only your dream came true. And it’s wonderful to see you reaching your dreams, love. Even if it meant that my dream won’t come true.

A/N: HNGHHH, I am sorry for Y/N becoming so heads over heels over him, which is why she’s hurting so much!! But reality’s a bitch, there really are people who be martyrs for love :<  Would love to hear you thoughts uwu reblogs, likes, comments, asks and messages are very much appreciated! There will be a part 2!! Will try to post within this week, after doing my requirements T.T .  

Message me or send an ask if you want to be tagged for the update! <3

~juju 

[writingtoforgetreality]

I’m Only Me When I’m With You (Sam Wilson x Reader)

Request: Hello! Hope this ask finds you well! May I request a Sam Wilson x reader in which the reader is very stubborn but finds herself falling for Sam despite trying to resist those feelings? Thank you so much! I hope you stay safe and healthy during these crazy times! (by @agentmalfoy24601), [Marvel-Masterlist]

Summary: You liked Sam. Was it a secret? You hoped so but your team would state otherwise. While the teasing was funny & all, it actually made you distance yourself from your feelings even more. Luckily, there was a certain someone who could see right through you.

Words: 1,990

Warnings: language, feels, fluff, this is a cute one, I love Sam but barely anyone writes for him :(, slight TFATWS spoilers, (Y/E/C) = your eye color, REQUESTS ARE OPEN!

If you like my work & wanna support me: a coffee would be highly appreciated ❤

“Nope, forget it.” you argued with the three men in front of you. “I understand that this mission is important but I will not pretend to be his wife.” your finger pointed at Sam while your eyebrows raised.

“You could always pretend to be my partner.” Zemo reasoned. Shaking your head, you let out a scoff.

“(Y/N) & Zemo? Makes a cute couple.” Bucky spoke up & earned a death glare from not only you but also Sam. Though you did not see what Wilson was doing. Not in this moment.

“I hate every single one of you.” you snarled through gritted teeth.

“Sure.” Bucky mumbled almost inaudible, followed by a low chuckle.

The thing about this mission was that you knew if you played pretend next to Sam, it would not actually be pretending from your side. Truth was, you were falling for him. More than you would have liked to admit. You were not born yesterday, you were aware that relationships did not work out. Not with a job as dangerous as yours. Besides, this was Wilson you were talking about. Hell, he could have anyone, he would never choose someone like you. And you did not want him to choose you. Relationships complicated things. Complications led to danger & danger led to death. The rest of the team, especially Bucky, had picked up on the fact that you kind of liked Sam. And they teased the shit out of you. They even made bets on how long it would take the two of you to start dating. No way would you give in. Nope. That was not in your nature.

Though you had to admit that Sam did not make your plan of burying your feelings deep down any easier. Most of the times, he did not even realize the effect he had on you. It was simple things, really. The way he moved his body. How his shirts fit just right. This heartwarming smile of his that had you weak at the knees. His efforts to make you smile constantly, especially after failed missions. He was a good guy. And good guys never chose people like you. An acquaintance. That was what you were to him. Maybe it was for the better anyway.

“(Y/N)?” you heard Bucky’s voice coming from the closed door to your room. Jogging over there, you slowly opened it for him, checking if it really was him & not a threat or something. He entered after you stepped aside as a silent invitation.

“What’s up?” you were fixing up your appearance for the upcoming party you all had to attend. The outfit you wore made you feel like a strong goddess. The colors complemented perfectly, hugging every curve in the best way possible. It was not often when you got to dress up like that but when you did, it definitely paid off.

“Tell Sam you like him.” Bucky wasted no time with his words. Spinning around in order to face him, you gave him your best dumbfounded look. It made him roll his eyes. “I’m being serious.”

“How much money do you win if I do?” you asked curiously, knowing that this was most likely just part of one of their stupid bets.

“Zero, actually. Because I said you’d get together after this mission.” you gave him a look that he gladly ignored. “But that’s not the point…I do believe that the tension between you guys will be unbearable, though.”

“Oh, come on, dude. You’re totally exaggerating.” you gave an awkward chuckle to hide your embarrassment.

“I’m afraid I’m right.” he sat down on one of the chairs, then looked into your eyes. “I don’t know why you make such a big deal outta it. You like him. He likes you-“

“Which is not true. You’re just assuming shit.”

“He likes you. (Y/N), you’re not the same when you’re not with him.” his words were soft, the sincerity clearly shown.

“The hell is that supposed to mean?” your arms raised in confusion. Plopping down on your bed, you sighed loudly.

“He completes you. I didn’t think it was possible, actually. I used to laugh at people when they said stuff like that.” he chuckled. “You & Sam deserve to be happy. You belong with each other.” when there was a long pause from you, Bucky got up & approached the door. Stopping briefly after touching the doorknob to turn around & face you. “Please think about it, (Y/N).” shooting you one last warm smile, he exited. Leaving you alone with the silence being your only company.

Bucky was one of your best friends. You knew he would not lie to you. Not about something like that. And even though he loved messing with you, he was serious when he talked to you just now. Yes, you liked Sam. Of course you did. How could you not? His broad shoulders, muscles that you only ever got to see when he decided to change in front of you (which did not happen often enough for your liking). But why were you even thinking about that? If you were honest, you were not even sure if you would go on a date with him if he decided to ask. Was it to protect him & the others? Or was it to protect yourself from possible heartbreak? Or was it just to show yourself & the others that you were not someone who gave in easily? Not when everyone around you pushed you to do something. Wanted you to do something.

There was another knock on your door. This time, your head was thrown back in frustration. Bucky was a pain in the ass sometimes. He did not even give you enough time to go talk to Sam if you planned on doing so. Which you were not. Walking over to the door, you prepared a speech for Barnes.

“You know you’re actually an awful frien-“ you stopped dead in your tracks when the door opening revealed that it was not Bucky who came to invade your privacy again. It was Sam. Realizing what you just said, you started stuttering out an apology. “Oh God, Sam. I’m so sorry. I thought Bucky was-“

“No worries.” his laugh warmed your heart as much as you disliked to admit it. “Can I…?” he gestured to your room. Quickly stepping aside, you motioned for him to enter, apologizing once more. Why were you even saying sorry? There was literally no need to.

“You-You look gorgeous.” he eyed you up & down, taking in your appearance. Training your eyes down to the floor, you regained your composure a second later. You were not the embarrassed type.

“You don’t look too bad yourself, Wilson.” winking at him & his black turtleneck. Sam wearing this? Well, it did things to you. He patted the spot next to him on your bed. Getting the message, you walked over & seated yourself right beside him, body facing his. The most gorgeous brown eyes locked with your (Y/E/C) ones. It was hard to look away. Like you were trapped in them. But truth was, you did not want to look away. Sam was the first one to speak up. Voice only a whisper.

“What are we doing?” he asked & you furrowed your eyebrows in confusion.

“W-What?” you really had no clue what he was talking about.

“This.” he gestured between you two. “What are we doing?”

“Well, Zemo said we’ll have to pretend to be married, right? So I guess we should just stay close to each other at all times & then see-“ you got interrupted by him shaking his head frantically, a smile still on his lips.

“I’m not talking about the mission, (Y/N).” his eyes met yours once more, an expectant expression on his face.

“O-Okay?” your head tilted to the side.

“Why are you making this even harder?” he sighed frustratingly but you could hear the sarcasm in his tone.

“I’m sorry?” it was more of a question, really. Quickly, he shook his head, one of his hand moving on top of yours.

“No, please don’t apologize. You do that way too often.” he chuckled. “Am I the only one thinking that there’s something between us?” your face changed in realization. No. Whatever he was doing, you hoped he would not go that way. If he did, it could ruin your entire friendship. And you were not sure if you could live without him. You did not want to live without him.

“I’m- I mean…I think we shouldn’t-“ you started only to be interrupted by him again.

“Why shouldn’t we?” he asked, voice raising just the slightest bit. You gave him a shrug in return, eyes focusing on his hand on top of yours in your lap. “Oh, I think I get it.” Sam started again when he realized that you were not planning on giving him an actual answer. “You’re scared.” this statement made you glance at him. He smirked at your expression because he knew that he had you now. “You’re scared that this won’t work out. And you don’t wanna give in.”

“Don’t wanna give in?” you played dumb but actually, it shocked you how well Sam knew you. Yeah, you had been close friends for a while now but still, nobody else could read you like he did.

“People have been bugging you to go out with me, haven’t they?” his eyebrows raised while waiting for you to confirm this. After a few moments, you nodded slightly. “That’s one of the reasons we aren’t dating yet.” he was straight forward with all of this. Like he had been preparing this speech for ages. Maybe he had, who knew?

“Yeah? You seem pretty damn sure about this.” you smirked at his certainty. Deep down, you knew he was right. But a little teasing never killed nobody, right?

“I know I’m right.” he pointed out, mimicking your smirk.

“Is that so? And why do you think that?”

“Because you’re too stubborn for your own good sometimes. “ you should feel hurt by him calling you out on this but you felt the exact opposite. It just showed you how much he actually paid attention to you. “You’re too stubborn & you like to do things your way. So when people tell you to do something…you tend to do the exact opposite.” his bright smile plastered one on your face as well.

“Guilty.” suddenly, it was way too silent. Not the usual silence but one that was uncomfortably quiet, even more so than normal. His hand cupping your cheek brought you back to reality. Leaning into his touch involuntarily, you closed your eyes briefly. Sam took the chance & closed the gap between you two. You were frozen in place at first but found yourself melting into the kiss soon. It was better than you ever imagined. And you were glad that he was the one who took that first step. Because you were, you had to agree with Sam here, way too stubborn to deal with this yourself.

After breaking away from each other, he rested his forehead against yours. Neither of you said anything for a few minutes. You simply enjoyed being with each other. Bucky’s words made their way into your mind again & you could not help but start laughing.

“What?” Sam pulled back, looking at you with that charming smile of his. Oh, how he loved when you laughed.

“Just…” you shook your head. “Bucky told me earlier today that I’m only myself when I’m with you. And I think I finally know what he meant.”

“Yeah? What did he mean?” he inquired.

“You know me better than I know myself.” this made him smile even wider. Leaning in one more time, he pressed another loving kiss to your lips. Wherever this was going, you could not wait for your journey with Sam.

Published (04/29/2021) by Cathy

Tags: @bibliophilewednesday, @msmarvelsmain, @babygirlwilly, @patricexirene (thanks for your support <3)