#i slept through the dinner on that flight though

[cinematicnomad]

Since you're traveling so much: 🔥 + favorite airline?

lolll. okay, so far this fall i've flown on: united, lufthansa, indigo, emirates, delta, and turkish. most of this has been straight up economy, though my delta flight was comfort+ which i didn't? really notice much difference in terms of seat space, but did let me board earlier so that was nice. i've flown lots of other airlines in my lifetime, but let's just stick with what i've flown this fall because it's all pretty fresh in my mind.

hands down, emirates was the best—the whole experience was good, the economy seats were roomier than any other airline i've flown, the screens were huge, and the ambiance was great. i was flying at night and while boarding the flights they kept all the lights off and the ceiling was lit up with a bunch of little stars and this faint blue glow. it was definitely the best option for my trip home from india in september and i'll probably see if i can get on them again for my flight home in december.

send me a 🔥 + a topic, and i’ll tell you my honest opinion about it

[bunnys-kisses]

hii love your concept !! could i have a crepe with a mocha coffee with oscar piastri please ?

bakery menu

want to order your own desserts? then check out the menu! the bunny bakery is always open!! as for this one, i was excited to do another oscar one! esp after his first win a little while ago!! also breeding kink! my fave! so thank you for ordering!!

crepe ("pretty girl") + mocha coffee (breeding kink) served by oscar piastri (formula one)!

cw: smut/pwp, breeding kink, praise kink, unprotected/protected sex, pregnant!reader, pregnancy, massages, dirty talk

it started after hungary. you'd joke that oscar was hungry after hungary, except that he was more than hungry. he was famished. since his win, he had a one track mind for you. even days after the event he was still running on that high, and took out that energy on your sweet little cunt.

oscar piastri, the boyfriend that was sent to you from heaven, wanted to breed you.

logistically, it would take more than a few rounds of bareback to get you pregnant. after all, you weren't stupid. you were a grown woman with her other birth control plan.

even if oscar wanted to impregnate you, they were going up against the almost fully effective birth control you were on. you were mostly covered, and since you trusted oscar you let him take you bare.

he loved the feeling of your wet pussy around his cock. he loved how his balls could hit against the very tops of your thighs as he bulled his cock into you. it was like a vice, a grip that made the hair of the back of his neck stand up.

it was so painfully erotic, he loved it all. even that small percentage of a risk that was there. that the protection would fail. as he pushed his cock further up into you in the hopes to settle his seed in his sweet girlfriend.

he had you laid out on your stomach as he rubbed your shoulders. you had been complaining about back pain since the flight to belgium. he stripped your naked and laid by your side as his large hands pressed against your achy back.

you made sharp noises from the feeling of the tension being taken out of your back. you gripped onto the pillow under your head and made a sweet noise that made his cock stir in his shorts.

you always made the sweetest noises.

"pretty girl" he said with nothing but tenderness in his voice, "i know traveling is hard for you. not used to it all. you had been on a plane, once, twice before we met? all this time zone changes must be really hurting you."

you remembered when you went to meet his family in australia and the time zone differences almost killed you. you almost slept through all of the dinner party with his family! they understood though and didn't take any offense to it, they totally understood! but still you felt bad!

he massaged at a specific spot and you moaned. you buried your face further into the pillow and lifted your hips when he rubbed the spot again. it felt so good, it was almost painful.

"is it bad that i think you're hot when you're like this. you've melted under my touch." he chuckled as he continued to rub you.

you could feel the wetness between your legs from the feeling of his hands massaging your sore muscles. you rubbed your thighs together, which didn't go unnoticed by your lover. when he grazed his pointer finger across your clit you almost jumped out of your skin.

he said quietly, "that's a good girl. how about i really relieve some tension and fuck a baby into you." he took your hips in those broad hands and pulled you up by the hips.

he got behind you and pulled his cock out of his pants. you were too enticing, it made his pulse jump. his beautiful girlfriend all laid out for him, ready to take his cock.

"won't that cause me more aches and pains?" you asked with a slight chuckle.

he smiled as he leaned forward and kissed the spot where he was massaging. he said, "no, no. it'll make you so relaxed." then rubbed his blunt cockhead against your slick pussy. he slowly slid in and you gasped, back arched as you felt his nudge against what felt like your organs.

he wrapped his arms around your middle and thrusted up into you. his cock really bullied the back of your pussy. he fit just right, it was perfect. he moaned, "i want to get you pregnant. i want to see you at the paddock with a pretty little belly. i want you to have my kids. no one else's."

you whined in response, the feeling pooled in your gut. it was hot what he was saying in that accent of his. his tone was drowning in lust as he felt the tightness of your pussy around his cock.

"i know you want it too." it was just the kink talking, you knew oscar well enough to know that he'd have a long conversation about you if/when you two decided to have children. he was just letting that mouth of his ramble. he continued to rut against you, "kids will be pretty like you, and you'd be such a good mama to them." he kissed at the side of your neck as he tightened his grip on you and thrusted against you.

you held onto the bed under you and said, "oscar."

"my girl. only my girl. i don't want you running off with someone else. not when you're this beautiful. god, i cant get enough of you." he buried his nose into your hair as he continued to rut against you. those strong arms stayed around you as you pushed your cock up into you.

"no, never. i want you, oscar. i want to be with you forever." you moaned. your back arched further as he continued to fuck you. your head felt like a haze as you could feel your heart pounding in your chest.

"good, because i want you even more. you're my beautiful girl." he even went as far as to lick the side of your neck, "if i lick it, it's mine." he said cheekily before he went back to peppering kisses along your shoulders.

the pleasure quickly built up between you two.

his pace became faster and little more erratic, he held onto you tighter. like a life line as his cock pressed against your softest areas. like staking a claim on your sweet body.

he yearned for you during the time you were apart.

"please, honey."

"i got ya." he said softly.

you came loudly, you buried your head into the soft pillow and let out a sharp gasp before you clenched around his cock. you felt the sweat on your back as you gasped.

oscar was egged on by your sharp orgasm and quickly followed behind you. he felt himself tense up before he finished inside of you. spurting cum as far as it would go. he peppered your back with kisses and silent praise. you felt amazing against him. it made him hot all over.

"i love you." you said out of breath.

"i love you too."

soon after, oscar was content with holding you after you both came. wrapped up in your love as he inhaled the scent of your shampoo. thoughts of you clouded his mind as he held you. his perfect other half.

the future mother of his children.

-

all those years later and two championship titles within three years. oscar got his wish and bred you. it wasn't forced upon you (god no!), but after a lot of discussion and thought, you two decided that you wanted to try for a baby.

and now there you were, four months pregnant with your first child. and you were cheering on your husband in his second to last season. you were both a little older, a little wiser, and knew that you wanted to be parents.

the thought of all the sex you had that got you to that point made your cheeks burn. there was the time in the jet, and in the pool, followed by two rounds in the driver's room. and don't forget when you two fucked in the back of his car after a mclaren event. he made sure that his seed stuck to the soft walls of your pussy.

and as you loudly cheered from your seat, you beamed at the even the slightest sight of his signature orange car. you patted your belly as you relaxed in your seat a little. you fanned yourself with your hand, getting a little worked up.

you couldn't wait to see him at the finish line and hopefully with another title under his belt.

[wintersoldiersoul]

Brat

A/N: Literally have a flight to catch in 4 hours and this is how I'm spending my time. Also this was inspired by a video by The Stark Internship on TikTok! I love their account so much definitely check them out.

Summary: Bucky is fed up with your attitude

Warnings: Smut, Daddy kink, fingering, oral (m and f receiving), breeding kink

Everyone has days when they just wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Today was one of those for you. You hadn't slept well in a few nights and you were irritable and on edge. Your had tons of assignments due for work, and your boss was a nightmare. Everything was pissing you off today from the slow walkers on the street, to your shoelaces coming untied. 

“Hey baby,” Bucky said, smiling and giving you a kiss when you walked through the door.

“Hi,” you deadpanned, slipping your bag off your shoulder and letting it fall to the ground.

His expression changed when he saw your mood. “Bad day?”

You nodded, strutting over to the kitchen to get the cold brew from the fridge. “Where’s the coffee?” You asked, unable to find it in the fridge.

“Oh I finished it this morning,” Bucky answered. “I was gonna grab some more tomorrow.”

You groaned, throwing your head back. “Why didn’t you just get more when you finished it? Now I have to go back out.”

“Sorry baby, I didn’t think you’d need coffee at 5pm,” he said apologetically. 

“Well I do because unfortunately for me, I haven’t slept all week because your body is like a fucking furnance and I have a killer headache that only caffeine can fix.” 

“I’ll go out and get you a coffee, okay?” Bucky had seen you in these moods a lot. You got irritable whenever you were stressed or tired or hungry, which was a lot. “You go relax.”

“Thanks,” you answered, slumping over to the home office. You did some more work, trying to get ahead of what you had to do tomorrow. 

“Here,” he said when he got back, placing a starbucks cup in front of you. “How can I help?”

“Just leave me alone,” you snapped. It came out harsher than you intended. “I’m sorry.”

But Bucky wasn’t offended. He just smirked at you. “That’s it,” he said sternly. “You have 30 minutes to get ready and then you and me? We’re going to dinner. And we’re gonna have a great time. And when we get back, I want you on the bed with your legs spread for me. And I’m gonna split you open on my cock and fuck that attitude right out of you, got it?” He commanded.

You swallowed harshly, already feeling your clit throbbing from his words. “Yes, sir.”

“Good,” he nodded his head and walked out of the room. 

You decided to play into his game while at dinner, acting extra bratty to see just how riled up you could get him. The second you walked in the door, his eyes narrowed. “I’m giving you a two minute head start. By the time I get in there, you better be naked and touching that pretty pussy, okay? Go.” 

You ran to the bedroom, completely submissive to him. You quickly discarded your clothing and laid on the bed moving a hand between your legs. You inserted two fingers inside of yourself, wetness pooling around your fingers. Bucky opened the door just as you were reaching your peak. 

“Good girl,” he smirked. “No cumming though. Not yet sweetheart.” He crawled on the bed moving his face in between your legs watching as you played with yourself. “Bet those little fingers don’t feel as good as mine. You need my thick fingers stretching you out to really feel good.” He grabbed your wrist and made you remove your fingers from yourself. “Nothing to say? No sassy little remark to fire back at me? You’ll do whatever Daddy tells you, won’t you?” His eyes darkened as he spoke.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Good,” he said, running flesh fingers through your folds. “Such a perfect cunt,” he grunted as he inserted a finger, curling it slowly to torture you. “Too bad you’ve been a brat today.” He swiftly removed his finger and licked it clean. “Get on your knees. Now,” he commanded while undoing his belt and taking down his pants. Your mouth watered at the wet spot on his boxers where his tip was leaking. You reached out to take his underwear off but he shoved your hands away. “No no no, baby girl. You wait for Daddy to tell you what to do.” He smacked your ass hard and you moaned. 

“Daddy please!!” You begged like a child. “Wanna suck you.”

Bucky laughed darkly. “You need that slutty mouth filled? You want Daddy’s cock to choke on? Wan’ me to fuck your face real hard, don’t you?” You squeezed your legs together at his words, desperate for something. 

“Mhm, want it so badly. Wanna run my tongue over the slit and wrap my lips around your thick cock. Want you to stretch out my mouth.”

He inhaled sharply at your words. Bucky was dominant in bed, but he was so in awe of you that sometimes he just had to give in. “Oh fuck, Princess, the shit you say.” He slowly dragged his boxers down his legs. “Come make Daddy feel good.”

You crawled to him, immediately licking his slit, moaning at the taste of his pre-cum on your tongue. He threw his head back as you wrapped your lips around all of him and bobbed up and down. “Shit,” he gasped, grabbing your hair to move your head quicker. You brought one hand up and lightly squeezed his balls which caused him to start to move his hips, fucking your mouth just like he said we would. “Holy shit, Princess, oh-oh fuck.” He continued to mumble profanities as you moved. Bucky was always vocal in bed - something that you loved. Hearing the pleasure you brought him made everything so much better. “Gonna cum, baby. Gonna shoot a load in the back of your throat and I want you to swallow it all for me,” he said, breath growing more rapid. You continued until you felt the thick liquid hit your throat, swallowing it all with ease. “That’s a good girl,” he praised, pulling his dick out of your mouth. “Now lemme see how wet that little pussy is. Bet your clit is so swollen. Just begging to be played with,” he cood as he lifted you up onto the bed and held your legs apart. He blew cold air onto your clit, the sensation making you feral. You needed him. Your slick was running down your thighs. He brought his mouth closer and closer but never quite connecting it. He ran his hands up and down your inner thighs, making you squirm.

“D-Daddy please! I’ll be so good to you. You can do anything you want. Use me however you want just please touch me!”

He looked up at you from in between your legs and smirked. “Anything? You’d even let me fill this sweet cunt up with my cum?” He asked, causing another moan to ring out from your throat. “Oh you want that, don’t you. Dirty girl. You wanna be full of your Daddy?”

“Y-yes! Please, just-” you stopped short when he put his lips around your clit, sucking with full force. “Oh yes Daddy! Fuck!” He inserted two metal fingers inside you, the stretch sending fireworks throughout your body. His eyes connected with yours as he kept sucking your clit and fingering you. He loved watching your eyes when he pleasured you. Loved how glassy and dazed you looked. He added a third finger, stretching you to the hilt. Your orgasm was coming quick. “Can I cum, Daddy?” He moaned into your pussy signaling yes and you exploded. Your walls clenched and your clit throbbed as euphoria washed over you. 

Bucky didn’t stop his movements, though. If anything, he sucked a little harder and fingered you a little faster. You were letting out high pitched moans continuously, already on the brink of a second orgasm. “DADDY!” You yelled out as the most intense orgasm of your life washed over you, squirting onto his face and the bed. The sound of your liquid hitting the sheets made Bucky feral. He let you ride out your high on his face and his fingers before carefully removing himself.

“Oh, honey, you are too fucking much. Squirting for your Daddy, now that’s what good girls do. So proud of you angel.” He kissed you passionately, letting your taste on his tongue fill your mouth. “Gonna give you my cock now, okay? Gotta make sure all that attitude is really gone.” 

He aligned himself with your pussy and immediately thrusted all the way in. He gave you no time to adjust to his size before he snapped his hips hard, hitting your g-spot everytime. “Such a slutty little thing, look at ‘cha,” he taunted, unable to take his eyes away from his cock slipping in and out of you. “You got my cock fucking drenched, baby girl. You that desperate to be fucked? Making puddles on this bed I swear,” he said, continuing to fuck you hard. His hand reached to your clit, giving it a feather light touch just to tease you a little more. 

“Daddy, touch my clit, please! Been so good for you,” you pleaded.

He laughed. “Nothing is ever enough for you, is it? Got you stuffed full of cock and you’re asking for more?” Despite his teasing, he gave you what you wanted, connecting his fingers to your clit and applying the perfect amount of pressure. “Fuck, feel you squeezing me. You gonna cum again for me? You gonna cum all over Daddy’s big cock?”

“Yes, Daddy!” you screamed, tears rolling down your cheeks.

“Cum with me baby girl, gonna fill you up. Gonna get you all pregnant and round. Fuck you’re gonna look so good carrying my baby,” he grunted, thrusts growing sloppy. 

“Give it to me, Daddy! Fill me up!” You moaned, feeling his cum shooting into your body and setting off your own orgasm. You screamed as you came, squirting for the second time.

When you had both finished, he removed his dick from you and got up to get a towel. He carefully cleaned you up, looking into your eyes with love.

“So, did we fix that attitude?”

“I don’t know,” you smirked. “I think there’s still some in there that needs to be fucked out of me.” 

“You’re trouble,” Bucky growled, crawling on top of you once again.

[daycourtofficial]

I got cursed like Eve got bitten - part XIV

Pairing: Azriel x Rhysand's sister!reader | WC: 1.4k | Warnings: none

Summary: reports of a rare powered fae popping up in Illyria send Azriel and Rhysand on a journey through the past, unraveling a truth they thought long buried

Previous part | Next part | Masterlist

You spent the next few nights plagued with nightmares. All flashes of images that made little to no sense, a roaring of water in your ears as you slept until you jolted awake. You were sure the whole house could feel your terror, the dreams so vivid it was hard to tell where they ended and your waking hours began. You couldn’t shake the image of the male, that split second you had seen him coming back to haunt your dreams over the week.

Your lessons with Feyre continued, Azriel’s presence during them a constant whenever he was available. Lessons were much smoother when he was around, it was easier to focus and calm yourself. Anytime he was gone, your thoughts made their way to the mystery male, your nervousness seeping into her until she would end the lesson.

Feyre helped paint the male, but something felt off in the depiction. He didn’t look right. It didn’t help that no one - Feyre, Rhys, or Azriel - had ever seen him. She made several attempts, all subject to different facial features that kept changing in your dreams, making his face hazy.

It wasn’t all despair, though. You had actually intentionally implanted a feeling into Feyre the other day, converting her happiness into anger for a flicker.

It was incredible.

Between the training and your nightmares, your days were very draining, your afternoons full of naps and most of your evenings spent curled up in the library, the couch before the fireplace becoming a place of comfort very quickly. After dinner each night you had Azriel fly you to the library, a nightly ritual you had grown quite fond of. He somehow always knew exactly when you wanted to return back to the river house, the flight back most nights almost lulling you to sleep.

Azriel had dropped you off tonight, telling you there was a chance someone else might have to retrieve you. You nodded, understanding that maybe his official job wasn’t to ferry you around, but unable to stop the disappointment you felt at potentially not seeing him.

You made the usual route to your corner, greeting Clotho as you passed her. The path was familiar to you, passing shelves to get to your favorite spot. What you didn’t expect was to find an envelope on the couch addressed to ‘Birdie’. You looked around, unsure if anyone else would sit here. You had assumed not - the books you had gathered yesterday were still in the neat piles you had left them in, too tired to return them before leaving.

You tucked the letter away into a book after opening it, somehow the contents felt scandalous, opting to wait to ask Feyre about it later.

Azriel returned after your nightly reading, looking incredibly tired as he flew you through the skies, but his demeanor was the same as it was when he had dropped you off.

“Az?” You had to raise your voice enough to be heard over the wind.

“Hm?”

“Are you okay?”

He hummed in response, clearly thinking on how to respond.

“A lot’s just weighing on my mind.” You looked at his jawline, watching his mouth move as he spoke. Every night being this close to his face, you always had a few moments where you were in awe of just how beautiful he was.

“If you ever want someone to unload some of it onto, I’m pretty strong.”

You kept watching him, chuckling a bit at the quizzical look on his face. “Because you said a lot was weighing on your mind?”

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, his eyes looking so open it made you want to confess about your nightmares. How every night was a flurry of images all laying on top of each other, a muddling of sounds that had you swearing you could make out his voice amongst the crowd.

But you kept that to yourself, focusing on how his arms felt around you instead.

“Just wondering how the village is managing without you there.”

A look you can’t discern passes over his face. “I’m sure anyone you’ve left behind feels your absence.”

The rest of the flight was a peaceful silence. When you and Azriel had landed, Rhys and Feyre quickly met the two of you telling you that dinner was ready. The four of you moved to the dining room, the scuffing of chairs against the floor as you all took your seats. A few moments of silverware clattering as your plates were loaded. Feyre and Azriel mindlessly chattered as you and Rhys discussed a rematch of chess.

The routine of the past few weeks allowed you to feel so comfortable, so at ease with these fae. Something you’ve never really had before.

You blame the comforting atmosphere on the words that slipped out of your mouth.

“I got invited to a ball.”

Silverware clattered, Rhys’s fork stuck in midair as he was about to take a bite. It was like the air in the room had been sucked out - everyone’s attention was on you, and somehow you knew it was the wrong thing to say.

“Who invited you?” You pulled out the invitation, feeling so much like an admonished schoolgirl as you passed it to Rhysand who nearly snatched it from your grasp, the fork abandoned on his plate.

“I’m not sure, I found it where I usually sit in the library.”

“How can you be sure it was for you?”

“It was addressed to me.” You could feel the swirls in Rhys’s chest, so much fear and concern spinning around inside of him. Was it because of this? You had been too wrapped up in Azriel’s company when you sat down to notice how everyone else felt.

You turned, your gaze catching on Azriel. He was deadly still, not saying anything, gaze stuck on you. You tried to see how he felt about this, searching deep in his chest for how he felt, but you were met with a quiet void of rage. It started blurring your vision, red creeping in through the edges, the anger crawling up inside of your chest.

It quickly dissipated as you felt something cool brush your ankle, looking down to find one of the shadows that usually held tightly to Azriel’s body was now looping itself around your calf. It carried a chill with it, leaving goosebumps in the wake of its touch. But it was so comforting, it felt like a soft kiss to your leg.

“Do you want to go?”

Your head snapped out of the trance of the shadow at Feyre’s question, missing the way Rhys’s jaw ticked at his mate’s question.

“I’m not sure. I’ve never been to a ball, and I imagine once I go back to my village I won’t have many options.”

Your eyes on Feyre failed to notice the matching crestfallen looks on Rhysand and Azriel’s faces.

“The Hewn City is a terrible place.”

You turned to Rhys, a hard look in his eye.

“I think I can make my own judgments, thank you. One of the reasons I left Illyria was to see other places, and I’d like to see Hewn City.”

Azriel and Rhys looked to one another, their eyes locked in a gaze, neither looking happy.

“And if something happens, that will be my own lesson to learn.”

Rhysand opened his mouth as if to say more, but he quickly looked to Feyre, the two locked in intense eye contact, as if having a silent argument. Azriel refused to look at you, keeping his gaze on Rhysand and Feyre’s animated faces.

Rhysand quickly snapped his head back to you. “Fine,” Rhys gritted through his teeth, as if he were agreeing to a sudden amputation. “But you will attend with us, and you are to go nowhere in the Hewn City unescorted. Understood?”

You debated on the optics of arguing - on one hand, his demands felt incredibly overbearing and unreasonable, but on the other, you didn’t know the Hewn City or its inhabitants, and if his rules meant you were able to see it just with the company of Azriel or Feyre, you couldn’t complain too much.

Right?

Permanent taglist: @vanilla-seabass @cyrygher @lees-chaotic-brain @topaz125 @chessebookgirl @fides25 @lady-of-tearshed @ashbatz @fxckmiup @lilah-asteria @justvibbinghere @daughterofthemoons-stuff @mybestfriendmademe @heartless-tate @tsunami-of-tears @idrkwhatthisisimsorry @olive-main @azrielsmate3 @pit-and-the-pen @durgenyx @dee-writes-smut @chairofchaos @thelov3lybookworm @berryzxx @throneofsmut @kennedy-brooke @prythianpages @itsswritten @acotarxreader @milswrites @the-golden-jhope @hannzoaks @secretlyhers @tothestarsandwhateverend @sarawritestories @chxosangxl

Azriel taglist: @brieflyclassymortal @thisiskaylin @magicstrengthandcourage @panther-girl-124 @slytherintaco @userxs-blog

Thanks for reading 🥰

[neptunescore]

Princess Cake, Letter

Prompt word: Letter | Pairing: Princess Cake

Jenson hadn't been in when the letter had been delivered to his house. He’d come home from a lovely dinner with Mark, stripped down to his boxers, brushed his teeth and then slept like the dead.

The driver had woken up the next day, none the wiser to what was in his post, and had gone about his morning routine lazily; eating breakfast and doing the daily house chores before — finally — deciding to step out and check his mailbox for any new envelopes.

He should’ve known. He should’ve realised immediately, should’ve recognised the letter was from him, he’d always ripped the corners of any sort of paper he had his hands on, always left those tiny (almost unnoticeable) tears at the edges. Jenson hadn’t known, though. He hadn’t looked.

He hadn’t looked.

He’d opened the envelope casually, had licked the tip of his index finger and unfolded the paper as if it were any normal mail. And then—

Jenson doesn’t quite remember what had happened, had only come back to himself while he was booking the flight; his phone in his left hand while his right one haphazardly stuffed an assortment of random clothes into his suitcase.

The letter had been direct, straight to the point — an address, a plea for his presence, and a signature at the end.

What an idiot, Jenson had chuckled softly to himself later in the plane, who the hell signs a letter like that.

Then again, Nico was always pulling shit like this — desperate to remain formal, to have any feel of normalcy he could when things went awry.

His smile had dropped quickly after that thought.

He’s standing outside the hotel room door now, hand knocking incessantly against the dark wood as his foot taps against the tiled floor impatiently, “Nico!”

“Nico, I swear to God if you don’t open this door right now! Nic-”

“Jense.” A sob. A squeak as the door opens.

Nico’s finally in clear view of him; trembling hands holding the handle, his body drowning in an oversized hoodie, hair mussed up as if he’d run his fingers through them repeatedly, and he's crying. He's crying.

Jenson lets go of his suitcase, immediately pulling Nico forward, wrapping up the man in his embrace and pushing the other’s tear stained face into his chest.

“Nico- sweetheart, what’s happened? What’s wrong?”

“Jense. Jense-” A wail this time.

Jenson could feel his heart breaking, his thoughts frantic as he pulled Nico even closer, panicked fingers reaching up to hold the blonde’s soft face.

“Love. love, tell me what’s wrong, please,” he caresses the wet skin beneath his thumb,”Nico, please. Tell me what’s wrong, I’m here now, I'm here. I’ll fix it, I promise”

“I don’t know what to do-” hitched breaths, “I lost my phone, and I can’t remember what to do and he left me all alone, Jense! He left me, and I want to go home!”

Oh. Oh.

Jenson let his body fall still, let Nico bury himself back into his chest as the taller man sighed in relief. He could fix this. It was okay.

“Oh, love. It’s okay. Let’s go home, yeah?”

His hold around Nico tightened as he felt the blue-eyed man relax against him. Jenson could already feel the brief sense of ease that had filled him fading away as a seething rage grew in its place.

Lewis.

Lewis would pay for this.

I love princess cake so much, so seeing this request in my inbox had me GUSHING🤭 Hopefully, you had just a good time reading this as I had writing it💗 Also, I listened to 'Tere Mere (from "Chef")' while writing this, and it made me realise that the songs I play genuinely have an effect on what I write😭 (you'll get it if u listen to the song)

As always, credits to @cafekitsune for the dividers♡

Rules and details☆°•~

[trickphotography2]

D-Day by TrickPhotography | Chapter 16

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x female!reader

Word count: 3.8k

Synopsis: After finding out his girlfriend is pregnant, Jake is ready to move in and get married. The last thing he expected was to be hit with a six-month deployment at sea and missing the birth of his first child.

18+, minors DNI

Chapter 15 | Series Master List | Ao3

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Chapter 16

The thud of your steel-toed boots was loud in the near-empty Bounty Hunter’s hanger as you returned from the flight line to your office on Friday. Since the squadron was deployed, only a skeleton crew and the civilian DOD employees were in residence.

Plus, there was the odd Dagger who dropped in to chat.

Since you’d been back at work, someone had visited every day. Nat brought coffee. Bob poked his head in to chat for a few minutes. Reuben would swing by with snacks. And Javy? Javy showed up at the house with dinner. 

As much as you appreciated them checking on you, it was overwhelming. And exhausting. They wanted to ensure you were okay, so you tried showing that. You didn’t want them to worry, and for that to get back to Jake. So, if that meant putting on a brave face and joking with your friends, so be it.

In the week and a half since deploying, Jake had texted you a handful of times. Though the carrier had wifi, it was still difficult to coordinate a time to talk between his long shifts, your work schedule, and the time difference. The ship was still traveling, but you were already steadily moving toward the 17-hour time difference. After waking up the first morning to a missed text, you turned your phone off silent mode and slept with it on your pillow. On Tuesday, you’d been able to trade five messages with Jake before he went to bed and while you waited for the nausea meds to kick in to start your day. 

You were hoping to schedule a call with him over the weekend. No matter what time, you would make sure to be awake. 

Nudging your office door open, you pressed a hand to your rumbling stomach. You’d been running late to work this morning and hadn’t had a chance to eat anything. The quality assurance guys had asked for you to be on-site with them as they walked some government contractors - including your old coworker Glen - through an inspection to ensure that contract stipulations were being met. The baby was making their dissatisfaction with your empty stomach known, and another anti-nausea pill was in your immediate future. “I know,” you sighed, walking to your desk and kicking off the heavy boots you had to wear while on the flight line. “We’re getting something soon.”

After swapping the boots for flats, you grabbed your purse and cell phone. Phones weren’t authorized on the flight line, and you’d reluctantly left it behind. Which was why seeing a missed call from Jake knocked the breath from your lungs. Tears sprang to your eyes as you clicked on the voicemail.

“Hey, darlin’. I know you’re at work, but I had a couple minutes and thought I’d try to catch you. I…uh… I hate to say this, but we’re going radio silent. I’ll call you as soon as I can. I’m sorry, darlin’. I love you.” 

Quickly, you tried to call him back. It went straight to voicemail. On the off chance he could listen to the message, you cleared your throat and forced your tone to be bright. “Hey, babe. Sorry I missed you - I was out on the flight line. You know how the QA guys are about phones, and I didn’t want to get written up for a safety breach. Apple and I miss you, but we’re okay. Tell Rooster and Mav I say hi. Be safe. We love you, and I’ll talk to you soon.”

Jake smiled at you from your home screen after you ended the call, a quick picture you’d snapped of him as he woke up, hair mussed with sleep and pillow lines creasing his face. He disliked that picture but could never convince you to change it. Taking a deep breath, you forced away your tears and grabbed your purse. 

Jake turned off his phone and hung his head. He’d known it was a long shot to catch you during the middle of the day, but he’d wanted to hear your voice. It was a harder transition than he’d expected, from talking to you daily to subsisting on a few texts. He missed hearing your music as you got ready in the morning, how you’d mumble in your sleep occasionally, and your commentary on his driving. He even missed finding strands of your hair all over his stuff. 

He didn’t want to constantly compare his first and second marriages. Still, this deployment was definitely more brutal than any before. And it wasn’t only because of the baby.

For the first time in a long time, Jake had someone he wanted to be with at home. And who wanted to be with him. He’d never really had an issue with the lack of communication while underway before - an email or two to his sister, a couple-minute call to his mom, and stilted conversations with his first wife had been the norm - and had happily traded away his scheduled call times. But now, going radio silent was killing him. He couldn’t send you a good morning text or check on how you were feeling. There were no updates about how big the baby was getting or the doctor’s appointment he knew was coming up. 

Hopefully, it was only for a few days, he thought, pushing to his feet and slowly returning from the Officer’s Lounge to the stateroom he shared with Rooster and Fritz. Mav was billeted with the other captains. Though stationed at the same base, Jake hadn’t interacted with Fritz much after returning to Lemoore, other than nodding at him when passing in the hallway of the Bounty Hunters’ hanger on his way to visit you. He, Rooster, and Mav were the odd men out on the mission. The air wings were tight-knit after training and previous deployments together, so he’d take whatever comradery he could find.

When Jake pushed the door open, Rooster was lying in his bunk, scrolling on his phone. Clocking his stormy expression, the aviator decided against teasing him about how his call went as Jake returned his phone to his assigned safe. “I’m gonna grab a coffee before heading to the ready room. Want to join?” he asked.

“I guess,“ Jake replied. They were due to a briefing on the multinational war games they were to participate in. It was good experience for them to practice flying sorties against potential combatants, especially with the additional steps the US military took to make the engagements harder for their pilots. The US military basically tied one hand behind its back during the games, pushing its aviators and sailors to think creatively when faced with potential barriers. 

There is more to gain from losing than winning. The brass could use the information to devise new strategies and tactics, which was the ultimate goal of these international scrimmages. But that didn’t mean that they liked losing. While sailing to the designated site, they would devise a plan to help defeat the enemy. And Jake had been drafted to help teach those tactics.

“Fuck,” you growled, slamming your hand against the cool shower tile. Blindly, you turned the water heat down as the room spun. Over the last few days, you’d started feeling lightheaded again, something you hoped was behind you. But apparently, dizziness was expected in the second trimester of pregnancy as your blood volume increased. Hopefully, you thought, this wouldn’t land you back in the emergency department. You could only imagine how Jake would feel if that happened while he was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. 

With that in mind, you slowly lowered yourself to sit in the bathtub and attempted to rest your forehead on your knees. Between your stomach and how the position made your back twinge and breasts ache, you huffed and leaned back against the tub. A stab of pain shot down your right side, and you whimpered, hands going to your belly as you stiffened. Thankfully, it faded quickly. Dr. Shearer confirmed that the pain was normal during your check-up on Thursday. 

An unwelcome sob rose in your throat, and you clapped a hand to your mouth to trap it. There was nothing to cry about, you scolded yourself. The shooting pain was an unfortunate side effect of your body changing to accommodate the baby. Yes, it sucked that Jake wasn’t there to dig his thumbs into your lower back and kneed away that tension or hold you when your head spun, but tough shit. It was something you needed to get used to. As much as you wanted your husband there to hold your hand and make you feel better, billions of women got through pregnancy alone. Seventeen weeks down, twenty-three to go. Sunday - tomorrow - would mark the beginning of week 18.

And you were luckier than most. Your husband and parents were supportive, and you had a great group of friends around. Like Nat, who would be there shortly to help you go shopping now that you were officially getting to the very limits of your wardrobe. For all that she was stuck wearing a uniform at work, the aviator enjoyed clothes shopping and had promised to make it a fun day even though you were dreading it. And your coworkers were being phenomenally supportive. Even Jake’s squadron had taken to popping over to check on you. Admiral Tritz’s wife had offered support and connected you to some of the other officers’ wives.

It didn’t matter that it had been a week since hearing anything from Jake. He was busy, and so were you. This was just part of life, loving someone in the military. Hell, growing up, you’d done this. In kindergarten, your dad had been gone so much that you vividly remembered picking him up from the airport, confident that you were dreaming because Dad was home. There were so many weekend mornings that you’d woken up to your mom in front of the computer on a video call, trying to catch a few minutes with one another before he went to bed when assigned to temporary duty in another country. Your sophomore year of high school, Dad had gone on a solo remote tour to Korea for a year in exchange for orders to Florida because that’s where you wanted to go to college. 

Mom had encouraged you to stay busy. That would help the time fly by. And it had, to some extent. Work was a good distraction, and you tried to keep in touch with your friends back home. But the loneliness crept in at night. You missed the casual intimacy of getting ready together in the morning, driving into work and commenting on the talk radio conversations, standing beside one another in the bathroom while brushing your teeth, and how he would make sure you were settled before turning off the light and crawling into bed beside you. 

Three weeks alone in the house, and you were slowly building a new routine. You were back to cooking dinner on Sunday and making enough leftovers for the week. After forgetting to set the coffee pot the first day - that was Jake’s chore - you did it while getting a glass of water before bed. His truck became your weekend car to make sure the battery didn’t die. 

Hot tears trailed down your face, and you slid under the shower spray to rinse the conditioner from your hair. You needed to get ready because Nat would be there soon. Wallowing would get you nowhere. 

It took a moment to realize that your music had become a ringtone. You pulled back the curtain to see who was calling, and your heart stopped.

The last picture Jake had sent you - him in his jet, smiling behind his oxygen mask - appeared on the screen. 

Quickly, you wiped your hand on the bath mat and reached for the phone, swiping to answer. “Hold on!” you said, letting the curtain fall back and turning off the water. Reluctant to stand too quickly, you ripped back the curtains and sat on the tub's rim, yanking the towel from the rack and drying your hands. Goosebumps erupted on your skin. “Just a second!”

Jake’s laugh echoed through the bathroom as you quickly tapped the speakerphone. “Take your time, darlin’.”

“I’m getting out of the shower.”

“Don’t move too fast, then. Don’t want you to slip.”

“I’m being careful,” you answered, grinning through your tears while swinging your legs out of the tub. Sniffling, you grabbed the phone and held it tightly, wanting to have him closer. “I’m here.”

“Good.” The phone beeped, signaling an incoming video call. Reluctantly, you accepted it, ensuring the camera was pointed at the ceiling. The angle allowed you to see him, hair flattened to his head and dark circles under his eyes but kept you out of frame.

“Hang on, let me put some clothes on.”

“Lemme see you first.” Mistaking the reason for your reluctance, Jake quickly added. “I’m not around anyone now. Everyone else’s already gone to bed.”

“What time is it?” you asked, trying to distract him. It had to be early, given the time difference and the way his accent was stronger with exhaustion.

“Almost 3:00AM. I wanted to call you as soon as we got the okay, but I fell asleep after my shift.” It was on the tip of your tongue to tell him to go to sleep and that you would talk to him later, but you selfishly wanted him to stay on the phone. He yawned, scrubbing a hand through his hair and blinking tiredly into the camera. “C’mon, Mama - lemme see my girls.”

Sighing, you chewed your lower lip while lifting the phone so you were in the frame. Jake’s smile dimmed as he frowned. “Hey, babe.”

“Were you crying?” 

“‘M fine,” you said quickly. “How are you? How have you been?”

“Why were you cryin’, darlin’? What’s wrong?” 

“‘M fine,” you repeated, blinking away the tears. “I just… I miss you.” 

Jake sighed your name, brows furrowing. “I miss you too. How’ve you been? Taking care of yourself?” Nodding, you dried off your legs and slowly stood. “Sloane behaving?”

“Oliver’s been okay. Making me lightheaded and a bit achy, but other than that, we’re good.”

“Lightheaded? Did you fainted ag - ”

“I’ve been fine, Jake. Just taking it slower and making sure that I sit down when I need to. I promise,” you added, wishing he was close enough to smooth the worry lines on his forehead. “Did you get the newest sonogram picture?”

“As soon as I turned on my phone. She’s getting big.”

“As big as a bell pepper tomorrow. And apparently, they’ll start developing their hearing this week.” He smiled tiredly.

“Gonna have to make sure I spend some time talkin’ to her then. Make sure she knows her daddy’s voice.”

“Say the word and I’ll hold my phone to my stomach. He’ll probably have some good acoustics.” Chuckling, he shook his head. 

“Maybe next time. Wanna talk to Mama today. And see what you look like - you didn’t send me a picture of you.”

Rolling your eyes, you walked to the vanity. “No one’s around you?” 

“Officer’s lounge is empty,” he confirmed. Sighing, you covered the camera with your thumb, ignoring his grumble of discontent, and propped the phone against the mirror. With a deep breath, you dropped your hand and stepped back. Jake let out an appreciative whistle that made you blush. Scoffing, you quickly grabbed your underwear and put them on. “Slow down, gorgeous. I wanna get a look at you.” 

“You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re sexy as hell.” Moaning, he shifted in his chair, hand disappearing to where you could picture him adjusting himself. “Damn, Mama. We’re gonna have to have another kid so I can enjoy you lookin’ like that in person.”

At that, you laughed and snatched up your leggings, yanking them on. “Again - ridiculous. Let’s survive our first pregnancy before talking about another one.” The stretchy material clung to your stomach, emphasizing the curve. 

“Hang on, turn to the side,” Jake said, bringing the phone closer to his face. When you did, placing a hand on top of your stomach, he breathed, “Fuck.” You watched as he tapped the screen, taking a picture. “I’m the unluckiest son of a bitch. Look at you, gettin’ bigger with my baby, an’ I’m not there to take care of you.” The exhaustion on his face was mixed with a different type of hunger, making you think of the nights you woke him up with teasing touches and soft kisses. Nights where words weren’t needed, conscious enough to be lost in the dreamlike pleasure of one another. 

The thought made you shift, a familiar ache appearing between your thighs. While it wasn’t the main reason you wanted your husband home, you missed him in your bed. You'd gotten used to his touch in the year you’d been together. At the slightest hint of being turned on, Jake was happy to take charge and make you cum. Your body craved the feel of his calloused fingers, his soft lips on your skin, and his weight holding you down. 

And it felt like you were turned on most of the time now. 

A devilish smirk crossed Jake’s mouth as he watched your nipples harden. “Cold, darlin’?” 

“Not exactly.” Slowly, you dragged your fingers up your chest, lightly running your nail across your bare breast. “Miss you.” He groaned, reaching to adjust his earbud.

“From sad to horny, huh?”

“More like sad and horny,” you corrected. 

“Same, darlin’. Wish I was there to take care of you the way you like.”

“Me too. It’s not the same without you. Doesn’t feel as good.” At that, his head dropped back onto the chair, and you saw his Adam’s apple bob as he let out a heavy breath.

“You’re killin’ me, Mama.” At your sharp inhale, his gaze snapped to the camera in time to see you pinching your nipple. “Fuck. Do it again.” With your lower lip between your teeth, you did as he said, whimpering at the rough feeling. Jake shifted, a pretty red flush appearing on his skin. “Tryin’ ta get me in trouble, darlin’?” he rasped.

“Never.” 

“Liar.” He watched as your fingers slid into the top of your legging and underwear, tugging them down. 

“Tell me to stop,” you challenged. At his silence, you pushed the material down your hips and legs, letting it pool at your feet. Stepping out of it, you picked up the phone and made your way to the bed, settling on his side. “Cat got your tongue, Hangman?”

“Just admiring the view, Mrs. Seresin,” Jake said, tongue darting out to wet his lips as you flipped the camera to show your fingers trailing down your naked body. While your breasts were easily viewable, your stomach hid your lower half. “Gonna give me a show?”

“Tell me what you want to see.”

“Wanna see my pretty - ” Jake’s eyes darted to the side, and he quickly sat up. The seductive, teasing tone was gone when he said, “Girl’s ultrasound.” His gaze tracked someone, and he nodded before looking at the camera. Quickly, you flipped the view so he could see your face. 

“Someone’s there?” 

“Yup. Would you send me one of the pictures?” Scrubbing a hand down your face, you moaned. Arousal hummed under your skin, and a small part of you was tempted to take care of yourself while on the call, but that would be cruel to your husband. Especially if there was another person around. As much as you loved teasing him, that was a bridge too far.

Huffing, you flipped back the covers and propped the phone on his pillow. You could smell the faintest hint of his shampoo clinging to the fabric. “Are you asking for an actual ultrasound picture or dirty pictures?” you smirked, tugging the blanket up to your chest. 

“Both.”

“Anything else you’d like, Lieutenant Seresin?” His eyes darted to the side again.

“So many things, darlin’. But I’d settle for some snacks.”

“Sure. I’m running low on my snacks, too, so it’s good timing.”

“The normal ones, or are you having pregnancy cravings?” he asked, cocking his head. Jake hated that he had to ask, adding it to the running list of things he was missing.

“Well, I don’t usually crave beef jerky or yogurt-covered pretzels, so I’d say pregnancy cravings.” 

“Anything else?”

“I mean, there’s been a few nights I’ve gone out for a milkshake and fries.” 

“Wish I was there to make the run for you. You go to our anniversary spot?” Laughing, you nodded while sliding a hand under the covers to cradle your stomach.

“I did go to our anniversary spot. Their fries are so salty, and the ice cream machine was actually working. So this one will probably be more than happy to go twice a year for our anniversaries.”

“Once, Mama. We agreed to go to McDonald’s for our dating anniversary, not our wedding one. Wanna at least have one night where I can spoil you.” 

“I believe you said you’d think about it. And you can still spoil me, but we can end the night with chicken nuggets and fries.” Jake rolled his eyes before yawning. “Babe, you should go to bed.”

“‘M fine. Wanna talk to you.” 

“I need to get ready. Nat’s on her way, and we’re going shopping since I can no longer fit any of my work clothes.” His gaze softened as he frowned, thinking about how upset you’d been about that before he left.

“You okay?”

“Our credit card might not be.” 

“Darlin’.” You sighed, looking away to gather your thoughts.

“I’m okay. It’s easier now since I look pregnant, and people know.”

“Good. ‘Cause you’re beautiful, Mama.” Tears pricked at your eyes, and you turned to hide your face in his pillow. Jake groaned, and you peeked to see his thumb brushing the screen as though he could touch you.

“I’m fine,” you sniffled. “I’m fine, babe.”

“Fine, beautiful, and gorgeous,” he agreed, causing you to blush. “Love you, darlin’.” 

“I love you too.” You watched as he clenched his jaw to keep from yawning again and sighed. “Go back to bed, honey. Call me when you wake up.” 

“Alright. Have fun with Phoenix, and buy whatever you want. Send me pictures.”

“You’re ridiculous. Goodnight.”

“Night, Mama. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

When the call disconnected, you let the phone fall. Lightly stroking your stomach, you heaved a sigh, feeling better that you’d at least spoken to your husband. “I miss Daddy,” you whispered to the baby. 

And, though you knew it was your mind playing tricks on you because it was too early to feel movement, you thought you felt the slightest of flutters against your palm. 

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

Author's Note: This chapter fought me because, though I knew the story was going to be angsty given the premise, it still hurt to write. Definitely brought up a lot of memories of my dad deploying, and what a toll that took on the family. Snuck some personal experience into the chapter, when Darlin' was reflecting on what it's like to love someone in the military. I definitely remember being 5 years old and thinking I was dreaming coming back from the airport with Dad in the car, because he deployed to Saudi A LOT that year. And he and Mom agreed for him to take remote - when the service member gets orders but the family doesn't - to Korea when we were ready to come stateside to make sure we got to Florida. (My older sister was already in college, and Mom put her foot down about living overseas while one of her kids was in the states alone.)

Thanks for your patience with me getting this out. I'm excited for the next chapter! Hopefully I'll be able to get that one out quicker, as I'm also working on a holiday story about Jake.

Read Chapter 17

Tag list: @mamachasesmayhem; @memeorydotcom; @alldaysdreamers; @kmc1989; @djs8891; @caitsymichelle13; @dempy; @midnightmagpiemama; @lovelyladymayyyy; @caidi-paris; @a-court-of-roscoe-and-baby; @bellaireland1981; @lethargicluv; @tenderclio; @lucypaulette; @abaker74; @trhett21; @misshoneypaper; @schreksdoubledeckerhomechecker; @eternallyvenus; @mavrellover91; @chloeforde; @thatbitcily; @rest-of-brazilian-wax; @percysaidnever; @harperdoodle; @hardballoonlove; @maeleeme; @emma8895eb; @xoxabs88xox; @queenslandlover-93; @memoriesat30; @queerqueenlynn

[a-aexotic]

literally anything angsty with peeta PLEASE IM BEGGING (happy ending maybe)

your ask is command<3, i hope u enjoyed it!

cw's: normal thg stuff, not exactly canon!au, descriptions of ptsd, anxiety attack, killing, and a small kiss at the end<3

The war had ended for the country, but it certainly hadn't ended for you and Peeta. Years of trauma certainly wasn't going to end just because the rebels had finally won. It felt like the war had ended for everyone except you and Peeta.

Peeta was supposed to be happy that Snow was dead. Peeta thought that after they had won, everything he'd endured would melt away. Oh, how wrong he was.

They had won the war externally, but internally, he was still fighting with his inner demons. Sometimes Peeta felt like they had truly won the war because they're dead - they didn't have to deal with the consequences of their actions, it seemed like Peeta was enduring them instead.

He couldn't even rest without getting flashbacks of the war.

You were downstairs, getting everything ready for dinner. Today had been one of the best days you and Peeta have had since after the war. It'd been months and everyday felt like a battle of it's own for you and Peeta, flashbacks haunting you both.

But today, you both awoke with a somewhat fresh attitude. Today was the first day of spring and the birds outside were chirping, the air was getting warmer. The snow melted as well as your negative attitudes.

You and Peeta had both awoken with a smile on your faces; Peeta had slept through the whole night without a single nightmare. It was the first peaceful sleep he'd gotten since, he doesn't even remember.

You were making dinner, humming peacefully as you saw the sun was setting. You were making Peeta's favorite dinner in honor of making it a whole day without a single interruption.

Then, as you were setting up the table, you heard a big loud crash upstairs. Your fight or flight was suddenly activated, and your heart started beating fast. You had started breathing heavily and you felt as though you were back in war.

Your mind was racing with flash backs and you don't even know how, but suddenly you were on the ground of your kitchen, staring blankly as you muttered incoherently to yourself.

You were back in the arena and the boy from District 3 was on top of you, trying to stab you and your chances of surviving were becoming slimmer and slimmer until you grabbed a rock and smashed it across his head.

His body was rigid for a second, his eyes blank. His face drained from pale to grey right in front of your eyes and you saw the life trickle out of his eyes.

He dropped on you, his head head laying right beside you as the blood starting getting on your face and body. He weighed so much, you couldn't get him off of you.

You heard the canon, and the smell of it right after. You were frozen in fear, shaking.

"Y/N!" Peeta saw you sitting on the floor and he ran next to you, putting a hand on your knee. He studied your face; it was blank, no apparent emotion on your face.

You were rocking back and forth and Peeta realized that you were having a PTSD flashback. He'd never seen you in such a state before; you were usually the strong one. He felt his heart break before you as he held your hand; he could only imagine how you were feeling right now.

As soon as his skin touched yours, you jumped in fear and started to cry. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I had to! I had to kill you, I'm sorry!"

Peeta's hand left yours and then he suddenly remembers how he found you once the announcement that two victors could be crowned.

A boy that was easily 2x bigger than you was laying on top of you, dead and you were frozen in fear. He helped you get the man off of you and you hugged him for what seemed to be hours, crying into his chest. He was the only person you had purposely killed.

"Y/N, can you hear me?" Peeta says, his eyebrows knitted in concern as he stared at you. He didn't want to touch you because that wouldn't help and would only make it worse.

Your breathing had became normal again and your shaking had slowed down, you could hear him.

"It's not real, baby, you're safe. You're home. You're okay. It's over."

Your vision was blurry but you could now see Peeta right in front of you. As your vision cleared, you started to cry even more. You immediately grabbed and embraced Peeta in a tight hug, sobbing into his shoulder as he whispered calming sentences to help you calm down.

"Oh, Peeta." You cried. "I-I was back there, back in the arena and-and he was on top of me. Oh, I could feel him on me. His d-deadweight on me, and I-" you couldn't even finish the sentence because of how panicked you were.

Your eyes were red and puffy and you were shaking; Peeta hadn't seen you this distraught since the war had ended. "It's okay, you're safe now. You're here with me and I will never let anything bad ever happen to you again, okay?"

Peeta couldn't bare watching you in such a state of panic knowing he couldn't take it all away. "I've got you now, baby."

"It was going so good, too. I thought we'd finally healed from it, Peeta. We're never going it heal." You had whimpered into his shoulder.

He shook his head. "No, don't say that. We're healing. We've... We've gotten better, okay? We've had no nightmares today and only one flashback. You couldn't say that two months ago, right? That's progress."

You sniffled and you understood what he was saying. He was right. You nodded slowly.

Peeta put his hand on your face and you looked up in his eyes. He smiled at you and then leaned in, planting a soft kiss on your lips.

"I'm so grateful for you, Peeta. I don't know what I would've done with you."

Peeta was genuinely happy to hear that. No matter how many times you'd said it, it never loses it's effect on him. "Me, too, love. I love you."

You leaned back into his warm embrace as he rubbed your back comfortingly. "I love you, too."

[eljeebee]

“Are there any vampires like me outside Selvadorada?”

Lavender looked up from her food.

Kasvhi sat with her that late morning for breakfast, or brunch in this case. Lavender had slept in, and when she woke up, she panicked, thinking that she might be late for training. Luckily, it wasn’t the case. She found Kashvi keeping clean sheets inside one of the cupboards in the bedroom. The vampire had smiled at her and explained that the Seekers let her sleep a little longer; they had to go to the temple and commune with the Watcher again.

She saw how her brows slightly knitted at the mention of the Watcher or communing with the Watcher. Lavender did not press her further.

So here she is, eating her breakfast, accompanied by Kashvi. The vampire monicus is sweet, and she would always sit down at dinner with everyone, even if all she drinks is crimson tea (it’s a tea made from the plasma fruit from the very peculiar plasma tree in the courtyard garden). It feels awkward to Lavender though, because she could sometimes feel Kashvi just watching her eat, and when she’s looking, the vampire would just gaze through nothing, but Lavender knows that those pink and green eyes contain deep thoughts, like they’re watching something else, like the past…reminiscing.

Everyone else had their breakfast already. Raul, accompanied by Diego, had to go down to the village to sell his custom-made jewelry, candles, and the spare harvest the monastery set aside, and mail the artifacts that Lakandiwa and Kashvi had authenticated. He would also buy more food stocks. Lakandiwa is now doing his archeology work, while Chief Song tends the garden.

Kashvi smiled at her. Her lips curling up further, reminding Lavender of the question the vampire asked, as if to say, Well?

“There are vampires like you, some new, I think, but there are some that are ancients, from what I’ve heard.”

“An ancient!” Kashvi sighed dreamily, “Just like me…I might know them! Who are they?”

“Just like you?”

“It’s a long story. I was once considered the princess of our Vampiric Family, and the Babaylan as well. I had to flee, deep in the jungle, and defend Omisca against Circle Mages.”

Circle Mages again. Who are they? I should ask the Seekers.

Kashvi continued, “From then on, I never let Belomisia. I vowed to protect Selvadorada. I formed the Selvadorada Temple Order, you know.”

“Temple Order?”

“Yes. The monici here? They’re part of my Order. They help protect not only the temples and ruins here, but also the history and culture. We get a lot of tourists, and with our policies, we help preserve the Omiscan ruins.”

“That’s great work Kashvi,” Lavender smiled. She finally answered the vampire’s question, “The ancient vampire I know is Vladislaus Straud. He has three offsprings, Caleb and Lilith Vatore, and Helen Straud. The other ancients are Valentina Asvang, and Lana Beau. I have never talked to the other two though.”

Her thoughts drifted to Percival Asvang, whom she encountered the night before her flight to Selvadorada.

The thought vanished when Kashvi said, “Oh, I know him. Vladislaus Straud of the Straud Coven. I’m not familiar with the last two you mentioned, but I know the names–Asvang and Beau. They’re also in his coven, from what I know.”

Her face was unreadable.

“Have you ever talked to Mr. Straud?” Lavender inquired.

Kashvi shook her head. “Our Family had duties here. Our Coven was Tomarang and Selvadorada, you see. We serve the people and the Watcher, live in temples. We’ve received letters from his coven, and we would often send representatives there. I wish I could talk to him. I know we have a similar…”

Her words hung in the air.

“Where is he now?” Kashvi asked instead, “Is he in the same city you live? Myshuno, is it?”

Similar what? Lavender thought. She said, “Yes. He lives in San Myshuno, along with the Beau and the Asvang.”

“So he’s no longer in…” Kashvi shook her head. “Nevermind. After you eat, let’s do something fun!”

“We apologize for starting your training late, my child,” Mata said, “the Watcher called us.”

“That’s okay,” Lavender joked, “At least I was able to sleep more.”

The Seekers wore different attires today. Same dark fabrics, but a little lighter to wear. Lavender thought, Well, it is hot today…but why did Seeker Mata also wear lighter clothes? Do vampires even feel hot? Or did he just want to match with Seeker Iris?

“I will train you today. I will teach you fighter stances–stances that you may use when fighting with the Gift. With that power, your whole body is a weapon,” Mata continued, “you cannot use your wand when harnessing the Gift. It will break your wand.”

Iris nodded, “I, for one, never preferred using a wand. It is too restricting. Though, I have tried using it; to test the power She gave us. The wand exploded.”

Lavender gulped. Her wand was a parting gift by the Sages, who fashioned the light wood with a purple gemstone that she loves. She would cry if it broke.

The dull ache from yesterday’s sparring amplified when she had to hold her position, as the Second Seeker criticized her stance. “Your shoulders are sagging,” he sternly said, “fix that.”

Lavender let out a groan.

[trulymadlysydney]

Wait For Me in the Sky: Twelve

Mars lingers, looking at Harry before, at the exact same time, they come back to earth and realize they’re being watched.  Mars clears her throat.  “Is there anything else I can get you, Mr. Styles?”

Harry’s cheeks quirk at the formality, and he hopes Mars doesn’t notice the deep gulp.  He can’t help it, hearing her call him “Mr. Styles” does something to him. 

“Actually,” he says, lowering his voice, “there is one thing.”

Mars blinks, not quite catching on. “Mm?”

“Although,” Harry says quietly,  “Now that I think of it, I’m not certain this airline offers the type of services I’m looking for.”

Mars lets out a loud breath when she realizes what he’s getting at, and Harry beams at her reaction. She glances around her to make sure no one else has caught on, before turning back to Harry. “Well,” she says slowly.   “I’m sure something can be arranged.  All you have to do is ask."

Harry grins, eyes darting down Mars’ body very briefly.  He reaches up to absentmindedly play at his bottom lip.  “I’m not even sure I have to ask, given the way you’re looking at me.”

***DO NOT REPOST WITHOUT PERMISSION***

Get all caught up HERE

MARS

It’s 3:55am, and Mars barely slept a wink.

Not that she was expecting to get much sleep anyway.  After hanging up with Harry, her mind had run wild with a thousand different things she’d wished she’d said, or at least said differently, and she’d had to physically stop herself from picking up the phone to send him a text of useless clarification that she knew he didn’t need but god, it would just make her feel better if she could only--

“How was dinner with Franco last night?”  The voice of her fellow crew member- Abby- pulls her from her thoughts. “You never told us.”

Mars gets a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach when she thinks about that very dinner with Franco.  And up until now, she’d done a good job not thinking about it- although her anxiety hadn’t let her forget that something bad had happened.  When she’d woken up for good this morning (after tossing and turning the entire night), she’d given it one thought and told herself to knock it off.  She’d forced herself to shove it deep into her heart to unpack for another day, along with the strange and unwarranted guilt that had overcome her when she thought about calling Harry.  She shouldn’t have called him.  She should never have even thought of him.  Why is she still thinking of him now?  Why can’t she forget him?

“It was fine,” is all she can say. “Food was mediocre.”

The three flight attendants walk slowly through the near-empty airport-- their heels clacking against the slick floor as they make their way to their gate.  For the most part, people in the airport seem to be either asleep or half-awake, and no one so much as looks up as the girls pass.

“You know she’s not asking about the food,” Jenna, the third flight attendant on the crew, speaks up.  She giggles.  “I half expected you to be late to the crew van today, girl. Did you stay with him?”  She wiggles her eyebrows, insinuating something that makes Mars nauseous.

The girls don’t know any better, so Mars puts on her best smile.  “I didn’t,” she says back, with as lighthearted a laugh as she can manage.  “Too early of a start today.  Plus he’s not really my type.  We were just catching up as old friends.”

“Not your type?” Abby snorts.  “Are you blind?”

“You cannot tell me that you don’t have any type of attraction to that man,” Jenna chimes in.  “Have you seen him?”

This time, Mars’ giggle is genuine.  “I have,” she says.  “And there was, I guess you could say ‘a thing’ back in the day.  But his personality ruins it for me.”

Abby frowns.  “Don’t tell me he’s a shit human.  Don’t ruin this illusion for me.”

“I mean,” Jenna says,  “Can you blame her though?  Girl’s had Harry Styles in her bed.  I’m sure it’s hard not to compare.”

Mars swallows the lump that arises in her throat at the mere mention of Harry.  She knows this is all well-intended, harmless cheek-- but it does make her sad.  “That was a long time ago,” is all she can come up with. 

The girls approach their gate and walk up to the counter.  “Don’t tell me he’s a shit person too,” Abby says, and Jenna responds with something snarky that Mars can’t hear.  Mars, instead, busies herself with speaking to the gate agent.  

“Good morning!” she says, flashing her badge.  “Mars Tyler. Are the pilots here yet?”

The gate agent, who’s name tag reads “Walter” offers her an almost apologetic smile.  “No pilots yet,” he says.  “And no plane either.  Got delayed in Milwaukee this morning for some weather.”

“Love that,” Mars says sarcastically, causing Walter to chuckle.

“The good news is, they’re on their way.  They’ve been able to make up for a bit of time in the air and they’re expected to land in about thirty minutes.  So in the meantime, if you ladies want to hang out around here.  Grab a coffee maybe.  Just relax.”

The girls speak with Walter for the next couple of minutes, solidifying paperwork and guesstimating a potential boarding time, before Walter excuses himself to deal with something at another gate.  Stashing their bags behind the ticket counter, the girls linger in the area, chatting quietly about their layover plans.

The layover in Dallas is long tonight, and Mars has had it before, so she knows exactly how she’s going to be spending her day.  She figures she can nap for a few hours, then head out to her favorite little cafe near the hotel for lunch.  Briefly, she debates inviting the girls-- because although she wants to be alone with her thoughts right now, she knows the company would be a welcome distraction.

“I’ve never been to Dallas!” Jenna says.  “I didn’t know it was fun.  My roommate had a layover there the other day and she told me about this one bar.  Apparently it’s right down the street from the hotel.  It has like, four dollar margaritas and stuff. So, if you guys are down…”

“Oh always,” Abby says.  “Literally never not down for a margarita.  I also--”

“Excuse me,” comes a voice behind them.

The girls turn around to see a little old woman, holding a crumpled boarding pass in her shaky hand.  She looks right at Mars. “What time is boarding?”

“Oh, sorry, we’re not the gate agents,” Mars replies.  “We’re the flight attendants.  The gate agent will be back soon to answer any questions!”

“Oh,” the woman says, somewhat annoyed.  “You can’t tell me what time boarding is going to be?”

Mars tries her best to keep her annoyance at bay.  “We’re still waiting on our plane to get here, so once that arrives and the other passengers deplane and the plane gets cleaned, then the gate agent will have a bit more of an update for you.”

“What time will that be?” the woman asks.

Mars swallows down a snarky response and gives her best flight attendant smile.  “I don’t know.  The gate agent will be able to give you more information when he comes back.”

The old woman squints.  “You’re not the gate agent?”

Mars takes a breath, then just blinks for a moment, trying to compose herself.  “No, ma’am I’m one of the flight attendants.”

The woman points her shaky hand at Jenna and Abby.  “Are they the gate agents?”

“No, ma’am.”  Mars clears her throat and raises her voice ever so slightly so the woman can hear her better.  “Again, we’re the flight attendants.  The gate agent will be back soon to answer any questions you have, okay?”

“Will the gate agent be able to tell me when boarding will be?”

Mars hesitates, trying to stifle a laugh of disbelief.  “I--” she begins, then lets out all of her remaining air.  “Yes.  The gate agent will be able to answer your questions once he gets back.”

“Oh okay.”  The old woman nods.  “Thank you.”

“My pleasure,” Mars says, with as sweet of a smile as she can manage.   As soon as the woman is out of earshot she sighs and turns back to Jenna and Abby.  “God.”

“I could never be a gate agent,” Jenna says.  “I’d lose my job so quickly.”

“I would just go home crying every day,” Abby agrees.  “I wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

Mars snorts.  “We deal with some interesting people up in the air, too,” she says, “but yeah.  I think they have it way harder down here.”

The girls fall back easily into their conversation about tonight’s events in Dallas, and Jenna continues to discuss the bar with the four dollar margaritas that is slowly moving to the top of Mars’ to-do list.  She still has a sense of guilt and embarrassment regarding the way her night went, but she figures a cheap margarita and a few laughs with Jenna and Abby will be just the cure that she needs.

As she’s laughing at something Abby said and trying her best not to think about how tired she is, someone approaches from behind once more.

“Excuse me,” comes their voice.

This time, Mars can’t help but to hide her annoyance.  “We’re not the gate agents,” she says quickly, turning around.  “The gate agent will be back soon t--”

And when she sees who’s behind her, she falls completely silent. 

There, looking sleepy and nervous and still just as delicious as ever, stands Harry Styles.  A duffle bag slung haphazardly on his side, a cap hanging loosely on his head, and a lopsided grin on his face.

“I just wanted to know if I could upgrade my seat to Mars’ Tyler’s section,” he says. 

Mars stands frozen, unsure if she should fall into his arms or take a step back.  He scans her face anxiously, waiting for some type of reaction, and for a brief moment she forgets that anyone else is around her. 

“Harry,” she says quietly, ‘What are you--”

“I love you.”  It comes out of his mouth so calmly, so effortlessly, that Mars isn’t even sure she’s heard him correctly. 

She blinks a few times, completely taken aback by his words.  There’s an intense sincerity in his eyes, and as she scans his face, he never once looks away from her.  “What--”

His voice is quiet, but charged, “I miss you.  And I love you.  And I know that this--” he gestures vaguely, “this setting isn’t really ideal for… for either of us but… Mars, I miss you and I need you more than anything or anyone in the world.”

Mars continues to scan his face, tears pricking her confused eyes as she struggles to hold back from leaping into his arms. “I don’t understand.” She shakes her head, fighting the smile tugging at her cheeks.  “Why are you--”

She glances nervously around them then, suddenly aware of the eyes that have begun wandering and lingering on her and Harry. A few cell phones are pointed in their direction.For once, Jenna and Abby are speechless.  She takes a cautious half-step back then laughs nervously. “Harry--”

“Can we go somewhere?” he asks.  “Please?”

She glances slowly behind her at Jenna and Abby, who have both heard his question and immediately nod while shooing her away.   “Uh--” she starts.

“I know you probably don’t have much time,” Harry cuts in, and Mars can tell that his panic is rising the longer it takes for her to get out a full sentence.  “And we don’t have to do this now.  I just--”

Somewhere in the crowd, a flash goes off, indicating someone’s attempt to take a stealthy photo, and Mars cringes. Her entire face grows hot.  “Yes,” she says.  “Please.  Let’s go”

Harry steps to the side, gesturing for Mars to lead the way, and she begins walking.  Her ears are ringing, and even though there aren’t many people here, it feels as though almost every single pair of eyes in the entire state is on her.  She doesn’t look back at Harry, but she can hear his steps behind her-- not too close, but not so far back that it feels like he’s not with her.

She needs to say something.  She wants to say something.  But she can’t risk people hearing.

They continue walking, Mars scanning the airport for an empty gate that's far enough away, and Harry’s voice comes from behind her.  

“I wanted to come with you,” Harry explains, quickly.  “I’ve booked the flight.” He swallows thickly, shaking his head.  “I can’t live without you any longer, Mars.  I can’t do it.”

Mars walks quicker, not because she wants to get away from Harry, but because she needs to jump into his arms immediately and kiss his sweet face, and if she does it now she’s worried it will end up on the cover of every magazine in the globe.

“I know you hate this,” Harry says, keeping .  “I’m sorry.  I know public declarations and displays of affection aren’t really your thing.  They aren’t exactly second nature to me, either.  And I know this is a less than ideal way for me to tell you this but I-- I couldn’t wait.  I’m sorry.”

“Harry--”  Mars reaches up to wipe at a rogue tear that rolls down her cheek, and Harry officially closes the gap between them, jogging until he’s right beside her.  He doesn’t touch her, but it’s obvious he wants to, and his nerves flicker across his face.  

“I didn’t mean to—“ he starts.

“It’s okay,” Mars says, without turning to him.  “You didn’t.”

“If you don’t want to—“

“Harry, it’s okay.”  She turns into the empty gate beside them, almost throwing Harry off.

“But Mars, I—“

Mars, finally unable to stop herself, cuts him off, whirling around to grab his face in her hands.  She pulls him in, fastening their lips together in what feels like the most passionate kiss she’s ever experienced in her life.

Harry’s hands immediately hold her, one hand pulling her in by the small of her back and the other gripping the bottom of her head under her neatly secured bun.  By his breathing, Mars can tell he’s relieved, and a tear of his own drips down his cheek and onto hers.

She licks into his mouth, holding his face as if she could lose him if she let go.  Harry matches her energy, holding on to her as tightly as possible and kissing her so passionately that half of the time it’s just the corner of her mouth or her chin.

Mars pulls away after a few moments and breathlessly smiles up at her teary-eyed man. “I love you, too, Harry.”

The relief that washes over Harry’s face is so beautiful it makes Mars want to cry harder.  “You do?” He asks, voice shaky.

Mars nods.  “I do.”

“You do?”

Mars laughs again.  “I do, Harry.  So, so much.”

Harry hesitates for only a beat before tugging Mars into his arms.  She sniffles and laughs, and Harry lets out the breath that’s been cramped in his chest for hours now.  “Oh, I love you, Mars.  I love you, I love you.” 

Mars giggles, enjoying how it feels to be held like this again before speaking.  “But, I--”  She trails off, breath hitching.

“What?” Harry asks, pulling away.  “You what?”

“I just… Harry, it’s…”  Mars sighs, voice lowering.  “Is it always going to be like this?”

“Like what?”

“You don’t deserve to be with someone who doesn’t get it.  Who isn’t used to this.  You need to be with someone who--”

“Just be with me,” Harry says, almost pleading.  He takes her shoulders in his hands and looks deeply into her eyes.  “Just Mars and Harry.  Like we were in Cancun  That night in your hotel room.  At my house in London.  Don’t pay anyone else any mind.  Just be with me.”

Mars swallows around an enormous lump in her throat, her bottom lip quivering.  “Are you sure?”  Her voice is barely above a whisper, as if she’s daring to even be hopeful.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, Mars.”  He gives her a moment to absorb his words, and he doesn’t break eye contact with her.   He wants her to understand, to really feel what he’s saying.  She laughs in jubilant disbelief, reaching up to wipe a stray tear from her eye, and Harry truly has never been more sure of anything than what he’s about to say.  He clears his throat. 

“Listen to me. Life is far too short to let things pass you by.  Moments, people, opportunities.  But I’m someone who has a bad habit of letting his own pride get in the way.”  He chuckles.  “In fact, someone once told me I’m an arrogant son of a bitch who can’t admit when he’s sorry and… well, that holds true, I think.”

“No!” Mars tries.  “No, you’re--”

“But I’m tired of being that way,” Harry continues.   “And I’m tired of letting moments pass me by Mars.  Because I am sorry.  For everything.  For all of it.  And I should have told you every single day since the moment I knew it…” He takes a deep breath, and squeezes her hands for emphasis.  “I love you.”

Mars lets out another teary laugh of disbelief and reaches up to wipe at her eyes as Harry continues.  “I love you, Mars Tyler. With all that I am and all that I have, I love you.”

Mars shakes her head, laughing again and speaking just above a whisper.  “I love you, too, Harry.”

Harry beams at her.  “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”  She giggles, swinging their hands a bit, before slamming her lips back into his. It’s clumsy and they’re both crying and laughing into one another’s mouths, but it’s perfect.  With a chuckle, he puts his hand on her lower back and guides her closer into him once again.  “I love you,” he repeats against her mouth.  “I love you.”

They stay like this for a few moments longer before Mars pulls away.  With a giggle, she glances nervously around them.  When she’s relieved at the sight of how empty the gate has remained, she clears her throat.  “God, Harry,” she says,  “You sure know how to make an entrance, don’t you?”

“I suppose I do,” Harry says, laughing.  “I just… I had more than enough chances with you.  And I blew them all.  I’m so fucking stupid but I…”  He shakes his head.  “I figured a grand gesture would be the best way to go about this.”

“You could have come to me in the parking lot of a gas station,” Mars laughs.  “You could have done literally anything and I would have folded.”

He smiles lightly, feeling like the weight of the entire world has been lifted from his shoulders. They stare giddily at one another, neither of them wanting to move from this movement.  After another beat, Harry brushes the hair off of Mars’ face and speaks.  “I don’t want to keep you from your job or anything,” he says,  “So I’ll let you go board the plane… just know I’m not letting you go ever again.  And when we get to… where are we going again?”

Mars snorts.  “Dallas.”

“Dallas.  When we get to Dallas I am going to spend every single second loving you the way you’ve deserved from the beginning.”

“And when we’re on this flight?  In the air?”

“I’m going to spend every single second asleep,” Harry teases, pleased with himself when he gets a cackle from Mars that echoes softly through the quiet airport.  “No, I’m going to spend it talking to you.  If I can, that is.”

Mars smiles.  “I’d really enjoy that.”

“It's a date,” Harry nods.

He envelopes her in his arms once again, her head resting perfectly against his neck.  He presses a quick kiss on the top of her head, wishing to stay in this exact moment forever.  

She finally speaks, breaking him from his thoughts.  It’s a bit muffled against his coat, but he hears her just fine. “You know there’s no first class on this plane.”

Harry snorts, pulling out of the hug and shaking his head.  “That doesn’t matter, Mars.”

“I’m just saying!” She raises her hands defensively, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.  “I hope you know that with me, you’re signing up for a lifetime of flying standby and probably ending up with shitty middle seats.”

She’s joking, of course.  She knows he could buy an entire private aircraft for them if he wanted. But still, he laughs.  “They could tie me to the wing of every plane you ever work on.  Just as long as I get to be with you.”

She rolls her eyes and says nothing, but there’s a glowing, undeniable grin on her face as she shakes her head.

They say a rushed, half-hearted goodbye during which Mars giggles through several tears (and complains about Harry ruining the makeup she’d lazily put on in order to look decent at this hour) and Harry watches her walk away with every step.  Although her back is turned to him, he knows she’s smiling just as hard as he is, and it’s a good feeling.

Even though he can feel eyes on him from the few people in this airport who are actually awake right now, he genuinely doesn’t care as much as he knows he probably should.  

Mars is back.  His sweet Mars. 

---

During the entire boarding process, he scans the plane for Mars.  He gets a brief glance of her in the back of the aircraft, helping an older woman with her bag, and he smiles to himself before taking his seat. 

The gate agent had been kind enough to give Harry an entire row to himself-- despite Harry’s protests and insistence that it wasn’t necessary.  After shoving his duffel under one of the seats in front of him, he pulls out his phone and shoots Mars a quick text.  “I’m in 16D.  An entire row to myself.”

He settles himself in the seat, tucking the things he might need (like his airpods, a good book, and his phone charger) into the seat back pocket in front of him, and tries every now and then to get a good look at Mars in her element.  Unfortunately, the passengers boarding make it a bit hard for him.

Finally, however, he’s able to get a nice long look at her once the main boarding door is closed and Mars finds herself standing right in front of him, performing the safety demonstration.

She tries not to giggle the entire time, pretending not to notice the way he’s smirking at her and snapping photos of her in her demo life-vest.  As she makes her way back to her galley after the demo, she leans into his row and says, quietly, “Sir, don’t bother the flight attendants.” 

It’s another 40 minutes or so before Harry gets to see her again; this time they’re in the air and she’s pushing a beverage cart down the aisle.  He watches her as she interacts with her passengers, effortlessly pouring drinks and making small talk. 

She’s just so good at her job.  The way she speaks makes it sound as though whoever is on the receiving end is the only passenger on the entire plane, but there is a casual and friendly tone to her voice that could put even the most anxious of flyers at ease.  She almost always sounds just on the verge of a giggle, but not in a patronizing way-- more so in a comforting, friendly way.

And he fucking loves it. 

Finally, it’s his turn.  She remains her sweet, professional self, but for Harry it seems she turns it up several notches.  She flashes him a flirty smile, batting her lashes at him as she leans into his row.  “Can I get you something to drink, Mr. Styles?”

He smirks. “I’ll take a vodka soda, darling.  If you don’t mind.”

Mars hums, setting to work immediately.  “Interesting,” she says.  “I thought you didn’t drink on flights.”

“I do when I’m celebrating.”

Mars’ shoots him a look as she scoops ice into the little plastic cup.  “And what are you celebrating, if I may ask?”

“Love.”  Harry doesn’t miss a beat in his response, and the two share a knowing grin before she turns back to the cup.

“I see.”

She hands Harry the cup of ice, placing the napkin on his tray table with expert precision before reaching into a drawer of her cart for a soda water.  “I’m not supposed to do this,” she says, reaching back into the cart,  “but I suppose if you’re celebrating you deserve two.”  She hands him two vodka minis, and he smirks.

“Well,” he says.  “Thank you.  What a sweet girl you are.”

The way her eyes briefly light up does not go unnoticed.  

Harry opens the can of soda and begins pouring, and she drops her professional act.  “I hope the seat isn’t too uncomfy.”

He laughs.  “Not at all.”  He watches his soda bubble up and waits for it to settle.  “It’s actually quite nice.  I didn’t know your airline had such comfortable seats back here.”

She laughs.  “Well.  It isn’t quite first class, but it gets the job done, doesn’t it ?  I’m just glad no one’s bothered you.”

Harry opens one of the minis and begins pouring it into the cup of soda.  “You’re a peach.”

She sighs dreamily, and it makes Harry giddy.  It feels good to make her feel good again.

There’s a moment of silence as Harry finishes pouring the first mini, but it isn’t awkward.  Harry wishes she would stay by him forever.

“By the way,” he says, cutting the silence and stirring the vodka soda delicately, “Vincent sends his regards.”

Mars snorts out a laugh of disbelief.  “What?”

Even Harry can’t help but to chuckle.  “M-hm. Turns out he was working the flight here. Small world, eh?”

“What did he say?” Mars leans in closer, and Harry swears he can feel her embarrassment.  “Oh my god, if he—“

“Nothing bad,” Harry answers nonchalantly, raising the cup to his lips.  “He only mildly threatened me.”

As Harry takes a sip, Mars shakes her head. “Oh my god.”

Harry wants to tease Mars for longer, but he can’t keep up with the act.  He laughs, setting the cup back down and making a brief mental note of the way Mars’ eyes fixate on his fingers for a good three seconds.  “Joking,” he says.  “Although we did talk about you.”

“And?” Mars raises her eyebrows slightly, as if daring to be hopeful that nothing bad was said. 

“Nothing really,” Harry says, and despite his relaxed tone when he speaks, he does mean it.  “Honestly, Mars.  He just asked me where I was headed.  He told me how he knew you, and then we discussed what a great person you are.”

Mars scowls. “I don’t believe you.”

Ignoring her words, Harry continues.  “He told me that losing you would be the greatest mistake of my life. And I said “‘I know.’”  He chuckles. “He also told me how stubborn you are. To which I also said ‘I know.’”

Mars looks away from Harry, seemingly too embarrassed to hold eye contact. “Oh my god,” she repeats.

“In any case,” Harry continues, picking the drink up once more, “he’s a great guy.  And it worked out didn’t it? I made it here.”

Mars finally looks at Harry again, a smile threatening her lips.  Harry smirks. “What?” He asks.

“I just can’t believe it,” Mars replies. “I mean, it’s insane.”

“Not really.” Harry shrugs.  “A man is supposed to do anything for the woman he loves.” 

Mars bites her bottom lip, as if doing so will suppress  the enormous smile on her face.  “You really love me, huh?”

Harry nods sincerely.  “More than I can say.”

Mars lingers, looking at Harry before, at the exact same time, they come back to earth and realize they’re being watched.  Mars clears her throat.  “Is there anything else I can get you, Mr. Styles?”

Harry’s cheeks quirk at the formality, and he hopes Mars doesn’t notice the deep gulp.  He can’t help it, hearing her call him “Mr. Styles” does something to him. 

“Actually,” he says, lowering his voice, “there is one thing.”

Mars blinks, not quite catching on. “Mm?”

“Although,” Harry says quietly,  “Now that I think of it, I’m not certain this airline offers the type of services I’m looking for.”

Mars lets out a loud breath when she realizes what he’s getting at, and Harry beams at her reaction. She glances around her to make sure no one else has caught on, before turning back to Harry. “Well,” she says slowly.   “I’m sure something can be arranged.  All you have to do is ask.”

Harry grins, eyes darting down Mars’ body very briefly.  He reaches up to absentmindedly play at his bottom lip.  “I’m not even sure I have to ask, given the way you’re looking at me.”

 “I’m a very intuitive flight attendant, Mr. Styles.”

“So it would seem.” 

After a beat of charged silence, Harry darts his eyes pointedly to the forward lavatory then back at Mars, wordlessly asking her the question he so desperately hopes she’ll say yes to.

She nods her head so softly, Harry would have missed it if he’d blinked. “I’ll be in the back galley, Mr. Styles.  Come find me once I’ve finished service and we’ll see if I have what you’re looking for.”

The way she says it is very clear and pointed, and she ends with a nod of finality before unlatching the break on her cart and continuing down the aisle.

Holy shit.

Harry squirms in his seat, doing a terrible job of hiding the smirk on his face.  He turns in his seat, eyes lingering briefly on Mars’ backside as she serves the row behind him, before scanning out just how far away that back lavatory is.  He’s going to have to be discreet making his way back there, even though it’s really not even half a plane’s length.  He prays that most people are asleep or otherwise engrossed in the films on their seatback TVs, because he really isn’t quite in the mood (or mental state, to be frank) to take photos and hold small conversations.

Not when Mars looks like that. 

He turns back in his seat and absentmindedly tugs at his now tightening trousers.  Taking another breath to steady himself he pretends to surf through the channels of his TV.  He can’t just up and wait for her in the back, and besides, she still has the whole back half of the plane to get through. 

He squirms uncomfortably as his pants grow tighter and tighter around his groin, and he has to force himself to wait a full 15 minutes before, finally, the soft rumble of a beverage cart being pushed back into its place  up front alerts him that service has been completed. 

He glances around him, and for the most part no one pays him any mind.  He looks up at the non-illuminated seatbelt sign and decides now is as good a time as ever. 

Unbuckling his seatbelt, he rises to his feet.  

He stumbles just a bit when the plane jolts ever so slightly, and he reaches up to hold on to the overhead bins the same way he’d watched Mars do.  Of course, she’d made it seem so much more effortless. But still.  

It feels like the longest walk of his life, especially when he and Mars lock eyes. She can’t hide the grin on her face as she watches Harry make his way to her.  He smiles when he approaches, closing the gap between them as quickly as possible without looking obvious.

“Well,” he says, “hello again.”

Mars giggles.  “Hello.”

Harry subtly reaches forward to touch her arm, brushing his fingertips lightly against her wrist.  “Feels familiar, doesn’t it?”

“I think we’ve done this before,” Mars says, nodding her head with a glimmer in her eye.  “Although I’m not sure I have an apple to offer you this time, Mr. Styles.”

Harry snorts, stepping closer to her and further out of the eyes of passengers.  “How will I manage?”

“Right.  That nervous tummy of yours doesn’t like turbulence, so you don’t like to drink on flights.  Except for today.  When you’re celebrating love.”

Mars’ back presses against the galley counter and Harry smirks, closing in on her. “You remember everything, don’t you?”

Mars shrugs, giggling as Harry places his palms against the galley on either side of her.  “I’m good at my job.”

“Mm.”  Harry leans in, nuzzling against her neck.  He takes in a deep breath, reveling in her scent.  He loves that fucking scent.  She shivers, subtly squirming when his stubble tickles her neck. He kisses just below her ear, and he can feel her gulp.

“We have to be careful,” she says-- so quietly Harry almost misses it. 

“I know,” he mumbles, fingers grazing her hips.  “You’ll tell me if anyone’s coming?”

“Harry,” she says quietly as his fingers dip lower,  “wait.”

He glances over his shoulder immediately, expecting to see someone taking a photo of him or something.  He sees nothing, but he soon feels Mars reach around him.  She takes the curtain of the galley and slides it closed, a little too eagerly.

“Now we’re alone,” she says with a grin. 

Harry hums, resuming where he left off with his fingers teasing at her hips and lowering themselves to the hem of her dress. “But you can still see, yeah?”

Mars cranes her neck a bit, then nods.  “Yeah, I can see.  I’ve got you.”

“Good.” His fingertips trail gently up her thigh, reveling in the way her skin feels warm beneath the fabric of her nylons. “God, I want you.”

Mars hums lightly, head falling back and hitting the bins of the galley lightly.  “I can’t tell you how hard it’s been--” she sucks in a breath when his fingertips graze her center-- “without you.”

Harry doesn’t answer her verbally.  He sucks into her neck, applying pressure with his fingers and beginning to rub little circles against her core.  Whether she realizes it or not, she begins to rock her hips against him, and Harry tightens his grip on the galley behind her.

It’s difficult, doing what he’s doing through the layers of fabric she’s wearing, but neither of them seem to mind.  Mars gasps quietly, then swallows wetly, humming quietly to herself and enjoying the way he’s touching her.

“You know,” she muses quietly, her voice a bit breathless.  “I’ve always kind of had a fantasy about this.”

“Yeah?” Harry breathes, picking up the pace with his fingers.

“M-hm.  Always-- fuck, Harry--  wanted to do this.  In the galley—“ she trails off in a half-moan half-sigh before continuing, “the… the threat of being caught…”

“You like that do you?” Harry whispers quietly in her ear.  He curls his fingers against her clit and she jolts, humming impatiently and continuing to rub herself against him.

“God,” she whines quietly.  “Feels so good.”

“You make the prettiest noises when I touch you,” Harry comments.  “Have I ever told you that?”

Mars swallows, eyes fluttering lazily open. “No one has ever touched me like you do,” she replies.

Harry smiles, leaning in and fastening their lips together once more.  “I’m very sorry to hear that,” he says between kisses, “although I’m pleased to be the only one.”

“It may just be because you love me.”

Harry speaks against her lips.  “I do love you.’

Through a giggle, Mars kisses him once more.  “And I love you.”

Harry pulls away just enough to tilt his head in order to press a wet kiss to her pulse point.  “One more time?” he teases, pulling a loud giggle from her lips.  “Didn’t hear you.”

“Harry--”

“Plane’s too loud,” he mumbles against her neck, before pressing another kiss just below her ear.  “Think you’re going to have to speak up for me.”

“Harry you’re so--”  Mars trails off into a sigh that sounds strangely annoyed in contrast to the sweet giggles pouring from her lips seconds before.  “Hold on.”  She gently pushes Harry off of her, and  he furrows his brows.

“What’s--”

“Passenger.”  She’s peeking through the slit on the edge of the galley curtain, and it’s the only explanation she gives him, but he immediately understands.  He steps away from her, turning his back to whoever is about to enter the galley in hopes he’ll go as undetected as possible. 

Seconds later, someone slowly opens the curtain and enters the galley, and even though Harry’s back is turned he can feel what’s going on.  The person stands there, unmoving, until Mars speaks up.  “Can I get you anything?”

Her professional Flight Attendant voice makes him laugh quietly to himself; such a stark contrast to how she’d sounded seconds before.  

“Uhh…” the person says, and it’s obvious that they’ve just woken up from a deep sleep.  “Bathroom?”

“Bathroom’s gonna be right here!”  He can’t see Mars, but he knows she’s gesturing with an open palm at the fold-out door leading to the bathroom.  He almost wishes he was watching, because this specific type of interaction is one that he���s heard Mars complain about hundreds of times.   “I just don’t understand,” she’d say,  “What is so hard about pulling a door that literally says “PULL” in two different languages?”

Sure enough, seconds later her voice comes again.  “Just pull… nope just… no, see the little slot there? Yeah just pull… no that door… yeah pull that…. No, see where it says pull?... there you go.”

Harry can’t even contain the snort that comes out of his mouth, and when he hears the bathroom door close after finally being opened, he turns around to face Mars.

She seems annoyed, but she’s still got her customer service face on.  “See?” she giggles. “Every time.”

“Don’t know how you do it,” he says, his hand finding its way right back onto her hip.  He pulls her closer into him.  “Would’ve lost my job by now.”

Mars giggles louder, willingly leaning into Harry and allowing him to kiss her cheek.  “You’d be a fantastic flight attendant, Harry.”

“You think so?  Should I apply?”

She snorts.  “Yeah, actually. I think we’re hiring.”

“Mm.”  Harry pinches Mars’ side lightly.  “Only if I can work all of my trips with you.”

“Then no work will ever get done.”

“Sure it would.”  Harry lowers his head to kiss her neck.

Mars rolls her eyes, but she’s unable to hide the smirk on her face.  “Harry…”

They stay like this for a few extra minutes until the loud sound of the lavatory toilet flushing startles them both.  Harry steps away from Mars, giving her bum a playful and light pinch before turning away from her, and the passenger emerges from the bathroom seconds later.

“I figured out why you look so familiar,” comes the passengers' voice.  Both Harry and Mars’ hearts sink immediately.

“Do I?” Mars asks, trying to keep her tone professional and light hearted as possible.

Even Harry turns around slowly to listen.  The passenger nods his head in Harry’s direction, gesturing at him.  “Yeah,” he says, “You’re the girl that’s dating him.”

Harry and Mars share a look of panic, although both do an excellent job to try and hide it.  Mars laughs.  “Well--”

“My sister hates your guts,” the passenger says with a laugh.  “But you’re pretty cool.”

Mars laughs again, awkwardly.  “Well…. I mean… I… sorry to your sister.”

Harry steps closer, a bit protectively, and he opens his mouth to say something, but the passenger speaks again.  

“I’ll have to tell her that I ran into you guys! Can I get a picture?”

“If you don’t mind,” Harry cuts in, “I’d prefer you didn’t.”

The man frowns.  “Oh.  Seriously?”

“Yeah,” Harry replies.  “Trying to keep a low profile and all that.”

“Oh.”  The passenger takes a moment, and Harry feels horribly awkward.  Mars is visibly tense, and Harry hates it.   This is exactly the thing he wants to avoid, for Mars’ sake, and now here it is-- happening at her job.  For fucks sake, maybe he shouldn’t have come here…

“Well that’s okay!” The man seems surprisingly chipper, and Harry glances at Mars, who seems to soften.  “Totally understand.  I didn’t mean to bother you guys or anything.  I just wanted to say like, seeing you guys together is actually really sweet.  You guys have an undeniable chemistry.  I’ve never really been a fan--” he turns to Harry quickly, “--no offense dude.  But like… you two together… I dunno.  My sister’s devastated but, even in all the pictures she showed me, you can see that you guys are happy.  You know what I mean? You seem like cool people.”

Harry smiles as politely as he can manage, wishing he could read Mars’ mind right now.  “Thanks man.”

“Anyway,” the man turns back to Mars.  “Can I get some pretzels?”

Mars can’t help but laugh at his sudden request-- so different from the conversation they’d just been having seconds before.  “Yeah,” she says.  “And just for how cool you’re being, I’ll give you two bags.”

The conversation between the three somewhat fizzles as Mars retrieves the passenger’s snacks for him, and Harry is in complete awe of her.  He has to say, he’s relieved that she’s taken the passenger’s words so well, and he’s even more relieved that the guy seems cool about it all.  Harry apologizes again for not taking a picture, but the man seems cool about that as well, which lifts a massive weight off of not only Harry’s shoulders but Mars’ too, no doubt.

Mars’ anxieties only seem to show themselves the second that the man is en route back to his seat and out of ear shot.  She straightens the galley curtain behind him and lets out a long sigh, her customer service smile dropping so quickly it makes Harry chuckle to himself.  He steps towards her, nudging her hand with his own.  “Are you okay?  Know that was kind of weird…”

“Um…”  Mars takes in a slow, deep breath through her nose, then smiles at Harry.  “Yeah.  No, yeah I’m… that was fine.”

Harry links his pinky subtly with Mars’.  “Yeah?”

“Yeah.  Like… it’s inevitable.  I know that.  And it sucks but it's…” She takes his hand in hers and gives it a reassuring squeeze.  “It doesn’t matter.  None of it matters, as long as I have you.” 

“Gonna do my very best to protect you,” Harry says earnestly.  “I mean it.  Gonna do everything I can to--”

“We’re a team, Harry” she says. “It’s you and me. That’s it.  That’s all I care about at the end of the day.”

Harry smirks down at her, hesitating for a moment.  He glances over his shoulder out at the plane of mostly sleeping passengers before taking Mars hips in his hands and yanking her harshly towards him.  She squeals, stumbling into his arms, and he kisses all over her face.  “I love you,” he says against her cheek.  “I fucking--” against her ear -- “Love you.  So--” her chin “-- fucking--” her nose “--much.”

She giggles against his kisses, fingertips lazily trailing along his sides and his back.  She manages to keep a constant watchful eye on her passengers at all times, even when the kisses become more and more heated.  Harry’s hands hold their tight grip on her hips and he angles them slightly, until her back is pressed against the galley countertop.  She opens her mouth to allow him to lick his way inside, and she grins when his fingertips tickle lightly at the hem of her dress.  

“Gotta be careful,” she warns again, softly.  One arm reaches behind her to steady herself against the counter, while the other wraps around Harry’s neck.   Angling his body so that he’s fully out of sight of the passengers, he ducks his head down to kiss along her neck.

“S’why you’re gonna keep an eye out, isn’t it?”  He gives her thigh a soft pinch.  “God, I wish we had more room on this counter.”

Mars snorts.  “Well, these galleys weren’t exactly made for fucking.”

Harry pulls away smugly, raising his eyebrow slightly.  “Oh, you want me to fuck you?”

“I mean it seems only fair, does it not?”  She grins, leaning back and running a hand through his hair.  “Have you ever joined the mile high club?”

Harry smirks.  It’s a fair question, of course, but he can’t even begin to count how many times he’s “joined the mile high club.”  She senses his thoughts, because she averts her gaze and immediately backpedals.  “That’s probably a dumb question,” she mutters.  “Sorry. I just--”

“Of course it’s not,” he says.  “Don’t apologize.” He clears his throat.  “Yeah, I have. But I don’t know if it counts.”

Confused, she blinks up at him.  “Why would it not--”

“Because it wasn’t with you.  My very own little flight attendant.”

Mars shakes her head, clearly growing flustered under his gaze.  She giggles.  “But surely you’ve been with another--”

Harry kisses her mid-sentence, stopping her in her tracks before her mind can run wild.   She is the only person on his mind, the only one he ever wants for the rest of his life. 

The kiss grows naturally heated, as expected, and Mars’ back bumps against the galley counter again.  Harry reaches up to hold the back of her neck, careful not to mess up her perfectly styled hair, and he smiles against her mouth.  She lets out the tiniest hint of a sigh that, if Harry wasn’t listening, he would have completely missed.  

Mars reaches her hands around his hips, pulling him impossibly closer into her and angling herself subtly so that his knee is gently propped between her legs.

“Darling,” he says, grinding gently against her and lowering his hand.  “Shall we go somewhere more private?”  Mars subtly arches into him, kissing his neck, and his voice shakes when he speaks again.  “I don’t want to--”

“Let’s go.”  She pulls away, her eyes glazed and hungry.  “Please.  I know the lav isn’t that big but--”

Harry smirks.  “Lead the way.”

Mars peaks behind the curtain one last time to ensure no one is coming, then double checks both lavatories.  When she’s certain no one is coming, she opens one and slips cautiously inside.  Harry follows close behind her, struggling to squeeze into the tiny room the moment he takes a step.    He reaches behind him to help Mars close the door, and she fumbles around him to try and reach the latch.  She finally catches hold of it, slides it all the way to the right, the lavatory light brightens just a smidge--

And they are truly, truly alone.

Mars shifts awkwardly.  “I know its tight quarters,” she says, “But if we--”

Harry doesn’t give her a chance to finish her sentence before he’s right back on her.   He presses his mouth to hers, pushing her gently against the sink.  There’s an awkward shuffle-- god, it really is tight quarters-- but he’s hardly thinking of that as Mars angles her body to his. 

The sound of elbows and knees hitting walls can be heard over the wet, kissing noises, but neither seem to care.  Mars half sits-- as best she can-- on the counter and spreads her legs for Harry to stand between them.  His hands slip beneath her skirt, and he can already feel her heat before his fingertips even touch her core.  The nylons she’s wearing add to the sensation-- clearly-- because her head arches back the minute he touches her.  He takes the opportunity to press an open mouthed kiss to her neck.  Even through the added layers of both her nylons and her panties, he can feel her dampness.  He smirks.

Mars jolts, kicking her still high-heel clad foot against the wall and startling them both.  She gives him a sheepish look and giggles.  “Oops.”

Harry pulls her closer so he can get a better grip on her  before hooking his fingers into the waistband of her nylons.  

“Let’s get these off,” he says quietly, lips pressed against her throat. 

Mars shuffles a bit, reaching down to help him pry them off.  She kicks her heels haphazardly off and giggles when she accidentally elbows the mirror behind her.  “This is insane,” she mutters, more to herself than to him.

The minute her nylons are off, Harry shoves them in his back pocket.  He goes right back to kissing her, but is distracted when he notices she’s stepping right back into her discarded heels.  Puzzled, Harry pulls away  briefly, and it takes Mars a few seconds to notice-- obviously too busy with her heels.  When she finally does look at him, she furrows her brows.  

“What?” she asks.  “You don’t think I’m gonna stand barefoot in a lav do you?”  Harry snorts, but she continues.  “You don’t even know half the shit I’ve seen in these things, Harry.  And I mean literal shit.  Among other things.  Lavs are gross.  I can’t even believe--”

Harry’s lips are on hers once again, before she can finish the rest of her sentence. “I love you,” he says, “stop talking about shit.”

They continue kissing, Harry pressing himself as closely to her as he can possibly manage.  His fingers graze the dampness between her legs, rubbing circles that have her shuddering and sighing into his mouth and her nails digging into his shoulders.  She’s grasping desperately at the small surface area of the sink, trying to give herself some leverage, as Harry pushes further against her.

“We don’t—“ she gasps as Harry’s fingers dip into the waistband of her panties. “We don’t have much time.”

“I know,” Harry mutters against her lips, gulping when his fingertips come in direct contact with her wetness.  His other hand wraps loosely around the side of her throat before he curls his fingers around her neck scarf.  “Fuck, you’re wet.”

“Fuck me.”  Her voice is just above a whisper, and she licks her already damp lips, which ghost against Harry’s. “Please.  Please fuck me.”

Her fingers fumble with his trousers, and he lets go of her neck— reaching down to help her remove his pants.  He accidentally elbows the wall for what seems like the hundredth time, but neither of them have time to acknowledge it. Mars jolts, gasping loudly when Harry bites at her neck.  “Careful,” she says, “I’m—“

Harry tugs at her scarf, bringing her lips to his own and pressing a hot, sloppy, open mouthed kiss.  He licks into her mouth, his nose pushing against hers. 

Mars reaches down to grasp at Harry’s dick and his breath hitches in his throat, lips curling into a half-snarl as he tries to keep his balance.  He steps closer to her.  “I haven’t—“ he breathes, gulping mid sentence when she presses his tip to her entrance.  “I haven’t got a condom.”

“We’ll be careful,” she says, but then pulls away with dreamy, half-lidded eyes and an amused smirk.  “You didn’t bring any condoms?”

Harry laughs. “I did,” he says. “They’re in my bag.  Under the seat. I wasn’t exactly planning for—“ he gestures with his hands and Mars giggles. 

“I see,” she says.  She pulls him closer by his jacket, kissing tenderly at his chin and up to the corner of his mouth.  She runs her hand up through his hair, lightly removing the cap from his head and scratching at his wild curls with her free hand. “It’s okay.  We’ll just--” she gasps when he unintentionally brushes her clit,  “We’ll be careful.”

They stay like this, kissing and fumbling in the incredibly tight space.   She takes his dick between her pretty, polished fingers and he shudders when she gives it a squeeze and a few light yanks.  He gulps, letting his mouth hang fully ajar and hanging his head lazily against hers.  

“Fuck,” he mutters.  “Fucking hell.”

“Want to suck your dick,” Mars mumbles.  “Want it in my mouth so bad.”

“No room,” Harry stammers out, eyes rolling back as his head lolls backwards towards the wall.  “Fucking hell, Mars.”

“I know,” she says, picking up the pace with which she tugs and swiping at the precum collecting on his tip.  “Just wishing I could.”

“I wish you could, too,” he says with a chuckle.  “God, baby, when we get to that hotel--”

Mars presses her lips to his again, effectively shutting him up and smirking ever so slightly when he groans into her mouth.  She gives him a squeeze and gently teases the tip of him against her entrance. 

“Gotta be quick,” she reminds him, although they both seem to hate that little fact.

Harry puts one hand on the mirror behind Mars’ head, then wraps his other arm around her lower back for support.  He leans closer to her and pushes himself slowly inside of her.  They both gasp, adjusting to the sudden difference, and although Harry selfishly wants to get right into it, he knows he needs to give Mars a moment. 

“Are you okay?” He breathes. 

Mars, who’s face isn’t visible to Harry, nods. “M-hm.”  Then, she sighs melting against him.  “Fucking missed this.” 

Harry lets out the breath he’s only just now realized he’s been holding, and gulps.  He makes eye contact with himself in the mirror, and he’s overcome with a weird feeling of shame and arousal.  He notes pathetic desperation  in his own eyes that he hadn’t noticed before,  and he has to look away from himself before he starts thinking too hard about how he looks during sex.  “Missed it, too,” he mumbles.

Mars sinks her nails into his back, pulling him closer.  She bites into his shoulder and he grunts, subconsciously jolting at the sharp sensation.  “Fuck, Mars.”

She jolts when his thumb brushes against her clit again, and she rests her forehead on his shoulder.  She half-heartedly rolls her hips, and Harry can’t help it… he makes eye contact with himself once again in the mirror.  He notices the way her hair has begun to fall out of the bun she has it in, and it’s the sexiest thing he’s ever seen.. The arm he has around her tightens its grip, and she jolts again when he unintentionally squeezes at her side. 

“I love you,” Mars says, voice whiny— as if she’s on the verge of tears. Harry gulps, because fuck— if she’s crying he’s definitely done for.  He sloppily brings his hand up her back, before hooking his fingers into her scarf again and giving her a gentle tug. 

She lifts her head and he turns his immediately, open mouth kissing over her cheeks and halfway on her lips before pulling away to once again marvel at the reflection in the mirror.  The way her body moves with his every thrust.  The way she’s leaning into him and loving on him as best she can in their small space. 

“I’m so—“ she starts, mouth opening more as he kisses her. She lets out a loud breath that teeters on a moan, and she has to suck in a gasping breath.  “I’m close.”

Harry can’t even muster up the energy to say anything back, he just gulps and picks up the pace. He revels in the way her breath is hot against his neck, and he only halfway notices the gentle banging of her feet against the cabinet below the sink. 

His orgasm comes quicker than he’d been anticipating, but it starts low and slow at the base of his belly.  He lets out a groan much louder than intended, and he has to inhale sharply through his teeth. “Fuck,” he says, as quietly as he can muster. “Fuck. Fuck.”

His thrusting slows ever so slightly as he cums, and Mars lets out a little hum as she digs her nails further into his back.  “Come on baby,” she whines, so desperately it sounds like she’s about to cry. “That’s it, fuck!”

It’s unclear who is saying what as they both curse against one another’s mouths and necks and shoulders.  And although Harry’s pace has slowed to an almost full stop, his fingers waste no time finding their way to Mars’ clit.  He runs in a few circles, quick and in the exact way he knows she likes, and she gasps. 

“Yes,” she says, louder than intended, and she has to bite into his shoulder again to keep quiet.  He picks up the pace with his fingers despite the small ounce of energy he has left, and he’s almost startled when her orgasm comes.  

It comes with a jolt, and her head is thrown back against the mirror.  She groans, taking her bottom lip between her teeth and squeezing her eyes shut.  It’s taking everything in her to be quiet, and Harry is loving it.

“That’s it,” he mumbles softly.  “That’s my fucking girl.”

Her fingers involuntarily clench and unclench around his hair, and when he once again catches sight of himself in the mirror he’s almost shocked at how disheveled and filthy he looks right now.  His knees nearly buckle when he sees, from the corner of his eye, Mars’ eyes rolling practically to the back of her head. He’s about to ask if she’s okay, but she’s still mid orgasm. And when her eyes open again, he can see she is more than fine.  

She sloppily searches for his mouth with her own, and lets out a sigh of relief when she finds it.  Her legs shake and her walls flutter around him-- slowly coming to a stop.  Her body gradually goes limp against him, and they’re so close to one another that he can feel her heart pounding in her chest as she tries to catch her breath.

Harry’s hand makes its way up her back to cup the back of her head, scratching gently at her scalp as they both try to come down.  Her walls flutter residually around her and he swallows before finally mustering up the strength to ask her, with a raspy voice,  “Are you okay?”

Mars doesn’t answer at first, she just sighs again.  Then, he feels her move slowly, pulling her head back as far as she can to look at him without banging it against the mirror.  She’s smiling, eyes red and cheeks flushed.  Her hair is a mess, and she’s never looked more beautiful.  “I’m okay,” she says, voice hardly above a whisper.  She drapes his cap lazily back on top of his head.  “Are you okay?”

Harry chuckles, reaching up to brush some of her hair off of her face.  “Yeah, I’m okay.”  There’s a brief but comfortable silence, then he speaks again.  “You should see yourself right now.”

She giggles, coming back to her normal self.  “I’m glad I can’t,” she says softly.  She pulls back further, scratching affectionately at the back of Harry’s head.  For a while, they just sit there, smiling at one another.  No words are spoken, but no words are necessary.  They just admire one another’s faces, speaking without words. 

The plane hits a slight bump, causing Mars to fall forward a bit onto Harry.  He stumbles slightly, catching himself, and they both laugh as the seatbelt sign comes on with a ding.

They watch as the symbol of the stickman walking to his seat illuminates on the wall, then Mars clears her throat.  “You should probably return to your seat, Mr. Styles.  The seatbelt sign is on.”

Harry laughs, slowly pulling himself out of her and trying not to pay much attention to how good it feels.  “That it is,” he says.  He clears his throat, awkwardly shuffling to tuck himself back into his boxers and pull his pants back up.  “Well I do hope you’ll return to my seat again soon, miss.  I believe I need a refill.”

Mars laughs, a playfulness behind her eyes.  Once Harry is zipped back into his trousers, he bends as best he can to help Mars back into her nylons.  Sliding them slowly up her leg, he never breaks eye contact.  His lips quirk up into a smirk. “You know how easily I could rip these again?”

Her eyes widen. “No! Don’t! They’re—“

Harry puts up a hand to stop her, a twinkle in his eyes.  “I wouldn’t!” He says.  “Just remembering.”

Mars hesitates, then softens when she decides to fully trust him.  She jumps off the counter and pulls her nylons completely up, adjusting her skirt awkwardly with what little room she has.  Harry tries his best to move around her; a task made difficult with the slight rocking of the plane.  

“Okay,” Mars says, smoothing her hair in the mirror and readjusting a few bobby pins.  “I’ll go out first and see if there’s anyone out there. There shouldn’t be but.. you know.  If there is, I’ll say someone in here was sick and needed my help.  Do I look okay? How’s my hair?”

Harry’s lip quirk up and he opens his mouth to speak, but Mars cuts him off.  “Don’t answer that. I can’t handle another cheeky remark from you.” 

Harry snorts.  “Alright.”  He gestures at the door.  “After you.”

Mars lingers for a moment, just watching him, then shakes her head.  “God, I love you,” she says, more to herself than to him.  She gives herself one last quick look in the mirror, then takes a deep breath.  “Okay.”

With careful hands, she unlocks the lavatory door, causing the lights to dim ever so slightly.  She steps in front of Harry, as if her whole frame can block him from view, and slowly begins to open the door.  Subconsciously, she leans into Harry as she moves, and he has to fully stop himself from taking her hips in his hands and yanking her back into him.

They both peek out at the same time, and are relieved to see that there is no one waiting outside of the bathroom for them.  They both let out a quiet breath, and Mars sneaks out the door before Harry can even react.  

In the silence that follows after Mars closes the bathroom door behind her, Harry lets out a sigh that turns into a chuckle.  He looks at himself in the mirror, and he cannot believe what he’s just done.  

Of course it wasn’t the first time he’d had sex on a plane.  But damn if it wasn’t the best.

He reaches up to run a hand through his tousled hair, trying his best to fix it, and straightens out his cap. Though the lavatory still feels tiny, it’s remarkable how much of a difference he feels now being the only one in the room.  He takes a deep breath, enjoying the way his entire body feels a bit cramped and sweaty.  

After a few more moments that feel like hours, he presses his ear up to the bi-fold door of the lavatory.  When it doesn’t sound like anyone is speaking on the other side, he decides the coast is clear and exits.

The air in the galley is much cooler than in the cramped bathroom, and subconsciously Harry takes a deep breath.  There’s Mars, standing at the galley and restocking soda’s into a galley cart.  She looks unphased, and beautiful as ever.  It’s almost laughable to think what she and Harry just did.  

Mars glances at him, a smile playing on her lips. “Can I get you anything, Mr. Styles?”

“I’m all set,” Harry says.  “Thank you.”

They linger once again for just a split second, and Harry has to physically pull himself away with a laugh and a mutter of “shit” under his breath.  As he walks away, he hears Mars giggle behind him.

He cannot wait to get her alone tonight. 

——

Mars feels giddy when she hears a knock at her hotel room door.  For security reasons, Harry hadn’t been allowed to share the crew van with her and her fellow flight attendants, and he’d sworn it was fine.  He said he had errands to run anyway, and although Mars knew that was nonsense, she let it happen.  They’d said a hurried goodbye, and Mars sent Harry off with a promise to send him her hotel information and room number as soon as she had it.

The wait had felt like ages, but now that he’s here, the anticipation is forgotten. 

 With one last glance in the mirror she giggles to herself and scurries over to the door.  She peeks through the peephole, smiling when she sees Harry on the other side.. 

“Who iiiiiis it?” She sings.

“Special delivery,” Harry responds.

Mars giggles, flinging the door open and practically falling into Harry.  He wraps his arms around her, kissing the top of her head and scratching affectionately at her back.

“Hi,” Mars says, muffled against Harry’s arm.

Harry takes a gentle step into the hotel room, careful to take Mars with him and not trip her.  “Hello,” he says, pressing another kiss to the top of her head.  The door closes behind them with a little help from Harry’s foot.  “Long time no see.”

“Mm.” Mars looks up at him, her chin resting on his chest, before pursing her lips.  

Harry chuckles, leaning down to comply with her silent request for a kiss and continuing to push them further into the room. “You look so good.”

Mars had tried her best with what she’d had in her suitcase.  While she’d opted to leave her fanciest lingerie in her drawer at the crashpad, she had packed a nice lacy thong and bra for this trip in case any opportunities arose.  She wears them now under a long tshirt that grazes her thighs.

Mars laughs, separating her lips from his.  The back of her legs hit the bed.  “Sorry I didn’t pack anything better.”

“What are you talking about?” Harry picks at Mars’ tshirt sleeve.  “This is fantastic.”

“Mm.” Mars says nothing, kissing him again then squealing when he pushes her down on the bed. 

He drops down to his hands and knees, crawling up a very giggly Mars’ body. He stops every now and then, dropping to press kisses against her skin.  When he reaches her neck, he lingers, and she sighs, tilting her head to grant him easier access.  

Her fingers find their way into his hair, and she scratches affectionately at his scalp. “I love you,” she says, hardly audible.

Harry lifts his head and smiles. “What?”

“I said I love you. I wasn’t sure if I would ever get the chance to see you again.”

“That’s silly.” Harry leans down and presses a kiss to her nose. 

“But I was so… I mean when we…” She trails off in a sigh. “I was so mean to you.” 

“Well I wasn’t exactly an angel to you either,” Harry chuckles, lazily drawing a circle on the spot where her tummy meets her hip and smirking when she quivers a little.   “And I will spend every single day of my life making it up to you.” He leans down and kisses her cheek.  “I promise.” 

“You don’t have to,” Mars says. “Harry, I am so sor—“

“Mars.” There’s a bit of a more serious edge to his tone, although he stays smiling. “It happened. It’s over. I love you. That’s it.”

“But—“

“I love you,” Harry repeats.  “That’s it.”

Mars hesitates, then closes her mouth with a giggle. Before she can even think about speaking again, Harry’s kissing her, soft and gentle. There is intention behind his kiss, but it isn’t charged. It’s sweet, and it’s a way to communicate with no words.  Mars smiles, opens her mouth to grant him access, and communicates, as best she can, the feelings swimming around in her heart. 

And as they kiss, what she wants to say is “you’re my soulmate. I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone as special as you. I don’t think I ever will. You’ve transformed my life in ways I didn’t know were possible.  I didn’t know I was capable of being so happy in this lifetime, and I will try every second of every day to show you the same love you have shown me.”

But what she says is, “I love you.”

And when Harry smiles, his hand raising to lovingly cup her cheek, she knows he understands exactly what she means.

[bellysoupset]

This takes place after graduation. It's in the correct order in the masterlist. 🙈 What can I say, I needed to write some self indulgent Jonah piece. Also a new OC!

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

"Morning," Leo's voice was all husky and sexy and Jonah basked on it and the soft kisses being trailed up on his neck, his chest... Down his naked stomach... But then Leo's lips pressed near his belly button and he realized why he had woken up so early and it was not because of his boyfriend's flirty little kisses.

"Leo," he tangled his fingers on the other man's hair, stopping him from kissing lower, "stop. Stop."

Leo let out a little whine, moving up on the bed to kiss him on the mouth, "what's the matter, baby?" he asked, hands tracing down Jonah's bicep, his ribs, his waist...

"Stop," Jonah grimaced, feeling his stomach churn viciously, "I'm not feeling well, stop."

Leo took a second to compute it, but then he pulled back, spooked, "oh are you dizzy?"

"No," Jonah gulped down, "just queasy," he pushed himself up on the bed, half sitting up and trying to assess if he was gonna be sick or not.

His boyfriend was still watching him, carefully. Jonah cupped a hand before his mouth, muffling a sickly little burp and then fell back against the pillows, "urgh, I can taste last night's dinner."

Leo wrinkled his nose, reaching in and pushing his fingers in Jonah's messy fro, scratching his scalp, "maybe we should stay home then...?"

Jonah had completely forgotten they were supposed to catch a flight to DC. He let out a groan and rubbed his face, "fuck, I forgot," his voice came out muffled and despite the fact his eyes were covered, he could just feel Leo perking up.

Ever since graduation Leo had been trying to get out of visiting Jonah's childhood home. Jon knew it was because he felt intimidated, but if he wanted to marry the guy - and he did - then he needed Leo to know everything about him.

"Help me up," he sighed and Leo's tentative smile fell.

"You're not feeling well, let's stay..."

"Nope," Jonah rolled his eyes, pushing himself up, "c'moon Leo, don't make it harder than it is."

Leo sighed, but nodded, pushing Jon up and off the bed. Both their bags had been packed for weeks, Jonah only busied himself with the shower and then collapsed on the passenger seat of Leo's car.

"Wake me up when we're at the airport."

"I still think we should've carpooled with Luke and Bell," Leo mumbled, turning up the radio at a very low volume, "what's the point of different cars if they're going the same place as us?"

"Lucas and Bella are always late for everything," Jonah groaned, turning on his side so he could press his forehead to the window. He wrapped an arm around his unsettled stomach, it was still churning and gurgling, "besides we're gonna see them during all break, let's savor a couple hours without Luke's annoying voice."

"I like Luke's voice," Leo teased him, "it's very deep and smooth."

"God, shut the fuck up," Jonah scoffed, curling up even more and hiding a smile at Leo's amused giggle.

He slept through most of the drive, then woke up in time to gag fruitlessly for fifteen minutes at the airport's bathroom before their flight. Now Leo looked genuinely concerned, as he rubbed Jon's back in the plane, the other man clutching an airsickness bag in his hand.

"Do you think it's a bug?" Leo whispered, feeling Jonah shudder against him.

"I don't know," his voice came out muffled by Leo's jacket, "just feel super fucking nauseous."

"Aw babe," Leo cooed, "try to nap, we should be landing in forty minutes."

It didn't matter how much Jonah tried to sleep it off, though, he couldn't get rid of the churning feeling for long enough to actually doze off. Twice he could feel his stomach's content jump up and scrambled for the bag, only for nothing to come up.

"Maybe it's nerves," Leo theorized once they landed in the Reagan National Airport. He sounded only half concerned, too busy looking around with huge bug eyes, mouth slightly agape, "this place is so fucking pretty, I can't believe it's an airport."

"Your standards are so low," Jonah said, pettily, sitting on a bench with his arms wrapped around his stomach as he waited for their rental car.

Leo wrinkled his nose, rolling his eyes, "yeah, that's how I ended up dating you," he scoffed back, causing Jon to let out a whine and bury his face on Leo's thigh, since the blonde was standing next to him.

"Why did you have to rent this model?" Leo mumbled under his breath as he got in the driver's side, fiddling with the seat, "there are so many buttons, I don't even know how to start the car."

"It was only ten dollars more than a much worse model," Jonah sat down, opening the glove compartment and letting out relieved sigh when he saw plastic bags inside. He grabbed one and opened it on his lap, just in case.

"You're paying a hundred fifty eight dollars a day for this car, Jon," Leo groaned, still trying to understand the vehicle, "it's a five people car, we're just two."

"What if I want to take my little sister driving?" Jonah said and Leo perked up.

"Wait, your sister is gonna be there?" he asked, concerns about the price all but forgotten. Jonah nodded, folding forward and letting out a little sick belch in the bag. He reached wordlessly for the water bottle and Leo pushed it in his hand with a sympathetic wince.

"So says Jasper," Jonah gulped down a mouthful of water, then pushed a button near the ignition, starting the car, "there you go."

Leo's cheeks caught on fire at not having figured it out and he smiled sheepishly, "thanks..." he started to pull the car out of the embark area and turned on the GPS on his phone, "are you excited to see her?"

Jon shrugged, pressing the water bottle to his forehead, "I don't think she'll remember me at all," he admitted quietly, "last time I saw her she was twelve."

"How long ago was that?" Leo frowned, not liking one bit the hint of sadness he could hear in Jonah's voice. He frequently forgot his boyfriend even had a sister.

"Summer before I started college," he leaned back, eyes closed, "five years ago."

"She must be all grown up now," Leo squeezed his leg, "maybe it'll be good. Reconnect with her, get to know her adult version-"

"God, pull over," Jonah groaned, interrupting him and Leo frowned, confused.

"Are you just exagger-"

A sharp gag interrupted him and Leo winced, scrambling to pull over in such a crowded street. No sooner he had parked - in an illegal place, no less - Jonah pushed the door open and he heard a splash of vomit hit the asphalt.

He heaved with all force and Leo flinched as he heard a whimper following the sharp coughs, then even more puke, "that's good babe, better get it out now..."

"Urgh," Jonah whined, straightening up and reaching in the glove compartment for some napkins, "I don't feel any better..."

"It's probably nerves, angel," Leo rubbed his arm, "are you done?"

"I don't know," Jonah grimaced, cheeks puffing up with a soft, queasy burp, "maybe... For now."

"Okay-" Leo reached over him, slamming the door closed, "let me know if you need me to pull over again."

Jon didn't even answer him, only nodded, clearly in pain.

"I can't believe this had to happened right when we're travelling..." he moaned, sometime later as Leo squinted at the GPS, trying to make sense of it, "that's the worst luck."

"You just need to lie down for a bit and take it easy on food, darling, tomorrow you'll be feeling right as rain," Leo said, barely paying attention and then heard a snort from Jonah.

"Damn, the accent jumped out," Jonah teased him lightly, causing Leo to blush.

"Shut up... I think we're lost..." he cringed, "Jon?"

Jonah looked up, then shook his head, "No, take the next left..." he gulped down nervously, "then the second right..."

Leo obeyed, wide eyed watching as the DC scenario started to change. Yes, it still looked like Washington, but it looked... Greener. The houses getting bigger and bigger the more corners he turned.

"Fucking hell, what's that monstrosity," Leo nearly hit the car and he was thankful that the streets had all turned very empty fifteen minutes before. He slowed down so he could look at the looming construction he could see behind beige gates, "what the fuck...."

"That's Luke's place," Jonah said and Leo hit the brakes, turning to him.

"WHa-AT!?" he squealed, his voice breaking with how high it went, "what do you mean Luke's-"

"God," Jonah whined, pushing his door open and gagging again. Nothing came up this time, aside from a little sickly belches and some spit. He straightened up, not bothering to close his door, "yeah..." Jon reached for the water, his voice all raspy, "that's the Atwood-Howard property."

"No one told me Luke lived in a castle," Leo scoffed, reaching to rub Jon's arm, still gaping at the construction. He couldn't see much behind the gates, except for the black roof in the far distance and what looked like a mini forest inside the metal bars.

"It's quite decadent," Jon agreed, rubbing his stomach and bringing up yet another queasy airy burp, "but the Banks property is not that much better, so brace for it."

Leo's hands turned sweaty and his heart picked up, "Jon... Are you sure about this. I don't-"

"It'll be okay," Jonah pressed his forehead to the dashboard, hand blindly reaching out so he could squeeze Leo's leg, "you already know both my parents, they love you, and even if they didn't, nothing is gonna change I love you."

Leo's heart squeezed, "that's sweet and I love you too, but-"

"No buts," Jonah sighed, "I love you, I'm gon- I love you. Just try and enjoy this week."

The blonde let out a nervous nod, starting the car back again. He drove two more streets and then Jonah patted his leg, "we're here."

"Oh, when you guys said you lived near each other I didn't think it was walking distance," Leo raised his eyebrows, then looked around, "uhm... how do we-"

"Go up to the gate, there's a camera."

"Okay..." he felt like his heart was about to jump out of his throat, which was silly because Jonah was right. He knew his parents already, there was no need to pretend he was anyone but himself. Hell, he liked Jackie! Yet he felt like just entering that estate was going to put him into debt.

"Breathe," Jonah squeezed his shoulder, "breathe, baby, it's just a house..." he grimaced as there was a loud noise and then the gates opened, "there we go."

It was ridiculous. Leo felt like he was straight up high, none of this even looked or felt real. He couldn't wrap his mind around little Jonah growing up in this place.

The main house was made of stone, rising between birches and other trees. It looked fairytale like. There was a main road leading to the house and then around it, to what Leo guessed was the remaining of the construction.

If Luke's house off in the distance had looked like a castle, this one looked like a fancy farmhouse.

"How- I cannot fucking believe-" he groaned, slowing the car to a stop and Jonah let out a little chuckle, then immediately jumped out.

Jon was bracing against the car, taking steadying breathes as his stomach continued to roll and slosh around, when the front door opened and a girly voice squealed, "OH MY GOD, JONAH!"

Leo lifted up his head in time to see Jonah's little sister run out of the house and tackle him into a hug. She certainly wasn't twelve anymore.

Angelina had really curly brown hair, reaching the middle of her back, and she was nearly as tall as her brother, with long skinny legs. She had the same dark skin as Jonah, maybe a shade darker, and big chocolate eyes, currently surrounded by sparkly eyeshadow.

"I missed you so much!" She jumped, squeezing Jonah still and he looked stiff for a moment, before completely melting into the hug.

Leo couldn't hear what he said, but he saw Jon whisper something, before burying his face on his sister's neck, squeezing her in a rib crushing hug.

She squealed as her feet got off the ground, then fell back on her feet like a fairy. Leo felt a smile tug as his lips, she was clearly a sweetheart.

"Look at you," Jonah sounded all choked up, "God, you're so- You're an entire woman now-"

Angelina blushed furiously, shoving his chest off, then her dark eyes paused on Leo and she raised her eyebrows, "Hi! You must be Leo, dad told me all about you!" she circled the car, shaking his hand excitedly, "I'm Angie! I'm so happy to meet you, Jonah never brought anyone home, so-"

"God, Angie, shut up," Jonah cringed, sounding embarrassed and Leo's big smile only widened up.

"No, don't, tell me all about it-" he said conspiratorially, but his good humor was short lived as Jon suddenly groaned.

"Oh god-" and then folded in the middle, disappearing on the other side of the car. Angelina let go off his hand, frowning.

"Jon...?"

"He's okay, it's probably just nerves or a passing bug," Leo said, circling the car and getting ahead of her. He cringed as he found Jonah half crouched down, one arm wrapped around his stomach, a puddle of bile near the toes of his sneakers, sinking in the overly saturated grass.

Leo had no idea how they even had green grass in DC in the middle of December.

"Nerves?" Angie frowned, carefully tiptoeing around the puddle and touching her brother's back, "you get sick because of nerves...?"

Jon groaned, coughing and gagging up yet another mouthful and Leo reached to grab his arm, helping him stand straight. He met Angelina's concerned gaze and grimaced.

"He's going to be fine, I promise..."

"Jon?" she said in a little voice, completely ignoring Leo, "Jon, are you okay..."

He let out a moan, leaning against Leo and nodding, wiping his mouth on his sleeve, "yeah-" his voice was nearly gone and he let out a groan as his throated ached because of the acid, "yeah, I'm fine, sorry..."

He almost collapsed against Leo, who wrapped an arm around his chest, keeping him steady.

"You're alright, I got you," Leo whispered, keeping him straight. Angelina still looked spooked as hell, eyes darting between them.

"You need to lie down," she decided "and a doctor. I'm calling dad."

"Absolutely fucking not," Jonah shook his head, "I am a doctor, you don't need to call Jasper. I'm fine. I just need some water."

She frowned, her round mouth becoming even more pouty, "I don't know..."

"Angie," Jonah rubbed his face, "just help us get inside, how about? I'm alright, darling, I swear."

Much like Leo, Angelina seemed to melt under the pet name and she nodded, grabbing his other arm, even if Leo was holding pretty much all of Jonah's weight.

"Let me show you around," she said, looking at Leo and he smiled, feeling surprisingly welcome. Maybe the trip wouldn't be so bad.

[goldenempyrean]

Caring for a Kryptonian

〚 Prompt - "You need to rest so you can get better and be your cute self again." 〛

〚 Pairing - Kara x Reader 〛

〚 Wordcount - 1800 〛

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╚════════ ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ ════════╝

“Oh god, seriously Kara, again?” You found yourself sighing deeply into the phone as your blonde-haired girlfriend admitted the news that yet again, she had lost her powers, “How’d it happen this time then?” 

Kara groaned and you were pretty confident that she was pouting too, “Stupid alien that I was fighting, it was resistant to everything!” 

You shook your head, “And let me guess, you pushed yourself way too far?” 

“Maybe…” She sighed a little this time and it was obvious she was beyond disappointed, “The whole point of flying out here was to get stronger and now I’m being sent home only 2 days in.” 

“Wait, they’re sending you home?” Kara had originally been sent out with the DEO for what Alex had called ‘a week of intensive hell’, they’d planned to had Kara train somewhere in the remote outback of Australia to test her endurance in different climates despite her insistence that it really wouldn’t make a difference. But the sudden appearance of other worldly life had put the week to a sudden halt. 

“They’re putting me on a plane later tonight,” Kara whined a little louder this time, “It’s so not fair, I hate flying inside metal boxes when I could literally just do it myself.” 

You couldn't help but chuckle at her complaint about flying in a metal box. It was a typical Kara response, always longing for the freedom her powers provided. However, you couldn't deny that her situation was less than ideal. 

"Well, at least you'll be back home soon," you replied sympathetically. "You push yourself way too hard, we both know it. So maybe some time off will do you good, just come home, we’ll grab some junk food and relax. Then maybe we’ll throw James down an elevator shaft again and get those powers of yours back.” 

Your girlfriend gave a small chuckle, “Maybe,” There was another voice coming from the other side of the phone, “Baby, I need to go, they want to do some tests then I have to go pack my stuff up. They can’t spare anything private so I’m gonna have to take a commercial flight so It’ll be like 9 hours or so. I’ll be home around 10pm.” 

You felt a pang of sympathy at the news of Kara's long journey home. Nine hours on a commercial flight sounded tiresome, especially for someone used to soaring through the skies effortlessly. But it was part of the reality she had to face, balancing her superhuman abilities with the mundane aspects of life. 

"Alright, Kara," you replied, trying to sound supportive despite your own frustration. "I'll be waiting for you when you get home and don't worry, I'll have all your favourite snacks ready for you." 

"I love you," she said softly, her voice filled with warmth and longing. 

"I love you too," you replied, your voice matching hers in tenderness. "Stay safe, and remember, you're amazing with or without your powers." 

With that said, you finished your phone call and began tidying your apartment up - after all you didn’t need your girlfriend coming back to a messy home. Truthfully as day grew into night you couldn’t help but get excited, tomorrow would mean Kara and that was all you could think about. 

It was all you could think about the following day as well, you’d slept in a little, hoping to pass the hours somehow. The day was seemed to slowly creep day, each hour feeling longer than the last. 

Dinner consisted of some frozen microwaved meal, a little bland but the hoard of snacks and drinks that you’d secured was sure to tide you over, all you needed now was SuperGirl herself. To be honest though, you were kinda surprised she hadn’t texted by now, Kara definitely wasn’t one to go radio silent. 

But after what felt like a lifetime you finally heard the latch to your apartment door click open and the distinct sound of your girlfriend’s boots hit the wooden floor. 

“Hi sweetheart!” You called out excitedly, rushing out of the kitchen into the entrance way, opening your arms to give your girlfriend a huge bear hug, “How was the flight, how come you didn’t text, I-“ 

Kara stopped you suddenly when you went to reach out for her, keeping you an arm's length away, “Don’t- hih!- come too close, I thinHh’iishoo! ..Heh-Hh’iitshiew!” 

You blinked in surprise as Kara sneezed not once, but twice, in quick succession but before you could even begin to wonder what was wrong, your girlfriend answered your question. 

“It happened again!” She whined hoarsely, sending herself into a small flurry of coughing but she didn’t stop you from coming closer this time and you gently ran your hand down her bag as she regained her breath. 

“You’re sick?” You filled in the obvious gap, hand leaving her back and instead coming to meet her own instead. She felt hot. I mean, Kara ran hot usually but this was different. Her usually peachy and bright complexion was pasty and white, she definitely wasn’t feeling well. 

She huffed a little, sniffling at her runny nose as you guided her to sit down on the couch, “The lady next to me in the lobby was sniffling the whole time and I thought I could just avoid her but guess who I was sat next to on the plane?” You already knew the answer before she continued, “Nobody else but miss contagious hhH- lady- Hi’tshiew!” 

You made a sympathetic noise whilst reaching over to take a couple of tissues from the box sitting neatly on the coffee table, “Oh darling, I’m sorry. You’re non-super immune system really sucks, doesn’t it?” 

Kara sniffled and nodded, blowing her nose into the tissue. "Tell me about it," she replied, her voice still hoarse. "I wish I had my Kryptonian immune system right now.” 

"Well, lucky for you, I'm here to take care of you," You said with a smile before giving her a playful nudge, “Just try to keep those super-germs to yourself this time, alright? We don’t want a repeat of the Alex situation.”  

The last time Kara had gotten sick she’d managed to not only break her arm but as a consequence of that, her tissue covering skills were severely impacted and unfortunately for her sister, Alex just so happened to be in her line of fire resulting in a very sick, very sulky agent a few days later. 

Kara chuckled weakly, remembering the incident with her sister. "Yeah, I'll try my best to contain my super-germs this time," she replied, giving you a sheepish smile. "I really appreciate you taking care of me, though. You're the best." 

You returned the gesture before pressing a small kiss to her warm cheek, “Don’t mention it. I have snacks, movies and blankets. We even have potstickers. I wasn’t originally planning for a sick-day evening but I’m sure we can improvise. Oh! You do know this means I’m gonna make you take the green goo right?” 

The ‘green goo’ is what Kara had originally called NyQuil when she first saw it out of the bottle and the name stuck ever since. Oh, how you wished you could’ve captured the way her face dropped at the mere mention of medicine. 

But before she could complain, her face shifted from an expression of disbelief to waiting anticipation as she scrunched up her nose preemptively. 

“Bless-“ You cut in a second too early, causing her to lose the tickle and the blonde rubbed at her nose as she gave you an adorably pouty frown. For added measure you made sure to boop the tip of her red nose as you stood up from the couch before heading into the kitchen as you called out, “Stay put, I’ll return with your green goo that you’re definitely going to be taking.” 

As stepped into the kitchen you heard Kara sneeze once, twice… trice? Before whining loudly afterwards as her raspy voice carried her displeasure, “Those were your fault!” 

“I know.” You laughed back before hurrying to locate the medicine and another box of tissues, both of which were under the sink in the small white basket you’d dedicated to sick-day supplies. “Bless you, by the way.” You smiled, coming back to Kara to hand her the medicine and extra tissue box before disappearing and quickly reappearing with a glass of water and a can of Dr Pepper. 

“Alrighty, water for you miss sickie.” You offered the drink of water when you sat back down beside her, to which she crossed her arms as she looked longingly at the cool can in your other hand and you easily knew what she was hinting at,  “No way missy, this is mine. Property of me.” 

“I like Dr Pepper too y’know.” She murmured, trying to sound alluring but the facade was quickly broken when it sent her into a flutter of coughing. 

“Really? Who would’ve known.” You smiled playfully as you teased her a little, 

“If you take your medicine and drink the whole glass of water then maybe you can have one, okay?” 

She seemed to mull over your deal before agreeing, wordlessly handing you back the NyQuil to pour out a dose for her, “You sure you couldn’t have done that yourself SuperGirl?” 

“Well if I’m too sick to have Dr Pepper I wouldn’t want to strain myself opening a lid, would I?” Kara sighed dramatically, taking the green goo from you and giving you a mock glare. "You're too good to me," she added lovingly before downing the medicine with a sip of water. 

"I know," you replied, smirking. "It's just one of the many perks of being your amazing girlfriend." 

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You're such a dork," she said, leaning back against the couch cushions. "But I love you." 

“I love you too pumpkin, now try and relax a little.” You whispered back, kissing her forehead as you took the blanket draped along the back of the sofa and pulled it around yourselves, allowing your girlfriend to sink beside you whilst she cuddled into your side. 

You didn’t really pay too much mind on what movie to put on, you knew she’d fall asleep soon anyway and your point was so perfectly proved because you were still browsing the seemingly endless rows of Netflix when small, congested but oddly cute snores began rising from the sniffling superhero at your side. You smiled, not bothering to pick a movie anymore. 

Instead, you wrapped your arm around her shoulder and pulled her in close, sure you both might’ve been comfier more in bed but for now, you were content just to hold her like this.  

Afterall, nothing in the world mattered more than when Kara was in your arms. 

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[mynameismckenziemae]

Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone-Chapter X

Robert ‘Bob’ Floyd x Female Reader (no use of y/n)

A step forward together.

(previous chapter here)

6 weeks later

Your heart is still pounding as the adrenaline works out of your system as you step out of work.

Bob picks up on the first ring. “Hey! How’d it go?”

Today was your first solo flight (minus the physician and pilot of course) and you’d hardly slept the night before due to the excitement and nerves.

“I was on call with Dr. Kennedy. We got the patient transported in one piece and stable so that’s a win in our field.”

“That’s great! I’m so proud of you. All that worrying for nothing,” he replies.

“Yeah yeah, I know” you laugh, “Hey, Rowan’s calling, I’ll see you later?”

“Sounds good, love you”.

“Love you too.”

You hang up and accept Rowan.

“Hello?”

“Sunny, hey! I got the job!” She squeals.

“I knew you’d get it! Congratulations! When do you start?”

“Ha, so they want me to start in 3 weeks. I put my 2 weeks in earlier today and started looking online at apartments but I haven’t had much luck yet, do you know of anyone that’s renting or even looking to sublet?”

An idea pops into your mind.

“Actually, I might. Let me do some checking and I’ll get back to you. I’m so excited you’ll be living here, and for you to meet Bob”.

“I can’t wait either. Let me know what you find out?”

“Will do! Talk to you soon!”

________________________________________

“What would you think of me moving in now?” You ask as you’re running your fingers through Bob's hair, his head in your lap.

“You know I’d love it. I thought you wanted to wait until Penny found someone to talk the apartment though?” He asks, looking up at you.

“Well, Rowan got the job and they want her to start in 3 weeks, hardly enough time to find a place on her own. I was thinking about offering her the apartment.”

“Oh, that’s great! I’m sure Penny would rather rent to someone she knows than a stranger too.” He lifts his hand to grasp your chin. “I also would like nothing more than to wake up to your sweet face every day.”

You smile and place a kiss to his hand. You call Penny and she is happy to rent it out to Rowan, whom she’d met when you’d visited with her in college one spring break.

Next, you call Rowan back and offer her the apartment, which she accepted only after you assured her she wasn’t kicking you out.

“Sunny, you’re a fucking lifesaver. You have no idea how much of a headache you saved me. I owe you a night of margs” she laughs. “The 23rd work for ya?”

“I’ve got Jake and Natasha’s engagement party that night at the Hard Deck-Penny’s bar. Will you come?”

“Oh, no, I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“You wouldn’t be! Natasha has been dying to meet you and it’s very low-key. There’s always a bunch of cute guys in uniforms there too” You smile as Bob narrows his eyes at you before laughing himself.

“Well, I’ll think about it then. Got any pictures of these cute guys in uniforms?”

________________________________________

You slowly start bringing a box or two every time you go over to Bob’s. It doesn’t take long before you have most of it moved. You leave a lot of the furniture since Rowan’s coming from a furnished apartment herself and Bob has everything already.

2 days before Rowan’s arrival, you take Penny to dinner. You know you’ll still see her often, but the time living so close was special. You’re both close to tears as you thank her for everything she’s done for you.

________________________________________

On the morning of the 23rd, you get a text from Rowan.

Rowan: Hey, I’m ahead of schedule. I couldn’t sleep last night so I drove straight through. I should be at Penny’s by 11. Do you want any help setting up for the party?

Sunny: Sure! Bob and I are planning to get to the Hard Deck by 4. Penny should be home to let you in, otherwise, the keys are under the grill cover.

Rowan: Great! Thank you again, can’t wait to see you!

Sunny: Me either!

________________________________________

Later, you hear the bathroom door open while you’re lathering your hair.

“Can I join you?”

“Of course,” you reply, sliding the door open, “what time is it? I told Row we’d be there by 4-ohh” you sigh

Bob comes up behind you, hands coming around to cup your breasts, erection poking your back. “A little after 3.”

“I don’t know if we have time baby,” you moan as he rolls your nipples.

“Should’ve thought of that before you walked around all morning in that little thong and my shirt” he kisses your neck.

“I wasn’t—“ you start to argue but he interrupts you.

“And then you left said thong on my pillow,” he bites your neck, “you knew exactly what you were doing, don’t even start.”

You smile as you tilt your head, allowing him access. Busted.

“Dirty girl” he bites where your shoulder meets your neck, “what am I gonna do with you?”

A sharp slap to your ass makes you gasp and then moan ass he rubs the sting away.

“Why don’t you start by getting on your knees and show me how sorry you are?” He says, turning you in his arms before guiding you to kneel.

________________________________________

An hour and a half later you walk inside the Hard Deck on wobbly legs, Bob’s cum seeping down your thighs since he told you ‘Dirty girls don’t get to wear panties’. You fail to suppress your shiver.

You had sent a text to Rowan, apologizing for being late and that you were on your way, but she hadn’t replied. Maybe she’d fallen asleep.

________________________________________

“Sunny!” You hear 20 minutes later as she wraps you in a hug.

“Row! Sorry I was late, I was uh-preoccupied?” You chuckle, a little embarrassed. “Hey, this is Bob, my boyfriend.” You say as you release her.

“Nice to meet you finally, I’m Rowan,” she says, shaking his hand, which he returns with a smile. You notice she’s a little out of breath and flustered.

“Are you feeling okay? You look a little flushed.” You ask.

“Yeah, I’m good. Just a little nervous is all.”

That’s not like her at all. Weird. “Don’t be! Everyone’s gonna love you. Oh, there’s Bradley now. I’ll introduce you.”

Bradley’s cheeks are ruddy and his hair is a little messy as he nods when you catch his eye. His eyes widen when he sees Rowan behind you.

“Bradley, this is my good friend Rowan from college. She’s the engineer moving here from Colorado, staying in Pen’s apartment,” you turn to Row, “and this is Bradley, my childhood friend. Our dads flew together in the Navy”.

“Rowan. That’s a pretty name. What does it mean?” Bradley asks, giving her heart eyes. You have to bite your lip from smiling.

“Little redhead. I bet you can figure out why my parents chose it” she smirks, holding out her hand. “Great to meet you, Bradley.”

He takes her hand. “Likewise” he murmurs, looking at her lips, which turn up into a seductive smile.

Oh, she’s going to eat him alive.

________________________________________

The end (for now!). It’s been so fun! I’m going to start on Bradley and Rowan’s story soon, I’ll be posting their mood board too I think.

Taglist:

@blindedbythelightt

@sweetwhispersofchaos

@getmyprettynameoutofyourmouth

@lexixstewart

@phoenix-rising-starbird-one

@mrsrobertfloyd

@charmedkim

@k-k0129

[verfound]

FIC: "Of Found Things and Mme. Stones" (MLB; Lukanette; LBSC Lukanette Month 2024)

@lovebugs-and-snakecharmers is doing a Lukanette Month for September 2024, and we all just kinda tossed some prompts in the disco to compile a list?  We ended up with 71 prompts, so I decided I’d roll some dice to pick a prompt, do a twenty minute (ish, bc we all know sometimes they run away from me) sprint, and try to get some short fics out this month?

...who gave these fics the right to be a series? (They probably would have worked fine as chapters, but too late now. 😂)

Read on Ao3

Prompt 07: Street/Craft Fair

The Ring

Marinette gently, quietly closed the door behind her, turning back for one last look at Luka before she went.  She doubted the sound of the door closing would wake him: he had fallen asleep before they’d even made it up the stairs to their flat, and she’d had to hoist him over her shoulder and haul his lanky ass up four flights before reaching their front door.  That would have been fine, except Carlos – their older neighbor who lived across the hall, who still hadn’t fully warmed up to Luka thanks to his dyed hair and tattoos – had been leaving his own flat, and he had barked out a laugh at the sight.  Marinette had offered him a sheepish smile and tried to explain that it had been a really long couple of days, but Carlos just shook his head, patted Luka’s ass, and chuckled “Bienvenidos, mijo” on his way past.

Her idiot boy…fiancé had slept through the whole thing, which was a shame: it was the closest to approval he’d probably ever get from the old man.

(Carlos did adore him – about as much as his wife Manuela – but he still loved to give Luka grief about his appearance and being a rock star.  She supposed it was fine: Luka loved to give him grief about the amount of pizza he loved to eat.)

She had maneuvered Luka to their room as soon as she’d had their door open, and she’d dropped him on the mattress as gently as she could.  Still, he had groaned and mumbled something incoherent before reaching for her, and she had almost slipped into the bed with him – except she did still have some work that needed done, and he needed his rest.

Neither would get accomplished if she crawled in after him, she thought as she closed the door.  He was sprawled out in the center of their bed, her pillow hugged to his chest with his face buried in the damn thing, and that was exactly where he was going to stay until he actually slept.

…she could always wear him out again later.

. : .

Of course, as she would later learn, it had been a really long forty-eight hours leading up to the nine-hour flight from hell, and it was well into the next day before Luka actually stirred.

He had wandered his way out towards dinner time, but that had really only been to shuffle into the bathroom.  He’d found her before heading back to bed – just long enough to bend her back over the (thankfully off) stove with a deep kiss – but that hardly counted.  She still wasn’t sure he had actually been awake, no matter how thoroughly he’d kissed her.

He’d mumbled something incoherent when she’d climbed into bed that night, and she had barely had time to crawl under the covers before he’d wrapped himself around her.  He hadn’t woken, though, and he still wasn’t awake when she slipped back out of bed the next morning.

If she hadn’t been dealing with Couffaine sleeping habits for almost ten years now (first at sleepovers with Juleka and later with him), she might have worried.  But as long as he was still breathing, she figured he was fine and let him sleep.

Penny showed up at their front door early the next morning.  Marinette was still wearing her dressing gown when she knocked, her first cup of coffee still in hand.

“Guess what wasn’t actually in Barcelona,” Penny said by way of greeting when Marinette opened the door.  Her eyes widened as Penny patted the suitcase beside her.  “It was mislabeled and about to head to Hong Kong, but you’d be surprised how effective a crocodile can be in tracking down misplaced luggage.”

“Liar,” Marinette laughed, pulling her into a hug.  “More like how effective Jagged Stone’s irate wife can be in getting anything done.”

“Well, that, too,” Penny laughed, patting her back.  “But years of dealing with Fang doesn’t hurt.  Has he calmed down yet?”

“He’s still sleeping,” Marinette said, and Penny’s eyebrows lifted.  Marinette waved her in and wheeled the suitcase over to the dining area.  She lifted it onto the table and opened it, rooting through the front pockets until she found…she grinned when her fingers brushed against a small box.  “He was already exhausted, and losing this didn’t help.”

“Shouldn’t you let him find it first?” Penny asked, an eyebrow lifting as Marinette pulled the ring out and slipped it onto her finger.  She held her hand up, her smile growing as she finally saw it.  The pink opal burned just as brightly as it did in her memory.  “I’m fairly certain he’s supposed to ask you before you start wearing it.

“Oh, he’s not getting this off my finger any time soon,” Marinette laughed, grinning at her.  “If he wanted to surprise me, he shouldn’t have told me he lost it in the first place.”

“He was exhausted, Marinette,” Penny said, frowning.  “He didn’t know what he was saying.  You should give him this.  Let him do this properly.”

She gave her a pointed look, and Marinette sighed as she looked back at her hand.  She knew Penny was right, but…she really didn’t want to take it off.  She liked how it looked – how it felt – there.  Like it belonged.

…like she was always supposed to be Marinette Couffaine.

“Just for a little bit?” she asked, looking back at Penny.  “I’ll put it back before he wakes up.”

Penny shook her head, but she was smiling as she laid an arm across Marinette’s shoulders and puled her into a half hug.  She looked back at her hand, her smile warming as she studied the ring.

“It’s a lovely ring, Marinette,” she said.  “Very…you.”

“Lay off,” Marinette giggled, nudging her side.  She glanced down at Penny’s own hand, which sported a stone in the shape of a heart and the color of Penny’s hair.  It was ringed by black stones on a gunmetal band – not at all traditional, but very rock-n-roll and very ‘Rolling-Stone’, if Jagged did say so himself.  “Your ring is so much worse, and this is a family heirloom.”

“Really?” Penny asked, surprised.  “I knew Gina gave it to him – she met us in Rome – but he didn’t tell me the story.  I figured she had found it at some street fair or something.  Some…sorry, but it really does look like cheap costume jewelry.”

“I’m not offended, but only because your ring does, too,” Marinette giggled, sticking her tongue out at her.  She looked back at her nonna’s old ring, her smile softening.  “I promise you it’s one hundred percent genuine.  It was Nonna’s mother’s.  Nonna was just a baby when the war started – barely a year old – and her family had to flee Italy before things got really bad.  They didn’t make it back until Nonna was almost ten.  This ring was the only thing of value her mother was able to bring with them.”

“It’s a beautiful ring, Marinette,” Penny said softly, and Marinette nodded.  It was.  A round, pink opal sat in the center of the ring, ringed by tiny diamonds and flanked on either side by flowers made of pink quartz.  They were generic looking enough, but she had always liked to imagine they were cherry blossoms.  The whole thing sat on a gold band, and it had captivated Marinette since she was a little girl.

“Nonna always called me her Little Fairy, but I always thought she was the fairy,” she confessed.  “I didn’t understand how opals worked back then – I always thought it was fairy magic that made the stone burn like that, not opal fire.  She never bothered correcting me, either.”

Penny laughed, shaking her head.

“It’s very you,” she said.  “Luka was really excited when Gina offered.  He went through all the trouble of getting Tom and Sabine’s blessing – Jagged was pouting for weeks after that, by the way.  He couldn’t understand why Luka didn’t ask for his blessing, too.”

Marinette laughed at that, not surprised at all.

“Of course he was,” she said.  “What, do I need to ask him for Luka’s hand first, too?”

“It probably wouldn’t hurt,” Penny snickered.  “But you know how Luka is.  He’s not a planner.  I think part of him honestly didn’t think Tom would even say yes.”

“Dummy,” Marinette said, shaking her head.  “Like Papa would ever say no to him.”

“That boy is crazy for you, Marinette,” Penny said, squeezing her shoulders.  “He’s not above being completely irrational when it comes to you.  I’ve seen him put up with a lot on the road, between his father and the rest of the band, and sometimes I honestly think the only thing that truly scares him is the thought of losing you.  Even if he knows it will never happen…I don’t know.  It’s like…I don’t know if he saw something.  During an akuma attack, back in the day.  Maybe that breakup you two had when you were younger.  But he says things sometimes, like he’s all too aware of how things could be.  How fragile life really is.  I think it makes him hold on a bit tighter to how they are.”

Marinette bit her lip.  She wondered if Penny realized just how right she actually was.

“I gave him up once, Penny,” she said, brushing her thumb over the opal.  “I have no intention of doing so again.  He’s stuck with me.”  She looked back up at her, her grin coming back.  “And he’s going to have to pry this ring off my cold, dead finger.”

Penny laughed and leaned in to smack a kiss against her temple.

“And don’t you let him forget it,” she said.  She winked at her.  “After you let him get the proposal out, all right?  You know he had something big and romantic planned.”

“Luka?  Plan?” Marinette gasped, her eyes wide.  “How dare you accuse him of such a thing!  That’s my future husband you’re slandering, Mme. Stone!”

“Only because I have entirely too much experience wrangling his family, Mme. Stone,” Penny said with a roll of her eyes, but Marinette was too busy grinning at being called Mme. Stone to pick up on her tone.  Penny just smiled and shook her head, waving her off.  She told her to tell Luka to call her – she wanted him to rest up, but they still had work to do in the studio – and headed towards the door.  When Marinette was alone again, she turned back to her ring with a soft smile.

…street fair costume jewelry.  Tch.

(…she wasn’t going to think about it.  If not for the fact that Tom had known her great-grandmother and could confirm the truth…she wouldn’t put it past Gina Dupain to embellish a tale about smuggled wartime jewels just to entertain her little fairy.)

[polutrope]

Christmas Beleria Prompt:

Curufin with young Celebrimbor and Celebrimbor's mother, his ex.

Cancelled flight & Bittersweet memories

🥰

Thank you for the prompt! This one is a tad sad. It's a ten-year-old with separated parents, what can I say? ~800 words, rated G. Posting these to AO3, here. Prompt list.

On the airport intercom, the garbled speech of the announcer repeated the message: flight number 472 to Valin, delayed, weather conditions, thankyouforyourpatience.

Oh well. Celebrimbor liked the airport: he liked watching the planes take-off and land, and telling Dad the things he’d learned about on TikTok from @airplanefactswithmax — like the fact the Boeing 767 they’d be taking across Belegaer to Valin tonight had a cruising speed of 850 kilometres an hour and had two engines with sixty-three thousand pounds of thrust each.

And, because their flight to Valin would be nine hours and forty minutes, that also meant they’d be served dinner, breakfast, and snacks. And, since Grandpa bought them Business Class tickets as a Yule present, Celebrimbor could order as many free root beers as he wanted while Dad slept.

The flight was delayed, though, and he was hungry. He eyed the wall of snacks in the airport shop. Lembas Munch Mix or Juicy Sweets? He looked at his dad’s credit card in his hand and back at the wall. Dad was tired: he probably wouldn’t mind if he got both. Celebrimbor grabbed a bag of the Juicy Sweets. Although he was the second-tallest kid in his class, he still had to stand on his tiptoes to reach the Lembas Munch Mix on the top row.

He plopped them down on the counter, avoiding eye contact with the cashier, and tapped the credit card on the machine.

“Thank you,” he said, and, "You too," when the cashier told him to have a good flight, then winced as he turned away, feeling foolish: she wasn't flying anywhere.

On the way back to the gate, he ripped the bag of Juicy Sweets open, sifting through for a red one: his favourite flavour. He also picked out a green one, which was Dad’s favourite.

Dad was on the phone when he got back, so he sat himself down quietly and munched on the gummies while he listened.

“I know. I know. Well, we can’t really do anything about it, can we? It’s cancelled, that’s that.”

What? Celebrimbor perked up. Cancelled?

“No, I’m not going to book another flight. They'll re-book us for end of December. It’s just a day, Alwen!”

He was talking to Mom.

“Yes, yes — I know it was your year.” Dad glanced at Celebrimbor with a guilty look. Celebrimbor offered him the open bag of Juicy Sweets, and he grabbed a handful and popped the whole thing in his mouth at once.

“You know,” he said around his mouthful (like he told Celebrimbor not to do), “his whole family is here now, you could always come here.”

There was shrill chattering on the other end of the line and Dad drew the phone away from his ear, grimacing.

“Fine, yes,” he said when it was over. “Yes, I know your parents— No, I hear you, Alwen. But we’re not booking another flight. We’ll come at the end of the month. Yes. No. There’s nothing to discuss!”

Dad clenched his fist on the armrest. Talking to Mom always made him angry. Celebrimbor knew they didn’t love each other, they’d told him as much. They’d thought they were in love when they were eighteen, but eighteen-year-olds couldn’t possibly know they were in love — even though Grandpa Fëanor had met Grandma Nerdanel when they were nineteen; but Uncle Cáno had met his husband when they were sixteen, and now they were divorced and didn’t talk at all, so maybe his grandparents were an exception.

Celebrimbor wondered if Mom and Dad would talk if it wasn’t for him. Probably not. (They never told him that he was an accident, but he’d figured it out when he was eight.)

“Have a good day, Alwen,” said Dad. He didn’t sound like he wanted her to have a good day. “Yes. I’m tired, you’re tired, we’ll talk again tomorrow. Goodbye.”

He hung up and sighed loudly.

“So we’re not going?” Celebrimbor asked.

“No,” Dad said, taking another gummy from the bag. “We’re not going. They cancelled the flight.” He patted Celebrimbor’s shoulder. “Sorry, Tyelps. We’ll go for New Year’s, hey?”

“Yeah, okay,” Celebrimbor said, quashing the swoop of disappointment rising from his belly. He loved Dad and all his uncles and his grandparents and his friends at school. He loved his not-actually-uncle Uncle Finrod, too. He’d never want to live with Mom in Valin, but he did like their visits every other year. They always made ornaments with dried oranges and string, and baked a gingerbread castle from scratch.

“Hey, Dad,” said Celebrimbor, “you wanna make a gingerbread house?”

Dad yawned, but it turned into a smile. “Yeah, sure. We’ll do that tomorrow.”

“And maybe we can send Mom some handmade ornaments?”

“Good idea. She’ll like that.” He took Celebrimbor's hand and gave it a squeeze. "How'd I have such a nice kid?"

Celebrimbor shrugged. "I dunno. Lucky?"

Dad opened his mouth, pretending offense, and Celebrimbor grinned and laughed.

[@airplanefactswithmax is hilarious and fandom-appropriate, if you haven't seen it. I got those facts from an airline website though, not his videos.]

[lost-girl-2021]

Hello there mate!

Can I please request more Adopted!Spider Human AU hc?

I really enjoyed the first part you write btw!

It's hella amazing!

Thanks so much! Here're some random ass ideas I had last night, lol. (Also, because I legit forgot that I decided this, he's twelve).

Back to the whole 'confrontation on the sinking boat thing', I think that it would be one of the hardest moments of Spider's life. Because, he has this family— a father —who raised him his entire life. Taught him to hunt, watched his first steps, kept track of his height. They'd done everything for him. Beyond a few wayward thoughts when it came to genetics, he'd barely even thought about his birth father before he was taken.

With Quaritch (and the recoms), he was treated differently. Sure, he still slept next to his birth father at night and the man prepared all of his MRE's using the little water-activated heater so Spider didn't burn himself. And he wasn't allowed any weapons, because he was still technically a prisoner.

But, he wasn't babied. With the Sully's, he was always the little brother, the fragile child. Everyone got worried when he got the tiniest scrapes or bruises. Anytime he climbed the big trees to get fruit like his siblings, someone was waiting at the bottom with a nervously lashing tail. It didn't matter how many times he proved he was capable, he was treated like he was Tuk's age, even though he was already twelve. At twelve, Neteyam was allowed to go into the forest by himself until sunset every day. Spider was barely allowed to use a knife (after an incident with almost losing a thumb).

He loved his family, but it was nice to be treated like he was capable. Sometimes, he was scared that he'd never be treated like an adult in the clan, since he'd be unable to bond with an Ikran, unable to prove he'd become a man.

It was kind of like a Na'vi equivalent of summer camp, at first. When they were making their way through the forest, away from the RDA and the mean general (and the truth). When they got their Ikrans, Spider watched it with a jealous pang. And then, he was sat in front of Quaritch, flying through the air.

And all he could think about was his mama. Taking him for long flights, just the two of them, whenever Spider was feeling down. When he had a nightmare that night, he woke up crying. Because, all he wanted was to be squished between his parents, safe and warm.

I think that after the whole village burnings, Spider would probably feel even worse. Because, he had started to actually believe Quaritch when he said he didn't want to hurt anyone, that he wouldn't hurt Spider.

In this version, Quaritch works to try and mend the sudden rift (caused by him being a complete asshole and trying to mass murder and shit). He lets Spider watch old Earth cartoons on his tablet until the battery is completely drained, he gives him candy for dinner (more than once) and even goes so far as to let Spider play in the sand of one of the empty beaches they fly past.

And, because Spider is twelve, it kind of works for a while. Until the next awful thing, the Tulkun hunt. This time, Quaritch actually makes an effort to keep Spider oblivious to it all. He lets Spider stay up late the night before they go hunting, then leaves him to sleep in. Of course, Spider wakes up and goes looking for someone he knows and finds his way above ground just as the chaos starts.

He sees two of his siblings and a Metkayina girl cuffed to the railing, sees Quaritch as the one leading the charge. I think instead of a casual conversation, Lo'ak would probably flip out. In this, that's not his friend, that's his younger brother,

"Spider? Spider! Are you hurt?" Lo'ak screamed, thrashing around even pinned to the ground.

Was Spider hurt? "I'm fine, bro. What— "

He tried to take a step forward, but two human soldiers grabbed him as Quaritch waved a hand. "Take him to the bridge."

"No, no— Lo'ak!" He yelped, straining as he was lifted up by the duo, dragged up the stairs.

Blah, blah, blah

Instead of Neteyam and Lo'ak rescuing Spider, they leave with out him. Ik they normally wouldn't, so maybe Neteyam did get shot, or Lo'ak did, just not fatally. So, they had to leave. The Sully family (minus Spider) meet up again and Lo'ak tells Jake that Spider's on board the ship.

Cue Neytiri and Jake going all 'crazy fight scene' intense and leaving to rescue Spider from the sinking ship. Neytiri goes one way, Jake goes the other, because they have no clue where he could be and limited time to search.

Jake ends up tracking down Spider just as Quaritch finds him too. This is where we get that little scene I wrote before, Imma clip it in rn and then add onto it.

“Spider, baby, it’s okay. It’s okay, just take a breath.” Dad soothed, reaching towards him. Spider had missed his dad so much, had missed his voice and his hugs and—

“He said you lied.” Spider cried, all of the confusion of the past few months rushing to the surface. “He— he said Paz was a part of the RDA. That you killed her! He . . . he said he’s my real dad.”

“I’m your dad. I’m the one who taught you to walk and hunt and fish— “

“Because I never got the chance!” Quaritch shouted from Spider’s other side. Both of them were a mere arms length away, but neither made a move. “Your mother never got the chance.”

“Spider, we can talk about everything tomorrow, I promise. But, ‘Teyam’s hurt and your Mama needs you— I need you. You need to come home.”

“You left me.” He whimpered. “You left the forest.”

“We were always going to come for you— “

“They didn’t.” Quaritch snapped. “I was the one who protected you from the general. I was the one who took care of you— “

“He stole you. Tuk and your mama haven’t stopped crying since that day.” He insisted. "Your brother have been making you new arrows and we brought all of your things with. Norm and Max have barely even slept, they've been searching nonstop."

"I— " Spider blinked away tears, cheeks itchy and hot. "I don't know what to do."

"Come with me, Spider. We— we can ride the Ikrans as much as you want and you can have your own tablet— whatever you want, son."

"Baby, Spider-baby, come to me. Come to Dad, please." Dad's voice was gruff, but his eyes were wide the same way they were when Spider broke his arm two years ago. He was scared.

He lunged towards his dad, latching onto his leg. Quaritch roared behind them and suddenly his mama was there, pulling him from Dad and into the water. She pressed on the back of his head, making him hide his masked face in her shoulder as she latched onto a sea creature he had only seen in passing. She was whispering a million things in his ear, but none of it was loud enough to drown out the fighting behind them.

Spider is taken to safety, reunites (properly) with his siblings and meets Tsireya, who Lo'ak swears he does not like when Spider asks him later. And it's so good to be back with his family that it takes him a couple days to realize that Quaritch is dead. That his dad killed his father.

[teddypickerry]

𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀!

pairings! steve harrington x fem henderson reader

word count! 900

warnings! none

summary! in which your (secret) boyfriend steve gives you quite a karoke show :)

a/n! this was very poorly written at 4am based off a very vivid dream i had about him last summer. was missing this bbg and so here you goooo

IT WAS A LATE WEDNESDAY EVENING one that consisted of dnd after school with the boys. leaving their babysitter and i alone upstairs. it was after dinner when steve and i were sorting through all my music. he was certain on finding a perfect record for the evening and had been flipping through my records for a few minutes now. the radio played softly in the background, a song by queen i hummed along to for the majority of it while i finished annotating my book. i shut the book as steve glanced over at me. i was sat on my bed, specifically the right side as i leaned against the pillow. the fluffy haired boy stood beside my record player at the end of my bed. a smile on his face as he held up the grease soundtrack. "you have the grease soundtrack!"

"it's dustin's." i rolled my eyes as i looked up at him as he looked at me in disbelief, a smile still present on his face. "i don't know why you hide it..." he mumbled as he put it away. a familiar beat echoed on the radio. steve looked at the radio and gasped "this is my jam."

"god, steve. could you get anymore boring?" i joked as he ignored my words, turning up the volume button and turned towards nothing in specific and began singing along to the words. "she's coming in 12:30 flight, the moonlight wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation."

i shook my head at him as he continued singing and began moving to the beat. steve harrington was a horrible dancer, let me preface by saying that. but he had fun with what he was doing. which made me always secretly love when he did so. his head bopped to the music as he swayed around. "hurry boy it's waiting there for you!" he sang, getting louder by the minute as his vocals were just below a scream.

my hairbrush randomly appeared in his hand as he grabbed it off my dresser and tossed it in between hands, holding it up to his mouth pretending it was a microphone. singing the chorus, turning towards me and singing it towards me. i let out a giggle which was music to his ears, and enough motivation for him to continue.

i grabbed my camcorder off of my nightstand as he continued singing the second verse. he wasn't as silly at this point, leaving that for the chorus. i pressed on as his voice belted TOTO's classic hit. singing the second chorus, now looking into the camera as i scooted towards the end of the bed. laughing as he sang into the hair brush and looked into the camera. some MTV shit.

he then pulled the camera from my hands as the instrumentals began, making me roll my eyes as he put the camera on me. "look at her. isn't she just the most beautiful woman you've ever seen?" he asked the camera as if it was a child. i stared at him as i rubbed my lips together and he smiled brightly. the song continued as he set the camera on the bed, facing me.

he continued to hop ontop of me, making me giggle at his movement. his body hovered over me, his hand holding himself up as he locked fingers with mine and pressed me into the bed. he looked down at me with a small smile. we had began dating only days ago, secretly, obviously. dustin would hardly handle the news. and nancy, even though she told me daily how cute steve and i would be and how he's practically head over heels for me, i didn't want to hurt her. because let's be real, best friends who sleep with other best friends ex's suck. not that we've slept together... yet.

so kisses in the kitchen and sneaking out of dustin's room into mine will have to do for now. and car make out sessions. never forget those.

his breath was warm, i could feel it tickling my neck as he leaned down. his lips pressing to mine as they moved together. it was a feeling of happiness, pleasure, feeling of ultimate right. being with him felt so right.

he leaned back as the song started up again. "hurry boy she's waiting there for you," he sang softly into my ear making me giggle. he pulled himself off of me as he stood up and began singing crazily again. this time pulling me up with him and dancing with him. i just laughed as i soon sang along. in between the giggles and singing and small kisses on the neck. we began belting the lyrics at the top of our lungs as we pranced around my room.

dustin and will entered towards the last verse as our loudness was curious to them. will smiled immediately at the sight. him and jonathan having talked about how steve and i were secretly in love with eachother but wouldn't tell eachother — as far as they know. while dustin looked at us confused, "what the hell is this?"

"oh, hi dustin!" steve greeted as he wrapped his arms around me and i let out a laugh and pushed him away. i smiled widely towards the boys as dustin still looked confused. "what you've never seen two best friends scream toto at the top of their lungs?" steve joked, as i pressed my lips together.

"you guys are weird." dustin muttered, exiting the room like the annoying little brother he is.